Full display mirror assembly with blind spot detection system

Abstract

A full display mirror assembly with a blind spot detection system includes: an electro-optic assembly including an electro-optic medium; a display module; and at least one imager module configured to capture a blind spot. And a memory storing image data captured by the at least one imager module, in which the processor is configured to generate a first warning flag when presence of an object is detected in the blind spots and no detection is detected that the vehicle is turning a blind spot with the object, and the processor is configured to generate a second warning flag when the presence of the object is detected in the blind spots and the vehicle is turning a blind spot with the object. The processor is configured to generate a second warning flag when the presence of an object is detected in the blind spots and also it is detected that the vehicle is turning a blind spot with the object.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to a rearview device system, and more particularly, to a full display mirror assembly having a blind spot detection system. BACKGROUND

[0002] Known rearview device systems exist, however, there is always a desire to develop improved rearview device systems. SUMMARY

[0003] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a full display mirror assembly for a vehicle includes an electro-optic assembly including an electro-optic medium, a display module, and at least one imager module configured to capture a blind spot. A processor and a memory including instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to generate a first warning indicia in a first region of the full display mirror assembly in response to detecting an object in the blind spot. The processor is further caused to generate a second warning indicia in a second region of the full display mirror assembly by expanding the first region in response to detecting that a vehicle containing the full display mirror assembly is turning or about to turn into the blind spot with the object.

[0004] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a full display mirror assembly for a vehicle includes an electro-optic assembly including an electro-optic medium, a display module, and at least one imager module configured to capture a blind spot. A processor and a memory including instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to visually generate a first warning indicia in response to detecting an object in the blind spot. The processor is further caused to generate a second warning indicia different from the first warning indicia in response to detecting that a vehicle containing the full display mirror assembly is turning or about to turn into the blind spot with the object.

[0005] According to yet another aspect, a method of detecting the presence of an object in a blind spot includes monitoring one or more blind spots with one or more imager modules. The method further includes generating a video in a first region of a full display mirror assembly in response to detecting an object in the blind spot. The method further includes generating the video in a second region of the full display mirror assembly by expanding the first region in response to detecting that a vehicle containing the full display mirror assembly is turning into the blind spot with the object.

[0006] These and other features, advantages, and objects of the present disclosure will be further understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art by reference to the following specification, claims, and appended drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0007] Figure 1 is a top view schematic of a vehicle including a full display mirror assembly having a blind spot detection system according to certain aspects of the present disclosure;

[0008] Figure 2A Based on certain aspects of this disclosure Figure 1 A side sectional view of the full-view mirror assembly;

[0009] Figure 2B This is a perspective view of an electro-optical device according to certain aspects of the present disclosure, the electro-optical device including multiple sections and a display module located at the rear of the electro-optical device;

[0010] Figure 3A This is a frontal view of a full display mirror assembly including a series of areas for displaying information from one or more imager modules, according to certain aspects of this disclosure;

[0011] Figure 3B This is a frontal view of a full-view mirror assembly according to certain aspects of this disclosure, the full-view mirror assembly including a first warning sign indicating the presence of an object in the vehicle's blind spot in a scenario where the vehicle is not turning towards an object;

[0012] Figure 3C This is a frontal view of a full-view mirror assembly according to certain aspects of this disclosure, the full-view mirror assembly including a second warning sign indicating the presence of an object in the blind spot in a scenario where the vehicle is turning towards an object;

[0013] Figure 4 A control system for a full-view mirror assembly according to certain aspects of this disclosure is schematically illustrated; and

[0014] Figure 5 This is a flowchart illustrating a method for detecting the presence of an object in a blind spot according to certain aspects of this disclosure and providing at least one mark on the full-view mirror assembly. Detailed Implementation

[0015] The embodiments shown here exist primarily as a combination of method steps and apparatus components related to a display mirror. Therefore, apparatus components and method steps have been indicated where appropriate by conventional symbols in the figures, with only those specific details relevant to understanding the embodiments of this disclosure shown to avoid obscuring the disclosure, which has details that will be obvious to those skilled in the art and have the benefit of the description herein. Furthermore, in the specification and figures, the same numerals denote similar elements.

