WO 2007/005942
`
`PCT /US2006/026148
`
`indicator. Also, because the blind spot indicator is located at the inboard portion of the
`
`mirror assembly, the blind spot indicator is viewable principally or solely by the driver of the
`
`host vehicle, and is not readily viewable or visible to a driver of another vehicle. Because the
`blind spot indicator is not located at a primary viewing area, the curb-side appeal or
`
`appearance of the vehicle is not adversely impacted by the choice and styling of the blind
`
`spot indicator. Also, because the blind spot indicator of the present invention is not located
`
`behind a window in the reflective element, or behind a transflective portion of the reflective
`
`element, the blind spot indicator may be fixedly placed and may provide a low cost indicator
`
`that may be readily incorporated into an exterior rearview mirror assembly of a vehicle.
`
`[0018]
`
`These and other objects, advantages, purposes and features of the present invention
`
`will become apparent upon review of the following specification in conjunction with the
`
`drawings.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`(0019]
`
`FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exterior mirror assembly with a blind spot indicator
`
`in accordance with the present invention, shown with the indicator as an ISO icon;
`
`[0020]
`
`FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an exterior mirror assembly similar to FIG. 1, shown
`
`with the indicator as a multi-stage indicator;
`
`[0021]
`
`FIG. 2A is a perspective view of another exterior mirror assembly similar to FIG. 2,
`
`with the indicator located at an upper region of the inboard portion of the mirror assembly;
`
`[0022]
`
`FIG. 3 is a perspective view of another exterior mirror assembly similar to FIG. 1,
`
`shown with the indicator as a hazard icon;
`
`[0023]
`
`FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a vehicle with an exterior mirror assembly and blind
`
`spot indicator of the present invention, shown as the driver of a trailing vehicle may view the
`
`vehicle and exterior mirror assembly;
`
`(0024]
`
`FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the vehicle of FIG. 4, shown as the driver of an
`
`overtaking vehicle may view the vehicle and exterior mirror assembly;
`
`(0025]
`
`FIGS. 6A and 6B are perspective views of the driver and passenger side exterior
`
`mirror assemblies and of the interior rearview mirror assembly, with blind spot indicators in
`
`accordance with the present invention;
`
`[0026]
`
`FIG. 7 is a perspective view of another exterior mirror assembly with a blind spot
`
`indicator in the support arm of the mirror assembly in accordance with the present invention,
`
`shown with the indicator as an ISO icon;
`FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an exterior mirror assembly similar to FIG. 7, shown
`
`[0027]
`
`with the indicator as a multi-stage indicator;
`
`-7-
`
`SMR USA
`Exhibit 1009
`Page 0979
`
`

`

`WO 2007/005942
`
`PCT /US2006/026148
`
`[0028]
`
`FIG. 9 is a perspective view of another exterior mirror assembly similar to FIG. 7,
`
`shown with the indicator as a hazard icon;
`
`[0029]
`
`FIG. 10 is a perspective view of another exterior mirror assembly similar to FIG. 7,
`
`shown with a multi-stage indicator at the side of the mirror shell;
`
`[0030]
`
`FIG. 11 is a perspective view of another exterior mirror assembly similar to FIG. 10,
`
`with the indicator at the side of the mirror shell and above the support arm;
`
`[0031]
`
`FIGS. 12A and 12B are perspective views of the driver and passenger side exterior
`
`mirror assemblies of a vehicle, with blind spot indicators in accordance with the present
`
`invention;
`
`[0032]
`
`FIG. 13 is a perspective view of another exterior mirror assembly with a blind spot
`
`indicator in accordance with the present invention;
`
`[0033]
`
`FIG. 14 is a perspective view of another exterior mirror assembly with a blind spot
`
`indicator module in accordance with the present invention;
`
`[0034]
`
`[0035]
`
`[0036]
`
`[00371
`
`[0038]
`
`(0039]
`
`FIGS. 15A and Bare perspective views of the blind spot indicator module of FIG. 14;
`
`FIGS. 16A-C are plan views of the blind spot indicator module of FIG. 14;
`
`FIG. 17 is an exploded perspective view of the blind spot indicator module of FIGS.
`
`14-16;
`
`FIG. 18 is an exploded perspective view of the exterior mirror assembly of FIG. 14;
`
`FIG. 19 is a perspective view of the blind spot indicator module as attached to the
`
`mirror housing;
`FIG. 20 is another perspective view of the blind spot indicator and mirror housing of
`
`FIG.19;
`
`[0040]
`
`FIG. 21 is an enlarged perspective view of the blind spot indicator as mounted at the
`
`mirror assembly;
`
`[0041]
`
`FIG. 22 is a perspective view of the mounting portion of the housing of the mirror
`
`assembly;
`
`[0042]
`
`FIG. 23 is a perspective view of the back cap of the exterior mirror assembly of FIGS.
`
`14 and 18;
`
`[0043]
`
`FIG. 24 is an exploded perspective view of another blind spot indicator module in
`
`accordance with the present invention;
`
`[0044]
`
`[0045]
`
`FIGS. 25A-C are plan views of the blind spot indicator module of FIG. 24;
`
`FIG. 26 is an exploded perspective view of an exterior mirror assembly and the blind
`
`spot indicator module in accordance with the present invention;
`
`-8-
`
`SMR USA
`Exhibit 1009
`Page 0980
`
`

