Accessory system suitable for use in a vehicle

• US 20040145457A1
• Filed: 01/13/2004
• Published: 07/29/2004
• Est. Priority Date: 01/07/1998
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Donnelly Corporation (Magna International Incorporated)
• Original Assignee: Donnelly Corporation (Magna International Incorporated)
• Inventors: OʼBrien, Frank, Schofield, Kenneth, Lynam, Niall R., Bingle, Robert L.
• Granted Patent: US 7,446,650 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 340/425.5
• CPC Class Codes: B60C 23/00 Devices for measuring, signalling, controlling, or distributing tyre pressure or temperature, specially adapted for mounting on vehicles; Arrangement of tyre inflating devices on vehicles, e.g. of pumps or of tanks; Tyre cooling arrangements
• CPC Class Codes: B60C 23/0408 transmitting the signals by non-mechanical means from the wheel or tyre to a vehicle body mounted receiver
• CPC Class Codes: B60K 2360/143 Touch sensitive instrument input devices
• CPC Class Codes: B60K 2360/1438 Touch screens
• CPC Class Codes: B60K 35/00 Instruments specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement of instruments in or on vehicles
• CPC Class Codes: B60K 35/10 Input arrangements, i.e. from user to vehicle, associated with vehicle functions or specially adapted therefor
• CPC Class Codes: B60Q 1/22 for reverse drive
• 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 1/50 for indicating other intentions or conditions, e.g. request for waiting or overtaking
• CPC Class Codes: B60Q 1/5037 the display content changing automatically, e.g. depending on traffic situation
• CPC Class Codes: B60Q 1/54 for indicating speed outside of the vehicle
• CPC Class Codes: B60Q 1/543 for indicating other states or conditions of the vehicle indicating taxis' state of hire or fare G07B13/045
• CPC Class Codes: B60Q 3/258 Rear-view mirrors
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 1/00 Optical viewing arrangements; Real-time viewing arrangements for drivers or passengers using optical image capturing systems, e.g. cameras or video systems specially adapted for use in or on vehicles
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 1/02 Rear-view mirror arrangements periscope arrangements B60R1/10
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 1/04 mounted inside vehicle B60R1/025, B60R1/08 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 1/06 mounted on vehicle exterior B60R1/025, B60R1/08 take precedence
• 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 1/26 to the rear of the vehicle
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 1/28 : with an adjustable field of view
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 1/29 : for viewing an area inside the vehicle, e.g. for viewing passengers or cargo
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 1/30 : providing vision in the non-visible spectrum, e.g. night or infrared vision
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 11/0235 : of flat type, e.g. LCD
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 11/0241 : for telephones
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 11/0247 : for microphones or earphones
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 11/04 : Mounting of cameras operative during drive; Arrangement of controls thereof relative to the vehicle
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2001/1215 : with information displays
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2001/1223 : with sensors or transducers
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2001/1253 : with cameras, video cameras or video screens
• 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: B60R 2011/0026 : Windows, e.g. windscreen
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2011/0033 : Rear-view mirrors
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2011/004 : outside the vehicle
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2011/0082 : collapsible, e.g. for storing after use
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2011/0084 : with adjustment by linear movement in their operational position
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2011/0089 : around three axes, i.e. universally mounted
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2011/0282 : for the use of several passengers, e.g. simultaneously
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2011/0288 : Apparatus made of several modules independently mounted
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2011/0294 : Apparatus with multi-functionalities, e.g. radio and telephone
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 21/01566 : Devices for warning or indicating mode of inhibition
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2300/103 : using camera systems provided with artificial illumination device, e.g. IR light source
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2300/105 : using multiple cameras
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2300/106 : using night vision cameras
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2300/302 : combining image information with GPS information or vehicle data, e.g. vehicle speed, gyro, steering angle data
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2300/406 : using wireless transmission
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2300/8026 : in addition to a rear-view mirror system
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2300/804 : for lane monitoring
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2300/8053 : for bad weather conditions or night vision
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2300/806 : for aiding parking
• CPC Class Codes: B60S 1/0822 : characterized by the arrangement or type of detection means
• CPC Class Codes: B60S 1/0844 : including a camera
• CPC Class Codes: B60S 1/0885 : the sensor being integrated in a rear-view mirror module
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 2027/0118 : comprising devices for improving the contrast of the display / brillance control visibility
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 2027/012 : comprising devices for attenuating parasitic image effects
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 27/01 : Head-up displays
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 27/0101 : characterised by optical features G02B27/0172 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 6/00 : Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 7/18 : Closed-circuit television [CCTV] systems, i.e. systems in which the video signal is not broadcast

Abstract

A vehicular video mirror system includes an interior rearview mirror assembly and a video display assembly. The interior rearview mirror assembly includes a mirror casing incorporating a reflective element. The reflective element has a rearward field of view when the interior rearview mirror assembly is mounted in a vehicle. The mirror assembly further includes a mirror-mounting portion, which is adapted to mount the interior rearview mirror assembly at an interior portion of the vehicle, such as a windshield portion or a header portion. The mirror casing is adjustable about the mirror-mounting portion for adjusting the rearward field of view of the reflective element. The video display assembly includes a video screen which is incorporated in a video display housing. The video display assembly also includes a display-mounting portion, which is adapted to mount the video display assembly at the interior portion of the vehicle. The display housing is adapted to be adjustable about the display-mounting portion for adjusting the orientation of the video screen and, further, for moving the display housing to a stowed position whereby the video screen is generally not viewable by a driver when seated in a vehicle seat in the vehicle to thereby minimize the distraction to the driver of the vehicle.

Claims

1. An accessory system suitable for use in a vehicle comprising:

an interior rearview mirror assembly having a reflective element, said reflective element having a rearward field of view when said interior rearview mirror assembly is mounted in the vehicle;

said rearward field of view of said reflective element being adjustable by a driver of the vehicle when said rearview mirror assembly is mounted in the vehicle;

said mirror assembly having a mirror-mounting portion adapted to detachably mount said interior rearview mirror assembly at an interior portion of the vehicle;

a windshield accessory module assembly attached at the windshield of the vehicle, said windshield accessory module assembly being unaffected by adjustment of the rearward field of view of said reflective element;

said windshield accessory module assembly comprising at least one of a forward facing imaging device with a field of view forward of the vehicle through the windshield of the vehicle and an interior cabin imaging device with a field of view encompassing at least a portion of the interior cabin of the vehicle; and

wherein said windshield accessory module assembly detachably attaches at an attachment member adhered at an inner surface of said windshield.

2. The vehicular accessory system according to claim 1, wherein said windshield accessory module assembly comprises a portion at least one of viewable by and accessible by a driver of the vehicle.

3. The vehicular accessory system according to claim 1, wherein said windshield accessory module assembly comprises a portion at least one of viewable by and accessible by a driver of the vehicle, said portion being disposed generally above a casing of said interior mirror assembly when said interior rearview mirror assembly is mounted at said interior portion of the vehicle.

4. The vehicular accessory system according to claim 2, wherein said windshield accessory module assembly comprises a portion at least one of viewable by and accessible by a driver of the vehicle, said portion being disposed generally below a casing of said interior mirror assembly when said interior rearview mirror assembly is mounted at said interior portion of the vehicle.

5. The vehicular accessory system according to claim 1, wherein said windshield accessory module assembly comprises a portion viewable by a driver of the vehicle.

6. The vehicular accessory system according to claim 5, wherein said windshield accessory module assembly includes an articulatable element, said articulatable element permitting repositioning of said portion viewable by a driver of the vehicle.

7. The vehicular accessory system according to claim 1, wherein said windshield accessory module assembly comprises a portion accessible by a driver of the vehicle.

8. The vehicular accessory system according to claim 7, wherein said windshield accessory module assembly includes an articulatable element, said articulatable element permitting repositioning of said portion accessible by a driver of the vehicle.

9. The vehicular accessory system according to claim 5, wherein said portion viewable by a driver of the vehicle comprises a display.

