Abstract:
A system and/or apparatus provided as a side-view or rear-view mirror for providing a plurality of independently moveable reflective surfaces to enable a driver increased visibility. To increase visibility for the driver, the system and/or apparatus includes a camera for providing images around a vehicle to the driver within a vehicle during low-light or poor lighting conditions.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/238,990, filed Sep. 26, 2008, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/692,444, filed Mar. 28, 2007, which claims the benefit under U.S.C. §119(e) to U.S. Provisional Patent Application 60/786,653, filed Mar. 28, 2006. As well, this application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) to U.S. Provisional Patent Application. No. 61/100,856, filed on Sep. 29, 2008. All of the above applications are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present invention relates generally to the field of side-view and rear-view mirrors, and in particular, to a system of mirror provided with a camera to improve visibility in low-light situations or that may not be visible with a mirror alone. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    It is one optional and/or alternative feature and advantage of the present invention to enable a driver multiple to view multiple angles around a vehicle. 
         [0004]    It is another optional and/or alternative feature and advantage of the present invention to enable a driver to view images around a vehicle in low-light or poor lighting conditions. 
         [0005]    These features and advantages of the present invention are achieved by providing a plurality of mirror units within a housing affixed as a side-view or rear-view of a vehicle. According to various embodiments of the present invention, each mirror unit is provided with a mirror that may be moved independently to allow a driver to select an angle of view. According to at least one embodiment of the present invention one mirror unit is provided with a rectangular mirror and a second mirror unit is provided with a convex mirror. 
         [0006]    In one embodiment, each mirror unit is provided with a motor to allow the driver to move each mirror independently from within the vehicle. In other embodiments, the mirrors are moved manually by the driver. 
         [0007]    In other embodiments, at least one mirror unit is provided with a camera to provide electronic images to the driver within the vehicle. In one embodiment, the camera provides standard video images. In other embodiments, the camera provided enhanced images, for example, infra-red or “night-vision” to enable to the driver to view images around the vehicle in low-light or poor lighting conditions. 
         [0008]    In various embodiments, at least one mirror unit is provided with a window to allow the camera to capture images through the mirror. According to one embodiment, a cutout is provided in which the camera is disposed to capture images. In other embodiments, a clear window is provided through which the camera captures images. In yet other embodiments, the window is a one-way mirror through which the camera captures images without disturbing the reflective surface of the mirror. 
         [0009]    In various embodiments, the camera is moved with the mirror. In other embodiments, the camera is capable of being moved independently of the mirror. 
         [0010]    These, together with other objects of the invention, along with the various features of novelty, which characterize the invention, are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed to and forming a part of this disclosure. For a better understanding of the invention, its operating advantages and the specific objects attained by its uses, reference should be had to the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter in which there is illustrated preferred embodiments of the invention. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0011]      FIG. 1  is an exploded view of one embodiment of the mirror assembly of the present invention; 
           [0012]      FIG. 2   a - b  are exploded views of one embodiment of a mirror unit of the present invention; 
           [0013]      FIG. 3   a - b  are exploded views of one embodiment of a mirror unit of the present invention; 
           [0014]      FIGS. 4   a - c  depict a window according to various embodiments of the present invention; 
           [0015]      FIGS. 5   a - b  depict a connection mechanism for the camera according to various embodiments of the present invention; 
           [0016]      FIGS. 6   a - b  depict a connection mechanism for the camera according to various embodiments of the present invention; 
           [0017]      FIGS. 7   a - b  depict a connection mechanism for the camera according to various embodiments of the present invention. 
           [0018]      FIG. 8  depicts an embodiment of a mirror unit provided with a light source; 
           [0019]      FIG. 9  depicts an alternative embodiment of a mirror unit provided with a light source; and 
           [0020]      FIG. 10  depicts another alternative embodiment of a mirror unit provided with a light source. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0021]    Before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and to the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. 
         [0022]    As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception, upon which this disclosure is based, may readily be utilized as a basis for the designing of other structures, methods and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the present invention. It is important, therefore, that the invention be regarded as including equivalent constructions to those described herein insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention. 
         [0023]    For example, the specific sequence of the described process may be altered so that certain processes are conducted in parallel or independent, with other processes, to the extent that the processes are not dependent upon each other. Thus, the specific order of steps described herein is not to be considered implying a specific sequence of steps to perform the process. Other alterations or modifications of the above processes are also contemplated. For example, further insubstantial approximations of the process and/or algorithms are also considered within the scope of the processes described herein. 
