surveillance system

Abstract

A surveillance system utilizing different light spectra is provided. A surveillance system includes an imaging device. The imaging device includes a first exposure profile and a second exposure profile. An illumination source is configured to emit at least one of infrared (IR) or near-infrared (NIR) illumination. A control system is configured to alternate between the first exposure profile and the second exposure profile according to a first pattern. The first exposure profile corresponds to illumination emitted from the illumination source, and the second exposure profile corresponds to ambient illumination.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to surveillance systems, and more particularly to surveillance systems that utilize different optical spectra. Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]

[0002] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a surveillance system includes an imaging device. The imaging device includes a first exposure profile and a second exposure profile. An illumination source is configured to emit at least one of infrared (IR) or near-infrared (NIR) illumination. A control system is configured to alternate between the first exposure profile and the second exposure profile according to a first pattern. The first exposure profile corresponds to illumination emitted from the illumination source, and the second exposure profile corresponds to ambient illumination.

[0003] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a rearview mirror assembly includes a housing, a transmissive element including a reflective state, and a filter configured to attenuate transmission of one or more wavelength spectrums. A surveillance system is disposed at least partially within the housing. The surveillance system includes an imaging device. The imaging device includes a first exposure profile and a second exposure profile. The illumination source is configured to emit at least one of infrared (IR) or near-infrared (NIR) illumination. The control system is configured to alternate between the first exposure profile and the second exposure profile according to a first pattern. The first exposure profile corresponds to emission of illumination light from the illumination source. The second exposure profile corresponds to ambient illumination.

[0004] According to yet another aspect of the present disclosure, a rearview mirror assembly includes a housing and a display disposed within the housing. A surveillance system is at least partially disposed within the housing. The surveillance system includes an imaging device. The imaging device includes a first exposure profile and a second exposure profile. The illumination source is configured to emit at least one of infrared (IR) or near-infrared (NIR) illumination. The control system is configured to alternate between the first exposure profile and the second exposure profile according to a first pattern. The first exposure profile corresponds to illumination emission from the illumination source. The second exposure profile corresponds to ambient illumination.

[0005] These and other features, advantages, and objects of the present device will be further understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art from a review of the following specification, claims, and accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0006] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional side view of a monitoring system utilizing a first exposure profile according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional side view of a monitoring system utilizing a second exposure profile according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 3] 1 is a side perspective view of the interior of a vehicle incorporating a monitoring system according to one aspect of the present disclosure. FIG. [Figure 4A] 1 is a cross-sectional side view of a filter in a first condition monitoring system according to one aspect of the present disclosure; [Figure 4B] FIG. 10 is a side cross-sectional view of a filter in a second condition monitoring system according to one aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 5] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a control system for a monitoring system according to one aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] 1 is a flowchart of a method of using a monitoring system having a first exposure profile and a second exposure profile according to an aspect of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0007] The components in the figures are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles described herein.

[0008] The illustrated embodiment primarily pertains to a combination of apparatus components associated with a surveillance system utilizing different optical spectrums. Accordingly, apparatus components and method steps have been presented by conventional symbols in the drawings, where appropriate, and only specific details relevant to understanding the disclosed embodiments are shown, so as not to obscure the disclosure with details that will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art having the benefit of the description herein. Furthermore, like numerals in the specification and drawings represent like elements.

[0009] For purposes of description herein, terms such as “upper,” “lower,” “right,” “left,” “rear,” “front,” “vertical,” and “horizontal,” and variations thereof, shall refer to the present disclosure as oriented in FIG. 1 . Unless otherwise specified, the term “front” shall refer to the surface of an element that is closer to the intended observer of the surveillance system, and the term “rear” shall refer to the surface of an element that is further from the intended observer of the surveillance system. However, it should be understood that the lighting assembly can assume various alternative orientations, unless expressly specified to the contrary. It should also be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the accompanying drawings and described in the following specification are merely exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Accordingly, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise.

[0010] The terms "including," "comprises," "comprising," or other variations thereof are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, and a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises listed elements does not include only those elements, but may include other elements that are not expressly listed or that are inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. An element preceded by "comprising" does not, without further constraints, exclude the existence of additional identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises the element.

