Full-screen mirror assembly with infrared illumination through the bezel

Abstract

To provide a full viewing mirror assembly with infrared illumination through a bezel. A vehicle mirror assembly includes a housing having a partially reflective and partially transmissive element located within the housing, a bezel assembly including at least one localized region that is substantially opaque to the visible spectrum of light and substantially transmissive to the infrared spectrum of light, and at least one illumination element located within the housing and oriented to project infrared illumination through the at least one localized region.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Background of the Disclosure The present disclosure generally relates to rearview mirrors, and more specifically relates to a mirror assembly having a bezel that is at least partially transparent to infrared light.

Summary of the Invention

[0002] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a vehicular mirror assembly includes a housing, with a partially reflective and partially transmissive element positioned within the housing. A bezel assembly includes at least one localized region that is substantially opaque to the visible spectrum of light and substantially transparent to the infrared spectrum of light. At least one lighting element is positioned within the housing and oriented to project infrared illumination through the at least one localized region.

[0003] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a vehicular mirror assembly includes a housing, with a partially reflective and partially transmissive element positioned within the housing. A display device is positioned behind the partially reflective and partially transmissive element. A bezel assembly includes a localized region that is substantially opaque to the visible spectrum of light and substantially transparent to the infrared spectrum of light. A lighting element is positioned within the housing and oriented to project infrared illumination through the localized region.

[0004] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a vehicular mirror assembly includes a housing, with a partially reflective and partially transmissive element positioned within the housing. A bezel assembly is formed of a first material that is substantially opaque to both the visible spectrum of light and the infrared spectrum of light. The bezel assembly includes a localized region formed of a second material including a dye that is substantially opaque to the visible spectrum of light and substantially transparent to the infrared spectrum of light. A lighting element is positioned within the housing and oriented to project infrared illumination through the localized region.

[0005] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a vehicle mirror assembly includes a housing and a bezel assembly including at least one local region which is substantially opaque to the visible spectrum of light and substantially transparent to the infrared spectrum of light. The mirror assembly further includes a plurality of button regions, each button region having an illumination element and at least one sensor. The illumination element is located within the housing and is oriented to project infrared illumination through at least one local region. At least one sensor is located near each illumination element, and each sensor is configured to detect an increase in the presence of the infrared spectrum of light. A control system is configured to take the detected increase in the presence of the infrared spectrum of light from at least one sensor and generate a user input associated with a button region at at least one sensor.

[0006] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a vehicle mirror assembly includes a housing and a bezel assembly including at least one local region which is substantially opaque to the visible spectrum of light and substantially transparent to the infrared spectrum of light. The mirror assembly further includes an illuminating element located within the housing and oriented to project infrared illumination through at least one local region. A button region is located adjacent to the illuminating element and includes at least one sensor configured to detect an increase in the presence of the infrared spectrum of light. A control system is configured to acquire the detected increase in the presence of the infrared spectrum of light from at least one sensor and to generate a user input associated with the button region at at least one sensor.

[0007] According to yet another aspect of the present disclosure, a vehicle mirror assembly includes a housing and a bezel assembly including at least one local region which is substantially opaque to the visible spectrum of light and substantially transparent to the infrared spectrum of light. The mirror assembly further includes at least one sensor configured to detect an increase in the presence of the infrared spectrum of light. A button region is located adjacent to the at least one sensor and includes an illumination element located within the housing and oriented to project infrared illumination through the at least one local region. A control system is configured to acquire the detected increase in the presence of the infrared spectrum of light from the at least one sensor and to generate a user input associated with the button region at the at least one sensor.

[0008] These and other features, advantages, and purposes of this disclosure will be further understood and recognized by those skilled in the art by reference to the following specification, claims, and accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] This is a front view of a mirror assembly of a first structure for a vehicle, comprising a bezel assembly including a local region formed of a material that transmits light in the infrared spectrum, according to the present disclosure. [Figure 2] This is a side cross-sectional view of the mirror assembly shown in Figure 1, according to a particular aspect of this disclosure. [Figure 3] This is a front view of a mirror assembly of a second structure for a vehicle, having a bezel assembly substantially formed of a material that transmits light in the infrared spectrum, according to another aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] This is a side cross-sectional view of the mirror assembly shown in Figure 3, according to a particular aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 5A] This is a front view of a mirror assembly of a third structure for a vehicle having a bezel assembly including a user input module in a first arrangement, according to another aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 5B]This is an enlarged front view of a mirror assembly of a third structure for a vehicle having a bezel assembly including a second arrangement user input module, according to another aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 5C] This is an enlarged front view of a mirror assembly of a third structure for a vehicle having a bezel assembly including a user input module in a third arrangement, according to another aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] This is a disassembled top perspective view of a mirror assembly according to a particular aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 7] This disclosure describes a method for assembling a mirror assembly. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] The illustrated embodiments primarily belong to combinations of method steps and apparatus components related to display mirrors. Consequently, apparatus components and method steps are presented, and where appropriate, only those specific details relevant to understanding the embodiments of this disclosure are indicated by conventional symbols in the drawings, so as not to obscure the disclosure by details that would be readily apparent to those skilled in the art who benefit from the description herein. Furthermore, similar figures in the description and drawings represent similar elements.

