Mirror monitor using two levels of reflectivity

摘要

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.

主权项

1. A rear-view mirror unit and modular monitor system for enhanced viewing by a vehicle operator of areas within or exterior to a bus or public transit vehicle comprising:
a rear-view mirror unit mounted forward of the vehicle operator, said rear-view mirror unit having a first area with a first reflectivity not less than about 20% and a second area with a second reflectivity not less than about 20%; at least one monitor module removably connected to a rear side of said rear-view mirror unit, said at least one monitor module installed behind and viewable through the first area of said rear-view mirror unit having the first reflectivity, and said at least one monitor module removable from and reconnectable to the rear side of said rear-view mirror unit without affecting the structure or position of said rear-view mirror unit; and a first image capture device mounted at a first location on the vehicle and configured to capture and transmit at least a first image to said at least one monitor module, the first image being displayable on said at least one monitor module through the first area of said rear-view mirror unit.