Rearview video output device

• US 7,292,208 B1
• Filed: 12/04/2002
• Issued: 11/06/2007
• Est. Priority Date: 12/04/2002
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Savv Corporation
• Original Assignee: Savv Corporation
• Inventors: Park, Eric, Son, Jung Ho
• Primary Examiner(s): Hjerpe; Richard
• Assistant Examiner(s): Shapiro; Leonid
• Application Number:
  US10/309,471
• Time in Patent Office: 1,798 Days
• Field of Search: 345/8, 345/2.1, 345/55, 345/87, 345/92, 345/630, 359/630
• US Class Current: 345/8
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 1/12 Mirror assemblies combined with other articles, e.g. clocks
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2001/1253 with cameras, video cameras or video screens
• CPC Class Codes: G09G 3/3648 using an active matrix G09G3/367 - G09G3/3696 take precedence

Abstract

The invention is a rearview video-output device with a cover, a transparent plate mounted into the cover with at least one video output device and at least one audio output device located within the cover. A cable provides a means for inputting at least one video signal, at least one audio signal and electric power. A means for attaching the cover to the center rearview mirror is provided. A sheet is located behind the transparent plate and within the cover. The sheet enhances the reflectivity of the transparent plate by providing a uniform background color and texture. The sheet is sized to permit pass through installation of each video output device. The device does not limit video clarity and brightness. The abstract is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.

Claims

1. A rearview video-output device comprising:

a cover, said cover having a backside opening;

a transparent plate mounted into said backside opening;

at least one video output device located behind said transparent plate and within said cover;

an opaque sheet located behind said transparent plate and within said cover, said sheet is sized to permit pass-through installation of each of said at least one video output device into the sheet and is a background for the transparent plate to provide a darker color at an interior surface of the transparent plate than at an exterior surface of the transparent plate; and

means for attaching said cover to a center rearview mirror, wherein said transparent plate is transmissive when said at least one video output device is in an on-state and is reflective when said at least one video output device is in an off-state.

2. A rearview video-output device according to claim 1, wherein said means for attaching said cover comprises at least one attachment strap.

3. A rearview video-output device according to claim 1, wherein said means for attaching said cover further comprises said cover being adhered to said center rearview mirror by an adhesive means.

4. A rearview video-output device according to claim 3, wherein said adhesive means comprises at least one pad with a first side and second side, said first side and said second side are deposited with an adhesive, said first side is adhered to said cover, and said second side is adhered to the center rearview mirror.

5. A rearview video-output device according to claim 1, wherein said means for attaching said cover comprises at least one cantilevered upper hook.

6. A rearview video-output device according to claim 5, wherein said at least one cantilevered upper hook is affixed to said rear video-output device.

7. A rearview video-output device according to claim 5, wherein said at least one cantilevered, upper hook has a biasing means.

8. A rearview video-output device according to claim 5, wherein said at least one cantilevered, upper hook is shaped for extending over the center rearview mirror and attaching to a rear view mirror support post.

9. A rearview video-output device according to claim 1, wherein said means for attaching said cover comprises at least one cantilevered lower hook.

10. A rearview video-output device according to claim 9, wherein said two cantilevered, lower hooks are affixed to said rear video-output device.

11. A rearview video-output device according to claim 9, wherein said at least one cantilevered, lower hook comprises a biasing means.

12. A rearview video-output device according to claim 1, wherein said darker color is black.

13. A rearview video-output device according to claim 1, wherein said transparent plate having an anti-glare exterior surface coating that diffuses and reduces the brightness of exterior light entering through the transparent plate so that the rearview video-output device remains clearly visible.

14. A rearview video-output device according to claim 1, wherein said video output device is an active matrix TFT LCD monitor.

15. A rearview video-output device according to claim 1, wherein said video output device is remote controlled.

16. A rearview video-output device comprising:

a cover having a backside opening;

a video output device located behind said transparent plate and within said cover;

an audio output device located within said cover;

a cable means for inputting a video signal, an audio signal and electric power;

a transparent plate mounted in the backside opening, the transparent plate having a first portion directly facing the video output device and a second portion directly facing an opaque background with a dark color; and

means for attaching the cover to a center rearview mirror, wherein the first portion of the transparent plate is transmissive when the video output device is in an on-state and is reflective when the video output device is in an off-state.

17. A rearview video-output device according to claim 16, wherein the background is a black colored sheet located behind said transparent plate and within said cover.

18. A rearview video-output device according to claim 16, wherein the background is an interior surface of the cover having a black color.