[0011] 1-4, reference numeral 10 generally designates a surveillance system including an imager 12. The imager 12 includes a first exposure profile 14 (FIG. 1) and a second exposure profile 16 (FIG. 2). An illumination source 18 is configured to emit at least one of infrared (IR) or near-infrared (NIR) illumination 20. A control system 100 is configured to alternate between the first exposure profile 14 and the second exposure profile 16 according to a first pattern. The first exposure profile 14 corresponds to the illumination 20 emitted from the illumination source 18, and the second exposure profile 16 corresponds to ambient illumination 22.

[0012] Referring now to FIG. 1 , the first exposure profile 14 corresponds to the emission of illumination 20. In this manner, the image capture device 12 and the illumination source 18 are synchronized. For example, the illumination source 18 is configured to emit illumination 20 substantially during the first exposure profile 14 but not emit illumination 20 according to a first pattern (i.e., a blinking or pulsing pattern) during the second exposure profile 16. The first exposure profile 14 results in a first image type 24. The first exposure profile 14 includes a first exposure time designated for capturing the first image type 24 in the IR and / or NIR spectrum. Referring now to FIG. 2 , the second exposure profile 16 corresponds to ambient illumination 22. In this manner, the image capture device 12 is configured to capture a second image type 26 using the second exposure profile 16. The second exposure profile 16 includes a second exposure time designated for capturing the second image type 26 substantially in the visible spectrum.

[0013] 1 and 2, the first exposure time and the second exposure time may be different. For example, a first exposure time operating based on principles of the IR and / or NIR spectrum may be shorter than a second exposure time operating based on principles of the visible spectrum. More specifically, a first image type 24 includes capturing illumination 20 reflected from a target surface, and therefore, a short first exposure time is useful to reduce contributions from ambient illumination 22. A second image type 26 includes color content (e.g., pixels), and the imaging device 12 is configured to collect light from the ambient illumination 22 to capture color content at a specified resolution. Therefore, a longer second exposure time than the first exposure time is useful to collect the ambient illumination 22.

[0014] The surveillance system 10 is configured to determine the intensity of the ambient illumination 22. For example, the control system 100 may be configured to detect a quality characteristic of the second image type 26 (e.g., by evaluating one or more images of the second image type 26). More particularly, the control system 100 may be configured to detect that the resolution and / or color content of the second image type 26 is below a threshold quality characteristic. In some embodiments, the surveillance system 10 includes an optical sensor 28 (FIGS. 1 and 2), and the quality characteristic of the second image type 26 may be detected (e.g., by the control system 100) by communicating with the optical sensor 28. For example, the optical sensor 28 communicates the detected level of the ambient illumination 22 to the control system 100, and the control system 100 determines whether the level of the ambient illumination 22 is below a threshold at which the quality characteristic of the second image type 26 is no longer an operational criterion. When the control system 100 determines that the intensity of the ambient illumination 22 is below a threshold, the control system 100 is configured to modify the alternation between the first exposure profile 14 and the second exposure profile 16 according to a second pattern. The second pattern may include only the first exposure profile 14. In this manner, a greater proportion of images of the first image type 24 are captured according to the second pattern. For example, in some embodiments, the proportion of images of the first image type 24 captured in the second pattern may be more than twice the proportion in the first pattern. However, in some embodiments, the proportion of images of the first image type 24 captured in the second pattern may be the same as the proportion in the first pattern.

[0015] 1 and 2 , the monitoring system 10 may be configured to evaluate a first image type 24 according to a first mode of operation, evaluate a second image type 26 according to a second mode of operation, and evaluate the first image type 24 and the second image type 26 together in a third mode of operation. In the first mode of operation, for example, the control system 100 may be configured to evaluate the first image type 24 (e.g., a series of images of the first image type 24) to determine driver mannerisms, such as eye orientation, movement, and / or other mannerisms (i.e., driver monitoring). In the second mode of operation, for example, the control system 100 may be configured to evaluate the second image type 26 (e.g., a series of images of the second image type 26) for the same or additional driver monitoring features (e.g., by evaluating changes in pixel color and / or color distribution) and / or relay the second image type 26 locally (e.g., via an in-vehicle display 41) or remotely (e.g., using a teleconferencing-type application). In the third mode of operation, for example, the control system 100 can be configured to jointly evaluate the first image type 24 and the second image type 26. The first image type 24 and the second image type 26 can be jointly evaluated by superimposing an image of the first image type 24 with an image of the second image type 26, or by evaluating an image of the first image type 24 with an image of the second image type 26 substantially simultaneously. In this manner, functions of the first mode of operation and functions of the second mode of operation can be used simultaneously, and / or the control system 100 can be configured to enhance decision accuracy based on a cross-evaluation of overlapping functions (e.g., driver monitoring). For example, if the driver is wearing glasses that substantially block IR and / or NIR illumination 20, the second mode of operation can be utilized to monitor the driver's eyes.

