rearview mirror assembly

Abstract

The aim is to reduce or eliminate the problems associated with integrating cameras into vehicles. A rearview mirror assembly is disclosed that may include a housing, a semi-transparent element, and a mount. The housing may define a cavity and an opening. The semi-transparent element may be disposed substantially within the opening. The mount assembly may have first and second ends. The first end may be configured to be secured to the vehicle. The second end may be secured to support the housing and may include a bracket extending within the cavity. Additionally, at least one of an imaging device and a light source may be disposed within the cavity and secured to the bracket. The bracket may remain in a substantially fixed position when the mount assembly is secured to the vehicle and the housing is articulated.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] (Related Applications) This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. 119(e) to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 405,127, entitled "Rearview Mirror Assembly," filed September 9, 2022, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The present invention relates generally to rearview mirror assemblies, and more particularly to rearview mirror assemblies that include a camera. [Background technology]

[0003] The demand for advanced technology features in vehicles is ever-increasing. A significant number of these features, such as those based on cabin or driver monitoring, require cameras. Furthermore, these cameras often require a field of view directed toward the interior of the vehicle. Therefore, it is often necessary or convenient to position these cameras in close proximity to or within the area occupied by the rearview mirror assembly. Additionally, it is important that these cameras be integrated into the vehicle interior in an aesthetically pleasing manner. Therefore, a desirable location for such a camera may be within the rearview mirror assembly, behind and looking through a semi-transparent element. However, one drawback of locating the camera in such a location is that the rearview mirror assembly may be moved by the driver to obtain the desired field of view. This movement of the rearview mirror assembly results in a change in the position and / or articulation of the camera, which, due to its unknown location or orientation within the vehicle, disrupts some of the advanced functions of many driver and / or cabin monitoring systems. Therefore, there is a need for improved camera integration into vehicles, particularly for cabin and / or driver monitoring systems. Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]

[0004] The present disclosure significantly reduces or eliminates the problems associated with integrating cameras into vehicles.

[0005] In one aspect of the present disclosure, a rearview mirror assembly is disclosed. The disclosed rearview mirror assembly can include a housing, a semi-transmissive element, and a mount. The housing can form a cavity and an opening. The semi-transmissive element can be at least one of substantially disposed within the opening, proximate to the opening, and aligned with the opening. In some embodiments, the semi-transmissive element is a variable transmittance electro-optical element. The mount assembly can have first and second ends. The first end can be configured to be secured to a vehicle. The second end can be secured to support the housing and can include a bracket extending into the cavity. Additionally, at least one of an imaging device and a light source can be disposed within the cavity and secured to the bracket. In some embodiments, the light source can be configured to project structured light into a passenger compartment of the vehicle. The bracket can remain in a substantially fixed position when the mount assembly is secured to the vehicle and the housing is articulated.

[0006] In some embodiments, the second end can include a ball portion. Additionally, the housing can further include a cup configured to at least partially receive and grip the ball portion. Furthermore, the housing can articulate to the mount assembly at an interface between the ball portion and the cup. In some such embodiments, the cup can include a plurality of fingers extending substantially around at least a portion of the ball portion. The plurality of fingers can hold the ball portion within the cup. Additionally or alternatively, the cup can include a base portion and have an opening leading to the cavity. In such embodiments, the bracket can extend through the opening into the cavity.

[0007] These and other aspects, objects, and features of the present disclosure will be understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art upon review of the following specification, claims, and accompanying drawings. It will also be understood that features of each embodiment disclosed herein can be used in combination with or as a substitute for features of other embodiments. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a monitoring system. [Figure 2] 1 is a cross-sectional schematic view of one embodiment of a rearview mirror assembly. [Figure 3A] 1 illustrates a cup of one embodiment of a rearview mirror assembly. [Figure 3B] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a bracket, cup, and mount of one embodiment of a rearview mirror assembly. [Figure 4] 1 is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of one embodiment of a semi-transmissive element. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] For purposes of description herein, the specific devices and processes illustrated in the accompanying drawings and described in this disclosure are merely exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Accordingly, unless expressly set forth otherwise in the claims, specific features associated with the embodiments disclosed herein are not limiting.