         [0024]    In addition, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment can be used on other embodiments to yield a still further embodiment. Additionally, certain features may be interchanged with similar devices or features not mentioned yet which perform the same or similar functions. It is therefore intended that such modifications and variations are included within the totality of the present invention. 
         [0025]    The present invention generally relates to side-view, rear-view and/or cross-view mirrors for large vehicles, such as school buses, transit buses and trucks. Specifically, the present invention relates to side-view, rear-view and/or cross-view mirrors containing a camera for use by a driver as an additional sight-aide. 
         [0026]    One example of a side-view mirror example of the type that may be used for the present invention is described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,059,419, hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. In the present invention, the side-view mirror advantageously incorporates a camera to aide a driver by providing additional information that may not be obtained by viewing an image in a side-view mirror alone. As one example, a side-view mirror is provided with a camera that provides an image to a display screen in view of the driver within the vehicle. The camera may advantageously be, for example, provided with night-vision or high sensitivity sensors to provide the driver with an image in poor lighting conditions. The camera may optionally be further provided with infrared sensors such that a driver would be able to discern heat signatures of individuals or animals within view of the camera. According to one optional embodiment, the driver may control the selection of the type of image provided by the camera, e.g., night-vision, infrared, standard, etc. Advantageously, the present invention allows a driver to turn and back up a large vehicle while able to see objects, individuals and/or animals in poor lighting conditions. In alternative optional embodiments, the camera is aided with additional lighting attached to the housing, integrated within the housing and/or attached to the side of the vehicle. 
         [0027]    According to one embodiment, the camera may be connected to a monitor within the vehicle in a wired or a wireless manner. For example, the camera may be connected by USB, fiber optic, coaxial, component, Ethernet, HDMI, WiFi, Bluetooth, radio, etc. In some embodiments, the camera and/or monitor is wired to an existing power source associated with the vehicle. In other embodiments, dedicated additional power sources or shared power sources are provided for the monitor and/or camera unit located within the monitor and/or camera, within the vehicle engine compartment and/or in other areas of the vehicle. When the power source is located remote from the camera, wiring for the connection to the power source may optionally be disposed within the mirror pole and one or more support arms for connection to area within the vehicle. 
         [0028]      FIG. 1  depicts an exploded view of one embodiment of the mirror assembly of the present invention. The mirror assembly  1  comprises a shell housing  10 , a mirror pole  20  and a hinge member (not shown). The shell housing  10  has a substantially rectangularly shaped opening  14  and interior space and contains a rectangularly shaped first mirror unit  16  and a convex-surfaced second mirror unit  18 . An electrical cable section (or harness)  35  extends from the hinge member  30  for providing electrical connections between a motor control switch (not shown) and the motors (not shown) contained in the first mirror unit  16  and the second mirror unit  18 . First and second mirror units  16 ,  18  are mounted in the shell housing  10  such that the reflecting surfaces of the mirrors  60 ,  80  lie substantially parallel to the plane of the opening  14 . First cutout  100  and second cutout  102  and are provided in a mounting plate or substrate  81  and second mirror  80 , respectively, such that a camera may be positioned inline with second mirror for viewing through the first and second cutouts. In various embodiments, first and second cutouts may be provided in mounting plate or support  61  and mirror  60  such that a camera may be positioned inline with first mirror for viewing therethrough. In other embodiments, a camera is provided in both first and second mirror unit as well as accompanying cutouts. 
         [0029]    Mounting hole  11  provides an opening for the mirror pole  20  to enter the shell housing  10 . A grommet  22  is disposed in the mounting hole  11  and prevents moisture, dirt and the like from entering the shell housing  10  through the mounting hole  11 . The mirror pole  20  comprises a first support arm  26  and a second support arm  28  each having a mounting hole  21  on its distal end. While  FIG. 1  depicts one embodiment in which first cutout  100  and second cutout  102  are disposed in second mirror unit  18 , one of ordinary skill would recognize that first and second cutouts  100 ,  102  could also or alternatively be disposed in first mirror unit  16  and/or in different locations in the first and/or second mirror units  16 ,  18 . Accordingly, one or more cameras may be advantageously affixed to one or more of the mirror supports and/or mounting plates in a location corresponding to the first and/or second cutouts. Advantageously, as discussed below, when the mirror support and mirror are moved using the motors for viewing purposes, the camera attached thereto is simultaneously moved. Thus, separate controls to move the camera are not needed, and the viewing sight of the camera is advantageously adjusted in an efficient manner. In alternative embodiments, a camera may be connected to the housing  10  itself and/or the mirror mounting arms  20 ,  26 ,  28  with its own motor or adjustment device used for directing the view of the camera. 
