Abstract: A system and method for automatically adjusting the viewing angle of both side rear-view mirrors on a vehicle when the vehicle is traveling on a hill. The system estimates the slope of the hill, and uses the estimated slope to determine a corrected viewing angle of the rear-view mirrors. Depending on whether the vehicle is traveling uphill or down-hill, would depend on which direction the rear-view mirrors will be adjusted.

Abstract: An automobile side mirror includes a reflective portion having a front mirror that is incompletely silvered and a rear mirror angularly offset from the front mirror, the rear mirror being fixed relative to the front mirror. The mirror includes a bracket hingedly coupled to the reflective portion and a solenoid hingedly coupled to the reflective portion to selectively move the reflective portion from a first configuration to a second configuration. The mirror includes a return element to return the reflective portion from the second configuration to the first configuration. A light sensor is positioned to detect an amount of light directed toward the reflective portion. A processor is in communication with the light sensor and in communication with the solenoid, the processor including programming to actuate the solenoid upon detection of a predetermined amount of light directed at the light sensor.

Abstract: A system and method to polarize a reflective layer on a vehicle mirror to reveal a convex mirror to view objects in a vehicle blindspot includes a primary mirror having first and second surfaces, an electrically polarizable reflective coating on at least a portion of the first surface reflective in a depolarized state and clear when polarized by an applied electric current, a blind zone viewing convex mirror adjacent to the second surface and proximal to the polarizable coating of the first surface; and a blind spot detection system electrically connected to the primary mirror and a power source to automatically apply current to the first surface when an object is detected in a blind spot and change the reflectivity polarizable coating on the first surface and expose the concave mirror and discontinuing current to the reflective coating once an object has passed out of the blind spot.

Abstract: When a mirror angle is automatically displaced toward a target position, if the movement is mechanically locked before reaching the target position, power supply to a motor can promptly be halt, and in the case of a low temperature and a low voltage where the operating speed is slow, the mirror angle can also reach the target position. If time during which no change in the mirror angle is detected after the start of power supply exceeds a long-term determination period, the power supply to the motor is halted.

Abstract: A system for adjusting one or more mirror in a vehicle based on an estimated location of the driver's head in both a vertical and horizontal plane. A controller receives a linear position signal indicating a linear position of an adjustable driver's seat and an angular position signal indicating an angular position of the back-rest of the driver's seat. The controller calculates an estimated location of the driver's head in both the vertical and horizontal plane based at least in part on the linear position and angular position. The controller then changes the orientation of at least one of the three mirrors of the vehicle based on an intersection of the estimated location of the driver's head in the vertical and horizontal planes.

Abstract: A system and method for automatically correcting the viewing angle of a rear-view mirror on a vehicle towing a trailer when the vehicle is traveling around a curve. If the dimensions of the trailer are unknown, then the corrected viewing angle is the same as the hitch angle between the vehicle and the trailer. If the dimensions of the trailer are known, then trigonometry is used to determine the corrected viewing angle. Depending on whether the road is curving to the right or to the left will determine whether the left side rear-view mirror or the right side rear-view mirror is adjusted.

Abstract: A data processing method for alerting a first vehicle when entering and/or residing in a blind spot of at least one second vehicle and a system and a computer program implementing such a method. A method in accordance with an embodiment includes: determining and dynamically updating the position of second vehicle, the blind spot of the second vehicle, and the time for the first vehicle to enter the blind spot. An alarm signal is generated when the first vehicle is entering or residing in a blind spot of the second vehicle. The method also includes steps to generate direction for the first vehicle to avoid entering in or to leave the blind spot of the second vehicle.

Abstract: A system and method for automatically correcting the viewing angle of a rear-view mirror on a vehicle when the vehicle is traveling around a curve. The system estimates the curvature of the road using only vehicle speed and vehicle steering angle information. The road curvature estimation is used to determine the radius of curvature of the road, which can then be used to determine the corrected viewing angle of the rear-view mirror. Depending on whether the road is curving to the right or to the left will determine whether the left side rear-view mirror or the right side rear-view mirror will be adjusted.

Abstract: An outside mirror apparatus mounted to a sidewall of a vehicle to provide a driver's rear view, may include a front glass layer, a transmissivity variation unit attached to a rear surface of the front glass layer, the transmissivity variation unit selectively transmitting light or interrupting light transmission according to an electric signal, a rear glass layer attached to a rear surface of the transmissivity variation unit, and a control unit applying the electric signal to the transmissivity variation unit, wherein the front glass layer and the second glass layer have a different refractive index.

Abstract: A method for adjusting an outside mirror of a vehicle includes providing at least one seat position sensor, a driver position detector and a mirror actuator. The position of the driver's seat is determined with the at least one seat position sensor. An angular orientation of the outside mirror is adjusted with the mirror actuator based on the determined position of the driver's seat such that a rear of the vehicle is visible in the outside mirror. Thereafter, a location of a driver's head may be determined with the driver position detector when the driver is seated in the driver's seat. The angular orientation of the outside mirror is readjusted with the mirror actuator based on the detected position of the driver's head such that a rear of the vehicle is visible in the outside mirror when the driver is seated in the driver's seat.

Abstract: An exterior rear view mirror housing, which consists of at least a first housing part and a second housing part, and which comprises an opening on its rear side for a mirror glass, whereby the second housing part contains the walls surrounding the opening. The first housing part and at least one of the walls of the second housing part surrounding the opening comprise inner surfaces which face each other oppositely. On at least one of the inner surfaces which face each other oppositely, at least one ridge is arranged, which runs parallel to the rear side and extends from the one inner surface up to a remaining clearance to the opposing inner surface.

Abstract: A method for operating a vehicle includes acquiring position information including an azimuth angle between a non-contacting sensor and a wheeled axle of an attached trailer, determining a trailer tongue length correlated to the position information, determining a track width of the attached trailer correlated to the position information, and calculating a trailer hitch articulation angle corresponding to the trailer tongue length and the track width of the attached trailer.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and system for improving the monitoring of the external environment of a motor vehicle. According to the invention, the vehicle comprises a built-in system for detecting objects with which it is likely to collide, within a monitored area covering a blind spot, comprising a capturing device for acquiring images that are representative of one or more objects located within said area and an electronic system for processing and analysing input signals. The inventive method comprises the automatic activation of an infrared light source in the direction of the monitored area when the images acquired cannot be processed and analysed in order to provide a result that would reliably detect a determined object and the automatic deactivation of said infrared light source when the acquired images produce the correct result without the need for infrared light. In addition, the system comprises a model with an infrared light source.

Abstract: A peripheral vision amplifying posterior, lateral, external rear-view mirror (back-up minor system 100) for automobile vehicles typically located on the rear quarter panels of automobile vehicles that allows automobile operators to see an image of approaching objects, including, but not limited to, pedestrians and other approaching car(s) 30 approaching the automobile vehicle 10 perpendicular or normal to the automobile vehicle 10 sides and to prevent a collision with said approaching car(s) 30 by viewing their image in the adjustable back-up minor assembly via a conventional rear-view minor 11 and 12 located on the sides of the automobile vehicle 10.

Abstract: A method for controlling a rearview mirror, in particular for motor vehicles, provided with a reflection part with variable reflectance, includes supplying a control unit assigned to the reflection part with a nominal value for the reflectance. To provide a nominal value which is particularly favorable for the respective driving situation, the nominal value is specified by taking into consideration a first characteristic value characteristic of the sensitivity which adjusts in the viewer's eye due to the light situation, and/or a second characteristic value characteristic of the kind of ambient light.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for avoidance of a possible collision of an object with a first vehicle door of a stationary vehicle. The method includes, but is not limited to determining at least one first parameter of the vehicle, with the first parameter characterizing the stationary state of the vehicle. In addition, a first outside mirror of the vehicle is displaced from a first position into a second position. The first outside mirror in the second position makes a first dead angle region of the vehicle substantially visible for a first vehicle occupant. The first outside mirror is disposed on the same vehicle side as the first vehicle door. Furthermore, at least one second parameter of the vehicle is determined and the first outside mirror is displaced from the second position into the first position.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and system of automatically adjusting a mirror (14, 16, 18) in a vehicle (10) to provide a driver (1) with an optimized rear view. A camera (24, 26, 28) is provided that is directed at the adjustable mirror (14, 16, 18). A camera capture area (60) is defined in the adjustable mirror (14, 16, 18), and the mirror (14, 16, 18) is automatically adjusted until the eyes (50) of the driver (1) are captured by the camera (24, 26, 28) within the capture area (60).

Abstract: The present invention provides a device for adjusting side mirrors of an automobile, in which a film mirror of a side mirror is manipulated to be convex simultaneously with the blinking of a turn signal lamp when a driver turns directions during road traveling. This allows the driver to conveniently recognize the situations of the road behind, thereby preventing accidents caused by a blind spot.

Abstract: The present invention is a rear view mirror provided on a vehicle with a flat glass reflective panel section, a plurality of convect-shaped curved outer and lower edges disposed onto flat glass reflective panel section that provide a clear view to a rear side of a vehicle, into a blind spot and also at ground level and a convect-shaped edge rear view mirror housing that is fitted with said flat-glass reflective panel section that is curved forward along the curved outer and lower edges. The rear view mirror can also be provided as a complete rear view mirror replacement on an aftermarket vehicle. There is also a method of using a convected-shape edge rear view mirror as well.

Abstract: A transparent window switchable rear vision mirror adapted to be secured to a motor vehicle for improved road safety, said switchable window/mirror including, a film suitable for use as a light modulating unit of suspended particle device (spd) light valve, said film comprising a matrix polymer material having droplets of a liquid light valve suspension comprising a plurality of particles dispersed in a liquid suspending medium distributed within a matrix, said film characterized in that presence or lack thereof of an electric field results in the particles being aligned such that a beam of light may be reflected, transmitted or absorbed depending on the status of the electrical field applied thereto such a film; a switchable mirror device comprising a substrate and a mono layer film capable of undergoing a reversible change in light transmission or reflectance, said substrate including a film comprising a transmission metal composition; and a power supply device to provide an electrical charge to said film f

Abstract: An electric mirror control device provided with a proportionality constant conversion means for converting the proportionality constant of a detection output voltage to the angle of a mirror surface to be positive or negative. When an up-down sensor and a right-left sensor for detecting the angle of the mirror surface have a plurality of specifications, each of which has a different proportionality constant of the detection output voltage to the angle of the mirror surface, controller determines the specification of the angle sensors based on whether the proportionality constant of the detection output voltage output via the proportionality constant conversion means is positive or negative, and controls an up-down motor or a right-left motor in accordance with the determined specification stored in advance.

Abstract: An open vehicle rear view system includes left and right mirror housings. A mirror holder for holding a mirror is supported in each mirror housing so as to pivot between a normal view position for obtaining a normal rear view and a changed view position which is changed from the normal view position. An actuator is provided between the mirror housing and the mirror holder. The actuator includes an electric motor rotatable in forward and reverse directions and a reduction mechanism for reducing output of the electric motor. A drive control circuit controls operation of the electric motors so as to simultaneously pivot both the mirror holders according to operation of an operating member operated by a driver in order to select the normal view position or the changed view position of the mirror holders. Thus, it is possible to easily change a rear view when necessary, while eliminating the need for the driver to change his posture and reducing electric power consumption.

Abstract: Described herein is a system and a method for the automatic adjustment of rear-view devices of a vehicle travelling a lane or road, based on shooting scenes representing an environment surrounding the vehicle in the travel direction and on the identification of at least one from among a collection of predetermined shapes and indicia along the road indicating a road intersection between the lane or road traveled by the vehicle and an incident lane or road, whereby the movement of at least one rear-view device is actuated for representing to the driver a rear and side scene with respect to the vehicle comprising the incident lane or road.

Abstract: A method for adjusting an outside mirror of a vehicle includes providing at least one seat position sensor, a driver position detector and a mirror actuator. The position of the driver's seat is determined with the at least one seat position sensor. An angular orientation of the outside mirror is adjusted with the mirror actuator based on the determined position of the driver's seat such that a rear of the vehicle is visible in the outside mirror. Thereafter, a location of a driver's head may be determined with the driver position detector when the driver is seated in the driver's seat. The angular orientation of the outside mirror is readjusted with the mirror actuator based on the detected position of the driver's head such that a rear of the vehicle is visible in the outside mirror when the driver is seated in the driver's seat.

Abstract: A rear-view unit with an airbag device is presented, wherein the rear-view unit is set up in such a way that it has expected break points and/or flexible connections in different positions. The rear-view unit is completely clad by an air pocket of the airbag device.

Abstract: An automobile adjustment device is provided for a sideview mirror of an automobile. The automatic adjustment device includes at least one main controller and a sensor element. The sensor element includes a microprocessor and is connected to a signal source of shift stick reverse position and signal sources of turn signal lights and is also connected to a drive unit of the sideview mirror. The sensor element is connected to the main controller to detect and transmit a parameter representing an angular position of the sideview mirror to the microprocessor of the main controller with which the microprocessor makes judgment.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a component for a mirror optic system characterized in that the component comprises a thermoplastic polyester composition comprising polyethylene terephthalate (PET); and reinforcing fibres. The composition is substantially free of plasticizers and the weight % of PET and reinforcing fibers accounts for at least 95 weight % relative to the total weight of the composition. The components have sufficient dimensional and vibrational stability to meet the performance criteria required to perform in high temperature, high vibration environments.

Abstract: A vehicle mirror comprises a lens, a reflective member disposed so as to receive light from the lens, and a support disposed so as to support the lens and the reflective member. A control system is connected to the reflective member and is effective to control the reflection of the reflective member. Various techniques are disclosed to control the reflection including the use of photochromic coatings, LCDs, and motor control assemblies.

Abstract: A rearview mirror system for a vehicle includes an interior rearview mirror assembly having a mounting structure, an electrical actuator and a reflective element. The mounting structure may be configured to be detachably mounted at an attachment element adhered to an inner surface of the vehicle windshield. The mounting structure is adjustable relative to the vehicle windshield to generally vertically adjust a nominal setting of a rearward field of view of the reflective element. The electrical actuator is operable to adjust the reflective element in order to vertically and horizontally adjust a rearward field of view of the reflective element. The interior rearview mirror assembly may include an imaging sensor having a forward field of view through the vehicle windshield. The forward field of view of the imaging sensor may not be adjusted when the electrical actuator adjusts the rearward field of view of the reflective element.

Abstract: A system to polarize a reflective layer on a vehicle mirror to reveal a convex mirror to view objects in a vehicle blindspot and method of operating the same.

Abstract: A method and system to control a side mirror are disclosed in which a blind spot detector is used to determine whether an alien vehicle is present in a blind spot of a host vehicle. A sensor proximate a driver's seat detects whether the seat is in a first range or a second range. The side mirror is rotated a first predetermined angle when the alien vehicle is detected and the seat is in the first range; and the side mirror is rotated a second predetermined angle when the alien vehicle is detected and the seat is in a second range.

Abstract: A lateral-view mirror assembly comprising a housing having a first lateral-view mirror and a second lateral-view mirror coupled to a rear window of a vehicle and dimensioned to provide a driver of a vehicle with the ability to view objects positioned lateral to a rear portion of the vehicle by looking at a reflection of the objects reflected from the first and second lateral-view mirrors to the rear-view mirror to the driver. The lateral-view mirror assembly is helpful when backing out of a parking space and also when changing lanes.

Abstract: Systems and methods for automatically adjusting the orientation of one or more mirrors present on a motorized vehicle are responsive to the spatial position of at least one component of a driver seat present in such motorized vehicle.

Abstract: Systems and methods for automatically adjusting the orientation of one or more mirrors present on a motorized vehicle are responsive to the spatial position of a component of a driver seat present in such motorized vehicle and the vehicle's primary rear-view mirror.

Abstract: A rearview mirror system for a vehicle includes an interior rearview mirror assembly having a mounting structure, an electrical actuator and a reflective element. The mounting structure may be configured to be detachably mounted at an attachment element adhered to an inner surface of the vehicle windshield. The mounting structure is adjustable relative to the vehicle windshield to generally vertically adjust a nominal setting of a rearward field of view of the reflective element. The electrical actuator is operable to adjust the reflective element in order to vertically and horizontally adjust a rearward field of view of the reflective element. The interior rearview mirror assembly may include an imaging sensor having a forward field of view through the vehicle windshield. The forward field of view of the imaging sensor may not be adjusted when the electrical actuator adjusts the rearward field of view of the reflective element.

Abstract: An electric mirror control device is provided which can prevent generation of a clutch noise by stopping slipping of a clutch provided at an actuator as quickly as possible while preventing narrowing of an allowable range of a tilting angle of a mirror surface. In controlling an electric mirror, a control device clamps a voltage value of a voltage applied to a motor detected by a mirror surface angle detection circuit to a predetermined upper limit value and a predetermined lower limit value at a clamp circuit. Stop control of the motor is performed based on the voltage value clamped to the upper limit value and the lower limit value in this way.

Abstract: An automatic mirror adjustment mechanism includes a side rear view mirror mounted on a drivable vehicle. The drivable vehicle has a trailer pivotally mounted thereto. A sensor is mounted on the drivable vehicle, wherein the sensor is configured to determine the distance between the drivable vehicle and the trailer. A control mechanism adjusts the position of the rear view mirror based on the change in distance between the drivable vehicle and the trailer.

Abstract: The rear-view mirror system for an automobile to eliminate driver blind spots comprises electrically controlled external side rear-view mirrors and an electrically controlled interior center rear-view mirror, and a control unit which rotates the external rear-view mirrors and moves and turns the interior center rear view mirror to provide a view of the blind spot. The system is activated either by the driver by a button press, or automatically upon initiation of a turn signal or upon turning of the steering wheel, and then automatically released to return the mirrors to their normal position after a predetermined length of time or upon completion of a turn.

Abstract: A system and method for automatically adjusting the viewing angle of both side rear-view mirrors on a vehicle when the vehicle is traveling on a hill. The system estimates the slope of the hill, and uses the estimated slope to determine a corrected viewing angle of the rear-view mirrors. Depending on whether the vehicle is traveling uphill or down-hill, would depend on which direction the rear-view mirrors will be adjusted.

Abstract: A system and method for automatically correcting the viewing angle of a rear-view mirror on a vehicle when the vehicle is traveling around a curve. The system estimates the curvature of the road using only vehicle speed and vehicle steering angle information. The road curvature estimation is used to determine the radius of curvature of the road, which can then be used to determine the corrected viewing angle of the rear-view mirror. Depending on whether the road is curving to the right or to the left will determine whether the left side rear-view mirror or the right side rear-view mirror will be adjusted.

Abstract: A system and method for automatically correcting the viewing angle of a rear-view mirror on a vehicle towing a trailer when the vehicle is traveling around a curve. If the dimensions of the trailer are unknown, then the corrected viewing angle is the same as the hitch angle between the vehicle and the trailer. If the dimensions of the trailer are known, then trigonometry is used to determine the corrected viewing angle. Depending on whether the road is curving to the right or to the left will determine whether the left side rear-view mirror or the right side rear-view mirror is adjusted.

Abstract: Mirrors on a motor vehicle are adjusted by monitoring the position of a first, preferably manually adjusted, mirror and adjusting the position of additional mirrors based on the monitored position of the first one of the mirrors.

