US6340850B2
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Vehicle mirror digital network and dynamically interactive mirror system
Assignee: Magna Donnelly Corp
•
Filing: 2000-12-22
•
Granted: 2002-01-22
•
Expires: 2020-12-22
Abstract
Abstract A vehicle rear vision system includes at lest two rearview assemblies each having an image transfer device for transferring images rearwardly of the vehicle in order to be observable by a driver. A rear vision communication system is provided to effect communication between the rearview assemblies. The rear vision communication system also includes a communication link with the vehicle multiplex communication network. The vehicle rear vision system may include an interactive dynamic position control, which repositions each mirror in the system in response to a change in the position of one mirror in a manner which allows the mirror aim to track a driver's eye position.
Inventors
- 👤 Desmond J. O'Farrell
- 👤 Roger L. Veldman
- 👤 Kenneth Schofield
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-27 17:22
CPC Classifications
B; B60; B60R; B60R1/00; B60R1/02; B60R1/06; B60R1/062; B60R1/07; B60R1/20; B60R1/22; B60R1/23; B60R1/26; B60R16/00; B60R16/02; B60R16/037; B60R1/12; B60R1/1207; B60R2300/00; B60R2300/10; B60R2300/105; B60R2300/80; B60R2300/8046; B60R2300/8066
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 66
Claim 1
Independent Claim
205 words
A vehicle rear vision system suitable for use in a vehicle equipped with a vehicle communication network, said system comprising: an interior rearview mirror assembly and an exterior rearview mirror assembly; said interior rearview mirror assembly including an interior electro-optical reflectance element and a first microprocessor-based control; said exterior rearview mirror assembly including an exterior electro-optical reflectance element and a second microprocessor-based control; said first microprocessor-based control including a control channel for controlling a partial reflectance level of said first interior electro-optical reflectance element; said second microprocessor-based control including a control channel for controlling a partial reflectance level of said second exterior electro-optical reflectance element; said second microprocessor-based control including at least one another control channel, said at least one another control channel operable to at least one of (i) selectively activate a heater element in heat transfer association with said second exterior electro-optical reflectance element, (ii) operate a positioning device for said second exterior electro-optical reflectance element, (iii) actuate a security light, (iv) actuate a turn signal, and (v) actuate a stop signal; and wherein one of said first and second microprocessor-based controls at least one of (i) formats message for the vehicle communication network and (ii) decodes messages from the vehicle communication network.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
205 words
A vehicle rear vision system suitable for use in a vehicle equipped with a vehicle communication network, said system comprising: an interior rearview mirror assembly and an exterior rearview mirror assembly; said interior rearview mirror assembly including an interior electro-optical reflectance element and a first microprocessor-based control; said exterior rearview mirror assembly including an exterior electro-optical reflectance element and a second microprocessor-based control; said first microprocessor-based control including a control channel for controlling a partial reflectance level of said first interior electro-optical reflectance element; said second microprocessor-based control including a control channel for controlling a partial reflectance level of said second exterior electro-optical reflectance element; said second microprocessor-based control including at least one another control channel, said at least one another control channel operable to at least one of (i) selectively activate a heater element in heat transfer association with said second exterior electro-optical reflectance element, (ii) operate a positioning device for said second exterior electro-optical reflectance element, (iii) actuate a security light, (iv) actuate a turn signal, and (v) actuate a stop signal; and wherein one of said first and second microprocessor-based controls at least one of (i) formats message for the vehicle communication network and (ii) decodes messages from the vehicle communication network.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
24 words
The vehicle rear vision system of claim 1 , wherein said one of said first and second microprocessor-based controls comprises said first microprocessor-based control.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
24 words
The vehicle rear vision system of claim 2 , wherein said first microprocessor-based control includes a node for linking with the vehicle communication network.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
24 words
The vehicle rear vision system of claim 3 , wherein said node for linking with the vehicle communication network comprises a serial data node.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
24 words
The vehicle rear vision system of claim 1 , wherein said one of said first and second microprocessor-based controls comprises said second microprocessor-based control.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
24 words
The vehicle rear vision system of claim 5 , wherein said second microprocessor-based control includes a node for linking with the vehicle communication network.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
24 words
The vehicle rear vision system of claim 6 , wherein said node for linking with the vehicle communication network comprises a serial data node.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
29 words
The vehicle rear vision system of claim 1 , wherein at least one of said first and second microprocessor-based controls receives an input from at least one light sensor.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
39 words
The vehicle rear vision system of claim 8 , wherein said at least one of the said first and second microprocessor-based controls provides an output in response to said input in order to activate or deactivate a vehicle headlight.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
29 words
The vehicle rear vision system of claim 9 , wherein said at least one of said first and second microprocessor-based controls provides said output over the vehicle communication network.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
22 words
The vehicle rear vision system claim 1 , wherein said first microprocessor-based control receives an input from at least one light sensor.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