10. The vehicular accessory system according to claim 9, wherein said display comprises at least one chosen from (i) a rain sensor operation display, (ii) a telephone information display, (iii) a highway status information display, (iv) a blind spot indicator display, (v) a hazard warning display, (vi) a vehicle status display, (vii) a page message display, (viii) a speedometer display, (ix) a tachometer display, (x) an audio system display, (xi) a fuel gauge display, (xii) a heater control display, (xiii) an air conditioning system display, (xiv) a status of inflation of tires display, (xv) a trailer tow image display, (xvi) an e-mail message display, (xvii) a compass display, (xviiii) an engine coolant temperature display, (xix) an oil pressure display, (xx) a cellular phone operation display, (xxi) a navigation system display, (xxii) a weather information display, (xxiii) a temperature display, (xxiv) a traffic information display, (xxv) a telephone number display, (xxvi) a fuel status display, (xxvii) a battery condition display, (xxviii) a time display, (xxix) a train approach warning display, and (xxx) a toll transaction display.

11. The vehicular accessory system according to claim 7, wherein said portion accessible by a driver of the vehicle comprises a user interface.

12. The vehicular accessory system according to claim 11, wherein said user interface comprises at least one user-actuatable button.

13. The vehicular accessory system according to claim 12, wherein user actuation of said at least one user-actuatable button actuates a vehicle function.

14. The vehicular accessory system according to claim 13, wherein said vehicle function comprises a telematic function.

15. The vehicular accessory system according to claim 1, wherein said reflective element comprises a prismatic reflective element.

16. The vehicular accessory system according to claim 1, wherein said reflective element comprises an electrochromic reflective element.

17. The vehicular accessory system according to claim 1, wherein said attachment member attaching said windshield accessory module assembly at said windshield comprises a mirror mounting button that is adhered at the inner surface of the windshield.

18. The vehicular accessory system according to claim 17, wherein said mounting to a mirror mounting button comprises a break-away mounting.

19. The vehicular accessory system according to claim 17, wherein said mirror-mounting portion of said rearview mirror assembly is configured to mount to said mirror mounting button should said windshield accessory module assembly not be mounted to said mirror mounting button.

20. The vehicular accessory system according to claim 19, wherein said interior portion of the vehicle comprises a mirror attachment portion of said windshield accessory module assembly and wherein said mirror-mounting portion of said interior rearview mirror assembly mounts said interior rearview mirror assembly to said windshield accessory module assembly at said mirror attachment portion of said windshield accessory module assembly.

21. The vehicular accessory system according to claim 20, wherein said mirror attachment portion of said windshield accessory module assembly is configured similar to the configuration of said mirror mounting button.

22. The vehicular accessory system according to claim 20, wherein said mirror-mounting portion of said interior rearview mirror assembly mounts said interior rearview mirror assembly to said windshield portion by a break-away connection.

23. The vehicular accessory system according to claim 1, wherein said forward facing imaging device comprises a multi-pixel array detector.

24. The vehicular accessory system according to claim 1, wherein said forward facing imaging device comprises a CCD device.

25. The vehicular accessory system according to claim 1, wherein said forward facing imaging device comprises a CMOS device.

26. The vehicular accessory system according to claim 23, wherein said forward facing imaging device comprises part of a headlamp control.

27. The vehicular accessory system according to claim 1, wherein said windshield accessory module assembly includes at least one chosen from a) a garage door opener, b) a microphone, c) an antenna, d) a compass sensor, e) a transceiver, f) a sensor, g) a display element, h) a user actuatable control, i) loudspeaker, j) a photo sensor, k) a light source, 1) a receiver, and m) a recorder.

28. The vehicular accessory system according to claim 1, wherein said windshield accessory module assembly includes at least one chosen from a) a pivot connection, b) a tilt connection, c) a swivel connection, and d) a nesting connection.

29. The vehicular accessory system according to claim 1, further comprising a video display screen.

30. The vehicular accessory system according to claim 29, wherein said video display screen is included in a video display assembly and wherein said video display assembly includes a video display-mounting portion.

31. The vehicular accessory system according to claim 30, wherein said video display-mounting portion is adapted to one of (i) mount said video display assembly to said mirror-mounting portion of said interior rearview mirror assembly, (ii) mount said video display assembly to another interior portion of the vehicle proximate said interior portion, and (iii) mount said video display assembly at or adjacent to said interior portion.

32. The vehicular accessory system according to claim 31, wherein said video display assembly is adapted to permit repositioning of said video display screen and whereby said field of view of said reflective element and said video display screen can be adjusted independently of each other to a plurality of respective viewing positions for viewing by a driver of the vehicle.

33. The vehicular accessory system according to claim 29, wherein said video display screen displays an image captured by an image capture device with a field of view rearward of the vehicle.

34. The vehicular accessory system according to claim 33, wherein said image capture device comprises a CCD camera.

35. The vehicular accessory system according to claim 33, wherein said image capture device comprises a CMOS camera.

36. The vehicular accessory system according to claim 33, wherein said image is displayed by said video display screen upon selection by the driver of a reverse gear of the vehicle.

37. The vehicular accessory system according to claim 36, wherein said video display screen moves from a stowed position at or adjacent said reflective element to a viewing position for the driver of the vehicle when the gear shift of the vehicle is moved to its reverse position.

38. The vehicular accessory system according to claim 37, wherein said video display screen moves from said viewing position to said stowed position when the gear shift of the vehicle is moved out of its reverse position.

39. The vehicular accessory system according to claim 38, wherein said image capture device comprises a part of a back-up aid system.

40. The vehicular accessory system according to claim 33, wherein said video display screen is movable to a stowed position to reduce driver distraction.

41. The vehicular accessory system according to claim 40, wherein said stowed position is behind said reflective element of said interior rearview mirror assembly.

42. The vehicular accessory system according to claim 40, wherein said video display screen is generally not viewable by an occupant of the vehicle when the occupant of the vehicle is seated in a vehicle seat of the vehicle and said video display screen is moved to its stowed position.

43. The vehicular accessory system according to claim 41, wherein said video display screen is generally not viewable by an occupant of the vehicle when the occupant of the vehicle is seated in a vehicle seat of the vehicle and said video display screen is moved to its stowed position.

44. The vehicular accessory system according to claim 39, wherein said video display screen is movable between an extended position viewable by a driver of the vehicle and a retracted position generally not viewable by a driver of the vehicle.

45. The vehicular accessory system according to claim 33, wherein said video display screen is manually movable between an extended position viewable by a driver of the vehicle and a retracted position generally not viewable by a driver of the vehicle.

46. The vehicular accessory system according to claim 33, wherein said video display screen is electromechanically movable between an extended position viewable by a driver of the vehicle and a retracted position generally not viewable by a driver of the vehicle.

47. The vehicular accessory system according to claim 39, wherein said image capture device is mounted at least one chosen from a) a bumper of the vehicle, b) a rear license plate of the vehicle, c) a center high mounted stop light, and d) a trunk lid of the vehicle.

48. The vehicular accessory system according to claim 39, further comprising at least one actuator adapted to move said video display screen to said viewing position in response to the gear shift of the vehicle being moved to its reverse position.

49. The vehicular accessory system according to claim 48, wherein said stowed position is behind said reflective element when said interior rearview mirror assembly is mounted in the vehicle.

50. The vehicular accessory system according to claim 37, wherein said stowed position is behind said reflective element when said interior rearview mirror assembly is mounted in the vehicle.

51. The vehicular accessory system according to claim 37, wherein said forward facing imaging device comprises part of a headlamp control.

52. The vehicular accessory system according to claim 48, wherein said forward facing imaging device comprises part of a headlamp control.

53. The vehicular accessory system according to claim 1, wherein said forward facing imaging device comprises part of a collision avoidance control.

54. The vehicular accessory system according to claim 53, wherein said forward facing imaging device provides images to a data recorder.

55. The vehicular accessory system according to claim 1, wherein said field of view forward of the vehicle through the windshield of the vehicle encompasses a field of view of a road surface in front of the vehicle.

56. The vehicular accessory system according to claim 55, wherein said forward facing imaging device images a road surface in front of the vehicle.

57. The vehicular accessory system according to claim 1, wherein said forward facing imaging device images a road surface in front of the vehicle.

58. The vehicular accessory system according to claim 1, wherein said windshield accessory module assembly includes at least one component of a vehicular navigation system.

59. The vehicular accessory system according to claim 58, wherein said at least one component of a vehicular navigation system comprises an antenna suitable for receiving a signal from a GPS satellite.

60. The vehicular accessory system according to claim 58, wherein said at least one component of a vehicular navigation system comprises an information display.

61. The vehicular accessory system according to claim 60, wherein said information display displays a compass direction heading.

62. The vehicular accessory system according to claim 60, wherein said information display displays at least one chosen from a) street junction information, b) street name information, c) highway ramp entry information, and d) highway ramp exit information.

