Abstract: A driver assistance system for a vehicle includes an information display screen viewable by a driver of the vehicle when the driver is normally operating the equipped vehicle. At least one camera is mounted at the vehicle and has a field of view exterior of the vehicle and is operable to capture image data. The information display screen is operable to display video images derived from image data captured by the at least one camera and the information display screen is operable to display other information. A capacitive touch sensor is actuatable by the driver of the vehicle, and the information display screen is operable to display at least the other information responsive to actuation by the driver of the vehicle of the capacitive touch sensor.

Abstract: A control system for a hybrid vehicle includes a control responsive to an indication of at least one of (a) a geographical location of the hybrid vehicle and (b) a programmed route of travel of the hybrid vehicle. The control, responsive to the indication, selects one of (a) electric-powered propulsion of the hybrid vehicle and (b) non-electric-powered propulsion of the hybrid vehicle.

Abstract: A navigation system includes a communication port in a vehicle, a hand held portable unit, and a wireless communication between the portable unit and the communication port when the portable unit is in the vehicle. The portable unit has a position locator and is capable of establishing a geographical position of the portable unit. The portable unit is removable from the vehicle by an occupant of the vehicle. An information display may be disposed on, at or within an interior rearview mirror assembly of the vehicle, and may display navigational information for viewing by a driver of the vehicle. The navigational information may be derived from the wireless communication between the portable unit and the communication port.

Abstract: A navigation system includes a communication port in a vehicle, a hand held portable unit, and a wireless communication between the portable unit and the communication port when the portable unit is in the vehicle. The portable unit has a position locator and is capable of establishing a geographical position of the portable unit. The portable unit is removable from the vehicle by an occupant of the vehicle. An information display may be disposed on, at or within an interior rearview mirror assembly of the vehicle, and may display navigational information for viewing by a driver of the vehicle. The navigational information may be derived from the wireless communication between the portable unit and the communication port.

Abstract: A vehicle-based navigation system is described including a position locator that establishes the geographic position of the vehicle and a map database located external to and remote from the vehicle. The system determines at least one of a vehicle parameter and a personal parameter, and transfers data from the remote map database to the vehicle and displays the data in the vehicle at a resolution that is a function of at least one of a vehicle parameter and a personal parameter.

Abstract: A modular rearview mirror assembly for vehicles incorporates a housing into the mirror assembly case for supporting an electronic control module to reduce the vibration, to ease the installation of the components in the mirror assembly, and to improve access to the various components in the mirror assembly for maintenance or repair. The rearview mirror assembly includes a reflective element, at least one electrical component mounted to the reflective element, and a case housing the reflective element and the electrical component. An electronic control module is supported by the case which communicates with the electrical component. Preferably, the electronic control module is supported by a housing that is either molded with the case or welded to the inner surface of the case to support the electronic control module independently from the electrical component.

Abstract: A vehicle rear vision system that is suitable for use in a vehicle equipped with a vehicle communication network includes an interior rearview mirror assembly and exterior rearview mirror assembly. The interior rearview mirror assembly includes an interior electro-optical reflective element and a first microprocessor-based control. The exterior rearview mirror assembly includes an exterior electro-optical reflective element and a second microprocessor-based control. Each microprocessor-based control controls a partial reflectance level of the respective electro-optic reflective element.

Abstract: A vehicle-based navigation system is described including a position locator that establishes the geographic position of the vehicle and a map database located external to and remote from the vehicle. The system determines at least one of a vehicle parameter and a personal parameter, and transfers data from the remote map database to the vehicle and displays the data in the vehicle at a resolution that is a function of at least one of a vehicle parameter and a personal parameter.

Abstract: A vehicle-based navigation system is described including a position locator that establishes the geographic position of the vehicle and a map database located external to and remote from the vehicle. The system determines at least one of a vehicle parameter and a personal parameter, and transfers data from the remote map database to the vehicle and displays the data in the vehicle at a resolution that is a function of at least one of a vehicle parameter and a personal parameter.

Abstract: A vehicle rear vision system includes at least two rearview assemblies each having an image transfer device for transferring images rearwardly of the vehicle in order to be observable by a driver. A rear vision communication system is provided to effect communication between the rearview assemblies. The rear vision communication system also includes a communication link with the vehicle multiplex communication network. The vehicle rear vision system may include an interactive dynamic position control, which repositions each mirror in the system in response to a change in the position of one mirror in a manner which allows the mirror aim to track a driver's eye position.

Abstract: A vehicle rear vision system includes at lest two rear-view assemblies each having an image transfer device for transferring images rearwardly of the vehicle in order to be observable by a driver. A rear vision communication system is provided to effect communication between the rearview assemblies. The rear vision communication system also includes a communication link with the vehicle multiplex communication network. The vehicle rear vision system may include an interactive dynamic position control, which repositions each mirror in the system in response to a change in the position of one mirror in a manner which allows the mirror aim to track a driver's eye position.

