Patent ID: 7619680

Claim:
An imaging system for use in an exterior or interior of a vehicle, the imaging system comprising: a camera having an image sensor with an associated optical path, the image sensor adapted for generating an output that is indicative of lighting conditions in a viewing area of the camera; and an infrared filter associated with the image sensor for attenuating infrared radiation; wherein the infrared filter is movable as a result of the output of the image sensor, between a first position in which the infrared filter is disposed in the optical path of the image sensor for preventing transmission of the infrared radiation to the image sensor, and a second position in which the infrared filter is spaced from the optical path of the image sensor and does not prevent transmission of the infrared radiation to the image sensor; and wherein, when the output is less than a first threshold, the infrared filter is in the first position, and when the output is greater than a second threshold which is greater than the first threshold, the infrared filter is in the second position.