Information display system for a vehicle

申请号 US10328886 申请日 2002-12-24 公开(公告)号 US06756912B2 公开(公告)日 2004-06-29
申请人 Timothy G. Skiver; Joseph P. McCaw; John T. Uken; Jonathan E. DeLine; Niall R. Lynam; 发明人 Timothy G. Skiver; Joseph P. McCaw; John T. Uken; Jonathan E. DeLine; Niall R. Lynam;
摘要 An information display system suitable for use in a vehicle comprises an interior rearview mirror assembly including a mirror case and a variable reflectance reflective element. The variable reflectance reflective element includes a first sheet having a first surface and a second surface, and a second sheet having a third surface and a fourth surface, the second surface of the first sheet opposing the third surface of the second sheet. The variable reflectance reflective element includes a mirror reflector disposed on the third surface. The mirror reflector comprises a reflecting metal film having a region adapted to form a light transmitting portion, the adaptation comprising an absence of reflecting metal film. An information display element is disposed to the rear of the reflective element at that region; the information display element comprising a plurality of non-incandescent light emitting elements and the information display element being positioned at and generally aligned with the light transmitting portion of the mirror reflector such that light emitted by the plurality of non-incandescent light emitting elements passes through the light transmitting portion. The system includes a control controlling the light intensity emitted for displaying information observable at the light transmitting portion by a driver of the vehicle.
权利要求

The embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive property or privilege we claim are as follows:1. An information display system suitable for use in a vehicle, said display system comprising:an interior rearview mirror assembly;said interior rearview mirror assembly adapted for attachment to an interior portion of the vehicle, said interior portion comprising one of a windshield portion and a header portion;said interior rearview mirror assembly including a mirror case and a variable reflectance reflective element;said reflective element comprising a mirror reflector;said mirror reflector comprising a reflecting metal film, said reflecting metal film comprising at least one selected from a silver metal film, an aluminum metal film, a silver alloy metal film, and an aluminum alloy metal film;said variable reflectance reflective element comprising an electrochromic reflective element;said electrochromic reflective element including a first sheet having a first surface and a second surface, and a second sheet having a third surface and a fourth surface, said second surface of said first sheet opposing said third surface of said second sheet, said second surface of said first sheet being closer to said third surface of said second sheet than said first surface of said first sheet;an electrochromic medium between said second surface of said first sheet and said third surface of said second sheet, said electrochromic medium having a light transmittance which varies when electrical voltage is applied across said electrochromic medium to thereby vary the reflectivity of said reflective element;said first sheet including a transparent electroconductive coating on said second surface thereof;an information display element disposed to the rear of said second sheet of said electrochromic reflective element of said interior rearview mirror assembly;said information display element comprising a plurality of non-incandescent light emitting elements;wherein said mirror reflector is disposed on said third surface of said second sheet;wherein a region of said mirror reflector disposed on said third surface of said second sheet is adapted to form a light transmitting portion, said adaptation of said mirror reflector comprising an absence of said reflecting metal film at said region of said mirror reflector;wherein said information display element is positioned in said interior rearview mirror assembly at and generally aligned with said light transmitting portion of said mirror reflector of said reflective element such that light emitted by said plurality of non-incandescent light emitting elements passes through said light transmitting portion of said mirror reflector of said reflective element;a control;said control controlling the light intensity emitted by said plurality of non-incandescent light emitting elements for displaying information observable at said light transmitting portion of said mirror reflector of said reflective element by a driver of the vehicle when said interior rearview mirror assembly is attached to said interior portion of the vehicle; andwherein information displayed by said information display element is formed by selective actuation of at least one light emitting element of said plurality of non-incandescent light emitting elements.2. The information display system according to claim 1, wherein said interior mirror assembly comprises a support adapted for attaching to said interior portion of the vehicle, said mirror case pivotally mounted to said support.3. The information display system according to claim 2, wherein said support comprises a dual ball joint support.4. The information display system according to claim 3, wherein said interior portion comprises a windshield portion.5. The information display system according to claim 2, wherein said interior rearview mirror assembly attaches via a breakaway attachment to said interior portion of the vehicle.6. The information display system according to claim 5, wherein said interior portion comprises a windshield portion.7. The information display system according to claim 2, wherein said interior portion comprises a header portion.8. The information display system according to claim 2, wherein said interior mirror assembly is adapted for attachment to a mirror mounting button.9. The information display system according to claim 1, wherein said reflecting metal film of said metal reflector disposed on said third surface of said second sheet comprises a silver metal film.10. The information display system according to claim 1, wherein said reflecting metal film of said metal reflector disposed on said third surface of said second sheet comprises a silver alloy metal film.11. The information display system according to claim 1, wherein said reflecting metal film of said metal reflector disposed on said third surface of said second sheet comprises one chosen from an aluminum metal film and an aluminum alloy metal film.12. The information display system according to claim 1, wherein said first sheet comprises a glass sheet having a first thickness and said second sheet comprises a glass sheet having a second thickness, and wherein said first thickness differs from said second thickness.13. The information display system according to claim 1, wherein at least one of said first sheet and said second sheet comprises a glass sheet of thickness no greater than about 1.6 millimeters.14. The information display system according to claim 1, wherein said first sheet comprises a glass sheet having a first thickness and said second sheet comprises a glass sheet having a second thickness, and wherein said first thickness is less than said second thickness.15. The information display system according to claim 14, wherein first thickness is less than about 1.6 millimeters.16. The information display system according to claim 1, wherein said control controlling the light intensity emitted by said plurality of non-incandescent light emitting elements increases the light intensity emitted by said plurality of non-incandescent light emitting elements to compensate for any decrease in transmission of said electrochromic medium.17. The information display system according to claim 1, wherein said interior rearview mirror assembly comprises 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.18. The information display system according to claim 1, further comprising a carrier positioned in said case, said carrier supporting said plurality of non-incandescent light emitting elements, said carrier aligning said information display element with said light transmitting portion of said mirror reflector.19. The information display system according to claim 18, further comprising 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.20. The information display system according to claim 19, wherein said carrier includes said at least one electrically operated accessory.21. The information display system according to claim 1, further comprising a carrier member supporting said plurality of non-incandescent light emitting elements, said carrier member positioned in said mirror case and aligning said information display element with said light transmitting portion of said mirror reflector.22. The information display system according to claim 1, wherein said information display element comprises an air bag activation status information display element.23. The information display system according to claim 1, wherein at least one of said plurality of non-incandescent light emitting elements comprises a light emitting diode.24. The information display system according to claim 22, wherein at least one of said plurality of non-incandescent light emitting elements comprises a light emitting diode.25. The information display system according to claim 21, wherein said carrier member includes 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.26. The information display system according to claim 21, wherein said carrier member includes said plurality of non-incandescent light emitting elements.27. The information display system according to claim 26, wherein each of said plurality of light emitting elements is isolated from an adjacent light emitting element.28. The information display system according to claim 21, wherein said carrier member is mounted to one of said mirror case and said reflective element.29. The information display system according to claim 21, wherein said carrier member is mounted to said reflective element.30. The information display system according to claim 29, wherein said carrier member is adhesively attached to said reflective element.31. The information display system according to claim 18, wherein said reflecting metal film comprises a metal film chosen from a silver film, an aluminum film, and a silver alloy film.32. The information display system according to claim 1, comprising a user actuatable interface at said interior mirror assembly.33. The information display system according to claim 32, comprising a user actuatable interface at said mirror case.34. The information display system according to claim 33, wherein said user actuatable interface provides user interface to a telecommunications system.35. The information display system according to claim 34, wherein said control controlling the light intensity emitted by said plurality of non-incandescent light emitting elements increases the light intensity emitted by said plurality of non-incandescent light emitting elements to compensate for any decrease in transmission of said electrochromic medium.36. The information display system according to claim 35, further comprising a carrier member supporting said plurality of non-incandescent light emitting elements, said carrier member positioned in said mirror case and aligning said information display element with said light transmitting portion of said mirror reflector, and wherein said carrier includes said at least one electrically operated accessory.37. The information display system according to claim 36, wherein said at least one electrically operated accessory is 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.38. The information display system according to claim 21, wherein said carrier member includes a cavity, said information display element positioned in said cavity, said cavity including a reflecting surface.39. The information display system according to claim 38, wherein said carrier member includes said plurality of light emitting elements and a plurality of said cavities, a light emitting element of said plurality of light emitting elements being associated with each of said cavities.40. The information display system according to claim 1, wherein said information display element includes a printing on a surface thereof.41. The information display system according to claim 40, wherein at least one of said plurality of light emitting elements comprises a light emitting diode.42. The information display system according to claim 1, wherein said at least one selectively-actuated light emitting element of said plurality of non-incandescent light emitting elements is selected from the group consisting of a light emitting diode, a vacuum fluorescent element, an electroluminescent element, a field-emission element, and a polymeric light emitting element.43. The information display system according to claim 1, further including at least one light sensor, and wherein said control adjusts the display intensity of said information display element in accordance with a light level detected by said at least one light sensor.44. The information display system according to claim 1, wherein said control adjusts the display intensity of said information display element by use of pulse-width modulation.45. The information display system according to claim 34, wherein said interior mirror assembly comprises at least one microphone.46. The information display system according to claim 34, wherein said user actuatable interface includes a button comprising a resilient material.47. The information display system according to claim 46, wherein said resilient material comprises a silicone material.48. The information display system according to claim 34, wherein said user actuatable interface includes a plurality of buttons comprising a key pad.49. The information display system according to claim 34, wherein said mirror case comprises at least one microphone.50. The information display system according to claim 2, wherein said interior rearview mirror assembly comprises a user actuatable interface, said user actuatable interface providing user interface to a telecommunications system, and wherein said interior mirror assembly includes at least one microphone.51. The information display system according to claim 50, wherein said at least one microphone provides a vocal input to said telecommunications system.52. The information display system according to claim 51, wherein said at least one microphone provides a vocal input to a digital sound processor.53. The information display system according to claim 51, wherein said at least one microphone provides a hands-free input to said telecommunication system.54. The information display system according to claim 1, wherein said interior mirror assembly comprises a part of an in-vehicle area network.55. The information display system according to claim 1, wherein said interior mirror assembly communicates via a wireless link with another vehicular accessory.56. The information display system according to claim 1, wherein said information display element displays at least one indicia chosen from an alphanumeric indicia, a graphical indicia, and a symbolic indicia.57. The information display system according to claim 1, wherein said electrochromic medium comprises an electrochemichromic medium.58. The information display system according to claim 1, wherein said electrochromic medium comprises a solid electrochromic medium.59. The information display system according to claim 1, wherein said information display element is positioned in said interior rearview mirror assembly at and generally aligned with said light transmitting portion of said mirror reflector of said reflective element generally at a central, lower edge of said reflective element.60. The information display system according to claim 59, wherein said light transmitting portion of said mirror reflector of said reflective element comprises a generally trapezoidal light transmitting portion.61. The information display system according to claim 1, wherein said plurality of non-incandescent light emitting elements comprises a plurality of light emitting diodes.62. The information display system according to claim 61, wherein information displayed by said information display element is formed by selective actuation of at least one light emitting diode of said plurality of light emitting diodes.63. The information display system according to claim 61, wherein said information display element comprises an air bag activation status information display element.64. The information display system according to claim 1, wherein said plurality of non-incandescent light emitting elements comprises a plurality of light emitting diodes.65. The information display system according to claim 64, wherein information displayed by said information display element is formed by selective actuation of at least one light emitting diode of said plurality of light emitting diodes.66. The information display system according to claim 65, wherein said information display element comprises an air bag activation status information display element.67. An information display system suitable for use in a vehicle, said display system comprising:an interior rearview mirror assembly;said interior rearview mirror assembly adapted for attachment to an interior portion of the vehicle, said interior portion comprising one of a windshield portion and a header portion;said interior rearview mirror assembly including a mirror case and a variable reflectance reflective element;said reflective element comprising a mirror reflector;said mirror reflector comprising a reflecting metal film, said reflecting metal film comprising at least one chosen from a silver metal film, an aluminum metal film, a silver alloy metal film, and an aluminum alloy metal film;said variable reflectance reflective element comprising an electrochromic reflective element;said electrochromic reflective element including a first sheet having a first surface and a second surface, and a second sheet having a third surface and a fourth surface, said second surface of said first sheet opposing said third surface of said second sheet, said second surface of said first sheet being closer to said third surface of said second sheet than said first surface of said first sheet;an electrochromic medium between said second surface of said first sheet and said third surface of said second sheet, said electrochromic medium having a light transmittance which varies when electrical voltage is applied across said electrochromic medium to thereby vary the reflectivity of said reflective element;said first sheet including a transparent electroconductive coating on said second surface thereof;an information display element disposed to the rear of said second sheet of said electrochromic reflective element of said interior rearview mirror assembly;said information display element comprising at least one non-incandescent light emitting element;wherein said mirror reflector is disposed on said third surface of said second sheet;wherein a region of said mirror reflector disposed on said third surface of said second sheet is adapted to form a light transmitting portion, said adaptation of said mirror reflector comprising an absence of said reflecting metal film at said region of said mirror reflector;wherein said information display element is positioned in said interior rearview mirror assembly at and generally aligned with said light transmitting portion of said mirror reflector of said reflective element such that light emitted by said at least one light emitting element passes through said light transmitting portion of said mirror reflector of said reflective element;a control;said control controlling the light intensity emitted by said at least one light emitting element for displaying information observable at said light transmitting portion of said mirror reflector of said reflective element by a driver of the vehicle when said interior rearview mirror assembly is attached to said interior portion of the vehicle; andwherein said at least one non-incandescent light emitting element is selected from the group consisting of a light emitting diode, a vacuum fluorescent element, an electroluminescent element, a field-emission element, and a polymeric light emitting element.68. The information display system according to claim 67, wherein said interior mirror assembly comprises a support adapted for attaching to said interior portion of the vehicle, said mirror case pivotally mounted to said support.69. The information display system according to claim 68, wherein said support comprises a dual ball joint support.70. The information display system according to claim 69, wherein said interior portion comprises a windshield portion.71. The information display system according to claim 68, wherein said interior rearview mirror assembly attaches via a breakaway attachment to said interior portion of the vehicle.72. The information display system according to claim 71, wherein said interior portion comprises a windshield portion.73. The information display system according to claim 68, wherein said interior portion comprises a header portion.74. The information display system according to claim 68, wherein said interior mirror assembly is adapted for attachment to a mirror mounting button.75. The information display system according to claim 67, wherein said reflecting metal film of said metal reflector disposed on said third surface of said second sheet comprises a silver metal film.76. The information display system according to claim 67, wherein said reflecting metal film of said metal reflector disposed on said third surface of said second sheet comprises a silver alloy metal film.77. The information display system according to claim 67, wherein said reflecting metal film of said metal reflector disposed on said third surface of said second sheet comprises one chosen from an aluminum metal film and an aluminum alloy metal film.78. The information display system according to claim 67, wherein said first sheet comprises a glass sheet having a first thickness and said second sheet comprises a glass sheet having a second thickness, and wherein said first thickness differs from said second thickness.79. The information display system according to claim 67, wherein at least one of said first sheet and said second sheet comprises a glass sheet of thickness no greater than about 1.6 millimeters.80. The information display system according to claim 67, wherein said first sheet comprises a glass sheet having a first thickness and said second sheet comprises a glass sheet having a second thickness, and wherein said first thickness is less than said second thickness.81. The information display system according to claim 80, wherein first thickness is less than about 1.6 millimeters.82. The information display system according to claim 67, wherein said control controlling the light intensity emitted by said at least one light emitting element increases the light intensity emitted by said at least one light emitting element to compensate for any decrease in transmission of said electrochromic medium.83. The information display system according to claim 67, wherein said interior rearview mirror assembly comprises 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.84. The information display system according to claim 67, further comprising a carrier positioned in said case, said carrier supporting said at least one light emitting element, said carrier aligning said information display element with said light transmitting portion of said mirror reflector.85. The information display system according to claim 84, further comprising 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.86. The information display system according to claim 85, wherein said carrier includes said at least one electrically operated accessory.87. The information display system according to claim 67, further comprising a carrier member supporting said at least one light emitting element, said carrier member positioned in said mirror case and aligning said information display element with said light transmitting portion of said mirror reflector.88. The information display system according to claim 67, wherein said information display element comprises an air bag activation status information display element.89. The information display system according to claim 67, wherein said at least one light emitting element comprises at least one light emitting diode.90. The information display system according to claim 88, wherein said at least one light emitting element comprises at least one light emitting diode.91. The information display system according to claim 87, wherein said carrier member includes 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.92. The information display system according to claim 87, wherein said carrier member includes a plurality of light emitting elements.93. The information display system according to claim 92, wherein each of said light emitting elements is isolated from an adjacent light emitting element.94. The information display system according to claim 87, wherein said carrier member is mounted to one of said mirror case and said reflective element.95. The information display system according to claim 87, wherein said carrier member is mounted to said reflective element.96. The information display system according to claim 95, wherein said carrier member is adhesively attached to said reflective element.97. The information display system according to claim 84, wherein said reflecting metal film comprises a metal film chosen from a silver film, an aluminum film, and a silver alloy film.98. The information display system according to claim 67, comprising a user actuatable interface at said interior mirror assembly.99. The information display system according to claim 98, comprising a user actuatable interface at said mirror case.100. The information display system according to claim 99, wherein said user actuatable interface provides user interface to a telecommunications system.101. The information display system according to claim 100, wherein said control controlling the light intensity emitted by said at least one light emitting element increases the light intensity emitted by said at least one light emitting element to compensate for any decrease in transmission of said electrochromic medium.102. The information display system according to claim 101, further comprising a carrier member supporting said at least one light emitting element, said carrier member positioned in said mirror case and aligning said information display element with said light transmitting portion of said mirror reflector, and wherein said carrier includes said at least one electrically operated accessory.103. The information display system according to claim 102, wherein said at least one electrically operated accessory is 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.104. The information display system according to claim 87, wherein said carrier member includes a cavity, said information display element positioned in said cavity, said cavity including a reflecting surface.105. The information display system according to claim 104, wherein said carrier member includes a plurality of light emitting elements and a plurality of said cavities, a light emitting element being associated with each of said cavities.106. The information display system according to claim 67, wherein said information display element includes a printing on a surface thereof.107. The information display system according to claim 106, wherein said at least one non-incandescent light emitting element comprises at least one light emitting diode.108. The information display system according to claim 67, wherein said information display element comprises a plurality of light emitting diodes and wherein information displayed by said information display element is formed by selective actuation of said light emitting diodes.109. The information display system according to claim 67, further including at least one light sensor, and wherein said control adjusts the display intensity of said information display element in accordance with a light level detected by said at least one light sensor.110. The information display system according to claim 67, wherein said control adjusts the display intensity of said information display element by use of pulse-width modulation.111. The information display system according to claim 100, wherein said interior mirror assembly comprises at least one microphone.112. The information display system according to claim 100, wherein said user actuatable interface includes a button comprising a resilient material.113. The information display system according to claim 112, wherein said resilient material comprises a silicone material.114. The information display system according to claim 100, wherein said user actuatable interface includes a plurality of buttons comprising a key pad.115. The information display system according to claim 100, wherein said mirror case comprises at least one microphone.116. The information display system according to claim 68, wherein said interior rearview mirror assembly comprises a user actuatable interface, said user actuatable interface providing user interface to a telecommunications system, and wherein said interior mirror assembly includes at least one microphone.117. The information display system according to claim 116, wherein said at least one microphone provides a vocal input to said telecommunications system.118. The information display system according to claim 117, wherein said at least one microphone provides a vocal input to a digital sound processor.119. The information display system according to claim 117, wherein said at least one microphone provides a hands-free input to said telecommunication system.120. The information display system according to claim 67, wherein said interior mirror assembly comprises a part of an in-vehicle area network.121. The information display system according to claim 67, wherein said interior mirror assembly communicates via a wireless link with another vehicular accessory.122. The information display system according to claim 67, wherein said information display element displays at least one indicia chosen from an alphanumeric indicia, a graphical indicia, and a symbolic indicia.123. The information display system according to claim 67, wherein said electrochromic medium comprises an electrochemichromic medium.124. The information display system according to claim 67, wherein said electrochromic medium comprises a solid electrochromic medium.125. The information display system according to claim 67, wherein said information display element is positioned in said interior rearview mirror assembly at and generally aligned with said light transmitting portion of said mirror reflector of said reflective element generally at a central, lower edge of said reflective element.126. The information display system according to claim 125, wherein said light transmitting portion of said mirror reflector of said reflective element comprises a generally trapezoidal light transmitting portion.127. The information display system according to claim 67, wherein said at least one non-incandescent light emitting element comprises a plurality of light emitting diodes.128. The information display system according to claim 127, wherein information displayed by said information display element is formed by selective actuation of at least one light emitting diode of said plurality of light emitting diodes.129. The information display system according to claim 128, wherein said information display element comprises an air bag activation status information display element.130. The information display system according to claim 68, wherein said at least one non-incandescent light emitting element comprises a plurality of light emitting diodes.131. The information display system according to claim 130, wherein information displayed by said information display element is formed by selective actuation of at least one light emitting diode of said plurality of light emitting diodes.132. The information display system according to claim 131, wherein said information display element comprises an air bag activation status information display element.133. An information display system suitable for use in a vehicle, said display system comprising:an interior rearview mirror assembly;said interior rearview mirror assembly adapted for attachment to an interior portion of the vehicle, said interior portion comprising one of a windshield portion and a header portion;said interior rearview mirror assembly including a mirror case and a variable reflectance reflective element;said reflective element comprising a mirror reflector;said mirror reflector comprising a reflecting metal film;said variable reflectance reflective element comprising an electro-optic reflective element;said electro-optic reflective element including a first sheet having a first surface and a second surface, and a second sheet having a third surface and a fourth surface, said second surface of said first sheet opposing said third surface of said second sheet, said second surface of said first sheet being closer to said third surface of said second sheet than said first surface of said first sheet;an electro-optic medium between said second surface of said first sheet and said third surface of said second sheet, said electro-optic medium having a light transmittance which varies when electrical voltage is applied across said electro-optic medium to thereby vary the reflectivity of said reflective element;said first sheet including a transparent electroconductive coating on said second surface thereof;an information display element disposed to the rear of said second sheet of said electro-optic reflective element of said interior rearview mirror assembly;said information display element comprising a plurality of non-incandescent light emitting elements;wherein said mirror reflector is disposed on said third surface of said second sheet;wherein a region of said mirror reflector disposed on said third surface of said second sheet is adapted to form a light transmitting portion, said adaptation of said mirror reflector comprising an absence of said reflecting metal film at said region of said mirror reflector;wherein said information display element is positioned in said interior rearview mirror assembly at and generally aligned with said light transmitting portion of said mirror reflector of said reflective element such that light emitted by said plurality of non-incandescent light emitting elements passes through said light transmitting portion of said mirror reflector of said reflective element;a control;said control controlling the light intensity emitted by said plurality of non-incandescent light emitting elements for displaying information observable at said light transmitting portion of said mirror reflector of said reflective element by a driver of the vehicle when said interior rearview mirror assembly is attached to said interior portion of the vehicle; andwherein said interior rearview mirror assembly comprises a user actuatable interface, said user actuatable interface providing user interface to a telecommunications system, and wherein said interior mirror assembly includes at least one microphone.134. The information display system according to claim 133, wherein said interior mirror assembly comprises a support adapted for attaching to said interior portion of the vehicle, said mirror case pivotally mounted to said support.135. The information display system according to claim 134, wherein said support comprises a dual ball joint support.136. The information display system according to claim 135, wherein said interior portion comprises a windshield portion.137. The information display system according to claim 134, wherein said interior rearview mirror assembly attaches via a breakaway attachment to said interior portion of the vehicle.138. The information display system according to claim 137, wherein said interior portion comprises a windshield portion.139. The information display system according to claim 134, wherein said interior portion comprises a header portion.140. The information display system according to claim 134, wherein said interior mirror assembly is adapted for attachment to a mirror mounting button.141. The information display system according to claim 133, wherein said reflecting metal film of said metal reflector disposed on said third surface of said second sheet comprises a silver metal film.142. The information display system according to claim 133, wherein said reflecting metal film of said metal reflector disposed on said third surface of said second sheet comprises a silver alloy metal film.143. The information display system according to claim 133, wherein said reflecting metal film of said metal reflector disposed on said third surface of said second sheet comprises one chosen from an aluminum metal film and an aluminum alloy metal film.144. The information display system according to claim 133, wherein said first sheet comprises a glass sheet having a first thickness and said second sheet comprises a glass sheet having a second thickness, and wherein said first thickness differs from said second thickness.145. The information display system according to claim 133, wherein at least one of said first sheet and said second sheet comprises a glass sheet of thickness no greater than about 1.6 millimeters.146. The information display system according to claim 133, wherein said first sheet comprises a glass sheet having a first thickness and said second sheet comprises a glass sheet having a second thickness, and wherein said first thickness is less than said second thickness.147. The information display system according to claim 146, wherein first thickness is less than about 1.6 millimeters.148. The information display system according to claim 133, wherein said control controlling the light intensity emitted by said plurality of non-incandescent light emitting elements increases the light intensity emitted by said plurality of non-incandescent light emitting elements to compensate for any decrease in transmission of said electro-optic medium.149. The information display system according to claim 133, wherein said interior rearview mirror assembly comprises 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.150. The information display system according to claim 133, further comprising a carrier positioned in said case, said carrier supporting said plurality of non-incandescent light emitting elements, said carrier aligning said information display element with said light transmitting portion of said mirror reflector.151. The information display system according to claim 150, further comprising 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.152. The information display system according to claim 151, wherein said carrier includes said at least one electrically operated accessory.153. The information display system according to claim 133, further comprising a carrier member supporting said plurality of non-incandescent light emitting elements, said carrier member positioned in said mirror case and aligning said information display element with said light transmitting portion of said mirror reflector.154. The information display system according to claim 133, wherein said information display element comprises an air bag activation status information display element.155. The information display system according to claim 133, wherein at least one of said plurality of non-incandescent light emitting elements comprises a light emitting diode.156. The information display system according to claim 154, wherein said at least one of plurality of non-incandescent light emitting elements comprises a light emitting diode.157. The information display system according to claim 153, wherein said carrier member includes 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.158. The information display system according to claim 153, wherein said carrier member includes said plurality of non-incandescent light emitting elements.159. The information display system according to claim 158, wherein each of said plurality of light emitting elements is isolated from an adjacent light emitting element.160. The information display system according to claim 153, wherein said carrier member is mounted to one of said mirror case and said reflective element.161. The information display system according to claim 153, wherein said carrier member is mounted to said reflective element.162. The information display system according to claim 161, wherein said carrier member is adhesively attached to said reflective element.163. The information display system according to claim 150, wherein said reflecting metal film comprises a metal film chosen from a silver film, an aluminum film and a silver alloy film.164. The information display system according to claim 133, said reflecting metal film comprising at least one of a silver metal film, an aluminum metal film, a silver alloy metal film and an aluminum alloy metal film.165. The information display system according to claim 133, comprising a user actuatable interface at said mirror case.166. The information display system according to claim 165, wherein said information display element comprises an air bag activation status information display element.167. The information display system according to claim 166, wherein said control controlling the light intensity emitted by said plurality of non-incandescent light emitting elements increases the light intensity emitted by said plurality of non-incandescent light emitting elements to compensate for any decrease in transmission of said electro-optic medium.168. The information display system according to claim 167, further comprising a carrier member supporting said plurality of non-incandescent light emitting elements, said carrier member positioned in said mirror case and aligning said information display element with said light transmitting portion of said mirror reflector, and wherein said carrier includes said at least one electrically operated accessory.169. The information display system according to claim 168, wherein said at least one electrically operated accessory is 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.170. The information display system according to claim 153, wherein said carrier member includes a cavity, said information display element positioned in said cavity, said cavity including a reflecting surface.171. The information display system according to claim 170, wherein said carrier member includes said plurality of light emitting elements and a plurality of said cavities, a light emitting element of said plurality of light emitting elements being associated with each of said cavities.172. The information display system according to claim 133, wherein said information display element includes a printing on a surface thereof.173. The information display system according to claim 172, wherein at least one of said non-incandescent light emitting elements comprises at least one light emitting diode.174. The information display system according to claim 133, wherein said at least one selectively-actuated light emitting element of said plurality of non-incandescent light emitting elements is selected from the group consisting of a light emitting diode, a vacuum fluorescent element, an electroluminescent element, a field-emission element, and a polymeric light emitting element.175. The information display system according to claim 133, further including at least one light sensor, and wherein said control adjusts the display intensity of said information display element in accordance with a light level detected by said at least one light sensor.176. The information display system according to claim 133, wherein said control adjusts the display intensity of said information display element by use of pulse-width modulation.177. The information display system according to claim 166, wherein said interior mirror assembly comprises a plurality of microphones.178. The information display system according to claim 133, wherein said user actuatable interface includes a button comprising a resilient material.179. The information display system according to claim 178, wherein said resilient material comprises a silicone material.180. The information display system according to claim 133, wherein said user actuatable interface includes a plurality of buttons comprising a key pad.181. The information display system according to claim 180, wherein said information display element comprises an air bag activation status information display element.182. The information display system according to claim 133, wherein information displayed by said information display element is formed by selective actuation of at least one light emitting element of said plurality of non-incandescent light emitting elements.183. The information display system according to claim 133, wherein said at least one microphone provides a vocal input to said telecommunications system.184. The information display system according to claim 183, wherein said at least one microphone provides a vocal input to a digital sound processor.185. The information display system according to claim 183, wherein said at least one microphone provides a hands-free input to said telecommunication system.186. The information display system according to claim 133, wherein said interior mirror assembly comprises a part of an in-vehicle area network.187. The information display system according to claim 133, wherein said interior mirror assembly communicates via a wireless link with another vehicular accessory.188. The information display system according to claim 133, wherein said information display element displays at least one indicia chosen from an alphanumeric indicia, a graphical indicia, and a symbolic indicia.189. The information display system according to claim 133, wherein said electro-optic reflective element comprises an electrochromic reflective element.190. The information display system according to claim 189, wherein said electro-optic medium comprises an electrochromic medium.191. The information display system according to claim 190, wherein said electrochromic medium comprises an electrochemichromic medium.192. The information display system according to claim 190, wherein said electrochromic medium comprises a solid electrochromic medium.193. The information display system according to claim 133, wherein said information display element is positioned in said interior rearview mirror assembly at and generally aligned with said light transmitting portion of said mirror reflector of said reflective element generally at a central, of said reflective element.194. The information display system according to claim 193, wherein said light transmitting portion of said mirror reflector of said reflective element comprises a generally trapezoidal light transmitting portion.195. The information display system according to claim 193, wherein said plurality of non-incandescent light emitting elements comprises a plurality of light emitting diodes.196. The information display system according to claim 195, wherein information displayed by said information display element is formed by selective actuation of at least one light emitting diode of said plurality of light emitting diodes.197. The information display system according to claim 196, wherein said information display element comprises an air bag activation status information display element.198. The information display system according to claim 133, wherein said plurality of non-incandescent light emitting elements comprises a plurality of light emitting diodes.199. The information display system according to claim 198, wherein information displayed by said information display element is formed by selective actuation of at least one light emitting diode of said plurality of light emitting diodes.200. The information display system according to claim 199, wherein said information display element comprises an air bag activation status information display element.201. An information display system suitable for use in a vehicle, said display system comprising:an interior rearview mirror assembly;said interior rearview mirror assembly adapted for attachment to an interior portion of the vehicle, said interior portion comprising one of a windshield portion and a header portion;said interior rearview mirror assembly including a mirror case and a variable reflectance reflective element;said reflective element comprising a mirror reflector;said mirror reflector comprising a reflecting metal film;said variable reflectance reflective element comprising an electro-optic reflective element;said electro-optic reflective element including a first sheet having a first surface and a second surface, and a second sheet having a third surface and a fourth surface, said second surface of said first sheet opposing said third surface of said second sheet, said second surface of said first sheet being closer to said third surface of said second sheet than said first surface of said first sheet;an electro-optic medium between said second surface of said first sheet and said third surface of said second sheet, said electro-optic medium having a light transmittance which varies when electrical voltage is applied across said electro-optic medium to thereby vary the reflectivity of said reflective element;said first sheet including a transparent electroconductive coating on said second surface thereof;an information display element disposed to the rear of said second sheet of said electro-optic reflective element of said interior rearview mirror assembly;said information display element comprising a plurality of non-incandescent light emitting elements;wherein said mirror reflector is disposed on said third surface of said second sheet;wherein a region of said mirror reflector disposed on said third surface of said second sheet is adapted to form a light transmitting portion, said adaptation of said mirror reflector comprising an absence of said reflecting metal film at said region of said mirror reflector;wherein said information display element is positioned in said interior rearview mirror assembly at and generally aligned with said light transmitting portion of said mirror reflector of said reflective element such that light emitted by said plurality of non-incandescent light emitting elements passes through said light transmitting portion of said mirror reflector of said reflective element;a control;said control controlling the light intensity emitted by said plurality of non-incandescent light emitting elements for displaying information observable at said light transmitting portion of said mirror reflector of said reflective element by a driver of the vehicle when said interior rearview mirror assembly is attached to said interior portion of the vehicle; andwherein said information display element is positioned in said interior rearview mirror assembly at and generally aligned with said light transmitting portion of said mirror reflector of said reflective element generally at a central, lower edge of said reflective element.202. The information display system according to claim 201, wherein said interior mirror assembly comprises a support adapted for attaching to said interior portion of the vehicle, said mirror case pivotally mounted to said support.203. The information display system according to claim 202, wherein said support comprises a dual ball joint support.204. The information display system according to claim 203, wherein said interior portion comprises a windshield portion.205. The information display system according to claim 202, wherein said interior rearview mirror assembly attaches via a breakaway attachment to said interior portion of the vehicle.206. The information display system according to claim 205, wherein said interior portion comprises a windshield portion.207. The information display system according to claim 202, wherein said interior portion comprises a header portion.208. The information display system according to claim 202, wherein said interior mirror assembly is adapted for attachment to a mirror mounting button.209. The information display system according to claim 201, wherein said reflecting metal film of said metal reflector disposed on said third surface of said second sheet comprises a silver metal film.210. The information display system according to claim 201, wherein said reflecting metal film of said metal reflector disposed on said third surface of said second sheet comprises a silver alloy metal film.211. The information display system according to claim 201, wherein said reflecting metal film of said metal reflector disposed on said third surface of said second sheet comprises one chosen from an aluminum metal film and an aluminum alloy metal film.212. The information display system according to claim 201, wherein said first sheet comprises a glass sheet having a first thickness and said second sheet comprises a glass sheet having a second thickness, and wherein said first thickness differs from said second thickness.213. The information display system according to claim 201, wherein at least one of said first sheet and said second sheet comprises a glass sheet of thickness no greater than about 1.6 millimeters.214. The information display system according to claim 201, wherein said first sheet comprises a glass sheet having a first thickness and said second sheet comprises a glass sheet having a second thickness, and wherein said first thickness is less than said second thickness.215. The information display system according to claim 214, wherein first thickness is less than about 1.6 millimeters.216. The information display system according to claim 201, wherein said control controlling the light intensity emitted by said plurality of non-incandescent light emitting elements increases the light intensity emitted by said plurality of non-incandescent light emitting elements to compensate for any decrease in transmission of said electro-optic medium.217. The information display system according to claim 201, wherein said interior rearview mirror assembly comprises 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.218. The information display system according to claim 201, further comprising a carrier positioned in said case, said carrier supporting said plurality of non-incandescent light emitting elements, said carrier aligning said information display element with said light transmitting portion of said mirror reflector.219. The information display system according to claim 218, further comprising 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.220. The information display system according to claim 219, wherein carrier includes said at least one electrically operated accessory.221. The information display system according to claim 201, further comprising a carrier member supporting said plurality of non-incandescent light emitting elements, said carrier member positioned in said mirror case and aligning said information display element with said light transmitting portion of said mirror reflector.222. The information display system according to claim 201, wherein said information display element comprises an air bag activation status information display element.223. The information display system according to claim 201, wherein at least one of said plurality of non-incandescent light emitting elements comprises a light emitting diode.224. The information display system according to claim 222, wherein at least one of said plurality of non-incandescent light emitting elements comprises a light emitting diode.225. The information display system according to claim 221, wherein said carrier member includes 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.226. The information display system according to claim 221, wherein said carrier member includes said plurality of non-incandescent light emitting elements.227. The information display system according to claim 226, wherein each of said plurality of light emitting elements is isolated from an adjacent light emitting element.228. The information display system according to claim 221, wherein said carrier member is mounted to one of said mirror case and said reflective element.229. The information display system according to claim 221, wherein said carrier member is mounted to said reflective element.230. The information display system according to claim 229, wherein said carrier member is adhesively attached to said reflective element.231. The information display system according to claim 218, wherein said reflecting metal film comprises a metal film chosen from a silver film, an aluminum film, and a silver alloy film.232. The information display system according to claim 201, said reflecting metal film comprising at least one chosen from a silver metal film, an aluminum metal film, a silver alloy metal film, and an aluminum alloy metal film.233. The information display system according to claim 201, wherein said interior rearview mirror assembly comprises a user actuatable interface, said user actuatable interface providing user interface to a telecommunications system, and wherein said interior mirror assembly includes at least one microphone.234. The information display system according to claim 233, wherein said information display element comprises an air bag activation status information display element.235. The information display system according to claim 234, wherein said control controlling the light intensity emitted by said plurality of non-incandescent light emitting elements increases the light intensity emitted by said plurality of non-incandescent light emitting elements to compensate for any decrease in transmission of said electro-optic medium.236. The information display system according to claim 235, further comprising a carrier member supporting said plurality of non-incandescent light emitting elements, said carrier member positioned in said mirror case and aligning said information display element with said light transmitting portion of said mirror reflector, and wherein said carrier includes said at least one electrically operated accessory.237. The information display system according to claim 236, wherein said at least one electrically operated accessory is 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.238. The information display system according to claim 221, wherein said carrier member includes a cavity, said information display element positioned in said cavity, said cavity including a reflecting surface.239. The information display system according to claim 238, wherein said carrier member includes said plurality of light emitting elements and a plurality of said cavities, a light emitting element of said plurality of light emitting elements being associated with each of said cavities.240. The information display system according to claim 201, wherein said information display element includes a printing on a surface thereof.241. The information display system according to claim 240, wherein said at least one of said non-incandescent light emitting elements comprises at least one light emitting diode.242. The information display system according to claim 201, wherein said at least one selectively-actuated light emitting element of said plurality of non-incandescent light emitting elements is selected from the group consisting of a light emitting diode, a vacuum fluorescent element, an electroluminescent element, a field-emission element and a polymeric light emitting element.243. The information display system according to claim 201, further including at least one light sensor, and wherein said control adjusts the display intensity of said information display element in accordance with a light level detected by said at least one light sensor.244. The information display system according to claim 201, wherein said control adjusts the display intensity of said information display element by use of pulse-width modulation.245. The information display system according to claim 234, wherein said interior mirror assembly comprises a plurality of microphones.246. The information display system according to claim 201, wherein said interior rearview mirror assembly comprises a user actuatable interface, said user actuatable interface providing user interface to a telecommunications system, and wherein said interior mirror assembly includes at least one microphone, and wherein said user actuatable interface includes a button comprising a resilient material.247. The information display system according to claim 246, wherein said resilient material comprises a silicone material.248. The information display system according to claim 201, wherein said interior rearview mirror assembly comprises a user actuatable interface, said user actuatable interface providing user interface to a telecommunications system, and wherein said interior mirror assembly includes at least one microphone, and wherein said user actuatable interface includes a plurality of buttons comprising a key pad.249. The information display system according to claim 248, wherein said information display element comprises an air bag activation status information display element.250. The information display system according to claim 201, wherein information displayed by said information display element is formed by selective actuation of at least one light emitting element of said plurality of non-incandescent light emitting elements.251. The information display system according to claim 201, wherein said interior rearview mirror assembly comprises a user actuatable interface, said user actuatable interface providing user interface to a telecommunications system, and wherein said interior mirror assembly includes at least one microphone, and wherein said at least one microphone provides a vocal input to said telecommunications system.252. The information display system according to claim 251, wherein said at least one microphone provides a vocal input to a digital sound processor.253. The information display system according to claim 251, wherein said at least one microphone provides a hands-free input to said telecommunication system.254. The information display system according to claim 201, wherein said interior mirror assembly comprises a part of an in-vehicle area network.255. The information display system according to claim 201, wherein said interior mirror assembly communicates via a wireless link with another vehicular accessory.256. The information display system according to claim 201, wherein said information display element displays at least one indicia chosen from an alphanumeric indicia, a graphical indicia, and a symbolic indicia.257. The information display system according to claim 201, wherein said electro-optic reflective element comprises an electrochromic reflective element.258. The information display system according to claim 257, wherein said electro-optic medium comprises an electrochromic medium.259. The information display system according to claim 258, wherein said electrochromic medium comprises an electrochemichromic medium.260. The information display system according to claim 258, wherein said electrochromic medium comprises a solid electrochromic medium.261. The information display system according to claim 202, wherein said interior rearview mirror assembly comprises a user actuatable interface, said user actuatable interface providing user interface to a telecommunications system, and wherein said interior mirror assembly includes at least one microphone.262. The information display system according to claim 261, wherein said light transmitting portion of said mirror reflector of said reflective element comprises a generally trapezoidal light transmitting portion.263. The information display system according to claim 261, wherein said plurality of non-incandescent light emitting elements comprises a plurality of light emitting diodes.264. The information display system according to claim 263, wherein information displayed by said information display element is formed by selective actuation of at least one light emitting diode of said plurality of light emitting diodes.265. The information display system according to claim 264, wherein said information display element comprises an air bag activation status information display element.266. The information display system according to claim 201, wherein said plurality of non-incandescent light emitting elements comprises a plurality of light emitting diodes.267. The information display system according to claim 266, wherein information displayed by said information display element is formed by selective actuation of at least one light emitting diode of said plurality of light emitting diodes.268. The information display system according to claim 267, wherein said information display element comprises an air bag activation status information display element.269. The information display system according to claim 201, wherein said information display element comprises an air bag activation status information display element.

