Vehicle exterior mirror system with light module

• US 8,764,256 B2
• Filed: 09/30/2011
• Issued: 07/01/2014
• Est. Priority Date: 10/01/2010
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Magna Mirrors of America Incorporated (Magna International Incorporated)
• Original Assignee: Magna Mirrors of America Incorporated (Magna International Incorporated)
• Inventors: Foote, Keith D., Deuel, Eric S.
• Primary Examiner(s): Lee, Diane
• Assistant Examiner(s): Sokolowski, Kenny C
• Application Number:
  US13/249,433
• Publication Number:
  US 20120081915A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,005 Days
• Field of Search: 362/494, 362/36, 362/464, 362/508, 362/466
• US Class Current: 362/494
• CPC Class Codes: B60Q 1/18 being additional front lights bracket mounted headlights B60Q1/0483
• CPC Class Codes: B60Q 1/22 for reverse drive
• CPC Class Codes: B60Q 1/245 Searchlights, e.g. adjustable from within the vehicle adjustable headlights B60Q1/06
• CPC Class Codes: B60Q 1/247 for illuminating the close surroundings of the vehicle, e.g. to facilitate entry or exit for reverse drive B60Q1/22; by opening a side door B60Q1/323
• 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: B60Q 1/2696 Mounting of devices using LEDs
• CPC Class Codes: B60Q 1/381 with several light sources activated in sequence, e.g. to create a sweep effect
• CPC Class Codes: B60Q 2400/20 Multi-color single source or LED matrix, e.g. yellow blinker and red brake lamp generated by single lamp
• CPC Class Codes: B60Q 2400/40 Welcome lights, i.e. specific or existing exterior lamps to assist leaving or approaching 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 2001/1253 with cameras, video cameras or video screens
• CPC Class Codes: F21S 43/14 Light emitting diodes [LED]

Abstract

A lighted exterior rearview mirror system of a vehicle includes an exterior rearview mirror assembly and a light module disposed at the exterior rearview mirror assembly. The light module includes a plurality of illumination sources operable to emit light. The illumination sources are individually controlled responsive to said the input to provide a customized illumination beam emanating from the exterior rearview mirror assembly. The system may include a control that is responsive to the user input to selectively individually energize the light emitting diodes, and the control may individually adjust a duty cycle of each of the light emitting diodes responsive to the user input. The light module may include a ground illumination light source, a backup light source and a turn signal indicator.

Claims

1. A lighted exterior rearview mirror system suitable for use on a vehicle, said lighted exterior rearview mirror system comprising:

a lighted exterior rearview mirror assembly;

said lighted exterior rearview mirror assembly comprising at least one of (i) a breakaway exterior rearview mirror assembly and (ii) a powerfold exterior rearview mirror assembly;

said lighted exterior rearview mirror assembly comprising a movable portion and a fixed portion, wherein said fixed portion attaches at a side of a vehicle equipped with said lighted exterior rearview mirror system, and wherein said movable portion is movably attached at said fixed portion and is movable relative to said fixed portion;

wherein, when said lighted exterior rearview mirror assembly is attached at the side of the equipped vehicle, said movable portion is movable from an extended position, where said movable portion generally extends away from the side of the equipped vehicle, to a folded position, where said movable portion is generally folded towards the side of the equipped vehicle;

said movable portion comprising a mirror casing that houses a mirror reflective element;

said mirror casing having a portion that faces at least one of (i) generally forward of the equipped vehicle when said fixed portion attaches at the side of the equipped vehicle and when said movable portion is in said extended position and (ii) generally sideward of the equipped vehicle when said fixed portion attaches at the side of the equipped vehicle and when said movable portion is in said extended position;

a multifunction light module disposed at said movable portion of said lighted exterior rearview mirror assembly, said multifunction light module comprising a plurality of illumination sources operable to emit light;

wherein an exterior surface of said mirror casing has a contour and wherein an exterior surface of said multifunction light module has a contour, and wherein the contour of the exterior surface of said multifunction light module at least partially corresponds to the contour of the exterior surface of said mirror casing;