`

`WO 2007/005942
`
`PCT /US2006/026148
`
`[0046]
`
`FIGS. 27 A and 27B are perspective views of the exterior mirror assembly and blind
`
`spot indicator module of FIG. 26;
`
`[0047]
`
`FIG. 28 is an exploded perspective view of another blind spot indicator module in
`
`accordance with the present invention;
`
`[0048]
`
`[0049]
`
`FIGS. 29A-C are plan views of the blind spot indicator module of FIG. 28;
`
`FIG. 30 is an exploded perspective view of an exterior mirror assembly and the blind
`
`spot indicator module in accordance with the present invention; and
`
`[0050]
`
`FIGS. 31A and 31B are perspective views of the exterior mirror assembly and blind
`
`spot indicator module of FIG. 30.
`
`[00511
`
`Referring now to the drawings and the illustrative embodiments depicted therein, an
`
`DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
`
`exterior rearview mirror assembly 10 for a vehicle includes a reflective element 12 and a
`
`mirror shell or casing 14 (FIG. 1). Mirror assembly 10 is mounted at the side 16a of a host or
`
`subject vehicle 16, and includes a blind spot indicator 18 at an inboard portion 20 of mirror
`
`assembly 10. The blind spot indicator 18 is operable by illumination to indicate to the driver
`
`of the subject or host vehicle that an object or other vehicle is detected at the side or blind
`
`spot region of the host vehicle by a blind spot detection system, as discussed below. The
`
`indicator may be activated or energized in response to a detection of an object or other
`
`vehicle approaching or adjacent to the host vehicle in order to alert or warn the driver of the
`
`host vehicle not to attempt or initiate a lane change that moves the subject or host vehicle into
`
`the already occupied (or soon to be occupied) side lane or region adjacent either the driver
`
`side or the passenger side of the host vehicle.
`
`[0052]
`
`Mirror assembly 10 is connected at the side 16a of vehicle 16 and includes a
`
`mounting arm or stem 22 or the like, which is mounted to or extends from the side 16a of
`
`vehicle 16. In the illustrated embodin1ent of FIG. 1, the inboard portion 20 of mirror
`
`assembly 10 comprises the inboard wall or side of the mirror shell or casing 14. The inboard
`
`portion or wall is at the inboard side of the casing 14 of the mirror assembly and generally
`
`faces the side 16a of the vehicle 16. As can be seen in FIG. 1, the inboard portion 20 is
`
`spaced from and opposite from an outboard portion or side 24 of the mirror assembly 10.
`
`[0053]
`
`The exterior rearview mirror assembly may comprise a fixed exterior rearview mirror
`
`assembly, whereby the mirror portion of the mirror casing and the attachment portion of the
`
`mirror casing form a uni-body. Alternately, and preferably, the exterior rearview mirror
`
`assembly may comprise a breakaway exterior rearview mirror assembly and more preferably,
`
`the exterior rearview mirror assembly may comprise a powerfold exterior rearview mirror
`-9-
`
`SMR USA
`Exhibit 1009
`Page 0981
`
`