[0016] For the purposes described herein, the terms “up,” “down,” “right,” “left,” “back,” “front,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” and their derivatives should be used interchangeably with those used in this document. Figure 1The disclosure herein is directed to the orientation of the disclosure as shown in the figures. Unless otherwise stated, the term "front" shall refer to the surface of the element closer to the intended viewer of the display mirror, and the term "back" shall refer to the surface of the element farther from the intended viewer of the display mirror. However, it is to be understood that the disclosure can take various alternative orientations, except where expressly specified to the contrary. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise.

[0017] The terms "comprises", "comprising", or any other variation thereof are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements does not include only those elements but can include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. An element proceeded by "comprises... a" does not, without more constraints, exclude the existence of additional elements of the process, method, article, or apparatus that contains the element.

[0018] Reference is first made to Figure 1, reference number 10 generally represents a vehicle. Vehicle 10 can include any type of vehicle, such as a passenger car, a bus, a truck, a tractor, etc. Vehicle 10 includes a body 12 having a front end 14, a rear end 16, and a cabin 18 between the front end and the rear end. Vehicle 10 also includes a steering system 20 that includes one or more tires 22. Steering system 20 can also include one or more sensors 24 that can determine a steering direction and magnitude of vehicle 10. Vehicle 10 also includes a full view mirror assembly 26 and at least one imager module 28A-28D. Steering system 20 can also include one or more mechanical or electrical inputs 25 from a driver, such as a steering signal actuation. Imager modules 28A-28D can be located in different locations on vehicle 10, for example, imager module 28A can be located near a front portion of cabin 18, imager module 28B can be located at a rear portion of cabin 18, imager module 28C can be located on a top surface of vehicle 10, imager module 28D can be located on or in a trunk of vehicle 10, or a combination thereof. Vehicle 10 can include one or more blind spots 30A, 30B that are not visible or easily visible to a driver of vehicle 10 via traditional mirrors, such as rear view mirrors, side view mirrors, etc. (not shown). At least one of imager modules 28A-28D can be specifically oriented toward each of blind spots 30A, 30B to capture image data of the blind spots. In some embodiments, the image data can be inferred to determine a presence and location of an object. Imager modules 28A-28D can include a variety of technologies, including at least one image capture camera that can be configured to capture images in the visible spectrum and / or outside the visible spectrum (e.g., infrared). At least one location detection sensor 31 can be located at or near rear end 16 of vehicle 10 to determine if an object has entered blind spots 30A, 30B in an overlap zone of vehicle 10 that would likely result in a collision event if a driver of vehicle 10 were to move vehicle 10 in the direction of blind spots 30A, 30B. However, it should be appreciated that at least one location detection sensor 31 can be located anywhere on or in vehicle 10. For example, location detection sensor 31 can be located in one or more of the locations of imager modules 28A-28D as described herein. Location detection sensor 31 can include a LIDAR module, a radar module, radio detection and sensing, a short range detection module, a long range detection module, etc. and / or a combination thereof to determine a presence and location of an object. Location detection sensor 31 can be configured to capture presence data that includes whether an object has been detected in blind spots 30A, 30B. The image data, the presence data, and / or additional data Figure 4to determine the presence, classification, distance, and / or location of at least one object (e.g., another vehicle on the road). It is contemplated that in some embodiments, the location of an object can be inferred via image data without the need for a location detection sensor 31.

[0019] Referring now to Figure 2A , a side cross-sectional view of a full display mirror assembly 26 is illustrated. In some embodiments, the full display mirror assembly 26 includes a reflective state and a display state. In the reflective state, the full display mirror assembly 26 functions as a mirror, reflecting light of various wavelengths back to a target viewer. In the display state, the full display mirror assembly 26 conveys information (e.g., images, videos, messages, or advisories) based on image data captured from at least one imager module 28A-28D, user input, presence data captured from at least one location detection sensor 31, and / or other conditions. It will be appreciated that in the display state, certain areas can simultaneously function as a mirror while certain areas display information. The full display mirror assembly 26 includes a partially reflective, partially transmissive element 32 (also referred to herein as an “electro-optic device”) and a display module 34 viewed through the electro-optic device 32. The full display mirror assembly 26 also includes a housing assembly 36 that shields and supports the electro-optic device 32 and the display module 34. The display module 34 can have one or more displays including liquid crystal displays (LCDs), light emitting diodes (LEDs), organic light emitting diodes (OLEDs), plasma, digital light processing (DLP), or other display technologies.

[0020] Referring now to Figure 2BThe electro-optical device 32 includes an electro-optical medium 33 (e.g., disposed between a substrate and an electrode). The electro-optical device 32 can include a plurality of individually controlled segments 32A-32N. The number, size, and shape of the segments 32A-32N can vary. Each segment 32A-32N can be individually controlled by a conductor 35 (e.g., a trace pair) that extends to each segment 32A-32N. In some embodiments, each segment 32A-32N can be mechanically separated from adjacent segments 32A-32N. In this way, each segment 32A-32N is configured as an independent and separate electro-optical device containing an electro-optical medium 33 that is electrically isolated from the electro-optical medium 33 in adjacent segments 32A-32N. However, in other embodiments, each segment 32A-32N can be part of a single electro-optical device 32 and separated by the location of the conductor 35. In this way, controlling which portion of the electro-optical device 32 changes state can be controlled by electrically activating select conductors 35 within a zone of the unseparated electro-optical medium 33. In some embodiments, the display module 34 can define a display perimeter substantially equal to the size of the electro-optical device 32. In other embodiments, the display perimeter can be smaller than the electro-optical device 32. In some embodiments, the display module 34 can include more than one display module 34 aligned with certain zones of the electro-optical device 32.

[0021] The electro-optical device 32 can include one or more electrochromic components having an electrochromic-type configuration including an electro-optical medium 33 (e.g., an electrochromic medium) including at least one solvent, at least one anodic material, and at least one cathodic material. Generally, both the anodic material and the cathodic material are electroactive, and at least one of which is electrochromic. It should be understood that the term “electroactive,” regardless of its usual meaning, will be defined herein as a material that undergoes a modification of its oxidation state upon exposure to a particular potential difference. Additionally, it should be understood that the term “electrochromic,” regardless of its usual meaning, is defined herein as a material that displays a change in its extinction coefficient at one or more wavelengths upon exposure to a particular potential difference. As described herein, an electrochromic component includes a material whose color or opacity is affected by an electric current, such that when an electric current is applied to the material, its color or opacity changes from a first phase to a second phase.

[0022] The electrochromic components as disclosed herein can be single layer, single phase components, multi-layer components, or multi-phase components as described in U.S. Patent No. 5,928,572 entitled "Electrochromic Layer and Devices Comprising Same," U.S. Patent No. 5,998,617 entitled "Electrochromic Compounds," U.S. Patent No. 6,020,987 entitled "Electrochromic Medium Capable of Producing a Pre-selected Color," U.S. Patent No. 6,037,471 entitled "Electrochromic Compounds," U.S. Patent No. 6,141,137 entitled "Electrochromic Media for Producing a Pre-selected Color," U.S. Patent No. 6,241,916 entitled "Electrochromic System," U.S. Patent No. 6,193,912 entitled "Near Infrared-Absorbing Electrochromic Compounds and Devices Comprising Same," U.S. Patent No. 6,249,369 entitled "Coupled Electrochromic Compounds With Photostable Dication Oxidation States," U.S. Patent No. 6,137,620 entitled "Electrochromic Media With Concentration Enhanced Stability, Process for the Preparation Thereof and Use in Electrochromic Devices," and U.S. Patent No. 6,519,072 entitled "Electrochromic Device;"and International Patent Publication No. 99 / 02621 entitled "Electrochrome Polymer Systems," which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties. The electro-optic device 32 can also be any other element having partially reflective, partially transmissive properties. To provide a current to the electro-optic device 32, electrical elements (e.g., bus bars) can be provided on opposite sides of the device to create an electrical potential between the two sides. The present disclosure can be used with a display mirror system such as described in U.S. Patent No. 9,505,349 and U.S. Patent No. 10,739,591, which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties.

[0023] Reference is now made to Figure 3AThe full display mirror assembly 26 (e.g., electro-optical device 32) can include a front surface 38 having a plurality of zones. As a non-limiting example, the front surface 38 can include selectively activatable zones 40A-40E. The zones 40A-40E can expand (e.g., enlarge) or contract (e.g., shrink) based on various conditions as indicated by arrow 42. The number, shape, and size of the zones 40A-40E can vary. In some embodiments, the expansion or contraction of the zones 40A-40E can include activating additional adjacent zones 40A-40E. For example, zone 40E can also be expanded by activating zones 40C and / or 40F to form one of zones 40C+40E, 40E+40F, or 40C+40E+40F. For example, segments 32A-32N can be substantially equal in size, number, shape, and arrangement of zones 40A-40E. In this way, selected ones of segments 32A-32N can be electrically activated for increasing or decreasing the size of the area of the front surface 38 used as a display. However, in other embodiments, the expansion or contraction of the zones 40A-40E can include expanding the perimeter of the zones 40A-40E rather than activating additional zones 40A-40E. For example, segments 32A-32N can be substantially more in number, substantially smaller in size, as compared to the arrangement of zones 40A-40E. In this way, the size of any particular one of the zones 40A-40E can be specifically controlled on a smaller scale than activating additional zones 40A-40E. The number and size of segments 32A-32N in the electro-optical device 32 can be related to the number of sizes available for the respective zones 40A-40E. More specifically, one or more of the zones 40A-40E can be in a reflective state while one or more of the zones 40A-40E is simultaneously in a display state. In other words, one or more of the zones 40A-40E can display visual information (e.g., images, videos, messages, graphics, or suggestions) based on image data captured from at least one imager module 28A-28D, presence data captured from at least one location detection sensor 31, user input, and / or other conditions, while another of the zones 40A-40E is used as a mirror.

[0024] As Figures 3A to 3C illustrated, the full display mirror assembly 26 can include a user interface 44 including a plurality of buttons 46. The buttons 46 can be used by the driver to input a plurality of settings and user preferences (e.g., switching between a reflective state and a display state), the size and position of the zones 40A-40E, the type of information displayed, etc. The full display mirror assembly 26 can also include an external switch 48 configured to activate and deactivate the display module 34, the electro-optical device 32, and / or at least one of change the position of the electro-optical device 32 and the display module 34 between the first position and the second position (e.g., to reduce glare).

[0025] Figure 3BThe full display mirror assembly 26 in a first scenario is exemplified, in which the presence of an object (e.g., a second vehicle) is detected in one of the blind spots 30A, 30B of the vehicle 10 and it is not detected that the vehicle 10 is turning into the blind spot 30A, 30B with the object. In the first scenario, a first zone 40E (1) generates a first warning indicia 50 (e.g., via the following zones 32A-32N). For example, in the case that an object is detected in the blind spot 30B Figure 1 ) on the right side of the vehicle 10, the first zone 40E (1) may appear on the right side of the front surface 38 via switching to the display state and delivering the first warning indicia 50 (e.g., an image, a video, a graphic, a message, or a suggestion) captured by the one or more imager modules 28A-28D. In some embodiments, the first warning indicia 50 is a live video feed of the object as it is captured by the one or more imager modules 28A-28D. The first zone 40E (1) may include a first width W1 and a first length L1 that define an area of the first zone 40E (1) . The area of the first zone 40E (1) may be substantially in an upper corner or a lower corner on the right side of the front surface 38 and spaced apart from other corners of the front surface 38. It should be appreciated that if an object is detected in the blind spot 30A, the first zone can be disposed on the left side (e.g., in zone 40A or 40B) of the front surface 38 instead of the right side to improve the driver’s situational awareness.

[0026] Figure 3C The full display mirror assembly 26 in a second scenario is exemplified, in which the presence of an object (e.g., a second vehicle) is detected in one of the blind spots 30A, 30B of the vehicle 10 and it is also detected that the vehicle 10 is turning into the blind spot 30A, 30B with the object. In the second scenario, a second warning indicia 52 can be generated in a second zone 40E (2) switched to the display state. In some embodiments, the second zone 40E (2) may be an enlargement of the first zone 40E (1) (e.g., by combining both zones 40E and 40F). For example, in the case that an object is detected in the blind spot 30B Figure 1 ) on the right side of the vehicle 10, the second zone 40E (2) may likewise appear on the right side of the front surface 38 and generate the second warning indicia 52 (e.g., an image, a video, a graphic, a message, or a suggestion) captured by the one or more imager modules 28A-28D. In some embodiments, the information is a live video feed of the object as it is captured by the one or more imager modules 28A-28D. The second zone 40E(2) may include a second width W2 and a second length L2 defining an area of the second zone 40E (2) . The area of the second zone 40E (2) may be substantially larger than the area of the first zone 40E (1) . For example, the second zone 40E (2) may extend between the upper and lower corners on the right side of the front surface 38. It should be appreciated that if an object is detected in the blind spot 30A, the second zone can be provided on the left side of the front surface 38 (e.g., in zones 40A and 40B) instead of the right side to improve the driver's situational awareness.

