Abstract: A shading apparatus with panels configured to provide shade volume over time, reduce wind load, and optionally generate solar energy. The shading apparatus with panels has first panel and second panel arrays. The first panel array moves up and down using a ganging assembly and linear actuator. The second panel array is fixed opposite the first panel array. Both panel arrays are connected to a rotateable spindle and central post. The shading apparatus is configured to reduce wind load with offset panels that provide passages between the offsets. Embodiments include control logic with various modes, including a mode for orienting the panels orthogonal to the sun over a period of time.

Abstract: Apparatuses, systems, methods, and computer program products are disclosed for an adaptive photovoltaic system. Solar panel strings comprise solar panels. An adaptive maximum power point tracking (“MPPT”) translator module is in electrical communication with the solar panels of the solar panel strings. An adaptive MPPT translator module comprises a voltage converting unit. An adaptive MPPT translator module is configured to control the solar panels of the solar panel strings according to a MPPT translator algorithm so that each of the solar panel strings vary in number of the solar panels and in power output capacity of the solar panels and physical configurations of the solar panel strings are adaptive to power needs, physical surfaces, and environmental geometric space constraints. A power bus provides electrical communication between the adaptive MPPT translator module and a power hub in electrical communication with a power demand.

Abstract: Solar array (1) comprising solar modules (3) distributed in rows (10), each solar module comprising solar collector (5) carried by a single-axis solar tracker (4), a reference solar power plant (2) comprising a central reference solar module and at least one secondary reference solar module, and a piloting unit (7) adapted for: piloting the angular orientation of the central reference module according to a central reference orientation setpoint corresponding to an initial orientation setpoint, piloting the orientation of each secondary reference module according to a secondary reference orientation setpoint corresponding to the initial orientation setpoint shifted by a predefined offset angle; receiving an energy production value from each reference module; piloting the orientation of the modules, except for the reference modules, by applying the reference orientation setpoint associated to the reference module having the highest production value.

Abstract: A skylight includes a frame that is configured to be mounted to a structure, the frame defining a central opening and a solar power unit that is coupled with the frame.

Abstract: This disclosure discusses devices and systems for attaching solar panels to metal roofs. A mounting device has two or more hinge bases that can pivot at various angles about a hinge platform assembly. The hinge platform assembly is optionally widthwise adjustable. The above-mentioned adjustments allow the mounting device to secure solar panels to various types of metal roofs such as flat, corrugated, and trapezoidal. The hinge platform assembly interfaces with various components of the solar panel racking system. The hinge platform assembly includes hinge sleeves that pass into slots within the hinge bases and surround hinge pins that project upward from the hinge bases. This allows the hinge bases to captively rotate about the hinge platform assembly.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing and controlling solar panel arrays are provided. The solar panel array may include one or more articulating joints that may provide variability in the arrangement of solar panels, which may allow the solar panel array to be distributed over varying types of underlying surfaces. The articulating joints may allow orientations of solar panels to be different relative to one another. The articulating joints may convey rotational force across the joints, so that a rotational force used to drive a first solar panel may also be conveyed across the joint and used to drive a second solar panel. The controls system may include row-specific semi-autonomous, or autonomous, controllers as well as controllers to interface with multiple rows. The controllers may include sensors to measure system power generation and basic operations aspects of the solar field to directly measure, or infer, module shading within the solar field.

Abstract: Solar array (1) comprising solar modules (3) distributed in rows (10), each solar module comprising solar collector (5) carried by a single-axis solar tracker (4), a reference solar power plant (2) comprising a central reference solar module and at least one secondary reference solar module, and a piloting unit (7) adapted for: piloting the angular orientation of the central reference module according to a central reference orientation setpoint corresponding to an initial orientation setpoint, piloting the orientation of each secondary reference module according to a secondary reference orientation setpoint corresponding to the initial orientation setpoint shifted by a predefined offset angle; receiving an energy production value from each reference module; piloting the orientation of the modules, except for the reference modules, by applying the reference orientation setpoint associated to the reference module having the highest production value.

