Rearview mirror assembly encompassing a radar detector and/or laser detector

One embodiment of a rearview mirror encompassing a plurality of radar detectors and laser detectors comprises of an opaque housing, a rearview mirror assembly, a universal mount, and a PCB assembly providing all of the illumination, audible indication, logic, user inputs, and radar and laser detection. Visual indications of radar or laser signals via illuminated indicators visible through the mirror, provide a fully functioning rearview mirror, when in standby mode. The device accommodates a plurality of mounts in order to accommodate all vehicle types. The geometry and mounting locations provide for more sensitive and accurate detection of radar and laser signals, while neither distracting the drive, detracting from the aesthetic nature of the vehicle, or causing a safety hazard.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

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FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH

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SEQUENCE LISTING OR PROGRAM

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BACKGROUND

1. Field of Invention

This invention generally relates to a rearview mirror assembly, specifically to a rearview mirror assembly for use in vehicles and incorporating functions of a radar detector and/or laser detector.

2. Prior Art

Radar detectors for vehicles have been in common use for many years as they provide a desired function for the vehicle driving public. There are several factors that make the use of radar detectors unpleasant for the consumer and prevent its more widespread use.

Radar detectors are typically after-market purchases and are installed as home using a variety of simple included mounts. When using these included mounts, consumers are given instructions as to where to mount the device in order to experience the greatest performance from the device. An ideal position is in the center of the vehicle, close to the windshield glass, and as high as possible without being in the line of sight of the tinted band typically found at the top of most windshields.

One of the most common mounts utilizes a plurality of suction cups attached to a mounting bracket by which the radar detector is suspended from the windshield of the vehicle. The other involves attaching the device to a bracket that clips to a sun visor mounted to the ceiling of the vehicle. Under these constraints, the best possible location is in the location typically occupied by the rearview mirror. Since that location is not available, the next options available, given the included mounts, are either attached to the windshield directly below the rearview mirror or attached to the right side of the driver's sun visor.

The Suction Cup Mount

Using suction cups presents difficulty because the suction cups can become loose and have to be readjusted. They also rely on the windshield being clean and dry however, dirt and oils are introduced each time the mount is reattached, further reducing its ability to adhere securely to the windshield. Loose suction cups can lead to driver distraction and pose a safety hazard when the device falls off of the windshield while the vehicle is traveling. These mounts are accompanied by a spiral power cable that dangles downward from the device where it can be plugged into a power outlet such as a cigarette-lighter outlet. As most vehicles only have one such outlet, using it for a radar detector prevents it from being used for powering additional devices such as a mobile phone, portable music player, etc. Mounting a radar detector to the windshield with a cable dangling can be distracting to the driver and can obstruct his or her view of the road ahead. This cable also inhibits the use of other controls on the vehicle console such as thermostat, audio, and navigation controls. Windshield mounts also make the radar detector visible from outside the vehicle, encouraging break-in and theft.

In the case of older vehicles, specifically the American muscle cars of the 1960s and 1970s, the suction cups are an inadequate mount because of the steep angle at which windshields on those vehicles are mounted. Most suction cup based mounting brackets hold the radar detector at a pre-determined angle with respect to the windshield. While this is suitable for the majority of vehicles, in a muscle car this mounts the radar detector at an angle such that the radar detector receiver will be pointed downward and not allow for maximum sensitivity of the device. Depending on the geometry of the radar detector enclosure, many angularly adjustable mounts are not able to support the load of the device because it creates a great moment arm about the mounted suction cups, causing the radar detector to be unstable and fall off the windshield. This can be especially distracting and potentially hazardous to the driver and passengers of the vehicle.

The Visor Clip Mount

The second mounting mentioned, including a sun visor clip, prohibits the use of the sun visor for its original intention, thus creating a safety hazard in bright sunlight. The sun visor clip method also frequently has inadequate connection between the clip and the device, causing the device to fall off of the sun visor and into the face or lap of the driver, creating an additional safety hazard.

