Rearview assembly

Abstract

A rear view assembly is disclosed that may include a housing, a semi-transmissive and semi-reflective element, and a mount. The housing may form a cavity and an opening. The semi-transmissive and semi-reflective element may be substantially disposed in the opening. The mounting assembly may have a first end and a second end. The first end may be configured to be secured to a vehicle. The second end may be secured to support the housing and may include a bracket extending into the cavity. Additionally, at least one of an imager and a light source may be disposed within the cavity and secured to the bracket. The bracket may remain in a substantially fixed position when the mounting assembly is secured to the vehicle and the housing is hinged.

Description

[0001] Cross-reference to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 405,127, filed on September 9, 2022, entitled “Rearview Assembly,” the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0003] The present invention relates generally to rear view assemblies and, more particularly, to rear view assemblies having cameras. Background Art

[0004] There is an increasing demand for advanced technology features in vehicles. A large number of these features, such as those based on cabin or driver monitoring, require cameras. In addition, these cameras typically require a field of view directed toward the interior of the vehicle. Therefore, it is often necessary or advantageous to position these cameras near a rearview assembly or in the area occupied by the rearview assembly. In addition, it is important that these cameras be incorporated into the interior of the vehicle in an aesthetically pleasing manner. Therefore, the desired position of such cameras may be within the rearview assembly, behind and viewed through the translucent, semi-reflective element of the rearview assembly. However, one disadvantage of placing the camera in such a position is that the rearview assembly may be moved by the driver in order to achieve the desired field of view. Such movement of the rearview assembly in turn changes the position and / or articulation of the camera, which interferes with some of the advanced features of many driver and / or cabin monitoring systems due to unknown positions or orientations within the vehicle. Therefore, there is a need to integrate improved cameras into vehicles, particularly for cabin and / or driver monitoring systems. Summary of the invention

[0005] In accordance with the present disclosure, problems associated with integrating a camera into a vehicle have been significantly reduced or eliminated.

[0006] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a rearview assembly is disclosed. The disclosed rearview assembly may include a housing, a semi-transmissive and semi-reflective element, and a mounting member. The housing may form a cavity and an opening. The semi-transmissive and semi-reflective element may be substantially disposed in, close to, and / or aligned with the opening. In some embodiments, the semi-transmissive and semi-reflective element is a variable transmission electro-optical element. The mounting assembly may have a first end and a second end. The first end may be configured to be fixed to a vehicle. The second end may be fixed to support the housing and may include a bracket extending into the cavity. In addition, at least one of an imager and a light source may be disposed in the cavity and fixed to the bracket. In some embodiments, the light source may be configured to project structured light into a passenger compartment of the vehicle. When the mounting assembly is fixed to the vehicle and the housing is hinged, the bracket may remain in a substantially fixed position.

[0007] In some embodiments, the second end may include a ball portion. In addition, the housing may further include a cup configured to at least partially receive and clamp the ball portion. In addition, the housing may be hinged relative to the mounting assembly at an interface between the ball portion and the cup. In some such embodiments, the cup may include a plurality of fingers extending substantially around at least a portion of the ball portion. The plurality of fingers may hold the ball portion within the cup. Additionally or alternatively, the cup may include a base portion and have an orifice leading to the cavity. In such embodiments, the bracket may extend into the cavity via the orifice.

[0008] After studying the following specification, claims and drawings, those skilled in the art will understand and appreciate these and other aspects, objects and features of the present disclosure. It will also be understood that the features of each embodiment disclosed herein can be used in combination with the features in other embodiments, or as a substitute for the features. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] In the attached picture:

[0010] Figure 1 is a schematic representation of the monitoring system;

[0011] Figure 2 is a schematic representation of an embodiment of a rear view assembly;

[0012] FIG3 a is a representation of a cup of an embodiment of a rear view assembly;

[0013] FIG3 b is an exploded perspective view of the bracket, cup and mounting member of an embodiment of the rear view assembly; and

[0014] Figure 4is a cross-sectional schematic representation of an embodiment of a transflective element. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0015] For the purposes of the description herein, the specific devices and processes shown in the drawings and described in the present disclosure are merely exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Therefore, unless the claims explicitly state otherwise, the specific features associated with the embodiments disclosed herein are not intended to be limiting.