`

`WO 2007/005942
`
`PCT /US2006/026148
`
`assembly. For example, the exterior rearview mirror assembly may comprise a fixed or
`
`foldable or breakaway or powerfold mirror assembly, whereby the mirror casing may
`
`encompass an attachment portion that attaches to the side of the vehicle, and a mirror or
`
`reflective element portion (that supports the reflective element) that is attached to and
`
`supported by the attachment portion. The reflective element is mounted at an actuator (such
`
`as a manual actuator or an electronic actuator) within the mirror portion of the mirror casing
`
`so that the rearward field of view of the driver is adjustable via adjustment of the reflective
`element.
`
`[0054]
`
`Typically, side exterior rearview mirror assemblies for vehicles extend from the side
`
`of the vehicle and are angled to reduce aerodynamic drag and to provide an aesthetically
`
`pleasing appearance. Thus, the inboard portion of the exterior rearview mirror may be angled
`
`outwardly from the vehicle and thus slopes away from vehicle and provides a surface at
`
`which to mount/install the blind spot indicator, whereby the blind spot indicator is generally
`
`facing the driver of the host vehicle while being generally or substantially or entirely hidden
`
`from the view of drivers of other vehicles encountered by the host vehicle. Also, because the
`
`indicator is located at the inboard portion of the mirror shell or casing, the indicator may be
`
`selected to be substantially large, since the size of the indicator is not constrained by the field
`
`of view regulations of the mirror reflective element. The blind spot indicator of the present
`
`invention thus may be located at the mirror inboard wall or portion or side, which is
`
`contoured so that the wall or surface slopes away from the body side of the vehicle. By
`
`positioning the indicator at this location, the presence of the indicator at the inboard or inner
`
`wall or side of the exterior mirror is substantially or totally obscured from the view of drivers
`
`of trailing or side overtaking vehicles by the very body and structure of the exterior mirror.
`Also, because of the natural aerodynamic styling and structure of the inboard wall portion or
`
`section, operation of the blind spot indicator is substantially or totally non-viewable by the
`
`drivers of leading vehicles (traveling in front of the host vehicle) or vehicles approaching the
`
`host vehicle from in front of the host vehicle.
`
`[0055]
`
`Blind spot/LCA indicator 18 may include an illumination or light source (such as one
`
`or more light emitting diodes (LEDs) or organic light emitting diodes (OLEDs) or the like
`
`that is/are energized to direct or emit illumination toward the driver of the host vehicle. The
`
`illumination source may be positioned within or behind the inboard wall or portion of the
`
`mirror assembly and the indicator may include an iconistic display area (such as transparent
`
`or substantially transparent or translucent windows or apertures formed or established at the
`
`inboard wall so that the illumination passes through the windows for viewing and discerning
`-10-
`
`SMR USA
`Exhibit 1009
`Page 0982
`
`

`

`WO 2007/005942
`
`PCT /US2006/026148
`
`by the driver of the host vehicle). The iconistic display may be established or formed at a
`
`lens or element that attaches to the shell or casing or may be formed or established at the shell
`
`or casing wall itself. The indicator may include baffles or light piping or tubing or
`
`electroluminescent foil or other light direction means or occluding means, such as louvers or
`
`shutters or filters or light directing film or the like for directing or guiding the illumination
`
`from the illumination source at the desired angle and through the inboard wall or portion so
`
`as to be principally or solely viewable by the driver of the host vehicle. Because the blind
`
`spot indicator is located at an area or region that is not readily viewable by a person outside
`
`of the vehicle cabin, the indicator may be located at the surface of the inboard wall or portion
`
`(and may protrude partially therefrom), and need not be recessed within the casing surface,
`
`without adversely affecting the appearance of the exterior mirror assembly. The location and
`
`degree of recess or inset of the blind spot indicator may be selected depending on the
`
`particular application of the blind spot indicator and on the location of any internal mirror
`
`content (such as an actuator, security light or other indicators or accessories or the like)
`
`located within the mirror shell.
`
`[0056]
`
`As shown in FIG. 1, blind spot indicator 18 may comprise an ISO icon (showing
`
`icons representing the host vehicle and another vehicle at the side and/or rearward of the host
`
`vehicle) to indicate to the driver of the host vehicle that another vehicle has been detected at
`
`the side and/or rearward of the host vehicle. The iconistic representation may be formed as a
`
`translucent window or portion of the inboard wall or portion or may be otherwise established
`
`at the inboard wall or portion of the mirror assembly. Optionally, however, the indicator may
`
`comprise other forms, without affecting the scope of the present invention. For example, and
`
`with reference to FIG. 2, a blind spot indicator or LCA indicator 18' of an exterior mirror
`
`assembly 10' may comprise a multi-stage indicator having multiple indicating portions or
`
`elements or devices for indicating a degree of hazard or the like of an object or vehicle
`
`detected alongside and/or rearward of the host vehicle. The indicating portions or elements
`
`or devices may comprise different color indicators, such as green, amber and red or the like,
`
`to indicate the degree of hazard detected. For example, the multi-stage indicator may provide
`
`a first indication when no object is detected at the side lane adjacent to the vehicle, a second
`
`indication when an object is detected that is approaching the side lane area, and a third
`
`indication when an object is detected that is occupying the side lane area.
`
`[0057]
`
`The multi-stage indicator may comprise multiple illumination sources selectively
`
`operable to indicate the degree of hazard detected, or optionally the different or multiple
`
`indications may be provided with one illumination source or indicating element. The first,
`-11-
`
`SMR USA
`Exhibit 1009
`Page 0983
`
`

