Abstract: An exterior rearview mirror assembly for use on an automotive vehicle comprises a base member having a mounting plate for fixedly securing the mirror assembly to the side of the vehicle and a base plate extending outwardly therefrom. An elongated support arm has a first end pivotally coupled to the base plate and an opposite second end supporting a concave mirror housing. The mirror housing includes a peripheral rim defining an opening for receiving a reflective glass mirror pane. The mirror pane includes a directional indicator for providing directional signaling of the intended vehicle path. The mirror assembly further includes a puddle lamp for illuminating areas adjacent to the vehicle for entry and exit and for signaling rearward of the vehicle. Finally, the mirror assembly includes a display panel operatively connected to the vehicle for displaying information indicative of the vehicles operating conditions.

Abstract: An angularly adjustable, vehicle side view mirror having a reflective mirror member mounted within a frame that is attached to the driver or passenger side of an automotive-type vehicle. The frame has an outer edge member having a series of horizontally spaced apart markings that are visible to the driver within the vehicle. The mirror has an outer edge that is closely adjacent to the frame outer edge member and can be pivoted into visual alignment with anyone of the frame member markings. The alignment of the mirror edge with a pre-selected frame member marking positions the mirror for reflecting either a blind spot side area or an area closer to the vehicle side. The marks also guide the driver in setting the mirror to pre-selected angles whenever the particular pre-set angle has been changed.

Abstract: An axial lead screw having one end pivotally connected to a rearview mirror is threadedly engaged by a motor driven worm gear, which upon rotation effects axial movement of the lead screw. A pair of flux collectors are disposed on opposite sides of the lead screw adjacent the distal end. A Hall effect sensor is disposed in one of the flux collectors. The distal end of the lead screw is magnetized and the Hall effect sensor provides a signal indicative of the lead screw movement. In one embodiment, the lead screw is magnetized; and, in another embodiment a permanent magnet is inserted in a bore in the distal end of the lead screw.

Abstract: A side view mirror including a multiplexor chip, NTC thermistor within the housing. The multiplexor controls multiple functionality from the housing and provides simplified LIN bus connection to the vehicle.

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 foldable mirror device for a vehicle, in which a case is mounted on a support shaft erected from a base. The case includes a ring-shaped support portion for supporting the shaft, a motor connected to a transmission for swinging the mirror, and a clutch portion for disengageably engaging with the base. The support portion can be strengthened by ribs between the support portion and other portions of the case. A worm gear of the transmission can be mounted on a motor output shaft to be freely movable therealong, and supported and constrained by supporting a bottom end of the worm gear on the case and accommodating an upper end of the worm gear in a cylindrical projection from a motor base which supports the motor. End portions of convexities and concavities at the engagement portion can be formed in a concave or convex screw shape.

Abstract: The rear-view mirror for large vehicles is made up of a case which holds the mirror, articulated to a support which can be fixed to a side of the vehicle. Between the case and the support is a pneumatic cylinder made up of a cylindrical body with two air input apertures and a piston. The end of the cylindrical body is articulated to a point of the case conveniently distant from the support of the same, while the free end of the piston can be seen with a jointed extension inside of the case, the free end of which has an articulated fork at to the projection of the support.

Abstract: A mirror surface angle detector which can be used in common with a mirror surface angle adjusting device of a mirror. The mirror surface angle of the mirror is adjusted by oscillation of the mirror by the mirror surface angle adjusting device. The mirror surface angle detector for detecting the mirror surface angle of the mirror is provided separately from the mirror surface angle adjusting device, and is incorporated into the mirror surface angle adjusting device such that engagement claws provided at the mirror surface angle detector engage with engagement holes provided at the mirror surface angle adjusting device. When the mirror surface angle detector is removed from the mirror surface angle adjusting device, the mirror surface angle adjusting device can also be used in a type of vehicle which does not have a mirror surface angle detector in the mirror surface angle adjusting device. Therefore, vehicles of different types can make common use of the mirror surface angle adjusting device.

