Method for peripheral component-dependent calibration of an ambient light sensor of an electrochromatic rearview mirror element, as well as calibration station and vehicle
The method corrects for peripheral component shading effects on ambient light sensors in rearview mirrors by using a calibration station or internal light source to ensure accurate dimming function activation and deactivation based on actual illumination levels, addressing inconsistent dimming due to varying vehicle components.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- DE · DE
- Patent Type
- Patents
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2024-04-19
- Publication Date
- 2026-04-16
AI Technical Summary
The dimming function of electrochromatic rearview mirror elements is inconsistently activated or deactivated due to varying peripheral components in different vehicles, leading to inaccurate illumination level detection by the ambient light sensor, which is influenced by these components.
A method involving a calibration station with a vehicle-external light source or a vehicle-internal light source is used to determine an illuminance coefficient that corrects for the shading effect of peripheral components, ensuring the dimming function activates or deactivates at the correct illumination levels by adjusting the ambient light sensor's readings.
The dimming function is accurately controlled based on actual ambient light levels, regardless of the vehicle's specific peripheral components, providing consistent performance across different vehicle configurations.
Smart Images
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Abstract
Description
[0001] The invention relates to vehicles with a rearview mirror element incorporating an ambient light sensor. The invention further relates to the design of the rearview mirror element itself and methods for adapting the ambient light sensor of the rearview mirror element to different peripheral components connected to the rearview mirror element.
[0002] The prior art documents EP 0 201 938 A2 and EP 3 024 701 B1, CN 1 12 776 716 A, DE 198 37 160 A1, US 6 742 904 B2 and US 2021 / 0 191 222 A1 are cited.
[0003] They reveal rearview mirror systems with at least one rearview mirror element, with a focus on the dimming functions.
[0004] The state of the art clearly shows that rearview mirror elements (interior mirror and / or exterior mirror) are equipped with an automatic dimming function.
[0005] A rearview mirror element located inside a vehicle contains two sensors arranged in a known manner: an interior rear light sensor that measures the amount of light from following traffic and an ambient light sensor that measures the ambient brightness inside the vehicle.
[0006] The point at which the rearview mirror element dims depends on the calibration of the ambient light sensor.
[0007] The technology for dimming the rearview mirror element is not the subject of the invention; it is known to those skilled in the art and is therefore not explained further. The technology for dimming the rearview mirror element forms the starting point of the invention.
[0008] The subject of the patent application is that the light intensity of the ambient light, which is detected by the ambient light sensor, is influenced by at least one looking-back mirror element arranged in the area of the ambient light sensor.
[0009] In other words, the light detected by the ambient light sensor reaches the ambient light sensor at different illuminance levels depending on the different peripheral components arranged or designed on the rearview mirror element.
[0010] In other words, depending on the arrangement and / or size of various peripheral components, the peripheral component(s) cast more or less of a shadow on the ambient light sensor, depending on the direction of the light incidence.
[0011] According to the invention, a method according to claim 1 and a method according to claim 2 are provided, which are explained in detail below.
[0012] In carrying out the method according to claim 1 for calibrating a dimming function of a dimming device of an electrochromatic rearview mirror element comprising an ambient light sensor in a vehicle, a calibration station with the features of claim 4 is required and claimed according to the invention, in which the vehicle is arranged, the calibration station being also described in detail in the description. The calibration station comprises a vehicle-external light source outside the vehicle, which comprises the rearview mirror element.
[0013] In carrying out an alternative method according to claim 2 for calibrating the dimming function of the dimming device of the electrochromatic rearview mirror element comprising the ambient light sensor in the vehicle, a vehicle-internal light source is used which is arranged on a rear side of the rearview mirror element.
[0014] The features that characterize the vehicle according to the invention with such a rearview mirror element are described in claim 5. The vehicle is also described in detail in the description.
[0015] The invention is explained below with reference to the accompanying drawings. These show: Fig. 1 a vehicle with a rearview mirror element, wherein the view of the observer is directed from a vehicle interior towards an inside of a windscreen and towards a front of the rearview mirror element; Fig. 2 a highly simplified schematic representation of the front of the rearview mirror element according to Fig. 1 with an interior rear light sensor, the sensor surface of which is oriented towards the interior of the vehicle, which measures an amount of light in an interior of the vehicle; Fig. 3 a highly simplified schematic representation of a rear side of the rearview mirror element according to Fig. 1 with an ambient light sensor whose sensor surface is oriented towards the windshield of the vehicle, which measures an illuminance depending on the ambient light; Fig. 4 a highly simplified schematic representation of a vehicle with the rearview mirror element to illustrate the peripheral component-dependent calibration of the rearview mirror element in a first embodiment, wherein the vehicle is in a calibration station in which a vehicle-external light source is arranged; Fig. 5 a highly simplified schematic representation of the reverse side of the rearview mirror element according to Fig. 1 to illustrate the peripheral component-dependent calibration of the rearview mirror element in a second embodiment, wherein a light source is integrated into the rearview mirror element.
[0016] The Fig. 1 shows in a summary with the Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 a vehicle 100 with an electrochromatic rearview mirror element 10, wherein the view of the observer from a vehicle interior is directed towards an inside of a windscreen 101 and towards a front 10V of the rearview mirror element 10.
[0017] The rearview mirror element 10 will henceforth be referred to simply as the "mirror element".
[0018] The Fig. 2 shows in a summary with the Fig. 1 and Fig. 3 a highly simplified schematic representation of the front side 10V of the mirror element 10 according to Fig. 1 with an interior rear light sensor S i, whose sensor surface is oriented 100° towards the interior of the vehicle. The interior rear light sensor S i measures an illuminance of 100 in the interior of the vehicle.
[0019] Fig. 3 shows in a summary with the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 a highly simplified schematic representation of a back side 10R of the mirror element 10 according to Fig. 1 with an ambient light sensor S", whose sensor surface is oriented towards the windshield 101 of the vehicle 100. The ambient light sensor S" measures an illuminance at its sensor surface depending on the ambient light present at the vehicle 100 at a given time. The ambient light strikes the vehicle 100 as shown by the ray arrows P. Fig. 3 illustrate, referring to the ambient light sensor S u .
