An imaging assembly for use in a vehicle is disclosed. The imaging assembly may include an image sensor configured to capture image data and an electro-optic element configured to selectively control a range of wavelengths corresponding to light in a near infrared (NIR) range of light entering the image sensor. The electro-optic element may include a first portion configured to absorb the range of wavelengths entering the image sensor and a second portion configured to absorb the range of wavelengths entering the image sensor in a first state and to transmit the range of wavelengths entering the image sensor in a second state. The second portion may be electrically isolated from the first portion. A controller may be in communication with the image sensor and the electro-optic element. The controller may be operable to switch the second portion between the first state and the second state.

A vehicular driver assistance system includes an imager disposed at a vehicle and viewing exterior the vehicle. A control includes an image processor that processes captured image data for at least a first application and a second application and that is operable to adjust the imager to first and second settings and to process captured image data via first and second processing techniques. The control adjusts the imager to the first or second setting to capture image data for the first or second application, respectively, and the image processor processes image data captured by the imager at the first or second setting via the respective first or second processing technique for the respective first or second application. The first application includes vehicle detection or lane departure warning or object detection and the second application includes headlamp control.

A system includes a camera having a field of view, a cleaning apparatus positioned to clean the camera, and a computer communicatively coupled to the camera and the cleaning apparatus. The computer is programmed to detect an obstruction on the camera based on sensing a trajectory of an external light source relative to the field of view in data from the camera, and upon detecting the obstruction, activate the cleaning apparatus.

Vehicles and methods for providing visual assistance to a driver during low ambient light conditions are provided. The vehicle includes at least one headlight, a visible light detection system configured to output a vision signal, a heads-up display configured to generate one or more images, one or more processors, and one or more non-transitory memory modules communicatively coupled to the one or more processors. The vision signal is indicative of an area illuminated by visible light generated by the at least one headlight. The memory modules store machine-readable instructions that, when executed, cause the one or more processors to receive an object signal representing a three-dimensional representation of an environment located in front of the vehicle.

In a method, an area surrounding a first motor vehicle is scanned optically on the part of the first motor vehicle; a message is determined on the basis of the scanned information; the message is transmitted from the first motor vehicle to a second motor vehicle, a distance between the first and the second motor vehicle not exceeding a predetermined maximum value; a graphic representation of the area surrounding the first motor vehicle is determined on the basis of the message; and the representation is output on board the second motor vehicle.

A driving assistance system includes a first camera disposed in the vehicle and configured to capture a visible image; a second camera disposed in the vehicle and configured to capture an invisible image; a display device configured to display images to the driver; and a processor coupled to the first camera, the second camera, and the display device, the processor conducts a process of image fusion to combine the visible image and the invisible image to obtain a fused image; wherein the display device displays the fused image only when the clarity of the visible image falls below a preset threshold.

A compact digital camera and infrared (IR) illuminator apparatus, including IR illuminators arranged adjacent to the digital camera. The digital camera has a camera lens and each IR illuminator includes IR LEDs. A single cover lens is positioned to cover the at least one IR LED and the camera lens. A region of the single cover lens that covers the IR LEDs blocks visible light and a region of the single cover lens that covers the camera lens is a neutral lens that transmits visible light. The single cover lens is a two-shot molded lens or a three-shot molded lens.

A vision system for a vehicle includes a camera disposed at the vehicle and having a field of view exterior of the vehicle. The camera includes a lens and an imager. A control includes a processor that processes image data captured by the camera. A light emitting device includes at least one light emitting diode. The light emitting device, when the at least one light emitting diode is powered, emits near infrared light at a region encompassed by the field of view of the camera. The control, responsive to processing of image data captured by the camera, determines an ambient light level exterior the vehicle. The control, responsive to the determined ambient light level, automatically controls intensity of the near infrared light emitted by the light emitting device.

A vehicular camera system is used to improve a driver's visibility around the entire perimeter of their vehicle. The vehicular camera system includes a vehicle, a plurality of cameras, and at least one display panel. The plurality of cameras is external mounted around the vehicle and is preferably positioned at the front, the rear, the left side, and the right side of the vehicle. The plurality of cameras is used to capture real-time footage of the area surround the vehicle and transmits this real-time footage to the display panel. The display panel is peripherally mounted to the steering wheel so that the driver is able to easily view the real-time footage that is visually outputted by the display screen.

A compact digital camera and infrared (IR) illuminator apparatus, including IR illuminators arranged adjacent to the digital camera. The digital camera has a camera lens and each IR illuminator includes IR LEDs. A single cover lens is positioned to cover the at least one IR LED and the camera lens. A region of the single cover lens that covers the IR LEDs blocks visible light and a region of the single cover lens that covers the camera lens is a neutral lens that transmits visible light. The single cover lens is a two-shot molded lens or a three-shot molded lens.