Inner mirror

Abstract

An inner mirror 100 according to the present invention comprises a liquid crystal optical element 102, a liquid crystal display device 103, and an imaging unit 104. The imaging unit 104 is disposed on the back surface side of the liquid crystal optical element 102, and is capable of capturing, between a visible light image and an infrared image, at least a visible light image by receiving light entering via the liquid crystal optical element 102. The liquid crystal optical element 102 has: a camera region 1021 that corresponds to the imaging unit 104 in a viewed direction X of the inner mirror 100; and a main region 1022 other than the camera region 1021. The camera region and the main region are each configured such that switching of the same is independently controllable between a reflector state and a transparent state. The liquid crystal display device 103 is disposed on the back surface side of the main region of the liquid crystal optical element 102, and has an outer shape that corresponds to the main region of the liquid crystal optical element 102 in the viewed direction X.

Description

Inner mirror

[0001] The present invention relates to an inner mirror for a vehicle.

[0002] Anti-glare mirrors are known as inner mirrors for vehicles that have a function (anti-glare function) to prevent the driver from being dazzled by reflected light from the headlights of a following vehicle when driving at night, etc. Known anti-glare mirrors include, for example, electrochromic (EC) anti-glare mirrors.

[0003] EC anti-glare mirrors generally have an EC element on the front side of the mirror's reflective surface, and achieve the aforementioned anti-glare function by controlling the reflectance by transitioning the operating state of the EC element (by changing the amount of coloring). More specifically, as an anti-glare function, EC anti-glare mirrors increase the amount of coloring of the EC element to lower the reflectance according to the amount of light (rear light) from behind the vehicle when it is dark around the vehicle, such as at night, when the rear light is bright and the amount of light is high, and decrease the amount of coloring of the EC element to increase the reflectance when the rear light is dark and the amount of light is low.

[0004] Furthermore, a camera used in a driver monitoring system (DMS) or an occupant monitoring system (OMS) may be mounted on an inner mirror for a vehicle.

[0005] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses an inner mirror (rearview mirror assembly) equipped with an IR (Infrared) light source that transmits radiation through an EC element (electro-optical element) and an IR camera (image sensor) that captures image data of an object via the EC element.

[0006] In Patent Document 1, the inner mirror monitors ambient light transmitted from an ambient light sensor and glare light from a following vehicle transmitted from a glare sensor, and controls the operating state (operating condition) of an EC element in response to the ambient light and glare light, controls the intensity of radiation output from an IR light source through the EC element in cooperation with the operating state of the EC element, and identifies vehicle occupants based on image data captured by an IR camera.

[0007] Patent No. 6811314

[0008] In the rearview mirror of Patent Document 1, the EC element has low transmittance in the infrared region, and the transmittance in the infrared region varies depending on the operating state of the EC element. Therefore, when capturing images with the built-in IR camera, it is necessary to control (adjust) the output intensity (light amount, etc.) of the IR light source and the gain of the IR camera according to the operating state of the EC element. This poses problems such as the need for complex control and increased power consumption.

[0009] Furthermore, when considering incorporating an IR camera into an inner mirror with a built-in liquid crystal display for displaying images behind the vehicle (an inner mirror with an image display function; an electronic inner mirror), it is conceivable to position the IR camera in a position away from the liquid crystal display on the rear side of the mirror element. However, in this case, there are problems such as the increase in size of the housing of the inner mirror.

[0010] Furthermore, when considering incorporating a color camera into an interior mirror, it is conceivable to adopt a configuration in which a portion of the mirror element is missing (a portion of the mirror reflective surface is removed) in order to ensure transmittance in the visible light range when the built-in color camera takes pictures. However, in this case, the built-in color camera is always visible to the driver and passengers, which causes problems such as poor design.

[0011] Furthermore, when considering incorporating a color camera into an EC anti-glare mirror, even if a configuration is adopted in which part of the mirror's reflective surface is removed, it is difficult to partially remove the EC cells of the EC element, which results in problems such as fluctuations in transmittance in the visible light range depending on the operating state of the EC element.

[0012] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide an inner mirror that is suitable for realizing good image capture using a built-in camera.

[0013] According to the present invention, the inner mirror of the first embodiment is characterized by comprising a liquid crystal optical element that can be switched between a reflective mirror state and a transmissive state, and an imaging unit that is arranged on the back side of the liquid crystal optical element and receives light that is incident through the liquid crystal optical element to capture at least one of a visible light image and an infrared image.

[0014] The inner mirror of the second embodiment is characterized in that, in the first embodiment, the imaging unit is a camera capable of capturing at least a visible light image out of a visible light image and an infrared image, and the liquid crystal optical element has a camera area corresponding to the imaging unit in the viewing direction of the inner mirror and a main area excluding the camera area, and the camera area and the main area are configured to be able to independently control the switching between a reflecting mirror state and a transmitting state.

[0015] The inner mirror of the third embodiment is characterized in that, in the second embodiment, the inner mirror further comprises a liquid crystal display device that is arranged on the back side of the main area of ​​the liquid crystal optical element and has an outer shape that corresponds to the main area of ​​the liquid crystal optical element in the viewing direction.

[0016] The inner mirror of the fourth embodiment is characterized in that, in the third embodiment, the imaging unit is a visible light / infrared camera capable of capturing visible light images and infrared images, the inner mirror further includes an emitting unit that is arranged on the back side of the main area of ​​the liquid crystal optical element and emits infrared light, and the liquid crystal display device has an outer shape that corresponds to the area obtained by excluding the part corresponding to the emitting unit from the main area of ​​the liquid crystal optical element in the viewing direction.

[0017] The inner mirror of the fifth embodiment is characterized in that, in the fourth embodiment, the inner mirror further comprises a black mask member that is arranged between the main region of the liquid crystal optical element and the light-emitting portion, overlaps with the light-emitting portion in the viewing direction, and has an outer shape that does not overlap with the camera region of the liquid crystal optical element and the liquid crystal display device.

[0018] An inner mirror according to a sixth embodiment is the same as the fifth embodiment, but is characterized in that the black mask member is made of a visible light blocking, infrared light transmitting material.

[0019] The inner mirror of the seventh embodiment is characterized in that, in the third embodiment, the imaging unit is a visible light / infrared camera capable of capturing visible light images and infrared images, and the liquid crystal display device has a backlight, and at least some of the light sources of the backlight are light sources capable of emitting infrared light.

[0020] The inner mirror of the eighth embodiment is characterized in that, in the second embodiment, the inner mirror further includes a liquid crystal display device arranged on the back side of the liquid crystal optical element, the liquid crystal display device having a second camera area corresponding to the camera area of ​​the liquid crystal optical element in the viewing direction and a second main area excluding the second camera area, the visible light transmittance of the second camera area being higher than the visible light transmittance of the second main area, and the imaging unit receiving light incident through the camera area of ​​the liquid crystal optical element and the second camera area of ​​the liquid crystal display device.

[0021] The inner mirror of the ninth embodiment is characterized in that, in the eighth embodiment, the liquid crystal display device is configured so that there is no front polarizer, color filter, rear polarizer, or backlight in the second camera area.

[0022] The inner mirror according to a tenth embodiment is characterized in that, in the eighth embodiment, the liquid crystal display device is configured so that only a glass substrate exists in the second camera area.

[0023] An inner mirror according to an eleventh embodiment is characterized in that, in the eighth embodiment, the liquid crystal display device is configured so that the second camera area is hollow.

[0024] The inner mirror according to a twelfth embodiment is the eighth embodiment, characterized in that the imaging unit is a visible light / infrared camera capable of capturing visible light images and infrared images.

[0025] The inner mirror of the thirteenth embodiment is characterized in that, in the second embodiment, the imaging unit is a visible light / infrared camera capable of capturing visible light images and infrared images, and the inner mirror further comprises: a light-emitting unit that emits infrared light and is arranged on the back side of the main area of ​​the liquid crystal optical element; and a black mask member that is arranged between the main area of ​​the liquid crystal optical element and the light-emitting unit and has an outer shape that overlaps with the light-emitting unit in the viewing direction but does not overlap with the camera area of ​​the liquid crystal optical element.

[0026] The inner mirror of the fourteenth embodiment is characterized in that, in the thirteenth embodiment, the black mask member has a first region corresponding to the light-emitting portion in the viewing direction and a second region excluding the first region, and the infrared transmittance of the first region is higher than the infrared transmittance of the second region.

[0027] The inner mirror according to a fifteenth embodiment is characterized in that, in the fourteenth embodiment, the first region of the black mask member is made of a visible light blocking, infrared light transmitting material.

[0028] The inner mirror of the sixteenth embodiment is characterized in that, in the first embodiment, the imaging unit is an infrared camera capable of capturing infrared images, and the inner mirror further comprises a liquid crystal display device that is arranged on the back side of the liquid crystal optical element and has an outer shape that corresponds to the area of ​​the liquid crystal optical element in the viewing direction of the inner mirror excluding the area that corresponds to the imaging unit.

[0029] The inner mirror of the seventeenth embodiment is characterized in that, in the sixteenth embodiment, the inner mirror further comprises an emitting unit arranged on the rear side of the liquid crystal optical element and emitting infrared rays, and the liquid crystal display device has an outer shape corresponding to an area in the viewing direction excluding the area corresponding to the imaging unit and the emitting unit in the liquid crystal optical element.

[0030] The inner mirror of the eighteenth embodiment is characterized in that, in the seventeenth embodiment, the inner mirror further comprises a black mask member arranged between the liquid crystal optical element and the light-emitting unit, and having an outer shape that overlaps at least the light-emitting unit in the viewing direction but does not overlap the liquid crystal display device.