[0020] As explained in the introduction, the use of different vehicle-specific peripheral components 30 in different vehicles leads to the illuminance levels determined at the sensor surface of the ambient light sensor S'' differing in two vehicles, even though the same sensor type is always installed.
[0021] The difference arises because the sensor area of the ambient light sensor S'' is shaded in different ways by the peripheral components 30, which may differ depending on the vehicle (in their shape and / or their size and / or their arrangement on the windscreen 101 etc.).
[0022] This is just one example. Fig. 1 An arrow P1 is applied, the arrowhead of which points to a vehicle-specific peripheral component 30, which partially houses the ambient light sensor S u shadowed on the back side of the mirror element 10R.
[0023] When the term "shadowed" is used below, the light shining from the outside into the vehicle interior is deflected by the peripheral component 30 and therefore does not fall on the ambient light sensor S'' or cannot be received by it.
[0024] When the term "unshaded" is used below, the light shining from outside into the vehicle interior is not prevented by a peripheral component 30 from reaching the ambient light sensor S. u It falls. It can therefore be received by him unhindered.
[0025] A shading effect results in the activation of the dimming function of the electrochromatic mirror element depending on a first value Ev. Soll1 an illuminance level of the detected illuminance and a switching off of the dimming function depending on a second amount Ev Soll2an illuminance level of the detected illuminance, which is detected by the ambient light sensor S'', does not occur when the desired illuminance level(s) are reached.
[0026] When using identical mirror elements and different peripheral components 30, the different peripheral components 30 result in the dimming function of the dimming device not being activated or switched off uniformly at the desired illuminance level in vehicles 100 with differing peripheral components 30 when the electrochromatic mirror element is controlled uniformly in different vehicles 100 with a uniformly configured computer-readable program algorithm (computer program).
[0027] The Fig. 2 and Fig. Figure 3 shows a connecting element 20 connected to the mirror element, which serves to connect the mirror element 10 to the respective vehicle-specific peripheral component 30, by means of which, for example, the connection to an inside of the windscreen 101 is established.
[0028] The peripheral component 30 can be designed in a one-piece configuration, as shown in Fig. As illustrated in Figure 1, it is part of the connecting element 20.
[0029] A peripheral component 30 can be arranged in a two-part configuration connected to the connecting element 20 or arranged separately.
[0030] In configurations where it is connected to a connecting element 20, the peripheral component 30 usually serves to connect the mirror element to the inside of the windscreen 101.
[0031] In principle, the peripheral component 30 is arranged such that, due to its arrangement, as in Fig. 1 according to arrow P1 illustrates the effect that it at least partially reduces the ambient light radiating into the vehicle 100 and thus - as explained - shades the ambient light sensor S'' on the back 10R of the mirror element 10.
[0032] Electronic components not shown in detail are part of the interior rear light sensor S i and assigned to the ambient light sensor S'', that is, they form a unit with the ambient light sensor S'' or are arranged externally in the vehicle 100. The electronic components are connected to a control unit, in particular a control unit.
[0033] The aforementioned computer-readable program algorithm, i.e. the computer program, is stored on a storage medium and controls the procedures explained below, which effect an adjustment or calibration of the ambient light sensor S'' depending on the peripheral component 30 connected to the mirror element in each vehicle-specific manner.
[0034] According to the invention, the dimming function of the dimming device, which is known per se, will be discussed in more detail below. It forms the starting point of the invention.
[0035] The dimming function of the dimming device in the vehicle 100 is characterized by the fact that the dimming device uses the ambient light sensor S u , of the electrochromatic mirror element 10, wherein the mirror element 10 also includes an interior backlight sensor S i includes the following steps within the dimming function: • Detecting the magnitudes of the illuminance values of the light falling on the ambient light sensor S'' and the interior backlight sensor S i falls • Activation of the dimming function of the electrochromatic mirror element 10 depending on a first value Ev Soll1 of an illuminance level of the detected illuminance and switching off of the dimming function depending on a second amount Ev Soll2 of an illuminance level of the detected illuminance, which is measured at the ambient light sensor S u be recorded • Deciding whether to dim or not dim the mirror element 10 when the dimming function is switched on, depending on a signal from the interior rear light sensor S i measured amount of illuminance.
[0036] These steps of the procedure for controlling the dimming function of the dimming device apply equally to the following procedure implementation variants, whereby the dimming function is calibrated in different ways in the procedure implementation variants explained below.
[0037] As explained, the vehicles 100 use identical electrochromatic mirror elements 10 with an ambient light sensor S'' of the same type, whereby it is provided that the identical mirror element 10 with the ambient light sensor S'' of the same type can be combined from vehicle 100 to vehicle 100 with different peripheral components 30.
[0038] The different peripheral components 30, when installed, in combination with identical mirror elements 10 in the respective vehicle 100, cause a peripheral component-dependent shading of the mirror element 10 - in the sense of a reduction - of the ambient light of the vehicle 100, which is received by the identical ambient light sensors S'' of identical mirror elements inside the vehicle.
[0039] Previously, the dimming function was activated during twilight without considering the shading caused by peripheral components, based on the desired, predefined first amount Ev. Soll1 of the illuminance level detected by the ambient light sensor S'' of the mirror element 10.
[0040] For example, it may be specified that the first illuminance level Ev Soll1 = 15 LUX.
[0041] Upon reaching the first illuminance level Ev Soll1The dimming function is activated in the evening when the light level is 15 LUX.
[0042] The reduced illuminance Ev determined by the ambient light sensor S'' ist-red , which decreases from high illuminance towards lower illuminance during the twilight phase, is affected by the peripheral component-dependent shading of the ambient light sensor S u affected, so that the first illuminance level Ev Soll1 at the ambient light sensor S u for example, Ev Soll1 = 15 LUX is reached even earlier.