63. The vehicular accessory system according to claim 58, wherein said windshield accessory module assembly includes a compass sensor.

64. The vehicular accessory system according to claim 63, wherein said at least one component of a vehicular navigation system comprises an antenna suitable for receiving a signal from a GPS satellite.

65. The vehicular accessory system according to claim 1, wherein said mirror-mounting portion adapted to detachably mount said interior rearview mirror assembly comprises a portion of a dual-ball mount support.

66. The vehicular accessory system according to claim 1, wherein said mirror-mounting portion adapted to detachably mount said interior rearview mirror assembly comprises a portion of a single-ball mount support.

67. The vehicular accessory system according to claim 1, wherein a wireless communication exists between said windshield accessory module assembly and another accessory of the vehicle.

68. The vehicular accessory system according to claim 67, wherein said wireless communication comprises restricted range radio-frequency wireless communication.

69. The vehicular accessory system according to claim 68, wherein said restricted range radio-frequency wireless communication comprises a BLUETOOTH wireless communication.

70. The vehicular accessory system according to claim 68, wherein said restricted range radio-frequency wireless communication comprises an 802.11b standard wireless communication.

71. The vehicular accessory system according to claim 67, wherein said wireless communication operates at a 2.4 gigahertz radio band.

72. The vehicular accessory system according to claim 67, wherein said another accessory of the vehicle comprises at least one of a camera and a phone.

73. The vehicular accessory system according to claim 1, wherein at least one of said windshield accessory module assembly and said interior rearview mirror assembly includes a battery.

74. The vehicular accessory system according to claim 73, wherein said battery comprises a rechargeable battery.

75. The vehicular accessory system according to claim 74, further comprising a solar panel, said solar panel operable to charge said rechargeable battery.

76. The vehicular accessory system according to claim 1, wherein at least one of said windshield accessory module assembly and said interior rearview mirror assembly includes a component of a tire pressure monitoring system.

77. The vehicular accessory system according to claim 76, wherein said component of a tire pressure monitoring system comprises a display.

78. The vehicular accessory system according to claim 76, wherein said component of a tire pressure monitoring system comprises an antenna.

79. The vehicular accessory system according to claim 1, wherein said windshield accessory module assembly includes a telescoping portion.

80. The vehicular accessory system according to claim 1, wherein said interior portion of the vehicle comprises a windshield portion of the vehicle.

81. The vehicular accessory system according to claim 80, wherein said interior rearview mirror assembly attaches at said windshield portion of the vehicle at a mirror mounting button that is adhered at the inner surface of the windshield.

82. The vehicular accessory system according to claim 1, wherein said interior portion of the vehicle comprises a header portion.

83. The vehicular accessory system according to claim 1, wherein said interior mirror assembly includes at least two chosen from (i) a trainable garage door opener, (ii) a universal home access system, (iii) an INTERNET interface, (iv) a remote keyless entry receiver, (v) a video device, (vi) a rain sensor, (vii) a compass sensor, (viii) a trip computer, (ix) an intrusion detector, (x) a phone, (xi) a light, (xii) a seat occupancy detector, (xiii) a phone attachment, (xiv) an electro-optic reflective mirror element, (xv) an electrochromic reflective mirror element, (xvi) a headlamp controller, (xvii) a printer, (xviii) a transmitter, (xix) a modem, (xx) an instrumentation light, (xxi) a console light, (xxii) a solar panel, (xxiii) a windshield portion defogger device, (xxiv) an antenna, (xxv) a loudspeaker, (xxvi) a microphone, (xxvii) a digital message recorder, (xxviii) a magnetic tape message recorder, (xxvix) a phone control panel, (xxx) a digital storage device, (xxxi) a receiver, (xxxii) a compass display, (xxxiii) a photo sensor, (xxxiv) a supplemental inflatable restraint system status indicator, (xxxv) an imaging device, and (xxxvi) a compass display.

84. The vehicular accessory system according to claim 1, wherein said windshield accessory module assembly comprises a forward facing imaging device with a field of view forward of the vehicle through the windshield of the vehicle.

85. The vehicular accessory system according to claim 84, wherein said forward facing imaging device comprises part of a headlamp control.

86. The vehicular accessory system according to claim 85, wherein said field of view forward of the vehicle through the windshield of the vehicle encompasses a field of view of a road surface in front of the vehicle.

87. The vehicular accessory system according to claim 86, wherein said forward facing imaging device images a road surface in front of the vehicle.

88. The vehicular accessory system according to claim 1, wherein said windshield accessory module assembly comprises an interior cabin imaging device with a field of view encompassing at least a portion of the interior cabin of the vehicle.

89. The vehicular accessory system according to claim 88, wherein said interior cabin imaging device comprises a CCD device.

90. The vehicular accessory system according to claim 88, wherein said interior cabin imaging device comprises a CMOS device.

91. The vehicular accessory system according to claim 1, wherein said at least a portion of the interior cabin of the vehicle comprises a seat portion.

92. The vehicular accessory system according to claim 91, wherein said seat portion comprises a rear seat portion.

93. The vehicular accessory system according to claim 88, wherein supplemental lighting is provided illuminating said at least a portion of the interior cabin of the vehicle.

94. The vehicular accessory system according to claim 93, wherein said supplemental lighting substantially comprises infrared lighting.

95. The vehicular accessory system according to claim 93, wherein said supplemental lighting comprises lighting generated by at least one light emitting diode.

96. The vehicular accessory system according to claim 93, wherein said supplemental lighting comprises lighting generated by at least one infrared light emitting diode.

97. The vehicular accessory system according to claim 1, wherein said attachment member adhered at an inner surface of said windshield comprises a rail.

98. The vehicular accessory system according to claim 1, wherein said attachment member adhered at an inner surface of said windshield comprises a channel.

99. The vehicular accessory system according to claim 1, wherein said attachment member adhered at an inner surface of said windshield comprises an attachment member adhered at a location of said inner surface of said windshield separate from the location of another attachment member adhered at the inner surface of the windshield.

100. The vehicular accessory system according to claim 99, wherein said another attachment member adhered at the inner surface of the windshield comprises a mirror mounting button that is adhered at the inner surface of the windshield.

101. The vehicular accessory system according to claim 100, wherein said interior rearview mirror assembly mounts at said interior portion of the vehicle to said mirror mounting button that is adhered at the inner surface of the windshield.

102. The vehicular accessory system according to claim 1, wherein said attachment member adheres at said inner surface of said windshield by at least one chosen from a) a silicone adhesive, b) a polyvinyl butyral adhesive, and c) a structural adhesive.

103. An accessory system suitable for use in a vehicle comprising:

an interior rearview mirror assembly having a reflective element, said reflective element having a rearward field of view when said interior rearview mirror assembly is mounted in the vehicle;

said rearward field of view of said reflective element being adjustable by a driver of the vehicle when said rearview mirror assembly is mounted in the vehicle;

said mirror assembly having a mirror-mounting portion adapted to detachably mount said interior rearview mirror assembly at an interior portion of the vehicle;

said interior portion comprising a windshield accessory module assembly attached at the windshield of the vehicle, said windshield accessory module assembly being unaffected by adjustment of the rearward field of view of said reflective element; and

said windshield accessory module assembly comprising a forward facing imaging device with a field of view forward of the vehicle through the windshield of the vehicle, said forward facing imaging device comprising part of at least one of a) a headlamp control, b) a collision avoidance control, c) a windshield fogging control, and d) a rain sensing control.

104. The vehicular accessory system according to claim 103, wherein said windshield accessory module assembly comprises a portion at least one of viewable by and accessible by a driver of the vehicle.

105. The vehicular accessory system according to claim 103, wherein said windshield accessory module assembly comprises a portion at least one of viewable by and accessible by a driver of the vehicle, said portion being disposed generally above a casing of said interior mirror assembly when said interior rearview mirror assembly is mounted at said interior portion of the vehicle.

106. The vehicular accessory system according to claim 104, wherein said windshield accessory module assembly comprises a portion at least one of viewable by and accessible by a driver of the vehicle, said portion being disposed generally below a casing of said interior mirror assembly when said interior rearview mirror assembly is mounted at said interior portion of the vehicle.

107. The vehicular accessory system according to claim 103, wherein said windshield accessory module assembly comprises a portion viewable by a driver of the vehicle.

108. The vehicular accessory system according to claim 107, wherein said windshield accessory module includes an articulatable element, said articulatable element permitting repositioning of said portion viewable by a driver of the vehicle.

