Digital rear mirror device having Anti-glare function and control method thereof
The digital rear mirror device employs a liquid crystal mirror system with PWM control to address the limitations of conventional EC systems, providing enhanced glare prevention and visibility through immediate and precise adjustments to light transmittance and reflectance.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- JP2024168062
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2024-09-26
- Filing Date
- 2024-09-27
- Publication Date
- 2025-04-30
Smart Images

Figure 2025069064000001_ABST
Abstract
Description
[Technical field]
[0001] The present invention relates to a digital rear mirror device having an anti-glare function and a control method thereof, and more particularly to a digital rear mirror (DRM) device for a vehicle capable of adjusting the clarity and visibility of a screen by adjusting the transmittance and reflectance by applying a liquid crystal (LC) mirror and a control method thereof. [Background technology]
[0002] Recently, technological developments to improve the safety and convenience of vehicles have been actively carried out, and among them, research on Digital Rear Mirror (DRM) devices to ensure rear visibility and prevent glare for drivers has been attracting attention. Conventional vehicle rear mirrors use physical mirrors to show the rear, but this has limitations in that it cannot fully solve the glare phenomenon caused by changes in surrounding lighting, especially headlights of vehicles when driving at night.
[0003] Meanwhile, conventional digital rearview mirrors using the EC (Electronic Chromic) method include two polarizing mirrors, one with a low reflectivity outer surface mirror and one with a high reflectivity inner mirror, and the inner mirror with a high reflectivity is normally activated to operate like a normal rearview mirror. The sensor in the center of the mirror detects the brightness of light, and when the ECM function is activated according to the detected brightness of light, the mirror changes its angle inside the mirror to refract the light. When a liquid phase or thin film containing electrons is inserted between the two pieces of glass and an electric current flows, the color changes according to the movement of the electrons, but when the ECM function is activated, there are frequent cases where the vehicle's condition cannot be seen properly, and there is a problem that continuous ON / OFF changes are not possible.
[0004] In addition, conventional EC systems operate on the principle that the color of the mirror changes according to an electrical signal, and have a slow response speed, which makes it difficult to respond to rapidly changing light conditions, resulting in a lack of instantaneous glare prevention performance. Furthermore, over long-term use, the performance of the EC material deteriorates, which can result in inconsistent changes in the mirror's transmittance or even a slower response speed.
[0005] In addition, conventional EC methods have a limited range of hue changes, so they may not be able to provide optimal anti-glare performance under various lighting conditions, and there are limitations to finely adjusting the mirror transmittance in dark environments in particular.
[0006] In order to improve the above problems and overcome the limitations, the LC (Liquid Crystal) method has begun to be applied to digital rear-view mirrors, but technological development for the optimal device structure and efficient control method is still insufficient. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]
[0007] One of the various objectives of the present invention is to provide a digital rear-mirror device and a control method thereof, which have improved anti-glare performance by applying an LC (Liquid Crystal) method to induce instantaneous change in light transmittance via an electrical signal.
[0008] One of the various objectives of the present invention is to provide a digital rear-mirror device and a control method thereof that can precisely adjust the transmittance according to various light conditions by adjusting the PWM voltage, thereby ensuring visibility during the day and at night. [Means for solving the problem]
[0009] A digital rear-view mirror device with an anti-glare function according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention may be a digital rear-view mirror device capable of implementing a mirror mode that allows a user to check the state behind a vehicle through reflected light and an LCD mode for displaying images and videos. The digital rear-view mirror device may include a cover lens for transmitting light from the front, a backlight unit for providing light from the rear, a polarizing unit for aligning the direction of light, a liquid crystal mirror unit for adjusting and reflecting the transmission of light, a TFT array (Thin Film Transistor Array) for providing electrical signals required for realizing a display image and video, a drive conversion unit for converting between the mirror mode and the LCD mode, and a control unit for comparing light intensity measured from a plurality of illuminance sensors installed in the vehicle to adjust the light transmittance and light reflectance of the liquid crystal mirror unit.
[0010] The mirror mode may include a first mirror mode in which an anti-glare function is not realized, and a second mirror mode in which the anti-glare function is realized, and the anti-glare function may be driven by lowering the light reflectance of the liquid crystal mirror unit below a preset value via the control unit.
[0011] The illuminance sensor may include a front illuminance sensor for sensing and measuring an intensity of light entering from the front of the vehicle, and a rear illuminance sensor for sensing and measuring an intensity of light entering from the rear of the vehicle, and the control unit may compare the light intensity measured by the front illuminance sensor with the light intensity measured by the rear illuminance sensor and control the first mirror mode and the second mirror mode to be selectively driven.
[0012] The control unit may control the first mirror mode to be activated when the intensity of light measured by the rear illuminance sensor is weaker than or equal to the intensity of light measured by the front illuminance sensor, and the control unit may control the second mirror mode to be activated when the intensity of light measured by the rear illuminance sensor is stronger than the intensity of light measured by the front illuminance sensor.
[0013] When in the first mirror mode, the light reflectance of the liquid crystal mirror part can be adjusted to 40% or more, and when in the second mirror mode, the light reflectance of the liquid crystal mirror part can be adjusted to less than 40%.
[0014] The light reflectance of the liquid crystal mirror part in the second mirror mode can be adjusted within a range of 10% or more and less than 40%.
[0015] The digital rear mirror device may further include a liquid crystal mirror adjustment unit for adjusting the light transmittance and light reflectance of the liquid crystal mirror unit, and the liquid crystal mirror adjustment unit may be configured to gradually adjust the light transmittance and light reflectance of the liquid crystal mirror unit over a plurality of steps by a PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) control method.
[0016] The drive conversion unit may be controlled to automatically convert the drive mode from the mirror mode to the LCD mode via the control unit when a reverse gear signal of the vehicle is received, and when the LCD mode is automatically converted by receiving a reverse gear signal of the vehicle, the TFT array may be controlled via the control unit to form and transmit an image received from a rear camera installed at the rear of the vehicle at a lower end of a display screen of the digital rear mirror device.
[0017] A control method for a digital rear-mirror device having an anti-glare function according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention relates to a method for controlling a digital rear-mirror device including a liquid crystal mirror unit to which an LC (Liquid Crystal) method is applied, and the control method may include a step of sensing light intensity from a front illuminance sensor and a rear illuminance sensor installed in a vehicle, a step of comparing the light intensity measured by the front illuminance sensor with the light intensity measured by the rear illuminance sensor, a step of activating an anti-glare mode based on a result of the light intensity comparison, and a step of adjusting the reflectance of the liquid crystal mirror unit.
[0018] In the light intensity comparison step, the anti-glare mode may be controlled to be activated only when it is determined that the light intensity measured by the rear illuminance sensor is stronger than the light intensity measured by the front illuminance sensor, and the anti-glare mode may be realized by lowering the reflectance of the liquid crystal mirror portion to less than a preset value.
