Patent US6806452B2 successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US6806452B2
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Interior rearview mirror system including a forward facing video device
Assignee: Magna Donnelly Corp
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Filing: 2001-11-05
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Granted: 2004-10-19
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Expires: 2021-11-05
Abstract
Abstract An interior rearview mirror system suitable for use in a vehicle includes a interior rearview mirror assembly adapted for attachment to an interior portion of the vehicle. The interior rearview mirror assembly includes a housing and a reflective element included within the housing. The mirror system further includes a video device (which includes an imaging sensor) and a control. The imaging sensor is positioned at the interior rearview mirror assembly and has a field of view forward and through the windshield. The imaging sensor is operable to at least sense precipitation at an interior and/or exterior surface of the windshield. The control receives a signal from the imaging sensor and is operable to control at least one of a headlamp of the vehicle, a windshield wiper of the vehicle, a defogging system of the vehicle and a movable window of the vehicle in response to the signal.
Inventors
- 👤 Brent J. Bos
- 👤 Kenneth Schofield
- 👤 Mark L. Larson
- 👤 Niall R. Lynam
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-01 08:40
CPC Classifications
B; B60; B60N; B60N2/00; B60N2/002; B60Q; B60Q1/00; B60Q1/02; B60Q1/04; B60Q1/14; B60Q1/1415; B60Q1/1423; B60S; B60S1/00; B60S1/02; B60S1/04; B60S1/06; B60S1/08; B60S1/0818; B60S1/0822; B60S1/0833; B60S1/0844; B60S1/0874; B60S1/0885; G; G06; G06T; G06T7/00; G06T7/0002; G06V; G06V20/00; G06V20/50; G06V20/56; H; H04; H04N; H04N13/00; H04N13/20; H04N13/204; H04N13/239; B60N2210/00; B60N2210/10; B60N2210/16; B60N2210/22; B60N2210/24; B60Q2300/00; B60Q2300/30; B60Q2300/31; B60Q2300/312; B60Q2300/314; B60R; B60R1/00; B60R1/12; B60R2001/1223; B60R2300/00; B60R2300/80; B60R2300/8006; B60R2300/802; B60R2300/8073; G06T2207/00; G06T2207/30; G06T2207/30248; G06T2207/30252; H04N2013/0074; H04N2013/0081
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 167
Claim 1
Independent Claim
172 words
An interior rearview mirror system suitable for use in a vehicle, said interior rearview mirror system comprising: an interior rearview mirror assembly adapted for attachment to an interior portion of the vehicle, said interior rearview mirror assembly comprising a housing and a reflective element included within said housing; and a video device, said video device including an imaging sensor, said imaging sensor being positioned at said interior rearview mirror assembly and having a field of view forward and through the windshield, said imaging sensor being operable to at least sense precipitation at at least one of an exterior surface of the windshield and an interior surface of the windshield; and a control operable to receive a signal from said imaging sensor, said control being operable to control a headlamp of the vehicle and to control at least one of a windshield wiper of the vehicle and a defogging system of the vehicle in response to said signal wherein said imaging sensor is operable as a component of an active cruise control system.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
172 words
An interior rearview mirror system suitable for use in a vehicle, said interior rearview mirror system comprising: an interior rearview mirror assembly adapted for attachment to an interior portion of the vehicle, said interior rearview mirror assembly comprising a housing and a reflective element included within said housing; and a video device, said video device including an imaging sensor, said imaging sensor being positioned at said interior rearview mirror assembly and having a field of view forward and through the windshield, said imaging sensor being operable to at least sense precipitation at at least one of an exterior surface of the windshield and an interior surface of the windshield; and a control operable to receive a signal from said imaging sensor, said control being operable to control a headlamp of the vehicle and to control at least one of a windshield wiper of the vehicle and a defogging system of the vehicle in response to said signal wherein said imaging sensor is operable as a component of an active cruise control system.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
25 words
The interior rearview mirror system of claim 1 , wherein said imaging sensor is operable to determine the speed at which the vehicle is traveling.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
261 words
An interior rearview mirror system suitable for use in a vehicle, said interior rearview mirror system comprising: an interior rearview mirror assembly adapted for attachment to an interior portion of the vehicle, said interior rearview mirror assembly comprising a housing and a reflective element included within said housing; and a video device, said video device including an imaging sensor, said imaging sensor being positioned at said interior rearview mirror assembly and having a field of view forward and through the windshield, said imaging sensor being operable to at least sense precipitation at at least one of an exterior surface of the windshield and an interior surface of the windshield; and a control operable to receive a signal from said imaging sensor, said control being operable to control a headlamp of the vehicle and to control at least one of a windshield wiper of the vehicle and a defogging system of the vehicle in response to said signal, said imaging sensor being operable to sense water droplets at the exterior surface of the windshield and fog particles at the interior surface of the windshield, said control being operable to control a windshield wiper of the vehicle in response to the presence of water droplets at the exterior surface of the windshield and to control a defogging system of the vehicle in response to the presence of fog particles at the interior surface of the windshield, wherein said control is operable to control a headlamp of the vehicle in response to the presence of water droplets at the exterior surface of the windshield.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
261 words
An interior rearview mirror system suitable for use in a vehicle, said interior rearview mirror system comprising: an interior rearview mirror assembly adapted for attachment to an interior portion of the vehicle, said interior rearview mirror assembly comprising a housing and a reflective element included within said housing; and a video device, said video device including an imaging sensor, said imaging sensor being positioned at said interior rearview mirror assembly and having a field of view forward and through the windshield, said imaging sensor being operable to at least sense precipitation at at least one of an exterior surface of the windshield and an interior surface of the windshield; and a control operable to receive a signal from said imaging sensor, said control being operable to control a headlamp of the vehicle and to control at least one of a windshield wiper of the vehicle and a defogging system of the vehicle in response to said signal, said imaging sensor being operable to sense water droplets at the exterior surface of the windshield and fog particles at the interior surface of the windshield, said control being operable to control a windshield wiper of the vehicle in response to the presence of water droplets at the exterior surface of the windshield and to control a defogging system of the vehicle in response to the presence of fog particles at the interior surface of the windshield, wherein said control is operable to control a headlamp of the vehicle in response to the presence of water droplets at the exterior surface of the windshield.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
32 words
The interior rearview mirror system of claim 3 , wherein said control is operable to control a headlamp of the vehicle in response to a level of light present at the windshield.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
37 words
The interior rearview mirror system of claim 4 , wherein said control is operable to control a movable window of the vehicle in response to the presence of water droplets at the exterior surface of the windshield.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
276 words
An interior rearview mirror system suitable for use in a vehicle, said interior rearview mirror system comprising: an interior rearview mirror assembly adapted for attachment to an interior portion of the vehicle, said interior rearview mirror assembly comprising a housing and a reflective element included within said housing; and a video device, said video device including an imaging sensor, said imaging sensor being positioned at said interior rearview mirror assembly and having a field of view forward and through the windshield, said imaging sensor being operable to at least sense precipitation at at least one of an exterior surface of the windshield and an interior surface of the windshield; and a control operable to receive a signal from said imaging sensor, said control being operable to control a headlamp of the vehicle and to control at least one of a windshield wiper of the vehicle and a defogging system of the vehicle in response to said signal, said imagine sensor being operable to sense water droplets at the exterior surface of the windshield and fog particles at the interior surface of the windshield, said control being operable to control a windshield wiper of the vehicle in response to the presence of water droplets at the exterior surface of the windshield and to control a defogging system of the vehicle in response to the presence of fog particles at the interior surface of the windshield, said control being operable to vary a rate of wine of a windshield wiper of the vehicle wherein said control is operable to vary the rate of wipe according to a density of water droplets on the exterior surface of the windshield.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
276 words
An interior rearview mirror system suitable for use in a vehicle, said interior rearview mirror system comprising: an interior rearview mirror assembly adapted for attachment to an interior portion of the vehicle, said interior rearview mirror assembly comprising a housing and a reflective element included within said housing; and a video device, said video device including an imaging sensor, said imaging sensor being positioned at said interior rearview mirror assembly and having a field of view forward and through the windshield, said imaging sensor being operable to at least sense precipitation at at least one of an exterior surface of the windshield and an interior surface of the windshield; and a control operable to receive a signal from said imaging sensor, said control being operable to control a headlamp of the vehicle and to control at least one of a windshield wiper of the vehicle and a defogging system of the vehicle in response to said signal, said imagine sensor being operable to sense water droplets at the exterior surface of the windshield and fog particles at the interior surface of the windshield, said control being operable to control a windshield wiper of the vehicle in response to the presence of water droplets at the exterior surface of the windshield and to control a defogging system of the vehicle in response to the presence of fog particles at the interior surface of the windshield, said control being operable to vary a rate of wine of a windshield wiper of the vehicle wherein said control is operable to vary the rate of wipe according to a density of water droplets on the exterior surface of the windshield.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
27 words
The interior rearview mirror system of claim 6 , wherein said control is operable to control a movable window of the vehicle in response to said signal.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
39 words
The interior rearview mirror system of claim 7 , wherein said control is operable to control a sunroof of the vehicle to close the sunroof in response to the presence of precipitation at the exterior surface of the windshield.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
35 words
The interior rearview mirror system of claim 6 , wherein said control comprises a micro-computer having at least one of an embedded control application, a custom digital logic circuit and a digital signal processor circuit.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
23 words
The interior rearview mirror system of claim 9 , wherein said imaging array comprises circuitry capable of producing at least one digital signal.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
23 words
The interior rearview mirror system of claim 10 , wherein said control is operable to digitally process said at least one digital signal.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
32 words
The interior rearview mirror system of claim 6 , wherein said control is operable to control a headlamp of the vehicle in response to a level of light sensed at the vehicle.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
26 words
The interior rearview mirror system of claim 12 , wherein said imaging sensor is operable to sense a level of ambient light present at the vehicle.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
31 words
The interior rearview mirror system of claim 13 , wherein said control is operable to control a headlamp of the vehicle in response to said imaging sensor sensing low light conditions.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
47 words
The interior rearview mirror system of claim 6 , wherein said interior rearview mirror assembly comprises an electrochromic interior rem-view mirror assembly and said reflective element comprises an electrochromic reflective element, said electrochromic interior rearview mirror assembly comprising electrochromic control circuitry for controlling said electrochromic reflective element.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