`

`WO 2007/005942
`
`PCT /US2006/026 l 48
`
`second and third indications provide at least one of (a) first, second and third color
`
`indications and (b) first, second and third indication modulations (such as where one or more
`
`indicating elements is/are flashed or modulated or intermittently activated/deactivated to
`
`provide different indications) that are readily discernible and recognizable by the driver of the
`
`vehicle.
`
`[0058]
`
`Such a multi-stage indicator is suitable for use with a lane change assist (LCA)
`
`system, and may, for example, provide a green indication when the adjacent side lane is clear,
`
`an amber indication when a vehicle approaches the side lane area, and a red indication when
`
`another vehicle is occupying the side lane area adjacent to the host vehicle. As shown in
`
`FIG. 2, the blind spot indicator or LCA indicator 18' may be positioned at a lower region of
`
`the inboard portion 20' of the mirror assembly 10', or (and as shown in FIG. 2A), the blind
`
`spot indicator 1811 may be positioned at an upper region of the inboard portion 20" of the
`
`mirror assembly 10" (where the indicator may be more readily visible/viewable to the driver
`
`of the host vehicle). Optionally, for example, and with reference to FIG. 3, a blind spot
`
`indicator 18'" of an exterior rearview mirror assembly 10"' may comprise a hazard indicator
`
`or the like at the inboard portion 20'" to provide a hazard indication or warning or alert signal
`
`to the driver of the host vehicle when an object or vehicle is detected at the side and/or
`
`rearward of the host vehicle, and when the driver of the host vehicle is attempting a lane
`
`change or the like (such as when the driver activates the turn signal of the host vehicle).
`
`Other iconistic images or indicia or the like may be used for the blind spot/LCA indicator,
`
`without affecting the scope of the present invention.
`
`[0059]
`
`As can be seen in FIGS. 4 and 5, the blind spot indicator of the present invention is
`
`not readily viewable or discernible by other road users, such as a driver of a vehicle
`
`approaching the host vehicle from the rear of the host vehicle (as shown in FIG. 4) or a driver
`
`of a vehicle approaching and overtaking the host vehicle along a side of the host vehicle ( as
`
`shown in FIG. 5). Although not shown, the blind spot indicator is also substantially not
`
`viewable by or visible to a driver of a vehicle ahead of or leading the host vehicle. The blind
`
`spot indicator of the present invention thus may be sufficiently large to enhance viewability
`
`and discernibility of the indicator by the driver of the host vehicle, without detracting from
`
`the appearance of the mirror assembly and without being readily viewable/discernible by the
`
`driver of another vehicle, thereby limiting or substantially precluding confusion (to the driver
`
`of the other vehicle) between a turn signal indicator (not shown) of the mirror assembly and
`
`the blind spot indicator.
`
`-12-
`
`SMR USA
`Exhibit 1009
`Page 0984
`
`