Abstract: A system and method is disclosed for solar tracking and controlling an angular position of a photovoltaic power system. The solar tracking system includes an imaging device for capturing images of the sky; a solar position data generating module; and a control system comprising a neural network. The neural network has multiple convolutional layers to generate a first output associated with the images, and a solar position data module. A first dense layer module receives the solar position data and generates a second output. A second dense layer module receives the first output and the second output and generates a concatenated data sequence. A processor is programmed to generate a multi-planar irradiance signal (MPIS) in response to the concatenated data sequence, and determine an angular position of the PV power system and adjust the angular position in response to an angle of maximum irradiance.

Abstract: The present disclosure is a lightweight, portable solar tracker assembly that has a bottom frame coupled to a rotation drive disc coupled to a rotational linear actuator and a middle frame rotatably coupled to the bottom frame via the rotation drive disc such that when activated, the middle frame rotates. The assembly further has a solar array mounting frame coupled to the middle frame and comprising a vertical linear actuator coupled to the middle frame such than when activated, the solar array mounting frame moves vertically, and when the middle frame rotates, the solar array mounting frame rotates and at least one solar cell fixedly coupled to the solar array mounting frame. In addition, the assembly has a processor configured to determine a position in a sky of a sun, actuate the vertical linear actuator and the rotational linear actuator so that the at least one solar cell is aligned with the sun.

Abstract: Solar collectors can provide power for electricity, thermal propulsion, and material processing (e.g., mining asteroids). In one aspect, an apparatus for collecting solar energy and simultaneously protecting against damage from a resulting energy beam includes a solar energy collection system including at least one concentrator and a target configured to use, store, or convert the solar energy, the collection system configured to cause solar energy to focus on the target, at least one sensor configured to detect misalignment of the concentrator by determining that some or all of the collected solar energy is offset from the target, and a safety system configured to redirect the energy or interpose a safety structure for shielding other non-target systems from receiving too much solar energy from the collection system.

Abstract: A system and method for reducing power consumption and increasing reliability in a solar tracking system is disclosed. The solar tracker comprises a panel, at least one actuator configured to control the orientation of the panel, and a tracking controller. The tracking controller is configured to determine a minimum operating current for the at least one actuator based on a range of motion of the panel, and energize the at least one actuator based on the minimum operating current. The tracking controller determines the minimum operating current based on the range of motion of the panel, specifically the minimum current need to drive the panel through a measured range of motion equal to or substantial similar to the full mechanical range of motion of the panel. Based on the minimum operating current, solar tracker may generate messages to repair or replace an actuator or gearbox, for example.

Abstract: An instrument (20) determines the attitude of a spacecraft (3) on which it is mounted, by interacting incident light (11) from the Sun with one or more light conditioning elements (12) and thereby forming a diffraction pattern at a photo-sensitive detector (13). The intensity distribution of light on the detector (13) is dependent on the angle of incidence of the light (11). An on-board computer (16) determines a direction vector to the Sun based on the light diffraction pattern detected by the detector (13).

Abstract: An alignment tool for use with a solar panel support rack, configured to allow for the easy and rapid positioning of the support rack into proper alignment to receive solar panels.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a sunlight converting device including a wavelength converting film using a wavelength conversion material such as a quantum dot or an inorganic phosphor. More particularly, the present disclosure provides a sunlight converting device including a wavelength converting film using a wavelength conversion material, which can optimize plant growth and provide improved plant quality by installing a wavelength converting film on which a wavelength conversion material is applied so as to be converted into a predetermined wavelength and output to a greenhouse (glasshouse), a vinyl house or a microalga culture facility, varying the sunlight irradiation area of the wavelength converting film, and supplying light of various wavelengths required for species of plant including microalgae or growth cycles thereof.

