Rearview mirror with integrated microwave receiver
US6166698A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 16, 1999 |
| Grant date | Dec 26, 2000 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 16, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB60R2001/1284
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An inventive rearview mirror assembly is disclosed in which a microwave antenna is mounted so as to receive transmissions from one or more satellites through the front windshield of the vehicle. The microwave antenna may be tuned to receive satellite transmissions from a position identification system constellation of satellites, such as GPS or GLONASS. Additionally, the microwave antenna may be tuned to alternatively or additionally receive transmissions from at least one communication satellite, such as a CD radio satellite. In addition to the inventive rearview mirror assembly, an inventive electrical control system is disclosed that may be used as a navigation system, an electrochromic rearview mirror control system, a head lamp control system, a tire pressure monitoring and display system, a temperature sensing and display system, a vehicle compass system, a vehicle data recorder system, and/or a vehicle odometer verification system. In each of the above systems, new parameters are made available by the microwave antenna to perform control operations not previously performed.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.