[0011] For the purposes of this specification, terms such as “upper,” “lower,” “right,” “left,” “rear,” “front,” “vertical,” and “horizontal,” and their derivatives, are used in relation to the disclosure as oriented in Figure 1. Unless otherwise specified, the term “front” refers to the side of the component of the display mirror closest to the intended observer, and the term “rear” refers to the side of the component of the display mirror furthest from the intended observer. However, it is understood that this disclosure may assume various alternative orientations unless expressly specified to the contrary. It is also understood that the specific apparatus and processes illustrated in the accompanying drawings and described in the following specification are merely illustrative embodiments of the concept of the invention as defined in the accompanying claims. Therefore, unless expressly stated otherwise in the claims, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not considered limiting.

[0012] The terms “including,” “comprises,” and “comprising,” or other variations thereof, are intended to encompass non-exclusive inclusion, and any process, method, article, or apparatus that includes elements of the list may include, but not only, other elements not expressly listed or specific to such process, method, article, or apparatus. The element preceded by “...includes” does not, without further restriction, exclude the existence of additional identical elements in any process, method, article, or apparatus that includes that element.

[0013] Referring first to Figures 1 to 4, reference numeral 10A generally represents a vehicle mirror assembly in a first structure which may include a reflective state and a display state, configured as a full-screen display mirror. In the reflective state, the mirror assembly 10A operates as a mirror, reflecting light of various wavelengths backward toward an intended observer. In the display state, the mirror assembly 10A relays image data information (e.g., images, messages, or recommendations) based on one or more images captured from one or more image capture components. The mirror assembly 10A includes a partially reflective and partially transmissive element 12 (hereinafter also referred to as the "glass element") such as an electro-optical device, and a display module 14 (Figure 6) visible through the glass element 12. The mirror assembly 10A further includes a housing 15 which includes a bezel assembly 16 that shields and supports the glass element 12 and the display module 14. In some embodiments, the mirror assembly 10A may be configured as a conventional mirror having the bezel assembly 16 described herein (for example, without having one or both of the partially reflective and partially transmissive elements 12 and the display module 14).

[0014] The mirror assembly 10A further includes at least one illuminating element 18. In some embodiments, the illuminating element 18 may include one or more infrared emitters for transmitting infrared wavelengths of light (e.g., in structured light patterns and / or flood patterns). At least one illuminating element 18 may be located within the housing 15 and oriented toward the bezel assembly 16. The mirror assembly 10A may further include a camera unit 20 for capturing image data (e.g., one or more images or videos) from the driver's seat of the associated vehicle. The camera unit 20 and at least one illuminating element 18 may utilize the same control system (e.g., PCB, ECU, and / or processor) as the other components of the mirror assembly 10A. The camera unit 20 may include one or more cameras with various image acquisition techniques, such as night mode, image enhancement, thermal sensing, recording capability, wide-angle lens, and other features. In some embodiments, the camera unit 20 may also be located within the housing 15 and oriented toward the bezel assembly 16.

[0015] Referring here to Figures 1 and 2, the bezel assembly 16 may be formed of a first material, for example, glass-filled nylon, a material that does not transmit wavelengths in the infrared spectrum, and / or other materials. The bezel assembly 16 may further include one or more localized regions 22 formed of a second material, for example, a material that is transparent to wavelengths in the infrared spectrum. For example, one or more localized regions 22 may be formed of a resin material such as polycarbonate or polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA). In some embodiments, the material forming one or more localized regions 22 may be transparent or translucent to a large wavelength spectrum, including those of the visible and infrared spectra. Additives, such as dyes, may be mixed (e.g., in a flow state) with a second material that is substantially absorbent to the visible spectrum and substantially transparent to the infrared spectrum. In some embodiments, the additives may be substantially absorbent to wavelengths less than about 650 nm (e.g., less than 5% transmittance, less than 10% transmittance, or less than 15% transmittance). In some embodiments, the additive may be substantially transparent (e.g., more than 50% transmission, more than 60% transmission, more than 700 nm transmission, or more than 720 nm transmission) to wavelengths above about 680 nm. Thus, one or more local regions 22 may be opaque to the observer but capable of substantially transmitting wavelengths of the infrared spectrum. In some embodiments, the dye in another local region 22 may be color-matched with the surrounding region of the local region 22 (e.g., the first material). Each of the one or more local regions 22 may be located adjacent to at least one illuminating element 18, allowing the infrared spectrum of light to be transmitted out of the bezel assembly 16 toward the driver's seat. In some embodiments, there may be one local region 22 for each illuminating element 18. In other embodiments, there may be one local region 22 for two or more illuminating elements 18. In some embodiments, the camera unit 20 may be positioned in close proximity to (for example, behind) one or more local regions 22 to enable the capture of images in the infrared spectrum through the bezel assembly 16.In some embodiments, the camera unit 20 is located within the bezel assembly 16 but does not include a cover glass, a clearly transparent lens made of plastic, or an exposed aperture, and is not located behind one of the local regions 22. In some embodiments, the camera unit 20 is embedded within the outer portion of the bezel assembly 16 or is otherwise connected to the outer portion of the bezel assembly 16.