`

`WO 2007/005942
`
`PCT /US2006/026 l 48
`
`[0060]
`
`Although shown in FIGS. 1-5 and described above as being located at a driver side
`
`exterior mirror, the blind spot/LCA indicator of the present invention may also or otherwise
`
`be located at the passenger side exterior mirror, if desired. Optionally, the blind spot
`
`indicator of the present invention may be located at both the driver side mirror assembly and
`
`the passenger side mirror assembly of the host vehicle. The indicator at either side may be
`
`selectively activated or illuminated to indicate to the driver of the host vehicle that an object
`
`or other vehicle has been detected at that particular side lane region of the host vehicle.
`
`Optionally, the blind spot indicator may be associated with a blind spot detection and
`
`indication system that includes one or more indicators at the interior rearview mirror
`
`assembly of the host vehicle. For example, and with reference to FIG. 6, a blind spot
`
`indicator 118a may be located at an inboard portion or wall 120a of a driver side exterior
`
`rearview mirror assembly 110a, while a blind spot indicator 118b may be located at an
`
`inboard portion or wall 120b of a passenger side exterior rearview mirror assembly 110b.
`
`Also, an interior rearview mirror assembly 130 may include one or more indicators 119a,
`
`119b that provide further indication to the driver of the host vehicle of a detection of an
`
`object or other vehicle at either side and/9r rearward of the host vehicle, so that the driver of
`
`the host vehicle has a cognitive association of the indicators. The blind spot indicators may
`
`provide a redundant indication at both the interior and exterior mirrors in order to assist the
`
`driver in recognizing the conditions surrounding the host vehicle, such as by utilizing aspects
`
`of the blind spot detection system described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,198,409; 5,929,786; and
`
`5,786,772, which are hereby incorporated herein by reference in_their entireties.
`
`[0061]
`
`Optionally, and with reference to FIG. 7, an exterior rearview mirror assembly 210
`
`may include a reflective element 212 and a mirror casing or shell that includes a mirror
`
`portion 214 that is supported on a mounting arm or attachment portion 232, which includes
`
`an attachment element that is configured to attach or mount to the side 216a of the host
`
`vehicle 216 and/or which extends from the side 216a of the host vehicle 216. The blind spot
`
`indicator 218 may be located at an inboard portion 220 of the casing 214, such as at the
`
`support arm or attachment portion or stem 232 of the casing which mounts to the mounting
`
`arm 222. In the illustrated embodiment, the attachment portion 232 of the casing is pivotally
`
`mounted to the mounting arm 222, such as for a powerfold exterior mirror or a breakaway
`
`exterior mirror or the like. The inboard portion 220 thus may be positioned along the mirror
`
`portion 214 or attachment portion 232 (and preferably along a surface that is angled
`
`outwardly with respect to the vehicle side), and could optionally and less desirably be located
`
`at the support or mounting arm 222, so as to be directed general! y toward the driver of the
`-13-
`
`SMR USA
`Exhibit 1009
`Page 0985
`
`

`

`WO 2007/005942
`
`PCT /US2006/026 l 48
`
`host vehicle and not readily viewable by other road users or drivers of other vehicles at or
`
`near the host vehicle.
`
`[0062]
`
`As shown in FIG. 7, the indicator 218 may comprise an ISO indicator with the
`
`iconistic representation of the host vehicle and adjacent or approaching vehicle, such as
`
`described above with respect to FIG. 1. Optionally, and such as described above with respect
`
`to FIGS. 2 and 3, the blind spot indicator may comprise a multi-stage indicator 218' (FIG. 8)
`
`or a hazard indicator 218" (FIG. 9) at the support arm or stem of the mirror assembly.
`
`[00631
`
`Optionally, and as shown in FIG. 10, the blind spot indicator 318 (such as a multi(cid:173)
`
`stage indicator or other type of indicator) may be located at the inboard wall 320 of the mirror
`
`casing 314 of an exterior mirror assembly 310 and generally at or rearward of the support arm
`or. stem 332 (which mounts to a mounting arm or portion 322 at the vehicle and which may
`
`be pivotable relative to the mounting arm or portion 322) of the casing 314 (where the
`
`indicator is rearward of the support arm and thus facing generally rearwardly with respect to
`
`the forward direction of travel of the vehicle, and preferably on an outwardly angled portion
`
`so as to be facing partially inward toward the driver of the vehicle). The indicator thus is
`readily viewable by the driver of the host vehicle at the mirror casing and rearward of the
`
`support arm or stem of the mirror assembly. As shown in FIG. 11, the blind spot indicator
`
`318 1 may be located at the inboard portion 320' of the casing 314' of an exterior mirror
`
`assembly 310' and generally above the support arm or stem 332' (which mounts to the
`
`mounting arm or portion 322), if desired. The particular location of the blind spot indicator
`
`may be selected depending on the geometries and content of the mirror assembly and support
`arm and mounting portion of the mirror assembly and on the vehicle door design and/or the
`
`vehicle A-pillar design, so as to provide enhanced viewability and discernibility of the blind
`
`spot indicator to the driver of the host vehicle. As shown in FIGS. 12A and 12B, a blind spot
`
`indicator 318a" may be located at the inboard portion 320a" of the casing 314a" of a driver
`
`side exterior mirror assembly 310a", while a blind spot indicator 318b" may be located at the
`
`inboard portion 320b" of the casing 314b" of a passenger side exterior rearview mirror
`
`assembly 310b", so that the indicators 318a!I, 318b" are readily viewable and discernible by
`
`the driver of the host vehicle while being substantially non-viewable to drivers of other
`
`vehicles at or near or trailing or approaching or overtaking or leading the host vehicle. The
`
`blind spot indicator or indicators may be located at other inboard portions or inward facing
`
`portions of the mirror casing, including a movable casing portion (such as a movable mirror
`
`portion or movable attachment portion or the like) and/or a fixed casing portion (such as a
`
`fixed mirror portion or fixed attachment portion or the like), so as to be viewable by the
`-14-
`
`SMR USA
`Exhibit 1009
`Page 0986
`
`

