公开(公告)号：US06824281B2

公开(公告)日：2004-11-30

申请号：US10355454

申请日：2003-01-31

Applicant: Kenneth Schofield ,  Joshua L. DeWard ,  Peter J. Whitehead ,  Niall R. Lynam

Inventor： Kenneth Schofield ,  Joshua L. DeWard ,  Peter J. Whitehead ,  Niall R. Lynam

IPC: G02B7182

CPC classification number: B60R1/10 ,  B60R1/04 ,  B60R1/12 ,  B60R1/1207 ,  B60R11/04 ,  B60R2001/1215 ,  B60R2001/1223 ,  B60R2001/123 ,  B60R2001/1246 ,  B60R2001/1253 ,  B60R2001/1261 ,  B60R2001/1276 ,  B60R2001/1284 ,  B60R2300/106 ,  B60R2300/108 ,  B60R2300/8033 ,  H04N5/23238 ,  H04N5/374 ,  H04N7/18 ,  H04N7/183

Abstract: An accessory system of a vehicle comprises an accessory module assembly having a mounting portion, a head portion and a rearview mirror assembly. The mounting portion extends generally upward when mounted to an attachment member at a vehicle windshield. The head portion may extend generally horizontally and rearwardly with respect to the vehicle from an upper portion of the mounting portion. The head portion comprises electronic circuitry for at least one accessory. The mirror assembly is mountable to the mounting portion, with the head portion of the accessory module assembly extending generally above the mirror casing. The head portion may be viewable and/or user accessible above the mirror casing when the mirror assembly is mounted to the mounting portion. The head portion may be pivotable or articulatable relative to the base portion of the accessory module assembly.

Abstract translation: 车辆的附件系统包括具有安装部分，头部和后视镜组件的附件模块组件。 当安装到车辆挡风玻璃上的附接构件时，安装部分大致向上延伸。 头部可以从安装部分的上部相对于车辆大致水平和向后延伸。 头部包括用于至少一个附件的电子电路。 反射镜组件可安装到安装部分，附件模块组件的头部大体上在镜壳体的上方延伸。 当镜组件安装到安装部分时，头部可以是可见的和/或用户可以在镜壳体上方访问的。 头部可以相对于附件模块组件的基部可枢转或铰接。

公开(公告)号：US06806452B2

公开(公告)日：2004-10-19

申请号：US10011517

申请日：2001-11-05

Applicant: Brent J. Bos ,  Kenneth Schofield ,  Mark L. Larson ,  Niall R. Lynam

Inventor： Brent J. Bos ,  Kenneth Schofield ,  Mark L. Larson ,  Niall R. Lynam

IPC: H01L2700

CPC classification number: B60N2/002 ,  B60Q1/1423 ,  B60Q2300/312 ,  B60Q2300/314 ,  B60R1/00 ,  B60R2001/1223 ,  B60R2300/8006 ,  B60R2300/802 ,  B60R2300/8073 ,  B60S1/0822 ,  B60S1/0844 ,  B60S1/0885 ,  G06K9/00791 ,  G06T7/0002 ,  G06T2207/30252 ,  H04N13/239 ,  H04N2013/0081

Abstract: An interior rearview mirror system suitable for use in a vehicle includes a interior rearview mirror assembly adapted for attachment to an interior portion of the vehicle. The interior rearview mirror assembly includes a housing and a reflective element included within the housing. The mirror system further includes a video device (which includes an imaging sensor) and a control. The imaging sensor is positioned at the interior rearview mirror assembly and has a field of view forward and through the windshield. The imaging sensor is operable to at least sense precipitation at an interior and/or exterior surface of the windshield. The control receives a signal from the imaging sensor and is operable to control at least one of a headlamp of the vehicle, a windshield wiper of the vehicle, a defogging system of the vehicle and a movable window of the vehicle in response to the signal.