109. The vehicular accessory system according to claim 103, wherein said windshield accessory module assembly comprises a portion accessible by a driver of the vehicle.

110. The vehicular accessory system according to claim 109, wherein said windshield accessory module includes an articulatable element, said articulatable element permitting repositioning of said portion accessible by a driver of the vehicle.

111. The vehicular accessory system according to claim 107, wherein said portion viewable by a driver of the vehicle comprises a display.

112. The vehicular accessory system according to claim 107, wherein said display comprises at least one chosen from (i) a rain sensor operation display, (ii) a telephone information display, (iii) a highway status information display, (iv) a blind spot indicator display, (v) a hazard warning display, (vi) a vehicle status display, (vii) a page message display, (viii) a speedometer display, (ix) a tachometer display, (x) an audio system display, (xi) a fuel gauge display, (xii) a heater control display, (xiii) an air conditioning system display, (xiv) a status of inflation of tires display, (xv) a trailer tow image display, (xvi) an e-mail message display, (xvii) a compass display, (xviiii) an engine coolant temperature display, (xix) an oil pressure display, (xx) a cellular phone operation display, (xxi) a navigation system display, (xxii) a weather information display, (xxiii) a temperature display, (xxiv) a traffic information display, (xxv) a telephone number display, (xxvi) a fuel status display, (xxvii) a battery condition display, (xxviii) a time display, (xxix) a train approach warning display, and (xxx) a toll transaction display.

113. The vehicular accessory system according to claim 109, wherein said portion accessible by a driver of the vehicle comprises a user interface.

114. The vehicular accessory system according to claim 113, wherein said user interface comprises at least one user-actuatable button.

115. The vehicular accessory system according to claim 114, wherein user actuation of said at least one user-actuatable button actuates a vehicle function.

116. The vehicular accessory system according to claim 115, wherein said vehicle function comprises a telematic function.

117. The vehicular accessory system according to claim 103, wherein said reflective element comprises a prismatic reflective element.

118. The vehicular accessory system according to claim 103, wherein said reflective element comprises an electrochromic reflective element.

119. The vehicular accessory system according to claim 103, wherein said windshield accessory module assembly attaches at the windshield of the vehicle by mounting to a mirror mounting button that is adhered at the inner surface of the windshield.

120. The vehicular accessory system according to claim 119, wherein said mounting to a mirror mounting button comprises a detachable mounting.

121. The vehicular accessory system according to claim 119, wherein said mirror-mounting portion of said rearview mirror assembly is configured to mount to said mirror mounting button should said windshield accessory module assembly not be mounted to said mirror mounting button.

122. The vehicular accessory system according to claim 121, wherein said mirror-mounting portion of said interior rearview mirror assembly mounts said interior rearview mirror assembly at said windshield accessory module assembly at a mirror attachment portion of said windshield accessory module assembly.

123. The vehicular accessory system according to claim 122, wherein said mirror attachment portion of said windshield accessory module assembly is configured similar to the configuration of said mirror mounting button.

124. The vehicular accessory system according to claim 122, wherein said mirror-mounting portion of said interior rearview mirror assembly mounts said interior rearview mirror assembly to said windshield portion by a break-away connection.

125. The vehicular accessory system according to claim 103, wherein said forward facing imaging device comprises a multi-pixel array detector.

126. The vehicular accessory system according to claim 103, wherein said forward facing imaging device comprises a CCD device.

127. The vehicular accessory system according to claim 103, wherein said forward facing imaging device comprises a CMOS device.

128. The vehicular accessory system according to claim 125, wherein said forward facing imaging device comprises part of a headlamp control.

129. The vehicular accessory system according to claim 103, wherein said windshield accessory module assembly includes at least one chosen from a) a garage door opener, b) a microphone, c) an antenna, d) a compass sensor, e) a transceiver, f) a sensor, g) a display element, h) a user actuatable control, i) loudspeaker, j) a photo sensor, k) a light source, 1) a receiver, and m) a recorder.

130. The vehicular accessory system according to claim 103, wherein said windshield accessory module assembly includes at least one chosen from a) a pivot connection, b) a tilt connection, c) a swivel connection, and d) a nesting connection.

131. The vehicular accessory system according to claim 103, further comprising a video display screen.

132. The vehicular accessory system according to claim 131, said video display screen is included in a video display assembly and wherein said video display assembly includes a video display-mounting portion.

133. The vehicular accessory system according to claim 132, wherein said video display-mounting portion is adapted to one of (i) mount said video display assembly to said mirror-mounting portion of said interior rearview mirror assembly, (ii) mount said video display assembly to another interior portion of the vehicle proximate said interior portion, and (iii) mount said video display assembly at or adjacent to said interior portion.

134. The vehicular accessory system according to claim 133, wherein said video display assembly is adapted to permit repositioning of said video screen and whereby said field of view of said reflective element and said video screen can be adjusted independently of each other to a plurality of respective viewing positions for viewing by a driver of the vehicle.

135. The vehicular accessory system according to claim 131, wherein said video screen displays an image captured by an image capture device with a field of view rearward of the vehicle.

136. The vehicular accessory system according to claim 135, wherein said image capture device comprises a CCD camera.

137. The vehicular accessory system according to claim 135, wherein said image capture device comprises a CMOS camera.

138. The vehicular accessory system according to claim 135, wherein said image is displayed by said video screen upon selection by the driver of a reverse gear of the vehicle.

139. The vehicular accessory system according to claim 138, wherein said video screen moves from a stowed position at or adjacent said reflective element to a viewing position for the driver of the vehicle when the gear shift of the vehicle is moved to its reverse position.

140. The vehicular accessory system according to claim 139, wherein said video screen moves from said viewing position to said stowed position when the gear shift of the vehicle is moved out its reverse position.

141. The vehicular accessory system according to claim 140, wherein said image capture device comprises a part of a back-up aid system.

142. The vehicular accessory system according to claim 135, wherein said video display screen is movable to a stowed position to reduce driver distraction.

143. The vehicular accessory system according to claim 142, wherein said stowed position is behind said reflective element of said interior rearview mirror assembly.

144. The vehicular accessory system according to claim 142, wherein said video display screen is generally not viewable by an occupant of the vehicle when the occupant of the vehicle is seated in a vehicle seat of the vehicle and when said video display screen is moved to its stowed position.

145. The vehicular accessory system according to claim 143, wherein said video display screen is generally not viewable by an occupant of the vehicle when the occupant of the vehicle is seated in a vehicle seat of the vehicle and when said video display screen is moved to its stowed position.

146. The vehicular accessory system according to claim 141, wherein said video display screen is movable between an extended position viewable by a driver of the vehicle and a retracted position generally not viewable by a driver of the vehicle.

147. The vehicular accessory system according to claim 131, wherein said video display screen is manually movable between an extended position viewable by a driver of the vehicle and a retracted position generally not viewable by a driver of the vehicle.

148. The vehicular accessory system according to claim 131, wherein said video display screen is electromechanically movable between an extended position viewable by a driver of the vehicle and a retracted position generally not viewable by a driver of the vehicle.

149. The vehicular accessory system according to claim 148, wherein said image capture device is mounted at one chosen from a) a bumper of the vehicle, b) a rear license plate of the vehicle, c) a center high mounted stop light, and d) a trunk lid of the vehicle.

150. The vehicular accessory system according to claim 148, further comprising at least one actuator adapted to move said video screen to said viewing position in response to the gear shift of the vehicle being moved to its reverse position.

151. The vehicular accessory system according to claim 150, wherein said stowed position is behind said reflective element when said interior rearview mirror assembly is mounted in the vehicle.

152. The vehicular accessory system according to claim 139, wherein said stowed position is behind said reflective element when said interior rearview mirror assembly is mounted in the vehicle.

153. The vehicular accessory system according to claim 139, wherein said forward facing imaging device comprises part of a headlamp control.

154. The vehicular accessory system according to claim 150, wherein said forward facing imaging device comprises part of a headlamp control.

155. The vehicular accessory system according to claim 103, wherein said forward facing imaging device comprises part of a collision avoidance control.

156. The vehicular accessory system according to claim 155, wherein said forward facing imaging device provides images to a data recorder.

157. The vehicular accessory system according to claim 103, wherein said field of view forward of the vehicle through the windshield of the vehicle encompasses a field of view of a road surface in front of the vehicle.

