U.S. patent application number 10/973032 was filed with the patent office on 2005-05-19 for method and system for deploying a mirror assembly from a recessed position.
This patent application is currently assigned to Raytheon Company, a Delaware corporation. Invention is credited to Mendez, Todd A., Raines, Aaron T..
Application Number | 20050105196 10/973032 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 29583633 |
Filed Date | 2005-05-19 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050105196 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Raines, Aaron T. ; et
al. |
May 19, 2005 |
Method and system for deploying a mirror assembly from a recessed
position
Abstract
There is disclosed a method and apparatus for deploying a mirror
assembly from a recessed position that includes rotating the mirror
assembly in a first direction about a first axis, the mirror
assembly coupled proximate the first axis to at least one lifting
arm and rotating each lifting arm in a second direction about a
second axis such that the mirror assembly moves to an operational
position. The first direction may be opposite from the second
direction.
Inventors: |
Raines, Aaron T.; (Dallas,
TX) ; Mendez, Todd A.; (Carrollton, TX) |
Correspondence
Address: |
BAKER BOTTS LLP
2001 ROSS AVENUE
6TH FLOOR
DALLAS
TX
75201
US
|
Assignee: |
Raytheon Company, a Delaware
corporation
|
Family ID: |
29583633 |
Appl. No.: |
10/973032 |
Filed: |
October 25, 2004 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
10973032 |
Oct 25, 2004 |
|
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|
10162797 |
Jun 4, 2002 |
|
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6808274 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
359/871 ;
359/879 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G02B 2027/0138 20130101;
G02B 27/0149 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
359/871 ;
359/879 |
International
Class: |
G02B 005/08 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A method for deploying a mirror assembly from a recessed
position, comprising: rotating the mirror assembly recessed within
a dash of an automobile in a first direction about a first axis,
the mirror assembly coupled proximate the first axis to at least
one lifting arm; and rotating each lifting arm in a second
direction about a second axis such that the mirror assembly moves
to an operational position that is not recessed within the dash of
an automobile.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein rotating the mirror assembly in a
first direction about a first axis comprises biasing the mirror
assembly such that an end of the mirror assembly lifts from a
recessed position.
3. The method of claim 1, wherein rotating the mirror assembly in a
first direction about a first axis comprises biasing the mirror
assembly such that the mirror assembly rotates about at least one
coupling member coupling the mirror assembly to each lifting
arm.
4. The method of claim 1, wherein rotating each lifting arm
comprises rotating each lifting arm using a gear mechanism.
5. The method of claim 1, wherein rotating the mirror assembly in a
first direction comprises relieving compression on a spring
adjacent the mirror assembly to rotate the mirror assembly from the
recessed position.
6. A system for deploying a mirror assembly from a recessed
position, comprising: a mirror assembly recessed within a dash of
an automobile and coupled proximate a first axis to at least one
lifting arm, the mirror assembly operable to rotate in a first
direction about the first axis; and wherein each lifting arm
operates to rotate in a second direction about a second axis such
that the mirror assembly moves to an operational position that is
not recessed within a dash of an automobile.
7. The system of claim 6, further comprising at least one spring
located between the mirror assembly and a notch of each lifting
arm, the spring operable to bias the mirror assembly such that an
end of the mirror assembly rotates in the first direction from a
recessed position.
8. The system of claim 6, further comprising at least one spring
located between the mirror assembly and a notch of each lifting
arm, the spring operable to bias the mirror assembly such that the
mirror assembly rotates in the first direction about at least one
coupling member coupling the mirror assembly to each lifting
arm.
9. The system of claim 6, further comprising a gear mechanism
operable to move each lifting arm to rotate each lifting arm in the
second direction about the second axis.
10. The system of claim 6, wherein the first direction and the
second direction comprise opposite directions.
11. The system of claim 6, further comprising a stop feature
operable to compress a spring adjacent the mirror assembly to
maintain the mirror assembly in the recessed position.
12. A method for deploying a mirror assembly from a recessed
position, comprising: rotating the mirror assembly recessed within
a dash of an automobile in a first direction about a first axis,
the mirror assembly coupled proximate the first axis to at least
one lifting arm; and rotating each lifting arm in a second
direction opposite the first direction about a second axis such
that the mirror assembly moves to an operational position that is
not recessed within a dash of an automobile.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application is a divisional of U.S. Ser. No.
