Abstract: A vehicle structural accessory includes one or more electronic accessories. One electrical accessory which may be provided is an electronically trainable transmitter which is trainable to generate a control signal which will actuate a garage door opening mechanism. Another electronic accessory which may be included is an electronic compass. Yet another device is an electronically adjustable mirror having parameters set for each driver of a vehicle. The electronically adjustable rearview mirror and the electronically trainable garage door opener may be advantageously provided with a keyless entry system.

Abstract: An improved electro-optic rearview mirror for motor vehicles, the mirror incorporating an improved display, such as "HEATED" or "OBJECTS IN MIRROR ARE CLOSER THAN THEY APPEAR" or the like, and wherein the mirror colors and clears uniformly and the display is effected in an aesthetically pleasing manner.

Abstract: An improved electrochromic rearview mirror for motor vehicles, the mirror incorporating an improved display which economically and efficiently displays information or images or symbols on the mirror in a reliable and aesthetically pleasing manner while providing excellent speed of reflective change, good high end reflectance, good uniformity of reflectance change across the surface area of the mirror, continually variable reflectance and good low end reflectance while displaying desired information or images or symbols throughout the range of reflectance of the mirror.

Abstract: A rear light detection device for an automatic antiglare mirror includes a variable light transmissivity layer and a reflecting film provided behind the variable light transmissivity layer. Reflectivity of the reflecting film is variably controlled by controlling the light transmissivity of the variable light transmissivity layer. The reflecting film is made of a half mirror and the device includes a light transmitting member provided behind the half mirror for collecting light which has been transmitted through the half mirror, and a photo-sensor for receiving light collected by the light transmitting member. The light transmitting member may have a concave reflecting surface and light which has been transmitted through the half mirror may be collected on the concave reflecting surface and then received by the photo-sensor.

Abstract: An automatic antiglare mirror for a vehicle with its reflectivity being variably controlled by an electrochromic element includes a rear light detection circuit for detecting quantity of light in the rear of the vehicle, a coloration amount control circuit for controlling an amount of coloration the electrochromic element and a response speed control circuit for controlling response speed of the electrochromic element. The coloration amount control circuit performs control of the amount of coloration in such a manner that, when quantity of rear light is smaller, the amount of coloration of the electrochromic element is smaller whereas, when the quantity of rear light is larger, the amount of coloration of the electrochromic element is larger.

Abstract: An automobile headlamp and running light control system for controlling an operating state of automobile headlamps and tail/marker lamps, and determining an operating threshold for an automatic dimming rearview mirror system. The headlamp and running light control system including an ambient light sensing arrangement having an ambient light sensor which determines a present ambient light level in a vicinity of the vehicle, a first control arrangement for selecting an operating state of the vehicle lamps in accordance with an output of the ambient light sensor, a second control arrangement for determining the operating threshold of the automatic dimming rearview mirror system in accordance with the output of the ambient light sensor, and a lamp switching arrangement which activates and deactivates the vehicle lamps in response to the first control arrangement.

Abstract: A vehicle structural accessory includes one or more electronic accessories. One electrical accessory which may be provided is an electronically trainable transmitter which is trainable to generate a control signal which will actuate a garage door opening mechanism. Another electronic accessory which may be included is an electronic compass. Yet another device is an electronically adjustable mirror having parameters set for each driver of a vehicle. The electronically adjustable rearview mirror and the electronically trainable garage door opener may be advantageously provided with a keyless entry system.

Abstract: A modular rearview mirror system includes a variable reflectance device having a reflectance surface, which reflects light incident the surface from a direction rearward of the vehicle. The variable reflectance device is responsive to a drive signal by dimming to a partial reflectance condition. A control for the reflectivity value of the variable reflectance device includes first and second light sensors and a circuit. The circuit is responsive to the light sensors to produce a drive signal as a function of the light levels to which the light sensors are exposed. The first and second light sensors are both aimed generally in a direction rearwardly of the vehicle. The first light sensor is aimed along a generally horizontal axis and the second light sensor is aimed along another axis that deviates from the horizontal axis. A preferable deviation between the axes is at least approximately 10 degrees, but not more than approximately 70 degrees.

Abstract: An EC mirror having an end surface of layers consisting of an ECD, an output electrode, and a clip electrode, prevents attacking by water submerging through the end surface, improves sealing ability with the mirror holder, prevents the mirror from chattering and a strange noise due to a vibration of the mirror, improves an anti-impact ability of the ECD end surface. An insulating member is disposed to cover ECD periphery portions and connecting portions of an output electrode, the clip electrode and a harness cord. A water proof member is disposed on an outer periphery of the insulating member.