说明书全文

This application is a continuation of application Ser. No. 09/988,210, filed Nov. 19, 2001, by Timothy G. Skiver, Joseph P. McCaw, John T. Uken, Jonathan E. DeLine, and Niall R. Lynam, entitled REARVIEW MIRROR ASSEMBLY WITH ADDED FEATURE MODULAR DISPLAY, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,501,387 which is a continuation of application Ser. No. 09/448,700, filed on Nov. 24, 1999, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,329,925, which are incorporated by reference herein in their entireties.

TECHNICAL FIELD AND BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to rearview mirror assemblies and, more particularly, to a modular variable reflectance interior rearview mirror assembly for use in vehicles incorporating information displays and controls for various electronic or electrical functions.

Variable reflectance interior rearview mirror assemblies include two basic designs: Prismatic mirrors and electrochromic mirrors. Conventional prismatic mirror assemblies include a reflective element having a wedge shape in cross section and a mechanical actuator which moves the mirror case and reflective element between a day viewing position and a night viewing position. Typical mechanical actuators include a bracket pivotally mounted to the rear wall of the casing and a toggle which pivots the mirror case and reflective element with respect to the bracket. However, these actuators often exhibit rotational movement between the casing and the bracket which can lead to increased vibration in the casing and reflective element. With increased vibration, the reflection in the reflective element is blurred. In addition, space within the prismatic mirror casing is limited by the actuator which moves within the casing.

More recently, prismatic mirrors have incorporated a number of electronic and electrical devices within the interior rearview mirror assembly, for example lights for illuminating maps or the dashboard and, furthermore, information displays which provide information to the driver or occupants of the vehicle such as warnings relating to the status of the passenger airbag. In commonly assigned copending application Ser. No. 09/244,726, filed by Jonathan E. DeLine and Niall R. Lynam, on Feb. 5, 1999, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,172,613, information displays are provided which include information relating to vehicle or engine status, warning information, and the like such as information relating to oil pressure, fuel remaining, time, temperature, compass headings for vehicle direction, and the like, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. With the increased number of devices desired to be housed in the mirror case and the increased number of functions provided by the various devices, maximizing space or making more efficient use of the available space is highly desirable. In addition, because of the increase in included devices as well as the number of combined features, the rearview mirror assembly process has become more difficult and complex.

Electrochromic mirror assemblies, on the other hand, include a variable reflectance element in the form of an electro-optic cell or unit in which reflectivity is changed in response to changes in light and the amount of electrical voltage applied across the cell/unit. Therefore, electrochromic mirrors do not require an actuator. As a result, the interior of the electrochromic mirror casing has more space for incorporating further electronic and electrical features, such as map reading lights, as noted above, blind spot detection systems, rain sensor assemblies, video cameras for actuating windshield wipers or other purposes, or receivers, such as remote keyless entry receivers, cellular phone receivers, microphones, and the like. Heretofore, electrochromic mirror designs have included mirror casings with structural reinforcement which provides support for the reflective element in the casing, support for additional electronic or electrical features, and stiffness to the casing. However, such reinforcements reduce the potential available space in the mirror casing.

In the interest of economy and ease of assembly, it is highly desirable to simplify the assembly process by having a common modular design for both electrochromic and prismatic mirror assemblies. Heretofore, the designs of the mirror casings of the electrochromic and prismatic mirror assemblies have had different internal structures which result from their different mounting arrangements. As the desire to place more devices and features in the casing has increased, the economy and efficiency use of space is taken on increased importance.

Consequently, there is a need for a rearview mirror structure which permits a wide range of electrical and electronic components to be housed in the mirror housing, and which uses a plurality of common components to assemble either electrochromic or prismatic mirror assemblies as desired. Such structure would enhance the economy of the mirror assembly and, furthermore, would provide a product familiar to consumers and users regardless of whether the consumer/user purchases a prismatic or electrochromic mirror assembly.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a rearview mirror assembly incorporating a modular structure which provides for mounting either prismatic or electrochromic reflective elements, as well as an improved mounting arrangement for information displays.

In one form of the invention, a modular interior rearview mirror assembly for vehicles includes a mirror case having a reflective element, with the mirror case being adapted to mount to a vehicle. The reflective element includes a substrate and a reflective coating on one side of the substrate and a window therethrough. A carrier is supported in the case and includes a display element for displaying one or more indicia through the window to define a display area on the reflective element.

In one aspect, the case includes at least one electrical or electronic device which is supported by the carrier. For example, the device may be mounted to a circuit board, with the circuit board being supported by the carrier.

In another aspect, the carrier is adhered to the reflective element. In preferred form, the carrier comprises a plate member, which includes a first portion and a second portion offset rearwardly from the reflective element and from the first portion, with the second portion including the display element.

