An unobstructed automobile rearview mirror and intelligent control method

Abstract

The application relates to the technical field of vehicle rearview mirrors, in particular to a non-shading automobile rearview mirror and an intelligent control method. The non-shading automobile rearview mirror comprises a rearview mirror photoelectric element, the rearview mirror photoelectric element comprises a first transparent substrate with a reflecting layer, an electric light-blocking layer and a second transparent substrate, the rearview mirror photoelectric element is connected to an automobile body through a mounting support, and is provided with an intelligent control unit; the first transparent substrate, the electric light-blocking layer and the second transparent substrate are sequentially distributed; the electric light-blocking layer can adjust the light transmittance of light according to an electric control signal sent by the intelligent control unit, and the reflecting layer is used for realizing the switching of the whole rearview mirror between a light transmission mode and a mirror mode. The rearview mirror is innovatively designed without shading, can recognize the intention of the driver to switch the rearview mirror between the light transmission mode and the mirror mode according to the face and eye information of the driver, and intelligently switches the rearview mirror between the light transmission mode and the mirror mode.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of automotive rearview mirror technology, and in particular to an unobstructed automotive rearview mirror and an intelligent control method, which can be embedded in an in-vehicle artificial intelligence driving control system. Background Technology

[0002] As a key safety component of a vehicle, the rearview mirror plays an indispensable role in allowing timely observation of the area behind and around the vehicle. Over the past decade, the global automotive industry has undergone a revolutionary transformation, from complete vehicles to individual components. Electrification, lightweighting, intelligentization, and visualization technologies have dominated the market. In this macro-environment, many traditional components have evolved into highly integrated, intelligent, cross-boundary products. However, the technological development of the rearview mirror industry has clearly lagged behind the pace of innovation, lacking distinctive features in appearance, functionality, and artificial intelligence applications. While rearview mirror products have begun to incorporate some cross-domain functions, such as driver fatigue and distraction detection, this is merely a physical functional transfer and does not fundamentally integrate rearview mirror visualization technology with artificial intelligence. Furthermore, it lacks advantages in both technology and cost. Today, rearview mirrors are almost entirely ignored by drivers, with some automakers even proposing to eliminate them altogether.

[0003] Currently, common types of typical car rearview mirrors include: 1. Traditional single-function optical reflectors. 2. Rearview mirrors with anti-glare function, which automatically reduce the reflectivity of the mirror by adjusting the internal electrochromic medium to reduce glare from strong light coming from behind while the vehicle is in motion. 3. Rearview mirrors with narrow bezels, where the first substrate surface is not covered by a traditional rearview mirror bezel, and the mirror has a narrow bezel around its perimeter. 4. Multimedia rearview mirrors, which have a built-in projector or split display to project rear-view camera images onto part or all of the mirror.

[0004] However, compared to the rapid development of the automotive industry, especially in in-vehicle AI driving control systems, the technological lag of existing rearview mirror technology is becoming increasingly apparent. Traditional rearview mirrors have limited functions, only reflecting the rear view or providing partial anti-glare functionality. With the increasing number of information modules on vehicle windshields, their bulky size has gradually reduced the suitable installation space for interior rearview mirrors. This results in interior rearview mirrors severely obstructing the driver's forward view, especially blocking the direction of the view that needs to be observed; it also significantly reduces the amount of light inside the vehicle, creating a feeling of confinement. For a long time, the appearance of traditional rearview mirrors has become aesthetically tiring. Their structural design involves numerous assembly parts and a bulky casing, making the assembly process complex and cumbersome, and resulting in an overly heavy, unsimplistic appearance that lacks innovation and technological appeal. Most traditional rearview mirrors also require manual adjustment of the viewing angle, which is inconvenient, has limited adjustment precision, and can pose safety hazards when adjusted while driving.

[0005] While some "smart rearview mirrors" exist on the market, their "smart" features are extremely limited. Some simply record the driver's facial information into the mirror itself, representing a functional migration rather than an upgrade. Currently, none of these "smart rearview mirrors" can achieve intelligent recognition of the driver's face, eyes, and gestures through integration with an in-vehicle AI driving control system, thus failing to automatically switch between light-transmitting, mirror, and anti-glare modes. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The purpose of this invention is to solve the technical problems existing in the prior art: existing rearview mirrors can only achieve a single reflection function, that is, the reflection function formed by the reflection of light, and cannot achieve intelligent transparent forward-looking mode switching; and the large size and weight of traditional car rearview mirrors seriously affect the lighting in the car. This invention provides an unobstructed car rearview mirror. According to the driver's instructions, the light transmittance of the electro-optical element of the rearview mirror can be intelligently adjusted to achieve rear-view and see-through, and automatically switch to anti-glare mode according to strong rear-view light. It can be embedded in the vehicle's artificial intelligence driving control system. The sensing components involved in this invention do not need to be deployed separately, and can use the existing vehicle's sensing devices to achieve minimal modification to the intelligent driving system.

[0007] Specifically, the present invention provides the following technical solutions:

[0008] This invention provides an unobstructed rearview mirror for automobiles, comprising a rearview mirror photoelectric element, a mounting bracket, and an intelligent control unit. The rearview mirror photoelectric element includes a first transparent substrate, a reflective layer, an electroluminescent light-blocking layer, and a second transparent substrate. The rearview mirror photoelectric element is connected to the vehicle body via the mounting bracket. The reflective layer is a partially transparent, partially reflective layer attached to the first transparent substrate. The first transparent substrate, the electroluminescent light-blocking layer, and the second transparent substrate are arranged in sequence. The intelligent control unit includes an intelligent recognition controller and a sensing component. The intelligent recognition controller is electrically connected to the electroluminescent light-blocking layer via the mounting bracket. The sensing component inputs a sensing signal to the intelligent recognition controller. The intelligent recognition controller outputs an electronic control signal to the electroluminescent light-blocking layer. The electroluminescent light-blocking layer can adjust the light transmittance according to the electronic control signal, cooperating with the reflective layer to achieve switching between a light-transmitting mode and a mirror mode for the entire rearview mirror. The order of the first transparent substrate, the electroluminescent light-blocking layer, and the second transparent substrate is from the driver towards the windshield, i.e., the first transparent substrate is closest to the driver, and the second transparent substrate is furthest from the driver.

[0009] The reflective layer is attached to at least one surface on the first transparent substrate, including: a first surface or a second surface, or both the first and second surfaces. The first surface is the surface close to and facing the driver, and the second surface is the surface away from and facing away from the driver.

[0010] The sensing component is a sensing component for sensing driver behavior information; it includes at least one of the following sensing components: a sensing component for sensing driver facial and eye behavior information, and a sensing component for sensing driver behavior information other than facial and eye behavior information. The meaning of "including at least one of the following" in this invention includes three scenarios: one of the aforementioned sensing components, a combination of multiple sensing components of the same type, or a combination of multiple sensing components of different types. In this invention text, unless otherwise specified, statements regarding "including at least one of the following" refer to the same scenarios as described herein.

[0011] The sensing component for sensing the driver's facial and eye behavior information includes at least one of the following sensors: a visible light driver monitoring camera and a non-visible light driver monitoring camera.

[0012] The sensing component for sensing driver behavior information other than facial and eye movements includes at least one of the following sensors: a visible light driver monitoring camera, a non-visible light driver monitoring camera, a switch, a voice information receiving device, and a motion information receiving and sensing device.

[0013] The switch includes at least one of the following: a physical button switch, or a display button switch on the vehicle's touchscreen. Although the switch differs from the traditional definition of a sensor, it is still considered a driver command information sensing component in this case.

[0014] The motion information receiving and sensing device includes at least one of the following sensors: a camera and a radar.

[0015] Optionally, the electrochromic light-blocking layer includes, but is not limited to, the following: an electrochromic light-blocking layer containing an electrochromic medium, an electrochromic light-blocking layer containing a liquid crystal medium, or an electrochromic light-blocking layer containing an electrolyte and having a nanostructure. The electrochromic light-blocking layer can be switched from a transparent state to a completely blocked state by applying an electric current.

[0016] When an electroluminescent light-blocking layer containing a liquid crystal medium is used, two polarizers are respectively disposed on the outside of the electroluminescent light-blocking layer of the rearview mirror photoelectric element. The two polarizers can be disposed on a first transparent substrate and a second transparent substrate, respectively. Specifically, the first or second surface of the first transparent substrate and the first or second surface of the second transparent substrate can be arbitrarily arranged and combined. The reflective layer and the polarizers are distributed in such a sequential manner that the reflective layer is closer to the driver, and the polarizers are farther from the driver. The polarization directions of the two polarizers are perpendicular or parallel to each other. The electroluminescent light-blocking layer containing the liquid crystal medium deflects the light transmitted through it by 90° or not, depending on the applied voltage or electric field. The two elements work together to control the propagation of the transmitted light, thereby achieving a normally white or normally black mode for the rearview mirror.

[0017] Meanwhile, to address the technical issue of anti-glare, a zeroth transparent substrate can be disposed on the outer side of the first surface of the first transparent substrate of the rearview mirror photoelectric element, with the zeroth transparent substrate, the first transparent substrate, and the second transparent substrate distributed sequentially; an anti-glare layer is disposed between the zeroth transparent substrate and the first transparent substrate. Further, the internal medium of the anti-glare layer includes an electrochromic medium. In this case, the zeroth transparent substrate is the substrate closest to the driver. Based on the zeroth transparent substrate, the sensing component also includes a sensor for sensing the environment, employing at least one of the following sensors: a vehicle front-view camera, a vehicle rear-view camera, a vehicle surround-view camera, a vehicle panoramic camera, a photosensor, and an in-cabin camera.

[0018] The anti-glare problem can also be solved physically. The first transparent substrate can use multi-angle prisms. By adjusting the angle of the multi-angle prisms, a physical anti-glare effect can be achieved. In addition to the prisms, the sensing component also includes sensors for sensing the environment, employing at least one of the following sensors: a vehicle front-view camera, a vehicle rear-view camera, a vehicle surround-view camera, a vehicle panoramic camera, a photosensor, and an in-cabin camera.

[0019] All the sensors in the aforementioned perception components can directly utilize the vehicle's existing sensors, and do not necessarily require separate installation for the rearview mirrors. Similarly, the intelligent recognition controller can be reloaded into the vehicle's intelligent driving system, and does not necessarily require dedicated configuration.

[0020] The mounting bracket may be equipped with an electric steering mechanism, and the intelligent recognition controller can output a steering signal to the electric steering mechanism to control the steering adjustment of the rearview mirror. When the first transparent substrate uses a multi-angle prism, it can achieve a physical anti-glare effect through steering.

[0021] In the light transmission mode, you can also adjust the angle by turning the camera to avoid multiple overlapping images.

[0022] Preferably, at least one electrode layer is provided in the photoelectric element of the rearview mirror.

[0023] Alternatively, the reflective layer can be configured as an electrode layer capable of conducting electricity. Furthermore, conductive leads are provided at the edge of the electrode layer of the rearview mirror photoelectric element, and these conductive leads are electrically connected to the electrode layer.

[0024] A reflective filter is provided in the rearview mirror photoelectric element. Further, the reflective filter is configured as an electrode layer capable of conducting electricity. Further, conductive leads are provided at the edge of the electroluminescent light-blocking layer of the rearview mirror photoelectric element, and the conductive leads are electrically connected to the electrode layer.

[0025] Optionally, an explosion-proof layer is provided on the outer surface of the transparent substrate. When there are two transparent substrates, the explosion-proof layer is provided on the first surface of the first transparent substrate and the second surface of the second transparent substrate; when there are three transparent substrates, the explosion-proof layer is provided on the first surface of the first transparent substrate and the second surface of the second transparent substrate. The explosion-proof layer can be provided on both outer transparent substrates simultaneously, or it can be provided on one of the transparent substrates.

[0026] Optionally, a shielding element is provided at the edge of the outer transparent substrate. Specifically, when the rearview mirror photoelectric element has two transparent substrates, the outer transparent substrate refers to the first and second transparent substrates; when there are three transparent substrates, the shielding element is provided at the edge of the first and second transparent substrates. The shielding element can be provided on both outer transparent substrates simultaneously, or it can be provided on one of the transparent substrates.

