Patent US6099131A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US6099131A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Electro-optic rearview mirror system
Assignee: Magna Donnelly Corp
•
Filing: 1997-03-19
•
Granted: 2000-08-08
•
Expires: 2017-03-19
Abstract
Abstract An electro-optic rearview mirror system for a vehicle includes an interior mirror housing (10) containing an interior electro-optic mirror unit (18). At least one light sensor, and preferably a pair of light sensors (24, 26), is provided for sensing the ambient light level outside the vehicle. Control circuitry, which may be mounted on a PCB (36), is responsive to an output (34) from the at least one light sensor (24, 26) to establish a drive voltage for the electro-optic mirror unit (18). The PCB 36 is located outside the mirror housing (10) and mounted at the interior ceiling of the vehicle overhead and centrally between the driver and the front passenger, such as in a header (16) on the interior ceiling of the vehicle,
Inventors
- 👤 Sean J. Fletcher
- 👤 Patrick J. Lawlor
- 👤 Kenneth Schofield
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-29 16:03
CPC Classifications
B; B60; B60R; B60R1/00; B60R1/02; B60R1/08; B60R1/083; B60R1/088
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 106
Claim 1
Independent Claim
109 words
An electro-optic interior rearview mirror system for a vehicle, comprising: an interior mirror housing containing an interior electro-optic mirror unit, at least one light sensor at said interior mirror housing for sensing the ambient light level outside the vehicle, and control circuitry responsive to an output from said at least one light sensor to establish a drive voltage for the electro-optic mirror unit, said control circuitry being located outside said interior mirror housing and mounted at the interior ceiling of the vehicle overhead and centrally between the driver and the front passenger seats, wherein said control circuitry is positioned at a location with other control functions of the vehicle.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
109 words
An electro-optic interior rearview mirror system for a vehicle, comprising: an interior mirror housing containing an interior electro-optic mirror unit, at least one light sensor at said interior mirror housing for sensing the ambient light level outside the vehicle, and control circuitry responsive to an output from said at least one light sensor to establish a drive voltage for the electro-optic mirror unit, said control circuitry being located outside said interior mirror housing and mounted at the interior ceiling of the vehicle overhead and centrally between the driver and the front passenger seats, wherein said control circuitry is positioned at a location with other control functions of the vehicle.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
25 words
A rearview mirror system as claimed in claim 1, wherein said interior mirror housing is mounted to a header in the interior of the vehicle.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
38 words
A rearview mirror system as claimed in claim 1, wherein said mirror housing is supported by a hollow bracket and said control circuitry is connected to said interior electro-optic mirror unit by leads extending within said hollow bracket.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
26 words
A rearview mirror system as claimed in claim 1, wherein said control circuitry is located in a housing mounted on the interior ceiling of the vehicle.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
32 words
A rearview mirror system as claimed in claim 4, wherein said control circuit housing is located behind said interior mirror housing overhead and centrally between the driver and the front passenger seats.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
23 words
A rearview mirror system as claimed in claim 1, wherein said at least one light sensor is located in said interior mirror housing.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
20 words
A rearview mirror system as claimed in claim 4, wherein a light sensor is located in said control circuit housing.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
26 words
A rearview mirror system as claimed in claim 1, wherein said control circuitry shares a processor which is used for other control functions of the vehicle.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
58 words
A rearview mirror system as claimed in claim 8, also including at least one further mirror housing mounted on the exterior of the vehicle and containing a further electrooptic mirror unit, said control circuitry further being responsive to the output from said at least one light sensor to establish a drive voltage for said further electro-optic mirror unit.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
38 words
A rearview mirror system as claimed in claim 2, wherein said interior mirror housing is supported by a hollow bracket and said control circuitry is connected to said electro-optic mirror unit by leads extending within said hollow bracket.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
26 words
A rearview mirror system as claimed in claim 2, wherein said control circuitry is located in a housing mounted on the interior ceiling of the vehicle.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
26 words
A rearview mirror system as claimed in claim 3, wherein said control circuitry is located in a housing mounted on the interior ceiling of the vehicle.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
26 words
A rearview mirror system as claimed in claim 10, wherein said control circuitry is located in a housing mounted on the interior ceiling of the vehicle.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
32 words
A rearview mirror system as claimed in claim 11, wherein said control circuit housing is located behind said interior mirror housing overhead and centrally between the driver and the front passenger seats.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
32 words
A rearview mirror system as claimed in claim 12, wherein said control circuit housing is located behind said interior mirror housing overhead and centrally between the driver and the front passenger seats.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
32 words
A rearview mirror system as claimed in claim 13, wherein said control circuit housing is located behind said interior mirror housing overhead and centrally between the driver and the front passenger seats.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
23 words
A rearview mirror system as claimed in claim 2, wherein said at least one light sensor is located in said interior mirror housing.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
23 words
A rearview mirror system as claimed in claim 3, wherein said at least one light sensor is located in said interior mirror housing.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
24 words
A rearview mirror system as claimed in claim 4, wherein the said at least one light sensor is located in said interior mirror housing.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
24 words
A rearview mirror system as claimed in claim 5, wherein the said at least one light sensor is located in said interior mirror housing.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
24 words
A rearview mirror system as claimed in claim 10, wherein the said at least one light sensor is located in said interior mirror housing.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