158. The vehicular accessory system according to claim 157, wherein said forward facing imaging device images a road surface in front of the vehicle.

159. The vehicular accessory system according to claim 103, wherein said forward facing imaging device images a road surface in front of the vehicle.

160. The vehicular accessory system according to claim 103, wherein said windshield accessory module assembly includes at least one component of a vehicular navigation system.

161. The vehicular accessory system according to claim 160, wherein said at least one component of a vehicular navigation system comprises an antenna suitable for receiving a signal from a GPS satellite.

162. The vehicular accessory system according to claim 160, wherein said at least one component of a vehicular navigation system comprises an information display.

163. The vehicular accessory system according to claim 162, wherein said information display displays a compass direction heading.

164. The vehicular accessory system according to claim 162, wherein said information display displays at least one chosen from a) street junction information, b) street name information, c) highway ramp entry information, and d) highway ramp exit information.

165. The vehicular accessory system according to claim 160, wherein said windshield accessory module assembly includes a compass sensor.

166. The vehicular accessory system according to claim 165, wherein said at least one component of a vehicular navigation system comprises an antenna suitable for receiving a signal from a GPS satellite.

167. The vehicular accessory system according to claim 103, wherein said mirror-mounting portion adapted to detachably mount said interior rearview mirror assembly comprises a portion of a dual-ball mount support.

168. The vehicular accessory system according to claim 103, wherein said mirror-mounting portion adapted to detachably mount said interior rearview mirror assembly comprises a portion of a single-ball mount support.

169. The vehicular accessory system according to claim 103, wherein a wireless communication exists between said windshield accessory module assembly and another accessory of the vehicle.

170. The vehicular accessory system according to claim 169, wherein said wireless communication comprises restricted range radio-frequency wireless communication.

171. The vehicular accessory system according to claim 170, wherein said restricted range radio-frequency wireless communication comprises a BLUETOOTH wireless communication.

172. The vehicular accessory system according to claim 170, wherein said restricted range radio-frequency wireless communication comprises an 802.11b standard wireless communication.

173. The vehicular accessory system according to claim 169, wherein said wireless communication operates at a 2.4 gigahertz radio band.

174. The vehicular accessory system according to claim 169, wherein said another accessory of the vehicle comprises at least one of a camera and a phone.

175. The vehicular accessory system according to claim 103, wherein at least one of said windshield accessory module assembly and said interior rearview mirror assembly includes a battery.

176. The vehicular accessory system according to claim 175, wherein said battery comprises a rechargeable battery.

177. The vehicular accessory system according to claim 176, further comprising a solar panel, said solar panel operable to charge said rechargeable battery.

178. The vehicular accessory system according to claim 103, wherein at least one of said windshield accessory module assembly and said interior rearview mirror assembly includes a component of a tire pressure monitoring system.

179. The vehicular accessory system according to claim 178, wherein said component of a tire pressure monitoring system comprises a display.

180. The vehicular accessory system according to claim 178, wherein said component of a tire pressure monitoring system comprises an antenna.

181. The vehicular accessory system according to claim 103, wherein said windshield accessory module assembly includes a telescoping portion.

182. The vehicular accessory system according to claim 103, wherein said interior mirror assembly includes at least two chosen from (i) a trainable garage door opener, (ii) a universal home access system, (iii) an INTERNET interface, (iv) a remote keyless entry receiver, (v) a video device, (vi) a rain sensor, (vii) a compass sensor, (viii) a trip computer, (ix) an intrusion detector, (x) a phone, (xi) a light, (xii) a seat occupancy detector, (xiii) a phone attachment, (xiv) an electro-optic reflective mirror element, (xv) an electrochromic reflective mirror element, (xvi) a headlamp controller, (xvii) a printer, (xviii) a transmitter, (xix) a modem, (xx) an instrumentation light, (xxi) a console light, (xxii) a solar panel, (xxiii) a windshield portion defogger device, (xxiv) an antenna, (xxv) a loudspeaker, (xxvi) a microphone, (xxvii) a digital message recorder, (xxviii) a magnetic tape message recorder, (xxvix) a phone control panel, (xxx) a digital storage device, (xxxi) a receiver, (xxxii) a compass display, (xxxiii) a photo sensor, (xxxiv) a supplemental inflatable restraint system status indicator, (xxxv) an imaging device, and (xxxvi) a compass display.

183. An accessory system suitable for use in a vehicle comprising:

an interior rearview mirror assembly having a reflective element, said reflective element having a rearward field of view when said interior rearview mirror assembly is mounted in the vehicle;

said rearward field of view of said reflective element being adjustable by a driver of the vehicle when said rearview mirror assembly is mounted in the vehicle;

said mirror assembly having a mirror-mounting portion adapted to detachably mount said interior rearview mirror assembly at an interior portion of the vehicle;

a video display screen;

said video display screen displaying an image captured by an image capture device with a field of view rearward of the vehicle;

said image being displayed by said video display screen upon selection by the driver of a reverse gear of the vehicle and wherein said image capture device comprises part of a back-up aid system;

said video display screen moving from a stowed position at or adjacent said reflective element to a viewing position for the driver of the vehicle when the gear shift of the vehicle is moved to its reverse position;

at least one actuator adapted to move said video display screen to said viewing position in response to the gear shift of the vehicle being moved to its reverse position; and

said video display screen moving from said viewing position to said stowed position when the gear shift of the vehicle is moved out of its reverse position.

184. The vehicular accessory system according to claim 183, wherein said image capture device is mounted at one chosen from a) a bumper of the vehicle, b) a rear license plate of the vehicle, c) a center high mounted stop light, and d) a trunk lid of the vehicle.

185. The vehicular accessory system according to claim 183, wherein said stowed position is behind said reflective element when said interior rearview mirror assembly is mounted in the vehicle.

186. The vehicular accessory system according to claim 183, wherein said video display screen is generally not viewable by the driver of the vehicle when the driver of the vehicle is seated in a vehicle seat of the vehicle and when said video display screen is at its stowed position.

187. The vehicular accessory system according to claim 183, wherein said video display screen is movable between an extended viewing position viewable by a driver of the vehicle and a retracted stowed position generally not viewable by a driver of the vehicle.

188. The vehicular accessory system according to claim 187, wherein said video display screen is manually movable between said extended viewing position viewable by a driver of the vehicle and said retracted stowed position generally not viewable by a driver of the vehicle.

189. The vehicular accessory system according to claim 187, wherein said video display screen is electromechanically movable between said extended viewing position viewable by a driver of the vehicle and said retracted stowed position generally not viewable by a driver of the vehicle.

190. The vehicular accessory system according to claim 185, wherein said image capture device comprises a CCD camera.

191. The vehicular accessory system according to claim 185, wherein said image capture device comprises a CMOS camera.

192. The vehicular accessory system according to claim 183, said accessory system further comprising a windshield accessory module assembly attached at the windshield of the vehicle, said windshield accessory module assembly being unaffected by adjustment of the rearward field of view of said reflective element.

193. The vehicular accessory system according to claim 192, wherein said windshield accessory module assembly comprises a forward facing imaging device with a field of view forward of the vehicle through the windshield of the vehicle.

194. The vehicular accessory system according to claim 193, wherein said forward facing imaging device comprises part of at least one chosen from a) a headlamp control, b) a collision avoidance control, c) a windshield fogging control, and d) a rain sensing control.

195. The vehicular accessory system according to claim 192, wherein said windshield accessory module assembly comprises a portion at least one of viewable by and accessible by a driver of the vehicle.

196. The vehicular accessory system according to claim 192, wherein said windshield accessory module assembly comprises a portion at least one of viewable by and accessible by a driver of the vehicle, said portion being disposed generally above a casing of said interior mirror assembly when said interior rearview mirror assembly is mounted at said interior portion of the vehicle.

197. The vehicular accessory system according to claim 192, wherein said windshield accessory module assembly comprises a portion at least one of viewable by and accessible by a driver of the vehicle, said portion being disposed generally below a casing of said interior mirror assembly when said interior rearview mirror assembly is mounted at said interior portion of the vehicle.

198. The vehicular accessory system according to claim 192, wherein said windshield accessory module assembly comprises a portion viewable by a driver of the vehicle.

199. The vehicular accessory system according to claim 198, wherein said windshield accessory module includes an articulatable element, said articulatable element permitting repositioning of said portion viewable by a driver of the vehicle.

