Electro-optic rearview mirror system

• US 6,447,124 B1
• Filed: 10/09/2001
• Issued: 09/10/2002
• Est. Priority Date: 03/19/1996
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Donnelly Mirrors Limited
• Original Assignee: Donnelly Mirrors Limited
• Inventors: Fletcher, Sean J., Schofield, Kenneth, Lawlor, Patrick J.
• Primary Examiner(s): SIKDER, MOHAMMAD YUNUS
• Application Number:
  US09/973,272
• Publication Number:
  US 20020027714A1
• Time in Patent Office: 336 Days
• Field of Search: 359/604, 359/601, 359/603, 359/605, 359/607, 359/608, 359/265, 359/266, 359/871, 359/872, 701/33, 701/35, 701/29, 701/30, 701/102
• US Class Current: 359/604
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 1/088 using a cell of electrically changeable optical characteristic, e.g. liquid-crystal or electrochromic mirrors

Abstract

An electro-optic interior rearview mirror system is provided for a vehicle, comprising an interior rearview mirror assembly including an interior electro-optic reflective element and an interior mirror housing for said reflective element. The mirror assembly includes a mount for attachment to a portion of the vehicle and a control. The control includes a microprocessor that functions as a controller of a plurality of vehicle functions, the plurality of functions including the reflectance state of the electro-optic reflective element. The control includes a connection to a vehicle bus for receiving control signals via the bus for processing by the microprocessor.

Claims

1. An electro-optic interior rearview mirror system for a vehicle, comprising:

an interior mirror housing containing an interior electro-optic mirror unit;

at least one light sensor for sensing a light level outside the vehicle;

control circuitry, said control circuitry including circuitry responsive to an output of said at least one light sensor to establish a mirror reflectivity of said interior electro-optic mirror unit and including signal processing circuitry, said signal processing circuitry at least one of sending a signal via an output line and receiving a signal via an input line, said signal processing circuitry comprising a microprocessor;

said interior mirror housing accommodating at least one additional function selected from a compass display, a navigational display system and an infrared sensor, wherein said control circuitry controls said at least one additional function; and

wherein said at least one additional function accommodated in said interior mirror housing connects to a vehicle bus system, and wherein said control circuitry connects said at least one additional function to said vehicle bus system.

2. A rearview mirror system as claimed in claim 1, wherein said interior mirror housing is mounted to a header in the interior of the vehicle.

3. A rearview mirror system as claimed in claim 1, wherein said mirror housing is supported by said bracket.

4. A rearview mirror system as claimed in claim 3, wherein electrical leads extend through said bracket.

5. A rearview mirror system as claimed in claim 1, wherein said control circuitry is located at the interior ceiling of the vehicle.

6. A rearview mirror system as claimed in claim 5, wherein said control circuitry is located overhead and centrally between the driver and the front passenger seats.

7. A rearview mirror system as claimed in claim 1, wherein said at least one light sensor is located in said interior mirror housing.

8. A rearview mirror system as claimed in claim 1, wherein said at least one light sensor is located remote from said interior mirror housing.

9. A rearview mirror system as claimed in claim 1, also including at least one further mirror housing mounted on the exterior of the vehicle and containing a further electro-optic mirror unit, said control circuitry further being responsive to the output from said at least one light sensor to establish a drive voltage for said further electro-optic mirror unit.

10. A rearview mirror system as claimed in claim 9, wherein said interior mirror housing is supported by a bracket and electrical leads extending through said bracket.

11. A rearview mirror system as claimed in claim 2, wherein said control circuitry is located at the interior ceiling of the vehicle.

12. A rearview mirror system as claimed in claim 3, wherein said control circuitry is located at the interior ceiling of the vehicle.

13. A rearview mirror system as claimed in claim 10, wherein said control circuitry is located at the interior ceiling of the vehicle.

14. A rearview mirror system as claimed in claim 11, wherein said control circuit is located centrally between the driver and the front passenger seats.

15. A rearview mirror system as claimed in claim 12, wherein said control circuit housing is located centrally between the driver and the front passenger seats.

