Patent Description:
<CIT> describes an imager module for a vehicle. The imager module comprises an imager configured to capture image data over a plurality of image frames based on incoming light in a field of view and an optic device configured to control a transmission of the incoming light. The module comprises a controller configured to identify an exposure time for the imager based on environmental lighting conditions and adjust the exposure time by a flicker mitigation period. The adjustment of the exposure time mitigates an appearance of a periodic light source in the image data. The controller is further configured to control the transmission of the optic device to control the transmission of the incoming light.

<CIT> relates to sensors and other components that can be disposed beneath a variable transparency layer of a mobile device. By modifying how much voltage is applied to the variable transparency layer, a component, such as a camera, can be readily hidden when not in use. More specifically, the variable transparency layer may be substantially opaque when the camera is not in use and at least partially transparent when the camera is in use and ready to capture an image. The opacity level of the variable transparency layer can be modified by a voltage source that is electrically coupled to the variable transparency layer. The various levels of opacity could also enable the variable transparency layer to act as an electronic aperture for the camera.

<CIT> describes a smart sensor-cover apparatus for improving sensor performance, and performance, safety, and aesthetics of any host system with which the apparatus is used, such as a vehicle.

In one aspect of the present disclosure, 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 includes an electro-optic element that is operable between a clear state, wherein the imager is generally visible through the cover, and a dimmed state, wherein the imager is generally concealed from view by the cover. The imager module further includes a light sensor subsystem for sensing an ambient light level, and a controller configured to receive an output from the light sensor subsystem representing the ambient light level and to control the electro-optic element by selecting the clear state when the vehicle ignition is on or when the ambient light level is below a first threshold level regardless of the state of the ignition, and by selecting the dimmed state when the ambient light level is above a second threshold level and the vehicle ignition is off.

In a particular embodiment, the cover is configured to conceal the imager and includes a variable light attenuation device and a concealment device.

In a particular embodiment, the cover includes a light scattering device 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 through the cover.

These and other features, advantages, and objects of the present invention will be further understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art by reference to the following specification, claims, and appended drawings.

The objective of the current invention relates to concealing a camera in an energy efficient manner. The claimed invention is defined by the independent claim. Particularly embodiments are defined by the dependent claims.

The present illustrated embodiments reside primarily in combinations of method steps and apparatus components related to a switchable imager lens cover. Accordingly, the apparatus components and method steps have been represented, where appropriate, by conventional symbols in the drawings, showing only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present disclosure so as not to obscure the disclosure with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description herein. Further, like numerals in the description and drawings represent like elements.

For purposes of description herein, the terms "upper," "lower," "right," "left," "rear," "front," "vertical," "horizontal," and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention as oriented in <FIG>. Unless stated otherwise, the term "front" shall refer to the surface of the device closer to an intended viewer of the device, and the term "rear" shall refer to the surface of the device further from the intended viewer of the device. However, it is to be understood that the invention may assume various alternative orientations, except where expressly specified to the contrary. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings and described in the following specification are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims.

The terms "including," "comprises," "comprising," or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements does not include only those elements, but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. An element preceded by "comprises a. " does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of additional identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises the element.

Referring to <FIG>, the reference numeral <NUM> generally designates an imager lens cover for a vehicle <NUM> that includes a cover <NUM> disposed proximate an imager lens <NUM>. The cover <NUM> is configured to allow an imager <NUM> to capture image data <NUM> through the cover <NUM>. The cover <NUM> is operable between a first condition (FIG. 3A), wherein the imager <NUM> is generally visible through the cover <NUM>, and a second condition (FIG. 3B), wherein the imager <NUM> is generally concealed from view by the cover <NUM>.

The use of imagers (including cameras, sensors, etc.) on vehicles is becoming more widespread in an effort to increase safety and provide additional functionality on vehicles. Oftentimes these imagers are not aesthetically pleasing to the consumer. Accordingly, ways to conceal the imagers, yet enable a full range of use for the imagers, is valuable. Vehicle manufacturers are utilizing more imagers than ever before in an effort to move the industry toward semiautonomous and fully autonomous vehicles. However, the appearance of the imagers, as noted above, can be unsightly. The concepts set forth herein address concealability issues.

In an effort to conceal imagers from view, mechanical systems are frequently used. However, mechanical systems frequently require moving parts, which, over time, results in wear and tear on static and moving parts of the system, resulting in failure of the mechanical system. An alternative is to utilize an electro-optic device in the cover <NUM> that extends over the imager lens <NUM>.