[0031] The inner mirror according to a nineteenth embodiment is the eighteenth embodiment, characterized in that the black mask member is made of a visible light blocking, infrared light transmitting material.

[0032] The inner mirror according to the twentieth embodiment is characterized in that, in the sixteenth embodiment, the liquid crystal display device has a backlight, and at least some of the light sources of the backlight are light sources capable of emitting infrared rays.

[0033] The inner mirror of the twenty-first embodiment is characterized in that, in the first embodiment, the imaging unit is an infrared camera capable of capturing infrared images, and the inner mirror further comprises an emitting unit arranged on the back side of the liquid crystal optical element and emitting infrared light, and a black mask member arranged between the liquid crystal optical element and the emitting unit.

[0034] The inner mirror of the twenty-second embodiment is characterized in that, in the twenty-first embodiment, the black mask member has a third region corresponding to at least the light-emitting portion in the viewing direction of the inner mirror, and a fourth region excluding the third region, and the infrared transmittance of the third region is higher than the infrared transmittance of the fourth region.

[0035] The inner mirror according to the twenty-third embodiment is characterized in that, in the twenty-second embodiment, the third region of the black mask member is made of a visible light blocking, infrared light transmitting material.

[0036] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an inner mirror that is suitable for realizing good image capture using a built-in camera.

[0037] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of an inner mirror according to a first embodiment; FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the functional configuration of an inner mirror according to the first embodiment; FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing the schematic structure of a liquid crystal display according to the first embodiment; FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the configuration of an inner mirror according to a second embodiment; FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the functional configuration of an inner mirror according to the second embodiment; FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing the schematic structure of a liquid crystal display according to the second embodiment; FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing the schematic structure of a modified liquid crystal display according to the second embodiment; FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the configuration of an inner mirror according to a third embodiment; FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the functional configuration of an inner mirror according to the third embodiment; FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the configuration of an inner mirror according to a fourth embodiment; FIG. 11 is a diagram showing the functional configuration of an inner mirror according to the fourth embodiment; FIG. 12 is a diagram showing the functional configuration of an inner mirror according to a fifth embodiment; FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the functional configuration of an inner mirror according to the fifth embodiment.

[0038] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments. In each drawing, the same members or elements are designated by the same reference numerals, and duplicate descriptions will be omitted or simplified.

[0039] 1A and 1B are diagrams ((a) and (b)) showing the configuration of an inner mirror 100 according to a first embodiment. The inner mirror 100 according to the first embodiment is configured as a liquid crystal anti-glare mirror with an image display function, and is installed, for example, at the upper end of the center of the front windshield in the vehicle width direction of a vehicle (not shown), such as a passenger car.

[0040] The inner mirror 100 has two operating modes: a mirror mode (image display function off) and an image display mode (image display function on). The mirror mode also has two operating states: a non-anti-glare state (anti-glare function off) and an anti-glare state (anti-glare function on).

[0041] The inner mirror 100 includes a housing 101, a liquid crystal optical element 102, a liquid crystal display 103, an RGB (Red, Green, Blue)-IR (Infrared) camera 104, an IR light source 105, a black mask member 106, a rear light sensor 107, an ambient light sensor 108, etc.

[0042] The housing 101 is, for example, a plastic molded product that forms the outer shape of the inner mirror 100, and has a shape that opens toward the front of the inner mirror 100 (the rear of the vehicle). Inside the housing 101, a liquid crystal optical element 102, a liquid crystal display 103, an RGB-IR camera 104, an IR light source 105, a black mask member 106, etc. are housed. Inside the housing 101, the liquid crystal optical element 102 is arranged near the opening, and the liquid crystal display 103, the RGB-IR camera 104, the IR light source 105, the black mask member 106, etc. are arranged on the back side of the liquid crystal optical element 102.

[0043] The liquid crystal optical element 102 is an element that can be electrically switched between a reflecting mirror state and a transmitting state, and functions as a mirror element (mirror reflective surface). The liquid crystal optical element 102 has a configuration in which a liquid crystal cell is sandwiched between, for example, two polarizing plates, and can be switched between a state in which visible light reflectance is high and visible light transmittance is low (reflecting mirror state) and a state in which visible light reflectance is low and visible light transmittance is high (transmitting state) by controlling the driving voltage of the liquid crystal cell. The liquid crystal optical element 102 also has two independent regions, each of which can be individually controlled to switch between the reflecting mirror state and the transmitting state. Here, the visible light reflectance and visible light transmittance refer to the reflectance and transmittance of light in the visible light range (wavelength range around 380 to 780 nm). In addition to the reflecting mirror state and transmitting state, the liquid crystal optical element 102 may also have an operating state in which visible light reflectance is higher than the transmitting state and lower than the reflecting mirror state (low-reflectance reflecting mirror state).

[0044] Such a liquid crystal optical element 102 has a well-known configuration, also known as a "shutter liquid crystal" or "mirror optical element," and detailed explanation of its configuration and operation will be omitted (see, for example, JP 2009-008881 A, WO 2018 / 061676 A, JP 2018-205363 A, JP 2020-008753 A, and JP 2021-110814 A).

[0045] It was confirmed that the following infrared transmittance and visible light transmittance were obtained for the evaluation sample of the liquid crystal optical element 102. Here, the infrared transmittance is the transmittance of light in the infrared region (wavelength region around 940 nm).

[0046] Measurements of the evaluation sample showed that the infrared transmittance of the liquid crystal optical element 102 was approximately 77.4% when the liquid crystal optical element 102 was in the reflecting mirror state and approximately 76.9% when the liquid crystal optical element 102 was in the transmitting state. In other words, the infrared transmittance of the liquid crystal optical element 102 remains high with almost no change between the reflecting mirror state and the transmitting state. Therefore, whether the liquid crystal optical element 102 is in the reflecting mirror state or the transmitting state, good infrared photography (capturing of infrared images) is possible using an IR camera or the like via the liquid crystal optical element 102.

[0047] Furthermore, the visible light transmittance of the liquid crystal optical element 102 was approximately 7.9% when the liquid crystal optical element 102 was in the reflecting mirror state, and approximately 39.4% when the liquid crystal optical element 102 was in the transmitting state. If the visible light transmittance of the liquid crystal optical element 102 in the transmitting state is approximately 39.4%, visible light photography (capturing a visible light image) using a color camera or the like is fully possible via the liquid crystal optical element 102 in the transmitting state.

[0048] The liquid crystal optical element 102 has two regions that can be independently controlled to switch between a reflecting mirror state and a transmitting state: a camera region 1021 that corresponds to the RGB-IR camera 104 in the viewing direction X of the inner mirror 100, and a main region 1022 that excludes the camera region 1021. In other words, the liquid crystal optical element 102 corresponds to an integrated unit of two liquid crystal optical elements that respectively form the camera region 1021 and the main region 1022. Here, the viewing direction X of the inner mirror 100 is a direction perpendicular to the front surface (viewed surface) of the inner mirror 100.

[0049] The size, ratio, shape, arrangement, etc. of the camera region 1021 and the main region 1022 in the liquid crystal optical element 102 are arbitrary. However, since it is necessary to run wiring from the outer edge of the liquid crystal optical element 102 to the boundary between the camera region 1021 and the main region 1022, arranging the camera region 1021 in a corner (for example, the upper left corner) of the liquid crystal optical element 102 makes it easier to process the wiring at the boundary of the camera region 1021.

[0050] The camera region 1021 of the liquid crystal optical element 102 switches between a transmissive state and a reflective mirror state in synchronization with the main region 1022 of the liquid crystal optical element 102 in the mirror mode, and is in the reflective mirror state in the image display mode. The camera region 1021 of the liquid crystal optical element 102 may be in the transmissive state in the image display mode. The camera region 1021 of the liquid crystal optical element 102 is also in the transmissive state when visible light photography is performed by the RGB-IR camera 104. The main region 1022 of the liquid crystal optical element 102 switches between a transmissive state and a reflective mirror state in synchronization with the camera region 1021 of the liquid crystal optical element 102 in the mirror mode, and is in the transmissive state in the image display mode.

[0051] The liquid crystal display 103 is disposed on the rear side of the main region 1022 of the liquid crystal optical element 102. The liquid crystal display 103 has an outer shape corresponding to the area of ​​the main region 1022 of the liquid crystal optical element 102 excluding the portion corresponding to the IR light source 105 in the viewing direction X of the inner mirror 100. The liquid crystal display 103 is turned off in the mirror mode and turned on in the image display mode. The liquid crystal display 103 can display images of the rear of the vehicle captured by the rear camera 116, for example. The rear camera 116 is disposed, for example, at a central position in the vehicle width direction at the exterior rear of the vehicle, with its optical axis facing horizontally rearward of the vehicle.

[0052] The RGB-IR camera 104 is disposed on the rear side of the liquid crystal optical element 102 (camera region 1021). The RGB-IR camera 104 is a camera capable of capturing visible light images and infrared images, and receives light incident thereon via the liquid crystal optical element 102 (camera region 1021).

[0053] For example, the RGB-IR camera 104 has a pixel group for capturing visible light images and a pixel group for capturing infrared images, and can acquire an RGB image signal using the signal from the pixel group for capturing visible light images, and an IR image signal using the signal from the pixel group for capturing infrared images, by a downstream image processing circuit or the like. Note that the RGB-IR camera 104 may also be configured using a color camera (RGB camera) and an IR camera that are provided separately.

[0054] The RGB-IR camera 104 is used to capture infrared images of the driver and passengers inside the vehicle cabin for the purpose of image recognition (detection of drowsiness, detection of gaze direction, facial recognition, determination of the presence or absence of passengers, etc.) for driver / passenger monitoring by the DMS / OMS installed in the vehicle.

