Patent application number | Description | Published |
20080201075 | VIDEO MIRROR SYSTEM FOR A VEHICLE - A video mirror system for a vehicle comprises an interior electrochromic rearview mirror assembly having a reflective element that has a front portion that faces generally towards the driver of the vehicle when the interior rearview mirror assembly is mounted in the vehicle and that has a rear portion that is generally opposite the front portion. The reflective element comprises a transflective mirror reflector that preferably is at least about 15 percent transmitting to visible light incident at the rear portion of the reflective element, and that preferably is at least about 60 percent reflective to visible light incident at the front portion. A video display screen is disposed to the rear of the reflective element and emits light when actuated that passes through the reflective element to be visible to a driver of the vehicle. | 08-21-2008 |
20080212215 | INFORMATION DISPLAY SYSTEM FOR A VEHICLE - An information display mirror system suitable for use in a vehicle includes an interior rearview mirror assembly configured for mounting at an interior portion of a vehicle and having a casing, a mirror support arm and a reflective element. The interior rearview mirror assembly includes an information display screen disposed separate from and independent of and lateral of the reflective element at a portion of the casing closer to a seating location of the vehicle driver or at a portion of the casing further from a seating location of the vehicle driver. The information display screen may be a touch-sensitive information display screen that displays information responsive to the driver of the vehicle at least one of touching its viewing surface and positioning a finger proximate its viewing surface. | 09-04-2008 |
20080231704 | VEHICLE ACCESSORY MODULE - An accessory system for a vehicle includes an accessory module, at least one accessory and an attachment member at an interior surface of a vehicle windshield. The at least one accessory comprises a camera having a lens, with the camera being disposed in the accessory module, and the accessory module comprising structure to angle the camera with respect to a windshield facing portion of the accessory module. The camera has a forward field of view through the vehicle windshield when the accessory module is mounted to the attachment member. The accessory system may include a resilient element disposed between the windshield facing portion and the interior surface of the vehicle windshield to cushion and/or seal the accessory module relative to the interior surface when the accessory module is mounted to the attachment member at the interior surface of the vehicle windshield. | 09-25-2008 |
20080252488 | Vehicle vision system - A vehicular vision system includes at least one imaging sensor for sensing images of objects in a forward field of view of the imaging sensor. The imaging system includes a control responsive to an output of the imaging sensor. The control modulates at least one headlamp of the vehicle in response to the output of the imaging sensor. The control may process an output of the imaging sensor to identify a headlamp or taillight of another vehicle in the forward field of view of the at least one imaging sensor and to determine a distance between the controlled vehicle and the identified headlamp or taillight of another vehicle. The control may modulate the at least one headlamp of the vehicle in response to the image processing. | 10-16-2008 |
20080300779 | NAVIGATION SYSTEM FOR A VEHICLE - A navigation system includes a communication port in a vehicle, a hand held portable unit, and a wireless communication between the portable unit and the communication port when the portable unit is in the vehicle. The portable unit has a position locator and is capable of establishing a geographical position of the portable unit. The portable unit is removable from the vehicle by an occupant of the vehicle. An information display may be disposed on, at or within an interior rearview mirror assembly of the vehicle, and may display navigational information for viewing by a driver of the vehicle. The navigational information may be derived from the wireless communication between the portable unit and the communication port. | 12-04-2008 |
20090052003 | MIRROR REFLECTIVE ELEMENT ASSEMBLY - A reflective element assembly for a mirror assembly of a vehicle includes a reflective element substrate and a conductive trace or layer disposed at a rear surface of the reflective element substrate. A non-conductive layer is applied at the conductive layer and covers at least a portion of the conductive layer and leaves at least some portions of the conductive layer exposed. At least one circuitry component is applied to at least one of the portions of the conductive layer. | 02-26-2009 |
20090059405 | INTERIOR REARVIEW MIRROR SYSTEM WITH COMPASS - An interior rearview mirror system includes an interior rearview mirror assembly and a compass sensor. A physical mount mounts the compass sensor at the reflective element whereby the compass sensor adjusts in tandem with adjustment of the reflective element. A control receives at least one signal indicative of at least one magnetic field sensed by the compass sensor. The control determines a directional heading of the vehicle based on the signal or signals and generates a signal indicative of the directional heading of the vehicle. The control may automatically compensate for adjustment of the compass sensor in tandem with adjustment of the reflective element. | 03-05-2009 |
20090065683 | VEHICLE REARVIEW MIRROR SYSTEM - A vehicle rearview mirror system includes an electro-optic reflective element, an ambient light sensor that is operable to sense ambient light, a glare light sensor that is operable to sense glare light and a circuit that is responsive to the ambient glare light sensors which establishes a reflectance level of the reflective element. The circuit produces an output that is a function of light sensed by glare and ambient light sensors. The circuit compares an output of a charge accumulation device with a reference, and the circuit selectively connects the glare sensor and the ambient light sensor with the charge accumulation device. The mirror system may include a display operable to project light through the reflective element and may control the intensity of the display as a function of the glare light and ambient light. | 03-12-2009 |
20090072124 | VEHICULAR IMAGE SENSING SYSTEM - An image sensing system for a vehicle includes an imaging sensor comprising a two-dimensional array of light sensing photosensor elements formed on a semiconductor substrate. The imaging sensor is disposed at an interior portion of the vehicle, and may be at or proximate to an interior rearview mirror assembly of the vehicle. The system includes a logic and control circuit comprising an image processor for processing image data derived from the imaging sensor. The image sensing system may identify objects of interest based on spectral differentiation or by comparing over successive frames image data associated with objects in the forward field of view of the image sensor or by objects of interest being at least one of qualified and disqualified based at least in part on object motion in the field of view of the imaging sensor. | 03-19-2009 |
20090122430 | MIRROR SYSTEM FOR VEHICLE - A mirror system for a vehicle includes an interior rearview mirror assembly and an accessory module. The accessory module one of (a) comprises part of said interior mirror assembly or (b) has the interior mirror assembly attached thereto. At least one of the interior mirror assembly and the accessory module includes an inductive power receiver that receives power from an inductive power transmitter located remotely from the interior mirror assembly and/or the accessory module. The interior mirror assembly and/or the accessory module includes a data transceiver that wirelessly communicates with a data transceiver located remotely from the interior mirror assembly and/or the accessory module. | 05-14-2009 |
20090134606 | CONSOLE SYSTEM SUITABLE FOR USE IN AN INTERIOR CABIN OF A VEHICLE - An accessory system suitable for use in an interior cabin of a vehicle includes an attachment element adhesively attached to an interior surface of a windshield of a vehicle, and an accessory module. The accessory module includes structure adapted to attach to the attachment element. The accessory module encompasses an antenna and a forward facing camera. The forward facing camera has a forward field of view through the windshield of the vehicle and in the direction of forward travel of the vehicle. The accessory system may include an image processor for processing image data captured by the forward facing camera. The forward facing camera may capture images for at least one of a collision avoidance system and an automatic headlamp control system. | 05-28-2009 |
20090174776 | REARVIEW ASSEMBLY WITH DISPLAY - A rearview assembly for a vehicle includes a mirror element having a partially reflective, partially transmissive coating, and a video display positioned behind the mirror element such that a display image is viewable through the partially reflective, partially transmissive coating. The video display may have an output intensity such that the viewable display image has an intensity of at least 250 cd/m | 07-09-2009 |
20090208058 | IMAGING SYSTEM FOR VEHICLE - An imaging system for a vehicle includes an imaging device having a field of view exteriorly and forward of the vehicle in its direction of travel, and an image processor operable to process the captured images in accordance with an algorithm. The algorithm comprises a sign recognition routine and a character recognition routine. The image processor processes the image data captured by the imaging device to detect signs in the field of view of the imaging device and applies the sign recognition routine to determine a sign type of the detected sign. The image processor is operable to apply the character recognition routine to the image data to determine information on the detected sign. The image processor applies the character recognition routine to the captured images in response to an output of the sign recognition routine being indicative of the detected sign being a sign type of interest. | 08-20-2009 |
20090231741 | INTERIOR REARVIEW MIRROR SYSTEM WITH COMPASS - An interior rearview mirror system for a vehicle includes an interior rearview mirror assembly having a mirror housing, a transflective reflective element, a compass sensor and compass circuitry. An information display is disposed in the mirror housing rearward of a transflective mirror reflector of the reflective element, and information displayed by the information display is viewable by a driver of the equipped vehicle through the transflective minor reflector of the reflective element when the information display is displaying information. The compass sensor may be disposed in the mirror housing rearward of the reflective element. The compass circuitry may be responsive to the compass sensor for determining a directional heading of the vehicle. The information display is operable to display the directional heading to the driver of equipped vehicle. The compass circuitry at least partially compensates for movement of the compass sensor caused by adjustment of the mirror housing. | 09-17-2009 |