With reference now to <FIG>, the cover <NUM> may include electro-optic functionality which can absorb, reflect, and/or scatter light, thereby obscuring the visibility of the imager <NUM>. The concealing cover <NUM> may be configured as part of a lens cover, or as part of a body panel. In one example, as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the cover <NUM> includes an electro-optic device that is positioned within a housing <NUM> of a vehicle antenna <NUM>. In this instance, the cover <NUM> is disposed proximate the imager lens <NUM> and conceals the imager lens <NUM> from view outside of the vehicle <NUM>. It is generally contemplated that the cover <NUM> may include a light absorbing, reflecting, and/or scattering liquid crystal device or electrochromic material. For example, the cover <NUM> may incorporate an electro-optic device in the form of an electrochromic device that absorbs light in the visible spectrum. Alternatively, the cover <NUM> may include a concealing device in the form of a light absorbing device, such as a suspended particle device, when activated (<FIG>) and does not absorb light (<FIG>) when deactivated.

In instances where a liquid crystal device is utilized, a liquid crystal cell can be positioned in or on the cover <NUM> proximate the imager lens <NUM>. Some examples of dimming liquid crystal devices include reflective cholesteric liquid crystal devices, twisted-nematic (TN) liquid crystal devices, and guest-host liquid crystal devices. A reflective cholesteric liquid crystal cell could be used to reflect light and prevent light from reaching the imager <NUM>. In addition to reducing transmission of ambient light, the reflective properties of a reflective cholesteric liquid crystal device will also provide reflection of ambient light. This reflective property will improve the concealment of the imager <NUM> by increasing the system contrast. The liquid crystal cell can be used in combination with absorbing or reflecting polarizers. If the liquid crystal device includes two absorbing polarizers with a twisted nematic (TN) liquid crystal cell between the polarizers, the liquid crystal device may be used to block light going into or out of the imager <NUM> in one state, and will allow polarized light to pass through the cover <NUM> in the opposite state. As an example, the first polarizer may be positioned in the cover <NUM> proximate a liquid crystal device and would have the same transmission orientation as with the second polarizer positioned behind the liquid crystal cell. In this instance, the system the liquid crystal device would rotate the light <NUM> degrees and would block light entering the cover <NUM> when the concealing device of the cover <NUM> was nonpowered. When the polarizers are positioned such that they will block both polarization orientations when there is no power, the imager <NUM> will be hidden behind the cover <NUM> (<FIG> and <FIG>) when the vehicle <NUM> is off and would not need to be powered to achieve concealment. The polarizers could be absorbing polarizers or reflective polarizers. If one or more reflective polarizers are used, the concealment device of the cover <NUM> would be somewhat reflective in the off state, and would help to hide the imager <NUM>. In one example, the concealment device of the cover <NUM> may be a TN liquid crystal cell with at least one reflective polarizer with the concealment device tipped so that when observed, the concealment device appears to reflect a color that is consistent with the vehicle paint or a color of the surrounding surface on the vehicle <NUM>. If the device is on a roof of the vehicle <NUM>, a top of the concealment device of the cover <NUM> could be tipped down so a typical observer would be likely to perceive the concealment device of the cover <NUM> to have the same color tone as the color tone of the paint of the vehicle <NUM> roof (<FIG>).

In some instances, the concealment device of the cover <NUM> with reflectance may result in double images or unwanted reflections within the structure. For the liquid crystal device using a TN liquid crystal cell, one configuration would be to put an absorbing polarizer near the imager <NUM> and a reflective polarizer on the opposite side of the liquid crystal cell. In this instance, the reflection from the reflective polarizer would not interfere with the image data <NUM> collected by the imager <NUM> since any light reflected back toward the imager <NUM> off of the reflective polarizer would be aligned with the absorbing axis of the absorbing polarizer.

In cases where a polarizer is positioned on the exterior portion of the cover <NUM>, it may be advantageous to have an additional substrate laminated to the polarizer to protect it from mechanical abrasion and the environment. In one example, the additional substrate may contain UV-blocking material to protect the polarizer.

In another construction, it may be advantageous to put an electrochromic device or suspended particle device in the cover <NUM> proximate the imager lens <NUM> to provide light attenuation. The electrochromic device or suspended particle device may form part of the cover <NUM>. For example, in bright sunlight, the imager <NUM> may reach a point of light saturation. A dimming device, such as an electrochromic device, could be used to reduce the overall light that reaches the imager <NUM>. It is generally contemplated that the electrochromic device or suspended particle device may be able to be controlled over a wide range of transmission.