[0027] Referring to Figures 3A to 3B , in some embodiments, the first warning indicia 50 and the second warning indicia 52 can differ in size, shape, or color. For example, the first warning indicia 50 can be smaller than the second warning indicia 52. In this way, the first warning indicia 50 and the second warning indicia 52 can be changed in addition to (or instead of) changing the first zone 40E (1) and the second zone 40E (2) . The first warning indicia 50 and the second warning indicia 52 can include graphics such as a numerical graphic of the vehicle, an image of the detected vehicle (or other object), or a real-time / near real-time video of the detected vehicle (or other object). The color, size, or shape of the warning indicia 50, 52 can change due to the distance to the detected vehicle (or other object) or an indication (e.g., a turn signal or a component of the turning system 20) that the driver of the vehicle 10 is about to turn into one of the blind spots 30A, 30B. For example, the warning indicia 50, 52 can gradually change in size in proportion to the distance of the object (e.g., get larger as the object gets closer). The color of the warning indicia 50, 52 can change based on an indication that the driver of the vehicle 10 is about to turn into one of the blind spots 30A, 30B. In some embodiments, the second warning indicia 52 can be accompanied by an audible warning. It should be appreciated that the first warning indicia 50 and the second warning indicia 52 as well as the zones 40E (1) , 40E (2) are provided as one example only. Changing the warning indicia 50, 52 and the zones 40E (1) , 40E (2) may be proportional to the level of threat detected (e.g., the distance to the object or the indication of turning into one of the blind spots 30A, 30B). In this way, it should be appreciated that there can be a range of zones of different sizes between the zones 40E (1) , 40E (2) and a range of warning indicia of different sizes, colors, or shapes between the first warning indicia 50 and the second warning indicia 52.

[0028] The full display mirror assembly 26 can be mounted to the interior of the vehicle 10 with a mounting system such as described in U.S. Patent Nos. 9,244,249; 8,960,629; 8,814,373; 8,201,800; 8,210,695; 9,174,577; 8,925,891; and 9,838,653; and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61 / 704,869, which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties. Further, the present disclosure can be used with a rearview packaging assembly such as described in U.S. Patent Nos. 9,316,347; 8,814,373; 8,646,924; 8,643,931; 8,264,761; and 8,885,240; and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61 / 707,625, which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties. Additionally, it is contemplated that the present disclosure can include bezels such as described in U.S. Patent Nos. 8,827,517; 8,210,695; and 8,201,800, which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties.

[0029] Figure 4A control system 100 associated with, for example, one or more printed circuit boards ("PCBs") in the all-display mirror assembly 26 and / or other locations of the vehicle 10 is exemplified. The control system 100 can include an electronic control unit (ECU) 102. The ECU 102 can include a processor 104 and a memory 106. The processor 104 can include any suitable processor 104. Additionally or alternatively, the ECU 102 can include any suitable number of processors in addition to (or different from) the processor 104. The memory 106 can include a single disk or multiple disks (e.g., hard drives) and include a storage management module that manages one or more partitions within the memory 106. In some embodiments, the memory 106 can include flash memory, semiconductor (solid state) memory, etc. The memory 106 can include random access memory (RAM), read only memory (ROM), or a combination thereof. The memory 106 can include instructions that, when executed by the processor 104, cause the processor 104 to perform at least the functions and method steps as described herein. Thus, the electro-optic device 32, the display module 34, the imager modules 28A-D, components of the steering system 20, the one or more sensors 24, the mechanical or electrical inputs 25, the user interface 44, and / or the position detection sensor 31 can be controlled, receive inputs, and / or transmit inputs relative to the ECU 102. The ECU 102 can receive and / or the memory 106 can hold software 108, presence data 110 captured by the position detection sensor 31, image data 112 captured by the imager modules 28A-D, steering data 114 captured by components of the steering system 20, the one or more sensors 24, and / or the mechanical or electrical inputs 25.

[0030] Figure 5 A method 200 of detecting presence of an object in a blind spot and providing at least one indicium on an all-display mirror assembly is exemplified. At 202, the method 200 includes monitoring one or more blind spots with one or more imager modules. For example, the processor 104 can be configured to receive information from the one or more imager modules 28A-D and / or the position detection sensor 31 as the presence data 110 and / or the image data 112.

[0031] With continued reference to Figure 5 At 204, the method 200 includes detecting presence of an object (e.g., a second vehicle) in at least one of the blind spots. For example, the processor 104 can be configured to infer the presence data 110 and / or the image data 112 via patterns and / or signal recognition (e.g., of the image data 112) and / or (e.g., of the presence data 110). Step 204 can include detecting the presence of the object with at least one of the one or more imager modules, the position detection sensor, etc. at 206.

