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US6433676B2 Expired / Lapsed US ⏱️ 0.0 years remaining

Mirror-based audio system for a vehicle

Assignee: Magna Donnelly Corp
•
Filing: 2001-05-11
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Granted: 2002-08-13
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Expires: 2021-05-11
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Abstract

Abstract A mirror-based audio system for a vehicle preferably includes an electrochromic interior rearview mirror system including an electrochromic interior rearview mirror assembly. The electrochromic interior rearview mirror assembly includes electronic circuitry for at least adjusting the reflectivity of an electrochromic reflector element. The electrochromic interior rearview mirror system further includes a plurality of microphones for receiving audio signals from within a cabin of the vehicle. The plurality of microphones generate output signals indicative of sound generated within the vehicle cabin. The microphones are positioned at the electrochromic interior rearview mirror assembly, adjacent to the electrochromic interior rearview mirror assembly, in an attachment to the electrochromic interior rearview mirror assembly, and/or within a module mounted to the windshield.

Inventors

  • 👤 Jonathan E. DeLine
  • 👤 Niall R. Lynam
  • 👤 Ralph A. Spooner

Bibliographic Details

Application Number —
Jurisdiction US
Data Source google_patents
Last Synchronized 2026-10-25 11:44
CPC Classifications
B; B60; B60R; B60R11/00; B60R11/02; B60R11/0247; B60R1/00; B60R1/12; B60R11/0217; B60R11/0241; B60R2011/0001; B60R2011/0003; B60R2011/0026; B60R2011/0033; G; G02; G02B; G02B27/00; G02B27/01; G02B27/0101; G02B2027/0118; G02B2027/012; G02B6/00; H; H04; H04R; H04R2499/00; H04R2499/10; H04R2499/13

Claims Analysis

Total Claims: 86
Claim 1
Independent Claim 205 words
A mirror-based audio system for a vehicle, said system comprising: an electochromic iior rearview mirror system including an electrochromic interior rearview mirror assembly, said electrochromic interior rearview mirror assembly including an electrochromic reflector element having electronically adjustable reflectivity; said electrochromic interior rearview mirror assembly including electronic circuitry for at least adjusting the reflectivity of said electrochromic reflector element, said electronic circuitry connecting to an electrical power source of the vehicle; said electrochromic interior rearview mirror system including a plurality of microphones for receiving audio signals from within a cabin of the vehicle, said plurality of microphones comprising at least two microphones which generate output signals indicative of sound generated within the vehicle cabin, said at least two microphones being one of (i) positioned within said electrochromic interior rearview mirror assembly, (ii) positioned adjacent to said electrochromic interior rearview mirror assembly, (iii) positioned in an attachment to said electrochromic interior rearview mirror assembly, and (iv) positioned within a module mounted to the windshield; and said audio system at least one of (a) accessing at least one component of said electronic circuitry of said electrochromic interior rearview mirror assembly and (b) sharing at least one component of said electronic circuitry of said electrochromic interior rearview mirror assembly.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim 205 words
A mirror-based audio system for a vehicle, said system comprising: an electochromic iior rearview mirror system including an electrochromic interior rearview mirror assembly, said electrochromic interior rearview mirror assembly including an electrochromic reflector element having electronically adjustable reflectivity; said electrochromic interior rearview mirror assembly including electronic circuitry for at least adjusting the reflectivity of said electrochromic reflector element, said electronic circuitry connecting to an electrical power source of the vehicle; said electrochromic interior rearview mirror system including a plurality of microphones for receiving audio signals from within a cabin of the vehicle, said plurality of microphones comprising at least two microphones which generate output signals indicative of sound generated within the vehicle cabin, said at least two microphones being one of (i) positioned within said electrochromic interior rearview mirror assembly, (ii) positioned adjacent to said electrochromic interior rearview mirror assembly, (iii) positioned in an attachment to said electrochromic interior rearview mirror assembly, and (iv) positioned within a module mounted to the windshield; and said audio system at least one of (a) accessing at least one component of said electronic circuitry of said electrochromic interior rearview mirror assembly and (b) sharing at least one component of said electronic circuitry of said electrochromic interior rearview mirror assembly.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim 36 words
The mirror-based audio system of claim 1 , wherein at least one of said at least two microphones is directed toward an area encompassing the general location of a head of a driver of the vehicle.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim 73 words
The mirror-based audio system of claim 2 further comprising a control which is operable to digitize and integrate said output signals in order to distinguish the presence of vocal signals versus non-vocal signals and to at least partially filter out said non-vocal signals, said non-vocal signals originating from at least one noise source selected from the group consisting of engine noise, road noise, wind noise, HVAC noise, a radio, and a turn signal.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim 46 words
The mirror-based audio system of claim 3 , wherein said control is operable to select at least one of said output signals from at least one of said at least two microphones and to provide the at least one selected output signal to the audio system.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim 48 words
The mirror-based audio system of claim 2 , wherein said at least one of said at least two microphones comprises a single directional microphone and is fixedly mounted and directed toward the area generally defined by a typical location of a head of a driver of the vehicle.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim 45 words