22 words
The interior rearview mirror system of claim 15 , wherein said control shares at least one component of said electrochromic control circuitry.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
30 words
The interior rearview mirror system of claim 16 , wherein said control shares said at least one component on a common circuit board of said electrochromic interior rearview mirror assembly.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
24 words
The interior rearview mirror system of claim 6 , wherein said control is operable to control at least one other accessory of the vehicle.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
23 words
The interior rearview mirror system of claim 6 , including an illumination device for illuminating the field of view of said imaging sensor.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
16 words
The interior rearview mirror system of claim 19 , wherein said illumination device provides infrared illumination.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
18 words
The interior rearview mirror system of claim 19 , wherein said illumination device is at least occasionally activated.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
18 words
The interior rearview mirror system of claim 21 , wherein said illumination device is pulsed on and off.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
18 words
The interior rearview mirror system of claim 6 , wherein said imaging sensor comprises an imaging array sensor.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
20 words
The interior rearview mirror system of claim 23 , wherein said imaging array sensor comprises a pixelated imaging array sensor.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
18 words
The interior rearview mirror system of claim 23 , wherein said imaging array sensor comprises a CMOS sensor.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
28 words
The interior rearview mirror system of claim 6 , wherein said video device includes a lens disposed between said imaging sensor and the interior surface of the windshield.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
20 words
The interior rearview mirror system of claim 26 , wherein said lens functions to establish a small depth of field.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
29 words
The interior rearview mirror system of claim 27 , wherein said lens focuses said imaging sensor on an area at or immediately adjacent to the windshield of the vehicle.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
235 words
An interior rearview mirror system suitable for use in a vehicle, said interior rearview mirror system comprising: an interior rearview mirror assembly adapted for attachment to an interior portion of the vehicle, said interior rearview mirror assembly comprising a housing and a reflective element included within said housing; and a video device, said video device including an imaging sensor, said imaging sensor being positioned at said interior rearview mirror assembly and having a field of view forward and through the windshield, said magma sensor being operable to at least sense precipitation at at least one of an exterior surface of the windshield and an interior surface of the windshield; and a control operable to receive a signal from said imaging sensor, said control being operable to control a headlamp of the vehicle and to control at least one of a windshield wiper of the vehicle and a defogging system of the vehicle in response to said signal, said imaging sensor being operable to sense fog particles at the interior surface of the windshield, said control being operable to control a defogging system of the vehicle in response to said imaging sensor sensing fog particles at the interior surface of the windshield wherein said control is operable to adjust a blower level of the defogging system of the vehicle in response to a density of the fog particles sensed at the interior surface of the windshield.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
235 words
An interior rearview mirror system suitable for use in a vehicle, said interior rearview mirror system comprising: an interior rearview mirror assembly adapted for attachment to an interior portion of the vehicle, said interior rearview mirror assembly comprising a housing and a reflective element included within said housing; and a video device, said video device including an imaging sensor, said imaging sensor being positioned at said interior rearview mirror assembly and having a field of view forward and through the windshield, said magma sensor being operable to at least sense precipitation at at least one of an exterior surface of the windshield and an interior surface of the windshield; and a control operable to receive a signal from said imaging sensor, said control being operable to control a headlamp of the vehicle and to control at least one of a windshield wiper of the vehicle and a defogging system of the vehicle in response to said signal, said imaging sensor being operable to sense fog particles at the interior surface of the windshield, said control being operable to control a defogging system of the vehicle in response to said imaging sensor sensing fog particles at the interior surface of the windshield wherein said control is operable to adjust a blower level of the defogging system of the vehicle in response to a density of the fog particles sensed at the interior surface of the windshield.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
55 words
The interior rearview mirror of claim 29 , wherein said F system imaging sensor is operable to sense water droplets at an exterior surface of the windshield, said control being operable to control a windshield wiper of the vehicle in response to said imaging sensor sensing water droplets at the exterior surface of the windshield.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
27 words
The interior rearview mirror system of claim 30 , wherein said control is operable to adjust a rate of wipe of a windshield wiper of the vehicle.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
37 words
The interior rearview mirror system of claim 31 , wherein said control is operable to adjust the rate of wipe in response to a quantity of the water droplets sensed at the exterior surface of the windshield.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
23 words
The interior rearview mirror system of claim 31 , wherein said control is operable to control a rear window wiper of the vehicle.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
36 words
The interior rearview mirror system of claim 33 , wherein said control is operable to control a rear window wiper in response to said imaging sensor sensing water droplets at the exterior surface of the windshield.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
282 words
An interior rearview mirror system suitable for use in a vehicle, said interior rearview mirror system comprising: an interior rearview mirror assembly adapted for attachment to an interior portion of the vehicle, said interior rearview mirror assembly comprising a housing and a reflective element included within said housing; and a video device, said video device including an imaging sensor, said imaging sensor being positioned at said interior rearview mirror assembly and having a field of view forward and through the windshield, said imaging sensor being operable to at least sense precipitation at at least one of an exterior surface of the windshield and an interior surface of the windshield; and a control operable to receive a signal from said imaging sensor, said control being operable to control a headlamp of the vehicle and to control at least one of a windshield wiper of the vehicle and a defogging system of the vehicle in response to said signal, said imaging sensor being operable to sense water droplets at an exterior surface of the windshield, said control being operable to control a windshield wiper of the vehicle in response to said imaging sensor sensing water droplets at the exterior surface of the windshield, said control being operable to adjust a rate of wipe of a windshield wiper of the vehicle and said control being operable to control a rear window wiper of the vehicle, said control being operable to control the rear window wiper in response to said imaging sensor sensing water droplets at the exterior surface of the windshield, wherein said control causes a rear window wiper to cycle for every N cycles of a windshield wiper, wherein N is greater than one.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
282 words
An interior rearview mirror system suitable for use in a vehicle, said interior rearview mirror system comprising: an interior rearview mirror assembly adapted for attachment to an interior portion of the vehicle, said interior rearview mirror assembly comprising a housing and a reflective element included within said housing; and a video device, said video device including an imaging sensor, said imaging sensor being positioned at said interior rearview mirror assembly and having a field of view forward and through the windshield, said imaging sensor being operable to at least sense precipitation at at least one of an exterior surface of the windshield and an interior surface of the windshield; and a control operable to receive a signal from said imaging sensor, said control being operable to control a headlamp of the vehicle and to control at least one of a windshield wiper of the vehicle and a defogging system of the vehicle in response to said signal, said imaging sensor being operable to sense water droplets at an exterior surface of the windshield, said control being operable to control a windshield wiper of the vehicle in response to said imaging sensor sensing water droplets at the exterior surface of the windshield, said control being operable to adjust a rate of wipe of a windshield wiper of the vehicle and said control being operable to control a rear window wiper of the vehicle, said control being operable to control the rear window wiper in response to said imaging sensor sensing water droplets at the exterior surface of the windshield, wherein said control causes a rear window wiper to cycle for every N cycles of a windshield wiper, wherein N is greater than one.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
25 words
The interior rearview mirror system of claim 35 , wherein the value of N varies as a function of the speed of a windshield wiper.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
200 words
An interior rearview mirror system suitable for use in a vehicle, said interior rearview mirror system comprising: an interior rearview mirror assembly adapted for attachment to an interior portion of the vehicle, said interior rearview mirror assembly comprising a housing and a reflective element included within said housing; and a video device, said video device including an imaging sensor, said imaging sensor being positioned at said interior rearview mirror assembly and having a field of view forward and through the windshield, said imaging sensor being operable to at least sense precipitation at at least one of an exterior surface of the windshield and an interior surface of the windshield: a control operable to receive a signal from said imaging sensor, said control being operable to control a headlamp of the vehicle and to control at least one of a windshield wiper of the vehicle and a deforming system of the vehicle in response to said signal; and an illumination device for illuminating the field of view of said imaging sensor, said illumination device being pulsed on and off, wherein said imaging sensor comprises a shutter for exposing said imaging sensor to the field of view forwardly and through the windshield.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
200 words
An interior rearview mirror system suitable for use in a vehicle, said interior rearview mirror system comprising: an interior rearview mirror assembly adapted for attachment to an interior portion of the vehicle, said interior rearview mirror assembly comprising a housing and a reflective element included within said housing; and a video device, said video device including an imaging sensor, said imaging sensor being positioned at said interior rearview mirror assembly and having a field of view forward and through the windshield, said imaging sensor being operable to at least sense precipitation at at least one of an exterior surface of the windshield and an interior surface of the windshield: a control operable to receive a signal from said imaging sensor, said control being operable to control a headlamp of the vehicle and to control at least one of a windshield wiper of the vehicle and a deforming system of the vehicle in response to said signal; and an illumination device for illuminating the field of view of said imaging sensor, said illumination device being pulsed on and off, wherein said imaging sensor comprises a shutter for exposing said imaging sensor to the field of view forwardly and through the windshield.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
51 words
The interior rearview mirror system of claim 37 , wherein during low light conditions, said shutter is opened to expose said imaging sensor to the windshield when said illumination device is pulsed on and closed to not expose said imaging sensor to the windshield when said illumination device is pulsed off.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
188 words
