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Light based apparatus and method for automatically adjusting rearview mirrors

  • US 5,949,592 A
  • Filed: 01/10/1997
  • Issued: 09/07/1999
  • Est. Priority Date: 01/10/1997
  • Status: Expired due to Fees
First Claim
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1. Apparatus for adjusting the orientation of at least one rearview mirror on a vehicle, comprising:

  • (a) light directing means movably mounted to the vehicle for directing a visible light ray at the eyes of a driver;

    (b) orientation detecting means coupled to the light directing means for detecting the orientation of the visible light ray relative to a point and generating orientation signals correlatable therewith;

    (c) distance sensing means located proximate the light directing means for sensing the distance between the point and the driver'"'"'s eyes along the path of the visible light ray and generating distance signals correlatable therewith;

    (d) control means operatively coupled to the orientation detecting means and the distance sensing means for determining an orientation for the mirror based upon the distance signals, the orientation signals and vehicle parameters, and for generating control signals correlatable therewith; and

    (e) mirror positioning means responsive to the control signals for positioning the mirror to achieve the determined orientation for the mirror.

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