[0016] Referring particularly to Figure 2, at least one local region 22 may include a front surface 24, a rear surface 26, and a side surface 28 (e.g., the outer periphery). One of the local regions 22 may be located in close proximity to the front surface 24, the rear surface 26, and / or the side surface 28. In some embodiments, the front surface 24 and the rear surface 26 of the local region 22 are substantially parallel (e.g., within 10°, e.g., within 5°, or parallel). At least one optical element 30 may be located in close proximity to each of the local regions 22 (e.g., aligned with it). For example, the optical element 30 may be located on the rear surface 26. In some embodiments, the optical element 30 may be integral with at least one local region 22 (e.g., integrally formed by molding or other means). In other embodiments, the optical element 30 may be coupled to at least one local region 22 (e.g., connected). The optical element 30 may be configured to redirect (e.g., refract) the infrared illumination projected from the illuminating element 18 in a controlled or semi-controlled pattern, directing the light to various areas of the driver's seat. In some embodiments, the optical element 30 may be further configured to focus (e.g., collimate) the light from the associated illuminating element 18 in a controlled or semi-controlled pattern, focusing the beam of light to various areas of the driver's seat. In some embodiments, the optical element 30 includes, for example, an optical support (Figure 2), a prism, a textured surface, a smooth surface, etc. As shown, the optical support may define a series of convex or concave structures 32. At least one local area 22 and the associated illuminating element 18 may be positioned to project light through the front 24 and / or side 28 of the bezel assembly 16. As shown, the local area 22 may be positioned along the bottom of the front 24 and / or side 28. Therefore, in some embodiments, the optical element 30 may reorient the projection of light toward an area inside the driver's seat, in addition to controlled or semi-controlled reorientation (e.g., refraction and / or collimation). In some embodiments, the optical element 30 may further include features such as a lens used in conjunction with the camera unit 20.As will be described in detail below, at least one localized region 22 may be molded into an opening 36 defined by the front surface 24, the rear surface 26, and / or the side surface 28 (e.g., a second shot in a molding process where the rest of the bezel assembly 16 is a first shot), or it may be fitted and joined in other ways (e.g., using adhesive, screws, heat stakes, snaps, and / or other mechanical attachment methods). In some embodiments, the portions of the front surface 24 and / or side surface 28 defined by the localized region 22 may be optically polished. Naturally, the bezel assembly 16 and the localized region 22 (e.g., via additives) may be substantially the same color so that they are indistinguishable to an observer. For example, the bezel assembly 16 and the localized region 22 may be black, red, brown, other colors, and / or combinations thereof. The front surface 24 of the localized region 22 may have a smooth texture (e.g., polished) to prevent optical scattering.

[0017] Referring here to Figures 3 and 4, the mirror assembly 10B includes a second structure. In the second structure, the mirror assembly 10B may be configured as a full-screen display mirror or a conventional mirror having the bezel assembly 16 described herein. The second structure may include all the same features, elements, functions, and materials, and may be incorporated into the same structure as the other structures. However, the bezel assembly 16 and one or more local regions 22 are formed of a substantially symmetry and integral material, for example, a material that is substantially transparent to wavelengths in the infrared spectrum but substantially absorbent to wavelengths in the visible spectrum. For example, the bezel assembly 16 and one or more local regions 22 may be formed of a resin material such as polycarbonate or polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) with additives such as the dyes described above. As shown in Figure 4, the rear surface 26 of the bezel assembly 16 may be adjacent to one or more optical elements 30 as described above (e.g., integrally formed or otherwise connected).

[0018] Referring here to Figure 5A, the mirror assembly 10C includes a third structure. In the third structure, the mirror assembly 10C may be configured as a full-screen display mirror or a conventional mirror having the bezel assembly 16 described herein. The third structure may include all the same features, elements, functions, and materials and may be incorporated into the same structure as the other structures. However, the mirror assembly 10C is configured to utilize at least one local area 22 and an illumination element 18 as a user input module 33A of the first arrangement. More specifically, the mirror assembly 10C includes one or more button areas 34 defining a portion of the bezel assembly 16. Each button area 34 includes at least one of the illumination element 18 and / or a sensor 36 (e.g., an infrared sensor) configured to detect the presence of the infrared spectrum of light. The sensor 36 may be located within at least one local area 22, on the front 24, on the rear 26, on the side 28, or within a region of the bezel assembly 16 surrounding at least one local area 22. The button area 34 may be aligned with or adjacent to the local area 22 and defined by the front surface 24. During use, the sensor 36 detects the presence of infrared light reflected from the user's finger. The closer the user's finger is to one of the illuminating elements 18, the greater the presence of the infrared spectrum of the light detected by the sensor 36. The full-screen display mirror 10C includes a control system (e.g., a primary printed circuit board 50, which may include at least one processor) configured to identify the increased presence of the infrared spectrum of light within one of the button areas 34 and generate a user input associated with the button area 34. In embodiments where the mirror assembly 10C is configured as a full-screen display mirror, the user input from one of the button areas 34 may generate a signal that causes the control system to generate visual information on the display module 14. The visual information may include a menu 35 having a list of user options.For example, menu 35 may include user options such as functions associated with the mirror assembly 10C (e.g., what type of visual information is displayed, dimming function, etc.), functions associated with the vehicle (e.g., voice, heating, overhead lights, etc.), and / or other functions (e.g., opening the garage door, pairing devices, etc.). However, naturally, in embodiments where the mirror assembly 10C is configured as a conventional mirror, user input may provide the same functionality without menu 35, and / or different menus may be generated at locations other than the mirror assembly 10C (e.g., mobile device, infotainment center, display, GPS, and / or similar). Each button area 34 may be associated with different user inputs and functions. In some embodiments, each button area 34 includes a mark 37 such as a raised or textured surface, color, digital visualization from the display module 14, or non-digital marking on the glass element 12 to visually inform the user of the location of the button area 34.