         [0030]    According to another embodiment, the invention is provided with a first mirror unit as described above and second mirror unit is replaced with a wide-angled camera to provide a field of view similar to the field of view of a convex mirror and/or other types of camera lenses. According to other embodiments of the present invention, more than two mirrors are provided, each mirror providing a different field of view. Advantageously, a camera may be provided in any or all of the mirrors for providing a driver with multiple fields of view on a monitor within the vehicle. 
         [0031]    With reference to  FIG. 2 , the rectangularly shaped first mirror unit  16  is shown in greater detail in accordance with one optional embodiment of the invention. In alternative embodiments, mirrors of different shapes and reflectivity may optionally be used. Advantageously, the rectangularly shaped mirror does not need to be flat. The first mirror unit  16  comprises a flat mirror  60 , a flat mounting plate and/or support  61 , a cup  65  and a swivel mechanism  66 . The swivel mechanism  66  moves in relationship to the cup  65 . The cup  65  is dome shaped on the bottom and operatively engages the dome shaped member of the swivel mechanism  66  which provides a swiveling motion in both horizontal and vertical directions. Gearing and swivel members (not shown) are connected to the cup  65  and to two motors (not shown) of the swivel mechanism  66  to enable motorized swiveling of the cup  65  with respect to the swivel mechanism  66  in a manner well known in the art. A boot (not shown) covers the critical elements of the swivel mechanism  66  and the cup  65  to prevent debris from deteriorating the operation of the first mirror unit  16 . According to alternative embodiments of the present invention, the first mirror unit and/or the second mirror unit may also or only be moved manually, optionally using a standard manual adjustment mechanism instead of the motor actuated adjustment mechanism. 
         [0032]    The flat mirror  60  is disposed on a flat mounting plate  61  and secured at its edges by a long snap  62  and a short snap  63 . Relative ease of installation of the flat mirror  60  onto the flat mounting plate  61  is achieved by first inserting one edge of flat mirror  60  under one of the long snap  62  and the short snap  63  and then pressing the other end of flat mirror  60  under the remaining snap to obtain secure engagement of the flat mirror  60  to the flat mounting plate  61 . It is preferred that one edge of the flat mirror  60  is first placed under the long snap  62  and then the other end of flat mirror  60  is snapped under short snap  63 . 
         [0033]    The ease with which the flat mirror  60  is secured to, and removed from, the flat mounting plate  61  enables field replaceability and retrofitability of the flat mirror  60 , for example, when the flat mirror  60  is accidentally broken. Alternative connection systems may optionally be used to connect flat mirror  60  from flat mounting plate  61 , for example, using an adhesive or other standard means for securing mirror  60  to the mounting plate  61 . In addition, mirror  60  need not be flat, and other types of mirror lenses may be used, such as dome type mirror lenses. 
         [0034]    Optional vibration tabs  64  extend somewhat above the plane of the flat mounting plate  61  and are elastically biased to engage the rear surface of the flat mirror  60  when the mirror is engaged under the long snap  62  and the short snap  63 . The force exerted by the vibration tabs  64  to the rear surface of the flat mirror  60  prevents vibrations in the flat mirror  60  when the vehicle is in motion or when vibrations are transmitted to the first mirror unit  16  from other sources such as, for example, from the engine of the vehicle. 
         [0035]    With reference to  FIG. 2   a , an optional electro-mechanical solenoid  76  may be coupled to the mounting plate  61 , which solenoid  76  comprises a core  78  and a spring (not shown). The mounting plate  61  is provided with a hole so that the core  78  projects out of the hole. The spring forces the core  78  outwardly from the solenoid body when the solenoid  76  is not energized. When the solenoid is energized, the core  78  moves inwardly and overcomes the force exerted by the spring, which spring tends to keep the core  78  in the outward position. 
         [0036]    The solenoid  76  is positioned such that the core  78  contacts the inside surface of the shell housing  10  when the solenoid is not energized and the spring forces the core  78  into its outward position. Therefore, when the solenoid is not energized, vibrations of the flat mounting plate  61  with respect to the shell housing  10  are damped. 
         [0037]    However, when it is desired that the position of the first mirror unit  16  be changed via the motors of the swivel mechanism  66 , the solenoid  76  is concurrently energized with the motors (via, for example, the motor control switch) such that the core  78  is drawn inwardly and away from the inside surface of the shell housing  10  thus enabling free movement of the flat plate  61  with respect to the swivel mechanism  66 . Further, when the first mirror unit  16  has reached the desired position and the motors of the swivel mechanism  66  are deactivated, the solenoid  76  is also deactivated and the core  78  returns to its resting position against the inside surface of the shell housing  10 . 
         [0038]    With reference to  FIG. 3 , a more detailed drawing of an alternative embodiment of the convex-surfaced second mirror unit  18  is shown. The second mirror unit  18  comprises a substantially convex mirror  80 , a convex mounting plate  81 , a cup  85  and a swivel mechanism  86 . A first cutout  100  in convex mounting plate  81  and a second cutout  102  in convex mirror  80  are provided such that a camera (not shown) may be inserted inline with the mirror. In alternative embodiments, section  102  is optionally transparent or a two way mirror that allows the camera to be able to view the area in the same direction as the rear view mirror. The swivel mechanism  86  comprises two motors (not shown) which are coupled via gearing to the cup  85  to enable motorized swiveling of the cup with respect to the swivel mechanism  86 . The convex mounting plate  81  comprises a long snap  82 , a short snap  83 , and vibration tabs  84 . The swivel mechanism  86  may optionally comprise an electromechanical solenoid  96 , where the solenoid comprises a core  98  and a spring (not shown). The operation of the motorized features and anti-vibration features of the convex-surfaced second mirror unit  18  are substantially similar to the same features of the rectangularly shaped first mirror unit  16  and, therefore, a detailed recitation of the interconnection and operation of the aforementioned elements of the second mirror unit  18  is omitted. According to various embodiments of the present invention, the first mirror unit may also be moved manually. 
         [0039]    In various embodiments a power supply is provided to power the motors in each of the first and second mirror units as well as a camera. In other embodiments, a separate power supply is provided for each component component or existing power supplies on the vehicle may optionally be used. 
         [0040]    The shell housing  10 , the flat mounting plate  61 , the cup  65 , the swivel mechanism  66 , the connecting plate  73 , the convex mounting plate  81 , the cup  85 , the swivel mechanism  86  and the connecting plate  93  may be manufactured from suitable plastics, metals, composite materials or the like. It is preferred that the above-listed elements be manufactured from suitable plastics. The mirror pole  20  and the hinge member  30  may also be manufactured from suitable plastics, metals, composite materials or the like; however, it is preferred that these elements be manufactured from suitable metals. As described above, it is most preferred that mirror pole  20  and the first and second support arms  26 ,  28  be manufactured from steel and the core material  23  be manufactured from aluminum. 
         [0041]    With reference to  FIGS. 4   a - c , a more detailed view of the camera disposition within the second mirror unit  18  is depicted. 
         [0042]    Referring to  FIG. 4   a , an assembled apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention is depicted. As shown, a housing is provided with a first mirror unit provided with a substantially rectangular mirror and a second mirror unit provided with a substantially convex mirror. In alternative embodiments, the shape and reflectivity characteristics of the first and second mirror units can be varied. The second mirror is advantageously provided with a cutout or opening  100 , through which a camera captures images as described above. Referring to  FIG. 4   b , an alternative embodiment is depicted wherein the second mirror is provided with a transparent non-reflective window  100 , through which a camera captures images as described above.  FIG. 4   c  depicts an additional embodiment wherein all of the mirror is a one-way mirror or is provided with a window  100  comprising a one-way mirror. The one-way mirror allows the camera to capture images through the mirror without interrupting the surface of the mirror. Camera  104  is oriented with the convex mirror  80  through first cutout in convex mounting plate (not shown) and second cutout  102  in convex mirror  80 . In alternative embodiments, an additional camera may also be used for the first mirror unit and/or alternatively the camera unit may be used for the first mirror unit, instead of the second mirror unit. In addition, in alternative embodiments, the rear view mirror can comprise any type of mirror unit that includes a camera, such as a mirror mounted inside the vehicle and/or outside the vehicle, such as a standard cross view mirror. 
         [0043]    Referring to  FIGS. 5   a - b , connection mechanisms are depicted according to various embodiments of the present invention for connecting the camera  104  to a second mirror unit. Referring to  FIG. 5   a , according to one embodiment, a molded snap-in ring  106  is provided such that camera  104  is advantageously fixed to convex mounting plate  81  by snapping the camera  104  into place within the standard snap-in ring  106 . Snap-in ring  106  may be configured in any number of shapes to accommodate cameras of varying shapes and sizes. Referring to  FIG. 5   b , a magnified view of an embodiment providing a molded snap-in ring  106  for securing camera  104  to a mounting plate is depicted. 
         [0044]    Referring to  FIG. 6   a , according to another embodiment, a mounting bracket  108  is provided for securing camera  104  to convex mounting plate  81 . Camera  104  is secured to convex mounting plate  81  by at least one screw inserted into mounting bracket and attached to mounting bracket  108 . As will be understood, the camera may be connected to the mounting plate in any reasonable fashion without departing from the spirit of the invention, including but not limited to screwing the camera into the mounting plate with a thread on the camera that mates to a thread in the mounting plate, pins, rivets, or one or more brackets secured by one or more screws or pins. Referring to  FIG. 6   b , a magnified view of an embodiment providing a mounting bracket  108  for securing camera  104  to a mounting plate is depicted. 
         [0045]    In some embodiments of the invention, the camera  104  is attached to mounting plate  81  such that the camera is advantageously moved according to the movements of the swivel mechanism  86  (motorized and/or manual adjustment mechanism) along with convex mirror  80 , however, in alternative embodiments, a separate motor and/or swivel mechanism may be provided for the camera such that it may be moved independently from the convex mirror  80 . Referring to  FIG. 7   a , according to an additional embodiment of the present invention, a bracket  108  is provided to secure the camera  104 . In some embodiments the bracket  108  is attached to mounting plate  81  such that camera  104  moves according to the movements of the swivel mechanism  86 . According to other embodiments, bracket  108  is advantageously connected to an additional motor and swivel mechanism that allows the camera  104  to be moved independently of mounting plate  81 . In other embodiments bracket  108  is attached to housing  10  such that camera  104  provides a fixed field of view.  FIG. 7   b  provides a magnified view of an embodiment providing a mounting bracket  108  for securing camera  104  according to the previously described embodiment. 
         [0046]    According to other embodiments of the present invention, bracket  108  may be provided to attach camera  104  to provide a view to the front of the vehicle. In other embodiments, an additional camera and bracket may be provided such that one camera provides a view to the rear of the vehicle and another camera provides a view to the front of the vehicle. In other embodiments, a hole is provided in housing  10  to allow an additional camera to provide a view to the front of the vehicle. 
         [0047]    In alternative embodiments, the camera is aided with additional lighting attached to the housing, integrated within the housing and/or attached to the side of the vehicle. The light source may provide light in the visible range, infra-red, etc. According to certain embodiments, the camera is sensitive to the particular wavelength of the light source. 
         [0048]    Referring to  FIG. 8 , an example of one embodiment of a mirror unit provided with a light source is depicted. Light  112  is connected with a bracket  110  to the mirror unit and provides an area of illumination  114 . Bracket  110  may be fixed or may be hinged to allow light  112  to be directed in various angles manually. In some embodiments, bracket  110  is coupled to a motor to allow motorized movement of the light  112  by a driver. According to certain embodiments, the area of illumination  114  may be varied by providing an iris or shade over the light  112 . In other embodiments, the area of illumination  114  may be varied by altering the power provided to the light  112 .  FIG. 9  depicts an alternate embodiment of a light  112  connected externally to a mirror unit with a bracket  110 . 
         [0049]    Referring to  FIG. 9 , an example of an embodiment of a mirror unit provided with a light source is depicted. Light  112  is connected with a bracket  110  to the mirror unit and provides an area of illumination  114 . According to various embodiments, light  112  is connected to mirror unit with standard connection means, such as screws, pins, rivets, etc. Bracket  110  may be fixed or may be hinged to allow light  112  to be directed in various angles manually. In some embodiments, bracket  110  is coupled to a motor to allow motorized movement of the light  112  by a driver. Camera  104  is provided internally to the mirror unit and is provided a viewing angle through a cutout, transparent window or one-way mirror. Camera can be coupled to a motor to allow motorized movement of the camera within the mirror unit to adjust the camera viewing angle. According to certain embodiments, the area of illumination  114  may be varied by providing an iris or shade over the light  112 . In other embodiments, the area of illumination  114  may be varied by altering the power provided to the light  112 .  FIG. 9  depicts an alternate embodiment of a light  112  connected externally to a mirror unit with a bracket  110 . 
         [0050]      FIG. 10  depicts one example of an alternative embodiment of a mirror unit provided with a light source  112 . As shown in this example, light source  112  is internally contained within a mirror unit. In addition, camera  104  is also internally contained within the mirror unit. According to certain embodiments, light source  112  may provide illumination through a cutout window, or a transparent window. It is envisioned that illumination from light source  112  may be angled manually or a motor may be provided to allow the light source to be rotated or angled electronically by the driver. According to various embodiments, one or both of the camera and light source may be internally contained within the mirror unit or may be fixed externally to the mirror unit with connection means as described elsewhere in this disclosure. 
         [0051]    The many features and advantages of the invention are apparent from the detailed specification, and thus, it is intended by the appended claims to cover all such features and advantages of the invention which fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and variations will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation illustrated and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.