Mirror-based audio system for a vehicle

• US 6,466,136 B2
• Filed: 07/11/2001
• Issued: 10/15/2002
• 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:
  US09/903,336
• Publication Number:
  US 20020030588A1
• Time in Patent Office: 461 Days
• Field of Search: 340/815.4, 340/425.5, 381/86, 381/391, 381/110, 381/122, 381/168, 381/169, 381/76.1, 381/355, 381/361, 381/365, 379/454, 379/446, 455/74.1, 455/569, 455/567, 455/566, 455/568, 455/99, 455/100, 455/67.1, 455/575
• US Class Current: 340/815.4
• 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: B60R 1/04 mounted inside vehicle 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 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 11/04 Mounting of cameras operative during drive; Arrangement of controls thereof relative to the vehicle
• 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 2011/0077 using adhesive means, e.g. hook and loop fasteners
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2300/101 using cameras with adjustable capturing direction
• CPC Class Codes: B60S 1/0881 characterized by the attachment means on the windshield
• 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 6/00 Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 23/54 Mounting of pick-up tubes, electronic image sensors, deviation or focusing coils
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 23/56 : provided with illuminating means
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 25/76 : Addressed sensors, e.g. MOS or CMOS sensors
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 7/183 : for receiving images from a single remote source
• CPC Class Codes: H04R 2499/13 : Acoustic transducers and sound field adaptation in vehicles

Abstract

A mirror-based audio system for a vehicle comprises an interior rearview mirror system including a plurality of microphones for receiving audio signals within a cabin of the vehicle. The plurality of microphones comprise at least two microphones which generate output signals indicative of sound generated within the vehicle cabin. The at least two microphones are (i) positioned within an interior rearview mirror assembly, (ii) positioned adjacent to an interior rearview mirror assembly, (iii) positioned in an attachment to an interior rearview mirror assembly, or (iv) positioned within a module mounted to the windshield. The audio system further includes a control which is operable to distinguish the presence of vocal signals versus non-vocal signals and to at least partially filter out the non-vocal signals.

Claims

1. A mirror-based audio system for a vehicle comprising:

an interior rearview mirror system including an interior rearview mirror assembly, said interior rearview mirror assembly including a reflector element;

said interior rearview mirror system including a plurality of microphones for receiving audio signals within a cabin of the vehicle, said plurality of microphones comprising at least two microphones which generate output signals indicative of sound generated within the vehicle cabin, said at least two microphones being one of (i) positioned within said interior rearview mirror assembly, (ii) positioned adjacent to said interior rearview mirror assembly, (iii) positioned in an attachment to said interior rearview mirror assembly, and (iv) positioned within a module mounted to a windshield of the vehicle;

said audio system further comprising a control operable to distinguish the presence of vocal signals versus non-vocal signals and to at least partially filter out said non-vocal signals, said audio system distinguishing said vocal signals received at said at least two microphones from said non-vocal signals by a ratio of at least 2;

1.

2. The mirror-based audio system of claim 1, wherein at least one of said at least two microphones is directed toward an area encompassing the general location of a head of a driver of the vehicle.

3. The mirror-based audio system of claim 2, wherein said audio system distinguishes said vocal signals received at said at least two microphones from said non-vocal signals by a ratio of at least 10:

1.

4. The mirror-based audio system of claim 2, wherein said at least one of said at least two microphones comprises a single directional microphone and is fixedly mounted and directed toward the area encompassing the general location of a head of a driver of the vehicle.

5. The mirror-based audio system of claim 2, wherein said at least two microphones are positioned within a module mounted to the windshield, said module being positioned between said interior rearview mirror assembly and a headliner extending along an upper edge of the windshield.

6. The mirror-based audio system of claim 1, wherein said control is operable to select at least one of said output signals from at least one of said at least two microphones and to provide the at least one selected output signal to said audio system.

7. The mirror-based audio system of claim 1 further including an indicator operable to indicate when said vocal signals are being adequately distinguished by said control.

8. The mirror-based audio system of claim 1, wherein said interior rearview mirror assembly further includes at least one control input for at least one accessory of the vehicle.

