Abstract:
A rear view mirror assembly comprises a body having cameras for viewing and recording images out the front windshield and the rear window of the vehicle. The rear-facing cameras can be used to record the activities of the driver while driving and the activities of any rear-seated passengers. The cameras are connected to a camera system that may comprise means for camera control, power and recording and may be included in the body. The body may also have a GPS receiver. The body further includes a retractable universal mounting bracket used for mounting portable electronic devices having display screens. The display screen can be used to display images recorded by the cameras and GPS data such as street maps and vehicle location.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    This invention relates to the field of land vehicles and more particularly to their accessories, namely, mirrors, and specifically to an automobile rear view mirror assembly for housing a camera system and a retractable universal mount. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    All modern vehicles are equipped with a rear view mirror. Generally, the rear view mirror is housed in an assembly that is fixed to the windshield of the vehicle with a ball and socket joint for personal adjustment. Vehicles such as police cars, taxi cabs and other commercial vehicles are often further equipped with cameras to record the operating environment of the vehicle. For example, a police car may, for evidentiary purposes, record situations taking place outside the police car through the front windshield and rear window. Such a situation might be a high-speed chase, where recording the perpetrator in action is important to a successful conviction. In another example, a taxi cab may wish to record the identity of the occupants of the cab for the purposes of deterring criminal acts and recording any criminal acts that do take place. In yet another example, a driver training school may wish to record the training sessions of a student for critique. Most automotive camera systems include camera elements mounted on the dash board of the automobile or in the front upper corner of the driver&#39;s or passenger&#39;s side. These positions obscure the driver&#39;s front windscreen vision and are not aesthetically pleasing. As well, they do not readily permit the clandestine monitoring of driver training students or taxi cab passengers. 
         [0003]    Automobile global positioning systems and other electronic devices such as satellite radios and mobile phones also have the same disadvantages as automobile camera systems. Their components are either mounted on the dashboard or to the console of the vehicle. This creates further visual impairments for the driver and clutters the instrumentation of the vehicle. 
         [0004]    Various rear mirror assemblies have included a variety of electronic and mechanical elements in their designs such as radio antennae, compasses and illumination lamps. However, the rear view mirror assembly is well positioned within the vehicle to include a camera system for front and rear viewing. As well, the mirror assembly can house a retractable universal mount for holding a variety of portable electronic devices such as global positioning system devices and cellular telephones. The positioning of these devices on the universal mount makes for safe and ergonomic operation of these devices without having to clutter the instrument panel with ad-hoc accessory attachments. 
         [0005]    What is therefore required is a rear view mirror assembly that includes a camera system for rear and front viewing as well as a retractable universal mount for holding a variety of portable electronic devices. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0006]    In one embodiment of the invention there are four cameras located in the mirror assembly. These cameras they cover a full 360 degrees on a horizontal plane and 180 degrees on the vertical plane. The cameras are modern CCD day &amp; night colour cameras with high resolution. The cameras have self-regulating exposure control. A microphone is located in the housing to allow for audio recording. The cameras can record data to a DVR unit installed in the mirror assembly on a continuous 24 hour loop. This will allow for playback to an event and after. The cameras and microphones can be recorded simultaneously on separate channels to a DVR unit installed within the assembly. The recording will have real time and date stamp as well as a programmed Vehicle Identification Number according to a specific vehicle. Encryption software embedded in the DVR unit will allow only authorized users to view information gathered by the cameras microphone or other elements. A USB port or digital SDD card, will allow for the transfer of information from the camera system installed in the mirror assembly to an external storage unit or other device. The DVR or recording system will also record other elements in real time to correlate with the cameras data such as vehicle speed, acceleration and deceleration data when hardwired to the vehicles computer and other systems. The mirror assembly also includes a retractable universal mounting bracket for mounting a variety of portable electronic devices which can interact with the camera system. Examples of such devices are Global Positioning System receivers and display units, portable telephones and satellite radio receivers. The universal mounting bracket will support connections from devices on the universal mount to the automobile power system as well as connections to the camera system installed in mirror assembly. For example, the bracket may mount a GPS unit and support its functionality such as touch screen, text to speech and voice guidance. The retractable mount moves up and down with the press of a button mounted on the front panel of the mirror assembly accessible to the driver. The retractable bracket is actuated by a motor driven slide and screw mechanism. Using the retractable universal mounting bracket for mounting portable devices allows for a less obstructed view for passengers and drivers thereby adding to safety. The mirror assembly can either be hardwired to the vehicles power system with a wiring system or operate through a car lighter/auxiliary power system. In other embodiments of the invention it is possible to integrate a vehicles security system and or add sensors for theft deterrent when system is hardwired to vehicle system. This will activate the camera system and event recording. The mirror assembly camera system permits 24 hour continuous recording even while vehicle is parked or not in use. Sensors and triggers located within the system will actuate system recording. The electrical draw from the invention is minimal and therefore would only require the vehicle to be started once every 2-3 weeks to charge car battery system. 