[0016] 1-3 , the surveillance system 10 can be incorporated into various structures, such as the structure of a vehicle 30. For example, the imaging device 12 and the illumination source 18 can be coupled to a rearview mirror assembly 32 for monitoring an occupant position 33 (e.g., a driver position) within a passenger compartment 34 of the vehicle 30. The rearview mirror assembly 32 can include a housing 36 defining an opening 38 and a transmissive element 40 within the opening 38. The transmissive element 40 includes a front surface 42 facing the occupant position 33 and a rear surface 44 facing generally outward from the occupant position 33. The transmissive element 40 can include at least one electro-optical device 45, and the transmissive element 40 can be switched to change reflectivity between a reflective state operating as a mirror and a partially transmissive state. A display 41 can be disposed between the housing 36 and the transmissive element 40 for displaying information to the driver (e.g., in the partially transmissive state).

[0017] The display 41 can be configured to generate information (e.g., images, graphics, messages, warnings, and / or the like) related to the various conditions captured by the first and second image types 24, 26. For example, the control system 100 can be configured to infer information from the first and second image types 24, 26 related to driver or passenger activity. More specifically, the control system 100 can be configured to detect dangerous driver or passenger activity, such as riding without a seat belt, signs of driver fatigue (e.g., via posture or eye activity), dangerous movement around the interior of the vehicle 30, and / or the like. The display 41 can generate information related to dangerous driver or passenger activity (e.g., using the control system 100). The electro-optical device 45 disclosed herein can be a single-layer component, a single-phase component, a multi-layer component, or a multi-phase component. The transmissive optical element 46 can be fixed relative to the illumination source 18 to collimate and / or diffract the illumination 20. The light-receiving optical element 48 is fixed relative to the imaging device 12 and can focus light thereon. The housing 36 can include a connection hub 52, which can be connected to a mounting member 54. The mounting member 54 is configured to be coupled to the vehicle 30 (or other environment), and the housing 36 is movable relative to the mounting member 54 to orient the transmissive element 40 at various angles relative to the occupant position 33 (or other environmental position) to obtain different environmental views and / or orientations for the driver. In some embodiments, the illumination source 18 is configured to generate the illumination 20 in a structured light pattern. In this manner, the control system 100 can be configured to operate based on the principles of structured light, such that the first image type 24 includes information that can be extracted in three-dimensional space.

[0018] Continuing with reference to FIGS. 1-3 , the locations of the imaging device 12, illumination source 18, and light sensor 28 can be implemented in many different locations. For example, FIG. 1 illustrates the imaging device 12 located outside the perimeter of the transmissive element 40 and the illumination source 18 located within the housing 36 behind the transmissive element 40. FIG. 2 alternatively illustrates the illumination source 18 located outside the perimeter of the transmissive element 40 and the imaging device 12 coupled (e.g., internally or externally) to the housing 36 behind the transmissive element 40. However, unless otherwise indicated, it should be understood that one or both of the imaging device 12 and illumination source 18 can be located anywhere within the vehicle 30, coupled to the rearview mirror assembly 32, and located within the housing 36. Similarly, the light sensor 28 can be coupled to the rearview mirror assembly 32 or located anywhere inside or outside the vehicle 30.

[0019] 1 , a filter 50A according to a first configuration can be fixed relative to the image capture device 12. The filter 50A can be configured to attenuate the transmission of one or more specific wavelength spectrums. For example, the filter 50A can be configured as a static filter, such as a dual bandpass static filter. In this manner, the IR and / or NIR non-visible spectrum utilized by the first exposure profile 14 and the visible spectrum utilized by the second exposure profile 16 can be semi-isolated by filtering out light of other spectrums found in the ambient illumination 22 to improve image quality.

