Vehicle equipment control with semiconductor light sensors
First Claim
1. An automatic control system for an automotive vehicle comprising:
- a light sensor package, the light sensor package comprising at least one semiconductor light sensing transducer and sensor logic in communication with each light sensing transducer, the sensor logic generating a discrete light signal based on light incident on each light sensing transducer over an integration period;
control logic coupled to the light sensor package, the control logic generating at least one equipment control signal based on the discrete light signal; and
vehicle equipment coupled to the control logic responsive to the at least one equipment control signal.
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Accused Products
Abstract
Equipment on automotive vehicle is controlled by a system including at least one semiconductor light sensor having variable sensitivity to light. Each light sensor generates a light signal indicative of the intensity of light incident on the light sensor. Control logic varies the sensitivity of the light sensor and generates equipment control signals based on received light signals. Sensitivity of light sensors may be varied by changing the integration time for producing charge from light incident on light transducers, by selecting between light transducers of different sensitivity within the light sensor, by using a light transducer with a sensitivity that is a function of the amount of incident light, and the like. Controlled equipment includes devices such as automatically dimming rearview mirrors, headlamps, and moisture removal means.
356 Citations
15 Claims
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1. An automatic control system for an automotive vehicle comprising:
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a light sensor package, the light sensor package comprising at least one semiconductor light sensing transducer and sensor logic in communication with each light sensing transducer, the sensor logic generating a discrete light signal based on light incident on each light sensing transducer over an integration period;
control logic coupled to the light sensor package, the control logic generating at least one equipment control signal based on the discrete light signal; and
vehicle equipment coupled to the control logic responsive to the at least one equipment control signal. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
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9. A system for generating a control signal for automatically controlling equipment in an automotive vehicle comprising:
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at least one semiconductor light sensor, each light sensor comprising at least one light sensing transducer receiving light from a target area over an integration period, each light sensor operative to generate a discrete light signal based on the amount of received light; and
a control logic in communication with the equipment and the at least one light sensor, the control logic operative to generate the control signal based on the discrete light signal without forming an image of the target area.
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10. A system for generating a control signal for automatically controlling equipment in an automotive vehicle comprising:
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at least one semiconductor light sensor operative to detect light within a target spatial distribution and to generate a discrete light signal based on the detected light, each light sensor comprising at least one light sensing transducer for detecting the light over an integration period; and
control logic in communication with the at least one light sensor and the equipment, the control logic generating the control signal based on the discrete light signal without mapping the discrete light signal within the target spatial distribution.
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11. A system comprising:
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at least one semiconductor light sensor having variable sensitivity to light, each light sensor operative to output a light signal indicative of the intensity of light incident on the light sensor;
control logic in communication with the at least one light sensor, the control logic operative to vary the sensitivity of the at least one light sensor and to generate at least one equipment control signal based on the light signal; and
automotive vehicle equipment in communication with the control logic responsive to the at least one equipment control signal. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13, 14, 15)
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Specification