16. A rearview mirror system as claimed in claim 13, wherein said control circuit housing is located between the driver and the front passenger seats.

17. A rearview mirror system as claimed in claim 2, wherein said at least one light sensor is located in said interior mirror housing.

18. A rearview mirror system as claimed in claim 3, wherein said at least one light sensor is located in said interior mirror housing.

19. A rearview mirror system as claimed in claim 4, wherein said at least one light sensor is located in said interior mirror housing.

20. A rearview mirror system as claimed in claim 5, wherein the said at least one light sensor is located in said interior mirror housing.

21. A rearview mirror system as claimed in claim 6, wherein the said at least one light sensor is located in said interior mirror housing.

22. A rearview mirror system as claimed in claim 10, wherein the said at least one light sensor is located in said interior mirror housing.

23. A rearview mirror system as claimed in claim 11, wherein the said at least one light sensor is located in said interior mirror housing.

24. A rearview mirror system as claimed in claim 12, wherein the said at least one light sensor is located in said interior mirror housing.

25. A rearview mirror system as claimed in claim 13, wherein the said at least one light sensor is located in said interior mirror housing.

26. A rearview mirror system as claimed in claim 14, wherein the said at least one light sensor is located in said interior mirror housing.

27. A rearview mirror system as claimed in claim 15, wherein the said at least one light sensor is located in said interior mirror housing.

28. A rearview mirror system as claimed in claim 16, wherein the said at least one light sensor is located in said interior mirror housing.

29. A rearview mirror system as claimed in claim 6, wherein said at least one light sensor is located remote from said interior mirror housing.

30. A rearview mirror system as claimed in claim 11, wherein said at least one light sensor is located remote from said interior mirror housing.

31. A rearview mirror system as claimed in claim 12, wherein said at least one light sensor is located remote from said interior mirror housing.

32. A rearview mirror system as claimed in claim 13, wherein said at least one light sensor is located remote from said interior mirror housing.

33. A rearview mirror system as claimed in claim 14, wherein said at least one light sensor is located remote from said interior mirror housing.

34. A rearview mirror system as claimed in claim 15, wherein said at least one light sensor is located remote from said interior mirror housing.

35. A rearview mirror system as claimed in claim 16, wherein said at least one light sensor is located remote from said interior mirror housing.

36. A rearview mirror system as claimed in claim 2, wherein said at least one light sensor is located remote from said interior mirror housing.

37. A rearview mirror system as claimed in claim 3, wherein said at least one light sensor is located remote from said interior mirror housing.

38. A rearview mirror system as claimed in claim 5, wherein said control circuitry shares a processor which is used for other control functions of the vehicle.

39. A rearview mirror system as claimed in claim 6, wherein said control circuitry shares a processor which is used for other control functions of the vehicle.

40. A rearview mirror system as claimed in claim 7, wherein said control circuitry shares a processor which is used for other control functions of the vehicle.

41. A rearview mirror system as claimed in claim 8, wherein said control circuitry shares a processor which is used for other control functions of the vehicle.

42. A rearview mirror system as claimed in claim 10, wherein said control circuitry shares a processor which is used for other control functions of the vehicle.

43. A rearview mirror system as claimed in claim 11, wherein said control circuitry shares a processor which is used for other control functions of the vehicle.

44. A rearview mirror system as claimed in claim 12, wherein said control circuitry shares a processor which is used for other control functions of the vehicle.

45. A rearview mirror system as claimed in claim 13, wherein said control circuitry shares a processor which is used for other control functions of the vehicle.

46. A rearview mirror system as claimed in claim 15, wherein said control circuitry shares a processor which is used for other control functions of the vehicle.

47. A rearview mirror system as claimed in claim 16, wherein said control circuitry shares a processor which is used for other control functions of the vehicle.

48. A rearview mirror system as claimed in claim 17, wherein said control circuitry shares a processor which is used for other control functions of the vehicle.

49. A rearview mirror system as claimed in claim 18, wherein said control circuitry shares a processor which is used for other control functions of the vehicle.

50. A rearview mirror system as claimed in claim 20, wherein said control circuitry shares a processor which is used for other control functions of the vehicle.