[0032] With continued reference toFigure 5 At 208, method 200 includes: in response to detecting an object in the blind spot, generating a first warning mark in a first region (e.g., on the front surface of the full-view mirror assembly). For example, processor 104 may be configured to switch the state of one or more segments 32A, 32N of the electro-optic device 32 to define the first region 40E. (1) And the display module 34 aligned with the switching sections 32A and 32N (or with the first section 40E) (1) A first warning mark 50 is generated on the associated display module 34 (area). For example, step 208 may include: at 210, generating (e.g., using processor 104) a display state in a first area of ​​the video of the object. Step 210 may include: at 212, generating a display state in a first area having a first width and a first length, the first width and the first length defining the area of ​​the first area on the front surface of the full-view mirror assembly associated with the side of the vehicle where the detected object is located. For example, processor 104 may be configured to switch the state of one or more segments 32A, 32N of the electro-optical device 32 and generate a first warning mark 50 on the side of the full-view mirror assembly 26 closest to the detected object.

[0033] Continue to refer to Figure 5 At 214, method 200 includes detecting a blind spot with an object while the vehicle, including the full-view mirror assembly, is turning forward. For example, processor 104 may be configured to receive information (e.g., steering data 114) about the blind spot 30A, 30B with an object while the vehicle is turning forward, from steering system 20, one or more sensors 24, and / or mechanical or electronic inputs 25. Processor 104 may be further configured to receive information about the blind spot 30A, 30B with an object while the vehicle 10 is merging in, from one or more imager modules 28A to 28D and / or position detection sensor 31. Step 214 may include, at 216, detecting (e.g., using the processor) that the vehicle is turning forward or about to turn, via one or more components of the associated steering system, one or more sensors (e.g., position detection sensors), mechanical or electronic inputs associated with the steering system, and / or imager modules.

[0034] Continue to refer to Figure 5 At 218, in response to detecting a blind spot with an object in which a vehicle including a full-view mirror assembly is turning, method 200 includes: generating a second warning mark in a second zone (e.g., by expanding the first zone and / or the first warning mark). For example, processor 104 may be configured to switch the state of one or more additional segments 32A, 32N of the electro-optical device 32 to increase the viewing area to form a second zone 40E of display module 34. (2)and can be further configured to increase a size, change a color, or change a shape of the first warning indicia 50 to the second warning indicia 52. Step 218 can include, at 220, generating (e.g., with the processor) a display state in a second zone having a second width and a second length defining an area of the second zone (substantially larger than the first zone) on a side of the front surface of the full display mirror assembly associated with the side of the vehicle where the detected object is on, for example, by toggling the state between additional segments 32A, 32N.

[0035] According to one aspect of the disclosure, a full display mirror assembly for a vehicle includes an electro-optic assembly including an electro-optic medium, a display module, and at least one imager module configured to capture a blind spot. A processor and a memory including instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to generate a first warning indicia in a first zone of the full display mirror assembly in response to detecting an object in the blind spot. The processor is further caused to generate a second warning indicia in a second zone of the full display mirror assembly by expanding the first zone in response to detecting that a vehicle containing the full display mirror assembly is turning or about to turn into the blind spot with the object.

[0036] According to another aspect, the processor is further caused to generate the first zone and the second zone on a side of the full display mirror assembly closest to the blind spot where the object is detected.

[0037] According to another aspect, the location detection sensor determines whether the object is in the blind spot.

[0038] According to another aspect, the at least one imager module includes more than one imager module together configured to capture more than one blind spot.

[0039] According to another aspect, the first warning indicia is smaller than the second warning indicia.

[0040] According to another aspect, the first warning indicia is a different color than the second warning indicia.

[0041] According to another aspect, the processor is further configured to toggle the electro-optic medium between a reflective state and a display state.

[0042] According to another aspect, the electro-optic device includes a plurality of segments that are independently toggleable between states.

[0043] According to another aspect, one or more of the plurality of segments define an outer perimeter matching the first zone.

[0044] According to another aspect, two or more of the plurality of segments define an outer perimeter matching the second zone.

[0045] According to another aspect, the processor is further configured to receive information from a steering system to detect whether the vehicle containing the full view mirror assembly is about to turn.