wherein said plurality of illumination sources comprises a set of white light-emitting illumination sources for a spotlight function of said multifunction light module;

wherein said multifunction light module is configured to emit white light illumination at least in a generally forward direction when white light-emitting illumination sources of said set of white light-emitting illumination sources are electrically powered when said lighted exterior rearview mirror assembly is attached at the side of the equipped vehicle and when said movable portion is at said extended position;

said set of white light-emitting illumination sources emitting white visual light when electrically energized;

wherein said plurality of illumination sources comprises at least one non-white light-emitting illumination source for a turn signal indicator function of said multifunction light module;

wherein said at least one non-white light-emitting illumination source is operable in response to actuation of a turn signal actuator by a driver of the equipped vehicle;

said at least one non-white light-emitting illumination source emitting non-white visual light when electrically energized;

wherein illumination sources of said set of white light-emitting illumination sources are controlled responsive to actuation by the driver of the equipped vehicle of a user input located in the interior cabin of the equipped vehicle to provide a white light visual spotlight emanating from said exterior rearview mirror assembly;

wherein said white light visual spotlight, when electrically energized responsive to actuation by the driver of the equipped vehicle of said user input, illuminates at least generally forward of the equipped vehicle with white light that is visible to the driver;

wherein said multifunction light module is operable to provide said turn signal indicator function independent of operation of said spotlight function; and

wherein actuation of said illumination sources of said set of white light-emitting illumination sources by the driver actuating said user input is independent of actuation of said at least one non-white light-emitting illumination source by the driver actuating said turn signal actuator.

2. The lighted exterior rearview mirror system of claim 1, wherein illumination sources of said set of white light-emitting illumination sources are also controlled responsive to an object detection system of the vehicle so as to direct said spotlight towards a detected object at or near the equipped vehicle.

3. The lighted exterior rearview mirror system of claim 1, wherein said multifunction light module comprises a light-transmitting cover and wherein said plurality of illumination sources are disposed behind said light-transmitting cover and operable to emit light that passes through said light-transmitting cover.

4. The lighted exterior rearview mirror system of claim 1, wherein said white light-emitting light emitting diodes are generally linearly arranged on a circuit board.

5. The lighted exterior rearview mirror system of claim 1, wherein said set of white light-emitting illumination sources comprises at least four white light-emitting light emitting diodes.

6. The lighted exterior rearview mirror system of claim 5, wherein said at least one non-white light-emitting illumination source comprises at least one non-white light-emitting light emitting diode.

7. The lighted exterior rearview mirror system of claim 5, wherein a control circuit is responsive to said user input to energize at least some of said at least four white light-emitting light emitting diodes.

8. The lighted exterior rearview mirror system of claim 7, wherein said control circuit adjusts a duty cycle of said at least some of said at least four white light-emitting light emitting diodes responsive to said user input.

9. The lighted exterior rearview mirror system of claim 8, wherein said control circuit is operable to power all of said at least four white light-emitting light emitting diodes responsive to said user input.

10. The lighted exterior rearview mirror system of claim 7, wherein said lighted exterior rearview mirror assembly comprises a powerfold exterior rearview mirror assembly and wherein, when said powerfold exterior rearview mirror assembly is in its folded position, said multifunction light module is operable to provide illumination along the side of the vehicle.

11. The lighted exterior rearview mirror system of claim 7, wherein said user input comprises a laterally adjustable input.

12. The lighted exterior rearview mirror system of claim 11, wherein said lighted exterior rearview mirror assembly comprises a driver side lighted exterior rearview mirror assembly, and wherein, responsive to adjustment of said user input towards a passenger side of the vehicle, said control circuit increases the intensity of light emitted by at least one inboard illumination source of said set of white light-emitting illumination sources of said multifunction light module, and wherein, responsive to adjustment of said user input towards a driver side of the vehicle, said control circuit increases the intensity of light emitted by at least one outboard illumination source of said set of white light-emitting illumination sources of said multifunction light module.