An interior rearview mirror system suitable for use in a vehicle, said interior rearview mirror system comprising: an interior rearview mirror assembly adapted for attachment to an interior portion of the vehicle, said interior rearview mirror assembly comprising a housing and a reflective element included within said housing; and a video device, said video device including an imaging sensor, said imaging sensor being positioned at said interior rearview mirror assembly and having a field of view forward and through the windshield, said imaging sensor being operable to at least sense precipitation at at least one of an exterior surface of the windshield and an interior surface of the windshield; a control operable to receive a signal from said imaging sensor, said control being operable to control a headlamp of the vehicle and to control at least one of a windshield wiper of the vehicle and a defogging system of the vehicle in response to said signal; and an illumination device for illuminating the field of view of said imagine sensor, said illumination device being at least occasionally activated, wherein said illumination device is activated during low light conditions.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
188 words
An interior rearview mirror system suitable for use in a vehicle, said interior rearview mirror system comprising: an interior rearview mirror assembly adapted for attachment to an interior portion of the vehicle, said interior rearview mirror assembly comprising a housing and a reflective element included within said housing; and a video device, said video device including an imaging sensor, said imaging sensor being positioned at said interior rearview mirror assembly and having a field of view forward and through the windshield, said imaging sensor being operable to at least sense precipitation at at least one of an exterior surface of the windshield and an interior surface of the windshield; a control operable to receive a signal from said imaging sensor, said control being operable to control a headlamp of the vehicle and to control at least one of a windshield wiper of the vehicle and a defogging system of the vehicle in response to said signal; and an illumination device for illuminating the field of view of said imagine sensor, said illumination device being at least occasionally activated, wherein said illumination device is activated during low light conditions.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
36 words
The interior rearview mirror system of claim 39 , wherein said imaging sensor is operable to sense water droplets at the exterior surface of the windshield and fog particles at the interior surface of the windshield.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
61 words
The interior rearview mirror system of claim 40 , wherein said control is operable to control a windshield wiper of the vehicle in response to the presence of water droplets at the exterior surface of the windshield and to control a defogging system of the vehicle in response to the presence of fog particles at the interior surface of the windshield.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
27 words
The interior rearview mirror system of claim 41 , wherein said control is operable to vary a rate of wipe of a windshield wiper of the vehicle.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
54 words
The interior rearview mirror system of claim 39 , wherein said imaging sensor is operable to sense fog particles at the interior surface of the windshield, said control being operable to control a defogging system of the vehicle in response to said imaging sensor sensing fog particles at the interior surface of the windshield.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
209 words
An interior rearview mirror system suitable for use in a vehicle, said interior rearview mirror system comprising: an interior rearview mirror assembly adapted for attachment to an interior portion of the vehicle, said interior rearview mirror assembly comprising a housing and a reflective element included within said housing; a video device, said video device including an imaging sensor, said imaging sensor being positioned at said interior rearview mirror assembly and having a field of view forward and through the windshield, said imaging sensor being operable to at least sense precipitation at at least one of an exterior surface of the windshield and an interior surface of the windshield; a control operable to receive a signal from said imaging sensor, said control being operable to control a headlamp of the vehicle and to control at least one of a windshield wiper of the vehicle and a defogging system of the vehicle in response to said signal; and an illumination device for illuminating the field of view of said imaging sensor, said illumination device being at least occasionally activated, wherein said imaging sensor is operable to sense a level of ambient light present at the windshield, said illumination device being activated in response to said imaging sensor sensing low light conditions.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
209 words
An interior rearview mirror system suitable for use in a vehicle, said interior rearview mirror system comprising: an interior rearview mirror assembly adapted for attachment to an interior portion of the vehicle, said interior rearview mirror assembly comprising a housing and a reflective element included within said housing; a video device, said video device including an imaging sensor, said imaging sensor being positioned at said interior rearview mirror assembly and having a field of view forward and through the windshield, said imaging sensor being operable to at least sense precipitation at at least one of an exterior surface of the windshield and an interior surface of the windshield; a control operable to receive a signal from said imaging sensor, said control being operable to control a headlamp of the vehicle and to control at least one of a windshield wiper of the vehicle and a defogging system of the vehicle in response to said signal; and an illumination device for illuminating the field of view of said imaging sensor, said illumination device being at least occasionally activated, wherein said imaging sensor is operable to sense a level of ambient light present at the windshield, said illumination device being activated in response to said imaging sensor sensing low light conditions.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
31 words
The interior rearview mirror system of claim 44 , wherein said control is operable to control a headlamp of the vehicle in response to said imaging sensor sensing low light conditions.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
165 words
An interior rearview mirror system suitable for use in a vehicle, said interior rearview mirror system comprising: an interior rearview mirror assembly adapted for attachment to an interior portion of the vehicle, said interior rearview mirror assembly comprising a housing and a reflective element included within said housing; and a video device, said video device including an imagine sensor, said imaging sensor being positioned at said interior rearview mirror assembly and having a field of view forward and through the windshield, said imaging sensor being operable to at least sense precipitation at at least one of an exterior surface of the windshield and an interior surface of the windshield wherein said video device includes a polarizing filter; and a control operable to receive a signal from said imaging sensor, said control being operable to control a headlamp of the vehicle and to control at least one of a windshield wiper of the vehicle and a defogging system of the vehicle in response to said signal.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
165 words
An interior rearview mirror system suitable for use in a vehicle, said interior rearview mirror system comprising: an interior rearview mirror assembly adapted for attachment to an interior portion of the vehicle, said interior rearview mirror assembly comprising a housing and a reflective element included within said housing; and a video device, said video device including an imagine sensor, said imaging sensor being positioned at said interior rearview mirror assembly and having a field of view forward and through the windshield, said imaging sensor being operable to at least sense precipitation at at least one of an exterior surface of the windshield and an interior surface of the windshield wherein said video device includes a polarizing filter; and a control operable to receive a signal from said imaging sensor, said control being operable to control a headlamp of the vehicle and to control at least one of a windshield wiper of the vehicle and a defogging system of the vehicle in response to said signal.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
37 words
The interior rearview mirror system of claim 46 , wherein said polarizing filter is at least occasionally positionable between said imaging sensor and the windshield, said polarizing filter being operable to attenuate polarized light from the windshield.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
174 words
An interior rearview mirror system suitable for use in a vehicle, said interior rearview mirror system comprising: an interior rearview mirror assembly adapted for attachment to an interior portion of the vehicle, said interior rearview mirror assembly comprising a housing and a reflective element included within said housing; and a video device, said video device including an imaging sensor, said imaging sensor having a field of view forward through the windshield, said imaging sensor being operable to at least sense precipitation at at least one of an exterior surface of the windshield and an interior surface of the windshield; and a control operable to receive a signal from said imaging sensor, said control being operable to digitally process said signal and to control at least two of(i) a headlamp of the vehicle, (ii) a windshield wiper of the vehicle, (iii) a defogging system of the vehicle and (iv) a movable window of the vehicle in response to said signal, wherein said imaging sensor is operable as a component of an active cruise control system.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim
174 words
An interior rearview mirror system suitable for use in a vehicle, said interior rearview mirror system comprising: an interior rearview mirror assembly adapted for attachment to an interior portion of the vehicle, said interior rearview mirror assembly comprising a housing and a reflective element included within said housing; and a video device, said video device including an imaging sensor, said imaging sensor having a field of view forward through the windshield, said imaging sensor being operable to at least sense precipitation at at least one of an exterior surface of the windshield and an interior surface of the windshield; and a control operable to receive a signal from said imaging sensor, said control being operable to digitally process said signal and to control at least two of(i) a headlamp of the vehicle, (ii) a windshield wiper of the vehicle, (iii) a defogging system of the vehicle and (iv) a movable window of the vehicle in response to said signal, wherein said imaging sensor is operable as a component of an active cruise control system.
Claim 59
Dependent Claim
25 words
The interior rearview mirror system of claim 48 , wherein said imaging sensor is operable to determine the speed at which the vehicle is traveling.
Claim 60
Dependent Claim
262 words
An interior rearview mirror suitable for use in a vehicle, said interior rearview mirror system comprising: an interior rearview mirror assembly adapted for attachment to an interior portion of the vehicle, said interior rearview mirror assembly comprising a housing and a reflective element included within said housing; and a video device, said video device including an imaging sensor, said imaging sensor having a field of view forward through the windshield, said imaging sensor being operable to at least sense precipitation at at least one of an exterior surface of the windshield and an interior surface of the windshield, said imaging sensor being operable to sense water droplets at the exterior surface of the windshield and fog particles at the interior surface of the windshield; and a control operable to receive a signal from said imaging sensor, said control being operable to digitally process said signal and to control at least two of(i) a headlamp of the vehicle, (ii) a windshield wiper of the vehicle, (iii) a defogging system of the vehicle and (iv) a movable window of the vehicle in response to said signal, said control being operable to control a windshield wiper of the vehicle in response to the presence of water droplets at the exterior surface of the windshield and to control a defogging system of the vehicle in response to the presence of for particles at the interior surface of the windshield wherein said control is operable to control a headlamp of the vehicle in response to the presence of water droplets at the exterior surface of the windshield.
Claim 61
Dependent Claim
262 words
An interior rearview mirror suitable for use in a vehicle, said interior rearview mirror system comprising: an interior rearview mirror assembly adapted for attachment to an interior portion of the vehicle, said interior rearview mirror assembly comprising a housing and a reflective element included within said housing; and a video device, said video device including an imaging sensor, said imaging sensor having a field of view forward through the windshield, said imaging sensor being operable to at least sense precipitation at at least one of an exterior surface of the windshield and an interior surface of the windshield, said imaging sensor being operable to sense water droplets at the exterior surface of the windshield and fog particles at the interior surface of the windshield; and a control operable to receive a signal from said imaging sensor, said control being operable to digitally process said signal and to control at least two of(i) a headlamp of the vehicle, (ii) a windshield wiper of the vehicle, (iii) a defogging system of the vehicle and (iv) a movable window of the vehicle in response to said signal, said control being operable to control a windshield wiper of the vehicle in response to the presence of water droplets at the exterior surface of the windshield and to control a defogging system of the vehicle in response to the presence of for particles at the interior surface of the windshield wherein said control is operable to control a headlamp of the vehicle in response to the presence of water droplets at the exterior surface of the windshield.
