Interior rearview mirror system for vehicle

• US 7,926,960 B2
• Filed: 12/07/2009
• Issued: 04/19/2011
• Est. Priority Date: 11/24/1999
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Donnelly Corporation (Magna International Incorporated)
• Original Assignee: Donnelly Corporation (Magna International Incorporated)
• Inventors: Skiver, Timothy G., McCaw, Joseph P., DeLine, Jonathan E., Lynam, Niall R., Uken, John T.
• Primary Examiner(s): NGUYEN, THONG Q
• Application Number:
  US12/632,204
• Publication Number:
  US 20100085645A1
• Time in Patent Office: 498 Days
• Field of Search: 359601-614, 359838-871
• US Class Current: 359/604
• CPC Class Codes: B60Q 3/258 Rear-view mirrors
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 1/086 using a mirror angularly movable between a position of use and a non-glare position reflecting a dark field to the user, e.g. situated behind a transparent glass used as low-reflecting surface; Wedge-shaped mirrors
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 1/088 using a cell of electrically changeable optical characteristic, e.g. liquid-crystal or electrochromic mirrors
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 1/12 Mirror assemblies combined with other articles, e.g. clocks
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 1/1207 with lamps; with turn indicators
• 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 2001/1223 with sensors or transducers
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2011/0026 Windows, e.g. windscreen
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2011/0033 Rear-view mirrors
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 17/00 Systems with reflecting surfaces, with or without refracting elements
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 5/08 Mirrors vehicle mirrors involving special optical features B60R1/08
• CPC Class Codes: G10K 2210/1282 Automobiles
• CPC Class Codes: G10L 21/028 using properties of sound source
• CPC Class Codes: H04R 2499/13 Acoustic transducers and sound field adaptation in vehicles

Abstract

An interior rearview mirror system for a vehicle includes a mirror assembly having a variable reflectance element. The variable reflectance element includes a metallic mirror reflector on one side of a substrate, with the metallic mirror reflector being partially transmissive to visible light. The interior rearview mirror assembly includes an information display positioned to the rear of the metallic mirror reflector, wherein the information display emits light that transmits through the metallic mirror reflector for viewing by the driver of the vehicle. Responsive to a light level sensed by at least one light sensor, the luminous intensity of the information display is adjustable by a control to provide a luminous intensity of at least about 750 candelas/sq. meter to a driver of the vehicle viewing the information display through the metallic mirror reflector of the interior rearview mirror assembly when it is normally mounted in the vehicle.

Claims

1. An interior rearview mirror system suitable for use in a vehicle, said interior rearview mirror system comprising:

an interior rearview mirror assembly comprising a variable reflectance element, said variable reflectance element including an electro-optic medium disposed between a first substrate and a second substrate, said first substrate having a transparent conductive coating at its side contacted by said electro-optic medium, said second substrate having a metallic mirror reflector at its side contacted by said electro-optic medium, said metallic mirror reflector of said variable reflectance element comprising at least a sub-region that is partially transmissive to visible light incident thereat and significantly reflective to visible light incident thereon, wherein said metallic mirror reflector at least at said sub-region comprises a reflecting metal film comprising one of (a) silver and (b) a silver alloy;

wherein said interior rearview mirror assembly comprises an information display positioned to the rear of said metallic mirror reflector of said variable reflectance element at said partially transmissive and significantly reflective sub-region of said variable reflectance element;

wherein said information display comprises a reconfigurable display element backlit by a plurality of white light-emitting light emitting diodes;

wherein light emanating from said plurality of white light-emitting light emitting diodes of said information display transmits through said partially transmissive and significantly reflective sub-region of said metallic mirror reflector for viewing of displayed information by a driver of a vehicle equipped with said interior rearview mirror assembly, said metallic mirror reflector being present and uninterrupted at said partially transmissive and significantly reflective sub-region of said variable reflectance element where said information display is disposed therebehind;

wherein said interior rearview mirror assembly comprises at least one light sensor;

wherein said interior rearview mirror assembly comprises a control;