         [0007]    In one embodiment of the invention, the camera system is self aware and errors in the camera system will appear on any device with a screen connected to the camera system. The system diagnostics will instruct operators to make changes or corrections to the system to assure correct functioning of the overall system. 
         [0008]    In another embodiment of the invention software can be installed within the operating system of the DVR unit to allow encryption of recorded data for playback only by authorized persons. 
         [0009]    The mirror assembly camera system allows for the monitoring of employees during working hours to ensure that safe driving habits are followed and that the vehicle is properly operated and maintained. 
         [0010]    In yet another embodiment of the invention, the drop down GPS or retractable universal mount will be on a swivel mechanism allowing for the correct orientation of the mirror assembly while at the same time the correct orientation of the GPS unit or other device for driver or passenger viewing. 
         [0011]    In another embodiment of the invention there is provided a rear view mirror assembly that includes a camera system for viewing a student driver undergoing driver training. 
         [0012]    In yet another embodiment of the invention there is provided a rear view mirror assembly that includes a camera system for viewing the rear-seated passengers in an automobile such as in a taxi cab. 
         [0013]    In another embodiment of the invention there is provided a rear view mirror assembly which includes a global positioning system display screen which has a deployed position for viewing and a retracted position for storage within the rear view mirror assembly. 
         [0014]    These and other features and advantages of my invention will be further appreciated by those skilled in the art by reference to the following drawings and description. 
       ADVANTAGES AND OBJECTIVES OF THE INVENTION 
       [0015]    One objective of the present invention is to make individual drivers more accountable when driving motor vehicles. 
         [0016]    Another objective of the present invention is to reduce high risk behaviour when driving such as speeding and tailgating. This should in-turn reduce vehicle related deaths, injury and damages. 
         [0017]    Another objective of the present invention is to provide recorded data for the purpose of legal proceedings and prosecution as it relates to traffic violations as well as crimes such as assaults on commercial drivers and truck high-jacking. 
         [0018]    Yet another objective of the present invention is to discourage criminal activity such as vandalism, hit and runs and vehicle theft and high risk driving practices. 
         [0019]    One advantage of the present invention is that the integration of a universal retractable mount permits the addition of a navigation system and other electronic devices and operation of these devices with multiple functions including hands free cell phone use, text to speech with voice guidance and blue tooth capabilities. 
         [0020]    Another advantage of the present invention is that it permits the integration of a GPS unit or other device into the mirror assembly with far less obstructed view out of the front windshield. 
         [0021]    The GPS technology can be integrated with the assembly&#39;s camera system. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0022]      FIG. 1  is a top view of one embodiment of the invention including front and rear facing cameras. 
           [0023]      FIG. 2  is a side view of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 . 
           [0024]      FIG. 3  is a front view of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 . 
           [0025]      FIG. 4  is a front perspective view of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 . 
           [0026]      FIG. 5  is a bottom view one embodiment of the invention illustrating a global positioning system display screen in a retracted position. 
           [0027]      FIG. 6  is a front view of one embodiment of the invention illustrating a global positioning system display screen in a deployed position. 
           [0028]      FIG. 7  is a front perspective view of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 6 . 
           [0029]      FIG. 8  is a side view of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 6 . 
           [0030]      FIG. 9  is a bottom view of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 6  showing a global positioning system display screen in a deployed position. 