[0019] Continuing to refer to Figure 5A, the user input module 33A in the first configuration includes button areas 34 located on the illumination element 18, and infrared sensors 36 may be located on one or both sides (e.g., opposing first and second sides) of each button area 34 to determine which of the particular button areas 34 is being pressed (or intended to be pressed). This determination may be based on detected reflections (e.g., which infrared sensor 36 detects the greatest amount of infrared light). In some embodiments, the control system may be configured to determine the intention to press a particular button area 34 (e.g., generate user input) based on a predetermined value of detected infrared light, a predetermined rate of change of detected infrared light, or other profiles (e.g., double-tap, pressing a button area 34 for a certain length of time). The control system may further be configured to identify that one of the particular button areas 34 has been pressed and to perform a specific function associated with that particular button area 34, as described above. In some embodiments, the button areas 34 may include touch-activated components and may also rely on detection from the infrared sensors 36 as a secondary source of user input. In some embodiments, the local region 22 may be singular and may cover each of the infrared sensor 36 and the illuminating element 18. In some embodiments, the local region 22 may consist of multiple local regions 22, each local region may cover a particular group of the infrared sensor 36 and the illuminating element 18. For example, the local region may consist of a pair of local regions 22, each located on the opposite side of the camera unit 20 and covering multiple illuminating elements 18 and the infrared sensor 36. In some embodiments, the multiple local regions 22 may be configured such that one local region 22 covers only one illuminating element 18 and one or more infrared sensors 36.

[0020] Referring now to FIG. 5B, mirror assembly 10C includes a second arrangement of user input module 33B. In the second arrangement, the functions and main operations of button regions 34 are the same as other arrangements described herein. However, each button region 34 is located directly above one of infrared sensors 36, and lighting element 18 is located adjacent to button region 34. In some embodiments, button regions 34 of user input module 33B are located within bezel assembly 16, and may be spaced apart from or adjacent to local region 22 instead of being located over local region 22. In this manner, camera unit 20 can capture infrared illumination without significant interference from user interaction.

[0021] Referring now to FIG. 5C, mirror assembly 10C includes a third arrangement of user input module 33C. In the third arrangement, the functions and main operations of button regions 34 are the same as other arrangements described herein. However, each button region 34 is located directly above one of infrared sensors 36 and one of lighting elements 18. In some embodiments, each button region 34 includes one of infrared sensors 36 and one of lighting elements 18 connected to a common bench structure. In this manner, infrared sensor 36 and lighting element 18 can be simultaneously installed in button region 34. Button regions 34 of user input module 33C may be aligned with one or more of local regions 34.

[0022] Referring now to FIG. 6, in some embodiments, mirror assemblies 10A-10C may include some or all of the components illustrated in a partially unassembled state. For example, mirror assemblies 10A-10C may include a mounting member 40 extending rearward from housing 15. Mounting member 40 includes a mounting plate 42 and a mounting bracket 43 adapted to be mounted on a windshield or an overhead space of a vehicle. Bezel assembly 16 may be configured to form part of the outer contour of glass element 12.

[0023] The display module 14 includes several components, for example, a display device 44, an optical block 46, a heat sink 54, and a PCB 50. The PCB 50 operates to provide power and control to components of the camera unit 20, the illumination element 18, the display module 14, and the glass element 12. The mirror assemblies 10A to 10C may include a rear housing 52, a front shield 53, and an intermediate shield 48 that shields and supports the glass element 12 and the display module 14. The rear housing 52, the intermediate shield 48, the front shield 53, and the components of the display module 14 are provided with various retaining features for operably connecting several components of the display module 14 to the rear housing 52, the intermediate shield 48, the front shield 53, the bezel assembly 16, and to each other, and for providing support for the display module 14. Specifically, the rear housing 52 includes retaining features for operably connecting the rear housing 52 to the intermediate shield 48, which includes retaining features for operably connecting the display module 14. The bezel assembly 16 and the front shield 53 likewise have retaining features for operably connecting the bezel assembly 16 and the front shield 53 to the display module 14. The retaining features generally include snap-fit connections, tab-and-slot connections, threaded connections, and / or other known retaining features. In some embodiments, the intermediate shield 48 or other portions of the mirror assemblies 10A to 10C may include an ambient light sensor (not shown).

[0024] The display device 44 may generate visual information such as graphics, images, or videos via the glass element 12. In some embodiments, the visual information may be related to image data captured by the camera unit (e.g., warnings, recommendations, or images). In some embodiments, the visual information may be related to the user interface menu 35. The display device 44 may be a liquid crystal display (LCD), light-emitting diode (LED), organic light-emitting diode (OLED), plasma, digital light processing (DLP), or other display technology. The display device 44 further comprises a flexible electrical connector 56, which is operably connected mechanically and electrically to the PCB 50. The flexible electrical connector 56 has a length L sufficient to extend over and cover the display module components between the display device 44 and the PCB 50, and a width that extends substantially along the upper edge 58 of the display device 44. The ends of the flexible electrical connector 56 may be chamfered to facilitate manufacturing. When the flexible electrical connector 56 is operably connected to the PCB 50, it helps to secure the components along the upper edge 58 of the display module 14.