wherein, responsive to a light level sensed by said at least one light sensor, the luminous intensity of said information display is adjustable by said control to provide a luminous intensity of at least about 750 candelas/sq. meter to a driver of the equipped vehicle viewing said information display through said partially transmissive and significantly reflective sub-region of said metallic mirror reflector of said interior rearview mirror assembly when said interior rearview mirror assembly is normally mounted in the equipped vehicle and when said information display is actuated; and

wherein, to a driver of the equipped vehicle who is viewing said first substrate of said variable reflectance element when normally operating the equipped vehicle, the presence of said information display rearward of said partially transmissive and significantly reflective sub-region of said variable reflectance element is substantially not apparent until said information display is actuated.

2. The interior rearview mirror system according to claim 1, wherein the equipped vehicle comprises an imaging device.

3. The interior rearview mirror system according to claim 2, wherein said imaging device is operable to capture video images and wherein said information display is operable to display said captured video images for viewing by the driver of the equipped vehicle.

4. The interior rearview mirror system according to claim 3, wherein said imaging device is disposed at a rear portion of the equipped vehicle and has a rearward field of view.

5. The interior rearview mirror system according to claim 2, wherein said interior rearview mirror assembly comprises said imaging device.

6. The interior rearview mirror system according to claim 1, further comprising a support configured for mounting to an interior portion of a vehicle.

7. The interior rearview minor system according to claim 1, further comprising at least two electrically operated accessories chosen from a headlight controller, a blind spot detection system, a rain sensor, a telephonic device, a map light, a microphone, a transceiver, an antenna, a remote keyless entry system, a compass, a seat occupancy detector, a trip computer, an intrusion detector, a speaker, a video device, and a navigational system.

8. The interior rearview mirror system according to claim 1, further comprising a carrier, said carrier including at least one electrically operated accessory chosen from a headlight controller, a blind spot detection system, a rain sensor, an imaging device, a telephonic device, a map light, a microphone, a transceiver, an antenna, a remote keyless entry system, a compass, a seat occupancy detector, a trip computer, an intrusion detector, a speaker, a video device, and a navigational system.

9. The interior rearview mirror system according to claim 1, wherein the luminous intensity is adjusted by use of pulse-width modulation.

10. The interior rearview mirror system according to claim 1, wherein said interior rearview mirror assembly comprises a user actuatable interface.

11. The interior rearview mirror system according to claim 10, wherein said user actuatable interface enables interfacing with an audio system of the equipped vehicle.

12. The interior rearview mirror system according to claim 11, wherein said interior rearview mirror assembly includes at least one microphone and wherein at least one of (a) said at least one microphone provides a vocal input to said audio system of the equipped vehicle, (b) said audio system of the equipped vehicle communicates wirelessly with a remote telecommunication system, (c) said audio system of a vehicle communicates wirelessly with a remote telecommunication system and provides a hands-free input to said remote telecommunication system, and (d) said at least one microphone provides a vocal input to said audio system of the equipped vehicle and wherein said audio system of a vehicle processes said vocal input using digital sound processing.

13. The interior rearview mirror system according to claim 1, wherein the luminous intensity of said information display is adjustable by said control to provide a luminous intensity of at least about 750 candelas/sq. meter during daytime to a driver of the equipped vehicle viewing said information display through said partially transmissive and significantly reflective sub-region of said metallic mirror reflector of said interior rearview mirror assembly when said interior rearview mirror assembly is normally mounted in the equipped vehicle and when said information display is actuated.

14. The interior rearview mirror system according to claim 13, wherein the luminous intensity of said information display is adjustable by said control to provide a luminous intensity of less than 750 candelas/sq. meter during nighttime to a driver of the equipped vehicle viewing said information display through said partially transmissive and significantly reflective sub-region of said metallic mirror reflector of said interior rearview mirror assembly when said interior rearview mirror assembly is normally mounted in the equipped vehicle and when said information display is actuated.

15. The interior rearview mirror system according to claim 14, wherein the luminous intensity of said information display is adjustable by said control to provide a luminous intensity of less than about 50 candelas/sq. meter during nighttime to a driver of the equipped vehicle viewing said information display through said partially transmissive and significantly reflective sub-region of said metallic mirror reflector of said interior rearview mirror assembly when said interior rearview mirror assembly is normally mounted in the equipped vehicle and when said information display is actuated.