Claim 62
Dependent Claim
32 words
The interior rearview minor system of claim 50 , wherein said control is operable to control a headlamp of the vehicle in response to a level of light present at the windshield.
Claim 63
Dependent Claim
37 words
The interior rearview mirror system of claim 50 , wherein said control is operable to control a movable window of the vehicle in response to the presence of water droplets at the exterior surface of the windshield.
Claim 64
Dependent Claim
279 words
An interior rearview mirror system suitable for use in a vehicle, said interior rearview mirror system comprising: an interior rearview mirror assembly adapted for attachment to an interior portion of the vehicle, said interior rearview mirror assembly comprising a housing and a reflective element included within said housing; and a video device, said video device including an imaging sensor, said imagine sensor having a field of view forward through the windshield, said imaging sensor being operable to at least sense precipitation at at least one of an exterior surface of the windshield and an interior surface of the windshield, said imaging sensor being operable to sense water droplets at the exterior surface of the windshield and fog particles at the interior surface of the windshield; and a control operable to receive a signal from said imaging sensor, said control being operable to digitally process said signal and to control at least two of (i) a headlamp of the vehicle, (ii) a windshield wiper of the vehicle, (iii) a defogging system of the vehicle and (iv) a movable window of the vehicle in response to said signal, said control being operable to control a windshield wiper of the vehicle in response to the presence of water droplets at the exterior surface of the windshield and to control a defogging system of the vehicle in response to the presence of fog particles at the interior surface of the windshield, said control being operable to vary a rate of wipe of a windshield wiper of the vehicle, wherein said control is operable to vary the rate of wipe according to a density of water droplets on the exterior surface of the windshield.
Claim 65
Dependent Claim
279 words
An interior rearview mirror system suitable for use in a vehicle, said interior rearview mirror system comprising: an interior rearview mirror assembly adapted for attachment to an interior portion of the vehicle, said interior rearview mirror assembly comprising a housing and a reflective element included within said housing; and a video device, said video device including an imaging sensor, said imagine sensor having a field of view forward through the windshield, said imaging sensor being operable to at least sense precipitation at at least one of an exterior surface of the windshield and an interior surface of the windshield, said imaging sensor being operable to sense water droplets at the exterior surface of the windshield and fog particles at the interior surface of the windshield; and a control operable to receive a signal from said imaging sensor, said control being operable to digitally process said signal and to control at least two of (i) a headlamp of the vehicle, (ii) a windshield wiper of the vehicle, (iii) a defogging system of the vehicle and (iv) a movable window of the vehicle in response to said signal, said control being operable to control a windshield wiper of the vehicle in response to the presence of water droplets at the exterior surface of the windshield and to control a defogging system of the vehicle in response to the presence of fog particles at the interior surface of the windshield, said control being operable to vary a rate of wipe of a windshield wiper of the vehicle, wherein said control is operable to vary the rate of wipe according to a density of water droplets on the exterior surface of the windshield.
Claim 66
Dependent Claim
35 words
The interior rearview mirror system of claim 53 , wherein said control is operable to control a headlamp of the vehicle and to control a windshield wiper of the vehicle in response to said signal.
Claim 67
Dependent Claim
36 words
The interior rearview mirror system of claim 53 , wherein said control is operable to control a movable window of the vehicle in response to said signal, said movable window comprising a sunroof of the vehicle.
Claim 68
Dependent Claim
39 words
The interior rearview mirror system of claim 55 , wherein said control is operable to control the sunroof of the vehicle to close the sunroof in response to the presence of precipitation at the exterior surface of the windshield.
Claim 69
Dependent Claim
35 words
The interior rearview mirror system of claim 48 , wherein said control comprises a micro-computer having at least one of an embedded control application, a custom digital logic circuit and a digital signal processor circuit.
Claim 70
Dependent Claim
23 words
The interior rearview mirror system of claim 57 , wherein said imaging array comprises circuitry capable of producing at least one digital signal.
Claim 71
Dependent Claim
32 words
The interior rearview mirror system of claim 53 , wherein said control is operable to control a headlamp of the vehicle in response to a level of light sensed at the vehicle.
Claim 72
Dependent Claim
26 words
The interior rearview mirror system of claim 59 , wherein said imaging sensor is operable to sense a level of ambient light present at the vehicle.
Claim 73
Dependent Claim
31 words
The interior rearview mirror system of claim 60 , wherein said control is operable to control a headlamp of the vehicle in response to said imaging sensor sensing low light conditions.
Claim 74
Dependent Claim
47 words
The interior rearview mirror system of claim 53 , wherein said interior rearview mirror assembly comprises an electrochromic interior rearview mirror assembly and said reflective element comprises an electrochromic reflective element, said electrochromic interior rearview mirror assembly comprising electrochromic control circuitry for controlling said electrochromic reflective element.
Claim 75
Dependent Claim
22 words
The interior rearview mirror system of claim 62 , wherein said control shares at least one component of said electrochromic control circuitry.
Claim 76
Dependent Claim
30 words
The interior rearview mirror system of claim 63 , wherein said control shares said at least one component on a common circuit board of said electrochromic interior rearview mirror assembly.
Claim 77
Dependent Claim
24 words
The interior rearview mirror system of claim 53 , wherein said control is operable to control at least one other accessory of the vehicle.
Claim 78
Dependent Claim
22 words
The interior rearview mirror system of claim 53 including an illumination device for illuminating the field of view of said imaging sensor.
Claim 79
Dependent Claim
15 words
The interior rearview mirror system of claim 66 , wherein said illumination provides infrared illumination.
Claim 80
Dependent Claim
18 words
The interior rearview mirror system of claim 66 , wherein said illumination device is at least occasionally activated.
Claim 81
Dependent Claim
18 words
The interior rearview mirror system of claim 68 , wherein said illumination device is pulsed on and off.
Claim 82
Dependent Claim
18 words
The interior rearview mirror system of claim 53 , wherein said imaging sensor comprises an imaging array sensor.
Claim 83
Dependent Claim
20 words
The interior rearview mirror system of claim 70 , wherein said imaging array sensor comprises a pixelated imaging array sensor.
Claim 84
Dependent Claim
18 words
The interior rearview mirror system of claim 70 , wherein said imaging array sensor comprises a CMOS sensor.
Claim 85
Dependent Claim
31 words
The interior rearview mirror system of claim 53 , wherein said video device includes a lens disposed between said imaging sensor and an interior surface of the windshield of the vehicle.
Claim 86
Dependent Claim
19 words
The interior rearview mirror system of claim 73 , wherein said lens functions establish a small depth of field.
Claim 87
Dependent Claim
29 words
The interior rearview mirror system of claim 74 , wherein said lens focuses said imaging sensor on an area at or immediately adjacent to the windshield of the vehicle.
Claim 88
Dependent Claim
238 words
An interior rearview mirror system suitable for use in a vehicle, said interior rearview mirror system comprising: an interior rearview mirror assembly adapted for attachment to an interior portion of the vehicle, said interior rearview mirror assembly comprising a housing and a reflective element included within said housing; and a video device, said video device including an imaging sensor, said imaging sensor having a field of view forward through the windshield, said imaging a sensor being operable to at least sense precipitation at at least one of an exterior surface of the windshield and an interior surface of the windshield; and a control operable to receive a signal from said imaging sensor, said control being operable to digitally Process said signal and to control at least two of(i) a headlamp of the vehicle, (ii) a windshield wiper of the vehicle, (iii) a defogging system of the vehicle and (iv) a movable window of the vehicle in response to said signal, said imaging sensor being operable to sense foe particles at the interior surface of the windshield, said control being operable to control a defogging system of the vehicle in response to said imagine sensor sensing foe particles at the interior surface of the windshield wherein said control is operable to adjust a blower level of the defogging system of the vehicle in response to a density of the fog particles sensed at the interior surface of the windshield.
Claim 89
Dependent Claim
238 words
An interior rearview mirror system suitable for use in a vehicle, said interior rearview mirror system comprising: an interior rearview mirror assembly adapted for attachment to an interior portion of the vehicle, said interior rearview mirror assembly comprising a housing and a reflective element included within said housing; and a video device, said video device including an imaging sensor, said imaging sensor having a field of view forward through the windshield, said imaging a sensor being operable to at least sense precipitation at at least one of an exterior surface of the windshield and an interior surface of the windshield; and a control operable to receive a signal from said imaging sensor, said control being operable to digitally Process said signal and to control at least two of(i) a headlamp of the vehicle, (ii) a windshield wiper of the vehicle, (iii) a defogging system of the vehicle and (iv) a movable window of the vehicle in response to said signal, said imaging sensor being operable to sense foe particles at the interior surface of the windshield, said control being operable to control a defogging system of the vehicle in response to said imagine sensor sensing foe particles at the interior surface of the windshield wherein said control is operable to adjust a blower level of the defogging system of the vehicle in response to a density of the fog particles sensed at the interior surface of the windshield.
Claim 90
Dependent Claim
284 words
An interior rearview mirror system suitable for use in a vehicle, said interior rearview mirror system comprising: an interior rearview mirror assembly adapted for attachment to an interior portion of the vehicle, said interior rearview mirror assembly comprising a housing and a reflective element included within said housing; and a video device, said video device including an imagine sensor, said imaging sensor having a field of view forward through the windshield, said imaging sensor being operable to at least sense precipitation at at least one of an exterior surface of the windshield and an interior surface of the windshield, said imagine sensor being operable to sense water droplets at an exterior surface of the windshield; and a control operable to receive a signal from said imagine sensor, said control being operable to digitally process said signal and to control at least two of (i) a headlamp of the vehicle, (ii) a windshield wiper of the vehicle, (iii) a defogging system of the vehicle and (iv) a movable window of the vehicle in response to said signal, said control being operable to control a windshield wiper of the vehicle in response to said imaging sensor sensing water droplets at the exterior surface of the windshield, said control being operable to adjust a rate of wipe of a windshield wiper of the vehicle, said control being operable to control a rear window wiper of the vehicle, said control being operable to control a rear window wiper in response to said imaging sensor sensing water droplets at the exterior surface of the windshield, wherein said control causes a rear window wiper to cycle for every N cycles of a windshield wiper, wherein N is greater than one.