In yet other aspects, the carrier includes a plurality of light assemblies, with each light assembly being isolated from the adjacent light assemblies such that the light leakage between the respective light assemblies is substantially reduced. The carrier includes a body with a plurality of cavities formed therein and a plurality of light sources associated with the cavities, with the display element extending over the body and over the cavities. The cavities together with the light sources direct light to the display element for displaying the indicia. In preferred form, each cavity includes at least one opening through which the light sources direct light to the display element. Each of the cavities includes a reflecting surface associated with each light source for directing and defusing the light from the respective light source. Preferably, the reflecting surfaces comprise curved reflecting surfaces.

In yet further aspects, a frame is mounted to the display element, which mounts the display element onto the carrier over the body and the cavities. For example, the frame may include a base wall mounted to the display element, with the base wall including a plurality of openings corresponding to and aligning with the cavities of the body. The openings expose areas of the display element for displaying the indicia. In preferred form, the frame includes recessed landing surfaces extending around each of the openings. The body includes projecting perimeter walls around each of the cavities, with the perimeter walls seating on the landing surfaces of the frame to isolate each cavity in each of the areas of the display plate member to substantially reduce light leakage between the respective light assemblies.

According to another form of the invention, a modular interior rearview mirror assembly includes a mirror case having a prismatic reflective element and an actuator assembly supporting the case for shifting the mirror case between a day viewing position and a night viewing position. The actuator has a first member, which is adapted to mount the mirror case to a vehicle support mount, and a second member rigidly mounted to the mirror case. The first member includes first and second portions, with the second member being pivotally mounted to the first portion of the first member about a pivot axis and, further coupled to the second portion of the first member. The second member pivots about the first portion to thereby shift the mirror case between the day viewing position and the night viewing position.

In one aspect, the actuator further includes an actuator handle rotatably supported by the second member. Rotation of the actuator handle about an axis of rotation induces pivoting of the case about the first member on the pivot axis, which is generally orthogonal to the axis of rotation.

In further aspects, the first member includes a downwardly depending member, with the rotation of the actuator handle moving the second member with respect to the downwardly depending member to thereby pivot the case about the pivot axis.

In other aspects, the actuator assembly further includes a cam, with the actuator handle rotating the cam about the axis of rotation. When the cam rotates about the axis of rotation, the cam moves the first member with respect to the second member to thereby pivot the case between the day viewing position and the night viewing position.

Advantages provided by this invention include a structure having modular elements, which comprise common components for assembling a rearview mirror assembly, regardless of whether an electrochromic/electro-optic mirror assembly or a prismatic mirror assembly is desired. Additionally, the invention provides a more stable actuator for the prismatic mirror assembly design, which improves the vibration characteristics of and thus the visibility of reflected images in the reflective element assembly. Further, the invention provides improved space economizing support for various electronic and/or electrical features included in the assembly, as well as improved information display visible by drivers and passengers in the vehicle in which the assembly is mounted.

These and other objects, advantages, purposes, and features of the invention will become more apparent from the study of the following description taken in conjunction with the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1

is a front perspective view of the first embodiment of the interior rearview mirror assembly of the present invention showing the interior rearview mirror assembly in a viewing position on a front windshield of a vehicle;

FIG. 2

is an exploded perspective view of the rearview mirror assembly of

FIG. 1

;

FIG. 3

is a cross-section view of the mirror assembly of FIG.

1

and taken along line III—III of

FIG. 1

;

FIG. 4

is an enlarged, exploded perspective view of the mirror casing of the interior rearview mirror assembly of

FIG. 1

including light assemblies and a microphone module;

FIG. 4A

is a front elevation view of the mirror case of the mirror assembly of

FIG. 1

;

FIG. 4B

is a rear elevation view of the mirror case of the mirror assembly of

FIG. 1

;

FIG. 5

is an enlarged perspective view of the mounting bracket and mirror support of the exterior rearview mirror assembly of

FIG. 1

;

FIG. 5A

is a front elevation view of the mounting bracket of

FIG. 5

;

FIG. 5B

is a rear perspective view of the mirror mounting bracket of

FIG. 5

;

FIG. 5C

is a sectional side elevation of the mounting bracket taken along line VC—VC of

FIG. 5A

;

FIG. 5D

is a side elevation view of the mirror mounting bracket of

FIG. 5

;

FIG. 5E

is another sectional side elevation of the mounting bracket taken along line VE—VE of FIG.

5

A.

FIG. 6

is an enlarged perspective view of an attachment plate and LED board and switch board of the interior rearview mirror assembly of

FIG. 1

;

FIG. 6A

is a front elevation of the attachment plate of

FIG. 6

;

FIG. 6B

is a rear elevation of the attachment plate of

FIG. 6

;

FIG. 6C

is a sectional side elevation of the attachment plate taken along line VIC—VIC of

FIG. 6A

;

FIG. 6D

is another sectional side elevation of the attachment plate taken along line VID—VID of

FIG. 6A

;

FIG. 7

is an enlarged front elevation of a display module of the interior rearview mirror assembly of FIG.

1

.

FIG. 7A

is a rear elevation of the display module of

FIG. 7

;

FIG. 7B

is a top view of the display module of

FIG. 7

;

FIG. 7C

is a bottom view of the display module of

FIG. 7

;

FIG. 7D

is a sectional end elevation of the display module taken along line VIID—VIID of

FIG. 7A

;

FIG. 8

is a front perspective view of a second embodiment of the interior rearview mirror assembly of the present invention showing the interior rearview mirror assembly in a viewing position on a front windshield of a vehicle;

FIG. 9

is an exploded perspective view of the interior rearview mirror assembly of

FIG. 8

;

FIG. 10

is a sectional end elevation of the mirror assembly of

FIG. 8

taken along line X—X of

FIG. 8

;

FIG. 11

is a front elevation of the mirror case of the mirror assembly of

FIG. 8

;

FIG. 12

is a rear elevation of the mirror case of the mirror assembly of

FIG. 8

;

FIG. 13

is an enlarged perspective view of an attachment plate and LED board of the mirror assembly of

FIG. 8

;

FIG. 13A

is a front elevation of the attachment plate of

FIG. 13

;

FIG. 13B

is a rear elevation of the attachment plate of

FIG. 13A

;

FIG. 13C

is a sectional end elevation of the attachment plate taken along line XIIIC—XIIIC of

FIG. 13A

;

FIG. 13D

is another sectional end elevation of the attachment plate taken along line XIIID—XIIID of

FIG. 13A

;

FIG. 14

is an exploded perspective view of an actuator of the mirror assembly of

FIG. 8

;

FIG. 14A

is a front elevation of an outer bracket of the actuator of

FIG. 14

;

FIG. 14B

is a rear elevation view of the outer bracket of

FIG. 14A

;

FIG. 14C

is a side elevation of the outer bracket of

FIG. 14A

;

FIG. 14D

is a sectional side elevation of the outer bracket taken through line XIVD—XIVD of

FIG. 14A

;

FIG. 14E

is a front elevation of an inner bracket of the actuator assembly of

FIG. 14

;

FIG. 14F

is a rear perspective of the inner bracket of

FIG. 14E

;

FIG. 14G

is a top view of the inner bracket of

FIG. 14E

;

FIG. 14H

is a sectional side elevation of the inner bracket taken along line XIVH—XIVH of

FIG. 14E

;

FIG. 14I

is an enlarged top plan view of an actuator cam of the actuator assembly of

FIG. 14

;

FIG. 14J

is a bottom plan view of the actuator cam of

FIG. 14I

;

FIG. 14K

is a side elevation of the actuator knob of the actuator assembly of

FIG. 14

;

FIG. 14L

is a front elevation of the actuator knob of

FIG. 14K

;

FIG. 14M

is a sectional plan view taken along line XIVL—XIVL of

FIG. 10

illustrating the actuator knob rotating the cam to a day viewing position;

FIG. 14N

is a sectional plan view similar to

FIG. 14M

but illustrating the actuator knob rotating the cam to a night viewing position;

FIG. 15

is a front elevation of the display module of the interior rearview mirror assembly of

FIG. 8

;

FIG. 15A

is a rear elevation view of the display module of

FIG. 15

; and

FIG. 15B

is a sectional end elevation of the display module taken along line XVB—XVB of FIG.

15

A.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring now to

FIG. 1

, a first embodiment 10 of an interior rearview mirror assembly for vehicles of the present invention includes an improved structure incorporating modular elements or units and a light module for illuminating an information display area

20

of assembly

10

. In the illustrated embodiment, assembly

10

is adapted to be releasably coupled or secured to the front windshield W of a vehicle below the headliner header section of the interior roof in position for viewing by the driver in a direction generally rearwardly of the vehicle. It should be understood that assembly

10

may also be mounted to the headliner or to other structures of the vehicle.

Mirror assembly

10

includes a mirror case or housing

12

, a bezel

13

, and a mirror reflective element

14

. Bezel

13

includes an enlarged chin area

15

positioned below the viewing area of reflective element

14

, with a plurality of openings

15

a

(

FIG. 2

) for receiving a user actuatable interface; for example user actuatable buttons

16

a

and indicators

16

b

that preferably are formed as a single unit key pad

16

. Key pad

16

is preferably formed from a resilient material and, most preferably from a silicone material. Key pad

16

is positioned behind bezel

13

and provides on/off functions and indicators for various vehicle and/or mirror assembly functions, as will be more fully described below.

Case

12

is mounted to windshield W by mounting bracket

24

and support

28

(

FIGS. 1

,

2

,

3

, and

5

). Referring to FIGS.

5

and

5

A-

5

E, mounting bracket

24

includes a rearwardly extending ball mount

26

which mounts mirror assembly

10

onto a support arm

28

. Bracket

24

is preferably formed from a resinous polymeric or plastic material and, more preferably, from a mineral filled polypropylene, such as glass or mineral filled nylon, for example RENY 252A. Ball mount

26

is preferably a zinc ball stud and preferably insert molded into bracket

24

. Bracket

24

is rigidly mounted to rear wall

38

of case

12

preferably by heat staking onto projecting members, such as mounting bosses

34

and

36

(

FIGS. 4 and 4A

) which project outwardly from back wall

38

of case

12

and which extend into openings

25

provided at each corner of bracket

24

(FIGS.

5

and

5

A-B). In addition, bracket

24

includes outwardly extending flanges

24

a

each having an elongate opening

24

b

and an elongate opening

24

c

at its upper perimeter which receive corresponding flanges

38

a

in case

12

which are also heat staked to bracket

24

. Flanges

38

a

also provide a guide for proper alignment of bracket

24

on back wall

38

. In addition, flanges

38

a

are located along ribs

38

c

which provide a landing or seat

38

b

for bracket

24

to further distribute the load of bracket

24

across back wall

38

of case

12

and to increase the stiffness of bracket

24

.

When bracket

24

is mounted on bosses

34

,

36

, and flanges

38

a

, ball mount

26

is aligned with an opening

40

provided on back wall

38

of case

12

through which ball mount

26

extends for coupling to support arm

28

(FIGS.

3

and

4

). As best seen in

FIGS. 3 and 5

, support arm

28

preferably comprises a dual ball mount arrangement which receives ball mount

26

on one end and a second ball mount

30

from a mirror mounting bracket

32

to permit positioning and adjustment of case

12

when mounted on the vehicle. Bracket

32

preferably comprises a break-away mounting bracket for releasably coupling to a windshield mounting button on windshield W or a header mount at an upper edge of the windshield in a conventionally known fashion. Examples of suitable mounting brackets or mounting arrangements are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,487,522; 5,671,996; 5,820,097; 5,615,857; 5,330,149; 5,100,095; 4,930,742; or 4,936,533 or co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/781,408, filed Jan. 10, 1997, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,820,097, all commonly-assigned to Donnelly Corp., the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.

In preferred form, bracket

24

has generally rectangular body

27

with openings

25

provided at each corner for receiving bosses

34

and

36

therein, and elongate openings

24

b

,

24

c

for receiving flanges

38

a

therein. Body

27

may be solid or may be molded with planar rear surface

27

a

(

FIG. 5B

) and a plurality of voids or recessed areas

27

b

defined by a plurality of interconnecting webs or ribs

27

c

formed on its front side which provide for a rigid bracket

24

without the added weight associated with a solid bracket.

Reflective element

14

preferably comprises an electro-optic reflectance element or unit that includes a transparent front sheet

14

a

and a transparent rear sheet

14

b

having a reflective coating

14

c

applied to its rear surface (FIG.

2

). Sheets

14

a

and

14

b

are preferably glass sheets, with the front glass sheet

14

a

being slightly offset relative to second glass sheet

14

b

such that the upper and lower edges project for connection to appropriate metal connection strips. A variable light transmittance, electrochromic medium

14

d

is sandwiched between front and rear sheets

14

a

and

14

b

. The front surface of rear glass

14

b

and rear surface of front glass

14

a

each have a transparent electroconductive coating, such as an indium tin oxide or doped tin oxide or the like, to conduct electricity across electrochromic medium

14

d

by way of the connection strips secured at the offset top and bottom of the front and rear glass sheets

14

a

and

14

b

. When an electrical voltage is applied across the electro-optic element between front glass

14

a

and rear glass

14

b

, the transmittance of layer

14

d

varies. For example, it may darken or become more opaque, to reduce light reflected by the reflective coating

14

c

on reflective rear glass

14

b

. Electrochromic medium

14

d

may, for example, comprise an electrochemichromic medium such as described in commonly assigned U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,140,455 and 5,151,816, or a solid state electrochromic medium such as described in the following publications: N. R. Lynam, “Electrochromic Automotive Day/Night Mirrors”,

SAE Technical Paper Series

870636 (1987); N. R. Lynam, “Smart Windows for Automobiles”,

SAE Technical Paper Series

900419 (1990); N. R. Lynam and A. Agrawal, “Automotive Applications of Chromogenic Materials”,

Large Area Chromogenics: Materials and Devices for Transmittance Control

, C. M. Lampert and C. G. Grandquist, EDS., Optical Engineering Press, Washington (1990), the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein in their entireties. Other suitable electrochromic reflectors are described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,567,360; 5,525,264; 5,610,756; 5,406,414; 5,253,109; 5,076,673; 5,073,012 or 5,117,346, which are all commonly assigned to Donnelly Corporation, the disclosures of which are herein incorporated by reference in their entireties.

Typically, the two glass plates sandwich the electrochromic medium. A reflective coating may be deposited either on the rear most surface away from the viewer (to create a fourth surface reflector as is known in the art) or disposed on the front surface of the rear most substrate (to create a third surface reflector as is known in the art). The substrates can be of equal or different glass thicknesses. The electrochromic medium can be a liquid medium or a solid medium, such as a solid polymer matrix electrochromic medium such as is disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/350,930 filed Jul. 12, 1999 titled “Electrochromic Polymeric Solid Films, Manufacturing Electrochromic Devices Using Such Films, And Processes For Making Such Solid Films And Devices” to Desaraju V. Varaprasad et al., now U.S. Pat. No. 6,154,306, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein. For example, an interior rearview mirror can comprise a 1.1 mm thick front substrate, a 2 mm thick rear substrate, and an aluminum silver, silver alloy, aluminum alloy or the like highly reflective metal film on the front surface of the rear substrate (i.e. third surface reflector) and the electrochromic medium may be solid such as electrochromic Solid Polymer Matrix (SPM)™ comprising a color changing cross-linked polymer solid film. Most preferably, the front substrate comprises a glass plate of thickness less than about 1.6 mm, most preferably about 1.1 mm thickness or lower, and the rear substrate comprises a glass plate of thickness equal to or greater than about 1.6 mm, more preferably greater than about 1.8 mm thickness, most preferably equal to or greater than about 2.0 mm thickness. The rearmost surface of the rear substrate (the fourth surface as known in the mirror art) is reflector coated with a high reflecting metal film such as of aluminum or silver, or an alloy of aluminum or silver. Most preferably, the frontmost surface of the rear substrate (the third surface as known in the mirror art) is reflector coated with a high reflecting metal film such as of aluminum or silver, or an alloy of aluminum or silver.