200. The vehicular accessory system according to claim 192, wherein said windshield accessory module assembly comprises a portion accessible by a driver of the vehicle.

201. The vehicular accessory system according to claim 200, wherein said windshield accessory module includes an articulatable element, said articulatable element permitting repositioning of said portion accessible by a driver of the vehicle.

202. The vehicular accessory system according to claim 198, wherein said portion viewable by a driver of the vehicle comprises a display.

203. The vehicular accessory system according to claim 202, wherein said display comprises at least one chosen from (i) a rain sensor operation display, (ii) a telephone information display, (iii) a highway status information display, (iv) a blind spot indicator display, (v) a hazard warning display, (vi) a vehicle status display, (vii) a page message display, (viii) a speedometer display, (ix) a tachometer display, (x) an audio system display, (xi) a fuel gauge display, (xii) a heater control display, (xiii) an air conditioning system display, (xiv) a status of inflation of tires display, (xv) a trailer tow image display, (xvi) an e-mail message display, (xvii) a compass display, (xviiii) an engine coolant temperature display, (xix) an oil pressure display, (xx) a cellular phone operation display, (xxi) a navigation system display, (xxii) a weather information display, (xxiii) a temperature display, (xxiv) a traffic information display, (xxv) a telephone number display, (xxvi) a fuel status display, (xxvii) a battery condition display, (xxviii) a time display, (xxix) a train approach warning display, and (xxx) a toll transaction display.

204. The vehicular accessory system according to claim 200, wherein said portion accessible by a driver of the vehicle comprises a user interface.

205. The vehicular accessory system according to claim 204, wherein said user interface comprises at least one user-actuatable button.

206. The vehicular accessory system according to claim 205, wherein user actuation of said at least one user-actuatable button actuates a vehicle function.

207. The vehicular accessory system according to claim 206, wherein said vehicle function comprises a telematic function.

208. The vehicular accessory system according to claim 183, wherein said reflective element comprises a prismatic reflective element.

209. The vehicular accessory system according to claim 183, wherein said reflective element comprises an electrochromic reflective element.

210. The vehicular accessory system according to claim 192, wherein said windshield accessory module assembly attaches at the windshield of the vehicle by mounting to a mirror mounting button that is adhered at the inner surface of the windshield.

211. The vehicular accessory system according to claim 210, wherein said mounting to a mirror mounting button comprises a detachable mounting.

212. The vehicular accessory system according to claim 210, wherein said mirror-mounting portion of said rearview mirror assembly is configured to mount to said mirror mounting button should said windshield accessory module assembly not be mounted to said mirror mounting button.

213. The vehicular accessory system according to claim 212, wherein said interior portion of the vehicle comprises a mirror attachment portion of said windshield accessory module assembly and wherein said mirror-mounting portion of said interior rearview mirror assembly mounts said interior rearview mirror assembly to said windshield accessory module assembly at said mirror attachment portion of said windshield accessory module assembly.

214. The vehicular accessory system according to claim 213, wherein said mirror attachment portion of said windshield accessory module assembly is configured similar to the configuration of said mirror mounting button.

215. The vehicular accessory system according to claim 213, wherein said mirror-mounting portion of said interior rearview mirror assembly mounts said interior rearview mirror assembly at said mirror attachment portion of said windshield accessory module assembly by a break-away connection.

216. The vehicular accessory system according to claim 183, wherein said image capture device comprises a multi-pixel array detector.

217. The vehicular accessory system according to claim 193, wherein said forward facing imaging device comprises part of a headlamp control.

218. The vehicular accessory system according to claim 192, wherein said windshield accessory module assembly includes at least one chosen from a) a garage door opener, b) a microphone, c) an antenna, d) a compass sensor, e) a transceiver, f) a sensor, g) a display element, h) a user actuatable control, i) loudspeaker, j) a photo sensor, k) a light source, 1) a receiver, and m) a recorder.

219. The vehicular accessory system according to claim 192, wherein said windshield accessory module assembly includes at least one chosen from a)-a pivot connection, b) a tilt connection, c) a swivel connection, and d) a nesting connection.

220. The vehicular accessory system according to claim 192, wherein said windshield accessory module assembly includes a video display screen.

221. The vehicular accessory system according to claim 192, wherein said windshield accessory module assembly includes at least one component of a vehicular navigation system.

222. The vehicular accessory system according to claim 221, wherein said at least one component of a vehicular navigation system comprises an antenna suitable for receiving a signal from a GPS satellite.

223. The vehicular accessory system according to claim 221, wherein said at least one component of a vehicular navigation system comprises an information display.

224. The vehicular accessory system according to claim 223, wherein said information display displays a compass direction heading.

225. The vehicular accessory system according to claim 223 wherein said information display displays at least one chosen from a) street junction information, b) street name information, c) highway ramp entry information, and d) highway ramp exit information.

226. The vehicular accessory system according to claim 222, wherein said windshield accessory module assembly includes a compass sensor.

227. The vehicular accessory system according to claim 226, wherein said at least one component of a vehicular navigation system comprises an antenna suitable for receiving a signal from a GPS satellite.

228. The vehicular accessory system according to claim 192, wherein a wireless communication exists between said windshield accessory module assembly and another accessory in the vehicle.

229. The vehicular accessory system according to claim 228, wherein said wireless communication comprises restricted range radio-frequency wireless communication.

230. The vehicular accessory system according to claim 229, wherein said restricted range radio-frequency wireless communication comprises a BLUETOOTH wireless communication.

231. The vehicular accessory system according to claim 229, wherein said restricted range radio-frequency wireless communication comprises an 802.11b standard wireless communication.

232. The vehicular accessory system according to claim 228, wherein said wireless communication operates at a 2.4 gigahertz radio band.

233. The vehicular accessory system according to claim 229, wherein said another accessory of the vehicle comprises a camera.

234. The vehicular accessory system according to claim 229, wherein said another accessory in the vehicle comprises a phone.

235. The vehicular accessory system according to claim 229, wherein said another accessory in the vehicle comprises a personal digital assistant.

236. The vehicular accessory system according to claim 192, wherein at least one of said windshield accessory module assembly and said interior rearview mirror assembly includes a battery.

237. The vehicular accessory system according to claim 236, wherein said battery comprises a rechargeable battery.

238. The vehicular accessory system according to claim 237, further comprising a solar panel, said solar panel operable to charge said rechargeable battery.

239. The vehicular accessory system according to claim 192, wherein at least one of said windshield accessory module assembly and said interior rearview mirror assembly includes a component of a tire pressure monitoring system.

240. The vehicular accessory system according to claim 239, wherein said component of a tire pressure monitoring system comprises a display.

241. The vehicular accessory system according to claim 239, wherein said component of a tire pressure monitoring system comprises an antenna.

242. The vehicular accessory system according to claim 193, wherein said windshield accessory module assembly includes a telescoping portion.

243. The vehicular accessory system according to claim 183, wherein said interior portion of the vehicle comprises a windshield portion of the vehicle.

244. The vehicular accessory system according to claim 243, wherein said interior rearview mirror assembly mounts at said windshield portion of the vehicle at a mirror mounting button that is adhered at the inner surface of the windshield.

245. The vehicular accessory system according to claim 183, wherein said interior portion of the vehicle comprises a header portion.

246. The vehicular accessory system according to claim 183, wherein said interior mirror assembly includes at least two chosen from (i) a trainable garage door opener, (ii) a universal home access system, (iii) an INTERNET interface, (iv) a remote keyless entry receiver, (v) a video device, (vi) a rain sensor, (vii) a compass sensor, (viii) a trip computer, (ix) an intrusion detector, (x) a phone, (xi) a light, (xii) a seat occupancy detector, (xiii) a phone attachment, (xiv) an electro-optic reflective mirror element, (xv) an electrochromic reflective mirror element, (xvi) a headlamp controller, (xvii) a printer, (xviii) a transmitter, (xix) a modem, (xx) an instrumentation light, (xxi) a console light, (xxii) a solar panel, (xxiii) a windshield portion defogger device, (xxiv) an antenna, (xxv) a loudspeaker, (xxvi) a microphone, (xxvii) a digital message recorder, (xxviii) a magnetic tape message recorder, (xxvix) a phone control panel, (xxx) a digital storage device, (xxxi) a receiver, (xxxii) a compass display, (xxxiii) a photo sensor, (xxxiv) a supplemental inflatable restraint system status indicator, (xxxv) an imaging device, and (xxxvi) a compass display.