Abstract translation: 适用于车辆的内部后视镜系统包括适于附接到车辆内部的内部后视镜组件。 内部后视镜组件包括壳体和包括在壳体内的反射元件。 镜系统还包括视频装置（其包括成像传感器）和控制装置。 成像传感器位于内部后视镜组件上，并且具有向前和通过挡风玻璃的视场。 成像传感器可操作以至少感知挡风玻璃的内部和/或外表面处的沉淀。 控制器接收来自成像传感器的信号，并且可操作以响应于该信号来控制车辆的前照灯，车辆的挡风玻璃刮水器，车辆的除雾系统和车辆的可移动窗口中的至少一个。

公开(公告)号：US06731205B2

公开(公告)日：2004-05-04

申请号：US10206495

申请日：2002-07-26

Applicant: Kenneth Schofield ,  Niall R. Lynam

Inventor： Kenneth Schofield ,  Niall R. Lynam

IPC: B60C2300

CPC classification number: B60C23/0416 ,  B60C23/061

Abstract: A self training tire pressure monitoring system for a vehicle includes at least two pressure sensors, at least two wheel sensors and a control. The pressure sensors are positioned at respective tires and are operable to provide a measured pressure output indicative of the pressure of the respective tires. The wheel sensors are positioned at respective wheels of the vehicle and are operable to provide a characteristic output indicative of rotation of the wheels over a period of time. The control receives the characteristic outputs and the measured pressure outputs and is operable to integrate the outputs to determine the particular wheels at which the pressure sensors and associated tires are positioned. The measured pressure and location of the tires may be displayed at a display of the vehicle. Preferably, the control deduces a deduced rolling radius of the tires in response to the characteristic output of the wheel sensors.

Abstract translation: 用于车辆的自训练轮胎压力监测系统包括至少两个压力传感器，至少两个车轮传感器和控制器。 压力传感器定位在相应的轮胎处，并且可操作以提供指示相应轮胎的压力的测量压力输出。 车轮传感器定位在车辆的相应车轮处，并且可操作以提供指示车轮在一段时间内的转动的特征输出。 控制器接收特征输出和测量的压力输出，并且可操作地将输出集成以确定压力传感器和相关联的轮胎所在的特定车轮。 轮胎的测量压力和位置可以显示在车辆的显示器上。 优选地，该控制响应于车轮传感器的特征输出推导出推导的轮胎的滚动半径。

公开(公告)号：US06672744B2

公开(公告)日：2004-01-06

申请号：US10134775

申请日：2002-04-29

Applicant: Jonathan E. DeLine ,  Roger L. Veldman ,  Niall R. Lynam

Inventor： Jonathan E. DeLine ,  Roger L. Veldman ,  Niall R. Lynam

IPC: B60Q126

CPC classification number: B60K28/063 ,  B60K2028/003 ,  B60Q1/2665 ,  B60Q3/258 ,  B60R1/086 ,  B60R1/12 ,  B60R1/1207 ,  B60R11/04 ,  B60R2001/1215 ,  B60R2001/1223 ,  B60R2001/1253 ,  B60R2300/103 ,  B60R2300/106 ,  B60R2300/8006 ,  H04N7/18

Abstract: An interior rearview mirror assembly for vehicles incorporates a case having a reflective, prismatic mirror element, a support on the assembly for mounting the assembly on the interior of a vehicle, a day/night actuator mounted for movement between day and night positions on the case to change the amount of light reflected by the prismatic mirror element, and a lever mounted for movement on the case and engaging the actuator to move the actuator between the day and night positions. The lever includes a curved configuration adapted to mate and correspond with a portion of the case when the actuator is in the day and night positions. In a preferred embodiment, the lever is a pivot lever which extends outwardly through an aperture in the case and has concave and convex areas which mate with opposed portions of the aperture in which the lever is positioned. A carrier member which includes a circuit member secured to and/or at least partially encased and/or encapsulated within a support body such that electrical connections extend therefrom may be mounted within the case. Portions of the assembly such as the carrier member may form a stop for the day/night actuator to limit movement of the mirror housing between the day and night positions. In various embodiments, the mirror assembly may include an electrical component, such as a lamp or a video device, mounted on the carrier member with the component being connected to the circuit member for operation on the mirror assembly.