20090237799 | VEHICLE REARVIEW MIRROR SYSTEM - A vehicle rearview mirror system includes a transflective reflective element, an ambient light sensor that senses ambient light and a glare light sensor that senses glare light. A control circuit establishes a reflectance level of the reflective element, and the control circuit is responsive to light detection by at least one of the ambient light sensor and the glare light sensor. A display element is disposed behind the reflective element and operable to display information through the reflective element and viewable through the mirror reflector of the reflective element by a driver of the vehicle when the display element displays information, and substantially non-viewable by the driver of the vehicle when the display element does not display information. A display intensity control adjusts display intensity responsive to a light detection by at least one of the glare light sensor and the ambient light sensor. | 09-24-2009 |
20090240397 | VEHICLE INFORMATION DISPLAY - A communication system for a vehicle includes an interior assembly and an in-vehicle communication control that is located in the vehicle remote from the interior assembly. A human-machine interface is located at the interior assembly and is connected to the in-vehicle communication control via a connective link to communicate at least one human-machine interface signal between the human-machine interface and the in-vehicle communication control. A global positioning system control in the vehicle communicates at least one GPS-derived signal to one of the interior assembly and the in-vehicle communication control via the connective link and the at least one human-machine interface signal and the at least one GPS-derived signal share the connective link such that the connective link comprises a shared common connective link between the in-vehicle communication control and the interior assembly. | 09-24-2009 |
20090243825 | ALERT SYSTEM FOR A VEHICLE - An alert system for a vehicle includes a forward facing camera having a field of view that encompasses the road ahead of and traveled on by the equipped vehicle, and may include a radar detector having a field of view to the side of and rearward of the equipped vehicle as it travels along the road and/or an image-based detector having a field of view to the side of and rearward of the equipped vehicle as it travels along the road. The alert system determines a lane change into a side lane by the equipped vehicle and detects a vehicle in that side lane, and an alert is generated to the driver of the equipped vehicle. The alert may be generated irrespective of the status of a turn signal of the equipped vehicle. | 10-01-2009 |
20090262192 | VEHICULAR VISION SYSTEM - A vehicular vision system includes at least a first image capture sensor and a second image capture sensor disposed at a vehicle and spatially separated and having respective fields of view with respect to the direction of travel of the equipped vehicle. A control receives a first image input from the first image capture sensor and a second image input from the second image capture sensor and generates a composite image synthesized from at least the first image input and the second image input. A display system displays the composite image on a single video screen located in a cabin of the equipped vehicle and viewable by a driver of the equipped vehicle when the driver is normally operating the equipped vehicle. The single video screen of the display system may have a display luminance that is variable responsive to a sensing of an ambient light level. | 10-22-2009 |
20090290369 | INFORMATION DISPLAY SYSTEM FOR A VEHICLE - A vehicular mirror system comprises an interior electro-optic mirror having a transflective mirror reflector and a display screen disposed behind the mirror reflector so that the presence of the display screen is substantially unobservable to a driver of the vehicle until the display screen is actuated to emit light that passes through the electro-optic reflective element to be viewed by the driver of the vehicle. Control circuitry may receive a signal indicative of selection of a reverse gear of the vehicle by the driver and may actuate the display screen to display video images captured by a video imaging device disposed to the rear of the vehicle and having a field of view rearward of and external to the vehicle. Control circuitry may electronically generate indicia overlaying the video images on the display screen. | 11-26-2009 |
20090292496 | VEHICLE COMPASS COMPENSATION - A compass compensation system is provided for automatically and continuously calibrating an electronic compass for a vehicle, without requiring an initial manual calibration or preset of the vehicle magnetic signature. The system initially adjusts a two axis sensor of the compass in response to a sampling of at least one initial data point. The system further calibrates the compass by sampling data points that are substantially opposite to one another on a plot of a magnetic field and averaging an ordinate of the data points to determine a respective zero value for the Earth magnetic field. The system also identifies a change in magnetic signature and adjusts the sensor assembly. | 11-26-2009 |
20100033797 | MIRROR REFLECTIVE ELEMENT ASSEMBLY - A reflective element assembly for a mirror assembly of a vehicle includes a reflective element substrate and a conductive trace or layer disposed at a rear surface of the reflective element substrate. A non-conductive layer is applied at the conductive layer and covers at least a portion of the conductive layer and leaves at least some portions of the conductive layer exposed. At least one circuitry component is applied to at least one of the portions of the conductive layer. | 02-11-2010 |
20100045797 | IMAGING SYSTEM FOR VEHICLE - A driver assistance system for a vehicle includes an imaging device having a field of view forward of a vehicle equipped with the driver assistance system and in a direction of travel of the equipped vehicle. The imaging device is operable to capture image data and an image processor is operable to process image data captured by the imaging device. The equipped vehicle includes an adaptive speed control system for controlling the speed of the equipped vehicle, and the speed of the equipped vehicle is controlled by the adaptive speed control system at least in part responsive to processing by the image processor of image data captured by the imaging device. | 02-25-2010 |
20100090603 | VEHICULAR IMAGE SENSING SYSTEM - A vehicle headlamp control method and apparatus includes providing an imaging sensor that senses light in spatially separated regions of a field of view forward of the vehicle. Light levels sensed in individual regions of the field of view are evaluated in order to identify light sources of interest, such as oncoming headlights and leading taillights. The vehicle's headlights are controlled in response to identifying such particular light sources or absence of such light sources. Spectral signatures of light sources may be examined in order to determine if the spectral signature matches that of particular light sources such as the spectral signatures of headlights or taillights. Sensed light levels may also be evaluated for their spatial distribution in order to identify light sources of interest. | 04-15-2010 |
20100094482 | VEHICLE TRACKING SYSTEM - A vehicle tracking system comprising a vehicle tag capable of sending and receiving wireless signals and associated with a vehicle; and a locator device capable of sending and receiving wireless signals to and from said vehicle tag and determining relative position of said vehicle to said locator device by communicating with said vehicle tag. | 04-15-2010 |
20100118146 | AUTOMATIC VEHICLE EXTERIOR LIGHT CONTROL - A system and method of automatically controlling vehicle exterior lights including an image sensor and a controller to generate headlamp control signals. | 05-13-2010 |
20100126030 | INTERIOR REARVIEW MIRROR SYSTEM WITH COMPASS - An interior rearview mirror system includes an interior rearview mirror assembly and a compass sensor. A physical mount mounts the compass sensor at the reflective element whereby the compass sensor adjusts in tandem with adjustment of the reflective element. A control receives at least one signal indicative of at least one magnetic field sensed by the compass sensor. The control determines a directional heading of the vehicle based on the signal or signals and generates a signal indicative of the directional heading of the vehicle. The control may automatically compensate for adjustment of the compass sensor in tandem with adjustment of the reflective element. | 05-27-2010 |
20100174485 | REARVIEW ASSEMBLY WITH DISPLAY - A navigation system for a vehicle includes a vehicle-based telematics system, a vehicle-based global positioning system and a control. The telematics system is operable to receive a user input from a driver of the vehicle and to download directional information from an external service provider to the control in response to the user input and an initial geographic position of the vehicle. The directional information comprises at least two instructions with each of the instructions being coded or associated with or linked to a respective geographic location. The control is operable to provide an output corresponding to each of the instructions in response to a current actual geographic position of the vehicle. The control is operable to provide each instruction only when the then current actual geographic position of the vehicle at least generally corresponds to the particular geographic location associated with the instruction. | 07-08-2010 |
20100208077 | ACCESSORY SYSTEM FOR VEHICLE - An accessory system for a vehicle includes a windshield that has a mounting element adhesively attached to its inner surface, an interior rearview mirror assembly, and an accessory support adapted for mounting to and demounting from the mounting element. The accessory support includes an accessory receiving portion configured to receive an accessory. The accessory support may comprise part of the interior rearview mirror assembly or may include a mirror mounting element with the interior rearview mirror assembly adapted for mounting to the mirror mounting element of the accessory support. The accessory comprises an imaging sensor and the accessory receiving portion is configured to receive the imaging sensor in a manner that compensates for the windshield angle of the windshield so that the imaging sensor has a more generally horizontal forward field of view through the windshield when the accessory support is mounted to the mounting element. | 08-19-2010 |
