Patent Application
20230147900
The present invention relates generally to the field of motor vehicle side rear view mirrors and more particularly to using motor vehicle side rear view mirrors to communicate an emoticon or other symbol with individuals outside of the vehicle.
The following is a tabulation of some prior art that presently appears relevant:
Drivers of all types of vehicles commonly desire to communicate with observers such as other drivers and pedestrians. Certain brands of vehicles, such as Jeep, encourage this communication, where it is even known as the “Jeep wave.” Presently this communication is achieved by waving, flicking the high beams, or honking, all of which may be misunderstood by the observer. Waving is limited to daytime hours. This apparatus overcomes these problems by showing an easily understood emoticon or other symbol and optional auditory sound to express the greetings of the driver.
Side rear view mirrors are equipped with indicators, as in U.S. Pat. No. 9,308,867 to Henion et al. The blind spot monitor proposed signals to the driver about the presence of other drivers, the signal is not communicated to other drivers and pedestrians. Furthermore, the signal is automatically generated by the blind spot monitor, it is not controlled by the driver. The signal does not include an audio component.
Side rear view mirrors that are used to communicate turn signals to other drivers are well known. U.S. Pat. No. 10,661,705 to Juris et al. proposes a signal to indicate turns by illuminating a vehicle logo, not signaling an emoticon which signals a greeting to other drivers and pedestrians. Furthermore, there is no audio component.
Side rear view mirrors are known to be used to communicate vehicle safety information to others in U.S. Patent Application Publication number 2004/0267419 to Jeng. In this publication, the side rear view mirror communicates only with computers and other peripherals, not with other individuals such as drivers and pedestrians.
Side rear view mirrors are known to be used to communicate with others outside the vehicle in U.S. Patent Application Publication number 2005/0117364 to Rennick, and U.S. Patent Application Publication number 2017/0341569 to Thompson et al. These publications project the communication on the roadway instead of using the side rear view mirror itself to communicate.
A first embodiment of a vehicle side rear view mirror having means to display information to communicate with other individuals outside of the vehicle includes a base, a light source, a lens, and a remote controller such as a switch. The lens may be shaped as an emoticon or other symbol. The lens may be included in the base. The controller may be an electrical interrupter switch to cause the lights to flash, so that the lights may be used as turn signals, hazard lights, or marker lights.
A second embodiment of a vehicle side rear view mirror having means to display information to communicate with other individuals outside of the vehicle includes a base, an array of light emitting diodes, a controller for the light emitting diodes, and at least one remote controller. The light emitting diodes may be color changing. The light emitting diodes may emit a light which appears as an emoticon.
A third embodiment of a vehicle side rear view mirror having means to display information to communicate with other individuals outside of the vehicle includes a base, a light source, a lens, and a remote controller. The lens may be shaped as an emoticon or other symbol. The lens may be included in the base. The controller may be connected to a voice recorder which sends its output to a speaker located in the side rear view mirror or elsewhere on the motor vehicle.
A fourth embodiment of a vehicle side rear view mirror having means to display information to communicate with other individuals outside of the vehicle includes a base, an array of light emitting diodes, a controller for the light emitting diodes, and at least one remote controller. The light emitting diodes may be color changing. The light emitting diodes may emit a light which appears as an emoticon. The controller may be connected to a voice recorder which sends its output to a speaker located in the side rear view mirror or elsewhere on the motor vehicle.
A fifth embodiment of a vehicle side rear view mirror having means to display information to communicate with other individuals outside of the vehicle wherein the controller may be a voice activated controller.
A sixth embodiment of a vehicle side rear view mirror having means to display information to communicate with other individuals outside of the vehicle wherein the controller may be a gesture activated controller.
A seventh embodiment of a vehicle side rear view mirror having means to display information to communicate with other individuals outside of the vehicle wherein the light emitting diode matrix is detatchably fixed to the mirror case.
Accordingly several advantages of one or more aspects are as follows: to communicate emoticons to other drivers and pedestrians, and to communicate audibly with other drivers and pedestrians, which could be a voice. To communicate through a voice activated controller. To communicate through a gesture activated controller. Other advantages of one or more aspects will be apparent from a consideration of the drawings and ensuing description.
Most, if not all, motor vehicles are equipped with two side rear view mirror assemblies, and it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the discussion below applies equally to the driver side and passenger side rear view mirror assembly 10.
The side rear view mirror assembly includes a base, 2F that is fixedly secured to the motor vehicle 11 and more specifically the door 12 of the vehicle 11. The base 24 is secured to the door 12. The design of the base 24 may include a support 25.
The base includes a mirror case 25 which is moveably secured to the base 24. The mirror case includes a lens 26 which is fixedly secured by known means to the mirror case 25. A waving hand shaped lens 26 in
Although there has been shown and described the preferred embodiments of the present invention, it will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art that modifications may be made thereto which do not exceed the scope of the appended claims. Therefore, the scope of the invention is only to be limited by the following claims.