Abstract: The present invention provides for improved rearview mirror device for the use. Rearview mirror device of the present invention is likely to be particularly useful in ground vehicle, such as car or truck for better driving view since it automatically modifies the angle to provide a safety-view for driver during the vehicle turning. In one preferred embodiment, an automatic mirror angle modifying device comprises: a rearview mirror, which is supported on a vehicle body; an shaft rotation measurement device, which further includes a ring apparatus which surrounds the steering wheel shaft and a ring apparatus decoder; a microprocessor and a motor. While the steering wheel is rotating to indicate to vehicle body turning, the measuring device detects the shaft rotation angle. Then, according to the rotation angle, the microprocessor computes the best rear view angle and informs the motor to drive the mirror to an adequate position.

Abstract: Described is a system for the automatic adjustment of external mirrors when driving in curves by vehicles, in particular commercial vehicles with a tow, tractor-trailers, articulated buses and the like. This system possesses a sensor for the detection of turning of the vehicle about a vertical axis, a control apparatus which is connected to said sensor and one electromotive mirror adjustment apparatus connected with the control apparatus for the tracking of the external mirror above a zero point corresponding to the turning of the vehicle about its vertical axis. The sensor for the detection of the turning movement of the vehicle about its vertical axis is, in this application, a turn-rate sensor based on gyroscopic principles.

Abstract: A special configuration of devices includes mirrors which operate to give a driver an easy and complete view around an automobile. More precisely, standard rear view mirrors are arranged in a manner to switch between providing a normal rear view and a quick look into the region sometimes and herein known as the blind spot. Switches which are specially located on a steering wheel provide access to a control system whereby a driver may operate the device without removing hands from their proper position on the steering wheel. Activation of the switch yields a mirror movement allowing a driver to check a blind spot before changing lanes.

Abstract: A mirror assembly having an electrically adjustably reflectivity provides for the simultaneous display of a vehicle heading and an external temperature. The mirror assembly includes a reflective device, a dual display and a control circuit. The reflective device includes a transmissive element and a reflective surface formed on the transmissive element. The dual display is located behind the reflective surface of the reflective device. The dual display visually provides the vehicle heading and the external temperature through the reflective device. The control circuit provides for the variable attenuation of light through the transmissive element of the reflective device and controls the intensity and information displayed by the dual display. An advantage of the present invention is that it provides a dual display while exhibiting currently acceptable electromagnetic interference levels.

Abstract: An improved fender mirror mount for use with plastic fenders provides a durable mount for all vehicle operations, reduces normal stresses at the mounting points, reduces vibrations to the mirror, is simple to install, and reduces the maintenance cost of vehicles with plastic fenders. The mirror mount assembly transfers forces acting upon the free end of the mirror guide bar into planar forces at the mounting points acting in the planes of the fender. The assembly comprises an upright guide bar mounted at its lower portion to the fender, a mirror movably mounted to the upper portion of the guide bar, a front brace that secures the guide bar to the top of the fender, and a side brace that secures the guide bar to the rearward sidewall of the fender. Connections between the guide bar, the braces and the fender are made using rubber collars and grommets to isolate the assembly from fender vibrations.

Abstract: An automatic mirror rotation assembly is provided for a vehicle having a tractor and semi-detached trailer. A control wheel is mounted in a structure connecting to a chassis of the tractor, and is raised into engagement with a lower surface of the trailer. As the vehicle turns, the rotation of the trailer with respect to the tractor is measured by counting rotations or partial rotations of the wheel against the underside surface of the trailer. A corresponding degree of passenger-side rear view mirror is calculated, and a motor automatically rotates the mirror. A mirror position feedback device measures the actual rotation of the mirror and feeds that information back to the assembly. A mirror position correction device automatically adjusts the mirror position when an actual mirror position differs from a desired mirror position.

Abstract: An automatic side view mirror tracking system for an articulated vehicle relies upon three sets of ultrasonic transducers to develop distance measurements between two portions of the articulated vehicle. The angle between the portion of the articulated vehicle is calculated by relying on trigonometric algorithms depending only on the spacing of the transducers and the distance measurements developed by the ultrasonic transducers. Each transducer pair is configured so that both transducers are used for both transmission and reception. The transducer pairs are configured to receive reflected signals originated by other transducer pairs as well as the same transducer pair.