[0055] When the DMS / OMS requests infrared photography for driver / occupant monitoring, the RGB-IR camera 104 turns on to acquire an IR image signal, and receives light incident from inside the vehicle cabin through the liquid crystal optical element 102 (camera area 1021) to capture an infrared image.

[0056] The RGB-IR camera 104 is also used to take visible light images of the driver and passengers in the vehicle cabin for the purpose of in-vehicle video conferencing or snapshots, for example.

[0057] When the driver or passenger requests visible light photography for video conferencing or snapshots by operating a switch mounted on the inner mirror 100, the RGB-IR camera 104 turns on to acquire an RGB image signal, and receives light incident from within the vehicle cabin through the liquid crystal optical element 102 (camera area 1021) to capture a visible light image.

[0058] The IR light source 105 is disposed on the rear side of the main region 1021 (black mask member 106) of the liquid crystal optical element 102, and is capable of emitting infrared rays. The IR light source 105 is turned on when infrared photography is performed by the RGB-IR camera 104, and emits infrared rays toward the interior of the vehicle cabin via the black mask member 106 and the main region 1022 of the liquid crystal optical element 102.

[0059] The black mask member 106 is disposed between the main region 2021 of the liquid crystal optical element 102 and the IR light source 105. The black mask member 106 has an outer shape that overlaps with the IR light source 105 in the viewing direction X of the inner mirror 100 but does not overlap with the camera region 1022 of the liquid crystal optical element 102 or the liquid crystal display 310.

[0060] For example, the black mask member 106 is made of a visible light blocking / infrared transmitting material that blocks (absorbs) visible light and transmits infrared light. As the visible light blocking / infrared transmitting material that constitutes the black mask member 106, for example, an "NIR (infrared) filter" manufactured by CLAREX, a Nitto Jushi Kogyo Co., Ltd. product, is used.

[0061] The rear light sensor 107 detects the brightness (light amount) of light (rear light) from behind the vehicle. The rear light sensor 107 is disposed at the lower end of the housing 101 of the inner mirror 100, facing forward of the inner mirror 100 (rear of the vehicle).

[0062] The ambient light sensor 108 detects the brightness (amount of light) of light (ambient light) from around the vehicle. The ambient light sensor 108 is disposed on the housing 101 of the inner mirror 100 so as to face the rear of the inner mirror 100 (the front of the vehicle).

[0063] The detection results of the rear light sensor 107 and the ambient light sensor 108 are used to control the switching of the liquid crystal optical element 102 between the reflecting mirror state and the transmitting state.

[0064] 2 is a diagram showing the functional configuration of the inner mirror 100 according to the first embodiment. The inner mirror 100 has an automatic anti-glare control unit 111, a monitoring system control unit 112, a camera linkage control unit 113, a display control unit 114, etc.

[0065] For example, the automatic anti-glare control unit 111, the monitoring system control unit 112, the camera linkage control unit 113 and the display control unit 114 are realized by a CPU (Central Processing Unit) on a control board mounted on the inner mirror 100, or by an ECU (Electronic Control Unit) mounted on the vehicle and providing overall control of each part of the entire vehicle, or by a combination of these.

[0066] The liquid crystal optical element 102, rear light sensor 107, and ambient light sensor 108 are connected to the automatic anti-glare control unit 111. In the image display mode, the automatic anti-glare control unit 111 sets the main region 1022 of the liquid crystal optical element 102 to a transparent state. Note that the automatic anti-glare control unit 111 may set both the camera region 1021 and the main region 1022 of the liquid crystal optical element 102 to a transparent state in the image display mode.

[0067] In the mirror mode, automatic anti-glare control unit 111 determines whether or not to transition from a non-anti-glare state to an anti-glare state or from an anti-glare state to a non-anti-glare state based on the amount of rearward light and the amount of ambient light detected by rearward light sensor 107 and ambient light sensor 108. Then, automatic anti-glare control unit 111 switches camera region 1021 and main region 1022 of liquid crystal optical element 102 between a transmissive state and a reflecting mirror state according to the determination result.

[0068] For example, in mirror mode, when the amount of rear light and the amount of ambient light satisfy the predetermined conditions for non-anti-glare, automatic anti-glare control unit 111 determines that transition from the non-anti-glare state to the anti-glare state is not necessary, and maintains camera region 1021 and main region 1022 of liquid crystal optical element 102 in the reflecting mirror state. Then, when the amount of rear light and the amount of ambient light transition to a state that satisfies the predetermined conditions for anti-glare, automatic anti-glare control unit 111 determines that transition from the non-anti-glare state to the anti-glare state is necessary, and switches camera region 1021 and main region 1022 of liquid crystal optical element 102 from the reflecting mirror state to the transmissive state.

[0069] On the other hand, when the amount of rear light and the amount of ambient light satisfy the predetermined anti-glare conditions, the automatic anti-glare control unit 111 determines that it is not necessary to transition from the anti-glare state to the non-anti-glare state, and maintains the transmissive state of the camera region 1021 and the main region 1022 of the liquid crystal optical element 102. Then, when the amount of rear light and the amount of ambient light transition to a state that satisfies the predetermined non-anti-glare conditions, the automatic anti-glare control unit 111 determines that it is necessary to transition from the anti-glare state to the non-anti-glare state, and switches the camera region 1021 and the main region 1022 of the liquid crystal optical element 102 from the transmissive state to the reflecting mirror state.

[0070] The RGB-IR camera 104 and the IR light source 105 are connected to the monitoring system control unit 112. The camera linkage control unit 113 is connected to the liquid crystal optical element 102, the automatic anti-glare control unit 111, and the monitoring system control unit 112.

[0071] The monitoring system control unit 112 controls the RGB-IR camera 104 and the IR light source 105 for driver / occupant monitoring in accordance with instructions from the DMS / OMS. When the DMS / OMS requests infrared photography (photography for driver / occupant monitoring) by the RGB-IR camera 104, the monitoring system control unit 112 turns on the RGB-IR camera 104 to acquire an IR image signal and also turns on the IR light source 105. At this time, for example, the IR light source 105 is intermittently driven in conjunction with a synchronization signal from the RGB-IR camera 104.

[0072] In addition, when the driver or passenger operates a switch or the like to request visible light photography (photography for video conferencing or snapshots) using the RGB-IR camera 104 via the DMS / OMS, the monitoring system control unit 112 instructs the camera linkage control unit 113 to transition the camera area 1021 of the liquid crystal optical element 102 to a transparent state.

[0073] The camera linkage control unit 113 puts the camera area 1021 of the liquid crystal optical element 102 into a transparent state based on an instruction from the monitoring system control unit 112. Then, the monitoring system control unit 112 turns on the RGB-IR camera 104 to acquire an RGB image signal.

[0074] Display control unit 114 is connected to liquid crystal display 103, automatic anti-glare control unit 111, and rear camera 116. Display control unit 114 turns off liquid crystal display 103 in the mirror mode.

[0075] In the image display mode, the display control unit 114 turns on the liquid crystal display 103 in response to the automatic anti-glare control unit 111 putting the main region 1022 of the liquid crystal optical element 102 into a transparent state, and causes the liquid crystal display 103 to display images of the rear of the vehicle captured by the rear camera 116, etc.

[0076] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing the schematic structure of a liquid crystal display 103 according to the first embodiment. The liquid crystal display 103 is formed by stacking multiple functional layers. The liquid crystal display 103 includes a polarizing plate 103a, a glass substrate 103b, an RGB color filter 103c, an ITO (Indium Tin Oxide) transparent electrode film 103d, an alignment film 103e, a liquid crystal layer 103f, an alignment film 103g, a TFT (Thin Film Transistor) circuit and transparent electrode film 103h, a glass substrate 103i, a polarizing plate 103j, and a backlight 103k. In the liquid crystal display 103, the functional layers 103a to 103k are sequentially arranged from the front side to the back side of the inner mirror 100 (from the rear to the front of the vehicle).

[0077] Such a liquid crystal display 103 has a well-known configuration, and detailed explanation of the configuration and operation will be omitted.

[0078] Here, the backlight 103k of the liquid crystal display 103 is configured using a light source that emits (radiates) visible light, for example. However, some or all of the light sources of the backlight 103k of the liquid crystal display 103 may be changed from those that emit visible light to those that emit infrared light.

[0079] This allows the backlight 103k of the liquid crystal display 103 to also serve as the IR light source 105, eliminating the need for the IR light source 105. Eliminating the need for the IR light source 105 allows for greater freedom in component placement within the housing 101 and allows for cost reductions due to a reduced number of components.

[0080] Furthermore, if the IR light source 105 is not provided, the liquid crystal display 103 may have an outer shape corresponding to the main region 1022 of the liquid crystal optical element 102 in the viewing direction X of the inner mirror 100 .

[0081] In this case, the outer shape of the liquid crystal display 103 is enlarged by the area corresponding to the IR light source 105 in the viewing direction X of the inner mirror 100. This makes it possible to enlarge the display surface of the liquid crystal display 103, and as a result, it becomes possible to enlarge the image display area on the viewing surface of the inner mirror 100.

[0082] Here, the operation of the inner mirror 100 in the mirror mode (non-anti-glare state / anti-glare state) and in the image display mode will be described.

[0083] [Operation in Mirror Mode (Non-Anti-Glare State / Anti-Glare State)] The liquid crystal display 103 is turned off by the display control unit 114. The automatic anti-glare control unit 111 determines whether or not to transition from the non-anti-glare state to the anti-glare state / from the anti-glare state to the non-anti-glare state.

