Interior rearview mirror sound processing system

• US 6,420,975 B1
• Filed: 12/17/1999
• Issued: 07/16/2002
• Est. Priority Date: 08/25/1999
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Donnelly Corporation (Magna International Incorporated)
• Original Assignee: Donnelly Corporation (Magna International Incorporated)
• Inventors: DeLine, Jonathan E., Lynam, Niall R., Spooner, Ralph A., March, Phillip A.
• Primary Examiner(s): Crosland, Donnie L.
• Application Number:
  US09/466,010
• Time in Patent Office: 942 Days
• Field of Search: 340/315.4, 340/425.5, 381/71.1, 381/71.4, 381/56-58, 381/86, 381/91, 379/454, 379/446, 455/74.1, 455/569, 455/566, 455/567, 455/575, 455/90, 455/99, 455/100
• US Class Current: 340/815.4
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 1/12 Mirror assemblies combined with other articles, e.g. clocks
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 11/02 for radio sets, television sets, telephones, or the like; Arrangement of controls thereof
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 11/0217 for loud-speakers
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 11/0241 for telephones
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 11/0247 for microphones or earphones
• 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: 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 6/00 Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 20/341 Active cards, i.e. cards including their own processing means, e.g. including an IC or chip
• CPC Class Codes: G07F 7/0886 the card reader being portable for interacting with a POS or ECR in realizing a payment transaction
• CPC Class Codes: G07F 7/1008 Active credit-cards provided with means to personalise their use, e.g. with PIN-introduction/comparison system
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/6075 adapted for handsfree use in a vehicle H04M1/6058 takes precedence; arrangements for holding telephones in a vehicle B60R11/0241
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/6091 including a wireless interface
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 2250/02 including a Bluetooth interface
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 2250/74 with voice recognition means voice activated dialling H04M1/271; voice recognition algorithms G10L15/00

Abstract

A digital sound processor is provided to enhance the vocal to non-vocal noise ratio of the signal processed by a vehicle audio system such as a cellular telephone, emergency communication device, or other audio device. Optionally, an indicator is provided for use with the vehicular audio system in order to provide a user of the audio system with a status signal relating to a reception quality of a vocal signal from the user. The microphone of the audio system may be mounted within an accessory module, which may be mounted to an interior surface of a vehicle windshield. The accessory module provides a fixed orientation of the microphone and is easily installed to the vehicle as it is manufactured or as an aftermarket device. The indicator may be mounted at the accessory module or elsewhere at the mirror assembly.

Claims

1. An interior rearview mirror digital sound processing system suitable for use in a vehicle equipped with an audio system comprising:

an interior rearview mirror assembly, said mirror assembly comprising a mirror housing including a reflective element;

said interior mirror assembly including a microphone module capable of producing an audio output in response to detection of vocal input with vehicle cabin noise superimposed thereon, said microphone module comprising first and second microphones, said first microphone having a first zone of principal sensitivity directed generally in the direction of a windshield of the vehicle when said interior mirror assembly is mounted to a vehicle, said second microphone having a second zone of principal sensitivity directed in a direction that is different from that of said first zone of principal sensitivity, said second zone of principal sensitivity being directed generally toward at least the driver of the vehicle;

said assembly further including a digital sound processor;

said digital sound processor receiving a signal indicative of said audio output of said microphone module; and

said digital signal processor processing said signal indicative of said audio output and providing an output vocal signal with reduced vehicle cabin noise.

2. The interior rearview mirror system of claim 1, wherein the audio system comprises a transmitter that transmits signals to a receiver external to the vehicle, said receiver being operable to receive and process said signals.

3. The interior rearview mirror system of claim 2, wherein said rearview mirror system including an indicator operable to indicate at least one of clarity and volume of said output vocal system.

4. The interior rearview mirror system of claim 3, wherein said indicator further indicates said level of the vocal signals as received by said receiver.

5. The interior rearview mirror system of claim 2, wherein said indicator indicates said level of the vocal signals as received by said receiver.

6. The interior rearview mirror system of claim 1, wherein said interior rearview mirror system comprises a mounting portion, said mirror system being mountable to one of an interior surface of a windshield of the vehicle and a headliner extending along an upper edge of the windshield.

7. The interior rearview mirror system of claim 1, wherein said digital sound processor includes a digital signal processor comprising a microcomputer.

8. The interior rearview mirror system of claim 1, wherein at least one of said microphone module and said digital sound processor is included in said mirror housing.

9. The interior rearview mirror system of claim 8, wherein said microphone module is included in said mirror housing.

10. The interior rearview mirror system of claim 8, wherein said digital sound processor is included in said mirror housing.

11. The interior rearview mirror system of claim 1, wherein said microphone module and said digital sound processor are included in said mirror housing.

12. The interior rearview mirror system of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of said microphone module is accommodated to the rear of said reflective element in said mirror housing.

13. The interior rearview mirror system of claim 12, wherein said microphone module provides an audio input to a vehicular telematics system.

14. The interior rearview mirror system of claim 12, wherein said digital sound processor is included in said mirror housing.

15. The interior rearview mirror system of claim 1, wherein the vehicle audio system comprises at least one of a cellular phone system, an emergency communication system, a voice recording system and a voice command system.

16. The interior rearview mirror system of claim 3, wherein said indicator provides a secondary signal when the vehicle audio system is not in use.