Abstract: There are provided a method of evaluating the reflection performance of a reflecting mirror designed for a vehicle lamp, an evaluation system, and a computer-readable storage medium. There are provided steps (108a) and (108b) in the method. The step (108a) is provided so as to enter design information representative of a plurality of reflecting basic surfaces as well as position information of a light source in a vehicle lamp. The step (108b) is provided so as to display attribute information with respect to each of a plurality of areas into which one reflecting basic surface selected from among the reflecting basic surfaces is divided on the basis of design information. The attribute information indicates whether imaginary light from the light source position can effectively reach each area, and is applied to a reflecting mirror composed of the plurality of reflecting basic surfaces.

Abstract: An apparatus for automatically adjusting the angle of a rotatable side view mirror of a vehicle having a trailer coupled thereto includes transducers attached to the vehicle for transmitting signals toward the trailer and for receiving signals reflected by the trailer. A control unit includes memory for storing dimensional information and a control circuit for generating a mirror control signal for controlling rotation of the rotatable side view mirror. The control circuit is operative to control at least one of the transducers to determine an angle between the vehicle and the trailer based on a time required for signals transmitted by the respective controlled at least one transducer to be reflected back to the respective at least one controlled transducer. The control circuit generates the mirror control signal based on the determined angle.

Abstract: A landing guidance system is disclosed for use with helicopters or other aircraft during the terminal phase of approach to a marine structure, such as a moving ship at sea. Signals from shipboard pitch and roll position sensors are routed to a signal processor that computes stabilization corrections which, in turn, are applied to a multi-axis electromechanical system that moves internal elements of an optical system to compensate for motion of a shipboard platform resulting in a stabilized optical presentation in inertial space to the pilot of an approaching aircraft. A dual display is provided through the use of a spectral beam splitter that allows both an infrared and visible display to be presented to an approaching pilot. This allows the pilot to use the display with and without night vision devices. The visible energy display to the pilot is color-coded with three distinct colors.

Abstract: One embodiment of a mirror assembly for a vehicle includes a first mirror attached externally to the vehicle for providing a side rear view along a side of the vehicle to a driver of the vehicle, and a second mirror attached internally to the vehicle to a roof-supporting column of the vehicle for providing a blind spot view to the driver, with the first and second mirrors being separately adjustable. Another embodiment includes a third mirror attached externally to the vehicle for providing a side rear view along another side of the vehicle to the driver of the vehicle, and a fourth mirror attached internally to the vehicle to another roof-supporting column of the vehicle for providing a blind spot view to the driver, with the third and fourth mirrors being separately adjustable.

Abstract: An automatic side view mirror tracking system for an articulated vehicle relies upon three sets of ultrasonic transducers to develop distance measurements between two portions of the articulated vehicle. The angle between the portion of the articulated vehicle is calculated by relying on trigonometric algorithms depending only on the spacing of the transducers and the distance measurements developed by the ultrasonic transducers. Each transducer pair is configured so that both transducers are used for both transmission and reception. The transducer pairs are configured to receive reflected signals originated by other transducer pairs as well as the same transducer pair.

Abstract: An angularly adjustable side view mirror mounted upon a first vehicle is normally positioned to display to the driver reflections of the area at the side and rear of the vehicle. The mirror is temporarily angularly adjusted by a motor, out of its normal position into a temporary position which displays to the driver a following vehicle that is momentarily located in the first vehicle's side blind spot area. The motor angularly turns the mirror a predetermined amount from its pre-set normal position to its pre-determined temporary position and then back to its normal position in response to signals from a detector. The detector senses the presence of a following vehicle in the blind spot area and, consequently, activates the motor to move and hold the mirror in the temporary blind spot area viewing position while the vehicle is located therein.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for use in locating a vehicle driver, passenger or object in the vehicle for controlling vehicle systems including the positioning of vehicle sideview mirrors in relation to the driver's eyes to maximize the view of traffic on either side of the vehicle or the characteristics of vehicle airbag deployment. The location of a driver's or passenger's eyes or the location of an infant's seat is derived from the adjustment by the driver (or passenger, if capable of doing so) of adjustable light beam(s) emanating from light source(s) or illuminated indicia, until it (or they) intersect the driver's or passenger's eyes or illuminate a target, e.g. a child or an infant's seat, in the front passenger's seat. From the angles of adjustment of the light beam(s) and other known coordinates of the vehicle, the location of the driver's or passenger's eyes or the target may be computationally derived as a set of Cartesian coordinates.