[0043] A value of the actual illuminance in the vicinity of the vehicle 100 is, at the time when the ambient light sensor S'' detects the illuminance Ev reduced by the shading. ist-red = 15 LUX, which hasn't actually been reached yet.
[0044] In other words, the peripheral component-dependent shading at the ambient light sensor S'' results in a "false" (not corresponding to the environment) peripheral component-dependent reduced illuminance Ev. ist-red determined.
[0045] The dimming function is thus dependent on the reduced illuminance Ev detected by peripheral components during the twilight phase. ist-red switched on earlier than desired.
[0046] This disadvantage is overcome by the method implementation variant explained below - without changing the mirror element 10 and / or restricting the respective combination with various peripheral components 30 for different vehicles 100.
[0047] When correcting for reduced illuminance Ev ist-red It must therefore be ensured that the dimming function is switched on in the twilight phase when the desired first illuminance level Ev is reached.Soll1 = 15 LUX, which also corresponds to the actual illuminance in the vicinity of the vehicle (100), is actually achieved.
[0048] The plan is to determine a correction value that will be used to compensate for the reduced illuminance Ev. ist-red to correct, that is to raise it to the true value of the respective actual illuminance in the vicinity of the vehicle 100.
[0049] After the correction, a "true" corrected amount Ev will be displayed. ist-korr provided, which measures the actual illuminance of the ambient light sensor S unshaded by the peripheral component 30 of the mirror element 10 u represented.
[0050] The dimming function is based on the corrected amount Ev. ist-korr then actually at the desired first illuminance level Ev Soll1= 15 LUX, which also corresponds to the actual illuminance in the vicinity of the vehicle 100, switched on.
[0051] The procedure for determining the correction value and the corrected amount Ev ist-korr This will be explained in more detail below.
[0052] Similarly, the deactivation of the dimming function currently occurs during a dawn phase without considering the shading dependent on peripheral components, at the desired predefinable first amount Ev. Soll2 of the illuminance level detected by the ambient light sensor S'' of the mirror element 10.
[0053] For example, it may be specified that the second illuminance level Ev Soll2 = 15 LUX.
[0054] The set illuminance levels Ev Soll1 and Evangeli Soll2They can differ fundamentally from one another. The description of the two process implementation variants assumes that the set illuminance levels Ev Soll1 and Evangeli Soll2 show the same amount.
[0055] Upon reaching the second illuminance level Ev Soll2 The dimming function is switched off in the morning when the light level is 15 LUX.
[0056] The reduced illuminance Ev determined by the ambient light sensor S'' ist-red , which increases from low illuminance towards higher illuminance during the dawn phase, is also influenced by the peripheral component-dependent shading of the ambient light sensor S u affected, so that the second illuminance level Ev Soll2 at the ambient light sensor S u for example, Ev Soll1 = 15 LUX is only reached later.
[0057] A value of the actual illuminance in the vicinity of the vehicle of 100 is at the time when the reduced illuminance Ev ist-red = 15 LUX is reached, actually already reached.
[0058] In other words, the peripheral component-dependent shading at the ambient light sensor S'' results in a "false" (not corresponding to the ambient illuminance) peripheral component-dependent reduced illuminance Ev. ist-red determined.
[0059] The dimming function is thus dependent on the peripheral component 30, that is, dependent on the reduced illuminance Ev detected in the dawn phase. ist-red , switched off later than desired.
[0060] When correcting for reduced illuminance Ev ist-red It must therefore be ensured that the dimming function is switched off in the dawn phase when the desired second illuminance level Ev is reached.Soll2 = 15 LUX, which also corresponds to the actual illuminance in the vicinity of the vehicle (100), is actually achieved.
[0061] It is planned that a correction value for the reduced illuminance Ev will be used. ist-red is determined, which is used to calculate the reduced illuminance Ev ist-red to correct, that is to raise it to the true value of the respective actual illuminance in the vicinity of the vehicle 100.
[0062] In both method variants, an illuminance coefficient serves as a correction value by means of which the measured reduced illuminance Ev is calculated. ist-red is corrected so that a corrected amount Ev ist-korr available, which corresponds to the actual illuminance in the vicinity of the vehicle 100, as further explained below.
[0063] In other words, a corrected amount Ev will be calculated. ist-korrprovided, which provides the “true” actual illuminance of the environment of the unshaded ambient light sensor S through the peripheral component 30 of the mirror element 10 u represented.
[0064] The dimming function is based on the corrected amount Ev. ist-korr then actually at the desired second illuminance level Ev Soll2 = 15 LUX, which also corresponds to the actual illuminance in the vicinity of the vehicle 100, switched off.
[0065] The procedure for determining the illuminance coefficient is explained below.
[0066] In the first method implementation variant, the correction value is the illuminance coefficient with the reference symbol ΔEv, and in the second method implementation variant, it is an illuminance coefficient with the reference symbol ΔEv''. First method implementation variant:
[0067] It happens, compare Fig. 4, a peripheral-related or peripheral component-dependent calibration of the ambient light sensor S u of the mirror element of vehicle 100 by means of an external light source Q ext (also referred to as vehicle-external calibration light) in a calibration station 200, in which the vehicle 100 for calibration of the ambient light sensor S u of the mirror element 10 is arranged.
[0068] In this process implementation variant, a separate calibration station 200 is therefore provided or required for certain process steps.
[0069] In calibration station 200, the vehicle-external light source Q ext arranged.
[0070] It will therefore (compare again) Fig. 4) the calibration station 200 is set up, in which the vehicle 100 is positioned at a predeterminable position for the calibration of the ambient light sensor S'' of the mirror element.
[0071] First, light is emitted using the vehicle's external light source Q. ext generated light of a predefinable wavelength in a defined wavelength range onto an outer surface of a windshield 101 of the vehicle 100 and onto a sensor area of the ambient light sensor S not shaded by a peripheral component 30 of the mirror element 10 u , which is located on the rear side 10R of the mirror element 10, from the position opposite the front window 101 that can be specified, at a specified distance with any defined light intensity.