20100214791 | AUTOMATIC HEADLAMP CONTROL SYSTEM - A vehicle headlamp control system includes an imaging sensor and a control. The control processes data from the imaging sensor and generates at least one control output. Selection of a high beam state and a low beam state for a vehicle headlamp is responsive to the control output, and is determined responsive to a detection of an object of interest. The control is responsive to a signal indicative of a vehicle speed of the controlled vehicle, and inhibits adjustment of the vehicle headlamp from a low beam state to a high beam state when the vehicle speed is below a threshold speed level. The control is responsive to data indicative of a vehicle trajectory of the controlled vehicle, and inhibits adjustment of the vehicle headlamp from a low beam state to a high beam state when a radius of curvature of the vehicle trajectory is below a threshold value. | 08-26-2010 |
20100219985 | ACCESSORY SYSTEM SUITABLE FOR USE IN A VEHICLE - An accessory mounting system suitable for use in an interior cabin of a vehicle includes a first attachment element adhesively attached to an interior surface of a windshield of a vehicle, and a second attachment element adhesively attached to the interior surface of the windshield of the vehicle. The first attachment element accommodates a forward facing camera and an antenna and/or rain sensor. The forward facing camera has a forward field of view through the windshield of the vehicle and in the direction of forward travel of the vehicle. The forward facing camera may capture images for at least one of a collision avoidance system of the vehicle and an automatic headlamp control system of the vehicle. An interior rearview mirror assembly is detachably mounted to the second attachment element by a mounting configuration of the interior rearview mirror assembly. | 09-02-2010 |
20100222963 | VEHICLE INFORMATION DISPLAY - A communication system for a vehicle includes an interior assembly and an in-vehicle communication control that is located in the vehicle remote from the interior assembly. A human-machine interface is located at the interior assembly and is connected to the in-vehicle communication control via a connective link to communicate at least one human-machine interface signal between the human-machine interface and the in-vehicle communication control. A global positioning system control in the vehicle communicates at least one GPS-derived signal to one of the interior assembly and the in-vehicle communication control via the connective link and the at least one human-machine interface signal and the at least one GPS-derived signal share the connective link such that the connective link comprises a shared common connective link between the in-vehicle communication control and the interior assembly. | 09-02-2010 |
20100312446 | DRIVER ASSISTANCE SYSTEM FOR VEHICLE - A driver assistance system for a vehicle includes an imaging device having a field of view forward of a vehicle and in a direction of travel of the equipped vehicle, an image processor operable to process image data captured by the imaging device, and a global positioning system operable to determine a geographical location of the vehicle. The equipped vehicle includes an adaptive speed control system for controlling the speed of the equipped vehicle. The adaptive speed control system may reduce the speed of the equipped vehicle responsive at least in part to a detection of a curve in the road ahead of the equipped vehicle via processing by the image processor of image data captured by the imaging device. | 12-09-2010 |
20110035120 | VEHICULAR WIRELESS COMMUNICATION SYSTEM - A vehicular wireless communication system includes a control in a vehicle operable to communicate with an external service provider via a wireless communication link between the equipped vehicle and the external service provider. The control may receive a user input and responsive thereto, may establish the wireless communication link between the equipped vehicle and the external service provider. Data from the external service provider is downloaded to the control via the wireless communication link. The control controls at least one accessory of the vehicle, and the control may control the accessory responsive to at least one of (a) a geographic location of the vehicle as determined by a global positioning system of the equipped vehicle and (b) a biometric characteristic of an occupant of the equipped vehicle. | 02-10-2011 |
20110058040 | VEHICULAR INTERIOR REARVIEW INFORMATION MIRROR SYSTEM - An interior rearview information mirror system for a vehicle includes an interior rearview mirror assembly having a mirror housing and a reflective element, and includes an information display operable to display information for viewing by the driver of the equipped vehicle. The information display is disposed in the mirror housing rearward of the reflective element, and information displayed by the information display is viewable by the driver of the equipped vehicle viewing through the reflective element when the information display is displaying information. The interior rearview mirror assembly includes a forward facing camera having a forward field of view in the direction of forward travel of the equipped vehicle, and the forward facing camera views through the windshield of the equipped vehicle when the interior rearview mirror assembly is normally mounted in the equipped vehicle. | 03-10-2011 |
20110093179 | DRIVER ASSISTANCE SYSTEM FOR VEHICLE - A driver assistance system for a vehicle includes an imaging device having a field of view forward of a vehicle and an image processor operable to process image data captured by the imaging device. The vehicle includes a control system operable at least in part to control the speed of the vehicle. The control system may reduce the speed of the vehicle responsive at least in part to a detection of a curve in the road ahead of the vehicle via processing by the image processor of image data captured by the imaging device. The control system may control the speed of the vehicle to a reduced speed for traveling around the detected curve in the road, and may increase the speed of the vehicle to above the reduced speed when the vehicle is traveling along a straighter section of road after the curve in the road. | 04-21-2011 |
20110109746 | VEHICLE INFORMATION DISPLAY - An information display system for a vehicle includes an interior rearview mirror assembly disposed in an interior cabin of the equipped vehicle. The interior rearview mirror assembly has a mirror reflective element with a mirror reflector disposed at a surface thereof. A display screen is disposed at the interior rearview mirror assembly, and, when operated, the display screen displays through the mirror reflective element so as to be viewable by a driver of the equipped vehicle. The display screen is operable to display video images captured by a rearward facing camera of the equipped vehicle for assisting the driver during a reversing maneuver, and the video images are captured by the rearward facing camera when the equipped vehicle is in reverse gear. When the equipped vehicle is not in reverse gear, the display screen is operable to display information pertaining to an accessory of the equipped vehicle. | 05-12-2011 |
20110122249 | VISION SYSTEM FOR VEHICLE - A vision system for a vehicle includes an imaging device having an imaging sensor with a field of view exterior the vehicle, a camera controller, a display device and a display controller. The display device is operable to display information for viewing by a driver of the vehicle. The imaging device communicates an image signal to the display device via a link. The display controller may affect the image signal, such as in response to a user input, and the camera controller may adjust a function of the imaging device in response to a detection of the affected image signal. The vision system may adjust an image displayed by the display device in response to a signal from an auxiliary sensing system of the vehicle, such as a distance sensing system of the vehicle that is operable to determine a distance to an object exterior the vehicle. | 05-26-2011 |
20110141542 | REARVIEW MIRROR ASSEMBLY FOR VEHICLE - A rearview mirror assembly includes an electrochromic reflective element having a front substrate and a rear substrate and an electrochromic medium sandwiched therebetween. The reflective element includes a resin material disposed at least at a portion of a fourth surface of the rear substrate. While the resin material is in its uncured state at the rear substrate, an electrical connector is engaged with the uncured resin material. The electrical connector is electrically conductively connected with the resin material and is substantially affixed at the fourth surface of the rear substrate via curing of the resin material while the electrical connector is engaged with the resin material. The electrical connector may establish electrical conductivity between the cured resin material and one of (i) a transparent electrically conductive coating at the second surface of the front substrate and (ii) a mirror reflector at the third surface of the rear substrate. | 06-16-2011 |
20110147570 | VEHICLE REARVIEW MIRROR SYSTEM - A vehicular interior rearview mirror system includes an interior rearview mirror assembly, which includes an ambient light sensor operable to sense ambient light and a glare light sensor operable to sense glare light. A control is operable to establish a reflectance level of a transflective electrochromic reflective element of the mirror assembly and is responsive to light detection by the ambient light sensor and/or the glare light sensor. A backlit video screen is disposed behind the reflective element and is operable to display information through the mirror reflector of the reflective element. A display intensity control adjusts display intensity responsive to a light detection by the glare light sensor and/or the ambient light sensor and as a function of a ratio of a glare light value sensed by the glare light sensor to an ambient light value sensed by the ambient light sensor. | 06-23-2011 |
20110164135 | INTERIOR REARVIEW MIRROR SYSTEM - An interior rearview mirror system includes a mirror mounting button and a plurality of attachment members adhesively attached at the in-cabin surface of the vehicle windshield. An interior rearview mirror assembly has a mirror head and a mirror support, and a structure is configured for mounting to the attachment members attached at the vehicle windshield. The mirror head includes a mirror reflective element and a mirror casing, and the mirror support includes a mirror mount that is configured to mount the interior rearview mirror assembly to the mirror mounting button. The structure is configured to receive and be supported by the plurality of attachment members at the vehicle windshield, and, with the structure receiving and being supported by the attachment members, (a) the structure at least partially surrounds the mirror mounting button and (b) the structure accommodates a forward facing camera having a field of view through the vehicle windshield. | 07-07-2011 |