[0084] If the automatic anti-glare control unit 111 determines that a transition from the non-anti-glare state to the anti-glare state is not necessary, the automatic anti-glare control unit 111 sets the camera region 1021 and main region 1022 of the liquid crystal optical element 102 to a reflective mirror state (visible light reflectance: high). As a result, the operating mode of the inner mirror 100 becomes mirror mode and a non-anti-glare state, and a reflected image in the non-anti-glare state appears on the visible surface of the inner mirror 100. Furthermore, if the automatic anti-glare control unit 111 determines that a transition from the non-anti-glare state to the anti-glare state is necessary, the automatic anti-glare control unit 111 sets the camera region 1021 and main region 1022 of the liquid crystal optical element 102 to a transmissive state (visible light reflectance: low). As a result, the operating mode of the inner mirror 100 becomes mirror mode and a non-anti-glare state, and a reflected image in the anti-glare state appears on the visible surface of the inner mirror 100.

[0085] On the other hand, if the automatic anti-glare control unit 111 determines that a transition from the anti-glare state to the non-anti-glare state is not necessary, the automatic anti-glare control unit 111 sets the camera region 1021 and main region 1022 of the liquid crystal optical element 102 to a transmissive state (visible light reflectance: low). As a result, the operating mode of the inner mirror 100 becomes the mirror mode and the anti-glare state, and a reflected image in the anti-glare state appears on the visible surface of the inner mirror 100. Also, if the automatic anti-glare control unit 111 determines that a transition from the anti-glare state to the non-anti-glare state is necessary, the automatic anti-glare control unit 111 sets the camera region 1021 and main region 1022 of the liquid crystal optical element 102 to a reflective mirror state (visible light reflectance: high). As a result, the operating mode of the inner mirror 100 becomes the mirror mode and the non-anti-glare state, and a reflected image in the non-anti-glare state appears on the visible surface of the inner mirror 100.

[0086] [Operation in Image Display Mode] Display control unit 114 turns on liquid crystal display 103, and an image of the rear of the vehicle captured by rear camera 116 is displayed on liquid crystal display 103. Furthermore, automatic anti-glare control unit 111 causes main region 1022 of liquid crystal optical element 102 to be in a transmissive state (visible light transmittance: high). As a result, the image of the rear of the vehicle captured by rear camera 116 and displayed on liquid crystal display 103 appears on the visible surface of inner mirror 100.

[0087] Next, we will explain the operation of the built-in camera of the inner mirror 100 when capturing infrared images and visible light images. Note that the operation of the built-in camera when capturing infrared images and visible light images is common to both the mirror mode (non-anti-glare state / anti-glare state) and the image display mode.

[0088] [Operation when capturing infrared images with built-in camera] When the DMS / OMS requests infrared image capturing by the RGB-IR camera 104, the monitoring system control unit 112 turns on the IR light source 105 to emit infrared light, and turns on the RGB-IR camera 104 to acquire an IR image signal and capture an infrared image. At this time, for example, the IR light source 105 is driven intermittently in conjunction with a synchronization signal of the RGB-IR camera 104. This allows infrared image capturing by the RGB-IR camera 104 for driver / occupant monitoring.

[0089] [Operation during visible light imaging with built-in camera] When visible light imaging with the RGB-IR camera 104 is requested by a switch operation or the like by the driver or passenger, the camera linkage control unit 113 sets the camera area 1021 of the liquid crystal optical element 102 to a transmissive state (visible light transmittance: high). Then, the monitoring system control unit 112 turns on the RGB-IR camera 104 to acquire an RGB image signal and captures a visible light image. This allows visible light imaging with the RGB-IR camera 104 for video conferencing or snapshots.

[0090] In the inner mirror 100 according to the first embodiment described above, the infrared transmittance of the liquid crystal optical element 102 (camera region 1021) is maintained high regardless of the operating state (reflecting mirror state / transmitting state) of the liquid crystal optical element 102. Therefore, when capturing infrared images using the RGB-IR camera 104, there is no need to control the gain of the RGB-IR camera 104 or the light intensity of the IR light source 105 according to the operating state of the liquid crystal optical element 102. This eliminates the need for complex control, simplifies control, and reduces power consumption.

[0091] Furthermore, the liquid crystal optical element 102 is configured so that the camera region 1021 and the main region 1022 can be independently controlled to switch between a reflecting mirror state and a transmitting state. This allows the camera region 1021 of the liquid crystal optical element 102 to be switched to a transmitting state while maintaining the operating state (reflecting mirror state / transmitting state) of the main region 1022 of the liquid crystal optical element 102 when capturing visible light images using the RGB-IR camera 104. Therefore, the intermirror 100 can perform visible light image capturing using the built-in camera without affecting the operation in the mirror mode / image display mode.

[0092] Furthermore, the liquid crystal display 103 disposed on the rear side of the main region 1022 of the liquid crystal optical element 102 has an outer shape corresponding to the area of ​​the main region 1022 of the liquid crystal optical element 102 excluding the portion corresponding to the IR light source 105. This makes it possible to easily ensure a space for arranging the IR light source 105 on the rear side of the main region 1022 of the liquid crystal optical element 102.

[0093] The black mask member 106 has an outer shape that overlaps the IR light source 105 but does not overlap the camera area 1021 of the liquid crystal optical element 102 or the liquid crystal display 103, and is made of a visible light blocking, infrared light transmitting material. This makes it easy to realize a structure that prevents the light emitted by the IR light source 105 from being noticed by the driver or passengers.

[0094] Furthermore, by using a part or all of the light sources of the backlight 103k of the liquid crystal display 103 as those that emit infrared rays, the backlight 103k of the liquid crystal display 103 can also serve as the IR light source 105, thereby eliminating the need for the IR light source 105. As a result, this contributes to improving the degree of freedom in arranging components inside the housing 101 and reducing costs by reducing the number of components.

[0095] In this case, by making the liquid crystal display 103 have an outer shape corresponding to the main region 1022 of the liquid crystal optical element 102, the outer shape of the liquid crystal display 103 can be enlarged by the area corresponding to the IR light source 105. This makes it possible to enlarge the display surface of the liquid crystal display 103, and as a result, to enlarge the image display area on the visible surface of the inner mirror 100.

[0096] In this way, the inner mirror 100 according to the first embodiment is suitable for achieving good image capture with the built-in camera.

[0097] 4A and 4B are diagrams ((a) and (b)) showing the configuration of an inner mirror 200 according to a second embodiment. The inner mirror 200 according to the second embodiment is configured as a liquid crystal anti-glare mirror with an image display function, and is installed at the upper end of the center of the front windshield in the vehicle width direction of a vehicle (not shown), such as a passenger car.

[0098] The inner mirror 200 has two operating modes: a mirror mode (image display function OFF) and an image display mode (image display function ON). The mirror mode also has two operating states: a non-anti-glare state (anti-glare function OFF) and an anti-glare state (anti-glare function ON).

[0099] The inner mirror 200 includes a housing 101, a liquid crystal optical element 202, a liquid crystal display 203, an RGB-IR camera 104, an IR light source 105, a rear light sensor 107, an ambient light sensor 108, and the like.

[0100] The liquid crystal optical element 202 corresponds to the liquid crystal optical element 102 of the first embodiment (Figure 1) in which the size, ratio, shape, arrangement, etc. of the camera area 1021 and the main area 1022 are changed to form the camera area 2021 and the main area 2022.

[0101] The liquid crystal display 203 is disposed on the rear side of the liquid crystal optical element 202. The liquid crystal display 203 has two areas. That is, the liquid crystal display 203 has a camera area 2031 corresponding to the RGB-IR camera 104 in the viewing direction X of the inner mirror 200, and a main area 2032 excluding the camera area 2031.

[0102] The two regions of the liquid crystal display 203 correspond to the two regions of the liquid crystal optical element 202. That is, the camera region 2031 of the liquid crystal display 203 corresponds to the camera region 2021 of the liquid crystal optical element 202, and the main region 2032 of the liquid crystal display 203 corresponds to the main region 2022 of the liquid crystal optical element 202.

[0103] The size, ratio, shape, arrangement, etc. of the camera region 2021 and the main region 2022 in the liquid crystal optical element 202 are arbitrary. However, the camera region 2031 of the liquid crystal display 203 always corresponds to the camera region 2021 of the liquid crystal optical element 202, and the main region 2032 of the liquid crystal display 203 always corresponds to the main region 2022 of the liquid crystal optical element 202.

[0104] The liquid crystal display 203 is turned off in the mirror mode and turned on in the image display mode. The liquid crystal display 203 is capable of displaying an image of the rear of the vehicle captured by the rear camera 116, and the like.

[0105] The RGB-IR camera 104 is disposed on the rear side of the liquid crystal display 203. The RGB-IR camera 104 receives light incident from inside the vehicle cabin through the camera area 2021 of the liquid crystal optical element 202 and the camera area 2031 of the liquid crystal display 203, and captures a visible light image and an infrared image.

[0106] The IR light source 105 is disposed on the rear side of the liquid crystal display 203. The IR light source 105 emits infrared rays toward the interior of the vehicle via the main region 2032 of the liquid crystal display 203 and the main region 2022 of the liquid crystal optical element 202.

[0107] 5 is a diagram showing the functional configuration of an inner mirror 200 according to the second embodiment. The inner mirror 200 has an automatic anti-glare control unit 111, a monitoring system control unit 112, a camera linkage control unit 113, a display control unit 114, etc.

[0108] The control operations of automatic anti-glare control unit 111, camera linkage control unit 113, and display control unit 114 in the second embodiment are the same as those in the first embodiment, except that liquid crystal optical element 102 (camera area 1021, main area 1022) and liquid crystal display 103 are replaced with liquid crystal optical element 202 (camera area 2021, main area 2022) and liquid crystal display 203. The control operation of monitoring system control unit 112 in the second embodiment is the same as that in the first embodiment.