51. A rearview mirror system as claimed in claim 21, wherein said control circuitry shares a processor which is used for other control functions of the vehicle.

52. A rearview mirror system as claimed in claim 22, wherein said control circuitry shares a processor which is used for other control functions of the vehicle.

53. A rearview mirror system as claimed in claim 23, wherein said control circuitry shares a processor which is used for other control functions of the vehicle.

54. A rearview mirror system as claimed in claim 24, wherein said control circuitry shares a processor which is used for other control functions of the vehicle.

55. A rearview mirror system as claimed in claim 25, wherein said control circuitry shares a processor which is used for other control functions of the vehicle.

56. A rearview mirror system as claimed in claim 26, wherein said control circuitry shares a processor which is used for other control functions of the vehicle.

57. A rearview mirror system as claimed in claim 27, wherein said control circuitry shares a processor which is used for other control functions of the vehicle.

58. A rearview mirror system as claimed in claim 28, wherein said control circuitry shares a processor which is used for other control functions of the vehicle.

59. A rearview mirror system as claimed in claim 29, wherein said control circuitry shares a processor which is used for other control functions of the vehicle.

60. A rearview mirror system as claimed in claim 30, wherein said control circuitry shares a processor which is used for other control functions of the vehicle.

61. A rearview mirror system as claimed in claim 31, wherein said control circuitry shares a processor which is used for other control functions of the vehicle.

62. A rearview mirror system as claimed in claim 32, wherein said control circuitry shares a processor which is used for other control functions of the vehicle.

63. A rearview mirror system as claimed in claim 33, wherein said control circuitry shares a processor which is used for other control functions of the vehicle.

64. A rearview mirror system as claimed in claim 34, wherein said control circuitry shares a processor which is used for other control functions of the vehicle.

65. A rearview mirror system as claimed in claim 35, wherein said control circuitry shares a processor which is used for other control functions of the vehicle.

66. A rearview mirror system as claimed in claim 36, also including at least one further mirror housing mounted on the exterior of the vehicle and containing a further electro-optic mirror unit, said control circuitry further being responsive to the output from said at least one light sensor to establish a drive voltage for said further electro-optic mirror unit.

67. A rearview mirror system as claimed in claim 37, also including at least one further mirror housing mounted on the exterior of the vehicle and containing a further electro-optic mirror unit, said control circuitry further being responsive to the output from said at least one light sensor to establish a drive voltage for said further electro-optic mirror unit.

68. A rearview mirror system as claimed in claim 38, also including at least one further mirror housing mounted on the exterior of the vehicle and containing a further electro-optic mirror unit, said control circuitry further being responsive to the output from said at least one light sensor to establish a drive voltage for said further electro-optic mirror unit.

69. A rearview mirror system as claimed in claim 39, also including at least one further mirror housing mounted on the exterior of the vehicle and containing a further electro-optic mirror unit, said control circuitry further being responsive to the output from said at least one light sensor to establish a drive voltage for said further electro-optic mirror unit.

70. A rearview mirror system as claimed in claim 40, also including at least one further mirror housing mounted on the exterior of the vehicle and containing a further electro-optic mirror unit, said control circuitry further being responsive to the output from said at least one light sensor to establish a drive voltage for said further electro-optic mirror unit.

71. A rearview mirror system as claimed in claim 41, also including at least one further mirror housing mounted on the exterior of the vehicle and containing a further electro-optic mirror unit, said control circuitry further being responsive to the output from said at least one light sensor to establish a drive voltage for said further electro-optic mirror unit.

72. A rearview mirror system as claimed in claim 42, also including at least one further mirror housing mounted on the exterior of the vehicle and containing a further electro-optic mirror unit, said control circuitry further being responsive to the output from said at least one light sensor to establish a drive voltage for said further electro-optic mirror unit.

73. A rearview mirror system as claimed in claim 43, also including at least one further mirror housing mounted on the exterior of the vehicle and containing a further electro-optic mirror unit, said control circuitry further being responsive to the output from said at least one light sensor to establish a drive voltage for said further electro-optic mirror unit.