247. An accessory system suitable for use in a vehicle comprising:

an interior rearview mirror assembly having a reflective element, said reflective element having a rearward field of view when said interior rearview mirror assembly is mounted in the vehicle;

said rearward field of view of said reflective element being adjustable by a driver of the vehicle when said rearview mirror assembly is mounted in the vehicle;

said mirror assembly having a mirror-mounting portion adapted to detachably mount said interior rearview mirror assembly at an interior portion of the vehicle;

a windshield accessory module assembly attached at the windshield of the vehicle, said windshield accessory module assembly being unaffected by adjustment of the rearward field of view of said reflective element; and

wherein said windshield accessory module assembly includes at least one component of a vehicular navigation system.

248. The vehicular accessory system according to claim 247, wherein said at least one component of a vehicular navigation system comprises an antenna suitable for receiving a signal from a GPS satellite.

249. The vehicular accessory system according to claim 247, wherein said at least one component of a vehicular navigation system comprises an information display.

250. The vehicular accessory system according to claim 249, wherein said information display displays a compass direction heading.

251. The vehicular accessory system according to claim 249, wherein said information display displays at least one chosen from a) street junction information, b) street name information, c) highway ramp entry information, and d) highway ramp exit information.

252. The vehicular accessory system according to claim 247, wherein said windshield accessory module assembly includes a compass sensor.

253. The vehicular accessory system according to claim 252, wherein said at least one component of a vehicular navigation system comprises an antenna suitable for receiving a signal from a GPS satellite.

254. The vehicular accessory system according to claim 247, wherein said windshield accessory module assembly comprises a portion at least one of viewable by and accessible by a driver of the vehicle.

255. The vehicular accessory system according to claim 247, wherein said windshield accessory module assembly comprises a portion at least one of viewable by and accessible by a driver of the vehicle, said portion being disposed generally above a casing of said interior mirror assembly when said interior rearview mirror assembly is mounted at said interior portion of the vehicle.

256. The vehicular accessory system according to claim 254, wherein said windshield accessory module assembly comprises a portion at least one of viewable by and accessible by a driver of the vehicle, said portion being disposed generally below a casing of said interior mirror assembly when said interior rearview mirror assembly is mounted at said interior portion of the vehicle.

257. The vehicular accessory system according to claim 247, wherein said windshield accessory module assembly comprises a portion viewable by a driver of the vehicle.

258. The vehicular accessory system according to claim 257, wherein said windshield accessory module includes an articulatable element, said articulatable element permitting repositioning of said portion viewable by a driver of the vehicle.

259. The vehicular accessory system according to claim 247, wherein said windshield accessory module assembly comprises a portion accessible by a driver of the vehicle.

260. The vehicular accessory system according to claim 259, wherein said windshield accessory module includes an articulatable element, said articulatable element permitting repositioning of said portion accessible by a driver of the vehicle.

261. The vehicular accessory system according to claim 257, wherein said portion viewable by a driver of the vehicle comprises a display.

262. The vehicular accessory system according to claim 261, wherein said display comprises at least one chosen from (i) a rain sensor operation display, (ii) a telephone information display, (iii) a highway status information display, (iv) a blind spot indicator display, (v) a hazard warning display, (vi) a vehicle status display, (vii) a page message display, (viii) a speedometer display, (ix) a tachometer display, (x) an audio system display, (xi) a fuel gauge display, (xii) a heater control display, (xiii) an air conditioning system display, (xiv) a status of inflation of tires display, (xv) a trailer tow image display, (xvi) an e-mail message display, (xvii) a compass display, (xviiii) an engine coolant temperature display, (xix) an oil pressure display, (xx) a cellular phone operation display, (xxi) a navigation system display, (xxii) a weather information display, (xxiii) a temperature display, (xxiv) a traffic information display, (xxv) a telephone number display, (xxvi) a fuel status display, (xxvii) a battery condition display, (xxviii) a time display, (xxix) a train approach warning display, and (xxx) a toll transaction display.

263. The vehicular accessory system according to claim 259, wherein said portion accessible by a driver of the vehicle comprises a user interface.

264. The vehicular accessory system according to claim 263, wherein said user interface comprises at least one user-actuatable button.

265. The vehicular accessory system according to claim 264, wherein user actuation of said at least one user-actuatable button actuates a vehicle function.

266. The vehicular accessory system according to claim 265, wherein said vehicle function comprises a telematic function.

267. The vehicular accessory system according to claim 247, wherein said reflective element comprises a prismatic reflective element.

268. The vehicular accessory system according to claim 247, wherein said reflective element comprises an electrochromic reflective element.

269. The vehicular accessory system according to claim 247, wherein said windshield accessory module assembly attaches at the windshield of the vehicle by mounting to a mirror mounting button that is adhered at the inner surface of the windshield.

270. The vehicular accessory system according to claim 269, wherein said mounting to a mirror mounting button comprises a detachable mounting.

271. The vehicular accessory system according to claim 269, wherein said mirror-mounting portion of said rearview mirror assembly is configured to mount to the mirror mounting button should said windshield accessory module assembly not be mounted to the mirror mounting button.

272. The vehicular accessory system according to claim 271, wherein said interior portion of the vehicle comprises a mirror attachment portion of said windshield accessory module assembly and wherein said mirror-mounting portion of said interior rearview mirror assembly mounts said interior rearview mirror assembly to said windshield accessory module assembly at said mirror attachment portion of said windshield accessory module assembly.

273. The vehicular accessory system according to claim 272, wherein said mirror attachment portion of said windshield accessory module assembly is configured similar to the configuration of said mirror mounting button.

274. The vehicular accessory system according to claim 272, wherein said mirror-mounting portion of said interior rearview mirror assembly mounts said interior rearview mirror assembly at said mirror attachment portion of said windshield accessory module assembly by a break-away connection.

275. The vehicular accessory system according to claim 247, wherein said windshield accessory module assembly includes an imaging device.

276. The vehicular accessory system according to claim 247, wherein said windshield accessory module assembly includes a forward facing imaging device.

277. The vehicular accessory system according to claim 276, wherein said forward facing imaging device has a field of view forward of the vehicle through the windshield of the vehicle, said forward facing imaging device comprising part of at least one chosen from a) a headlamp control, b) a collision avoidance control, c) a windshield fogging control, and d) a rain sensing control.

278. The vehicular accessory system according to claim 276, wherein said forward facing imaging device comprises a multi-pixel array detector.

279. The vehicular accessory system according to claim 276, wherein said forward facing imaging device comprises a CCD device.

280. The vehicular accessory system according to claim 276, wherein said forward facing imaging device comprises a CMOS device.

281. The vehicular accessory system according to claim 247, wherein said windshield accessory module assembly includes an imaging device having a field of view encompassing at least a portion of the interior of the vehicle.

282. The vehicular accessory system according to claim 281, wherein said imaging device comprises part of an interior surveillance system.

283. The vehicular accessory system according to claim 278, wherein said forward facing imaging device comprises part of a headlamp control.

284. The vehicular accessory system according to claim 247, wherein said windshield accessory module assembly includes at least one chosen from a) a garage door opener, b) a microphone, c) an antenna, d) a compass sensor, e) a transceiver, f) a sensor, g) a display element, h) a user actuatable control, i) loudspeaker, j) a photo sensor, k) a light source, 1) a receiver, and m) a recorder.

285. The vehicular accessory system according to claim 247, wherein said windshield accessory module assembly includes a garage door opener.

286. The vehicular accessory system according to claim 247, wherein said windshield accessory module assembly includes a transceiver.

287. The vehicular accessory system according to claim 247, wherein said windshield accessory module assembly includes a user actuatable control.

288. The vehicular accessory system according to claim 247, wherein said windshield accessory module assembly includes a microphone.

289. The vehicular accessory system according to claim 247, wherein said windshield accessory module assembly includes at least one chosen from a) a pivot connection, b) a tilt connection, c) a swivel connection, and d) a nesting connection.

290. The vehicular accessory system according to claim 247, further comprising a video display screen.

291. The vehicular accessory system according to claim 290, wherein said video display screen is included in a video display assembly and wherein said video display assembly includes a video display-mounting portion.

292. The vehicular accessory system according to claim 291, wherein said video display-mounting portion is adapted to one of (i) mount said video display assembly to said mirror-mounting portion of said interior rearview mirror assembly, (ii) mount said video display assembly to another interior portion of the vehicle proximate said interior portion, and (iii) mount said video display assembly at or adjacent to said interior portion.

