Rearview mirror with a composite display

Abstract

A rearview mirror assembly includes a housing and a major display coupled to the housing that defines an opening. The major display includes a first substrate, a second substrate, an electro-optic material located between the first and second substrates, and a backlight. A camera is located in the housing and aligned with the opening, and a minor display overlaps the opening. The minor display has an LED construction.

Description

REARVIEW MIRROR WITH A COMPOSITE DISPLAYFIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to a rearview mirror with a composite display.SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0002] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a rearview mirror assembly includes a housing and a major display coupled to the housing that defines an opening. The major display includes a first substrate, a second substrate, an electro-optic material located between the first and second substrates, and a backlight. A camera is located in the housing and aligned with the opening, and a minor display overlaps the opening. The minor display has an LED construction.

[0003] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a rearview mirror assembly includes a major display that has a backlight defining an opening. The backlight tapers from a first edge towards an opposite edge, and a plurality of backlight illuminators are located proximate the first edge. A camera is aligned with the opening. A minor display overlaps the opening and at least part of the major display. The minor display includes different construction than the major display. A control system is configured to illuminate one or more of the plurality of backlight illuminators aligned with the opening at a different level than other ones of the plurality of backlight illuminators that are not aligned with the opening.

[0004] According to yet another aspect of the present disclosure, a rearview mirror assembly includes a liquid crystal display defining an opening and a camera is aligned with the opening. A light-emitting diode display overlaps the liquid crystal display and is aligned with the opening opposite the camera. A control system is configured to selectively merge images generated on the liquid crystal display with images generated on the light-emitting diode display.

[0005] The present disclosure generally relates to a rearview mirror that includes a major display, a minor display, and a camera. The major display and the minor display have different constructions. More particularly, the camera may not be capable of accuratelyobtaining image data through every component of the major display but can accurately obtain image data through the components of the minor display. In this manner, images or graphics generated on both the major display and minor display may be merged to give the perception of a single display while allowing the camera to obtain image data without requiring a singular display having the same construction of the minor display. As such, the configuration of the rearview mirror may permit flexibility and cost savings.

[0006] These and other features, advantages, and objects of the present invention will be further understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art by reference to the following specification, claims, and appended drawings.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] In the drawings:

[0008] FIG. 1 is a front elevational view of a rearview mirror assembly with a composite display, according to an aspect of the present disclosure;

[0009] FIG. 2 is a partially schematic front surface of a rearview mirror assembly with a composite display, according to an aspect of the present disclosure;

[0010] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of a rearview mirror assembly with a composite display, according to an aspect of the present disclosure; and

[0011] FIG. 4 is a box diagram of a control system that operates the composite display in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0012] The present illustrated embodiments reside primarily in combinations of method steps and apparatus components related to a rearview mirror with a composite display. Accordingly, the apparatus components and method steps have been represented, where appropriate, by conventional symbols in the drawings, showing only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present disclosure so as not to obscure the disclosure with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description herein. Further, like numerals in the description and drawings represent like elements.

[0013] For purposes of description herein, the terms "upper," "lower," "right," "left," "rear," "front," "vertical," "horizontal," and derivatives thereof shall relate to thedisclosure as oriented in FIG. 1. Unless stated otherwise, the term "front" shall refer to a surface of the device closest to an intended viewer, and the term "rear" shall refer to a surface of the device furthest from the intended viewer. However, it is to be understood that the disclosure may assume various alternative orientations, except where expressly specified to the contrary. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise.

[0014] The terms "including," "comprises," "comprising," or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements does not include only those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. An element preceded by "comprises a . . ." does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of additional identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises the element.

[0015] Referring to FIGS. 1-3, reference numeral 10 generally designates a rearview mirror assembly. The rearview mirror assembly 10 includes a housing 12 and a major display 14 coupled to the housing 12 that defines an opening 16 (FIGS. 2 and 3). The major display 14 includes a first substrate 18, a second substrate 20, an electro-optic material 22 located between the first and second substrates 18, 20, and a backlight 24. A camera 26 is located in the housing 12 and aligned with the opening 16, and a minor display 28 that is located in, aligned with, and / or overlaps the opening 16. The minor display 28 has an LED construction.