[0019] A control method for a digital rear-mirror device having an anti-glare function according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention relates to a control method for a digital rear-mirror device including a liquid crystal mirror unit using an LC (Liquid Crystal) method and capable of implementing a mirror mode that allows a user to check the state behind a vehicle through reflected light and an LCD mode for displaying images and videos, and the control method may include the steps of receiving an LCD mode signal, outputting a streaming video, detecting light intensity from a forward illuminance sensor installed in the vehicle, comparing the light intensity measured by the forward illuminance sensor with a preset value, and adjusting the brightness of the display of the streaming video according to a result of the light intensity comparison.
[0020] In the light intensity comparison step, if the light intensity measured by the forward illuminance sensor is 500 lux or less, the brightness of the display can be controlled to be lowered, and if the light intensity measured by the forward illuminance sensor is 1,000 lux or more, the brightness of the display can be controlled to be increased.
[0021] A digital rear-mirror device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is a digital rear-mirror device including a liquid crystal mirror unit to which a liquid crystal (LC) type is applied, a processor, and a memory unit, and the digital rear-mirror device further includes computer-executable instructions stored in the memory unit, which, when executed by the processor of the device, can cause the digital rear-mirror device to perform an operation of sensing light intensity from a front illuminance sensor and a rear illuminance sensor installed in a vehicle, an operation of comparing the light intensity measured by the front illuminance sensor with the light intensity measured by the rear illuminance sensor, an operation of activating an anti-glare mode according to a result of the light intensity comparison, and an operation of adjusting the reflectance of the liquid crystal mirror unit. In the light intensity comparison step, the anti-glare mode can be controlled to be activated only when it is determined that the light intensity measured by the rear illuminance sensor is stronger than the light intensity measured by the front illuminance sensor, and the anti-glare mode can be realized by lowering the reflectance of the liquid crystal mirror unit to less than a preset value.
[0022] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a digital rear-view mirror device includes a liquid crystal mirror unit to which an LC (Liquid Crystal) type is applied, a processor, and a memory unit, and is capable of implementing a mirror mode that allows a user to check the state behind a vehicle through reflected light and an LCD mode for displaying images and videos. The digital rear-view mirror device further includes computer-executable instructions stored in the memory unit, which, when executed by the processor of the device, can cause the digital rear-view mirror device to perform an operation of receiving an LCD mode signal, an operation of outputting streaming video, an operation of detecting light intensity from a front illuminance sensor installed in a vehicle, an operation of comparing the light intensity measured by the front illuminance sensor with a preset value, and an operation of adjusting the brightness of the display of the streaming video according to a result of the light intensity comparison. In the light intensity comparison step, if the light intensity measured by the front illuminance sensor is 500 lux or less, the brightness of the display can be controlled to be lowered, and if the light intensity measured by the front illuminance sensor is 1,000 lux or more, the brightness of the display can be controlled to be increased.
[0023] The control method for a digital rear-mirror device having an anti-glare function may be provided in a computer-readable recording medium having a computer program for carrying out the control method recorded thereon.
[0024] The control method for a digital rear-mirror device having an anti-glare function stored in a computer-readable recording medium may be provided in a computer program including program codes for carrying out the control method. Effect of the Invention
[0025] A digital rear-view mirror device with anti-glare function according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes a liquid crystal mirror unit using an LC (Liquid Crystal) method, and can have a significantly improved response speed compared to conventional digital rear-view mirrors using an EC (Electronic Chromic) method. This allows instantaneous brightness adjustment based on a rapid response speed to changes in external lighting, and can minimize eye fatigue by quickly preventing glare for the driver.
[0026] Meanwhile, the digital rear-mirror device according to the present invention can be provided to realize an anti-glare function by adjusting the light transmittance and light reflectance of the liquid crystal mirror unit by comparing the light intensities measured from the front illuminance sensor and the rear illuminance sensor, and the anti-glare function can adjust the light transmittance and light reflectance of the liquid crystal mirror unit in a stepwise manner over a plurality of steps by a PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) control method, thereby providing the driver with improved driving convenience and maximizing visibility in various traffic conditions.
[0027] In addition, the digital rear-mirror device according to the present invention can control the liquid crystal arrangement on a pixel-by-pixel basis by precisely driving the TFT array, and can precisely display a rear image according to the ambient illuminance and driving conditions. As a result, the driver can always have a clear and sharp rear view, and visibility can be maximized in various environments such as daytime and nighttime.
[0028] In addition, the digital rear-view mirror device according to the present invention can easily switch between a general mirror mode and an LCD mode in which an image or video is streamed, either manually or automatically. In the LCD mode, the brightness of the display can be automatically adjusted according to the ambient illuminance, such as daytime and nighttime, or in a bright or dark environment, so that an optimal field of vision can always be maintained without the driver having to adjust the brightness directly. [Brief description of the drawings]
[0029] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram for explaining a digital rear-mirror device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining internal components of a digital rear-mirror device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining internal components of a digital rear-mirror device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram for explaining a control system for a digital rear-mirror device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 5] 4 is a flowchart for explaining a control method for a digital rear mirror device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] 4 is a flowchart for explaining a control method for a digital rear mirror device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] 1 is a block diagram illustrating a vehicle equipped with a digital rear-mirror device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating a control device for the vehicle of FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0030] Specific embodiments of the present invention will be described below. The following detailed description is provided to facilitate a comprehensive understanding of the methods, devices and / or systems described herein. However, this is for illustrative purposes only, and the present invention is not limited thereto.
[0031] In describing the embodiments of the present invention, if it is determined that a specific description of a known technology related to the present invention may make the gist of the present invention unclear, the detailed description will be omitted. In addition, the terms described below are defined in consideration of the functions in the present invention, and may vary depending on the intention or practice of a user or operator. Therefore, the definition should be based on the overall content of this specification. The terms used in the detailed description are merely for describing the embodiments of the present invention and should not be limiting in any way. Unless otherwise clearly used, expressions in the singular form include the plural form. In this description, expressions such as "include" or "comprise" are intended to indicate certain characteristics, numbers, steps, operations, elements, parts or combinations thereof, and should not be interpreted to exclude the presence or possibility of one or more other characteristics, numbers, steps, operations, elements, parts or combinations thereof other than those described.
[0032] In addition, in describing components of the embodiments of the present invention, terms such as first, second, A, B, (a), (b), etc. are used to distinguish the components from other components, and the terms do not limit the essence, procedure, order, etc. of the components.
[0033] FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining a digital rear-mirror device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
[0034] Referring to FIG. 1, a digital rear-mirror device 1 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention may be composed of a display unit 10 and a rear-mirror frame 20.
[0035] The digital rear-mirror device 1 is a mirror that is mounted inside a vehicle to ensure the driver's rearward visibility.
