An optical module for a vehicle includes an imager configured to collect image data from at least one of inside and outside the vehicle. A cover is disposed proximate a lens of the imager. The cover includes an electro-optic cell aligned with the lens and configured to allow the imager to capture the image data through the cover. The cover is colored to match one of an interior and exterior body panel of the vehicle. The electro-optic cell is operable between a first condition wherein the electro-optic cell has a visible light transmission of greater than 50% and a second condition wherein the visible light transmission of the electro-optic cell is less than 15%.

An optical module for a vehicle includes an imager configured to collect image data from at least one of inside and outside the vehicle. A cover is disposed proximate a lens of the imager. The cover includes an electro-optic cell aligned with the lens and configured to allow the imager to capture the image data through the cover. The cover is colored to match one of an interior and exterior body panel of the vehicle. The electro-optic cell is operable between a first condition wherein the electro-optic cell has a visible light transmission of greater than 50% and a second condition wherein the visible light transmission of the electro-optic cell is less than 15%.

A blade driving device comprising: a driving member; one or more blade members that are caused to undergo sliding motion by the driving member; a blade supporting unit for supporting the blade member slidably; and a frame for containing the driving member and a portion of the blade supporting unit, wherein the blade supporting unit comprises a blade chamber for containing a blade member between opposing thin plate members, along with an insertion portion that has an opening and that protrudes from a frame, wherein the opposing thin plate members are integrated together at least the tip end of the insertion portion.

A camera module with non-mechanical blocking and non-blocking functions in relation to external light includes a lens, a light sensing element, and a housing. The lens includes interconnected first and second cavity regions, there being gas and/or colored liquid in the first cavity region or the second cavity region. The colored liquid exists in the first cavity region during a first state and, by the application of fingertip heat, in the second cavity region only during the second state, or the reverse. The light sensing element can receive or not receive external light representing images according to user choice. The housing receives the lens and the light sensing element.

A camera module with non-mechanical blocking and non-blocking functions in relation to external light includes a lens, a light sensing element, and a housing. The lens includes interconnected first and second cavity regions, there being gas and/or colored liquid in the first cavity region or the second cavity region. The colored liquid exists in the first cavity region during a first state and, by the application of fingertip heat, in the second cavity region only during the second state, or the reverse. The light sensing element can receive or not receive external light representing images according to user choice. The housing receives the lens and the light sensing element.

A camera module with non-mechanical blocking and non-blocking functions in relation to external light includes a lens, a light sensing element, and a housing. The lens includes interconnected first and second cavity regions, there being gas and/or colored liquid in the first cavity region or the second cavity region. The colored liquid exists in the first cavity region during a first state and, by the application of fingertip heat, in the second cavity region only during the second state, or the reverse. The light sensing element can receive or not receive external light representing images according to user choice. The housing receives the lens and the light sensing element.

A camera module with non-mechanical blocking and non-blocking functions in relation to external light includes a lens, a light sensing element, and a housing. The lens includes interconnected first and second cavity regions, there being gas and/or colored liquid in the first cavity region or the second cavity region. The colored liquid exists in the first cavity region during a first state and, by the application of fingertip heat, in the second cavity region only during the second state, or the reverse. The light sensing element can receive or not receive external light representing images according to user choice. The housing receives the lens and the light sensing element.

Embodiments of systems and methods for using electronic diffusers to implement message indicators are described. A segment of a diffuser attached to an electronic device is configured to indicate an informational message in response to signals that result in a change to an optical property. A set of information to be displayed using the segment is determined, and a signal is transmitted to the segment to display the information.

Embodiments of systems and methods for using electronic diffusers to implement message indicators are described. A segment of a diffuser attached to an electronic device is configured to indicate an informational message in response to signals that result in a change to an optical property. A set of information to be displayed using the segment is determined, and a signal is transmitted to the segment to display the information.

A camera module with non-mechanical blocking and non-blocking functions in relation to external light includes a lens, a light sensing element, and a housing. The lens includes interconnected first and second cavity regions, there being gas and/or colored liquid in the first cavity region or the second cavity region. The colored liquid exists in the first cavity region during a first state and, by the application of fingertip heat, in the second cavity region only during the second state, or the reverse. The light sensing element can receive or not receive external light representing images according to user choice. The housing receives the lens and the light sensing element.