Abstract: A solar tracking system (200) comprises multiple solar panel modules (SPMi) forming a grid of solar panel modules, wherein the multiple solar panel modules (SPMi) are orientatable to a solar source independently of each other; and a control system (SPCi) configured to orient each of the multiple solar panel modules (SPMi) to the solar source independently of each other based on a performance model to optimize an energy output from the grid of solar panel modules, wherein the performance model predicts an energy output from the grid of solar panel modules based on a topography of the area containing the grid of solar panel modules and weather conditions local to each of the solar panel modules (SPMi).

Abstract: A solar tracker apparatus includes an adjustable hanger assembly that has a clam shell hanger assembly. The clam shell hanger assembly may hold a torque tube comprising a plurality of torque tubes configured together in a continuous length from a first end to a second end. A center of mass of the solar tracker apparatus may be aligned with a center of rotation of the torque tubes, in order to reduce a load of a drive device operably coupled to the torque tube. Solar modules may be coupled to the torque tubes. The solar tracker includes an energy system that includes solar panel, a DC to DC converter, a battery, and a micro-controller. The energy system may facilitate full operation movement of the tracker apparatus without any external power lines.

Abstract: A solar tracking system is provided having a pivoting table driven for rotation about an axis of rotation through a rotational angle range. The pivoting table includes a longitudinally extending beam and a plurality of photovoltaic modules supported by and pivoting with the beam. The system also includes an actuator coupled to the beam for rotating the pivoting table about the axis of rotation through the rotational angle range. A controller is provided for activating the actuator to control rotational angular position of the table.

Abstract: The sunlight sensing apparatus includes a sensor portion which includes a first sensor sensing sunlight in a first direction and a second sensor sensing the sunlight in a second direction for altitude adjustment and includes a third sensor sensing the sunlight in a third direction and a fourth sensor sensing the sunlight in a fourth direction for horizontal rotation, in which the first sensor, the second sensor, the third sensor, and the fourth sensor are formed of the solar cells, a power supply portion which charges sensor power formed at the first sensor, the second sensor, the third sensor, and the fourth sensor through a photoelectric effect caused by the sunlight, and a control portion which performs a control operation for transmitting sensing signals. Here, the control portion is driven by the sensor power charged by the power supply portion.

Abstract: The systems and methods described herein relate to heating ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems and water heating systems in relation to a building and residential automation system. Some embodiments of the systems and methods described herein relate to HVAC systems and water systems in relation to an integration of building or residential automation systems. Specifically, the disclosure relates to maintaining a desirable water temperature for a desirable time period. By reducing unnecessary heating of water, the systems disclosed herein may result in fewer wasted resources and a lower utility bill. In one embodiment, a method for security and/or automation systems may be disclosed. The method may comprise monitoring a status of a water heater and monitoring an occupancy status of a residence. The status of the water heater may adjust, automatically, based at least in part on the monitoring.

Abstract: A rotating shadowband for shading a pyranometer includes a cylindrical ring and a semicircular shadowband held within the cylindrical ring, a motor configured for rotating the shadowband, at least one solar panel, a rechargeable battery, and a controller having circuitry configured to power the first motor to rotate the semicircular shadowband. The semicircular shadowband may include a window opening, wherein the window opening substantially extends from a center of the band to a first end. The controller rotates the shadowband 0 to 360 degrees about the central axis of the cylindrical ring to alternately shade the pyranometer for making diffuse radiation measurements and expose the pyranometer to direct solar radiation for making global radiation measurements. Alternatively, the shadowband may be solid and rotate pivotally 0 to 180 degrees or 0 to 360 degrees within the cylindrical ring to alternately shade and expose a pyranometer head to and from direct sunlight respectively.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a radiation sensor, in particular for use with a vehicle sunload sensor arrangement. Furthermore, the present invention also relates to such a vehicle sensor arrangement and to a method of assembling a vehicle sensor arrangement. A radiation sensor comprises at least one first and one second photodetector, and a radiation shaping element, wherein said radiation shaping element comprises radiation blocking means for forming at least one aperture through which the radiation has limited access to said first and second photodetectors, and wherein said first and second photodetectors are arranged on a substrate and are distanced apart from each other along a sensor axis, and wherein the radiation blocking means is formed by a radiation screen mounted on the substrate to encompass the first and second photodetectors.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a two axis tracking system (100). The present invention includes a frame (102), a solar panel PV module (112), an upper beam (114), a selectively flexible bracket (116), a first supporting pillar (118), a second supporting pillar (140), a lower beam (120), first strut (126), a second strut (146). The first supporting pillar (118) and the second supporting pillar (140) together act as the fixed link. The frame (102) acts as the rotating link and the lower beam (120) acts as the translating link. The first strut (126) and the second strut (146) together act as the fourth link connecting the frame (102) and the lower beam (120). The translation of the lower beam (120) causes rotation of the frame (102) in north-south direction. The PV module (112) is mounted on the frame (102) are rotated in east-west direction by translation motion of the upper beam (114).

Abstract: [Problem] To provide a manufacturing method of a solar house capable of taking in a moderate amount of sunlight while obtaining a large amount of electric power generation. [Solution] A manufacturing method of a solar house 1 includes a step for contact-arranging the first house set 81, the second house set 82, and the intermediate house member 83 so that the intermediate house member 83 is positioned between the first house set 81 and the second house set 82 in the second direction Y; a step for contact-arranging the intermediate house member 83 and the other second house set 82 or the other first house set 81 in the second direction Y by a necessary number with respect to the arranged first house set 81 or the arranged second house set 82; and a step for supporting the first panel set 2 and the second panel set 3 with respect to the first house set 81 and the second house set 82 with the first support column 71.

Abstract: A solar tracker apparatus includes an adjustable hanger assembly that has a clam shell hanger assembly. The clam shell hanger assembly may hold a torque tube comprising a plurality of torque tubes configured together in a continuous length from a first end to a second end. A center of mass of the solar tracker apparatus may be aligned with a center of rotation of the torque tubes, in order to reduce a load of a drive device operably coupled to the torque tube. Solar modules may be coupled to the torque tubes. The solar tracker includes an energy system that includes solar panel, a DC to DC converter, a battery, and a micro-controller. The energy system may facilitate full operation movement of the tracker apparatus without any external power lines.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of controlling a cluster of solar trackers in which a plurality of solar trackers exist as a cluster shape.

Abstract: A system and method for tracking the sun with a heliostat mirror is disclosed. The solar tracking system comprises: a camera configured to capture high dynamic range images of the sky, a plurality of cameras configured to capture images of the heliostat mirror, and a tracking controller. The images of the heliostat mirror include reflections of the sky. The tracking controller is configured to generate a circumsolar radiance map characterizing the brightness of at least a portion of the sky with the high dynamic range images.

Abstract: A solar tracker having a brake function is disclosed. The solar tracker according to an embodiment of the present invention relates to a technology having a dual position sensing device provided at a part at which altitude adjustment and horizontal rotation of a solar collector plate respectively end, such that a brake is accurately operated for a driving motor, which is respectively in charge of altitude adjustment and horizontal rotation.

Abstract: A system for controlling a rotation of one or more solar panels about an axis of rotation, comprising one or more solar panels defining a longitudinal axis, one or more bellows actuators coupled to the one or more solar panels and defining an axis of rotation parallel to the longitudinal axis of the panels, a fluid source, a first valve circuit coupled to the bellows actuators and the fluid source, a second valve circuit coupled to the bellows actuators and the fluid source, and a controller, wherein introduction or release of fluid from one or more of the bellows actuators is configured to cause rotation of the one or more actuators about the axis of rotation.