[0036] The display unit 10 may be provided in a mirror mode to reflect light and directly check the rear, and in an LCD mode, may digitally output a rear image of the vehicle to provide a driver with a view according to the situation. The display unit 10 may be configured to obtain image information on a front image and / or a rear image from a front camera and / or a rear camera, and output the image information as visual information through the display unit 10. The display unit 10 may include at least one of a liquid crystal display (LCD), a thin film transistor-liquid crystal display (TFTLCD), an organic light-emitting diode (OLED), a flexible display, a 3D display, and an e-ink display.
[0037] The display unit 10 is applied with LC (Liquid Crystal) technology and can be provided to enable quick switching between mirror mode and LCD mode, and the switching between the mirror mode and LCD mode can be performed automatically or can be designed so that the driver can easily switch manually as necessary.
[0038] The mirror mode may be a mode in which the display unit 10 operates in a transparent state and reflects light so that the driver can see the rear view like a traditional rearview mirror.
[0039] Specifically, in the mirror mode, the display unit 10 may incorporate a film or panel made of glass or a reflective coated surface inside, and using this configuration, it can be provided to easily check the rear view by simply reflecting light entering from the rear like a physical mirror.
[0040] The LCD mode may be a digital display mode that displays images captured by the front camera and / or the rear camera in real time.
[0041] Specifically, in the LCD mode, the display unit 10 can be controlled to be converted to an opaque state, deactivate the physical mirror function, and digitally output a front image and / or a rear image via an internally built-in LCD module.
[0042] In an exemplary embodiment, in the LCD mode, the front image captured by the front camera can be controlled to be output to the top end of the screen of the display unit 10, and the rear image captured by the rear camera can be controlled to be output to the bottom end of the screen of the display unit 10.
[0043] The rear mirror frame 20 can protect the display unit 10 from external shocks and vibrations and can firmly fix the device. The rear mirror frame 20 can be provided with a configuration for supplying electrical signals and power to the display unit 10, and can further be provided with an operation button or a touch panel so that the driver can easily switch between the mirror mode and the LCD mode.
[0044] 2 and 3 are diagrams for explaining internal components of a digital rear-mirror device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
[0045] The digital rear-mirror device 1 described below may be a digital rear-mirror device 1 capable of realizing a mirror mode that allows the state behind the vehicle to be checked through reflected light and an LCD mode for displaying images and videos, and the internal components described with reference to Figures 2 and 3 may be components constituting a display unit 10 of the digital rear-mirror device 1 in more detail.
[0046] Referring to FIG. 2, the digital rear-mirror device 1 according to the present invention may include a backlight unit 100 for providing light from behind, polarizers 300, 500 for aligning the direction of light, a liquid crystal mirror unit 400 for adjusting and reflecting light transmission, a TFT array (Thin Film Transistor Array) 200 for providing electrical signals required to realize a display image and video, and a cover lens 600 for transmitting light from the front.
[0047] The backlight unit 100 may provide light (light source) from the rear side, i.e., the backside of the display unit 10, and may be, for example, an LED backlight unit. The backlight unit 100 supplies light, provides uniform illumination so that the TFT-LCD screen looks clear, and may be controlled to maintain constant brightness and contrast.
[0048] The TFT array 200 provides electrical signals necessary to control liquid crystals and adjusts the transmittance of the liquid crystals. The TFT array 200 may be composed of a plurality of transistors in the form of a thin film arranged for each pixel, and may precisely control the electrical signals provided to each pixel in the display unit 10. Each transistor may adjust the transmittance of light by applying a voltage to an individual pixel to align the liquid crystal molecules in a specific direction, thereby making the pixel brighter or darker to form a display image.
[0049] Specifically, when an image received from a rear camera is displayed on the rear mirror in the LCD mode, the TFT array 200 can control the liquid crystal to be aligned in an appropriate direction for each pixel by supplying a precise voltage to the liquid crystal cells. When the liquid crystal is aligned in a specific direction in response to an electrical signal provided through the TFT array 200, light is polarized according to the alignment, and an image appears on the screen. Through this process, the TFT array 200 can accurately adjust brightness and color to provide a clear rear image.
[0050] The liquid crystal mirror unit 400 may adjust the transmission of polarized light and may be provided so that the direction of light transmission changes depending on voltage. The liquid crystal mirror unit 400 may incorporate a polymer dispersed liquid crystal layer therein, and the polymer dispersed liquid crystal layer may be provided so that the orientation direction of the liquid crystal rotates according to an electronic signal to transmit or block polarized light, thereby controlling the brightness of the screen, the transmittance of light, the reflectance of light, etc.
[0051] In an exemplary embodiment, the liquid crystal mirror unit 400 may be comprised of a first ITO glass 410, a second ITO glass 420, and a liquid crystal cell 430 interposed therebetween.
[0052] The first and second ITO glasses 410 and 420 are each a transparent conductor made of indium tin oxide and can transmit electrical signals from the liquid crystal display while maintaining transmittance. They can be used as transparent electrodes that transmit voltage to the liquid crystal cell 430 while allowing light to pass through.
[0053] In the mirror mode, the first and second ITO glasses 410 and 420 may be provided to transmit light from the outside without interfering with it, allowing the driver to see the rearview mirror, and in the LCD mode, they may be provided to transmit electrical signals provided from the TFT array 200 to the liquid crystal cell 430 and control the realization of the display.
[0054] The polarizing units 300 and 500 may be composed of a rear polarizing unit 300 located behind the liquid crystal mirror unit 400 and a front polarizing unit 500 located in front of the liquid crystal mirror unit 400 .
[0055] The rear polarizer 300 may polarize the light emitted from the backlight unit 100 in a specific direction and provide it to the liquid crystal mirror 400. The polarized light may be transmitted or blocked through the liquid crystal mirror 400 according to an electrical signal, and may be provided to adjust the brightness and color of each pixel.
[0056] The front polarizer 500 may play a role in controlling the light that is directly displayed to the user, that is, polarizing the light to improve the clarity and image quality of the display and reducing external reflections.
[0057] Referring to FIG. 3, the TFT array 200 may have a structure in which a thin film transistor 210, a color filter 220 and an LCD polarizer 230 are stacked in sequence, and the liquid crystal mirror unit 400 may have a structure in which a first polarizer 411, a first ITO glass 412, a liquid crystal cell 430, a second polarizer 421 and a second ITO glass 422 are stacked in sequence.
[0058] The thin film transistor 210 is a transistor made of a very thin semiconductor material, and may be connected to each pixel of the LCD panel, and may serve to apply a voltage so that the liquid crystal molecules of the pixel are aligned in a specific direction to adjust the transmission of light. In one embodiment, the thin film transistor 210 may be composed of a source, a drain, and a gate electrode.
[0059] The color filter 220 is a component for implementing colors in an LCD display, and serves to separate light transmitted to the pixel into three colors, R (red), G (green), and B (blue).