[0072] An amount of Ev will be involved ist-ref1 a first reference value of an illuminance is determined, which is determined when the light is emitted from the vehicle's external light source Qext after the light has passed through the front window 101 onto the unshaded sensor surface of the ambient light sensor S''. Example:
[0073] ev ist-ref1 For example, it is = 45 LUX.
[0074] The computer program of vehicle 100 contains the previous program for the dimming function, which now, according to the invention, includes a calibration mode.
[0075] A calibration mode is understood to be a program module within the computer program that is switched on and off, or activated and deactivated.
[0076] Within the calibration mode, a calibration function is stored. For the calculation, corresponding values of an original dimming function and a dimming curve are stored, which are modified by the calibration function.
[0077] The computer program with calibration mode is activated, and the amount Ev ist-ref1The first reference value of the previously recorded illuminance is entered into the computer program of the vehicle 100 by a computer program used within the calibration station 200 and recorded there.
[0078] Subsequently, light is emitted again from the vehicle's external light source Q in calibration station 200. ext on the outer surface of the windshield 101 of the vehicle 100, but now on the sensor area of the ambient light sensor S, which is shaded by the peripheral component 30 of the mirror element u with the same previously defined luminous intensity from the same previously specified position at the same previously specified distance at the specified wavelength in the previously defined same wavelength range.
[0079] An amount of Ev will be involved ist-ref2 a second reference value is determined, which is determined when the light is emitted from the vehicle's external light source Q extafter the light has passed through the front window 101 onto the sensor surface of the ambient light sensor S'' which is shaded by the peripheral component 30. Example:
[0080] ev ist-ref2 For example, it is = 42 LUX.
[0081] This amount Ev will also be added to the already activated calibration mode of the computer program. ist- ref2 the second reference value of the previously recorded illuminance is applied and recorded in calibration mode.
[0082] Within the calibration mode of the computer program for the vehicle's dimming function 100, the illuminance coefficient ΔEv is now calculated in the calibration function based on the magnitude Ev. ist-ref2 of the second reference value and the amount Ev ist-ref1 of the first reference value by forming a quotient.
[0083] Example: ΔEv=Evist−ref2 / Evist−ref1 / ΔEv=42 LUX / 45 LUX)=0.933
[0084] Within the calibration mode of the vehicle's computer program 100, the calculated illuminance coefficient ΔEv is stored and the calibration mode is terminated.
[0085] In normal operation of the vehicle 100, the dimming function is then constantly adjusted according to the invention, as follows: Is the reduced amount Ev used within the dimming function? ist-red If a value of a reduced illuminance of the ambient light sensor S'', which is shaded by the peripheral component 30 of the mirror element 10, is detected, this amount Ev ist-red , which is reduced by the peripheral component 30, is corrected using the illuminance coefficient ΔEv. Example:
[0086] The reduced amount Ev ist-red The ambient light level detected by the shaded ambient light sensor S'' is, for example, 14 LUX (shaded).
[0087] The reduced amount Ev ist-redis corrected using the illuminance coefficient ΔEv, so that a corrected amount Ev ist-korr is provided, which measures the actual illuminance of the area around the ambient light sensor S, which is unshaded by the peripheral component 30 of the mirror element. u represented. Evist−red / ΔEv=Evist−corr14 LUX / 0.933=15 LUX.
[0088] In other words, if, for example, the amount Ev is measured at the ambient light sensor S'' ist-red If 14 LUX is measured, the actual illuminance in the surroundings or on the sensor surface of the unshaded ambient light sensor S'' is already 15 LUX.
[0089] This means that switching on and off at the first or second illuminance level Ev Soll1 , Ev Soll2 When 15 lux is reached, the reduced amount Ev must be / will be applied. ist-red according to the invention, it is mathematically corrected so that the corrected amount Evist-korr is present, which corresponds to the unshaded ambient light sensor S u This corresponds to switching on and off at the first or second illuminance level Ev Soll1 , Ev Soll2 actually achievable at a value of = 15 lux.
[0090] Each reduced amount Ev measured in the computer program of the dimming function ist-red the illuminance of the area affected by the shaded ambient light sensor S u The measured value is thus mathematically divided in the calibration function of the calibration mode by the illuminance coefficient ΔEv, so that the corrected amount Ev ist-korr The illuminance in calibration mode is always greater than the current ambient light level at the shaded sensor S u measured reduced amount Ev ist-red the illuminance.
[0091] In other words, by correcting the reduced illuminance Ev ist-redThis ensures that the dimming function in the evening twilight phase and in the morning twilight phase takes into account the corrected amount Ev. ist-korr = 15 LUX switches on, where the corrected amount Ev ist-korr = 15 LUX corresponds to the true amount of the actual illuminance in the vicinity of the vehicle 100.
[0092] In the first method implementation variant, the illuminance coefficient ΔEv is determined once in the calibration station 200 for a series of vehicles 100 which have an identical mirror element 10 with an identical peripheral component 30 which is arranged in the same installation position in the vehicles 100.
[0093] In other words, the computer program with the calibration function is transferred from one vehicle 100, in which the described procedure was carried out, to the other vehicles 100.
[0094] This means that only vehicles 100 in which the peripheral component 30 of the mirror element 10 changes will be subjected to the procedure again in order to re-determine the illuminance coefficient ΔEv. Second method implementation variant:
[0095] In the second method execution variant, (compare Fig. 5) a peripheral-related or peripheral component-dependent calibration of the ambient light sensor S u of the mirror element 10 of the vehicle 100, by means of an internal vehicle light source Q int (also known as the vehicle's internal calibration light).
[0096] The Fig. Figure 5 shows a highly simplified representation, without claiming to reflect the actual optical lighting conditions of a subsequently mentioned light source Q. int opposite the mirror element 10 and the peripheral component 30, the rear side 10R of the mirror element 10 according to Fig. 1 to illustrate the peripheral component-dependent calibration of the mirror element in the second method implementation variant, wherein (unlike in the first method implementation variant) the vehicle-internal light source Q integrated into the mirror element int is arranged.
[0097] This means that the electrochromatic mirror element 10 of the second method embodiment differs structurally from the mirror element 10 of the first embodiment in that the light source Q is located on the back 10R of the mirror element. int is arranged.
[0098] However, it still applies that in the vehicles 100 identical mirror elements are always equipped with an identical ambient light sensor S u of the same type and now an identical light source Q intare used, whereby it is provided that the identical mirror elements are used with an identical ambient light sensor S'' and the identical light source Q int Vehicle 100 can be combined with different peripheral components 30 to vehicle 100.
[0099] In the second method implementation variant, the ambient light sensor S is also calibrated in a peripheral-related or peripheral component-dependent manner. u of the mirror element of vehicle 100 by means of the vehicle's internal light source Q int , however, in the vehicle 100 itself, without a calibration station 200 with the vehicle-external light source Q ext requirement.
[0100] In the second method execution variant, a calibration mode of the dimming function is activated again, in which a percentage amount of a peripheral color coefficient is stored, which is determined depending on a color of a peripheral component 30 surrounding the mirror element.
[0101] Initially, without the installation of a peripheral component 30, light is emitted by means of the vehicle's internal light source Q. int generated light, which is arranged on a rear side 10R of the rearview mirror element 10, onto an inner surface of a windscreen 101 of the vehicle 100.
[0102] The light is detected by the sensor surface of the ambient light sensor S u , which, as before, is also located on the back side 10R of the mirror element 10, is received.
[0103] The light is emitted at a predefinable wavelength from a predefinable position and distance relative to the windshield 101 with any defined luminous intensity onto the inner surface of the windshield 101 of the vehicle 100 and onto its surroundings and is reflected there, after which it reaches the sensor surface of the ambient light sensor S u hits.
[0104] Fig. Figure 5 illustrates, using the ray arrows P, that the light emitted from the vehicle's internal light source Q int emitted light, reflected light from the windshield (101) and from objects / items in the environment outside the vehicle (100), and finally onto the ambient light sensor S u hits or is detected by the ambient light sensor S u is received.
[0105] In this variant of the process, the light is thus reflected by objects / items in the environment outside the vehicle 100 and by the inner surface of the windshield 101 of the vehicle 100, and by the sensor surface of the ambient light sensor S u The influence of reflection from the objects / items can vary from calibration process to calibration process. This influence is considered insignificant and therefore neglected.
[0106] In the second method variant, the emission of light generates an amount Ev. ist-ref1' a first reference value of illuminance is determined, which is determined when the light is emitted from the vehicle's internal light source Q int after the reflection of the light on the windshield 101 and on the objects / items in the environment outside the vehicle 100 onto the sensor surface of the ambient light sensor S u is available. Example:
[0107] ev ist-ref1' For example, it is 42 LUX.
[0108] The previously determined amount Ev ist-ref1' The first reference value is transferred to the calibration mode of the computer program for the vehicle's dimming function 100.
[0109] Subsequently, with the arrangement of a peripheral component 30, light is emitted again from the vehicle's internal Q. int on the inner surface of the windscreen 101 of the vehicle 100 and on the objects / items in the surrounding area outside the vehicle 100.
[0110] The light, after reflection from the windshield 101 and from objects / items in the surroundings outside the vehicle 100, is now received by the sensor surface of the ambient light sensor S'' at the peripheral component 30. Any differing influence of the light's reflection from the objects / items in the surroundings of the vehicle 100 is again assumed to be insignificant and therefore neglected.
[0111] In this process, the light is directed onto the sensor surface of the ambient light sensor S'' analogously to the procedure for emitting the light - as explained above - with the same defined light intensity from the same previously specified position at the same previously specified distance at the specified wavelength in the same previously defined wavelength range onto the unshaded sensor surface of the ambient light sensor S u sent out.
[0112] An amount of Evist-ref2' a second reference value is determined, which is determined when the light is emitted from the vehicle's internal light source Q int after reflection of the light at the front window 101 and now after reflection at the peripheral component 30 at the sensor surface of the ambient light sensor S''.
[0113] Due to the peripheral component 30, and depending on its arrangement and size, a certain proportion of the light is reflected by the peripheral component 30 of the vehicle 100. This is in comparison to the amount Ev previously determined without peripheral component 30. ist-ref1' The first reference value is located at the sensor surface of the ambient light sensor S. u now another amount Ev ist-ref2' as a second reference value, which is greater than the amount Ev in the second procedure execution variant. ist-ref1' of the first reference value. Example:
[0114] ev ist-ref2' For example, it is 46 LUX.
[0115] The previously determined amount Ev is then also transmitted. ist-ref2' of the second reference value for processing in the already activated calibration mode in the calibration function of the vehicle's dimming function 100.
[0116] It becomes clear that the procedure (determining reference values) in the second method implementation variant corresponds in principle to the first method implementation variant, however, the light is from the vehicle's internal light source Q. int emitted, wherein in the second method implementation variant it is provided that the light is reflected exclusively on the inner surface of the windscreen 101 of the vehicle 100 when determining the first reference value and on the inner surface of the windscreen 101 of the vehicle 100 and on the inner surface of the peripheral component 30 when determining the second reference value.
[0117] Within the calibration function of the calibration mode of the computer program for the vehicle's dimming function 100, an illuminance coefficient ΔEv' is now calculated based on the magnitude Ev. ist-ref1' of the first reference value and the amount Ev ist-ref2' of the second reference value by forming a quotient.
[0118] Example: ΔEv'=Evist−ref1' / Evist−ref2' / ΔEv=42 LUX / 46 LUX)=0.913 The amount Ev ist-ref2' The second reference value is influenced - as explained - in that part of the light is reflected at the peripheral component 30 of the mirror element 10 and is received by the sensor surface of the ambient light sensor S'', which has a different degree of reflectance depending on the color of the peripheral component 30.
[0119] This influence is now corrected by correcting the illuminance coefficient ΔEv' and determining a corrected illuminance coefficient ΔEv'' by percentage correction of the illuminance coefficient ΔEv' using the peripheral color coefficient, which takes into account the percentage reflectance of the color of the peripheral component 30 of the mirror element 10.
[0120] A percentage correction x% is therefore applied, so that a corrected illuminance coefficient ΔEv'' can be derived from the illuminance coefficient ΔEv'.
[0121] As mentioned above, in the calibration mode a vehicle-specific percentage amount is stored as a peripheral color coefficient, which is determined depending on the color of the peripheral component 30.
[0122] For example, a satin black peripheral component 30 is assigned a light reflectance of 5%, whereas a peripheral component 30 that is lighter than the satin black peripheral component 30 is assigned a higher light reflectance of 35%.
[0123] In other words, the amount Ev ist-ref2' The second reference value is further corrected by calculation within the calibration function by correcting the illuminance coefficient ΔEv' by a percentage of x%, so that the corrected illuminance coefficient ΔEv'' is obtained.
[0124] Example of the satin black peripheral component 30: ΔEv''=ΔEv'=Evist−ref1' / Evist−ref2'*(−x%of Evist−ref2') ΔEv''=ΔEv'=Evist−ref1' / Evist−ref2'*(−5%of Evist−ref2')=42 LUX / (46 LUX−0.23)=0.917
[0125] Within the calibration mode of the computer program, the illuminance coefficient ΔEv'' is stored and the calibration mode is terminated.
[0126] In normal operation of the vehicle 100, the dimming function is then constantly adjusted according to the invention, as follows: If a reduced amount of Ev is used within the dimming function ist-red If a value of a reduced illuminance of the ambient light sensor S'', which is shaded by the peripheral component 30 of the mirror element 10, is detected, this amount Ev ist-red the reduced illuminance caused by the peripheral component 30 is corrected using the illuminance coefficient ΔEv''. Example:
[0127] The reduced amount Ev ist-red , which is detected by the shaded ambient light sensor S'', is, for example, = 13.80 LUX.
[0128] The reduced amount Ev ist-redThe illuminance is corrected using the corrected illuminance coefficient ΔEv'', resulting in a corrected value Ev. ist-korr is provided, which measures the actual illuminance of the area around the ambient light sensor S, which is unshaded by the peripheral component 30 of the mirror element. u represented. Evist−red / ΔEv''=Evist−corr13.80 LUX / 0.917=15.04 LUX.
[0129] In other words, if, for example, the amount Ev is measured at the ambient light sensor S'' ist-red Since a value of 13.80 LUX is measured, the illuminance in the vicinity of the vehicle 100 or at the sensor surface of the unshaded ambient light sensor S'' is already 15.021 LUX.
[0130] This means that switching on and off at the first or second illuminance level Ev Soll1 , Ev Soll2 When 15 lux is reached, the reduced amount Ev must be / will be applied. ist-redaccording to the invention, arithmetically corrected so that a corrected amount Ev ist-korr is present, which corresponds to the unshaded ambient light sensor S u This corresponds to switching on and off at the first or second illuminance level Ev Soll1 , Ev Soll2 to be achieved at a level of 15 lux.
[0131] Each reduced amount Ev measured in the computer program of the dimming function ist-red , which is detected by the shaded ambient light sensor S u The measured value is thus also mathematically divided in the calibration function of the calibration mode by the illuminance coefficient ΔEv'' in the second method implementation variant, so that the corrected amount Ev ist-korr The illuminance in calibration mode is always greater than the current ambient light level at the shaded sensor S u measured reduced amount Ev ist-red .
[0132] In other words, by correcting the reduced illuminance Ev ist-red This ensures that the dimming function in the evening twilight phase and in the morning twilight phase takes into account the corrected amount Ev. ist-korr = 15 LUX switches on, where the corrected amount Ev ist-korr = 15 LUX corresponds to the true amount of the actual illuminance in the environment.
[0133] In the second method variant, the corrected illuminance coefficient ΔEv'' can be determined again directly in the vehicle 100 and carried out several times.
[0134] It is preferably intended that the amount Ev ist-ref1' the first reference value of the mirror element 10 (without peripheral component 30) is determined, for example, in a development process for a specific vehicle type and stored in the computer program of the vehicle 100.
[0135] Therefore, the amount Evist-ref1' The first reference value is not always recalculated; instead, only the amount Ev is used. ist-ref2' the second reference value was re-determined and the corrected illuminance coefficient ΔEv'' was calculated as explained.
[0136] The calibration function is activated in the MMS / HMI (user interface: "Human-Machine Interface" (MMS) or "Human Machine Interface" (HMI)) of vehicle 100. After activation of the calibration mode, the calculation within the calibration function is performed by determining the amount Ev. ist-ref2' of the second reference value and the calculation of the illuminance coefficient ΔEv''. For example, the magnitude Ev ist-ref1'of the first reference value of the mirror element 10 (without peripheral component 30) according to the preferred embodiment of the second method variant, together with the peripheral color coefficient, is stored in calibration mode for use in the calibration function.
[0137] In summary, the method implementation variants enable the dimming function of an electrochromatic mirror element 10 to be automatically adjusted, or adjusted after calibration, to a mirror element 10 combined with any peripheral component 30 during normal operation of the vehicle 100 by means of a determined illuminance coefficient ΔEv, ΔEv''.
[0138] In the first method implementation variant, a test chamber, i.e. the calibration station 200, is set up, which emits a defined amount of light from a defined direction from the vehicle-external light source Q. extThe light is emitted onto the mirror element 10. The associated computer program of the vehicle 100 and the calibration station 200 are put into a calibration mode, and the difference in the known amount of light emitted by the light source Q can be used to determine the correct setting. ext , which arrives at the unshaded sensor surface (without peripheral component 30) of the mirror element 10, and the measured amount of light arriving at the shaded sensor surface (with peripheral component 30) of the mirror element 10, a shadow effect of the respective peripheral component 30 in the vehicle 100 is calculated and the dimming function is adjusted accordingly.
[0139] In the second method variant, the vehicle's internal light source Q is attached to the mirror element 10 on the back side 10R. int installed. The vehicle's internal light source Q emits light. inta defined amount of light which is reflected onto the sensor surface of the ambient light sensor S by reflection of the light on the inside of the front glass 101 (without peripheral component 30) and the inside of the front glass 101 and the peripheral component 30 u hits.
[0140] This allows us to determine the magnitude of the shadow effect of the peripheral components 30, which reduces the ambient light at the sensor surface of the ambient light sensor S''. The dimming function is adjusted automatically, as explained.
[0141] The invention enables an almost identical dimming behavior of a structurally identical mirror element 10 in a wide variety of vehicles 100 with different shadow effects due to the respective - non-identical - peripheral component 30 of the mirror element 10 used. This effect, that the dimming behavior of the structurally identical mirror element 10 with different peripheral components 30 no longer differs in different vehicles 100, i.e., vehicles equipped with different peripheral components 30, has not been possible until now.
[0142] The first method variant has the advantage that only a software adjustment is required on the vehicle side; that is, the existing computer program is extended to include the calibration mode with its calibration function. However, this first method variant requires the Calibration Station 200.
[0143] In the second method implementation variant, a structural adaptation of the mirror element 10 (arrangement of the vehicle's internal light source Q) is required on the vehicle side or with regard to the mirror element. int on the back 10R of the mirror element). A calibration station 200 is not required for this, and calibration is possible in various situations, especially after the mirror element 10 has been arranged with the respective peripheral component 30 during the development of the vehicle 100 by the manufacturer and after customer delivery by the manufacturer and / or the customer themselves.
[0144] The architectures of the computer programs differ depending on the possible previously explained procedure execution variants, as follows: First, let us consider the architecture of the computer program in a first implementation variant for carrying out the method according to claim 1 (first method implementation variant).
[0145] A computer program can be stored in a central control unit or a decentralized control unit in vehicle 100, which is solely responsible for the dimming function. It is also possible that the decentralized control unit responsible for the dimming function is a control board located within the mirror element 10 itself. In this case, the computer program is stored on the control board of the mirror element 10 and belongs to the mirror element 10 only after installation in vehicle 100.
[0146] The computer program contains the originally intended uncalibrated dimming curve. According to the invention, the computer program includes the calibration mode with the stored calibration functions for the first and second method implementation variants.
[0147] The computer program includes an initial data input, which is opened to display the amounts Ev determined in the calibration station 200. ist-ref1 , Ev ist-ref2 to receive the reference values transmitted to the vehicle's computer program 100. The calibration mode is activated beforehand according to the first procedure execution variant.
[0148] Based on the reference values Ev transmitted via the first data input ist-ref1 , Ev ist-ref2 The vehicle's computer program 100 recognizes that in calibration mode the corresponding calibration function ΔEv = Ev ist-ref2 / Ev ist-ref1 The illuminance coefficient ΔEv is used to calculate the illuminance coefficient. The originally intended uncalibrated dimming curve is corrected using the illuminance coefficient ΔEv. A computer program is also used in calibration station 200 to calculate the illuminance coefficient from the vehicle's external light source Q. extto emit light step by step according to the method of claim 1.
[0149] If the vehicles 100 use unchanged peripheral components 30, the first method execution variant for vehicles 100 that are identically configured only needs to be performed once on a single vehicle 100. After this initial correction, the corrected dimming curve is stored in all vehicles 100 where the peripheral component 30 remains unchanged.
[0150] As explained, vehicles 100 in which the peripheral component 30 of the mirror element 10 is changed are again subjected to the first procedure execution variant in order to determine the illuminance coefficient ΔEv again.
[0151] Since the amount Ev ist-ref1 If the first reference value does not change for identical vehicles 100, only the amount Ev needs to be changed in the calibration station 200 after a change of the peripheral component 30.ist-ref2 of the second reference value to determine the illuminance coefficient ΔEv, which is used to correct the original dimming curve by means of the calibration function of the first method implementation variant.
[0152] This first method implementation variant is therefore only conditionally suitable in the event that a different peripheral component 30 is used during the operation of the vehicle 100, since the corresponding vehicle 100 must be moved to a calibration station 200 and recalibrated accordingly.
[0153] For calibration independent of the calibration station 200, the second method implementation variant with an extended architecture of the computer program is advantageously available in a second implementation variant, which is preferably designed in such a way that both method implementation variants can be carried out.
[0154] Regarding the architecture of the computer program in a second implementation variant combined with the first implementation variant for carrying out the method implementation variants according to claims 1 and 2.
[0155] The computer program is thus also configured for the second method implementation variant. It is therefore also stored in the vehicle 100, either in the central control unit or a decentralized control unit responsible solely for the dimming function. In this second method implementation variant as well, the decentralized control unit responsible for the dimming function may be a control board located in the mirror element 10. The computer program is then stored on the control board of the mirror element 10 and only becomes part of the vehicle 100 after the mirror element 10 has been installed.
[0156] The computer program contains the originally intended uncalibrated dimming curve. According to the invention, the computer program now includes the calibration mode with the stored calibration functions for both method implementation variants.
[0157] The computer program now controls the emission of light from the vehicle's internal light source Q. int according to the process steps of claim 2 and now additionally comprises a second data input which is opened to also receive the determined amounts Ev ist-ref1' , Ev ist-ref2' to receive the reference values transmitted to the vehicle's computer program 100. The calibration mode is, in turn, activated beforehand according to the second procedure variant.