10/162,797 filed Jun. 4, 2002, entitled Method and System for
Deploying a Mirror Assembly from a Recessed Position, now U.S. Pat.
No. 6,808,274.
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] This invention relates generally to mirror display systems
and, more particularly, to a method and system for deploying a
mirror assembly from a recessed position.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] During daylight hours, the driver of a vehicle is able to
readily detect and recognize objects that would be difficult or
impossible to detect or recognize at night. For example, assume
that a deer wanders into the road approximately 500 meters ahead of
the vehicle. If this scenario occurs in the middle of a sunny day,
the driver will not only be able to detect the fact that something
is present ahead, but will readily recognize that it is a deer. On
the other hand, if this same scenario occurs at night, particularly
when the only illumination is from the headlights of the vehicle,
the driver will not be able to detect that anything is there, much
less recognize that it is a deer, because the deer will be beyond
the range of the headlights. Moreover, by the time the driver does
detect that something is in the road, and well before the driver
can recognize what it is, the driver will be much closer to the
deer than would be the case during daylight hours. Accordingly, the
risk of a resulting accident is much higher at night than during
the day.
[0004] Consequently, in order to supplement the natural vision of a
driver, and thus reduce the risk of accidents, night vision systems
have been developed for vehicles, including automobiles sold in the
consumer market. Typical night vision systems include an infrared
camera unit, which gathers information regarding the scene in front
of the vehicle, mounted in the grill of the vehicle and a head-up
display, which projects an image derived from information provided
by the camera unit onto an imaging mirror for view by the driver of
the vehicle.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] The present invention provides a method and system for
deploying a mirror assembly from a recessed position that
substantially eliminates or reduces at least some of the
disadvantages and problems associated with previous methods and
systems.
[0006] In accordance with a particular embodiment of the present
invention, a method for deploying a mirror assembly from a recessed
position includes rotating the mirror assembly in a first direction
about a first axis, the mirror assembly coupled proximate the first
axis to at least one lifting arm and rotating each lifting arm in a
second direction about a second axis such that the mirror assembly
moves to an operational position. The first direction may be
opposite from the second direction.
[0007] The method may also include directing energy from a scene
toward a detector, receiving energy from a portion of the scene at
each of a plurality of detector elements, converting the energy
received at each detector element into information representative
of the received energy and forming a visible image using the
information representative of the received energy. The visible
image may be projected onto a fold mirror and reflected to an
imaging mirror of the mirror assembly.
[0008] In accordance with another embodiment, a system for
deploying a mirror assembly from a recessed position includes a
mirror assembly coupled proximate a first axis to at least one
lifting arm. The mirror assembly is operable to rotate in a first
direction about the first axis. Each lifting arm is operable to
rotate in a second direction about a second axis such that the
mirror assembly moves to an operational position. The first
direction may be opposite from the second direction.
[0009] The system may also include a lens system operable to direct
energy from a scene toward a detector and a display unit coupled to
the detector. The display unit is operable to form a visible image
using information received from the detector. The detector may
include an array of detector elements each operable to receive
energy from a portion of the scene and to convert the received
energy into information representative of the received energy and
to send the information associated with at least some of the
detector elements to the display unit. The display unit may
comprise a liquid crystal display operable to project the visible
image onto a fold mirror, wherein the fold mirror is configured to
reflect the visible image to an imaging mirror of the mirror
assembly.
[0010] Technical advantages of particular embodiments of the
present invention include a mirror assembly that deploys by
rotating in a first direction so that there is enough clearance
between an end of the mirror assembly and a cover surrounding the
mirror assembly to avoid contact between the end and the cover when
the mirror assembly rotates in a second direction into an
operational position. In addition, the mirror assembly can be
aesthetically and effectively integrated with a surrounding cover
and dashboard of a vehicle while in its recessed and
non-operational position. For example, gaps between the mirror
assembly and surrounding cover may be sized to allow for small
manufacturing variances in the size of components of the assembly
while still small enough for cosmetic integration with the
dashboard.