Optionally, the front surface of the front substrate

14

a

(i.e. the first surface as known in the mirror art) can be coated with a surface coating or otherwise modified so as to reduce the build up of condensation or mist such as can occur in humid climates. For example, the front surface of the front substrate

14

a

(which is the surface upon which condensation/mist might gather or which would be subject to raindrops should the vehicle be a convertible and be driven with hood down during rain) may be optionally coated with a water wetting characteristic modification coating such as a hydrophilic coating such as a photocatalytic hydrophilic coating system such as is disclosed in Japanese Patent Abstract JP11050006A, issued Feb. 23, 1999, titled “Pretreatment of surface Forming Photocatalytic Hydrophilic Film and Cleaning Agent and Undercoating Composition Used Therein” to Mitsumasa et al of Toto Ltd, and in JP10330131A, issued Dec. 15, 1998, titled “Hydrophilic Thin Film and Vehicular Mirror and Glass Product Using The Same Hydrophilic Thin Film” to Tsutomu et al of Ichikoh Ind Ltd, and in JP10036144A, issued Feb. 10, 1998, titled “Antifogging Element” to Toru et al of Murakami Corporation, and in U.S. Pat. No. 5,724,187, issued Mar. 3, 1998, titled “Electrochromic Mirrors and Devices” to Varaprasad et al of Donnelly Corporation, the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein. Also, such wetting characteristic modification coatings and techniques, such as photocatalytic hydrophilic coatings, can be used for the first (frontmost) surface of a non-electrochromic reflective element such as a prismatic interior mirror reflective element (and for the first surface of electrochromic exterior mirror reflective elements and of metal coated, such as chromium coated, exterior non-electrochromic mirror reflective elements).

In order to control the reflectance of reflective element

14

, case

12

includes a light sensor, which is positioned in hollow socket

39

which includes a rearward opening

39

a

in back wall

38

of case

12

(

FIGS. 4

,

4

A and

4

B). Positioned in socket

39

is a lens cover

39

b

through which the light sensor detects the light level outside the vehicle. The driving circuit for varying the transmittance of layer

14

d

is preferably supported on electrochromic circuit board

17

(FIG.

2

), which is supported on an attachment plate

18

via a circuit board

21

, described below. Examples of suitable driving circuits can be found in the referenced U.S. patents.

As best understood from

FIGS. 2 and 3

, reflective element

14

is supported and retained in a rear facing opening of case

12

by bezel

13

. Bezel

13

and case

12

are both formed preferably from resinous polymeric material or plastic and, more preferably, a melt-processible plastic, and most preferably an engineering polymer, for example an ABS plastic. Bezel

13

extends around and over the perimeter of reflective element

14

and engages a plurality of engaging structures

12

d

provided at the perimeter of case

12

to thereby support and retain reflective element

14

in case

12

. Mounted to the rear surface

14

b

′ of sheet

14

b

by an adhesive are foam or resilient pads

12

b

(

FIG. 2

) which rest on ribs or webbing

12

c

(

FIGS. 2 and 4

) provided on case

12

. Webbing

12

c

extends diagonally across case

12

at each end of case

12

so as to provide additional support for the end portions of reflective element

14

when bezel

13

is mounted to case

12

. Pads

12

b

act as shock absorbers to reduce the vibration in reflective element

14

and, further, reduce the risk of breaking glass sheets

14

a

and

14

b

during impact. In the preferred form, pads

12

b

are cross linked polyethylene foam. In the illustrated embodiment, pads

12

b

comprise generally semicircular pads and generally follow the outline of the ends of reflective element

14

. However, it can be appreciated that pads

12

b

may have other shapes or configurations, and may be positioned in other locations.

As best seen in

FIG. 2

, reflective element

14

includes a window

21

which provides a display area

20

. Window

21

(

FIG. 1

) is formed in the reflective element, for example by the absence or reduction, such as by removal, of a portion of the reflective coating

14

c

of second sheet

14

b

. As an alternative to removing or substantially removing the mirror reflector coating from a rear surface of the substrate in order to create a light transmitting window therethrough, a semi-transparent but significantly reflective coating can be used to function akin to a one-way mirror for the display. For example, a silicon mirror can be used or a dichroic filter, preferably with a bandpass of light transmission tuned to match the wavelength of the light emitted by the display placed therebehind, can be used, and such silicon and dichroic filters are described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,668,663 to Varaprasad et al and assigned to Donnelly Corp., and in U.S. Pat. No. 5,207,492 to Roberts, and assigned to Muth Corp., both of which disclosures are incorporated in their entireties by reference herein. As will be more fully described below, a display element

54

of a light module

19

and light emitted therefrom are positioned behind reflective element

14

and are aligned with and transmit through the corresponding light transmitting window

21

created in the reflector of reflective element

14

for displaying indicia through window

21

to form display area

20

. Where the reflective coating is only reduced in thickness as compared to the absence of the reflective coating, the display area will not become apparent until actuated, as would be understood by those skilled in the art.

In the illustrated embodiment 10, window

21

comprises a generally trapezoidal area, which is preferably located at a central lower edge

20

a

of reflective element

14

. However, it should be understood that the display area can be located elsewhere, for example along an upper edge or side edge of reflective element

14

. Display area

20

is used to provide information, such as by way of alpha-numeric indicia or symbolic or graphical indicia, such as icons, including for example passenger safety information, such as Passenger Side Inflatable Restraint (PSIR) status or Supplemental Inflatable Restraint (SIR) status. The luminous intensity of the Passenger Side Inflatable Restraint display that indicates the status of activation/deactivation of passenger-side airbags (or of Side-airbag Inflatable Restraint display in the case where the vehicle is equipped with side airbags) should be sufficiently intense so as to be readily visible by vehicle occupants, even under high ambient lighting conditions such as during daylight driving. In this regard, it is desirable that the luminous intensity of the display, as displayed to the vehicle occupant, be at least about 100 candelas/sq. meter during daytime; preferably at least about 250 candelas/sq. meter, more preferably at least about 500 candelas/sq. meter and most preferably, be at least about 750 candelas/sq. meter in luminous light intensity. Also, it is desirable that the daytime display light intensity be reduced during night time driving to a lower luminous light intensity, preferably below about 50 candelas/sq. meter, more preferably to below about 30 candelas/sq. meter and most preferably to below about 15 candelas/sq. meter. Various methods can be employed to achieve night-time display dimming including using a signal, typically a pulse-width modulated signal, from the vehicle that cause the mirror display to dim in tandem with the lights in the instrument panel. Another option is to use a mirror-mounted photosensor that causes the mirror-mounted display to dim when low ambient conditions are detected, such as is described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,416,313 and 5,285,060, the disclosures of which are incorporated by reference herein. Should the mirror mounted display be displaying from behind a window created in an electrochromic reflective element, then display re-brightening to compensate for any decrease in transmission of the electrochromic medium may be employed, such as is disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,416,313 and 5,285,060. Should a compass display be used in the electrochromic mirror assembly that is subject already to display re-brightening, then the mirror-mounted airbag status display may be slaved off the same control, or it may be subject to an independent control. Also, where the airbag status display dims at night under command of a signal from the vehicle electronics such an instrumentation panel light dimming signal, the state of coloration of any electrochromic reflective element present can be monitored, and the intensity of the airbag or similar display present can be increased when it is determined that the electrochromic element has dimmed due to the presence of glare from following headlights.

As best seen in

FIG. 3

, light module

19

contacts rearward surface

14

b

′ of sheet

14

b

and is aligned with window

21

and includes a display module

52

on which various indicia are formed or etched or provided thereon (

FIGS. 2

,

6

,

7

, and

7

A-

7

D). Preferably, display module

52

includes indicia formed thereon, in which case the indicia are illuminated by light sources

23

described in greater detail below. Optionally, indicia may be formed by selectively actuating light sources. For example, an array of light sources may be provided with selected light sources in the array being actuated to project patterns of light onto the display module which patterns form the indicia.

Referring to FIGS.

7

and

7

A-

7

D, display module

52

is an assembly or unit of similar trapezoidal shape to window

21

and includes a display element

54

, which is preferably black and translucent with the indicia being formed, etched, or printed on a rear surface

54

a

of element

54

. As previously noted, indicia may be formed by selective actuation of light sources

23

as well. Element

54

is preferably a plate element formed from resinous polymeric material such as glass filled polycarbonate, for example available under the name BAYER SCR26033705PC. Optionally, the indicia may be formed by partial removal of the black pigment so that the indicia is not visible until back-lit and illuminated by light sources

23

, more fully described below. As best seen in

FIGS. 7A-7D

mounted to rear surface

54

a

of element

54

is a frame or carrier member

58

, which is also preferably formed from a resinous polymeric material. Frame

58

may be adhered to element

54

by an adhesive or may be integrally molded with element

54

. Frame

58

is also preferably trapezoidal shape and includes a base or back wall

66

and a perimeter wall

60

which defines upper and lower side walls

62

and

64

and end side walls

63

a

and

63

b

. Side walls

62

and

64

include elongated openings or slots

65

for mounting graphics module

52

to attachment member

18

over light assemblies

90

,

92

, and

94

, more fully described below. Perimeter wall

60

projects outwardly from back wall

66

, with upper side wall

62

and lower side wall

64

being interconnected at opposed ends by end side walls

63

a

and

63

b

and intermediate walls

68

and

70

. Projecting outwardly from intermediate walls

68

and

70

are a pair of stops

72

which act as locators for installing display module

52

onto attachment member

18

.

As best seen in

FIG. 7A

, back wall

66

includes a plurality of openings

74

,

76

, and

78

which expose areas or regions of element

54

. Located or formed on those areas of exposed plate

54

are the indicia, such as “on”, “off” and “passenger air bag” with its associated icon (FIG.

7

). The passenger side air bag on/off signal may be derived from various types of seat occupancy detectors such as by video surveillance of the passenger seat as disclosed in co-pending, commonly-assigned United States patent application Ser. No. PCT/US94/01954, filed Feb. 25, 1994, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference, or by ultrasonic or sonar detection, infrared sensing, pyrodetection, weight detection, or the like. Alternately, enablement/displayment of the passenger side air bag operation can be controlled manually such as through a user operated switch operated with the ignition key of the vehicle in which assembly

10

is mounted as described in co-pending, commonly-assigned U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/799,734, filed Feb. 12, 1997, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,786,772, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. It should be understood that other indicia may be used and, further, that the size of the areas may be increased or decreased as desired. When mounted to attachment member

18

, openings

78

,

76

, and

74

are aligned with respective light assemblies

90

,

92

, and

94

of attachment member

18

, as will be more fully described in reference to attachment member

18

. Extending around each opening

74

,

76

, and

78

are generally planar landing surfaces

74

a

,

76

a

, and

78

a

, respectively, which are formed by portions of back wall

66

. Each landing surface

74

a

,

76

a

, and

78

a

is surrounded by a divider wall

80

which extends between intermediate walls

68

and

70

adjacent upper wall

62

and lower wall

64

and extends between upper wall

62

and lower wall

64

between landing

74

a

and

76

a

and between

76

a

and

78

a

. In this manner, landing surfaces

74

a

,

76

a

, and

78

a

are recessed below the upper surface of divider wall

80

. Wall

80

, therefore, provides a barrier between each opening

74

,

76

, and

78

and substantially reduces, if not prevents, light leakage between the respective light assemblies

90

,

92

, and

94

so that each indicia can be illuminated without illuminating an adjacent indicia. Preferably, upper and lower walls

62

and

64

include notched surfaces

82

, which align with the respective slotted openings

65

to guide the openings onto the corresponding receiving structures on attachment plate

18

.

Referring to FIGS.

6

and

6

A-

6

D, attachment member

18

comprises a generally rectangular plate

84

formed from a resinous polymeric material, preferably an ABS, for example GE CYCOLAC AR 2402, available from GE Plastics. Plate

84

includes a first upper planar portion

84

a

and a second offset portion

84

b

which is offset rearwardly from reflective element

14

. Light assemblies

90

,

92

, and

94

are formed on offset portion

84

b

over which display module

52

is mounted to form light module

19

. Display module

52

is mounted to attachment member

18

by a plurality of projecting flanges

88

, which extend into slotted openings

65

provided in upper and lower side walls

62

and

64

preferably guided by notched surfaces

82

. Light assemblies

90

,

92

, and

94

are formed by an elongated generally rectangular body

100

which projects outwardly from offset portion

84

b

towards display module

52

. Body

100

includes upper, lower, left, and right sides

102

,

104

,

106

, and

108

. Recessed into rectangular body

100

are three recessed cavities

110

,

112

, and

114

which respectively form light assemblies

90

,

92

, and

94

that direct light from light sources

23

toward display module

52

. Light sources

23

are mounted to circuit board

22

(FIG.

6

), which in turn is mounted to rear surface

18

a

of attachment member

18

. Each cavity

110

,

112

, and

114

includes a plurality of openings

118

which align with and through which light sources

23

project light toward display module

52

. In the illustrated embodiment, cavity

110

comprises an elongate generally rectangular cavity with six openings, while cavities

112

and

114

each comprise generally rectangular or square cavities having two openings formed therein. Cavities

110

,

112

, and

114

each include parabolic reflecting surfaces

120

,

122

, and

124

(

FIGS. 6

,

6

A,

6

C, and

6

D), respectively, associated with each opening

118

to defuse the light from light sources

23

to provide uniform light across display area

20

. It should be understood that the shape and size of the cavities may be varied, and, furthermore, that arrays of light sources may be housed in cavities

110

,

112

, and

114

. In addition, the light from the light sources may be selectively dimmed such the display is dimmed, as would be understood by those skilled in the art. Such dimming of the display may be automatic or may optionally be controlled by an occupant of the vehicle, for example by a dimmer switch.

In preferred form, light sources

23

comprise non-incandescent light sources, for example light emitting diodes (LEDs), which are adapted to provide backlighting of display module

52

when the circuit board

22

is positioned on attachment member

18

. A preferred light emitting diode is a NICHIA white light emitting diode available from Nichia Chemical Industries of Tokyo, Japan, under Model Nos. NSPW 300AS, NSPW 500S, NSPW 310AS, NSPW 315AS, NSPW 510S, NSPW 515S, and NSPW WF50S, and provides low level, non-incandescent, white light for illuminating the indicia on display module

52

. Optionally, one or more light sources

23

may be connected to operate at all times during the operation of the vehicle so as to continuously illuminate the indicia, for example the words “passenger air bag.” The remaining light sources aligned with the words “off” and “on,” respectively, and may be individually selectively activated to provide backlighting for those words individually. The light sources behind the status of the air bag, either off (disabled) or on (enabled) are selectively operated.

Alternately, other emitting elements can be used to display information (including alpha-numerical information) such as incandescent displays, vacuum fluorescent displays, electroluminescent displays, field-emission displays, organic polymeric light emitting displays, or cathode ray tube displays. The various displays useful in this invention can also be reconfigurable so that certain critical alpha-numeric or symbolic information, icons or other indicia will override or supplant normal, primary information for a selected period of time such as for a traffic warning, vehicle blind spot presence detection, engine operation change or deficiency, compass heading change, incoming cellular phone call or the like.

Circuit board

22

is mounted on attachment member

18

by rearwardly projecting flexible flanges

130

(

FIG. 6B

) which extend into corresponding openings

132

provided on circuit board

22

to releasably couple circuit board

22

to attachment member

18

and further to position each light source

23

with a respective opening

118

of cavities

100

,

112

, and

114

. As best seen in

FIGS. 6C and 6D

, when circuit board

22

is mounted to attachment member

18

by flanges

130

, light sources

23

are aligned with openings

118

and further are received in a recesses

134

formed on rear side

100

a

of block member

100

. In this manner, light leakage from the respective light sources is substantially reduced and, more preferably, essentially eliminated.