           [0031]      FIG. 10  is a front view of one embodiment of the invention having a retractable universal mounting bracket. 
           [0032]      FIG. 11  is a front perspective view of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 10 . 
           [0033]      FIG. 12  is a top view of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 10 . 
           [0034]      FIG. 13  is a right-side view of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 10 . 
           [0035]      FIG. 14  is a bottom view of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 10 . 
           [0036]      FIG. 15  is a view of two samples of adapters used for mounting a variety of portable electronic devices to retractable universal mounting bracket of one embodiment of the invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Retractable GPS Screen 
       [0037]    Referring to  FIG. 1  and in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention there is shown a top view of a rear view mirror assembly  10  for a vehicle. The mirror assembly  10  comprises a body  12 , a mirror mounting member  14 , at least one camera  16  having a forward orientation for capturing exterior images forward of the vehicle and at least one camera  18  having a rearward orientation for capturing exterior images rearward of the vehicle. In the embodiment illustrated there is a second forward oriented camera  20  for redundancy and for potential stereoscopic image recording. There is also a second rearward oriented camera  22  which can be used for obtaining images of the driver or for recording images of passengers situated in the back seat of the vehicle. Combined, the cameras are able to provide 360 degree coverage around the vehicle as well as up to 180 degrees above and below the horizontal. Shown at  30  is a button control for deploying the global positioning system display screen from a first receiving area of the body as more fully explained below. 
         [0038]    In one embodiment the cameras mounted to the body are part of a camera system mounted within a second receiving area within the body. The camera system comprises the four cameras, a microphone a digital recorder for recording images audio and other elements, a camera controller and power supply and 2 USB cords for electronic interface with vehicle and other devices located on the retractable universal mount. Power supply includes both battery power (DC) mounted within the body and a USB adapter for plugging the body into an existing wiring harness, hardwired to the vehicles power supply or another DC socket such as the cigarette/auxiliary power supply. 
         [0039]    Referring to  FIG. 2  there is shown a side view of an embodiment of the rear view mirror assembly  10 . The body  12  of the mirror assembly is suspended from the mirror mounting member  14  and is oriented downwards from the windshield  32  to a position that is ergonomically ideal for rear viewing and hand adjustment by the driver. The front end  34  of the mirror mounting member  14  includes a mounting pad  36  that is used for adhesively mounting the member to the inside surface  38  of the windshield. The rearward end  40  of the mirror mounting member  14  includes mounting means  42  for mounting the body  12  of the mirror assembly  10  to the mounting member. Mounting means  42  is typically a swivel mount to permit easy hand adjustment of the rear view mirror by the driver. Camera  20  is illustrated oriented forward and camera  22  is illustrated oriented rearward. The global positioning system screen deployment button is also illustrated. The body is locked to the mirror mounting member for theft deterrence. 
         [0040]    Referring now to  FIG. 3  there is shown a front view of the invention  10  illustrating the front face  50  of the body  12 , the windshield mounting pad  36  and the forward end  34  of the mirror mounting member  14 . The reflective mirror element  52  is mounted on the front face  50  of the body  12  in a recessed manner. The body  12  of the mirror assembly comprises a periphery  56  a top surface  58 , a bottom surface  60 , a left side surface  62  and a right side surface  64 . The front face  50  of the body  12  further includes a front panel  66  in which camera  18  and camera  22  are mounted as well as global positioning system display screen deployment button  30 . The bottom of the rectangular global positioning system display screen or retractable universal mount  70  can be seen protruding slightly from the bottom surface  60  of the body  12 . The peripheral surface  56  of the assembly body  12  may be aesthetically moulded as a single piece with moulded element  72  used to retain the mirror  52  in position. The front panel can be used to mount other control devices for additional portable devices that may be mounted in the body such as mobile phone devices. 
         [0041]    Referring to  FIG. 4  there is shown a front perspective view of the body  12  of the invention  10  illustrating top surface  58  and right side surface  64 . The body  12  has a width  76  that is adequate to accommodate a first receiving space for the global positioning display screen and its plurality of deployment/retraction mechanisms as well as a second receiving space for the camera system described above. Rearward oriented cameras  18  and  22  are shown with button  30  for deploying and retracting the global positioning system display screen. 