Abstract: An automatic adjustment system for maintaining a line of sight between a driver and a rear end of a trailer towed by a tow vehicle is disclosed. A transmitter and a receiver are coupled proximal a side-view mirror. A reflector is mounted proximal the rear end of the trailer and is adapted to receive a signal from the transmitter and to reflect the signal to the receiver. A control unit is provided for determining a deviation from an initial value of a selected property of the signal, the initial value corresponding to an orientation of the mirror when the line of sight is established. An actuator responsive to the controller orients the mirror such that the value of the selected property of the signal is returned to the initial value.

Abstract: A vehicle exterior rearview mirror assembly, especially suited for vehicles used for towing trailers, which selectively holds a mirror subassembly in one of a plurality of positions along a mounting arm to provide at least an inboard, non-towing position and an outboard, towing position. The vehicle exterior rearview mirror assembly includes the mirror subassembly, which includes a housing and a reflective element supported in the housing, a mounting bracket adapted for mounting to a vehicle, and a support for mounting the mirror subassembly to the mounting bracket. The support includes a pair of arms which cooperate with the housing to support the mirror subassembly in one of two or more extended positions from the mounting bracket.

Abstract: An outside rear view mirror device includes a winker lever outputting a predetermined turn-signal, when it is operated by a driver, a detecting sensor attached on a surface of a mirror case to detect if an automobile is positioned in a rear side of the driver's automobile. The devide also includes a controller for actuating a solenoid when it receives the turn-signal or a signal from the detecting sensor, whereby an angular position of the mirror is automatically is adjusted, when the winker lever is operated or an automobile is detected in the rear side of the driver's automobile.

Abstract: A new visibility aid for providing a mirror for assisting in the hitching of a trailer to a towing vehicle and method of use have been developed. The visibility aid comprises a mounting portion adapted to be fit to a receiving portion of a towing vehicle and an extension coupled to the mounting portion. Attached to the extension is a reflective member. The mounting portion is constructed of a bendable member arranged for being configured by the user for a custom fit to the towing vehicle. The visibility aid is also uniquely designed to be adapted by the user to form a custom fit with various types of towing vehicle. The mounting portion is coated with a buffering material to avoid scratch damage to the receiving portion of the towing vehicle.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for use in locating a vehicle driver, passenger or object in the vehicle for controlling vehicle systems including the positioning of vehicle sideview mirrors in relation to the driver's eyes to maximize the view of traffic on either side of the vehicle or the characteristics of vehicle airbag deployment. The location of a driver's or passenger's eyes or the location of an infant's seat is derived from the adjustment by the driver (or passenger, if capable of doing so) of adjustable light beam(s) emanating from light source(s) or illuminated indicia, until it (or they) intersect the driver's or passenger's eyes or illuminate a target, e.g. a child or an infant's seat, in the front passenger's seat. From the angles of adjustment of the light beam(s) and other known coordinates of the vehicle, the location of the driver's or passenger's eyes or the target may be computationally derived as a set of Cartesian coordinates.

Abstract: A driving arm (5) that is connected directly to an output shaft (4) of an electric motor (3) is connected to a mirror housing (8) through a ball joint (10). On the other hand, a driven arm (6) is connected to the mirror housing (8) through a connection device (11) having two orthogonally intersecting shafts (12, 14). The both arms (5, 6) are disposed in parallel with each other with a level difference being provided therebetween. As a result, the under view mirror is held in an attitude preferable for the stored position thereof and held in an attitude preferable for the use position thereof, when it is moved to the use position.

Abstract: An apparatus for automatically adjusting the angle of a rotatable side view mirror of a vehicle having a trailer coupled thereto includes transducers attached to the vehicle for transmitting signals toward the trailer and for receiving signals reflected by the trailer. A control unit includes memory for storing dimensional information and a control circuit for generating a mirror control signal for controlling rotation of the rotatable side view mirror. The control circuit is operative to control at least one of the transducers to determine an angle between the vehicle and the trailer based on a time required for signals transmitted by the respective controlled at least one transducer to be reflected back to the respective at least one controlled transducer. The control circuit generates the mirror control signal based on the determined angle.