Referring again to

FIG. 6

, extending around each cavity

110

,

112

, and

114

is a projecting perimeter wall

110

a

,

112

a

, and

114

a

, respectively. Perimeter walls

110

a

,

112

a

, and

114

a

align with and are seated on landing surfaces

78

a

,

76

a

, and

74

a

, of display module

52

. As best understood from

FIG. 3

, when circuit board

22

is mounted to attachment member

18

and display module

52

is mounted to attachment member

18

and positioned against rear surface

14

b

′ of second sheet

14

b

, openings

78

a

,

76

a

, and

74

a

align with respective light assemblies

90

,

92

, and

94

and light from the respective light sources

23

is directed by the curved reflecting surfaces

120

,

122

, and

124

, preferably compound curved reflecting surfaces, and most preferably parabolic reflecting surfaces to cause the light to be defused and, furthermore, to create substantially uniform light across display area

20

for each respective indicia or group of indicia. In addition, since substantially all the light from each respective light source

23

is directed through openings

118

and each perimeter wall

10

a

,

112

a

, and

114

a

of each respective cavity abuts and substantially seals against the landing surfaces of each respective display area, light leakage between cavities is substantially reduced, if not eliminated. In other words, each light assembly is isolated from adjacent light assemblies. As a result, stray light between the indicia on display module

52

is substantially eliminated. Optionally, perimeter walls

110

a

,

112

a

, and

114

a

may comprise a compressible plastic or resilient material, such as rubber, to enhance the seal between each light assembly

90

,

92

, and

94

and openings

78

a

,

76

a

, and

74

a

, in which case, manufacturing tolerances on the respective parts may be relaxed.

More preferably, a display module is provided that encompasses at least a light emitting source such as LED source, electroluminescent source, organic polymeric light emitting source, a vacuum fluorescent light source or an incandescent source. The light emitting source of the display module may comprise individual light emitting segments or elements that are arranged to create an indicia when selectively illuminated. The light emitting source can be disposed behind a mask in such a manner such that the mask forms the indicia when the mask is viewed by the observer. Optionally and preferably, the display module includes appropriate display electric drivers and/or connections for illumination of the display and any ancillary mechanical support or packaging.

Also mounted to attachment member

18

and aligned with key pad

16

is a switch board

86

, for example a wireless telecommunication interface system, such as an ONSTAR switch board available from General Motors of Detroit, Mich., for enabling buttons

16

a

and indicators

16

b

of key pad

16

. As best seen in

FIG. 6

, switch board

86

includes a plate member

136

with an upper portion

136

a

and a lower portion

136

b

that supports a plurality of switches

138

and associated light sources

140

a

. Each switch

138

and respective light source

140

a

is aligned with a respective button

16

a

on key pad

16

(FIG.

2

). Switches

138

are preferably pressure activated switches and activate their associated light sources

140

a

when a respective button

16

a

on key pad

16

is initially pressed. Similarly, when the respective button

16

a

on key pad

16

is pressed a second time, its associated switch

138

is deactivated, which in turn deactivates its associated light source

140

a

. As previously noted, key pad

16

is preferably a resilient material, more preferably a translucent rubber, such as silicone, and may include one or a plurality of buttons (as shown) depending on the desired application. In addition, in the illustrated embodiment, key pad

16

includes indicators

16

b

which are illuminated by light sources

140

b

, which are also supported on switch board

86

. Light sources

140

a

and

140

b

are preferably non-incandescent light sources, such as LEDs, such as previously described in reference to light source

23

. Buttons

16

a

may provide a wide variety of functions, including, for example, functions associated with the wireless telecommunication interface system. Indicators

16

b

may provide information relating to the activation status of selected functions within the vehicle or mirror assembly.

Referring again to

FIG. 6

, switch board

86

is mounted to attachment member

18

on flexible flanges

142

, located below light module

19

which respectively engage notches

144

provided on a lower edge

136

c

of portion

136

b

. In order to assist alignment of switch board

86

on attachment member

18

, plate

136

includes an elongated slot or groove

145

for receiving a projecting pin

146

provided on offset portion

84

b

of attachment member

18

. In addition, bezel

13

includes an alignment member

13

a

which projects inwardly and through openings

13

c

and

13

d

provided on switch board

86

and on attachment member

18

, respectively (FIG.

3

). Furthermore, upper portion

136

a

of plate

136

seats on a recessed tab

147

provided on first portion

84

a

of attachment member

18

. Tab

147

provides a support and furthermore, provides a guide to assure that switch board

86

is properly aligned on attachment member

18

. In addition, attachment member

18

includes a plurality of downwardly extending flexible flanges

148

which engage and apply a spring pressure to releasably hold plate

136

in position on flexible flanges

142

.

Mounted to the rear surface

18

a

of attachment plate

18

is a second circuit board

21

. As best seen in

FIG. 6B

, attachment member

18

includes additional flexible flanges

150

which project rearwardly from rear surface

18

a

of attachment member

18

to engage corresponding openings provided in circuit board

21

to mount circuit board

21

onto attachment member

18

. Circuit board

21

preferably carries EC circuitry, for example EC board

17

, for the operation of electro-optic reflective element

14

, and circuitry for light sources

23

, light assemblies

42

, microphone module

44

also housed in case

12

, and for various other vehicle and/or mirror functions. For example, circuit board

21

may include electronic and electric devices, including a blind spot detection system, such as the type disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/799,734 entitled “VEHICLE BLIND SPOT DETECTION AND DISPLAY SYSTEM”, invented by Schofield et al. and filed Feb. 12, 1997, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,786,772, or rain sensor systems, for example rain sensor systems which include windshield contacting rain sensors such as described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,973,844 entitled “VEHICULAR MOISTURE SENSOR AND MOUNTING APPARATUS THEREFORE”, or non-windshield contacting rain sensors, such as described in PCT International Application PCT/US94/05093 entitled “MULTI-FUNCTION LIGHT SENSOR FOR VEHICLE”, published as WO 94/27262 on Nov. 24, 1994, the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein in their entireties. Also, circuit board

21

may include circuitry for mirror mounted video cameras, which are used to visually detect the presence of moisture on the windshield and actuate windshield wipers accordingly, such as described in copending U.S. application Ser. No. 08/621,863 filed Mar. 25, 1996, entitled “VEHICLE HEADLIGHT CONTROL USING IMAGING SENSOR” by Schofield et al., now U.S. Pat. No. 5,796,094, mirror mounted cameras for vehicle internal cabin monitoring disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,877,897 and 5,760,962, both commonly assigned to Donnelly Corporation, which are hereby incorporated herein by reference in their entireties. Other electronic or electrical devices mounted to circuit board

21

may include for example home access transmitters, a high/low or daylight running beam low headlight controller, a hands free cellular phone attachment, a video device such as a video camera for internal cabin surveillance and/or video telephone function, remote keyless entry receiver, a compass, a seat occupancy detector, a trip computer, an intrusion detector and the like. As used in the specification, an electrical device encompasses an electrically operated accessory or device such as a map light or the like. An electronic device encompasses an electronic circuit board or PCB (such as an automatic light dimming circuit board, a compass sensing and directional circuit board or the like) or electron devices or circuits or systems, including electron tubes, amplifiers and transistors and other devices that do the work of electron tubes.

In order to connect the various electrical or electronic devices in case

12

to the vehicle electrical system and on board computers, circuit board

21

includes a connector

21

b

, such as a 16-pin connector, mounted to rear surface

21

a

(FIG.

2

). When mirror assembly

10

is fully assembled, connector

21

b

aligns with an access opening

38

a

provided on back wall

38

of case

12

(

FIGS. 4

,

4

A and

4

B) through which connector

21

b

is then connected to the vehicle electrical system and computer by way of a plug connector and cable. When fully assembled with display module

52

, circuit boards

21

and

22

, and switch board

86

, attachment member

18

is mounted to reflective element

14

preferably by an adhesive, such as silicone adhesive, an acrylic adhesive or the like. Alternatively, attachment member

18

may be mounted to other mounting structures provided in case

12

. Furthermore when attachment member is fully assembled and inserted in to case

12

, display element

54

of light module

19

and light emitted therefrom are positioned behind reflective element

14

and are aligned with and transmit through the corresponding light transmitting window

21

created in the reflector of reflective element

14

for displaying indicia through window

21

to form display area

20

.

The interior rearview mirror assembly may also incorporate a vehicle tracking unit which tracks where a vehicle is located, and is thus useful should the vehicle be stolen, or should the driver need emergency assistance at a remote location whose address is unknown to the driver, similar to an ONSTAR System noted above. Such a system is available from ATX Technologies of San Antonio, Tex. and uses global positioning satellites and cellular communications to pinpoint the location of the vehicle. Assistance can be rendered by the ATX supplied unit (known as an On-Guard Tracker (TM) unit) on how to handle emergency situations, direction can be rendered, remote unlocking of door locks can be achieved if the owner's keys are misplaced or locked in the vehicle. Messages (such as email messages, hazard warning messages, vehicle status messages, page messages, etc.) can be displayed at display area

20

or at the interior mirror assembly, where the driver is always regularly looking during the normal driving task.

As previously noted and best seen in

FIG. 4

, case

12

optionally supports a pair of light assemblies

42

and a microphone module

44

in openings

46

and

48

provided or formed in bottom wall

50

of case

12

. Light assemblies

42

provide light for the interior of the vehicle and may comprise map lights or dashboard illumination lights. Light assemblies

42

each include a dome-shaped reflector housing

42

a

with a cover

42

b

. Reflector housings

42

a

include mounting tabs

43

a

which are heat staked onto bosses

160

a

and pins

160

b

which project from back wall

38

of case

12

to retain the housing in openings

46

in the mirror case. Reflector housings

42

a

each include an opening

42

c

to receive a respective light bulb

158

which projects thereinto from circuit board

21

. Reflector housings

142

preferably comprise housings molded from resinous polymeric or plastic material and, more preferably, polycarbonate housings, for example LEXAN

121

and are provided with a reflective coating and, more preferably, are vacuum metalized. In preferred form, light bulbs

158

comprise incandescent bulbs, and are supported by bulb holders

158

a

which are mounted to rear side

21

a

of circuit board

21

. Bulb holders

158

a

and bulbs

158

project downwardly and are inclined at an angle such that bulbs

158

extend into reflector housings

42

a

through openings

42

c

. Covers

42

b

preferably comprise transparent lens covers and more preferably optical lens covers preferably formed from polycarbonate or acrylic. For example, covers

42

b

may include pyramid optics, which hide the light bulb positioned in reflective housing

42

a

and, furthermore, may include optics to direct light as desired locations in the vehicle. Optionally, covers

42

b

may comprise clear parabolic lenses. Referring again to

FIG. 4

, covers

42

b

are semi-circular shaped with flexible flanges or fingers, for example snap fingers

42

d

, for engaging bottom wall

50

of case

12

. In addition, each cover

42

b

preferably includes an elongated, L-shaped arm

42

e

, which can be used to retrieve bulbs

158

from bulb holder

158

a

when bulbs

158

are no longer functional. Alternatively, non-incandescent light sources may be used in light assemblies

42

. For example, a cluster of a plurality of at least four, more preferably at least six LEDs may be used, which most preferably direct white light to a targeted area. Light assemblies

42

may include a variety of emitting sources such as high intensity amber and reddish orange light emitting diode sources, such as solid state light emitting diode LED sources utilizing double hydro junction AlGaAs/GaAs Material Technology such as very high intensity red LED lamps T/1¾ (5 mm) HLMP-4100/4101 available from Hewlett Packard Corporation of Pallo Alto, Calif., or transparent substrate aluminum indium gallium phosphide (AlInGaP) Material Technology, commercially available from Hewlett Packard Corporation, of Pallo Alto, Calif. Also, blue or white LEDs can be used or a combination of individual different colored diodes can be used with the color mixing therefrom to form a desired color. Optionally, a plurality of LEDs such as a cluster of four, six, eight or the like LEDs can be used to target and illuminate a local area for higher illumination at that area, such as may be useful in a map light (most preferably illuminating the target area with white light).

Light assemblies

42

are actuated by switches

162

which are also preferably mounted to circuit board

21

. Switches

162

include buttons

162

a

which extend downwardly from circuit board

21

and are angled to extend through bottom wall

50

of case

12

. In the illustrated embodiment, bottom wall

50

includes semicircular notches

164

a

along the perimeter of openings

46

. In addition, covers

42

b

each include a corresponding semicircular notch

164

b

which together with notches

164

a

form opening through which buttons

162

a

extend for easy access by an occupant of the vehicle at the bottom surface of case

12

. Examples of other light assemblies, such as map lights or the like, which may be incorporated into case

12

are described in commonly assigned, U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,669,698; 5,820,245; 5,671,996; 5,813,745; 5,178,448; 4,733,336; and 4,646,210; the disclosures of all of which are herein incorporated in their entireties.

Microphone module

44

preferably comprises a microphone module described in commonly assigned, copending application Ser. No. 09/382,720 entitled “ACCESSORY MODULE FOR VEHICLE”, filed by Jonathan E. DeLine and Niall R. Lynam on Aug. 25, 1999, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,000,823, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein. Microphone module

44

includes at least one microphone (not shown) which is supported in a microphone housing

44

a

. Housing

44

a

is positioned in opening

48

of bottom wall

50

of casing

12

and is held in place by flexible flanges

48

a

which engage housing

44

a

, as will be understood by those skilled in the art. Microphone module

44

is electrically connected to a microphone connector

44

d

supported on circuit board

22

by pair of lead wires

44

c

. Microphone module

44

or a plurality of microphone modules optionally provide hands-free input to a wireless telecommunication system such as the ONSTAR™ system in use in General Motors vehicles. Most preferably such microphones provide input to an audio system that transmits and communicates wirelessly with a remote transceiver, preferably in voice recognition mode. Such systems are described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/382,720, filed Aug. 25, 1999, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,000,823, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein.

In this regard it may be desirable to use audio processing techniques such as digital sound processing to ensure that vocal inputs to the vehicular audio system are clearly distinguished from cabin ambient noise such as from wind noise, HVAC, and the like. Also, noise cancellation techniques such as destructive interference can advantageously be used, whereby the signal as picked up by the microphone is processed, the human vocal signal is distinguished from the noise signal, and whereby the noise signal is fed back 180 degrees out of phase with itself in order to cancel out the noise by destructive interference and so enhance the vocal signal to background noise ratio.

Preferably the microphone interfaces to an audio system that includes an analog to digital converter and/or a digital to analog converter for the purpose of converting the analog output of the microphone to a digital signal for input to a digital sound processor and for conversion of the digital output of a digital sound processor to an analog signal for wireless transmission to a remote transceiver. Digital sound processing techniques may be used to enhance the vocal signal to background noise discrimination ratio. Also, both analog and digital audio filtering techniques can be used to enhance the vocal to background noise ratio, and so assist clarity of transmission and/or receipt at a remote receiver and so improve accuracy in voice recognition mode. Also, physical techniques such as sound insulation, acoustic wave guides, angling of microphones to selectively detect speech versus background noise, use of a directed microphone directed to a potential human speaker in conjunction with a more omnidirectional microphone intended to detect background noise can be used. An adaptive signal processing system can be used to enhance vocal to noise ratio. Mechanical cancellation of ambient noise can be provided, as can a noise canceling pressure gradient microphone, preferably in conjunction with acoustic ports including voice and noise ports. Such a system is disclosed in World Patent publication WO 9817046 to D. Andrea of Apr. 23, 1998, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

In this manner, all the electronics and electrical devices, with the exception of the optional microphone module

44

, may be supported, formed, and/or housed on attachment member

18

. Thus, mirror assembly

10

can be quickly and easily assembled, with attachment member

18

forming a carrier member, cartridge or modular unit/assembly which can be quickly inserted into the cavity

12

a

of casing

12

. Optionally, when mounted to attachment member

18

, display module

52

and switch board

86

are adapted to align in a common plane with upper planar portion

84

a

of plate member

84

. In a similar manner, circuit board

22

is preferably generally aligned in a common plane with circuit board

21

so that when fully assembled attachment member

18

has a relatively compact and slim profile.