[0109] 6 is a cross-sectional view showing a schematic structure of a liquid crystal display 203 according to the second embodiment. The liquid crystal display 203 corresponds to the liquid crystal display 103 according to the first embodiment (FIG. 3) from which the polarizing plate 103a, the RGB color filter 103c, the polarizing plate 103j, and the backlight 103k have been partially removed.

[0110] The liquid crystal display 203 is configured so that the visible light transmittance of the camera region 2031 is higher than the visible light transmittance of the main region 2032. Specifically, in the camera region 2031 of the liquid crystal display 203, the polarizing plate 103a, the RGB color filter 103c, the polarizing plate 103j, and the backlight 103k are removed.

[0111] That is, the liquid crystal display 203 is configured so that the polarizing plate 103 a, the RGB color filter 103 c, the polarizing plate 103 j, and the backlight 103 k are not present in the camera area 2031 .

[0112] Note that the liquid crystal display 203 may have only one of the polarizing plates 103a and 103j removed, rather than both of them, in the camera region 2031. The RGB-IR camera 104 may be disposed in the camera region 2031 of the liquid crystal display 203 so as to fit into a gap formed by removing the backlight 103k or the like.

[0113] It was confirmed that the following infrared transmittance and visible light transmittance were obtained in the evaluation sample of the liquid crystal optical element 202 and the liquid crystal display 203. The infrared transmittance and visible light transmittance of the liquid crystal optical element 202 are the same as those of the liquid crystal optical element 102 of the first embodiment.

[0114] As a result of measurements on the evaluation sample, the visible light transmittance of the main region 2032 of the liquid crystal display 203 was approximately 0%, while the visible light transmittance of the camera region 2031 of the liquid crystal display 203 (where the polarizing plate 103a, the RGB color filter 103c, the polarizing plate 103j, and the backlight 103k were removed) was approximately 56.7%.

[0115] In addition, the infrared transmittance of the configuration combining the camera area 2021 of the liquid crystal optical element 202 and the camera area 2031 of the liquid crystal display 203 was approximately 40.8% when the camera area 2021 of the liquid crystal optical element 202 was in a reflecting mirror state, and approximately 40.7% when the camera area 2021 of the liquid crystal optical element 202 was in a transmitting state.

[0116] That is, the infrared transmittance of this configuration is almost unchanged between the reflecting mirror state and the transmitting state of the camera region 2021 of the liquid crystal optical element 202. Therefore, whether the camera region 2021 of the liquid crystal optical element 202 is in the reflecting mirror state or the transmitting state, infrared photography is fully possible with an IR camera or the like via the camera region 2021 of the liquid crystal optical element 202 and the camera region 2031 of the liquid crystal display 203.

[0117] The visible light transmittance of the configuration combining the camera area 2021 of the liquid crystal optical element 202 and the camera area 2031 of the liquid crystal display 203 was approximately 4.5% when the camera area 2021 of the liquid crystal optical element 202 was in a reflecting mirror state, and approximately 22.3% when the camera area 2021 of the liquid crystal optical element 202 was in a transmitting state.

[0118] If the visible light transmittance of this configuration is approximately 22.3% when the camera area 2021 of the liquid crystal optical element 202 is in a transmitting state, visible light photography is possible using a color camera or the like via the camera area 2021 of the liquid crystal optical element 202 in a transmitting state and the camera area 2031 of the liquid crystal display 203.

[0119] 7 and 8 are cross-sectional views showing a schematic structure of a modified example of the liquid crystal display 203 of the second embodiment. As shown in Fig. 7, the camera region 2031 of the liquid crystal display 203 may consist of only the glass substrate 103b and the glass substrate 103i, with the remaining functional layers being absent (voids). That is, the liquid crystal display 203 may be configured so that only the glass substrate 103b and the glass substrate 103i are present in the camera region 2031.

[0120] For such a modified liquid crystal display 203, the visible light transmittance of the camera region 2031 of the liquid crystal display 203 obtained as a measurement result of an evaluation sample was approximately 81%. Therefore, good visible light photography is possible with a color camera or the like via the camera region 2021 of the liquid crystal optical element 202 in the transmitting state and the camera region 2031 of the liquid crystal display 203.

[0121] 8, all of the members of the functional layers 103a to 103k may be absent (void) in the camera region 2031 of the liquid crystal display 203. In other words, the liquid crystal display 203 may be configured so that the camera region 2031 is completely hollow.

[0122] For such a modified liquid crystal display 203, the visible light transmittance of the camera region 2031 of the liquid crystal display 203 obtained as a measurement result of an evaluation sample was nearly 100%. Therefore, better visible light photography can be achieved with a color camera or the like via the camera region 2021 of the liquid crystal optical element 202 in a transmissive state and the camera region 2031 of the liquid crystal display 203.

[0123] Here, the operation of the inner mirror 200 in mirror mode and image display mode corresponds to the operation of the inner mirror 100 in the first embodiment in mirror mode and image display mode, with the liquid crystal optical element 102 (camera area 1021, main area 1022) and liquid crystal display 103 replaced with liquid crystal optical element 202 (camera area 2021, main area 2022) and liquid crystal display 203.

[0124] Furthermore, the operation of the built-in camera of the inner mirror 200 when taking infrared photographs and when taking visible light photographs corresponds to the operation of the built-in camera of the inner mirror 100 of the first embodiment when taking infrared photographs and when taking visible light photographs, with the camera area 1021 of the liquid crystal optical element 102 replaced with the camera area 2021 of the liquid crystal optical element 202.

[0125] The inner mirror 200 according to the second embodiment as described above also achieves the same effects as the inner mirror 100 according to the first embodiment. That is, the infrared transmittance of the liquid crystal optical element 202 (camera region 2021) is maintained high regardless of the operating state (reflecting mirror state / transmitting state) of the liquid crystal optical element 202. Therefore, when capturing infrared images using the RGB-IR camera 104, it is not necessary to control the gain of the RGB-IR camera 104 or the light intensity of the IR light source 105 according to the operating state of the liquid crystal optical element 202. This eliminates the need for complex control, simplifies control, and reduces power consumption.

[0126] Furthermore, the liquid crystal optical element 202 is configured so that the camera region 2021 and the main region 2022 can be independently controlled to switch between a reflecting mirror state and a transmitting state. This allows the camera region 2021 of the liquid crystal optical element 202 to be switched to a transmitting state while maintaining the operating state (reflecting mirror state / transmitting state) of the main region 2022 of the liquid crystal optical element 202 when capturing visible light images using the RGB-IR camera 104. Therefore, the intermirror 200 can perform visible light image capturing using the built-in camera without affecting the operation in the mirror mode / image display mode.

[0127] Furthermore, the liquid crystal display 203 has a camera area 2031 and a main area 2032, and is configured so that the visible light transmittance of the camera area 2031 is higher than the visible light transmittance of the main area 2032. This enables good visible light photography with the RGB-IR camera 104 via the camera area 2021 of the liquid crystal optical element 202 in a transmissive state and the camera area 2031 of the liquid crystal display 203.

[0128] Furthermore, the liquid crystal display 203 is configured so that the polarizing plate 103a, the RGB color filter 103c, the polarizing plate 103j, and the backlight 103k are not present in the camera region 2031. Alternatively, the liquid crystal display 203 is configured so that only the glass substrate 103b and the glass substrate 103i are present in the camera region 2031. Alternatively, the liquid crystal display 203 is configured so that the camera region 2031 is hollow. This makes it easy to realize a structure in the liquid crystal display 203 in which the visible light transmittance of the camera region 2031 is higher than the visible light transmittance of the main region 2032.

[0129] In this way, the inner mirror 200 according to the second embodiment is suitable for achieving good image capture with the built-in camera.

[0130] 9A and 9B are diagrams ((a) and (b)) showing the configuration of an inner mirror 300 according to a third embodiment. The inner mirror 300 according to the third embodiment is configured as a liquid crystal anti-glare mirror, and is installed, for example, at the upper end of the center of the front windshield in the vehicle width direction of a vehicle (not shown), such as a passenger car.

[0131] The inner mirror 300 has two operating states: a non-anti-glare state (anti-glare function off) and an anti-glare state (anti-glare function on).

[0132] The inner mirror 300 includes a housing 101, a liquid crystal optical element 102, an RGB-IR camera 104, an IR light source 105, a black mask member 306, a rear light sensor 107, an ambient light sensor 108, and the like.

[0133] The inner mirror 300 corresponds to the inner mirror 100 according to the first embodiment (FIG. 1) in that the liquid crystal display 103 is not provided and a black mask member 306 is provided instead of the black mask member 106 .

[0134] The black mask member 306 is disposed between the main region 1022 of the liquid crystal optical element 102 and the IR light source 105. The black mask member 306 has an outer shape that overlaps with the IR light source 105 in the viewing direction X of the inner mirror 300 but does not overlap with the camera region 1021 of the liquid crystal optical element 102.

[0135] The black mask member 306 has a first region 3061 corresponding to the IR light source 105 in the viewing direction X of the inner mirror 300, and a second region 3062 excluding the first region 3061. The black mask member 306 is configured so that the infrared transmittance of the first region 3061 is higher than the infrared transmittance of the second region 3062.

[0136] For example, the first region 3061 of the black mask member 306 is made of a visible light blocking, infrared transmitting material (such as the "NIR (infrared) filter" product of Nitto Jushi Kogyo Co., Ltd. / CLAREX). The second region 3062 of the black mask member 306 is made of a visible light blocking material that blocks (absorbs) visible light (it does not transmit infrared light as much as the visible light blocking, infrared transmitting material). Note that the entire region of the black mask member 306 may be made of a visible light blocking, infrared transmitting material, so that the infrared transmittance is uniform.