[0025] The glass element 12 may include an electro-optic medium 59, which may include a prism-type structure or an electrochromic-type structure. In a prism-type structure, the electro-optic medium 59 may generally include a single glass element 12 whose thickness changes from top to bottom. The glass element 12 includes at least two glass substrates, which may include a front substrate 60 and a rear substrate 62. The front substrate 60 may include a first surface and a second surface, and the rear substrate 62 may include a third surface and a fourth surface. The electro-optic medium 59 may be positioned between the front substrate 60 and the rear substrate 62. The mirror assemblies 10A to 10C have a display area 64 positioned on the front surface of the front substrate 60. The display area 64 may be rectangular, trapezoidal, or any custom contour shape for practical and aesthetic purposes. The boundaries of the glass element 12 may incorporate edge treatments such as a concealing layer 66 or a chrome ring, opaque ring, or other similar finish to conceal the rear housing 52, the intermediate shield 48, and the peripheral areas of other elements located behind the glass element 12. The foaming adhesive 68 may be connected to the inside of the glass element 12. A pair of J-clips 70 (or other types of conductors) may electrically couple the glass element 12 to the PCB 50. In an electrochromic type structure, the electro-optic medium 59 is an electrochromic medium comprising at least one solvent, at least one anode material, and at least one cathode material. Typically, both the anode and cathode materials are electroactive, and at least one of them is electrochromic. Regardless of its usual meaning, the term “electroactive” is understood herein to mean a material that, when exposed to a particular potential difference, undergoes modification in its oxidized state. Furthermore, the term "electrochromic," in this specification, is understood to mean, regardless of its usual meaning, a material that, when exposed to a particular potential difference, exhibits a change in its extinction coefficient at one or more wavelengths.Electrochromic components include materials whose color or opacity is affected by an electric current, as described herein, so that when an electric current is applied to the material, the color or opacity changes from a first phase to a second phase. During assembly, mechanical fasteners 72 may connect the components of the mirror assemblies 10A-10C.

[0026] The electrochromic components disclosed herein may be single-layer, single-phase, multi-layer, or multi-phase components, including U.S. Patent No. 5,928,572 titled "Electrochromic Layer And Devices Comprising Same", U.S. Patent No. 5,998,617 titled "Electrochromic Compounds", U.S. Patent No. 6,020,987 titled "Electrochromic Medium Capable Of Producing A Pre-selected Color", U.S. Patent No. 6,037,471 titled "Electrochromic Compounds", U.S. Patent No. 6,141,137 titled "Electrochromic Media For Producing A Pre-selected Color", U.S. Patent No. 6,241,916 titled "Electrochromic System", U.S. Patent No. 6,193,912 titled "Near Infrared-Absorbing Electrochromic Compounds And Devices Comprising Same", and "Coupled Electrochromic Compounds With Photostable Dication Oxidation U.S. Patent No. 6,249,369 titled "States", U.S. Patent No. 6,137,620 titled "Electrochromic Media With Concentration Enhanced Stability, Process For The Preparation Thereof and Use In Electrochromic Devices", and U.S. Patent No. 6,519,072 titled "Electrochromic Device", as well as "Electrochromic Polymeric Solid Films, Manufacturing Electrochromic Devices Using Such Solid Films,This disclosure may also be described in International Patent Application No. 98 / 42796, entitled “And Processes For Making Such Solid Films And Devices,” and International Patent Application No. 99 / 02621, entitled “Electrochrome Polymer Systems,” which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. The glass element 12 may also be any other element having partial reflective and partial transmissive properties. To pass an electric current through the glass element 12, electrical elements (e.g., bus tape) may be provided on both sides of the element to generate a potential between them. This disclosure may also be used in conjunction with display mirror systems, such as those described in U.S. Patent No. 9,505,349 and U.S. Patent No. 10,739,591 (which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety).

[0027] Continuing to refer to Figure 6, the glare sensor optic 74 may be provided on the bottom surface of the rear housing 52 in a position to receive light below the glass element 12 and below the display device 44. The glare sensor optic 74 receives light from the headlights of a following vehicle, measures information about any glare that may be visible on the glass element 12, and transmits this information to the mirror assemblies 10A-10C so that the mirror assemblies 10A-10C can be optimized to allow the display device 44 to be seen through the glass element 12. The optical vertical / horizontal pattern of the glare sensor optic 74 may be symmetrical, so the orientation of the glare sensor optic 74 becomes irrelevant (e.g., circular shape). The glare sensor optic 74 may also have an asymmetrical vertical / horizontal focusing pattern, in which case a keyed shape will be placed in the lens to confirm the correct orientation in the mirror assemblies 10A-10C. The glare sensor optic 74 may also be at least partially packaged within the bezel assembly 16 of the mirror assemblies 10A-10C and may have a light guide configured to propagate light to the glare sensor optic 74. The glare sensor optic 74 may also be an image sensor located at the rear of the vehicle, to which a signal representing the received light is transmitted from the glare sensor optic 74 to the mirror assemblies 10A-10C. In some embodiments, the glare sensor optic 74 may include a full-screen display mirror ("FDM") camera and image processing by components on the PCB 50.

[0028] For the purposes of the following description, mirror assemblies 10A-10C are considered "on-axis" if a line perpendicular to the plane of the glass element 12 extends toward the observer's eye. Because the display device 44 is viewed through the glass element 12, any glare on the glass element 12 may interfere with the visibility of the display device 44. When mirror assemblies 10A-10C are on-axis and used during nighttime driving conditions, headlights from following vehicles (i.e., vehicles driving behind a vehicle having mirror assemblies 10A-10C) are captured by at least one image capturing device (not shown) located behind the vehicle to capture images of other drivers or environmental conditions. According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, an actuator device 78 is operably coupled with the mirror assemblies 10A-10C, as shown in Figure 2. When activated, the actuator device 78 moves at least the glass element 12 off-axis (i.e., away from the line toward the driver's eye). Typically, the activation of the actuator device 78 causes the glass element 12 to tilt upward, moving the mirror to the off-axis position. However, naturally, the actuator device 78 can be configured to move the mirror in any direction relative to the axis. The actuator device 78 can also be configured to move the display device 44 when activated. The actuator device 78 can also be configured to switch the display device 44 on or off. Therefore, when the actuator device 78 is activated and moves the mirror off-axis, the display device 44 can be switched off. Typically, when the actuator device 78 is activated, the mirror assemblies 10A-10C rotate together with the glass element 12 and the display device 44, maintaining a constant distance from each other. When the actuator device 78 is activated, the mounting member 40 and the mounting plate 42 do not move relative to the rest of the vehicle. In the illustrated embodiment, the glass element 12 and the display device 44 are firmly fixed to each other and do not move independently of each other. Alternatively, the glass element 12 can be configured to move independently of the display device 44.Furthermore, if the mirror assemblies 10A to 10C are used to provide information to the observer of the mirror assemblies 10A to 10C, the mirror assemblies 10A to 10C may include information related to the field of view, such as a partially transparent graphic overlay or image on the display device 44 visible on the display area 64.

