EP0069143A1 - A rearview mirror having an electronic instrument display - Google Patents
A rearview mirror having an electronic instrument displayInfo
- Publication number
- EP0069143A1 EP0069143A1 EP82900430A EP82900430A EP0069143A1 EP 0069143 A1 EP0069143 A1 EP 0069143A1 EP 82900430 A EP82900430 A EP 82900430A EP 82900430 A EP82900430 A EP 82900430A EP 0069143 A1 EP0069143 A1 EP 0069143A1
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- mirror
- housing
- readout
- vehicle
- behind
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Withdrawn
Links
- 239000000446 fuel Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 6
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 3
- 230000008569 process Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 3
- 238000004891 communication Methods 0.000 claims description 6
- 230000014759 maintenance of location Effects 0.000 claims description 2
- 239000004065 semiconductor Substances 0.000 claims description 2
- 230000005043 peripheral vision Effects 0.000 abstract description 3
- BQCADISMDOOEFD-UHFFFAOYSA-N Silver Chemical compound [Ag] BQCADISMDOOEFD-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 abstract 1
- 229910052709 silver Inorganic materials 0.000 abstract 1
- 239000004332 silver Substances 0.000 abstract 1
- 229920002799 BoPET Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 239000005041 Mylar™ Substances 0.000 description 1
- 206010039203 Road traffic accident Diseases 0.000 description 1
- 230000004075 alteration Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000005540 biological transmission Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000005516 engineering process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000011521 glass Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000010348 incorporation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 1
- 229920003023 plastic Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 239000002985 plastic film Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000012545 processing Methods 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
- G07C—TIME OR ATTENDANCE REGISTERS; REGISTERING OR INDICATING THE WORKING OF MACHINES; GENERATING RANDOM NUMBERS; VOTING OR LOTTERY APPARATUS; ARRANGEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS FOR CHECKING NOT PROVIDED FOR ELSEWHERE
- G07C5/00—Registering or indicating the working of vehicles
- G07C5/08—Registering or indicating performance data other than driving, working, idle, or waiting time, with or without registering driving, working, idle or waiting time
- G07C5/0816—Indicating performance data, e.g. occurrence of a malfunction
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60K—ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PROPULSION UNITS OR OF TRANSMISSIONS IN VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PLURAL DIVERSE PRIME-MOVERS IN VEHICLES; AUXILIARY DRIVES FOR VEHICLES; INSTRUMENTATION OR DASHBOARDS FOR VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENTS IN CONNECTION WITH COOLING, AIR INTAKE, GAS EXHAUST OR FUEL SUPPLY OF PROPULSION UNITS IN VEHICLES
- B60K35/00—Arrangement of adaptations of instruments
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60R—VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B60R1/00—Optical viewing arrangements; Real-time viewing arrangements for drivers or passengers using optical image capturing systems, e.g. cameras or video systems specially adapted for use in or on vehicles
- B60R1/12—Mirror assemblies combined with other articles, e.g. clocks
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60R—VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B60R1/00—Optical viewing arrangements; Real-time viewing arrangements for drivers or passengers using optical image capturing systems, e.g. cameras or video systems specially adapted for use in or on vehicles
- B60R1/12—Mirror assemblies combined with other articles, e.g. clocks
- B60R2001/1215—Mirror assemblies combined with other articles, e.g. clocks with information displays
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60R—VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B60R1/00—Optical viewing arrangements; Real-time viewing arrangements for drivers or passengers using optical image capturing systems, e.g. cameras or video systems specially adapted for use in or on vehicles
- B60R1/12—Mirror assemblies combined with other articles, e.g. clocks
- B60R2001/1246—Mirror assemblies combined with other articles, e.g. clocks with clocks
Definitions
- This invention relates to a novel rearview mirror which incorporates into it all or most of the instrument readouts desired in automobiles, trucks, or other similar vehicles.
- Electronic components such as microprocessors and LEDs, are mounted behind the usual mirror for the vehicle. Signals are displayed through unsilvered portions of the mirror.
- the Litman mirror is a safety advance which merely brushes the surface of available alterations to the interior of a vehicle.
- automotive instruments have been located in the dashboard about the steering column.