Abstract: An automotive vehicle rear view mirror assembly automatically returnable from a rear seat viewing position to a rear window viewing position includes a bracket, a bracket rod having an axis and extending through and rigidly connected to the bracket, a resilient member disposed about the bracket rod and having an end, a mirror housing pivotally connected to the bracket rod, the housing having a wall portion in resilient contacting relationship with the end, and a flip lever attached to the mirror housing having a bracket receiving end with a bracket contacting surface.

Abstract: A remote controlled mirror system for vehicles, particularly for trucks and articulated vehicles, providing a view to the rear of the vehicle over a large area by sweeping a rear view mirror. The mirror is urged into an adjustable normal rest position whenever it is moved from that position by actuating a control mechanism adjacent the vehicle driver. The position of the mirror is under control of the driver at all times, who actuates a convenient corresponding lever arm on a hand grip. The lever arm is lockable in multiple deflected positions under ratchet control of forced movement. The system provides for rapid return of the mirror to its normal rest position whenever the lever arm is released for return to its rest position.

Abstract: An automatic mirror rotation assembly for a vehicle including a tractor and semi-detached trailer is provided. An elongated arm supporting a rotatable wheel attaches to a support mounted at a selected position on the tractor chassis. The arm is pivoted upward until the wheel contacts the underside of the trailer, and is kept engaged with substantially constant pressure. As the vehicle turns, the rotation of the trailer with respect to the tractor is measured by counting rotations or partial rotations of the wheel against the underside surface of the trailer. A corresponding degree of passenger-side rear view mirror is calculated, and a motor automatically rotates the mirror. A feedback device measures the actual rotation of the mirror and feeds that information back to the assembly.

Abstract: An automatic mirror rotation assembly for a vehicle including a tractor and semi-detached trailer is provided. An elongated arm supporting a rotatable wheel attaches to a support mounted at a selected position on the tractor chassis. The arm is pivoted upward until the wheel contacts the underside of the trailer, and is kept engaged with substantially constant pressure. As the vehicle turns, the rotation of the trailer with respect to the tractor is measured by counting rotations or partial rotations of the wheel against the underside surface of the trailer. A corresponding degree of passenger-side rear view mirror is calculated, and a motor automatically rotates the mirror. A feedback device measures the actual rotation of the mirror and feeds that information back to the assembly.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for automating the outside rearview mirror orientation of a vehicle having at least one rearview mirror. The apparatus comprises a light directing device which emits a visible light ray, orientation detectors, an electronic controller, and a mirror positioning apparatus. The light directing device comprises a pivotal tube containing a light source. The orientation detectors detect the orientation of the light ray. In one embodiment, the apparatus also comprises a distance sensor which senses the distance between the light directing device and the driver's eyes. Once the driver has manually adjusted the light directing device so as to see the light source, the driver operates a switch, which activates both the distance sensor and the orientation detector. The controller includes a microcomputer programmed to determine the desired orientation of the outside mirror and generate control signals.

Abstract: An apparatus and method in a tractor-trailer type vehicle for insuring the ability to change lanes without colliding with other vehicles traveling in lanes adjacent the lanes adjacent the lane in which the vehicle is traveling. The side rear view mirror is motorized to encompass fields of view that include both adjacent and non-adjacent lanes without attention on the part of the operator. The mirror is rotated at a minimum rate of speed to prevent confusion on the part of the operator during travel of the mirror between the two positions. The normal home position setpoint and the outer or scanned position setpoint are adjustable. The activation switch may be on the gear shift lever, the turn signal, or the control box for the motor.

Abstract: An automatic mirror rotation assembly for a vehicle including a tractor and semi-detached trailer is provided. A control wheel is mounted in a structure connecting to a chassis of the tractor, and is raised into engagement with a lower surface of the trailer. As the vehicle turns, the rotation of the trailer with respect to the tractor is measured by counting rotations or partial rotations of the wheel against the underside surface of the trailer. A corresponding degree of passenger-side rear view mirror is calculated, and a motor automatically rotates the mirror.