[0029] This disclosure may be used in conjunction with mounting systems, such as those described in U.S. Patents No. 9,244,249, No. 8,960,629, No. 8,814,373, No. 8,201,800, No. 8,210,695, No. 9,174,577, No. 8,925,891, and No. 9,838,653, as well as U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61 / 704,869 (which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety). Furthermore, this disclosure may be used in conjunction with rearview mirror package assemblies, such as those described in U.S. Patents No. 9,316,347, 8,814,373, 8,646,924, 8,643,931, 8,264,761 and 8,885,240, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61 / 707,625 (these are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety). Furthermore, this disclosure is intended to include bezels, such as those described in U.S. Patents No. 8,827,517, 8,210,695 and 8,201,800 (these are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety).

[0030] Figure 7 illustrates a method 100 for assembling a mirror assembly. Step 102 includes electrically connecting a glass element, a display module, and an optical block to a PCB. Step 102 may further include, in 104, electrically connecting a camera unit and at least one illuminating element to a PCB. Step 106 includes forming a bezel assembly having at least one local region that is substantially transparent to the infrared spectrum of light. Step 106 may include, in 108, forming a bezel assembly of a first material having substantially at least one aperture and at least one local region of a second material. The local region contains an additive configured to absorb light in the visible spectrum and transmit light in the infrared spectrum. Step 106 may further include, in 110, connecting the local region within the aperture (e.g., a second injection, adhesive, screws, heat stakes, snaps, other mechanical mounting methods, and / or similar). Alternatively, step 106 may include forming a bezel assembly and a local region of substantially identical material, one or both of which contain an additive configured to absorb light in the visible spectrum and transmit light in the infrared spectrum, in step 112. In step 114, method 100 may include forming an optical element on the surface of the local region (e.g., integrally or separately connected). Naturally, step 114 may occur concurrently with the formation of the local region in step 106. In step 116, method 100 includes positioning at least one illuminating element within the bezel assembly oriented to project infrared light through the local region. In step 118, method 100 may further include positioning a camera unit within the bezel assembly oriented to capture an infrared image through the local region. In step 120, method 100 includes bonding the glass element, display module, optical block, and PCB and enclosing them within a housing. Step 120 may further include, in step 122, sandwiching the glass element, display module, optical block, and PCB between the front shield and the intermediate shield.In step 124, method 100 may include optically finishing at least one surface of a local area (e.g., the front surface) so that it is not textured to prevent scattering of infrared light. In some embodiments, step 124 may occur in conjunction with step 108 when the local area is formed.

[0031] The present invention as disclosed herein is further summarized in the following paragraphs and further characterized by any combination of the various embodiments described herein.

[0032] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a vehicle mirror assembly includes a housing in which a partially reflective and partially transmissive element is located within the housing. The bezel assembly includes at least one local region that is substantially opaque to the visible spectrum of light and substantially transmissive to the infrared spectrum of light. At least one illuminating element is located within the housing and is oriented to project infrared illumination through at least one local region.

[0033] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the bezel assembly is formed of a first material, and at least one localized region is formed of a second material different from the first material.

[0034] According to yet another aspect of this disclosure, the second material comprises a dye that is substantially opaque to the visible spectrum of light and substantially transparent to the infrared spectrum of light.

[0035] According to yet another aspect of this disclosure, the optical element is located between at least one illuminating element and the front surface of the bezel assembly. The optical element is configured to redirect infrared illumination from at least one illuminating element.

[0036] According to another aspect of this disclosure, the optical element is integrated with at least one local region.

[0037] According to yet another aspect of the present disclosure, the bezel assembly is formed of a first material, and at least one local area is formed of a second material, the same as the first material.

[0038] According to yet another aspect of this disclosure, at least one local region includes a plurality of local regions.

[0039] According to another aspect of this disclosure, a plurality of local regions are located along the bottom of the bezel assembly.

[0040] According to yet another aspect of the present disclosure, at least one illuminating element includes a plurality of illuminating elements oriented to project infrared illumination through a plurality of local regions.

[0041] According to yet another aspect of this disclosure, two or more of the multiple illumination elements are oriented to project infrared illumination through a single of the multiple local regions.

[0042] According to another aspect of this disclosure, each of the multiple local regions is spaced apart from one another.

[0043] According to yet another aspect of this disclosure, the camera unit is oriented to capture image data of the infrared spectrum of light.

[0044] According to yet another aspect of this disclosure, the camera unit is located within a housing and is oriented to capture image data of the infrared spectrum of light passing through at least one local region.

[0045] According to another aspect of this disclosure, the camera unit is located within a housing and oriented to capture image data of the infrared spectrum of light through an exposed aperture.