74. A rearview mirror system as claimed in claim 44, also including at least one further mirror housing mounted on the exterior of the vehicle and containing a further electro-optic mirror unit, said control circuitry further being responsive to the output from said at least one light sensor to establish a drive voltage for said further electro-optic mirror unit.

75. A rearview mirror system as claimed in claim 45, also including at least one further mirror housing mounted on the exterior of the vehicle and containing a further electro-optic mirror unit, said control circuitry further being responsive to the output from said at least one light sensor to establish a drive voltage for said further electro-optic mirror unit.

76. A rearview mirror system as claimed in claim 46, also including at least one further mirror housing mounted on the exterior of the vehicle and containing a further electro-optic mirror unit, said control circuitry further being responsive to the output from said at least one light sensor to establish a drive voltage for said further electro-optic mirror unit.

77. A rearview mirror system as claimed in claim 47, also including at least one further mirror housing mounted on the exterior of the vehicle and containing a further electro-optic mirror unit, said control circuitry further being responsive to the output from said at least one light sensor to establish a drive voltage for said further electro-optic mirror unit.

78. A rearview mirror system as claimed in claim 48, also including at least one further mirror housing mounted on the exterior of the vehicle and containing a further electro-optical mirror unit, said control circuitry further being responsive to the output from said at least one light sensor to establish a drive voltage for said further electro-optic mirror unit.

79. A rearview mirror system as claimed in claim 49, also including at least one further mirror housing mounted on the exterior of the vehicle and containing a further electro-optic mirror unit, said control circuitry further being responsive to the output from said at least one light sensor to establish a drive voltage for said further electro-optic mirror unit.

80. A rearview mirror system as claimed in claim 50, also including at least one further mirror housing mounted on the exterior of the vehicle and containing a further electro-optic mirror unit, said control circuitry further being responsive to the output from said at least one light sensor to establish a drive voltage for said further electro-optic mirror unit.

81. A rearview mirror system as claimed in claim 51, also including at least one further mirror housing mounted on the exterior of the vehicle and containing a further electro-optic mirror unit, said control circuitry further being responsive to the output from said at least one light sensor to establish a drive voltage for said further electro-optic mirror unit.

82. A rearview mirror system as claimed in claim 52, also including at least one further mirror housing mounted on the exterior of the vehicle and containing a further electro-optic mirror unit, said control circuitry further being responsive to the output from said at least one light sensor to establish a drive voltage for said further electro-optic mirror unit.

83. A rearview mirror system as claimed in claim 53, also including at least one further mirror housing mounted on the exterior of the vehicle and containing a further electro-optic mirror unit, said control circuitry further being responsive to the output from said at least one light sensor to establish a drive voltage for said further electro-optic mirror unit.

84. A rearview mirror system as claimed in claim 54, also including at least one further mirror housing mounted on the exterior of the vehicle and containing a further electro-optic mirror unit, said control circuitry further being responsive to the output from said at least one light sensor to establish a drive voltage for said further electro-optic mirror unit.

85. A rearview mirror system as claimed in claim 55, also including at least one further mirror housing mounted on the exterior of the vehicle and containing a further electro-optic mirror unit, said control circuitry further being responsive to the output from said at least one light sensor to establish a drive voltage for said further electro-optic mirror unit.

86. A rearview mirror system as claimed in claim 56, also including at least one further mirror housing mounted on the exterior of the vehicle and containing a further electro-optic mirror unit, said control circuitry further being responsive to the output from said at least one light sensor to establish a drive voltage for said further electro-optic mirror unit.

87. A rearview mirror system as claimed in claim 57, also including at least one further mirror housing mounted on the exterior of the vehicle and containing a further electro-optic mirror unit, said control circuitry further being responsive to the output from said at least one light sensor to establish a drive voltage for said further electro-optic mirror unit.

88. A rearview mirror system as claimed in claim 58, also including at least one further mirror housing mounted on the exterior of the vehicle and containing a further electro-optic mirror unit, said control circuitry further being responsive to the output from said at least one light sensor to establish a drive voltage for said further electro-optic mirror unit.

89. A rearview mirror system as claimed in claim 59, also including at least one further mirror housing mounted on the exterior of the vehicle and containing a further electro-optic mirror unit, said control circuitry further being responsive to the output from said at least one light sensor to establish a drive voltage for said further electro-optic mirror unit.

90. A rearview mirror system as claimed in claim 60, also including at least one further mirror housing mounted on the exterior of the vehicle and containing a further electro-optic mirror unit, said control circuitry further being responsive to the output from said at least one light sensor to establish a drive voltage for said further electro-optic mirror unit.

91. A rearview mirror system as claimed in claim 61, also including at least one further mirror housing mounted on the exterior of the vehicle and containing a further electro-optic mirror unit, said control circuitry further being responsive to the output from said at least one light sensor to establish a drive voltage for said further electro-optic mirror unit.

92. A rearview mirror system as claimed in claim 62, also including at least one further mirror housing mounted on the exterior of the vehicle and containing a further electro-optic mirror unit, said control circuitry further being responsive to the output from said at least one light sensor to establish a drive voltage for said further electro-optic mirror unit.

93. A rearview mirror system as claimed in claim 63, also including at least one further mirror housing mounted on the exterior of the vehicle and containing a further electro-optic mirror unit, said control circuitry further being responsive to the output from said at least one light sensor to establish a drive voltage for said further electro-optic mirror unit.

94. A rearview mirror system as claimed in claim 64, also including at least one further mirror housing mounted on the exterior of the vehicle and containing a further electro-optic mirror unit, said control circuitry further being responsive to the output from said at least one light sensor to establish a drive voltage for said further electro-optic mirror unit.

95. A rearview mirror system as claimed in claim 65, also including at least one further mirror housing mounted on the exterior of the vehicle and containing a further electro-optic mirror unit, said control circuitry further being responsive to the output from said at least one light sensor to establish a drive voltage for said further electro-optic mirror unit.

96. A rearview mirror system as claimed in claim 1, wherein said interior electro-optic mirror unit comprises an electrochromic mirror unit.

97. A rearview mirror system as claimed in claim 2, wherein said interior electro-optic mirror unit comprises an electrochromic mirror unit.

98. A rearview mirror system as claimed in claim 3, wherein said interior electro-optic mirror unit comprises an electrochromic mirror unit.

99. A rearview mirror system as claimed in claim 4, wherein said interior electro-optic mirror unit comprises an electrochromic mirror unit.

100. A rearview mirror system as claimed in claim 5, wherein said interior electro-optic mirror unit comprises an electrochromic mirror unit.

101. A rearview mirror system as claimed in claim 6, wherein said interior electro-optic mirror unit comprises an electrochromic mirror unit.

102. A rearview mirror system as claimed in claim 9, wherein said interior electro-optic mirror unit and said further electro-optic mirror unit comprises electrochromic mirror units.

103. A rearview mirror system as claimed in claim 10, wherein said interior electro-optic mirror unit comprises an electrochromic mirror unit.

104. A rearview mirror system as claimed in claim 11, wherein said interior electro-optic mirror unit comprises an electrochromic mirror unit.

105. A rearview mirror system as claimed in claim 12, wherein said interior electro-optic mirror unit comprises an electrochromic mirror unit.

106. A rearview mirror system as claimed in claim 13, wherein said interior electro-optic mirror unit comprises an electrochromic mirror unit.

107. An electro-optic interior rearview mirror system for a vehicle, comprising:

an interior mirror housing containing an interior electro-optic mirror unit;

at least one light sensor for sensing a light level outside the vehicle;

control circuitry, said control circuitry including circuitry responsive to an output of said at least one light sensor to establish a mirror reflectivity of said interior electro-optic mirror unit and including signal processing circuitry, said signal processing circuitry at least one of sending a signal via an output line and receiving a signal via an input line, said signal processing circuitry comprising a microprocessor;

said interior mirror housing accommodating at least one additional function selected from a compass display, a navigational display system and an infrared sensor, wherein said control circuitry controls said at least one additional function;

wherein said at least one additional function accommodated in said interior mirror housing connects to a vehicle bus system, and wherein said control circuitry connects said at least one additional function to said vehicle bus system;

wherein said interior electro-optic mirror unit comprises an electrochromic mirror unit; and

at least one further mirror housing mounted on the exterior of the vehicle and containing a further electro-optic mirror unit, said control circuitry further being responsive to the output from said at least one light sensor to establish a drive voltage for said further electro-optic mirror unit.

108. A rearview mirror system as claimed in claim 107, wherein said interior mirror housing is mounted to a header in the interior of the vehicle.

109. A rearview mirror system as claimed in claim 107, wherein said mirror housing is supported by said bracket.

110. A rearview mirror system as claimed in claim 109, wherein electrical leads extend through said bracket.

111. A rearview mirror system as claimed in claim 107, wherein said control circuitry is located at the interior ceiling of the vehicle.

112. A rearview mirror system as claimed in claim 111, wherein said control circuitry is located overhead and centrally between the driver and the front passenger seats.

113. A rearview mirror system as claimed in claim 107, wherein said at least one light sensor is located in said interior mirror housing.

114. A rearview mirror system as claimed in claim 107, wherein said at least one light sensor is located remote from said interior mirror housing.

115. A rearview mirror system as claimed in claim 108, wherein said interior mirror housing is supported by a bracket and electrical leads extending through said bracket.

116. A rearview mirror system as claimed in claim 108, wherein said control circuitry is located at the interior ceiling of the vehicle.

117. A rearview mirror system as claimed in claim 109, wherein said control circuitry is located at the interior ceiling of the vehicle.

118. A rearview mirror system as claimed in claim 110, wherein said control circuitry is located at the interior ceiling of the vehicle.

119. A rearview mirror system as claimed in claim 116, wherein said control circuit is located centrally between the driver and the front passenger seats.

120. A rearview mirror system as claimed in claim 117, wherein said control circuit housing is located centrally between the driver and the front passenger seats.

121. A rearview mirror system as claimed in claim 118, wherein said control circuit housing is located between the driver and the front passenger seats.

122. A rearview mirror system as claimed in claim 108, wherein said at least one light sensor is located in said interior mirror housing.

123. A rearview mirror system as claimed in claim 109, wherein said at least one light sensor is located in said interior mirror housing.

124. A rearview mirror system as claimed in claim 110, wherein said at least one light sensor is located in said interior mirror housing.

125. A rearview mirror system as claimed in claim 111, wherein the said at least one light sensor is located in said interior mirror housing.

126. A rearview mirror system as claimed in claim 112, wherein the said at least one light sensor is located in said interior mirror housing.

127. A rearview mirror system as claimed in claim 115, wherein the said at least one light sensor is located in said interior mirror housing.

128. A rearview mirror system as claimed in claim 116, wherein the said at least one light sensor is located in said interior mirror housing.

129. A rearview mirror system as claimed in claim 117, wherein the said at least one light sensor is located in said interior mirror housing.

130. A rearview mirror system as claimed in claim 118, wherein the said at least one light sensor is located in said interior mirror housing.

131. A rearview mirror system as claimed in claim 119, wherein the said at least one light sensor is located in said interior mirror housing.

132. A rearview mirror system as claimed in claim 120, wherein the said at least one light sensor is located in said interior mirror housing.

133. A rearview mirror system as claimed in claim 121, wherein the said at least one light sensor is located in said interior mirror housing.

134. A rearview mirror system as claimed in claim 112, wherein said at least one light sensor is located remote from said interior mirror housing.

135. A rearview mirror system as claimed in claim 116, wherein said at least one light sensor is located remote from said interior mirror housing.

136. A rearview mirror system as claimed in claim 117, wherein said at least one light sensor is located remote from said interior mirror housing.

137. A rearview mirror system as claimed in claim 118, wherein said at least one light sensor is located remote from said interior mirror housing.

138. A rearview mirror system as claimed in claim 119, wherein said at least one light sensor is located remote from said interior mirror housing.