Abstract: A vehicle rear vision system includes at lest two rearview assemblies each having an image transfer device for transferring images rearwardly of the vehicle in order to be observable by a driver. A rear vision communication system is provided to effect communication between the rearview assemblies. The rear vision communication system also includes a communication link with the vehicle multiplex communication network. The vehicle rear vision system may include an interactive dynamic position control, which repositions each mirror in the system in response to a change in the position of one mirror in a manner which allows the mirror aim to track a driver's eye position.

Abstract: A vehicle rear vision system includes at lest two rearview assemblies each having an image transfer device for transferring images rearwardly of the vehicle in order to be observable by a driver. A rear vision communication system is provided to effect communication between the rearview assemblies. The rear vision communication system also includes a communication link with the vehicle multiplex communication network. The vehicle rear vision system may include an interactive dynamic position control, which repositions each mirror in the system in response to a change in the position of one mirror in a manner which allows the mirror aim to track a driver's eye position.

Abstract: A modular rearview mirror assembly for vehicles incorporates a housing into the mirror assembly case for supporting an electronic control module to reduce the vibration, to ease the installation of the components in the mirror assembly, and to improve access to the various components in the mirror assembly for maintenance or repair. The rearview mirror assembly includes a reflective element, at least one electrical component mounted to the reflective element, and a case housing the reflective element and the electrical component. An electronic control module is supported by the case which communicates with the electrical component. Preferably, the electronic control module is supported by a housing that is either molded with the case or welded to the inner surface of the case to support the electronic control module independently from the electrical component.

Abstract: A vehicle rear vision system includes at lest two rearview assemblies each having an image transfer device for transferring images rearwardly of the vehicle in order to be observable by a driver. A rear vision communication system is provided to effect communication between the rearview assemblies. The rear vision communication system also includes a communication link with the vehicle multiplex communication network. The vehicle rear vision system may include an interactive dynamic position control, which repositions each mirror in the system in response to a change in the position of one mirror in a manner which allows the mirror aim to track a driver's eye position.

Abstract: A modular rearview mirror assembly for vehicles incorporates a housing into the mirror assembly case for supporting an electronic control module to reduce the vibration, to ease the installation of the components in the mirror assembly, and to improve access to the various components in the mirror assembly for maintenance or repair. The rearview mirror assembly includes a reflective element, at least one electrical component mounted to the reflective element, and a case housing the reflective element and the electrical component. An electronic control module including at least one antenna is supported by the case which communicates with the electrical component. Preferably, the electronic control module is supported by a housing that is either molded with the case or welded to the inner surface of the case to support the electronic control module independently from the electrical component.

Abstract: A vehicle rear vision system includes at lest two rearview assemblies each having an image transfer device for transferring images rearwardly of the vehicle in order to be observable by a driver. A rear vision communication system is provided to effect communication between the rearview assemblies. The rear vision communication system also includes a communication link with the vehicle multiplex communication network. The vehicle rear vision system may include an interactive dynamic position control, which repositions each mirror in the system in response to a change in the position of one mirror in a manner which allows the mirror aim to track a driver's eye position.

Abstract: A coated housing for exterior rearview mirrors for vehicles provides increased gloss and depth of color in appearance, and enhanced resistance to scratching, surface crazing and ultraviolet radiation degradation. The housing is preferably molded from a resinous plastic material in a predetermined color and has a generally transparent polymeric material such as clear urethane or acrylic applied in a thin coating to the unpainted housing. The generally transparent coating may include a tint or particles of metal or mica to enhance the molded housing color and/or appearance. Optionally, adhesion of the coating to the housing may be increased by mixing an adhesion promoting agent in said resinous plastic material prior to molding, or by treating the housing surface after molding and prior to application of the coating. An ultraviolet radiation absorbing, blocking, screening material may be included in the generally transparent polymeric material.

Abstract: A housing for an actuator assembly for adjusting the orientation of a mirror element in a mirror assembly provides an improved electrical distribution system that eliminates loose wires, most connections, and the need for a seal between the housing and its external connections to a vehicle power supply. The housing includes a housing member supporting at least one actuator motor for driving at least one mirror element positioning member. The positioning member extends from the housing member to engage the mirror element's backing plate. The motor is powered from the vehicle power supply through the electrical distribution system which is molded with the housing member. Preferably, the electrical distribution system includes a plurality of leads that are electrically coupled at their distal ends to a plurality of external connectors, which extend out of the housing member for external connection to the vehicle power supply.