Abstract translation: 用于车辆的内部后视镜组件包括具有反射式棱镜镜元件的壳体，用于将组件安装在车辆内部的组件上的支撑件，安装用于在壳体上的昼夜位置之间移动的昼/夜致动器 以改变由棱镜镜元件反射的光量;以及杠杆，其安装成用于在壳体上移动并接合致动器，以在昼夜位置之间移动致动器。 杠杆包括适于在致动器处于昼夜位置时配合并对应于壳体的一部分的弯曲构造。 在优选实施例中，杠杆是通过壳体中的孔向外延伸的枢转杆，并且具有凹入和凸起的区域，其与杆的相对的部分配合在杆中。 载体构件，其包括固定到和/或至少部分地包封和/或封装在支撑体内的电路构件，使得从其延伸的电连接可以安装在壳体内。 诸如承载构件的组件的部分可以形成用于日/夜致动器的停止件，以限制镜壳体在昼夜位置之间的移动。 在各种实施例中，反射镜组件可以包括安装在承载构件上的电气部件，例如灯或视频装置，其中部件连接到电路部件，用于在镜组件上操作。

公开(公告)号：US06650233B2

公开(公告)日：2003-11-18

申请号：US10178924

申请日：2002-06-24

Applicant: Jonathan E. DeLine ,  Niall R. Lynam ,  Ralph A. Spooner

Inventor： Jonathan E. DeLine ,  Niall R. Lynam ,  Ralph A. Spooner

IPC: B60Q100

CPC classification number: B60R11/0247 ,  B60R1/12 ,  B60R11/02 ,  B60R11/0217 ,  B60R11/0241 ,  B60R2011/0026 ,  B60R2011/0033 ,  G02B6/00 ,  G02B2027/0118 ,  G02B2027/012 ,  H04R2499/13

Abstract: An interior rearview mirror audio system for a vehicle includes an interior rearview mirror assembly preferably comprising a plurality of microphones, a communication system of a vehicle and at least one manually actuated control input. The communication system includes a cellular telephone system and/or an emergency communication system. The communication system includes at least one communication device. The manually actuated control receives a manual input from an occupant of the vehicle and activates and/or adjusts the communication device of the communication system in response to the manual input. A control is preferably provided for receiving output signals of at least two microphones, the output signals comprising both vocal signals and non-vocal signals, and the control at least partially filtering out the non-vocal signals.

Abstract translation: 用于车辆的内部后视镜音频系统包括内部后视镜组件，其优选地包括多个麦克风，车辆的通信系统和至少一个手动致动的控制输入。 通信系统包括蜂窝电话系统和/或应急通信系统。 通信系统包括至少一个通信设备。 手动启动的控制器接收来自车辆的乘员的手动输入，并且响应于手动输入而激活和/或调整通信系统的通信设备。 优选地提供用于接收至少两个麦克风的输出信号的控制，所述输出信号包括声音信号和非声音信号，并且所述控制至少部分地滤除非声音信号。

公开(公告)号：US06534884B2

公开(公告)日：2003-03-18

申请号：US09942295

申请日：2001-08-29

Applicant: Konrad H. Marcus ,  Niall R. Lynam

Inventor： Konrad H. Marcus ,  Niall R. Lynam

IPC: B60R112

CPC classification number: B60Q1/2665 ,  B60C23/0401 ,  B60C23/0408 ,  B60K35/00 ,  B60Q1/503 ,  B60Q1/54 ,  B60R1/12 ,  B60R21/01566 ,  B60R2001/1215 ,  G02B6/00 ,  G02B27/01 ,  G02B27/0101 ,  G02B2027/0118 ,  G02B2027/012

Abstract: A vehicle proximity sensing system for sensing vehicle activity rearward of a driver of a vehicle comprises a proximity sensor, an information display and a control. The proximity sensor senses vehicle activity rearward of the driver of a subject vehicle to detect an approach of a rearwardly approaching vehicle. The information display alerts the driver of the subject vehicle that the rearwardly approaching vehicle is within a threshold distance. The control is operable to generate an alert on the information display in response to the proximity sensor.