20110181727 | VEHICULAR INTERIOR REARVIEW MIRROR SYSTEM - An interior rearview mirror system for a vehicle includes an interior rearview mirror assembly and an information display operable to display information for viewing by the driver of the vehicle through a transflective mirror reflector of a reflective element of the interior rearview mirror assembly. Information display intensity of the information display is adjustable responsive to determination of a light level at the interior rearview mirror assembly by at least one photosensor. The information display is operable to display video images captured by a rearward facing video camera of the vehicle and the information display displays video images captured by the rearward facing video camera during a reversing maneuver of the vehicle. During a reversing maneuver of the vehicle, a signal indicative of the vehicle transmission being in reverse is communicated via a network bus of the vehicle to a control of the interior rearview mirror assembly. | 07-28-2011 |
20110216198 | IMAGING SYSTEM FOR VEHICLE - An imaging system for a vehicle includes a camera having a field of view exterior of a vehicle with the field of view being in a forward direction of travel of the vehicle. The camera is operable to capture image data and an image processor is operable to process the image data. A control, responsive to the image processor, is operable to provide at least (a) an adaptive forward lighting function for at least one forward facing light of the equipped vehicle, (b) a lane departure warning function and (c) a traffic control signage function. The control may provide the traffic control signage function at least in part by recognition of a geometrical organization present in the forward field of view of the camera. The adaptive forward lighting function may provide adjustment of a beam direction of the at least one forward facing light of the equipped vehicle. | 09-08-2011 |
20110249120 | CAMERA MODULE FOR VEHICLE - A camera module for a vision system of a vehicle includes a housing having a base portion and a lens portion and a circuit element. The circuit element includes an imaging sensor and associated circuitry. The circuit element may include an electrical connector having a plurality of terminals. A lens may be disposed at least partially in the lens portion of the housing and the circuit element may be disposed at least partially in the base portion of the housing. The base portion and the lens portion may be welded or sealed together to substantially limit water intrusion into the camera module. The imaging sensor may have a dynamic range of greater than approximately 100 dB, and the dynamic range of the imaging sensor may follow, at least in part, a linear response curve up to approximately 62 dB and a non-linear response curve above approximately 62 dB. | 10-13-2011 |
20110285849 | VEHICULAR IMAGE SENSING SYSTEM - An image sensing system for a vehicle includes an imaging sensor and a control. The imaging sensor has a two-dimensional array of light sensing pixels, and has a forward field of view through the windshield of a vehicle equipped with the image sensing system to the exterior of the equipped vehicle. The imaging sensor is operable to capture image data and the control includes an image processor. The image sensing system determines an object of interest present in the forward field of view of the imaging sensor via processing of the captured image data by the image processor. The image processing includes spatial filtering. The spatial filtering may, at least in part, identify atmospheric conditions. The spatial filtering may include analysis of a spectral signature representative of at least one detected light source present in the forward field of view of the imaging sensor. | 11-24-2011 |
20110292668 | ADAPTIVE FORWARD LIGHTING SYSTEM FOR VEHICLE - An adaptive forward lighting system for a vehicle includes an imaging sensor and a control. The imaging sensor includes a two-dimensional array of light sensing photosensor elements, and monitors a scene forward of the direction of travel of the vehicle. The control processes image data from the imaging sensor. Adjustment between a first beam pattern and a second beam pattern of a headlamp of the vehicle is responsive, at least in part, to the processing of the image data. The control may receive vehicle data via a vehicle communication bus, and may adjust between a first beam pattern and a second beam pattern of a headlamp of the vehicle responsive, at least in part, to the vehicle data. The control may process image data to determine, at least in part, a presence, location or characteristic of an object of interest in the forward field of view of the imaging sensor. | 12-01-2011 |
20110298927 | VEHICULAR VIDEO MIRROR SYSTEM - A video mirror system includes an interior electrochromic rearview mirror assembly mountable at an interior portion of a vehicle and a video display screen disposed to the rear of a rear portion of a reflective element. The video display screen emits light when actuated that passes through the transflective mirror reflector of the reflective element to be visible to a driver of the vehicle viewing the front portion of the reflective element. A camera having a field of view rearward of the vehicle is mounted to the rear of the vehicle and, during a reversing maneuver of the vehicle, a video output of the camera is displayed by the video screen so as to assist the driver in reversing the vehicle. The video display screen is operable to display at least one of (i) an instruction, (ii) an icon, (iii) a character, (iv) a symbol and (v) an indicia. | 12-08-2011 |
20110320066 | VEHICLE INFORMATION DISPLAY - An information display system for a vehicle includes a display screen disposed at an interior cabin of a vehicle so as to be viewable by a driver of the equipped vehicle. The information display system is operable to display on the display screen vehicle user information so as to provide information to the driver of the equipped vehicle related to use of the equipped vehicle. The display screen is operable to display video images captured by a rearward facing camera of the equipped vehicle for assisting the driver during a reversing maneuver. The video images are captured by the rearward facing camera and are displayed on the display screen when the equipped vehicle is executing a reversing maneuver. When the equipped vehicle is not executing a reversing maneuver, the information display system is operable to display on the display screen vehicle user information. | 12-29-2011 |
20120038771 | VEHICULAR INTERIOR REARVIEW MIRROR SYSTEM - An interior rearview mirror system for a vehicle includes an interior rearview mirror assembly having a mirror housing, an electro-optic reflective element and an information display. The information display is disposed in the mirror housing rearward of the transflective mirror reflector of the reflective element and is operable to display information for viewing by the driver of the vehicle, with the information including video images captured by a camera of the vehicle. Information displayed by the information display is viewable by the driver of the vehicle viewing through the transflective mirror reflector of the reflective element when the information display is displaying information, and, when the information display is not displaying information, the presence of the information display behind the transflective mirror reflector of the reflective element is substantially not discerned by the driver of the vehicle normally viewing the reflective element in the vehicle. | 02-16-2012 |
20120062744 | REAR VISION SYSTEM FOR A VEHICLE - A rear vision system includes a video camera for capturing video images and a video display disposed in the cabin of the vehicle for displaying the video images captured by the camera. The video camera has a field of view that at least encompasses a vehicle hitch connector of the vehicle. The display displays the video images for viewing by a driver of the vehicle to assist the driver in reversing the vehicle and/or connecting the vehicle hitch connector of the vehicle to a tow hitch connector of a trailer. A graphic overlay may be superimposed on the displayed video images for viewing by a driver of the vehicle to guide or assist the driver when executing a reversing maneuver and/or when connecting a tow hitch connector of a trailer to the vehicle hitch connector of the vehicle. | 03-15-2012 |
20120078469 | REAR VISION SYSTEM FOR A VEHICLE - A rear vision system for a vehicle includes a rear backup video camera and a display device. A control activates display of captured video images by the display device when a transmission of the vehicle is shifted into reverse gear and deactivates display of the video images upon shifting of the vehicle transmission out of reverse gear once a threshold deactivation condition is met. The threshold deactivation condition is at least one of (a) forward travel of the vehicle exceeding a threshold speed of forward movement after the vehicle transmission has been shifted out of reverse gear, (b) forward travel of the vehicle exceeding a threshold distance of forward movement after the vehicle transmission has been shifted out of reverse gear and (c) a threshold period of time elapsing after the vehicle transmission has been shifted out of reverse gear, the threshold period of time constituting a linger time. | 03-29-2012 |
20120098968 | IMAGING SYSTEM FOR VEHICLE - An imaging system for a vehicle includes a camera, an image processor and a control. The field of view of the camera is in a forward direction of travel of the equipped vehicle, and the camera is operable to capture frames of image data. The image processor is operable to process the image data. The control is operable to adjust a light beam emanating from a forward facing light of the equipped vehicle responsive to image processing of frames of image data. The control, responsive to the image processing, is operable to control at least one of (a) adjustment of a beam direction of a light beam emanating from the forward facing light, (b) adjustment of a visible intensity of a light beam emanating from the forward facing light and (c) adjustment of a range of a light beam emanating from the forward facing light. | 04-26-2012 |
20120105640 | VEHICLE INFORMATION DISPLAY SYSTEM - An information display system for a vehicle includes an interior rearview mirror assembly disposed at the interior cabin of a vehicle and a video display screen disposed in the interior rearview mirror assembly. The video display screen is operable to display video images captured by a backup camera of the equipped vehicle for assisting the driver during a reversing maneuver. A transmitter is disposed at the interior rearview mirror assembly, and a graphical user interface generates instructions for operation of the transmitter. The video display screen is operable to selectively display video images captured by the backup camera and instructions from the graphical user interface. When the equipped vehicle is executing a reversing maneuver, the information display system displays the video images captured by the backup camera. The graphical user interface interactively operates with the user input for display of instructions for operation of the transmitter. | 05-03-2012 |