13. The lighted exterior rearview mirror system of claim 1, wherein said at least one non-white light-emitting illumination source comprises at least two non-white light-emitting illumination sources.

14. The lighted exterior rearview mirror system of claim 1, wherein said mirror casing has a portion that faces (i) generally forward of the equipped vehicle when said fixed portion attaches at the side of the equipped vehicle and when said movable portion is in said extended position and (ii) generally sideward of the equipped vehicle when said fixed portion attaches at the side of the equipped vehicle and when said movable portion is in said extended position, and wherein said multifunction light module is disposed at least partially at said generally sideward portion of said mirror casing and is configured to emit white light generally sideward of the equipped vehicle.

15. The lighted exterior rearview mirror system of claim 14, wherein an outboard one of said illumination sources of said set of white light-emitting illumination sources is directed partially sideways away from the side of the vehicle when said lighted exterior rearview mirror assembly is normally mounted at the vehicle, and wherein illumination from said outboard illumination source is directed at least partially rearward.

16. The lighted exterior rearview mirror system of claim 15, wherein said multifunction light module comprises a light-transmitting cover and wherein said plurality of illumination sources are disposed behind said light-transmitting cover and operable to emit light that passes through said light-transmitting cover, and wherein said light-transmitting cover is curved to follow the contour of said exterior surface of said mirror casing of said lighted exterior rearview mirror assembly.

17. A lighted exterior rearview mirror system suitable for use on a vehicle, said lighted exterior rearview mirror system comprising:

a lighted exterior rearview mirror assembly;

said lighted exterior rearview mirror assembly comprising at least one of (i) a breakaway exterior rearview mirror assembly and (ii) a powerfold exterior rearview mirror assembly;

said lighted exterior rearview mirror assembly comprising a movable portion and a fixed portion, wherein said fixed portion attaches at a side of a vehicle equipped with said lighted exterior rearview mirror system, and wherein said movable portion is movably attached at said fixed portion and is movable relative to said fixed portion;

wherein, when said lighted exterior rearview mirror assembly is attached at the side of the equipped vehicle, said movable portion is movable from an extended position, where said movable portion generally extends away from the side of the equipped vehicle, to a folded position, where said movable portion is generally folded towards the side of the equipped vehicle;

said movable portion comprising a mirror casing that houses a mirror reflective element;

said mirror casing having a portion that faces at least one of (i) generally forward of the equipped vehicle when said fixed portion attaches at the side of the equipped vehicle and when said movable portion is in said extended position and (ii) generally sideward of the equipped vehicle when said fixed portion attaches at the side of the equipped vehicle and when said movable portion is in said extended position;

a multifunction light module disposed at said movable portion of said lighted exterior rearview mirror assembly, said multifunction light module comprising a plurality of illumination sources operable to emit light;

wherein an exterior surface of said mirror casing has a contour and wherein an exterior surface of said multifunction light module has a contour, and wherein the contour of the exterior surface of said multifunction light module at least partially corresponds to the contour of the exterior surface of said mirror casing;

wherein said plurality of illumination sources comprises a set of white light-emitting illumination sources for a spotlight function of said multifunction light module;

wherein said multifunction light module is configured to emit white light illumination at least in a generally forward direction when white light-emitting illumination sources of said set of white light-emitting illumination sources are electrically powered when said lighted exterior rearview mirror assembly is attached at the side of the equipped vehicle and when said movable portion is at said extended position;

said set of white light-emitting illumination sources emitting white visual light when electrically energized;

wherein said plurality of illumination sources comprises at least one non-white light-emitting illumination source for a turn signal indicator function of said multifunction light module;

said at least one non-white light-emitting illumination source emitting non-white visual light when electrically energized;

wherein said white light-emitting light emitting diodes are generally linearly arranged on a circuit board;

a control circuit responsive to a user input to energize said illumination sources, and wherein illumination sources of said set of white light-emitting illumination sources are controlled responsive to said user input to provide a white light visual spotlight emanating from said exterior rearview mirror assembly;

wherein said white light visual spotlight, when electrically energized responsive to actuation by the driver of the equipped vehicle of said user input, illuminates at least generally forward of the equipped vehicle with white light that is visible to the driver;

wherein said at least one non-white light-emitting illumination source is controlled in response to actuation of a turn signal actuator by a driver of the equipped vehicle;

wherein said multifunction light module is operable to provide said turn signal indicator function independent of operation of said spotlight function; and

wherein actuation of said illumination sources of said set of white light-emitting illumination sources by the driver actuating said user input is independent of actuation of said at least one non-white light-emitting illumination source by the driver actuating said turn signal actuator.