Additionally, the interior mirror assembly may include a variety of information displays such as a PSIR (Passenger Side Inflatable Restraint) display, an SIR (Side-Airbag Inflatable Restraint), compass/temperature display, a tire pressure status display or other desirable displays, such as those described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/244,726, filed Feb. 5, 1999, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,172,613, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein.

For example, the interior rearview mirror assembly may include a display of the speed limit applicable to the location where the vehicle is travelling. Conventionally, speed limits are posted as a fixed limit (for example, 45 MPH) that is read by the vehicle driver upon passing a sign. As an improvement to this, an information display (preferably an alphanumerical display and more preferably, a reconfigurable display) can be provided within the vehicle cabin, readable by the driver, that displays the speed limit at whatever location on the road/highway the vehicle actually is at any moment. For example, existing speed limit signs could be enhanced to include a transmitter that broadcasts a local speed limit signal, such signal being received by an in-vehicle receiver and displayed to the driver. The speed limit signal can be transmitted by a variety of wireless transmission methods, such as radio transmission, and such systems can benefit from wireless transmission protocols and standards, such as the BLUETOOTH low-cost, low-power radio based cable replacement or wireless link based on short-range radio-based technology. BLUETOOTH enables creation of a short-range (typically 30 feet or so although longer and shorter ranges are possible), wireless personal area network via small radio transmitters built into various devices. For example, transmission can be on a 2.45 gigahertz band, moving data at about 721 kilobits per second, or faster. BLUETOOTH, and similar systems, allow creation of an in-vehicle area network. Conventionally, features and accessories in the vehicle or wired together. Thus, for example, an interior electrochromic mirror and an exterior electrochromic mirror is connected by at least one wire in order to transmit control signal and the like. With BLUETOOTH and similar systems, control commands can be broadcast between the interior mirror and the exterior mirror (and vice versa) without the need for physical wiring interconnecting the two. Likewise, the two exterior mirror assemblies on the vehicle can exchange, transmit and/or receive control commands/signals (such as of memory position or the like such as is described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,798,575, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein) via an in-vehicle short-range radio local network such as BLUETOOTH. Similarly, tire pressure sensors in the wheels can transmit via BLUETOOTH to a receiver in the interior mirror assembly, and tire pressure status can be displayed, preferably at the interior rearview mirror. In the case of the dynamic speed limit system described above, preferably, the in-vehicle receiver is located at and/or the display of local speed limit is displayed at the interior mirror assembly (for example, a speed limit display can be located in a chin or eyebrow portion of the mirror case, such as in the mirror reflector itself, such as in the cover

40

, or such as in a pod attached to the interior mirror assembly). More preferably, the actual speed of the vehicle can be displayed simultaneously with and beside the local speed limit in-vehicle display and/or the difference or excess thereto can be displayed. Optionally, the wireless-based speed limit transmission system can actually control the speed at which a subject vehicle travels in a certain location (such as by controlling an engine governor or the like). Thus, a school zone speed limit can be enforced by transmission of a speed-limiting signal into the vehicle. Likewise, different classes of vehicles can be set for different speed limits for the same stretch of highway. The system may also require driver identification and then set individual speed limits for individual drivers reflecting their skill level, age, driving record and the like. Moreover, a global positioning system (GPS) can be used to locate a specific vehicle, calculate its velocity on the highway; verify what the allowed speed limit is at that specific moment on that specific stretch of highway, transmit that specific speed limit to the vehicle for display (preferably at the interior rearview mirror that the driver constantly looks at as part of the driving task) and optionally alert the driver or retard the driver's ability to exceed the speed limit as deemed appropriate. A short-range, local communication system such as envisaged in the BLUETOOTH protocol finds broad utility in vehicular applications, and particularly where information is to be displayed at the interior mirror assembly, or where a microphone or user-interface (such as buttons to connect/interact with a remote wireless receiver) is to be located at the interior (or exterior) rearview mirror assembly. For example, a train approaching a railway crossing may transmit a wireless signal such as a radio signal (using the BLUETOOTH protocol or another protocol) and that signal may be received by and/or displayed at the interior rearview mirror assembly (or the exterior sideview mirror assembly). Also, the interior rearview mirror and/or the exterior side view mirrors can function as transceivers/display locations/interface locations for intelligent vehicle highway systems, using protocols such as the BLUETOOTH protocol. Protocols such as BLUETOOTH, as known in the telecommunications art, can facilitate voice/data, voice over data, digital and analogue communication and vehicle/external wireless connectivity, preferably using the interior and/or exterior mirror assemblies as transceiver/display/user-interaction sites. Electronic accessories to achieve the above can be accommodated in casing

12

, and/or elsewhere in the interior mirror assembly (such as in the housing disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/433,467 filed Nov. 4, 1999 titled “Vehicle Interior Mirror Assembly” to Patrick Heslin and Niall R. Lynam, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,326,613.

Referring to

FIG. 8

, a second embodiment 210 of the interior rearview mirror assembly of the present invention is illustrated. Mirror assembly

210

includes a mirror case

212

, a bezel

213

, a reflective element

214

which is supported in case

212

by bezel

213

, and an actuator

224

. Similar to the first embodiment, reflective element

214

includes a window

221

which provides a display area

220

preferably positioned at a lower central edge of element

214

and a light module

219

(FIGS.

9

and

13

). Bezel

213

includes an enlarged chin area

215

as in embodiment 10 with a plurality of transverse openings

215

a

therethrough for receiving a user actuatable interface, including-user actuator buttons

216

a

. Buttons

216

a

are preferably formed on a key pad

216

. Similar to the first embodiment, key pad

216

preferably comprises a resilient translucent material, such as silicone rubber, and includes a plurality of buttons

216

a

, with each button preferably being translucent and optionally including indicia formed thereon to provide an indication of the function for the respective button. In the illustrated embodiment, key pad

216

includes three buttons. Alternatively, key pad

216

may include a single button or a plurality of buttons, less than or greater than three, including indicators, as previously described in reference to the first embodiment.

Referring to

FIGS. 9 and 10

, reflective element

214

comprises a prismatic reflective element having a wedge shaped cross section. As will be more fully described in reference to actuator

224

, rotation of a knob

408

(

FIG. 10

) pivots mirror case

12

, including bezel

13

and reflective mirror element

14

, about a pivot axis

352

a

(

FIG. 10

) thereby changing the position of the prismatic mirror element from a high reflectivity day viewing position in which incident light is reflected to the user's eye from the highly reflective surface

214

a

on rear surface

214

b

of reflective element

214

to a reduced reflectivity or partial reflectance night viewing position in which a reduced amount of the incident light on mirror element

214

is reflected from the uncoated front surface

214

c

of reflective mirror element

214

.

Mounted to rear surface

214

b

of reflective element

214

is an attachment member

218

. Similar to the previous embodiment, attachment member

218

includes a light module

219

which displays or illuminates indicia (

FIG. 15

) on a display module

252

, which can be viewed through window

221

of reflective mirror element

214

. Mounted to rear surface

218

a

of attachment member

218

are first and second circuit boards

221

and

222

, which may support various electrical and electronic devices, described previously in reference to the first embodiment and below. Also mounted to attachment member

218

below display module

252

is a switch board

286

, which includes a plurality of switches and light sources, preferably LEDs, associated with each respective button

216

a

on key pad

216

, in a similar manner to the previous embodiment. Optionally positioned in case

212

are a pair of light modules

242

and a microphone module

244

. Reference is made to the first embodiment for further details of the assembly and mounting arrangements of light assemblies

242

and microphone module

244

.

Referring to

FIG. 13

, attachment member

218

includes a resinous polymeric plate member

284

with upper and lower portions

284

a

and

284

b

, with portion

284

b

being offset from portion

284

a

rearwardly from reflective element

214

. As best seen in

FIGS. 13C and 13D

, upper portion

284

a

forms an acute angle with respect to front surface

284

b

′ of lower portion

284

b

so that when attachment member

218

is mounted onto rear surface

214

b

of prismatic reflective element

214

a

, display module

252

and switch board

286

will be properly oriented with respect to window

221

and key pad

216

, which can be appreciated more fully by reference to FIG.

10

.

Referring again to

FIG. 13

, light module

219

includes a generally elongate rectangular body

300

, which defines upper, lower, and left and right sides

302

,

304

,

306

, and

308

, respectively. Recessed in body

300

in a similar manner to the previous embodiment, are a plurality of cavities

310

,

312

, and

314

. Extending around each cavity is a perimeter wall

310

a

,

312

a

, and

314

a

, respectively, for resting on respective recessed landing surfaces

278

a

,

276

a

, and

274

a

of display module

252

, similar to the previous embodiment (FIGS.

15

A and

15

B). Display module

252

includes a display element

254

and a carrier member or frame

258

which is mounted to rear surface

254

a

of element

254

(FIG.

15

B). Frame

258

includes a base wall

266

and a perimeter wall

206

which defines upper, lower, and side walls

262

,

264

,

263

a

, and

263

b

, respectively. Base wall

266

includes a plurality of openings

274

,

276

, and

278

, thus exposing discrete regions or areas of element

254

on which the indicia are located. In this manner, when display module

252

is mounted to attachment plate

218

on projecting flanges or snap fingers

288

, openings

278

,

276

,

274

align with cavities

310

,

312

, and

314

, respectively. Furthermore, since perimeter walls

310

a

,

312

a

, and

314

a

rest on recessed landing surfaces

278

a

,

276

a

and

274

a

, respectively, light leakage is substantially reduced between the respective portions of display area

20

. Similar to the previous embodiment, upper and lower walls

262

and

264

include a plurality of elongate slots or openings

265

for receiving snap fingers

288

therein for releasably securing display module

252

to attachment member

218

.

Mounted to rear surface

218

a

of attachment member

218

is circuit board

222

(FIG.

13

), which carries a plurality of light sources

223

, with each light source being associated with a respective opening

318

of cavities

310

,

312

, and

314

, similar to the previous embodiment. Thus, when circuit board

222

is mounted to rear surface

218

a

of attachment member

218

on flexible flanges

330

, which project rearwardly from offset portion

284

above and below light module

219

, light sources

223

are positioned in respective recesses

334

formed on rear surface of body

310

. In order to ease alignment of circuit board

222

on attachment plate

218

, circuit board

222

includes a slotted groove

222

a

and a transverse opening

222

b

, which respectively align with guide pins

330

a

, which project rearwardly from offset portion

284

b.

Switch board

286

is mounted below display module

252

on attachment member

218

(

FIGS. 9 and 10

) by way of flexible flanges

342

which project outwardly from lower portion

284

b

and downwardly extending flexible flanges

348

provided on upper portion

284

a

of plate

284

. Preferably, plate

284

includes a recessed tab

347

offset from the plane of plate upper portion

284

a

similar to attachment plate

18

, which provides a seat for switch board

286

.

Referring again to

FIG. 9

, circuit board

221

, which mounts onto attachment member

218

via flexible flanges

350

projecting rearwardly therefrom (FIG.

13

B), supports a connector

221

b

on its rear surface

221

a

, for example a 16-pin connector, for connecting to the vehicle electrical system and on board computer just as in embodiment 10. In addition, mounted to circuit board

221

are a pair of bulb holders

258

a

, which support bulbs

258

b

downwardly and at an angle for illuminating light assemblies

242

in a similar manner to the first embodiment. Circuit board

221

also supports a pair of switches

268

with buttons

268

a

for actuating light assemblies

242

also similar to the previous embodiment. When fully assembled as shown in

FIG. 10

, attachment member

218

includes light module

219

, switch board

286

, circuit boards

221

and

222

and is adhered to rear surface

214

b

of reflective element

214

such that display module

252

aligns with window

221

and the switches on switch board

286

align with respective buttons

216

a

on key pad

216

. As such, attachment member

218

forms a unitary assembly and inserts into mirror assembly

210

like a cartridge. Referring again to

FIG. 13B

, attachment plate

218

preferably includes a plurality of reinforcing ribs

218

b

on offset portion

284

b

of plate

284

. Ribs

218

b

provide reinforcement for lower portion of offset portion

284

b

, which supports switch board

286

. Furthermore, as best seen in

FIG. 10

, an outer bracket

340

of actuator

224

optionally includes a projecting flange

442

(also shown in

FIG. 14

) which engages central rib

218

b

′ to provide further support for attachment plate

218

.

Referring to

FIGS. 9

,

14

, and

14

A-

14

H, mirror case

212

is mounted on support arm

228

by actuator

224

. Actuator

224

pivots case

212

between a day time high reflectance viewing position and a night time reduced reflectance viewing position. Actuator

224

includes an outer actuator bracket

340

and an inner actuator bracket

342

. Referring to

FIGS. 14E and 14F

, inner bracket

342

includes a ball mount

344

which is engaged by support

228

, similar to the previous embodiment. Ball mount

344

may include a transverse opening

344

a

extending therethrough to provide an alternate or additional route for wiring to pass into mirror case

212

. Support arm

228

receives a ball mount

230

from a mirror mount

232

, which preferably comprises a break-away mount and attaches to a windshield mirror mount button or to a headliner, as is known in the art. Ball mount

344

preferably comprises a zinc die-cast ball mount which is insert molded with body

346

of inner bracket

342

. Body

346

includes a generally planar base member

348

with a reinforced collar

350

in which ball mount

344

is insert molded. Bracket

342

also includes a pivot member

352

which is spaced from body

348

by arms

354

and

355

, which define therebetween spaced openings

356

. Projecting downwardly from body

346

is a guide member

358

, preferably a cylindrical pin, which imparts the pivotal movement to case

212

as will be more fully described below.

Referring to

FIG. 14E

, body

348

is reinforced by a first plurality of webs

360

a

arranged around the perimeter

362

of body

348

and a second plurality of radial webs

360

b

which terminate at a cylindrical web

364

, which is aligned along a central axis

365

that extends through the center of collar

350

and ball mount

344

. Transverse opening

344

a

is preferably aligned with collar

350

to define a passage through ball mount

344

inner bracket

342

. It should be understood that body

348

may also comprise a solid body with a transverse opening for aligning with opening

344

a.

Referring again to

FIG. 14

, outer bracket

340

includes an upper wall

366

, a lower wall

368

, and opposed side walls

370

which define a central opening

372

in which inner bracket

342

is positioned. Upper wall

366

includes an E-shaped recess

374

which defines a pair of projecting flanges

376

. Spaced above recess

374

is a slotted opening

378

, which is used to position outer bracket onto back wall

238

of case

212

by aligning with a projecting flange

380

provided on back wall

238

of case

212

(FIG.

10

). Also provided along side walls

370

are a pair of projecting tabs or flanges

382

which respectively include slotted openings

384

for aligning with projecting flanges

386

also provided on back wall

238

of case

12

(FIG.

11

). As previously noted, outer bracket

340

is heat staked onto mounting bosses

234

and

236

, which are received in openings

388

provided at the opposed corners of bracket

340

. Similar to the previous embodiments, bracket

340

is also heat staked onto flanges

380

and

386

. Optionally, one of the openings

388

a

may be enlarged to ease assembly.