[0137] 10 is a diagram showing the functional configuration of an inner mirror 300 according to the third embodiment. The inner mirror 300 has an automatic anti-glare control unit 111, a monitoring system control unit 112, a camera linkage control unit 113, etc. The control operations of the automatic anti-glare control unit 111, the monitoring system control unit 112, and the camera linkage control unit 113 in the third embodiment are the same as those in the first embodiment.

[0138] Here, we will explain the operation of the inner mirror 300 in the non-anti-glare state / anti-glare state. Note that the operation of the built-in camera of the inner mirror 300 when capturing infrared images and visible light images is the same as the operation of the built-in camera of the inner mirror 100 according to the first embodiment when capturing infrared images and visible light images.

[0139] [Operation in Non-Anti-Glare State / Anti-Glare State] The automatic anti-glare control unit 111 determines whether or not a transition from the non-anti-glare state to the anti-glare state / a transition from the anti-glare state to the non-anti-glare state is necessary.

[0140] When the automatic anti-glare control unit 111 determines that it is not necessary to transition from the non-anti-glare state to the anti-glare state, the automatic anti-glare control unit 111 sets the camera region 1021 and main region 1022 of the liquid crystal optical element 102 to a reflective mirror state (visible light reflectance: high). As a result, the operating state of the inner mirror 300 becomes the non-anti-glare state, and a reflected image of the non-anti-glare state appears on the visible surface of the inner mirror 300. Furthermore, when the automatic anti-glare control unit 111 determines that it is necessary to transition from the non-anti-glare state to the anti-glare state, the automatic anti-glare control unit 111 sets the camera region 1021 and main region 1022 of the liquid crystal optical element 102 to a transmissive state (visible light reflectance: low). As a result, the operating state of the inner mirror 300 becomes the anti-glare state, and a reflected image of the anti-glare state appears on the visible surface of the inner mirror 300.

[0141] On the other hand, if the automatic anti-glare control unit 111 determines that it is not necessary to transition from the anti-glare state to the non-anti-glare state, the automatic anti-glare control unit 111 sets the camera region 1021 and main region 1022 of the liquid crystal optical element 102 to a transmissive state (visible light reflectance: low). This places the inner mirror 300 in an anti-glare state, and a reflected image in the anti-glare state appears on the visible surface of the inner mirror 300. Furthermore, if the automatic anti-glare control unit 111 determines that it is necessary to transition from the anti-glare state to the non-anti-glare state, the automatic anti-glare control unit 111 sets the camera region 1021 and main region 1022 of the liquid crystal optical element 102 to a reflective mirror state (visible light reflectance: high). This places the inner mirror 300 in a non-anti-glare state, and a reflected image in the non-anti-glare state appears on the visible surface of the inner mirror 300.

[0142] The inner mirror 300 (liquid crystal anti-glare mirror (without image display function)) according to the third embodiment as described above also achieves the same effects as the inner mirror 100 (liquid crystal anti-glare mirror with image display function) according to the first embodiment. That is, the infrared transmittance of the liquid crystal optical element 102 (camera region 1021) is maintained high regardless of the operating state (reflecting mirror state / transmitting state) of the liquid crystal optical element 102. Therefore, when capturing infrared images using the RGB-IR camera 104, it is not necessary to control the gain of the RGB-IR camera 104 or the light intensity of the IR light source 105 according to the operating state of the liquid crystal optical element 102. This eliminates the need for complex control, simplifies control, and reduces power consumption.

[0143] Furthermore, the liquid crystal optical element 102 is configured so that the camera region 1021 and the main region 1022 can be independently controlled to switch between a reflecting mirror state and a transmitting state. This allows the camera region 1021 of the liquid crystal optical element 102 to be switched to a transmitting state while maintaining the operating state (reflecting mirror state / transmitting state) of the main region 1022 of the liquid crystal optical element 102 when capturing visible light images using the RGB-IR camera 104. Therefore, the intermirror 300 can perform visible light image capturing using the built-in camera without affecting the operation in the mirror mode / image display mode.

[0144] Furthermore, the black mask member 306 has an outer shape that overlaps with the IR light source 105 but does not overlap with the camera region 1021 of the liquid crystal optical element 102. The black mask member 306 has a first region 3061 and a second region 3062, and is configured so that the infrared transmittance of the first region 3061 is higher than the infrared transmittance of the second region 3062. The first region 3061 of the black mask member 306 is made of a visible light blocking, infrared transmitting material. This makes it easy to realize a structure that prevents the light emitted by the IR light source 105 from being noticed by the driver or passengers.

[0145] In this way, the inner mirror 300 according to the third embodiment is suitable for achieving good image capture with the built-in camera.

[0146] 11A and 11B are diagrams ((a) a front view, (b) a longitudinal cross-sectional view) showing the configuration of an inner mirror 400 according to a fourth embodiment. The inner mirror 400 according to the fourth embodiment is configured as a liquid crystal anti-glare mirror with an image display function, and is installed at the upper end of the center of the front windshield in the vehicle width direction of a vehicle (not shown), such as a passenger car.

[0147] The inner mirror 400 has two operating modes: a mirror mode (image display function OFF) and an image display mode (image display function ON). The mirror mode also has two operating states: a non-anti-glare state (anti-glare function OFF) and an anti-glare state (anti-glare function ON).

[0148] The inner mirror 400 includes a housing 101, a liquid crystal optical element 402, a liquid crystal display 403, an IR camera 404, an IR light source 105, a black mask member 406, a rear light sensor 107, an ambient light sensor 108, and the like.

[0149] The inner mirror 400 corresponds to the inner mirror 100 of the first embodiment (Figure 1) in which the liquid crystal optical element 102, liquid crystal display 103, RGB-IR camera 104 and black mask member 106 are replaced with a liquid crystal optical element 402, a liquid crystal display 403, an IR camera 404 and a black mask member 406.

[0150] The liquid crystal optical element 402 corresponds to the liquid crystal optical element 102 of the first embodiment (FIG. 1) in which the camera region 1021 is not provided and the entire region is used as the main region 1022.

[0151] The liquid crystal display 403 corresponds to the liquid crystal display 103 of the first embodiment ( FIG. 1 ) with a modified outer shape. The liquid crystal display 403 is disposed on the rear side of the liquid crystal optical element 402. The liquid crystal display 403 has an outer shape corresponding to the area of ​​the liquid crystal optical element 402 in the viewing direction X of the inner mirror 400 excluding the areas corresponding to the IR camera 404 and the IR light source 105.

[0152] The IR camera 404 is disposed on the rear side of the liquid crystal optical element 402. The IR camera 404 is a camera capable of capturing infrared images, and receives light incident thereon via the liquid crystal optical element 402. For example, the IR camera 404 has a pixel group for capturing infrared images, and can acquire an IR image signal using signals from the pixel group for capturing infrared images using a downstream image processing circuit or the like.

[0153] The IR camera 404 is used to capture infrared images of the driver and passengers inside the vehicle cabin for the purpose of image recognition for driver / passenger monitoring by the DMS / OMS installed in the vehicle, for example.

[0154] When the DMS / OMS requests infrared photography for driver / occupant monitoring, the IR camera 404 turns on to acquire an IR image signal, and receives light incident from inside the vehicle cabin through the liquid crystal optical element 402 to capture an infrared image.

[0155] The black mask member 406 is disposed between the liquid crystal optical element 402 and the IR light source 105. The black mask member 406 has an outer shape that overlaps at least the IR light source 105 in the viewing direction X of the inner mirror 400 but does not overlap the liquid crystal display 403.

[0156] For example, the black mask member 406 has an outer shape that overlaps the IR camera 404 and the IR light source 105 but does not overlap the liquid crystal display 403 in the viewing direction X of the inner mirror 400. The black mask member 406 is made of a visible light blocking / infrared transmitting material (such as an NIR (infrared) filter, a product of Nitto Jushi Kogyo Co., Ltd. / CLAREX).

[0157] In the fourth embodiment, as in the first embodiment, at least a part of the light source of the backlight 103k (FIG. 3) of the liquid crystal display 403 may be a light source capable of emitting infrared light. This allows the backlight 103k of the liquid crystal display 403 to also function as the IR light source 105, thereby eliminating the need to provide the IR light source 105.

[0158] Furthermore, if IR light source 105 is not provided, liquid crystal display 403 may have an outer shape corresponding to the area of ​​liquid crystal optical element 402 excluding the area corresponding to IR camera 404 in viewing direction X of inner mirror 400. In this case, the outer shape of liquid crystal display 403 is larger by the area corresponding to IR light source 105 in viewing direction X of inner mirror 400.

[0159] 12 is a diagram showing the functional configuration of an inner mirror 400 according to the fourth embodiment. The inner mirror 400 has an automatic anti-glare control unit 111, a monitoring system control unit 112, a camera linkage control unit 113, a display control unit 114, etc.

[0160] The control operations of the automatic anti-glare control unit 111 and the display control unit 114 in the fourth embodiment are the same as those in the first embodiment, except that the camera area 1021 and the main area 1022 of the liquid crystal optical element 102 are replaced with the liquid crystal optical element 402.

[0161] The monitoring system control unit 112 is connected to the IR camera 404 and the IR light source 105. The camera linkage control unit 113 is connected to the liquid crystal optical element 402, the automatic anti-glare control unit 111, and the monitoring system control unit 112.