30 words
The vehicle rear vision system of claim 11 , wherein said first microprocessor-based control controls the partial reflectance level of said interior electro-optic reflectance element in response to said input.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
23 words
The vehicle rear vision system of claim 1 , wherein said second microprocessor-based control receives an input from at least one light sensor.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
30 words
The vehicle rear vision system of claim 13 , wherein said second microprocessor-based control controls the partial reflectance level of said exterior electro-optic reflectance element in response to said input.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
20 words
The vehicle rear vision system of claim 14 , wherein said exterior electro-optic reflectance element comprises an electrochromic minor element.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
60 words
The vehicle rear vision system of claim 1 , wherein at least one of said first and second microprocessor-based controls receives input from or provides output to at least one of an image capture device, an intelligent highway system, an antenna, a global positioning system, a keyless entry system, a garage door opener, a blind-spot detector, and a heading sensor.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
19 words
The vehicle rear vision system of claim 1 , wherein the vehicle communication network comprises a vehicle-multiplexed communication bus.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
36 words
The vehicle rear vision system of claim 1 , wherein said system includes another exterior rearview mirror assembly, and wherein said another exterior mirror assembly includes another exterior electro-optical reflectance element and a third microprocessor-based control.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
162 words
A vehicle rear vision system suitable for use in a vehicle equipped with a vehicle communication network, said system comprising: an interior rearview mirror assembly and an exterior rearview mirror assembly; said interior rearview mirror assembly including an interior reflectance element and a first microprocessor-based control; said exterior rearview mirror assembly including an exterior reflectance element and a second microprocessor-based control; at least one of said first and second microprocessor-based controls operable to at least two of (i) selectively activate a heater element in heat transfer association with said respective reflectance element, (ii) operate a positioning device for said respective reflectance element, (iii) actuate a security light, (iv) actuate a turn signal, (v) control a reflectance level of said respective reflectance element and (vi) actuate a stop signal; and wherein said at least one of said first and second microprocessor-based controls at least one of (i) formats messages for the vehicle communication network and (ii) decodes messages from the vehicle communication network.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
162 words
A vehicle rear vision system suitable for use in a vehicle equipped with a vehicle communication network, said system comprising: an interior rearview mirror assembly and an exterior rearview mirror assembly; said interior rearview mirror assembly including an interior reflectance element and a first microprocessor-based control; said exterior rearview mirror assembly including an exterior reflectance element and a second microprocessor-based control; at least one of said first and second microprocessor-based controls operable to at least two of (i) selectively activate a heater element in heat transfer association with said respective reflectance element, (ii) operate a positioning device for said respective reflectance element, (iii) actuate a security light, (iv) actuate a turn signal, (v) control a reflectance level of said respective reflectance element and (vi) actuate a stop signal; and wherein said at least one of said first and second microprocessor-based controls at least one of (i) formats messages for the vehicle communication network and (ii) decodes messages from the vehicle communication network.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
26 words
The vehicle rear vision system of claim 19 , wherein said at least one of said first and second microprocessor-based controls comprises said first microprocessor-based control.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
24 words
The vehicle rear vision system of claim 20 , wherein said first microprocessor-based control includes a node for linking with the vehicle communication network.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
24 words
The vehicle rear vision system of claim 21 , wherein said node for linking with the vehicle communication network comprises a serial data node.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
26 words
The vehicle rear vision system of claim 19 , wherein said at least one of said first and second microprocessor-based controls comprises said second microprocessor-based control.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
24 words
The vehicle rear vision system of claim 23 , wherein said second microprocessor-based control includes a node for linking with the vehicle communication network.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
24 words
The vehicle rear vision system of claim 24 , wherein said node for linking with the vehicle communication network comprises a serial data node.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
29 words
The vehicle rear vision system of claim 19 , wherein at least one of said first and second microprocessor-based controls receives an input from at least one light sensor.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
39 words
The vehicle rear vision system of claim 26 , wherein said at least one of said and first and second microprocessor-based controls provides an output in response to said input in order to activate or deactivate a vehicle headlight.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
29 words
The vehicle rear vision system of claim 27 , wherein said at least one of said first and second microprocessor-based controls provides said output over the vehicle communication network.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
23 words
The vehicle rear vision system of claim 19 , wherein said first microprocessor-based control receives an input from at least one light sensor.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
40 words