[0060] The LCD polarizer 230 can control the light entering the liquid crystal cell 430 by transmitting only polarized light from the backlight unit 100 .
[0061] The first polarizing unit 411 is an input polarizing plate located behind the liquid crystal cell 430 and serves to polarize incident light. The first polarizing unit 411 serves to pass only light that vibrates in a specific direction before the backlight unit 100 or external light enters the liquid crystal cell 430, so that only polarized light can be transmitted to the liquid crystal cell.
[0062] The first ITO glass 412 and the second ITO glass 422 are transparent electrodes through which electricity passes, and can transmit a voltage to the liquid crystal cell 430 and control the alignment of the liquid crystal molecules.
[0063] The liquid crystal cell 430 is a layer including liquid crystal molecules, and can adjust the transmission of light in response to an electric signal. The liquid crystal cell 430 can be configured such that when an electric field is applied, the arrangement of the liquid crystal molecules changes to control the direction of polarized light, and in this process, the transmittance of light changes, and the brightness and color of the pixel can be determined. In addition, when a voltage is applied to the liquid crystal cell 430, the liquid crystal molecules are aligned to pass or block light, and thus the brightness and darkness of the display can be adjusted. That is, the liquid crystal cell 430 can be configured to adjust the transmittance and reflectance of light in response to an electric signal.
[0064] The second polarizing unit 421 is an output polarizing plate located in front of the liquid crystal cell 430, and can serve to re-polarize the light that has passed through the liquid crystal cell 430 and ultimately control the light that is output to the display unit 10.
[0065] FIG. 4 is a configuration diagram for explaining a control system for a digital rear-mirror device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
[0066] 4, the control system of the digital rear-mirror device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention may include a power supply unit 11 for receiving and supplying power from a vehicle, a power system 12 for distributing the received power, and a control unit 13 for controlling the digital rear-mirror device. Here, the power supply unit 11 and the power system 12 may also serve to receive and supply various signals from the vehicle.
[0067] The control unit 13 can control the display unit 10 to realize either a mirror mode, which allows the user to check the state behind the vehicle through reflected light, or an LCD mode, which displays images and videos.
[0068] Here, the mirror mode may include a first mirror mode in which the anti-glare function is not realized, and a second mirror mode in which the anti-glare function is realized, and the anti-glare function may be driven by lowering the light reflectance of the liquid crystal mirror unit 400 below a preset value via the control unit 13.
[0069] In an exemplary embodiment, the control unit 13 can compare the light intensity measured by the forward illuminance sensor 31 with the light intensity measured by the rear illuminance sensor 32 and control the first mirror mode and the second mirror mode to be selectively driven.
[0070] Specifically, the control unit 13 can control the first mirror mode to be activated when the light intensity measured by the rear illuminance sensor 32 is weaker than or equal to the light intensity measured by the front illuminance sensor 31, and conversely, can control the second mirror mode to be activated when the light intensity measured by the rear illuminance sensor 32 is stronger than the light intensity measured by the front illuminance sensor 31.
[0071] The light reflectance of the liquid crystal mirror unit 400 in the first mirror mode can be adjusted to 40% or more, and the light reflectance of the liquid crystal mirror unit 400 in the second mirror mode can be adjusted to less than 40%, for example, within a range of 10% or more and less than 40%.
[0072] The first mirror mode may be a state in which the display unit 10 functions as a general mirror when power is supplied to the liquid crystal mirror unit 400 or when no voltage is applied to the liquid crystal mirror unit 400, but the concept of the present invention is not necessarily limited thereto. That is, the first mirror mode may be a state in which a small or low voltage is applied to the liquid crystal mirror unit 400, the display unit 10 functions as a general mirror, and the light reflectance of the liquid crystal mirror unit 400 is reduced by a specific value in order to achieve the purpose of improving visibility rather than the purpose of preventing glare. As a result, the first mirror mode may be a step that refers to a state in which the light reflectance of the liquid crystal mirror unit 400 is 40% or more, regardless of whether a voltage is applied to the liquid crystal mirror unit 400.
[0073] In one embodiment, the TFT array 200 may be controlled not to be driven when the first mirror mode or the second mirror mode is driven, because when the TFT array 200 is driven, the LCD mode in which an image or video is output through the liquid crystal mirror unit 400 is driven, and the TFT array 200 cannot function as a traditional mirror.
[0074] The illuminance sensor installed in the vehicle may include a front illuminance sensor 31, a rear illuminance sensor 32, and an internal illuminance sensor 33. The front illuminance sensor 31 may be installed on the front side of the vehicle and configured to measure the intensity of external light entering from the direction in which the vehicle is traveling, and the rear illuminance sensor 32 may be installed on the rear side of the vehicle and configured to measure the intensity of external light such as light entering from the rear side of the vehicle, for example, the headlights of a vehicle following behind. That is, the illuminance sensor may include a front illuminance sensor 31 for sensing and measuring the intensity of light entering from the front of the vehicle, and a rear illuminance sensor 32 for sensing and measuring the intensity of light entering from the rear of the vehicle. The internal illuminance sensor 33 may be installed inside the vehicle and configured to measure the intensity of light inside the vehicle, for example, on a part of the rear mirror frame 20.
[0075] The control unit 13 can compare light intensities measured from a plurality of illuminance sensors 31, 32, and 33 installed in the vehicle and adjust the light transmittance and light reflectance of the liquid crystal mirror unit 400 to control automatic switching between the mirror mode and the LCD mode, but the concept of the present invention is not necessarily limited thereto. That is, the mirror mode and the LCD mode can be provided so that a user can manually switch between them via a separately provided manual operation lever 14. The control unit 13 can itself perform a function of automatically and / or manually switching between the mirror mode and the LCD mode, and can include a separately provided driving switching unit (not shown) for performing such a function.
[0076] In an exemplary embodiment, the drive conversion unit may be controlled to automatically convert the drive mode from the mirror mode to the LCD mode via the control unit 13 when a reverse gear signal of the vehicle is received.
[0077] The control system of the digital rear mirror device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention may further include an LC mirror driver 16, an LED driver 17, and an LCD driver 18, where the LC mirror driver 16 may be configured to drive and control the LC mirror 21, and the LED driver 17 and the LCD driver 18 may be configured to drive and control the LCD module 22. Here, the LC mirror 21 may be configured to correspond to the liquid crystal mirror unit 400 described above with reference to Figures 2 and 3, and the LCD module 22 may be configured to correspond to the TFT array 200 described above with reference to Figures 2 and 3.
[0078] In an exemplary embodiment, the LC mirror driver 16 may function as a liquid crystal mirror adjuster for adjusting the light transmittance and light reflectance of the liquid crystal mirror unit 400, and the liquid crystal mirror adjuster 16 may be configured to adjust the light transmittance and light reflectance of the liquid crystal mirror unit in a stepwise manner over a plurality of steps by a PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) control method.
[0079] Here, the PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) control method is a method of forming a desired output by adjusting the pulse width, i.e., the ratio of ON and OFF, and can be applied to a mechanism in which an electric signal rapidly repeats an ON state and an OFF state to adjust the ON time (pulse width) of the electric signal and transmit a desired amount of power to a liquid crystal cell. The PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) control method can be used to electrically adjust the transmittance and reflectance of a liquid crystal cell by using both a duty cycle, which is the ratio of the time that the electric signal is in an ON state, and a PWM signal frequency, which indicates how often the ON state and the OFF state are repeated.
[0080] In one embodiment, the liquid crystal mirror adjustment unit 16 may be provided to adjust the light transmittance and light reflectance of the liquid crystal mirror unit 400 stepwise over three or more steps by a PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) control method.
[0081] For example, the light reflectance of the liquid crystal mirror unit 400 may be adjusted stepwise through a first adjustment step in which the light reflectance of the liquid crystal mirror unit 400 is maintained at 40% or more, a second adjustment step in which the light reflectance of the liquid crystal mirror unit 400 is adjusted and maintained within a range of 15% or more and less than 40%, and a third adjustment step in which the light reflectance of the liquid crystal mirror unit 400 is maintained at less than 15%. The first adjustment step may be a step performed in the above-mentioned first mirror mode, and the second and third adjustment steps may be steps performed in the above-mentioned second mirror mode.
[0082] That is, the digital rear-mirror device 1 according to the present invention can flexibly adjust the light reflectance of the liquid crystal mirror unit 400 within a specific range by applying a PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) control method.
[0083] The control system of the digital rear-mirror device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention may further include an image processing unit 15, which receives an image signal from a rear photographing unit 40 installed at the rear side of the vehicle, and then corrects distortion of the received image and adjusts brightness and contrast.
[0084] In one embodiment, when the LCD mode is automatically switched by receiving a reverse gear signal of the vehicle, the TFT array 200 may be controlled via the control unit 13 so that an image received from a rear photographing unit 40 installed at the rear of the vehicle is formed on the lower end of the screen of the display unit 10 of the digital rearview mirror device 1 and transmitted.
[0085] 5 and 6 are flowcharts for explaining a control method for a digital rear-mirror device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
[0086] Referring to FIG. 5, a control method of a digital rear-mirror device having an anti-glare function according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention relates to a method of controlling a digital rear-mirror device 1 including a liquid crystal mirror unit 400 to which an LC (Liquid Crystal) method is applied, and the control method may include a step (S10) of sensing light intensity from a front illuminance sensor 31 and a rear illuminance sensor 32 installed in a vehicle, a step (S20) of comparing the light intensity measured by the front illuminance sensor 31 with the light intensity measured by the rear illuminance sensor 32, a step (S30) of activating an anti-glare mode based on the result of the light intensity comparison, and a step (S40) of adjusting the reflectance of the liquid crystal mirror unit 400.
[0087] Here, in the light intensity comparison step (S20), only when it is determined that the light intensity measured by the rear illuminance sensor 32 is stronger than the light intensity measured by the front illuminance sensor 31, the anti-glare mode can be controlled to be activated (S31), and the anti-glare mode can be realized by lowering the reflectance of the liquid crystal mirror unit 400 to less than a preset value, for example, less than 40% (S41).
[0088] Alternatively, if it is determined in the light intensity comparison step (S20) that the light intensity measured by the front illuminance sensor 31 is stronger or is at the same or similar level as the light intensity measured by the rear illuminance sensor 32, the glare prevention mode may be controlled not to be activated (S32), in which case a step of further comparing the light intensity measured by the front illuminance sensor 31 with the light intensity measured by the rear illuminance sensor 32 (S35) may be further performed.
[0089] If it is determined in the light intensity additional comparison step (S35) that the light intensity measured by the front illuminance sensor 31 is stronger than the light intensity measured by the rear illuminance sensor 32, this can be achieved by increasing the reflectance of the liquid crystal mirror unit 400 to a preset value or more, for example, 15% or more (S42), and if it is determined that the light intensity measured by the front illuminance sensor 31 and the light intensity measured by the rear illuminance sensor 32 are at the same or similar level, the reflectance of the liquid crystal mirror unit 400 can be controlled to be maintained in the same state as before.
[0090] Referring to FIG. 6, a control method of a digital rear-view mirror device having an anti-glare function according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention relates to a control method of a digital rear-view mirror device including an LCD mirror unit 400 using an LC (Liquid Crystal) method and capable of implementing a mirror mode for checking the state behind the vehicle through reflected light and an LCD mode for displaying images and videos. The control method may include a step of receiving an LCD mode signal (S100), a step of outputting a streaming video (S200), a step of detecting light intensity from a front illuminance sensor 31 installed in the vehicle (S300), a step of comparing the light intensity measured by the front illuminance sensor 31 with a preset value (S400), and a step of adjusting brightness of the display of the streaming video according to a result of the comparison of the light intensity (S500).
[0091] Here, in the light intensity comparison step (S400), if the light intensity measured by the forward illumination sensor 31 is greater than a first set value, the control unit 13 may control the brightness of the display unit 10 to be increased (S510). The first set value may be, for example, a value between 1,000 lux and 2,000 lux.
[0092] Meanwhile, if the light intensity measured by the front illumination sensor 31 is not greater than the first set value in the light intensity comparison step (S400), a step of further comparing the light intensity measured by the front illumination sensor 31 with a second set value (S420) may be performed. The second set value may be, for example, a value between 300 lux and 500 lux.
[0093] If it is determined in the additional light intensity comparison step (S420) that the light intensity measured by the forward illuminance sensor 31 is less than the second set value, the control unit 13 may control the brightness of the display unit 10 to be reduced (S520), and if it is determined that the light intensity measured by the forward illuminance sensor 31 and the second set value are at the same or similar level, the control unit 13 may control the brightness of the display unit 10 to be maintained (S530).
[0094] As described above, the digital rear-mirror device 1 with anti-glare function according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes a liquid crystal mirror unit 400 using an LC (Liquid Crystal) method, and can have a significantly improved response speed compared to conventional digital rear-mirrors using an EC (Electronic Chromic) method. This allows instantaneous brightness adjustment based on a rapid response speed to changes in external lighting, and can quickly prevent glare for the driver, thereby minimizing eye fatigue.
[0095] Fig. 7 is a block diagram illustrating a vehicle 2000 equipped with a digital rear-view mirror device 1 according to an exemplary embodiment. Fig. 8 is a block diagram illustrating a vehicle control device 2100 that controls the digital rear-view mirror device 1 of Fig. 7.
[0096] 7 and 8, the digital rear-view mirror system 100 according to various embodiments may be mounted on a vehicle 2000, and the vehicle 2000 may include a control device 2100. Here, the vehicle 2000 may be an autonomous vehicle. In some embodiments, at least one component of the camera device 110 or at least one component of the digital rear-view mirror device 120 may be integrated into at least one component of the control device 2100.
[0097] The control device 2100 may include a controller 2120 including a memory 2122 and a processor 2124 , a sensor 2110 , a wireless communication device 2130 , a LIDAR 2140 , and a camera module 2150 .
[0098] The controller 2120 may be configured by the vehicle manufacturer at the time of manufacture or may be added thereto after manufacture to perform functions for autonomous driving, or the controller 2120 configured at the time of manufacture may be upgraded to include configuration for the performance of additional functions on an ongoing basis.
[0099] The controller 2120 can transmit control signals to other components included in the vehicle, such as a sensor 2110, an engine 2006, a user interface (UI) 2008, a wireless communication device 2130, a LIDAR 2140, and a camera module 2150. In addition, although not shown, the controller 2120 can also transmit control signals to an acceleration device, a braking system, a steering device, or a navigation device associated with the running of the vehicle.
[0100] The controller 2120 can control the engine 2006, for example, by detecting the speed limit of the road on which the vehicle 2000 is traveling and controlling the engine 2006 so that the traveling speed does not exceed the speed limit, or by controlling the engine 2006 so that the traveling speed of the vehicle 2000 is accelerated within a range not exceeding the speed limit. Furthermore, when the sensing modules 2004a, 2004b, 2004c, and 2004d detect the environment outside the vehicle and transmit it to the sensor 2110, the controller 2120 can receive it and generate a signal to control the engine 2006 or a steering device (not shown) to control the traveling of the vehicle.
[0101] The controller 2120 may control the engine 2006 or the brake system to slow down the traveling vehicle when there is another vehicle or an obstacle ahead of the vehicle, and may control the trajectory, driving route, steering angle, and other aspects of the vehicle in addition to the speed. Alternatively, the controller 2120 may generate necessary control signals in response to other external environment recognition information such as the vehicle's driving lane, driving signals, and the like, to control the traveling of the vehicle.
[0102] In addition to generating its own control signals, the controller 2120 can also control the running of the vehicle by communicating with surrounding vehicles or a central server and transferring commands to control peripheral devices based on the information received.
[0103] In addition, when the position or angle of view of the camera module 2150 is changed, it may be difficult to accurately recognize a vehicle or lane. To prevent this, the controller 2120 may generate a control signal to control the camera module 2150 to perform calibration. Therefore, by generating a calibration control signal in the camera module 2150, the controller 2120 may continuously maintain the normal mounting position, direction, angle of view, etc. of the camera module 2150 even if the mounting position of the camera module 2150 is changed due to vibration or impact generated according to the movement of the autonomous vehicle 2000. The controller 2120 may generate a control signal to perform calibration of the camera module 2150 when the initial mounting position, direction, angle of view information of the camera module 2150 stored in advance and the initial mounting position, direction, angle of view information of the camera module 2150 measured during the traveling of the autonomous vehicle 2000 change by more than a critical value.
[0104] The controller 2120 may include a memory 2122 and a processor 2124. The processor 2124 may execute software stored in the memory 2122 in accordance with control signals from the controller 2120. Specifically, the controller 2120 may store data and instructions for ensuring a rear view from a rear image of the vehicle 2000 in the memory 2122, and the instructions may be executed by the processor 2124 to implement one or more methods disclosed herein.
[0105] Here, the memory 2122 may be stored in a non-volatile recording medium executable by the processor 2124. The memory 2122 may store software and data via an appropriate internal or external device. The memory 2122 may be configured as a memory 2122 device connected to a RAM (random access memory), a ROM (read only memory), a hard disk, or a dongle.
[0106] The memory 2122 may store at least an operating system (OS), user applications, and executable instructions, and may also store application data and array data structures.
[0107] The processor 2124 is a microprocessor or any suitable electronic processor, and can be a controller, microcontroller, or a state machine.
[0108] The processor 2124 may be implemented by a combination of computing devices, which may be digital signal processors, microprocessors, or any suitable combination thereof.
[0109] Additionally, the control device 2100 can monitor interior and exterior characteristics of the vehicle 2000 using at least one sensor 2110 to sense the condition.
[0110] The sensor 2110 may be comprised of at least one or more sensing modules 2004, and the sensing modules 2004 may be implemented at specific locations on the vehicle 2000 depending on the sensing purpose. They may be located at the bottom, rear end, front end, top end, or side end of the vehicle 2000, or may be located in an internal part or tire of the vehicle, etc.
[0111] Thus, the sensing module 2004 can sense information related to driving such as the engine 2006, tires, steering angle, speed, vehicle weight, etc., as internal information of the vehicle. In addition, at least one of the sensing modules 2004 can be composed of an acceleration sensor 2110, a gyroscope, an image sensor 2110, a RADAR, an ultrasonic sensor, a LiDAR sensor, etc., and can sense motion information of the vehicle 2000.
[0112] The sensing module 2004 can receive specific data on external environmental conditions such as road condition information on the road where the vehicle 2000 is located, surrounding vehicle information, weather, etc., as external information, and can sense vehicle parameters based on the received data. The sensed information can be stored in the memory 2122 temporarily or long-term depending on the purpose.
[0113] The sensor 2110 can collect integrated information from the sensing module 2004 for collecting information generated inside and outside the vehicle 2000 .
[0114] The control device 2100 may further include a wireless communication device 2130 .
[0115] The wireless communication device 2130 is configured to realize wireless communication between the vehicles 2000. For example, it allows the vehicle 2000 to communicate with a user's mobile phone, or other wireless communication devices 2130, other vehicles, a central device (traffic control device), a server, etc. The wireless communication device 2130 can transmit and receive wireless signals according to a connection wireless protocol. The wireless communication protocol can be Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Long-Term Evolution (LTE), Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA), Global Systems for Mobile Communications (GSM), and the communication protocol is not limited thereto.
[0116] The vehicle 2000 can also realize inter-vehicle communication by the wireless communication device 2130. That is, the wireless communication device 2130 can communicate with other vehicles on the road and other vehicles by vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) communication. The vehicle 2000 can transmit and receive information such as driving warnings and traffic information by vehicle-to-vehicle communication, and can also request information from or receive requests from other vehicles. For example, the wireless communication device 2130 can perform V2V communication by a dedicated short-range communication (DSRC) device or a Celluar-V2V (C-V2V) device. In addition to inter-vehicle communication, the wireless communication device 2130 can also realize communication between the vehicle and other things (e.g., electronic devices carried by pedestrians) (V2X, Vehicle to Everything communication).