Abstract: A door mirror with a small dead angle which enables the driver to easily see the areas where the right and left front and rear wheels are touching the ground that could not been seen with conventional door mirrors due to dead angles, and to easily see the horizontal forward direction (if there are oncoming cars) on the side of the assistant driver's seat at the time of passing another car ahead by manipulating buttons on the driver's seat and, then, automatically returns to its initial state. The door mirror with a small dead angle comprises a support arm which includes a straight-moving screw, a slide plate that slides in the lengthwise direction thereof, and a mirror case pivoted on the slide plate to rotate. The door mirror may be further equipped with movable sources of light, may be constructed so as to be folded and may contain a fine adjustment mechanism in the mirror case.

Abstract: As extensible mirror apparatus for a vehicle including an elongate arm having a rack gear thereon, a mirror housing mounted for moving longitudinally along the arm, and a driving motor and spur gear enclosed within the mirror housing operable to drive such along the arm for extending and retracting the mirror. An extensible and retractable flexible boot provides a cover between the vehicle and mirror housing for portions of apparatus which otherwise would be exposed upon extension of the mirror.

Abstract: The tractor unit of an articulated road vehicle includes an angle sensor unit arranged to sense the angular position of the trailer relative to the tractor and to cause the rear view mirror for the driver to move so that he can always see the trail end of the trailer. According to this invention the sensor unit is deflectable mounted on the tractor unit so that it can be moved out of harms way when hit, e.g., by a trailer.

Abstract: An outside mirror apparatus for a coupled vehicle for improved visual confirmation of the positional relationship between the back of a coupled vehicle and the surroundings thereof. An object 9 to be detected is mounted to a frame 4F of a trailer 4 adjacent a pivotable coupling 5. A plurality of proximity sensors 8,8A,8B . . . are disposed at preset angular intervals in a frame 3F of a tractor 3 adjacent the pivotable coupling 5. These sensors 8,8A,8B . . . are arranged to correspond to the rotational orbit of the object 9. The object 9 is detected by each proximity sensor, thereby detecting an angle of bend "theta" between the tractor 3 and the trailer 4. Based on the detected result, the direction of a mirror surface 33A is able to be properly controlled.

Abstract: A telescopic automotive side mirror including a mirror housing attached to a side of a vehicle. The mirror housing has a tubular mirror bracket and a mirror supported therein. The housing has a support tube positioned within and interconnected to a plurality of webbing supports. A hydraulic cylinder is interconnected to a first end of the bracket and within the support tube. The hydraulic cylinder has an exit port and a receiving coupler. A shaft is positioned within the hydraulic cylinder, with a portion projecting from the exit port. The shaft has a threaded proximal end and a threaded distal end secured within the mirror housing by a locking nut. Lastly, an air compressor is in the vehicle and has a supply tube extending through to the mirror bracket. The supply tube couples with the receiving coupler. The air compressor supplies air pressure to the shaft to move the shaft within the hydraulic cylinder, for movement of the mirror housing.

Abstract: An improved electrochromic rearview mirror for motor vehicles, the mirror incorporating an information display area by removing a portion of a reflective and conductive layer on the inside (third) surface of the back glass element of a dimming portion of the rearview mirror and aligning a display device with this information display area. The portion removed is laser ablated to leave lines devoid of reflective material separated by lines of the reflective material. The remaining lines of reflective material are in electrical contact with the remaining reflective and conductive layer on the third surface. The reflective layer forms an integral electrode in contact with the electrochromic media, and may be a single layer of a highly reflective material or may comprise a series of coatings where the outer coating is a highly reflecting material. The other electrode on the inside (second) surface of the front glass is a transparent electrode which also contacts the electrochromic media inside the mirror element.

Abstract: Apparatus for determining the location of the eyes of a driver for a vehicle having a central inside rearview mirror, comprises a distance sensor, an orientation detector, a signal processor. The distance sensor senses the distance between the central mirror and the driver's head. The orientation detector detects the orientation of the inside mirror. Once the driver has manually adjusted the inside mirror, the driver operates a switch, which activates both the distance sensor and the orientation detector. The signal processor, preferably a microcomputer, uses the equation of a parabola in space to determine the location of the parabola's focus, and thereby determine the location of the driver's eyes.

