Abstract: A rearview vision system for a vehicle includes at least one image capture device directed rearwardly with respect to the direction of travel of the vehicle. A display system displays an image synthesized from output of the image capture device. The display system is preferably contiguous with the forward field of view of the vehicle driver at a focal length that is forward of the vehicle passenger compartment. A plurality of image capture devices may be provided and the display system displays a unitary image synthesized from outputs of the image capture devices which approximates a rearward-facing view from a single location, such as forward of the vehicle.

Abstract: A headlamp control system for a motor vehicle includes an imaging array sensor operable to sense light in a field of view forward of the motor vehicle and a control that is responsive to the imaging array sensor. The control is operable to identify at least one object of interest in the field of view by a spectral signature and/or a geometric organization of the object. The control is operable to control a headlamp of the motor vehicle in response to identifying the object as being at least one of a headlamp of another vehicle, a taillight of another vehicle, a traffic sign, a lane marker and a traffic light. The control may be operable to identify a headlamp and/or taillight of another vehicle in response to light sensed by the imaging array sensor during different exposure periods of the imaging array sensor.

Abstract: A rearview vision system for a vehicle includes at least one image capture device directed rearwardly with respect to the direction of travel of the vehicle. A display system displays an image synthesized from output of the image capture device. The display system is preferably contiguous with the forward field of view of the vehicle driver at a focal length that is forward of the vehicle passenger compartment. A plurality of image capture devices may be provided and the display system displays a unitary image synthesized from outputs of the image capture devices which approximates a rearward-facing view from a single location, such as forward of the vehicle.

Abstract: An electro-optic aperture includes an electrochromic medium at least partially disposed thereon. The electrochromic medium is operable to adjust the transmissivity of light through the aperture in response to an electrical signal applied to the aperture. The aperture preferably is operable to significantly attenuate all wavelengths of energy in an area where the electrochromic medium is energized, thereby allowing the energy to pass through an area of the aperture which either does not include the film or is not being energized. Preferably, the electro-optic aperture is implemented with a silicon imaging array sensor, and functions to improve focusing of images when there is sufficient light available in the scene, while allowing a greater amount of light therethrough when lighting conditions darken.

Abstract: A vehicular rain sensor system for detecting precipitation on an exterior surface of a window including a illumination sensor that is decoupled from the window. The illumination sensor is preferably an imaging array sensor which communicates a signal to a control which further determines whether rain is present on the window. The control preferably includes an edge detection function for detecting edges of precipitation droplets on the window and activating the windshield wipers of the vehicle when the number of edges detected exceeds a predetermined threshold value. A smoothing algorithm or filter is provided to account for surface irregularities on the window, thereby substantially precluding such irregularities from being erroneously detected as rain droplets by the edge detection function.

Abstract: An electro-optic aperture includes an electrochromic medium at least partially disposed thereon. The electrochromic medium is operable to adjust the transmissivity of light through the aperture in response to an electrical signal applied to the aperture. The aperture preferably is operable to significantly attenuate all wavelengths of energy in an area where the electrochromic medium is energized, thereby allowing the energy to pass through an area of the aperture which either does not include the film or is not being energized. Preferably, the electro-optic aperture is implemented with a silicon imaging array sensor, and functions to improve focusing of images when there is sufficient light available in the scene, while allowing a greater amount of light therethrough when lighting conditions darken.

Abstract: A vehicular rain sensor system for detecting precipitation on an exterior surface of a window including a illumination sensor that is decoupled from the window. The illumination sensor is preferably an imaging array sensor which communicates a signal to a control which further determines whether rain is present on the window. The control preferably includes an edge detection function for detecting edges of precipitation droplets on the window and activating the windshield wipers of the vehicle when the number of edges detected exceeds a predetermined threshold value. A smoothing algorithm or filter is provided to account for surface irregularities on the window, thereby substantially precluding such irregularities from being erroneously detected as rain droplets by the edge detection function.

Abstract: A vehicle headlamp control method and apparatus includes providing an imaging sensor that senses light in spatially separated regions of a field of view forward of the vehicle. Light levels sensed in individual regions of the field of view are evaluated in order to identify light sources of interest, such as oncoming headlights and leading taillights. The vehicle's headlights are controlled in response to identifying such particular light sources or absence of such light sources. Spectral signatures of light sources may be examined in order to determine if the spectral signature matches that of particular light sources such as the spectral signatures of headlights or taillights. Sensed light levels may also be evaluated for their spatial distribution in order to identify light sources of interest.

Abstract: A vehicle headlamp control method and apparatus includes providing an imaging sensor that senses light in spatially separated regions of a field of view forward of the vehicle. Light levels sensed in individual regions of the field of view are evaluated in order to identify light sources of interest, such as oncoming headlights and leading taillights. The vehicle's headlights are controlled in response to identifying such particular light sources or absence of such light sources. Spectral signatures of light sources may be examined in order to determine if the spectral signature matches that of particular light sources such as the spectral signatures of headlights or taillights. Sensed light levels may also be evaluated for their spatial distribution in order to identify light sources of interest.

Abstract: A vehicle-based garage door opener system for use with a hand-held transmitter unit includes a user-operable input device, a cradle configured to support a hand-held transmitting unit located remotely from the input device and a link between the input device and the cradle.