In the aforementioned case of a muscle car, the sun visor mounting clips frequently cause two problems. First, these clips are designed to accommodate the modern sun visor that is much thicker than older models and the clip does not attach securely to the sun visor of a muscle car. Second, the friction about the hinge where the sun visor pivots is greater in modern vehicles than in muscle cars, in order to accommodate the greater weight in these modern visors. In most cases, the hinge on the sun visor of a muscle car cannot support the additional load of the radar detector's weight. U.S. Pat. No. 5,667,176 to Zamarripa (1997), mentions several additional difficulties with both the suction cup and sun visor clip mounting methods.

The design of U.S. Pat. No. 5,667,176 to Zamarripa (1997) fails to account for the awkward and potentially hazardous power cable or the security risks with a device that is visible from outside the vehicle. In this design, only the standard power option of a spiral cable is available. Thus, the problems of the obtrusive cable dangling down to a cigarette-lighter power outlet still remain. This design is also very large, in order to accommodate a wide variety of radar detector enclosures and creates a blind spot for the driver in the center of the windshield where this mount attaches to the rearview mirror.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,630,904 to Pastore (1986) discloses a rearview mirror assembly comprising of a two-way mirror with information display designed to maximize reflective surface when information is not displayed; however, a two-way mirror does not provide optimal image reflectance, reducing the effectiveness of the rearview mirror assembly's primary function. More specifically, because both sides of the two-way mirror have variable lighting conditions for instance, daytime versus nighttime on the exposed side and Light Emitting Diode (LED) illumination versus non-illumination on the interior, the reflectance of the mirror varies greatly and cannot be relied upon for the primary function.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,614,579 to Roberts et al. (2003) discloses a rearview mirror assembly comprising of a transparent housing and a radar laser detector where either the housing or rearward viewing means is at least partially transparent to wavelengths of light to which said laser radar detector is sensitive. The biggest limitation of this design is that the transparency is only sensitive to wavelengths of light and not radar waves, preventing the device from detecting radar signals.

Thus, a need exists for a radar detector and laser detector mount that overcomes the previously mentioned problems in the prior art without introducing any new problems.

SUMMARY

In accordance with one embodiment, a rearview mirror assembly contains within it a radar detector and a laser detector. Visual and audible indicators are present only when the device is in an active state. An active state is defined as when the internal radar detector or laser detector have detected a radar signal or a laser signal. While in standby mode, when the device is powered but no signals are detected, with the power indicator dimmed, the device provides no indication that any special features are available and appears just as a normal rearview mirror.

DRAWING

Reference Numerals

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

First Embodiment—FIGS.1-4and11-12

One embodiment of the rearview mirror assembly is illustrated inFIG. 1(front perspective view),FIG. 2(front view in standby mode),FIG. 3(front view with illuminated indicators), andFIG. 4(rear view).

FIG. 1shows a front perspective view of rearview mirror assembly100, and windshield mount assembly102A that enables rearview mirror assembly100to attach to a vehicle windshield. The mirror assembly100consists of a housing104and a bezel106A, which supports mirror glass assembly108A. Mirror assembly100accommodates multi-function roller/push button110and multi-function push button114(shown inFIG. 2). Internal to mirror assembly100is a PCB assembly136which contains controlling electronics for the detection and notification of radar and laser signals. Functions provided by the PCB assembly136include but are not limited to illumination of indicators via LEDs, audible notification via speaker, user inputs. Multi-function roller/push button110has multiple input methods. It is able to be pressed-in momentarily to select an option or to be pressed and held-in to navigate options or menus. Additionally, a user can slide their finger up or down along the rotating portion of the button in order to increase or decrease relative levels or to scroll through a list of items or settings.