293. The vehicular accessory system according to claim 292, wherein said video display assembly is adapted to permit repositioning of said video screen and whereby said field of view of said reflective element and said video display screen can be adjusted independently of each other to a plurality of respective viewing positions for viewing by a driver of the vehicle.

294. The vehicular accessory system according to claim 290, wherein said video display screen displays an image captured by an image capture device with a field of view rearward of the vehicle.

295. The vehicular accessory system according to claim 294, wherein said image capture device comprises a CCD camera.

296. The vehicular accessory system according to claim 294, wherein said image capture device comprises a CMOS camera.

297. The vehicular accessory system according to claim 294, wherein said image is displayed by said video display screen upon selection of a reverse gear of the vehicle.

298. The vehicular accessory system according to claim 297, wherein said video display screen moves from a stowed position at or adjacent said reflective element to a viewing position for the driver of the vehicle when the gear shift of the vehicle is moved to its reverse position.

299. The vehicular accessory system according to claim 298, wherein said video display screen moves from said viewing position to said stowed position when the gear shift of the vehicle is moved out of its reverse position.

300. The vehicular accessory system according to claim 299, wherein said image capture device comprises part of a back-up aid system.

301. The vehicular accessory system according to claim 294, wherein said video display screen is movable to a stowed position to reduce driver distraction.

302. The vehicular accessory system according to claim 301, wherein said stowed position is behind said reflective element of said interior rearview mirror assembly.

303. The vehicular accessory system according to claim 301, wherein said video display screen is generally not viewable by an occupant of the vehicle when the occupant of the vehicle is seated in a vehicle seat of the vehicle and when said video display-screen is moved to its stowed position.

304. The vehicular accessory system according to claim 302, wherein said video display screen is generally not viewable by an occupant of the vehicle when the occupant of the vehicle is seated in a vehicle seat of the vehicle and when said video display screen is moved to its stowed position.

305. The vehicular accessory system according to claim 300, wherein said video display screen is movable between an extended position viewable by a driver of the vehicle and a retracted position generally not viewable by a driver of the vehicle.

306. The vehicular accessory system according to claim 294, wherein said video display screen is manually movable between an extended position viewable by a driver of the vehicle and a retracted position generally not viewable by a driver of the vehicle.

307. The vehicular accessory system according to claim 294, wherein said video display screen is electromechanically movable between an extended position viewable by a driver of the vehicle and a retracted position generally not viewable by a driver of the vehicle.

308. The vehicular accessory system according to claim 300, wherein said image capture device is mounted at one chosen from a) a bumper of the vehicle, b) a rear license plate of the vehicle, c) a center high mounted stop light of the vehicle, and d) a trunk lid of the vehicle.

309. The vehicular accessory system according to claim 300, further comprising at least one actuator adapted to move said video display screen to said viewing position in response to the gear shift of the vehicle being moved to its reverse position.

310. The vehicular accessory system according to claim 309, wherein said stowed position is behind said reflective element when said interior rearview mirror assembly is mounted in the vehicle.

311. The vehicular accessory system according to claim 298, wherein said stowed position is behind said reflective element when said interior rearview mirror assembly is mounted in the vehicle.

312. The vehicular accessory system according to claim 276, wherein said forward facing imaging device comprises part of a headlamp control.

313. The vehicular accessory system according to claim 278, wherein said forward facing imaging device comprises part of a headlamp control.

314. The vehicular accessory system according to claim 276, wherein said forward facing imaging device comprises part of a collision avoidance control.

315. The vehicular accessory system according to claim 314, wherein said forward facing imaging device provides images to a data recorder.

316. The vehicular accessory system according to claim 276, wherein said field of view forward of the vehicle through the windshield of the vehicle encompasses a field of view of a road surface in front of the vehicle.

317. The vehicular accessory system according to claim 316, wherein said forward facing imaging device images a road surface in front of the vehicle.

318. The vehicular accessory system according to claim 276, wherein said forward facing imaging device images a road surface in front of the vehicle.

319. The vehicular accessory system according to claim 247, wherein said windshield accessory module assembly includes a compass sensor.

320. The vehicular accessory system according to claim 276, wherein said at least one component of a vehicular navigation system comprises an antenna suitable for receiving a signal from a GPS satellite.

321. The vehicular accessory system according to claim 319, wherein said at least one component of a vehicular navigation system comprises an information display.

322. The vehicular accessory system according to claim 321, wherein said information display displays a compass direction heading.

323. The vehicular accessory system according to claim 321, wherein said information display displays at least one chosen from a) street junction information, b) street name information, c) highway ramp entry information, and d) highway ramp exit information.

324. The vehicular accessory system according to claim 320, wherein said windshield accessory module assembly includes a compass sensor.

325. The vehicular accessory system according to claim 274, wherein said at least one component of a vehicular navigation system comprises an antenna suitable for receiving a signal from a GPS satellite.

326. The vehicular accessory system according to claim 247, wherein said mirror-mounting portion adapted to detachably mount said interior rearview mirror assembly comprises a portion of a dual-ball mount support.

327. The vehicular accessory system according to claim 247, wherein said mirror-mounting portion adapted to detachably mount said interior rearview mirror assembly comprises a portion of a single-ball mount support.

328. The vehicular accessory system according to claim 247, wherein a wireless communication exists between said windshield accessory module assembly and another accessory of the vehicle.

329. The vehicular accessory system according to claim 328, wherein said wireless communication comprises restricted range radio-frequency wireless communication.

330. The vehicular accessory system according to claim 329, wherein said restricted range radio-frequency wireless communication comprises a BLUETOOTH wireless communication.

331. The vehicular accessory system according to claim 329, wherein said restricted range radio-frequency wireless communication comprises an 802.11b standard wireless communication.

332. The vehicular accessory system according to claim 328, wherein said wireless communication operates at a 2.4 gigahertz radio band.

333. The vehicular accessory system according to claim 329, wherein said another accessory of the vehicle comprises at least one of a camera and a phone.

334. The vehicular accessory system according to claim 247, wherein at least one of said windshield accessory module assembly and said interior rearview mirror assembly includes a battery.

335. The vehicular accessory system according to claim 334, wherein said battery comprises a rechargeable battery.

336. The vehicular accessory system according to claim 335, further comprising a solar panel, said solar panel operable to charge said rechargeable battery.

337. The vehicular accessory system according to claim 247, wherein at least one of said windshield accessory module assembly and said interior rearview mirror assembly includes a component of a tire pressure monitoring system.

338. The vehicular accessory system according to claim 337, wherein said component of a tire pressure monitoring system comprises a display.

339. The vehicular accessory system according to claim 337, wherein said component of a tire pressure monitoring system comprises an antenna.

340. The vehicular accessory system according to claim 247, wherein said windshield accessory module assembly includes a telescoping portion.

341. The vehicular accessory system according to claim 247, wherein said interior portion of the vehicle comprises a windshield portion of the vehicle.

342. The vehicular accessory system according to claim 341, wherein said interior rearview mirror assembly mounts at said windshield portion of the vehicle at a mirror mounting button that is adhered at the inner surface of the windshield.

343. The vehicular accessory system according to claim 247, wherein said interior portion of the vehicle comprises a header portion.

344. The vehicular accessory system according to claim 247, wherein said interior mirror assembly includes at least two chosen from (i) a trainable garage door opener, (ii) a universal home access system, (iii) an INTERNET interface, (iv) a remote keyless entry receiver, (v) a video device, (vi) a rain sensor, (vii) a compass sensor, (viii) a trip computer, (ix) an intrusion detector, (x) a phone, (xi) a light, (xii) a seat occupancy detector, (xiii) a phone attachment, (xiv) an electro-optic reflective mirror element, (xv) an electrochromic reflective mirror element, (xvi) a headlamp controller, (xvii) a printer, (xviii) a transmitter, (xix) a modem, (xx) an instrumentation light, (xxi) a console light, (xxii) a solar panel, (xxiii) a windshield portion defogger device, (xxiv) an antenna, (xxv) a loudspeaker, (xxvi) a microphone, (xxvii) a digital message recorder, (xxviii) a magnetic tape message recorder, (xxvix) a phone control panel, (xxx) a digital storage device, (xxxi) a receiver, (xxxii) a compass display, (xxxiii) a photo sensor, (xxxiv) a supplemental inflatable restraint system status indicator, (xxxv) an imaging device, and (xxxvi) a compass display.