Rear wiper operation indicator and full display mirror system of a motor vehicle

Abstract

A system for controlling vehicle components including a rear wiper system and a full display mirror (FDM) system is described herein. The system includes a rear wiper system switch including an OFF position and at least one activated position. The system also includes an FDM control switch including an OFF position and an ON position. The system also includes a control unit communicatively coupled to the rear wiper system switch and the FDM switch and configured to activate a rear wiper activation indicator when the rear wiper system switch is in the at least one activated position and the FDM switch is in the ON position.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION[0001]This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 665,931 filed May 2, 2018, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.BACKGROUND[0002]The field of the present disclosure relates generally to full display mirrors for use in motor vehicles and, more specifically, to coordination of operation of the full display mirror and a rear window wiper system.[0003]Rearview mirrors have long been used to provide a vehicle operator with a reflected view of an area behind the operator while the operator remains facing forward. This area behind the operator includes portions of the interior of the vehicle as well as an area outside of the vehicle as seen through the rear window. Most vehicles also include a rearview camera system that includes a rearview camera and a video display screen that facilitate providing an operator of the vehicle with an unobstructed view rearward of the vehicle. Typically, the rearview cam...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The patent describes a system that combines a rear wiper system and a full display mirror (FDM) system in a vehicle. The system includes a rear wiper system switch and an FDM control switch, and when both switches are activated simultaneously, a rear wiper activation indicator is displayed within the FDM screen. This allows the driver to easily see when the rear wiper system is active and to activate the rear wiper system with a single switch. The technical effects of this system include improved safety and convenience for the driver and better visibility during inclement weather conditions.

Problems solved by technology

However, cargo loaded in the rear of the vehicle or passengers occupying the rear seats may interfere with the operator's ability to see out of the rear window using the rearview mirror.

If the rearview camera is mounted on an exterior of the vehicle and does not provide a rearward view through the rear window of the vehicle, the operator of the vehicle may not notice that the rear wiper system is active if the operator relies solely on the video feed provided on the display screen.

Unintentional activation of the rear wiper system may reduce the service life of the rear wiper blade.

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