Light sensor embedded on printed circuit board
First Claim
1. A light sensor for a vehicle, comprising:
- a printed circuit board (PCB) to be supported by a vehicle window, the PCB comprising first and second outer layers and at least one inner layer, the first outer layer adapted to be closest to an interior of the vehicle and the second outer layer adapted to be closest to an exterior of the vehicle;
a light sensor flip-chip mounted to an inner surface of the first outer layer of the PCB, the light sensor flip-chip including at least two light sensor arrays, each said sensor array being configured to sense light of a predetermined wavelength;
programmed logic circuitry configured to set a state of the vehicle lights in dependence on the light sensor; and
wherein the at least two light sensor arrays are arranged so as to receive radiation through at least one hole formed in the PCB, the hole in the PCB acting as a lens.
2 Assignments
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Accused Products
Abstract
A system and/or method for sensing the presence of moisture (e.g., rain) and/or other material(s) on a window such as a vehicle window (e.g., vehicle windshield, sunroof or backlite). Such techniques may be used in connection with a light sensor. In certain example embodiments, a flexible printed circuit board (PCB) includes a light sensor comprising a light sensor flip-chip, with the light sensor flip-chip including at least two light sensor arrays, and with each said sensor array being configured to sense light of a predetermined wavelength. An adhesive bonds the light sensor to the PCB. A hole is formed in the PCB and the opaque layer so as to allow the light sensor arrays to see through the hole formed in the PCB and the opaque layer. A state of the vehicle lights is settable in dependence on the light sensor. The PCB is located in or is supported by the vehicle windshield.
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Citations
21 Claims
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1. A light sensor for a vehicle, comprising:
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a printed circuit board (PCB) to be supported by a vehicle window, the PCB comprising first and second outer layers and at least one inner layer, the first outer layer adapted to be closest to an interior of the vehicle and the second outer layer adapted to be closest to an exterior of the vehicle; a light sensor flip-chip mounted to an inner surface of the first outer layer of the PCB, the light sensor flip-chip including at least two light sensor arrays, each said sensor array being configured to sense light of a predetermined wavelength; programmed logic circuitry configured to set a state of the vehicle lights in dependence on the light sensor; and wherein the at least two light sensor arrays are arranged so as to receive radiation through at least one hole formed in the PCB, the hole in the PCB acting as a lens. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15)
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16. A flexible printed circuit board (PCB) supported by a vehicle window, comprising:
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a first outer layer, the first outer layer being closest to an interior of the vehicle and being formed from a flexible polymer; a second outer layer, the second outer layer being closest to an exterior of the vehicle and being formed from a flexible polymer; at least one substantially metallic inner layer; a light sensor comprising a light sensor mounted to an inner surface of the first outer layer of the PCB, the light sensor including at least two light sensor arrays, each said sensor array being configured to sense light of a predetermined wavelength; and programmed logic circuitry configured to set a state of the vehicle lights in dependence on the light sensor, wherein the at least two light sensor arrays are arranged so as to see through a hole formed in the PCB, the hole in the PCB acting as a lens. - View Dependent Claims (17, 18, 19)
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20. A vehicle window, comprising:
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first and second substantially parallel spaced-apart glass substrates laminated together via a polymer-inclusive layer; an opaque layer; a printed circuit board (PCB) including a light sensor comprising a light sensor flip-chip, the light sensor flip-chip including at least two light sensor arrays, each said sensor array being configured to sense light of a predetermined wavelength; and an adhesive for bonding the light sensor to the PCB, wherein a hole is formed in the PCB and the opaque layer so as to allow the light sensor arrays to see through the hole formed in the PCB and the opaque layer, wherein a state of the vehicle lights is settable in dependence on the light sensor, and wherein the PCB is located in or is supported by the vehicle windshield. - View Dependent Claims (21)
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Specification