[0027] Optionally, the transparent substrate (including the 0th, first, and / or second transparent substrate) is formed of a single transparent material or a combination of multiple transparent materials. Further, the transparent material includes at least one of the following: glass, resin polymer, tempered film, or flexible film.

[0028] Optionally, a seal may be provided at the edge of the electroluminescent light-blocking layer and / or the anti-glare layer.

[0029] Optionally, a transparent or substantially transparent insulating element is provided around the photoelectric element of the rearview mirror.

[0030] Optionally, the radius of the rounded corner of the edge region of the rearview mirror photoelectric element is not less than 2.5 mm in any direction.

[0031] Optionally, the rearview mirror photoelectric element is connected to the vehicle body via a mounting bracket in a sandwich-style mounting method.

[0032] Optionally, the mounting bracket includes a frame disposed around the rearview mirror photoelectric element, and the rearview mirror photoelectric element is fixed within the frame.

[0033] Optionally, the mounting bracket includes a transparent housing disposed outside the rearview mirror photoelectric element, and the rearview mirror photoelectric element is fixed in the transparent housing. In a second aspect, the present invention also provides an intelligent control method for an unobstructed automotive rearview mirror, the control method being implemented through an intelligent control unit; the intelligent control unit includes an intelligent recognition controller and a sensing component; the intelligent recognition controller is electrically connected to an electroluminescent light-blocking layer and outputs an electronic control signal to the electroluminescent light-blocking layer; the sensing component inputs a sensing signal to the intelligent recognition controller, the sensing component being a sensing component for sensing driver behavior information; the sensing component for sensing driver behavior information includes a sensing component for sensing driver's face and eye behavior information and a sensing component for sensing driver's non-face and non-eye behavior information;

[0034] The control method includes the following steps:

[0035] Step 1: Obtain the driver's behavior information through the sensing component and transmit the obtained driver's behavior information to the intelligent recognition controller, wherein the driver's behavior information is the driver's facial and eye behavior information and / or non-facial and eye behavior information;

[0036] Step 2: The intelligent recognition controller processes the input signals of the sensing components to generate electronic control signals and outputs them to the rearview mirror. The input signals of the sensing components are the driver's facial and eye behavior information and / or non-facial and eye behavior information.

[0037] Step 3: Control the electroluminescent light-blocking layer through the electronic control signal to adjust the light transmittance of light passing through the electroluminescent light-blocking layer, and cooperate with the reflective layer to realize the overall switching of the rearview mirror between the light transmission mode and the mirror mode.

[0038] This control method and control logic can serve as the underlying basic control method and logic for similar types of AI rearview mirror recognition control, making it easier to embed the aforementioned unobstructed car rearview mirrors into the entire in-vehicle AI driving control system to achieve the corresponding functions.

[0039] Furthermore, the sensing component for sensing the driver's facial and eye behavior information includes at least one of the following sensors: a visible light driver monitoring camera and a non-visible light driver monitoring camera; in step 2, when the driver's behavior information is the driver's facial and eye behavior information, the intelligent controller locates the position of the driver's face and eyes through dynamic or static three-dimensional matrix positioning, processes the driver's facial and eye behavior information to determine the driver's pupil looking at the rearview mirror as an indication of the driver's intention to observe the rearview mirror mode, issues a corresponding electronic control signal in step 2, and completes the switching of the rearview mirror from light transmission mode to mirror mode or from mirror mode to light transmission mode in step 3.

[0040] Further, the sensing component for sensing non-facial and eye-related behavioral information of the driver includes at least one of the following sensors: a visible light driver monitoring camera, a non-visible light driver monitoring camera, a switch, a voice information receiving device, and a motion information receiving and sensing device. In step 2, when the driver's behavioral information is non-facial and eye-related, after the driver issues a command to switch the rearview mirror's working mode, a corresponding electronic control signal is issued in step 2, and the rearview mirror switches from light-transmitting mode to mirror mode, or from mirror mode to light-transmitting mode, in step 3. Optionally, the command issued by the driver in step 2 to switch the rearview mirror's working mode can be a voice command or a motion command; the motion command is a non-facial and eye-related limb movement, or an operation of a switch. For example, it includes: driver gestures, etc.; the voice command includes voice control commands issued by the driver.

[0041] Furthermore, the sensing component also includes a sensing component for sensing environmental information, and the rearview mirror photoelectric element is also provided with an anti-glare layer; in step 3, when in the mirror mode, the light transmittance of the anti-glare layer is controlled by the electronic control signal, and the strong light reflectivity in the rearview mirror is reduced according to the environmental information, so that the rearview mirror is in the anti-glare mode.

[0042] The sensing component also includes a sensing component for sensing environmental information. The rearview mirror photoelectric element is connected to the vehicle body via a mounting bracket. The mounting bracket is equipped with an electric steering system. The rearview mirror photoelectric element can be a multi-angle prism. The sensing component senses environmental information, and then the intelligent recognition controller controls the output of corresponding steering signals to the electric steering system to control the rearview mirror steering adjustment, thereby achieving a physical anti-glare function.

[0043] The sensing component also includes a sensing component for sensing environmental information. The rearview mirror photoelectric element is connected to the vehicle body via a mounting bracket. The mounting bracket is equipped with an electric steering mechanism. In step 3, when in the light-transmitting mode, the sensing component senses environmental information, and then the intelligent recognition controller controls the output of a corresponding steering signal to the electric steering mechanism to control the rearview mirror steering adjustment, reduce the rear reflected light of the rearview mirror, and avoid unnecessary ghosting.

[0044] The control method provided by this invention is based on artificial intelligence algorithms and can be used for machine learning updates and upgrades. The aforementioned method can serve as the underlying logic control basis for similar artificial intelligence rearview mirrors.

[0045] Meanwhile, the various types of sensors listed in the technical solution of this invention do not need to be configured separately for this rearview mirror. When the intelligent control unit of this rearview mirror is embedded into the vehicle's artificial intelligence driving control system, it can call on the various sensors already in the artificial intelligence driving control system to achieve the required functions, thus completing the intelligent integration service of the intelligent control unit and other intelligent systems of the vehicle in the technical solution of this invention.

[0046] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention are:

[0047] (1) The rearview mirror provided by this invention is a revolutionary and innovative rearview mirror. This rearview mirror features an unobstructed, frameless structure with both reflective and transparent functions, breaking through the traditional rearview mirror structure. Due to its revolutionary unobstructed structure, eliminating the limitations of the traditional rearview mirror's back shell, the rearview mirror of this invention is transparent, ultra-light, and ultra-thin. This significantly reduces the number of installation components and removes the control circuit board from the mirror body, avoiding unnecessary obstruction, enhancing aesthetics, expanding the field of view, and improving light transmission. The lightweight and low-power transparent unobstructed rearview mirror further contributes to vehicle energy conservation and low-carbon environmental protection. The partially transparent and partially reflective layer, under conditions of strong external light and weak internal light, results in a transparent visual effect when looking out from inside the vehicle.

[0048] (2) In this invention, an electroluminescent light-blocking layer is sequentially disposed between a first transparent substrate with a reflective layer and a second transparent substrate, forming a sequential arrangement structure of a reflective layer, an electroluminescent light-blocking layer, and a second transparent substrate. Based on this structure, the electroluminescent light-blocking layer of this invention can adjust the light transmittance according to an electronic control signal, and cooperate with the reflective layer to realize the switching of the rearview mirror as a whole between a transparent mode and a mirror mode. When the driver's intention not to use the rearview mirror's rearview function is detected, the rearview mirror is in a transparent mode that allows forward vision, reducing obstruction and interference to the forward field of vision, and improving the light transmittance inside the vehicle, alleviating the problem of obstructed vision and a sense of oppression caused by traditional opaque rearview mirrors to the windshield area. When the driver needs to use the rearview mirror's rearview function is detected, the rearview mirror can switch from the transparent mode to the mirror mode to realize the rearview function of reflecting the light of the rear view of the vehicle, as is the case with traditional rearview mirrors. The rearview mirror provided by this invention has two functional modes and can be switched according to actual driving conditions.

[0049] (3) This invention, by employing an intelligent control unit, enables intelligent control of the rearview mirror's light transmission mode and mirror mode. This intelligent control can accurately recognize the driver's face and facial movements to determine the driver's needs for the rearview mirror's functional mode, and intelligently control the electronic control signals to adjust the different modes of the rearview mirror, providing a more targeted following function. Due to the use of the intelligent control unit, the intelligent adjustment of this rearview mirror has an automatic, fast, and flexible control effect.

[0050] (4) An anti-glare layer is also provided on the outer side of the first transparent substrate. This anti-glare layer intelligently controls its light transmittance and reflectivity through electronic control signals. By providing the anti-glare layer, the rearview mirror also has an anti-glare function when it is in mirror mode. Especially when there is strong light shining from behind the vehicle, if the rearview mirror is in mirror mode, it can intelligently adjust the reflection of the strong light to avoid the glaring reflected light, ensuring that the driver's field of vision is not affected by the strong light, thus achieving safe control of the vehicle. In addition to electro-optical anti-glare, this invention can also achieve physical anti-glare. This technical means includes: adjusting the reflection angle of the multi-angle prism and adjusting the angle of the steering gear. This angle adjustment method can also achieve the anti-glare effect. This rearview mirror has three functions at the same time: forward view, rear view, and anti-glare. This rearview mirror has more diverse application scenarios and can solve problems in different modes of actual driving, based on its more complex application scenarios.

[0051] (5) This invention also provides a control method for an intelligent rearview mirror. This method acquires environmental information inside and outside the vehicle and / or driver behavior information through sensing components; identifies and processes the environmental information and / or driver behavior information through an intelligent control unit, and outputs an electronic control signal to the rearview mirror; and adjusts the rearview mirror in different modes through the electronic control signal. This control method can combine artificial intelligence algorithms and different combinations of sensing components to acquire different types of information according to actual needs, thereby achieving control for specific types of needs.

[0052] (6) The intelligent control rearview mirror method provided by this invention dynamically locates the driver's face and eyes using a built-in positioning method and recognition algorithm. It performs deep learning and processing of the driver's facial and eye behavior information, and accurately identifies the driver's intention to observe the rearview mirror based on the movement of the driver's pupils looking at the rearview mirror. Based on this control method, the driver's operation of selecting between reflective rearview and transparent forward view by looking at the rearview mirror is extremely simple and natural, without producing any additional actions that affect driving. Such eye movements can be naturally integrated into the driver's rearview mirror viewing habits, without requiring the driver to perform actions unrelated to looking at the rearview mirror. This method has a data memory function, thus enabling targeted and personalized control for different drivers.

[0053] (7) The intelligent control rearview mirror control method provided by the present invention can also preset non-facial and eye behavior information operation commands according to different drivers' operating habits. These commands can be voice or action. After being received and recognized by the corresponding sensors, the rearview mirror mirror mode and light transmission mode can be selected or switched very conveniently. Attached Figure Description

[0054] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments recorded in this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0055] Figure 1 This is a cross-sectional view of the photoelectric element of an unobstructed car rearview mirror of the present invention, which has an electroluminescent light-blocking layer that contains a liquid crystal medium and has an electroluminescent anti-glare layer.

[0056] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view of the photoelectric element of an unobstructed car rearview mirror of the present invention, which contains an electrochromic medium and has an electrochromic anti-glare layer.

[0057] Figure 3This is a cross-sectional view of the photoelectric element of an unobstructed car rearview mirror of the present invention, which is an electroluminescent light-blocking layer that contains an electrolyte, is a nanostructure, and has an electroluminescent anti-glare layer.

[0058] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view of the photoelectric element of the two-layer, one-cavity unobstructed car rearview mirror of the present invention.

[0059] Figure 5 This is a front view of the installation of the unobstructed car rearview mirror of the present invention;

[0060] Figure 6 This is a side view of the installation of the unobstructed car rearview mirror of the present invention.

[0061] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the working principle of the intelligent recognition and control of the unobstructed car rearview mirror of the present invention.

[0062] Figure 8 This is a flowchart illustrating the steps of the intelligent control method for the unobstructed car rearview mirror of the present invention.

[0063] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram showing the position of the unobstructed rearview mirror of the present invention inside the car cabin.