18. The lighted exterior rearview mirror system of claim 17, wherein illumination sources of said set of white light-emitting illumination sources are also controlled responsive to an object detection system of the vehicle so as to direct said spotlight towards a detected object at or near the equipped vehicle.

19. The lighted exterior rearview mirror system of claim 17, wherein said set of white light-emitting illumination sources comprises at least four white light-emitting light emitting diodes.

20. The lighted exterior rearview mirror system of claim 17, wherein said control circuit adjusts a duty cycle of said light emitting diodes responsive to said user input.

21. The lighted exterior rearview mirror system of claim 17, wherein said lighted exterior rearview mirror assembly comprises a powerfold exterior rearview mirror assembly and wherein, when said powerfold exterior rearview mirror assembly is in its folded position, said multifunction light module is operable to provide illumination along the side of the vehicle.

22. A lighted exterior rearview mirror system suitable for use on a vehicle, said lighted exterior rearview mirror system comprising:

a lighted exterior rearview mirror assembly;

said lighted exterior rearview mirror assembly comprising at least one of (i) a breakaway exterior rearview mirror assembly and (ii) a powerfold exterior rearview mirror assembly;

said lighted exterior rearview mirror assembly comprising a movable portion and a fixed portion, wherein said fixed portion attaches at a side of a vehicle equipped with said lighted exterior rearview mirror system, and wherein said movable portion is movably attached at said fixed portion and is movable relative to said fixed portion;

wherein, when said lighted exterior rearview mirror assembly is attached at the side of the equipped vehicle, said movable portion is movable from an extended position, where said movable portion generally extends away from the side of the equipped vehicle, to a folded position, where said movable portion is generally folded towards the side of the equipped vehicle;

said movable portion comprising a mirror casing that houses a mirror reflective element;

said mirror casing having a portion that faces at least one of (i) generally forward of the equipped vehicle when said fixed portion attaches at the side of the equipped vehicle and when said movable portion is in said extended position and (ii) generally sideward of the equipped vehicle when said fixed portion attaches at the side of the equipped vehicle and when said movable portion is in said extended position;

a multifunction light module disposed at said movable portion of said lighted exterior rearview mirror assembly, said multifunction light module comprising a plurality of illumination sources operable to emit light;

wherein an exterior surface of said mirror casing has a contour and wherein an exterior surface of said multifunction light module has a contour, and wherein the contour of the exterior surface of said multifunction light module at least partially corresponds to the contour of the exterior surface of said mirror casing;

wherein said plurality of illumination sources comprises a set of white light-emitting illumination sources, and wherein said set of white light-emitting illumination sources comprises at least four white light-emitting light emitting diodes;

wherein said multifunction light module is configured to emit white light illumination at least in a generally forward direction when white light-emitting illumination sources of said set of white light-emitting illumination sources are electrically powered when said lighted exterior rearview mirror assembly is attached at the side of the equipped vehicle and when said movable portion is at said extended position;

said at least four white light-emitting light emitting diodes emitting white visual light when electrically energized;

wherein said plurality of illumination sources comprises at least one non-white light-emitting light emitting diode for a turn signal indicator function of said multifunction light module;

said at least one non-white light-emitting light emitting diode emitting non-white visual light when electrically energized;

wherein said multifunction light module comprises a light-transmitting cover and wherein said plurality of illumination sources are disposed behind said light-transmitting cover and operable to emit light that passes through said light-transmitting cover;

wherein said light-transmitting cover is curved to follow the contour of said exterior surface of said mirror casing of said lighted exterior rearview mirror assembly;

