Abstract:
A lighting system for a vehicle comprises a sealed unitary light module including at least one high-intensity power light emitting diode operates with a luminous efficiency of at least about 7 lumens per watt when passing a forward current of at least about 350 milliamps and that emits a luminous flux of at least about 25 lumens when operated at its operating voltage. The sealed unitary light module is removable as a unit from the vehicle and includes a heat dissipating element and a lens.
Abstract:
A reflective element assembly for a variable reflectance vehicular mirror includes a front substrate having a transparent conductive coating disposed on a second surface thereof, and a rear substrate having an electrically conductive metallic reflective coating disposed on a third surface thereof. At least an edge portion of the rear substrate is recessed from a corresponding perimeter edge portion of the front substrate so as to define an overhang region of the front substrate relative to the rear substrate. At least a portion of a third surface conductive coating continues from the third surface over at least the perimeter edge to define a wraparound portion of the third surface conductive coating at the perimeter edge, with the third surface conductive coating establishing electrical continuity between the third surface and the portion of the perimeter edge. An electrical connection may make electrical contact with the wraparound portion at the overhang region.
Abstract:
A video mirror system for a vehicle comprises an interior electrochromic rearview mirror assembly having a reflective element that has a front portion that faces generally towards the driver of the vehicle when the interior rearview mirror assembly is mounted in the vehicle and that has a rear portion that is generally opposite the front portion. The reflective element comprises a transflective mirror reflector that preferably is at least about 15 percent transmitting to visible light incident at the rear portion of the reflective element, and that preferably is at least about 60 percent reflective to visible light incident at the front portion. A video display screen is disposed to the rear of the reflective element and emits light when actuated that passes through the reflective element to be visible to a driver of the vehicle.
Abstract:
A reflective element assembly for a variable reflectance vehicular mirror includes a front substrate having a transparent conductive coating disposed on a second surface thereof, and a rear substrate having an electrically conductive metallic reflective coating disposed on a third surface thereof. An opacifying layer may be disposed around a perimeter border region of the second surface. The electrically conductive metallic reflective coating includes a principal reflecting region and a tab-out portion continuing from the principal reflecting region at least out to generally proximate a perimeter edge of the rear substrate. An electrically non-conductive perimeter border region of the third surface is substantially devoid of the electrically conductive metallic reflective coating. An electrically conductive element may at least partially establish electrical continuity to the tab-out portion and may provide a site at the fourth surface of the rear substrate for electrical connection.
Abstract:
A reflective element assembly for a variable reflectance vehicular mirror includes a front substrate having a transparent conductive coating disposed on a second surface, and a rear substrate having a third surface conductive coating disposed on its third surface and preferably, a fourth surface conductive coating disposed on its fourth surface. At least a portion of the third surface conductive coating may wrap around an edge portion of the rear substrate and at least a portion of the fourth surface conductive coating may wrap around at least a second portion of the perimeter edge so as to establish electrical continuity between the fourth surface conductive coating on the fourth surface and the third surface conductive coating on the third surface. The rear substrate may have a smaller dimension than the front substrate so as to provide an overhang region, preferably at the wraparound region.
Abstract:
A modular rearview mirror assembly for vehicles incorporates a housing into the mirror assembly case for supporting an electronic control module to reduce the vibration, to ease the installation of the components in the mirror assembly, and to improve access to the various components in the mirror assembly for maintenance or repair. The rearview mirror assembly includes a reflective element, at least one electrical component mounted to the reflective element, and a case housing the reflective element and the electrical component. An electronic control module is supported by the case which communicates with the electrical component. Preferably, the electronic control module is supported by a housing that is either molded with the case or welded to the inner surface of the case to support the electronic control module independently from the electrical component.
Abstract:
An electrochromic rearview mirror element for a motor vehicle comprises a first substantially transparent front substrate having a first and a second surface (and with a substantially transparent conductive electrode on its second surface) and a rear substrate having a third and a fourth surface. The rear substrate is positioned in spaced-apart relationship with the front substrate and with its third surface opposing the second surface of the front substrate. A mirror reflector is disposed on the third surface and a seal is positioned toward a peripheral edge of the substrates forming a cavity therebetween. An electrochromic medium is disposed in the cavity. The mirror reflector preferably comprises a metal layer that reflects at least about 70% of visible light. A display device can be disposed behind the rear substrate. The display device preferably exhibits, when electrically powered, a display luminance of at least about 30 foot lamberts as measured with the display device placed behind, and emitting light through, the electrochromic medium and with the electrochromic medium in its bleached state.
Abstract:
A wireless communication system comprises an interior rearview mirror assembly located within the interior cabin of a vehicle, a first wireless communication link in short-range wireless communication with a personal accessory of an occupant of the vehicle and a second wireless communication link to a provider of information or service external to the vehicle. At least one manually operated control is provided at the interior rearview mirror assembly for facilitating operation of the communication system. The interior rearview mirror assembly includes a mirror reflective element, preferably comprising a semitransparent reflector with a display element located behind the reflective element that is operable to display information provided by the external provider, the presence of the display element behind said reflector being preferably substantially masked from notice by a driver of the vehicle until the display element displays information.
Abstract:
An interior rearview mirror system suitable for use in the interior cabin of a vehicle is provided that includes an interior rearview mirror assembly having an interior rearview mirror support adapted for attaching to a windshield or header portion of the vehicle. The interior rearview mirror assembly includes an interior rearview mirror casing and an interior rearview mirror reflective element. The interior rearview mirror casing is pivotally adjustable about the interior rearview mirror support whereby adjustment of said mirror casing by a driver of the vehicle adjusts the rearward field of view of the interior rearview mirror reflective element in order for the driver to see rearwardly when driving. A pendent accessory comprising a mirror reflector attaches to the interior rearview mirror casing by a pivot joint comprising a ball and socket mount, and the pendent accessory is adjustable by the driver of the vehicle about the pivot joint in order for the driver, when driving, to view a rear seat passenger via the mirror reflector of the pendent accessory when the interior rearview mirror assembly is attached to the interior portion of the vehicle.
Abstract:
A vehicular system for engaging in a transaction between an occupant of a vehicle and a remote unit comprises a vehicle accessory inside the vehicle cabin and a transceiver provided at the vehicle accessory, which includes a transmitter for sending communication signals from the vehicle to a remote unit for communication with the unit, which is located exteriorly of the vehicle and operable both to receive communication from and send communication to the transceiver provided at the vehicle accessory. The transceiver includes a receiver for receiving a signal from the unit. An interior rearview mirror assembly is attached to an interior portion of the vehicle. A user input device is provided at the mirror assembly in communication with the transceiver and accessible by a vehicle occupant during normal use of the vehicle. The communication signals comprise at least one signal responsive to the occupant's access to the input device.