[0046] According to another aspect, the information received from the steering system includes a turn signal.

[0047] According to another aspect, the information received from the steering system includes information from a sensor of a directional change toward the blind spot.

[0048] According to another aspect, the processor is further configured to receive information from at least one imager module or a position detection sensor that the vehicle is turning into the blind spot.

[0049] According to another aspect of the disclosure, a full view mirror assembly for a vehicle includes an electro-optical assembly containing an electro-optical medium; a display module; and at least one imager module configured to capture a blind spot. A processor and a memory including instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to visually generate a first warning indicia in response to detecting an object in the blind spot. The processor is further caused to generate a second warning indicia different from the first warning indicia in response to detecting that the vehicle containing the full view mirror assembly is turning or about to turn into the blind spot with the object.

[0050] According to another aspect, the first warning indicia is smaller than the second warning indicia.

[0051] According to another aspect, the second warning indicia is larger than the first warning indicia in proportion to a proximity of the vehicle to the object in the blind spot.

[0052] According to another aspect, the first and second warning indicia include one of a digital graphic of the vehicle, an image of the vehicle, or a video of the vehicle.

[0053] According to yet another aspect, a method of detecting a presence of an object in a blind spot includes monitoring one or more blind spots with one or more imager modules. The method further includes generating a video in a first region of a full view mirror assembly in response to detecting the object in the blind spot. The method further includes generating the video in a second region of the full view mirror assembly by expanding the first region in further response to detecting that the vehicle containing the full view mirror assembly is turning into the blind spot with the object.

[0054] According to another aspect, the video is a live video feed of the blind spot.

[0055] It should be appreciated that the embodiments of the present disclosure described herein can include one or more conventional processors and unique stored program instructions that control the one or more processors to implement, in conjunction with certain non-processor circuits, some, most, or all of the functions of the full display mirror assembly 26 as described herein. The non-processor circuits can include, but are not limited to, signal drivers, clock circuits, power source circuits, and / or user input devices. As such, these functions can be interpreted as steps of a method for using or constructing a classification system. Alternatively, some or all functions could be implemented by a state machine that has no stored program instructions, or in one or more application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), in which each function or some combinations of certain functions are implemented as custom logic. Of course, a combination of the two approaches could be used. Thus, methods and means for these functions have been described herein. Further, a person of ordinary skill in the art will readily recognize that the concepts and principles disclosed herein can be applied to any platform or aspect of morphology without undue experimentation given the benefit of this disclosure. Therefore, the methods and means for these functions are not limited to any particular embodiment described herein.

[0056] It will be understood by one having ordinary skill in the art that the construction of the disclosure and other components (unless otherwise indicated herein) is not limited to any particular material. Other exemplary embodiments of the disclosure disclosed herein can be formed from a wide variety of materials, as can be determined by one of ordinary skill in the art.

[0057] For the purposes of this disclosure, the term "coupled" (in all of its forms, couple, coupling, coupled, etc.) generally means the joining of two components (electrical or mechanical) directly or indirectly to one another. Such joining can be stationary in nature or movable in nature. Such joining can include a coupling of two (electrical or mechanical) components and any additional intermediate members interposed therebetween. It will be appreciated that such a coupling can be permanent in nature, or can be releasable or removable in nature unless otherwise stated.

[0058] It is also worth noting that the constructions and arrangements of the elements of the disclosure illustrated in the example embodiments are only illustrative. Although only a few embodiments of the innovation have been described in detail in this disclosure, those skilled in the art who review this disclosure will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements, values of parameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations, etc.) without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the stated subject matter. For example, elements shown as integrally formed can be constructed of multiple parts or elements shown as multiple parts can be integrally formed, the operation of the interfaces can be reversed or otherwise varied, the length or width of the structures and / or members or connector or other elements of the system can be varied, the nature or number of adjustment positions provided for the elements can be varied, and the positions can be reversed or otherwise varied. It should be noted that the elements and / or assemblies of the system can be constructed from any of a wide variety of materials that provide sufficient strength or durability, including metals, plastics, glass, ceramics, or composites thereof, as well as being of any color, texture, or combinations thereof. All such modifications are intended to be within the scope of the innovation. Other substitutions, modifications, changes, and omissions can be made in the design, operating conditions, and arrangement of the desired and other exemplary embodiments without departing from the spirit of the innovation.