The mirror-based audio system of claim 2 , wherein said at least two microphones are positioned within a module mounted to the windshield, said module being positioned between said electrochromic interior rearview mirror assembly and a headliner extending along an upper edge of the windshield.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim 49 words
The mirror-based audio system of claim 6 , wherein said module includes a wire cover extending between said module and said electrochromic interior rearview mirror assembly, said electrochromic interior rearview mirror assembly including a mirror harness which is routed within the wire cover and connected to the vehicle wiring.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim 39 words
The mirror-based audio system of claim 7 , wherein the wire cover comprises an adjustable wire cover, the wire cover being adjustable to adapt to different mounting locations of said module relative to said electrochromic interior rearview mirror assembly.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim 25 words
The mirror-based audio system of claim 1 further including at least one control input for said audio system at said electrochromic interior rearview mirror assembly.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim 30 words
The mirror-based audio system of claim 1 , wherein said electrochromic interior rearview mirror assembly further includes at least one control input for at least one accessory of the vehicle.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim 51 words
The mirror-based audio system of claim 10 , wherein said at least one accessory of the vehicle comprises at least one of a map reading light, a temperature display, a compass display, a global positioning system antenna, a rain sensor, a video system, a tire pressure display and a security system.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim 34 words
The mirror-based audio system of claim 1 , wherein said electrochromic interior rearview mirror system further includes at least one mirror-based accessory, said electronic circuitry being associated with said at least one mirror-based accessory.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim 79 words
The mirror-based audio system of claim 12 , wherein said at least one mirror-based accessory comprises at least one of a global positioning system antenna, a motion sensor, a rain sensor, a video device, an interior light of the vehicle, an automatic toll booth transducer, a security system status indicator, a compass, a compass sensor, a temperature display, a temperature sensor, a tire pressure indicator display, a seat occupancy detection antenna, a seat occupancy detection transducer, and a loudspeaker.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim 59 words
The mirror-based audio system of claim 12 , wherein said at least one mirror-based accessory is one of (i) positioned within said electrochromic interior rearview mirror assembly, (ii) positioned adjacent to said electrochromic interior rearview mirror assembly, (iii) positioned in an attachment to said electrochromic interior rearview mirror assembly, and (iv) positioned within a module mounted to the windshield.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim 35 words
The mirror-based audio system of claim 1 , wherein said audio system comprises at least a portion of at least one of a cellular telephone system, an emergency communication system and an audio recording system.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim 188 words
A mirror-based audio system for a vehicle, said system comprising: an electrochromic interior rearview mirror system including an electrochromic interior rearview mirror assembly, said electrochromic interior rearview mirror assembly including an electrochromic reflector element having electronically adjustable reflectivity; said electrochromic interior rearview mirror assembly including electronic circuitry for at least adjusting the reflectivity of said electrochromic reflector element, said electronic circuitry connecting to an electrical power source of the vehicle; said electrochromic interior rearview mirror system including a plurality of microphones for receiving audio signals from within a cabin of the vehicle, said plurality of microphones comprising at least two microphones which generate output signals indicative of sound generated within the vehicle cabin, said at least two microphones being one of (i) positioned within said electrochromic interior rearview mirror assembly, (ii) positioned adjacent to said electrochromic interior rearview mirror assembly, (iii) positioned in an attachment to said electrochromic interior rearview mirror assembly, and (iv) positioned within a module mounted to the windshield, said audio system comprising at least a portion of at least one of a cellular telephone system, an emergency communication system and an audio recording system.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim 188 words
A mirror-based audio system for a vehicle, said system comprising: an electrochromic interior rearview mirror system including an electrochromic interior rearview mirror assembly, said electrochromic interior rearview mirror assembly including an electrochromic reflector element having electronically adjustable reflectivity; said electrochromic interior rearview mirror assembly including electronic circuitry for at least adjusting the reflectivity of said electrochromic reflector element, said electronic circuitry connecting to an electrical power source of the vehicle; said electrochromic interior rearview mirror system including a plurality of microphones for receiving audio signals from within a cabin of the vehicle, said plurality of microphones comprising at least two microphones which generate output signals indicative of sound generated within the vehicle cabin, said at least two microphones being one of (i) positioned within said electrochromic interior rearview mirror assembly, (ii) positioned adjacent to said electrochromic interior rearview mirror assembly, (iii) positioned in an attachment to said electrochromic interior rearview mirror assembly, and (iv) positioned within a module mounted to the windshield, said audio system comprising at least a portion of at least one of a cellular telephone system, an emergency communication system and an audio recording system.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim 36 words
