AN INFORMATION DISPLAY SYSTEM FOR A VEHICLE

• US 20040240090A1
• Filed: 06/28/2004
• Published: 12/02/2004
• Est. Priority Date: 11/24/1999
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Donnelly Corporation (Magna International Incorporated)
• Original Assignee: Donnelly Corporation (Magna International Incorporated)
• Inventors: Uken, John T., McCaw, Joseph P., DeLine, Jonathan E., Lynam, Niall R., Skiver, Timothy G.
• Granted Patent: US 7,488,080 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 359/872
• CPC Class Codes: B60Q 3/258 Rear-view mirrors
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 1/086 using a mirror angularly movable between a position of use and a non-glare position reflecting a dark field to the user, e.g. situated behind a transparent glass used as low-reflecting surface; Wedge-shaped mirrors
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 1/088 using a cell of electrically changeable optical characteristic, e.g. liquid-crystal or electrochromic mirrors
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 1/12 Mirror assemblies combined with other articles, e.g. clocks
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 1/1207 with lamps; with turn indicators
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 11/02 for radio sets, television sets, telephones, or the like; Arrangement of controls thereof
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 11/0217 for loud-speakers
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 11/0241 for telephones
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 11/0247 for microphones or earphones
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2001/1223 with sensors or transducers
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2011/0026 Windows, e.g. windscreen
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2011/0033 Rear-view mirrors
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 17/00 Systems with reflecting surfaces, with or without refracting elements
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 5/08 Mirrors vehicle mirrors involving special optical features B60R1/08
• CPC Class Codes: G10K 2210/1282 Automobiles
• CPC Class Codes: G10L 21/028 using properties of sound source
• CPC Class Codes: H04R 2499/13 Acoustic transducers and sound field adaptation in vehicles

Abstract

An interior rearview mirror assembly suitable for use in a vehicle includes a variable reflectance reflective element, which includes an electrochromic medium, a first information display positioned to the rear of the variable reflectance reflective element, and a second information display. The mirror assembly further includes a single control for adjusting the luminous intensity of the first information display and the second information display and at least one light sensor, with the output of the control being generated responsive to a light level sensed by the at least one light sensor. In addition, the luminous intensity of the first information display and of the second information display increases responsive to the output of the control to compensate for any decrease in transmission of the electrochromic medium.

Claims

1-74. -74. (cancelled)

75. An interior rearview mirror assembly suitable for use in a vehicle, said mirror assembly comprising:

a variable reflectance element, said variable reflectance element including an electro-optic medium disposed between a first sheet and a second sheet, said first sheet having a transparent conductive coating on its side contacted by said electro-optic medium, said second sheet having a metallic mirror reflector on its side contacted by said electro-optic medium;

a first information display positioned to the rear of said variable reflectance element;

a second information display;

a single control for adjusting the luminous intensity of said first information display and said second information display;

at least one light sensor, an output of said control being generated responsive to a light level sensed by said at least one light sensor; and

the luminous intensity of at least said first information display increasing responsive to said output of said control to compensate for any decrease in light transmission of said electro-optic medium.

76. The interior rearview mirror assembly according to claim 75, further comprising a support adapted for mounting to an interior portion of a vehicle.

77. The interior rearview mirror assembly according to claim 76, wherein said support comprises a dual ball joint support.

78. The interior rearview mirror assembly according to claim 76, wherein said support comprises a mount adapted for attachment to an interior portion of a vehicle.

79. The interior rearview mirror assembly according to claim 78, wherein said mount forms a breakaway attachment for mounting to an interior portion of a vehicle.

80. The interior rearview mirror assembly according to claim 79, wherein said mount is adapted for attachment to a windshield portion of an interior portion of a vehicle.

81. The interior rearview mirror assembly according to claim 78, wherein said mount is adapted for attachment to a header portion of an interior portion of a vehicle.

82. The interior review mirror assembly according to claim 75, wherein said interior rearview mirror assembly is adapted to attach to a mirror mounting button.

83. The interior rearview mirror assembly according to claim 75, wherein said first and second sheers comprise glass sheets each having a thickness no greater than about 1.6 millimeters.

84. The interior rearview mirror assembly according to claim 76, wherein said first and second sheets comprise glass sheets each having a thickness no greater than about 1.6 millimeters.

85. The interior rearview mirror assembly according to claim 75, wherein said reflectance element comprises a light transmitting portion, said light transmitting portion comprising at least a reduction of a portion of said metallic mirror reflector.

86. The interior rearview mirror assembly according to claim 85, wherein said light transmitting portion of said reflectance element comprises an absence of a portion of said metallic mirror reflector.

87. The interior rearview mirror assembly according to claim 85, further comprising at least one electrically operated accessory chosen from a headlight controller, a blind spot detection system, a rain sensor, an imaging device, a telephonic device, a map light, a microphone, a transceiver, an antenna, a remote keyless entry system, a compass, a seat occupancy detector, a trip computer, an intrusion detector, a speaker, a video device, and a navigational system.

88. The interior rearview mirror assembly according to claim 87, further comprising a carrier, said carrier supporting at least said first information display element, said carrier aligning said first information display element with said light transmitting portion of said reflectance element.

89. The interior rearview mirror assembly according to claim 88, wherein said carrier includes said at least one electrically operated accessory.

90. The interior rearview mirror assembly according to claim 75, further comprising at least one electrically operated accessory chosen from a headlight controller, a blind spot detection system, a rain sensor, an imaging device, a telephonic device, a map light, a microphone, a transceiver, an antenna, a remote keyless entry system, a compass, a seat occupancy detector, a trip computer, an intrusion detector, a speaker, a video device, and a navigational system.

91. The interior rearview mirror assembly according to claim 75, further comprising a carrier, said reflectance element having a light transmitting portion, said carrier supporting said first information display, said carrier aligning said first information display with said light transmitting portion of said reflectance clement.

92. Thc interior rearview mirror assembly according to claim 91, wherein one of said displays displays an air bag activation status indicia.

93. The interior rearview mirror assembly according to claim 91, wherein said first information display includes a light source and a display element.

94. The interior rearview mirror assembly according to claim 93, wherein said light source comprises a light emitting diode.

95. The interior rearview mirror assembly according to claim 91, wherein said carrier includes at least one electrically operated accessory chosen from a headlight controller, a blind spot detection system, a rain sensor, an imaging device, a telephonic device, a map light, a microphone, a transceiver, an antenna, a remote keyless entry system, a compass, a seat occupancy detector, a trip computer, an intrusion detector, a speaker, a video device, and a navigational system.

96. The interior rearview mirror assembly according to claim 91, wherein said carrier includes a plurality of light sources, said light sources forming a plurality of light assemblies for illuminating portions of said first information display element to form a plurality of indicia, said first information display element displaying said plurality of indicia through said light transmitting portion of said reflectance element.

97. The interior rearview mirror assembly according to claim 96, wherein each of said light assemblies is isolated from an adjacent light assembly.

98. The interior rearview mirror assembly according to claim 91, wherein said rearview mirror assembly further comprises a mirror case, said carrier member being mounted to one of said mirror case and said reflectance element.

99. The interior rearview mirror assembly according to claim 98, wherein said carrier is mounted to said reflectance element.

100. The interior rearview mirror assembly according to claim 99, wherein said carrier is adhesively attached to said reflectance element.

101. The interior rearview mirror assembly according to claim 91, wherein at least one of said first sheet and said second sheet comprises a glass sheet of thickness no greater than about 16 millimeters.

102. The interior rearview mirror assembly according to claim 101, wherein said light transmitting portion comprises at least a reduction of a portion of said metallic mirror reflector.

103. The interior rearview mirror assembly according to claim 102, wherein said light transmitting portion comprises an absence of a portion of said metallic mirror reflector.

104. The interior rearview mirror assembly according to claim 101, wherein said control is adapted to increase the luminous intensity of said second information display to compensate for any decrease in light transmission of said electro-optic medium.

105. The interior rearview mirror assembly according to claim 104, wherein said carrier includes at least one electrically operated accessory.

106. The interior rearview mirror assembly according to claim 105, wherein said at least one electrically operated accessory is chosen from the group comprising a headlight controller, a blind spot detection system, a rain sensor, an imaging device, a telephonic device, a map light, a microphone, a transceiver, an antenna, a remote keyless entry system, a compass, a seat occupancy detector, a trip computer, an intrusion detector, a speaker, a video device, and a navigational system.

107. The interior rearview mirror assembly according to claim 93, wherein said carrier includes a cavity, said light source positioned in said cavity, said cavity including a reflecting side for directing the light from said light source to said display element for illuminating said first information display.

108. The interior rearview mirror assembly according to claim 107, wherein said carrier includes a plurality of said light sources and a plurality of said cavities, at least one light source being associated with each of said cavities.

109. The interior rearview mirror assembly according to claim 107, wherein indicia is printed on a side of said display element, said light source illuminating said indicia.

110. The interior rearview mirror assembly according to claim 109, wherein said light source comprises at least one light emitting diode.

111. The interior rearview mirror assembly according to claim 107, wherein said light source comprises a plurality of light emitting diodes and wherein indicia are formed by selective actuation of said light emitting diodes.

112. The interior rearview mirror assembly according to claim 75, wherein said reflectance clement is adapted so that the presence of said first information display at said reflectance element is substantially not apparent until said first information display is actuated.

113. The interior rearview mirror assembly according to claim 112, wherein said metallic mirror reflector comprises a partially transmitting and significantly reflective metal mirror coating, said mirror coating comprising one of a silver coating, tin aluminum coating, a silver alloy coating, and an aluminum alloy coating.

114. The interior rearview mirror assembly according to claim 113, wherein said mirror coating comprises a silver coating.

115. The interior rearview mirror assembly according to claim 112, wherein said control adjusts the luminous intensity of said first information display to provide a display having a luminous intensity of at least about 250 candelas/sq. meter when said at least one light sensor detects an ambient light level characteristic of a daytime condition.

116. The interior rearview mirror assembly according to claim 115, wherein said control adjusts the luminous intensity of said first information display to provide a display having a luminous intensity of at least about 500 candclas/sq. meter when said at least one light sensor detects an ambient light level characteristic of a daytime condition.

117. The interior rearview mirror assembly according to claim 116, wherein said control adjusts the luminous intensity of said first information display to provide a display having a luminous intensity of at least about 750 candelas/sq. meter when said at least one light sensor detects an ambient light level characteristic of a daytime condition.

118. The interior rearview mirror assembly according to claim 75, wherein said metallic mirror reflector comprises a metal alloy coating.

119. The interior rearview mirror assembly according to claim 112, wherein said control adjusts the luminous intensity of said first information display to provide a display having a luminous intensity of no greater than about 30 candelas/sq. meter when said at least one light sensor detects an ambient light level characteristic of a nighttime condition.

120. The interior rearview mirror assembly according to claim 119, wherein said control adjusts the luminous intensity of said first information display to provide a display having a luminous intensity of no greater than about 15 candelas/sq. meter when said at least one light sensor detects an ambient light level characteristic of a nighttime condition.

121. The interior rearview mirror assembly according to claim 120, wherein said control adjusts the luminous intensity by use of pulse-width modulation.

122. The interior rearview mirror assembly according to claim 113, further comprising a user actuatable interface enabling user interface for interfacing with an audio system of a vehicle.

123. The interior rearview mirror assembly according to claim 122, wherein said user actuatable interface includes a button comprising a resilient material.

124. The interior rearview mirror assembly according to claim 123 wherein said resilient material comprises a silicone material.

125. The interior rearview mirror assembly according to claim 122, wherein said user actuatable interface includes a plurality of buttons comprising a key pad.

126. The interior rearview mirror assembly according to claim 122, wherein said user actuatable interface enables user interface for interfacing with an audio system of a vehicle and wherein said interior mirror assembly includes at least one microphone.

127. The interior rearview mirror assembly according to claim 126, wherein said at least one microphone provides a vocal input to said audio system of a vehicle.

128. The interior rearview mirror assembly according to claim 127, wherein said audio system of a vehicle communicates wirelessly with a remote telecommunication system.

129. The interior rearview mirror assembly according to claim 127, wherein said audio system of a vehicle processes said vocal input using digital sound processing.

130. The interior rearview mirror assembly according to claim 128, wherein said audio system of a vehicle provides a hands-free input to said telecommunication system.

131. The interior rearview mirror assembly according to claim 75, wherein said interior mirror assembly comprises a part of an in-vehicle area network.

132. The interior rearview mirror assembly according to claim 75, wherein said interior mirror assembly communicates via a wireless link for communicating with another vehicular accessory.

133. The interior rearview mirror assembly according to claim 132, wherein said wireless link comprises a radio frequency wireless link.

134. The interior rearview mirror assembly according to claim 133, wherein information is transmitted to said interior mirror assembly via said radio frequency wireless link.

135. The interior rearview mirror assembly according to claim 134, wherein said information is displayed at said interior mirror assembly.

136. The interior rearview mirror assembly according to claim 75, wherein said electro-optic medium comprises an electrochromic medium.

137. An interior rearview mirror assembly suitable for use in a vehicle, said mirror assembly comprising:

a variable reflectance elements said variable reflectance element including an electro-optic medium disposed between a first sheet and a second sheet, said first sheet having a transparent conductive coating on its side contacted by said electro-optic medium, said second sheet having a metallic mirror reflector on its side contacted by said electro-optic medium;

a first information display positioned to the rear of said variable reflectance element;

a second information display;

a single control for adjusting the luminous intensity of said first information display and said second information display;

at least one light sensor, an output of said control being generated responsive to a light level sensed by said at least one light sensor;

the luminous intensity of at least said first information display increasing responsive to said output of said control to compensate for any decrease in transmission of said electro-optic medium; and

wherein said reflector is adapted so that the presence of said first information display at said reflectance element is substantially not apparent until said first information display is actuated.

138. The interior rearview mirror assembly according to claim 137, further comprising a support adapted for mounting to an interior portion of a vehicle.

139. The interior rearview mirror assembly according to claim 138, wherein said support comprises a dual ball joint support.

140. The interior rearview mirror assembly according to claim 138, wherein said support comprises a mount adapted for attachment to an interior portion of a vehicle.

141. The interior rearview mirror assembly according to claim 138, wherein said mount is adapted for attachment to a windshield portion of an interior portion of a vehicle.

142. The interior rearview mirror assembly according to claim 138, wherein said mount is adapted for attachment to a header portion of an interior portion of a vehicle.

143. The interior rearview mirror assembly according to claim 137, wherein said interior rearview mirror assembly is adapted to attach to a mirror mounting button.

144. The interior rearview mirror assembly according to claim 137, wherein one of said sheets comprises a glass sheet having a thickness no greater than about 1.6 millimeters.

145. The interior rearview mirror assembly according to claim 137, wherein said reflectance element comprises a light transmitting portion where said metallic mirror reflector is absent.

146. The interior rearview mirror assembly according to claim 145, further comprising at least one electrically operated accessory chosen from a headlight controller, a blind spot detection system, a rain sensor, an imaging device, a telephonic device, a map light, a microphone, a transceiver, an antenna, a remote keyless entry system, a compass, a seat occupancy detector, a trip computer, an intrusion detector, a speaker, a video device, and a navigational system.

147. The interior rearview mirror assembly according to claim 137, further comprising at least one electrically operated accessory chosen from a headlight controller, a blind spot detection system, a rain sensor, an imaging device, a telephonic device, a map light, a microphone, a transceiver, an antenna, a remote keyless entry system, a compass, a seat occupancy detector, a trip computer, an intrusion detector, a speaker, a video device and a navigational system.

148. The interior rearview mirror assembly according to claim 147, wherein one of said displays displays an air bag activation status indicia.

149. The interior rearview mirror assembly according to claim 147, wherein said first information display includes a light source and a display element.

150. The interior rearview minor assembly according to claim 149, wherein said light source comprises a light emitting diode.

151. The interior rearview mirror assembly according to claim 145, further comprising a carrier, said carrier including at least one electrically operated accessory chosen from a headlight controller, a blind spot detection system, a rain sensor, an imaging device, a telephonic device, a map light, a microphone, a transceiver, an antenna, a remote keyless entry system, a compass, a seat occupancy detector, a trip computer, an intrusion detector, a speaker, a video device, and a navigational system.

152. The interior rearview mirror assembly according to claim 151, wherein said carrier includes a plurality of light sources, said light sources forming a plurality of light assemblies for illuminating portions of said first information display element to form a plurality of indicia, said first information display element displaying said plurality of indicia through said light transmitting portion of said reflectance element.

153. The interior rearview mirror assembly according to claim 152, wherein each of said light assemblies is isolated from an adjacent light assembly.

154. The interior rearview mirror assembly according to claim 151, wherein said rearview mirror assembly further comprises a mirror case, said carrier member being mounted to one of said mirror case and said reflectance element.

155. The interior rearview mirror assembly according to claim 154, wherein said carrier is mounted to said reflectance element.

156. The interior rearview mirror assembly according to claim 155, wherein said carrier is adhesively attached to said reflectance element.

157. The interior rearview mirror assembly according to claim 137, wherein at least one of said first sheet and said second sheet comprises a glass sheet of thickness no greater than about 1.6 millimeters.

158. The interior rearview mirror assembly according to claim 157, wherein said control is adapted to increase the luminous intensity of said second information display to compensate for any decrease in transmission of said electro-optic medium.

159. The interior rearview mirror assembly according to claim 149, wherein said carrier includes a cavity, said light source positioned in said cavity, said cavity including a reflecting side for directing the light from said light source to said display element for illuminating, said first information display.

160. The interior rearview mirror assembly according to claim 159, wherein said carrier includes a plurality of said cavities, at least one light source being associated with each of said cavities.

161. The interior rearview mirror assembly according to claim 159, wherein indicia is printed on a side of said display element, said light source illuminating said indicia.

162. The interior rearview mirror assembly according to claim 161, wherein said light source comprises at least one light emitting diode.

163. The interior rearview mirror assembly according to claim 159, wherein said light source comprises a plurality of light emitting diodes and wherein indicia are formed by selective actuation of said light emitting diodes.

164. The interior rearview mirror assembly according to claim 137, wherein said metallic mirror reflector comprises a partially transmitting and significantly reflective mirror coating.

165. The interior rearview mirror assembly according to claim 164, wherein said partially transmitting and significantly reflective mirror coating comprises one of a silver coating, an aluminum coating, a silver alloy coating, and an aluminium alloy coating.

166. The interior rearview mirror assembly according to claim 164, wherein said control adjusts the luminous intensity of said first information display to provide a display having a luminous intensity of at least about 250 candelas/sq. meter when said at least one light sensor detects an ambient light level characteristic of a daytime condition.

167. The interior rearview mirror assembly according to claim 166, wherein said control adjusts the luminous intensity of said first information display to provide a display having a luminous intensity of at least about 500 candelas/sq. meter when said at least one light sensor detects an ambient light level characteristic of a daytime condition.

168. The interior rearview mirror assembly according to claim 167, wherein said control adjusts the luminous intensity of said first information display to provide a display having a luminous intensity of at least about 750 candelas/sq. meter when said at least one light sensor detects an ambient light level characteristic oat daytime condition.

169. The interior rearview mirror assembly according to claim 164, wherein said control adjusts the luminous intensity of said first information display to provide a display having a luminous intensity of no greater than about 30 candelas/sq meter when said at least one light sensor detects an ambient light level characteristic of a nighttime condition.

170. The interior rearview mirror assembly according to claim 169, wherein said control adjusts the luminous intensity of said first information display to provide a display having a luminous intensity of no greater than about 15 candelas/sq. meter when said at least one light sensor detects an ambient light level characteristic of a nighttime condition.

171. The interior rearview mirror assembly according to claim 166, wherein said control adjusts the luminous intensity by use of pulse-width modulation.

172. The interior rearview mirror assembly according to claim 166, further comprising a user actuatable interface enabling user interface for interfacing with an audio system of a vehicle.

173. The interior rearview mirror assembly according to claim 172, wherein said user actuatable interface includes a button comprising a resilient material.

174. The interior rearview mirror assembly according to claim 173, wherein said resilient material comprises a silicone material.

175. The interior rearview minor assembly according to claim 174, wherein said user actuatable interface includes a plurality of buttons comprising a key pad.

176. The interior rearview mirror assembly according to claim 174, wherein said user actuatable interface enables user interface for interfacing with an audio system of a vehicle and wherein said interior mirror assembly includes at least one microphone.

177. The interior rearview mirror assembly according to claim 176, wherein said at least one microphone provides a vocal input to said audio system of a vehicle.

178. The interior rearview mirror assembly according to claim 177, wherein said audio system of a vehicle communicates wirelessly with a remote telecommunication system.

179. The interior rearview mirror assembly according to claim 177, wherein said audio system of a vehicle processes said vocal input using digital sound processing.

180. The interior rearview mirror assembly according to claim 178, wherein said audio system of a vehicle provides a hands-free input to said telecommunication system.

181. The interior rearview mirror assembly according to claim 137, wherein said interior mirror assembly comprises a part of an in-vehicle area network.

182. The interior rearview mirror assembly according to claim 137, wherein said interior mirror assembly communicates via a wireless link for communicating with another vehicular accessory.

183. The interior rearview mirror assembly according to claim 182, wherein said wireless link comprises a radio frequency wireless link.

184. The interior rearview mirror assembly according to claim 183, wherein information is transmitted to said interior mirror assembly via said radio frequency wireless link.

185. The interior rearview minor assembly according to claim 184, wherein said information is displayed at said interior mirror assembly.

186. The interior rearview mirror assembly according to claim 137, wherein said electroptic medium comprises an electrochromic medium.

187. An interior rearview mirror assembly suitable for use in a vehicle, said mirror assembly comprising:

a variable reflectance element, said variable reflectance element including an electro-optic medium disposed between a first sheet and a second sheet, said first sheet having a transparent conductive coating on its side contacted by said electro-optic medium, said second sheet having a metallic mirror reflector on its side contacted by said electro-optic medium;

at least a first information display positioned to the rear of said variable reflectance element;

a control for adjusting the luminous intensity of said first information display;

at least one light sensor, an output of said control being generated responsive to a light level sensed by said at least one light sensor;

the luminous intensity of at least said first information display increasing responsive to said output of said control to compensate for any decrease in transmission of said electro-optic medium;

wherein said reflector is adapted so that the presence of said first information display at said reflectance element is substantially not apparent until said first information display is actuated; and

wherein said control adjusts the luminous intensity of said first information display to provide a display having a luminous intensity of at least about 250 candelas/sq. meter when said at least one light sensor detects an ambient light level characteristic of a daytime condition.

188. The interior rearview mirror assembly according, to claim 187, further comprising a support adapted for mounting to an interior portion of a vehicle.

189. The interior rearview mirror assembly according to claim 188, wherein said support comprises a dual ball joint support.

190. The interior rearview mirror assembly according to claim 188, wherein said support comprises a mount adapted for attachment to an interior portion of a vehicle.

191. The interior rearview mirror assembly according to claim 188, wherein said mount is adapted for attachment to a windshield portion of an interior portion of a vehicle.

192. The interior rearview mirror assembly according to claim 188, wherein said mount is adapted for attachment to a header portion of an interior portion of a vehicle.

193. The interior rearview mirror assembly according to claim 187, wherein said interior rearviews mirror assembly is adapted to attach to a mirror mounting button.

194. The interior rearview mirror assembly according to claim 187, wherein one of said sheets comprises a glass sheet having a thickness no greater than about 1.6 millimeters.

195. The interior rearview mirror assembly according to claim 187, wherein said reflectance element comprises a light transmitting portion where said metallic mirror reflector is absent.

196. The interior rearview mirror assembly according to claim 195, further comprising at least one electrically operated accessory chosen from a headlight controller, a blind spot detection system, a rain sensor, an imaging device, a telephonic device, a map light, a microphone, a transceiver, an antenna, a remote keyless entry system, a compass, a seat occupancy detector, a trip computer, an intrusion detector, a speaker, a video device, and a navigational system.

201. The interior rearview mirror assembly according to claim 195, further comprising a carrier, said carrier including at least one electrically operated accessory chosen from a headlight controller, a blind spot detection system, a rain sensor, an imaging device, a telephonic device, a map light, a microphone, a transceiver, an antenna, a remote keyless entry system, a compass, a seat occupancy detector, a trip computer, an intrusion detector, a speaker, a video device, and a navigational system.

202. The interior rearview mirror assembly according to claim 201, wherein said carrier includes a plurality of light sources, said light sources forming a plurality of light assemblies for illuminating portions of said first information display element to form a plurality of indicia, said first information display clement displaying said plurality of indicia through said light transmitting portion of said reflectance element.

203. The interior rearview mirror assembly according to claim 202, wherein each of said light assemblies is isolated from an adjacent light assembly.

204. The interior rearview mirror assembly according to claim 201, wherein said rearview mirror assembly further comprises a mirror case, said carrier being Mounted to one of said mirror case and said reflectance element.

205. The interior rearview mirror assembly according to claim 204, wherein said carrier is mounted to said reflectance element.

206. The interior rearview mirror assembly according to claim 205, wherein said carrier is adhesively attached to said reflectance element.

207. The interior rearview mirror assembly according to claim 187, wherein at least one of said first sheet arid said second sheet comprises a glass sheet of thickness no greater than about 1.6 millimeters.

208. The interior rearview mirror assembly according to claim 187, further comprising a carrier, said carrier including at least one electrically operated accessory.

214. The interior rearview mirror assembly according to claim 187, wherein said metallic mirror reflector comprises a partially transmitting and significantly reflective mirror coating.

215. The interior rearview mirror assembly according to claim 214, wherein said partially transmitting and significantly reflective mirror coating comprises one of a silver coating, an aluminum coating, a silver alloy coating, and an aluminum alloy coating.

216. The interior rearview mirror assembly according to claim 214, further comprising a carrier, said carrier including at least one electrically operated accessory.

217. The interior rearview mirror assembly according to claim 187, wherein said control adjusts the luminous intensity of said first information display to provide a display having a luminous intensity of at least about 500 candelas/sq. meter when said at least one light sensor detects an ambient light level characteristic of a daytime condition.

218. The interior rearview mirror assembly according to claim 217, wherein said control adjusts the luminous intensity of said first information display to provide a display having a luminous intensity of at least about 750 candelas/sq. meter when said at least one light sensor detects an ambient light level characteristic of a daytime condition.

219. The interior rearview mirror assembly according to claim 214, wherein said control adjusts the luminous intensity of said first information display to provide display having a luminous intensity of no greater than about 30 candelas/sq. meter when said at least one light sensor detects an ambient light level characteristic of a nighttime condition.

220. The interior rearview mirror assembly according to claim 219, wherein said control adjusts the luminous intensity of said first information display to provide a display having a luminous intensity of no greater claim about 15 candelas/sq. meter when said at least one light sensor detects an ambient light level characteristic of a nigihttime condition.

221. The interior rearview mirror assembly according to claim 216, wherein said control adjusts the luminous intensity by use of pulse-width modulation.

222. The interior rearview mirror assembly according to claim 216, further comprising a user actuatable interface enabling user interface for interfacing with an audio system of a vehicle.

223. The interior rearview mirror assembly according to claim 222, wherein said user actuatable interface includes a button comprising a resilient material.

224. The interior rearview mirror assembly according to claim 223, wherein said resilient material comprises a silicone material.

225. The interior rearview mirror assembly according to claim 223, wherein said user actuatable interface includes a plurality of buttons comprising a key pad.

226. The interior rearview mirror assembly according to claim 223, wherein said user actuatable interface enables user interface for interfacing with an audio system of a vehicle and wherein said interior mirror assembly includes at least one microphone.

227. The interior rearview mirror assembly according to claim 226, wherein said at least one microphone provides a vocal input to said audio system of a vehicle.

228. The interior rearview mirror assembly according to claim 227, wherein said audio system of a vehicle communicates wirelessly with a remote telecommunication system.

229. The interior rearview mirror assembly according to claim 227, wherein said audio system of a vehicle processes said vocal input using digital sound processing.

230. The interior rearview mirror assembly according to claim 228, wherein said audio system of a vehicle provides a hands-free input to said telecommunication system.

231. The interior rearview mirror assembly according to claim 187, wherein said interior mirror assembly comprises a part of an in-vehicle area network.

232. The interior rearview mirror assembly according to claim 187, wherein said interior mirror assembly communicates via a wireless link for communicating with another vehicular accessory.

233. The interior rearview mirror assembly according to claim 232, wherein said wireless link comprises a radio frequency wireless link.

234. The interior rearview mirror assembly according to claim 233, wherein information is transmitted to said interior mirror assembly via said radio frequency wireless link.

235. The interior rearview mirror assembly according to claim 234, wherein said information is displayed at said interior mirror assembly.

236. The interior rearview mirror assembly according to claim 187, wherein said electro-optic medium comprises an electrochromic medium.