Claim 91
Dependent Claim
284 words
An interior rearview mirror system suitable for use in a vehicle, said interior rearview mirror system comprising: an interior rearview mirror assembly adapted for attachment to an interior portion of the vehicle, said interior rearview mirror assembly comprising a housing and a reflective element included within said housing; and a video device, said video device including an imagine sensor, said imaging sensor having a field of view forward through the windshield, said imaging sensor being operable to at least sense precipitation at at least one of an exterior surface of the windshield and an interior surface of the windshield, said imagine sensor being operable to sense water droplets at an exterior surface of the windshield; and a control operable to receive a signal from said imagine sensor, said control being operable to digitally process said signal and to control at least two of (i) a headlamp of the vehicle, (ii) a windshield wiper of the vehicle, (iii) a defogging system of the vehicle and (iv) a movable window of the vehicle in response to said signal, said control being operable to control a windshield wiper of the vehicle in response to said imaging sensor sensing water droplets at the exterior surface of the windshield, said control being operable to adjust a rate of wipe of a windshield wiper of the vehicle, said control being operable to control a rear window wiper of the vehicle, said control being operable to control a rear window wiper in response to said imaging sensor sensing water droplets at the exterior surface of the windshield, wherein said control causes a rear window wiper to cycle for every N cycles of a windshield wiper, wherein N is greater than one.
Claim 92
Dependent Claim
25 words
The interior rearview mirror system of claim 77 , wherein the value of N varies as a function of the speed of a windshield wiper.
Claim 93
Dependent Claim
203 words
An interior rearview mirror system suitable for use in a vehicle, said interior rearview mirror system comprising: an interior rearview mirror assembly adapted for attachment to an interior portion of the vehicle, said interior rearview mirror assembly comprising a housing and a reflective element included within said housing; and a video device, said video device including an imaging sensor, said imaging sensor having a field of view forward through the windshield, said imaging sensor being operable to at least sense precipitation at at least one of an exterior surface of the windshield and an interior surface of the windshield; and a control operable to receive a signal from said imaging sensor, said control being operable to digitally process said signal and to control at least two of(i) a headlamp of the vehicle, (ii) a windshield wiper of the vehicle, (iii) a defogging system of the vehicle and (iv) a movable window of the vehicle in response to said signal; and an illumination device for illuminating the field of view of said imaging sensor, said illumination device being pulsed on and off, wherein said imaging sensor comprises a shutter for exposing said imaging sensor to the field of view forwardly and through the windshield.
Claim 94
Dependent Claim
203 words
An interior rearview mirror system suitable for use in a vehicle, said interior rearview mirror system comprising: an interior rearview mirror assembly adapted for attachment to an interior portion of the vehicle, said interior rearview mirror assembly comprising a housing and a reflective element included within said housing; and a video device, said video device including an imaging sensor, said imaging sensor having a field of view forward through the windshield, said imaging sensor being operable to at least sense precipitation at at least one of an exterior surface of the windshield and an interior surface of the windshield; and a control operable to receive a signal from said imaging sensor, said control being operable to digitally process said signal and to control at least two of(i) a headlamp of the vehicle, (ii) a windshield wiper of the vehicle, (iii) a defogging system of the vehicle and (iv) a movable window of the vehicle in response to said signal; and an illumination device for illuminating the field of view of said imaging sensor, said illumination device being pulsed on and off, wherein said imaging sensor comprises a shutter for exposing said imaging sensor to the field of view forwardly and through the windshield.
Claim 95
Dependent Claim
51 words
The interior rearview mirror system of claim 79 , wherein during low light conditions, said shutter is opened to expose said imaging sensor to the windshield when said illumination device is pulsed on and closed to not expose said imaging sensor to the windshield when said illumination device is pulsed off.
Claim 96
Dependent Claim
191 words
An interior rearview mirror system suitable for use in a vehicle, said interior rearview mirror system comprising: an interior rearview mirror assembly adapted for attachment to an interior portion of the vehicle, said interior rearview mirror assembly comprising a housing and a reflective element included within said housing; and a video device, said video device including an imaging sensor, said imaging sensor having a field of view forward through the windshield, said imaging sensor being operable to at least sense precipitation at at least one of an exterior surface of the windshield and an interior surface of the windshield; and a control operable to receive a signal from said imaging sensor, said control being operable to digitally process said signal and to control at least two of(i) a headlamp of the vehicle, (ii) a windshield wiper of the vehicle, (iii) a defogging system of the vehicle and (iv) a movable window of the vehicle in response to said signal; and an illumination device for illuminating the field of view of said imaging sensor, said illumination device being at least occasionally activated, wherein said illumination device is activated during low light conditions.
Claim 97
Dependent Claim
191 words
An interior rearview mirror system suitable for use in a vehicle, said interior rearview mirror system comprising: an interior rearview mirror assembly adapted for attachment to an interior portion of the vehicle, said interior rearview mirror assembly comprising a housing and a reflective element included within said housing; and a video device, said video device including an imaging sensor, said imaging sensor having a field of view forward through the windshield, said imaging sensor being operable to at least sense precipitation at at least one of an exterior surface of the windshield and an interior surface of the windshield; and a control operable to receive a signal from said imaging sensor, said control being operable to digitally process said signal and to control at least two of(i) a headlamp of the vehicle, (ii) a windshield wiper of the vehicle, (iii) a defogging system of the vehicle and (iv) a movable window of the vehicle in response to said signal; and an illumination device for illuminating the field of view of said imaging sensor, said illumination device being at least occasionally activated, wherein said illumination device is activated during low light conditions.
Claim 98
Dependent Claim
36 words
The interior rearview mirror system of claim 57 , wherein said imaging sensor is operable to sense water droplets at the exterior surface of the windshield and fog particles at the interior surface of the windshield.
Claim 99
Dependent Claim
61 words
The interior rearview mirror system of claim 82 , wherein said control is operable to control a windshield wiper of the vehicle in response to the presence of water droplets at the exterior surface of the windshield and to control a defogging system of the vehicle in response to the presence of fog particles at the interior surface of the windshield.
Claim 100
Dependent Claim
27 words
The interior rearview mirror system of claim 83 , wherein said control is operable to vary a rate of wipe of a windshield wiper of the vehicle.
Claim 101
Dependent Claim
54 words
The interior rearview mirror system of claim 81 , wherein said imaging sensor is operable to sense fog particles at the interior surface of the windshield, said control being operable to control a defogging system of the vehicle in response to said imaging sensor sensing fog particles at the interior surface of the windshield.
Claim 102
Dependent Claim
54 words
The interior rearview mirror system of claim 81 , wherein said imaging sensor is operable to sense water droplets at an exterior surface of the windshield, said control being operable to control a windshield wiper of the vehicle in response to said imaging sensor sensing water droplets at the exterior surface of the windshield.
Claim 103
Dependent Claim
27 words
The interior rearview mirror system of claim 81 , wherein said control is operable to adjust a rate of wipe of a windshield wiper of the vehicle.
Claim 104
Dependent Claim
37 words
The interior rearview mirror system of claim 87 , wherein said control is operable to adjust the rate of wipe in response to a quantity of the water droplets sensed at the exterior surface of the windshield.
Claim 105
Dependent Claim
23 words
The interior rearview mirror system of claim 87 , wherein said control is operable to control a rear window wiper of the vehicle.
Claim 106
Dependent Claim
36 words
The interior rearview minor system of claim 89 , wherein said control is operable to control a rear window wiper in response to said imaging sensor sensing water droplets at the exterior surface of the windshield.
Claim 107
Dependent Claim
213 words
An interior rearview mirror system suitable for use in a vehicle, said interior rearview mirror system comprising: an interior rearview mirror assembly adapted for attachment to an interior portion of the vehicle, said interior rearview mirror assembly comprising a housing and a reflective element included within said housing; and a video device, said video device including an imaging sensor, said imaging sensor having a field of view forward through the windshield, said imaging sensor being operable to at least sense precipitation at at least one of an exterior surface of the windshield and an interior surface of the windshield; and a control operable to receive a signal from said imaging sensor, said control being operable to digitally process said signal and to control at least two of(i) a headlamp of the vehicle, (ii) a windshield wiper of the vehicle, (iii) a defogging system of the vehicle and (iv) a movable window of the vehicle in response to said signal; and an illumination device for illuminating the field of view of said imaging sensor, said illumination device being at least occasionally activated wherein said imaging sensor is operable to sense a level of ambient tight present at the windshield, said illumination device being activated in response to said imaging sensor sensing low light conditions.
Claim 108
Dependent Claim
213 words
An interior rearview mirror system suitable for use in a vehicle, said interior rearview mirror system comprising: an interior rearview mirror assembly adapted for attachment to an interior portion of the vehicle, said interior rearview mirror assembly comprising a housing and a reflective element included within said housing; and a video device, said video device including an imaging sensor, said imaging sensor having a field of view forward through the windshield, said imaging sensor being operable to at least sense precipitation at at least one of an exterior surface of the windshield and an interior surface of the windshield; and a control operable to receive a signal from said imaging sensor, said control being operable to digitally process said signal and to control at least two of(i) a headlamp of the vehicle, (ii) a windshield wiper of the vehicle, (iii) a defogging system of the vehicle and (iv) a movable window of the vehicle in response to said signal; and an illumination device for illuminating the field of view of said imaging sensor, said illumination device being at least occasionally activated wherein said imaging sensor is operable to sense a level of ambient tight present at the windshield, said illumination device being activated in response to said imaging sensor sensing low light conditions.