The mirror-based audio system of claim 16 , wherein at least one of said at least two microphones is directed toward an area encompassing the general location of a head of a driver of the vehicle.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim 73 words
The mirror-based audio system of claim 17 further comprising a control which is operable to digitize and integrate said output signals in order to distinguish the presence of vocal signals versus non-vocal signals and to at least partially filter out said non-vocal signals, said non-vocal signals originating from at least one noise source selected from the group consisting of engine noise, road noise, wind noise, HVAC noise, a radio, and a turn signal.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim 46 words
The mirror-based audio system of claim 18 , wherein said control is operable to select at least one of said output signals from at least one of said at least two microphones and to provide the at least one selected output signal to said audio system.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim 48 words
The mirror-based audio system of claim 17 , wherein said at least one of said at least two microphones comprises a single directional microphone and is fixedly mounted and directed toward the area generally defined by a typical location of a head of a driver of the vehicle.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim 45 words
The mirror-based audio system of claim 17 , wherein said at least two microphones are positioned within a module mounted to the windshield, said module being positioned between said electrochromic interior rearview mirror assembly and a headliner extending along an upper edge of the windshield.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim 25 words
The mirror-based audio system of claim 16 further including at least one control input for said audio system at said electrochromic interior rearview mirror assembly.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim 30 words
The mirror-based audio system of claim 16 , wherein said electrochromic interior rearview mirror assembly further includes at least one control input for at least one accessory of the vehicle.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim 51 words
The mirror-based audio system of claim 23 , wherein said at least one accessory of the vehicle comprises at least one of a map reading light, a temperature display, a compass display, a global positioning system antenna, a rain sensor, a video system, a tire pressure display and a security system.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim 34 words
The mirror-based audio system of claim 16 , wherein said electrochromic interior rearview mirror system further includes at least one mirror-based accessory, said electronic circuitry being associated with said at least one mirror-based accessory.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim 79 words
The mirror-based audio system of claim 25 , wherein said at least one mirror-based accessory comprises at least one of a global positioning system antenna, a motion sensor, a rain sensor, a video device, an interior light of the vehicle, an automatic toll booth transducer, a security system status indicator, a compass, a compass sensor, a temperature display, a temperature sensor, a tire pressure indicator display, a seat occupancy detection antenna, a seat occupancy detection transducer, and a loudspeaker.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim 59 words
The mirror-based audio system of claim 25 , wherein said at least one mirror-based accessory is one of (i) positioned within said electrochromic interior rearview mirror assembly, (ii) positioned adjacent to said electrochromic interior rearview mirror assembly, (iii) positioned in an attachment to said electrochromic interior rearview mirror assembly, and (iv) positioned within a module mounted to the windshield.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim 34 words
The mirror-based audio system of claim 16 , wherein said audio system at least one of accesses and shares at least one component of said electronic circuitry of said electrochromic interior rearview mirror assembly.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim 232 words
A mirror-based audio system for a vehicle, said system comprising: an electrochromic interior rearview mirror system including an electrochromic interior rearview mirror assembly, said electrochromic interior rearview mirror assembly including an electrochromic reflector element having electronically adjustable reflectivity; said electrochromic interior rearview mirror assembly including electronic circuitry for at least adjusting the reflectivity of said electrochromic reflector element, said electronic circuitry connecting to an electrical power source of the vehicle; said electrochromic interior rearview mirror system including a plurality of microphones for receiving audio signals from within a cabin of the vehicle, said plurality of microphones comprising at least two microphones which generate output signals indicative of sound generated within the vehicle cabin, said at least two microphones being one of (i) positioned within said electrochromic interior rearview mirror assembly, (ii) positioned adjacent to said electrochromic interior rearview mirror assembly, (iii) positioned in an attachment to said electrochromic interior rearview mirror assembly, and (iv) positioned within a module mounted to the windshield; and said audio system further comprising a control which is operable to digitize and integrate said output signals in order to distinguish the presence of vocal signals versus non-vocal signals and to at least partially filter out said non-vocal signals, said non-vocal signals originating from at least one noise source selected from the group consisting of engine noise, road noise, wind noise, HVAC noise, a radio, and a turn signal.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim 232 words