Housing104has an internal hemispherical recess that mates to the window mount assembly102A, described in more detail withFIG. 11C. I currently envision the mirror glass assembly108A affixing to the housing104via screws. It could also be affixed with pressure sensitive adhesive, mechanical snaps, plastic posts from housing104that can be melted by ultrasonic welding or by the application of heat from a heat-staking process. Bezel106A contains features which engage into housing104which ensures mirror glass assembly108A cannot be removed during normal use. Besides mechanical features, bezel106A and housing104may be fastened together via custom screws installed with special driver, to ensure the device against tampering. Other methods of securing the device include liquid adhesive, mechanical snaps, or ultrasonic welding. I presently contemplate that the housing and bezel be made of Thermoplastic polymers that are opaque. They may also be made of Thermoset polymers, metals such s Aluminum, Magnesium, Steel, etc. or composite materials of Carbon or other suitable fibers.

FIG. 2shows a front view of the first embodiment of mirror assembly100. With the device in standby mode, the front view of the rearview mirror assembly108A appears as a conventional rearview mirror without any additional features. In standby mode, the device is powered, as indicated by the illumination of power indicator112A which can be dimmed via settings. All other indicators are hidden from view in this state.

FIG. 3shows a front view of the first embodiment of rearview mirror assembly100where the following indicators are illuminated: directional indicators116A, signal type indicator118A, and intensity indicator120A. Indicators can be illuminated by user input of multi-function buttons, by detection of radar or laser signals, or by the powering on of the device.

FIG. 4shows a rear view of mirror assembly100. Housing104incorporates a user input method of multi-function push button114. Additionally, aperture for laser receiver126and aperture for radar receiver124are embedded within housing104. I currently envision that aperture for laser receiver126and aperture for radar receiver124will be heat-staked into the housing104. Additional fastening methods include pressure sensitive adhesive, liquid adhesive, mechanical snaps, etc. Speaker opening122shows one placement option for output of the speaker which is part of the PCB assembly136(FIG. 11B). Other placements can be made to improve sound or to optimize the locations of aperture for laser receiver126and aperture for radar receiver124. The windshield mount assembly102A is shown in a rear view as seen through the front of the windshield. Windshield mount assembly102A is placed in a location with respect to housing104which does not obstruct aperture for radar receiver124and aperture for laser receiver126during orientation changes of rear view mirror assembly100. Instead of having pluralities of apertures dedicated to each type of receiver, a singular aperture may be used to accommodate for multiple receivers of various types. Additionally, pluralities of receivers can be placed in various orientations on any face of the device with any number of corresponding apertures.

FIG. 11Aconsists of rearview mirror assembly100with section lines B-B and C-C, defining the section views shown inFIGS. 11B and 11C.

FIG. 11Bis a section view line B-B, as defined byFIG. 11A. It shows the assembled state of windshield mount assembly102A which includes windshield mount bracket128A, windshield mount shaft130A, cable exit132A, and windshield mount spherical joint134A. Cable exit aperture132A allows for cables exiting rearview mirror assembly100from being pinched during orientation changes or adjustments made by user. The location of cable exit132A allows for concealment of power cable where the windshield meets the ceiling of the vehicle, preventing the cable from dangling and distracting the driver of the vehicle. Windshield mount assembly102A attaches to housing104and is fastened by spherical joint bushing138via screws in the present embodiment. Ultrasonic welding, heat-staking, or mechanical snaps are also possible methods to retain windshield mount assembly102A into housing104. Also shown inFIG. 11Bare aperture for laser receiver126, multi-function roller/push button110, PCB assembly136, multi-function push button114, mirror glass assembly108A, and bezel106A.

