Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for generating color video from a dual-context camera. A dual-context camera provides a first series of video frames encoded in accordance with a full color model and a second series of video frames encoded in accordance with an underdetermined color model. The two series of video frames are interleaved as to form a series of pairs of frames, each comprising a color video frame and an underdetermined video frame. An image merger generates a composite image for each pair of frames in the series of frames. The composite image includes a set of brightness values from the underdetermined video frame and a set of chrominance values from the color video frame. A color video source replaces the underdetermined image in each of the series of pairs of frames with the composite image generated for the pair of frames to provide a color video stream.

Abstract: A lens assembly includes a lens having an inner surface and an outer surface. A lens barrel supports the lens and has outer and inner lens barrel ends separated by a longitudinal axis. The lens is arranged along the longitudinal axis to span the outer lens barrel end such that the inner surface of the lens is within the lens barrel and the outer surface of the lens is outside the lens barrel. A heater element is located within the lens barrel. The heater element has a heater element electrical lead extending radially and longitudinally therefrom to provide power to the heater element. A carrier ring extends circumferentially around at least a portion of an outside lens barrel surface adjacent the inner lens barrel end. The carrier ring includes at least one lead station radially aligned with the heater element electrical lead.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for generating color video from a dual-context camera. A dual-context camera provides a first series of video frames encoded in accordance with a full color model and a second series of video frames encoded in accordance with an underdetermined color model. The two series of video frames are interleaved as to form a series of pairs of frames, each comprising a color video frame and an underdetermined video frame. An image merger generates a composite image for each pair of frames in the series of frames. The composite image includes a set of brightness values from the underdetermined video frame and a set of chrominance values from the color video frame. A color video source replaces the underdetermined image in each of the series of pairs of frames with the composite image generated for the pair of frames to provide a color video stream.

Abstract: A lens assembly includes a lens having an inner surface and an outer surface. A lens barrel supports the lens and has outer and inner lens barrel ends separated by a longitudinal axis. The lens is arranged along the longitudinal axis to span the outer lens barrel end such that the inner surface of the lens is within the lens barrel and the outer surface of the lens is outside the lens barrel. A heater element is located within the lens barrel. The heater element has a heater element electrical lead extending radially and longitudinally therefrom to provide power to the heater element. A carrier ring extends circumferentially around at least a portion of an outside lens barrel surface adjacent the inner lens barrel end. The carrier ring includes at least one lead station radially aligned with the heater element electrical lead.

Abstract: An apparatus for assisting with determination of a surface condition of a road adjacent a vehicle, via both visible and non-visible wavelength light, is described. A housing enclosure includes a light-permeable lens. A visible wavelength light source for directing visible light through the housing enclosure and out through the light-permeable lens onto a surface of the road is provided. An non-visible wavelength light source for directing non-visible light through the housing enclosure and out through the light-permeable lens onto a surface of the road is provided. A light receiver is provided for receiving a return light signal of at least one of visible and non-visible light reflected from the of the road and responsively producing a received-light signal. A method of at least partially detecting a surface condition of a road adjacent a vehicle is also provided.

Abstract: A method of controlling a vehicle includes sensing forward road conditions of a road surface of the road forwardly adjacent to the vehicle in a direction of vehicle travel. Responsive to the sensed road conditions, a forward road signal is generated. Adjacent-lane road conditions of an adjacent-lane road surface of the road lateral to the forward road surface are sensed. Responsive to the sensed adjacent-lane road conditions, an adjacent-lane road signal is generated. The forward road signal and the adjacent-lane road signal are received, and a recommended amelioration action is responsively determined. The recommended amelioration action is communicated to an operator of the vehicle, and/or an adjustment of at least one of a speed of the vehicle and a lateral position on the road of the vehicle is initiated, responsive to the recommended amelioration action. A system of controlling a vehicle is also provided.