A mirror-based audio system for a vehicle, said system comprising: an electrochromic interior rearview mirror system including an electrochromic interior rearview mirror assembly, said electrochromic interior rearview mirror assembly including an electrochromic reflector element having electronically adjustable reflectivity; said electrochromic interior rearview mirror assembly including electronic circuitry for at least adjusting the reflectivity of said electrochromic reflector element, said electronic circuitry connecting to an electrical power source of the vehicle; said electrochromic interior rearview mirror system including a plurality of microphones for receiving audio signals from within a cabin of the vehicle, said plurality of microphones comprising at least two microphones which generate output signals indicative of sound generated within the vehicle cabin, said at least two microphones being one of (i) positioned within said electrochromic interior rearview mirror assembly, (ii) positioned adjacent to said electrochromic interior rearview mirror assembly, (iii) positioned in an attachment to said electrochromic interior rearview mirror assembly, and (iv) positioned within a module mounted to the windshield; and said audio system further comprising a control which is operable to digitize and integrate said output signals in order to distinguish the presence of vocal signals versus non-vocal signals and to at least partially filter out said non-vocal signals, said non-vocal signals originating from at least one noise source selected from the group consisting of engine noise, road noise, wind noise, HVAC noise, a radio, and a turn signal.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim 36 words
The mirror-based audio system of claim 29 , wherein at least one of said at least two microphones is directed toward an area encompassing the general location of a head of a driver of the vehicle.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim 34 words
The mirror-based audio system of claim 30 , wherein said audio system at least one of accesses and shares at least one component of said electronic circuitry of said electrochromic interior rearview mirror assembly.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim 48 words
The mirror-based audio system of claim 30 , wherein said at least one of said at least two microphones comprises a single directional microphone and is fixedly mounted and directed toward the area generally defined by a typical location of a head of a driver of the vehicle.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim 45 words
The mirror-based audio system of claim 30 , wherein said at least two microphones are positioned within a module mounted to the windshield, said module being positioned between said electrochromic interior rearview mirror assembly and a headliner extending along an upper edge of the windshield.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim 46 words
The mirror-based audio system of claim 29 , wherein said control is operable to select at least one of said output signals from at least one of said at least two microphones and to provide the at least one selected output signal to said audio system.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim 25 words
The mirror-based audio system of claim 29 further including at least one control input for said audio system at said electrochromic interior rearview mirror assembly.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim 30 words
The mirror-based audio system of claim 29 , wherein said electrochromic interior rearview mirror assembly further includes at least one control input for at least one accessory of the vehicle.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim 51 words
The mirror-based audio system of claim 36 , wherein said at least one accessory of the vehicle comprises at least one of a map reading light, a temperature display, a compass display, a global positioning system antenna, a rain sensor, a video system, a tire pressure display and a security system.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim 34 words
The mirror-based audio system of claim 29 , wherein said electrochromic interior rearview mirror system further includes at least one mirror-based accessory, said electronic circuitry being associated with said at least one mirror-based accessory.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim 79 words
The mirror-based audio system of claim 38 , wherein said at least one mirror-based accessory comprises at least one of a global positioning system antenna, a motion sensor, a rain sensor, a video device, an interior light of the vehicle, an automatic toll booth transducer, a security system status indicator, a compass, a compass sensor, a temperature display, a temperature sensor, a tire pressure indicator display, a seat occupancy detection antenna, a seat occupancy detection transducer, and a loudspeaker.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim 59 words
The mirror-based audio system of claim 38 , wherein said at least one mirror-based accessory is one of (i) positioned within said electrochromic interior rearview mirror assembly, (ii) positioned adjacent to said electrochromic interior rearview mirror assembly, (iii) positioned in an attachment to said electrochromic interior rearview mirror assembly, and (iv) positioned within a module mounted to the windshield.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim 35 words
The mirror-based audio system of claim 29 , wherein said audio system comprises at least a portion of at least one of a cellular telephone system, an emergency communication system and an audio recording system.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim 185 words
