Equipment on automotive vehicle is controlled by a system including at
least one semiconductor light sensor having variable sensitivity to
light. Each light sensor generates a light signal indicative of the
intensity of light incident on the light sensor. Control logic varies the
sensitivity of the light sensor and generates equipment control signals
based on received light signals. Sensitivity of light sensors may be
varied by changing the integration time for producing charge from light
incident on light transducers, by selecting between light transducers of
different sensitivity within the light sensor, by using a light
transducer with a sensitivity that is a function of the amount of
incident light, and the like. Controlled equipment includes devices such
as automatically dimming rearview mirrors, headlamps, and moisture
removal means.