Abstract translation: 用于感测车辆驾驶员后方的车辆活动的车辆接近感测系统包括接近传感器，信息显示和控制。 接近传感器感测车辆驾驶员后方的车辆活动，以检测向后接近的车辆的进近。 信息显示器警告本车辆的驾驶员后方接近的车辆在阈值距离内。 控制器可操作以响应于接近传感器在信息显示器上产生警报。

公开(公告)号：US06522451B1

公开(公告)日：2003-02-18

申请号：US09478315

申请日：2000-01-06

Applicant: Niall R. Lynam

Inventor： Niall R. Lynam

IPC: G02F115

CPC classification number: B60R1/082 ,  Y10S248/90

Abstract: This invention provides a plano-multiradius reflective element assembly suitable for use in an exterior sideview mirror assembly mounted to the side body of an automobile. The plano-multiradius reflective element assembly includes a plano reflective element which has a rearward field of view, when mounted in an exterior sideview mirror assembly mounted to the side body of an automobile, with unit magnification. The plano-multiradius reflective element assembly also includes an auxiliary reflective element including a multiradius portion with a rearward field of view. The plano reflective element provides a distortion-free rearward field of view and serves as the principal rearward-viewing portion of the plano-multiradius reflective element assembly. The multiradius portion provides a wide angle rearward field of view, and typically supplements the rearward field of view of the plano portion. The plano reflective element and the multiradius portion are separated by a demarcation element which enables the driver to readily delineate a rearward view in the plano portion from a rearward view in the multiradius portion. The plano reflective element and the multiradius reflective element are individually, separately, and adjacently attached to a single backing plate which is mounted to an actuator of the exterior sideview mirror assembly. By adjusting the position of the backing plate within the housing of the exterior sideview mirror assembly via the actuator, the rearward field of view of both the plano reflective element and the multiradius reflective element are simultaneously and similarly aligned.

Abstract translation: 本发明提供一种适用于安装在汽车侧体上的外侧视镜组件中的平面多半反射元件组件。 平面多半反射元件组件包括平面反射元件，该平面反射元件在以单位放大率安装在安装到汽车的侧体的外侧视镜组件中时具有后视场。 平面多半反射元件组件还包括辅助反射元件，其包括具有后视场的多半部分。 平面反射元件提供无失真的向后视场，并且用作平面多半反射元件组件的主要向后观察部分。 多半部分提供广角后视场，并且通常补充平面部分的后视场。 平面反射元件和多半部分由分界元件分开，分界元件使得驾驶员能够从多径部分中的后视图容易地描绘平面部分中的后视图。 平面反射元件和多半反射元件单独地，单独地并且相邻地附接到安装到外侧视镜组件的致动器的单个背板。 通过经由致动器调整外侧视角镜组件的壳体内的背板的位置，平面反射元件和多半反射元件的后视场同时且类似地对准。

公开(公告)号：US06516664B2

公开(公告)日：2003-02-11

申请号：US10023162

申请日：2001-12-17

Applicant: Niall R. Lynam

Inventor： Niall R. Lynam

IPC: G01W100

CPC classification number: B60S1/0822 ,  B60R1/04 ,  B60R1/12 ,  B60R11/0241 ,  B60R11/0247 ,  B60R2001/1223 ,  B60R2011/0026 ,  B60R2011/0033 ,  B60S1/0833 ,  B60S1/0881 ,  B60S1/0885 ,  G02B6/00 ,  G02B2027/0118 ,  G02B2027/012

Abstract: A module assembly suitable for attachment to an inner surface of a vehicle windshield includes a housing and a rain sensor. The housing comprises a first side, which is configured to be generally adjacent the inner surface of the vehicle windshield when the module assembly is attached to the inner surface of the windshield. The housing further comprises a second side, which is generally opposing the first side. The module assembly further includes a rearview mirror assembly mounting member provided at the second side of the housing for releasably mounting a rearview mirror assembly to the module assembly. The rain sensor and at least one other vehicular accessory are accommodated in the housing, which is adapted at its first side for attachment to the inner surface of the vehicle windshield by at least one of a mechanical attachment and an adhesive attachment.

Abstract translation: 适于附接到车辆挡风玻璃的内表面的模块组件包括壳体和雨水传感器。 壳体包括第一侧，当第一模块组件附接到挡风玻璃的内表面时，该第一侧被构造成大体上邻近车辆挡风玻璃的内表面。 壳体还包括大致与第一侧相对的第二侧。 模块组件还包括设置在壳体的第二侧处的后视镜组件安装构件，用于将后视镜组件可释放地安装到模块组件。 雨水传感器和至少一个其它车辆附件容纳在壳体中，该壳体在其第一侧适于通过机械附件和粘合附件中的至少一个附接到车辆挡风玻璃的内表面。