Abstract: A device for preventing a false lighting phenomenon is provided between a light source of the main body of a signal lamp and e cover lens for preventing the signal lamp from presenting a false lighting phenomenon. The device for preventing a false lighting phenomenon comprises a pair of complex spherical lenses formed by many numbers of spheres arranged in a matrix on planes, and configured in a chain form in which the contact points, front, rear, left and right sides, of each of the spheres truncate the spheres forming a gapless interface while the upper and lower spherical surfaces are left intact to function as spherical lenses.

Abstract: The invention concerns a vehicle rear-view mirror (1) comprising a plane-mirror section (2) and at least one convex section (3, 11) contiguous with the sides of the plane section. The curvature of the convex side sections is zero at the transition line (4, 12) with the plane-mirror section (2), and increases progressively with increasing are length (L) from the transition line, the cur of vertical orthogonal lines of intersection being equal to the curvature of a horizontal reference line (6, 6A) at their point of intersection. The rear-view mirror (1) proposed enables the driver to view both behind and to the side. The mirror (1) is easy to produce since the curvature of the convex side sections (3, 11) only departs by a small amount from the plane of the plane-mirror section (2).

Abstract: An oval elliptical mirror assembly with a generally convex reflective surface having a long axis and a short axis essentially normal to the long axis. The oval shape is provided to increase the field-of-view for a user along the long axis. The mirror assembly may be mounted on a flat mounting surface, such as a walls, or a varied mounting surface, such as the external surface of a vehicle. The mirror is mounted with the long axis positioned at any angle to provide for the desired field-of-view.

Abstract: The mirror system has devices for adjusting the reflectivities of the interior and exterior rearview mirrors to different values to correct the driver's unbalanced rearview visibility. These devices include, for instance, a liquid-phase ECD used in the interior rearview mirror and a solid-state ECD used in the exterior rearview mirror so that appropriate reflectivities of the two mirrors can be obtained, even if they experience the same operation conditions. When the same-type ECD is used for both interior and exterior rearview mirrors, the drive voltage for the exterior rearview mirror is made lower than that for interior rearview mirror to make the latter's reflectivity smaller than the former's. For this purpose, transforming circuits are provided as well as terminal voltage sensing and controlling circuits.

Abstract: A system apparatus, structure and method for controlling a plurality of variable reflectance mirrors (or mirror segments), including a rearview mirror and side view mirrors, which change their reflectance level in response to a plurality of drive voltages applied thereto, for an automotive vehicle. The system includes a light sensing device and a control circuit formed as a single VLSI CMOS circuit. The light sensing device comprises a photosensor array having a field of view encompassing a rear window area and at least a portion of at least one side window area of the vehicle. The logic and control circuit determines a background light signal from photosensor element signals generated by the photosensor elements in the photosensor array indicative of light levels incident on the photosensor elements. The circuit also determines a peak light signal in three different zones or sub-arrays of the photosensor array. The zones or sub-arrays may correspond to three mirrors or mirror segments.

Abstract: A new and improved remotely controlled, day/night mirror apparatus includes an outer housing assembly for connection to an exterior portion of a motor vehicle. An inner housing support assembly is contained within the outer housing assembly and is supported by the outer housing assembly. An inner housing assembly is provided, and an adjustable connection assembly is connected between the inner housing assembly and the inner housing support assembly, for adjusting an angular orientation of the inner housing assembly with respect to the outer housing assembly. A day/night mirror assembly is pivotally supported by the inner housing assembly by a mirror pivot pin. An incremental tilt assembly is connected between the day/night mirror assembly and the inner housing assembly distal from the mirror pivot pin, for incrementally tilting the day/night mirror assembly around the mirror pivot pin from a day position to a night position and vice versa.