[0020] 2, 4A, and 4B, a second configuration allows the filter 50B to be fixed relative to the imager 12. The filter 50B can be configured to selectively attenuate transmission of one or more specific wavelength spectrums. For example, the filter 50B can be configured as a dynamic filter, such as a filter incorporating a liquid crystal structure 74. The liquid crystal structure 74 can correspond to a chiral liquid crystal polymer disposed between a first substrate 76a and a second substrate 76b. The substrates 76a and 76b can correspond to glass or other substantially light-transmitting material and can include one or more layers disposed on an inner surface 78 that are conductively connected to the liquid crystal structure 74. The layers can correspond to a conductive layer 80 and an alignment layer 82. The conductive layer 80 can correspond to a transparent conductive layer, which can be formed of indium tin oxide or other conductive light-transmitting material (e.g., for the visible, NIR, and IR spectrums, as desired). The alignment layer 82 can be configured to adjust the alignment of the liquid crystal structure 74 in response to a voltage applied to the conductive layer 80 by the control system 100 .

[0021] 4A and 4B, a first state 70 can correspond to an open-circuit configuration, and a second state 72 can correspond to a closed-circuit configuration. In the first state 70, the liquid crystal structure 74 can be arranged in a neutral state, and a helical twist structure can be formed due to the alignment of the chiral liquid crystal polymer. The arrangement of the helical twist structure in the first state 70 allows a first spectrum of wavelengths of light λ1 (i.e., IR and / or NIR) to be reflected away from the imager 12, while a second spectrum λ VIS(i.e., at least a portion of the visible spectrum) to pass therethrough. In the second state 72, an electric potential can be applied across the conductive layers 80 of the first substrate 76a and the second substrate 76b. The electric potential can distort the helical twist structure, causing a first wavelength range λ1 of light to pass through the filter 50B and be received by the imager 12. In some embodiments, the filter 50B can include a stack (e.g., two) of liquid crystal structures 74, where a first liquid crystal structure 74 selectively transmits or reflects a first spectrum λ1 and a second liquid crystal structure 74 selectively transmits or reflects a second spectrum λ1. VIS In some embodiments, the present disclosure can be used with dynamic filters such as those described in U.S. Pat. No. 10,547,783, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0022] 5 , the control system 100 of the surveillance system 10 may include at least one electronic control unit (ECU) 102. In some embodiments, the at least one ECU 102 may include a combination of an ECU 102 associated with and commanding the imager 12, an ECU 102 associated with and commanding the lighting 18, an ECU 102 associated with and commanding the filter 50B, and / or an ECU 102 associated with and commanding the transmit element 40. However, it should be understood that in some embodiments, the ECU 102 is a single ECU 102 that issues global commands to several (e.g., all or selected) components of the surveillance system 10. Each ECU 102 may include a processor 104 and a memory 106. The processor 104 may include any suitable processor 104. Additionally or alternatively, each ECU 102 may include any suitable number of processors in addition to or other than the processor 104. The memory 106 may include a single disk or multiple disks (e.g., hard drives) and may include a storage management module that manages one or more partitions within the memory 106. In some embodiments, memory 106 may include flash memory, semiconductor (solid-state) memory, etc. Memory 106 may include random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), electrically erasable read-only memory (EEPROM), or a combination thereof. Memory 106 may include instructions that, when executed by processor 104, cause processor 104 to perform at least functions associated with components of surveillance system 10. Accordingly, image capture device 12, illumination source 18, light sensor 28, transmissive element 40, and display 41 may be controlled by control system 100 (e.g., at least one ECU 102 or its associated processor 104).Thus, memory 106 may include software 108, first exposure profile parameter data 110, second exposure profile parameter data 112, first pattern parameter data 114, second pattern parameter data 116, image quality parameter data 118, and driver monitoring parameter data 120.

[0023] While the imaging device 12 is described as including the first exposure profile 14 and the second exposure profile 16, it should be understood that the first exposure profile 14 and the second exposure profile 16 can be included locally or remotely via instructions from the control system 100 (e.g., at least one ECU 102). The control system 100 can transmit a series of alternating instructions (e.g., frame by frame) for each of the first exposure profile 14 and the second exposure profile 16 by implementing the first pattern parameter data 114 or the second pattern parameter data 116 as a single instruction. The first pattern can be based on frame numbers embedded in the first image type 24 and the second image type 26. For example, the first image type 24 can be associated with odd numbers, and the second image type 26 can be associated with even numbers. In some embodiments, the first pattern can be associated with timing. For example, the first image type 24 can be captured at a timing rate directed by the control system 100. In some embodiments, the first pattern can include implementing the first exposure profile 14, the second exposure profile 16, and unequal rates. For example, the first pattern can include capturing one or more images of the first image type 24 while capturing a different number of images of the second image type 26. In some embodiments, the first pattern can include capturing two or more images of the first image type 24 while capturing the same number of images of the second image type 26.

