Mirror monitor using two levels of reflectivity and transmissibility
First Claim
1. A method of displaying an image on a rear-view mirror unit mounted forward of a vehicle operator for enhanced viewing by a vehicle operator of areas within or exterior to a bus or public transit vehicle, the rear-view mirror unit comprises an overall length of substantially 30 inches with a first area having a first reflectivity and a second area having a second reflectivity, the first reflectivity not less than about 20% and the second reflectivity not less than about 20%, the method comprising:
- capturing, by a first image capture device mounted at a first location in the vehicle at least a first image, wherein the first location provides a view of an external rear of the vehicle;
transmitting, by the first image capture device, the first image to at least one monitor one monitor module removably connectable to the rear-view mirror unit and viewable through the first area of the rear-view mirror unit having the first reflectivity not less than about 20% and configured to be substantially similar to the second area with the second reflectivity not less than about 20% when the first image is transmitted to at least one monitor module and when viewed at least from a position at or near the vehicle operator; and
preventing display of the first image in response to receiving one or more triggering signals.
1 Assignment
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A rear-view mirror and modular monitor system and method include an interior mirror that embeds a modular monitor behind see-through mirror glass. In some embodiments, the system includes multiple cameras, some in the vehicle, bus and/or truck, as well as some cameras outside the vehicle, bus and/or truck, advantageously providing the driver an opportunity to view what is happening, for example, in the back rows of the bus and/or cabin, while also using the mirror to look at objects in the bus and/or cabin that are visible using the mirror. The rear-view mirror and modular monitor system is configured to be easily assembled and/or disassembled when necessary for maintenance and/or to replace parts.
30 Citations
26 Claims
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1. A method of displaying an image on a rear-view mirror unit mounted forward of a vehicle operator for enhanced viewing by a vehicle operator of areas within or exterior to a bus or public transit vehicle, the rear-view mirror unit comprises an overall length of substantially 30 inches with a first area having a first reflectivity and a second area having a second reflectivity, the first reflectivity not less than about 20% and the second reflectivity not less than about 20%, the method comprising:
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capturing, by a first image capture device mounted at a first location in the vehicle at least a first image, wherein the first location provides a view of an external rear of the vehicle; transmitting, by the first image capture device, the first image to at least one monitor one monitor module removably connectable to the rear-view mirror unit and viewable through the first area of the rear-view mirror unit having the first reflectivity not less than about 20% and configured to be substantially similar to the second area with the second reflectivity not less than about 20% when the first image is transmitted to at least one monitor module and when viewed at least from a position at or near the vehicle operator; and preventing display of the first image in response to receiving one or more triggering signals. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17)
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18. A method of displaying an image on a rear-view mirror unit mounted forward of a vehicle operator for enhanced viewing by a vehicle operator of areas within or exterior to a bus or public transit vehicle, the rear-view mirror unit comprises an overall length of substantially 30 inches with a first area having a first reflectivity and a second area having a second reflectivity, the first reflectivity not less than about 20% and the second reflectivity not less than about 20%, the method comprising:
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capturing, by a first image capture device mounted at a first location in the vehicle at least a first image, wherein the first location provides a view of an external rear of the vehicle; transmitting, by the first image capture device, the first image to at least one monitor module removably connectable to the rear-view mirror unit and viewable through the first area of the rear-view mirror unit having the first reflectivity not less than about 20% and configured to be the same as the second reflectivity not less than about 20% when the first image is transmitted to at least one monitor module and when viewed at least from a position at or near the vehicle operator; and preventing display of the first image in response to receiving one or more triggering signals. - View Dependent Claims (19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26)
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Specification