Exterior mirror

• US 20010036081A1
• Filed: 02/09/2001
• Published: 11/01/2001
• Est. Priority Date: 02/11/2000
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Schefenacker Vision Systems USA Incorporated (The Sumi Motherson Group)
• Original Assignee: Schefenacker Vision Systems USA Incorporated (The Sumi Motherson Group)
• Inventors: Moase, Chris, McCaffrey, Partick, Herps, Andrew D., Gilbert, Robert W., Peacock, Adam S., Olijnyk, Mark, van de Loo, Paul, Schuurmans, Maarten J., Gersch, Alex, Munir, Kash A., Teal, Richard G., Schwarz, Paul
• Granted Patent: US 6,848,816 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 362/494
• CPC Class Codes: B60Q 1/2665 on rear-view mirrors lighting devices for vehicle interior on or for rear-view mirrors B60Q3/258
• CPC Class Codes: B60Q 2400/40 Welcome lights, i.e. specific or existing exterior lamps to assist leaving or approaching the vehicle
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 1/1207 with lamps; with turn indicators
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2001/1284 with communication systems other than radio-receivers, e.g. keyless entry systems, navigation systems; with anti-collision systems

Abstract

The present application includes a vehicle mirror which includes an approach light in the attachment assembly. The approach light is a single light source positionable in relation to predetermined inputs for directing light to various areas, depending on the inputs. Additionally, an intercom system is provided for communication between the interior of the vehicle and exterior of the vehicle, by way of the vehicle mirror. Also, a remote sensor is utilized to set predetermined memory positions of interior vehicle components such as seats, steering columns and brake pedals. This allows customization of the interior components upon an individual'"'"'s approach to the vehicle.

Claims

1. A vehicle mirror comprising:

a mirror housing containing a reflective element;

an attachment portion attached to a vehicle for securing the mirror to a vehicle;

an approach light in said attachment assembly, said approach light assembly including a positionable light source for positioning in relation to predetermined inputs.

2. The vehicle mirror of

claim 1

wherein said approach light is an assembly including a lens housing, a reflector for directing light, a light source and a lens, wherein said reflector is moveable within said housing for directing the light source for positioning in relation to predetermined inputs.

3. The mirror of

claim 1

wherein said reflector is pivoted between a forward direction and a rearward direction for providing illumination in response to predetermined inputs.

4. The mirror of

claim 3

wherein said reflector is pivotally attached to the housing for rotating along an axis.

5. The mirror of

claim 3

wherein the lens is configured to provide a plurality of optical light outputs depending on the position selected for the reflector.

6. The mirror of

claim 5

wherein said lens includes a first zone, a second zone, a third zone and a fourth, which correspond to positions of said reflector.

7. The mirror of

claim 6

wherein said first zone defines a forward zone having a 30 degree sweep.

8. The mirror of

claim 6

wherein said second zone has an adjustable zone with a sweep of 120 degrees.

9. The mirror of

claim 6

wherein said third zone is a reverse zone covering a rearward 30 degree sweep.

10. The mirror of

claim 6

wherein said fourth zone is an approach light zone.

11. The mirror of

claim 6

wherein a second horizontal axis of movement is provided such that said reflector may be moved in both vertical and horizontal directions.

12. The mirror of

claim 11

wherein a pair of motors are provided for controlling vertical and horizontal axis, and a controller is utilized for positioning of the mirror in accordance with predetermined inputs.

13. The mirror of

claim 12

wherein said inputs are in response to manual control by an occupant of a vehicle.

14. The mirror of

claim 12

wherein a plurality of sensors is provided for input to the controller.

15. The mirror of

claim 14

wherein a remote transmitter is provided, one of said sensors being provided for detecting the positioning of the fob and illumination in a direction toward said transmitter.

16. The mirror of

claim 18

wherein said transmitter is a key fob transmitter.

17. The mirror of

claim 14

wherein one of said sensors is a reverse gear sensor wherein said controller moves said reflector to said third zone upon sensing position of said vehicle in reverse gear.

18. The mirror of

claim 14

wherein a lock sensor is provided for positioning said light in said fourth approach light position in response to unlocking of said door.

19. An intercom system for a vehicle comprising:

a mirror housing;

an attachment assembly for attaching the mirror to a vehicle;

a reflective element provided in said mirror housing;

said housing including a microphone for receiving an input signal;

a receiver portion in the interior of the vehicle; and

a connection between said microphone and said receiver portion for generating an output signal to the interior of the vehicle.

20. The intercom system of

claim 19

including a controller and one or more sensors for detecting conditions of the vehicle desirable for controlling the intercom system.

21. The intercom system of

claim 19

wherein a manual control is used for control of said intercom.

22. The intercom system of

claim 19

wherein the intercom is voice actuated.

23. The intercom of

claim 19

wherein said microphone is a speaker microphone further comprising a system for remittance of audio signals to the exterior of said vehicle.

24. The intercom of

claim 23

wherein said audio signal is provided in response to a signal selected from the group consisting of low battery, keys left in the ignition, door ajar and reverse alarm.

25. The intercom of

claim 23

wherein a cellular phone conversation is transmitted through said microphone/speaker.

26. The intercom of

claim 20

wherein a sensor is provided for determining an open window condition and disabling the intercom.

27. A position control system for providing an individualized interior positioning of interior adjustable components, said system comprising:

providing an adjustable interior component capable of adjustment to a driver suitable position and storing that position;

a sensor provided on said vehicle;

a controller for automatically moving said adjustable interior component in response to an individualistic input received by said sensor.

28. The position control system of

claim 27

wherein said sensor is a fingerprint sensor on a door handle for positioning said adjustable interior component to the individual person memorized for

29. The system of

claim 27

wherein a voice recognition module is placed in said mirror for positioning said adjustable interior component into a memorized position in response to an individual'"'"'s voice input.