Claim 109
Dependent Claim
31 words
The interior rearview mirror system of claim 91 , wherein said control is operable to control a headlamp of the vehicle in response to said imaging sensor sensing low light conditions.
Claim 110
Dependent Claim
168 words
An interior rearview mirror system suitable for use in a vehicle, said interior rearview mirror system comprising: an interior rearview mirror assembly adapted for attachment to an interior portion of the vehicle, said interior rearview mirror assembly comprising a housing and a reflective element included within said housing; and a video device, said video device including an imagine sensor, said imaging sensor having a field of view forward through the windshield, said imaging sensor being operable to at least sense precipitation at at least one of an exterior surface of the windshield and an interior surface of the windshield wherein said video device includes a polarizing filter; and a control operable to receive a signal from said imaging sensor, said control being operable to digitally process said signal and to control at least two of (i) a headlamp of the vehicle, (ii) a windshield wiper of the vehicle, (iii) a defogging system of the vehicle and (iv) a movable window of the vehicle in response to said signal.
Claim 111
Dependent Claim
168 words
An interior rearview mirror system suitable for use in a vehicle, said interior rearview mirror system comprising: an interior rearview mirror assembly adapted for attachment to an interior portion of the vehicle, said interior rearview mirror assembly comprising a housing and a reflective element included within said housing; and a video device, said video device including an imagine sensor, said imaging sensor having a field of view forward through the windshield, said imaging sensor being operable to at least sense precipitation at at least one of an exterior surface of the windshield and an interior surface of the windshield wherein said video device includes a polarizing filter; and a control operable to receive a signal from said imaging sensor, said control being operable to digitally process said signal and to control at least two of (i) a headlamp of the vehicle, (ii) a windshield wiper of the vehicle, (iii) a defogging system of the vehicle and (iv) a movable window of the vehicle in response to said signal.
Claim 112
Dependent Claim
37 words
The interior rearview mirror system of claim 93 , wherein said polarizing filter is at least occasionally positionable between said imaging sensor and the windshield, said polarizing filter being operable to attenuate polarized light from the windshield.
Claim 113
Dependent Claim
178 words
An interior rearview mirror system suitable for use in a vehicle, said interior rearview mirror system comprising; an electrochromic interior rearview mirror assembly adapted for attachment to an interior portion of the vehicle, said interior rearview mirror assembly comprising a housing and an electrochromic reflective element included within said housing said electrochromic interior rearview mirror assembly comprising electrochromic control circuitry for controlling said electrochromic reflective element; and a video device, said video device including an imagine array sensor, said imaging array sensor having a field of view forward through the windshield; and a control sharing at least one component of said electrochromic control circuitry, said control receiving a signal from said imaging array sensor and being operable to digitally process said signal and to control at least two of (i) a headlamp of the vehicle, (ii) a windshield wiper of the vehicle, (iii) a defogging system of the vehicle and (iv) a movable window of the vehicle in response to said signal, wherein said imaging array sensor is operable as a component of an active cruise control system.
Claim 114
Dependent Claim
178 words
An interior rearview mirror system suitable for use in a vehicle, said interior rearview mirror system comprising; an electrochromic interior rearview mirror assembly adapted for attachment to an interior portion of the vehicle, said interior rearview mirror assembly comprising a housing and an electrochromic reflective element included within said housing said electrochromic interior rearview mirror assembly comprising electrochromic control circuitry for controlling said electrochromic reflective element; and a video device, said video device including an imagine array sensor, said imaging array sensor having a field of view forward through the windshield; and a control sharing at least one component of said electrochromic control circuitry, said control receiving a signal from said imaging array sensor and being operable to digitally process said signal and to control at least two of (i) a headlamp of the vehicle, (ii) a windshield wiper of the vehicle, (iii) a defogging system of the vehicle and (iv) a movable window of the vehicle in response to said signal, wherein said imaging array sensor is operable as a component of an active cruise control system.
Claim 115
Dependent Claim
26 words
The interior rearview mirror system of claim 95 , wherein said imaging array sensor is operable to determine the speed at which the vehicle is traveling.
Claim 116
Dependent Claim
294 words
An interior rearview mirror system suitable for use in a vehicle, said interior rearview mirror system comprising: an electrochromic interior rearview mirror assembly adapted for attachment to an interior portion of the vehicle, said interior rearview mirror assembly comprising a housing and an electrochromic reflective element included within said housing, said electrochromic interior rearview mirror assembly comprising electrochromic control circuitry (or controlling said electrochromic reflective element; and a video device, said video device including an imaging a array sensor, said imaging array sensor having a field of view forward through the windshield, said imaging array sensor being operable to sense precipitation at at least one of an exterior surface of the windshield and an interior surface of the windshield, said imaging array sensor being operable to sense water droplets at the exterior surface of the windshield and fog particles at the interior surface of the windshield; and a control sharing at least one component of said electrochromic control circuitry, said control receiving a signal from said imaging array sensor and being operable to digitally process said signal and to control at least two of(i) a headlamp of the vehicle, (ii) a windshield wiper of the vehicle, (ii) a defogging system of the vehicle and (iv) a movable window of the vehicle in response to said signal, said control being operable to control a windshield wiper of the vehicle in response to the presence of water droplets at the exterior surface of the windshield and to control a defogging system of the vehicle in response to the presence of fog particles at the interior surface of the windshield, wherein said control is operable to control a headlamp of the vehicle in response to the presence of water droplets at the exterior surface of the windshield.
Claim 117
Dependent Claim
294 words
An interior rearview mirror system suitable for use in a vehicle, said interior rearview mirror system comprising: an electrochromic interior rearview mirror assembly adapted for attachment to an interior portion of the vehicle, said interior rearview mirror assembly comprising a housing and an electrochromic reflective element included within said housing, said electrochromic interior rearview mirror assembly comprising electrochromic control circuitry (or controlling said electrochromic reflective element; and a video device, said video device including an imaging a array sensor, said imaging array sensor having a field of view forward through the windshield, said imaging array sensor being operable to sense precipitation at at least one of an exterior surface of the windshield and an interior surface of the windshield, said imaging array sensor being operable to sense water droplets at the exterior surface of the windshield and fog particles at the interior surface of the windshield; and a control sharing at least one component of said electrochromic control circuitry, said control receiving a signal from said imaging array sensor and being operable to digitally process said signal and to control at least two of(i) a headlamp of the vehicle, (ii) a windshield wiper of the vehicle, (ii) a defogging system of the vehicle and (iv) a movable window of the vehicle in response to said signal, said control being operable to control a windshield wiper of the vehicle in response to the presence of water droplets at the exterior surface of the windshield and to control a defogging system of the vehicle in response to the presence of fog particles at the interior surface of the windshield, wherein said control is operable to control a headlamp of the vehicle in response to the presence of water droplets at the exterior surface of the windshield.
Claim 118
Dependent Claim
32 words
The interior rearview mirror system of claim 97 , wherein said control is operable to control a headlamp of the vehicle in response to a level of light present at the windshield.
Claim 119
Dependent Claim
27 words
The interior rearview mirror system of claim 97 , wherein said imaging array sensor is operable to sense a level of ambient light present at the vehicle.
Claim 120
Dependent Claim
32 words
The interior rearview mirror system of claim 99 , wherein said control is operable to control the headlamp of the vehicle in response to said imaging array sensor sensing low light conditions.
Claim 121
Dependent Claim
37 words
The interior rearview mirror system of claim 97 , wherein said control is operable to control a movable window of the vehicle in response to the presence of water droplets at the exterior surface of the windshield.
Claim 122
Dependent Claim
309 words
An interior rearview mirror system suitable for use in a vehicle, said interior rearview mirror system comprising: an electrochromic interior rearview mirror assembly adapted for attachment to an interior portion of the vehicle, said interior rearview mirror assembly comprising a housing and an electrochromic reflective element included within said housing, said electrochromic interior rearview mirror assembly comprising electrochromic control circuitry for controlling said electrochromic reflective element; and a video device, said video device including an imaging array sensor, said imaging array sensor having a field of view forward through the windshield, said imaging array sensor being operable to sense precipitation at at least one of an exterior surface of the windshield and an interior surface of the windshield, said imaging array sensor being operable to sense water droplets at the exterior surface of the windshield and fog particles at the interior surface of the windshield; and a control sharing at least one component of said electrochromic control circuitry, said control receiving a signal from said imaging array sensor and being operable to digitally process said signal and to control at least two of (i) headlamp of the vehicle, (ii) a windshield wiper of the vehicle, (iii) a defogging system of the vehicle and (iv) a movable window of the vehicle in response to said signal, said control being operable to control a windshield wiper of the vehicle in response to the presence of water droplets at the exterior surface of the windshield and to control a defogging system of the vehicle in response to the presence of fog particles at the interior surface of the windshield, said control being operable to vary a rate of wipe of a windshield wiper of the vehicle, wherein said control is operable to vary the rate of wipe according to a density of water droplets present at the exterior surface of the windshield.
Claim 123
Dependent Claim
309 words
An interior rearview mirror system suitable for use in a vehicle, said interior rearview mirror system comprising: an electrochromic interior rearview mirror assembly adapted for attachment to an interior portion of the vehicle, said interior rearview mirror assembly comprising a housing and an electrochromic reflective element included within said housing, said electrochromic interior rearview mirror assembly comprising electrochromic control circuitry for controlling said electrochromic reflective element; and a video device, said video device including an imaging array sensor, said imaging array sensor having a field of view forward through the windshield, said imaging array sensor being operable to sense precipitation at at least one of an exterior surface of the windshield and an interior surface of the windshield, said imaging array sensor being operable to sense water droplets at the exterior surface of the windshield and fog particles at the interior surface of the windshield; and a control sharing at least one component of said electrochromic control circuitry, said control receiving a signal from said imaging array sensor and being operable to digitally process said signal and to control at least two of (i) headlamp of the vehicle, (ii) a windshield wiper of the vehicle, (iii) a defogging system of the vehicle and (iv) a movable window of the vehicle in response to said signal, said control being operable to control a windshield wiper of the vehicle in response to the presence of water droplets at the exterior surface of the windshield and to control a defogging system of the vehicle in response to the presence of fog particles at the interior surface of the windshield, said control being operable to vary a rate of wipe of a windshield wiper of the vehicle, wherein said control is operable to vary the rate of wipe according to a density of water droplets present at the exterior surface of the windshield.