[0117] The control device 2100 may also include a LIDAR device 2140. The LIDAR device 2140 may detect objects around the vehicle 2000 during operation using data sensed by a LIDAR sensor. The LIDAR device 2140 may transmit detected information to the controller 2120, and the controller 2120 may operate the vehicle 2000 according to the detection information. For example, when the detection information indicates a vehicle ahead traveling at a low speed, the controller 2120 may command the vehicle to slow down via the engine 2006. Alternatively, the controller 2120 may command the vehicle to slow down its entry speed according to the curvature of the curve into which the vehicle is entering.
[0118] The control device 2100 may further include a camera module 2150. The control device 2100 may extract object information from an external image captured by the camera module 2150, and cause the controller 2120 to process the information relating to the object information.
[0119] The control device 2100 may further include an imaging device for recognizing the external environment. In addition to the LIDAR 2140, RADAR, GPS devices, odometry devices and other computer vision devices may be used, which may be selected or operated simultaneously as needed to enable more precise sensing.
[0120] The vehicle 2000 may further include a user interface 2008 for user input to the control device 2100 described above. The user interface 2008 may allow the user to input information through appropriate interaction. For example, the user interface 2008 may be realized by a touch screen, a keypad, an operation button, etc. The user interface 2008 may transfer the input or command to the controller 2120, and the controller 2120 may perform a control operation of the vehicle in response to the input or command.
[0121] Additionally, the user interface 2008 may be a device external to the vehicle 2000 and may communicate with the vehicle 2000 via a wireless communication device 2130. For example, the user interface 2008 may be capable of interfacing with a mobile phone, tablet, or other computing device.
[0122] Additionally, although the vehicle 2000 is described as including an engine 2006, it may include other types of propulsion systems. For example, the vehicle may be powered by electric energy, hydrogen energy, or a hybrid system that combines these. Thus, the controller 2120 may include the propulsion mechanisms of the vehicle 2000's propulsion system and provide control signals to the configuration of each propulsion mechanism.
[0123] Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 8, a detailed configuration of the control device 2100 that controls the digital rear mirror device 1 to realize a mirror mode that allows the driver to check the state behind the vehicle through reflected light and an LCD mode for displaying images and videos will be described in more detail.
[0124] The controller 2100 includes a processor 2124. The processor 2124 may be a general purpose single or multi-chip microprocessor, a special purpose microprocessor, a microcontroller, a programmable gate array, etc. The processor may also be referred to as a central processing unit (CPU). The processor 2124 may also be used in combination with multiple processors.
[0125] The controller 2100 also includes a memory 2122. The memory 2122 may be any electronic component capable of storing electronic information. The memory 2122 may also include a single memory or a combination of memories 2122.
[0126] According to various embodiments, data and instructions 2122a for ensuring a driving field of vision for a driver of the vehicle 2000 may be stored in the memory 2122. When the processor 2124 executes the instructions 2122a, all or a part of the instructions 2122a and data 2122b required to execute the instructions may be loaded onto the processor 2124 as the instructions 2122a and the data 2122b.
[0127] The controller 2100 may also include a transmitter 2130a, a receiver 2130b, or a transceiver 2130c to allow transmission and reception of signals. One or more antennas 2132a, 2132b may be electrically coupled to the transmitter 2130a, the receiver 2130b, or each transceiver 2130c, and may further include an antenna.
[0128] The controller 2100 may also include a digital signal processor (DSP) 2170, via which digital signals may be rapidly processed by the vehicle.
[0129] The controller 2100 may also include a communication interface 2180. The communication interface 2180 may also include one or more ports and / or communication modules for coupling other devices with the controller 2100. The communication interface 2180 may allow a user and the controller 2100 to interact.
[0130] The various components of the controller 2100 may be coupled together by one or more buses 2190, which may include a power bus, a control signal bus, a status signal bus, a data bus, etc. Under the control of the processor 2124, the components may communicate information to each other via the bus 2190 to perform their intended functions.
[0131] The digital rear-mirror device 1 according to the present invention can be provided to realize an anti-glare function by comparing the light intensities measured from the front illuminance sensor 31 and the rear illuminance sensor 32 and adjusting the light transmittance and light reflectance of the liquid crystal mirror unit 400. The anti-glare function can adjust the light transmittance and light reflectance of the liquid crystal mirror unit 400 stepwise over a plurality of steps by a PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) control method, thereby providing the driver with improved driving convenience and maximizing visibility in various traffic conditions.
[0132] In addition, the digital rear-mirror device 1 according to the present invention can control the liquid crystal arrangement in pixel units by precisely driving the TFT array 200, and can precisely display a rear image according to the surrounding illuminance and driving conditions. As a result, the driver can always have a clear and sharp rear view, and visibility can be maximized in various environments such as daytime and nighttime.
[0133] In addition, the digital rear-view mirror device 1 according to the present invention can easily switch between a general mirror mode and an LCD mode in which an image or video is streamed, either manually or automatically. In the LCD mode, the brightness of the display can be automatically adjusted according to the ambient illuminance, such as daytime and nighttime, or in a bright or dark environment, so that an optimal field of vision can always be maintained without the driver having to adjust the brightness directly.
[0134] However, the concept of the present invention is not necessarily limited thereto, and the apparatus / method / system according to the exemplary embodiments of the present invention may be applied to various products / technical fields other than those mentioned above.
[0135] Although various embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above, those having ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains will understand that various modifications to the above-described embodiments are possible without departing from the scope of the present invention. Therefore, the scope of the present invention should not be limited to the above-described embodiments, but should be determined not only by the scope of the claims described below, but also by equivalents to the scope of the claims. [Explanation of symbols]
[0136] 1 Digital rear-view mirror device 10 Display section 11 Power supply section 12 Power System 13 Control section 14 Manual operation lever 15 Video Processing Section 16 LC mirror drive unit 17 LED driver 18 LCD drive unit 20 Rear mirror frame 21 LC mirror 22 LCD Module 31 Front illumination sensor 32 Rear illumination sensor 33 Internal light sensor 40 Rear Shooting Section 100 Backlight unit 200 TFT array 210 Thin-film transistor 220 Color Filter 230 LCD polarizer 300 Rear polarizer 400 LCD mirror part 411 First Polarizing Section 412 1st ITO glass 421 Second Polarization Section 422 2nd ITO glass 430 Liquid crystal cell 500 Front polarizing mirror 600 cover lens
Claims
1. A digital rearview mirror device capable of implementing a mirror mode that allows a driver to check the state behind a vehicle through reflected light and an LCD mode for displaying images and videos, The digital rear-mirror device includes: A cover lens for transmitting light from the front; A backlight unit that provides light from the rear; A polarizer for aligning the direction of light; A liquid crystal mirror portion for adjusting the transmission of light and reflecting the light; a thin film transistor array (TFT array) for providing electrical signals necessary to realize a display image and video; a driving conversion unit for converting between the mirror mode and the LCD mode; A digital rear-mirror device having a glare prevention function, comprising: a control unit for adjusting the light transmittance and light reflectance of the liquid crystal mirror unit by comparing the light intensity measured from a plurality of illuminance sensors installed in the vehicle.
