Automatic rearview mirror system with automatic headlight activation
US5715093A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 17, 1996 |
| Grant date | Feb 3, 1998 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 17, 2016 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB60Q2400/30
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A vehicle automatic rearview mirror system with headlight activation control for establishing a reflectivity level of an electrochromic rearview mirror element and for controlling the activated state of a vehicle's headlights includes two light sensors, an electrochromic mirror element drive circuit that is responsive to light to which the two light sensors are exposed for establishing a partial reflectivity level for the vehicle's electrochromic rearview mirror element, and a headlight activation control that is responsive to light to which the two light sensors are exposed for activating the vehicle's headlights under low light conditions and deactivating the vehicle's headlights under high light conditions. The two light sensors are preferably directionally sensitive and aimed in different directions, one aimed forward of the vehicle and the other aimed rearward of the vehicle. The headlights are preferably activated as a function of the lowest light level to which either of the light sensors is exposed.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.