Claim 124
Dependent Claim
30 words
The interior rearview mirror system of claim 102 , wherein said control shares said at least one component on a common circuit board of said electrochromic interior rearview mirror assembly.
Claim 125
Dependent Claim
35 words
The interior rearview mirror system of claim 102 , wherein said control is operable to control a headlamp of the vehicle and to control a windshield wiper of the vehicle in response to said signal.
Claim 126
Dependent Claim
36 words
The interior rearview mirror system of claim 102 , wherein said control is operable to control a movable window of the vehicle in response to said signal, said movable window comprising a sunroof of the vehicle.
Claim 127
Dependent Claim
39 words
The interior rearview mirror system of claim 105 , wherein said control is operable to control the sunroof of the vehicle to close the sunroof in response to the presence of precipitation at an exterior surface of the vehicle.
Claim 128
Dependent Claim
35 words
The interior rearview mirror system of claim 102 , wherein said control comprises a micro-computer having at least one of an embedded control application, a custom digital logic circuit and a digital signal processor circuit.
Claim 129
Dependent Claim
32 words
The interior rearview mirror system of claim 102 , wherein said control is operable to control a headlamp of the vehicle in response to a level of light sensed at the vehicle.
Claim 130
Dependent Claim
27 words
The interior rearview mirror system of claim 108 , wherein said imaging array sensor is operable to sense a level of ambient light present at the vehicle.
Claim 131
Dependent Claim
32 words
The interior rearview mirror system of claim 109 , wherein said control is operable to control a headlamp of the vehicle in response to said imaging array sensor sensing low light conditions.
Claim 132
Dependent Claim
24 words
The interior rearview mirror system of claim 102 , wherein said control is operable to control at least one other accessory of the vehicle.
Claim 133
Dependent Claim
23 words
The interior rearview mirror system of claim 102 including an illumination device for illuminating the field of view of said imaging array sensor.
Claim 134
Dependent Claim
16 words
The interior rearview mirror system of claim 112 , wherein said illumination device provides infrared illumination.
Claim 135
Dependent Claim
18 words
The interior rearview mirror system of claim 112 , wherein said illumination device is at least occasionally activated.
Claim 136
Dependent Claim
18 words
The interior rearview mirror system of claim 114 , wherein said illumination device is pulsed on and off.
Claim 137
Dependent Claim
20 words
The interior rearview mirror system of claim 102 , wherein said imaging array sensor comprises a pixelated imaging array sensor.
Claim 138
Dependent Claim
18 words
The interior rearview mirror system of claim 102 , wherein said imaging array sensor comprises a CMOS sensor.
Claim 139
Dependent Claim
32 words
The interior rearview mirror system of claim 102 , wherein said video device includes a lens disposed between said imaging array sensor and the interior surface of the windshield of the vehicle.
Claim 140
Dependent Claim
19 words
The interior rearview mirror system of claim 102 , wherein said lens functions establish a small depth of field.
Claim 141
Dependent Claim
30 words
The interior rearview mirror system of claim 119 , wherein said lens focuses said imaging array sensor on an area at or immediately adjacent to the windshield of the vehicle.
Claim 142
Dependent Claim
242 words
An interior rearview mirror system suitable for use in a vehicle, said interior rearview mirror system comprising: an electrochromic interior rearview mirror assembly adapted for attachment to an interior portion of the vehicle, said interior rearview mirror assembly comprising a housing and an electrochromic reflective element included within said housing, said electrochromic interior rearview mirror assembly comprising electrochromic control circuitry for controlling said electrochromic reflective element; and a video device, said video device including an imagine array sensor, said imaging array sensor having a field of view forward through the windshield, said imaging array sensor being operable to sense fog particles at an interior surface of the windshield; and a control sharing at least one component of said electrochromic control circuitry, said control receiving a signal from said imaging array sensor and being operable to digitally process said signal and to control at least two of (i) a headlamp of the vehicle, (ii) a windshield wiper of the vehicle, (iii) a defogging system of the vehicle and (iv) a movable window of the vehicle in response to said signal, said control being operable to control a defogging system of the vehicle in response to said imaging array sensor sensing fog particles at the interior surface of the windshield, wherein said control is operable to adjust a blower level of the defogging system of the vehicle in response to a density of the fog particles sensed at the interior surface of the windshield.
Claim 143
Dependent Claim
242 words
An interior rearview mirror system suitable for use in a vehicle, said interior rearview mirror system comprising: an electrochromic interior rearview mirror assembly adapted for attachment to an interior portion of the vehicle, said interior rearview mirror assembly comprising a housing and an electrochromic reflective element included within said housing, said electrochromic interior rearview mirror assembly comprising electrochromic control circuitry for controlling said electrochromic reflective element; and a video device, said video device including an imagine array sensor, said imaging array sensor having a field of view forward through the windshield, said imaging array sensor being operable to sense fog particles at an interior surface of the windshield; and a control sharing at least one component of said electrochromic control circuitry, said control receiving a signal from said imaging array sensor and being operable to digitally process said signal and to control at least two of (i) a headlamp of the vehicle, (ii) a windshield wiper of the vehicle, (iii) a defogging system of the vehicle and (iv) a movable window of the vehicle in response to said signal, said control being operable to control a defogging system of the vehicle in response to said imaging array sensor sensing fog particles at the interior surface of the windshield, wherein said control is operable to adjust a blower level of the defogging system of the vehicle in response to a density of the fog particles sensed at the interior surface of the windshield.
Claim 144
Dependent Claim
279 words
An interior rearview mirror system suitable for use in a vehicle, said interior rearview mirror system comprising: an electrochromic interior rearview mirror assembly adapted for attachment to an interior portion of the vehicle, said interior rearview mirror assembly comprising a housing and an electrochromic reflective element included within said housing said electrochromic interior rearview mirror assembly comprising electrochromic control circuitry for controlling said electrochromic reflective element; and a video device, said video device including an imaging array sensor, said imaging array sensor having a field of view forward through the windshield, said imaging a array sensor being operable to sense water droplets at an exterior surface of the windshield; and a control sharing at least one component of said electrochromic control circuitry, said control receiving a signal from said imagine array sensor and being operable to digitally process said signal and to control at least two of(i) a headlamp of the vehicle, (ii) a windshield wiper of the vehicle, (iii) a defogging system of the vehicle and (iv) a movable window of the vehicle in response to said signal, said control being operable to control a windshield wiper of the vehicle in response to said imaging array sensor sensing water droplets at the exterior surface of the windshield, said control being operable to adjust a rate of wine of a windshield wiper of the vehicle, said control being operable to control a rear window wiper of the vehicle in response to said imaging array sensor sensing water droplets at the exterior surface of the windshield wherein said control causes a rear window wiper to cycle for every N cycles of a windshield wiper, wherein N is greater than one.
Claim 145
Dependent Claim
279 words
An interior rearview mirror system suitable for use in a vehicle, said interior rearview mirror system comprising: an electrochromic interior rearview mirror assembly adapted for attachment to an interior portion of the vehicle, said interior rearview mirror assembly comprising a housing and an electrochromic reflective element included within said housing said electrochromic interior rearview mirror assembly comprising electrochromic control circuitry for controlling said electrochromic reflective element; and a video device, said video device including an imaging array sensor, said imaging array sensor having a field of view forward through the windshield, said imaging a array sensor being operable to sense water droplets at an exterior surface of the windshield; and a control sharing at least one component of said electrochromic control circuitry, said control receiving a signal from said imagine array sensor and being operable to digitally process said signal and to control at least two of(i) a headlamp of the vehicle, (ii) a windshield wiper of the vehicle, (iii) a defogging system of the vehicle and (iv) a movable window of the vehicle in response to said signal, said control being operable to control a windshield wiper of the vehicle in response to said imaging array sensor sensing water droplets at the exterior surface of the windshield, said control being operable to adjust a rate of wine of a windshield wiper of the vehicle, said control being operable to control a rear window wiper of the vehicle in response to said imaging array sensor sensing water droplets at the exterior surface of the windshield wherein said control causes a rear window wiper to cycle for every N cycles of a windshield wiper, wherein N is greater than one.
Claim 146
Dependent Claim
25 words
The interior rearview mirror system of claim 122 , wherein the value of N varies as a function of the speed of a windshield wiper.
Claim 147
Dependent Claim
209 words
An interior rearview mirror system suitable for use in a vehicle, said interior rearview mirror system comprising: an electrochromic interior rearview mirror assembly adapted for attachment to an interior portion of the vehicle, said interior rearview mirror assembly comprising a housing and an electrochromic reflective element included within said housing, said electrochromic interior rearview mirror assembly comprising electrochromic control circuitry for controlling said electrochromic reflective element; and a video device, said video device including an imagine array sensor, said imagine array sensor having a field of view forward through the windshield; and a control sharing at least one component of said electrochromic control circuitry, said control receiving a signal from said imaging array sensor and being operable to digitally process said signal and to control at least two of (i) a headlamp of the vehicle, (ii) a windshield wiper of the vehicle, (iii) a defogging system of the vehicle and (iv) a movable window of the vehicle in response to said signal; and an illumination device for illuminating the field of view of said imaging array sensor, said illumination device being pulsed on and off wherein said imaging array sensor comprises a shutter for exposing said imaging array sensor to the field of view forwardly and through the windshield.