16. The interior rearview mirror system according to claim 1, wherein said interior rearview mirror assembly comprises a part of an in-vehicle network, and wherein at least one of (a) control signals are transmitted between said control of said interior rearview mirror assembly and at least one exterior rearview mirror assembly via said in-vehicle network, (b) a driver side exterior rearview mirror assembly exchanges control signals with a passenger side exterior rearview mirror assembly via said in-vehicle network, and (c) tire pressure sensors in the wheels of the vehicle transmit to a receiver in said interior rearview mirror assembly via said in-vehicle network, and wherein tire pressure status is displayed by said information display.

17. The interior rearview mirror system according to claim 1, wherein said electro-optic medium comprises an electrochromic medium.

18. An interior rearview mirror system suitable for use in a vehicle, said interior rearview mirror system comprising:

an interior rearview mirror assembly comprising a variable reflectance element, said variable reflectance element including an electro-optic medium disposed between a first substrate and a second substrate, said first substrate having a transparent conductive coating at its side contacted by said electro-optic medium, said second substrate having a metallic mirror reflector at its side contacted by said electro-optic medium, said metallic mirror reflector of said variable reflectance element comprising at least a sub-region that is partially transmissive to visible light incident thereat and significantly reflective to visible light incident thereon, wherein said metallic mirror reflector at least at said sub-region comprises a reflecting metal film comprising one of (a) silver and (b) a silver alloy;

wherein said interior rearview mirror assembly comprises an information display positioned to the rear of said metallic mirror reflector of said variable reflectance element at said partially transmissive and significantly reflective sub-region of said variable reflectance element;

wherein said information display comprises a reconfigurable display element backlit by a plurality of white light-emitting light emitting diodes;

wherein light emanating from said plurality of white light-emitting light emitting diodes of said information display transmits through said partially transmissive and significantly reflective sub-region of said metallic mirror reflector for viewing of displayed information by a driver of a vehicle equipped with said interior rearview mirror assembly, said metallic mirror reflector being present and uninterrupted at said partially transmissive and significantly reflective sub-region of said variable reflectance element where said information display is disposed therebehind;

wherein said interior rearview mirror assembly comprises at least one light sensor;

wherein said interior rearview mirror assembly comprises a control;

wherein, responsive to a light level sensed by said at least one light sensor, the luminous intensity of said information display is adjustable by said control to provide a luminous intensity of at least about 750 candelas/sq. meter during daytime to a driver of the equipped vehicle viewing said information display through said partially transmissive and significantly reflective sub-region of said metallic mirror reflector of said interior rearview mirror assembly when said interior rearview mirror assembly is normally mounted in the equipped vehicle and when said information display is actuated;

wherein the luminous intensity of said information display is adjustable by said control to provide a luminous intensity of less than 750 candelas/sq, meter during nighttime to a driver of the equipped vehicle viewing said information display through said partially transmissive and significantly reflective sub-region of said metallic mirror reflector of said interior rearview mirror assembly when said interior rearview minor assembly is normally mounted in the equipped vehicle and when said information display is actuated;

wherein the luminous intensity is adjusted by use of pulse-width modulation; and

wherein, to a driver of the equipped vehicle who is viewing said first substrate of said variable reflectance element when normally operating the equipped vehicle, the presence of said information display rearward of said partially transmissive and significantly reflective sub-region of said variable reflectance element is substantially not apparent until said information display is actuated.

19. The interior rearview mirror system according to claim 18, further comprising an imaging device operable to capture video images, and wherein said information display is operable to display said captured video images for viewing by the driver of the equipped vehicle.

20. The interior rearview mirror system according to claim 18, wherein said interior rearview mirror assembly comprises a part of an in-vehicle network, and wherein at least one of (a) control signals are transmitted between said control of said interior rearview mirror assembly and at least one exterior rearview mirror assembly via said in-vehicle network, (b) a driver side exterior rearview mirror assembly exchanges control signals with a passenger side exterior rearview mirror assembly via said in-vehicle network, and (c) tire pressure sensors in the wheels of the vehicle transmit to a receiver in said interior rearview mirror assembly via said in-vehicle network, and wherein tire pressure status is displayed by said information display.