A mirror-based audio system for a vehicle, said system comprising: an electrochromic interior rearview mirror system including an electrochromic interior rearview mirror assembly, said electrochromic interior rearview mirror assembly including an electrochromic reflector element having electronically adjustable reflectivity; said electrochromic interior rearview mirror assembly including electronic circuitry for at least adjusting the reflectivity of said electrochromic reflector element, said electronic circuitry connecting to an electrical power source of the vehicle; said electrochromic interior rearview mirror system including a plurality of microphones for receiving audio signals from within a cabin of the vehicle, said plurality of microphones comprising at least two microphones which generate output signals indicative of sound generated within the vehicle cabin, said at least two microphones being one of (i) positioned within said electrochromic interior rearview mirror assembly, (ii) positioned adjacent to said electrochromic interior rearview mirror assembly, (iii) positioned in an attachment to said electrochromic interior rearview mirror assembly, and (iv) positioned within a module mounted to the windshield; and wherein said electrochromic interior rearview mirror system further includes at least one control input for at least one accessory of the vehicle.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim 185 words
A mirror-based audio system for a vehicle, said system comprising: an electrochromic interior rearview mirror system including an electrochromic interior rearview mirror assembly, said electrochromic interior rearview mirror assembly including an electrochromic reflector element having electronically adjustable reflectivity; said electrochromic interior rearview mirror assembly including electronic circuitry for at least adjusting the reflectivity of said electrochromic reflector element, said electronic circuitry connecting to an electrical power source of the vehicle; said electrochromic interior rearview mirror system including a plurality of microphones for receiving audio signals from within a cabin of the vehicle, said plurality of microphones comprising at least two microphones which generate output signals indicative of sound generated within the vehicle cabin, said at least two microphones being one of (i) positioned within said electrochromic interior rearview mirror assembly, (ii) positioned adjacent to said electrochromic interior rearview mirror assembly, (iii) positioned in an attachment to said electrochromic interior rearview mirror assembly, and (iv) positioned within a module mounted to the windshield; and wherein said electrochromic interior rearview mirror system further includes at least one control input for at least one accessory of the vehicle.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim 33 words
The mirror-based audio system of claim 42 , wherein said at least one control input for said at least one accessory are positioned at said attachment to said electrochromic interior rearview mirror assembly.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim 30 words
The mirror-based audio system of claim 42 , wherein said controls for said at least one accessory are positioned at a bezel portion of said electrochromic interior rearview mirror assembly.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim 36 words
The mirror-based audio system of claim 42 , wherein at least one of said at least two microphones is directed toward an area encompassing the general location of a head of a driver of the vehicle.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim 73 words
The mirror-based audio system of claim 45 further comprising a control which is operable to digitize and integrate said output signals in order to distinguish the presence of vocal signals versus non-vocal signals and to at least partially filter out said non-vocal signals, said non-vocal signals originating from at least one noise source selected from the group consisting of engine noise, road noise, wind noise, HVAC noise, a radio, and a turn signal.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim 46 words
The mirror-based audio system of claim 46 , wherein said control is operable to select at least one of said output signals from at least one of said at least two microphones and to provide the at least one selected output signal to said audio system.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim 48 words
The mirror-based audio system of claim 45 , wherein said at least one of said at least two microphones comprises a single directional microphone and is fixedly mounted and directed toward the area generally defined by a typical location of a head of a driver of the vehicle.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim 45 words
The mirror-based audio system of claim 45 , wherein said at least two microphones are positioned within a module mounted to the windshield, said module being positioned between said electrochromic interior rearview mirror assembly and a headliner extending along an upper edge of the windshield.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim 25 words
The mirror-based audio system of claim 42 further including at least one control input for said audio system at said electrochromic interior rearview mirror assembly.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim 34 words
The mirror-based audio system of claim 50 , wherein said audio system at least one of accesses and shares at least one component of said electronic circuitry of said electrochromic interior rearview mirror assembly.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim 51 words
The mirror-based audio system of claim 42 , wherein said at least one accessory of the vehicle comprises at least one of a map reading light, a temperature display, a compass display, a global positioning system antenna, a rain sensor, a video system, a tire pressure display and a security system.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim 34 words
The mirror-based audio system of claim 42 , wherein said electrochromic interior rearview mirror system further includes at least one mirror-based accessory, said electronic circuitry being associated with said at least one mirror-based accessory.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim 79 words
The mirror-based audio system of claim 53 , wherein said at least one mirror-based accessory comprises at least one of a global positioning system antenna, a motion sensor, a rain sensor, a video device, an interior light of the vehicle, an automatic toll booth transducer, a security system status indicator, a compass, a compass sensor, a temperature display, a temperature sensor, a tire pressure indicator display, a seat occupancy detection antenna, a seat occupancy detection transducer, and a loudspeaker.
