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AssigneeGentex Corporation
InventorsDavid J. Cammenga, Xiaoxu Niu, Kurtis L. Geerlings, Jason D. Hallack, Robert R. Turnbull, Carl N. Wassink
Estimating the term…
An imager module for a vehicle includes an imager having an imager lens. The imager is configured to collect image data from at least one of inside and outside the vehicle. A cover is disposed proximate the imager lens and configured to allow the imager to capture image data through the cover. The cover is operable between a first condition, wherein the imager is generally visible through the cover, and a second condition, wherein the imager is generally concealed from view by the cover.
An imager module for a vehicle comprising:
An imager lens cover for a vehicle having an imager having an imager lens, the imager lens cover comprises a cover disposed proximate the imager lens, wherein the cover is configured to allow the imager to capture image data through the cover, the cover includes an electro-optic device operable between a first condition in which the imager is generally visible through the cover, and a second condition in which the imager is generally concealed from view by the cover, wherein the electro-optic device consumes 5 mW or less of power in the dimmed state.
An imager lens cover for a vehicle having an imager having an imager lens, the imager lens cover comprises a cover disposed proximate the imager lens, wherein the cover is configured to allow the imager to capture image data through the cover, the cover includes an electro-optic device operable between a first condition in which the imager is generally visible through the cover, and a second condition in which the imager is generally concealed from view by the cover, wherein the electro-optic device changes from the dimmed state of 15 percent transmittance or less to the cleared state of 40 percent transmittance or more in 2 seconds or less.
An imager lens cover for a vehicle having an imager having an imager lens, the imager lens cover comprises a cover disposed proximate the imager lens, wherein the cover is configured to allow the imager to capture image data through the cover, the cover includes an electro-optic device operable between a first condition in which the imager is generally visible through the cover, and a second condition in which the imager is generally concealed from view by the cover, wherein the electro-optic device is a liquid crystal device and the cover further comprises a first polarizer positioned in front of the liquid crystal device and a second polarizer positioned behind the liquid crystal device, the first and second polarizers having opposite polarization orientations so as to block both polarization orientations when there is no power supplied to the liquid crystal device, wherein the liquid crystal device alters the polarization of the light received through the first polarizer such that it passes through the second polarizer to the imager when the liquid crystal device receives power.
An imager lens cover for a vehicle having an imager having an imager lens, the imager lens cover comprises a cover disposed proximate the imager lens, wherein the cover is configured to allow the imager to capture image data through the cover, the cover is operable between a first condition in which the imager is generally visible through the cover, and a second condition in which the imager is generally concealed from view by the cover, wherein the cover consumes 5 mW or less of power in the dimmed state.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.