[0024] Referring now to FIG. 6 , a method 200 for operating a surveillance system having at least one imaging device and at least one illumination source is provided. Regarding reference numeral 202, the imaging device operates under a first pattern that includes alternating between a first exposure profile for capturing a first image type and a second exposure profile for capturing a second image type. For example, the first exposure profile can correspond to illumination (e.g., IR or NIR) radiation from the illumination source, and the second profile can correspond to ambient illumination. The exposure time of the first exposure profile can be shorter than the exposure time associated with the second exposure profile. Regarding reference numeral 204, the illumination source flashes illumination during the first exposure profile. Regarding reference numeral 206, the first image type and / or the second image type are evaluated under a first, second, or third operating mode. Regarding reference numeral 206, quality characteristics of the second image type are evaluated. For example, the quality characteristics can be evaluated within images of the second image type or by receiving information from a light sensor. With reference to reference numeral 208, when the quality characteristic is determined to be below a threshold, the first pattern of imaging is changed to a second pattern. For example, when the intensity of ambient lighting or the quality characteristic of the second image is determined to be below a threshold, the first exposure profile and the second exposure profile are alternated according to the second pattern. In some embodiments, the second pattern can include only the first exposure profile. In some embodiments, the second pattern can include performing multiple first exposure profiles between periodic performances of the second exposure profile. With reference to reference numeral 210, the second pattern is maintained until the intensity of ambient light exceeds a threshold associated with the quality characteristic, at which time the second pattern is changed to the first pattern.

[0025] The disclosure of this specification is further summarized in the following paragraphs and may be further characterized by any and all combinations of the various aspects described therein.

[0026] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a surveillance system includes an imaging device. The imaging device includes a first exposure profile and a second exposure profile. An illumination source is configured to emit at least one of infrared (IR) or near-infrared (NIR) illumination. A control system is configured to alternate between the first exposure profile and the second exposure profile according to a first pattern. The first exposure profile corresponds to illumination emission from the illumination source. The second exposure profile corresponds to ambient illumination.

[0027] According to another aspect, a monitoring system includes a first exposure profile having a first exposure time and a second exposure profile having a second exposure time that is longer than the first exposure profile.

[0028] According to yet another aspect, a monitoring system includes a control system configured to determine an intensity of ambient lighting.

[0029] According to yet another aspect, the surveillance system includes a control system configured to change the image capture device to a second pattern when the ambient illumination intensity is determined to be below a threshold.

[0030] According to another aspect, the monitoring system is one in which the second pattern includes only the first exposure profile.

[0031] According to yet another aspect, the monitoring system includes a control system configured to maintain only the second pattern until an intensity of the ambient illumination is determined to be above a threshold, after which the control system is configured to alternate between the first exposure profile and the second exposure profile in accordance with the first pattern.

[0032] According to another aspect, the first pattern includes alternating with the first exposure profile after each second exposure profile.

[0033] According to yet another aspect, the imaging device is coupled to a rearview mirror assembly of a vehicle.

[0034] According to yet another aspect, a rearview mirror assembly includes an electro-optical device defining a front surface configured to face a vehicle occupant position, and a display disposed on a side of the electro-optical device opposite the front surface.

[0035] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a rearview mirror assembly includes a housing, a transmissive element including a reflective state, and a filter configured to attenuate transmission of one or more wavelength spectrums. A surveillance system is disposed at least partially within the housing. The surveillance system includes an imaging device. The imaging device includes a first exposure profile and a second exposure profile. The illumination source is configured to emit at least one of infrared (IR) or near-infrared (NIR) illumination. The control system is configured to alternate between the first exposure profile and the second exposure profile according to a first pattern. The first exposure profile corresponds to illumination emission from the illumination source. The second exposure profile corresponds to ambient illumination.

[0036] According to another aspect, the filter is configured to attenuate at least one of an illumination spectrum from the illumination source or selected wavelengths from the ambient illumination other than the illumination spectrum from the illumination source.

[0037] According to yet another aspect, the filter includes a liquid crystal structure configured to switch between a first state that attenuates an illumination spectrum from the illumination source and a second state that attenuates selected wavelengths from ambient illumination other than the illumination spectrum from the illumination source.