[0016] The present disclosure relates to a monitoring system 100, such as Figure 1 As shown. The monitoring system 100 may be associated with a vehicle. Thus, the monitoring system 100 may be a driver and / or cabin monitoring system 100. In addition, the monitoring system 100 includes an imager 110, a light source 120, and / or a controller 130. In addition, one or more components of the monitoring system 100 may be incorporated into a rearview assembly 200, various aspects of which are described in detail in the following. Figure 2 -3b.

[0017] Imager 110 may be any device configured to capture light within a first wavelength range and generate an image. The image may be a digital image. In some embodiments, the first wavelength range may be in the infrared and / or near infrared region of the electromagnetic spectrum. For example, imager 110 may be a camera. Thus, imager 110 may be a pixel sensor of a semiconductor charge coupled device (CCD) or complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) technology. In addition, imager 110 may have a field of view of a scene. The scene may include all or part of a passenger compartment of a vehicle.

[0018] The light source 120 may be configured to emit light having a second wavelength range. The second wavelength range may contain the first wavelength range or overlap with the first wavelength range. Thus, the second wavelength range may be in the infrared and / or near infrared region of the electromagnetic spectrum. In some embodiments, the second wavelength range may be substantially centered around 810, 850, or 940 nm. The emitted light may be used to substantially illuminate all or part of the passenger compartment. For example, the light source 120 may include one or more light emitting diodes (LEDs); vertical cavity surface emitting lasers (VCSELs); or halogen, quartz, incandescent, or compact fluorescent ("CFL") bulbs. Thus, the light source 120 may be configured to illuminate a scene. In some embodiments, the light source 120 may be configured to substantially illuminate a scene with structured light. The structured light may be, for example, a linear or quasi-random array of points.

[0019] The controller 130 may be communicatively connected to the imager 110 and / or the light source 120. Thus, the controller 130 may be configured to receive captured images from the imager 110. In addition, the controller 130 may include a memory 131 and / or a processor 132. The memory 131 may be configured to store one or more image analysis algorithms. The algorithms may be executed by the processor 132. For example, the algorithms may be configured to analyze the received images and make one or more determinations based on the images. For example, the algorithms may be configured to determine the driver's attention.

[0020] The memory 131 may be a non-transitory computer readable medium (CRM). Therefore, the memory 131 may be a tangible device that may be configured to store one or more instructions, such as one or more algorithms, to provide configuration and operation of the controller 130. Examples of the memory 131 include a conventional hard disk, a solid-state memory, a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), an electronically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), an optical or magnetic disk, and a dynamic random access memory (DRAM).

[0021] The processor 132 may be communicatively connected to the memory 131. In addition, the processor 132 may be any device or electronic circuit configured and / or operable to process or execute one or more sets of electronic instructions, such as algorithms. These instructions may be stored in the memory 131. Examples of the processor 132 may include a central processing unit (CPU), a microprocessor, and / or an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

[0022] The rearview assembly 200 may be an interior rearview assembly for a vehicle. Thus, the rearview assembly 200 may be configured to provide a driver with a rear view relative to a vehicle associated therewith. Furthermore, the rearview assembly 200 may be substantially disposed substantially within a front region of the interior of the vehicle. Thus, the rearview assembly 200 may be associated with a roof or windshield of the vehicle. Additionally, the rearview assembly 200 may include a transflective element 210, a housing 220, a mounting assembly 230, and a bracket 240.