wherein said at least one non-white light-emitting light emitting diode is operable in response to actuation of a turn signal actuator by a driver of the equipped vehicle;

a control circuit responsive to a user input located in the interior cabin of the equipped vehicle to energize said illumination sources, and wherein illumination sources of said set of white light-emitting illumination sources are controlled responsive to actuation by the driver of the equipped vehicle of said user input to provide a white light visual spotlight emanating from said exterior rearview mirror assembly;

wherein said white light visual spotlight, when electrically energized responsive to actuation by the driver of the equipped vehicle of said user input, illuminates at least generally forward of the equipped vehicle with white light that is visible to the driver;

wherein said multifunction light module is operable to provide said turn signal indicator function independent of operation of said spotlight function; and

wherein actuation of said illumination sources of said set of white light-emitting illumination sources by the driver actuating said user input is independent of actuation of said at least one non-white light-emitting illumination source by the driver actuating said turn signal actuator.

23. The lighted exterior rearview mirror system of claim 22, wherein said control circuit adjusts a duty cycle of said light emitting diodes responsive to said user input.

24. The lighted exterior rearview mirror system of claim 22, wherein illumination sources of said white light-emitting illumination sources are also controlled responsive to an object detection system of the vehicle so as to direct said spot light towards a detected object at or near the equipped vehicle.

25. The lighted exterior rearview mirror system of claim 22, wherein said user input comprises one of a dial, a knob and a switch.

26. The lighted exterior rearview mirror system of claim 22, wherein said user input comprises at least one of a switch and a button.

27. A lighted exterior rearview mirror system suitable for use on a vehicle, said lighted exterior rearview mirror system comprising:

a lighted exterior rearview mirror assembly;

said lighted exterior rearview mirror assembly comprising at least one of (i) a breakaway exterior rearview mirror assembly and (ii) a powerfold exterior rearview mirror assembly;

said lighted exterior rearview mirror assembly comprising a movable portion and a fixed portion, wherein said fixed portion attaches at a side of a vehicle equipped with said lighted exterior rearview mirror system, and wherein said movable portion is movably attached at said fixed portion and is movable relative to said fixed portion;

wherein, when said lighted exterior rearview mirror assembly is attached at the side of the equipped vehicle, said movable portion is movable from an extended position, where said movable portion generally extends away from the side of the equipped vehicle, to a folded position, where said movable portion is generally folded towards the side of the equipped vehicle;

said movable portion comprising a mirror casing that houses a mirror reflective element;

said mirror casing having a portion that faces at least one of (i) generally forward of the equipped vehicle when said fixed portion attaches at the side of the equipped vehicle and when said movable portion is in said extended position and (ii) generally sideward of the equipped vehicle when said fixed portion attaches at the side of the equipped vehicle and when said movable portion is in said extended position;

a multifunction light module disposed at said movable portion of said lighted exterior rearview mirror assembly, said multifunction light module comprising a plurality of light emitting diodes operable to emit light;

wherein an exterior surface of said mirror casing has a contour and wherein an exterior surface of said multifunction light module has a contour, and wherein the contour of the exterior surface of said multifunction light module at least partially corresponds to the contour of the exterior surface of said mirror casing;

wherein said plurality of light emitting diodes comprises a set of white light-emitting light emitting diodes for a spotlight function of said multifunction light module;

wherein said multifunction light module is configured to emit white light illumination at least in a generally forward direction when white light-emitting illumination sources of said set of white light-emitting illumination sources are electrically powered when said lighted exterior rearview mirror assembly is attached at the side of the equipped vehicle and when said movable portion is at said extended position;

said set of white light-emitting light emitting diodes emitting white visual light when electrically energized;

wherein said plurality of light emitting diodes comprises at least one non-white light-emitting light emitting diode for a turn signal indicator function of said multifunction light module;

said at least one non-white light-emitting light emitting diode emitting non-white visual light when electrically energized;

