Computer rearview mirror

• US 20060287821A1
• Filed: 06/15/2005
• Published: 12/21/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 06/15/2005
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: William Lin
• Original Assignee: William Lin
• Inventors: Lin, William
• Application Number:
  US11/152,167
• Publication Number:
  US 20060287821A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 701/213
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 1/12 Mirror assemblies combined with other articles, e.g. clocks
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2001/1215 with information displays
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2001/1253 with cameras, video cameras or video screens
• 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

A computer rearview mirror includes a casing, a transparent member, a video display, an electronic unit and an information processing unit. The electronic control unit has at least one CPU (central processing unit) and memory means. The information processing unit has at least one function module, each providing a specific function. The CPU controls the operation of each function module. The computer rearview mirror has the CPU and other systems installed therein to form a multipurpose electronic product that provides processor and multimedia functions.

Claims

1. A computer rearview mirror comprising a casing, a transparent member, and a video display, wherein the computer rearview mirror further comprises an electronic control unit and an information processing unit, said electronic control unit comprising at least one CPU (central processing unit) and memory means, said information processing unit comprising at least one function module that can realize a specific function, said at least one CPU controlling the operation of said at least one function module.

2. The computer rearview mirror as claimed in claim 1, further comprising an audio system controllable by said at least one CPU to output voices;

wherein said at least one CPU is capable of processing voice commands.

3. The computer rearview mirror as claimed in claim 1, wherein the computer rearview mirror further comprises a video system controllable by said at least one CPU to output image data;

said at least one CPU is capable of processing video commands.

4. The computer rearview mirror as claimed in claim 1, wherein said electronic control unit and said information processing unit include a wireless communication circuit;

said at least one CPU is capable of using said wireless communication circuit to connect to a wireless local area network and wireless apparatus.

5. The computer rearview mirror as claimed in claim 4, wherein said at least one CPU is capable of using the connected wireless local area network to download audio and video data.

6. The computer rearview mirror as claimed in claim 4, wherein said wireless communication circuit comprises a satellite antenna.

7. The computer rearview mirror as claimed in claim 1, wherein said electronic control unit and said information processing unit include a GPS module adapted to receive satellite signal and determine the geographic location of the car in which the computer rearview mirror is installed, and to control navigation and positioning of the car in which the computer rearview mirror is installed.

8. The computer rearview mirror as claimed in claim 1, wherein said electronic control unit and said information processing unit include a GSM/CDMA module controllable by said at least one CPU to form an on-vehicle telephone and wireless communication system.

9. The computer rearview mirror as claimed in claim 1, wherein said electronic control unit and said information processing unit include a GSM/CDMA module, which is connected thereto communication devices to provide auto-call, traffic management and hand-free functions.

10. The computer rearview mirror as claimed in claim 9, wherein said GSM/CDMA module is connected to an AV input/output interface and a communication interface to form a video telephone for transmitting voices and images to a remote place.

11. The computer rearview mirror as claimed in claim 1, wherein said electronic control unit and said information processing unit include a car data examination module electrically connected to said at least one CPU to provide display, control, examination, data transmission, and real-time handling auto-examination functions.

12. The computer rearview mirror as claimed in claim 1, wherein the computer rearview mirror further comprises a LCD monitor.

13. The computer rearview mirror as claimed in claim 1, wherein the computer rearview mirror further comprises at least one USB port, and the computer rearview mirror can be connectable with memory cards including CF cards, and SD cards.

14. The computer rearview mirror as claimed in claim 1, wherein the computer rearview mirror further comprises storage means and hard disk driver means.

15. The computer rearview mirror as claimed in claim 1, wherein the computer rearview mirror further comprises at least one built-in video camera or at least one attached video camera.

16. The computer rearview mirror as claimed in claim 1, wherein the computer rearview mirror is connectable with a video recording device or a video signal source.

17. The computer rearview mirror as claimed in claim 1, wherein the computer rearview mirror provides a game function to start game programs stored in the memory means of said electronic control unit and to download game programs through a wireless network.

18. The computer rearview mirror as claimed in claim 1, wherein said electronic control unit and said information processing unit include a communication module.

19. The computer rearview mirror as claimed in claim 1, wherein said electronic control unit and said information processing unit include a single chip microcomputer connectable with a temperature sensor, a directional sensor, and a distance sensor.