[0046] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a vehicle mirror assembly includes a housing in which a partially reflective and partially transmissive element is located within the housing. A display device is located behind the partially reflective and partially transmissive element. The bezel assembly includes a local region that is substantially opaque to the visible spectrum of light and substantially transmissive to the infrared spectrum of light. An illumination element is located within the housing and is oriented to project infrared illumination through the local region.

[0047] According to yet another aspect of this disclosure, the optical element is located between the illumination element and the front surface of the bezel assembly, and the optical element is configured to redirect infrared illumination away from the illumination element.

[0048] According to yet another aspect of the present disclosure, the optical element includes an optical pillow defining at least one of a convex or concave structure.

[0049] According to yet another aspect of the present disclosure, the bezel assembly is formed of a first material and includes an opening, and a localized region is located within the opening and is formed of a second material different from the first material.

[0050] According to another aspect of this disclosure, the optical element is integrated with the local region.

[0051] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a vehicle mirror assembly includes a housing in which a partially reflective and partially transmissive element is located within the housing. The bezel assembly is formed of a first material that is substantially opaque to the visible and infrared spectra of light. The bezel assembly includes a local region formed of a second material that contains a dye that is substantially opaque to the visible spectrum of light and substantially transmissive to the infrared spectrum of light. An illumination element is located within the housing and is oriented to project infrared illumination through the local region.

[0052] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a vehicle mirror assembly includes a housing and a bezel assembly including at least one local region which is substantially opaque to the visible spectrum of light and substantially transparent to the infrared spectrum of light. The mirror assembly further includes a plurality of button regions, each button region having an illumination element and at least one sensor. The illumination element is located within the housing and is oriented to project infrared illumination through at least one local region. At least one sensor is located near each illumination element, and each sensor is configured to detect an increase in the presence of the infrared spectrum of light. A control system is configured to take the detected increase in the presence of the infrared spectrum of light from at least one sensor and generate a user input associated with a button region at at least one sensor.

[0053] In another embodiment, the bezel assembly is formed of a first material, and at least one localized region is formed of a second material different from the first material.

[0054] In yet another embodiment, the second material comprises a dye that is substantially opaque to the visible spectrum of light and substantially transparent to the infrared spectrum of light.

[0055] In yet another embodiment, at least one sensor within each button area is located beneath the illumination element.

[0056] In another embodiment, the mirror assembly includes a partially reflective and partially transmissive element located within the housing, and a display device located behind the partially reflective and partially transmissive element.

[0057] In yet another embodiment, the control system is further configured to generate visual information on a display device as a result of user input.

[0058] In yet another embodiment, the visual information includes a menu having a list of user options, which includes functions associated with at least one of the mirror assembly and the vehicle.

[0059] In another embodiment, user input differs for each of the button areas.

[0060] In yet another embodiment, each of the button areas includes a mark that visually informs the user of the location of the button area.

[0061] In yet another embodiment, multiple button areas are located along the lower edge of the bezel assembly.

[0062] In another embodiment, at least one sensor within each button area includes two sensors.

[0063] In yet another embodiment, each of the multiple button regions lies on at least one local region.

[0064] In yet another embodiment, at least one local region includes multiple local regions, and at least two button regions are located on different local regions.

[0065] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a vehicle mirror assembly includes a housing and a bezel assembly including at least one local region which is substantially opaque to the visible spectrum of light and substantially transparent to the infrared spectrum of light. The mirror assembly further includes an illuminating element located within the housing and oriented to project infrared illumination through at least one local region. A button region is located adjacent to the illuminating element and includes at least one sensor configured to detect an increase in the presence of the infrared spectrum of light. A control system is configured to acquire the detected increase in the presence of the infrared spectrum of light from at least one sensor and to generate a user input associated with the button region at at least one sensor.

[0066] In another embodiment, the bezel assembly is formed of a first material that is substantially opaque to the visible and infrared spectra of light.

[0067] In yet another embodiment, at least one local region is formed of a second material containing a dye that is substantially opaque to the visible spectrum of light and substantially transparent to the infrared spectrum of light.

[0068] In yet another embodiment, the bezel assembly includes a raised texture adjacent to the button area to visually inform the user of the location of the button area.

[0069] In another embodiment, user input activates a function associated with at least one of the mirror assembly and the vehicle.

[0070] According to yet another aspect of the present disclosure, a vehicle mirror assembly includes a housing and a bezel assembly including at least one local region which is substantially opaque to the visible spectrum of light and substantially transparent to the infrared spectrum of light. The mirror assembly further includes at least one sensor configured to detect an increase in the presence of the infrared spectrum of light. A button region is located adjacent to the at least one sensor and includes an illumination element located within the housing and oriented to project infrared illumination through the at least one local region. A control system is configured to acquire the detected increase in the presence of the infrared spectrum of light from the at least one sensor and to generate a user input associated with the button region at the at least one sensor.

[0071] In another embodiment, the bezel assembly is formed of a first material that is substantially opaque to the visible and infrared spectra of light, and at least one local region is formed of a second material containing a dye that is substantially opaque to the visible spectrum of light and substantially transparent to the infrared spectrum of light.

[0072] Those skilled in the art will understand that the structure of the described disclosure and other components is not limited to any specific material (unless otherwise stated). Other exemplary embodiments of the disclosure disclosed herein may be formed from a wide variety of materials, unless otherwise stated herein.

[0073] For the purposes of this disclosure, the term “coupled” (in all its forms such as “couple,” “coupling,” and “coupled”) generally means the connection (electrical or mechanical) of two components, either directly or indirectly. Such connections may be fixed in nature or movable in nature. Such connections may be achieved using two components (electrical or mechanical) and any additional intermediate members, either together or between the two components, formed integrally as a single, indivisible object. Such connections may be permanent in nature or detachable or releaseable in nature, unless otherwise specified.

[0074] It is also important to note that the configuration and arrangement of the elements of this disclosure illustrated in the exemplary embodiments are illustrative only. While this disclosure has described in detail only a few embodiments of this innovation, those skilled in the art who consider this disclosure will readily recognize that numerous modifications (e.g., variations in the size, dimensions, structure, shape and proportions, parameter values, mounting arrangement, material use, color, orientation, etc.) are possible without significantly deviating from the novel teachings and advantages relating to the subject matter detailed. For example, elements shown as being integrally formed may consist of multiple parts, or elements shown as multiple parts may be integrally formed. The operation of the interface may be reversed or otherwise changed. The structure of the system and / or the length or width of members or connectors or other elements may be changed. The nature or number of adjustment positions provided between elements may be changed. It should be noted that the elements and / or assemblies of the system may be composed of any wide range of materials that provide sufficient strength or durability, in any wide range of colors, textures, and combinations. As a result, all such modifications are intended to fall within the scope of this innovation. Without deviating from the spirit of this innovation, other substitutions, modifications, changes, and deletions may be made in the design, operating conditions, and arrangement of desired and other exemplary embodiments.

[0075] Naturally, any described process or step within a described process may be combined with other disclosed processes or steps to form a structure within the scope of this disclosure. The exemplary structures and processes disclosed herein are illustrative and not limiting.

[0076] Naturally, variations and modifications can be made to the aforementioned structures and methods without departing from the concepts of this disclosure, and it is understood that such concepts are intended to be covered by the following claims unless otherwise expressly stated in the language of those claims.

Claims

1. A vehicle mirror assembly, wherein the mirror assembly is Housing and A partially reflective and partially transparent element located within the housing, A bezel assembly comprising at least one local region that is opaque to the visible spectrum of light and transparent to the infrared spectrum of light, The housing comprises at least one illumination element located within the housing and oriented to project infrared illumination through the at least one local region, A mirror assembly in which the at least one local region includes multiple local regions.

2. The mirror assembly according to claim 1, wherein the bezel assembly is formed of a first material that is opaque to the visible spectrum and the infrared spectrum of the light, and the at least one local region is formed of a second material different from the first material.

3. The mirror assembly according to claim 2, wherein the second material comprises a dye that is opaque to the visible spectrum of the light and transparent to the infrared spectrum of the light.

4. The mirror assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising an optical element located between the at least one illuminating element and the front surface of the bezel assembly, wherein the optical element is configured to redirect the infrared illumination from the at least one illuminating element.

5. The mirror assembly according to claim 4, wherein the optical element is integrated with the at least one local region.

6. The mirror assembly according to claim 1, wherein the bezel assembly is formed of a first material, and the at least one localized region is formed of a second material, the same as the first material.

7. The mirror assembly according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of local regions are located along the bottom of the bezel assembly.

8. The mirror assembly according to claim 1, wherein the at least one illuminating element includes a plurality of illuminating elements oriented to project the infrared illumination through the plurality of local regions.

9. The mirror assembly according to claim 8, wherein two or more of the plurality of illumination elements are oriented to project the infrared illumination through one of the plurality of local regions.

10. The mirror assembly according to claim 8, wherein each of the plurality of local regions is spaced apart from one another.

11. The mirror assembly according to claim 8, further comprising at least one sensor located in close proximity to each illuminating element, each sensor configured to detect an increase in the presence of the infrared spectrum of the light.

12. The mirror assembly according to claim 11, further comprising a control system configured to obtain an increase in the presence of the infrared spectrum of the light detected from the at least one sensor and to generate a user input associated with a button area at the at least one sensor.

13. The mirror assembly according to claim 12, further comprising a display module positioned behind a partially reflective and partially translucent element.

14. The mirror assembly according to claim 13, wherein the control system is further configured to generate visual information for the display module as a result of the user input.

15. A vehicle mirror assembly, wherein the mirror assembly is Housing and A partially reflective and partially transparent element located within the housing, A bezel assembly formed of a first material that is opaque to the visible spectrum and the infrared spectrum of light, the bezel assembly including a local region formed of a second material that is opaque to the visible spectrum and transparent to the infrared spectrum of light, The housing comprises an illumination element located within the housing and oriented to project infrared illumination through the local region, A mirror assembly comprising a second material which is opaque to the visible spectrum of the light and transparent to the infrared spectrum of the light.

16. A vehicle mirror assembly, wherein the mirror assembly is Housing and A bezel assembly comprising at least one local region that is opaque to the visible spectrum of light and transparent to the infrared spectrum of light, Multiple button areas, where each button area is An illumination element located within the housing and oriented to project infrared illumination through at least one local region, A plurality of button areas comprising at least one sensor located in close proximity to each illuminating element, each sensor configured to detect an increase in the presence of the infrared spectrum of the light, A mirror assembly comprising: a control system configured to obtain the detected increase in the presence of the infrared spectrum of the light from at least one of the sensors and to generate a user input associated with the button area at at least one of the sensors.

17. The mirror assembly according to claim 16, wherein the bezel assembly is formed of a first material, and the at least one localized region is formed of a second material different from the first material.

18. The mirror assembly according to claim 16 or 17, wherein the control system is further configured to generate visual information on a display device as a result of the user input.

Images