Abstract: A vehicular rain sensor system for detecting precipitation on an exterior surface of a window includes an illumination sensor that is decoupled from the window. The illumination sensor is preferably an imaging array sensor which communicates a signal to a control which further determines whether rain is present on the window. The control includes an edge detection function for detecting edges of precipitation droplets on the window in response to the light values sensed by the sensor and activating the windshield wipers of the vehicle when the sum of the light values exceeds a predetermined threshold value. The rain sensor system may further include a polarizing filter and an illumination source, such that the rain sensor system not only prevents false signals of rain when only fog is present on an interior surface of the window, but also actually detects fog particles on an interior surface of the window.

Abstract: A vision system for a vehicle is provided that comprises a vehicle equipped with an image capture device. The image capture device captures an image external of the vehicle. A display screen viewable by an occupant of the vehicle is also provided and a control electronically generates indicia that are displayed on the screen. The image external the vehicle and the indicia are simultaneously displayed on the screen so as to be simultaneously viewable by the occupant of the vehicle. Preferably, the indicia generated on the screen are related to a function of the vehicle that is not associated with the image external the vehicle displayed on the screen.

Abstract: A vehicular rain sensor which senses precipitation at a vehicle window. The rain sensor comprises an imaging array sensor and a control. The imaging array sensor is directed at the vehicle window from inside the vehicle and comprises a camera device capable of imaging precipitation at a surface of the window. The camera is operable to image the precipitation at least in response to ambient light present at the window. The control responds to an output of the imaging array sensor in order to indicate precipitation at the surface of the window. The control determines the presence of precipitation via spatial filtering of the image received by the camera device.

Abstract: A vehicular rain sensor system for detecting precipitation on an exterior surface of a window including a illumination sensor that is decoupled from the window. The illumination sensor is preferably an imaging array sensor which communicates a signal to a control which further determines whether rain is present on the window. The control preferably includes an edge detection function for detecting edges of precipitation droplets on the window and activating the windshield wipers of the vehicle when the number of edges detected exceeds a predetermined threshold value. A smoothing algorithm or filter is provided to account for surface irregularities on the window, thereby substantially precluding such irregularities from being erroneously detected as rain droplets by the edge detection function.

Abstract: A rearview vision system for a vehicle includes an image capture device mounted at the rear of the vehicle and having a field of view directed rearwardly of the vehicle. A display system is viewable by a driver of the vehicle. The display system displays a rearward image output of the image capture device. A graphic overlay is superimposed on the rearward image when the gear actuator of the vehicle selects a reverse gear. The graphic overlay may include indicia of the anticipated path of travel of the vehicle. The graphic overlay may be disabled when the gear actuator of the vehicle is not in reverse gear.

Abstract: A vehicle headlamp control method and apparatus includes providing an imaging sensor that senses light in spatially separated regions of a field of view forward of the vehicle. Light levels sensed in individual regions of the field of view are evaluated in order to identify light sources of interest, such as oncoming headlights and leading taillights. The vehicle's headlights are controlled in response to identifying such particular light sources or absence of such light sources. Spectral signatures of light sources may be examined in order to determine if the spectral signature matches that of particular light sources such as the spectral signatures of headlights or taillights. Sensed light levels may also be evaluated for their spatial distribution in order to identify light sources of interest.

Abstract: A vision system for a vehicle includes at least one image capture device which may be directed rearwardly with respect to the direction of travel of the vehicle. A display system displays an image synthesized from an output of the image capture device. The display system enhances the displayed image by visually informing the driver of what is occurring in the area surrounding the vehicle. For example, hazards, such as objects too close to the vehicle for safe lane-change maneuver, can be highlighted such as by flashing the image of the hazard or displaying the hazard in a particular color.

Abstract: A vehicle headlamp control method and apparatus includes providing an imaging sensor that senses light in spatially separated regions of a field of view forward of the vehicle. Light levels sensed in individual regions of the field of view are evaluated in order to identify light sources of interest, such as oncoming headlights and leading taillights. The vehicle's headlights are controlled in response to identifying such particular light sources or absence of such light sources. Spectral signatures of light sources may be examined in order to determine if the spectral signature matches that of particular light sources such as the spectral signatures of headlights or taillights. Sensed light levels may also be evaluated for their spatial distribution in order to identify light sources of interest.

Abstract: A rearview vision system for a vehicle includes at least one image capture device directed rearwardly with respect to the direction of travel of the vehicle. A display system displays an image synthesized from output of the image captive device. The display system is preferably contiguous with the forward field of view of the vehicle driver at a focal length that is forward of the vehicle passenger compartment. A plurality of image capture devices my be provided and the display system displays a unitary image synthesized from outputs of the image captive devices which approximates a rearward-facing view from a single location, such as forward of the vehicle.

Abstract: A rearview mirror system for a vehicle having a reflective element with a reflective surface and a variable light transmission element includes an optical display device behind the reflective element in order to produce a visual display to the driver. A control is provided having a light sensor that senses light conditions in the vicinity of the vehicle and produces a continuously variable light signal indicative of such sensed light conditions. The control further includes a drive circuit responsive to the light signal in order to supply a drive signal to the reflective element and thereby establish the light transmission level of the light transmission element. The control further includes an intensity control circuit that varies the intensity of the optical display as a function of the value of the sensed light in the vicinity of the vehicle to accommodate physiological changes in the driver's eyes.