Refractive block and imaging systems for use in automobiles

1. A refractive block, comprising:

a light-entrance surface configured to be mounted in contact with a refractive boundary of a vehicle; and

a light-exit surface wherein said refractive block is configured to refract an optical path of light corresponding to an imaged area and to direct said light to an image-sensing component.

2. The refractive block of claim 1 , and wherein said refractive block is formed of a material of having an index of refraction tat is substantially similar to an index of refraction of said refractive boundary.

3. The refractive block of claim 1 , and further comprising a plurality of peripheral surfaces being treated to minimize the entrance of light there tbxough.

4. The refractive block of claim 3 , and wherein said peripheral surfaces are roughened.

5. The refractive block of claim 3 , and wherein said peripheral surfaces are darkened.

6. The refractive block of claim 1 , and wherein said light-exit surface comprises a non-planar surface.

7. The refractive block of claim 6 , and wherein said light-exit surface is configured to operate as a first optical surface of said image-sensing component.

8. The refractive block of claim 6 , and wherein said light-exit surface is configured to selectively direct light to said image sensing corresponding to a plurality of imaged areas.

9. The refractive block of claim 6 , and wherein said light-exit surface comprises a planar surface.

10. The refractive block of claim 9 , and wherein said refractive block is configured to direct said light through said light-exit surface at substantially a fight-angle.

11. The refractive block of claim 1 , and further comprising an antireflective coating on said light-exit surface.

12. An imaging system, comprising:

a refractive block configured to be mounted in contact with an interior surface of a refractive boundary of a vehicle and configured to refract an optical pat of light corresponding to an imaged area; and

an image-sensing component in optical communication with said refractive block.

13. The system of claim 12 , and wherein said refractive block comprises a material having an index of refraction substantially similar to an index of refraction of said refractive boundary.

14. The system of claim 13 , and further comprising an adhesive between said refractive block and said refractive boundary.

15. The system of claim 14 , wherein said adhesive comprises a material having an index of refraction substantially similar to said index of refraction of said refractive boundary.

16. The system of claim 12 , and further comprising an air gap between a light-exit surface of said refractive block and a first optical surface of said image-sensing component.

17. The system of claim 12 , and wherein a light-exit surface of said refractive block comprises a first optical surface of said image-sensing component.

18. The system of claim 12 , and wherein a light-exit surface of said refractive block comprises a planar surface.

19. The system of claim 18 , and wherein said light exits said refractive block substantially normal to said light-exit surface.

20. The system of claim 12 , wherein refractive block is configured to allow said image-sensing component to receive light from a light-exit surface, said light corresponding to a plurality of imaged areas.

21. The system of claim 20 , wherein said refractive block comprises a wedge.

22. The system of claim 12 , wherein said refractivd boundary comprises a vehicle windshield.

23. The system of claim 12 , wherein said refractive boundary comprises a side-window or a substantially transparent side panel of a vehicle.

24. The system of claim 12 , wherein said image-sensing component is part of a pedestrian/cross-traffic detection system.

25. . An imaging system, comprising:

at least one refractive block configured to be mounted in contact with an interior surface of a side window of a vehicle and configured to refract an optical pat of light corresponding to an imaged area, said imaged area corresponding to a sideward and rearward view of said vehicle;

at least one an image-sensing component in optical communication with said refractive block; and

at least one display device configured to display an image corresponding to said image area.

26. The system of claim 25 , and farther comprising a plurality of refractive blocks and a plurality of image-sensing components, said refractive blocks and image-sensing components being configured to image an area rearward and sideward of a passenger side of said vehicle and rearward and sideward of a driver side of said vehicle.

27. The system of claim 25 , wherein said refractive block comprises a boundary contacting surface and an exit surface, said exit surface being non-planar.