Optical apparatus having moving means for protecting an optical element for use in automatic vehicle
First Claim
1. An optical apparatus for an automotive vehicle, comprising:
- (a) optical means for transmitting/receiving light outside/inside the vehicle to generate optical images/signals related to the vehicle;
(b) moving means, associated with said optical means, for moving at least an optical path of said optical means from a normal optical position to a protective optical position at which external light is not directly introduced into said optical means;
(c) light detecting means, disposed along an optical path of said optical means, for detecting light introduced into said optical means;
(d) control means, connected to said light detecting means, for generating an actuator signal when said light detecting means detects intense light exceeding a predetermined value; and
(e) actuator means, responsive to the actuator signal, for actuating said moving means to move the optical path of said optical means from the normal optical position to the protective optical position.
1 Assignment
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Accused Products
Abstract
The optical apparatus for an automotive vehicle comprises a pivotal casing for accommodating optical elements; a half mirror for partially reflecting light introduced into the apparatus from the outside; a photosensor for detecting light reflected from the half mirror; a controller for generating an actuator signal when the photosensor detects intense light; and a motor or solenoid for moving the pivotal casing in response to the actuator signal to dislocate the optical path of the optical apparatus from the normal optical position to a protective position from intense sunlight. Further, when an ignition switch is connected in series to the controller, it is possible to protect the optical device from external light even when the vehicle is kept parked.
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Citations
11 Claims
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1. An optical apparatus for an automotive vehicle, comprising:
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(a) optical means for transmitting/receiving light outside/inside the vehicle to generate optical images/signals related to the vehicle; (b) moving means, associated with said optical means, for moving at least an optical path of said optical means from a normal optical position to a protective optical position at which external light is not directly introduced into said optical means; (c) light detecting means, disposed along an optical path of said optical means, for detecting light introduced into said optical means; (d) control means, connected to said light detecting means, for generating an actuator signal when said light detecting means detects intense light exceeding a predetermined value; and (e) actuator means, responsive to the actuator signal, for actuating said moving means to move the optical path of said optical means from the normal optical position to the protective optical position. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11)
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Specification