FIG. 11Cis a section view line C-C, as defined byFIG. 11A. It shows the assembled state of windshield mount assembly102A which includes windshield mount bracket128A, windshield mount shaft130A, and windshield mount spherical joint134A. Windshield mount bracket128A is fastened via threads into windshield mount shaft130A. Additional methods for attachment include welding, liquid adhesive, press-fitting, etc. Windshield mount shaft130A may be fastened to windshield mount spherical joint134A via threads. Additional fastening methods may include welding, liquid adhesive, press-fitting, etc. Windshield mount assembly102A attaches to housing104and is fastened by spherical joint bushing138via screws in the present embodiment. Ultrasonic welding, heat-staking, or mechanical snaps are also possible methods to retain windshield mount assembly102A into housing104. Also shown inFIG. 11Care multi-function roller/push button110, PCB assembly136, multi-function push button114, mirror glass assembly108A, and bezel106A.

FIG. 12shows an exploded view of windshield mount assembly102A which includes windshield mount bracket128A, windshield mount shaft130A, cable exit132A, and windshield mount spherical joint134A.

The second embodiment is differentiated by the masked perimeter of the mirror glass assembly108A.

FIG. 5consists of rear view mirror assembly100in standby mode and shows the presence of windshield mount assembly102A, bezel106A, multi-function push button114, and mirror glass assembly108A. Power indicator112B is illuminated to indicate power to the device and standby mode.

FIG. 6consists of rear view mirror assembly100with all available indicators illuminated. One example when this occurs is during the startup sequence after the device has been powered. Also shown are windshield mount assembly102A, bezel106A, multi-function push button114, and mirror glass assembly108B′. Illuminated indicators include power indicator112B, directional indicators116B, signal type indicator118B, and intensity indicator120B are visible in mirror glass assembly108B′.

The third embodiment is differentiated by the etched indicators of the mirror glass assembly108C.

FIG. 7consists of rear view mirror assembly100when in standby mode. Also shown are windshield mount assembly102A, bezel106A, multi-function push button114, and mirror glass assembly108C. Power indicator112C is illuminated indicating power to the device and standby mode. Directional indicators116C, signal type indicator118C, and intensity indicator120C are visible in mirror glass assembly108C but are not illuminated.

FIG. 8consists of rear view mirror assembly100with all available indicators illuminated. One example when this occurs is during the startup sequence after the device has been powered. Also shown are windshield mount assembly102A, bezel106A, multi-function push button114, and mirror glass assembly108C′. Illuminated indicators include power indicator112C, directional indicators116C′, signal type indicator118C′, and intensity indicator120C′ are visible in mirror glass assembly108C′.

The fourth embodiment is differentiated by the wider bezel (wide bezel106B).

FIG. 9consists of rear view mirror assembly100when in standby mode. Also shown are windshield mount assembly102A, wide bezel106B, multi-function push button114, and mirror glass assembly108D. Power indicator112D is illuminated indicating power to the device and standby mode. Directional indicators116D, signal type indicator118D, and intensity indicator120D are visible in wide bezel106B but are not illuminated.

FIG. 10consists of rear view mirror assembly100with all available indicators illuminated. This occurs during the startup sequence when the device is being powered on. Also shown are windshield mount assembly102A, bezel106B, multi-function push button114, and mirror glass assembly108D. Illuminated indicators including power indicator112D, directional indicators116D′, signal type indicator118D′, and intensity indicator120D′ are visible within wide bezel106B.

The fifth embodiment is differentiated by ceiling mount assembly102B.

FIG. 13Aconsists of rearview mirror assembly100with section lines B-B and C-C, defining the section views shown inFIGS. 13B and 13C.

FIG. 13Bis a section view of line B-B, as defined byFIG. 13A. It shows the assembled state of ceiling mount assembly102B which includes ceiling mount bracket128B, ceiling mount shaft130B, cable exit132B, ceiling mount spherical joint134B, and ceiling mount shaft endcap140. Cable exit aperture132B allows for cables exiting rearview mirror assembly100from being pinched during orientation changes or adjustments made by user. The location of cable exit132B allows for concealment of power cable where the windshield meets the ceiling of the vehicle, preventing the cable from dangling and distracting the driver of the vehicle. Ceiling mount assembly102B attaches to housing104and is fastened by spherical joint bushing138vis screws in the present embodiment. Ultrasonic welding, heat-staking, or mechanical snaps are also possible methods to retain ceiling mount assembly102B into housing104. Also shown inFIG. 13Bare aperture for laser receiver126, multi-function roller/push button110, PCB assembly136, multi-function push button114, mirror glass assembly108A, and bezel106A.

FIG. 13Cis a section view line C-C, as defined byFIG. 13A. It shows the assembled state of ceiling mount assembly102B which includes ceiling mount bracket128B, ceiling mount shaft130B, and ceiling mount spherical joint134B. Ceiling mount bracket128B is fastened via threads into ceiling mount shaft130B. Additional methods for attachment include welding, liquid adhesive, press-fitting, etc. Ceiling mount shaft130B may be fastened to ceiling mount spherical joint134B via threads. Additional fastening methods may include welding, liquid adhesive, press-fitting, etc. Ceiling mount assembly102B attaches to housing104and is fastened by spherical joint bushing138via screws in the present embodiment. Ultrasonic welding, heat-staking, or mechanical snaps are also possible methods to retain windshield mount assembly102A into housing104. Also shown inFIG. 13Care multi-function roller/push button110, PCB assembly136, multi-function push button114, mirror glass assembly108A, and bezel106A.

FIG. 14shows an exploded view of ceiling mount assembly102B which includes ceiling mount bracket128B, ceiling mount shaft130B, ceiling mount spherical joint134B, and ceiling mount shaft endcap140.

FIG. 15shows a front perspective view of rearview mirror assembly100which includes housing104that accommodates the mounting of ceiling mount assembly102B to affix the rearview mirror assembly100onto an interior ceiling of the vehicle. The mirror assembly100consists of a housing104and a bezel106A, which supports mirror glass assembly108A. Mirror assembly100accommodates multi-function roller/push button110and multi-function push button114(not shown inFIG. 15).

Operation

When installed in a vehicle, the first embodiment of the rearview mirror assembly appears, to the casual observer, to have no special features other than the basic reflective nature of a rearview mirror. The only visible difference is a plurality of unobtrusive function buttons shown as multi-function roller/push button110and multi-function push button114(FIG. 2), although additional buttons, different types of buttons, and different locations of buttons may be used. Multi-function roller/push button110and multi-function push button114protrude from housing104, enabling them to be found by a user's tactile response without visual confirmation. To power up the device, the user grabs the mirror assembly the same way they might adjust the angle of a standard rearview mirror—by gripping the mirror assembly100between their thumb and four fingers. In this way, their thumb would find the multi-function push button114. Pressing this button once and releasing, powers the device. This will trigger the device to go through a brief startup sequence, illuminating all indicators available (FIG. 2) and testing the speaker by emitting beeps at the specified volume level. After that, only power indicator112A remains illuminated to assure the user that the device is still powered. The device is now in standby mode and ready for use.

While the default settings are acceptable for most users, there are several settings that can be customized for the user's preferences. Sliding multi-function roller/push button110up and down adjusts the volume level up or down, respectively. Visual feedback is provided to the user by simultaneously displaying the volume changes relative to maximum and minimum volume output via intensity indicator120A. Auditory feedback is provided to the user by emitted beeps through speaker opening122at each volume level the user scrolls through using the rotating feature of multifunction roller/push button110. Depressing multi-function roller/push button110briefly, followed by rotating the button up or down, adjusts the brightness of the illuminated indicators with either increased brightness or decreased brightness, respectively. Once multi-function roller/push button110is depressed, all available indicators are illuminated briefly, regardless of mode. As the multi-function roller/push button110is rotated up or down, intensity indicator120A displays the level of brightness currently selected relative to the maximum and minimum brightness available. Additionally, the brightness of the rest of the indicators fluctuates with the multi-function roller/push button110as it is rotated by the user. Once the desired brightness is reached, the user presses the button once to set the brightness and exit the brightness setting.