         [0042]    Referring to  FIG. 5  there is shown a bottom view of the body  12  of the invention  10 . Bottom surface  60  is shown with the global positioning system display screen or retractable universal mount  70  shown in a retracted position. 
         [0043]    Referring to  FIG. 6  there is shown a front view of the body  12  of the invention  10  in which the global positioning system display screen  70  is shown in a deployed configuration. The screen  70  is centrally mounted in the bottom surface  60  of the body  12  and is generally rectangular in shape and sufficiently sized to provide the driver with useful information clearly displayed. The screen can be swivelled about an axis so that the driver and passenger can adjust the orientation of the screen. The screen may also be detached from the mirror assembly. The GPS display screen and GPS signal receiving system can be integral to the mirror assembly. In another embodiment of the invention described below the GPS display screen is which is removable and attached to a retractable universal mounting bracket as more fully described below. 
         [0044]    In other embodiments of the invention the display screen is replaceable by a retractable universal mounting bracket for mounting other devices such as a smart phone, satellite radio or an after-market brand of GPS device. These add-on devices can be attached to the retractable universal mount and the mount will include a suitable electrical interface for powering the devices. 
         [0045]    Referring to  FIG. 7  there is shown a front perspective view of the body  12  of the invention  10  in which the global positioning system display screen  70  is deployed from the bottom surface  60  of the body. Actuation of the display screen deployment/retraction mechanism is by button  30 . 
         [0046]    Referring to  FIG. 8  there is shown a side view of the body  12  of the invention  10  in which the global positioning system screen or retractable universal mount  70  is deployed. 
         [0047]    Referring to  FIG. 9  there is shown a bottom view of the body  12  of the invention  10  in which the global positioning system screen or retractable universal mount  70  is deployed from the bottom surface  60 . 
       Retractable Universal Mounting Bracket 
       [0048]    Referring to  FIG. 10  there is shown another embodiment of the invention  80  in which the retractable screen has been replaced with a retractable universal mounting bracket  82  adapted to carry a variety of electronic devices including a GPS device. The mirror assembly  80  includes front panel  84  and the following devices: left mounted rear facing CCD camera  86  mounted on the panel  84 ; right mounted rear facing CCD camera  88  mounted on the panel  84 ; left mounted front facing CCD camera  90  (not shown); right mounted front facing CCD camera  92  (not shown); microphone  94  for recording audio onto a camera system; Buttons  96  and  98  are part of a hands free communication system that operates via Bluetooth or similar technology. Microphone  100  allows for voice recognition and hands free speech. Button  96  is the phone button that allows for connection of phone to system and button  98  a voice recognition button that allows for interaction with the hands free communication system and in the overall functioning of the system. This system can be hardwired via  118  to the audio and other vehicle systems or operate through a radio signal to the vehicles audio system attachment pad  102  for attaching the assembly to the inside surface of the front windshield; mirror  104  which may also be an automatic dimming mirror using photochemical means; rear facing light sensor  111  and front facing light sensor  108  (not shown) for sensing light in order to activate the dimming mirror photochemical means by electrically charging the photochemical means between two plates of glass in the mirror  104 ; mirror dimming button  106 ; mounting bracket deploy/retract button  110 ; removable and adjustable upper mounting bracket  112  for adjusting to the size of the electronic device on the universal bracket; fixed lower mounting bracket  114 ; USB attachment cord  116  for connecting the camera system within the assembly to the device mounted on the bracket as well as power supply to the device on the retractable universal mount; a USB attachment cord  118  for connecting the mirror assembly and its devices to the automobile power system, for example, through the automobile cigarette/auxiliary power supply and also allows for electronic interface between other vehicle systems and housing systems, example: when the security system of the vehicle is activated the camera system will actuate and record events. Apertures  119  are included in the universal mounting bracket  82  to fix adapter brackets to the universal mounting bracket so that various brands and designs of electronic device can be attached to the universal mounting bracket. The adapter brackets are described below. 