Abstract: A vehicle interior mirror assembly for use with a vehicle having a communication system, such as a keyless entry system, global positioning system navigational system or remote garage door opener includes a reflective element, a case for the reflective element, a manual actuator for adjusting the position of the reflective element and an electromagnetic communication module. The communication module is supported within the case by the manual actuator. In this manner, the structure of the mirror assembly and the production process for assembling the mirror assembly can be substantially identical between mirror assemblies including a communication module and mirror assemblies without a communication module.

Abstract: In the controlled and stabilized platform (1) comprising a plurality of optical apparatuses, the optical apparatuses (8, 9, 10) are mounted in a casing (7) which is pivotable about a sight axis (12) in a bearing (13) which is pivotable about a bearing axis (14), the casing (7) and the bearing (13) being controlled about their axes (12) and (14) by motors (40) and (38) actuated by detectors measuring variations in the angular position of a stabilized input mirror (11) which reflects radiations going to the optical apparatuses or coming from the latter.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided to allow the operator of a vehicle wishing to change traffic lanes to temporarily scan an angle of the passing lane which is in his or her "blind spot", i.e., an area outside the normal angle of viewing of a conventional flat side rear view mirror. The invention is also useful to divert the headlight reflection from a vehicle in a passing lane out of an operator's eyes. Accomplishment is through temporary pivotal movement of the side mirror to shift the mirror viewing angle from the position at which it had been preset by the operator for normal driving.

Abstract: A oscillating side view mirror including a mirror housing that is supported on a side of a vehicle by a generally rectangular support arm. A motor is mounted within a hollow interior of the support arm, and a drive wheel. The motor has a pair of contact wires that are in electrical communication with a turn signal of the vehicle by a relay. A mirror is positioned within the housing. The mirror is supported within the housing by a backing plate with a rotation rod extending therethrough. Lastly, a generally rectangular arm is attached to the drive wheel of the motor, and a oscillating member that is attached to the rotation rod. The arm is capable of causing the mirror to rotate back and forth within the mirror housing, when the motor is activated by a turn signal of the vehicle sending an electrical current through the relay.

Abstract: An automatic side view mirror tracking and control system enables drivers of articulated vehicles such as tractor trailers to keep visual contact with the side and rear of the trailer throughout a turn while backing the vehicle. This is accomplished without driver intervention through the use of a microprocessor receiving the outputs of either a plurality of ultrasonic transducers or a pair of fluxgate compasses. The microprocessor uses the aforementioned outputs to determine the rotational angle between the trailer and the tractor. Based upon these determinations, the mirror is moved to a position commensurate with the subject angle so that the driver of the vehicle is able to view the side and rear corner of the vehicle. A software filter prevents the mirror from being moved unless a predetermined change in the vehicle angle is detected.

Abstract: A racing mirror apparatus having a plurality of markings on the reflecting surface of the mirror which correspond to estimated sizes of the reflection of a vehicle which is trailing the racing vehicle at a plurality of predetermined distances. The racing mirror is disposed in an opening in the lower panel portion of a side door. The mirror apparatus is adjustable to various angular positions which provide reflections of a trailing vehicle at a location corresponding to an estimated position of the trailing vehicle at a predetermined time or place in a bracket race. The racing mirror apparatus allows the driver of a slower vehicle in a bracket race to determine whether he needs to speed up, slow down, or maintain his present speed in the race.

Abstract: A multi-direction camera comprising a mirror 3 having a plurality of reflecting surfaces 31 and 32 disposed in front of a lens 4. The lens 4 receives light reflected from the mirror 3 from a plurality of directions and forms an image by the image sensor 7. The mirror 3 can be moved linearly by an actuator 8. The arrangement of the mirror 3 and lens 4 allows the camera to image road conditions of multiple directions at the same time. The camera can also image a road condition in a single direction with a wider scope manually or automatically when the road condition in that direction needs to be confirmed preponderantly.