[0010] The present disclosure is directed to a surveillance system 100 as shown in FIG. 1. The surveillance system 100 may be associated with a vehicle. Accordingly, the surveillance system 100 may be a driver and / or passenger compartment surveillance system 100. Additionally, the surveillance system 100 may include an image capture device 110, a light source 120, and / or a controller 130. Additionally, one or more components of the surveillance system 100 may be incorporated into a rearview mirror assembly 200, various aspects of which are shown in FIGS. 2-3b.

[0011] The image capture device 110 may be any device configured to capture light in a first wavelength range and generate an image. The image may be a digital image. In some embodiments, the first wavelength range may be in the infrared and / or near-infrared region of the electromagnetic spectrum. For example, the image capture device 110 may be a camera. Thus, the image capture device 110 may be a pixel sensor with conductor coupled device (CCD) or complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) technology. Furthermore, the image capture device 110 may have a field of view of a scene. The scene may include all or a portion of a passenger compartment of a vehicle.

[0012] The light source 120 can be configured to emit light having a second wavelength range. The second wavelength range can include or overlap the first wavelength range. Thus, the second wavelength range can be in the infrared and / or near-infrared regions of the electromagnetic spectrum. In some embodiments, the second wavelength range can be substantially centered at 810 nm, 850 nm, or 940 nm. The emitted light can be operable to substantially illuminate all or a portion of the passenger compartment. For example, the light source 120 can include one or more light-emitting diodes (LEDs); vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers (VCSELs); or halogen, quartz, incandescent, or compact fluorescent ("CFL") bulbs. Thus, the light source 120 can be configured to illuminate a scene. In some embodiments, the light source 120 can be configured to substantially illuminate a scene with structured light. The structured light can be, for example, a linear array or a quasi-random array of points.

[0013] The controller 130 may be communicatively coupled to the image capture device 110 and / or the light source 120. Accordingly, the controller 130 may be configured to receive captured images from the image capture device 110. Furthermore, the controller 130 may include a memory 131 and / or a processor 132. The memory 131 may be configured to store one or more image analysis algorithms. The algorithms may be executed by the processor 132. The algorithms may be configured, for example, to analyze the received images and make one or more decisions based on the images. For example, the algorithms may be configured to determine the attentiveness of the driver.

[0014] Memory 131 may be a non-transitory computer readable medium (CRM). As such, memory 131 may be a tangible device that may be configured to store one or more instructions, such as one or more algorithms, to enable configuration and operation of controller 130. Examples of memory 131 include conventional hard disks, semiconductor memory, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), optical or magnetic disks, and dynamic random access memory (DRAM).

[0015] The processor 132 may be communicatively coupled to the memory 131. Furthermore, the processor 132 may be any device or electronic circuit configured and / or operative to process or execute one or more sets of electronic instructions, such as algorithms. These instructions may be stored in the memory 131. Examples of the processor 132 may include a central processing unit (CPU), a microprocessor, and / or an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

[0016] The rearview mirror assembly 200 may be an interior rearview mirror assembly for a vehicle. As such, the rearview mirror assembly 200 may be configured to present a driver with a rearward view associated with an associated vehicle. Furthermore, the rearview mirror assembly 200 may be positioned substantially within a generally forward area of ​​the vehicle interior. Thus, the rearview mirror assembly 200 may be associated with the headliner or windshield of the vehicle. Additionally, the rearview mirror assembly 200 may include a semi-transparent element 210, a housing 220, a mount assembly 230, and a bracket 240.