[0023] The semi-transmissive and semi-reflective element 210 can have a first side 211 and a second side 212. The first side 211 can be directed toward the driver under normal operating conditions of the rearview assembly 200 and / or the vehicle. The second side 212 can be opposite to the first side 211. Therefore, the second side 212 can be arranged in a first direction relative to the first side 211. The first direction can be defined as a direction substantially perpendicular to the planar extent of the first side 211. In addition, the semi-transmissive and semi-reflective element 210 can substantially reflect light that illuminates the first side 211 while substantially transmitting light passing therethrough. In other words, the semi-transmissive and semi-reflective element 210 can transmit light in a first direction while substantially reflecting the light in a second direction opposite to the first direction. In some embodiments, the semi-transmissive and semi-reflective element 210 can have a variable reflectivity. In such embodiments, the semi-transmissive and semi-reflective element 210 can be electro-optical, such as Figure 4 Therefore, the semi-transmissive and semi-reflective element 210 may include a first substrate 213 , a second substrate 214 , a first electrode 215 , a second electrode 216 , a sealing member 217 , a chamber 218 and / or an electro-optical medium 219 .

[0024] The first substrate 213 includes a first surface 213a and a second surface 213b on its opposite side. The second surface 213b can be arranged in a first direction relative to the first surface 213a. In certain embodiments, the first surface 111a can correspond to the first side 211. In addition, the first substrate 213 can be made of any of a variety of materials that are transparent or substantially transparent in the visible region of the electromagnetic spectrum, such as borosilicate glass, soda-lime glass, float glass, natural and synthetic polymer resins, plastics and / or composite materials. The substrate material can be selected from any number of materials, as long as these materials are substantially transparent and show appropriate physical properties, such as strength and tolerance to its environmental conditions (such as ultraviolet exposure from sunlight and extreme temperatures).

[0025] The second substrate 214 is disposed in a substantially parallel, spaced relationship relative to the first substrate 213. In addition, the second substrate 214 includes a third surface 214a and a fourth surface 214b on the opposite side thereof. The fourth surface 214b may be disposed in a first direction relative to the third surface 214a. In some embodiments, the fourth surface 214b may correspond to the second side 112. In addition, the second substrate 214 may be made of a material that is the same as or similar to that of the first substrate 213.

[0026] The first electrode 215 is a conductive material associated with the second surface 213b. The conductive material of the first electrode 215 can be substantially transparent in the visible region of the electromagnetic spectrum and generally resistant to corrosion from materials contained within the electro-optical element. The conductive material can be a transparent conductive oxide (TCO) such as fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO), indium-doped oxide, doped zinc oxide, or other materials known in the art.

[0027] Similarly, the second electrode 216 is a conductive material associated with the third surface 214a. The second electrode 216 can be substantially transparent as well. Therefore, the conductive material of the second electrode 216 can be made of a material that is the same or similar to the material of the first electrode 215. In some embodiments, the second electrode 216 can also be substantially reflective or include a substantially reflective layer. Therefore, the second electrode 216 can be semi-transmissive and semi-reflective. In other embodiments, a reflector can be associated with the second electrode 216 between the electro-optical medium 219 and the second electrode 216, associated with the third surface 214a between the second electrode 216 and the second substrate 214, or associated with the fourth surface 214b of the second substrate 214. Typical reflective materials include chromium, rhodium, ruthenium, silver, aluminum, gold, platinum, palladium, nickel, molybdenum and combinations thereof.

[0028] The seal 217 may be disposed in a peripheral manner to define a chamber 218 between the first substrate 213 and the second substrate 214. The chamber 218 may be defined by the seal 217 in conjunction with at least two of the following: the first substrate 213, the second substrate 214, the first electrode 215, and the second electrode 216. In some embodiments, the chamber 218 may be more specifically defined by the seal 217, the first electrode 215, and the second electrode 216. Thus, the chamber 218 may be between the first electrode 215 and the second electrode 216. The seal 217 may include any material that can be adhesively bonded to at least two of the following: the first substrate 213, the second substrate 214, the first electrode 215, and the second electrode 216, to thereby seal the chamber 217 so that the electro-optic medium 218 does not inadvertently leak and / or so that the electro-optic medium 218 is protected from exposure to water or oxygen.

[0029] The electro-optic medium 218 is disposed between the first electrode 215 and the second electrode 216. Therefore, the electro-optic medium 218 can be disposed in the chamber 217. In addition, the electro-optic medium 218 is electrically active. Therefore, the electro-optic medium 218 can operate between an activated state and an unactivated state in response to an electric potential. Therefore, the electro-optic medium 218 can include electroactive anode and cathode materials and other materials. In some embodiments, the anode and / or cathode material can be electrochromic. In other words, the electro-optic medium 218 can be electrochromic. Electrochromic means that when activated, due to the application of a voltage or electric potential, the electrochromic article can show a change in absorbance at one or more wavelengths of the electromagnetic spectrum. Therefore, the electro-optic medium 218 can be variable transmission. The change in absorbance can be in the visible light region, the ultraviolet region, the infrared region and / or the near infrared region. In other embodiments, the electro-optic medium 218 can be a liquid crystal medium or a suspended particle medium. Electro-optic medium 218 may be made from any of a variety of materials including, for example, those disclosed in US Pat. No. 6,433,914, entitled "Color-Stabilized Electrochromic Devices," which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0030] The housing 220 may form a cavity 221 and have an opening 222 thereon. The opening 222 may be disposed substantially facing rearward under normal operating conditions of the vehicle and / or rearview assembly 200. In addition, the semi-transmissive and semi-reflective element 210 may be disposed substantially in, near, and / or aligned with the opening 222. In addition, the housing 220 may also form a cup 223. The cup 223 may be disposed substantially at the front end of the housing 220 under normal operating conditions of the rearview assembly 200. Thus, the cup 223 may be disposed at an end of the housing 220 substantially opposite to the opening 222. In addition, the cup 223 may have a base portion 223a and a plurality of fingers 223b. The plurality of fingers 223b may extend from the base portion 223a. In addition, in combination with each other, the plurality of fingers 223b and the base portion 223a may loosely define and / or surround a closed space 223d therein. Thus, the space 223d may be referred to as being within the cup 223. In addition, each of the plurality of fingers 223b can be configured to deflect substantially away from the enclosed space and rebound. In some embodiments, the fingers 223b can extend from the base portion 223a in a substantially forward direction. In addition, the base portion 223a of the cup 223 can have an orifice 223c formed therein. The orifice 223c can be directed between the cavity 221 and the loose enclosed space 223d.

[0031] The mounting assembly 230 may have a first end 231 and a second end 232. The first end 231 may be configured to be fixed directly or indirectly to the vehicle. For example, the first end 231 may be fixed to the windshield or roof of the vehicle. In some embodiments, the first end 231 may be fixed to the windshield via a windshield button. The second end 232 may be fixed directly or indirectly to the housing 200. Therefore, the mounting assembly 230 may be configured to support the rearview assembly 200. In addition, the second end 232 may be received by the cup 223 and disposed in the cup. Therefore, the second end 232 may be substantially disposed in the space 223d. In some embodiments, the mounting assembly 230 and the housing 200 may be fixed together so that the housing 200 may be hinged relative to the mounting assembly 230. In some such embodiments, the mounting assembly 230 may include a ball portion 233 at the second end 232. The ball portion 233 may be a hemispherical knob. In addition, the ball portion 233 may be substantially received by the cup 233 and disposed in the cup. Thus, the ball portion 233 can be substantially disposed in the space 223d. In addition, the finger 223a can extend substantially around at least a portion of the ball portion 233 and clamp the ball portion 233 to substantially maintain connection therewith and / or retain the ball portion 233 within the cup 223. In addition, the interface between the ball portion 233 and the cup 223 can allow the housing 220 to be at least partially hinged around the ball portion 233. The second end 232 can also include a bracket 234 connected and fixed to the ball portion 233. The bracket 234 can include a mounting surface 234a and / or an arm 234b. The arm 234b can extend from the mounting surface 234a. Thus, the bracket 234 can be substantially fixed relative to the first end 231 of the mounting assembly 230. In addition, the bracket 234 can extend from the ball portion 233, pass through the aperture 223c, and enter the cavity 221 via its arm 234b. In addition, the arm 234a and the orifice 223c can each have a width in a plane perpendicular to the first direction. The width of the orifice 223c can be substantially greater than the width of the arm 234b. Therefore, the cup 233 can move or rotate around the ball portion 233 to a large extent without causing the base portion 233a to hit the arm 234b. Therefore, the mounting surface 234a can be maintained in a substantially fixed position relative to the mounting assembly 230, and the housing 220 is substantially freely articulated around it. During the articulation of the housing 220, the cup 233 can move relative to the arm 234b to a maximum extent, in which the base portion 233a contacts the arm 234b at the outer boundary of the orifice 233c. Therefore, the housing 220 and therefore the semi-transmissive and semi-reflective element 210 can move without moving the bracket 234.

[0032] In some embodiments, the imager 110 may be disposed within a cavity 221 of the rearview assembly 200, the cavity being at least partially defined by the housing 220. In such embodiments, the imager 110 may be configured to capture light passing through the semi-transmissive and semi-reflective element 210 and generate an image. In addition, in some embodiments, the imager 110 may be substantially fixed to the mounting surface 234a of the bracket 234. Thus, the housing 220 and thus the semi-transmissive and semi-reflective element 210 may be moved without moving the imager 110. Thus, the orientation of the imager 110 is substantially fixed. In addition, in some such embodiments, the circuit board 111 of the imager 110 may also be fixed to the bracket 234. In other such embodiments, the circuit board 111 of the imager 110 may be disposed within the cavity 221 and directly or indirectly fixed to the housing 220. In such embodiments, the circuit board 110 may be connected to the imager 110 via a flexible connector such as a ribbon cable.

[0033] In some embodiments, the light source 120 may be disposed within a cavity 221 of the rearview assembly 200, the cavity being at least partially defined by the housing 220. In such embodiments, the light source 120 may be configured to emit light that passes through the semi-transmissive and semi-reflective element 210 to illuminate the scene. In some such embodiments, the light source 120 may not be fixed to the mounting surface 234a of the bracket 234. Therefore, the light source 120 may be fixed directly or indirectly to the housing 220. Therefore, the light source 120 may move substantially with the movement of the housing 220 and the semi-transmissive and semi-reflective element 220. In other embodiments, the light source 120 may be substantially fixed to the mounting surface 234a of the bracket 234. Therefore, the housing 220 and therefore the semi-transmissive and semi-reflective element 210 may move without moving the light source 120. Therefore, the orientation of the light source 120 may be substantially fixed.

[0034] In some embodiments, the rear view assembly 200 may also include a wiring harness. The wiring harness may terminate at one end in the cavity 221. In addition, the wiring harness may be routed through the aperture 223c and / or routed through a passage through the mounting assembly 230.

[0035] Advantages of some embodiments of the monitoring system 100 and / or rearview assembly 200 may provide one or more advantages. For example, the housing 220 of the rearview assembly 200, and therefore the transflective element 210, may be articulated by the driver to better position the rearview assembly 200 for viewing and / or modifying the field of view provided by the transflective element 210 without moving the imager 110 and / or light source 120. Having an imager 110 and / or light source 120 with a fixed position and / or orientation is advantageous because such changes would interfere with the ability of the monitoring system 100 to accurately engage certain features because movement of the imager 110 and / or light source 120 would interfere with their calibration, which establishes a known perspective of the image and / or location of structured illumination.

[0036] As used herein, the term "and / or" when used in a list of two or more items means that any one of the listed items may be taken alone, or any combination of two or more of the listed items may be taken. For example, if a composition is described as comprising components A, B, and / or C, the composition may comprise: A only; B only; C only; a combination of A and B; a combination of A and C; a combination of B and C; or a combination of A, B, and C.

[0037] In this document, relational terms such as "first," "second," and the like are used merely to distinguish one entity or action from another entity or action without necessarily requiring or implying any actual such relationship or order between such entities or actions.