20120105641 | INTERIOR REARVIEW MIRROR SYSTEM - An interior rearview mirror system for a vehicle includes a mirror mounting button adhesively attached at an in-cabin surface of a vehicle windshield, and an interior rearview mirror assembly including a mirror head and a mirror support. The mirror head includes a mirror reflective element and a mirror casing, and the mirror support includes a mirror mount that is configured to mount the interior rearview mirror assembly to the mirror mounting button at the in-cabin surface of the vehicle windshield. A forward facing camera is disposed at the mirror support and has a field of view through the vehicle windshield when the interior rearview mirror assembly is normally mounted at the mirror mounting button at the in-cabin surface of the vehicle windshield. The forward facing camera is a CMOS camera, and the forward facing camera captures images for a collision avoidance system of the equipped vehicle. | 05-03-2012 |
20120113260 | VEHICULAR VISION SYSTEM - A vehicular vision system includes a photosensor array having a forward field of view to the exterior of the vehicle through the windshield of the vehicle. A portion of the photosensor array captures image data representative of an item of interest exterior the vehicle and within the forward field of view. A control is responsive to an output of the photosensor array and includes an image processor for processing the image data. At least responsive to the control analyzing the image data, the image sensing system senses the presence of an object within the field of view of the photosensor array, and the image sensing system, responsive at least in part to sensing the presence of the object, at least one of (i) controls a vehicle system using forward field of view information and (ii) supplements control of a vehicle system using forward field of view information. | 05-10-2012 |
20120119071 | VEHICLE REARVIEW MIRROR SYSTEM - An interior rearview mirror system for a vehicle includes an interior rearview mirror assembly having a reflective element and ambient and glare light sensors. A control circuit is operable to establish a reflectance level of the reflective element. At least one of (a) the mirror system includes a charge accumulation device selectively connected with the ambient or glare light sensor and the control circuit establishes the ambient and glare light levels as a function of time for an output of the charge accumulation device to reach a reference level when connected to the respective light sensor, (b) a common element is used to measure outputs of the light sensors sequentially to correspond errors due to component variations, and (c) the mirror system includes temperature compensation of the glare and/or ambient light sensor and the temperature compensation is responsive to a reference light sensor that is substantially not exposed to light. | 05-17-2012 |
20120140080 | VEHICULAR VIDEO MIRROR SYSTEM - A video mirror system for a vehicle includes an interior rearview mirror assembly having an electrochromic reflective element and a video display screen disposed to the rear of the reflective element. The video display screen, when actuated, emits light that passes through a transflective mirror reflector of the reflective element to be visible to a driver of the vehicle viewing the reflective element. The video display screen includes a thin film transistor liquid crystal display element that is back lit by a plurality of white light emitting light emitting diodes. A camera having a field of view rearward of the vehicle is mounted at the rear of the vehicle and, during a reversing maneuver of the vehicle, a video output of the camera is displayed by the video display screen as video images so as to assist the driver in reversing the equipped vehicle. | 06-07-2012 |
20120200224 | ADAPTIVE FORWARD LIGHTING SYSTEM FOR VEHICLE - An adaptive forward lighting system for a vehicle includes an imaging sensor having a field of view forward of the direction of travel of the controlled vehicle. A control processes image data to determine, at least in part, at least one of (i) the presence of an object of interest in the forward field of view of the imaging sensor, (ii) the location of an object of interest in the forward field of view of the imaging sensor, and (iii) a characteristic of an object of interest in the forward field of view of the imaging sensor. A beam pattern of a vehicle headlamp of the controlled vehicle is adjusted responsive, at least in part, to the processing of the image data. The control receives vehicle data via a vehicle communication bus. The control, responsive to processing of image data, is operable to provide at least one other function. | 08-09-2012 |
20120209472 | VEHICLE VISION SYSTEM WITH NIGHT VISION FUNCTION - A vision system for a vehicle includes a camera disposed at a vehicle equipped with the vision system. The camera has a forward field of view in the direction of forward travel of the equipped vehicle. The camera is operable to capture image data. An image processor is operable to process image data captured by the camera. At least in part responsive to processing of captured image data by the image processor, the vision system is operable to provide a night vision function and at least one of (i) a headlamp control function for controlling a headlamp of the equipped vehicle, (ii) a lane departure warning function, (iii) an adaptive cruise control function, (iv) a sign recognition function, (v) a rain sensing function, (vi) an object detection function and (vii) a pedestrian detection function. | 08-16-2012 |
20120224065 | VEHICLE ACCESSORY SYSTEM - An accessory system for a vehicle includes a mounting element and a module. The mounting element includes an attachment portion that is configured for attachment of the mounting element at a vehicle windshield. The mounting element may be configured for attachment of an interior rearview mirror assembly thereto. The mounting element may be configured for accommodating an accessory at least when the mounting element is attached at the vehicle windshield. The module is configured for attachment to the mounting element when the mounting element is attached at the vehicle windshield. The module accommodates a camera, and the module includes structure that orients the field of view of the camera with respect to the vehicle windshield when the module is attached to the mounting element. | 09-06-2012 |
20120224066 | VEHICULAR INTERIOR REARVIEW MIRROR SYSTEM - An interior rearview mirror system for a vehicle includes an interior rearview mirror assembly and an information display. The display is disposed in the interior rearview mirror assembly rearward of a transflective mirror reflector of an electrochromic reflective element of the mirror assembly. Information display intensity of the display is adjustable responsive to determination of a light level at the mirror assembly by a photosensor of the mirror assembly. The display is operable to display information for viewing by the driver of the vehicle, and the information at least includes video images captured by a camera of the vehicle. A control of the mirror assembly is in communication with a network bus of the equipped vehicle when the mirror assembly is normally mounted in the vehicle. A reflectance level of the electrochromic reflective element is controlled at least responsive to a determination of a light level by the photosensor. | 09-06-2012 |
20120224248 | REARVIEW MIRROR ASSEMBLY FOR VEHICLE - An electrochromic interior reflective element for an interior rearview mirror assembly of a vehicle includes front and rear substrates and an electrochromic medium sandwiched between the front and rear substrates. The electrochromic medium is disposed in an interpane cavity established between a third surface of the rear substrate and a second surface of said the substrate, and the electrochromic medium is bounded by a perimeter seal. A conductive layer is disposed at a fourth surface of the rear substrate. A non-conductive layer covers a covered portion of the conductive layer and leaves an exposed portion of the conductive layer exposed. An electronic circuitry component is disposed at the fourth surface of the rear substrate. The electronic circuitry component is electrically connected to the exposed portion of the conductive layer. | 09-06-2012 |
20120236150 | VISION SYSTEM FOR VEHICLE - A vision system for a vehicle includes an imaging device, a camera controller, a display device and a display controller. The camera controller and the display controller share a common processor. The vision system is operable to adjust a displayed image responsive to a signal from an auxiliary sensing system. The vision system, responsive to object detection by a sensor, is operable to (a) provide enhanced imaging of the detected object, (b) provide enhanced processing of at least a portion of captured image that corresponds to the region of the exterior scene at which an object is detected, (c) adjust the display device to enhance displayed images of a detected object, and/or (d) adjust the display device to enhance display of at least a portion of a captured image that corresponds to the region of the exterior scene at which the object is detected by the sensor. | 09-20-2012 |
20120257059 | VEHICULAR VISION SYSTEM - A vehicular vision system includes a CMOS photosensor array including a plurality of photosensor elements. The photosensor array is disposed at an interior portion of a vehicle and has a forward field of view to the exterior of the vehicle through the windshield of the vehicle at a windshield area that is swept by the windshield wipers. The photosensor array has a field of view forward of the vehicle that is generally in line with the vehicle's primary direction of forward travel. A control includes an image processor that processes image data captured by the photosensor array. The control may analyze image data captured by photosensor elements where an object exterior of the equipped vehicle is determined to be present more than the control analyzes image data captured by other photosensor elements where the determined object is not present. | 10-11-2012 |
20120257060 | VEHICLE VISION SYSTEM - A vision system for a vehicle includes at least one imaging sensor having a forward field of view with respect to a forward direction of travel of the vehicle. The imaging sensor captures image data representative of objects present in the forward field of view. A control is responsive to the imaging sensor and processes image data captured by the imaging sensor to determine an object present in the forward field of view. The control processes image data to determine a distance between the vehicle and the object determined present in the forward field of view. The control may determine the distance between the vehicle and the determined object at least in part in response to at least one of (i) size of the determined object, (ii) position of the determined object, (iii) light intensity of the determined object, and (iv) rate of approach of the determined object. | 10-11-2012 |
20120283908 | VEHICULAR IMAGE SENSING SYSTEM - An image sensing system for a vehicle includes an imaging sensor having an array of light sensing photosensor elements. The imaging sensor views through the windshield of the equipped vehicle at a region of the windshield that is swept by a windshield wiper of the equipped vehicle. The imaging sensor is operable to capture image data and is operable to capture frames of image data at a plurality of exposure periods. The image sensing system identifies objects in the forward field of view of the imaging sensor via processing of the captured image data by an image processor. The objects identified by the image sensing system may include at least one of (i) headlights of approaching vehicles, (ii) taillights of leading vehicles, (iii) lane markers on a road being traveled by the equipped vehicle, (iv) traffic signs, (v) traffic lights, (vi) stop signs and/or (vii) caution signs. | 11-08-2012 |