[0059] It is to be understood that any described process or step within a described process can be combined with other disclosed processes or steps to form structures within the scope of the disclosure. The exemplary structures and processes disclosed herein are for illustrative purposes only and are not to be construed as limiting.

[0060] It is also to be understood that variations and modifications will be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the concepts of the disclosure, and that such concepts are to be given the broadest scope of the law.

Claims

1. A full display mirror assembly having a blind spot detection system, characterized by, including: an electro-optic device comprising an electro-optic medium, and the electro-optic device including a plurality of individually controlled segments; a display module; a processor; a front surface comprising a selectively activatable zone, a first zone and a second zone disposed on the front surface, the processor configured to switch a state of one or more segments of the electro-optic device to define the first zone, the processor configured to switch a state of one or more additional segments of the electro-optic device to increase a viewing zone to form the second zone, and the second zone being an enlargement of the first zone, at least one imager module configured to capture a blind spot; and a memory holding image data captured by the at least one imager module, wherein, when a presence of an object is detected in the blind spot and no turning of the vehicle with the blind spot having the object is detected, the processor is configured to generate a first warning indicia, the first warning indicia generated on a zone of the display module associated with the first zone, and when a presence of an object is detected in the blind spot and turning of the vehicle with the blind spot having the object is also detected, the processor is configured to generate a second warning indicia in the second zone.

2. The full display mirror assembly of claim 1, wherein, The first zone and the second zone are on a side of the full display mirror assembly closest to the blind spot where the object is detected.

3. The full display mirror assembly of claim 2, wherein, The full display mirror assembly includes a position detection sensor for determining whether the object is in the blind spot.

4. The full display mirror assembly of one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The at least one imager module includes more than one imager module together configured to capture a plurality of blind spots.

5. The full display mirror assembly of one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The first warning indicia is smaller than the second warning indicia.

6. The full display mirror assembly of one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The first warning indicia is a different color than the second warning indicia.

7. The full display mirror assembly of one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The processor is further configured to switch the electro-optic medium between a reflective state and a display state.

8. The full display mirror assembly of claim 7, wherein, The electro-optic device includes a plurality of segments that are independently switchable between states.

9. The full display mirror assembly of claim 8, wherein, One or more segments of the plurality of segments define an outer perimeter matching the first zone.

10. The full display mirror assembly of claim 9, wherein, Two or more segments of the plurality of segments define an outer perimeter matching the second zone.

11. The full display mirror assembly of one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The processor is further configured to receive information from a steering system to detect whether the vehicle containing the full display mirror assembly is about to turn.

12. The full display mirror assembly of claim 11, wherein, The information received from the steering system includes a steering signal.

13. The full display mirror assembly of claim 11, wherein, The information received from the steering system includes information from a sensor of a change in direction toward the blind spot.

14. The full display mirror assembly of claim 1, wherein, The processor is further configured to receive information from the at least one imager module or a position detection sensor that the vehicle containing the full display mirror assembly is turning into the blind spot.

15. A full display mirror assembly having a blind spot detection system, characterized by, including: an electro-optic device comprising an electro-optic medium, and the electro-optic device including a plurality of individually controlled segments; a display module; a front surface comprising a selectively activatable zone; at least one imager module configured to capture a blind spot; a processor; and a memory holding image data captured by the at least one imager module, wherein, when a presence of an object is detected in the blind spot and no turning of the vehicle with the blind spot having the object is detected, the processor is configured to generate a first warning indicia, the first warning indicia generated on a zone of the display module associated with the first zone, and when a presence of an object is detected in the blind spot and turning of the vehicle with the blind spot having the object is also detected, the processor is configured to generate a second warning indicia in the second zone. wherein, when presence of an object is detected in the blind spot and it is not detected that the vehicle is turning into the blind spot with the object, the processor is configured to generate a first warning indicia on the front surface, when presence of an object is detected in the blind spot and it is also detected that the vehicle is turning into the blind spot with the object, the processor is configured to generate a second warning indicia on the front surface, the second warning indicia being visually different from the first warning indicia.

16. The full display mirror assembly of claim 15, wherein, The first warning indicia is smaller than the second warning indicia.

17. The full display mirror assembly of claim 16, wherein, The second warning indicia is larger than the first warning indicia, proportional to a proximity of the vehicle to the object in the blind spot.

18. The full display mirror assembly of one of claims 15 to 17, wherein, The first and second warning indicia comprise one of a digital graphic of the vehicle, an image of the vehicle, or a video of the vehicle.

Images