[0038] According to yet another aspect, the control system is configured to switch the filter to the first state when the imager is in the second exposure profile and to switch the filter to the second state when the imager is in the first exposure profile.

[0039] According to another embodiment, the liquid crystal structure includes a chiral liquid crystal polymer disposed between a first substrate and a second substrate.

[0040] According to another aspect, the control system is further configured to determine an intensity of ambient illumination and, if the intensity of ambient illumination is determined to be less than a threshold, change the imaging device to a second pattern including only the first exposure profile.

[0041] According to yet another aspect, the first pattern includes alternating with the first exposure profile after each second exposure profile.

[0042] According to yet another aspect of the present disclosure, a rearview mirror assembly includes a housing and a display disposed within the housing. A surveillance system is at least partially disposed within the housing. The surveillance system includes an imaging device. The imaging device includes a first exposure profile and a second exposure profile. The illumination source is configured to emit at least one of infrared (IR) or near-infrared (NIR) illumination. The control system is configured to alternate between the first exposure profile and the second exposure profile according to a first pattern. The first exposure profile corresponds to illumination emission from the illumination source. The second exposure profile corresponds to ambient illumination.

[0043] According to another aspect, the display is configured to generate information related to the first image type and the second image type.

[0044] According to yet another aspect, the control system is configured to detect risky driver or passenger activity from the first image type and the second image type, and the information generated by the display includes a notification related to the risky driver or passenger activity.

[0045] According to yet another aspect, the filter is configured to attenuate at least one of an illumination spectrum from the illumination source or selected wavelengths from the ambient illumination other than the illumination spectrum from the illumination source.

[0046] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the structure of the disclosure and other components described herein are not limited to any particular materials. Other exemplary embodiments of the disclosure disclosed herein may be formed from a wide variety of materials unless otherwise described herein.

[0047] For purposes of this disclosure, the term "coupled" (including all its forms, such as couple, coupling, and connected) generally means that two components are directly or indirectly coupled (electrically or mechanically) to one another. Such coupling can be fixed in nature or movable. Such coupling can be achieved by using the two components (electrically or mechanically) and some additional intermediate member integrally formed with each other or with the two components as a single, inseparable body. Such coupling can be permanent in nature or removable or releasable in nature, unless otherwise specified.

[0048] It is also important to note that the structure and arrangement of elements of the present disclosure as shown in the exemplary embodiments are merely illustrative. While this disclosure describes in detail only a few embodiments of the present innovation, those skilled in the art who review this disclosure will readily recognize that many modifications are possible (e.g., variations in the size, dimensions, structure, shape, and proportions of various elements, parameter values, mounting arrangements, use of materials, color, orientation, etc.) without substantially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the described subject matter. For example, elements shown as integrally formed can be composed of multiple pieces, or elements shown as multiple pieces can be integrally formed, interface operation can be reversed or otherwise changed, the structure and / or length or width of members, connectors, or other elements of the system can be changed, and the nature or number of adjustment points provided between elements can be varied. It should be noted that the elements and / or assemblies of the system can be constructed from any of a wide variety of materials that provide sufficient strength or durability, in any of a wide variety of colors, textures, and combinations. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be within the scope of the present innovation. Other substitutions, modifications, changes, and omissions may be made in the design, operating conditions, and arrangement of the desired and other exemplary embodiments without departing from the spirit of the innovations.

[0049] The foregoing description is believed to be a description of exemplary embodiments only. Modifications to the device will occur to those skilled in the art and to those who make or use the device. Accordingly, it is to be understood that the embodiments shown in the drawings and described above are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the device as defined by the following claims, which are to be interpreted in accordance with principles of patent law, including the doctrine of equivalents. [Explanation of symbols]

[0050] 10. Surveillance System 12 Imaging device 14 First Exposure Profile 18 Light source 20. Lighting 24 First Image Type 28 Optical Sensor 32 Rearview mirror assembly 33 Occupant positions 34 rooms 36 Housing 38 Opening 40 Transparent elements 41 Display 42 Front 44 Rear 45 Electro-optical devices 46 Transmitting Optical Elements 48 Light receiving optical element 50A filter 52 Connecting Hub 54 Mounting member 100 Control System

Claims

1. an imaging device including a first exposure profile and a second exposure profile; an illumination source configured to emit at least one of infrared (IR) or near-infrared (NIR) illumination; a control system configured to alternate between the first exposure profile and the second exposure profile according to a first pattern; A monitoring system comprising: The first exposure profile corresponds to illumination radiation from the illumination source, and the second exposure profile corresponds to ambient illumination.