Abstract: A displacement mechanism of a motor vehicle inside rearview mirror having a mirror plate mounted on the frame which is articulated on the lower end of a supporting arm having an upper end connected to an inside ceiling of the motor vehicle, the displacement mechanism comprises an axis provided in the lever, a transverse crankshaft supportable on the frame, a sphere provided on a lower end of the supporting arm, a trapezoidal plate having a smaller base which is turned downward and is coupled to an inside end of the axis, the trapezoidal plate having an intermediate region mounted on the transverse crankshaft, the trapezoidal plate having a central region provided for the sphere, the trapezoidal plate having an upper bigger base articulatable on the frame, the transverse crankshaft being somewhat resilient and including a longer intermediate segment which crosses transversely the trapezoidal plate and is articulated on it and short biased segments extending from ends of the intermediate segment and having end

Abstract: A safety-enhanced, inside rearview mirror assembly for vehicles of the type adapted for movement between day and night positions to reduce reflected glare is disclosed. The assembly includes an energy/impact absorbing plate selected to have predetermined thickness, stiffness, cracking/permanent deformation resistance, and galvanic action passivity positioned between the glass mirror element and the day/night actuator within the mirror case. The plate absorbs the actuator impact energy should the day/night actuator be caused to impact the rear of the glass mirror element when the front of the inside rearview mirror assembly is contacted by an air bag during deployment in an accident and substantially reduces damaging protrusion of glass shards which otherwise could puncture and impair proper operation of the air bag. The plate may be spaced from the rear of the mirror element, or adhered to the mirror element preferably with a flexible, resilient adhesive laminate which doubles as an anti-scatter layer.

Abstract: The anti-dazzle assembly comprises an optical filter element whose optical transmission is electrically controllable and an electronic control unit including a light sensitive sensor operatively connected to the optical filter element. The electronic control unit is adapted to vary the optical transmission of the optical filter element in response to the amount of light falling on the light sensitive sensor. This anti-dazzle assembly is controlled such that the intensity of light falling on the exposed surface of the sensor is selectively measured at a plurality of different area portions of this surface. The highest value is selected and used to influence the degree of optical transmission of the filter element. In this way, the anti-dazzle assembly can be controlled much more efficiently insofar as the dangerous high intensity point-shaped light sources are clearly recognized, but strong ambient light does not have a negative influence on the control of the filter element.

Abstract: In a device for driving an EC antiglare mirror in which reflectivity is variably controlled by an EC element, a surrounding light quantity detection circuit detects quantity of light surrounding a vehicle. A rear light quantity detection circuit detects quantity of light in the rear of the vehicle. An oscillation circuit is constructed so that duration of an "H" level of an oscillation signal and duration of an "L" level of the oscillation signal are individually controlled. An inversion period control circuit variably controls duration of one of the "H" and "L" levels of the oscillation signal generated by the oscillation circuit in response to light quantity detected by the surrounding light quantity detection circuit and also variably controls duration of the other level in response to light quantity detected by the rear light quantity detection circuit.

Abstract: A control device for controlling an antiglare mirror in vehicles. The inner mirror, which has a gel-type EC cell, reduces its mirror reflectivity as the positive voltage applied thereto increases. A rear light sensor receives the light from behind through the inner mirror. A comparison decision circuit detects the intensity of the light from behind in accordance with the light receiving state of the rear light sensor and an ambient light sensor. A driving circuit applies a positive voltage to the EC cell of the inner mirror so that the light from behind has a predetermined intensity level. A control circuit supplies a negative or positive voltage to outer mirrors in accordance with the positive voltage applied to the inner mirror. The outer mirrors enhances their mirror reflectivity as the negative voltage level applied becomes high and reduces their mirror reflectivity as the positive voltage level applied becomes high.

Abstract: A rearview mirror system for a vehicle having an electrochromic reflective element and heating means for uniformly heating substantially the entire reflectance surface in order to promote uniform coloration of the reflectance surface to a desired reflectance level. The reflective element is illustrated as an all solid-state electrochromic element having a large area reflectance surface for use as the exterior mirrors of a truck or other large vehicle. The application of energy to the heater can be controlled on the basis of a low ambient light condition and an ambient temperature that is low but not necessarily freezing, such as between 5.degree. C. and 20.degree. C. The heater can be resistance film that is evenly covering a surface of the reflective element and divided into first and second regions by an insulating break in the resistance film. Energy may be applied to one region in order to heat the reflectance element at a high rate to remove frost and dew.

Abstract: An improved automatic rearview mirror for automotive vehicles, the mirror incorporating a light pipe effective to direct light from a convenient location to a conveniently placed light sensor and effective to optimize the performance and economy of the mirror.

