VEHICLE ACCESSORY SYSTEM

• US 20120224065A1
• Filed: 05/14/2012
• Published: 09/06/2012
• Est. Priority Date: 01/31/2002
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Magna Electronics Incorporated (Magna International Incorporated)
• Original Assignee: Donnelly Corporation (Magna International Incorporated)
• Inventors: Schofield, Kenneth, DeWard, Joshua L., Whitehead, Peter J., Lynam, Niall R.
• Granted Patent: US 8,405,726 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 348/148
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 1/04 mounted inside vehicle B60R1/025, B60R1/08 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 1/10 Front-view mirror arrangements; specially adapted for covering the peripheral part of the vehicle B60R1/002; Periscope arrangements , i.e. optical devices using combinations of mirrors, lenses, prisms or the like specially adapted for covering the peripheral part of the vehicle B60R1/002; for viewing traffic-lights B60R1/005; Other mirror arrangements giving a view from above or under the vehicle
• 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 11/04 Mounting of cameras operative during drive; Arrangement of controls thereof relative to the vehicle
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2001/1215 with information displays
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2001/1223 with sensors or transducers
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2001/123 with thermometers
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2001/1246 with clocks
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2001/1253 with cameras, video cameras or video screens
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2001/1261 with antennae
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2001/1276 with radio receivers, loud-speakers or buzzers
• 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: B60R 2300/106 using night vision cameras
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2300/108 using 'non-standard' camera systems, e.g. camera sensor used for additional purposes i.a. rain sensor, camera sensor split in multiple image areas
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2300/8033 for pedestrian protection
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 23/698 for achieving an enlarged field of view, e.g. panoramic image capture
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 25/76 Addressed sensors, e.g. MOS or CMOS sensors
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 7/18 Closed-circuit television [CCTV] systems, i.e. systems in which the video signal is not broadcast
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 7/183 for receiving images from a single remote source

Abstract

An accessory system for a vehicle includes a mounting element and a module. The mounting element includes an attachment portion that is configured for attachment of the mounting element at a vehicle windshield. The mounting element may be configured for attachment of an interior rearview mirror assembly thereto. The mounting element may be configured for accommodating an accessory at least when the mounting element is attached at the vehicle windshield. The module is configured for attachment to the mounting element when the mounting element is attached at the vehicle windshield. The module accommodates a camera, and the module includes structure that orients the field of view of the camera with respect to the vehicle windshield when the module is attached to the mounting element.

Claims

1. An accessory system for a vehicle, said vehicular accessory system comprising:

a mounting element;

wherein said mounting element comprises an attachment portion that is configured for attachment of said mounting element at a vehicle windshield;

wherein said mounting element is configured for attachment of an interior rearview mirror assembly thereto;

wherein said mounting element is configured for accommodating an accessory at least when said mounting element is attached at the vehicle windshield;

a module configured for attachment to said mounting element when said mounting element is attached at the vehicle windshield; and

wherein said module accommodates a camera, and wherein said module comprises structure that orients the field of view of said camera with respect to the vehicle windshield when said module is attached to said mounting element.

2. The vehicular accessory system of claim 1, comprising an interior rearview mirror assembly, and wherein, with said mounting element attached at the vehicle windshield, said interior rearview mirror assembly is mounted at said mounting element.

3. The vehicular accessory system of claim 2, wherein said configuration of said mounting element for attachment of said interior rearview mirror assembly thereto comprises a mirror mounting button.

4. The vehicular accessory system of claim 1, wherein said configuration of said mounting element for attachment of an interior rearview mirror assembly thereto comprises a mirror mounting button.

5. The vehicular accessory system of claim 1, wherein said accessory comprises a rain sensor.

6. The vehicular accessory system of claim 1, wherein said attachment portion of said mounting element is configured to mount to an attachment element that is adhered to the vehicle windshield.

7. The vehicular accessory system of claim 1, wherein said attachment portion of said mounting element is configured to adhesively mount to the vehicle windshield.

8. The vehicular accessory system of claim 1, wherein said mounting element comprises a metallic mounting element.

9. The vehicular accessory system of claim 1, wherein a lens of said camera is spaced from the vehicle windshield when said module is mounted to said mounting element attached at the vehicle windshield.

10. The vehicular accessory system of claim 1, wherein said structure of said module angles the field of view of said camera with respect to the vehicle windshield to at least partially compensate for the windshield angle of the vehicle windshield itself.

11. The vehicular accessory system of claim 10, wherein a principal axis of the forward field of view of said camera is directed generally at or below horizontal when said module is mounted to said mounting element attached at the vehicle windshield.

12. The vehicular accessory system of claim 1, wherein said module is detachably mounted to said mounting element.

13. The vehicular accessory system of claim 1, wherein said camera is associated with at least one of (i) a headlamp control system, (ii) a lane departure warning system, (iii) an adaptive cruise control system, (iv) a sign recognition system, (v) a night vision system, (vi) a pedestrian detection system, (vii) a vehicle detection system and (viii) a crash avoidance system.

14. The vehicular accessory system of claim 1, wherein said module comprises cooling means to assist in cooling said camera when said module is mounted to said mounting element attached at the vehicle windshield.

15. The vehicular accessory system of claim 1, wherein said module includes a light transmitting port, and wherein said camera is generally aligned with said light transmitting port with its forward field of view through said light transmitting port.

16. The vehicular accessory system of claim 1, wherein said module is configured to snap attach to said mounting element attached at the vehicle windshield.

17. The vehicular accessory system of claim 1, wherein said module comprises a detachable cover.

18. The vehicular accessory system of claim 17, wherein said detachable cover is detachable to access said camera with said module attached to said mounting element.

19. The vehicular accessory system of claim 1, wherein said module is configured to accommodate at least one accessory.

20. The vehicular accessory system of claim 19, wherein said at least one accessory comprises at least one of (i) another camera, (ii) a rain sensor, (iii) a headlamp control, (iv) a temperature sensor, (v) an antenna, (vi) a microphone, (vii) a speaker, (viii) a security system, (ix) a display, (x) an indicator, (xi) a user input, (xii) an interior light, (xiii) a GPS control, (xiv) a humidity sensor, (xv) a compass sensor, (xvi) an electrochromic mirror control, (xvii) a remote keyless entry control and (xviii) a toll collection control.

21. An accessory system for a vehicle, said vehicular accessory system comprising:

a mounting element;

wherein said mounting element comprises an attachment portion that is configured for attachment of said mounting element at a vehicle windshield, and wherein said attachment portion of said mounting element is configured to adhesively mount to the vehicle windshield;

wherein said mounting element comprises a metallic mounting element;

wherein said mounting element is configured for accommodating an accessory at least when said mounting element is attached at the vehicle windshield;

a module configured for attachment to said mounting element when said mounting element is attached at the vehicle windshield; and

wherein said module accommodates a camera, and wherein said module comprises structure that orients the field of view of said camera with respect to the vehicle windshield when said module is attached to said mounting element.

22. The vehicular accessory system of claim 21, wherein said mounting element is configured for attachment of an interior rearview mirror assembly thereto and wherein said configuration of said mounting element for attachment of said interior rearview mirror assembly thereto comprises a mirror mounting button, and wherein said vehicular accessory system comprises an interior rearview mirror assembly, and wherein, with said mounting element attached at the vehicle windshield, said interior rearview mirror assembly is mounted at said mirror mounting button.

23. The vehicular accessory system of claim 21, wherein said accessory comprises a rain sensor.

24. The vehicular accessory system of claim 21, wherein a lens of said camera is spaced from the vehicle windshield when said module is mounted to said mounting element attached at the vehicle windshield, and wherein said structure of said module angles the field of view of said camera with respect to the vehicle windshield to at least partially compensate for the windshield angle of the vehicle windshield itself, and wherein a principal axis of the forward field of view of said camera is directed generally at or below horizontal when said module is mounted to said mounting element attached at the vehicle windshield, wherein said camera is associated with at least one of (i) a headlamp control system, (ii) a lane departure warning system, (iii) an adaptive cruise control system, (iv) a sign recognition system, (v) a night vision system, (vi) a pedestrian detection system, (vii) a vehicle detection system and (viii) a crash avoidance system.

25. The vehicular accessory system of claim 21, wherein said module includes a light transmitting port, and wherein said camera is generally aligned with said light transmitting port with its forward field of view through said light transmitting port.

26. The vehicular accessory system of claim 21, wherein said module comprises a detachable cover, and wherein said detachable cover is detachable to access said camera with said module attached to said mounting element.

27. The vehicular accessory system of claim 21, wherein said module is configured to accommodate at least one accessory and wherein said at least one accessory comprises at least one of (i) another camera, (ii) a rain sensor, (iii) a headlamp control, (iv) a temperature sensor, (v) an antenna, (vi) a microphone, (vii) a speaker, (viii) a security system, (ix) a display, (x) an indicator, (xi) a user input, (xii) an interior light, (xiii) a GPS control, (xiv) a humidity sensor, (xv) a compass sensor, (xvi) an electrochromic mirror control, (xvii) a remote keyless entry control and (xviii) a toll collection control.

28. An accessory system for a vehicle, said vehicular accessory system comprising:

a mounting element;

wherein said mounting element comprises an attachment portion that is configured for attachment of said mounting element at a vehicle windshield;

wherein said mounting element is configured for accommodating an accessory at least when said mounting element is attached at the vehicle windshield;

a module configured for attachment to said mounting element when said mounting element is attached at the vehicle windshield;

wherein said module accommodates a camera, and wherein said module comprises structure that orients the field of view of said camera with respect to the vehicle windshield when said module is attached to said mounting element;

wherein a lens of said camera is spaced from the vehicle windshield when said module is mounted to said mounting element attached at the vehicle windshield;

wherein said structure of said module angles the field of view of said camera with respect to the vehicle windshield to at least partially compensate for the windshield angle of the vehicle windshield itself; and

wherein said camera is associated with at least one of (i) a headlamp control system, (ii) a lane departure warning system, (iii) an adaptive cruise control system, (iv) a sign recognition system, (v) a night vision system, (vi) a pedestrian detection system, (vii) a vehicle detection system and (viii) a crash avoidance system.

29. The vehicular accessory system of claim 28, wherein at least one of (a) said attachment portion of said mounting element is configured to mount to an attachment element that is adhered to the vehicle windshield, (b) wherein said attachment portion of said mounting element is configured to adhesively mount to the vehicle windshield, and (c) wherein said mounting element comprises a metallic mounting element.

30. The vehicular accessory system of claim 28, wherein at least one of (a) a principal axis of the forward field of view of said camera is directed generally at or below horizontal when said module is mounted to said mounting element attached at the vehicle windshield, and (b) said module includes a light transmitting port, and wherein said camera is generally aligned with said light transmitting port with its forward field of view through said light transmitting port.

31. The vehicular accessory system of claim 28, wherein said mounting element is configured for attachment of an interior rearview mirror assembly thereto and wherein said configuration of said mounting element for attachment of said interior rearview mirror assembly thereto comprises a minor mounting button, and wherein said vehicular accessory system comprises an interior rearview mirror assembly, and wherein, with said mounting element attached at the vehicle windshield, said interior rearview mirror assembly is mounted at said mirror mounting button.

32. The vehicular accessory system of claim 28, wherein said accessory comprises a rain sensor.

33. An accessory system for a vehicle, said vehicular accessory system comprising:

a mounting element;

wherein said mounting element comprises an attachment portion that is configured for attachment of said mounting element at a vehicle windshield;

wherein at least one of (a) said attachment portion of said mounting element is configured to mount to an attachment element that is adhered to the vehicle windshield, (b) wherein said attachment portion of said mounting element is configured to adhesively mount to the vehicle windshield, and (c) wherein said mounting element comprises a metallic mounting element;

a module configured for attachment to said mounting element when said mounting element is attached at the vehicle windshield;

wherein said module accommodates a camera, and wherein said module comprises structure that orients the field of view of said camera with respect to the vehicle windshield when said module is attached to said mounting element;

wherein a lens of said camera is spaced from the vehicle windshield when said module is mounted to said mounting element attached at the vehicle windshield;

wherein at least one of (a) a principal axis of the forward field of view of said camera is directed generally at or below horizontal when said module is mounted to said mounting element attached at the vehicle windshield, and (b) said module includes a light transmitting port, and wherein said camera is generally aligned with said light transmitting port with its forward field of view through said light transmitting port; and

wherein said camera is associated with at least one of (i) a headlamp control system, (ii) a lane departure warning system, (iii) an adaptive cruise control system, (iv) a sign recognition system, (v) a night vision system, (vi) a pedestrian detection system, (vii) a vehicle detection system and (viii) a crash avoidance system.

34. The vehicular accessory system of claim 33, wherein said mounting element is configured for accommodating an accessory at least when said mounting element is attached at the vehicle windshield.

35. The vehicular accessory system of claim 34, wherein said accessory comprises a rain sensor.

36. The vehicular accessory system of claim 33, wherein said mounting element is configured for attachment of an interior rearview mirror assembly thereto and wherein said configuration of said mounting element for attachment of said interior rearview mirror assembly thereto comprises a mirror mounting button, and wherein said vehicular accessory system comprises an interior rearview mirror assembly, and wherein, with said mounting element attached at the vehicle windshield, said interior rearview mirror assembly is mounted at said mirror mounting button.

37. The vehicular accessory system of claim 33, wherein said structure of said module angles the field of view of said camera with respect to the vehicle windshield to at least partially compensate for the windshield angle of the vehicle windshield itself.