2. The mirror mode includes a first mirror mode in which the anti-glare function is not realized, and a second mirror mode in which the anti-glare function is realized, The digital rear-mirror device with the anti-glare function described in claim 1, characterized in that the anti-glare function is driven by lowering the light reflectance of the liquid crystal mirror portion to less than a preset value via the control unit.
3. The illuminance sensor includes a front illuminance sensor for sensing and measuring an intensity of light entering from a front of the vehicle, and a rear illuminance sensor for sensing and measuring an intensity of light entering from a rear of the vehicle, 3. The digital rear-mirror device with anti-glare function according to claim 2, wherein the control unit compares the light intensity measured by the front illuminance sensor with the light intensity measured by the rear illuminance sensor and controls the first mirror mode and the second mirror mode to be selectively driven.
4. The control unit controls the first mirror mode to be driven when the intensity of light measured by the rear illuminance sensor is equal to or weaker than the intensity of light measured by the front illuminance sensor, 4. The digital rear-mirror device with anti-glare function according to claim 3, wherein the control unit controls the second mirror mode to be driven when the light intensity measured by the rear illuminance sensor is stronger than the light intensity measured by the front illuminance sensor.
5. When in the first mirror mode, the light reflectance of the liquid crystal mirror portion is adjusted to 40% or more; The digital rear-mirror device with anti-glare function according to claim 2, wherein the light reflectance of the liquid crystal mirror part is adjusted to be less than 40% when in the second mirror mode.
6. 4. The digital rear-mirror device with a glare prevention function according to claim 3, wherein the light reflectance of the liquid crystal mirror portion in the second mirror mode is adjusted within a range of 10% or more and less than 40%.
7. The liquid crystal mirror further includes a liquid crystal mirror adjustment unit for adjusting the light transmittance and light reflectance of the liquid crystal mirror unit.
7. The digital rear-mirror device with a glare prevention function according to claim 6, wherein the liquid crystal mirror adjustment unit is configured to adjust the light transmittance and light reflectance of the liquid crystal mirror unit in a stepwise manner over a plurality of steps by a PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) control method.
8. 2. The digital rear-mirror device with anti-glare function according to claim 1, wherein the drive conversion unit is controlled to automatically convert the drive mode from the mirror mode to the LCD mode via the control unit when a reverse gear signal of the vehicle is received, and when the LCD mode is automatically converted by receiving a reverse gear signal of the vehicle, the TFT array is controlled via the control unit to form and transmit an image received from a rear camera installed at the rear of the vehicle at a lower end of a display screen of the digital rear-mirror device.
9. In a digital rear-view mirror device including a liquid crystal mirror part to which an LC (Liquid Crystal) method is applied, Detecting light intensity from a front illuminance sensor and a rear illuminance sensor installed in a vehicle; comparing the light intensity measured by the front illuminance sensor with the light intensity measured by the rear illuminance sensor; activating an anti-dazzle mode in response to the light intensity comparison; and adjusting the reflectance of the liquid crystal mirror portion.
10. 10. The method for controlling a digital rear mirror device having an anti-glare function according to claim 9, characterized in that, in the light intensity comparison step, the anti-glare mode is controlled to be activated only when it is determined that the light intensity measured by the rear illuminance sensor is stronger than the light intensity measured by the front illuminance sensor.
11. The method for controlling a digital rear-mirror device having an anti-glare function according to claim 10, characterized in that the anti-glare mode is realized by lowering the reflectance of the liquid crystal mirror portion to a value less than a preset value.
12. 10. The method for controlling a digital rear mirror device with an anti-glare function as described in claim 9, characterized in that, when it is determined in the light intensity comparison step that the light intensity measured by the front illuminance sensor is stronger than or is at the same or similar level as the light intensity measured by the rear illuminance sensor, the anti-glare mode is controlled not to be activated.
13. Further comprising the step of comparing the light intensity measured by the front illuminance sensor with the light intensity measured by the rear illuminance sensor; The method for controlling a digital rear mirror device with a glare prevention function according to claim 12, characterized in that the light intensity additional comparison step is controlled to be performed only when it is determined in the light intensity comparison step that the light intensity measured by the front illuminance sensor is stronger than or is at the same or similar level as the light intensity measured by the rear illuminance sensor.
14. 14. The method for controlling a digital rear-mirror device with an anti-glare function according to claim 13, wherein, when it is determined in the additional light intensity comparison step that the light intensity measured by the front illuminance sensor is stronger than the light intensity measured by the rear illuminance sensor, the reflectance of the liquid crystal mirror portion is controlled to be increased to a value equal to or greater than a preset value.
15. 14. The method for controlling a digital rear-mirror device with an anti-glare function according to claim 13, wherein, in the additional light intensity comparison step, if it is determined that the light intensity measured by the front illuminance sensor and the light intensity measured by the rear illuminance sensor are at the same or similar level, the reflectance of the liquid crystal mirror unit is controlled to be maintained at the same level as before.
16. A digital rearview mirror device that includes a liquid crystal mirror unit using an LC (Liquid Crystal) method and can realize a mirror mode that allows a driver to check the state behind a vehicle through reflected light and an LCD mode that displays images and videos, receiving an LCD mode signal; outputting the streaming video; Sensing light intensity from a forward illumination sensor installed in the vehicle; A step of comparing the light intensity measured by the forward illumination sensor with a preset value; and adjusting the brightness of the display of the streaming video according to the result of the light intensity comparison.
17. The light intensity comparison step is a step of comparing the light intensity measured by the forward illumination sensor with a first set value which is a value between 1,000 lux and 2,000 lux; 17. The method for controlling a digital rear-mirror device with an anti-glare function of claim 16, wherein, in the light intensity comparison step, if it is determined that the light intensity measured by the forward illuminance sensor is greater than a first set value, the brightness of the display of the streaming image is controlled to be increased.
18. Further comprising a step of comparing the light intensity measured by the forward illumination sensor with a second set value, the second set value being a value between 300 lux and 500 lux; The method for controlling a digital rear-mirror device with an anti-glare function according to claim 17, wherein the light intensity additional comparison step is performed only when it is determined that the light intensity measured by the forward illuminance sensor is less than or equal to a first set value.
19. 20. The method for controlling a digital rear-mirror device with an anti-glare function according to claim 18, characterized in that, if it is determined in the additional light intensity comparison step that the light intensity measured by the forward illuminance sensor is less than the second set value, the brightness of the display of the streaming image is controlled to be reduced.
20. 20. The method for controlling a digital rear mirror device with an anti-glare function of claim 18, characterized in that, in the additional light intensity comparison step, if it is determined that the light intensity measured by the forward illuminance sensor and the second set value are at the same or similar level, the brightness of the display of the streaming image is controlled to be maintained.