- the practice arose out of necessity for mounting instruments where they would be visible and rigidly attached.
- continued location in this area hinders safety.
- the instruments generally are outside the driver's peripheral vision. To see them, the driver must take his or her eyes off the road, at least for an instant.
- the Litman patent discloses that turn signal indicator lamps can be placed behind the mirror reflective surface.
- the patent does not teach the need for multiple conventional dashboard instrumentation at this more desirable eye level location.
- a novel feature of this invention is its incorpor- ation of an electronic instrument display for travel infor- mation, such as speed, mileage, or fuel, within a rearview mirror to bring the display into the peripheral vision of the driver while he or she looks straight ahead and to remove the clutter from about the steering column so that additional safety improvements can be made to the dashboar area.
- the mirror contains all the essentia components for the several readouts commonly 'housed in the dashboard.
- Microprocessors are small enough today to fit within a mirror housing. Sensors about the vehicle need be the only devices outside the mirror. Alternatively, the mirror may have only the readout electronics, such as LED's, with the processing devices mounted elsewhere in the vehicle.
- the mirror has a housing which is attachable to the vehicle, either to the frame or to the windshield.
- the housing holds a mirror and several instrument displays, such as odometers, speedometers, fuel gauges, systems warnings, and turn signal indicators.
- the readouts are placed behind unsilvered portions about the periphery of the mirror.
- a microprocessor preferably is mounted in the housing to process signals and to display the information on the readouts.
- Means for electrical communication run from the electronic components in the housing to the vehicle.
- the means for communication include a plurality of wires encapsulated in a transparent film, such as Mylar, which is glued to the windshield also . Conventional wiring processors and sensors are found in the vehicle frame.
- the mirror may also have trip log function readouts or a common readout with switches for the various functions.
- Figure 1 is a schematic of a rearview mirror having an electronic instrument display.
- Figure 2 is a partially sectional schematic similar to Figure 1 showing a microprocessor mounted behind the partially silvered mirror.
- a rearview mirror which incorporates the novel features of this invention is schematically shown.
- the mirror has a housing 10 which is attachable by suitable means 11 to the frame or windshield of the vehicle.
- Means for electrical communication 12 extend from the electrical components in the mirror to suitable wiring in the vehicle, which runs to the ordinary sensors for travel information.
- this means 12 includes a plurality of connecting wires of small diameter, arranged in ribbon form and encapsulated in a transparent plastic film (as shown in Fig. 2).
- Mounted in the housing 10 is a mirror 13 which has unsilvered portions. Signal lights, repeater lamps, or LEDs mounted behind the unsilvered portions emit light which is visible through the mirror 13.
- these unsilvered portions are arranged about the periphery of the mirror 13 so that they do not impair its ordinary function.
- the readouts may be placed around the housing of the mirror or on the glass of the mirror.
- Fig. shows a digital speedometer 14 in the lower lefthand corner, an electronic fuel gauge 15 in the upper lefthand corner, digital odometer 16 in the upper center, systems warning lights 17, such as battery, oil, brakes, or seatbelts, along the right edge, and a digital readout 18 in the lower center.
- Arrayed along the bottom of the mirror are separately identified push-button switches 19 controlling a micropro- cessor 20 (Fig. 2) to permit display of various "trip log" functions in the readout 18.
- the switches are lighted so that they are identifiable at night.
- the odometer 16, speedometer 14, and fuel gauge 15 may have individual microprocessors if space permits, or all of the readouts in the mirror may share one microprocessor 20 (Fig. 2).
- the intensity of light from the displays is controlled with a screw dimmer switch 23.
- a turn signal indicator 21 and a hi-low beam indicator 22 may be placed at a convenient place in the mirror.
- the microprocessors might just as easily be placed elsewhere in the vehicle, with only the readout components, such as the LEDs, in the mirror.
- the odometer 16 preferably features a permanent semiconductor memory capable of extended data retention even with power removed. Thus, if the battery fails, the accumulated mileage will not be lost.
- the mirror may also incorporate a clock, if desired.
- the clock may be made a part of the "trip log" functions whereby display of the time would appear only on selection, or a separate digital readout may be included in the mirror.