`

`WO 2007/005942
`
`PCT /US2006/026 l 48
`
`driver of the vehicle and not readily viewable by other road users or drivers of other vehicles,
`
`while remaining within the spirit and scope of the present invention.
`
`[0064]
`
`Optionally, and with reference to FIG. 13, an exterior rearview mirror assembly 410
`
`for a vehicle includes a reflective element 412 and a mirror shell or casing 414. Mirror
`
`assembly 410 is mounted at the side 416a of a host or subject vehicle 416, and includes a
`
`blind spot indicator 418 at an inboard portion or surface 420 of an outer wall 424 of the
`
`mirror casing 414 of mirror assembly 410. The blind spot indicator 418 thus may be located
`
`at a cusp or inboard surface of the outer wall 424 of mirror casing 414 so as to be readily
`
`viewable by the driver of the host vehicle, while being substantially hidden or not viewable
`
`by the driver of another vehicle at or near or approaching the host vehicle. The blind spot
`
`indicator 418 thus is located at a region that is remote from the reflective element of the
`
`mirror assembly so as to limit or substantially preclude confusion between the blind spot
`
`indicator and any display or indicator (such as a turn signal display or the like) that is located
`
`at the reflective element of the mirror assembly ( and thus that may be intended for viewing
`
`by the driver of another vehicle).
`
`[0065]
`
`Optionally, the blind spot indicator or LCA indicator of the present invention may be
`
`provided as an indicator module that is a unitary module including an illumination source,
`
`electrical connectors and cover and/or light directing or guiding elements or means. The
`
`unitary indicator module is preferably sealed so as to be substantially impervious to water so
`
`as to provide a robust module that can withstand the exposure to the elements at the exterior
`
`rearview mirror assembly. The sealing means for sealing the module may comprise any
`
`suitable sealing means, such as sealing means that are known or conventional in the art, such
`as gasketing, welding, such as ultrasonic welding or the like, or adhering or any other suitable
`
`sealing means for sealing the module. The mirror assembly may be formed with a cavity or
`
`opening (such as at the inboard wall of the mirror housing that faces or opposes the vehicle)
`
`for receiving or attaching the unitary indicator module therein or thereat, and may include the
`
`electrical connectors at the cavity or opening for making the appropriate electrical
`
`connections to the indicator module. Optionally, the electrical connections may be made
`
`while the indicator module is attached to the mirror assembly, such as via a plug and socket
`
`type arrangement or configuration, and such as by utilizing aspects of the mirror assembly
`
`described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,669,267, which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its
`
`entirety. The unitary indicator module may include or utilize aspects of various light
`
`modules or systems or devices, such as the types described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,227,689;
`
`-15-
`
`SMR USA
`Exhibit 1009
`Page 0987
`
`