9. The mirror-based audio system of claim 8, wherein said at least one accessory of the vehicle comprises at least one of a map reading light, a temperature display, a compass display, a global positioning system antenna, a rain sensor, a video system, a tire pressure display and a security system.

10. The mirror-based audio system of claim 1, wherein said interior rearview mirror system further includes at least one mirror-based accessory.

11. The mirror-based audio system of claim 10, wherein said at least one mirror-based accessory comprises at least one of a global positioning system antenna, a motion sensor, a rain sensor, a video device, an interior light of the vehicle, an automatic toll booth transducer, a security system status indicator, a compass, a compass sensor, a temperature display, a temperature sensor, a tire pressure indicator display, a seat occupancy detection antenna, a seat occupancy detection transducer and a loudspeaker.

12. The mirror-based audio system of claim 10, wherein said at least one mirror-based accessory is one of (i) positioned within said interior rearview mirror assembly, (ii) positioned adjacent to said interior rearview mirror assembly, (iii) positioned in an attachment to said interior rearview mirror assembly, and (iv) positioned within a module mounted to the windshield.

13. The mirror-based audio system of claim 1 further comprising at least a portion of at least one of a cellular telephone system, an emergency communication system and an audio recording system.

14. The mirror-based audio system of claim 1 further including an illumination source for a vehicle security system.

15. The mirror-based audio system of claim 14, wherein said illumination source for a vehicle security system is one of (i) positioned within said interior rearview mirror assembly, (ii) positioned adjacent to said interior rearview mirror assembly, (iii) positioned in an attachment to said interior rearview mirror assembly, and (iv) positioned within a module mounted to the windshield.

16. The mirror-based audio system of claim 1, wherein said reflector element comprises an electrochromic reflector element having electrically variable reflectivity.

17. The mirror-based audio system of claim 16, wherein said interior rearview mirror assembly includes electronic circuitry for at least adjusting the reflectivity of said electrochromic reflector element.

18. The mirror-based audio system of claim 17, wherein at least one of said at least two microphones of said audio system at least one of:

a) accesses a component of said electronic circuitry of said interior rearview mirror assembly, and b) shares a component of said electronic circuitry of said interior rearview mirror assembly.

19. The mirror-based audio system of claim 18, wherein said electronic circuitry is associated with at least one mirror-based accessory selected from the group consisting of a global positioning system antenna, a motion sensor, a rain sensor, a video device, an interior light of the vehicle, an automatic toll booth transducer, a security system status indicator, a compass, a compass sensor, a temperature display, a temperature sensor, a tire pressure indicator display, a seat occupancy detection antenna, a seat occupancy detection transducer and a loudspeaker.

20. The mirror-based audio system of claim 1, wherein said interior rearview mirror system controls a mechatronic element.

21. The mirror-based audio system of claim 1, wherein said interior rearview mirror system communicates with devices or components in the vehicle via at least one of a network and a multiplex system.

22. The mirror-based audio system of claim 1, wherein said non-vocal signals originate from at least one noise source selected from the group consisting of engine noise, road noise, wind noise, HVAC noise, a radio and a turn signal.

23. A mirror-based audio system for a vehicle comprising:

an interior rearview mirror system including an interior rearview mirror assembly, said interior rearview mirror assembly including a reflector element, said reflector element comprising an electrochromic reflector element having electrically variable reflectivity;

said interior rearview mirror system including a plurality of microphones for receiving audio signals within a cabin of the vehicle, said plurality of microphones comprising at least two microphones which generate output signals indicative of sound generated within the vehicle cabin, said at least two microphones being one of (i) positioned within said interior rearview mirror assembly, (ii) positioned adjacent to said interior rearview mirror assembly, (iii) positioned in an attachment to said interior rearview mirror assembly, and (iv) positioned within a module mounted to a windshield of the vehicle; and

said audio system further comprising a control operable to distinguish the presence of vocal signals versus non-vocal signals and to at least partially filter out said non-vocal signals, said non-vocal signals originating from at least one noise source selected from the group consisting of engine noise, road noise, wind noise, HVAC noise, a radio and a turn signal, said audio system distinguishing said vocal signals received at said at least two microphones from said non-vocal signals by a ratio of at least 2;

1.