The vehicle rear vision system of claim 29 , wherein said interior reflectance element comprises an electrochromic reflectance element and wherein said first microprocessor-based control controls the partial reflectance level of said electrochromic reflectance element in response to said input.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
23 words
The vehicle rear vision system of claim 19 , wherein said second microprocessor-based control receives an input from at least one light sensor.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
40 words
The vehicle rear vision system of claim 31 , wherein said exterior reflectance element comprises an electrochromic reflectance element and wherein said second microprocessor-based control controls the partial reflectance level of said electrochromic reflectance element in response to said input.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
22 words
The vehicle rear vision system of claim 19 , wherein at least one of said first and second assemblies include an antenna.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
60 words
The vehicle rear vision system of claim 19 , wherein at least one of said first and second microprocessor-based controls receives input from or provides output to at least one of an image capture device, an intelligent highway system, an antenna, a global positioning system, a keyless entry system, a garage door opener, a blind-spot detector, and a heading sensor.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
20 words
The vehicle rear vision system of claim 19 , wherein the vehicle communi cation network comprises a vehicle-multiplexed communication bus.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
35 words
The vehicle rear vision system of claim 19 , wherein said system includes another exterior rearview mirror assembly, and wherein said another exterior mirror assembly includes another exterior reflectance element and a third microprocessor-based control.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
167 words
A vehicle rear vision system suitable for use in a vehicle equipped with a vehicle communication network, said system comprising: an interior rearview mirror assembly and an exterior rearview mirror assembly; said interior rearview mirror assembly including an interior reflectance element and a first microprocessor-based control; said exterior rearview mirror assembly including an exterior reflectance element and a second microprocessor-based control; at least one of said microprocessor-based controls operable to at least two of (i) selectively activate a heater element in heat transfer association with said respective reflectance element, (ii) operate a positioning device for said respective reflectance element, (iii) actuate a security light, (iv) actuate a turn signal, (v) control a reflectance level of said respective reflectance element and (vi) actuate a stop signal; wherein said first microprocessor-based control at least one of (i) formats messages for the vehicle communication network and (ii) decodes messages from the vehicle communication network; and wherein said first microprocessor-based control includes a node for linking with the vehicle communication network.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
167 words
A vehicle rear vision system suitable for use in a vehicle equipped with a vehicle communication network, said system comprising: an interior rearview mirror assembly and an exterior rearview mirror assembly; said interior rearview mirror assembly including an interior reflectance element and a first microprocessor-based control; said exterior rearview mirror assembly including an exterior reflectance element and a second microprocessor-based control; at least one of said microprocessor-based controls operable to at least two of (i) selectively activate a heater element in heat transfer association with said respective reflectance element, (ii) operate a positioning device for said respective reflectance element, (iii) actuate a security light, (iv) actuate a turn signal, (v) control a reflectance level of said respective reflectance element and (vi) actuate a stop signal; wherein said first microprocessor-based control at least one of (i) formats messages for the vehicle communication network and (ii) decodes messages from the vehicle communication network; and wherein said first microprocessor-based control includes a node for linking with the vehicle communication network.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
24 words
The vehicle rear vision system of claim 37 , wherein said node for linking with the vehicle communication network comprises a serial data node.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
29 words
The vehicle rear vision system of claim 37 , wherein at least one of said first and second microprocessor-based controls receives an input from at least one light sensor.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
23 words
The vehicle rear vision system of claim 37 , wherein said first microprocessor-based control receives an input from at least one light sensor.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
40 words
The vehicle rear vision system of claim 40 , wherein said interior reflectance element comprises an electrochromic reflectance element and wherein said first microprocessor-based control controls the partial reflectance level of said electrochromic reflectance element in response to said input.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
38 words
The vehicle rear vision system of claim 40 , wherein said at least one of said first and second microprocessor-based controls provides an output in response to said input in order to activate or deactivate a vehicle headlight.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
29 words
The vehicle rear vision system of claim 42 , wherein said at least one of said first and second microprocessor-based controls provides said output over the vehicle communication network.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
23 words
The vehicle rear vision system of claim 37 , wherein said second microprocessor-based control receives an input from at least one light sensor.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
40 words
The vehicle rear vision system of claim 44 , wherein said exterior reflectance element comprises an electrochromic reflectance element and wherein said second microprocessor-based control controls the partial reflectance level of said electrochromic reflectance element in response to said input.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
22 words
The vehicle rear vision system of claim 37 , wherein at least one of said first and second assemblies includes an antenna.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
60 words