[0011] Other technical advantages will be readily apparent to one
skilled in the art from the following figures, descriptions and
claims. Moreover, while specific advantages have been enumerated
above, various embodiments may include all, some or none of the
enumerated advantages.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] For a more complete understanding of particular embodiments
of the invention and their advantages, reference is now made to the
following descriptions, taken in conjunction with the accompanying
drawings, in which:
[0013] FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic view of a vehicle that includes one
embodiment of an auxiliary vision system in accordance with the
present invention;
[0014] FIG. 2 is a diagrammatic view of the auxiliary vision system
of FIG. 1, showing in more detail the internal structure of a
camera unit and a display unit of the auxiliary vision system;
[0015] FIG. 3 is a diagrammatic view of a cover and mirror assembly
of a display unit, in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention;
[0016] FIG. 4 is another diagrammatic view of the cover and mirror
assembly of FIG. 3;
[0017] FIGS. 5a-5e are diagrammatic views of a display unit
illustrating the deployment of a mirror assembly from a recessed
position, in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention;
[0018] FIG. 6 is a diagrammatic view illustrating part of a display
unit including a mirror assembly, in accordance with an embodiment
of the present invention;
[0019] FIG. 7 is a diagrammatic view illustrating a display unit
with a mirror assembly partially deployed, in accordance with an
embodiment of the present invention; and
[0020] FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a method for deploying a
mirror assembly from a recessed position, in accordance with an
embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0021] FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic view of a vehicle 10 incorporating
one embodiment of an auxiliary vision system 20 in accordance with
an embodiment of the present invention. The auxiliary vision system
20 includes a camera unit 30, which in the illustrated embodiment
is mounted at the front of vehicle 10, in the middle of a front
grill 12. The camera unit 30 is electrically coupled at 39 to a
display unit 40, which is also a part of the auxiliary vision
system 20. The display unit 40 is of a type that is commonly known
as a head-up display (HUD). The display unit 40 is mounted within a
recess of a dashboard 14 of the vehicle 10, and can project an
image for reflection by a fold mirror of display unit 40 onto an
imaging mirror 17 for display to the driver. Imaging mirror 17 is
recessed within dashboard 14 when auxiliary vision system 20 is not
in use. The imaging mirror 17 deploys out of dashboard 14 from a
recessed position during operation of the system. As further
described below, a rotation process is undertaken for deployment of
imaging mirror 17 to an operational position. Such process allows
the mirror to effectively deploy to an operational position from a
recessed position in which the mirror is aesthetically and
effectively integrated with the dashboard when the auxiliary vision
system is not in use.
[0022] The camera unit 30 is also electrically coupled to a
computer 60 at 69. The computer 60 is also part of the auxiliary
vision system 20 and provides instructions to camera unit 30 based
on heading information it receives from an angle encoder 70, which
is coupled to a steering column 16 of vehicle 10 and electrically
coupled to computer 60 at 79, and/or an inclinometer 80, which is
coupled to the frame of vehicle 10 and electrically coupled to
computer 60 at 89. Angle encoder 70 and inclinometer 80, which are
two types of sensors, are also a part of auxiliary vision system
20. In general, any type of sensor that can provide information
regarding the heading of vehicle 10, such as, for example, steering
rate, inclination rate, and/or orientation, may be used in
auxiliary vision system 20. Additionally, one, two, or even several
sensors may be used in different embodiments. Particular
embodiments, however, may not include an angle encoder or
inclinometer. The auxiliary vision system 20 of FIG. 1 is discussed
in more detail later.
[0023] When a driver is operating a vehicle at night, the driver's
ability to see the road ahead is substantially more limited than
would be case for the same section of road during daylight hours.
This is particularly true in a rural area under conditions where
there is little moonlight, there are no street lights, and there
are no headlights of other vehicles. If an animal such as a deer
happens to wander into the road at a location 500 meters ahead of
the vehicle, the driver would readily notice and recognize the deer
during daylight hours, whereas at night the deer may initially be
beyond the effective reach of the illumination from the vehicle's
headlights. Moreover, even when the headlights begin to illuminate
the deer, the driver may not initially notice the deer, because the
deer may be a brownish color that is difficult to distinguish from
the surrounding darkness. Consequently, at the point in time when
the driver first realizes that there is a deer in the road, the
vehicle will be far closer to the deer in a nighttime situation
than would be the case during daylight hours. There are many other
similar high risk situations, for example, where a pedestrian is
walking along the road.
[0024] A primary purpose of auxiliary vision system 20 of FIG. 1 is
to provide the driver of the vehicle 10 with information above and
beyond that which the driver can discern at night with the naked
eye. In this regard, the camera unit 30 can detect infrared
information at a distance well beyond the effective reach of the
headlights of the vehicle 10. In the case of a life form such as an
animal or a human, the heat signature of the life form, when
presented in an infrared image derived from the camera unit 30,
will usually have a significant contrast in comparison to the
relatively hotter or cooler surrounding natural environment. As
discussed above, this is not necessarily the case in a comparable
nighttime image based on visible light.
[0025] Thus, in addition to the visible image that is directly
observed by the driver through the windshield of the vehicle based
on headlight illumination and any other available light, the
auxiliary vision system 20 provides a separate and auxiliary image,
based on infrared radiation, that is reflected onto imaging mirror
17. This auxiliary image can provide a detectable representation of
lifeforms or objects ahead that are not yet visible to the naked
eye. Further, the auxiliary image can provide a much more striking
contrast than a visible image between the lifeforms or objects and
the surrounding scene. Note that the auxiliary vision system 20 may
also be useful during daylight hours to supplement the view of
objects seen with natural light.
[0026] FIG. 2 is a diagrammatic view of the auxiliary vision system
20 of FIG. 1, showing in greater detail the internal structure of
both the camera unit 30 and the display unit 40, in accordance with
an embodiment of the present invention. More specifically, thermal
radiation from a scene 50 enters the camera unit 30 and passes
through a lens system 32 and a chopper 34 to a detector 36. The
lens system 32 directs the incoming radiation onto an image plane
of the detector 36.
[0027] In the disclosed embodiment, the chopper 34 is a rotating
disk of a known type. As the chopper 34 is rotated, it modulates
the incoming infrared radiation to the detector 36.
[0028] Also in the disclosed embodiment, the detector 36 is a
commercially available focal plane array or staring array detector,
which has a two-dimensional matrix of detector elements, where each
detector element produces a respective pixel of a resulting image.
In particular, detector 36 is an uncooled pyroelectric barium
strontium titanate (BST) detector, although numerous other types of
detectors would also be useful in auxiliary vision system 20.
[0029] The circuitry 38 is provided to control the detector 36 and
read out the images that it detects, and also to synchronize the
chopper 34 to operation of the detector 36. Further, based on
information from computer 60, the circuitry 38 sends the
information obtained from detector 36 through the electrical
coupling 39 to the circuitry 42 within the display unit 40.
[0030] The circuitry 42 controls a liquid crystal display (LCD) 44,
which in the disclosed embodiment has a two-dimensional array of
pixel elements. The display unit 40 has a horizontal to vertical
aspect ratio of 10:3.3. Other embodiments may include a display
unit having a different horizontal to vertical aspect ratio. The
circuitry 42 takes successive images obtained from the detector 36
through circuitry 38, and presents these on the LCD 44. The LCD 44
may include backlighting that makes the image on LCD 44 visible at
night.
[0031] This visible image is projected onto a fold mirror 48 that
reflects the image so as to be directed onto imaging mirror 17,
creating a virtual image for the driver. Although fold mirror 48
and imaging mirror 17 are shown diagrammatically in FIG. 2 as
planar components, each may have a relatively complex curvature
that is known in the art. The curvature may also give the mirrors
some optical power, so that they impart a degree of magnification
to the image. Imaging mirror 17 is movably supported, and its
position at any given time is determined by a drive mechanism 46.
Using the drive mechanism 46, the driver may adjust the imaging
mirror 17 so that it is in a viewing position comfortable for that
particular driver.
[0032] Once the driver has finished adjusting the imaging mirror to
a suitable position, it remains in that position during normal
operation of the auxiliary vision system 20.
[0033] FIG. 3 is a diagrammatic view of a cover 100 for the display
unit 40 of auxiliary vision system 20 showing mirror assembly 102
in a recessed, non-operational position, in accordance with an
embodiment of the present invention. When the display unit 40 of
FIGS. 1 and 2 is installed in a vehicle, cover 100 is integrated
with the dashboard of the vehicle. Cover 100 may comprise various
shapes and configurations depending on the type of vehicle in which
the display unit is installed. The driver of the vehicle may
control the functions of the auxiliary vision system through
controls 104. For example, using controls 104, the driver may power
the auxiliary vision system on and off, position mirror assembly
102 and control the brightness of the image projected by the
auxiliary vision system.
[0034] FIG. 4 is another diagrammatic view of cover 100 showing
mirror assembly 102 in a recessed, non-operational position, in
accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Gaps 106
are illustrated between the edges of cover 100 and mirror assembly
102. Gaps 106 are sized such that mirror assembly 102 has enough
space to deploy when the auxiliary vision system is in use and to
allow for small manufacturing variances in the size of components
of the auxiliary vision system. It is also desired that the size of
gaps 106 are kept small enough for cosmetic integration with cover
100 and the dashboard of the vehicle. In particular embodiments,
gaps 106 are sized such that the distance between the edges of
cover 100 and mirror assembly 102 is approximately 1.5 to 2
millimeters.
[0035] FIGS. 5a-5e are diagrammatic views of display unit 40
illustrating the deployment of mirror assembly 102 from a recessed
position, in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention. FIG. 5a illustrates mirror assembly 102 in a recessed,
non-operational position.
[0036] In FIG. 5b, the deployment of mirror assembly 102 begins as
an end 110 of mirror assembly 102 lifts relative to surface 112 of
cover 100. End 110 lifts as a result of a slight rotation of mirror
assembly 102 about a pivot axis represented by crosshair 114. In
effect, mirror assembly slightly rotates about an end of lifting
arm 136. From the illustrated view of FIG. 5b, such rotation is in
a clockwise direction. In this embodiment, the rotation is caused
by bias springs pushing against mirror assembly 102 as further
discussed below with respect to FIG. 6; however, in other
embodiments other suitable techniques may be used to cause this
rotation of mirror assembly 102 about an end of lifting arm 136
during deployment. The lifting of end 110 provides enough clearance
between end 110 of mirror assembly 102 and an edge 118 of cover 102
to allow for mirror assembly 102 to fully deploy from a recessed
position, as described below.
[0037] In FIG. 5c, mirror assembly 102 begins to rotate out and
above surface 112 of cover 100. In this embodiment, this rotation
is in an opposite direction from the rotation about the pivot axis
represented by crosshair 114 discussed above with respect to FIG.
5b. Thus, from the illustrated view of FIG. 5c, this rotation is in
a counterclockwise direction. This rotation occurs as lifting arm
136 coupled to mirror assembly 102 rotates about a pivot axis
represented by crosshair 116. In this embodiment, such rotation of
lifting arm 136 is provided by a gear mechanism 135. As stated
above, without the rotation resulting in the lifting of end 110 as
illustrated in FIG. 5b, there would not be enough clearance between
mirror assembly 102 and edge 118 of cover 100 to avoid contact
between end 110 of mirror assembly 102 and edge 118 during the
rotation of lifting arm 136 illustrated in FIG. 5c.
[0038] In FIG. 5d, the deployment of mirror assembly 102 continues
as lifting arm 136 continues to rotate about the pivot axis
represented by crosshair 116. FIG. 5e illustrates mirror assembly
102 in a fully deployed and operational position. During operation,
fold mirror 48 reflects an image projected by an LCD onto imaging
mirror 17 of mirror assembly 102.
[0039] FIG. 6 is a diagrammatic view illustrating part of a display
unit including a mirror assembly 102, in accordance with an
embodiment of the present invention. Mirror assembly 102 includes a
frame 130, an imaging mirror 17 and a mirror assembly cover 134.
Frame 130 surrounds the edges of imaging mirror 17. In particular
embodiments, frame 130 is approximately 200 millimeters wide and
110 millimeters high. Mirror assembly cover 134 covers the back
side of imaging mirror 17. It should be understood that in
particular embodiments, mirror assembly 102 may include a display
screen, such as a liquid crystal display, for direct display of an
image to the driver of a vehicle without a reflection off a fold
mirror.
[0040] Frame 130 is coupled to lifting arms 136 by coupling members
132. Coupling members 132 may comprise shoulder bolts or any other
suitable components configured to couple frame 130, to lifting arms
136. In this embodiment, coupling members 132 comprise shoulder
bolts that tighten against frame 130 and rotate freely within
lifting arms 136 to allow mirror assembly 102 to rotate about the
ends of lifting arms 136. As shown, the frame 130 is coupled to two
lifting arms 136; however, in other embodiments frame 130 may be
coupled to one or more than two lifting arms.
[0041] Bias springs 140 are located between frame 130 and a notch
142 of lifting arms 136. Bias springs 140 push frame 130 away from
notch 142 of lifting arms 136 to provide for the rotation of the
mirror assembly about the end of lifting arm 136 during deployment
described above with respect to FIG. 5b.
[0042] As illustrated, lifting arms 136 are coupled to gears 138.
The gears 138 rotate lifting arms 136 which provides for the
rotation of mirror assembly 102 to a fully deployed and operational
position as described above with respect to FIGS. 5c-5e.
[0043] FIG. 7 is a diagrammatic view illustrating display unit 40
with mirror assembly 102 partially deployed after the rotation and
lifting of end 110. As described above with respect to FIG. 5b,
such rotation occurs about a pivot axis represented by crosshair
114. This pivot axis is located at coupling members 132 and the
pivoting action is caused by bias springs 140 pushing frame 130
away from notch 142 of lifting arms 136. When mirror assembly is in
a retracted, or recessed, position, as illustrated in FIG. 5a, bias
springs 140 are compressed as a result of a force applied to mirror
assembly 102 by the contact of a stop feature 146 of display unit
40 with mirror assembly 102. After end 110 has lifted as a result
of the rotation about the pivot axis represented by crosshair 114,
mirror assembly 102 will have enough clearance to avoid contact
with cover 100 during the rotation of lifting arms 136 by gears 138
about a pivot axis represented by crosshair 116. Gears 138 are
rotated by drive gears 139 which are driven by a motor (hidden from
view).
[0044] FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a method for deploying
the mirror assembly 102, in accordance with an embodiment of the
present invention. The method begins at step 200 where the mirror
assembly 102 is rotated in a first direction about a first axis
(crosshair 114) from a recessed position. In the recessed position,
the mirror assembly is recessed within a cover 100 that may be
integrated with a dashboard of a vehicle. The mirror assembly 102
may be coupled proximate the first axis to at least one lifting arm
136. The rotation of the mirror assembly about the first axis may
result from one or more bias springs 140 pushing on a frame 130 of
the mirror assembly to lift an end 110 of the mirror assembly. This
lifting of an end of the mirror assembly provides sufficient
clearance to avoid contact between the mirror assembly and the
cover during the rotation of the mirror assembly discussed below at
step 202.
[0045] At step 202, each lifting arm 136 is rotated in a second
direction about a second axis (crosshair 116) such that the mirror
assembly 102 moves to an operational position. In particular
embodiments the second direction of rotation may be opposite the
first direction of rotation. Moreover, the rotation described in
step 202 may occur simultaneous with the rotation described in step
200.
[0046] The method continues at step 204 where energy from a scene
50 is directed towards a detector 36. At step 206, energy from a
portion of the scene is received at each of a plurality of detector
elements. At step 208, the energy received at each detector element
is converted into information representative of the energy received
at step 206. At step 210, a visible image is formed using the
information representative of the received energy. The visibly
image is projected onto a fold mirror 48 at step 212. Such
projection may occur by a liquid crystal display (LCD). At step
214, the visible image is reflected by the fold mirror 48 onto an
imaging mirror 17 of the mirror assembly 102 for view by the driver
of a vehicle. Through the visible image, the driver may detect
lifeforms or objects ahead that are not yet visible to the naked
eye.
[0047] It should be understood that particular embodiments may
include a mirror assembly deployed as described herein that
displays an image other than an image detected by a camera unit
mounted in the grill of a car. For example, in particular
embodiments, the mirror assembly may display navigation
information, dashboard information or any other information or
image, such as an image from any video input.
[0048] Particular embodiments of the present invention provide a
mirror assembly that deploys by rotating in a first direction so
that there is enough clearance between an end of the mirror
assembly and a cover surrounding the mirror assembly to avoid
contact between the end and the cover when the mirror assembly
rotates in a second direction into an operational position. In
addition, the mirror assembly can be aesthetically and effectively
integrated with a surrounding cover and dashboard of a vehicle
while in its recessed and non-operational position. For example,
gaps between the mirror assembly and surrounding cover may be sized
to allow for small manufacturing variances in the size of
components of the assembly while still small enough for cosmetic
integration with the dashboard.
[0049] Although the present invention has been described in detail,
various changes and modifications may be suggested to one skilled
in the art. It is intended that the present invention encompass
such changes and modifications as falling within the scope of the
appended claims.
* * * * *