139. A rearview mirror system as claimed in claim 120, wherein said at least one light sensor is located remote from said interior mirror housing.

140. A rearview mirror system as claimed in claim 120, wherein said at least one light sensor is located remote from said interior mirror housing.

141. A rearview mirror system as claimed in claim 108, wherein said at least one light sensor is located remote from said interior mirror housing.

142. A rearview mirror system as claimed in claim 109, wherein said at least one light sensor is located remote from said interior mirror housing.

143. A rearview mirror system as claimed in claim 110, wherein said at least one light sensor is located remote from said interior mirror housing.

144. A rearview mirror system as claimed in claim 111, wherein said control circuitry shares a processor which is used for other control functions of the vehicle.

145. A rearview mirror system as claimed in claim 112, wherein said control circuitry shares a processor which is used for other control functions of the vehicle.

146. A rearview mirror system as claimed in claim 113, wherein said control circuitry shares a processor which is used for other control functions of the vehicle.

147. A rearview mirror system as claimed in claim 114, wherein said control circuitry shares a processor which is used for other control functions of the vehicle.

148. A rearview mirror system as claimed in claim 115, wherein said control circuitry shares a processor which is used for other control functions of the vehicle.

149. A rearview mirror system as claimed in claim 116, wherein said control circuitry shares a processor which is used for other control functions of the vehicle.

150. A rearview mirror system as claimed in claim 117, wherein said control circuitry shares a processor which is used for other control functions of the vehicle.

151. A rearview mirror system as claimed in claim 118, wherein said control circuitry shares a processor which is used for other control functions of the vehicle.

152. A rearview mirror system as claimed in claim 120, wherein said control circuitry shares a processor which is used for other control functions of the vehicle.

153. A rearview mirror system as claimed in claim 121, wherein said control circuitry shares a processor which is used for other control functions of the vehicle.

154. A rearview mirror system as claimed in claim 122, wherein said control circuitry shares a processor which is used for other control functions of the vehicle.

155. A rearview mirror system as claimed in claim 123, wherein said control circuitry shares a processor which is used for other control functions of the vehicle.

156. A rearview mirror system as claimed in claim 125, wherein said control circuitry shares a processor which is used for other control functions of the vehicle.

157. A rearview mirror system as claimed in claim 126, wherein said control circuitry shares a processor which is used for other control functions of the vehicle.

158. A rearview mirror system as claimed in claim 127, wherein said control circuitry shares a processor which is used for other control functions of the vehicle.

159. A rearview mirror system as claimed in claim 128, wherein said control circuitry shares a processor which is used for other control functions of the vehicle.

160. A rearview mirror system as claimed in claim 129, wherein said control circuitry shares a processor which is used for other control functions of the vehicle.

161. A rearview mirror system as claimed in claim 130, wherein said control circuitry shares a processor which is used for other control functions of the vehicle.

162. A rearview mirror system as claimed in claim 131, wherein said control circuitry shares a processor which is used for other control functions of the vehicle.

163. A rearview mirror system as claimed in claim 132, wherein said control circuitry shares a processor which is used for other control functions of the vehicle.

164. A rearview mirror system as claimed in claim 133, wherein said control circuitry shares a processor which is used for other control functions of the vehicle.

165. A rearview mirror system as claimed in claim 134, wherein said control circuitry shares a processor which is used for other control functions of the vehicle.

166. A rearview mirror system as claimed in claim 135, wherein said control circuitry shares a processor which is used for other control functions of the vehicle.

167. A rearview mirror system as claimed in claim 136, wherein said control circuitry shares a processor which is used for other control functions of the vehicle.

168. A rearview mirror system as claimed in claim 137, wherein said control circuitry shares a processor which is used for other control functions of the vehicle.

169. A rearview mirror system as claimed in claim 138, wherein said control circuitry shares a processor which is used for other control functions of the vehicle.

170. A rearview mirror system as claimed in claim 139, wherein said control circuitry shares a processor which is used for other control functions of the vehicle.

171. A rearview mirror system as claimed in claim 140, wherein said control circuitry shares a processor which is used for other control functions of the vehicle.