21. An interior rearview mirror system suitable for use in a vehicle, said interior rearview mirror system comprising:

an interior rearview mirror assembly comprising a variable reflectance element, said variable reflectance element including an electro-optic medium disposed between a first substrate and a second substrate, said first substrate having a transparent conductive coating at its side contacted by said electro-optic medium, said second substrate having a metallic mirror reflector at its side contacted by said electro-optic medium, said metallic mirror reflector of said variable reflectance element comprising at least a sub-region that is partially transmissive to visible light incident thereat and significantly reflective to visible light incident thereon, wherein said metallic mirror reflector at least at said sub-region comprises a reflecting metal film comprising one of (a) silver and (b) a silver alloy;

wherein said interior rearview mirror assembly comprises an information display positioned to the rear of said metallic mirror reflector of said variable reflectance element at said partially transmissive and significantly reflective sub-region of said variable reflectance element;

wherein said information display comprises a reconfigurable display element backlit by a plurality of white light-emitting light emitting diodes;

wherein light emanating from said plurality of white light-emitting light emitting diodes of said information display transmits through said partially transmissive and significantly reflective sub-region of said metallic mirror reflector for viewing of displayed information by a driver of a vehicle equipped with said interior rearview mirror assembly, said metallic mirror reflector being present and uninterrupted at said partially transmissive and significantly reflective sub-region of said variable reflectance element where said information display is disposed therebehind;

wherein said interior rearview mirror assembly comprises at least one light sensor;

wherein said interior rearview mirror assembly comprises a control;

wherein said interior rearview mirror assembly comprises an imaging device;

wherein, responsive to a light level sensed by said at least one light sensor, the luminous intensity of said information display is adjustable by said control to provide a luminous intensity of at least about 750 candelas/sq. meter during daytime to a driver of the equipped vehicle viewing said information display through said partially transmissive and significantly reflective sub-region of said metallic mirror reflector of said interior rearview mirror assembly when said interior rearview mirror assembly is normally mounted in the equipped vehicle and when said information display is actuated;

wherein the luminous intensity of said information display is adjustable by said control to provide a luminous intensity of less than 750 candelas/sq. meter during nighttime to a driver of the equipped vehicle viewing said information display through said partially transmissive and significantly reflective sub-region of said metallic mirror reflector of said interior rearview mirror assembly when said interior rearview mirror assembly is normally mounted in the equipped vehicle and when said information display is actuated; and

wherein, to a driver of the equipped vehicle who is viewing said first substrate of said variable reflectance element when normally operating the equipped vehicle, the presence of said information display rearward of said partially transmissive and significantly reflective sub-region of said variable reflectance element is substantially not apparent until said information display is actuated.

22. The interior rearview mirror system according to claim 21, wherein said interior rearview mirror assembly comprises a part of an in-vehicle network, and wherein at least one of (a) control signals are transmitted between said control of said interior rearview mirror assembly and at least one exterior rearview mirror assembly via said in-vehicle network, (b) a driver side exterior rearview mirror assembly exchanges control signals with a passenger side exterior rearview mirror assembly via said in-vehicle network, and (c) tire pressure sensors in the wheels of the vehicle transmit to a receiver in said interior rearview mirror assembly via said in-vehicle network, and wherein tire pressure status is displayed by said information display.

23. The interior rearview mirror system according to claim 22, wherein said interior rearview mirror assembly comprises at least one of a headlamp controller and a rain sensor.