`

`WO 2007/005942
`
`PCT /US2006/026148
`
`6,582,109; 5,371,659; 5,497,306; 5,669,699; 5,823,654; 6,176,602; and/or 6,276,821, which
`are hereby incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.
`
`[0066]
`
`The unitary indicator module thus may be provided as a unitary element or unit and
`
`may be readily installed at an exterior mirror assembly to provide the blind spot/LCA
`
`indicator at the inboard wall or portion of the exterior mirror. The blind spot detection
`
`system (and thus the blind spot indicator) thus may be selected by a customer as an option for
`
`their vehicle, whereby the blind spot indicator unit or module or unitary module may be
`
`provided for the appropriate mirror assembly. Optionally, the exterior mirror assembly may
`be shipped to a vehicle assembly plant with the blind spot indicator module already installed,
`
`or the exterior mirror assembly may be shipped to the vehicle assembly plant with a socket or
`
`structure or receiving portion (such as at the inboard portion of the mirror assembly) for
`
`receiving or mounting or attaching the indicator module. The indicator module, when
`
`selected, may be connected or plugged in or otherwise attached to the mirror assembly at the
`
`socket or structure or receiving portion at the vehicle assembly plant, so as to be substantially
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`flush with the outer surface of the mirror housing when so inserted or connected or plugged
`
`in or attached. Optionally, the indicator module may be slightly to moderately proud of the
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`outer surface of the inboard portion of the mirror casing or housing when attached thereto, so
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`as to be slightly protruding outward (generally toward the vehicle) from the inboard portion
`
`of the mirror casing or housing, such as less than about 1 mm to about 3 mm or thereabouts.
`The indicator module may make both the mechanical and electrical connections to the mirror
`
`assembly when attached thereto, such as by utilizing aspects described in U.S. Pat. No.
`
`6,669,267, which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. The indicator
`
`module thus may be installed at the appropriate mirror assembly ( such as for a vehicle that
`
`has the blind spot indicator selected as an option) at the vehicle assembly plant, while a blank
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`out panel or element or the like may be attached to the mirror assembly (such as by snapping
`
`or connecting or attaching a blank out panel or element at the receiving portion of the inboard
`
`portion of the mirror assembly) for vehicles that do not have the blind spot indicator option
`
`selected. Because the blind spot indicator and associated circuitry/electronics may be costly,
`
`the unitary indicator module allows the indicator to be added to the exterior mirror only for
`
`those vehicles with the indicator option selected, and without affecting the mirror assembly
`
`structure and design, so that a common mirror shell may be utilized for a standard mirror and
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`for a mirror with the indicator option selected, thereby deproliferating parts and providing
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`economies of scale for the mirror assemblies. An operator need only attach the selected or
`
`-16-
`
`SMR USA
`Exhibit 1009
`Page 0988
`
`

`

`WO 2007/005942
`
`PCT /US2006/026148
`
`appropriate one of the blind spot indicator module or the blank out element at the receiving
`portion of the inboard portion of the mirror assembly.
`
`(0067]
`
`For example, a method of supplying an exterior rearview mirror system for a vehicle
`
`includes providing mirror casings, with each mirror casing at least comprising a mirror
`
`portion including a reflective element. The reflective element is adjustably supportable by an
`
`actuator within the mirror portion of the mirror casing. Each of the mirror casings has an
`
`inboard portion that faces generally toward the exterior side of the vehicle and that is
`
`viewable by a driver of the vehicle when the exterior mirror assembly is mounted at the
`
`exterior side of the vehicle. At least some of the mirror casings are provided with an aperture
`
`or receiving portion established at the inboard portion. Blind spot indicator units are
`
`provided, with each of the blind spot indicator units comprising at least one indicating
`
`element and/or illumination source for indicating to the driver a detected presence of an
`
`object at at least one of alongside and rearward of the vehicle. First mirror assemblies are
`
`established by disposing the blind spot indicator units at the apertures of the inboard portions
`
`of the at least some of the mirror casings and second mirror assemblies are established by
`
`providing mirror casings lacking an aperture established at the inboard portion. The blind
`
`spot indicator units are at least partially received at the apertures of the first mirror
`
`assemblies. The first mirror assemblies are supplied to a vehicle manufacturing facility when
`
`inclusion of a blind spot indicator is required and the second mirror assemblies are supplied
`
`to a vehicle manufacturing facility when inclusion of a blind spot indicator is not required.
`
`[0068]
`
`Optionally, a method of manufacturing an exterior rearview mirror assembly includes
`
`providing an exterior mirror assembly having a reflective element and a mirror casing. The
`
`mirror casing is mountable at an exterior side of a vehicle and has an inboard portion that
`
`faces generally toward the exterior side of the vehicle and is viewable by a driver of the
`
`vehicle when the exterior mirror assembly is mounted at the exterior side of the vehicle. The
`
`inboard portions of at least some of the mirror casings have an aperture or receiving portion
`
`established thereat. The