As best seen in

FIG. 10

, outer bracket

340

is mounted on pivot member

352

which is received in recess

374

on flanges

376

, with flanges

376

extending into openings

356

of inner bracket

342

. Thus, outer bracket

340

is pivotally mounted on inner bracket

342

on pivot member

352

about a pivot axis

352

a

. In addition, with inner bracket

342

being positioned in central opening

372

between side walls

370

and flanges

376

extending into openings

356

, inner bracket

342

acts a stop to limit lateral movement of outer bracket

340

and, therefore, mirror case

212

with respect to support

228

. Referring to

FIGS. 14 and 14

a

, bottom wall

368

of outer bracket

340

includes a semi-circular offset wall portion

390

, which defines an elongated passage or opening

392

for receiving a cam member

394

. Semi-circular wall portion

390

is preferably reinforced by upper and lower flanges

396

a

and

396

b

. Upper reinforcing flange

396

a

also supports a pin

398

, which will be more fully described below.

Cam member

394

includes a body with a first cylindrical portion

400

defining a transverse passage

402

therethrough, and a second cylindrical body portion

404

which similarly includes a transverse passage

406

extending therethrough. Transverse passage

406

defines a guide path for cam member

394

(

FIGS. 14I and 14J

) when actuator handle

408

is rotated, as will be more fully described below. First cylindrical portion

400

is seated in opening

392

of lower wall

368

of outer bracket

340

, while second portion

404

is positioned above reinforcing flange

396

a

for receiving pin

358

of inner bracket

340

in passage

406

. As best seen in

FIGS. 14M and 14N

, when seated in passage

406

, pin

358

is held between the parallel side walls forming passage

406

which further reduces the lateral movement between outer bracket and inner bracket but in a direction that is generally orthogonal to the lateral restraint provided between inner bracket

342

and sides walls

370

to thereby further enhance the stability of the mirror case

12

on bracket

342

.

As shown in

FIG. 10

, first cylindrical portion

400

is held in opening

392

by handle

408

and wedge-shaped flange

430

. Handle

408

includes a knob portion

410

and a shaft

412

. Shaft

412

of handle

402

extends through an opening

414

provided in bottom wall

250

of case

212

and into passage

402

. As best seen in

FIGS. 14K and 14L

, knob

410

includes a flange

416

which bears against outer surface

250

a

of bottom wall

250

and further provides a stop for handle

408

. Shaft

412

includes a plurality of longitudinally extending ribs

418

and, further, an enlarged end or retaining head

420

which is defined at the distal end of shaft

412

. Ribs

418

engage corresponding grooves

422

provided in passageway

402

so that rotation of knob portion

410

imparts rotation of cam member

394

. Grooves

422

a

terminate at cylindrical portion

404

, which overlays cylindrical body

400

. In this manner, enlarged side wall portion

404

a

of cylindrical body

404

provides a stop for shaft

412

within passage

402

. When positioned in passageway

402

, each respective rib

418

is aligned in its respective groove and further, enlarged end

420

projects above upper surface

400

a

(See FIG.

10

). Enlarged end

420

provides a bearing surface for semi-circular portion

404

b

of cylindrical body

404

and, further, provides a stop for knob

408

. When cylindrical portion

400

of actuator cam

394

is positioned in opening

392

of outer bracket

224

, enlarged end

420

is axially restrained in transverse passage

402

by a wedge-shaped stop

424

(

FIG. 14

) formed or provided on upper flange

396

a

of bottom wall

368

. Wedge-shaped stop

424

also provides stops for cylindrical portion

404

of actuator cam member

394

which define day and night viewing positions for cam member

394

, as will be more fully described below.

As previously noted, pin

358

of inner bracket

342

extends into passageway

406

of cylindrical portion

404

of actuator cam

394

when actuator cam

394

is positioned on lower wall

368

of outer bracket

224

. Passageway

406

is a generally L-shaped passageway with first and second semi-circular portions

406

a

and

406

b

which define first and second locations or positions for pin

358

, which also correspond to day and night viewing positions of outer bracket

352

and, therefore, case

212

. Referring to

FIGS. 14M and 14N

, actuator cam member

394

also includes a mounting structure

426

, for example a pin, for a spring

428

, preferably a coil spring which is mounted on one end

428

to pin

426

and on second end

428

b

to pin

398

. Pin

398

optionally includes a groove

398

a

(

FIG. 14A

) to provide a seat for end

428

b

of spring

428

. In a similar fashion, engagement structure or pin

426

of actuator cam member

394

may include a similar groove to seat second end

428

a

of spring

428

on actuator cam member

394

. Spring

428

provides a resistance for the rotational movement of actuator cam member

394

in opening

392

and, furthermore, applies a biasing force to actuator cam

394

to frictionally engage inner surface

392

a

of semi-circular offset portion

390

to provide a smooth action for the actuator. In addition, spring

428

urges cam member against downwardly projecting member

358

, thus reducing and limiting the relative lateral movement between outer bracket

340

and projecting member

358

. When combined with the lateral support provided by inner bracket

342

to outer bracket

340

, actuator assembly

224

exhibits reduced play between case

212

and support arm

228

thus improving the vibration characteristics of mirror assembly

210

. Again referring to

FIGS. 14M and 14N

, when knob

410

is positioned as shown in

FIG. 14M

, actuator cam

394

is rotated in opening

392

clockwise to a first position in which side wall

404

c

of cylindrical portion

404

bears against side

430

a

of wedge-shaped stop

430

, thus positioning cam member

394

and, therefore, outer bracket

340

in a day viewing position in which inner bracket

342

is generally vertically oriented within opening

372

of outer bracket

340

. In preferred form, outer bracket

340

includes a pair of stops

440

which limit movement of outer bracket

340

with respect to inner bracket

342

. As best seen in

FIG. 14N

, when knob

410

is rotated to a counter clockwise position (shown in phantom), actuator cam member

394

is likewise rotated counter clockwise such that pin

358

of inner bracket

342

is located in a second position

406

b

in actuator cam

394

, which pivots outer bracket

340

about pivot axis

352

a

to a night time viewing position for case

12

. In addition, side wall

404

d

of portion

404

bears against side

430

b

of stop

430

. As knob

410

rotates about its axis of rotation

410

a

, spring

428

is extended, thus provided resistance to the rotation of knob

410

. When

410

is rotated ninety degrees to its night time viewing position, spring

428

returns to its first extended length.

In preferred form, actuator inner bracket

342

and outer bracket

340

comprise a resinous polymeric or plastic material and, more preferably, from a mineral filled polypropylene, such as glass or mineral filled nylon, similar to bracket

24

. Actuator cam member

394

preferably comprises a low friction polymeric material and, most preferably, an acetal material, for example TICONA SELCON M90, which is a low friction material and, thus, provides a smooth movement for actuator handle

408

.

Thus, a prismatic mirror assembly is provided that is assembled from a plurality of common components that may alternately be used to form the electro-optic mirror assembly of the first embodiment and, further, which provide a compact carrier for backlighting a display on the reflective element and supporting a plurality of electrical and electronic components. In addition, the prismatic mirror assembly includes an actuator which provides a smooth position changer and includes a more stable arrangement which is easy to assemble and, more over, which improves the vibration characteristics of the mirror assembly.

The rearview mirror assemblies of the present invention can include a wide variety of electrical and electronic devices incorporated therein and further utility functions, such as described in copending application entitled REARVIEW MIRROR ASSEMBLY WITH UTILITY FUNCTIONS, filed Nov. 24, 1999, by Barry W. Hutzel, Niall R. Lynam, and Darryl P. DeWind, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,428,172, which is herein incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. For example, rearview mirror assemblies may include: antennas, including GPS or cellular phone antennas, such as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,971,552; a communication module, such as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,798,688; displays such as shown in U.S. Pat. No. 5,530,240 or in U.S. pending application Ser. No. 09/244,726, filed Feb. 5, 1999, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,172,613; blind spot detection systems, such as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,929,786 or 5,786,772; transmitters and/or receivers, such as garage door openers, a digital network, such as described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,798,575; a high/low head lamp controller, such as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,715,093; a memory mirror system, such as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,796,176; a hands-free phone attachment, a video device for internal cabin surveillance and/or video telephone function, such as disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,760,962 and 5,877,897 and copending application Ser. No. 09/433,467, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,326,613; a remote keyless entry receiver; map lights, such as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,938,321; 5,813,745; 5,820,245; 5,673,994; 5,649,756; or 5,178,448; microphones and/or speakers, such as disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/361,814, filed Jul. 27, 1999, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,201,642, and 09/199,907, filed Nov. 25, 1998; a compass, such as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,924,212; seat occupancy detector; a trip computer; an ONSTAR System or the like, with all of the referenced patents and applications being commonly assigned to Donnelly Corporation, the disclosures of which are herein incorporated by reference in their entireties. Other features which can be incorporated include: a baby minder system, such as the vehicle interior monitoring system described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,877,897 and 5,760,962 or the rear vision system described in pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/361,814 filed Jul. 27, 1999, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,201,642, and Ser. No. 09/199,907 filed Nov. 25, 1998, and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/433,467 filed Nov. 4, 1999 titled “Vehicle Interior Mirror Assembly” to Patrick Heslin and Niall R. Lynam, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,326,613, all of which are incorporated by reference in their entireties herein.

For example, a camera, such as a CMOS or CCD camera, can be mounted to view the rear seat area of the vehicle so that the driver can view what is occurring, such as in a rear seat mounted baby seat or with a rear seat passenger such as children. Preferably, to enable viewing of the rear seat occupant or occupants even by night, the target field of view of the camera may be illuminated in a manner that provides adequate visibility for the camera to discern what is occurring in the rear seat in a darkened vehicle cabin but not illuminating in a manner that causes glare, distraction, and/or discomfort to any vehicle occupants, including the driver and/or rear seat passengers. For example, such a rear seat monitoring camera illumination is preferably achieved using directed low level non-incandescent light sources, such as light emitting diodes (LEDs), organic light emitting material, electroluminescent sources, and the like, and most preferably such non-incandescent sources are low power and are directed low intensity sources, such as described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,938,321 and copending application entitled “INTERIOR MIRROR ASSEMBLY FOR A VEHICLE INCORPORATING A SOLID-STATE LIGHT SOURCE”, Ser. No. 09/287,926, filed Apr. 7, 1999, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,139,172, which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties. A baby minder camera may be mounted as a part of the rearview mirror assembly and, most preferably, may be mounted as a part of a header, including a front header of a roof or a rear header of a roof. It may be desirable to mount a baby minder camera it to the rear header of a roof when it is desirable to view rear facing child support seats. Most preferably, a plurality of at least two, more preferably at least four, and most preferably at least six LEDs are mounted with a camera (such as to form a ring around the camera) with the light projected from the individual LEDs directed to be coincident with the camera field of view and to illuminate the target area desired to be viewed. The LEDs being directed low level sources will not glare or cause discomfort to occupants when illuminated. Further, non-incandescent camera illumination sources can be illuminated whenever the ignition switch is on to operate the vehicle or at least when the ignition switch is placed in “an accessory on” position so that both the camera and illumination lights are operating on vehicle battery power even when parked. Alternately, the illumination lights can be operational only when the baby minder camera is selected to be operational. While it is preferred to use non-incandescent lights, such incandescent light sources can be used, most preferably high intensity, low current incandescent light sources. An interior surveillance system permits the driver of the vehicle to observe behavior or the activities of babies or children or other passengers seated in the rear seat. This is especially advantageous when the child or baby is in a rearward facing car seat, where the child or baby would ordinarily not be visible. For example, a camera, such as a CMOS or CCD camera, can be mounted to view the rear seat area of the vehicle so that the driver can view what is occurring, such as in a rear seat mounted baby seat or with a rear seat passenger such as children. Preferably, to enable viewing of the rear seat occupant or occupants even by night, the target field of view of the camera may be illuminated in a manner that provides adequate visibility for the camera to discern what is occurring in the rear seat in a darkened vehicle cabin but not illuminating in a manner that causes glare, distraction, and/or discomfort to any vehicle occupants, including the driver and/or rear seat passengers.

Furthermore, the mirror assemblies of the present invention may incorporate a navigation system, such as described in as described in copending provisional application Serial No. 60/131,593, filed Apr. 29, 1999, entitled VEHICLE-BASED NAVIGATION SYSTEM WITH SMART MAP FILTERING, PORTABLE UNIT HOME-BASE REGISTRATION AND MULTIPLE NAVIGATION SYSTEM PREFERENTIAL USE, which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety. Alternately or in addition, the modular aspects of the present invention can be combined with or incorporate a wide variety of other interior rearview mirror assemblies including electrically operated compass mirrors such as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,253,109; electrically operated interior rearview mirrors incorporating map reading lights such as disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,646,210; 4,733,336; 4,807,096; and 5,178,448; and electrically operated automatically dimming mirrors such as described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,793,690; 4,799,768; 4,886,960; and 5,193,029; mirror assemblies incorporating GPS such as disclosed in patent application Ser. No. 08/569,851, filed Dec. 8, 1995, by Roger L. Veldman and Desmond O'Farrell for “A VEHICLE GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM NAVIGATIONAL AID”, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,971,552; mirrors including head light controls, such as disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/621,863, filed Mar. 25, 1996, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,796,094, entitled “VEHICLE HEADLIGHT CONTROL USING IMAGING SENSOR”; mirrors incorporating displays, such as disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/244,726, filed Feb. 5, 1999, entitled “REARVIEW MIRROR ASSEMBLY INCORPORATING VEHICLE INFORMATION DISPLAY”, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,172,613, and U.S. Pat. No. 5,530,240 for “DISPLAY FOR AUTOMATIC REARVIEW MIRROR”; mirrors incorporating blind spot detection systems, such as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,530,240; U.S. Pat. No. 5,576,687; and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/799,734, entitled “VEHICLE BLIND SPOT DETECTION AND DISPLAY SYSTEM”, filed Feb. 12, 1997, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,786,772; and mirrors incorporating remote transaction systems, such as disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/057,428, filed Apr. 8, 1998, for “A VEHICLE MOUNTED REMOTE TRANSACTION INTERFACE SYSTEM”, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,158,655; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,798,575; all commonly assigned to Donnelly Corporation, Holland Mich. and the disclosures of which are herein incorporated by reference in their entireties.

It can be appreciated from the foregoing that the present invention provides a modular design in which a plurality of common components may be assembled to form either a prismatic mirror assembly or an electro-optic interior mirror assembly. For example, both the bracket and actuator bracket of the electrochromic and prismatic mirror assemblies are staked into the respective casing using identical mounting posts and tabs. The attachment member of both assemblies use common components and combines similar features in similar locations thus simplifying the assembly process of the respective attachment member. In addition, the attachment member provides light assemblies which have an appropriate setback to provide adequate spacing between the display module and the light sources so that the light is defused enough to create uniform light across the display. Furthermore, the light module is adapted to substantially reduce and preferably eliminate light leakage between the chambers of the respective light assemblies and, therefore, only illuminate the selected indicia. Since the attachment member of the respective mirror assemblies comprises a fully assembled electronic electrical device carrier or cartridge, the assembly process of the mirror assemblies is greatly simplified. To further simplify the assembly process, the attachment member is configured such that the attachment member can be inserted into the respective casing in one orientation only. Additionally, since the ribs and extensive webbing in the conventional electrochromic mirror casings are eliminated, the casing of the electrochromic assembly has now even more room for other electrical or electronic devices within casing

12

. Moreover, the present design allows for greater flexibility, for example if a ball end version is desired, a respective bracket may be staked with a socket as opposed to the ball mount. Moreover, the actuator bracket of the prismatic mirror assembly provides a more stable mounting for the mirror case. Further, the attachment member provides impact absorbing characteristics and significantly reduces the risk of the reflective element shattering and more preferably breaking in the event of an impact.

While several forms of the invention have been shown and described, other forms will now be apparent to those skilled in the art. Therefore, it will be understood that the embodiments shown in the drawings and described above are merely for illustrative purposes, and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention which is defined by the claims which follow as interpreted under the principles of patent law including the doctrine of equivalents.

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