24. An interior rearview mirror system suitable for use in a vehicle, said interior rearview mirror system comprising:

an interior rearview mirror assembly comprising a variable reflectance element, said variable reflectance element including an electro-optic medium disposed between a first substrate and a second substrate, said first substrate having a transparent conductive coating at its side contacted by said electro-optic medium, said second substrate having a metallic mirror reflector at its side contacted by said electro-optic medium, said metallic mirror reflector of said variable reflectance element comprising at least a sub-region that is partially transmissive to visible light incident thereat and significantly reflective to visible light incident thereon, wherein said metallic mirror reflector at least at said sub-region comprises a reflecting metal film comprising one of (a) silver and (b) a silver alloy;

wherein said interior rearview mirror assembly comprises an information display positioned to the rear of said metallic mirror reflector of said variable reflectance element at said partially transmissive and significantly reflective sub-region of said variable reflectance element;

wherein said information display comprises a reconfigurable display element backlit by a plurality of white light-emitting light emitting diodes;

wherein light emanating from said plurality of white light-emitting light emitting diodes of said information display transmits through said partially transmissive and significantly reflective sub-region of said metallic mirror reflector for viewing of displayed information by a driver of a vehicle equipped with said interior rearview mirror assembly, said metallic mirror reflector being present and uninterrupted at said partially transmissive and significantly reflective sub-region of said variable reflectance element where said information display is disposed therebehind;

wherein said interior rearview mirror assembly comprises at least one light sensor;

wherein said interior rearview mirror assembly comprises a control;

wherein said interior rearview mirror assembly comprises an imaging device;

wherein, responsive to a light level sensed by said at least one light sensor, the luminous intensity of said information display is adjustable by said control to provide a luminous intensity of at least about 750 candelas/sq. meter during daytime to a driver of the equipped vehicle viewing said information display through said partially transmissive and significantly reflective sub-region of said metallic mirror reflector of said interior rearview mirror assembly when said interior rearview mirror assembly is normally mounted in the equipped vehicle and when said information display is actuated;

wherein the luminous intensity of said information display is adjustable by said control to provide a luminous intensity of less than 750 candelas/sq. meter during nighttime to a driver of the equipped vehicle viewing said information display through said partially transmissive and significantly reflective sub-region of said metallic mirror reflector of said interior rearview mirror assembly when said interior rearview mirror assembly is normally mounted in the equipped vehicle and when said information display is actuated;

wherein said interior rearview mirror assembly comprises at least one of a headlamp controller and a rain sensor; and

wherein, to a driver of the equipped vehicle who is viewing said first substrate of said variable reflectance element when normally operating the equipped vehicle, the presence of said information display rearward of said partially transmissive and significantly reflective sub-region of said variable reflectance element is substantially not apparent until said information display is actuated.

25. The interior rearview mirror system according to claim 24, wherein said interior rearview mirror assembly comprises a headlamp controller and a rain sensor.

26. The interior rearview mirror system according to claim 24, wherein said imaging device is operable to capture video images and wherein said information display is operable to display said captured video images for viewing by the driver of the equipped vehicle.

27. An interior rearview mirror system suitable for use in a vehicle, said interior rearview mirror system comprising:

an interior rearview mirror assembly comprising a variable reflectance element, said variable reflectance element including an electro-optic medium disposed between a first substrate and a second substrate, said first substrate having a transparent conductive coating at its side contacted by said electro-optic medium, said second substrate having a metallic mirror reflector at its side contacted by said electro-optic medium, said metallic mirror reflector of said variable reflectance element comprising at least a sub-region that is partially transmissive to visible light incident thereat and significantly reflective to visible light incident thereon;

wherein said interior rearview mirror assembly comprises an information display positioned to the rear of said metallic mirror reflector of said variable reflectance element at said partially transmissive and significantly reflective sub-region of said variable reflectance element;

wherein said information display comprises a display element and a light reflecting element disposed behind said display element, said information display comprising a plurality of light sources disposed at said light reflecting element to provide backlighting of said display element, and wherein said display element comprises a reconfigurable video display element and wherein said plurality of light sources comprise a plurality of white light-emitting light emitting diodes;

wherein light emanating from said plurality of light sources of said information display transmits through said partially transmissive and significantly reflective sub-region of said metallic mirror reflector for viewing of displayed information by a driver of a vehicle equipped with said interior rearview mirror assembly, said metallic mirror reflector being present and uninterrupted at said partially transmissive and significantly reflective sub-region of said variable reflectance element where said information display is disposed therebehind;

wherein individual light sources of said plurality of light sources are aligned with respective openings through said light reflecting element and wherein said light reflecting element comprises a curved reflecting surface at or near said openings;

wherein said interior rearview mirror assembly comprises at least one light sensor;

wherein said interior rearview mirror assembly comprises a control;

wherein, responsive to a light level sensed by said at least one light sensor, the luminous intensity of said information display is adjustable by said control to provide a luminous intensity of at least about 750 candelas/sq, meter to a driver of the equipped vehicle viewing said information display through said partially transmissive and significantly reflective sub-region of said metallic mirror reflector of said interior rearview mirror assembly when said interior rearview mirror assembly is normally mounted in the equipped vehicle and when said information display is actuated; and

wherein, to a driver of the equipped vehicle who is viewing said first substrate of said variable reflectance element when normally operating the equipped vehicle, the presence of said information display rearward of said partially transmissive and significantly reflective sub-region of said variable reflectance element is substantially not apparent until said information display is actuated.

28. The interior rearview mirror system according to claim 27, wherein said metallic mirror reflector at least at said sub-region comprises a reflecting metal film comprising silver.

29. The interior rearview mirror system according to claim 27, wherein said metallic mirror reflector at least at said sub-region comprises a reflecting metal film comprising silver alloy.

30. The interior rearview mirror system according to claim 27, wherein the equipped vehicle comprises an imaging device operable to capture video images and wherein said information display is operable to display said captured video images for viewing by the driver of the equipped vehicle.

31. The interior rearview mirror system according to claim 27, wherein selected light sources of said plurality of light sources are actuatable to form information for viewing by the driver of the equipped vehicle.

32. The interior rearview mirror system according to claim 31, wherein said selected light sources are actuatable to form at least one of an icon, alphanumeric information and symbolic information.

33. The interior rearview mirror system according to claim 27, wherein said plurality of light sources are nested in said light reflecting element to provide backlighting of said display element.

34. The interior rearview mirror system according to claim 27, wherein said curved reflecting surfaces of said light reflecting element comprise parabolic reflecting surfaces.

35. The interior rearview mirror system according to claim 27, wherein said curved reflecting surfaces of said light reflecting element comprise compound curved reflecting surfaces.

36. The interior rearview mirror system according to claim 27, wherein said plurality of white light-emitting light emitting diodes are mounted on a circuit board disposed behind said light reflecting element.

37. The interior rearview mirror system according to claim 27, wherein said plurality of white light-emitting light emitting diodes comprise an array of white light-emitting light emitting diodes.

38. The interior rearview mirror system according to claim 27, wherein said plurality of white light-emitting light emitting diodes comprise at least six white light-emitting light emitting diodes.

39. The interior rearview mirror system according to claim 27, wherein the luminous intensity of said information display is adjustable by said control to provide a luminous intensity of at least about 750 candelas/sq, meter during daytime to a driver of the equipped vehicle viewing said information display through said partially transmissive and significantly reflective sub-region of said metallic mirror reflector of said interior rearview mirror assembly when said interior rearview mirror assembly is normally mounted in the equipped vehicle and when said information display is actuated, and wherein the luminous intensity of said information display is adjustable by said control to provide a luminous intensity of less than 750 candelas/sq. meter during nighttime to a driver of the equipped vehicle viewing said information display through said partially transmissive and significantly reflective sub-region of said metallic mirror reflector of said interior rearview mirror assembly when said interior rearview mirror assembly is normally mounted in the equipped vehicle and when said information display is actuated.

40. The interior rearview mirror system according to claim 27, comprising a carrier supporting said display element, wherein said carrier comprises a plate member having a first portion and a second portion offset rearwardly from said variable reflectance element from said first portion, said second portion including said display element, and wherein said plurality of light sources are mounted on a circuit board supported by said carrier, and wherein each of said light sources is isolated from adjacent light sources so that light leakage between the respective light sources is substantially reduced, and wherein said carrier includes a body with a plurality of cavities formed therein and said light sources are associated with said cavities, said display element extending over said body and over said cavities, wherein said cavities together with said light sources direct light from said light sources to said display element.

41. The interior rearview mirror system according to claim 40, wherein said interior rearview mirror assembly includes a device mounted on said circuit board supported by said carrier and wherein said device comprises at least one of an electronic device and an electrical device, and wherein said carrier supports at least one switch for actuating a vehicle function, and wherein said at least one switch is supported on a switch board supported by said carrier so that said switch is disposed behind a user input of said interior rearview mirror assembly.

42. An interior rearview mirror system suitable for use in a vehicle, said interior rearview mirror system comprising:

an interior rearview mirror assembly comprising a variable reflectance element, said variable reflectance element including an electrochromic medium disposed between a first substrate and a second substrate, said first substrate having a transparent conductive coating at its side contacted by said electrochromic medium, said second substrate having a metallic mirror reflector at its side contacted by said electrochromic medium, said metallic mirror reflector of said variable reflectance element comprising at least a sub-region that is partially transmissive to visible light incident thereat and significantly reflective to visible light incident thereon;

wherein said interior rearview mirror assembly comprises an information display positioned to the rear of said metallic mirror reflector of said variable reflectance element at said partially transmissive and significantly reflective sub-region of said variable reflectance element;

wherein said information display comprises a display element and a light reflecting element disposed behind said display element, said information display comprising a plurality of light sources disposed at said light reflecting element to provide backlighting of said display element, and wherein said display element comprises a reconfigurable video display element and wherein said plurality of light sources comprise a plurality of white light-emitting light emitting diodes;

wherein light emanating from said plurality of light sources of said information display transmits through said partially transmissive and significantly reflective sub-region of said metallic mirror reflector for viewing of displayed information by a driver of a vehicle equipped with said interior rearview mirror assembly, said metallic mirror reflector being present and uninterrupted at said partially transmissive and significantly reflective sub-region of said variable reflectance element where said information display is disposed therebehind;

wherein individual light sources of said plurality of light sources are aligned with respective openings through said light reflecting element and wherein said light reflecting element comprises a curved reflecting surface at or near said openings;

wherein said plurality of light sources are nested in said light reflecting element to provide backlighting of said display element;

wherein said plurality of white light-emitting light emitting diodes comprise an array of at least six white light-emitting light emitting diodes;

wherein selected light sources of said plurality of light sources are actuatable to form information for viewing by the driver of the equipped vehicle and wherein said selected light sources are actuatable to form at least one of an icon, alphanumeric information and symbolic information;

wherein said interior rearview mirror assembly comprises at least one light sensor;

wherein said interior rearview mirror assembly comprises a control;

wherein, responsive to a light level sensed by said at least one light sensor, the luminous intensity of said information display is adjustable by said control to provide a luminous intensity of at least about 750 candelas/sq, meter to a driver of the equipped vehicle viewing said information display through said partially transmissive and significantly reflective sub-region of said metallic mirror reflector of said interior rearview mirror assembly when said interior rearview mirror assembly is normally mounted in the equipped vehicle and when said information display is actuated; and

wherein, to a driver of the equipped vehicle who is viewing said first substrate of said variable reflectance element when normally operating the equipped vehicle, the presence of said information display rearward of said partially transmissive and significantly reflective sub-region of said variable reflectance element is substantially not apparent until said information display is actuated.

43. The interior rearview mirror system according to claim 42, wherein the equipped vehicle comprises an imaging device operable to capture video images and wherein said information display is operable to display said captured video images for viewing by the driver of the equipped vehicle.

44. The interior rearview mirror system according to claim 43, wherein said metallic mirror reflector at least at said sub-region comprises a reflecting metal film comprising silver.

45. The interior rearview mirror system according to claim 43, wherein said metallic mirror reflector at least at said sub-region comprises a reflecting metal film comprising a silver alloy.

46. The interior rearview mirror system according to claim 42, wherein said curved reflecting surfaces of said light reflecting element comprise parabolic reflecting surfaces.

47. The interior rearview mirror system according to claim 42, wherein said curved reflecting surfaces of said light reflecting element comprise compound curved reflecting surfaces.