- microtransmitters and microreceivers may be used to communicate between the mirror's readouts and the vehicle's sensors. Medical technology has recently developed these small components, although their use should be avoided if interference causes the transmission to be garbled.
Abstract
Les instruments de vehicules automobiles ont traditionnellement ete places dans le tableau de bord autour de la colonne de direction, generalement a l'exterieur de la vision peripherique du conducteur. Pour les voir, le conducteur doit cesser de regarder la route. Un nouveau retroviseur (13) possede un affichage d'instruments electroniques incorpore dans le retroviseur de sorte que le conducteur recoit des informations de conduite sans cesser de regarder la route. Un compteur de vitesse (14), un odometre (16), et un indicateur de niveau de carburant (15) sont facilement places sur le miroir (13) de sorte que les lectures s'affichent au travers de portions non argentees. Des fonctions 'de log de route' (18) et autres affichages (17, 21 et 22) peuvent egalement etre incorpores. Un micro-processeur (20) traite les entrees de donnees et commande les affichages.Motor vehicle instruments have traditionally been placed in the dashboard around the steering column, usually outside the driver's peripheral vision. To see them, the driver must stop looking at the road. A new rearview mirror (13) has an electronic instrument display incorporated into the rearview mirror so that the driver receives driving information without stopping looking at the road. A speedometer (14), odometer (16), and fuel level indicator (15) are easily placed on the mirror (13) so that the readings are displayed through non-silver portions. 'Route log' functions (18) and other displays (17, 21 and 22) can also be incorporated. A microprocessor (20) processes the data inputs and controls the displays.
Description
Claims
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US22381981A | 1981-01-09 | 1981-01-09 | |
US223819 | 1981-01-09 |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
EP0069143A1 true EP0069143A1 (en) | 1983-01-12 |
Family
ID=22838090
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP82900430A Withdrawn EP0069143A1 (en) | 1981-01-09 | 1981-12-14 | A rearview mirror having an electronic instrument display |
Country Status (3)
Country | Link |
---|---|
EP (1) | EP0069143A1 (en) |
IT (1) | IT1146824B (en) |
WO (1) | WO1982002448A1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (32)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
IT8253211V0 (en) * | 1982-04-21 | 1982-04-21 | Fiat Auto Spa | CONTROL AND SIGNALING DEVICE FOR TRAVEL PARAMETERS OF A VEHICLE |
US5576687A (en) * | 1991-12-20 | 1996-11-19 | Donnelly Corporation | Vehicle information display |
DE4322937A1 (en) * | 1993-07-09 | 1995-01-12 | Hohe Kg | Information device in a motor vehicle |
US6000823A (en) * | 1995-12-11 | 1999-12-14 | Donnelly Mirrors Limited | Rearview mirror assembly |
US5820245A (en) * | 1995-12-11 | 1998-10-13 | Donnelly Corporation | Rearview mirror assembly |
US5871251A (en) * | 1996-03-14 | 1999-02-16 | Prince Corporation | Visor display |
US6172613B1 (en) | 1998-02-18 | 2001-01-09 | Donnelly Corporation | Rearview mirror assembly incorporating vehicle information display |
US6087953A (en) | 1998-02-18 | 2000-07-11 | Donnelly Corporation | Rearview mirror support incorporating vehicle information display |
US6329925B1 (en) | 1999-11-24 | 2001-12-11 | Donnelly Corporation | Rearview mirror assembly with added feature modular display |
US6428172B1 (en) | 1999-11-24 | 2002-08-06 | Donnelly Corporation | Rearview mirror assembly with utility functions |
US6477464B2 (en) | 2000-03-09 | 2002-11-05 | Donnelly Corporation | Complete mirror-based global-positioning system (GPS) navigation solution |