The two main functions of the invention are to provide rearward vision via a mirrored surface and that of a radar and laser detector. When in standby mode, the device can detect radar and/or laser signals via the receivers within the enclosure. When a signal is received, the device enters active mode and various information is communicated to the user with visual and/or auditory indications. In the present embodiment, the indications available for visual feedback include signal type indicator118A, which designates the type of signal received. For radar signals received, the band of signal is designated via signal type indicator118A. Directional indicators116A are available to indicate from what direction the signal is coming. Intensity indicator120A describes the intensity of the signal received. All of these indicators need not be present in order for the device to function, and additional indicators may be added to show different information related to the radar detector or laser detector. Audible feedback is available for either signal information or for feedback in the settings mode. When a signal is detected, a user may mute the device by pressing multi-function push button114. Pressing multi-function push button114twice in quick succession mutes the sounds as well as dims the display such that directional indicators116A, signal type indicator118A, and intensity indicator120A are no longer visible.

Advantages

From the description above, a number of advantages of my rearview mirror with reader detector and laser detector become evident.

(a) Placing radar detector(s) and laser detector(s) inside of a rearview mirror places the detectors at the optimal location for receiving of radar and laser signals, thus increasing the accuracy of the device over other radar and laser detectors.

(b) Using a rearview mirror as a housing for a radar/laser detector allows for a much wider aperture for the receiver, thus increasing the sensitivity of the device over conventional radar/laser detectors.

(c) Drivers frequently glance at their rearview mirror during normal driving, therefore the presence of visual indicators in this location does not add any distraction. In this first embodiment, the visual indicators are behind the mirror, thus leaving the entire mirrored surface free for normal use of rearward vision.

(d) The device appears like a standard rearview mirror so it does not attract the attention of potential thieves, detract from the aesthetic nature of the vehicle, or distract the driver with dangling cables.

(e) This device allows muscle car owners to utilize the technology of radar and laser detectors in their vehicles that was previously unavailable to them because the standard mounts are not compatible with most muscle cars.

(f) The unit is universal, with a plurality of mounts that can accommodate nearly every vehicle. A user can easily remove one mount and install the other to accommodate the preferred mounting for their vehicle.

Conclusion, Ramifications, and Scope

Accordingly, the reader will see that the embodiments showing the integration of a rearview mirror with a reader and/or laser detector provides the user with an improvement over the currently available solutions.

Furthermore, the rearview mirror assembly has the additional advantages in that:different materials can be used for the hosing and bezel, for instance a metal housing can be paired with a plastic bezel enabling a robust housing or a plastic housing coupled to a metal bezel.using other materials can improve the tactile feel of the device or facilitate internal cooling of the electronicsa band of indicators can be in a single section and not around the perimeter of the mirror such as a band along the bottom or along the top of the mirrorindicators can be distributed among the bezel and the mirror glass assemblya display can be integrated into the bezel to allow for dynamic text to notify the user of more detailed information; dynamically changing information such as the distance to emitting radar or laser signal, etc.widening the rearview mirror assembly accommodates for a wider aperture for radar receiver, thereby improving the detection of radar signalsutilizing different colors of LEDs for specific indicators enables the user to quickly and easily identify different types of informationan array of detectors at various angles could be incorporated into the assembly to increase the sensitivity of radar and laser receiversadditional mounts are possible for vehicles where the aforementioned mounts are not practical; one such mount may include dashboard mountThe mounts can be made in a complementary geometry to any existing vehicle mounts, for after-market installation

Although the description contains may specificities, these should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiment, but as merely providing illustrations of some of the presently preferred embodiments. For example, the shape of the mirror can have other geometries such as rectangular, oval, circular, etc. Thus, the scope of the embodiment should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents, rather than by the examples given.