2. 2. The surveillance system of claim 1, wherein the first exposure profile has a first exposure time, and the second exposure profile has a second exposure time that is longer than the first exposure profile.

3. 3. The surveillance system of claim 1 or 2, wherein the control system is further configured to determine an intensity of the ambient lighting.

4. The surveillance system of claim 3 , wherein the control system is further configured to change the image capture device to a second pattern when the ambient illumination intensity is determined to be below a threshold.

5. The monitoring system of claim 4 , wherein the second pattern includes only the first exposure profile.

6. 6. The monitoring system of claim 5, wherein the control system is further configured to maintain only the second pattern until an intensity of the ambient illumination is determined to be above a threshold, and the control system is configured to alternate between the first exposure profile and the second exposure profile according to the first pattern.

7. 3. The monitoring system of claim 1, wherein the first pattern includes alternating with the first exposure profile after each of the second exposure profiles.

8. 3. The surveillance system of claim 1, wherein the imaging device is coupled to a rearview mirror assembly of a vehicle.

9. 9. The surveillance system of claim 8, wherein the rearview mirror assembly includes an electro-optical device defining a front surface configured to face a vehicle occupant position, and a display disposed on a side of the electro-optical device opposite the front surface.

10. Housing and a transmissive element including a reflective state; a filter configured to attenuate the transmission of one or more wavelength spectrums; a monitoring system at least partially disposed within the housing; A rearview mirror assembly comprising: The monitoring system includes: an imaging device aligned with the filter and including a first exposure profile and a second exposure profile; an illumination source configured to emit at least one of infrared (IR) or near-infrared (NIR) illumination; a control system configured to alternate between the first exposure profile and the second exposure profile according to a first pattern, the first exposure profile corresponding to illumination radiation from the illumination source and the second exposure profile corresponding to ambient illumination; and A rearview mirror assembly comprising:

11. 11. The rearview mirror assembly of claim 10, wherein the filter is configured to attenuate at least one of an illumination spectrum from the illumination source or selected wavelengths from ambient illumination other than the illumination spectrum from the illumination source.

12. 12. The rearview mirror assembly of claim 10 or 11, wherein the filter includes a liquid crystal structure configured to switch between a first state that attenuates an illumination spectrum from the illumination source and a second state that attenuates selected wavelengths from ambient illumination other than the illumination spectrum from the illumination source.

13. 13. The rearview mirror assembly of claim 12, wherein the control system is further configured to switch the filter to the first state when the imaging device is in the second exposure profile, and to switch the filter to the second state when the imaging device is in the first exposure profile.

14. 14. The rearview mirror assembly of claim 13, wherein the liquid crystal structure comprises a chiral liquid crystal polymer disposed between a first substrate and a second substrate.

15. 14. The rearview mirror assembly of claim 13, wherein the control system is further configured to determine an intensity of the ambient illumination and, if the intensity of the ambient illumination is determined to be less than a threshold, change the imaging device to a second pattern including only the first exposure profile.

16. 12. A rearview mirror assembly according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the first pattern includes alternating with the first exposure profile after each of the second exposure profiles.

17. Housing and a display disposed within the housing; a monitoring system at least partially disposed within the housing; A rearview mirror assembly comprising: The monitoring system includes: an imaging device including a first exposure profile for producing a first image type and a second exposure profile for producing a second image type; an illumination source configured to emit at least one of infrared (IR) or near-infrared (NIR) illumination; a control system configured to alternate between the first exposure profile and the second exposure profile according to a first pattern, the first exposure profile corresponding to illumination radiation from the illumination source and the second exposure profile corresponding to ambient illumination; A rearview mirror assembly comprising:

18. 18. The rearview mirror assembly of claim 17, wherein the display is configured to generate information related to the first image type and the second image type.

19. 20. The rearview mirror assembly of claim 18, wherein the control system is further configured to detect dangerous driver or passenger activity from the first image type and the second image type, and wherein the information generated by the display includes a notification related to the dangerous driver or passenger activity.

20. 20. The rearview mirror assembly of claim 19, further comprising a filter configured to attenuate at least one of an illumination spectrum from the illumination source or selected wavelengths from ambient illumination other than the illumination spectrum from the illumination source.

Images