[0064] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram showing the horizontal arrangement range of the driver monitoring camera of the present invention;

[0065] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the vertical arrangement range of the driver monitoring camera of the present invention;

[0066] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of the vehicle three-dimensional matrix dynamic recognition and positioning model of the present invention;

[0067] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of the vehicle three-dimensional matrix static recognition and positioning model of the present invention;

[0068] Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram of a three-dimensional matrix model for driver face and eye recognition and tracking according to the present invention;

[0069] In the attached drawings, the following labels are used to explain their meanings: 110 - Unobstructed car rearview mirror photoelectric element; 120 - Mounting bracket; 201

[0070] - 0th transparent substrate; 201a - First surface of the 0th transparent substrate; 201b - Second surface of the 0th transparent substrate; 202

[0071] - First transparent substrate; 202a - First surface of the first transparent substrate; 202b - Second surface of the first transparent substrate; 203

[0072] - Second transparent substrate; 203a - First surface of the second transparent substrate; 203b - Second surface of the second transparent substrate; 204

[0073] 205-Shielding component; 206-Reflective filter; 207-Reflective layer; 208-Polarizer; 209-Alignment film; 210-Conductive lead; 211-Sealing component; 212-Electrochromic light-blocking layer; 213-Anti-glare layer; 214-Electrochromic medium; 215-Liquid crystal medium; 216-Electrolyte; 217-First nanostructure conductive layer; 218-Second nanostructure conductive layer; 219-Inorganic particles; 220-Insulating component; 310-Intelligent recognition controller; 320-Sensing component; 340-Driver; 350-Windshield information module; 360- Vehicle cockpit; 510 - Horizontal baseline; 520 - Right-side observation range; 530 - Left-side observation range; 540 - Face rotation angle; 550 - Eye rotation angle; 560 - Vertical baseline; 570 - Above observation range; 580 - Below observation range; 600 - Vehicle 3D matrix; 610 - Rearview mirror coordinates; 620 - Driver monitoring camera coordinates; 630 - Driver face coordinates; 640 - Driver eye coordinates; 650 - Rear windshield coordinates; 670 - Pupil center coordinates; 680 - Eye reflection spot coordinates; 700 - Driver's face and eye 3D matrix. Detailed Implementation

[0074] To make the technical problems solved, the technical solutions, and the beneficial effects of this invention clearer, the invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative of the invention and are not intended to limit the invention.

[0075] Example 1

[0076] This embodiment provides an unobstructed car rearview mirror. The photoelectric element of this rearview mirror not only has a two-way selective adjustment function for both perspective and reflection, but also achieves an anti-glare effect. Specifically, the photoelectric element of this rearview mirror can provide the driver with an intelligent selection of a transparent forward view and a reflected rear view, and intelligently adjust the reflectivity of the rearview mirror when strong light appears behind, thereby achieving an anti-glare effect.

[0077] like Figure 1As shown, this embodiment provides an unobstructed car rearview mirror, including a rearview mirror photoelectric element 110, a mounting bracket 120, and an intelligent control unit; the structure of the photoelectric element 110 is referred to as "three-layer two-cavity". Specifically, it includes: a first transparent substrate 201, an anti-glare layer 213, a first transparent substrate 202, a shielding member 204, a reflective layer 206, a polarizing film 207, an electrode 208, an alignment film 209, a conductive lead 210, a sealing member 211, an electroluminescent light-blocking layer 212, and a second transparent substrate 203. The photoelectric element 110 of the rearview mirror is connected to the car body via the mounting bracket 120.

[0078] The reflective layer 206 is a partially transparent and partially reflective coating attached to the first transparent substrate 202. Specifically, the reflective layer 206 is attached to the first surface 202a of the first transparent substrate and is positioned before the electroluminescent light-blocking layer 212. The electroluminescent light-blocking layer 212 is disposed between the second surface 202b of the first transparent substrate and the first surface 203a of the second transparent substrate. The specific connection relationship of the above components is as follows: the first transparent substrate 201, the first transparent substrate 202, the electroluminescent light-blocking layer 212, and the second transparent substrate 203 are distributed in sequence. The intelligent control unit can be independently installed in any suitable location inside the vehicle or integrated as part of other vehicle controllers. In this embodiment, the intelligent control unit is electrically connected to the electroluminescent light-blocking layer 212 via the mounting bracket 120.

[0079] Specifically, the three layers of the photoelectric element 110 structure of the rearview mirror include: a zero transparent substrate 201, a first transparent substrate 202, and a second transparent substrate 203. The two cavities include an anti-glare cavity structure between the zero transparent substrate 201 and the first transparent substrate 202, which includes an anti-glare layer 213 accommodating an electrochromic medium 214; and a light-blocking cavity structure between the first transparent substrate 202 and the second transparent substrate 203, which includes an electrochromic light-blocking layer 212 accommodating a liquid crystal medium 215. The anti-glare layer 213 of the present invention is formed of an electrochromic material, which has color-changing properties under an applied electric field or voltage.

[0080] In this embodiment, the zero transparent substrate 201, the first transparent substrate 202, and the second transparent substrate 203 are formed of transparent, elongated, planar optical glass with rounded ends. Alternatively, conventional soda-lime glass, borosilicate glass, float glass, etc., can be used; or they can be optically transparent parent resin polymer sheets. These materials prevent fragment scattering, tearing damage upon breakage, fogging, and ultraviolet radiation. Compared to conventional glass such as soda-lime glass and float glass, optical glass has better light transmittance, refractive effect, and hardness, and is widely used in optical coating and other fields. The zero transparent substrate 201, the first transparent substrate 202, and the second transparent substrate 203 are preferably rigid thin glass. This type of thin glass can significantly improve the light transmittance of the photoelectric element 110 of the unobstructed automotive rearview mirror and further reduce weight. The reliable rigidity of the thin glass prevents it from shattering when the vehicle driver adjusts the rearview mirror. The thickness of thin glass is generally in the range of 0.8mm to 2.5mm, and more optimally, it is in the range of 1.2mm to 2mm.

[0081] To prevent glass fragments from scattering due to breakage or damage during a vehicle collision, a transparent anti-shatter layer can be provided on the outermost substrate on both sides of the photoelectric element 110 of the rearview mirror. In this embodiment, a transparent anti-shatter layer of approximately 0.1 mm thickness, i.e., an anti-shatter film or a plastisol adhesive layer, is provided on the first surface 201a of the first transparent substrate 201 and the second surface 203b of the second transparent substrate. The anti-shatter layer has protective functions such as fingerprint resistance, scratch resistance, oxidation resistance, and wear resistance.

[0082] In this embodiment, the zeroth transparent substrate 201, the first transparent substrate 202, and the second transparent substrate 203 can be formed from single or combined glass or resin polymers. These combined glass or resin polymers have substantially the same specifications, i.e., "zero alignment." "Zero alignment" means that the dimensions of the edges of different substrates are substantially the same, implying that their difference in size is less than 2-3 mm, more preferably less than 0.2-0.3 mm. Furthermore, the specifications of the different substrates can be set with progressively decreasing dimensions. For substrates formed by combining multiple transparent materials, layers and coatings with specific functions can be incorporated into the substrate formed by the combination.

[0083] In this embodiment, an electroluminescent light-blocking layer 212 accommodating a liquid crystal medium 215 is formed between the first transparent substrate 202 and the second transparent substrate 203. Polarizing plates 207 are respectively disposed on the first transparent substrate 202 and the second transparent substrate 203. Specifically, in this embodiment, they are respectively disposed on the first surface 202a of the first transparent substrate and the second surface 203b of the second transparent substrate; alternatively, the polarizing plates 207 can be disposed on the second surface 202b of the first transparent substrate or the first surface 203a of the second transparent substrate. This embodiment allows for the application or non-application of voltage to the liquid crystal medium 215 in the electroluminescent light-blocking layer 212, resulting in either a near-complete or complete blockage of light by the two polarizing plates 207, thus forming a reflected rearview image on the photoelectric element 110 of the unobstructed car rearview mirror with a partially transmissive / partially reflective first transparent substrate 202.

[0084] The polarizer 207 disposed on the first surface 202a of the first transparent substrate and the polarizer 207 disposed on the second surface 203b of the second transparent substrate can be a thin laminated film or a coated film. The polarizer 207 can also be processed to have conductive electrodes. Typically, the two polarizers 207 are arranged to form mutually perpendicular orthogonally polarized light.

[0085] Using a processing technique known in the LCD industry, alignment films 209 are formed on the second surface 202b of a first transparent substrate and the first surface 203a of a second transparent substrate, where electrodes 208 are located. Typically, the angle difference between the alignment films 209 on the two surfaces is 90°. A sealing member 211 is coated on the first transparent substrate 202 to form the outer frame of an electroluminescent light-blocking layer 212. Liquid crystal medium 215 is uniformly dropped into the frame of the electroluminescent light-blocking layer 212 with the alignment film, and then bonded to the second transparent substrate 203 to form a completely sealed and uniform electroluminescent light-blocking layer 212.

[0086] When no voltage is applied, the liquid crystal medium 215 automatically rotates 90° according to the alignment films 209 on both sides. When light incident on the second surface 203b of the second transparent substrate passes through the polarizer 207, only unidirectionally polarized light waves remain. Then, the liquid crystal medium 215 rotates the light waves 90°, allowing them to pass smoothly through the orthogonal polarizer 207 on the first surface 202a of the first transparent substrate. Similarly, incident light on the first surface 202a of the first transparent substrate can also pass smoothly through the second surface 203b of the second transparent substrate. The unobstructed rearview mirror is in a transparent state where light can pass through.

[0087] When a voltage is applied, since liquid crystals are typically positively anisotropic (ε / / >ε⊥, meaning the dielectric constant in the parallel direction is greater than that in the perpendicular direction, the alignment direction of the liquid crystal medium 215 tends to be parallel to the electric field direction under the influence of the electric field), light waves passing through the liquid crystal medium 215 will not rotate 90°. The light waves cannot simultaneously pass through the mutually orthogonal polarizers 207. The partially transmissive / partially reflective reflective layer 206, disposed on the first surface 202a of the first transparent substrate, forms a rear-view reflection of the incident light from the direction of the first surface 202a of the first transparent substrate, allowing the vehicle driver to observe the rear view. This technology, which allows light waves to pass through the liquid crystal without applying voltage, making the unobstructed car rearview mirror transparent and forward-looking, is known in the LCD industry as "Normal White" (NW).

[0088] Two polarizers 207 are arranged coaxially and parallel to each other. When no voltage is applied, incident light from the second surface 203b of the second transparent substrate and the first surface 202a of the first transparent substrate, after being rotated 90° by the liquid crystal medium 215, cannot simultaneously pass through the two coaxial polarizers 207. A partially transmissive / partially reflective reflective layer 206 disposed on the first surface 202a of the first transparent substrate reflects the incident light from the first surface 202a. When voltage is applied, the liquid crystal medium 215 does not rotate the light wave 90° under the influence of the electric field, allowing the light wave to pass smoothly through the two coaxial polarizers 207, and the unobstructed rearview mirror is in a transparent state where light can pass through. This technology, which uses liquid crystal to prevent light waves from passing through when no voltage is applied, thus making the unobstructed rearview mirror reflective, is the well-known "normally black" (NB) technology in the LCD industry. Depending on the specific vehicle scenario, either "always white" or "always black" technology can be selected for use in unobstructed car rearview mirrors.

[0089] In this embodiment, a transparent or substantially transparent reflective filter 205 is provided on the second surface 201b of the zero transparent substrate in the photoelectric element 110 of the unobstructed car rearview mirror. The reflective filter 205 is composed of a coating and is used to filter out some unwanted portions of the reflection in the spectrum of the electrochromic medium 214. Typically, it can also be formed on the first surface 201a of the zero transparent substrate, or the second surface 202b of the first transparent substrate, or the first surface 202a of the first transparent substrate. If necessary, the reflective filter 205 can be an electrode layer or electrode coating with conductive oxide or metal, serving as an electrode.

