Abstract: A mobile wireless camera system for commercial vehicles allowing the driver of the commercial vehicle to see areas surrounding the commercial vehicle using first and second cameras connected to first and second camera transceivers for capturing images and transmitting a first and second image signals representing the captured images. The system uses a controller in communication with a control transceiver for setting an ID code in each camera and for selecting a camera for viewing. The camera transceivers transmit the ID code along with the image signals. The controller uses an ID code recognition unit for identifying whether the ID code is the ID code of the selected camera. The controllers allows transmission of images if the received ID code and the ID code of the selected camera are the same.

Abstract: A mirror arrangement for a vehicle having a functional device, control apparatus, and a mode switch located in a mirror housing is provided. An activation device is provided to activate the mode switch for maintenance of the functional device. Various embodiments and related methods are also provided.

Abstract: A maneuvering aid for a vehicle is provided which has a detector and an information provider in wireless communication with each other. The detector and the information provider are synchronized upon the start of the vehicle, a reversing operation or the like to monitor the area about the vehicle and alert a driver of the vehicle of an obstacle near the vehicle. The detector is portable for use with multiple trailers that are attachable to the vehicle such that the information provider and detector remain in wireless communication.

Abstract: A heatable external rearview mirror including a mirror housing for attachment to the vehicle and a mirror pane with a reflecting surface carried in the housing. A heating element is located adjacent the mirror pane for heating the pane to remove precipitation. A thermochromic heating indicator is provided in heat conducting contact with at least one of the heating element and the mirror pane that reacts to temperature changes for detecting heating of the mirror pane by the heating element and providing a visual indication of the operation of the heating element.

Abstract: An exterior mirror sensor system for commercial vehicles comprising an exterior mirror, a sensor for monitoring an exterior mirror zone, and an indicator for indicating objects detected in the exterior mirror zone. The sensor may be a distance sensor, a motion sensor or a heat sensor. The system may further comprise a control unit connected to the sensor and indicator for controlling the indicator. The system may further comprise a camera for recording objects in the exterior mirror zone. The control unit may actuate the indicator upon the detection of an object by the sensor. The indicator may comprise an audible indicator. The system may further comprise a data input unit for recording data detected by the sensor wherein the data input unit is connected to the control unit and receives the data detected by the sensor from the control unit.

Abstract: A means of wireless data transmission between a tractor and a trailer using a data transfer system having a first communication unit that is installed on the front of the trailer and a second communication unit that is installed on the rear of the tractor cab. Both communication units on a coupled tractor-trailer are located facing each other across a hitching space between the tractor and trailer to define a communication gap over which data is wirelessly transmitted. A notification device is carried by the tractor and operatively connected to the second communication unit. At least one data collector is carried by the trailer and operatively connected to the first communication unit. Accordingly, the driver is provided with information through the notification device from the data collector by way of the first and second communication unit, which wirelessly transmit the data between the tractor and trailer.

Abstract: A warning system for a vehicle is provided. The warning system has a sensor for detecting an obstruction near the vehicle, a control apparatus to produce a signal in response to the detected obstruction, and an alert device configured to direct a driver's attention to the obstruction.

Abstract: An electronic mirror circuit for the activation of mirrors for motor vehicles, where the mirrors are positioned adjusted by electric motors. The circuit is made of an operational component having a plurality of circuits for conducting currents. Also, a load control unit is correspondingly connected with the current conducting circuits. A plurality of load circuits are in communication with the load control unit. Each of the load circuits corresponds with a given one of the current conducting circuits. The load circuits are activated by the current conducting circuits. Also provided is an electrical coupling device for connecting the load circuits to the mirrors via a wire distribution tree.

Abstract: A camera assembly for a commercial vehicle 1 with a cargo compartment, which comprises a camera 3, and a movement apparatus 4, wherein the movement apparatus 4 displaces the said camera 3, at least partially outward, through an opening 2b in the tarpaulin cargo container from the interior of the same, in such a manner, and/or the opening 2b in the tarpaulin container structure can be so opened, that the camera, by an energized movement apparatus can survey a definite field of view in the rearward area of the said commercial vehicle. In this way, it becomes possible, even with a downward, closed, rear end tarpaulin to observe the area lying behind the commercial vehicle by means of the camera during the backing up of the commercial vehicle.

Abstract: A rearview mirror assembly having a mirror, an imaging device and a monitor is provided for a vehicle. The monitor and the mirror may be integrated in the housing to provide the driver of the vehicle with at least two fields of view simultaneously.

Abstract: A surveillance apparatus is provided for a vehicle to record data such as images over a period of time. The surveillance apparatus has a camera for collecting images in a field of view from the vehicle and a storage apparatus to record and store the data. A method of surveilling a vehicle operating area using the surveillance apparatus is also disclosed.

Abstract: A maneuvering aid for a vehicle is provided which has a detector and an information provider in wireless communication with each other. The detector and the information provider are synchronized upon the start of the vehicle, a reversing operation or the like to monitor the area about the vehicle and alert a driver of the vehicle of an obstacle near the vehicle. The detector is portable for use with multiple trailers that are attachable to the vehicle such that the information provider and detector remain in wireless communication.

Abstract: A mirror arrangement for a vehicle having a functional device, control apparatus, and a mode switch located in a mirror housing is provided. An activation device is provided to activate the mode switch for maintenance of the functional device. Various embodiments and related methods are also provided.

Abstract: A rearview mirror has been made available, for which an optical imaging apparatus in the form of a monitor has been installed. The monitor is connected to a camera, which captures a vision field, before, beside and/or behind the vehicle.

Abstract: A rearview mirror assembly for a vehicle is provided. The rearview mirror assembly includes a monitor which receives collected data from an imaging device on the vehicle. The mirror and monitor permit a driver to view the mirror image and collected data simultaneously. The driver may also manipulate the monitor and the imaging device to change views and the collected data.

Abstract: A safety apparatus for vehicles is disclosed. The safety apparatus has a mirror assembly including a sensor for remotely sensing a road surface temperature and may have a display to inform a driver of driving conditions based in part on the road surface temperature.

Abstract: An electronic mirror circuit for the activation of mirrors for motor vehicles, where the mirrors are positioned adjusted by electric motors. The circuit is made of an operational component having a plurality of circuits for conducting currents. Also, a load control unit is correspondingly connected with the current conducting circuits. A plurality of load circuits are in communication with the load control unit. Each of the load circuits corresponds with a given one of the current conducting circuits. The load circuits are activated by the current conducting circuits. Also provided is an electrical coupling device for connecting the load circuits to the mirrors via a wire distribution tree.

Abstract: A surveillance apparatus is provided for a vehicle to record data such as images over a period of time. The surveillance apparatus has a camera for collecting images in a field of view from the vehicle and a storage apparatus to record and store the data. A method of surveilling a vehicle operating area using the surveillance apparatus is also disclosed.

Abstract: A rearview mirror assembly having a mirror, an imaging device and a monitor is provided for a vehicle. The monitor and the mirror may be integrated in the housing to provide the driver of the vehicle with at least two fields of view simultaneously.