24. The mirror-based audio system of claim 23, wherein at least one of said at least two microphones is directed toward an area encompassing the general location of a head of a driver of the vehicle.

25. The mirror-based audio system of claim 24, wherein said audio system distinguishes said vocal signals received at said at least two microphones from said non-vocal signals by a ratio of at least 10:

1.

26. The mirror-based audio system of claim 24, wherein said at least one of said at least two microphones comprises a single directional microphone and is fixedly mounted and directed toward the area encompassing the general location of a head of a driver of the vehicle.

27. The mirror-based audio system of claim 24, wherein said at least two microphones are positioned within a module mounted to the windshield, said module being positioned between said interior rearview mirror assembly and a headliner extending along an upper edge of the windshield.

28. The mirror-based audio system of claim 23, wherein said control is operable to select at least one of said output signals from at least one of said at least two microphones and to provide the at least one selected output signal to said audio system.

29. The mirror-based audio system of claim 23 further including an indicator operable to indicate when said vocal signals are being adequately distinguished by said control.

30. The mirror-based audio system of claim 23, wherein said interior rearview mirror assembly further includes at least one control input for at least one accessory of the vehicle.

31. The mirror-based audio system of claim 30, wherein said at least one accessory of the vehicle comprises at least one of a map reading light, a temperature display, a compass display, a global positioning system antenna, a rain sensor, a video system, a tire pressure display and a security system.

32. The mirror-based audio system of claim 23, wherein said interior rearview mirror system further includes at least one mirror-based accessory.

33. The mirror-based audio system of claim 32, wherein said at least one mirror-based accessory comprises at least one of a global positioning system antenna, a motion sensor, a rain sensor, a video device, an interior light of the vehicle, an automatic toll booth transducer, a security system status indicator, a compass, a compass sensor, a temperature display, a temperature sensor, a tire pressure indicator display, a seat occupancy detection antenna, a seat occupancy detection transducer and a loudspeaker.

34. The mirror-based audio system of claim 32, wherein said at least one mirror-based accessory is one of (i) positioned within said interior rearview mirror assembly, (ii) positioned adjacent to said interior rearview mirror assembly, (iii) positioned in an attachment to said interior rearview mirror assembly, and (iv) positioned within a module mounted to the windshield.

35. The mirror-based audio system of claim 23 further comprising at least a portion of at least one of a cellular telephone system, an emergency communication system and an audio recording system.

36. The mirror-based audio system of claim 23 further including an illumination source for a vehicle security system.

37. The mirror-based audio system of claim 36, wherein said illumination source for a vehicle security system is one of (i) positioned within said interior rearview mirror assembly, (ii) positioned adjacent to said interior rearview mirror assembly, (iii) positioned in an attachment to said interior rearview mirror assembly, and (iv) positioned within a module mounted to the windshield.

38. The mirror-based audio system of claim 23, wherein said interior rearview mirror assembly further includes a video device.

39. The mirror-based audio system of claim 38, wherein said video device comprises a CMOS imaging array.

40. The mirror-based audio system of claim 23, wherein said interior rearview mirror assembly includes electronic circuitry for at least adjusting the reflectivity of said electrochromic reflector element.

41. The mirror-based audio system of claim 40, wherein at least one of said at least two microphones of said audio system at least one of:

a) accesses a component of said electronic circuitry of said interior rearview mirror assembly, and b) shares a component of said electronic circuitry of said interior rearview mirror assembly.

42. The mirror-based audio system of claim 41, wherein said electronic circuitry is associated with at least one mirror-based accessory selected from the group consisting of a global positioning system antenna, a motion sensor, a rain sensor, a video device, an interior light of the vehicle, an automatic toll booth transducer, a security system status indicator, a compass, a compass sensor, a temperature display, a temperature sensor, a tire pressure indicator display, a seat occupancy detection antenna, a seat occupancy detection transducer and a loudspeaker.

43. The mirror-based audio system of claim 23, wherein said interior rearview mirror system controls a mechatronic element.

44. The mirror-based audio system of claim 23, wherein said interior rearview mirror system communicates with devices or components in the vehicle via at least one of a network and a multiplex system.

45. A mirror-based audio system for a vehicle comprising:

an interior rearview mirror system including an interior rearview mirror assembly, said interior rearview mirror assembly including a reflector element, said reflector element comprising an electrochromic reflector element having electrically variable reflectivity;

said interior rearview mirror system including a plurality of microphones for receiving audio signals within a cabin of the vehicle, said plurality of microphones comprising at least two microphones which generate output signals indicative of sound generated within the vehicle cabin, said at least two microphones being one of (i) positioned within said interior rearview mirror assembly, (ii) positioned adjacent to said interior rearview mirror assembly, (iii) positioned in an attachment to said interior rearview mirror assembly, and (iv) positioned within a module mounted to a windshield of the vehicle;

said audio system further comprising a control operable to distinguish the presence of vocal signals versus non-vocal signals and to at least partially filter out said non-vocal signals, said non-vocal signals originating from at least one noise source selected from the group consisting of engine noise, road noise, wind noise, HVAC noise, a radio and a turn signal; and

wherein said interior rearview mirror assembly further includes at least one control input for at least one accessory of the vehicle, said at least one accessory of the vehicle comprising at least one of a map reading light, a temperature display, a compass display, a global positioning system antenna, a rain sensor, a video system, a tire pressure display and a security system.

46. The mirror-based audio system of claim 45, wherein at least one of said at least two microphones is directed toward an area encompassing the general location of a head of a driver of the vehicle.

47. The mirror-based audio system of claim 46, wherein said audio system distinguishes said vocal signals received at said at least two microphones from said non-vocal signals by a ratio of at least 2:

1.

48. The mirror-based audio system of claim 47, wherein said audio system distinguishes said vocal signals received at said at least two microphones from said non-vocal signals by a ratio of at least 10:

1.

49. The mirror-based audio system of claim 46, wherein said at least one of said at least two microphones comprises a single directional microphone and is fixedly mounted and directed toward the area encompassing the general location of a head of a driver of the vehicle.

50. The mirror-based audio system of claim 46, wherein said at least two microphones are positioned within a module mounted to the windshield, said module being positioned between said interior rearview mirror assembly and a headliner extending along an upper edge of the windshield.

51. The mirror-based audio system of claim 45, wherein said control is operable to select at least one of said output signals from at least one of said at least two microphones and to provide the at least one selected output signal to said audio system.

52. The mirror-based audio system of claim 45 further including an indicator operable to indicate when said vocal signals are being adequately distinguished by said control.

53. The mirror-based audio system of claim 45, wherein said at least one accessory of the vehicle comprises a compass display.

54. The mirror-based audio system of claim 45, wherein said interior rearview mirror system further includes at least one mirror-based accessory.

55. The mirror-based audio system of claim 54, wherein said at least one mirror-based accessory comprises at least one of a global positioning system antenna, a motion sensor, a rain sensor, a video device, an interior light of the vehicle, an automatic toll booth transducer, a security system status indicator, a compass, a compass sensor, a temperature display, a temperature sensor, a tire pressure indicator display, a seat occupancy detection antenna, a seat occupancy detection transducer and a loudspeaker.

56. The mirror-based audio system of claim 54, wherein said at least one mirror-based accessory is one of (i) positioned within said interior rearview mirror assembly, (ii) positioned adjacent to said interior rearview mirror assembly, (iii) positioned in an attachment to said interior rearview mirror assembly, and (iv) positioned within a module mounted to the windshield.

57. The mirror-based audio system of claim 45 further comprising at least a portion of at least one of a cellular telephone system, an emergency communication system and an audio recording system.

58. The mirror-based audio system of claim 45 further including an illumination source for a vehicle security system.

59. The mirror-based audio system of claim 58, wherein said illumination source for a vehicle security system is one of (i) positioned within said interior rearview mirror assembly, (ii) positioned adjacent to said interior rearview mirror assembly, (iii) positioned in an attachment to said interior rearview mirror assembly, and (iv) positioned within a module mounted to the windshield.