[0090] In this embodiment, a reflective layer 206 is disposed on the first surface 202a of the first transparent substrate, serving as the reflective layer for the rearview mirror and also forming an integral electrode. Furthermore, when the polarizer 207 is disposed on the first surface 202a of the first transparent substrate, the reflective layer 206 and the polarizer 207 can be configured as a single component. Alternatively, the reflective layer 206 and the polarizer 207 can be disposed on the second surface 202b of the first transparent substrate, or the reflective layer 206 can be disposed on the first surface 202a of the first transparent substrate, and the polarizer 207 on the second surface 202b of the first transparent substrate. The reflective layer 206 and the polarizer 207 are distributed in a sequential order, with the reflective layer 206 closer to the driver and the polarizer 207 farther from the driver. This reflective layer 206 can maintain stable contact with any component in the electrochromic medium 214, exhibiting higher conductivity and reducing the complexity of the manufacturing process. Due to regulations governing rearview mirrors, many countries and regions stipulate that the reflectivity of vehicle rearview mirrors must be no less than 40%, and in some countries or regions no less than 35% (for rearview mirrors without anti-glare). Depending on the specific regulations, the reflective layer 206, or coating, needs to be calculated to achieve this level of reflectivity while maintaining good transmittance.

[0091] In this embodiment, a transparent electrode 208 layer or coating is disposed on the second surface 201b of the first transparent substrate, and the electrode is connected to the first conductive lead 210; a reflective layer 206 is disposed as an electrode on the first surface 202a of the first transparent substrate and is connected to the second conductive lead 210; the electrode connected to the first conductive lead 210 and the electrode connected to the second conductive lead 210 form positive and negative electrodes for current introduction and extraction, thereby generating an electric field or voltage difference. A transparent electrode 208 layer or coating is disposed on the second surface 202b of the first transparent substrate, and an alignment film 209 is disposed thereon, and the electrode is connected to the third conductive lead 210; another transparent electrode 208 layer or coating is disposed on the first surface 203a of the second transparent substrate, and an alignment film 209 is disposed thereon, and the electrode is connected to the fourth conductive lead 210; the electrode connected to the third conductive lead 210 and the electrode connected to the fourth conductive lead 210 form positive and negative electrodes for current introduction and extraction, thereby generating an electric field or voltage difference.

[0092] The electrode 208 described above can be a layer or coating of indium tin oxide (ITO), doped tin oxide, doped zinc oxide, or a substantially transparent metal compound. The electrode 208 can bond well to the surface of the transparent substrate and will not corrode any other material of the optoelectronic element 110 of the unobstructed automotive rearview mirror. It has high light transmittance, near-neutral color, and good conductivity. Typically, ITO is a half-wave coating with a sheet resistance of about 15 ohms / square. Generally, the conductivity of the electrode 208 will depend on its thickness and composition; it can be combined into thicker layers to form low surface resistance and thus high conductivity. A substantially transparent metal coating with a conductivity approximately 10 to 50 times that of ITO can also be selected to obtain greater color response. The overall color speed and uniformity of light blocking and anti-glare are important properties of this invention; if necessary, the high-conductivity electrode 208 can be combined with a high-conductivity reflective layer 206 (between 15 ohms / square and about 0.01 ohms / square).

[0093] In this embodiment, the conductive lead 210 surrounds the outer periphery of the electrochromic light-blocking layer 212 and the anti-glare layer 213 within the photoelectric element 110 of the rearview mirror, forming a very uniform voltage or potential distribution across the entire conductive surface to achieve better coloring / clarification speed and coloring uniformity. Its length can be approximately 60%-70% of the outer periphery of the electrochromic light-blocking layer 212 and the anti-glare layer 213, and more optimally, less than 50% of the periphery. This optimized length (less than a periphery) facilitates the placement of the filling opening of the electrochromic medium 214, ensuring that the conductive lead 210 does not come into contact with the electrochromic medium 214 and eliminating the need for special treatment of the conductive lead 210. The conductive lead 210 extends from the photoelectric element 110 of the unobstructed automotive rearview mirror into the mounting bracket 120, providing a convenient short contact point for external wires or electrical connections. Typically, the conductive lead 210 is made of conductive adhesive with high conductivity. It is resistant to high temperature, corrosion and climate change, and can maintain stable conductivity and good adhesion over a long period of time.

[0094] In this embodiment, an epoxy resin seal 211 is applied near the edges of the second surface 201b of the first transparent substrate and the first surface 202a of the first transparent substrate. The seal 211 binds the second surface 201b of the first transparent substrate and the first surface 202a of the first transparent substrate and slightly spaced them in a parallel relationship to define an anti-glare layer 213 for accommodating the electrochromic medium 214. An electric field or voltage is formed in the anti-glare layer 213 through the electrodes 208 and the reflective layer 206 on both sides. An epoxy resin seal 211 is also applied near the edges of the second surface 202b of the first transparent substrate and the first surface 203a of the second transparent substrate. The seal 211 binds the second surface 202b of the first transparent substrate and the first surface 203a of the second transparent substrate and slightly spaced them in a parallel relationship to define an electrochromic light-blocking layer 212 for accommodating the liquid crystal medium 215. An electric field or voltage is formed in the electroluminescent light-blocking layer 212 by electrodes 208 on both sides of the electroluminescent light-blocking layer 212.

[0095] In this embodiment, the photoelectric element 110 of the rearview mirror is coated onto its surrounding edge contour using methods commonly used in the LCD industry, such as screen printing or dispensing. The seal 211 effectively seals the second surface 201b of the zero transparent substrate and the first surface 202a of the first transparent substrate, forming an anti-glare layer 213 that accommodates the electrochromic medium 214 at a certain interval. The seal 211 also effectively seals the second surface 202b of the first transparent substrate and the first surface 203a of the second transparent substrate, forming an electrochromic light-blocking layer 212 at a certain interval. The seal 211 has electrical insulation and adhesive properties, and is cured by ultraviolet light or heat to seal the outer periphery of the electrochromic medium 214 and the liquid crystal medium 215, preventing leakage; it also sufficiently insulates and separates the electrical structural components disposed on the second surface 201b of the zero transparent substrate, the first surface 202a of the first transparent substrate, the second surface 202b of the first transparent substrate, and the first surface 203a of the second transparent substrate. The distance by which the seal 211 extends outward from the edge of the electroluminescent light-blocking layer 212 and the anti-glare layer 213 is typically about 2-3 mm. Preferably, the material of the seal 211 is substantially transparent.

[0096] In this embodiment, incorporating small, rigid glass beads into the sealant 211 enhances the uniformity and stability of the spacing between the coated first transparent substrate 201, first transparent substrate 202, and second transparent substrate 203; alternatively, spacers such as plastic beads or rods can be used. Adding fibers to the sealant 211 better prevents substrate movement and reduces sealing stress. If necessary, spacers such as glass beads can be omitted, thus eliminating pressure points on the conductive components. Preferably, after applying the conductive coating, the epoxy resin sealant 211 is screen-printed onto the second surface 201b of the first transparent substrate, the first surface 202a of the first transparent substrate, the second surface 202b of the first transparent substrate, and the first surface 203a of the second transparent substrate, and then placed face-to-face, with the epoxy resin still in a viscous state. The assembly is placed in an oven at approximately 100°C for about three hours to allow the epoxy resin sealant 211 to fully cure. The epoxy resin seal 211, which has electrical insulation and adhesive properties, is cured and becomes highly stable through this curing process, and retains the liquid crystal medium 215 in the electrochromic layer 212 and the electrochromic medium 214 in the anti-glare layer 213.

[0097] In this embodiment, during the process of forming the electrochromic light-blocking layer 212 and the anti-glare layer 213 by coating the sealant 211, a filling port is typically provided in the photoelectric element 110 of the unobstructed car rearview mirror. Then, the electrochromic medium 214 can be filled into the anti-glare layer 213 by vacuum backfilling or simple injection with a syringe, and the filling port is then sealed. Preferably, the filling port can be located in the mounting bracket 120 to make it more concealed, which also allows the sealant 211 on the photoelectric element 110 of the unobstructed car rearview mirror to maintain better sealing and uniformity, and reduces the distance that the sealant 211 extends outward from the edge of the anti-glare layer 213, generally within a range of about 3-4 mm. To achieve a more optimized, smaller extension distance, a sealing member 211 can be coated on the second surface 202b of the first transparent substrate to form a complete outer periphery frame of the electrochromic light-blocking layer 212. Liquid crystal medium 215 is then uniformly dropped into the frame of the electrochromic light-blocking layer 212, and finally bonded to the first surface 203a of the second transparent substrate to form a completely sealed, uniform electrochromic light-blocking layer 212. Alternatively, a sealing member 211 can be coated on the second surface 201b of the first transparent substrate to form a complete, filler-free outer periphery frame of the anti-glare layer 213. Electrochromic medium 214 is then uniformly disposed within the frame of the anti-glare layer 213, and finally bonded to the first surface 202a of the first transparent substrate to form a completely sealed, uniform anti-glare layer 213.

[0098] Preferably, the electroluminescent light-blocking layer 212 and the anti-glare layer 213 are thinly spaced cavities. Thin cavities maintain high light transmittance, and the liquid crystal medium 215 and the electrochromic medium 214 exhibit faster color response speeds within such thin cavities. Furthermore, it should be considered that the liquid crystal medium 215 and the electrochromic medium 214 require sufficient thickness to adequately block and weaken light after darkening. Therefore, the spacing thickness of the electroluminescent light-blocking layer 212 and the anti-glare layer 213 preferably ranges from approximately 100 micrometers to 1000 micrometers, and more optimally from approximately 150 micrometers to 750 micrometers. A suitable thin cavity is obtained through the processing. Preferably, conductive adhesive or conductive metal with a thickness of about 100 micrometers to 360 micrometers can be used as conductive leads 210. Alternatively, conductive leads 210 on two opposite surfaces can be set in a non-overlapping position to obtain a thin electroluminescent light-blocking layer 212 and an anti-glare layer 213.

[0099] In this embodiment, to prevent the connection portion of the zero transparent substrate 201, the first transparent substrate 202, and the second transparent substrate 203 from being directly exposed to air, an insulating member 220 with optical and sealing functions is provided on the peripheral edge of the side of the photoelectric element 110 of the unobstructed car rearview mirror. It has low permeability to gases and light; good adhesion to glass, plastics, and metals; environmental stability; shatter resistance; and wear resistance; providing a smooth, seamless feel and preventing scratches when the vehicle driver touches the rearview mirror. More preferably, the insulating member 220 is transparent or translucent, with a color similar to the side of the glass substrate.

[0100] A shielding member 204 can be provided on the first transparent substrate 201 and the second transparent substrate 203. In this embodiment, the shielding member 204 is provided on the second surface 201b of the first transparent substrate and the first surface 203a of the second transparent substrate, forming a peripheral edge contour on the photoelectric element 110 of the unobstructed car rearview mirror around the peripheral edges of the second surface 201b of the first transparent substrate and the first surface 203a of the second transparent substrate. The shielding member 204 surrounds the corresponding reflective layer 206, electrode 208, conductive lead 210, seal 211 and reflective filter 205 nearby, and extends to the edge or interior of the electroluminescent light-blocking layer 212 and the anti-glare layer 213 to prevent light from shining through. The shielding member 204 on the second surface 201b of the first transparent substrate has a reflectivity equivalent to that of the partially transmissive and partially reflective reflective layer 206 on the first transparent substrate 202. The shielding member 204 can be coated with reflective metallic materials such as chromium, molybdenum, aluminum, stainless steel, nickel, or titanium, and can adhere well to glass-like materials. This shielding member 204 has high conductivity, providing highly conductive tracks on the second surface 201b of the first transparent substrate and the first surface 203a of the second transparent substrate, allowing current to flow quickly and uniformly from the entire periphery into the central region containing the reflective layer 206 and the electrode 208 surfaces, providing a faster and more uniform color response for the electrochromic medium 214 and the liquid crystal medium 215. If desired, the shielding member 204 can also be disposed on the first surface 201a of the first transparent substrate and the second surface 203b of the second transparent substrate. Furthermore, the shielding member 204 can also be disposed simultaneously on the second surface 201b of the first transparent substrate, the first surface 202a of the first transparent substrate, the second surface 202b of the first transparent substrate, and the first surface 203a of the second transparent substrate.

[0101] In each embodiment of the invention, regions r are formed on the two outermost substrate surfaces of the photoelectric element 110 of the unobstructed automotive rearview mirror. For example... Figure 1 As shown, on the first surface 201a of the first transparent substrate and the second surface 203b of the second transparent substrate, there is a peripheral edge area extending from the edge towards the center of the photoelectric element 110 of the unobstructed car rearview mirror. According to the regulations for rearview mirrors, when the edge of the rearview mirror extends beyond the protective frame, the radius of the rounded corner of the protruding edge area r in any direction should not be less than 2.5 mm. Preferably, in this embodiment, the substrate is cut to form the area r, and then the surface is optionally polished using processes such as edge grinding, lapping, or sandblasting. This process can obtain a very strong, uniform, and aesthetically pleasing outer peripheral edge.

[0102] In this embodiment, as Figure 9The diagram shows a partial view of an unobstructed automotive rearview mirror, comprising an unobstructed rearview mirror photoelectric element 110, a mounting bracket 120, and an intelligent control unit, within a vehicle cockpit 360, in conjunction with a driver 340 and a windshield information module 350. The intelligent control unit includes an intelligent recognition controller 310 and a sensing component 320. The vehicle cockpit 360 can be the cockpit of a passenger car, commercial vehicle, or any other suitable vehicle.

[0103] The intelligent recognition controller 310 is any hardware system, hardware mechanism, or hardware component capable of receiving and processing data, signals, or other information. It includes at least one processor (MCU) and at least one associated memory. The processor executes and implements the instruction functions of the sensing component through associated program instructions on the memory. The intelligent recognition controller 310 may also include a central processing unit, an image processing unit, multiple processing units, a communication interface, a bus, power management, or a dedicated circuit system for implementing the intelligent control unit. The intelligent recognition controller 310 can be installed independently in any suitable location within the vehicle or integrated as part of other vehicle controllers, such as a driver monitoring controller (DMS) or a vehicle intelligent cockpit domain controller. The intelligent recognition controller 310 is configured to receive information, data, or instructions from the sensing component 320, including those related to the driver and the environment, and after analysis and processing by the program and / or algorithm model contained within the intelligent recognition controller 310, output specific intelligent control instructions for the unobstructed rearview mirror.

[0104] The sensing component 320, based on the type of information or data it receives and its basic function, can be specifically divided into sensing components for sensing environmental information, sensing components for sensing driver's facial and eye behavior information, and sensing components for sensing driver's non-facial and eye behavior information. These sensing components can be selectively combined in different embodiments to achieve their specific functions.

[0105] The sensing component 320 used in this embodiment is not limited to being invoked when using the rearview mirror. The sensing component 320 can also be invoked through a shared in-vehicle sensing device, which provides the sensed information.

[0106] The sensing components for perceiving driver facial and eye behavior information include a visible light driver monitoring camera and a non-visible light driver monitoring camera. Specifically, the driver monitoring camera can be a driver monitoring camera inside the vehicle's cockpit 360. Further, the non-visible light driver monitoring camera includes an infrared driver monitoring camera. The infrared driver monitoring camera can be monocular or multi-target. The driver monitoring camera is used to detect the illumination level of the driver's face and eyes and to continuously or periodically capture and monitor image frames of the driver's face and eyes, etc., and outputs the captured image frames to perceive information such as the driver's face position, eye position, attention area, and eye tracking. The driver monitoring camera can have an image signal processor (ISP) module and a high-definition camera, such as 2 megapixels, 5 megapixels, or even more than 10 million pixels. Preferably, the driver monitoring camera is used in conjunction with an infrared supplementary lighting device to obtain high-quality and reliable driver image frames. To obtain a high recognition rate and high accuracy of the algorithm model, the driver monitoring camera needs to shield visible light to remove unnecessary interference from the visible spectrum on the image frames. The driver monitoring camera can operate in an environment with an infrared wavelength of 850 nanometers, preferably 940 nanometers. An infrared supplemental lighting device can provide sufficient brightness and contrast for the driver monitoring camera, enabling clearly defined image frames of the driver's face and eyes, even in low-light conditions within the vehicle's cabin 360. Typically, the infrared supplemental lighting device is installed in any suitable location within the vehicle's cabin that provides good lighting for the driver monitoring camera; preferably, it can be installed near the driver monitoring camera or integrated into a single component.

[0107] The sensing components for sensing non-facial and eye-related behavioral information of the driver include a visible light driver monitoring camera, a non-visible light driver monitoring camera, a switch, a device with a microphone capable of receiving voice information from the driver 340, and a sensing device capable of receiving specific hand or head movement information and commands from the driver 340. The switch can be a physical button located in a suitable position within the vehicle's cockpit, or a display button on the vehicle's touchscreen. Preferably, the switch is positioned within easy reach of the driver 340's naturally extended arm, making operation more convenient and simple. The sensing device capable of receiving specific hand or head movement information and commands from the driver 340 includes, for example, driver gesture control. Such a sensing device can be a TOF (time-offlight) camera that emits and receives light pulses, or it can be a lidar or millimeter-wave radar.

[0108] The sensing components for perceiving environmental information may include a front-view camera, a rear-view camera, and an in-cabin camera. The front-view camera is installed at the front of the vehicle to sense the external environment in front of the vehicle, such as ambient light levels, headlight beams from oncoming vehicles, and to monitor and capture image frames in front of the vehicle. The rear-view camera is installed at the rear of the vehicle to sense the external environment behind the vehicle, such as ambient light levels, headlight beams from oncoming vehicles, and to monitor and capture image frames behind the vehicle. The in-cabin camera is installed within the vehicle's 360° cabin to sense the internal environment, such as ambient light levels inside the cabin, people or objects inside the cabin, and to monitor and capture image frames within the cabin. The sensing components for perceiving environmental information may also include front and rear photosensors installed inside the vehicle's cabin to sense ambient light levels in front of the vehicle, ambient light levels inside the vehicle, and the brightness of glare from vehicles behind.

[0109] In this embodiment, as Figure 7 As shown, the intelligent recognition controller 310 is electrically connected to the electroluminescent light-blocking layer 212 via the mounting bracket 120. The sensing component 320 inputs the image frames captured by the driver when looking at the unobstructed rearview mirror into the intelligent recognition controller 310. The recognition and tracking algorithm model set inside the intelligent recognition controller 310 intelligently recognizes and deeply tracks the specific eye movements of the driver, outputs the forward-looking recognition or rear-looking recognition electronic control signal to the electroluminescent light-blocking layer 212, controls the liquid crystal medium 215 inside the electroluminescent light-blocking layer 212 to change the reflectivity and transmittance, and cooperates with the reflective layer 206 to realize the switching and transition of the entire rearview mirror in transparent forward-looking mode and light-blocking reflective rear-looking mode.

[0110] The intelligent recognition controller 310 is electrically connected to the anti-glare layer 213 via the mounting bracket 120. The sensing component 320 inputs the monitored and captured environmental information into the intelligent recognition controller 310. Through the anti-glare control algorithm model set inside the intelligent recognition controller 310, it outputs an electrical control signal to the anti-glare layer 213 to control the change in reflectivity of the electrochromic medium 214 inside the anti-glare layer 213, thereby achieving anti-glare for the rearview mirror.

[0111] Preferably, the sensing component can identify the amount of light in the front and rear directions of the unobstructed car rearview mirror through the vehicle's front-view camera and cabin camera, or the front and rear light-sensitive sensors in the vehicle's cabin.

[0112] In this embodiment, as Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the unobstructed rearview mirror photoelectric element 110 is mounted and fixed on the vehicle via a mounting bracket 120. Specifically, as shown... Figure 9As shown, the rearview mirror is mounted and fixed to the windshield information module 350 inside the vehicle's cabin 360 via a mounting bracket 120. It can also be mounted on the windshield inside the vehicle's cabin or at a suitable location on the roof. The mounting bracket 120 connects the unobstructed rearview mirror photoelectric element 110 to the vehicle and serves to fix and adjust the rearview mirror. The mounting bracket 120 is securely assembled with the unobstructed rearview mirror photoelectric element 110 using a sandwich-like clamping method. The base of this base can be a molded part of engineering plastic (e.g., reinforced nylon, polycarbonate, or ABS) or a molded part of metal; it can be a single component or a combination of components. The base of the mounting bracket 120 can be assembled with the unobstructed rearview mirror photoelectric element 110, either individually or in combination, through mechanical fastening and / or bonding and / or snap-fit ​​methods. The base measures approximately 3.5-5cm in length, 6-8.5mm in width, and 2.5-4.5cm in height. Of course, smaller dimensions can make the rearview mirror more aesthetically pleasing. The mounting bracket 120 can be either a single-ball joint or a double-ball joint design.

[0113] Optionally, an electric power steering unit is installed on the unobstructed rearview mirror. This unit has the function of accurately detecting and precisely adjusting the position of the rearview mirror, such as by using a potentiometer and integral value calculation. The electric power steering unit is connected to a mounting bracket 120, and can be located at the base of the mounting bracket 120, near the roof of the vehicle, or combined with the mounting bracket 120 as a single component. There can be one or multiple electric power steering units.

[0114] like Figure 7 As shown, in this embodiment, the intelligent recognition controller 310 can be electrically connected to the electric steering gear with or without the mounting bracket 120; the sensing component 320 inputs the monitored and captured environmental information into the intelligent recognition controller 310, and outputs an electronic control signal to the electric steering gear through the control algorithm model set inside the intelligent recognition controller 310. Through the electric steering gear, the left and right viewing angles and the up and down viewing angles of the unobstructed car rearview mirror are adjusted to avoid strong reflected light and provide the driver 340 with a clear forward field of vision.

[0115] Optionally, the outer periphery of the unobstructed rearview mirror photoelectric element 110 is wrapped inside the rearview mirror frame. This frame can be a molded part of engineering plastic (e.g., reinforced nylon, polycarbonate, or ABS) or a molded part of metal, and is assembled and fixed to the base at the bottom of the mounting bracket 120. If needed, a transparent rearview mirror housing can also be provided on the second surface 203b of the second transparent substrate and / or the first surface 201a of the zero transparent substrate of the unobstructed rearview mirror photoelectric element 110. This rearview mirror housing can be combined with the rearview mirror frame or assembled into a single component. The housing is a transparent molded part of engineering plastic (e.g., reinforced nylon, polycarbonate, or ABS). The housing and frame provide fixation and protection for the unobstructed rearview mirror.

[0116] Example 2

[0117] like Figure 2 As shown, this embodiment provides an unobstructed car rearview mirror. The difference from Embodiment 1 is that the internal medium of the electrochromic light-blocking layer 212 in the three-layer, two-cavity structure of this embodiment is an electrochromic medium 214 (EC photochromic material). Specifically, in this embodiment, an electrochromic medium 214 is disposed in the electrochromic light-blocking layer 212. The technology of electrochromic medium 214 is well known in many fields and has been widely used, such as in the automotive, aerospace, and construction industries. The electrochromic medium 214 can be a liquid, thickened liquid, gel, or semi-solid material. Preferably, a gelled electrochromic medium 214 is used, which can stably bond the first transparent substrate 202 and the second transparent substrate 203 together as a single component.

[0118] In this embodiment, when neither the anti-glare layer 213 nor the electrochromic light-blocking layer 212 is subjected to voltage, the unobstructed rearview mirror is in a transparent forward-looking state where light can pass through. When voltage is applied to the electrochromic light-blocking layer 212, it blocks light, forming a reflected rearview on the partially transmissive / partially reflective unobstructed rearview mirror. When voltage is applied to the anti-glare layer 213, the electrochromic medium 214 in the anti-glare layer 213 darkens, reducing the reflectivity on the unobstructed rearview mirror and providing rear-view anti-glare against strong light from vehicles behind. When the electrochromic medium 214 in the anti-glare layer 213 darkens to its minimum value, the electrochromic light-blocking layer 212 may not be needed to block light.

[0119] In addition to the components described in this embodiment, there are many other options. Depending on the actual needs, they can be implemented individually or in combination, but the functions they perform are basically the same.

[0120] Apart from the differences mentioned above, the other components or connections in this embodiment are the same as in Embodiment 1. For the sake of brevity, these similarities will not be repeated.

[0121] Example 3

[0122] like Figure 3 As shown, this embodiment provides an unobstructed car rearview mirror. The difference from Embodiment 1 is that the electroluminescent light-blocking layer 212 in the three-layer, two-cavity structure of this embodiment is a nanostructured conductive layer containing an electrolyte layer. Specifically, it includes: a first nanostructured conductive layer 217, a second nanostructured conductive layer 218, and an electrolyte layer between the two nanostructured conductive layers. The thickness of the second nanostructured conductive layer 218 is greater than that of the first nanostructured conductive layer 217. This nanostructured conductive layer is made of a transparent conductive material whose transmittance in the visible light region meets the specified range. Transparent conductive materials include, but are not limited to: indium tin oxide, zinc oxide, zinc indium tin oxide, gallium indium tin oxide, indium oxide, gallium steel zinc oxide, gallium zinc oxide, fluorine tin oxide, or at least one of aluminum-doped zinc oxide. Furthermore, the materials of the two nanostructured conductive layers can be the same or different from each other. The electrolyte layer includes a solvent 216 and inorganic particles 219. The inorganic particles 219 are metal oxides, including AgNo3, CuCl2, etc., but are not limited to these. When an electric current is applied to the nanostructure conductive layer, some positive and negative ions in the inorganic particles 219 can combine with the first nanostructure conductive layer 217 and the second nanostructure conductive layer 218, changing the smoothness of the surface of the nanostructure conductive layer to control the reflection and transmission of light, thereby achieving the switching between transparent mode and mirror mode.

[0123] When no voltage is applied, the unobstructed rearview mirror is in transparent mode. Similarly, if the required reflected light does not meet the requirements, the intelligent recognition controller 310 applies voltage to the first nanostructure conductive layer 217 and the second nanostructure conductive layer 218 to make their surface structure smoother, increase the reflected light, and switch to mirror mode to enhance the reflection of light from behind. When the nanostructure layers are de-energized, the unobstructed rearview mirror returns to transparent mode.

[0124] Apart from the differences mentioned above, the other components or connections in this embodiment are the same as in Embodiment 1. For the sake of brevity, these similarities will not be repeated.

[0125] Example 4

[0126] like Figure 4As shown, this embodiment provides an unobstructed car rearview mirror, which also has the functions of dual-directional selection of perspective and reflection, as well as anti-glare function. The difference from Embodiment 1 is that the rearview mirror photoelectric element 110 in this embodiment does not have a first transparent substrate and an anti-glare layer. Instead, the first transparent substrate 202 is made of a prism with multiple angles, and the anti-glare function is achieved by adjusting the reflection angle of the prism.

[0127] A reflective filter 205, a reflective layer 206, and a polarizer 207 are sequentially disposed on the first surface of the prism, namely the first surface 202a of the first transparent substrate.

[0128] The prism is made of glass or an optically transparent base resin polymer sheet. This multi-angle prism can adjust the angle of the rearview mirror via the electric steering system to achieve different reflective effects. When strong light shines from behind, based on the strong light information acquired by the sensing component 320 and the normal light information inside the vehicle, the intelligent recognition controller 310 outputs a control signal to the electric steering system to adjust the reflection angle of the prism, thereby reducing the intensity of the reflected light from behind and achieving an anti-glare effect.

[0129] Apart from the differences mentioned above, the other components or connections in this embodiment are the same as in Embodiment 1. For the sake of brevity, these similarities will not be repeated.

[0130] Example 5

[0131] This embodiment provides an intelligent control method for an unobstructed car rearview mirror, such as... Figure 7As shown, the principle of intelligent control is as follows: the sensing component 320 transmits the acquired information to the intelligent recognition controller 310; the intelligent recognition controller 310, based on the monitored and captured driver information (such as image frames of the driver's face and eyes), preprocesses the image information using the image processor in the intelligent recognition controller 310 (or the driver's camera), and identifies and locates the position of the driver's face and eyes using its internal recognition and positioning algorithm (including processing methods for dynamic or static three-dimensional matrix positioning models). At the same time, it extracts features and stores data of the driver's face and eyes, and then performs feature matching and recognition processing on the driver's face and eye behavior information using a set function fitting algorithm model for the driver's face and eyes. Relying on accurate positioning and intelligent recognition, the driver's intention to observe the rearview mirror is determined based on the action of the driver's pupils looking at the rearview mirror, and corresponding electronic control signals are issued to control and adjust the photoelectric element 110 of the unobstructed car rearview mirror, as well as other components and devices that cooperate with the photoelectric element 110 of the rearview mirror, such as the electric steering gear. Dynamic 3D positioning requires only one sensor (such as a camera), while static 3D positioning typically requires two or more sensors (such as cameras). Ideally, environmental perception components should be added to assist decision-making.

[0132] This method is based on the unobstructed car rearview mirror with bidirectional selective adjustment of perspective and reflection functions described in this invention. The normal state of the rearview mirror is in the light-transmitting mode, specifically, as shown in... Figure 8 As shown, the method includes the following steps:

[0133] Step 1: When the driver's eyes look at the rearview mirror, the driver monitoring camera and infrared supplementary lighting device's sensing component 320, which can recognize and capture the driver's face and eye information and commands, acquire image frames of the driver's face and eyes; the sensing component that senses environmental information acquires environmental information such as the brightness and intensity of light in front of and behind the vehicle; and the image frames and environmental information are sent to the intelligent recognition controller 310 as auxiliary decision signals.

[0134] Specifically, the driver monitoring camera detects and identifies "unnatural specific motion trajectories" that the driver's eyes can naturally perform. "Naturally performing eye movements" refers to subtle, simple actions the driver can perform while looking in the rearview mirror, such as eye movement, blinking, or gazing. These subtle, simple actions require minimal involvement from other parts of the driver's body and do not interfere with driving or affect safety. "Unnatural specific motion trajectories" refer to actions that the driver's eyes typically do not perform when looking in the rearview mirror. These "unnatural specific motion trajectories" can be pre-set in the intelligent recognition controller 310 and used as instructions for the driver to select rear-view or forward-view. They can be accurately captured and recognized with minimal misidentification or misjudgment. Through deep learning-based intelligent recognition, the driver's selection of reflective rear-view or transparent forward-view becomes extremely simple and natural, seamlessly integrating into the driver's habit of looking in the rearview mirror.

[0135] Optimally, this embodiment can also employ other sensing components for perceiving environmental information, including a front-view camera, a rear-view camera, a surround-view camera, a panoramic camera, a photosensor, and an in-cabin camera. These are used to assist in acquiring accurate image frames of the driver's face and eyes. The aforementioned sensing components can be used individually or in combination of multiple similar or dissimilar sensing components.

[0136] like Figure 9 As shown, the unobstructed rearview mirror of the present invention is positioned within the vehicle's cockpit 360°. Typically, the driver monitoring camera can be installed on or integrated with the left or right "A" pillar within the vehicle's cockpit, or it can be installed in or integrated with the front roof area or the windshield information module 350 area within the vehicle's cockpit. Optimally, it can be installed on the dashboard or steering wheel, or otherwise integrated with the dashboard or steering column. This position is aesthetically pleasing, space-saving, and makes it easier to conceal the camera, suitable for both left-hand and right-hand drive vehicles. In particular, this position is essentially directly facing the driver's face and eyes, which is beneficial for capturing areas of interest or activity areas, further improving the recognition rate and accuracy of the algorithm model, generally reaching 99% or even higher.

[0137] Specifically, the image frames that accurately identified the driver's face and eyes are described below: For example... Figure 10The diagram illustrates the horizontal layout of the driver monitoring camera. In a normal driving posture, with the driver's face centered at 0° on the horizontal baseline 510, the driver's camera is typically positioned within a 75° range each on the right and left sides of the baseline. This range includes the sum of approximately 45° facial rotation angle 540 and approximately 30° eye rotation angle 550 on the same horizontal side.

[0138] like Figure 11 The diagram illustrates the vertical arrangement of the driver monitoring camera. With the driver in a normal driving posture, and using the vertical baseline 560 (0°) at the center of the driver's eye position, the driver's camera is typically positioned within a 20° upward viewing angle 570 and a 40° downward viewing angle 580 of this baseline. This range encompasses the sum of the driver's facial and eye rotation angles on the same vertical side. Within this horizontal and vertical range, the driver monitoring camera can clearly capture the position of the driver's face and eyes.

[0139] Step 2. Based on the acquired image frames and environmental information, the intelligent recognition controller 310 intelligently recognizes the image frames of the driver's face and eyes. Through the processing of the internally set vehicle three-dimensional matrix positioning model and function fitting algorithm model, when it recognizes the driver's intention to look at the rearview mirror as a rear-view, it sends an electronic control signal to the rearview mirror to switch the mirror mode. When it recognizes the driver's intention to look at the rearview mirror as a forward-view, it sends an electronic control signal to the rearview mirror to switch the light transmission mode.

[0140] Specifically, the intelligent recognition controller 310 obtains corresponding control signals by intelligently recognizing and depth tracking based on the image frames of the driver's face and eyes captured by monitoring, in the vehicle three-dimensional matrix positioning model set within it, through a function fitting algorithm model of the driver's face and eyes, eyeballs, pupils, and corneal light spots (this model is capable of image processing and eye tracking in the intelligent recognition controller); and transmits the control signals to the electroluminescent light-blocking layer 212 of the photoelectric element 110 of the rearview mirror, etc.

[0141] like Figure 12As shown, the vehicle 3D matrix 600 positioning model of the present invention is based on the vehicle's 3D data, upon which a 3D coordinate system is constructed for driver face and eye positioning and tracking. The vehicle 3D matrix 600 positioning model includes an X-axis representing the vehicle's length in the front-to-back direction, a Y-axis representing the vehicle's width in the left-to-right direction, and a Z-axis representing the vehicle's height in the up-and-down direction. In this coordinate system, each relevant vehicle component has its own basically fixed coordinate values ​​(or ranges), which are typically determined by information such as the component's shape, size, and installation position. These relevant component coordinates include, but are not limited to, the vehicle's rear windshield coordinates 650, the coordinates of both sides of the vehicle body, the coordinates of both side rearview mirrors, the unobstructed rearview mirror 610, and the driver monitoring camera coordinates 620. The positions of the driver's face coordinates 630 and driver's eye coordinates 640, detected and identified by the driver monitoring camera, are determined in the vehicle 3D matrix 600 positioning model.

[0142] For driver face and eye recognition and localization, dynamic triangulation or static triangulation methods can be used. The principle of triangulation is based on the assumption that a target point and two reference points with known coordinates can form a triangle. By calculating the length of the reference sides of the triangle and measuring the angles formed by the two reference points and the target point, the distance and coordinates of the target point can be found.

[0143] like Figure 12 As shown, the dynamic triangulation method is accomplished using a driver monitoring camera. In this method, the driver's eye is captured as a target point by comparing reference objects in two or more consecutive image frames captured by the driver monitoring camera. The position of the driver's eye is then determined, and the driver's eye coordinates (640) are determined in the vehicle's 3D matrix positioning model (600).

[0144] Alternatively, the position of the driver's face and eyes can also be located using a static triangulation method. For example... Figure 13 As shown, the static triangulation method uses two or more driver monitoring cameras. By determining two reference points, the driver's eyes are captured as the target point. The driver's eye coordinates (640) are determined in real time based on the captured eye position and in the vehicle's 3D matrix positioning model. Optionally, using more cameras to capture the target point can obtain more accurate driver eye coordinates (640).

[0145] like Figure 12 and 13As shown, in the vehicle 3D matrix 600 positioning model, the driver's face coordinates 630 and eye coordinates 640 detected and identified by the camera are used to establish a specific corresponding coordinate relationship with the basically fixed coordinates 610 of the unobstructed rearview mirror and 650 of the rear windshield using optical mirror reflection imaging technology. Through this correspondence, when the driver 340 is in a normal forward-looking driving posture, the function fitting algorithm model in the intelligent recognition controller 310 can accurately identify and determine the coordinate values ​​(or range) of the driver 340's face and eye rotation when observing the unobstructed rearview mirror, further determining the reasonable angle range for the driver's gaze at the unobstructed rearview mirror, and accurately identifying the driver 340's forward and rearward gaze intentions. However, it should be understood that in the unobstructed rearview mirror, such a corresponding coordinate relationship can also be achieved by selecting other reliable related vehicle components or other objects, such as the rear seat or the road surface, as reference targets in the vehicle 3D matrix 600 positioning model, still achieving essentially the same implementation method and producing essentially the same effect.