Claim 59
Dependent Claim 59 words
The mirror-based audio system of claim 53 , wherein said at least one mirror-based accessory is one of (i) positioned within said electrochromic interior rearview mirror assembly, (ii) positioned adjacent to said electrochromic interior rearview mirror assembly, (iii) positioned in an attachment to said electrochromic interior rearview mirror assembly, and (iv) positioned within a module mounted to the windshield.
Claim 60
Dependent Claim 35 words
The mirror-based audio system of claim 42 , wherein said audio system comprises at least a portion of at least one of a cellular telephone system, an emergency communication system and an audio recording system.
Claim 61
Dependent Claim 238 words
A mirror-based audio system for a vehicle, said system comprising: an electrochromic interior rearview mirror system including an electrochromic interior rearview mirror assembly, said electrochromic interior rearview mirror assembly including an electrochromic reflector element having electronically adjustable reflectivity; said electrochromic interior rearview mirror assembly including electronic circuitry for at least adjusting the reflectivity of said electrochromic reflector element, said electronic circuitry connecting to an electrical power source of the vehicle; said electrochromic interior rearview mirror system including a plurality of microphones for receiving audio signals from within a cabin of the vehicle, said plurality of microphones comprising at least two microphones which generate output signals indicative of sound generated within the vehicle cabin, said at least two microphones being one of (i) positioned within said electrochromic interior rearview mirror assembly, (ii) positioned adjacent to said electrochromic interior rearview mirror assembly, (iii) positioned in an attachment to said electrochromic interior rearview mirror assembly, and (iv) positioned within a module mounted to the windshield, said electrochromic interior rearview mirror system including at least one accessory selected from the group consisting of a global positioning system antenna, a motion sensor, a rain sensor, a video device, an interior light of the vehicle, an automatic toll booth transducer, a security system status indicator, a compass, a compass sensor, a temperature display, a temperature sensor, a tire pressure indicator display, a seat occupancy detection antenna, a seat occupancy detection transducer, and a loudspeaker.
Claim 62
Dependent Claim 238 words
A mirror-based audio system for a vehicle, said system comprising: an electrochromic interior rearview mirror system including an electrochromic interior rearview mirror assembly, said electrochromic interior rearview mirror assembly including an electrochromic reflector element having electronically adjustable reflectivity; said electrochromic interior rearview mirror assembly including electronic circuitry for at least adjusting the reflectivity of said electrochromic reflector element, said electronic circuitry connecting to an electrical power source of the vehicle; said electrochromic interior rearview mirror system including a plurality of microphones for receiving audio signals from within a cabin of the vehicle, said plurality of microphones comprising at least two microphones which generate output signals indicative of sound generated within the vehicle cabin, said at least two microphones being one of (i) positioned within said electrochromic interior rearview mirror assembly, (ii) positioned adjacent to said electrochromic interior rearview mirror assembly, (iii) positioned in an attachment to said electrochromic interior rearview mirror assembly, and (iv) positioned within a module mounted to the windshield, said electrochromic interior rearview mirror system including at least one accessory selected from the group consisting of a global positioning system antenna, a motion sensor, a rain sensor, a video device, an interior light of the vehicle, an automatic toll booth transducer, a security system status indicator, a compass, a compass sensor, a temperature display, a temperature sensor, a tire pressure indicator display, a seat occupancy detection antenna, a seat occupancy detection transducer, and a loudspeaker.
Claim 63
Dependent Claim 36 words
The mirror-based audio system of claim 57 , wherein at least one of said at least two microphones is directed toward an area encompassing the general location of a head of a driver of the vehicle.