[0162] The monitoring system control unit 112 controls the IR camera 404 and the IR light source 105 for driver / occupant monitoring in accordance with instructions from the DMS / OMS. When the DMS / OMS requests infrared photography (photography for driver / occupant monitoring) by the IR camera 404, the monitoring system control unit 112 turns on the IR camera 404 to acquire an IR image signal and also turns on the IR light source 105. At this time, for example, the IR light source 105 is intermittently driven in conjunction with a synchronization signal from the IR camera 404.

[0163] In addition, the monitoring system control unit 112 can instruct the camera linkage control unit 113 to transition the liquid crystal optical element 402 to a transparent state (or a reflecting mirror state), and the camera linkage control unit 113 can set the liquid crystal optical element 402 to a transparent state (or a reflecting mirror state) based on the instructions of the monitoring system control unit 112.

[0164] Here, the operation of the inner mirror 400 in the mirror mode (non-anti-glare state / anti-glare state) and in the image display mode will be described.

[0165] [Operation in Mirror Mode (Non-Anti-Glare State / Anti-Glare State)] Liquid crystal display 403 is turned off by display control unit 114. Furthermore, automatic anti-glare control unit 111 determines whether or not a transition from the non-anti-glare state to the anti-glare state / from the anti-glare state to the non-anti-glare state is necessary.

[0166] When the automatic anti-glare control unit 111 determines that it is not necessary to transition from the non-anti-glare state to the anti-glare state, the automatic anti-glare control unit 111 sets the liquid crystal optical element 402 to the reflective mirror state (visible light reflectance: high). As a result, the operating mode of the inner mirror 400 becomes the mirror mode and the non-anti-glare state, and a reflected image in the non-anti-glare state appears on the visible surface of the inner mirror 400. On the other hand, when the automatic anti-glare control unit 111 determines that it is necessary to transition from the non-anti-glare state to the anti-glare state, the automatic anti-glare control unit 111 sets the liquid crystal optical element 402 to the transmissive state (visible light reflectance: low). As a result, the operating mode of the inner mirror 400 becomes the mirror mode and the anti-glare state, and a reflected image in the anti-glare state appears on the visible surface of the inner mirror 400.

[0167] On the other hand, if the automatic anti-glare control unit 111 determines that it is not necessary to transition from the anti-glare state to the non-anti-glare state, the automatic anti-glare control unit 111 sets the liquid crystal optical element 402 to the transmissive state (visible light reflectance: low). As a result, the operating mode of the inner mirror 400 becomes the mirror mode and the anti-glare state, and a reflected image in the anti-glare state appears on the visible surface of the inner mirror 400. Also, if the automatic anti-glare control unit 111 determines that it is necessary to transition from the anti-glare state to the non-anti-glare state, the automatic anti-glare control unit 111 sets the liquid crystal optical element 402 to the reflective mirror state (visible light reflectance: high). As a result, the operating mode of the inner mirror 400 becomes the mirror mode and the non-anti-glare state, and a reflected image in the non-anti-glare state appears on the visible surface of the inner mirror 400.

[0168] [Operation in Image Display Mode] Display control unit 114 turns on liquid crystal display 403, and an image of the rear of the vehicle captured by rear camera 116 is displayed on liquid crystal display 403. Furthermore, automatic anti-glare control unit 111 turns liquid crystal optical element 402 to a transmissive state (visible light transmittance: high). As a result, the image of the rear of the vehicle captured by rear camera 116 and displayed on liquid crystal display 403 appears on the visible surface of inner mirror 400.

[0169] Next, a description will be given of the operation of infrared photography using the built-in camera of the inner mirror 400. The operation of infrared photography using the built-in camera is common to both the mirror mode (non-anti-glare state / anti-glare state) and the image display mode.

[0170] [Operation when capturing infrared images with built-in camera] When the DMS / OMS requests infrared image capturing by the IR camera 404, the monitoring system control unit 112 turns on the IR light source 105 to emit infrared light, and turns on the IR camera 404 to acquire an IR image signal and capture an infrared image. At this time, for example, the IR light source 105 is intermittently driven in conjunction with a synchronization signal of the IR camera 404. This allows infrared image capturing by the IR camera 404 for driver / occupant monitoring.

[0171] The inner mirror 400 according to the fourth embodiment as described above also achieves the same effects as the inner mirror 100 according to the first embodiment. That is, the infrared transmittance of the liquid crystal optical element 402 is maintained high regardless of the operating state (reflecting mirror state / transmitting state) of the liquid crystal optical element 402. Therefore, when taking infrared images using the IR camera 404, it is not necessary to control the gain of the IR camera 404 or the light intensity of the IR light source 105 according to the operating state of the liquid crystal optical element 402. This eliminates the need for complex control, simplifies control, and reduces power consumption.

[0172] Furthermore, the liquid crystal display 403 disposed on the rear side of the liquid crystal optical element 402 has an outer shape corresponding to the area of ​​the liquid crystal optical element 402 excluding the areas corresponding to the IR camera 404 and the IR light source 105. This makes it possible to easily ensure space for arranging the IR camera 404 and the IR light source 105 on the rear side of the liquid crystal optical element 402.

[0173] The black mask member 406 has an outer shape that overlaps at least the IR light source 105 but does not overlap the liquid crystal display 403, and is made of a visible light blocking, infrared light transmitting material. This makes it easy to realize a structure that prevents the light emitted by the IR light source 105 from being noticed by the driver or passengers.

[0174] Furthermore, by using a part or all of the light sources of the backlight 103k of the liquid crystal display 403 that emit infrared rays, the backlight 103k of the liquid crystal display 403 can also serve as the IR light source 105, thereby eliminating the need for the IR light source 105. As a result, this contributes to improving the degree of freedom in arranging components inside the housing 101 and reducing costs by reducing the number of components.

[0175] In this case, by making the liquid crystal display 403 have an outer shape corresponding to the area of ​​the liquid crystal optical element 402 excluding the area corresponding to the IR camera 404, the outer shape of the liquid crystal display 403 can be enlarged by the area corresponding to the IR light source 105. This makes it possible to enlarge the display surface of the liquid crystal display 403, and as a result, to enlarge the image display area on the visible surface of the inner mirror 400.

[0176] In this way, the inner mirror 400 according to the fourth embodiment is suitable for achieving good image capture with the built-in camera.

[0177] 13A and 13B are diagrams ((a) and (b)) showing the configuration of an inner mirror 500 according to a fifth embodiment. The inner mirror 500 according to the fifth embodiment is configured as a liquid crystal anti-glare mirror, and is installed at the upper end of the center of the front windshield in the vehicle width direction of a vehicle (not shown), such as a passenger car.

[0178] The inner mirror 500 has two operating states: a non-anti-glare state (anti-glare function off) and an anti-glare state (anti-glare function on).

[0179] The inner mirror 500 includes a housing 101, a liquid crystal optical element 402, an IR camera 404, an IR light source 105, a black mask member 506, a rear light sensor 107, an ambient light sensor 108, and the like.

[0180] The inner mirror 500 corresponds to the inner mirror 400 according to the fourth embodiment (FIG. 11) except that the liquid crystal display 103 is not provided and a black mask member 506 is provided instead of the black mask member 406 .

[0181] The black mask member 506 is disposed between the liquid crystal optical element 402 and the IR camera 404 and IR light source 105. The black mask member 506 has a third region 5061 corresponding to the IR camera 404 and the IR light source 105 in the viewing direction X of the inner mirror 500, and a fourth region 5062 excluding the third region 5061.

[0182] It should be noted that the third region 5061 of the black mask member 506 does not need to correspond to both the IR camera 404 and the IR light source 105 , but only needs to correspond to at least the IR light source 105 .

[0183] The black mask member 506 is configured so that the infrared transmittance of the third region 5061 is higher than the infrared transmittance of the fourth region 5062. For example, the third region 5061 of the black mask member 506 is made of a visible light blocking / infrared transmitting material (such as the "NIR (infrared) filter" product of Nitto Jushi Kogyo Co., Ltd. / CLAREX), and the fourth region 5062 of the black mask member 506 is made of a visible light blocking material. Note that the entire black mask member 506 may be made of a visible light blocking / infrared transmitting material, so that the infrared transmittance is uniform.

[0184] 14 is a diagram showing the functional configuration of an inner mirror 500 according to the fifth embodiment. The inner mirror 500 has an automatic anti-glare control unit 111, a monitoring system control unit 112, a camera linkage control unit 113, etc. The control operations of the automatic anti-glare control unit 111, the monitoring system control unit 112, and the camera linkage control unit 113 in the fifth embodiment are the same as those in the fourth embodiment.

[0185] Here, we will explain the operation of the inner mirror 500 in the non-anti-glare state / anti-glare state. Note that the operation when infrared photography is performed by the built-in camera of the inner mirror 500 is the same as the operation when infrared photography is performed by the built-in camera of the inner mirror 400 according to the fourth embodiment.

[0186] [Operation in Non-Anti-Glare State / Anti-Glare State] The automatic anti-glare control unit 111 determines whether or not a transition from the non-anti-glare state to the anti-glare state / a transition from the anti-glare state to the non-anti-glare state is necessary.

[0187] When the automatic anti-glare control unit 111 determines that it is not necessary to transition from the non-anti-glare state to the anti-glare state, the automatic anti-glare control unit 111 sets the liquid crystal optical element 402 to the reflective mirror state (visible light reflectance: high). As a result, the operating state of the inner mirror 500 becomes the non-anti-glare state, and a reflected image of the non-anti-glare state appears on the visible surface of the inner mirror 500. Furthermore, when the automatic anti-glare control unit 111 determines that it is necessary to transition from the non-anti-glare state to the anti-glare state, the automatic anti-glare control unit 111 sets the liquid crystal optical element 402 to the transmissive state (visible light reflectance: low). As a result, the operating state of the inner mirror 500 becomes the anti-glare state, and a reflected image of the anti-glare state appears on the visible surface of the inner mirror 500.