17. The interior rearview mirror system of claim 16, wherein said secondary signal is a security alarm status.

18. An interior rearview mirror digital sound processing system suitable for use in a vehicle equipped with an audio system comprising:

an interior rearview mirror assembly, said mirror assembly comprising a mirror housing including a reflective element;

said interior mirror assembly including a microphone module capable of producing an audio output in response to detection of vocal input with vehicle cabin noise superimposed thereon, said microphone module comprising first and second microphones, at least a portion of said microphone module being accommodated in said mirror housing;

said audio output of said microphone module being processed by a digital sound processor;

said digital sound processor receiving a signal indicative of said audio output; and

said digital signal processor processing said signal indicative of said audio output and providing an output vocal signal with reduced vehicle cabin noise.

19. The interior rearview mirror system of claim 18, wherein the audio system comprises a transmitter that transmits signals to a receiver external to the vehicle, said receiver being operable to receive and process said signals.

20. The interior rearview mirror system of claim 18, wherein said rearview mirror system includes an indicator operable to indicate at least one of clarity and volume of said output vocal system.

21. The interior rearview mirror system of claim 20, wherein said indicator further indicates said level of the vocal signals as received by said receiver.

22. The interior rearview mirror system of claim 20, wherein said indicator provides a secondary indication when the vehicle audio system is not in use.

23. The interior rearview mirror system of claim 22, wherein said secondary indication comprises a security alarm status.

24. The interior rearview mirror system of claim 18, wherein said microphone module provides an audio input to a vehicular telematics system.

25. The interior rearview mirror system of claim 18, wherein said interior rearview mirror system comprises a mounting portion, said mirror system being mountable to one of an interior surface of a windshield of the vehicle and a headliner extending along an upper edge of the windshield.

26. The interior rearview mirror system of claim 18, wherein said digital sound processor includes a digital signal processor comprising a microcomputer.

27. The interior rearview mirror system of claim 18, wherein the vehicle audio system comprises at least one of a cellular phone system, an emergency communication system, a voice recording system and a voice command system.

28. The interior rearview mirror system of claim 18, wherein said digital sound processor is accommodated in said interior rearview mirror assembly.

29. The interior rearview mirror system of claim 18, wherein said first microphone has a first zone of principal sensitivity directed generally in the direction of the windshield of the vehicle when said interior mirror assembly is mounted in the vehicle, and wherein said second microphone has a second zone of principal sensitivity directed in a direction that is different from that of said first zone of principal sensitivity, said second zone of principal sensitivity being directed generally toward at least a driver of the vehicle.

30. An interior rearview mirror digital sound processing system suitable for use in a vehicle equipped with an audio system comprising:

an interior rearview mirror assembly, said mirror assembly comprising a mirror housing including a reflective element;

said interior mirror assembly including a plurality of microphones capable of producing an audio output in response to detection of vocal input with vehicle cabin noise superimposed thereon, said plurality of microphones comprising first and second microphones;

said audio output of said plurality of microphones being processed by a digital sound processor;

said digital sound processor receiving a signal indicative of said audio output;

said digital signal processor processing said signal indicative of said audio output and providing an output vocal signal with reduced vehicle cabin noise;

wherein the audio system of the vehicle comprises a transmitter that transmits signals to a receiver external to the vehicle; and

wherein said reduced cabin noise output signal is communicated to the receiver external to the vehicle by said transmitter.

31. The interior rearview mirror system of claim 30, wherein said first and second microphones are provided in a microphone module.

32. The interior rearview mirror system of claim 31, wherein at least a portion of said microphone module is accommodated in said mirror housing.

33. The interior rearview mirror system of claim 30, wherein said rearview mirror system includes an indicator operable to indicate at least one of clarity and volume of said output vocal system.

34. The interior rearview mirror system of claim 33, wherein said indicator further indicates said level of the vocal signals as received by said receiver.

35. The interior rearview mirror system of claim 33, wherein said indicator comprises a light-emitting diode.

36. The interior rearview mirror system of claim 30, wherein said interior rearview mirror assembly comprises a mounting portion, said mirror assembly being mountable to one of an interior surface of a windshield of the vehicle and a headliner extending along an upper edge of the windshield.

37. The interior rearview mirror system of claim 30, wherein said digital sound processor includes a digital signal processor.

38. The interior rearview mirror system of claim 37, wherein said digital signal processor comprises a microcomputer.

39. The interior rearview mirror system of claim 30, wherein the vehicle audio system comprises at least one of a cellular phone system, an emergency communication system, a voice recording system and a voice command system.

40. The interior rearview mirror system of claim 30, wherein said indicator provides a secondary indication when the vehicle audio system is not in use.

41. The interior rearview mirror system of claim 40, wherein said secondary indication comprises a security alarm status.

42. The interior rearview mirror system of claim 30, wherein said digital sound processor is accommodated in said interior rearview mirror assembly.

43. The interior rearview mirror system of claim 30, wherein said first microphone has a first zone of principal sensitivity directed generally in the direction of the windshield of the vehicle when said interior mirror assembly is mounted in the vehicle, and wherein said second microphone has a second zone of principal sensitivity directed in a direction that is different from that of said first zone of principal sensitivity, said second zone of principal sensitivity being directed generally toward at least a driver of the vehicle.