20130016209 | DRIVER ASSIST SYSTEM FOR VEHICLE - A driver assist system for a vehicle includes a camera disposed at a vehicle and having an exterior field of view relative to the vehicle, and a video display operable to display image data captured by the camera and viewable by the driver of the vehicle. The driver assist system is operable to detect objects present in the exterior field of view of the camera. The driver assist system is operable to provide a display intensity of displayed image data of at least about 200 candelas/sq. meter for viewing by the driver. The driver assist system is operable to provide a visual alert and an audible alert responsive to detection of an object exterior of the vehicle. The visual alert includes electronically generated indicia that overlay displayed image data and that at least one of (i) indicate distance to a detected object and (ii) highlight a detected object. | 01-17-2013 |
20130048835 | VEHICLE REARVIEW MIRROR SYSTEM - A vehicle interior rearview mirror system includes an interior rearview mirror assembly having a reflective element and ambient and glare light sensors. A control circuit is operable to establish a reflectance level of the reflective element. At least one of (a) the mirror system includes a charge accumulation device selectively connected with the ambient or glare light sensor and the control circuit establishes the ambient and glare light levels as a function of time for an output of the charge accumulation device to reach a reference level when connected to the respective light sensor, (b) a common element is used to measure outputs of the light sensors sequentially to correspond errors due to component variations, and (c) the mirror system includes temperature compensation of the glare and/or ambient light sensor and the temperature compensation is responsive to a reference light sensor that is substantially not exposed to light. | 02-28-2013 |
20130076241 | VEHICULAR VISION SYSTEM - A vehicular vision system includes a control and an imager having a lens and a CMOS photosensor array. The imager is disposed at an interior portion of a vehicle and views exterior of the vehicle through a windshield of the vehicle and forward of the vehicle. The control includes an image processor for processing image data captured by the photosensor array. The image processor processes captured image data to detect an object viewed by said imager. The photosensor array may be operable at a plurality of exposure periods that include a first exposure period and a second exposure period, with the time period of exposure of the first exposure period being longer than the time period of exposure of the second exposure period. The imager may be disposed in a module attached at the windshield of the vehicle. | 03-28-2013 |
20130093893 | IMAGING SYSTEM FOR VEHICLE - An imaging system for a vehicle includes an imaging device having a forward field of view exterior of the vehicle. The imaging device is operable to capture multiple frames of image data, and the multiple frames of image data include repeating frame sets. A particular frame set of the repeating frame sets has at least two frames. An image processor operable to process image data captured by the imaging device. A control, responsive to processing of captured image data, controls, at least in part, an intelligent headlamp control feature of the vehicle and a lane departure warning feature of the vehicle. One frame of a particular frame set is processed by the image processor for the intelligent headlamp control feature and no other frame of the particular frame set is processed by the image processor for the intelligent headlamp control feature. | 04-18-2013 |
20130096777 | VEHICULAR IMAGE SENSING SYSTEM - An image sensing system for a vehicle includes an imager disposed at or proximate to an in-cabin portion of a vehicle windshield and having a forward field of view to the exterior of the vehicle through the vehicle windshield. The photosensor array of the imager is operable to capture image data. The image sensing system identifies objects in the forward field of view of the imager via processing of captured image data by an image processor. The photosensor array may be operable to capture frames of image data and the image sensing system may include an exposure control which determines an accumulation period of time that the photosensor array senses light when capturing a frame of image data. Identification of objects may be based at least in part on at least one of (i) shape, (ii) luminance, (iii) geometry, (iv) spatial location, (v) motion and (vi) spectral characteristic. | 04-18-2013 |
20130106993 | DRIVER ASSISTANCE SYSTEM FOR A VEHICLE | 05-02-2013 |
20130128049 | DRIVER ASSISTANCE SYSTEM FOR A VEHICLE - A driver assistance system for a vehicle includes a first imager disposed at a left side of the vehicle, a second imager disposed at a rear of the vehicle and a third imager disposed at a right side of the vehicle. The first, second and third imagers have respective fields of view and the first imager is spatially separated from the second imager and the third imager is spatially separated from the second imager. A display system has a single display screen that is viewable by a driver of the vehicle. The display screen is operable to display an image derived from image data captured by the first, second and third imagers. The display screen displays an image synthesized from image data captured by each of the first, second and third imagers. The displayed image approximates a view from a single virtual camera location. | 05-23-2013 |
20130131921 | DRIVER ASSISTANCE SYSTEM FOR VEHICLE - A driver assistance system for a vehicle includes an information display screen viewable by a driver of the vehicle when the driver is normally operating the equipped vehicle. At least one camera is mounted at the vehicle and has a field of view exterior of the vehicle and is operable to capture image data. The information display screen is operable to display video images derived from image data captured by the at least one camera and the information display screen is operable to display other information. A capacitive touch sensor is actuatable by the driver of the vehicle, and the information display screen is operable to display at least the other information responsive to actuation by the driver of the vehicle of the capacitive touch sensor. | 05-23-2013 |
20130135476 | INFORMATION DISPLAY SYSTEM FOR A VEHICLE - An information display system for a vehicle includes a display screen disposed within an interior cabin of a vehicle and a rearward facing camera of the vehicle. The display screen displays video images captured by the rearward facing camera for assisting the driver during a reversing maneuver. When the equipped vehicle is not executing a reversing maneuver, the information display screen is operable to display information or instructions. The information/instructions may include at least one of (a) at least one instruction pertaining to how to service an accessory of the vehicle to remediate a fault condition, (b) a video clip pertaining to how to service an accessory of the vehicle to remediate a fault condition, (c) at least one instruction pertaining to how to operate an accessory of the vehicle and (d) a video clip pertaining to how to operate an accessory of the vehicle. | 05-30-2013 |
20130138294 | DRIVER ASSISTANCE SYSTEM FOR A VEHICLE - A driver assistance system for a vehicle includes a bracket attached at a windshield of a vehicle and a housing mounted to the bracket and an imager disposed in the housing. The imager may include (i) a two-dimensional CMOS photosensor array of photosensor elements and/or (ii) a lens. With the housing mounted to the bracket attached at the vehicle windshield, the imager views to the exterior of the vehicle through the vehicle windshield at a region of the windshield that may be swept by a windshield wiper of the vehicle. The photosensor array is operable to capture image data. A control includes an image processor disposed in the housing. The image processor includes a digital signal processor. The driver assistance system identifies objects viewed by the imager via processing by the image processor of captured image data. A spectral filter may be disposed between the photosensor array and the lens. | 05-30-2013 |
20130141579 | ACCESSORY MOUNTING SYSTEM FOR VEHICLE - An accessory mounting system for a vehicle includes an attachment element attached at an in-cabin surface of a vehicle windshield of a vehicle. The attachment element has a mirror mounting button. At least one attachment member is attached at the in-cabin surface of the vehicle windshield local to the attachment element. An interior rearview minor assembly has a mirror head and a minor support. The mirror head includes a minor reflective element and a mirror casing. The minor support includes a minor mount that is configured to mount the interior rearview mirror assembly to the minor mounting button of the attachment element. A structure is configured for mounting to the attachment member and is configured to receive and be supported by the attachment member. The structure is configured to accommodate a forward facing camera having a field of view through the vehicle windshield. | 06-06-2013 |
20130144488 | DRIVER ASSISTANCE SYSTEM FOR A VEHICLE - A vehicular driver assistance system includes an attachment element attached at an in-cabin surface of a windshield of the vehicle. The attachment element includes a mirror mounting element and an interior rearview mirror assembly includes a mirror head and a mirror support. The mirror support includes a mirror mount that is configured to mount the interior rearview mirror assembly to the mirror mounting element. A structure is attached at the vehicle windshield local to the attachment element and the structure accommodates a forward facing camera and, with the structure attached at the vehicle windshield, the forward facing camera views through the vehicle windshield. The forward facing camera may include a component of at least one of (i) an automatic headlamp control system, (ii) a collision avoidance system, (iii) a windshield fogging detection system and (iv) a rain sensing system. | 06-06-2013 |
20130153127 | METHOD OF MANUFACTURING A REFLECTIVE ELEMENT FOR A VEHICULAR REARVIEW MIRROR ASSEMBLY - A method of manufacturing a reflective element for a vehicle rearview mirror assembly includes providing front and rear glass substrates and establishing an uncured trace material at least at the rear glass substrate and establishing an uncured seal material along a perimeter region of at least one of the second surface of the front glass substrate and the third surface of the rear glass substrate. The front and rear glass substrates are joined with the uncured seal material disposed therebetween. The uncured seal material and the uncured trace material are cured via a common curing process. The curing of the uncured trace material forms an electrically conductive trace at the rear glass substrate and the curing of the uncured seal material forms a perimeter seal of the reflective element. The electrically conductive trace is in electrical continuity with the electrically conductive mirror reflector. | 06-20-2013 |