There are also a number of light scattering liquid crystal systems that may be used to obstruct the view of the imager <NUM>. One such light scattering device may be based on a polymer dispersed liquid crystal (PDLC). It is also generally contemplated that a light scattering device such as a PDLC device and electrochromic device may be used in conjunction. The electrochromic device could be laminated to the liquid crystal device. Alternatively, the electrochromic device and the liquid crystal device could share a common substrate.

In any of the above examples, the use of an electrochromic device with memory will be particularly advantageous for imager concealment systems designed to conceal the imager <NUM> when the vehicle is parked. In one example, an electrochromic device may be utilized having a low end transmission of <NUM> percent and measuring at less than <NUM> percent after four hours, unpowered at open circuit. The same electrochromic device may have a high-end transmission greater than <NUM> percent.

Additionally, as illustrated in <FIG>, a louvered film <NUM> may also obscure the view of the imager <NUM> without darkening. The louvered film <NUM> may be positioned to obstruct the view from the anticipated viewing angle. That angle would vary depending on the position of the imager <NUM>. In one example, the imager <NUM> may be positioned on top of the vehicle and would have a louver orientation to prevent viewing of the imager <NUM> from below. An imager positioned low on the vehicle (near a bumper, for example) may have a louver which conceals the imager <NUM> when viewed from above. Alternatively, a microdot ablation in an otherwise opaque coating proximate the imager lens <NUM> may allow enough light through for the imager <NUM> to function while still hiding the imager <NUM>. If the opaque coating is a reflective coating, the imager <NUM> may be difficult to see during the day when ambient light would reflect off of the reflective surface. At night the imager <NUM> would remain hidden as the result of the partial light transmission of the coating in both directions.

With reference now to <FIG>, in the illustrated embodiment, a top portion of the vehicle <NUM> is illustrated having a center high mount stop light (CHMSL) <NUM>. The imager <NUM> is disposed behind the cover <NUM> formed as part of the CHMSL <NUM>. The imager <NUM> is configured to collect the image data <NUM> from behind the vehicle <NUM>. The cover <NUM> may be configured to conceal the imager lens <NUM> by darkening (via any of the manners disclosed above), such that the imager lens <NUM> is not visible from outside of the vehicle <NUM>. In the darkened state, the cover <NUM> will appear as a dark square on the body panel or CHMSL <NUM> of the vehicle <NUM>. Alternatively, as shown in <FIG>, using other manners as set forth above, including a reflective polarizer, for instance, the cover <NUM> can be configured to appear to have a color tone that matches or nearly matches the color tone of the paint of the body panel or CHMSL <NUM> of the vehicle <NUM>.

In a similar fashion, as shown in <FIG>, the imager <NUM> can also be used in or on a brake light <NUM> of the vehicle <NUM>. In this instance, the imager <NUM> collects the image data <NUM> through a rear windshield <NUM> of the vehicle <NUM>. In an undarkened or deactivated state, the imager <NUM> may be visible, as shown in <FIG>. However, upon activation of the concealment device, which may be any of those set forth above, the imager lens <NUM> may be hidden from view by the cover <NUM>, which may appear as a darkened area on the brake light <NUM>. Alternatively, as shown in <FIG>, the darkened state may be configured to match closely with the hue or general color of the brake light <NUM>, such that the imager <NUM> is generally not observable, nor is the cover <NUM> readily discernible relative to its surroundings.

With reference now to <FIG>, one example of a concealing assembly <NUM> in the form of an imager lens cover that includes an electro-optic cell <NUM> is illustrated. The electro-optic cell <NUM> may include an electro-optic material <NUM>, such as an electrochromic medium, for concealing an imager <NUM>. The electro-optic cell <NUM> may include a front substrate <NUM> defining a first surface 101a and a second surface 101b. The electro-optic cell <NUM> also includes a rear substrate <NUM> defining a third surface 108a and a fourth surface 108b. Seals <NUM> are disposed between the front substrate <NUM> and the rear substrate <NUM>. The electro-optic material <NUM> is sealed between the seals <NUM> and the front and rear substrates <NUM>, <NUM>. The concealing assembly <NUM> includes a masking layer <NUM> on the fourth surface <NUM> of the electro-optic cell <NUM>. The masking layer <NUM> defines an aperture <NUM> for the imager <NUM> and blocks viewing of other portions of the imager <NUM> or the imager housing when the electro-optic cell <NUM> is in a clear state. When the electro-optic cell <NUM> is clear, the imager <NUM> can view through the aperture <NUM>. When the electro-optic cell <NUM> is fully darkened, the electro-optic material <NUM> absorbs and/or reflects at least <NUM> percent, at least <NUM> percent, or at least <NUM> percent of the visible light and substantially reduces the visibility of the masking layer <NUM> or the imager <NUM>.

