Abstract: A vision system (10) for a vehicle (14) includes a light source (46) that generates an illumination beam (20). A receiver (62) generates a first image signal and a second image signal. The first image signal is generated in response to a reflected portion of the illumination beam (20). A controller is coupled to the light source (46) and the receiver (62). The controller generates an image in response to the first image signal and the second image signal.

Abstract: A thermal control system (11) for a light source (46) of a vision system (10) includes a heater (63) that is thermally coupled to the light source (46). A thermal sensor (60) is thermally coupled to the light source (46) and generates a temperature signal. A controller (50) is coupled to the heater (63) and to the thermal sensor (60) . The controller (50) operates the heater (63) when the temperature signal is below a maximum temperature limit. The minimum and maximum temperature limits are obtained from the light-source wavelength-temperature characteristic.

Abstract: A vision system (10) for a vehicle (14) includes a light source (46) that generates an illumination beam (20). A receiver (62) generates a first image signal and a second image signal. The first image signal is generated in response to a reflected portion of the illumination beam (20). A controller is coupled to the light source (46) and the receiver (62). The controller generates an image in response to the first image signal and the second image signal.

Abstract: A thermal control system (11) for a light source (46) of a vision system (10) includes a heater (63) that is thermally coupled to the light source (46). A thermal sensor (60) is thermally coupled to the tight source (46) and generates a temperature signal. A controller (50) is coupled to the heater (63) and to the thermal sensor (60). The controller (50) operates the heater (63) when the temperature signal is below a maximum temperature limit. The minimum and maximum temperature limits are obtained from the light-source wavelength-temperature characteristic.

Abstract: A vision system (10) for a vehicle (14) includes a light source (46) that generates an illumination beam (20). A receiver (62) generates a first image signal and a second image signal. The first image signal is generated in response to a reflected portion of the illumination beam (20). A controller is coupled to the light source (46) and the receiver (62). The controller generates an image in response to the first image signal and the second image signal.

Abstract: A color-corrected lighting system for night vision applications includes a near infrared light source and a thin-sheet optical element disposed a distance from the near infrared source. The optical element includes an input surface for receiving light from the near infrared source and an output surface for emitting the received light in a desired emission pattern. The system also includes a visible, non-red light source in the form of a plate having a plurality of non-red LEDs arranged thereon. The plate is proximate a surface of the optical element such that the output surface of the optical element emits the visible light to mask the emitted near infrared light. A camera is adapted to receive the near infrared light from the near infrared light source reflected off an object within a camera field of view, and a display images objects detected within the camera field of view.

Abstract: A vision system (10) for a vehicle (14) includes a light source (46) that generates an illumination beam (20). A receiver (92) generates an image signal in response to a reflected portion of the illumination beam (20). A transmission sensor (120) generates a transmission signal. A controller (50) is coupled to the light source (46), the receiver (92), and the transmission sensor (120) and enables activation of the light source (46) in response to the transmission signal.

Abstract: A thermal control system (11) for a light source (46) of a vision system (10) includes a heater (63) that is thermally coupled to the light source (46). A thermal sensor (60) is thermally coupled to the light source (46) and generates a temperature signal. A controller (50) is coupled to the heater (63) and to the thermal sensor (60). The controller (50) operates the heater (63) when the temperature signal is below a maximum temperature limit.

Abstract: A night vision system for a vehicle includes a pulsed light source for illuminating a region proximate the vehicle and a secondary trigger light source operating at a predetermined pulse timing and second wavelength. A light sensor detects light at the second wavelength. The trigger light pulses are used to indicate the pulse timing of each respective vehicle's primary NIR light source. Upon detecting another vehicle's trigger light source, the controller adjusts the pulse phase of the first light source to be exactly out-of-phase with that of the oncoming vehicle since the pulsed timing of the oncoming vehicle's NIR light source is known upon detection of the opposing vehicle's trigger light source. Each vehicle can then adjust its primary light source to be out-of-phase with the other vehicle and, hence, non-interfering.

Abstract: A headlamp system for an automotive vehicle is provided having a light source generating light, a reflector, a generally transparent light shield, an electrostatic shutter and a lens. The light shield has a surface and laterally displaced edges. The reflector has a predetermined relationship with the light shield and the light source and directs a portion of light from the light source to the surface of the light shield. The electrostatic shutter means is adjacent the surface of the light shield to selectively blocking a portion of the light from the light source. A lens between the light shield and the image surface directs light passing the light shield.

Abstract: An electrostatic shutter includes an input window, an electrical contact connected to the voltage source, a metallized polymer scroll having one end electrically connected to the electrical contact, an electrically and thermally conductive heat sink selectably connected to the voltage source and so that a potential difference exists between the electrical contact and the heat sink and an electrical insulator covering the heat sink. When a sufficient voltage potential exists between the scroll and the heat sink, the scroll unrolls so that the scroll is in direct contact with the input window and thermally coupled to the heat sink through the insulator and the input window.

Abstract: An on-board gas composition sensor is disclosed for monitoring oxygen content levels in the exhaust gas of an internal combustion engine. The gas composition sensor includes a light source for generating excitation light, e.g. in the 350-525 nm wavelength range. A sensor body of porous high-temperature fluorescent inorganic oxide ceramic exposed to the exhaust gas emits an optical fluorescence signal responsive to oxygen content in the exhaust gas upon exposure to the excitation light at 400.degree.-650.degree. C. A florescence detector receives the optical fluorescence signal from the sensor means and generates an exhaust gas oxygen content output signal in response. Fiber-optic cable can be employed for transmitting excitation light to the sensor body from a remotely located light emitter. The same or a separate fiber-optic cable can transmit the optical fluorescent signal from the sensor body to the fluorescence detector also at a remote location.

Abstract: A ferrofluid controlled switch for a light pipe has a light pipe having a first index of refraction, a fluid responsive to a magnetic field having a second index of refraction, and an enclosure concentrically located around at least a portion of the light pipe for retaining the fluid such that the fluid is capable of assuming two configurations, one adjacent to the light pipe and one separate from the light pipe. A controllable magnetic field device such as a permanent magnet or wire coils are used to transfer the magnetically responsive fluid between said two configurations to reduce the output of the light pipe when the fluid is adjacent to the light pipe.

Abstract: An electrophoretic light switch is provided for controlling light in a light pipe having a transparent inner conductor, an outer conductor and a solution containing charged particles. Light is absorbed by the solution when the particles are attracted to the inner conductor causing the light intensity in the light pipe to be reduced.