US 5,798,575 · Granted 1998-08-25
The Connected Car Mirror That Talks to Itself
Imagine if your car's side mirrors could communicate with each other and automatically adjust to follow where you're looking. This patent describes a system where multiple rearview mirrors are networked together, sharing information through the car's communication system so they can move in sync and give you the best possible view of what's behind you.
The plain-English version
What it protects
The claim covers a vehicle rear vision system where at least two rearview assemblies each contain image transfer devices, connected by a communication system that links the mirrors to each other and to the car's multiplex network. What's protected here is the specific architecture of having networked mirrors that can receive and transmit data to reposition themselves dynamically in response to changes in any single mirror's position, creating an interactive tracking system tied to driver eye position.
Why it matters
This patent represents an early approach to intelligent vehicle safety systems that anticipate modern driver-assistance features. By networking mirrors and adding dynamic repositioning based on driver position, Donnelly was patenting the infrastructure for mirrors that could actively improve visibility rather than remaining static. This kind of networked vehicle perception system laid conceptual groundwork for later advanced driver assistance and autonomous vehicle technologies.
Real-world use
When you shift your head or eyes while driving, an advanced mirror system using this patent could automatically tilt or adjust its aim to keep your sightlines optimized without you touching a control.
Original USPTO abstract
A vehicle rear vision system includes at least two rearview assemblies each having an image transfer device for transferring images rearwardly of the vehicle in order to be observable by a driver. A rear vision communication system is provided to effect communication between the rearview assemblies. The rear vision communication system also includes a communication link with the vehicle multiplex communication network. The vehicle rear vision system may include an interactive dynamic position control, which repositions each mirror in the system in response to a change in the position of one mirror in a manner which allows the mirror aim to track a driver's eye position.
Patent details
- Publication number
- US 5,798,575
- Filing date
- 1996-07-11
- Grant date
- 1998-08-25
- Assignee
- Donnelly Corporation
- Inventor(s)
- O'FARRELL; DESMOND J., VELDMAN; ROGER L., SCHOFIELD; KENNETH
- CPC class
- B60R1/07
Want to file your own patent?
Curious whether your own automotive gadget idea already overlaps with existing patents? Use IsItPatented's free scanner to search similar vehicle technology before pitching it to manufacturers.
Free patentability scan