In one example, the transmission level of the electro-optic cell <NUM> can be varied from the clear state of greater than <NUM> percent visible light transmission to less than one percent transmission in the low transmission state. In the fully low transmission state, the total light reflecting off of the concealing assembly <NUM> is generally considered color neutral. The C* (chroma) of the concealing assembly <NUM> is less than <NUM> in the low transmission state, and may be less than <NUM> (when measured in the L*C*h color space). If the concealing assembly <NUM> has C* greater than <NUM>, the hue may have a value of h between about <NUM> degrees and <NUM> degrees. In this range of hue, the color will appear generally blue while avoiding more pronounced and typically more objectionable green or red colors. Even when C* is less than <NUM> or less than <NUM>, it is contemplated that h may be between <NUM> degrees and <NUM> degrees. In one embodiment, the visible light transmission in the high transmission state is <NUM> percent and the low transmission state has <NUM> percent transmission with a C* of <NUM>. However, it will be understood that the low end transmission range may extend from <NUM> percent to less than one percent.

A continuous range of dimming between the clear state and the fully darkened state is possible and may be used to make adjustments to the amount of visible light reaching the imager <NUM>. In some situations, it may be advantageous to dim the electro-optic cell <NUM> when the ambient conditions are very bright.

For vehicle use, the concealing assembly <NUM> may be reflecting, absorbing, or scattering visible light to conceal the imager <NUM> when the vehicle <NUM> is parked. Concealing assemblies <NUM> that draw current in the darkened state could, over time, drain the battery of the vehicle <NUM>. There are a number of systems that can maintain low specular transmission with little or no power. Many liquid crystal configurations can maintain a darkened condition when in the off state. Some electrochromic systems can also maintain low transmission with little to no power. A concealing assembly <NUM> with less than <NUM> mW of power consumption in the low transmissive state may be acceptable. Power consumption less than <NUM> mW, <NUM> mW, or <NUM> mW may also be utilized.

If an electro-optic element is used as the lens cover to hide an imager, the electro-optic element should clear fast enough to give a driver sufficient visibility behind the car. If an electro-optic element clears too slowly, the driver may not be able to see what they need to see, and this may become a safety concern. This is particularly a problem when the camera is being used at night when there is very little illumination behind the vehicle.

For an electro-optic or electrochromic element that is used for concealing a rearward-facing camera obtaining rearward vision within <NUM> seconds or less is significant since a driver may enter the vehicle, start the vehicle, and begin backing up within a matter of <NUM>-<NUM> seconds. It is preferred that a dimming lens cover would be sufficiently cleared in <NUM> seconds. To properly conceal a camera, it is found that a transmission below <NUM> percent may be sufficient to obtain reasonable concealment and a transmission below <NUM> percent is more preferred. At a transmission of <NUM> percent or less, there is minimal light reaching the camera. At night there may not be enough light to back up safely. An electro-optic element that clears to <NUM> percent or more within <NUM> seconds will greatly increase visibility before the driver starts to move backward. If the electro-optic device does not clear fast enough, other methods will be needed.

One possible solution to the nighttime visibility issue is to keep the electro-optic element clear when it is dark outside the vehicle. Whenever it is dark, the visibility of the camera is not a concern, so there is no need to conceal the camera. It is important to monitor light levels without causing a significant drain on the vehicle's battery. Less than <NUM> mW should be used to monitor the light levels. Less than <NUM>µW is preferred.

In one example, an electro-optic element is used to conceal a rearward-facing camera on a vehicle. An electro-optic element may be used which dims below <NUM> percent and clears to greater than <NUM> percent. A controller <NUM> (<FIG>) for the electro-optic element <NUM> is in communication with a light sensor subsystem <NUM> on the vehicle that monitors ambient light levels. The light sensor subsystem <NUM> sends a signal to the controller <NUM> to cause the electro-optic element <NUM> to clear when ambient light levels are below a specified first threshold level. The light sensor subsystem sends a signal to the controller <NUM> to cause the electro-optic element <NUM> to darken when the ambient light levels are above a specified second threshold level. The first and second threshold levels may be the same or may be different to provide a hysteresis so that the electro-optic element is not switched back and forth when the ambient light level is at a particular threshold level. The controller <NUM> is configured to receive a signal when the vehicle ignition is on (vehicle is running) and to respond to such an ignition signal by clearing the electro-optic element <NUM> so long as the ignition signal is received whenever the ambient light level is above the second threshold level. If the ambient light level is below the first threshold level, the electro-optic element <NUM> will already be clear and will remain clear until such time that the ambient light level is above the second threshold level.

<FIG> shows an example of the switchable lens cover circuit shown in <FIG>. As shown, a connector <NUM> is connected to the vehicle 12V battery so that it is provided power regardless of whether the vehicle ignition is on or off. The 12V power <NUM> is passed through a filter <NUM> to a first buck converter <NUM>, which converts the 12V power <NUM> to <NUM>. 2V output then passes through a conditioning circuit <NUM> before being supplied to the electro-optic element <NUM>, which in this particular example, may be an electrochromic element. 2V output may be selectively supplied to the electro-optic element <NUM> by enabling/disabling the first buck converter <NUM>. The controller <NUM> may be coupled to the first buck converter <NUM> via the output EL_EN on output pin RA1 to selectively enable or disable the first buck converter from supplying the <NUM> V power to the electro-optic element <NUM>. The control routine <NUM> for this function is described below with reference to <FIG>.

The controller <NUM> may also force the electro-optic element <NUM> to clear by sending a signal via output EL_CLR from output pin RA2 to a switch <NUM> that creates a short to ground across electro-optic element <NUM>. This speeds the clearing of the electro-optic element <NUM>.

A second buck converter <NUM> is provided to convert the 12V power <NUM> to a voltage vdd suitable for powering the controller <NUM> and the light sensor subsystem <NUM>. The first and second buck converters <NUM> and <NUM> have a low standby current and provide the advantage of efficiently converting the voltages while minimizing power consumption. This is advantageous since this circuit operates off the vehicle battery while minimizing current draw on the battery. Further, the buck converters do not require much protection up front, which further reduces power consumption and cost.

The light sensor subsystem <NUM> may include a light sensor <NUM>, a conditioning circuit <NUM>, and a switch <NUM>. The input/output of the light sensor <NUM> is coupled to the controller <NUM> so that the controller <NUM> may receive the output from the light sensor <NUM>. In addition, the controller <NUM> may optionally control the sensitivity of the light sensor <NUM>. The switch <NUM> is provided to selectively provide power to the light sensor <NUM> under control of the controller <NUM>. This way the controller <NUM> can periodically supply power to the light sensor <NUM> so as to limit the power drain by the light sensor <NUM>. The controller <NUM> may average the light sensor readings. For example, a moving average of the light sensor readings may be used whereby <NUM>/<NUM> of the value of the previous average is subtracted from the previous average and <NUM>/<NUM> of the new reading is added to arrive at the new average. The pin marked DAVESTREAM is a bidirectional I/O line which can be used for diagnostics or to provide input from the vehicle to override or modify the response to the light sensor.

An electro-optic element control routine <NUM> is shown in <FIG>. The routine <NUM> begins with the controller <NUM> determining if the ambient light level is below the first threshold level (indicating nighttime light conditions) in step <NUM>. If the ambient light level is below the first threshold level, the controller <NUM> changes (or maintains) the electro-optic element <NUM> in the clear state in step <NUM> before returning to step <NUM>. If the ambient light level is not below the first threshold level, the controller <NUM> determines in step <NUM> if the vehicle ignition is on.

If the vehicle ignition is on (the vehicle is running), the controller <NUM> changes (or maintains) the electro-optic element <NUM> in the clear state in step <NUM> before returning to step <NUM>. If the vehicle ignition is not on, the controller <NUM> determines in step <NUM> whether the ambient light level is above the second threshold level (indicating daytime light conditions). If the ambient light level is not above the second threshold level, the controller <NUM> returns to step <NUM>. If the ambient light level is above the second threshold level, the controller <NUM> changes (or maintains) the electro-optic element <NUM> in the dimmed state in step <NUM> before returning to step <NUM>.

The circuit described above with respect to <FIG> may also be used to control electrochromic windows <NUM> of the vehicle <NUM>. Specifically, some windows of the vehicle (the front windshield and the front side windows) typically cannot be tinted as dark as the rest of the windows. However, when the vehicle is parked in bright sunlight, it may be desirable to dim/darken all windows so as to block out the heat from the sun, while at least partially clearing at least the front windshield and the front side windows when the vehicle ignition is on to ensure the vehicle meets the legal requirements for transmission. The controller <NUM> may thus further control the transmissive state of electrochromic windows <NUM> of the vehicle <NUM>, wherein the controller <NUM> controls the electrochromic windows <NUM> to be in a dimmed state when the vehicle ignition is off and the ambient light level is above the second threshold level and controls the electrochromic windows <NUM> to be in at least a partially clear state when the ambient light level is below a first threshold level or when the vehicle ignition is on.

In the above control routine, the controller <NUM> clears the electro-optic element <NUM> when the vehicle ignition is on so that the electro-optic element <NUM> is clear whenever the imager <NUM> is capturing images. However, it may be desired to have the electro-optic element <NUM> dimmed when the vehicle ignition is on. For example, in very bright conditions, the electro-optic element <NUM> may be dimmed to increase the dynamic range of the imager <NUM>. Depending upon the electro-optic element <NUM> that is used, color shifts may be introduced by the electro-optic element <NUM> when in the dimmed state. For many electrochromic elements, these color shifts will be towards the blue and/or green region of the visible spectrum. These color shifts may be compensated using auto white balance adjustments. Another approach is to measure the open circuit voltage of the electro-optic element <NUM> to determine the extent of dimming and hence the color shift created by the electro-optic element. The color shift may then be corrected through image processing of the image data. Yet another solution would be to construct the electro-optic element <NUM> as an electrochromic element having a color neutral electrochromic medium as disclosed in <CIT>. By using such a color neutral electrochromic medium, the element will transition from the clear to the fully dimmed state and back without imposing any color shift.

An infrared (IR) absorbing electrochromic medium may be used in the electro-optic element <NUM> so that the lens cover functions as an IR cut filter when dimmed. In this case, the electro-optic element <NUM> may be dimmed during daytime conditions even when the vehicle is moving so that the electro-optic element <NUM> blocks IR radiation from reaching the imager <NUM>, which may affect the color sensed by the imager. However, at nighttime, the electro-optic element may be cleared so that it no longer blocks IR radiation and allows the imager <NUM> to receive the IR radiation, which enhances the sensitivity of the imager <NUM> thus providing greater night vision. An example of an electrochromic medium having such IR absorbing capabilities is disclosed in <CIT>.

Although the switchable lens cover is described as an electro-optic element controlled as a function of the output of a light sensor, a photochromic element may be used in place of the electro-optic element. Photochromic elements can change from a low light transmission state to a high light transmission state when exposed to light. The use of a photochromic element would provide the advantage of not having an electrical control circuit and hence not drawing power from the vehicle battery.

It will be understood by one having ordinary skill in the art that construction of the described invention and other components is not limited to any specific material. Other exemplary embodiments of the invention disclosed herein may be formed from a wide variety of materials, unless described otherwise herein.

It will be understood that any described processes or steps within described processes may be combined with other disclosed processes or steps to form structures within the scope of the present invention.

Claim 1:
An imager module for a vehicle (<NUM>) comprising:
an imager (<NUM>) including an imager lens (<NUM>), the imager (<NUM>) being configured to collect image data from at least one of inside and outside the vehicle (<NUM>);
a cover (<NUM>) disposed proximate the imager lens (<NUM>), the cover (<NUM>) configured to allow the imager to capture image data (<NUM>) through the cover (<NUM>), wherein the cover (<NUM>) includes an electro-optic element (<NUM>) that is operable between:
a clear state in which the imager (<NUM>) is generally visible through the cover (<NUM>); and
a dimmed state in which the imager (<NUM>) is generally concealed from view by the cover (<NUM>);
a light sensor subsystem (<NUM>) for sensing an ambient light level; and
a controller (<NUM>) configured to receive an output from the light sensor subsystem (<NUM>) representing the ambient light level and to control the electro-optic element (<NUM>) by selecting the clear state when a vehicle ignition is on or when the ambient light level is below a first threshold level regardless of the state of the ignition, and by selecting the dimmed state when the ambient light level is above a second threshold level and the vehicle ignition is off.