Abstract: A sun visor assembly used in a vehicle is disclosed. The sun visor assembly comprises a sun visor having at least one light intensity sensor for detecting sunlight or light intensity entering the vehicle. The sun visor further comprises a microprocessor for receiving a signal indicating detection of the light intensity entering the vehicle from the light intensity sensor. The sun visor further comprises at least one motor operatively coupled to the microprocessor. In response to the signal, the microprocessor instructs the at least one motor to position the sun visor to block the sunlight or light intensity sensor entering the vehicle.

Abstract: A system and method for optimizing energy generation. The method includes remotely connecting to an energy storage apparatus that is connected to a tested solar panel; receiving, from the energy storage apparatus, at least one test power measurement, wherein each test power measurement is an amount of power generated by the tested solar panel; obtaining at least one benchmarking power measurement, wherein each benchmarking power measurement is an amount of power generated by one of at least one benchmarking solar panel; determining, based on the at least one benchmarking power measurement, at least one optimization threshold; comparing each test power measurement to each optimization threshold; determining, based on the comparison, whether placement of the tested solar panel is at least an optimal placement; and generating a notification indicating whether placement of the tested solar panel is optimal.

Abstract: Methods for distinguishing devices (1, 2) receive position information from position sensors (13, 23) defining positions of the devices (1, 2), and receive direction information from direction sensors (14, 24) defining directions of the devices (1, 2), and analyze the direction information. The devices (1, 2) can be distinguished from each other, even in case they are located closer to each other than the accuracies of their position sensors (13, 23). First devices (1) comprise first drivers (11) for driving first loads (15), and first controllers (12) for controlling the first drivers (11) and for receiving first position signals from first position sensors (13) and for receiving first direction signals from first direction sensors (14). The first direction sensors (14) may comprise first light detectors (16).

Abstract: An eye tracking-based display control system includes a main body accommodating a mirror; a first image capture device disposed on the main body and facing a first direction to capture a first image; a controller receiving and processing the first image; and a transparency controllable film disposed on an opposite side of the mirror against the main body. In response to a determination that a light source on the first image has brightness higher than a predetermined threshold, and a determination that a shift distance of eyes between an eye position and an initial position of a driver is not zero, the controller calibrates an original position of the light source according to the shift distance of the eyes and an initial coordinate system, thereby obtaining a calibrated position, according to which transparency of a local region of the transparency controllable film corresponding to the light source is changed.

Abstract: A system and method for detecting laser pulses is disclosed. According to one embodiment, the present system detects an extrasolar laser pulse, ideally repeated pulses, by observing the pulse, characterizing the pulse, and confirming the data related to the pulse.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and systems for identifying PV system and solar irradiance sensor orientation and tilt based on energy production, energy received, simulated energy production, estimated energy received, production skew, and energy received skew. The present invention relates to systems and methods for detecting orientation and tilt of a PV system based on energy production and simulated energy production; for detecting the orientation and tilt of a solar irradiance sensor based on solar irradiance observation and simulated solar irradiance observation; for detecting orientation of a PV system based on energy production and energy production skew; and for detecting orientation of a solar irradiance sensor based on solar irradiance observation and solar irradiance observation skew.

Abstract: A rotating floating platform, adapted to accommodate energy production systems, namely solar panels but not limited to these systems. The technology now developed provides rotational movement to the entire platform, on the plane of the aquatic medium where it floats, being its rotation capacity independent of fixed and rigid structures. In order to achieve this independency, the rotating floating platform comprises a central floating module connected directly or indirectly to at least two propulsion modules, where the connection to the bottom of the basin being provided through a flexible mooring unit forming a rotation floating structure where the momentum and the rotation axis act as one, thus creating a rotation platform.

