Vehicle mirror digital network and dynamically interactive mirror system

• US 6,465,904 B2
• Filed: 01/17/2002
• Issued: 10/15/2002
• Est. Priority Date: 07/11/1996
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Donnelly Corporation (Magna International Incorporated)
• Original Assignee: Donnelly Corporation (Magna International Incorporated)
• Inventors: Schofield, Kenneth, Veldman, Roger L., OʼFarrell, Desmond J.
• Primary Examiner(s): PALADINI, ALBERT WILLIAM
• Application Number:
  US10/051,665
• Publication Number:
  US 20020057016A1
• Time in Patent Office: 271 Days
• Field of Search: 307/10.1, 701/49, 701/213, 318/446, 318/466, 340/425.72, 340/855.3, 395/605, 250/214, 359/115
• US Class Current: 307/9.1
• 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 1/07 by electrically powered actuators
• 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 16/037 for occupant comfort , e.g. for automatic adjustment of appliances according to personal settings, e.g. seats, mirrors, steering wheel
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2300/105 using multiple cameras
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2300/8046 for replacing a rear-view mirror system
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2300/8066 for monitoring rearward traffic

Abstract

A vehicle rear vision system includes at lest two rear-view assemblies each having an image transfer device for transferring images rearwardly of the vehicle in order to be observable by a driver. A rear vision communication system is provided to effect communication between the rearview assemblies. The rear vision communication system also includes a communication link with the vehicle multiplex communication network. The vehicle rear vision system may include an interactive dynamic position control, which repositions each mirror in the system in response to a change in the position of one mirror in a manner which allows the mirror aim to track a driver'"'"'s eye position.

Claims

1. A vehicle rear vision system suitable for use in a vehicle equipped with a vehicle communication network, said system comprising:

an interior rearview mirror assembly and an exterior rearview mirror assembly;

said interior rearview mirror assembly including an interior electro-optical reflectance element and a first microprocessor-based control;

said exterior rearview mirror assembly including an exterior electro-optical reflectance element and a second microprocessor-based control;

said first microprocessor-based control including a control channel for controlling a partial reflectance level of said interior electro-optical reflectance element;

said second microprocessor-based control including a control channel for controlling a partial reflectance level of said exterior electro-optical reflectance element;

wherein at least one of said first and second microprocessor-based controls (i) formats messages for the vehicle communication network and (ii) decodes messages from the vehicle communication network;

a multiplex communication link providing bi-directional serial communication between said first microprocessor-based control and said second microprocessor-based control, said communication link including one of a fiber-optic communication channel and a radio communication channel;

a vehicle headlight control for controlling a state of a vehicle headlight;

wherein one of said first and second microprocessor-based controls receives an input from at least one light sensor and wherein said vehicle headlight control generates a vehicle headlight control signal responsive to receipt of said input by said one of said first and second microprocessor-based controls, and wherein said input is communicated over said communication link.