Abstract: A light filtering and shading device for automobiles includes a parallel slide assembly having two parallel rods fitting through two slide bases for the slide bases to slide along, four locating bases fixed on the roof of an automobile and holding the two ends of the two parallel rods, two clamp bases combined with the two slide bases and clampingly fixed with an upper side of a filter plate to let the plate movable with the slid bases and pulled down to face the windshield from the roof. The filter plate has the upper and the lower side fixed with bent rubber slips with inner steel slips, and the right and the left side protected with wing plates covering the side edges and with anti-wear pieces put between to protect the filter plate and to prevent noises, and two sunshade plates directly fixed on the filter plate.

Abstract: An electro-optic device including first and second optically transparent elements mounted in spaced relationship to each other to define a gap and each having a front and rear surface. At least one optically transparent interlayer element is sandwiched between the first and second elements and joining a predetermined area of the rear surface of the first element and the front surface of the second element. A liquid, semi-liquid, gel, or semi-solid electro-optic medium, whose light transmittance is variable, is added to the gap between the first and second element. One surface of the second element may include a reflective coating except in those areas aligned with the transparent interlayer element sandwiched between the first and second element.

Abstract: A reduced vibration day/night rearview mirror assembly provides improved stability of the mirror assembly. The assembly preferably includes a molded mirror case, a prismatic mirror element, and a two piece actuator assembly which provides reduced vibratory movement between a mirror mounting bracket and the mirror assembly. The actuator assembly includes a toggle member and a pivot lever which pivotally interconnect. The toggle member has a pivot journal defined along at least a portion of a first side and has a pivot surface defined along at least a portion of a second, opposing side. The pivot lever has a pivot shaft for pivotally mounting the lever in the mirror case and has an open-sided pivot channel generally parallel to and spaced from the pivot shaft for receiving and pivotally engaging the pivot surface of the toggle member. The case has cooperating supports for receiving the pivot lever pivot shaft and a pivot axle for engaging the toggle member pivot journal.

Abstract: A system for automatically controlling the position of a tractor-trailer rearview mirror to maintain unobstructed vision in the mirror during turns employs a pair of ultrasonic transducers mounted on the external rear wall of the tractor on opposite sides of the centerline thereof so as to project ultrasonic sound beams onto the forward wall of the trailer. A control circuit determines the difference in the two path lengths, indicating the degree of turning of the vehicle, to generate control signals to a mirror rotating motor. A third transducer may be mounted for rotation with the mirror and directs an ultrasonic beam along the zone immediately beside the trailer for detecting persons or objects within the zone and actuating an alarm in the event of such detection.

Abstract: An electro-optical system and method are disclosed for modulating the intensity of light rays propagating towards an optical element, such as an eye, a lens or aperture stop in a camera station, a camera station in a machine vision system, or other image detection device. The electro-optical system comprises an electro-optical element having a optically transparent surface having electrically addressable pixels. Each pixel has a light transmittance which is controllable by a controller that is operably associated with a computer system. An image acquisition device, such as a camera station, acquires an image of a spatial scene within the field of view of the optical element. The computer system processes the image to determine which pixels are to be addressed and actively driven in order to modulate (i.e. decrease) the intensity of incident light rays propagating through the determined pixels, towards the optical element.

Abstract: An electro-optic device including first and second optically transparent elements mounted in spaced relationship to each other to define a gap and each having a front and rear surface. At least one optically transparent interlayer element is sandwiched between the first and second elements and joining a predetermined area of the rear surface of the first element and the front surface of the second element. A liquid, semi-liquid, gel, or semi-solid electro-optic medium, whose light transmittance is variable, is added to the gap between the first and second element. One surface of the second element may include a reflective coating except in those areas aligned with the transparent interlayer element sandwiched between the first and second element.

Abstract: The vehicle mirror of the present invention is made such that a supporting member is arranged with a predetermined spacing in respect to the rear mirror member of an anti-halation mirror member having the anti-halation device such as liquid crystal or electrochromic element or the like between the front transparent member and the rear mirror member getting a reflection as the mirror, the piezo-electric vibrator generating vibration is fixed to the supporting member, a spacing between the rear mirror member and the supporting member is held by the spacer member and then the vibration of the piezo-electric vibrator is tansmitted to the front transparent member. The front transparent member is exposed from the opening of the holder and at the same time the circumferential edge of the anti-halation mirror member is held by the holding part. With such an arrangement above, a function of anti-halation and another function of removing water droplets can be provided.

Abstract: An improved electronic control system for controlling the reflective state of automatic rearview mirrors for automative vehicles, the system including an electrochromic variable reflectance mirror element the reflectivity of which varies over a reflectance range as a function of electrical signal levels applied thereto. The system also includes a first sensing means effective to sense the ambient light level and produce a first electrical signal which is at least in part logarithmically related to the sensed ambient light level. A second sensing means is also provided which is effective to sense the glare causing light level and produce a second electrical signal which is at least in part logarithmically related to the sensed glare causing light level.

Abstract: An automatic rearview mirror system having a reflective element that is actuatable between at least two different reflective conditions by a control that discriminates between glare-causing and nonglare-causing light simultaneously sensed by a single light sensor. The control includes a processor that is more responsive to decreasing levels of light than to increasing levels of light to produce a signal that is indicative of the slow-transient characteristic of the light sensed by the single light sensor. The processor may include a very slow signal processor that is always operative and a somewhat faster-slow signal processor, which may be selectively inhibited when the mirror is fully colored, or when a differential circuit indicates that the difference between the glare and the non-glare light sensed by the light sensor exceeds a predetermined level. The differential circuit may additionally limit the differential between the glare and the nonglare lights sensed by the light sensor.

Abstract: A rearview mirror for vehicles especially adapted for exterior vehicle use with electro-optic/electrochromic mirror units includes a reflective mirror element and a surrounding bezel having a raised edge or crown. The raised crown provides an appearance of narrowness and reduced bezel size. The bezel is preferably also thinner at the sides of the mirror than at the top or bottom and includes a rear retaining member which resiliently traps the mirror between a pair of resilient compressible seal members to form a continuous pocket at the edge of the mirror which is sealed against humidity, dirt, water, salt spray and other environmental effects commonly encountered by vehicles. Opposite polarity electrical connections for the electro-optic mirror unit are provided in different sizes or are mounted in different directions to prevent incorrect polarity connections to the vehicle electrical system.

Abstract: A combination sun visor and rear view mirror assembly includes a mirror, a mirror housing, and a bracket for attaching the housing to a vehicle. A sun visor panel is pivotally attached to the bracket and is rotatable about the mirror. The visor may be oriented above the mirror, below the mirror, or may be cover the mirror to shield the driver of the vehicle from a direct reflection of the sun. The visor is preferably formed from a tinted, translucent material.

Abstract: An electro-optic rearview mirror assembly is disclosed which is protected against scattering fragments while reducing risk of laceration if broken/damaged, against ultraviolet (UV) radiation degradation, and against fogging or misting in high humidity conditions. The mirror may include a first element incorporating specialized yellow/orange/red visible light absorbing, UV radiation reducing glass having a blue or green color to provide a consumer acceptable silvery reflection even when yellow tinted UV radiation absorbing additives are mixed in the electro-optic medium of the assembly. The first element may be laminated from a pair of optically transparent, tinted, tempered safety, or other glass panels and incorporate UV radiation reducing paint/lacquer coatings or polymeric films. The panels may be secured together with UV radiation reducing Saflex.TM.

Abstract: A grated thin-film surface forms a plurality of successive narrow silvered panels which are oriented to provide a composite and linear mirror. The thin film is mounted against a support whose inward face is a congruent replica of the inside upper section of a vehicle windshield, or sandwiched between the plies of such a support. The reflective surface is covered with a layer of liquid crystal of which the opacity can be electrically adjusted. The plane of each silvered panel is defined by a first transversal angle in reference to the horizon, and by a longitudinal angle in reference with the slant of the underlying inward face section of the support and windshield.

Abstract: A laminate, electro-optic rearview mirror assembly is disclosed which is protected against scattering fragments while reducing risk of laceration if broken/damaged, against ultraviolet (UV) radiation degradation, and against fogging or misting in high humidity conditions.

Abstract: A variable reflectivity automobile mirror assembly is operable by automatic electrical circuitry responsive to variations of incident light upon the mirror and ambient light level about the automobile to provide positions of high and low reflectivity. The assembly also includes a support member or housing, a reflective mirror panel, motor means, actuation means secured to the housing and driven by the drive element of the motor, and a timed-drive circuit for directing the current through the motor in opposite directions to move the mirror between the two positions. the automatic circuitry can include photosensing means and means to combine the output of the photosensing means and to compare it to an independent source. The circuit can position the mirror in response to the output of the comparing means.

Abstract: A grated thin-film surface forms a plurality of successive narrow silvered planes which are oriented to provide a composite and linear mirror. The thin film can be mounted against the inside upper section of a vehicle windshield, or sandwiched between the plies of a laminated windshield. The reflective surface is covered with a layer of liquid crystal of which the opacity can be electrically adjusted.