Abstract: A vehicle-mounted system for automatically adjusting a viewing angle of at least one rear-view mirror of a vehicle. The system includes a sensing unit for detecting and obtaining the positional parameters of an object in a side blind zone of the vehicle. The system also includes a control unit that is capable of adjusting the rear-view mirror based on the positional parameters received from the sensing unit, to facilitate viewing of the object by a driver of the vehicle.

Abstract: A variable blind spot warning system for detecting objects in a blind spot of a motor vehicle. The system includes at least one movable side view device coupled to a position sensor. The position sensor generates a position signal corresponding to an orientation of the side view device. At least one external detector generates a detector signal corresponding to a location of objects outside of the motor vehicle. A processor reads the position signal and the detector signal and calculates blind spot boundaries based on the position signal. The processor thereafter compares the blind spot boundaries to the object locations and provides an indication to a driver of the vehicle if an object is within the calculated blind spot boundaries.

Abstract: A system, apparatus and method to automatically move a side mounted mirror on a vehicle from an inward position to an outward position in response to a signal from a detector indicative of an object outside an operator normal field of vision. The detector may be a blind spot detection system or a lane departure system, or any other system to detect vehicles in a blind spot. The system, apparatus and method further includes permitting an operator to manually actuate the movement of mirror on a vehicle to determine whether there are any objects in the operator's normal field of vision. The systems and method may optionally include hysteresis during mirror movement.

Abstract: A side mirror assembly is provided with a plurality of mirror members arranged in a longitudinal array to decrease the lateral profile of the side mirror assembly, and thereby potentially increase fuel economy, without sacrificing field of view for the driver. The mirror members are arranged with reflective surfaces angled with respect to a longitudinal axis running through the array, with the angles generally decreasing in a forward direction. An image of an object outside of the vehicle reflected by the mirror members is not reversed (i.e., the image is not a “mirror image” in which right and left sides are switched or flipped), thus increasing the ability of the driver to mentally process the image and respond in an appropriate manner. A method of manufacturing a side mirror assembly is also provided.

Abstract: A side rearview mirror control system for a vehicle that automatically changes a rear viewing angle of a side rearview mirror. The control system receives various vehicle inputs to determine if and when a vehicle operator will turn the vehicle, make a lane change, merge into a lane of traffic, etc. The system pivots the mirror to eliminate a potential blind spot during these conditions. In one embodiment, the rear view mirror control system receives input signals from a vehicle hand-wheel angle sensor, a vehicle yaw rate sensor, a vehicle speed sensor, a turn signal indicator, a global positioning system (GPS) receiver and map information to determine whether the vehicle is turning or will be turning.

Abstract: A side object detection (SOD) system is integrated into the side view mirror assembly (10) of a vehicle to alert motor vehicle operators to the presence of another moving vehicle in a monitored zone.

Abstract: A blind spot safety system includes a side view mirror assembly. The side view mirror assembly includes a mirror housing attached to an automobile, a power supply, an adjustment motor, a mirror adjustment mechanism, and an adjustable mirror. A blind spot mirror track is incorporated into the mirror housing. The track's distal end is co-located with the blind spot mirror port. The blind spot mirror is slidingly attached inside the track. The blind spot motor and linkage assembly are attached to the mirror housing, the blind spot mirror and power supply. A signaling circuit is attached to the power supply and the blind spot motor, and it relays signals from the automobile computer, directing the blind spot mirror to extend or retract. A defroster prevents freezing and a proximity detector monitors blind spots and directs the operation of hazard indicators attached to the side view mirror assembly.

Abstract: The invention relates to a modified structure for automatic rear view mirror, especially a vehicle detection and alert system with blind spot elimination function. It consists of a rear view mirror main body that contains a lens; a driving motor that is installed inside the rear view mirror main body and connects to the lens to control the lens angle; a sensor that is installed inside the rear view mirror main body to detect approaching objects; a control chip module that is installed inside the rear view mirror main body and connects with the sensor and the driving motor to receive the detection signals from the sensor and control the driving motor to obtain the optimal lens angle. Thus, the driver safety is greatly improved.