24 words
A rearview mirror system as claimed in claim 11, wherein the said at least one light sensor is located in said interior mirror housing.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
24 words
A rearview mirror system as claimed in claim 12, wherein the said at least one light sensor is located in said interior mirror housing.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
24 words
A rearview mirror system as claimed in claim 13, wherein the said at least one light sensor is located in said interior mirror housing.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
24 words
A rearview mirror system as claimed in claim 14, wherein the said at least one light sensor is located in said interior mirror housing.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
24 words
A rearview mirror system as claimed in claim 15, wherein the said at least one light sensor is located in said interior mirror housing.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
24 words
A rearview mirror system as claimed in claim 16, wherein the said at least one light sensor is located in said interior mirror housing.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
20 words
A rearview mirror system as claimed in claim 5, wherein a light sensor is located in said control circuit housing.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
20 words
A rearview mirror system as claimed in claim 11, wherein a light sensor is located in said control circuit housing.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
20 words
A rearview mirror system as claimed in claim 12, wherein a light sensor is located in said control circuit housing.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
20 words
A rearview mirror system as claimed in claim 13, wherein a light sensor is located in said control circuit housing.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
20 words
A rearview mirror system as claimed in claim 14, wherein a light sensor is located in said control circuit housing.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
20 words
A rearview mirror system as claimed in claim 15, wherein a light sensor is located in said control circuit housing.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
20 words
A rearview mirror system as claimed in claim 16, wherein a light sensor is located in said control circuit housing.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
26 words
A rearview mirror system as claimed in claim 2, wherein said control circuitry shares a processor which is used for other control functions of the vehicle.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
26 words
A rearview mirror system as claimed in claim 3, wherein said control circuitry shares a processor which is used for other control functions of the vehicle.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
26 words
A rearview mirror system as claimed in claim 4, wherein said control circuitry shares a processor which is used for other control functions of the vehicle.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
26 words
A rearview mirror system as claimed in claim 5, wherein said control circuitry shares a processor which is used for other control functions of the vehicle.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
26 words
A rearview mirror system as claimed in claim 6, wherein said control circuitry shares a processor which is used for other control functions of the vehicle.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
26 words
A rearview mirror system as claimed in claim 7, wherein said control circuitry shares a processor which is used for other control functions of the vehicle.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
26 words
A rearview mirror system as claimed in claim 10, wherein said control circuitry shares a processor which is used for other control functions of the vehicle.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
26 words
A rearview mirror system as claimed in claim 11, wherein said control circuitry shares a processor which is used for other control functions of the vehicle.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
26 words
A rearview mirror system as claimed in claim 12, wherein said control circuitry shares a processor which is used for other control functions of the vehicle.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
26 words
A rearview mirror system as claimed in claim 13, wherein said control circuitry shares a processor which is used for other control functions of the vehicle.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
26 words
A rearview mirror system as claimed in claim 15, wherein said control circuitry shares a processor which is used for other control functions of the vehicle.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
26 words
A rearview mirror system as claimed in claim 16, wherein said control circuitry shares a processor which is used for other control functions of the vehicle.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
26 words
A rearview mirror system as claimed in claim 17, wherein said control circuitry shares a processor which is used for other control functions of the vehicle.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
26 words
A rearview mirror system as claimed in claim 18, wherein said control circuitry shares a processor which is used for other control functions of the vehicle.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
26 words
A rearview mirror system as claimed in claim 19, wherein said control circuitry shares a processor which is used for other control functions of the vehicle.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
26 words
A rearview mirror system as claimed in claim 20, wherein said control circuitry shares a processor which is used for other control functions of the vehicle.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
26 words
A rearview mirror system as claimed in claim 21, wherein said control circuitry shares a processor which is used for other control functions of the vehicle.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
26 words
A rearview mirror system as claimed in claim 22, wherein said control circuitry shares a processor which is used for other control functions of the vehicle.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
26 words
A rearview mirror system as claimed in claim 23, wherein said control circuitry shares a processor which is used for other control functions of the vehicle.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
26 words
A rearview mirror system as claimed in claim 24, wherein said control circuitry shares a processor which is used for other control functions of the vehicle.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
26 words
A rearview mirror system as claimed in claim 25, wherein said control circuitry shares a processor which is used for other control functions of the vehicle.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
26 words
A rearview mirror system as claimed in claim 26, wherein said control circuitry shares a processor which is used for other control functions of the vehicle.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim
26 words
A rearview mirror system as claimed in claim 27, wherein said control circuitry shares a processor which is used for other control functions of the vehicle.
Claim 59
Dependent Claim
26 words
A rearview mirror system as claimed in claim 28, wherein said control circuitry shares a processor which is used for other control functions of the vehicle.
Claim 60
Dependent Claim
26 words
A rearview mirror system as claimed in claim 29, wherein said control circuitry shares a processor which is used for other control functions of the vehicle.
Claim 61
Dependent Claim
26 words
A rearview mirror system as claimed in claim 30, wherein said control circuitry shares a processor which is used for other control functions of the vehicle.
Claim 62
Dependent Claim
26 words
A rearview mirror system as claimed in claim 31, wherein said control circuitry shares a processor which is used for other control functions of the vehicle.
Claim 63
Dependent Claim
26 words
A rearview mirror system as claimed in claim 32, wherein said control circuitry shares a processor which is used for other control functions of the vehicle.
Claim 64
Dependent Claim
26 words
A rearview mirror system as claimed in claim 33, wherein said control circuitry shares a processor which is used for other control functions of the vehicle.
Claim 65
Dependent Claim
26 words
A rearview mirror system as claimed in claim 34, wherein said control circuitry shares a processor which is used for other control functions of the vehicle.
Claim 66
Dependent Claim
58 words
A rearview mirror system as claimed in claim 35, also including at least one further mirror housing mounted on the exterior of the vehicle and containing a further electro-optic mirror unit, said control circuitry further being responsive to the output from said at least one light sensor to establish a drive voltage for said further electro-optic mirror unit.
Claim 67
Dependent Claim
58 words
A rearview mirror system as claimed in claim 36, also including at least one further mirror housing mounted on the exterior of the vehicle and containing a further electro-optic mirror unit, said control circuitry further being responsive to the output from said at least one light sensor to establish a drive voltage for said further electro-optic mirror unit.
Claim 68
Dependent Claim
58 words
A rearview mirror system as claimed in claim 37, also including at least one further mirror housing mounted on the exterior of the vehicle and containing a further electro-optic mirror unit, said control circuitry further being responsive to the output from said at least one light sensor to establish a drive voltage for said further electro-optic mirror unit.
Claim 69
Dependent Claim
58 words
A rearview mirror system as claimed in claim 38, also including at least one further mirror housing mounted on the exterior of the vehicle and containing a further electro-optic mirror unit, said control circuitry further being responsive to the output from said at least one light sensor to establish a drive voltage for said further electro-optic mirror unit.
Claim 70
Dependent Claim
58 words
A rearview mirror system as claimed in claim 39, also including at least one further mirror housing mounted on the exterior of the vehicle and containing a further electro-optic mirror unit, said control circuitry further being responsive to the output from said at least one light sensor to establish a drive voltage for said further electro-optic mirror unit.
Claim 71
Dependent Claim
58 words
A rearview mirror system as claimed in claim 40, also including at least one further mirror housing mounted on the exterior of the vehicle and containing a further electro-optic mirror unit, said control circuitry further being responsive to the output from said at least one light sensor to establish a drive voltage for said further electro-optic mirror unit.
Claim 72
Dependent Claim
58 words
A rearview mirror system as claimed in claim 41, also including at least one further mirror housing mounted on the exterior of the vehicle and containing a further electro-optic mirror unit, said control circuitry further being responsive to the output from said at least one light sensor to establish a drive voltage for said further electro-optic mirror unit.
Claim 73
Dependent Claim
58 words
A rearview mirror system as claimed in claim 42, also including at least one further mirror housing mounted on the exterior of the vehicle and containing a further electro-optic mirror unit, said control circuitry further being responsive to the output from said at least one light sensor to establish a drive voltage for said further electro-optic mirror unit.
Claim 74
Dependent Claim
58 words
A rearview mirror system as claimed in claim 43, also including at least one further mirror housing mounted on the exterior of the vehicle and containing a further electro-optic mirror unit, said control circuitry further being responsive to the output from said at least one light sensor to establish a drive voltage for said further electro-optic mirror unit.
Claim 75
Dependent Claim
58 words
A rearview mirror system as claimed in claim 44, also including at least one further mirror housing mounted on the exterior of the vehicle and containing a further electro-optic mirror unit, said control circuitry further being responsive to the output from said at least one light sensor to establish a drive voltage for said further electro-optic mirror unit.
Claim 76
Dependent Claim
58 words
A rearview mirror system as claimed in claim 45, also including at least one further mirror housing mounted on the exterior of the vehicle and containing a further electro-optic mirror unit, said control circuitry further being responsive to the output from said at least one light sensor to establish a drive voltage for said further electro-optic mirror unit.
Claim 77
Dependent Claim
58 words
A rearview mirror system as claimed in claim 46, also including at least one further mirror housing mounted on the exterior of the vehicle and containing a further electro-optic mirror unit, said control circuitry further being responsive to the output from said at least one light sensor to establish a drive voltage for said further electro-optic mirror unit.
Claim 78
Dependent Claim
58 words
A rearview mirror system as claimed in claim 47, also including at least one further mirror housing mounted on the exterior of the vehicle and containing a further electro-optic mirror unit, said control circuitry further being responsive to the output from said at least one light sensor to establish a drive voltage for said further electro-optic mirror unit.
Claim 79
Dependent Claim
58 words
A rearview mirror system as claimed in claim 48, also including at least one further mirror housing mounted on the exterior of the vehicle and containing a further electro-optic mirror unit, said control circuitry further being responsive to the output from said at least one light sensor to establish a drive voltage for said further electro-optic mirror unit.
Claim 80
Dependent Claim
58 words
A rearview mirror system as claimed in claim 49, also including at least one further mirror housing mounted on the exterior of the vehicle and containing a further electro-optic mirror unit, said control circuitry further being responsive to the output from said at least one light sensor to establish a drive voltage for said further electro-optic mirror unit.
Claim 81
Dependent Claim
58 words
A rearview mirror system as claimed in claim 50, also including at least one further mirror housing mounted on the exterior of the vehicle and containing a further electro-optic mirror unit, said control circuitry further being responsive to the output from said at least one light sensor to establish a drive voltage for said further electro-optic mirror unit.
Claim 82
Dependent Claim
58 words
A rearview mirror system as claimed in claim 51, also including at least one further mirror housing mounted on the exterior of the vehicle and containing a further electro-optic mirror unit, said control circuitry further being responsive to the output from said at least one light sensor to establish a drive voltage for said further electro-optic mirror unit.
Claim 83
Dependent Claim
58 words
A rearview mirror system as claimed in claim 52, also including at least one further mirror housing mounted on the exterior of the vehicle and containing a further electro-optic mirror unit, said control circuitry further being responsive to the output from said at least one light sensor to establish a drive voltage for said further electro-optic mirror unit.
Claim 84
Dependent Claim
58 words
A rearview mirror system as claimed in claim 53, also including at least one further mirror housing mounted on the exterior of the vehicle and containing a further electro-optic mirror unit, said control circuitry further being responsive to the output from said at least one light sensor to establish a drive voltage for said further electro-optic mirror unit.
Claim 85
Dependent Claim
58 words
A rearview mirror system as claimed in claim 54, also including at least one further mirror housing mounted on the exterior of the vehicle and containing a further electro-optic mirror unit, said control circuitry further being responsive to the output from said at least one light sensor to establish a drive voltage for said further electro-optic mirror unit.
Claim 86
Dependent Claim
58 words
A rearview mirror system as claimed in claim 55, also including at least one further mirror housing mounted on the exterior of the vehicle and containing a further electro-optic mirror unit, said control circuitry further being responsive to the output from said at least one light sensor to establish a drive voltage for said further electro-optic mirror unit.
Claim 87
Dependent Claim
58 words
A rearview mirror system as claimed in claim 56, also including at least one further mirror housing mounted on the exterior of the vehicle and containing a further electro-optic mirror unit, said control circuitry further being responsive to the output from said at least one light sensor to establish a drive voltage for said further electro-optic mirror unit.
Claim 88
Dependent Claim
58 words
A rearview mirror system as claimed in claim 57, also including at least one further mirror housing mounted on the exterior of the vehicle and containing a further electro-optic mirror unit, said control circuitry further being responsive to the output from said at least one light sensor to establish a drive voltage for said further electro-optic mirror unit.
Claim 89
Dependent Claim
58 words
A rearview mirror system as claimed in claim 58, also including at least one further mirror housing mounted on the exterior of the vehicle and containing a further electro-optic mirror unit, said control circuitry further being responsive to the output from said at least one light sensor to establish a drive voltage for said further electro-optic mirror unit.
Claim 90
Dependent Claim
58 words
A rearview mirror system as claimed in claim 59, also including at least one further mirror housing mounted on the exterior of the vehicle and containing a further electro-optic mirror unit, said control circuitry further being responsive to the output from said at least one light sensor to establish a drive voltage for said further electro-optic mirror unit.
Claim 91
Dependent Claim
58 words
A rearview mirror system as claimed in claim 60, also including at least one further mirror housing mounted on the exterior of the vehicle and containing a further electro-optic mirror unit, said control circuitry further being responsive to the output from said at least one light sensor to establish a drive voltage for said further electro-optic mirror unit.
Claim 92
Dependent Claim
58 words
A rearview mirror system as claimed in claim 61, also including at least one further mirror housing mounted on the exterior of the vehicle and containing a further electro-optic mirror unit, said control circuitry further being responsive to the output from said at least one light sensor to establish a drive voltage for said further electro-optic mirror unit.
Claim 93
Dependent Claim
58 words
A rearview mirror system as claimed in claim 62, also including at least one further mirror housing mounted on the exterior of the vehicle and containing a further electro-optic mirror unit, said control circuitry further being responsive to the output from said at least one light sensor to establish a drive voltage for said further electro-optic mirror unit.
Claim 94
Dependent Claim
58 words
A rearview mirror system as claimed in claim 63, also including at least one further mirror housing mounted on the exterior of the vehicle and containing a further electro-optic mirror unit, said control circuitry further being responsive to the output from said at least one light sensor to establish a drive voltage for said further electro-optic mirror unit.
Claim 95
Dependent Claim
58 words
A rearview mirror system as claimed in claim 64, also including at least one further mirror housing mounted on the exterior of the vehicle and containing a further electro-optic mirror unit, said control circuitry further being responsive to the output from said at least one light sensor to establish a drive voltage for said further electro-optic mirror unit.
Claim 96
Dependent Claim
20 words
A rearview mirror system as claimed in claim 1, wherein said interior electro-optic mirror unit comprises an electrochromic mirror unit.
Claim 97
Dependent Claim
20 words
A rearview mirror system as claimed in claim 2, wherein said interior electro-optic mirror unit comprises an electrochromic mirror unit.
Claim 98
Dependent Claim
20 words
A rearview mirror system as claimed in claim 3, wherein said interior electro-optic mirror unit comprises an electrochromic mirror unit.
Claim 99
Dependent Claim
20 words
A rearview mirror system as claimed in claim 4, wherein said interior electro-optic mirror unit comprises an electrochromic mirror unit.
Claim 100
Dependent Claim
20 words
A rearview mirror system as claimed in claim 5, wherein said interior electro-optic mirror unit comprises an electrochromic mirror unit.
Claim 101
Dependent Claim
20 words
A rearview mirror system as claimed in claim 8, wherein said interior electro-optic mirror unit comprises an electrochromic mirror unit.
Claim 102
Dependent Claim
25 words
A rearview mirror system as claimed in claim 9, wherein said interior electro-optic mirror unit and said further electro-optic mirror unit comprise electrochromic mirror units.
Claim 103
Dependent Claim
20 words
A rearview mirror system as claimed in claim 10, wherein said interior electro-optic mirror unit comprises an electrochromic mirror unit.
Claim 104
Dependent Claim
20 words
A rearview mirror system as claimed in claim 11, wherein said interior electro-optic mirror unit comprises an electrochromic mirror unit.
Claim 105
Dependent Claim
20 words
A rearview mirror system as claimed in claim 12, wherein said interior electro-optic mirror unit comprises an electrochromic mirror unit.
Claim 106
Dependent Claim
20 words
A rearview mirror system as claimed in claim 13, wherein said interior electro-optic mirror unit comprises an electrochromic mirror unit.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2003-08-08 | 2004-02-07 | 2004-08-08 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2007-08-08 | 2008-02-07 | 2008-08-08 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2011-08-08 | 2012-02-07 | 2012-08-08 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |