Exterior rearview mirror assembly security system for a vehicle

• US 6,494,602 B2
• Filed: 09/25/2001
• Issued: 12/17/2002
• Est. Priority Date: 02/01/1993
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Magna Mirrors of America Incorporated (Magna International Incorporated)
• Original Assignee: Magna Donnelly Corporation (Magna International Incorporated)
• Inventors: Mousseau, Rick, Pastrick, Todd W., Litke, Mark R., Willmore, David K.
• Primary Examiner(s): Spyrou, Cassandra
• Assistant Examiner(s): ASSAF, FAYEZ G
• Application Number:
  US09/962,835
• Publication Number:
  US 20020021571A1
• Time in Patent Office: 448 Days
• Field of Search: 362/135, 362/140, 362/293, 362/494, 362/498, 362/510, 362/511, 362/520-522, 362/540, 362/545, 362/549, 362/551, 362/583, 362/880, 362/332
• US Class Current: 362/494
• 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 1/1207 with lamps; with turn indicators
• 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 21/12 which protect the occupants against personal attack from the inside or the outside of the vehicle

Abstract

An exterior rearview mirror assembly security system for a vehicle includes an exterior mirror assembly with a security light assembly which projects a pattern of light from the exterior mirror assembly on a ground area adjacent a door of the vehicle in order to create a lighted security zone in the area. The security system further includes a control, which is responsive to approach by a person to the vehicle and actuates the security light assembly to generate the pattern of light from the exterior mirror assembly in order to provide the lighted security zone adjacent the side of the vehicle equipped with the exterior rearview mirror assembly.

Claims

1. An exterior rearview mirror assembly security system for a vehicle comprising:

an exterior mirror assembly;

said exterior mirror assembly including a security light assembly, said security light assembly projecting a pattern of light from said exterior mirror assembly on a ground area adjacent a door of the vehicle in order to create a lighted security zone in the area;

said security light assembly including a light module, said light module including an enclosure, a light-transmitting opening in said enclosure, a light source for radiating light through said light-transmitting opening, and a cover for said light-transmitting opening wherein said cover comprises a lens, said light module being configured to direct at least a portion of the light radiating through said light-transmitting opening downwardly and rearwardly when said exterior mirror assembly is mounted on the vehicle;

a control, said control responsive to approach by a person to the vehicle, and said control actuating said security light assembly to generate said pattern of light from said exterior mirror assembly in order to provide a lighted security zone adjacent an entrance to the vehicle at the side of the vehicle equipped with said exterior rearview mirror assembly;

said enclosure including a reflective surface, said reflective surface directing at least a portion of light radiating from said light source through said light-transmitting opening; and

wherein said enclosure comprises a heat-resistant polymer.

2. The mirror assembly security system in claim 1, wherein said reflective surface comprises a metal reflective surface.

3. The mirror assembly security system in claim 2, said reflective surface at least partially surrounding said light source.

4. The mirror assembly security system in claim 1, wherein at least a portion of said reflective surface straddles said light source.

5. The mirror assembly security system in claim 1, wherein said lens comprises at least one non-planar optical surface.

6. The mirror assembly security system in claim 1, wherein said lens comprises at least two non-planar optical surfaces.

7. The mirror assembly security system in claim 6, wherein at least one of said at least two non-planar optical surfaces is adapted to increase a lateral outward orientation of said pattern of light said security light assembly.

8. The mirror assembly security system in claim 1, wherein said lens has at least one non-planar optical surface laterally collimating a light beam of said light source in order to provide the light at the ground area adjacent the door of the vehicle.

9. The mirror assembly security system in claim 1, wherein said cover comprises a lens chosen from a diffusive optic, a diffractive optic, a refractive optic, a reflective optic, a Fresnel optic, a holographic optic, a binary optic, a clear optic, and a sinusoidal optic.

10. The mirror assembly security system in claim 1, said enclosure having a central axis of orientation generally parallel to a direction of said pattern of light projected by said security light assembly and including a wall extending around said axis of orientation.

11. The mirror assembly security system in claim 1, said light source having an elongated extent and emitting light from at least a portion of said elongated extent.

12. The mirror assembly security system in claim 1, wherein said security light assembly comprises a unitary assembly adapted to be substantially moisture impervious.

13. The mirror assembly security system in claim 1, wherein said cover is sealingly fixed to said enclosure.

14. The mirror assembly security system in claim 13, wherein said cover is welded to said enclosure.

15. The mirror assembly security system in claim 13, wherein said cover is fixed to said enclosure with adhesive.

16. The mirror assembly security system in claim 1, wherein said light source comprises at least one light source chosen from an incandescent lamp, a halogen lamp, a light-emitting diode, a fluorescent lamp, and a light pipe.

17. The mirror assembly security system in claim 1, wherein said security light assembly is removably mounted in said exterior mirror assembly.

18. The mirror assembly security system in claim 1, wherein said enclosure includes an enclosure wall and wherein said enclosure wall of said enclosure is adapted for directing light from said light source toward said light-transmitting opening.

19. The mirror assembly security system in claim 18, wherein said reflective surface comprises a metalized surface.

20. The mirror assembly security system in claim 1, wherein said enclosure includes an enclosure wall defining an inner surface and wherein a pair of electrical contacts are disposed at said inner surface of said enclosure wall, said contacts adapted for coupling to an external power supply.

21. The mirror assembly security system in claim 20, wherein said enclosure wall defines a dome-shaped body having opposed end walls and a side wall extending between said end walls, and portions of said contacts being disposed at said end walls.

22. The mirror assembly security system in claim 20, wherein said security light assembly is removably mounted in the exterior mirror assembly.

23. The mirror assembly security system in claim 1, said light source including an elongated light-radiating surface.

24. The mirror assembly security system in claim 1, wherein said security light assembly is adapted to be substantially moisture impervious.

25. The mirror assembly security system in claim 24, wherein said cover is welded to said enclosure, thereby sealing said enclosure.

26. The mirror assembly security system in claim 24, wherein said cover is fixed to said enclosure with adhesive, thereby sealing said enclosure.

27. The mirror assembly security system in claim 24, wherein said enclosure has a volume, said volume of said enclosure being less than approximately 50 cubic centimeters.

28. The mirror assembly security system in claim 24, wherein said cover comprises polycarbonate.

29. The mirror assembly security system in claim 24, wherein said cover comprises a less chosen from a diffusive optic, a diffractive optic, a refractive optic, a reflective optic, a Fresnel optic, a holographic optic, a binary optic, a clear optic, and a sinusoidal optic.

30. The mirror assembly security system in claim 24, wherein said light source comprises at least one light source chosen from an incandescent lamp, a halogen lamp, at least one light-emitting diode, a fluorescent lamp, and a light pipe.

31. The mirror assembly security system in claim 24, wherein said light source comprises a light-emitting diode.

32. The mirror assembly security system in claim 24, wherein said light source comprises at least one light-emitting diode.

33. The mirror assembly security system in claim 1, wherein said heat-resistant polymer comprises a material chosen from polycarbonate, polyester, nylon, and ABS.

34. The mirror assembly security system in claim 33, wherein said material comprises nylon.

35. The mirror assembly security system in claim 33, wherein said material comprises polycarbonate.

36. The mirror assembly security system in claim 1, wherein said enclosure comprises an ABS material.

37. The mirror assembly security system in claim 1, wherein said enclosure comprises a nylon material.

38. The mirror assembly security system in claim 1, wherein said enclosure includes first and second opposed side walls and first and second electrical contacts, said first electrical contact disposed on said first side wall, said second electrical contact disposed on said second side wall and said contacts electrically coupling said light source to the external power supply.

39. The mirror assembly security system in claim 38, wherein said cover is fixed to said enclosure with adhesive, thereby sealing said enclosure.

40. The mirror assembly security system in claim 38, wherein said enclosure has a volume, said volume of said enclosure being less than approximately 50 cubic centimeters.

41. The mirror assembly security system in claim 40, wherein said heat-resistant polymer comprises a material chosen from polycarbonate, polyester, nylon, and ABS.

42. The mirror assembly security system in claim 41, wherein said material comprises nylon.

43. The mirror assembly security system in claim 41, wherein said cover comprises polycarbonate.

44. The mirror assembly security system in claim 38, wherein said cover comprises a lens chosen from a diffusive optic, a diffractive optic, a refractive optic, a reflective optic, a Fresnel optic, a holographic optic, a binary optic, a clear optic, and a sinusoidal optic.

45. The mirror assembly security system in claim 38, wherein said light source comprises at least one light source chosen from an incandescent lamp, a halogen lamp, a light-emitting diode, a fluorescent lamp, and a light pipe.

46. The mirror assembly security system in claim 38, wherein said light module is removably mounted in the exterior mirror assembly.

47. The mirror assembly security system in claim 1, wherein said light source comprises an incandescent lamp.

48. The mirror assembly security system in claim 1, wherein said light source comprises at least one light-emitting diode.

49. The mirror assembly security system in claim 1, wherein said light source comprises a light pipe.

50. The mirror assembly security system in claim 1, wherein said exterior mirror assembly includes a reflectance element, said reflectance element having a reflectivity that is variable in response to a voltage applied thereto.

51. The mirror assembly security system in claim 50, wherein said reflectance element comprises an electrochromic reflectance element.

52. The mirror assembly security system in claim 50, wherein the ground area adjacent a door of the vehicle comprises a dimension of about 2 foot by 4 foot.

53. The mirror assembly security system in claim 52, wherein said light source illuminates the ground area with a light level of at least about 10 lux.

54. The mirror assembly security system in claim 53, wherein said light source is about 30 inches above the ground area adjacent a door of the vehicle when said exterior mirror assembly is mounted on the vehicle.

55. The mirror assembly security system in claim 1, wherein said light source illuminates the ground area adjacent a door of the vehicle with a light level of at least about 10 lux.

120. The mirror assembly security system in claim 49, wherein said cover is welded to said enclosure.

121. The mirror assembly security system in claim 49, wherein said cover is fixed to said enclosure with adhesive.

56. An exterior rearview mirror assembly security system for a vehicle comprising:

an exterior mirror assembly;

said exterior mirror assembly including a security light assembly, said security light assembly projecting a pattern of light at least downwardly and rearwardly from said exterior mirror assembly on a ground area adjacent a door of the vehicle in order to create a lighted security zone in the area when said exterior mirror assembly is mounted on the vehicle;

said security light assembly including a light module, said light module including an enclosure and a light source positioned in said enclosure

a control, said control responsive to approach by a person to the vehicle, said control actuating said security light assembly to generate said pattern of light from said exterior mirror assembly in order to provide a lighted security zone adjacent an entrance to the vehicle at the side of the vehicle equipped with said exterior rearview mirror assembly;

wherein said security light assembly is removably mounted in said exterior mirror assembly; and

wherein said light source comprises at least one light source chosen from an incandescent lamp, a halogen lamp, a light-emitting diode, a fluorescent lamp, and a light pipe.

57. The mirror assembly security system in claim 56, said enclosure including a reflective surface and a light transmitting opening, said reflective surface directing at least a portion of light radiating from said light source through said light-transmitting opening.

58. The mirror assembly security system in claim 57, said reflective surface at least partially surrounding said light source.

59. The mirror assembly security system in claim 56, wherein said light module includes a reflective member having a reflective surface, said reflective member having at least a portion straddling said light source.

60. The mirror assembly security system in claim 56, wherein said light module further includes a light-transmitting cover said cover comprising a lens.

61. The mirror assembly security system in claim 60, wherein said lens comprises at least one non-planar optical surface.

62. The mirror assembly security system in claim 61, wherein said at least one non-planar optical surface is adapted to increase a lateral outward orientation of said pattern of light of said security light assembly.

63. The mirror assembly security system in claim 61, wherein said at least one non-planar optical surface laterally collimates a light beam of said light source in order to provide light at a ground area adjacent a door of the vehicle.

64. The mirror assembly security system in claim 60, wherein said enclosure comprises a heat-resistant polymer.

65. The mirror assembly security system in claim 56, wherein said light module further includes a light-transmitting cover, said cover comprising a lens chosen from a diffusive optic, a diffractive optic, a refractive optic, a reflective optic, a Fresnel optic, a holographic optic, a binary optic, a clear optic, and a sinusoidal optic.

66. The mirror assembly security system in claim 65, wherein said enclosure comprises a heat-resistant polymer.

67. The mirror assembly security system in claim 56, said enclosure having a central axis of orientation generally parallel to a direction of said pattern of light projected by said security light assembly and including a wall extending around said axis of orientation.

68. The mirror assembly security system in claim 56, said light source having an elongated extent and emitting light from at least a portion of said elongated extent.

69. The mirror assembly security system in claim 56, wherein said security light assembly comprises a unitary assembly adapted to be substantially moisture impervious.

70. The mirror assembly security system in claim 56, wherein said light module further includes a light-transmitting cover, said cover being sealingly fixed to said enclosure.

71. The mirror assembly security system in claim 70, wherein said cover is welded to said enclosure.

72. The mirror assembly security system in claim 70, wherein said cover is fixed to said enclosure with adhesive.

73. The mirror assembly security system in claim 56, including a light-transmitting cover and further comprising a light-directing surface provided in said enclosure for directing light from said light source toward said light-transmitting cover.

74. The mirror assembly security system in claim 73, wherein said light-directing surface comprises a metalized surface.

75. The mirror assembly security system in claim 56, wherein said enclosure includes an enclosure wall defining an inner surface and wherein a pair of electrical contacts are disposed at said inner surface of said enclosure wall, said contacts adapted for coupling to an external power supply.

76. The mirror assembly security system in claim 75, wherein said enclosure wall defines a dome-shaped body having opposed end walls and a side wall extending between said end walls, and portions of said contacts being disposed at said end walls.

77. The mirror assembly security system in claim 56, said light source including an elongated light-radiating surface.

78. The mirror assembly security system in claim 56, wherein said security light assembly is adapted to be substantially moisture impervious.

79. The mirror assembly security system in claim 78, wherein said light module further includes a cover, said cover being welded to said enclosure thereby sealing said enclosure.

80. The mirror assembly security system in claim 78, wherein said light module further includes a cover, said cover being fixed to said enclosure with adhesive, thereby sealing said enclosure.

81. The mirror assembly security system in claim 78, wherein said enclosure has a volume, said volume of said enclosure being less than approximately 50 cubic centimeters.

82. The mirror assembly security system in claim 81, wherein said enclosure comprises a material chosen from polycarbonate, polyester, nylon, and ABS.

83. The mirror assembly security system in claim 82, wherein said material comprises nylon.

84. The mirror assembly security system in claim 82, wherein said material comprises polycarbonte.

85. The mirror assembly security system in claim 78, wherein said light module further includes a light-transmitting cover, said cover comprising polycarbonate.

86. The mirror assembly security system in claim 78, wherein said light module further includes a light-transmitting cover, said comprising a lens chosen from a diffusive optic, a diffractive optic, a refractive optic, a reflective optic, a Fresnel optic, a holographic optic, a binary optic, a clear optic, and a sinusoidal optic.

87. The mirror assembly security system in claim 78, wherein said enclosure comprises a heat-resistant polymer.

88. The mirror assembly security system in claim 78, wherein said light source comprises at least one light-emitting diode.

89. The mirror assembly security system in claim 56, wherein said light source comprises a light pipe.

90. The mirror assembly security system in claim 56, wherein said exterior mirror assembly includes a reflectance element, said reflectance element having a reflectivity that is variable in response to a voltage applied thereto.

91. The mirror assembly security system in claim 90, wherein said reflectance element comprises an electrochromic reflectance element.

92. The mirror assembly security system in claim 90, wherein said security light assembly is adapted to illuminate a ground area adjacent a door of the vehicle comprising a dimension of about 2 foot by 4 foot.

93. The mirror assembly security system in claim 92, wherein said light source is adapted to illuminate the ground area adjacent a door of the vehicle with a light level of at least about 10 lux.

94. The mirror assembly security system in claim 93, wherein said light source is about 30 inches above said ground area adjacent a door of the vehicle when said exterior mirror assembly is mounted on the vehicle.

95. The mirror assembly security system in claim 93, wherein said light source illuminates the ground area adjacent a door of the vehicle with a light level of at least about 10 lux.

96. The mirror assembly security system in claim 56, said enclosure having a volume, said volume of said enclosure being less than approximately 50 cubic centimeters.

97. The mirror assembly security system in claim 56, wherein said enclosure comprises a material chosen from polycarbonate, polyester, nylon, and ABS.

98. The mirror assembly security system in claim 56, wherein said enclosure includes first and second opposed side walls and first and second electrical contacts, said first electrical contact disposed on said first side wall, said second electrical contact disposed on said second side wall and said contacts electrically coupling said light source to the external power supply.

99. The mirror assembly security system in claim 98, wherein said light module further includes a light-transmitting cover, said cover being fixed to said enclosure with adhesive thereby sealing said enclosure.

100. The mirror assembly security system in claim 98, wherein said enclosure has a volume, said volume of said enclosure being less than approximately 50 cubic centimeters.

101. The mirror assembly security system in claim 100, wherein said enclosure comprises a material chosen from polycarbonate, polyester, nylon, and ABS.

102. The mirror assembly security system in claim 101, wherein said material comprises nylon.

103. The mirror assembly security system in claim 101, wherein said light module further includes a cover.

104. The mirror assembly security system in claim 103, wherein said cover comprises polycarbonate.

105. The mirror assembly security system in claim 103, wherein said cover comprises a lens chosen from a diffusive optic, a diffractive optic, a refractive optic, a reflective optic, a Frenel optic, a holographic optic, a binary optic, a clear optic, and a sinusoidal optic.

106. The mirror assembly security system in claim 98, wherein said enclosure comprises a heat-resistant polymer.

107. The mirror assembly security system in claim 56, wherein said light source comprises an incandescent lamp.

108. The mirror assembly security system in claim 56, wherein said light source comprises at least one light-emitting diode.

109. An exterior rearview mirror assembly security system for a vehicle comprising:

an exterior mirror assembly;

said exterior mirror assembly including a security light assembly, said security light assembly projecting a pattern of light downwardly and rearwardly from said exterior mirror assembly on a ground area adjacent a door of the vehicle in order to create a lighted security zone in the area when said exterior mirror assembly is mounted on the vehicle;

said security light assembly including a light module, said light module including an enclosure and a light source positioned in said enclosure;

a control, said control responsive to approach by a person to the vehicle, said control actuating said security light assembly to generate said pattern of light from said exterior mirror assembly in order to provide a lighted security zone adjacent an entrance to the vehicle at the side of the vehicle equipped with said exterior rearview mirror assembly;

wherein said security light assembly is removably mounted in said exterior mirror assembly; and

wherein said light source illuminates said ground area with a light level of at least about 10 lux.

110. The mirror assembly security system in claim 109, said enclosure including a reflective surface and a light transmitting opening, said reflective surface directing at least a portion of light radiating from said light source through said light-transmitting opening.

111. The mirror assembly security system in claim 110, said reflective surface at least partially surrounding said light source.

112. The mirror assembly security system in claim 109, wherein said light module includes a reflective member having a reflective surface, said reflective member having at least a portion straddling said light source.

113. The mirror assembly security system in claim 109, wherein said light module further includes a light-transmitting cover.

114. The mirror assembly security system in claim 113, wherein said cover comprises a lens.

115. The mirror assembly security system in claim 114, wherein said lens comprises at least one non-planar optical surface.

116. The mirror assembly security system in claim 115, wherein said at least one non-planar optical surface is adapted to increase a lateral outward orientation of said pattern of light of said security light assembly.

117. The mirror assembly security system in claim 113, wherein said cover comprises a lens, said lens laterally collimating a light beam of said light source in order to provide light at a ground area adjacent a door of the vehicle.

118. The mirror assembly security system in claim 113, wherein said cover comprises a lens chosen from a diffusive optic, a diffractive optic, a refractive optic, a reflective optic, a Fresnel optic, a holographic optic, a binary optic, a clear optic, and a sinusoidal optic.

119. The mirror assembly security system in claim 113, wherein said cover is sealingly fixed to said enclosure.

122. The mirror assembly security system in claim 109, said enclosure having a central axis of orientation generally parallel to a direction of said pattern of light projected by said security light assembly and including a wall extending around axis of orientation.

123. The mirror assembly security system in claim 109, said light source having an elongated extent and emitting light from at least a portion of said elongated extent.

124. The mirror assembly security system in claim 109, wherein said security light assembly comprises a unitary assembly adapted to be substantially moisture impervious.

125. The mirror assembly security system in claim 109, wherein said light source comprises at least one light source chosen form an incandescent lamp, a halogen lamp, a light-emitting diode, a fluorescent lamp, and a light pipe.

126. The mirror assembly security system in claim 109, wherein said enclosure comprises a heat-resistant polymer.

127. The mirror assembly security system in claim 109, including a light-transmitting cover and further comprising a light-directing surface provided in said enclosure for directing light from said light source toward said light-transmitting cover.

128. The mirror assembly security system in claim 127, wherein said light-directing surface comprises a metalized surface.

129. The mirror assembly security system in claim 128, wherein said security light assembly includes a cover and is adapted to be substantially moisture impervious.

130. The mirror assembly security system in claim 129, wherein said cover is welded to said enclosure thereby sealing said enclosure.

131. The mirror assembly security system is claim 129, wherein said cover is fixed to said enclosure with adhesive thereby sealing said enclosure.

132. The mirror assembly security system in claim 129, wherein said enclosure has a volume, said volume of said enclosure being less than approximately 50 cubic centimeters.

133. The mirror assembly security system in claim 132, wherein said enclosure comprises a material selected from the group consisting of polycarbonate, polyester, nylon, and ABS.

134. The mirror assembly security system in claim 133, wherein said material comprises nylon.

135. The mirror assembly security system in claim 133, wherein said material comprises polycarbonate.

136. The mirror assembly security system in claim 109, wherein said enclosure includes an enclosure wall defining an inner surface and wherein a pair of electrical contacts are disposed at said inner surface of said enclosure wall, said contacts adapted for coupling to an external power supply.

137. The mirror assembly security system in claim 136, wherein said enclosure wall defines a dome-shaped body having opposed end walls and a side wall extending between said end walls, and portions of said contacts being disposed at said end walls.

138. The mirror assembly security system in claim 109, said light source including an elongated light-radiating surface.

139. An exterior rearview mirror assembly security system for a vehicle comprising:

an exterior mirror assembly;

said exterior mirror assembly including a security light assembly, said security light assembly projecting a pattern of light downwardly and rearwardly from said exterior mirror assembly on a ground area adjacent a door of the vehicle in order to create a lighted security zone in the area when said exterior mirror assembly is mounted in the vehicle;

said security light assembly including a light module, said light module including an enclosure, and a light source positioned in said enclosure;

a control, said control responsive to approach by a person to the vehicle, said control actuating said security light assembly to generate said pattern of light from said exterior mirror assembly in order to provide a lighted security zone adjacent an entrance to the vehicle at the side of the vehicle equipped with said exterior rearview mirror assembly;

wherein said security light assembly is removably mounted in said exterior mirror assembly; and

wherein said light module is adapted to be substantially moisture impervious.

140. The mirror assembly security system in claim 139, said enclosure including a reflective surface and a light transmitting opening, said reflective surface directing at least a portion of light radiating from said light source through said light-transmitting opening.

141. The mirror assembly security system in claim 140, said reflective surface at least partially surrounding said light source.

142. The mirror assembly security system in claim 140, wherein said enclosure comprises a heat-resistant polymer.

143. The mirror assembly security system in claim 139, wherein said light module includes a reflective member having a reflective surface, said reflective member having at least a portion straddling said light source.

144. The mirror assembly security system in claim 139, wherein said light module further includes a light-transmitting cover.

145. The mirror assembly security system in claim 144, wherein said cover comprises a lens.

146. The mirror assembly security system in claim 145, wherein said lens comprises at least one non-planar optical surface.

147. The mirror assembly security system in claim 146, wherein said at least one non-planar optical surface is adapted to increase a lateral outward orientation of said pattern of light of said security light assembly.

148. The mirror assembly security system in claim 145, wherein said lens has at least one non-planar optical surface laterally collimating a light beam of said light source in order to provide light at a ground area adjacent a door of the vehicle.

149. The mirror assembly security system in claim 145, wherein said cover comprises a lens chosen from a diffusive optic, a diffractive optic, a refractive optic, a reflective optic, a Fresnel optic, a holographic optic, a binary optic, a clear optic, and a sinusoidal optic.

150. The mirror assembly security system in claim 144, wherein said cover is sealingly fixed to said enclosure.

151. The mirror assembly security system in claim 150, wherein said cover is welded to said enclosure.

152. The mirror assembly security system in claim 150, wherein said cover is fixed to said enclosure with adhesive.

153. The mirror assembly security system in claim 152, said light source having an elongated extent and emitting light from at least a portion of said elongated extent.

154. The mirror assembly security system in claim 139, said enclosure having a central axis of orientation generally parallel to a direction of said pattern of light projected by said security light assembly and including a wall extending around said axis of orientation.

155. The mirror assembly security system in claim 139, wherein said light source comprises at least one light source chosen from an incandescent lamp, a halogen lamp, a light-emitting diode, a fluorescent lamp, and a light pipe.

156. The mirror assembly security system in claim 139, wherein said enclosure comprises a heat-resistant polymer.

157. The mirror assembly security system in claim 139, including a light- transmitting cover and further comprising a light-directing surface provided in said enclosure for directing light from said light source toward said light-transmitting cover.

158. The mirror assembly security system in claim 157, wherein said light-directing surface comprises a metalized surface.

159. The mirror assembly security system in claim 139, wherein said enclosure includes an enclosure wall defining an inner surface and wherein a pair of electrical contacts are disposed at said inner surface of said enclosure wall, said contacts adapted for coupling to an external power supply.

160. The mirror assembly security system in claim 159, wherein said enclosure wall defines a dome-shaped body having opposed end walls and a side wall extending between said end walls, and portions of said contacts being disposed at said end walls.

161. The mirror assembly security system in claim 160, said light source including an elongated light-radiating surface.

162. The mirror assembly security system in claim 159, wherein said light source comprises at least one light source chosen from an incandescent lamp, a halogen lamp, a light-emitting diode, a fluorescent lamp, and a light pipe.

163. The mirror assembly security system in claim 159, wherein said enclosure comprises a heat-resistant polymer.

164. The mirror assembly security system in claim 159, wherein said light module further includes a light-transmitting cover.

165. The mirror assembly security system in claim 164, wherein said cover is welded to said enclosure, thereby sealing said enclosure.

166. The mirror assembly security system in claim 164, wherein said cover is fixed to said enclosure with adhesive, thereby sealing said enclosure.

167. The mirror assembly security system in claim 164, said enclosure having a volume, said volume of said enclosure being less than approximately 50 cubic centimeters.

168. The mirror assembly security system in claim 167, wherein said enclosure comprises a material selected from the group consisting of polycarbonate, polyester, nylon, and ABS.

169. The mirror assembly security system in claim 168, wherein said material comprises nylon.

170. The mirror assembly security system in claim 168, wherein said material comprises polycarbonate.

171. The mirror assembly security system in claim 164, wherein said cover comprises polycarbonate.

172. The mirror assembly security system in claim 164, wherein said cover comprises a lens chosen from a diffusive optic, a diffractive optic, a refractive optic, a reflective optic, a Fresnel optic, a holographic optic, a binary optic, a clear optic, and a sinusoidal optic.

173. The mirror assembly security system in claim 139, wherein said enclosure has a volume, said volume of said enclosure is less than approximately 50 cubic centimeters and wherein said light source comprises a light-emitting diode.

174. The mirror assembly security system in claim 139, wherein said enclosure has a volume, said volume of said enclosure is less than approximately 50 cubic centimeters.

175. The mirror assembly security system in claim 174, wherein said light module further includes a light-transmitting cover.

176. The mirror assembly security system in claim 174, wherein said enclosure has a volume, said volume of said enclosure being less than approximately 50 cubic centimeters.

177. The mirror assembly security system in claim 176, wherein said enclosure comprises a material selected from the group consisting of polycarbonate, polyester, nylon, and ABS.

178. The mirror assembly security system in claim 177, wherein said material comprises nylon.

179. The mirror assembly security system in claim 174, wherein said light source comprises at least one light source chosen from an incandescent lamp, a halogen lamp, a light-emitting diode, a fluorescent lamp, and a light pipe.

180. The mirror assembly security system in claim 174, wherein said enclosure comprises a heat-resistant polymer.

181. The mirror assembly security system in claim 174, wherein said light source comprises at least one light-emitting diode.

182. The mirror assembly security system in claim 139, wherein said enclosure includes first and second opposed side walls and first and second electrical contacts, said first contact disposed on said first side wall, said second electrical contact disposed on said second side wall and said contacts electrically coupling said light source to the external power supply.

183. The mirror assembly security system in claim 182, wherein said cover is fixed to said enclosure with adhesive thereby sealing said enclosure.

184. The mirror assembly security system in claim 175, wherein said cover comprises polycarbonate.

185. The mirror assembly security system in claim 175, wherein said cover comprises a lens chosen from a diffusive optic, a diffractive optic, a refractive optic, a reflective optic, a Fresnel optic, a holographic optic, a binary optic, a clear optic, and a sinusoidal optic.

186. The mirror assembly security system in claim 139, wherein said light source comprises an incandescent lamp.

187. The mirror assembly security system in claim 139, wherein said light source comprises at least one light-emitting diode.

188. The mirror assembly security system in claim 139, wherein said light source comprises a light pipe.

189. The mirror assembly security system in claim 139, wherein said exterior mirror assembly includes a reflectance element, said reflectance element having a reflectivity that is variable in response to a voltage applied thereto.

190. The mirror assembly security system in claim 189, wherein said reflectance element comprises an electrochromic reflectance element.

191. The mirror assembly security system in claim 189, wherein said security light assembly is adapted to illuminate a ground area adjacent a door of the vehicle comprises a dimension of about 2 foot by 4 foot.

192. The mirror assembly security system in claim 191, wherein said light source illuminates the ground area adjacent a door of the vehicle with a light level of at least about 10 lux.

193. The mirror assembly security system in claim 192, wherein said light source is about 30 inches above said ground area adjacent a door of the vehicle when said exterior mirror assembly is mounted on the vehicle.

194. The mirror assembly security system in claim 139, wherein said light source illuminates the ground area adjacent a door of the vehicle with a light level of at least about 10 lux.