[0017] The transflective element 210 can have a first side 211 and a second side 212. The first side 211 can face toward the driver under normal operating conditions of the rearview mirror assembly 200 and / or the vehicle. The second side 212 can be opposite the first side 211. Accordingly, the second side 212 can be disposed in a first direction relative to the first side 211. The first direction can be defined as a direction substantially perpendicular to the planar extent of the first side 211. Furthermore, the transflective element 210 can substantially reflect light incident on the first side 211 while simultaneously substantially transmitting light therethrough. In other words, the transflective element 210 can transmit light in a first direction while simultaneously reflecting light in a second direction substantially opposite the first direction. In some embodiments, the transflective element 210 can have a variable reflectivity. In such embodiments, the transflective element 210 can be electro-optical, as shown in FIG. 4 . Thus, the semi-transmissive element 210 can comprise a first substrate 213 , a second substrate 214 , a first electrode 215 , a second electrode 216 , a seal 217 , a chamber 218 , and / or an electro-optic medium 219 .

[0018] The first substrate 213 includes opposing first and second surfaces 213a and 213b. The second surface 213b can be disposed in a first orientation relative to the first surface 213a. In some embodiments, the first surface 111a can correspond to the first side 211. Additionally, the first substrate 213 can be fabricated from any of a number of materials that are transparent or substantially transparent in the visible region of the electromagnetic spectrum, such as borosilicate glass, soda-lime glass, float glass, natural and synthetic polymeric resins, plastics, and / or composite materials. The substrate material can be selected from any number of materials, so long as it is substantially transparent and exhibits suitable physical properties, such as strength, resistance to ultraviolet exposure from the sun, and environmental conditions such as temperature extremes.

[0019] The second substrate 214 is disposed in a substantially parallel, spaced apart relationship relative to the first substrate 213. Further, the second substrate 214 includes opposing third and fourth surfaces 214a and 214b. The fourth surface 214b can be disposed in a first direction relative to the third surface 214a. In some embodiments, the fourth surface 214b can correspond to the second side 112. Additionally, the second substrate 214 can be fabricated from the same or similar material as the first substrate 213.

[0020] The first electrode 215 is a conductive material associated with the second surface 213b. The conductive material of the first electrode 215 can be substantially transparent in the visible region of the electromagnetic spectrum and is resistant to corrosion from materials typically included in electro-optical elements. The conductive material can be a transparent conductive oxide (TCO), such as fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO), indium-doped oxide, doped zinc oxide, or other materials known in the art.

[0021] Similarly, the second electrode 216 is a conductive material associated with the third surface 214a. The second electrode 216 can also be substantially transparent. Thus, the conductive material of the second electrode 216 can be made of the same or similar material as the conductive material of the first electrode 215. In some embodiments, the second electrode 216 can be or include a substantially reflective layer. Thus, the second electrode 216 can be semi-transparent. In other embodiments, a reflector can be associated with the second electrode 216 between the electro-optic medium 219 and the second electrode 216, associated with the third surface 214a between the second electrode 216 and the second substrate 214, or associated with the fourth surface 214b of the second substrate 214. Typical reflective materials include chromium, rhodium, ruthenium, silver, aluminum, gold, platinum, palladium, nickel, molybdenum, and combinations thereof.

[0022] The seal 217 can be arranged in a peripheral manner to define a chamber 218 between the first substrate 213 and the second substrate 214. The chamber 218 can be defined by the seal 217 in conjunction with at least two of the first substrate 213, the second substrate 214, the first electrode 215, and the second electrode 216. In some embodiments, more specifically, the chamber 218 can be defined by the seal 217, the first electrode 215, and the second electrode 216. Thus, the chamber 218 can exist between the first electrode 215 and the second electrode 216. Seal 217 may include any material capable of adhesively bonding to at least two of first substrate 213, second substrate 214, first electrode 215, and second electrode 216, thereby sealing chamber 218 to prevent unintentional leakage of electro-optic medium 218 and / or exposure of electro-optic medium 218 to water or oxygen.