US6693517B2 (en) | 2000-04-21 | 2004-02-17 | Donnelly Corporation | Vehicle mirror assembly communicating wirelessly with vehicle accessories and occupants |
US6535743B1 (en) | 1998-07-29 | 2003-03-18 | Minorplanet Systems Usa, Inc. | System and method for providing directions using a communication network |
US6167255A (en) * | 1998-07-29 | 2000-12-26 | @Track Communications, Inc. | System and method for providing menu data using a communication network |
US6405033B1 (en) | 1998-07-29 | 2002-06-11 | Track Communications, Inc. | System and method for routing a call using a communications network |
JP4047979B2 (en) * | 1998-09-09 | 2008-02-13 | 本田技研工業株式会社 | Indicator lamp layout |
US6170956B1 (en) | 1998-10-14 | 2001-01-09 | Gentex Corporation | Rearview mirror with display |
US7427150B2 (en) | 1999-05-14 | 2008-09-23 | Gentex Corporation | Rearview mirror assembly including a multi-functional light module |
US6301794B1 (en) | 1999-05-27 | 2001-10-16 | Johnson Controls, Inc. | Vehicle compass system with continuous automatic calibration |
DE60028907T2 (en) | 1999-11-24 | 2007-02-15 | Donnelly Corp., Holland | Rearview mirror with utility function |
US7167796B2 (en) | 2000-03-09 | 2007-01-23 | Donnelly Corporation | Vehicle navigation system for use with a telematics system |
US7370983B2 (en) | 2000-03-02 | 2008-05-13 | Donnelly Corporation | Interior mirror assembly with display |
US7855755B2 (en) | 2005-11-01 | 2010-12-21 | Donnelly Corporation | Interior rearview mirror assembly with display |
US7224324B2 (en) | 2000-03-27 | 2007-05-29 | Donnelly Corporation | Interactive automotive rearvision system |
US6648477B2 (en) | 2000-07-06 | 2003-11-18 | Donnelly Corporation | Rearview mirror assembly with information display |
US7581859B2 (en) | 2005-09-14 | 2009-09-01 | Donnelly Corp. | Display device for exterior rearview mirror |
DE60220379T2 (en) | 2001-01-23 | 2008-01-24 | Donnelly Corp., Holland | IMPROVED VEHICLE LIGHTING SYSTEM |
US7255451B2 (en) | 2002-09-20 | 2007-08-14 | Donnelly Corporation | Electro-optic mirror cell |
WO2004103772A2 (en) | 2003-05-19 | 2004-12-02 | Donnelly Corporation | Mirror assembly for vehicle |
US7310177B2 (en) | 2002-09-20 | 2007-12-18 | Donnelly Corporation | Electro-optic reflective element assembly |
US8154418B2 (en) | 2008-03-31 | 2012-04-10 | Magna Mirrors Of America, Inc. | Interior rearview mirror system |
EP2996101B1 (en) * | 2014-09-12 | 2019-06-26 | Continental Automotive GmbH | Driver assistance system, method for assisting a driver during a parking manoeuvre and program product |
Family Cites Families (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US4109235A (en) * | 1971-10-29 | 1978-08-22 | Regie Nationale Des Usines Renault | Electronic-display instrument panels for automotive vehicles |
JPS5613618Y2 (en) * | 1974-05-16 | 1981-03-30 | ||
US4031363A (en) * | 1976-05-17 | 1977-06-21 | General Time Corporation | Display apparatus for automotive vehicles |
US4371934A (en) * | 1979-05-04 | 1983-02-01 | Robert Bosch Gmbh | Vehicle trip computer |
-
1981
- 1981-12-14 WO PCT/US1981/001663 patent/WO1982002448A1/en unknown
- 1981-12-14 EP EP82900430A patent/EP0069143A1/en not_active Withdrawn
- 1981-12-29 IT IT8112714A patent/IT1146824B/en active
Non-Patent Citations (1)
Title |
---|
See references of WO8202448A1 * |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
IT1146824B (en) | 1986-11-19 |
WO1982002448A1 (en) | 1982-07-22 |
IT8112714A0 (en) | 1981-12-29 |
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Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
PUAI | Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012 |
|
AK | Designated contracting states |
Designated state(s): DE FR GB SE |
|
STAA | Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent |
Free format text: STATUS: THE APPLICATION IS DEEMED TO BE WITHDRAWN |
|
18D | Application deemed to be withdrawn |
Effective date: 19830311 |