公开(公告)号：US06466136B2

公开(公告)日：2002-10-15

申请号：US09903336

申请日：2001-07-11

Applicant: Jonathan E. DeLine ,  Niall R. Lynam ,  Ralph A. Spooner ,  Phillip A. March

Inventor： Jonathan E. DeLine ,  Niall R. Lynam ,  Ralph A. Spooner ,  Phillip A. March

IPC: B60Q100

CPC classification number: B60R11/04 ,  B60Q1/2665 ,  B60R1/04 ,  B60R1/12 ,  B60R11/02 ,  B60R11/0217 ,  B60R11/0241 ,  B60R11/0247 ,  B60R2001/1253 ,  B60R2001/1284 ,  B60R2011/0026 ,  B60R2011/0033 ,  B60R2011/0077 ,  B60R2300/101 ,  B60S1/0881 ,  B60S1/0885 ,  G02B6/00 ,  G02B2027/0118 ,  G02B2027/012 ,  H04N5/2251 ,  H04N5/2253 ,  H04N5/2256 ,  H04N5/374 ,  H04N7/183 ,  H04R2499/13

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

Abstract translation: 用于车辆的基于镜子的音频系统包括内部后视镜系统，其包括用于在车辆的舱室内接收音频信号的多个麦克风。 多个麦克风包括至少两个麦克风，其产生指示在车厢内产生的声音的输出信号。 所述至少两个麦克风是（i）定位在内部后视镜组件内，（ii）邻近内部后视镜组件定位，（iii）定位在与内部后视镜组件相连的附件中，或（iv） 模块安装在挡风玻璃上。 音频系统还包括可操作以控制声音信号与非声音信号的存在并且至少部分地滤出非声音信号的控制。

公开(公告)号：US06416208B2

公开(公告)日：2002-07-09

申请号：US09866398

申请日：2001-05-25

Applicant: Todd W. Pastrick ,  Michiel P. van de Ven ,  Peter J. Whitehead ,  Rick Mousseau ,  Niall R. Lynam

Inventor： Todd W. Pastrick ,  Michiel P. van de Ven ,  Peter J. Whitehead ,  Rick Mousseau ,  Niall R. Lynam

IPC: B60R112

CPC classification number: B60Q1/2665 ,  B60Q2400/40 ,  B60R1/1207 ,  B60R21/12 ,  B60R2001/1284

Abstract: An exterior mirror assembly for a vehicle includes a signal light that provides an advanced notification system to approaching vehicles that the driver of the vehicle intends to turn or make a lane change. The exterior mirror assembly includes a housing with a reflective element and a positioning device for adjusting the position of the reflective element in the housing, and at least one signal light positioned in the housing. The signal light includes a light source and a light conduiting member which is adapted to project a pattern of light from the housing and yet restrict light from extending into the vehicle so that a driver seated in the vehicle does not directly observe the pattern of light. The light source may be provided by a light pipe which is optically coupled to a remote light source located, for example, in the vehicle. Preferably, the pattern of light extends at least rearwardly and laterally from the vehicle. In one form, the light conduiting member includes a light input surface on one end and at least one light emitting surface for directing light outwardly from the housing of the exterior mirror assembly. In another form, the exterior mirror assembly includes a powerfold mirror system which incorporates a security light which directs light in a first light pattern when mirror assembly is in its normal use position and a second pattern when the mirror assembly is in its folded position.

Abstract translation: 用于车辆的外部镜组件包括信号灯，其提供高级通知系统以接近车辆，驾驶员意图转动或进行车道改变。 外部反射镜组件包括具有反射元件的壳体和用于调节壳体中的反射元件的位置的定位装置和位于壳体中的至少一个信号光。 信号灯包括光源和光导管构件，其适于突出来自壳体的光图案，并且限制光线延伸到车辆中，使得坐在车辆中的驾驶员不直接观察光线的图案。 光源可以由光管提供，该光管光学耦合到位于例如车辆中的远程光源。 优选地，光的图案至少从车辆向后和向外延伸。 在一种形式中，光导管构件包括在一端的光输入表面和至少一个发光表面，用于将光从外反射镜组件的壳体向外引导。 在另一种形式中，外部反射镜组件包括一个电动反射镜系统，该系统包括安全灯，当镜子组件处于其正常使用位置时，其将光引导成第一光图案，并且当镜子组件处于其折叠位置时引导第二图案。