[0023] The electro-optic medium 218 is disposed between the first electrode 215 and the second electrode 216. Thus, the electro-optic medium 219 can be disposed within the chamber 217. Additionally, the electro-optic medium 218 is electroactive. Thus, the electro-optic medium 218 is operable between an activated state and a deactivated state in response to an electric potential. Thus, the electro-optic medium 218 can include, among other materials, electroactive anodic and cathodic materials. In some embodiments, the anodic and / or cathodic materials can be electrochromic. In other words, the electro-optic medium 219 can be electrochromic. Electrochromic means that, upon activation by the application of a voltage or electric potential, the electrochromic element can exhibit a change in absorbance at one or more wavelengths in the electromagnetic spectrum. Thus, the electro-optic medium 219 can variably transmit light. The change in absorbance can be in the visible, ultraviolet, infrared, and / or near-infrared regions. In other embodiments, electro-optic medium 219 may be a liquid crystal medium or a suspended particle medium. Electro-optic medium 219 may be made from any one of a number of materials, including, for example, those disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,433,914, "Color-Stabilized Electrochromic Devices," the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0024] The housing 220 may define a cavity 221 having an opening 222 therein. The opening 222 may be positioned to face substantially rearward under normal operating conditions of the vehicle and / or rearview mirror assembly 200. Further, the semi-transparent element 210 may be positioned substantially within, adjacent to, and / or aligned with the opening 222. Additionally, the housing 220 may define a cup 223. The cup 223 may be positioned substantially at a forward end of the housing 220 under normal operating conditions of the rearview mirror assembly 200. Thus, the cup 223 may be positioned substantially at an end of the housing 220 opposite the opening 222. Further, the cup 223 may have a base portion 223a and a plurality of fingers 223b. The plurality of fingers 223b may extend from the base portion 223a. Furthermore, in cooperation with one another, the plurality of fingers 223b and the base portion 223a can roughly define and / or surround a space 223d therein. As such, the space 223d can be said to be within the cup 223. Additionally, each of the plurality of fingers 223b can be configured to deflect and rebound substantially away from the enclosed space. In some embodiments, the fingers 223b can extend substantially in a forward direction from the base portion 223a. Additionally, the base portion 223a of the cup 223 can have an opening 223c formed therein. The opening 223c can communicate between the cavity 221 and the roughly enclosed space 223d.

[0025] Mount assembly 230 can have a first end 231 and a second end 232. First end 231 can be configured to be secured to a vehicle, directly or indirectly. For example, first end 231 can be secured to a vehicle windshield or headliner. In some embodiments, first end 231 can be secured to a windshield via a windshield button. Second end 232 can be secured to housing 200, directly or indirectly. Thus, mount assembly 230 can be configured to support rearview mirror assembly 200. Furthermore, second end 232 can be received by and positioned within cup 223. Thus, second end 232 can be positioned substantially within space 223d. In some embodiments, mount assembly 230 and housing 200 can be secured together such that housing 200 can articulate relative to mount assembly 230. In some such embodiments, mount assembly 230 can include a ball portion 233 at second end 232. Ball portion 233 may be a hemispherical knob. Ball portion 233 may be substantially received by and positioned within cup 223. Accordingly, ball portion 233 may be substantially positioned within space 223d. Fingers 223a may extend substantially around at least a portion of ball portion 233 to grip ball portion 233 and substantially maintain coupling with and / or retain ball portion 233 within cup 223. Additionally, the interface between ball portion 233 and cup 223 may be such that housing 220 at least partially articulates around ball portion 233. Second end 232 may also include a bracket 234 coupled to and secured to ball portion 233. Bracket 234 may include a mounting surface 234a and / or an arm 234b. Arm 234b may extend from mounting surface 234a. Thus, the bracket 234 may be substantially fixed relative to the first end 231 of the mount assembly 230 .Further, bracket 234 can extend from ball portion 233, through opening 223c, and into cavity 221 via arm 234b. Additionally, arm 234a and opening 223c can each have a width in a plane perpendicular to the first direction. The width of opening 223c can be substantially greater than the width of arm 234b. Therefore, cup 223 can move or rotate around ball portion 233 to a significant extent without base portion 233a colliding with arm 234b. Thus, mounting surface 234a remains in a substantially fixed position relative to mount assembly 230, and housing 220 can articulate freely substantially around itself. During articulation of housing 220, cup 233 can move relative to arm 234b to a maximum extent that base portion 233a contacts arm 234b at the outer boundary of opening 233c. Therefore, housing 220, and consequently semi-transparent element 210, can be moved without moving bracket 234.