Abstract: A device for storage and exchange of thermal energy of solar origin, which device is configured to receive a concentrated solar radiation using an optical system of “beam down” type, which device comprises: —a containment casing which defines an internal compartment and has an upper opening configured to allow entry of the concentrated solar radiation, which opening puts in direct communication the internal compartment with the external environment having no closure or screen means; —a bed of fluidizable solid particles, received within the internal compartment, which bed has an irradiated operative region directly exposed, in use, to the concentrated solar radiation that enters through said opening and a heat accumulation region adjacent to said operative region; —fluidization elements of the bed of particles, configured to feed fluidization air within the compartment, which fluidization means is configured to determine different fluid-dynamic regimens in the operative region and in the accumulation region,

Abstract: The present invention relates to a tracking photovoltaic solar system comprising at least a tracker unit maintaining an array of photovoltaic modules (101) aligned to the sun during the course of the day.

Abstract: Methods for distinguishing devices (1, 2) receive position information from position sensors (13, 23) defining positions of the devices (1, 2), and receive direction information from direction sensors (14, 24) defining directions of the devices (1, 2), and analyze the direction information. The devices (1, 2) can be distinguished from each other, even in case they are located closer to each other than the accuracies of their position sensors (13, 23). First devices (1) comprise first drivers (11) for driving first loads (15), and first controllers (12) for controlling the first drivers (11) and for receiving first position signals from first position sensors (13) and for receiving first direction signals from first direction sensors (14). The first direction sensors (14) may comprise first light detectors (16).

Abstract: A method includes: receiving, by a terminal device, position information of the terminal device via a wireless signal, and time information; obtaining solar radiation amount information corresponding to the position information of the terminal device and the time information; obtaining a corrected received-light amount by correcting the amount of light received by the terminal device, based on a radio field reception intensity of the wireless signal that includes the position information, the amount of light received being indicated in the solar radiation amount information; and obtaining, by the terminal device, a cumulative value of amounts of light which the user of the terminal device has been exposed to, using the corrected received-light amount.

Abstract: An acquisition unit acquires a light path length rij corresponding to an emission direction of emitted light, which is surrounding information of a moving body obtained by using a laser radar mounted on the moving body, a traffic mirror information including a center position N of a traffic mirror on a map, and position information of the moving body on the map. Then, on the basis of the acquired traffic mirror information and the acquired position information of the moving body on the map, an extraction unit extracts a light path length acquired via the traffic mirror from the acquired light path length rij, and then calculates an object reflection position corresponding to the extracted light path length. This makes it possible to obtain surrounding information in a blind spot for a driver while increasing robustness with respect to the surrounding information, and thus advanced driving assistance can be implemented.

Abstract: Various implementations relate generally to multi-sensor devices. Some implementations more particularly relate to a multi-sensor device including a ring of radially-oriented photosensors. Some implementations more particularly relate to a multi-sensor device that is orientation-independent with respect to a central axis of the ring. Some implementations of the multi-sensor devices described herein further include one or more additional sensors. For example, some implementations include an axially-directed photosensor. Some implementations also can include one or more temperature sensors configured to sense an exterior temperature, for example, an ambient temperature of an outdoors environment around the multi-sensor. Additionally or alternatively, some implementations include one or more of an infrared sensor or infrared sensors, a cellular communication circuit, and a GPS module.

Abstract: Features of a vehicle navigation system are discussed in this disclosure. In particular, systems and methods for identifying glare-prone areas and establishing a route that avoids one or more of the identified glare-prone areas that are determined to be likely to degrade visibility of an environment outside of the vehicle. In some embodiments, the navigation system can be configured to calculate the likely duration of a trip and then based on sun angle data identify locations where glare is likely to be problematic. In some embodiments, the navigation system can also be configured to choose routes that avoid bright sources of light that could adversely affect visual acuity at night.

