Vehicle-mounted mirror-integrated radar system

• US 20030006888A1
• Filed: 07/05/2002
• Published: 01/09/2003
• Est. Priority Date: 07/06/2001
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Frank Micali, Robert L. Burchette Jr
• Original Assignee: Frank Micali, Robert L. Burchette Jr
• Inventors: Burchette, Robert L. Jr., Micali, Frank
• Application Number:
  US10/190,306
• Publication Number:
  US 20030006888A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 340/425.5
• 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 2001/123 with thermometers
• 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: G01S 13/86 Combinations of radar systems with non-radar systems, e.g. sonar, direction finder
• CPC Class Codes: G01S 7/022 Road traffic radar detectors

Abstract

A modular assembly is disclosed for mounting within a vehicle interior and for providing a plurality of electronic accessories to a user. Such integrated assembly preferably includes a system for detecting radar signals and providing audio and visual alerts upon detection of selected signals. An assembly may also include additional electronic accessories such as digital display, home access control, digital voice recorder, cellular phone, and audio interface. Such digital display may provide a user with an informative status of temperature, time, direction, or other selected quantities. Such audio interface preferably includes at least one microphone for audio input and at least one speaker for audio output. The modular assembly is preferably designed as a retrofit product for installation in a vehicle and for integration with certain existing vehicular technology. Such assembly is most preferably integrated with existing circuitry and function of a typical rearview mirror for a vehicle, but other integration options are provided.

Claims

1. A mirror-integrated module for mounting within a vehicle, said module comprising:

a rearview mirror;

a mirror reflectivity mechanism provided in conjunction with said rearview mirror and configured to adjust the amount of reflectivity of said rearview mirror based on the amount of ambient light provided thereto; and

a radar detector provided adjacent to said rearview mirror within said integrated module.

2. A mirror-integrated module as in claim 1, further comprising a home access controller configured to output a signal whereby accessibility to a home entrance is effected.

3. A mirror-integrated module as in claim 1, wherein said mirror reflectivity mechanism includes a photocell.

4. A mirror-integrated module as in claim 1, wherein said radar detector is configured to receive and process RF signals such that an output is provided upon detection of selected X-band, K-band, and Ka-band signals.

5. A mirror-integrated module as in claim 4, further comprising a digital display such that the output provided upon detection of selected signals by said radar detector comprises a visual output on said digital display.

6. A mirror-integrated module as in claim 5, wherein said digital display is further configured to output information corresponding to the current time, temperature and vehicle direction.

7. A mirror-integrated module as in claim 4, further comprising a speaker such that the output provided upon detection of selected signals by the radar detector comprises an audio output provided via said speaker.

8. A mirror-integrated module as in claim 1, wherein said home access controller is programmable such that the home access controller can be configured to output a frequency for opening and closing a user'"'"'s garage door.

9. A mirror-integrated module as in claim 1, further comprising an electrical interface for receiving power from an existing power source of the vehicle in which the module is mounted.

10. A mirror-integrated module as in claim 1, wherein said radar detector is configured to receive and process laser-based signals.

11. A mirror-integrated module as in claim 1, further including a jamming device for blocking signals from radar systems attempting to monitor users of said module.

13. A multi-function electronic assembly as in claim 12, wherein said mirror reflectivity mechanism includes a photocell.

14. A multi-function electronic assembly as in claim 12, wherein said radar detector is configured to receive and process RF signals such that an output is provided upon detection of selected X-band, K-band, and Ka-band signals.

15. A multi-function electronic assembly as in claim 12, wherein said digital display is further configured to output information corresponding at least one characteristic selected from the group consisting of the current time, current temperature, vehicle location, vehicle direction, vehicle speed, and vehicle fuel level.

16. A multi-function electronic assembly as in claim 12, wherein said home access controller is programmable such that the home access controller can be configured to output a frequency for opening and closing a user'"'"'s garage door.

17. A multi-function electronic assembly as in claim 12, further comprising a microphone audio input interfaced with said home access controller such that voice commands inputted to said microphone effect the accessibility to a home entrance.

18. A multi-function electronic assembly as in claim 12, further comprising an electrical interface for receiving power from a power source within the vehicle provided to the rearview mirror with which said electronic assembly is integrated.

20. A modular assembly as in claim 19, wherein said mirror reflectivity mechanism includes a photocell.

21. A modular assembly as in claim 19, wherein said radar detector is configured to receive and process RF signals such that visual and audio outputs are provided upon detection of selected X-band, K-band, and Ka-band signals.

22. A modular assembly as in claim 19, wherein said digital display is further configured to output information corresponding at least one characteristic selected from the group consisting of the current time, current temperature, vehicle location, vehicle direction, vehicle speed, and vehicle fuel level.

23. A modular assembly as in claim 19, wherein said home access controller is programmable such that the home access controller can be configured to output a frequency for opening and closing a user'"'"'s garage door.

24. A modular assembly as in claim 19, further comprising a microphone audio input interfaced with said audio recorder and with said home access controller such that voice commands inputted to said microphone effect the accessibility to a home entrance.

25. A modular assembly as in claim 19, further comprising an electrical interface for connecting with a cellular phone whereby hands-free cellular communication is facilitated via said microphone audio input and via said speaker.

12. A multi-function electronic assembly for integrating with a rearview mirror in a vehicle interior, said electronic assembly comprising:

a mirror reflectivity mechanism configured to interface with a rearview mirror such that the amount of reflectivity of the rearview mirror is based on the amount of ambient light provided thereto;

a radar detector provided within said integrated module and configured to receive and process a predetermined range of RF signals and provide an output based on the received and processed signals;

a digital display such that the output provided upon detection of selected signals by said radar detector comprises a visual output on the digital display;

a speaker such that the output provided upon detection of selected signals by the radar detector comprises an audio output provided via said speaker; and

a home access controller configured to output a signal whereby accessibility to a home entrance is effected.

19. A modular assembly suitable for retrofit installation within a vehicle, said modular assembly comprising:

a rearview mirror;

a mirror reflectivity mechanism provided in conjunction with said rearview mirror and configured to adjust the amount of reflectivity of said rearview mirror based on the amount of ambient light provided thereto;

a radar detector provided within said integrated module and configured to receive and process a predetermined range of RF signals and provide an output based on the received and processed signals;

a digital display such that the output provided upon detection of selected signals by said radar detector comprises a visual output on the digital display;

a speaker such that the output provided upon detection of selected signals by the radar detector comprises an audio output provided via said speaker;

a home access controller configured to output a signal whereby accessibility to a home entrance is effected; and

an audio recorder for receiving input from a microphone audio input, whereby stored signals recorded by said audio recorder may be outputted by said speaker.