[0146] like Figure 14 The diagram shows a schematic of a 3D matrix 700 model for driver face and eye recognition and tracking. Ideally, this model is part of a vehicle 3D matrix 600 positioning model, sharing essentially the same axes. In the 3D matrix 700 model for driver face and eye recognition and tracking, the coordinates 610 of the rearview mirror are determined based on variables such as the shape, size, position, and angle of the unobstructed rearview mirror. This coordinate value (or range) is then set as the region of interest observed by the driver 340. Using an infrared supplementary lighting device, the coordinates 630 of the driver's face and 640 of the driver's eyes are located in the image frames captured by the driver monitoring camera. Furthermore, the coordinates 670 of the driver 340's pupil center and 680 of the corneal reflection spot (or reflected image) are extracted to form the coordinates (or range) of the eyeball. By observing the changes in the corresponding eyeball coordinates, the position of the driver's eyes and the direction of their gaze towards the unobstructed rearview mirror are identified and determined. Furthermore, in the three-dimensional matrix 700 model for driver face and eye recognition and tracking, the function fitting algorithm model in the intelligent recognition controller 310 intelligently recognizes and deeply tracks the specific action commands of the driver's eyes, and controls the electroluminescent light-blocking layer 212 in the rearview mirror to form a choice between transparent forward viewing and light-blocking and reflective rear viewing.

[0147] A function fitting algorithm model establishes a specific correspondence between the driver's gaze direction and the coordinates 610 of the unobstructed rearview mirror in real time. This correspondence allows the system to recognize the driver's gaze at the mirror. Normally, when the driver is not looking at the unobstructed rearview mirror, it is transparent and allows light to pass through, increasing the brightness of the vehicle's cabin. When the driver turns their face or eyes to look at the mirror, the intelligent recognition controller 310 identifies the driver's intention to look at the mirror as a mirror mode intention, and the unobstructed rearview mirror enters a light-blocking and reflective state. This intelligent recognition and state switching can increase the driver's interest and attention to the unobstructed rearview mirror, thereby improving driving safety.

[0148] In this embodiment, the function fitting algorithm model can use recognition methods based on the detection of specific eye movement trajectories or the focal length of the gaze point to accomplish the task of recognizing the intention of the rearview mirror. The specific eye movement trajectory detection method involves the camera capturing unusual, specific movements of the driver's eyes or eyeballs when the driver is looking at the unobstructed rearview mirror. Due to the specific changes in the direction and angle of the eye movement, the correspondence between the driver's gaze direction and the coordinate values ​​of the unobstructed rearview mirror changes accordingly in the vehicle's 3D matrix positioning model. The function fitting algorithm model detects and identifies these changes as commands for control output, executing the selection of the unobstructed rearview mirror's state between reflected rearview and transparent forward view. For example, when looking at the unobstructed rearview mirror, the driver can use the action of momentarily focusing on a specific area above and outside the unobstructed rearview mirror as a command to select the state of the unobstructed rearview mirror. Such eye movements can be naturally integrated into the driver's habit of looking at the rearview mirror, without requiring the driver to perform any actions unrelated to looking at the rearview mirror.

[0149] The gaze point focal length detection method involves using a 700-dimensional matrix model of the driver's face and eyes, with the position where the driver's eyes focus when looking at the unobstructed rearview mirror as the coordinates (or range) of their gaze point or focal point. This gaze point or focal point is monitored in real-time by a driver monitoring camera. Typically, regardless of whether the driver is in a transparent forward-looking or reflective rear-looking state, their gaze point or focal point converges on a relatively distant real image or reflected virtual image in the unobstructed rearview mirror. This focal length is greater than the focal length of the driver's gaze at the surface of the unobstructed rearview mirror. By momentarily focusing on the surface of the unobstructed rearview mirror, the driver can create a slight change in pupil shape caused by the object focused by their eye or eyeball. This change in the focal length of the driver's gaze point or focal point can be used as a recognition command for the unobstructed rearview mirror, enabling intelligent selection between transparent forward-looking and reflective rear-looking modes. This method of focusing on the gaze point (focus) basically does not require the participation of any other parts of the driver's body. It can be completed solely by the driver observing the natural and subtle changes in the pupils in the driver's line of sight, achieving an enviable level of intelligent recognition.

[0150] Step 3. The electronic control signal controls the electroluminescent light-blocking layer 212 in the photoelectric element 110 of the rearview mirror. By adjusting the light transmittance of light passing through the electroluminescent light-blocking layer 212, the rearview mirror is switched from light-transmitting mode to mirror mode in cooperation with the reflective layer 206.

[0151] In an optimized embodiment, for unobstructed car rearview mirrors with steering mechanisms, the intelligent recognition controller 310 can also calculate the steering control signal of the rearview mirror based on the image frames of the driver's face and eyes captured by monitoring, and further adjust the steering mechanism of the unobstructed car rearview mirror to avoid glaring reflected light and achieve a better transparent forward viewing effect.

[0152] This method offers drivers access to AI applications in driving scenarios that are impossible with traditional rearview mirrors. These unexpected AI applications bring a completely new experience and interpretation to vehicle visualization technology. It can increase the amount of light inside the vehicle's cabin and enhance the driver's attention to rearview mirrors, especially the interior rearview mirror, thereby improving driving safety. In specific driving environments, it can provide an intelligent choice between transparent forward vision and reflective rear vision, avoiding the unnecessary obstruction and interference caused by the interior rearview mirror in the past. It also enables intelligent adjustment of the rearview mirror and has an automatic anti-glare effect against strong light from behind, making driving safer, more comfortable, and more enjoyable.

[0153] For other embodiments of the present invention that utilize intelligent recognition of the driver's face and eyes to receive information and commands, thereby enabling specific intelligent control of the intelligent recognition controller 310, it is also necessary to reasonably define various driving scenarios, such as day and night, to reduce unnecessary false triggers and unsuitable usage. Ideally, the intelligent recognition controller 310 can be continuously enriched with new scenarios through OTA online upgrades to improve its user experience and provide the driver with a more natural and intuitive AI experience.

[0154] Example 6

[0155] This embodiment provides a control method for an intelligent rearview mirror. The difference between this method and Embodiment 5 is that this method can also control the transparent forward-looking or reflective rearview state of the unobstructed car rearview mirror based on the information and instructions of recognizing the driver's non-eye and non-face information.

[0156] Specifically, the following steps are included:

[0157] Step 1. Use a sensing component that perceives non-facial and eye behavior information of the driver to obtain non-eye and facial information, and transmit the information to the intelligent recognition controller 310.

[0158] In addition, the sensing component 320 used to acquire non-eye and facial information of the driver can be used in conjunction with the sensing component in embodiment 5, so that environmental information, driver eye and facial information and driver non-eye and facial information can be acquired simultaneously.

[0159] Specifically, the sensing component 320 includes a switch, a device for receiving driver voice information, a TOF camera, a lidar, or a millimeter-wave radar.

[0160] Step 2. The intelligent recognition controller 310 is configured to receive non-eye information and commands from the driver. The intelligent recognition controller 310 recognizes the non-eye information and commands from the driver. When it recognizes that the driver's intention to look at the rearview mirror is a mirror or light transmission mode intention, it outputs an electronic control signal to the rearview mirror to switch the mirror or light transmission mode.

[0161] Step 3. The electronic control signal controls the electroluminescent light-blocking layer 212, and by adjusting the light transmittance of light passing through the electroluminescent light-blocking layer, it works in conjunction with the reflective layer 206 to achieve the switching of the rearview mirror as a whole between light transmission mode and mirror mode.

[0162] Optionally, the intelligent recognition controller 310 receives the driver's command (including voice command or action command) to switch the working mode of the rearview mirror through one or more combinations of a switch, a voice information receiving device or a motion information receiving and sensing device, and manually controls the electroluminescent light-blocking layer 212 of the unobstructed car rearview mirror to achieve the selection of transparent forward viewing and reflective rear viewing states.

[0163] Optionally, the intelligent recognition controller 310 receives the driver's voice information through a voice information receiving device and recognizes the driver's voice control commands.

[0164] Optionally, the intelligent recognition controller 310 uses a TOF camera to identify the specific location of different fingers based on the different times when the light is received and returns to the receiving module at different distances, thereby determining the specific gesture command. Of course, it is not limited to the part of the driver's hand 340.

[0165] Optionally, the intelligent recognition controller 310 uses a lidar to receive patterns of light reflected from the human body by projecting a laser onto the driver, and gives instructions based on the position and degree of deformation of the received pattern.

[0166] Optionally, the intelligent identification controller 310 uses millimeter-wave radar to calculate the target's position data in real time based on the time difference between transmission and reception using transmitted and received electromagnetic waves, and issues instructions by comparing the position of the driver's hand at different time periods.

[0167] Apart from the differences mentioned above, the other components, connections, control principles, etc. of this embodiment are the same as those of Embodiment 5. For the sake of brevity, these similarities will not be repeated.

[0168] Example 7

[0169] This embodiment also provides a control method for an intelligent rearview mirror. This method is based on an unobstructed car rearview mirror with bidirectional adjustment functions for perspective and reflection and anti-glare. Specifically, it is based on the photoelectric element 110 of the unobstructed car rearview mirror with a three-layer, two-cavity structure. The main function is to control the rearview mirror to reduce the reflection of strong light and achieve the anti-glare effect.

[0170] The main difference between this method and Example 5 is that when the rearview mirror is in mirror mode and there is strong light in the rear view, the strong light reflected by the rearview mirror is reduced by adjusting the electrochromic medium 214 of the anti-glare layer 213 of the rearview mirror; the first three steps are the same as in Example 5, and will not be repeated here. Step 4, which is connected to step 3, will be introduced directly.

[0171] Step 4: When the rearview mirror is in mirror mode and there is strong light behind, the intelligent recognition controller 310 automatically identifies and adjusts the electrochromic medium 214 of the anti-glare layer 213 to darken the color to achieve a low reflectivity anti-glare effect based on the light intensity values ​​of the ambient light in front of the vehicle and the strong light of the vehicle behind provided by the front and rear light sensors of the sensing component 320, or the light intensity values ​​of the front and rear image frames provided by the front and rear cameras and the strong light spot of the rear vehicle lights.

[0172] Apart from the differences mentioned above, the other components, connections, control principles, and method steps in this embodiment are the same as in Embodiment 5. For the sake of brevity, these similarities will not be repeated.

[0173] Example 8

[0174] This embodiment also provides a control method for an intelligent control rearview mirror with bidirectional selective adjustment of perspective and reflection as well as anti-glare function. The anti-glare effect of this control method is achieved by multi-angle transparent prisms, that is, based on the unobstructed car rearview mirror in Embodiment 4 of the present invention, which consists of an electric steering gear, an electro-optic light-blocking layer 212 and a first transparent substrate 202 as transparent prisms.

[0175] Specifically, the main difference between this method and Embodiment 5 is that when the rearview mirror is in mirror mode and strong light appears in the rear view, the strong light reflected by the rearview mirror is reduced by adjusting the transparent prism reflection angle of the rearview mirror photoelectric element 110; the first three steps are the same as in Embodiment 5, and will not be repeated here. Step 4, which is connected to step 3, will be introduced directly.

[0176] Step 4. When the rearview mirror is in mirror mode and there is strong light behind, the intelligent recognition controller 310 automatically adjusts the transparent prism reflection angle of the rearview mirror to achieve a low reflectivity anti-glare effect based on the light intensity values ​​of the ambient light in front of the vehicle and the strong light from the vehicle behind provided by the front and rear light sensors of the sensing component 320, or the light intensity values ​​of the front and rear image frames provided by the front and rear cameras and the strong light spot of the rear vehicle lights.

[0177] Apart from this difference, the other components, connections, control principles, and method steps of the control method in this embodiment are the same as those in Embodiment 5. For the sake of brevity, these similarities will not be repeated.

[0178] Example 9

[0179] This embodiment also provides a control method for an intelligent rearview mirror, which is based on an unobstructed car rearview mirror with bidirectional adjustment of perspective and reflection and anti-glare function.

[0180] The difference between this method and Example 5 is that there is an additional step of adjusting the rearview mirror angle after step 3. This method is an adjustment to avoid overlapping images of the front and rear views when the rearview mirror is in the light transmission mode, rather than the anti-glare adjustment in mirror mode as in Example 5. The first three steps of this method are the same as those in Example 5, and will not be repeated here. We will directly introduce step 4, which is connected to step 3.

[0181] Step 4. When the rearview mirror is in transparent mode, and the reflected light in the mirror obstructs the driver's forward view, the driver can input a control signal or command to adjust the electric power steering, which in turn adjusts the angle of the rearview mirror via the intelligent recognition controller 310. This reduces reflected light in the mirror, avoids unnecessary image overlap, and achieves better transparent forward visibility. Based on this method, the driver can observe the forward field of vision with less interference through the rearview mirror. This method solves the problem that when the rearview mirror obstructs the view, the driver needs to adjust their body or turn their head significantly to obtain a proper field of vision.

[0182] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention, but the scope of protection of the present invention is not limited thereto. Any equivalent substitutions or modifications made by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technology disclosed in the present invention, based on the technical solution and inventive concept of the present invention, should be covered within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. An unobstructed car rearview mirror, characterized in that, The device includes a rearview mirror photoelectric element, a mounting bracket, and an intelligent control unit. The rearview mirror photoelectric element comprises a first transparent substrate, a reflective layer, an electroluminescent light-blocking layer, and a second transparent substrate. The rearview mirror photoelectric element is connected to the vehicle body via the mounting bracket. The reflective layer is a partially transparent and partially reflective layer attached to the first transparent substrate. The first transparent substrate, the electroluminescent light-blocking layer, and the second transparent substrate are arranged in sequence. The intelligent control unit includes an intelligent identification controller and a sensing component. The intelligent identification controller is electrically connected to the electroluminescent light-blocking layer via a mounting bracket. The sensing component inputs a sensing signal to the intelligent identification controller. The intelligent identification controller outputs an electrical control signal to the electroluminescent light-blocking layer. The electroluminescent light-blocking layer can adjust the light transmittance according to the electronic control signal, and work with the reflective layer to realize the switching of the rearview mirror as a whole between light-transmitting mode and mirror mode.

2. The unobstructed car rearview mirror according to claim 1, characterized in that, The reflective layer is attached to at least one surface of the first transparent substrate.

3. The unobstructed car rearview mirror according to claim 2, characterized in that, The sensing component is a sensing component for sensing driver behavior information, including at least one of the following sensing components: a sensing component for sensing driver's facial and eye behavior information, and a sensing component for sensing driver's non-facial and eye behavior information.

4. The unobstructed car rearview mirror according to claim 3, characterized in that, The sensing component for sensing the driver's facial and eye behavior information includes at least one of the following sensors: a visible light driver monitoring camera and a non-visible light driver monitoring camera.

5. The unobstructed car rearview mirror according to claim 3, characterized in that, The sensing component for sensing driver behavior information other than facial and eye movements includes at least one of the following sensors: a visible light driver monitoring camera, a non-visible light driver monitoring camera, a switch, a voice information receiving device, and a motion information receiving and sensing device.

6. The unobstructed car rearview mirror according to claim 5, characterized in that, The switch includes at least one of the following: a physical button switch, or a display button switch on the vehicle's touchscreen.

7. The unobstructed car rearview mirror according to claim 5, characterized in that, The motion information receiving and sensing device includes at least one of the following sensors: a camera and a radar.

8. An unobstructed car rearview mirror according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that, The electrochromic light-blocking layer includes an electrochromic medium contained within it.

9. An unobstructed car rearview mirror according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that, The electroluminescent light-blocking layer includes an electroluminescent light-blocking layer that internally contains a liquid crystal medium.

10. An unobstructed car rearview mirror according to claim 9, characterized in that, The electroluminescent light-blocking layer containing the liquid crystal medium includes a polarizer, and the reflective layer and the polarizer are distributed in sequence.

11. An unobstructed car rearview mirror according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that, The electroluminescent light-blocking layer includes an electroluminescent light-blocking layer that internally contains an electrolyte and has a nanostructure.

12. An unobstructed car rearview mirror according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that, A zero transparent substrate is disposed on the outer side of the first surface of the first transparent substrate, and the zero transparent substrate, the first transparent substrate and the second transparent substrate are distributed in sequence; an anti-glare layer is disposed between the zero transparent substrate and the first transparent substrate.

13. The unobstructed car rearview mirror according to claim 12, characterized in that, The internal medium of the anti-glare layer includes an electrochromic medium.

14. An unobstructed car rearview mirror according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that, The first transparent substrate uses a multi-angle prism.

15. An unobstructed car rearview mirror according to claim 12, characterized in that, The sensing components also include sensing components for sensing environmental information, employing at least one of the following sensors: a vehicle front-view camera, a vehicle rear-view camera, a vehicle surround-view camera, a vehicle panoramic camera, a photosensor, and an in-cabin camera.

16. The unobstructed car rearview mirror according to claim 14, characterized in that, The sensing components also include sensing components for sensing environmental information, employing at least one of the following sensors: a vehicle front-view camera, a vehicle rear-view camera, a vehicle surround-view camera, a vehicle panoramic camera, a photosensor, and an in-cabin camera.

17. An unobstructed car rearview mirror according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that, The mounting bracket is also equipped with an electric steering system, and the intelligent recognition controller can output a steering signal to the electric steering system to control the steering adjustment of the rearview mirror.

18. An unobstructed car rearview mirror according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that, At least one electrode layer is provided in the photoelectric element of the rearview mirror.

19. An unobstructed car rearview mirror according to claim 18, characterized in that, A reflective filter is provided in the photoelectric element of the rearview mirror.

20. An unobstructed car rearview mirror according to claim 18, characterized in that, Conductive leads are provided at the edge of the electroluminescent light-blocking layer of the rearview mirror photoelectric element, and the conductive leads are electrically connected to the electrode layer.

21. An unobstructed car rearview mirror according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that, An explosion-proof layer is provided on the outer surface of the first and / or second transparent substrate.

22. The unobstructed car rearview mirror according to claim 12, characterized in that, An explosion-proof layer is provided on the outer surface of the 0th and / or the second transparent substrate.

23. An unobstructed car rearview mirror according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that, A shielding element is provided at the edge of the first and / or second transparent substrate.

24. The unobstructed car rearview mirror according to claim 12, characterized in that, A shielding element is provided at the edge position of the 0th and / or the first transparent substrate and / or the second transparent substrate.

25. An unobstructed car rearview mirror according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that, Transparent substrates are formed from a single transparent material or a combination of multiple transparent materials.

26. An unobstructed car rearview mirror according to claim 25, characterized in that, The transparent material includes at least one of the following: glass, resin polymer, tempered film, and flexible film.

27. An unobstructed car rearview mirror according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that, A transparent insulating element is provided around the photoelectric element of the rearview mirror.

28. An unobstructed car rearview mirror according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that, The radius of the rounded corner of the edge area of ​​the rearview mirror photoelectric element is not less than 2.5 mm in any direction.

29. An unobstructed car rearview mirror according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that, The rearview mirror photoelectric element is connected to the vehicle body via a mounting bracket using a sandwich clamping method.

30. An unobstructed car rearview mirror according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that, The mounting bracket includes a frame surrounding the rearview mirror photoelectric element, and the rearview mirror photoelectric element is fixed within the frame.

31. An unobstructed car rearview mirror according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that, The mounting bracket includes a transparent housing disposed outside the rearview mirror photoelectric element, and the rearview mirror photoelectric element is fixed in the transparent housing.

32. An intelligent control method for an unobstructed car rearview mirror, characterized in that, The control method is implemented through the intelligent control unit; the intelligent control unit includes an intelligent recognition controller and a sensing component; the intelligent recognition controller is electrically connected to the electroluminescent light-blocking layer of the rearview mirror photoelectric element and outputs an electronic control signal to the electroluminescent light-blocking layer; the sensing component inputs a sensing signal to the intelligent recognition controller, and the sensing component is a sensing component for sensing driver behavior information; the sensing component for sensing driver behavior information includes a sensing component for sensing driver's facial and eye behavior information and a sensing component for sensing driver's non-facial and eye behavior information; The control method includes the following steps: Step 1: Obtain the driver's behavior information through the sensing component and transmit the obtained driver's behavior information to the intelligent recognition controller, wherein the driver's behavior information is the driver's facial and eye behavior information and / or non-facial and eye behavior information; Step 2: The intelligent recognition controller processes the input signals of the sensing components to generate electronic control signals and outputs them to the rearview mirror. The input signals of the sensing components are sensing input signals of the driver's facial and eye behavior information and / or non-facial and eye behavior information. Step 3: Control the electroluminescent light-blocking layer through the electronic control signal to adjust the light transmittance of light passing through the electroluminescent light-blocking layer, and cooperate with the reflective layer to realize the overall switching of the rearview mirror between the light transmission mode and the mirror mode.

33. The intelligent control method for an unobstructed car rearview mirror according to claim 32, characterized in that, The sensing component for sensing the driver's facial and eye behavior information includes at least one of the following sensors: a visible light driver monitoring camera and a non-visible light driver monitoring camera; In step 2, when the driver's behavior information is the driver's face and eye behavior information, the intelligent controller locates the position of the driver's face and eyes through dynamic or static three-dimensional matrix positioning, processes the driver's face and eye behavior information to determine the driver's pupil looking at the rearview mirror, as an indication that the driver needs to switch mirror modes when observing the rearview mirror. In step 2, a corresponding electronic control signal is issued, and in step 3, the rearview mirror switches from light transmission mode to mirror mode, or from mirror mode to light transmission mode.

34. The intelligent control method for an unobstructed car rearview mirror according to claim 32, characterized in that, The sensing component for sensing driver behavior information other than facial and eye movements includes at least one of the following sensors: a visible light driver monitoring camera, a non-visible light driver monitoring camera, a switch, a voice information receiving device, and a motion information receiving and sensing device. In step 2, when the driver's behavior information is non-facial and non-eye behavior information, after the driver issues the command to switch the working mode of the rearview mirror, the corresponding electronic control signal is issued in step 2, and the rearview mirror is switched from light transmission mode to mirror mode or from mirror mode to light transmission mode in step 3.

35. The intelligent control method for an unobstructed car rearview mirror according to claim 34, characterized in that, In step 2, the driver's command to switch the working mode of the rearview mirror is either a voice command or a gesture command; the gesture command is a limb movement other than a facial or eye movement, or an operation of a switch.

36. The intelligent control method for an unobstructed car rearview mirror according to claim 32, characterized in that, The sensing component also includes a sensing component for sensing environmental information, and the rearview mirror photoelectric element is also provided with an anti-glare layer; in step 3, when in the mirror mode, the sensing component senses environmental information, and then the electronic control signal of the intelligent recognition controller controls the reflectivity of the light in the anti-glare layer. Based on the environmental information, the reflectivity of strong light in the rearview mirror is reduced, so that the rearview mirror is in anti-glare mode.

37. The intelligent control method for an unobstructed car rearview mirror according to claim 32, characterized in that, The sensing component also includes a sensing component for sensing environmental information. The rearview mirror photoelectric element is connected to the vehicle body via a mounting bracket. The mounting bracket has an electric steering system. The rearview mirror photoelectric element contains multi-angle prisms. The sensing component senses environmental information, and then the intelligent recognition controller controls the output of corresponding steering signals to the electric steering system to control the rearview mirror steering adjustment, thereby achieving a physical anti-glare function.

38. The intelligent control method for an unobstructed car rearview mirror according to claim 32, characterized in that, The sensing component also includes a sensing component for sensing environmental information. The rearview mirror photoelectric element is connected to the vehicle body via a mounting bracket, which is equipped with an electric steering mechanism. In step 3, when the light-transmitting mode is in progress, the sensing component senses environmental information, and then the intelligent recognition controller controls the output of a corresponding steering signal to the electric steering mechanism to control the rearview mirror's steering adjustment and avoid unnecessary image overlap.

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