wherein, responsive to a user input located in the interior cabin of the equipped vehicle, light emitting diodes of said set of white light-emitting light emitting diodes are controlled by a control circuit responsive to actuation by the driver of the equipped vehicle of said user input to provide a white light visual spotlight emanating from said exterior rearview mirror assembly;

wherein said white light visual spotlight, when electrically energized responsive to actuation by the driver of the equipped vehicle of said user input, illuminates at least generally forward of the equipped vehicle with white light that is visible to the driver;

wherein said multifunction light module is operable to provide said turn signal indicator function in response to actuation of a turn signal actuator by a driver of the equipped vehicle;

wherein said multifunction light module is operable to provide said turn signal indicator function independent of operation of said spotlight function; and

wherein actuation of said light emitting diodes of sad set of white light-emitting light emitting diodes by the driver actuating said user input is independent of actuation of said at least one non-white light-emitting light emitting diode by the driver actuating said turn signal actuator.

28. The lighted exterior rearview mirror system of claim 27, wherein said multifunction light module comprises a light-transmitting cover and wherein said plurality of light emitting diodes are disposed behind said light-transmitting cover and operable to emit light that passes through said light-transmitting cover.

29. The lighted exterior rearview mirror system of claim 28, wherein said light-transmitting cover comprises at least one of polycarbonate, polystyrene and acrylic.

30. The lighted exterior rearview mirror system of claim 27, wherein said white light-emitting light emitting diodes are generally linearly arranged on a circuit board.

31. The lighted exterior rearview mirror system of claim 27, wherein said set of white light-emitting light emitting diodes comprises at least four white light-emitting light emitting diodes.

32. The lighted exterior rearview mirror system of claim 31, wherein said at least one non-white light-emitting light emitting diode comprises an amber light-emitting light emitting diode.

33. The lighted exterior rearview mirror system of claim 27, wherein said at least one non-white light-emitting light emitting diode comprises at least two non-white light-emitting light emitting diodes.

34. The lighted exterior rearview mirror system of claim 27, wherein said at least one non-white light-emitting light emitting diode comprises at least two amber light-emitting light emitting diodes.

35. The lighted exterior rearview mirror system of claim 27, wherein said lighted exterior rearview mirror assembly comprises a ground illumination source operable to illuminate a ground area adjacent the side of the equipped vehicle when said lighted exterior rearview mirror assembly is attached thereat.

36. The lighted exterior rearview mirror system of claim 35, wherein said ground illumination source is operable responsive to at least one of (i) a passive entry system of the equipped vehicle, (ii) approach of a driver to the equipped vehicle, (iii) opening a door of the equipped vehicle and (iv) actuation of a key fob.

37. The lighted exterior rearview mirror system of claim 36, wherein, when operated, said ground illumination source illuminates a portion of the side of the equipped vehicle.

38. The lighted exterior rearview mirror system of claim 37, wherein said ground illumination source comprises a part of said multifunction light module.

39. The lighted exterior rearview mirror system of claim 27, wherein said multifunction light module comprises a light guide.

40. The lighted exterior rearview mirror system of claim 27, wherein said user input comprises one of a dial, a knob and a switch.

41. The lighted exterior rearview mirror system of claim 27, wherein said user input comprises at least one of a switch and a button.

42. A lighted exterior rearview mirror system suitable for use on a vehicle, said lighted exterior rearview mirror system comprising:

a lighted exterior rearview mirror assembly;

said lighted exterior rearview mirror assembly comprising at least one of (i) a breakaway exterior rearview mirror assembly and (ii) a powerfold exterior rearview mirror assembly;

said lighted exterior rearview mirror assembly comprising a movable portion and a fixed portion, wherein said fixed portion attaches at a side of a vehicle equipped with said lighted exterior rearview mirror system, and wherein said movable portion is movably attached at said fixed portion and is movable relative to said fixed portion;

wherein, when said lighted exterior rearview mirror assembly is attached at the side of the equipped vehicle, said movable portion is movable from an extended position, where said movable portion generally extends away from the side of the equipped vehicle, to a folded position, where said movable portion is generally folded towards the side of the equipped vehicle;