60. The mirror-based audio system of claim 45, wherein said interior rearview mirror assembly further includes a video device.

61. The mirror-based audio system of claim 60, wherein said video device comprises a CMOS imaging array.

62. The mirror-based audio system of claim 45, wherein said interior rearview mirror assembly includes electronic circuitry for at least adjusting the reflectivity of said electrochromic reflector element.

63. The mirror-based audio system of claim 62, wherein at least one of said at least two microphones of said audio system at least one of:

a) accesses a component of said electronic circuitry of said interior rearview mirror assembly, and b) shares a component of said electronic circuitry of said interior rearview mirror assembly.

64. The mirror-based audio system of claim 63, wherein said electronic circuitry is associated with at least one mirror-based accessory selected from the group consisting of a global positioning system antenna, a motion sensor, a rain sensor, a video device, an interior light of the vehicle, an automatic toll booth transducer, a security system status indicator, a compass, a compass sensor, a temperature display, a temperature sensor, a tire pressure indicator display, a seat occupancy detection antenna, a seat occupancy detection transducer and a loudspeaker.

65. The mirror-based audio system of claim 45, wherein said interior rearview mirror system controls a mechatronic element.

66. The mirror-based audio system of claim 45, wherein said interior rearview mirror system communicates with devices or components in the vehicle via at least one of a network and a multiplex system.

67. A mirror-based audio system for a vehicle comprising:

an interior rearview mirror system including an interior rearview mirror assembly, said interior rearview mirror assembly including a reflector element;

said interior rearview mirror system including a plurality of microphones for receiving audio signals within a cabin of the vehicle, said plurality of microphones comprising at least two microphones which generate output signals indicative of sound generated within the vehicle cabin, said at least two microphones being one of (i) positioned within said interior rearview mirror assembly, (ii) positioned adjacent to said interior rearview mirror assembly, (iii) positioned in an attachment to said interior rearview mirror assembly, and (iv) positioned within a module mounted to a windshield of the vehicle;

said audio system further comprising a control operable to distinguish the presence of vocal signals versus non-vocal signals and to at least partially filter out said non-vocal signals, said non-vocal signals originating from at least one noise source selected from the group consisting of engine noise, road noise, wind noise, HVAC noise, a radio and a turn signal;

said audio system distinguishing said vocal signals received at said at least two microphones from said non-vocal signals by a ratio of at least 2;

1; and

wherein said interior rearview mirror assembly further includes at least one control input for at least one accessory of the vehicle, said at least one accessory of the vehicle comprises at least one of a map reading light, a temperature display, a compass display, a global positioning system antenna, a rain sensor, a video system, a tire pressure display and a security system.

68. The mirror-based audio system of claim 67, wherein at least one of said at least two microphones is directed toward an area encompassing the general location of a head of a driver of the vehicle.

69. The mirror-based audio system of claim 68, wherein said audio system distinguishes said vocal signals received at said at least two microphones from said non-vocal signals by a ratio of at least 10:

1.

70. The mirror-based audio system of claim 68, wherein said at least one of said at least two microphones comprises a single directional microphone and is fixedly mounted and directed toward the area encompassing the general location of a head of a driver of the vehicle.

71. The mirror-based audio system of claim 68, wherein said at least two microphones are positioned within a module mounted to the windshield, said module being positioned between said interior rearview mirror assembly and a headliner extending along an upper edge of the windshield.

72. The mirror-based audio system of claim 67, wherein said control is operable to select at least one of said output signals from at least one of said at least two microphones and to provide the at least one selected output signal to said audio system.

73. The mirror-based audio system of claim 67 further including an indicator operable to indicate when said vocal signals are being adequately distinguished by said control.

74. The mirror-based audio system of claim 67, wherein said at least one accessory of the vehicle comprises a video system.

75. The mirror-based audio system of claim 67, wherein said interior rearview mirror system further includes at least one mirror-based accessory.

76. The mirror-based audio system of claim 75, wherein said at least one mirror-based accessory comprises at least one of a global positioning system antenna, a motion sensor, a rain sensor, a video device, an interior light of the vehicle, an automatic toll booth transducer, a security system status indicator, a compass, a compass sensor, a temperature display, a temperature sensor, a tire pressure indicator display, a seat occupancy detection antenna, a seat occupancy detection transducer and a loudspeaker.

77. The mirror-based audio system of claim 75, wherein said at least one mirror-based accessory is one of (i) positioned within said interior rearview mirror assembly, (ii) positioned adjacent to said interior rearview mirror assembly, (iii) positioned in an attachment to said interior rearview mirror assembly, and (iv) positioned within a module mounted to the windshield.

78. The mirror-based audio system of claim 67 further comprising at least a portion of at least one of a cellular telephone system, an emergency communication system and an audio recording system.

79. The mirror-based audio system of claim 67 further including an illumination source for a vehicle security system.

80. The mirror-based audio system of claim 79, wherein said illumination source for a vehicle security system is one of (i) positioned within said interior rearview mirror assembly, (ii) positioned adjacent to said interior rearview mirror assembly, (iii) positioned in an attachment to said interior rearview mirror assembly, and (iv) positioned within a module mounted to the windshield.

81. The mirror-based audio system of claim 67, wherein said interior rearview mirror assembly further includes a video device.

82. The mirror-based audio system of claim 81, wherein said video device comprises a CMOS imaging array.

83. The mirror-based audio system of claim 67, wherein said reflector element comprises an electrochromic reflector element having electrically variable reflectivity.

84. The mirror-based audio system of claim 83, wherein said interior rearview mirror assembly includes electronic circuitry for at least adjusting the reflectivity of said electrochromic reflector element.

85. The mirror-based audio system of claim 84, wherein at least one of said at least two microphones of said audio system at least one of:

a) accesses a component of said electronic circuitry of said interior rearview mirror assembly, and b) shares a component of said electronic circuitry of said interior rearview mirror assembly.

86. The mirror-based audio system of claim 85, wherein said electronic circuitry is associated with at least one mirror-based accessory selected from the group consisting of a global positioning system antenna, a motion sensor, a rain sensor, a video device, an interior light of the vehicle, an automatic toll booth transducer, a security system status indicator, a compass, a compass sensor, a temperature display, a temperature sensor, a tire pressure indicator display, a seat occupancy detection antenna, a seat occupancy detection transducer and a loudspeaker.

87. The mirror-based audio system of claim 67, wherein said interior rearview mirror system controls a mechatronic element.

88. The mirror-based audio system of claim 67, wherein said interior rearview mirror system communicates with devices or components in the vehicle via at least one of a network and a multiplex system.

89. A mirror-based audio system for a vehicle comprising:

an interior rearview mirror system including an interior rearview mirror assembly, said interior rearview mirror assembly including a reflector element and wherein said reflector element comprises an electrochromic reflector element having electrically variable reflectivity;

said interior rearview mirror system including a plurality of microphones for receiving audio signals within a cabin of the vehicle, said plurality of microphones comprising at least two microphones which generate output signals indicative of sound generated within the vehicle cabin, said at least two microphones being one of (i) positioned within said interior rearview mirror assembly, (ii) positioned adjacent to said interior rearview mirror assembly, (iii) positioned in an attachment to said interior rearview mirror assembly, and (iv) positioned within a module mounted to a windshield of the vehicle;

said audio system further comprising a control operable to distinguish the presence of vocal signals versus non-vocal signals and to at least partially filter out said non-vocal signals, said non-vocal signals originating from at least one noise source selected from the group consisting of engine noise, road noise, wind noise, HVAC noise, a radio and a turn signal;

said audio system distinguishing said vocal signals received at said at least two microphones from said non-vocal signals by a ratio of at least 2;

1; and

wherein said interior rearview mirror system further includes at least one mirror-based accessory and said at least one mirror-based accessory comprises at least one of a global positioning system antenna, a motion sensor, a rain sensor, a video device, an interior light of the vehicle, an automatic toll booth transducer, a security system status indicator, a compass, a compass sensor, a temperature display, a temperature sensor, a tire pressure indicator display, a seat occupancy detection antenna, a seat occupancy detection transducer and a loudspeaker.

90. The mirror-based audio system of claim 89, wherein at least one of said at least two microphones is directed toward an area encompassing the general location of a head of a driver of the vehicle.

91. The mirror-based audio system of claim 90, wherein said audio system distinguishes said vocal signals received at said at least two microphones from said non-vocal signals by a ratio of at least 10:

1.

92. The mirror-based audio system of claim 90, wherein said at least one of said at least two microphones comprises a single directional microphone and is fixedly mounted and directed toward the area encompassing the general location of a head of a driver of the vehicle.

93. The mirror-based audio system of claim 90, wherein said at least two microphones are positioned within a module mounted to the windshield, said module being positioned between said interior rearview mirror assembly and a headliner extending along an upper edge of the windshield.

94. The mirror-based audio system of claim 89, wherein said control is operable to select at least one of said output signals from at least one of said at least two microphones and to provide the at least one selected output signal to said audio system.

95. The mirror-based audio system of claim 89 further including an indicator operable to indicate when said vocal signals are being adequately distinguished by said control.

96. The mirror-based audio system of claim 89, wherein said interior rearview mirror assembly further includes at least one control input for at least one accessory of the vehicle.

97. The mirror-based audio system of claim 96, wherein said at least one accessory of the vehicle comprises at least one of a map reading light, a temperature display, a compass display, a global positioning system antenna, a rain sensor, a video system, a tire pressure display and a security system.

98. The mirror-based audio system of claim 89, wherein said at least one mirror-based accessory comprises a video device.

99. The mirror-based audio system of claim 89, wherein said at least one mirror-based accessory comprises a compass sensor.

100. The mirror-based audio system of claim 89, wherein said at least one mirror-based accessory is one of (i) positioned within said interior rearview mirror assembly, (ii) positioned adjacent to said interior rearview mirror assembly, (iii) positioned in an attachment to said interior rearview mirror assembly, and (iv) positioned within a module mounted to the windshield.

101. The mirror-based audio system of claim 89 further comprising at least a portion of at least one of a cellular telephone system, an emergency communication system and an audio recording system.

102. The mirror-based audio system of claim 89 further including an illumination source for a vehicle security system.

103. The mirror-based audio system of claim 102, wherein said illumination source for a vehicle security system is one of (i) positioned within said interior rearview mirror assembly, (ii) positioned adjacent to said interior rearview mirror assembly, (iii) positioned in an attachment to said interior rearview mirror assembly, and (iv) positioned within a module mounted to the windshield.

104. The mirror-based audio system of claim 89, wherein said interior rearview mirror assembly further includes a video device.

105. The mirror-based audio system of claim 104, wherein said video device comprises a CMOS imaging array.

106. The mirror-based audio system of claim 89, wherein said interior rearview mirror assembly includes electronic circuitry for at least adjusting the reflectivity of said electrochromic reflector element.

107. The mirror-based audio system of claim 106, wherein at least one of said at least two microphones of said audio system at least one of:

a) accesses a component of said electronic circuitry of said interior rearview mirror assembly, and b) shares a component of said electronic circuitry of said interior rearview mirror assembly.

108. The mirror-based audio system of claim 107, wherein said electronic circuitry is associated with at least one mirror-based accessory selected from the group consisting of a global positioning system antenna, a motion sensor, a rain sensor, a video device, an interior light of the vehicle, an automatic toll booth transducer, a security system status indicator, a compass, a compass sensor, a temperature display, a temperature sensor, a tire pressure indicator display, a seat occupancy detection antenna, a seat occupancy detection transducer and a loudspeaker.

109. The mirror-based audio system of claim 89, wherein said interior rearview mirror system controls a mechatronic element.

110. The mirror-based audio system of claim 89, wherein said interior rearview mirror system communicates with devices or components in the vehicle via at least one of a network and a multiplex system.