[0038] The term "comprises" or any other variation thereof is intended to cover non-exclusive inclusions, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that includes a list of elements does not include only those elements, but may include other elements that are not explicitly listed or that are not inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. In the absence of more constraints, an element preceded by "comprises ..." does not prevent the presence of additional identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that includes the element.

[0039] The term "substantially" and its variations are understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to describe being equal to or approximately equal to a value or a described feature. For example, a "substantially planar" surface is intended to mean a planar or approximately planar surface. In addition, "substantially" is intended to mean that two values ​​are equal or approximately equal. If there is a use of the term that is unclear to one of ordinary skill in the art, given the context in which the term is used, "substantially" may mean values ​​that are within 10% of each other, such as within 5% of each other, or within 2% of each other.

[0040] The term "semi-transmissive and semi-reflective" generally refers to an optical configuration that reflects at least a portion of light incident from at least one side and transmits at least a portion of light incident from at least one side. Specifically, "semi-transmissive and semi-reflective" describes an optical element or component that has a non-zero transmittance level in a light wavelength range and also has a non-zero reflectance level in a region. The applicable light wavelength range will vary based on the context. However, if the relevant wavelength band of light is not obvious, the wavelength band of light generally refers to visible light.

[0041] The term "transparent" is used in a relative sense. "Transparent" refers to an optical element or material that is substantially transmissive at the wavelength in question, and generally allows light of such wavelength to pass through. The wavelength in question will vary depending on the context. However, if the wavelength in question is not obvious, the wavelength in question will generally refer to visible light.

[0042] It should be understood that while several embodiments have been described in this disclosure, those skilled in the art may understand numerous variations, changes, transformations and modifications, and that this disclosure is intended to encompass such variations, changes, transformations and modifications within the scope of the appended claims unless the language thereof expressly states otherwise.

Claims

1. A rearview assembly, comprising: a housing forming the cavity and the opening; a semi-transmissive and semi-reflective element disposed substantially in, proximate to, and / or aligned with the opening; a mounting assembly having a first end configured to be secured to a vehicle and a second end secured to the housing and configured to support the housing, the second end including a bracket extending into the cavity; as well as at least one of an imager and a light source disposed within the cavity and secured to the bracket; Wherein the bracket remains in a substantially fixed position when the mounting assembly is secured to the vehicle and the housing is articulated.

2. The rearview assembly of claim 1, wherein the imager is secured to the bracket.

3. The rearview assembly of claim 2, wherein the light source is secured to the bracket.

4. The rearview assembly of claim 2, wherein the light source is not secured to the bracket.

5. The rearview assembly of claim 1, wherein the transflective element is a variable transmission electro-optical element.

6. The rearview assembly of claim 1, wherein: The second end includes a hemispherical ball portion; The housing further includes a cup configured to at least partially receive and clamp the ball portion; The ball portion is at least partially disposed within the cup; and The housing is articulatable relative to the mounting assembly at an interface between the ball portion and the cup.

7. The rear sight assembly of claim 6, wherein the cup includes a plurality of fingers extending substantially around at least a portion of the ball portion.

8. The rear sight assembly of claim 7, wherein said plurality of fingers retain said ball portion within said cup.

9. The rear view assembly of claim 6, wherein the cup includes a base portion having an aperture leading to the cavity.

10. The rear view assembly of claim 9, wherein the bracket extends into the cavity through the aperture.

11. The rear view assembly of claim 9, wherein the bracket is secured to the hemispherical ball portion via an arm extending through the aperture.

12. The rear view assembly of claim 11, wherein the width of the aperture is substantially greater than the width of the arm.

13. The rearview assembly of claim 1, wherein said imager is disposed within said cavity and secured to said bracket.

14. The rearview assembly of claim 1, wherein the light source is disposed within the cavity and secured to the bracket.

15. The rearview assembly of claim 14, wherein the light source is configured to project structured light into a passenger compartment of the vehicle.

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