said movable portion comprising a mirror casing that houses a mirror reflective element;

said mirror casing having a portion that faces at least one of (i) generally forward of the equipped vehicle when said fixed portion attaches at the side of the equipped vehicle and when said movable portion is in said extended position and (ii) generally sideward of the equipped vehicle when said fixed portion attaches at the side of the equipped vehicle and when said movable portion is in said extended position;

a multifunction light module disposed at said movable portion of said lighted exterior rearview mirror assembly, said multifunction light module comprising a plurality of light emitting diodes operable to emit light;

wherein an exterior surface of said mirror casing has a contour and wherein an exterior surface of said multifunction light module has a contour, and wherein the contour of the exterior surface of said multifunction light module at least partially corresponds to the contour of the exterior surface of said mirror casing;

wherein said plurality of light emitting diodes comprises a set of white light-emitting light emitting diodes for a spotlight function of said multifunction light module;

wherein said multifunction light module is configured to emit white light illumination at least in a generally forward direction when white light-emitting illumination sources of said set of white light-emitting illumination sources are electrically powered when said lighted exterior rearview mirror assembly is attached at the side of the equipped vehicle and when said movable portion is at said extended position;

wherein said set of white light-emitting light emitting diodes comprises at least four white light-emitting light emitting diodes;

said at least four white light-emitting light emitting diodes emitting white visual light when electrically energized;

wherein said plurality of light emitting diodes comprises at least two amber light-emitting light emitting diodes for a turn signal indicator function of said multifunction light module;

said at least two amber light-emitting light emitting diodes emitting amber visual light when electrically energized;

wherein, responsive to a user input located in an interior cabin of the equipped vehicle, light emitting diodes of said set of white light-emitting light emitting diodes are controlled by a control circuit, responsive to actuation by a driver of the equipped vehicle of said user input, to provide a white light visual spotlight emanating from said exterior rearview mirror assembly;

wherein said white light visual spotlight, when electrically energized responsive to actuation by the driver of the equipped vehicle of said user input, illuminates at least generally forward of the equipped vehicle with white light that is visible to the driver;

wherein said lighted exterior rearview mirror assembly comprises a ground illumination source operable to illuminate a ground area adjacent the side of the equipped vehicle when said lighted exterior rearview mirror assembly is attached thereat;

wherein said multifunction light module is operable to provide said turn signal indicator function in response to actuation of a turn signal actuator by the driver of the equipped vehicle;

wherein said multifunction light module is operable to provide said turn signal indicator function independent of operation of said spotlight function; and

wherein actuation of said light emitting diodes of said set of white light-emitting light emitting diodes by the driver actuating said user input is independent of actuation of said at least two amber light-emitting light emitting diodes by the driver actuating said turn signal actuator.

43. The lighted exterior rearview mirror system of claim 42, wherein said multifunction light module comprises a light-transmitting cover and wherein said plurality of light emitting diodes are disposed behind said light-transmitting cover and operable to emit light that passes through said light-transmitting cover, and wherein said light-transmitting cover comprises at least one of polycarbonate, polystyrene and acrylic.

44. The lighted exterior rearview mirror system of claim 43, wherein said white light-emitting light emitting diodes are generally linearly arranged on a circuit board.

45. The lighted exterior rearview mirror system of claim 43, wherein said ground illumination source is operable responsive to at least one of (i) a passive entry system of the equipped vehicle, (ii) approach of a driver to the equipped vehicle, (iii) opening a door of the equipped vehicle and (iv) actuation of a key fob.

46. The lighted exterior rearview mirror system of claim 45, wherein at least one of (a) when operated, said ground illumination source illuminates a portion of the side of the equipped vehicle and (b) said ground illumination source comprises a part of said multifunction light module.

47. The lighted exterior rearview mirror system of claim 42, wherein said multifunction light module comprises a light guide.

48. The lighted exterior rearview mirror system of claim 42, wherein said user input comprises one of a dial, a knob and a switch.

49. The lighted exterior rearview mirror system of claim 42, wherein said user input comprises at least one of a switch and a button.