The vehicle rear vision system of claim 37 , wherein at least one of said first and second microprocessor-based controls receives input from or provides output to at least one of an image capture device, an intelligent highway system, an antenna, a global positioning system, a keyless entry system, a garage door opener, a blind-spot detector, and a heading sensor.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
19 words
The vehicle rear vision system of claim 37 , wherein the vehicle communication network comprises a vehicle-multiplexed communication bus.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
34 words
The vehicle rear vision system of claim 37 , wherein said system includes another exterior rearview mirror assembly, and wherein said another exterior mirror assembly includes an electro-optical reflectance element and a microprocessor-based control.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
167 words
A vehicle rear vision system suitable for use in a vehicle equipped with a vehicle communication network, said system comprising: an interior rearview mirror assembly and an exterior rearview mirror assembly; said interior rearview mirror assembly including an interior reflectance element and a first microprocessor-based control; said exterior rearview mirror assembly including an exterior reflectance element and a second microprocessor-based control; at least one of said microprocessor-based controls operable to at least two of (i) selectively activate a heater element in heat transfer association with said respective reflectance element, (ii) operate a positioning device for said respective reflectance element, (iii) actuate a security light, (iv) actuate a turn signal, (v) control a reflectance level of said respective reflectance element and (vi) actuate a stop signal; wherein said second microprocessor-based control at least one of (i) formats messages for the vehicle communication network and (ii) decodes messages from the vehicle communication network; and wherein said second microprocessor-based control includes a node for linking with the vehicle communication network.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
167 words
A vehicle rear vision system suitable for use in a vehicle equipped with a vehicle communication network, said system comprising: an interior rearview mirror assembly and an exterior rearview mirror assembly; said interior rearview mirror assembly including an interior reflectance element and a first microprocessor-based control; said exterior rearview mirror assembly including an exterior reflectance element and a second microprocessor-based control; at least one of said microprocessor-based controls operable to at least two of (i) selectively activate a heater element in heat transfer association with said respective reflectance element, (ii) operate a positioning device for said respective reflectance element, (iii) actuate a security light, (iv) actuate a turn signal, (v) control a reflectance level of said respective reflectance element and (vi) actuate a stop signal; wherein said second microprocessor-based control at least one of (i) formats messages for the vehicle communication network and (ii) decodes messages from the vehicle communication network; and wherein said second microprocessor-based control includes a node for linking with the vehicle communication network.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
24 words
The vehicle rear vision system of claim 50 , wherein said node for linking with the vehicle communication network comprises a serial data node.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
29 words
The vehicle rear vision system of claim 50 , wherein at least one of said first and second microprocessor-based controls receives an input from at least one light sensor.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
23 words
The vehicle rear vision system of claim 50 , wherein said first microprocessor-based control receives an input from at least one light sensor.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim
40 words
The vehicle rear vision system of claim 53 , wherein said interior reflectance element comprises an electrochromic reflectance element and wherein said first microprocessor-based control controls the partial reflectance level of said electrochromic reflectance element in response to said input.
Claim 59
Dependent Claim
38 words
The vehicle rear vision system of claim 53 , wherein said at least one of said first and second microprocessor-based controls provides an output in response to said input in order to activate or deactivate a vehicle headlight.
Claim 60
Dependent Claim
29 words
The vehicle rear vision system of claim 55 , wherein said at least one of said first and second microprocessor-based controls provides said output over the vehicle communication network.
Claim 61
Dependent Claim
23 words
The vehicle rear vision system of claim 50 , wherein said second microprocessor-based control receives an input from at least one light sensor.
Claim 62
Dependent Claim
40 words
The vehicle rear vision system of claim 57 , wherein said exterior reflectance element comprises an electrochromic reflectance element and wherein said second microprocessor-based control controls the partial reflectance level of said electrochromic reflectance element in response to said input.
Claim 63
Dependent Claim
22 words
The vehicle rear vision system of claim 50 , wherein at least one of said first and second assemblies include an antenna.
Claim 64
Dependent Claim
60 words
The vehicle rear vision system of claim 50 , wherein at least one of said first and second microprocessor-based controls receives input from or provides output to at least one of an image capture device, an intelligent highway system, an antenna, a global positioning system, a keyless entry system, a garage door opener, a blind-spot detector, and a heading sensor.
Claim 65
Dependent Claim
19 words
The vehicle rear vision system of claim 50 , wherein the vehicle communication network comprises a vehicle-multiplexed communication bus.
Claim 66
Dependent Claim
34 words
The vehicle rear vision system of claim 50 , wherein said system includes another exterior rearview mirror assembly, and wherein said another exterior mirror assembly includes an electro-optical reflectance element and a microprocessor-based control.
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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) | 2005-01-21 | 2005-07-23 | 2006-01-22 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2009-01-21 | 2009-07-23 | 2010-01-22 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2013-01-21 | 2013-07-23 | 2014-01-22 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |