Rearview mirror assembly encompassing a radar detector and/or laser detector

• US 7,532,149 B2
• Filed: 10/04/2007
• Issued: 05/12/2009
• Est. Priority Date: 10/04/2007
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Banco Industrial SA (Bicapital Corporation)
• Original Assignee: Banco Industrial SA (Bicapital Corporation)
• Inventors: Banko, Joshua D., Banko, Sarah V.
• Primary Examiner(s): Lobo; Ian J
• Application Number:
  US11/867,599
• Publication Number:
  US 20090091489A1
• Time in Patent Office: 586 Days
• Field of Search: 342/20, 362/494
• US Class Current: 342/20
• 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 2001/1223 with sensors or transducers
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2001/1276 with radio receivers, loud-speakers or buzzers
• CPC Class Codes: G01S 7/022 Road traffic radar detectors
• CPC Class Codes: G01S 7/4806 Road traffic laser detectors

Abstract

One embodiment of a rearview mirror encompassing a plurality of radar detectors and laser detectors comprises of an opaque housing, a rearview mirror assembly, a universal mount, and a PCB assembly providing all of the illumination, audible indication, logic, user inputs, and radar and laser detection. Visual indications of radar or laser signals via illuminated indicators visible through the mirror, provide a fully functioning rearview mirror, when in standby mode. The device accommodates a plurality of mounts in order to accommodate all vehicle types. The geometry and mounting locations provide for more sensitive and accurate detection of radar and laser signals, while neither distracting the drive, detracting from the aesthetic nature of the vehicle, or causing a safety hazard.

Claims

1. A rearview mirror assembly, comprising:

a mirror configured to monitor traffic behind a vehicle;

a radar or laser detector configured to detect signals received from a radar or laser source; and

a display surrounding entirety of the mirror, wherein the display includes indicators of directions of the radar or laser source, and wherein the indicators of directions of the radar or laser source include an up arrow, a down arrow, a left arrow, and a right arrow along top, bottom, left, and right edges of the mirror respectively for indicating signals received from front, back, left, and right sides of the vehicle.

2. The rearview mirror assembly of claim 1, wherein the display does not obstruct the use of the mirror for monitoring traffic behind the vehicle, and wherein the display is illuminated when signals are detected from the radar or laser source.

3. The rearview mirror assembly of claim 1, wherein the display does not obstruct the use of the mirror for monitoring traffic behind the vehicle, and wherein the display is not illuminated when no signals are detected from the radar or laser source.

4. The rearview mirror assembly of claim 1 further comprises a universal mount for mounting the rearview mirror assembly to ceiling or windshield of the vehicle.

5. The rearview assembly of claim 1 is made of an opaque housing.

6. The rearview mirror assembly of claim 1, wherein the display further comprises:

a signal type indicator configured to display a type of signal received by the radar or laser detector, wherein the type of signal received includes at least one of K, KA, X, or L signal.

7. The rearview mirror assembly of claim 1, wherein the display further comprises:

an intensity indicator configured to display intensity of signals received by the radar or laser detector.

8. The rearview mirror assembly of claim 1, wherein the display further comprises:

a power indicator configured to indicate whether the radar or laser detector is on or off.

9. The rearview mirror assembly of claim 1 further comprising:

different color laser emitting diodes (LEDs) for enabling a user to identify different types of information displayed with a quick glance.

10. The rearview mirror assembly of claim 1 further comprising:

a text display configured to display text information dynamically, including displaying distance to emitting signals from the radar or laser source.

11. A rearview mirror assembly, comprising:

a mirror configured to monitor traffic behind a vehicle;

a radar or laser detector configured to detect signals received from a radar or laser source;

a display surrounding the entirety of the mirror, wherein the display includes indicators of directions of the radar or laser source, and wherein the indicators of directions of the radar or laser source include an up arrow, a down arrow, a left arrow, and a right arrow along top, bottom, left, and right edges of the mirror respectively for indicating signals received from front, back, left, and right sides of the vehicle;

a speaker configured to provide a sound when signals are detected from the radar or laser source; and

a multi-function roller button configured to program settings of the radar or laser detector.

12. The rearview mirror assembly of claim 11, wherein the multi-function roller button is configured to adjust volume of the speaker.

13. The rearview mirror assembly of claim 11 further comprising:

a printed circuit board (PCB) configured to provide detection and notification of radar or laser signals.

14. A rearview mirror assembly, comprising:

a mirror configured to monitor traffic behind a vehicle;

a radar or laser detector configured to detect signals received from a radar or laser source;

a display surrounding the entirety of the mirror, wherein the display includes indicators of directions of the radar or laser source, and wherein the indicators of directions of the radar or laser source include an up arrow, a down arrow, a left arrow, and a right arrow along top, bottom, left, and right edges of the mirror respectively for indicating signals received from front, back, left, and right sides of the vehicle;

a speaker configured to provide a sound when signals are detected from the radar or laser source; and

a multi-function push button configured to control mode of operation of the radar or laser detector.

15. The rearview mirror assembly of claim 14, wherein the multi-function push button is configured to mute the sound of the radar or laser detector when pressed once.

16. The rearview mirror assembly of claim 14, wherein the multi-function push button is configured to mute the sound and to dim the display of the radar or laster detector when pressed twice successively.