Claim 148
Dependent Claim
209 words
An interior rearview mirror system suitable for use in a vehicle, said interior rearview mirror system comprising: an electrochromic interior rearview mirror assembly adapted for attachment to an interior portion of the vehicle, said interior rearview mirror assembly comprising a housing and an electrochromic reflective element included within said housing, said electrochromic interior rearview mirror assembly comprising electrochromic control circuitry for controlling said electrochromic reflective element; and a video device, said video device including an imagine array sensor, said imagine array sensor having a field of view forward through the windshield; and a control sharing at least one component of said electrochromic control circuitry, said control receiving a signal from said imaging array sensor and being operable to digitally process said signal and to control at least two of (i) a headlamp of the vehicle, (ii) a windshield wiper of the vehicle, (iii) a defogging system of the vehicle and (iv) a movable window of the vehicle in response to said signal; and an illumination device for illuminating the field of view of said imaging array sensor, said illumination device being pulsed on and off wherein said imaging array sensor comprises a shutter for exposing said imaging array sensor to the field of view forwardly and through the windshield.
Claim 149
Dependent Claim
53 words
The interior rearview mirror system of claim 124 , wherein during tow light conditions, said shutter is opened to expose said imaging array sensor to the windshield when said illumination device is pulsed on and closed to not expose said imaging army sensor to the windshield when said illumination device is pulsed off.
Claim 150
Dependent Claim
194 words
An interior rearview mirror system suitable for use in a vehicle, said interior rearview mirror system comprising: an electrochromic interior rearview mirror assembly adapted for attachment to an interior portion of the vehicle, said interior rearview mirror assembly comprising a housing and an electrochromic reflective element included within said housing, said electrochromic interior rearview mirror assembly comprising electrochromic control circuitry for controlling said electrochromic reflective element; and a video device, said video device including an imaging array sensor, said imaging array sensor having a field of view forward through the windshield; and a control sharing at least one component of said electrochromic control circuitry, said control receiving a signal from said imaging array sensor and being operable to digitally process said signal and to control at least two of(i) a headlamp of the vehicle, (ii) a windshield wiper of the vehicle, (iii) a defogging system of the vehicle and (iv) a movable window of the vehicle in response to said signal; and an illumination device for illuminating the field of view of said imaging array sensor, said illumination device being at least occasionally activated, wherein said illumination device is activated during low light conditions.
Claim 151
Dependent Claim
194 words
An interior rearview mirror system suitable for use in a vehicle, said interior rearview mirror system comprising: an electrochromic interior rearview mirror assembly adapted for attachment to an interior portion of the vehicle, said interior rearview mirror assembly comprising a housing and an electrochromic reflective element included within said housing, said electrochromic interior rearview mirror assembly comprising electrochromic control circuitry for controlling said electrochromic reflective element; and a video device, said video device including an imaging array sensor, said imaging array sensor having a field of view forward through the windshield; and a control sharing at least one component of said electrochromic control circuitry, said control receiving a signal from said imaging array sensor and being operable to digitally process said signal and to control at least two of(i) a headlamp of the vehicle, (ii) a windshield wiper of the vehicle, (iii) a defogging system of the vehicle and (iv) a movable window of the vehicle in response to said signal; and an illumination device for illuminating the field of view of said imaging array sensor, said illumination device being at least occasionally activated, wherein said illumination device is activated during low light conditions.
Claim 152
Dependent Claim
37 words
The interior rearview mirror system of claim 126 , wherein said imaging array sensor is operable to sense precipitation at at least one of an exterior surface of the windshield and an interior surface of the windshield.
Claim 153
Dependent Claim
37 words
The interior rearview mirror system of claim 127 , wherein said imaging array sensor is operable to sense water droplets at the exterior surface of the windshield and fog particles at the interior surface of the windshield.
Claim 154
Dependent Claim
61 words
The interior rearview mirror system of claim 128 , wherein said control is operable to control a windshield wiper of the vehicle in response to the presence of water droplets at the exterior surface of the windshield and to control a defogging system of the vehicle in response to the presence of fog particles at the interior surface of the windshield.
Claim 155
Dependent Claim
27 words
The interior rearview minor system of claim 129 , wherein said control is operable to vary a rate of wipe of a windshield wiper of the vehicle.
Claim 156
Dependent Claim
56 words
The interior rearview mirror system of claim 126 , wherein said imaging array sensor is operable to sense fog particles at an interior surface of the windshield, said control being operable to control a defogging system of the vehicle in response to said imaging array sensor sensing fog particles at the interior surface of the windshield.
Claim 157
Dependent Claim
56 words
The interior rearview mirror system of claim 126 , wherein said imaging array sensor is operable to sense water droplets at an exterior surface of the windshield, said control being operable to control a windshield wiper of the vehicle in response to said imaging array sensor sensing water droplets at the exterior surface of the windshield.
Claim 158
Dependent Claim
27 words
The interior rearview mirror system of claim 132 , wherein said control is operable to adjust a rate of wipe of a windshield wiper of the vehicle.
Claim 159
Dependent Claim
37 words
The interior rearview mirror system of claim 133 , wherein said control is operable to adjust the rate of wipe in response to a quantity of the water droplets sensed at the exterior surface of the windshield.
Claim 160
Dependent Claim
23 words
The interior rearview mirror system of claim 133 , wherein said control is operable to control a rear window wiper of the vehicle.
Claim 161
Dependent Claim
37 words
The interior rearview mirror system of claim 135 , wherein said control is operable to control a rear window wiper in response to said imaging array sensor sensing water droplets at the exterior surface of the windshield.
Claim 162
Dependent Claim
218 words
An interior rearview mirror system suitable for use in a vehicle, said interior rearview mirror system comprising: an electrochromic interior rearview mirror assembly adapted for attachment to an interior portion of the vehicle, said interior rearview mirror assembly comprising a housing and an electrochromic reflective element included within said housing, said electrochromic interior rearview mirror assembly comprising electrochromic control circuitry for controlling said electrochromic reflective element; and a video device, said video device including an imaging array sensor, said imaging array sensor having a field of view forward through the windshield; and a control sharing at least one component of said electrochromic control circuitry, said control receiving a signal from said imaging array sensor and being operable to digitally process said signal and to control at least two of(i) a headlamp, of the vehicle, (ii) a windshield wiper of the vehicle, (iii) a defogging system of the vehicle and (iv) a movable window of the vehicle in response to said signal; and an illumination device for illuminating the field of view of said imaging array sensor, said illumination device being at least occasionally activated, wherein said imaging array sensor is operable to sense a level of ambient light present at the windshield, said illumination device being activated in response to said imaging array sensor sensing low light conditions.
Claim 163
Dependent Claim
218 words
An interior rearview mirror system suitable for use in a vehicle, said interior rearview mirror system comprising: an electrochromic interior rearview mirror assembly adapted for attachment to an interior portion of the vehicle, said interior rearview mirror assembly comprising a housing and an electrochromic reflective element included within said housing, said electrochromic interior rearview mirror assembly comprising electrochromic control circuitry for controlling said electrochromic reflective element; and a video device, said video device including an imaging array sensor, said imaging array sensor having a field of view forward through the windshield; and a control sharing at least one component of said electrochromic control circuitry, said control receiving a signal from said imaging array sensor and being operable to digitally process said signal and to control at least two of(i) a headlamp, of the vehicle, (ii) a windshield wiper of the vehicle, (iii) a defogging system of the vehicle and (iv) a movable window of the vehicle in response to said signal; and an illumination device for illuminating the field of view of said imaging array sensor, said illumination device being at least occasionally activated, wherein said imaging array sensor is operable to sense a level of ambient light present at the windshield, said illumination device being activated in response to said imaging array sensor sensing low light conditions.
Claim 164
Dependent Claim
32 words
The interior rearview mirror system of claim 137 , wherein said control is operable to control a headlamp of the vehicle in response to said imaging array sensor sensing low light conditions.
Claim 165
Dependent Claim
170 words
An interior rearview mirror system suitable for use in a vehicle, said interior rearview mirror system comprising: an electrochromic interior rearview mirror assembly adapted for attachment to an interior portion of the vehicle, said interior rearview mirror assembly comprising a housing and an electrochromic reflective element included within said housing, said electrochromic interior rearview mirror assembly comprising electrochromic control circuitry for controlling said electrochromic reflective element; and a video device, said video device including an imaging array sensor, said imagine array sensor having a field of view forward through the windshield, wherein said video device includes a polarizing filter; and a control sharing at least one component of said electrochromic control circuitry, said control receiving a signal from said imaging array sensor and being operable to digitally process said signal and to control at least two of (i) a headlamp of the vehicle, (ii) a windshield wiper of the vehicle, (iii) a defogging system of the vehicle and (iv) a movable window of the vehicle in response to said signal.
Claim 166
Dependent Claim
170 words
An interior rearview mirror system suitable for use in a vehicle, said interior rearview mirror system comprising: an electrochromic interior rearview mirror assembly adapted for attachment to an interior portion of the vehicle, said interior rearview mirror assembly comprising a housing and an electrochromic reflective element included within said housing, said electrochromic interior rearview mirror assembly comprising electrochromic control circuitry for controlling said electrochromic reflective element; and a video device, said video device including an imaging array sensor, said imagine array sensor having a field of view forward through the windshield, wherein said video device includes a polarizing filter; and a control sharing at least one component of said electrochromic control circuitry, said control receiving a signal from said imaging array sensor and being operable to digitally process said signal and to control at least two of (i) a headlamp of the vehicle, (ii) a windshield wiper of the vehicle, (iii) a defogging system of the vehicle and (iv) a movable window of the vehicle in response to said signal.
Claim 167
Dependent Claim
38 words
The interior rearview mirror system of claim 139 , wherein said polarizing filter is at least occasionally positionable between said imaging array sensor and the windshield, said polarizing filter being operable to attenuate polarized light from the windshield.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2007-10-19 | 2008-04-19 | 2008-10-19 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2011-10-19 | 2012-04-19 | 2012-10-19 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2015-10-19 | 2016-04-19 | 2016-10-19 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |