Mirror monitor using two levels of reflectivity and transmissibility

Abstract

A rear-view mirror and modular monitor system and method include an interior mirror that embeds a modular monitor behind see-through mirror glass. In some embodiments, the system includes multiple cameras, some in the vehicle, bus and/or truck, as well as some cameras outside the vehicle, bus and/or truck, advantageously providing the driver an opportunity to view what is happening, for example, in the back rows of the bus and/or cabin, while also using the mirror to look at objects in the bus and/or cabin that are visible using the mirror. The rear-view mirror and modular monitor system is configured to be easily assembled and/or disassembled when necessary for maintenance and/or to replace parts.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A mirror system for enhanced viewing by a vehicle operator of areas within or exterior to a bus, truck or transit vehicle comprising:
 a mirror unit for a bus, truck or transit vehicle;   one or more object detection devices mounted on or in the vehicle and configured to detect an object and transmit one or more video feeds responsive to at least one of an automatically selectable view or a manually selectable view, wherein a display of the one or more video feeds is optionally responsive to one or more triggering signals;   a light sensor configured to sense an ambient light level and at least one of: mounted to the vehicle or integrated in said one or more object detection devices;   a delay timer enabling at least one of the plurality of object detection devices to continue to transmit video for a predetermined; and   a light source at least one of: integrated in said light sensor, integrated in said one or more object detection image capture devices, or mounted to the exterior of the vehicle.   
     
     
         2 . A mirror system according to  claim 1 , further comprising a vehicle computer controlling one or more vehicle functions including movement of the vehicle, wherein when at least one of the one or more object detection devices detects the object, object detection data is transmitted to the vehicle computer to prevent the vehicle from movement. 
     
     
         3 . A mirror system according to  claim 2 , wherein said object detection data is transmitted to the vehicle computer to prevent the vehicle from moving forward. 
     
     
         4 . A mirror system for enhanced viewing by a vehicle operator of areas within or exterior to a bus, truck or transit vehicle comprising:
 a mirror unit for a bus, truck or transit vehicle;   a light sensor configured to sense an ambient light level;   one or more image capture devices mounted on the vehicle and configured to transmit one or more video feeds responsive to at least one of an automatically selectable view or a manually selectable view, wherein a display of the one or more video feeds is prevented in response to receiving one or more triggering signals;   a video input switch configured to be chosen from one of a single-feed configuration providing a video input from one of the one or more image capture devices or a multiple-feed configuration providing a split video input from the at least one of one or more image capture devices;   a delay timer enabling at least one of the plurality of image capture devices to continue to transmit video for a predetermined time responsive to predetermined criteria;   an interior light source to illuminate the interior of the vehicle during low lighting situations in at least one of a visible range or infrared range; and   a light source at least one of integrated within said light sensor or mounted to the exterior of the vehicle to enable at least one of the one or more image capture devices to transmit images in the vicinity of the vehicle.   
     
     
         5 . A mirror system according to  claim 4 , wherein the delay timer enables at least one of the plurality of image capture devices to continue to transmit video for the predetermined time at predetermined intervals responsive to the predetermined criteria. 
     
     
         6 . A mirror system according to  claim 4 , wherein said light source includes an infrared light emitting diode lighting for capturing images in low or no visibility without requiring a flash or other bright light source. 
     
     
         7 . A mirror system according to  claim 4 , wherein one of the one or more triggering signals comprises a backup signal. 
     
     
         8 . A mirror system according to  claim 4 , wherein one of the one or more triggering signals comprises a stop-completed signal. 
     
     
         9 . A mirror system according to  claim 4 , wherein the video input switch is located on a dashboard of the vehicle. 
     
     
         10 . A mirror system according to  claim 4 , wherein the video input switch is further configured to provide at least one image responsive to a full mirror view. 
     
     
         11 . A mirror system according to  claim 4 , wherein an audio is provided to the vehicle operator in coordination with the one or more video feeds being displayed. 
     
     
         12 . A mirror system according to  claim 4 , further comprising a protective enclosure encasing at least one of the one or more image capture devices. 
     
     
         13 . A mirror system according to  claim 4 , wherein at least one of the one or more image capture devices is powered by a vehicle battery. 
     
     
         14 . A mirror system according to  claim 4 , wherein the mirror unit is mounted to an external portion of the vehicle. 
     
     
         15 . A mirror system according to  claim 4 , further comprising a GPS sensor configured to determine at least one of: location, speed, or direction of the vehicle. 
     
     
         16 . A mirror system according to  claim 4 , further comprising an event counter configured to count recorded events. 
     
     
         17 . A mirror system according to  claim 4 , further comprising an audible chime configured to make an audible sound when the vehicle exceeds a predetermined speed or the vehicle exceeds a predetermined threshold. 
     
     
         18 . A mirror system according to  claim 4 , further comprising a connection device including input feeds respectively connected to at least one of the one or more image capture devices. 
     
     
         19 . A mirror system according to  claim 4 , wherein at least one of the one or more image capture devices comprise a built-in audio capture device. 
     
     
         20 . A mirror system according to  claim 4 , wherein at least one of the one or more image capture devices is connected to the vehicle's ignition system to receive power. 
     
     
         21 . A mirror system according to  claim 4 , wherein the one or more video feeds are continue to be captured until the vehicle exceeds a predetermined threshold. 
     
     
         22 . A mirror system for enhanced viewing by a vehicle operator of areas within or exterior to a bus, truck or transit vehicle comprising:
 a mirror unit for a bus, truck or transit vehicle, said mirror unit comprises a first area having a first reflectivity and a second area having a second reflectivity;   a plurality of image capture devices mounted on the vehicle and configured to transmit one or more video feeds comprising a plurality of images displayable through said mirror unit responsive to a manually selectable view and an automatically selectable view, wherein the automatically selectable view is displayable during a predetermined interval of time based on a stop signal or a stop completed signal, and wherein the manually selectable view is displayable only when the vehicle is not in a reverse mode;   a video input switch configured to be chosen from one of a single-feed configuration providing a video input from one of the plurality of image capture devices or a multiple-feed configuration providing a split video input from more than one of the plurality of image capture device;   a delay timer enabling at least one of the plurality of image capture devices to continue to transmit video for a predetermined time responsive to predetermined criteria; and   an interior light source to illuminate the interior of the vehicle during low lighting situations in at least one of a visible range or infrared range.   
     
     
         23 . A mirror system according to  claim 22 , wherein the delay timer enables at least one of the plurality of image capture devices to continue to transmit video for the predetermined time at predetermined intervals responsive to the predetermined criteria. 
     
     
         24 . A mirror system according to  claim 22 , wherein said interior light source includes an infrared light emitting diode lighting for capturing images in low or no visibility without requiring a flash or other bright light source. 
     
     
         25 . A mirror system according to  claim 22 , further comprising an exterior light source mounted to the exterior of the vehicle to enable at least one of the plurality of image capture devices to transmit images in the vicinity of the vehicle. 
     
     
         26 . A mirror system according to  claim 22 , wherein the video input switch is located on a dashboard of the vehicle. 
     
     
         27 . A mirror system according to  claim 22 , wherein the video input switch is further configured to provide at least one image responsive to a full mirror view. 
     
     
         28 . A mirror system according to  claim 22 , wherein said mirror unit further comprises a transition region disposed between the first area and the second area, and wherein the transition region have at least a reflectivity that is different from the first reflectivity and the second reflectivity. 
     
     
         29 . A mirror system according to  claim 22 , wherein the first reflectivity and the second reflectivity are different. 
     
     
         30 . A mirror system according to  claim 22 , wherein the first reflectivity and the second reflectivity are the same. 
     
     
         31 . A mirror system according to  claim 22 , wherein said stop completed signal indicates that the vehicle has completed a stop and is preparing to resume a journey. 
     
     
         32 . A mirror system for enhanced viewing by a vehicle operator of areas within or exterior to a bus, truck or transit vehicle comprising:
 a mirror unit for a bus, truck or transit vehicle;   one or more image capture devices mounted on the vehicle and configured to transmit one or more video feeds responsive to at least one of an automatically selectable view or a manually selectable view, wherein a display of the one or more video feeds is optionally responsive to one or more triggering signals;   a light sensor configured to sense an ambient light level and at least one of: mounted to the vehicle or integrated in said one or more image capture devices;   a delay timer enabling at least one of the plurality of image capture devices to continue to transmit video for a predetermined time; and   a light source at least one of: integrated in said light sensor, integrated in said one or more image capture devices, or mounted to the exterior of the vehicle.   
     
     
         33 . A mirror system according to  claim 32 , further comprising an exterior light source mounted to the exterior of the vehicle to enable at least one of the plurality of image capture devices to transmit images in the vicinity of the vehicle. 
     