[0158] Based on the reference values received via the second data input, the computer program of vehicle 100 recognizes that the corresponding calibration function ΔEv'' = ΔEv' = Ev is active in calibration mode. ist-ref1' / Ev ist-ref2' *(-x % of EV) ist-ref2' ) is used to calculate the illuminance coefficient ΔEv''. The second data input is opened when, according to claim 2, light from the vehicle's internal light source Q is stepwise transmitted via the computer program. int is sent out.
[0159] The originally intended uncalibrated dimming curve is corrected using the illuminance coefficient ΔEv''.
[0160] In the second method variant, calibration only needs to be performed once if the peripheral component 30 does not change. After this initial correction, the corrected dimming curve is stored in all vehicles 100 where the peripheral component 30 remains unchanged.
[0161] As explained, vehicles 100 in which the peripheral component 30 of the mirror element 10 changes are again preferably subjected to the second method execution variant in order to determine the resulting change in illuminance coefficient ΔEv''.
[0162] Since the amount Ev ist-ref1' If the first reference value of 100 does not change in otherwise identical vehicles, only the amount Ev needs to be changed after a change of the peripheral component 30. ist-ref2' of the second reference value to determine the illuminance coefficient ΔEv'', which is used to correct the original dimming curve by means of the calibration function of the second method implementation variant.
[0163] After replacing the peripheral component 30, the amount Ev will thus be ist-ref2'of the second reference value, which results in a different illuminance coefficient ΔEv'', by means of which the original dimming curve is corrected.
[0164] It has already been explained that the calibration mode is activated via a user interface of the vehicle 100. After activation, the illuminance coefficient ΔEv'' is calculated within the calibration function after determining the magnitude Ev. ist-ref2' of the second reference value. The amount Ev ist-ref1'The first reference value of the mirror element 10 (without peripheral component 30) is stored in the calibration mode in the second method variant. The changed peripheral color coefficient, i.e., the percentage correction of the illuminance coefficient ΔEv', is queried within the calibration mode and ultimately taken into account in the calibration function. Advantageously, the user can thus change a peripheral component 30 and conveniently perform a repeatable calibration of the dimming function with each change to the peripheral component 30 using the vehicle's internal computer program and the user interface in the second method variant.
[0165] Regarding the architecture of independent computer programs in the first and second implementation variants for carrying out the method implementation variant according to claim 1 or 2.
[0166] The architectures of the computer programs of the vehicle 100 can also be designed in such a way that two computer programs are conceived independently of each other and only one of the computer programs is stored in the vehicle 100, so that either only the first or only the second method execution variant can be carried out with one of the computer program architectures each.
[0167] In the previous description, the computer program of the first execution variant for carrying out the first process execution variant is extended in such a way that the second process execution variant can be carried out in combination with the first process execution variant in the sense of a common computer program.
[0168] On the architecture of the computer program in a third execution variant.
[0169] Furthermore, for the implementation of the second method variant, it is possible that, in the case that the computer program is stored on the control board of the mirror element 10 - without an associated peripheral component 30 - and can be used autonomously, i.e., independently of a computer program of the vehicle 100, and thus belongs to the mirror element, this function can be used in various vehicles 100 from different manufacturers.
[0170] The peripheral color coefficient belonging to a peripheral component 30 combined with the mirror element 10 can be entered via an operating arrangement (buttons and / or touch operation). The mirror element 10 is positioned on the corresponding peripheral component 30 of the vehicle 100, and the calibration mode of the dimming function is started. It is intended that an approximate amount Ev, applicable to various vehicles 100 from different manufacturers, will be entered.ist-ref1' of the first reference value of illuminance, which is obtained when light is emitted from the vehicle's internal light source Q int after the reflection of the light on the unshaded front window 101 onto the sensor surface of the ambient light sensor S u is available, has already been deposited.
[0171] Within the calibration mode of the computer program belonging to mirror element 10, the amount Ev is then ist-ref2' of the second reference value, which is determined when the light is emitted from the vehicle's internal light source Q int after the reflection of the light on the inner surface of the windscreen 101 and the inner surface of the peripheral component 30 on the sensor surface of the ambient light sensor S u The subsequent procedural steps then take place unchanged in accordance with claim 2.
[0172] In summary, the invention, in both method implementation variants and using the described computer program architectures, enables virtually identical dimming behavior of structurally identical mirror elements 10 in a wide variety of vehicles 100 with varying shadow effects due to the use of different peripheral components 30. The illuminance coefficients ΔEv and ΔEv'' may differ slightly depending on the respective method implementation variants. In other words, the correction is advantageously ensured in both method implementation variants, although the degree of correction may differ slightly. Reference symbol list 100 vehicles 101 Windscreen 10 Rearview mirror element 10V Front 10R Back 20 connecting element 30 Peripheral component S i Interior rear light sensor S u Ambient light sensor P1 Arrow Q int vehicle internal light source Q ext vehicle-external light source 200 calibration stations P Light incidence First and second process execution variants: ev Soll1 first value of an illuminance level ev Soll2 second value of an illuminance level ev ist-red Amount of a value of illuminance reduced by a peripheral component ev ist-korr corrected amount of a value of illuminance reduced by a peripheral component First method implementation variant: ev ist-ref1 Determined amount of a first reference value of an illuminance not reduced by a peripheral component (rearview mirror element without peripheral component) ev ist-ref2Determined amount of a second reference value of an illuminance reduced by a peripheral component (rearview mirror element with peripheral component) ΔEv = Ev ist-ref2 / Ev ist-ref1 Illuminance coefficient ev korr corrected amount of a value of the reduced illuminance Ev ist-red Second method implementation variant: ev ist-ref1' Determined amount of a first reference value of an illuminance not reduced by a peripheral component (rearview mirror element without peripheral component) ev ist-ref2' Determined amount of a reduced second reference value of an illuminance reduced by a peripheral component (rearview mirror element with peripheral component) ΔEv' = Ev ist-ref2' / Ev ist-ref1' Illuminance coefficient ΔEv'' corrected illuminance coefficient as a function of a peripheral color coefficient
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