Abstract: A solar cell module mounting system for fixing a plurality of solar cell modules to a side wall of a building, the plurality of solar cell modules include a plurality of first solar cell modules. Each of the plurality of first solar cell modules includes a first side and a second side, the first side being proximal to the side wall of the building, the second side being distally positioned and lower than the first side and/or at a position outwardly away from the side wall part of the building. The plurality of the first solar cell modules are arranged vertically, and a relationship of 16??1?(32/11)?56 is satisfied for adjacent vertically arranged first solar cell modules.

Abstract: A physical keyboard includes a plurality of light-sensing electrodes, where individual ones of the light-sensing electrodes of the plurality of light-sensing electrodes correspond to an individual key of the keyboard. The physical keyboard also includes a microprocessor electrically coupled to individual ones of the light-sensing electrodes. The microprocessor is configured to perform operations including determining that light is obstructed to a first particular light-sensing electrode of the plurality of light-sensing electrodes and sending a signal indicating a selection of a first key corresponding to the first particular light-sensing electrode. The microprocessor is configured to perform operations further comprising determining that the light is obstructed to a second particular light-sensing electrode, and sending a second signal indicating a second selection of a second key corresponding to the second particular light-sensing electrode.

Abstract: A solar panel alignment device can include a first alignment feature capable of casting a shadow onto a target area. The first alignment feature can be located above a central portion of the target area. The target area can have a second alignment feature that can indicate the location of the central portion of the target area. A method for aligning a solar panel is comprised of the steps of the operator orienting the panel towards the sun so that sunlight strikes the first alignment feature so that the first alignment feature that interrupts the path of the sunlight, creating a cast shadow upon the target area; and the operator moving the panel so that the cast shadow moves to a central portion of the target area.

Abstract: A flash detection device comprises at least a first and a second sensor module, wherein each of the sensor modules comprises at least a photodiode for detecting an irradiance emitted by a source, and the first sensor module comprises at least an angular efficiency attenuator configured for attenuating the irradiance received by the photodiode according to a predetermined angular efficiency profile, wherein the at least first and second sensor modules are configured for collecting light from substantially the same field of view, and the angular efficiency attenuator of the first sensor module causes the first and second sensor modules to have complementary predetermined angular efficiency profiles, so that, for angles of view within a common field of view of the first and second sensor modules, a combination of irradiance measurements of the first and second sensor modules enables to derive an irradiance source angle of the source.

Abstract: A second panel and a third panel are disposed on both sides of a first panel in the width direction, a fourth panel is disposed at a position symmetrical with the first panel with respect to the second panel and third panel, the respective panels have the same length and are disposed parallel to each other, and a step is provided with a gap between the first panel and the second panel or the third panel, and between the fourth panel and the second panel or the third panel.

Abstract: An imaging device includes: a photoelectric conversion unit; and a correction unit that corrects the angle of light incident on the photoelectric conversion unit, the correction unit being located on the side of the light incident on the photoelectric conversion unit. The correction unit has a curved surface, and the surface shape of the curved surface is a spherical surface. The surface shape is a shape according to a predetermined equation involving the radius of the spherical surface, the distance from the center of the optical axis of the imaging plane to the edge of the imaging plane, and the refractive index of the material forming the correction unit.

Abstract: A rearview vision system for a vehicle includes a camera module disposed at a side portion of the vehicle. The camera module includes a casing, a reflective element disposed in the casing, and a camera disposed in the casing and having a field of view that encompasses at least a portion of the reflective element. The camera module is disposed at the side portion of the vehicle so that images of the exterior scene occurring to the side and rear of the vehicle are reflected off of the reflective element and image data representative of the reflected images is captured by the camera. A display device displays images derived from the captured image data representative of the reflected images so as to provide a sideward and rearward field of view to the driver when the driver is viewing the display device.

Abstract: A detector configuration for use in a free space optical (FSO) node for transmitting and/or receiving optical signals has a plurality of sensors for detecting received optical signals. The plurality of sensors is configured along a common optical path and are used for separate functions. According, the detectors may be optimized for the respective function.