20130194425 | VEHICLE ACCESSORY SYSTEM - An accessory system for a vehicle includes a mounting element attached at a vehicle windshield, a module mounted at a side of the mounting element that opposes the side that attaches at the windshield, and a camera disposed in the module. The module includes attaching structure that cooperates with attaching structure of the mounting element in order to detachably mount the module at the mounting element. The camera, with the module mounted at the mounting element attached at the vehicle windshield, may view forwardly through the vehicle windshield via a generally wedge-shaped structure. The camera captures image data for a driver assistance system of the vehicle. Electrical circuitry is disposed in the module and, with the module mounted at the mounting element attached at the vehicle windshield, the electrical circuitry communicates over a vehicle communication bus with at least one system of the vehicle. | 08-01-2013 |
20130194426 | MULTI-CAMERA VISION SYSTEM FOR A VEHICLE - A multi-camera vision system for a vehicle includes first, second and third image capture devices disposed at respective vehicle portions. The first image capture device field of view overlaps with the third image capture device field of view defining a first overlap zone, and the second image capture device field of view overlaps with the third image capture device field of view defining a second overlap zone. Responsive to processing by an image processor of received image data, a synthesized image is generated without duplication of objects present in the first overlap zone and in the second overlap zone. The synthesized image approximates a view as would be seen by a virtual camera at a single location exterior of the vehicle, and is displayed by a single display screen of a reconfigurable display device that is viewable by a driver of the vehicle when normally operating the vehicle. | 08-01-2013 |
20130229522 | ACCESSORY MOUNTING SYSTEM FOR A VEHICLE - An accessory mounting system for a vehicle includes a mirror mounting button attached at an in-cabin surface of the vehicle windshield and a mounting element attached at the in-cabin surface of the windshield separate from the mounting button. An interior rearview mirror assembly has a mirror head and a mirror support, which includes a mirror mount configured to mount the mirror assembly to the mirror mounting button. A module is configured to be received at and supported by the mounting element attached at the windshield. The module accommodates a forward facing camera that views through the windshield. The forward facing camera may be part of a driver assistance system of the vehicle. With the module received by and supported by the mounting element, the mirror mount can be mounted to the mirror mounting button and can be demounted from the mirror mounting button without demounting the module from the mounting element. | 09-05-2013 |
20130242582 | DRIVER ASSISTANCE SYSTEM FOR VEHICLE - A driver assistance system for a vehicle includes an imaging sensor and a control. The control processes image data captured by the imaging sensor to determine the presence of an object of interest in the scene monitored by the imaging sensor. The control adjusts a vehicle accessory and/or headlamp of the vehicle at least in part responsive to determination of the presence of the object of interest in the monitored scene. The control receives vehicle data via a communication bus of the vehicle, with the vehicle data including at least one of (i) vehicle speed data and (ii) vehicle trajectory data. At least in part responsive to receiving vehicle data, the control inhibits adjustment of the vehicle accessory from a first state to a second state. The control is operable to process captured image data to determine the presence of lane markers in the monitored scene. | 09-19-2013 |
20130250046 | MULTI-CAMERA VISION SYSTEM FOR A VEHICLE - A multi-camera vision system for a vehicle includes first, second and third image capture devices having respective first, second and third fields of view exterior of the vehicle. The first field of view overlaps with the third field of view defining a first overlap zone, and the second field of view overlaps with the third field of view defining a second overlap zone. Responsive to processing of captured image data, a synthesized image is generated without duplication of objects present in the first and second overlap zones and the synthesized image approximates a view as would be seen by a virtual camera at a single location exterior of the vehicle. The synthesized image is displayed by a single display screen that is viewable by a driver of the vehicle and the synthesized image assists the driver in executing a maneuver of the vehicle with a trailer attached thereto. | 09-26-2013 |
20130293715 | DRIVER ASSISTANCE SYSTEM FOR VEHICLE - A driver assistance system for a vehicle includes an imager disposed in the vehicle and viewing forward of the vehicle through the vehicle windshield. The imager has a field of view exterior the vehicle and is operable to capture image data. The imager includes (i) a lens, (ii) a spectral filter and (iii) a CMOS photosensor array of photosensor elements. The system includes a control that may be operable to process captured image data for at least a first application and a second application, with the first application including lane departure warning and the second application selected from the group consisting of (i) headlamp control, (ii) vehicle detection and (iii) rain sensing. The control may be operable to adjust a parameter or setting of the imager. | 11-07-2013 |
20130297148 | DRIVER ASSISTANCE SYSTEM FOR A VEHICLE - A driver assistance system for a vehicle includes an imager and a control having an image processor. The imager is disposed at or proximate to an in-cabin portion of a windshield of a vehicle and has a forward field of view to the exterior of the vehicle through the vehicle windshield. The driver assistance system identifies objects in the forward field of view of the imager via processing of captured image data by the image processor. At least in part responsive to processing of captured image data by the image processor, a determination is made that the vehicle is being operated in an urban environment. Responsive to the determination that the vehicle is being operated in an urban environment, operation of a driver assistance function of the vehicle is inhibited. | 11-07-2013 |
20130300871 | DRIVER ASSISTANCE SYSTEM FOR A VEHICLE - A driver assistance system for a vehicle includes an imager disposed in a housing and a control. The imager includes a CMOS photosensor array of photosensor elements and a lens. With the housing disposed in a vehicle, the imager views forwardly to the exterior of the vehicle through the vehicle windshield at a region of the windshield that is swept by a windshield wiper of the vehicle. The CMOS photosensor array is operable to capture image data. The control includes an image processor disposed in the housing. The driver assistance system identifies objects viewed by the imager via processing by the image processor of captured image data. At least in part responsive to processing of captured image data by the image processor, streetlights present exterior of the vehicle and viewed by imager are discriminated from other objects present exterior the vehicle and viewed by imager. | 11-14-2013 |
20130314538 | VEHICLE ACCESSORY SYSTEM - An accessory system for a vehicle includes an attachment member attached at an interior surface of a vehicle windshield, an accessory module configured to mount to the attachment member and an accessory disposed at least partially in the accessory module. The accessory includes a camera having a lens. The accessory module is detachably mounted to the attachment member. With the camera disposed in the accessory module and with the accessory module mounted to the attachment member, the camera has a forward field of view through the vehicle windshield. With the camera disposed in the accessory module and with the accessory module mounted to the attachment member, the lens of the camera is spaced from the interior surface of the vehicle windshield. A resilient element is provided to cushion the accessory module when the accessory module is mounted to the attachment member. | 11-28-2013 |
20130321615 | DRIVER ASSISTANCE SYSTEM FOR A VEHICLE - A driver assistance system for a vehicle includes a forward facing and a control having an image processor that processes image data captured by the camera. At least in part responsive to processing by the image processor, an alert to a driver of the equipped vehicle is generated based upon at least one of (i) detection of an inappropriate lane change maneuver of the equipped vehicle and (ii) a detection of a potential impact with another vehicle. The image processor processes image data captured by the forward facing camera to detect a traffic control device present within the field of view of the forward facing camera, and the system may generate an alert to the driver when it is determined that the vehicle is not appropriately responding to the detected traffic control device. | 12-05-2013 |
20140009672 | ACCESSORY SYSTEM FOR VEHICLE - An accessory system for a vehicle includes a windshield and an accessory module. The windshield has a mounting element attached at an inner surface of the windshield, with the mounting element adapted for mounting of an accessory module thereto and demounting of the accessory module therefrom. The accessory module is adapted for mounting to and demounting from the mounting element. The accessory module accommodates a camera having a CMOS photosensor array and a lens. The CMOS photosensor array is accommodated at the accessory module separate from the lens. The CMOS photosensor array is disposed on a circuit board. The accessory module is configured so that, when mounted to the mounting element attached at the windshield, the lens has a field of view through the windshield appropriate for a driver assistance system of the vehicle. | 01-09-2014 |
20140015977 | DRIVER ASSIST SYSTEM FOR VEHICLE - A driver assist system for a vehicle includes a camera and a video display screen viewable by a driver of the vehicle. The video display screen is operable to display images derived, at least in part, from image data captured by the camera. A visual cue is displayed by the video display screen in conjunction with display of the captured image data. During a reversing maneuver of the vehicle, image data captured by the camera is displayed by the video display screen as video images so as to assist the driver in reversing the vehicle. When a reversing maneuver of the vehicle is not being executed, the display screen may be operable to display information associated with at least one of (i) a navigational system, (ii) a telematics system and (iii) a vehicle information system. | 01-16-2014 |