[0026] In some embodiments, the imaging device 110 can be disposed within a cavity 221 of the rearview mirror assembly 200 defined at least in part by the housing 220. In such embodiments, the imaging device 110 can be configured to capture light through the semi-transmissive element 210 to generate an image. Further, in some embodiments, the imaging device 110 can be substantially fixed to the mounting surface 234a of the bracket 234. Thus, the housing 220, and thus the semi-transmissive element 210, can move without moving the imaging device 110. Thus, the orientation of the imaging device 110 is substantially fixed. Additionally, in some such embodiments, the circuit board 111 of the imaging device 110 can also be fixed to the bracket 234. In other such embodiments, the circuit board 111 of the imaging device 110 can be disposed within the cavity 221 and directly or indirectly fixed to the housing 220. In such embodiments, the circuit board 110 can be connected to the imaging device 110 via a flexible connector, such as a ribbon cable.

[0027] In some embodiments, light source 120 can be disposed within cavity 221 of rearview mirror assembly 200 defined at least in part by housing 220. In such embodiments, light source 120 can be configured to emit light through transflective element 210 to illuminate a scene. In some such embodiments, light source 120 may not be secured to mounting surface 234a of bracket 234. Thus, light source 120 can be secured, directly or indirectly, to housing 220. As such, light source 120 can move substantially with movement of housing 220 and transflective element 220. In other embodiments, light source 120 can be secured substantially to mounting surface 234a of bracket 234. Thus, housing 220, and therefore transflective element 210, can move without moving light source 120. Thus, the orientation of light source 120 can be substantially fixed.

[0028] In some embodiments, the rearview mirror assembly 200 may further include a wire harness. The wire harness may terminate at one end within the cavity 221. Additionally, the wire harness may be routed through the opening 223c and / or the mount assembly 230.

[0029] Advantages of some embodiments of surveillance system 100 and / or rearview mirror assembly 200 may include one or more advantages. For example, housing 220 of rearview mirror assembly 200, and thus semi-transmissive element 210, can be articulated by the driver to better position and view rearview mirror assembly 200 and / or to change the field of view provided by semi-transmissive element 210, without moving imaging device 110 and / or light source 120. It is advantageous for imaging device 110 and / or light source 120 to have a fixed position and / or orientation because such changes would interfere with the ability of surveillance system 100 to accurately account for certain features, as movement of imaging device 110 and / or light source 120 would interfere with its calibration, which establishes a known viewpoint of the image and / or structured illumination position.

[0030] As used herein, the term "and / or," when used in connection with a list of two or more items, means that any one of the listed items may be employed alone, or any combination of two or more of the listed items may be employed. For example, if a composition is described as containing components A, B, and / or C, the composition may contain A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B in combination, A and C in combination, B and C in combination, or A, B, and C in combination.

[0031] In this document, relational terms such as "first," "second," etc. are used only to distinguish one entity or action from another entity or action and do not necessarily require or imply an actual relationship or order between such entities or actions.

[0032] The terms "comprises," "comprising," or other variations of these terms are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that includes the recited elements does not include only those elements, but may also include other elements not expressly recited or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. An element preceded by "comprises...a" does not, without further constraints, exclude the existence of additional identical elements in a process, method, article, or apparatus that includes the element. An element preceded by "comprises...a" does not, without further constraints, exclude the existence of additional identical elements in a process, method, article, or apparatus that includes the element.

[0033] The term "substantially" and variations thereof will be understood by those skilled in the art to describe a feature that is equal to or nearly equal to a value or description. For example, a "substantially planar" surface is intended to indicate a planar or nearly planar surface. Furthermore, "substantially" is intended to indicate that two values ​​are equal or nearly equal. If there is a use of the term that is not clear to those skilled in the art, given the context in which it is used, "substantially" can refer to values ​​that are within about 10% of each other, for example, within about 5% of each other, or within about 2% of each other.

