Automatic dimming mirror using semiconductor light sensor with integral charge collection
First Claim
1. A rearview mirror for an automotive vehicle allowing a vehicle operator to view a scene generally behind the vehicle operator, the mirror comprising a dimming element having a variably reflective surface, the degree of reflectivity based on signals from an ambient light sensor positioned to receive light from a region generally in front of the vehicle and from a glare sensor positioned to view the scene generally behind the vehicle operator, wherein at least one of the ambient light sensor and the glare sensor accumulates charge in response to incident light over a predetermined integration period.
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Abstract
An automatically dimming mirror includes a dimming element having variable reflectivity, the degree of reflectivity based on a control signal. An ambient light sensor is positioned to receive light from a region generally in front of the vehicle. The ambient light sensor outputs a discrete ambient light signal based on the amount of light incident on the ambient light sensor over an integration period. A glare sensor is positioned to view the scene generally behind the vehicle operator. The glare sensor outputs a discrete glare signal based on the amount of light incident on the glare sensor over an integration period. A dimming logic determines an ambient light level based on the ambient light signal. The glare integration period is determined based on the ambient light level. The glare signal resulting from the glare integration period determines a mirror glare level used to set the dimming element control signal.
181 Citations
8 Claims
- 1. A rearview mirror for an automotive vehicle allowing a vehicle operator to view a scene generally behind the vehicle operator, the mirror comprising a dimming element having a variably reflective surface, the degree of reflectivity based on signals from an ambient light sensor positioned to receive light from a region generally in front of the vehicle and from a glare sensor positioned to view the scene generally behind the vehicle operator, wherein at least one of the ambient light sensor and the glare sensor accumulates charge in response to incident light over a predetermined integration period.
Specification