     
         34 . A mirror system for enhanced viewing by a vehicle operator of areas within or exterior to a bus-, truck or transit vehicle comprising:
 a mirror unit for a bus, truck or transit vehicle;   one or more recording devices mounted on or in the vehicle and configured to transmit one or more video feeds responsive to at least one of an automatically selectable view or a manually selectable view,   a display of the one or more video feeds responsive to one or more triggering signals;   a light sensor configured to sense an ambient light level and at least one of: mounted to the vehicle or integrated in said one or more recording devices;   a delay timer enabling at least one of the plurality of recording devices to continue to transmit video for a predetermined time; and   a light source at least one of: integrated in said light sensor, integrated in said one or more recording devices, or mounted to the exterior of the vehicle.   
     
     
         35 . A mirror system according to  claim 34 , wherein said light source includes an infrared light emitting diode lighting for capturing images in low or no visibility without requiring a flash or other bright light source. 
     
     
         36 . A mirror system according to  claim 34 , wherein said light source enables at least one of the one or more recording devices to transmit images in the vicinity of the vehicle. 
     
     
         37 . A mirror system according to  claim 34 , wherein one of the one or more triggering signals comprises a backup signal. 
     
     
         38 . A mirror system according to  claim 34 , wherein one of the one or more triggering signals comprises a stop-completed signal. 
     
     
         39 . A mirror system according to  claim 38 , wherein the stop-completed signal is generated when a passenger door of the bus or public transit vehicle is closed. 
     
     
         40 . A mirror system according to  claim 38 , wherein the stop-completed signal is generated when flashing lights of the bus or public transit vehicle cease flashing. 
     
     
         41 . A mirror system according to  claim 38 , wherein the stop-completed signal is generated when gears of the bus or public transit vehicle have changed from parked to forward or reverse. 
     
     
         42 . A mirror system according to  claim 34 , wherein an audio is provided to the vehicle operator in coordination with the one or more video feeds being displayed. 
     
     
         43 . A mirror system according to  claim 42 , wherein the audio is provided to the vehicle operator by a speaker or a headset. 
     
     
         44 . A mirror system according to  claim 42 , wherein the audio is provided to the vehicle operator by microphones located at or near the one or more recording devices. 
     
     
         45 . A mirror system according to  claim 44 , wherein at least one of the microphones is built in to at least one of the one or more recording devices. 
     
     
         46 . A mirror system according to  claim 34 , further comprising a protective enclosure encasing at least one of the one or more recording devices. 
     
     
         47 . A mirror system according to  claim 34 , wherein at least one of the one or more recording devices is powered by a vehicle battery. 
     
     
         48 . A mirror system according to  claim 34 , wherein the mirror unit is mounted to an external portion of the vehicle. 
     
     
         49 . A mirror system according to  claim 34 , further comprising a GPS sensor configured to determine at least one of: location, speed, or direction of the vehicle. 
     
     
         50 . A mirror system according to  claim 34 , further comprising an event counter configured to count recorded events. 
     
     
         51 . A mirror system according to  claim 34 , further comprising an audible chime configured to make an audible sound when the vehicle exceeds a predetermined speed or the vehicle exceeds a predetermined threshold. 
     
     
         52 . A mirror system according to  claim 51 , wherein the predetermined threshold includes an excessive braking. 
     
     
         53 . A mirror system according to  claim 34 , further comprising a connection device including input feeds respectively connected to at least one of the one or more recording devices. 
     
     
         54 . A mirror system according to  claim 53 , wherein the connection device further comprises a line out feed configured to connect the monitor module to an output device. 
     
     
         55 . A mirror system according to  claim 34 , wherein at least one of the one or more recording devices comprise a built-in audio capture device. 
     
     
         56 . A mirror system according to  claim 34 , wherein a lever lock mechanism is used to lock the mirror unit and the monitor module assembly in place. 
     
     
         57 . A mirror system according to  claim 34 , wherein at least one of the one or more recording devices is connected to the vehicle's ignition system to receive power. 
     
     
         58 . A mirror system according to  claim 34 , wherein the one or more video feeds are continue to be captured until the vehicle exceeds a predetermined threshold. 
     
     
         59 . A mirror system according to  claim 58 , wherein the predetermined threshold includes at least one of: the vehicle operator activating a panic button, a g-force measured beyond a threshold by an accelerometer, a sufficient bump measured by the accelerometer, an excessive brake measured by the accelerometer, or a vehicle speed exceeds a certain predetermined threshold.