[0034] The term "semi-transparent" refers to an optical configuration that, as a whole, reflects at least a portion of light incident on at least one side and transmits at least a portion of light incident on at least one side. Specifically, "semi-transparent" describes an optical element or component that has a non-zero level of transmittance for a range of wavelengths of light and also has a non-zero level of reflectance in some regions. The appropriate wavelength range of light will vary based on the context. However, if the appropriate wavelength range of light is not readily apparent, the wavelength range of light will generally refer to visible light.

[0035] The term "transparent" is applied in a relative sense. "Transparent" refers to an optical element or material that is substantially transparent to wavelengths of interest, and thus generally allows light of such wavelengths to pass therethrough. The wavelengths of interest vary based on the context. However, if the wavelengths of interest are not readily apparent, the wavelengths of interest generally refer to visible light.

[0036] While several embodiments have been described in this disclosure, it should be understood that many variations, changes, variations, and modifications can be appreciated by those skilled in the art, and the present disclosure is intended to encompass all such variations, changes, variations, and modifications that fall within the scope of the appended claims unless those terms expressly state otherwise. [Explanation of symbols]

[0037] 100 Surveillance System 110 Imaging device 111 Circuit Board 111a First surface 112 The Second Aspect 120 light source 130 Controller 131 memory 132 processors 200 Rearview mirror assembly 210 Transparent element 211 First Aspect 212 Second Aspect 213 First Substrate 213a First Surface 213b Second Surface 214 Second Base 214a Third Surface 214b Fourth Surface 215 First electrode 216 Second electrode 217 Stickers 218 Chamber 219 Electro-optical media 220 Housing 221 Cavity 222 Opening 223 cups 223a Finger 223b Finger 223c Finger 223d Finger 230 Mount Assembly 231 First End 232 Second End 233 Ball part 234 Bracket 234a Arm 234b Arm 240 Bracket

Claims

1. a housing defining a cavity and an opening; at least one semi-transmissive element disposed substantially within, closest to, and aligned with the opening; a mount assembly having a first end and a second end, the first end configured to be secured to a vehicle and the second end configured to be secured to and support the housing, the second end including a bracket extending into the cavity; at least one of an imaging device and a light source disposed within the cavity and secured to the bracket; A rearview mirror assembly comprising: The bracket remains in a substantially fixed position when the mount assembly is secured to the vehicle and the housing is articulated.

2. The rearview mirror assembly of claim 1 , wherein the imaging device is fixed to the bracket.

3. 3. The rearview mirror assembly of claim 2, wherein said light source is fixed to said bracket.

4. 3. The rearview mirror assembly of claim 2, wherein said light source is not fixed to said bracket.

5. 10. The rearview mirror assembly of claim 1, wherein the semi-transmissive element is a variable transmittance electro-optic element.

6. the second end comprises a hemispherical ball portion; the housing further comprising a cup configured to at least partially receive and grasp the ball portion; the ball portion is at least partially disposed within the cup; 2. The rearview mirror assembly of claim 1, wherein said housing is articulatable to said mount assembly at an interface between said ball portion and said cup.

7. 7. The rearview mirror assembly of claim 6, wherein said cup comprises a plurality of fingers extending substantially around at least a portion of said ball portion.

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

9. 7. The rearview mirror assembly of claim 6, wherein said cup includes a base portion having an opening that leads to said cavity.

10. 10. The rearview mirror assembly of claim 9, wherein said bracket extends through said opening into said cavity.

11. 10. The rearview mirror assembly of claim 9, wherein the bracket is secured to the hemispherical ball portion via an arm that extends through the opening.

12. 12. The rearview mirror assembly of claim 11, wherein the width of the opening is substantially greater than the width of the arm.

13. The rearview mirror assembly of claim 1 , wherein the imaging device is disposed within the cavity and secured to the bracket.

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

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

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