Claim 64
Dependent Claim 73 words
The mirror-based audio system of claim 58 further comprising a control which is operable to digitize and integrate said output signals in order to distinguish the presence of vocal signals versus non-vocal signals and to at least partially filter out said non-vocal signals, said non-vocal signals originating from at least one noise source selected from the group consisting of engine noise, road noise, wind noise, HVAC noise, a radio, and a turn signal.
Claim 65
Dependent Claim 46 words
The mirror-based audio system of claim 59 , wherein said control is operable to select at least one of said output signals from at least one of said at least two microphones and to provide the at least one selected output signal to said audio system.
Claim 66
Dependent Claim 48 words
The mirror-based audio system of claim 58 , wherein said at least one of said at least two microphones comprises a single directional microphone and is fixedly mounted and directed toward the area generally defined by a typical location of a head of a driver of the vehicle.
Claim 67
Dependent Claim 45 words
The mirror-based audio system of claim 58 , wherein said at least two microphones are positioned within a module mounted to the windshield, said module being positioned between said electrochromic interior rearview mirror assembly and a headliner extending along an upper edge of the windshield.
Claim 68
Dependent Claim 25 words
The mirror-based audio system of claim 57 further including at least one control input for said audio system at said electrochromic interior rearview mirror assembly.
Claim 69
Dependent Claim 28 words
The mirror-based audio system of claim 57 , wherein said electrochromic interior rearview mirror assembly further includes at least one control input for said at least one accessory.
Claim 70
Dependent Claim 64 words
The mirror-based audio system of claim 64 , wherein said at least one accessory comprises at least one of a map reading light, a temperature display, a compass display, a global positioning system antenna, a rain sensor, a video system, a tire pressure display and a security system, and wherein said at least one accessory is positioned within said electrochromic interior rearview mirror assembly.
Claim 71
Dependent Claim 19 words
The mirror-based audio system of claim 65 , wherein said at least one accessory comprises a map reading light.
Claim 72
Dependent Claim 18 words
The mirror-based audio system of claim 65 , wherein said at least one accessory comprises a temperature display.
Claim 73
Dependent Claim 18 words
The mirror-based audio system of claim 65 , wherein said at least one accessory comprises a compass display.
Claim 74
Dependent Claim 20 words
The mirror-based audio system of claim 65 , wherein said at least one accessory comprises a global positioning system antenna.
Claim 75
Dependent Claim 18 words
The mirror-based audio system of claim 65 , wherein said at least one accessory comprises a rain sensor.
Claim 76
Dependent Claim 18 words
The mirror-based audio system of claim 65 , wherein said at least one accessory comprises a video system.
Claim 77
Dependent Claim 19 words
The mirror-based audio system of claim 65 , wherein said at least one accessory comprises a tire pressure display.
Claim 78
Dependent Claim 18 words
The mirror-based audio system of claim 65 , wherein said at least one accessory comprises a security system.
Claim 79
Dependent Claim 23 words
The mirror-based audio, system of claim 57 , wherein said at least one accessory is positioned within said electrochromic interior rearview mirror assembly.
Claim 80
Dependent Claim 24 words
The mirror-based audio system of claim 57 , wherein said at least one accessory is positioned adjacent to said electrochromic interior rearview mirror assembly.
Claim 81
Dependent Claim 26 words
The mirror-based audio system of claim 57 , wherein said at least one accessory is positioned in an attachment to said electrochromic interior rearview mirror assembly.
Claim 82
Dependent Claim 23 words
The mirror-based audio system of claim 57 , wherein said at least one accessory is positioned within a module mounted to the windshield.
Claim 83
Dependent Claim 20 words
The mirror-based audio system of claim 57 , wherein said electronic circuitry is associated with said at least one accessory.
Claim 84
Dependent Claim 58 words
The mirror-based audio system of claim 78 , wherein said at least one accessory is one of (i) positioned within said electrochromic interior rearview mirror assembly, (ii) positioned adjacent to said electrochromic interior rearview mirror assembly, (iii) positioned in an attachment to said electrochromic interior rearview mirror assembly, and (iv) positioned within a module mounted to the windshield.
Claim 85
Dependent Claim 35 words
The mirror-based audio system of claim 57 , wherein said audio system comprises at least a portion of at least one of a cellular telephone system, an emergency communication system and an audio recording system.
Claim 86
Dependent Claim 34 words
The mirror-based audio system of claim 57 , wherein said audio system at least one of accesses and shares at least one component of said electronic circuitry of said electrochromic interior rearview mirror assembly.

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