Combined Rear View Mirror and Telephone

• US 20120015691A1
• Filed: 09/23/2011
• Published: 01/19/2012
• Est. Priority Date: 03/22/2000
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: 21ST CENTURY GARAGE LLC
• Original Assignee: Akihabara Limited LLC (Intellectual Ventures LLC)
• Inventors: Baratono, Ronald, Abbas, Mossad
• Granted Patent: US 8,331,998 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 455/556.1
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 1/12 Mirror assemblies combined with other articles, e.g. clocks
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2001/1284 with communication systems other than radio-receivers, e.g. keyless entry systems, navigation systems; with anti-collision systems
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/21 Combinations with auxiliary equipment, e.g. with clocks or memoranda pads
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/6075 adapted for handsfree use in a vehicle H04M1/6058 takes precedence; arrangements for holding telephones in a vehicle B60R11/0241

Abstract

A mobile telephone or cellular telephone unit and a rear view mirror housing of an automobile are combined to provide an improved telephone apparatus that enables a hands-free use by a driver while operating the vehicle, the improved telephone apparatus includes a rear view mirror housing, the housing including a rear view mirror, telephone and SIM card for sending and receiving telephone calls and instant video image, the image display and SIM card are removably connected thereto. A telephone key pad is cooperatively connected to the telephone for dialing the telephone. An attachment bracket attaches the mirror housing to the vehicle. The housing has the electronic circuitry incorporated therewith to which a telephone and video assembly is connectable. A remote device, and computer process to communicate with the motor vehicle without the need for an automated hub, or Network Operating Center (NOC).

Claims

1. An integrated rear view mirror and communications apparatus, the apparatus comprising:

a rear view mirror housing adapted to be attached to a vehicle;

circuitry configured to be communicatively coupled to a device separate from the integrated rear view mirror and communications apparatus, and to receive from the device information pertaining to the vehicle; and

cellular telephone circuitry configured to communicate with a cellular telephone service provider and transmit, to said cellular telephone service provider, data indicative of said information pertaining to the vehicle.

2. The integrated rear view mirror and communications apparatus of claim 1, wherein said information pertaining to the vehicle comprises vehicle location information.

3. The integrated rear view mirror and communications apparatus of claim 1, wherein said information pertaining to the vehicle comprises route guidance information.

4. The integrated rear view mirror and communications apparatus of claim 1, wherein said information pertaining to the vehicle comprises status of one or more vehicle systems.

5. The integrated rear view mirror and communications apparatus of claim 1, further comprising additional circuitry configured to be communicatively coupled to an additional device separate from the integrated rear view mirror and communications apparatus, and to receive from the additional device information to be rendered by the integrated rear view mirror and communications apparatus.

6. The integrated rear view mirror and communications apparatus of claim 1, wherein said circuitry is further configured to send, to the device, information received from the cellular telephone service provider.

7. The integrated rear view mirror and communications apparatus of claim 6, wherein said information received from the cellular telephone service provider comprises commands for controlling vehicle functions.