         [0049]    Referring to  FIG. 11 , there is a front perspective view of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 10 . The following components are illustrated: The mirror assembly  80  includes retractable universal mounting bracket  82  and front panel  84 . The following devices are mounted on the assembly  80 : left mounted rear facing CCD camera  86 ; right mounted rear facing CCD camera  88 ; left mounted front facing CCD camera  90  (not shown); right mounted front facing CCD camera  92  (not shown); Buttons  96 ,  98  and microphone  100  are part of a hands free communication system that operates via Bluetooth or similar technology. Microphone  100  allows for voice recognition and hands free speech. Button  96  is the phone button that allows for connection of phone to system and button  98  a voice recognition button that allows for interaction with the hands free communication system and in the overall functioning of the system. This system can be hardwired via  118  to the audio and other vehicle systems or operate through a radio signal to the vehicles audio system; attachment pad  102  for attaching the assembly to the inside surface of the front windshield; mirror  104  which may also be an automatic dimming mirror using photochemical means; rear facing light sensor  84  and front facing light sensor  108  (not shown) for sensing light in order to activate the dimming mirror photochemical means by electrically charging the photochemical means between two plates of glass in the mirror  104 ; mirror dimming button  106 ; mounting bracket deploy/retract button  110 ; removable and adjustable upper mounting bracket  112 ; fixed lower mounting bracket  114 ; USB attachment cord  116  for connecting the camera system within the assembly to the device mounted on the bracket as well as power supply to the device on the retractable universal mount; a USB attachment cord  118  a USB attachment cord for connecting the mirror assembly and its devices to the automobile power system, for example, through the automobile cigarette/auxiliary power supply and also allows for electronic interface between other vehicle systems and housing systems, Apertures  119  in the universal mounting bracket  82  are used to fix adapter brackets to the universal mounting bracket so that a variety of brands and styles of devices can be attached to the mounting bracket. 
         [0050]    Referring now to  FIG. 12 , there is shown a right-side view of the mirror assembly: The mirror assembly  80  includes the retractable universal mount  82  and front panel  84 .  FIG. 12  illustrates right mounted rear facing CCD camera  88  and right mounted front facing CCD camera  92 . Attachment pad  102  attaches the assembly to the inside surface of the front windshield. Mounting bracket deploy/retract button  110  is shown protruding from the front panel  84 . The retractable universal mounting bracket includes adjustable upper mounting bracket  112  and fixed lower mounting bracket  114 . USB attachment cord  116  is used to connect the camera system within the assembly to the device mounted on the retractable universal mount as well as power supply to the device on the retractable universal mount and power connection cord  118  a USB attachment cord for connecting the mirror assembly and its devices to the automobile power system, for example, through the automobile cigarette/auxiliary power supply and also allows for electronic interface between other vehicle systems and housing systems, 
         [0051]    Referring to  FIG. 13  there is shown a top view of the mirror assembly  80  illustrating the following items: left mounted rear facing CCD camera  86 ; right mounted rear facing CCD camera  88 ; left mounted front facing CCD camera  90  and right mounted front facing CCD camera  92 . Note the microphone  100  which is a part of the hands free communication system a part of assembly  80 . Attachment pad  102  is used for attaching the assembly to the inside surface of the front windshield. Front facing light sensor  108  is for sensing light in order to activate the dimming mirror photochemical means by electrically charging the photochemical means between two plates of glass in the mirror  104  a USB attachment cord  118  for connecting the mirror assembly and its devices to the automobile power system, for example, through the automobile cigarette/auxiliary power supply and also allows for electronic interface between other vehicle systems and housing systems, 
         [0052]      FIG. 14  illustrates a bottom view of the mirror assembly in which the mirror assembly  80  includes universal bracket  82 , left mounted rear facing CCD camera  86  and right mounted rear facing CCD camera  88 . Attachment pad  102  is shown and is used for attaching the assembly to the inside surface of the front windshield. 
         [0053]      FIG. 15  illustrates samples of mounting clips  120 ,  122  and  124  which are intended to be attached to the retractable mounting bracket. They would be attached to the mounting bracket by four screws through the apertures  126  shown. 
         [0054]    Changes and modifications to the specifically described embodiments may be carried out without departing from the principles of the present invention which is intended to be limited only by the scope of the appended claims.