20140058653 | DRIVER ASSISTANCE SYSTEM FOR A VEHICLE - A driver assistance system for a vehicle includes a display screen disposed within an interior cabin of the vehicle and a camera disposed at the vehicle and having a rearward field of view. The display screen displays video information captured by the camera for assisting the driver during a reversing maneuver. When the vehicle is not executing a reversing maneuver, the information display screen is operable to display information wirelessly communicated to the vehicle from a remote communication system. The information from the remote communication system may include traffic information or traffic related information, such as traffic flow, congestion, stalled vehicle or accident information, alternate routes for the vehicle, and/or traffic information derived from sensors or signs positioned along the road that the vehicle is traveling or on other roads near or associated with that road. The remote communication system may include a highway/road management monitoring system. | 02-27-2014 |
20140071285 | DRIVER ASSISTANCE SYSTEM FOR VEHICLE - A driver assistance system for a vehicle includes a forward facing camera and a processor operable to process image data captured by the camera. Responsive to processing of captured image data, the driver assistance system is operable to determine a lane along which the vehicle is traveling and to detect oncoming vehicles approaching the vehicle in another lane that is to the right or left of the determined lane along which the vehicle is traveling. The driver assistance system is operable to control, at least in part, a light beam emanating from a headlamp of the vehicle and adjusts the light beam emanating from the headlamp to limit directing beam light towards the eyes of a driver of the detected oncoming vehicle. Responsive to processing of captured image data, the driver assistance system is operable to provide lane departure warning to a driver of the vehicle. | 03-13-2014 |
20140084789 | VEHICULAR VISION SYSTEM - A vehicular vision system includes a camera having a lens and a CMOS photosensor array having a plurality of photosensor elements. The camera is disposed at an interior portion of a vehicle equipped with the vehicular vision system. The camera one of (i) views exterior of the equipped vehicle through the windshield of the equipped vehicle and forward of the equipped vehicle and (ii) views from the windshield of the equipped vehicle into the interior cabin of the equipped vehicle. A control includes an image processor that processes image data captured by the photosensor array. The image processor processes captured image data to detect an object viewed by the camera. The photosensor array is operable at a plurality of exposure periods and at least one exposure period of the plurality of exposure periods is dynamically variable. | 03-27-2014 |
20140125799 | VEHICLE VISION SYSTEM - A vision system for a vehicle includes an imaging sensor having a forward field of view in a forward direction of travel of the vehicle. The imaging sensor includes an array of photosensing elements that has groupings of photosensing elements, each grouping having at least three neighboring photosensing elements. At least one photosensing element of each grouping is a red light sensitive photosensing element and at least one other photosensing element of each grouping is a white light sensitive photosensing element. A control may process image data captured by the imaging sensor to determine a taillight of a leading vehicle present in the forward field of view and traveling ahead of and in the same direction as that of the equipped vehicle. The control may process captured image data to determine rate of approach of the equipped vehicle relative to the leading vehicle. | 05-08-2014 |
20140142809 | VISION SYSTEM FOR VEHICLE - A vision system for a vehicle includes a camera having a field of view in a forward direction of travel of the vehicle. The camera has a two-dimensional array of photosensing elements that includes photosensing elements arranged in a matrix array of rows and columns. A control includes an image processor that processes image data captured by the camera to detect objects of interest located within the field of view of the camera. The image processor processes captured image data to detect lane markers on the road being driven by the vehicle and located within the field of view of the camera. The vision system, responsive to processing of captured image data, automatically recognizes whether the vehicle is being driven on a road of a left hand drive road system or on a road of a right hand drive road system. | 05-22-2014 |
20140192181 | DRIVER ASSIST SYSTEM FOR VEHICLE - A driver assist system for a vehicle includes a camera and a control having an image processor, which processes image data captured by the camera. At least one non-visual sensor is operable to detect objects external of the vehicle and to provide non-visual sensor data to the control. During at least one of (i) a reversing maneuver and (ii) a parking maneuver, images derived, at least in part, from image data captured by the camera are displayed by a video display screen that is viewable by the driver to assist the driver in operating the vehicle. The control provides an indication to the vehicle driver, with the indication including at least one of (i) a visual indication displayed by the video display screen and (ii) an audible indication. The indication is provided, at least in part, responsive to detection by the non-visual sensor of an object external of the vehicle. | 07-10-2014 |
20140253730 | ACCESSORY SYSTEM FOR VEHICLE - An accessory system for a vehicle includes a mounting element attached at an inner surface of a windshield and configured for mounting of an accessory module thereto and demounting of the accessory module therefrom. The accessory module is configured for mounting to the mounting element via snap attachment. The accessory module accommodates a camera comprising a CMOS photosensor array and a lens. The accessory module is configured so that, when mounted to the mounting element at the windshield, the lens has a field of view through the windshield. The camera is operable to capture image data for use by a driver assistance system of the vehicle. The accessory module includes an electrical connector for electrically connecting with circuitry disposed in the accessory module. The electrical connector is configured for electrical connection to at least a power source of the vehicle and a communication bus of the vehicle. | 09-11-2014 |
20140267732 | REAR VISION SYSTEM FOR A VEHICLE - A camera vision system for a vehicle includes a rear backup video camera operable to capture video images rearward of the vehicle during a rear backup maneuver of the vehicle. The rearward field of view of the rear backup video camera encompasses a vehicle hitch of the vehicle, which is configured to connect to a trailer tongue of a trailer to connect the trailer to the vehicle. A display device includes a video screen operable to display video images captured by the rear backup video camera for viewing by a driver of the vehicle, such as when a transmission of the equipped vehicle is shifted into reverse gear by the driver. The control continues to display video images captured by the rear backup video camera during a short term forward movement of the vehicle after the shifting of the transmission of the equipped vehicle into reverse gear. | 09-18-2014 |
20140285663 | VISION SYSTEM FOR A VEHICLE - A vision system for a vehicle includes a mirror mounting button attached at a first location at an in-cabin surface of a windshield and an attachment member attached at a second location at the in-cabin surface of the windshield. A light absorbing layer is disposed at the windshield and at least partially masks the presence of the attachment member from view by a viewer who is viewing through the windshield from outside the vehicle. An accessory module is releasably attached to the attachment member and accommodates a forward facing camera. With the accessory module releasably attached to the attachment member at the windshield, the forward facing camera views through the windshield. The forward facing camera includes a component of a camera-based driver assistance system of the vehicle. | 09-25-2014 |
20140340519 | VEHICLE ACCESSORY SYSTEM - An accessory system for a vehicle includes an attachment member attached at an interior surface of a vehicle windshield and an accessory module configured to detachably mount to the attachment member. The accessory module and attachment member are configured so that when the accessory module mounts to the attachment member, an electrical element of the accessory module is biased toward and against the inner surface of the windshield. The electrical element includes a camera and, with the accessory module mounted to the attachment member, the camera has a forward field of view through the windshield. The camera may be associated with at least one of (i) a headlamp control system, (ii) a lane departure warning system, (iii) an adaptive cruise control system, (iv) a sign recognition system, (v) a night vision system, (vi) a pedestrian detection system and (vii) a pre-crash avoidance system. | 11-20-2014 |
20140362221 | VISION SYSTEM FOR VEHICLE - A vehicular vision system includes a forward facing camera at a windshield of a vehicle with a forward field of view through the vehicle windshield. The camera is operable to capture image data for a plurality of driver assistance systems of the vehicle. Responsive to processing by an image processor of captured image data, a lane of a road along which the vehicle is traveling is determined and an oncoming vehicle approaching the vehicle is detected, and the vision system determines whether a detected oncoming vehicle is in a lane to the right of the determined lane along which the vehicle is traveling or is in a lane to the left of the determined lane along which the vehicle is traveling. The at least three driver assistance systems of the vehicle includes a lane departure warning system of the vehicle and at least another driver assistance system. | 12-11-2014 |
20150077565 | REAR VISION SYSTEM FOR A VEHICLE - A camera vision system for a vehicle includes a rear backup video camera operable to capture video images rearward of the vehicle during a rear backup maneuver of the vehicle. A display device is operable to display video images captured by the rear backup video camera when the vehicle is shifted into reverse gear and the display continues during short term forward movement of the vehicle. An overlay is displayed with the video images to assist the driver during the rear backup maneuver. The display device is operable to display video images with a display intensity greater than 200 candelas/sq. meter. A control includes an image processor that image processes video images to detect objects that are within the rearward field of view of the rear backup video camera. The image processing by the image processor of captured video images includes use of an edge detection algorithm. | 03-19-2015 |