[0188] On the other hand, if the automatic anti-glare control unit 111 determines that it is not necessary to transition from the anti-glare state to the non-anti-glare state, the automatic anti-glare control unit 111 sets the liquid crystal optical element 402 to the transmissive state (visible light reflectance: low). This causes the operating state of the inner mirror 500 to be in the anti-glare state, and a reflected image in the anti-glare state appears on the visible surface of the inner mirror 500. Furthermore, if the automatic anti-glare control unit 111 determines that it is necessary to transition from the anti-glare state to the non-anti-glare state, the automatic anti-glare control unit 111 sets the liquid crystal optical element 402 to the reflective mirror state (visible light reflectance: high). This causes the operating state of the inner mirror 500 to be in the non-anti-glare state, and a reflected image in the non-anti-glare state appears on the visible surface of the inner mirror 500.

[0189] The inner mirror 500 (liquid crystal anti-glare mirror (without image display function)) according to the fifth embodiment as described above also achieves the same effects as the inner mirror 400 (liquid crystal anti-glare mirror with image display function) according to the fourth embodiment. That is, the infrared transmittance of the liquid crystal optical element 402 is maintained high regardless of the operating state (reflecting mirror state / transmitting state) of the liquid crystal optical element 402. Therefore, when taking infrared images using the IR camera 404, it is not necessary to control the gain of the IR camera 404 or the light intensity of the IR light source 105 according to the operating state of the liquid crystal optical element 402. This eliminates the need for complex control, simplifies control, and reduces power consumption.

[0190] Furthermore, the black mask member 506 disposed between the liquid crystal optical element 402 and the IR light source 105 has a third region 5061 and a fourth region 5062, and is configured so that the infrared transmittance of the third region 5061 is higher than that of the fourth region 5062. The third region 5061 of the black mask member 506 is made of a visible light blocking, infrared transmitting material. This makes it easy to realize a structure that prevents the light emitted by the IR light source 105 from being noticed by the driver or passengers.

[0191] In this way, the inner mirror 500 according to the fifth embodiment is suitable for achieving good image capture with the built-in camera.

[0192] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments, and various modifications and changes are possible within the scope of the gist of the present invention.

[0193] This application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2023-200818 filed on November 28, 2023, and incorporates by reference all of the contents of that Japanese application.

[0194] 100...inner mirror, 101...casing, 102...liquid crystal optical element, 1021...camera area, 1022...main area, 103...liquid crystal display (liquid crystal display device), 103a...polarizer (front side polarizer), 103b...glass substrate, 103c...RGB color filter (color filter), 103d...ITO transparent electrode film, 103e...alignment film, 103f...liquid crystal layer, 103g...alignment film, 103h...TFT circuit and transparent electrode film, 103i...glass substrate, 103j...polarizer (rear side polarizer), 103k...backlight, 104...RGB-IR camera (visible light / infrared camera; imaging unit), 105...IR light source (light emitting unit), 106...black mask member, 107...rear light sensor, 108...ambient light sensor, 111...automatic anti-glare control unit, 112...monitoring system camera control unit, 113...camera linkage control unit, 114...display control unit, 116...rear camera, 200...inner mirror, 202...liquid crystal optical element, 2021...camera area, 2022...main area, 203...liquid crystal display (liquid crystal display device), 2031...camera area (second camera area), 2032...main area (second main area), 300...inner mirror, 306...black mask member, 3061...first area, 3062...second area, 400...inner mirror, 402...liquid crystal optical element, 403...liquid crystal display (liquid crystal display device), 404...IR camera (infrared camera; imaging unit), 406...black mask member, 500...inner mirror, 506...black mask member, 5061...third area, 5062...fourth area, X...viewing direction of inner mirror

Claims

1. An inner mirror comprising: a liquid crystal optical element that can be switched between a reflective state and a transmissive state; and an imaging unit that is disposed on the rear side of the liquid crystal optical element and receives light that is incident through the liquid crystal optical element to capture at least one of a visible light image and an infrared image.

2. The inner mirror as described in claim 1, characterized in that the imaging unit is a camera capable of capturing at least a visible light image out of a visible light image and an infrared image, and the liquid crystal optical element has a camera area corresponding to the imaging unit in the viewing direction of the inner mirror and a main area excluding the camera area, and the camera area and the main area are configured so that they can be independently controlled to switch between a reflecting mirror state and a transmitting state.

3. The inner mirror according to claim 2, further comprising a liquid crystal display device arranged on the rear side of the main area of ​​the liquid crystal optical element and having an outer shape corresponding to the main area of ​​the liquid crystal optical element in the viewing direction.

4. The inner mirror according to claim 3, characterized in that the imaging unit is a visible light / infrared camera capable of capturing visible light images and infrared images, the inner mirror further comprises a light-emitting unit arranged on the rear side of the main area of ​​the liquid crystal optical element and emitting infrared light, and the liquid crystal display device has an outer shape corresponding to an area obtained by excluding the portion corresponding to the light-emitting unit from the main area of ​​the liquid crystal optical element in the viewing direction.

5. The inner mirror according to claim 4, further comprising a black mask member disposed between the main region of the liquid crystal optical element and the light-emitting portion, the black mask member having an outer shape that overlaps with the light-emitting portion in the viewing direction and does not overlap with the camera region of the liquid crystal optical element and the liquid crystal display device.

6. The inner mirror according to claim 5, characterized in that the black mask member is made of a visible light blocking, infrared light transmitting material.

7. The inner mirror according to claim 3, characterized in that the imaging unit is a visible light / infrared camera capable of capturing visible light images and infrared images, and the liquid crystal display device has a backlight, at least a portion of the light source of the backlight being a light source capable of emitting infrared light.

8. The inner mirror according to claim 2, further comprising a liquid crystal display device arranged on the rear side of the liquid crystal optical element, the liquid crystal display device having a second camera area corresponding to the camera area of ​​the liquid crystal optical element in the viewing direction and a second main area excluding the second camera area, the visible light transmittance of the second camera area being higher than the visible light transmittance of the second main area, and the imaging unit receiving light incident through the camera area of ​​the liquid crystal optical element and the second camera area of ​​the liquid crystal display device.

9. The inner mirror according to claim 8, characterized in that the liquid crystal display device is configured so that there is no front polarizing plate, color filter, rear polarizing plate or backlight in the second camera area.

10. The inner mirror according to claim 8, characterized in that the liquid crystal display device is configured so that only a glass substrate is present in the second camera area.

11. The inner mirror according to claim 8, characterized in that the liquid crystal display device is configured so that the second camera area is hollow.

12. The inner mirror according to claim 8, characterized in that the imaging unit is a visible light / infrared camera capable of capturing visible light images and infrared images.

13. The inner mirror of claim 2, characterized in that the imaging unit is a visible light / infrared camera capable of capturing visible light images and infrared images, and the inner mirror further comprises: a light-emitting unit that is arranged on the rear side of the main region of the liquid crystal optical element and emits infrared light; and a black mask member that is arranged between the main region of the liquid crystal optical element and the light-emitting unit and has an outer shape that overlaps with the light-emitting unit in the viewing direction but does not overlap with the camera region of the liquid crystal optical element.

14. The inner mirror as described in claim 13, characterized in that the black mask member has a first region corresponding to the light-emitting portion in the viewing direction and a second region excluding the first region, and the infrared transmittance of the first region is higher than the infrared transmittance of the second region.

15. The inner mirror according to claim 14, characterized in that the first region of the black mask member is made of a visible light blocking, infrared light transmitting material.

16. The inner mirror described in claim 1, characterized in that the imaging unit is an infrared camera capable of capturing infrared images, and the inner mirror further comprises a liquid crystal display device arranged on the rear side of the liquid crystal optical element and having an outer shape corresponding to an area of ​​the liquid crystal optical element excluding the area corresponding to the imaging unit in the viewing direction of the inner mirror.

17. The inner mirror according to claim 16, characterized in that the inner mirror is further provided with a light-emitting section arranged on the rear side of the liquid crystal optical element and emitting infrared rays, and the liquid crystal display device has an outer shape corresponding to an area of ​​the liquid crystal optical element in the viewing direction excluding areas corresponding to the imaging section and the light-emitting section.

18. The inner mirror described in claim 17, characterized in that the inner mirror further comprises a black mask member arranged between the liquid crystal optical element and the light-emitting unit, and having an outer shape that overlaps at least the light-emitting unit in the viewing direction but does not overlap the liquid crystal display device.

19. The inner mirror according to claim 18, characterized in that the black mask member is made of a visible light blocking, infrared light transmitting material.

20. The inner mirror according to claim 16, characterized in that the liquid crystal display device has a backlight, and at least a part of the light source of the backlight is a light source capable of emitting infrared rays.

21. The inner mirror described in claim 1, characterized in that the imaging unit is an infrared camera capable of capturing infrared images, and the inner mirror further comprises: a light-emitting unit arranged on the rear side of the liquid crystal optical element and emitting infrared rays; and a black mask member arranged between the liquid crystal optical element and the light-emitting unit.

22. The inner mirror as described in claim 21, characterized in that the black mask member has a third region corresponding to at least the light-emitting portion in the viewing direction of the inner mirror, and a fourth region excluding the third region, and the infrared transmittance of the third region is higher than the infrared transmittance of the fourth region.

23. The inner mirror according to claim 22, characterized in that the third region of the black mask member is made of a visible light blocking, infrared light transmitting material.

Images