REARVIEW MIRROR ASSEMBLY INCLUDING OPTICAL FIBER SIGNALING

• US 20100177523A1
• Filed: 01/12/2009
• Published: 07/15/2010
• Est. Priority Date: 01/12/2009
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC (General Motors Company)
• Original Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations Incorporated (Motors Liquidation Co. GUC Trust)
• Inventors: BISNACK, WILLIAM C.
• Granted Patent: US 7,954,985 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: B60R 1/1207 with lamps; with turn indicators

Abstract

A rearview mirror assembly for use on a vehicle, comprises a housing configured to be coupled to the vehicle, a mirror coupled within the housing, and a first optical fiber coupled to the housing and visible from the exterior thereof for providing a warning that indicates that the vehicle is turning, braking, and the like.

Claims

1. A rearview mirror assembly for use on a vehicle, comprising:

a housing configured to be coupled to the vehicle;

a mirror coupled within the housing; and

a first optical fiber coupled to the housing and visible from the exterior thereof for providing a warning when illuminated.

2. A rearview mirror assembly according to claim 1 wherein the vehicle includes a brake actuator and wherein the rearview mirror assembly further comprises a first light source within the housing and coupled to the brake actuator for illuminating the first optical fiber.

3. A rearview mirror assembly according to claim 2 further comprising a second optical fiber coupled to the housing and visible from the exterior thereof for providing a turn signal.

4. A rearview mirror assembly according to claim 3 further comprising a third optical fiber coupled to the housing and visible for providing blind zone detection warning.

5. A rearview mirror assembly according to claim 4 wherein the vehicle includes a turn signal actuator and wherein the rearview mirror assembly further comprises a second light source coupled to the turn signal actuator for illuminating the second optical fiber.

6. A rearview mirror assembly according to claim 5 wherein the vehicle includes a blind zone detection and wherein the rearview mirror assembly further comprises a third light source coupled to blind zone detection system for illuminating the third optical fiber.

7. A rearview mirror assembly according to claim 6 wherein each of the first, second, and third light sources provide light of a different color.

8. A rearview mirror assembly according to claim 7 further comprises a bezel for securing the mirror to the housing.

9. A rearview mirror assembly according to claim 8 wherein the first optical fiber is at least partially integral with the housing.

10. A rearview mirror assembly according to claim 8 wherein the first optical fiber is at least partially integral with the bezel.

11. A rearview mirror assembly according to claim 9 wherein the first optical fiber is positioned to be visible from the front of the vehicle.

12. A rearview mirror assembly according to claim 1 wherein the housing includes a mounting bracket and wherein the first optical fiber is visible from the exterior of the mounting bracket.

13. A rearview mirror assembly according to claim 6 further comprising a processor having an input coupled to the brake actuator and an output coupled to the first light source, the processor configured to control the first light source.

14. A rearview mirror assembly according to claim 6 further comprising a processor having an input coupled to the turn signal actuator and an output coupled to the second light source, the processor configured to control the second light source.

15. A rearview mirror assembly according to claim 6 further comprising a processor having an input coupled to the blind zone detection system and an output coupled to the third light source, the processor configured to control the third light source.

16. A rearview mirror assembly for use on a vehicle having a turn signal actuator, the vehicle comprising:

a housing configured to be coupled to the vehicle;

a mirror coupled within the housing;

a first light source;

a first optical fiber coupled to the housing and visible from the exterior of the vehicle, the first optical fiber having an end positioned proximate the first light source; and

a processor coupled to the turn signal actuator and to the first light source for illuminating the fiber when the turn signal actuator is activated.

17. A rearview mirror assembly according to claim 16 wherein the first optical fiber is coupled to the exterior of the housing.

18. A rearview mirror assembly according to claim 16 wherein the housing includes a bezel and wherein the first optical fiber is coupled to the exterior of the bezel.

19. A rearview mirror assembly according to claim 16 wherein the housing includes a mounting bracket and wherein the first optical fiber is coupled to the exterior of the mounting bracket.

20. A rearview mirror assembly for use on a vehicle having a function actuator, the assembly comprising:

a housing configured to be coupled to the vehicle;

a mirror assembly coupled to the housing;

a light source;

an optical fiber coupled to the exterior of the housing having a first end positioned proximate the light source; and

a processor having an output coupled to the light source and having an input coupled to the function actuator, the processor configured to illuminate the optical fiber.