[0016] With reference now to FIGS. 1 and 2, the rearview mirror assembly 10 may include a mounting member 30 for mounting to an upper region of a vehicle cabin. For example, the mounting member 30 may be configured to mount to a front window and / or overhead region above the front window. The housing 12 may define a bezel 32 that defines a viewing surface 34. The major and minor displays 14, 28 may, in combination, encompass a majority (e.g., substantially all) the viewing surface 34. In operation, the camera 26 maycapture image data (e.g., pictures, videos, etc.) within an interior and / or exterior of the vehicle that can be displayed on the major and / or minor displays 14, 28.

[0017] In some embodiments, the rearview mirror assembly 10 may include one or more light sources 35. For example, the one or more light sources 35 may include one or more flood light sources for illuminating the cabin of the vehicle and / or one or more structured light sources for illuminating a structured light pattern within the vehicle for depth extraction and 3D spacing extrapolation functionality under the principles of structured light and / or Time-of-Flight. The housing 12 includes a first edge 36 (e.g., a top edge) spaced from a second edge 38 (e.g., a bottom edge) by a pair of opposite or side edges 40. In some embodiments, the camera 26 may be configured to obtain image data in the visible light spectrum and / or the infrared or near infrared spectrum. For example, the flood light sources and the structured light sources may be configured to generate light within the infrared or near infrared spectrum, such as between about 810nm and 940nm, about 810nm, about 850nm, or about 940nm. In some implementations, the one or more light sources 35 may be located in and / or otherwise aligned with the opening 16. In some implementations, the one or more light sources 35 may be located along (e.g., within and / or proximate the bezel 32) the top edge 36, the bottom edge 38, and / or the side edges 40.

[0018] With reference now to FIG. 2, a region of the rearview mirror assembly 10 proximate the top edge 36 (e.g., behind the bezel 32) may include a plurality of backlight illuminators 42. One or more conductors 44 (e.g., electrical traces) may be in electrical communication with the backlight illuminators 42. The one or more conductors 44 may further be in electrical communication with a supply conductor 45 (e.g., a flex conductor). In operation, the backlight illuminators 42 are selectively powered by the one or more conductors 44 via the supply conductor 45 and illuminate the backlight 24. In this manner, the major display 14 may have an LCD construction. The minor display 28, on the other hand, has a different construction than the major display 14. More particularly, the camera 26 may not be capable of accurately obtaining image data through every component of the major display 14 but can accurately obtain image data through the components of the minor display 28. For example, the minor display 28 may include an LED construction, such as a construction that employs nano-LEDs, micro-LEDs, OLEDs, other types of LED technology, and / or the like. A control system 100 employing one ormore logic circuits, one or more processors 104, and / or one or more memories 106 may control the major display 14, the camera 26, and the minor display 28 (e.g., via the supply conductor 45). The control system 100 is configured to merge or composite image data (e.g., images or videos) and / or graphics that are generated on the major and minor displays 14, 28. In this manner, the major and minor displays 14, 28 visually appear to a user as a single display.

[0019] With reference now to FIGS. 2 and 3, the camera 26 and the minor display 28 may be located proximate the bottom edge 38 of the housing 12. In this manner, the opening 16 may be configured as a notch or recess from a bottom peripheral edge of the major display 14. However, it should be appreciated that the opening 16, the camera 26, and the minor display 28 may be in other locations. For example, in some implementations, the opening 16, the camera 26, and the minor display 28 may be located substantially centrally between the top edge 36, the bottom edge 38, and the side edges 40. In other implementations, the opening 16, the camera 26, and the minor display 28 may be located in a non-central location proximate the top edge 36, proximate the bottom edge 38, and / or proximate one of the side edges 40.

[0020] As best illustrated in FIG. 3, the electro-optic material 22 (e.g., LCD medium) may include liquid crystal molecules. In operation, an application of an electrical field induces twisting and / or untwisting of liquid crystal molecules and results in the rotating of the polarization of the light. More particularly, the electro-optic material 22 may either rotate the polarization of light only when energized (e.g., conventional) or rotate the polarization of light only when not energized (e.g., twisted nematic). Surfaces of the first substrate 18 and the second substrate 20 that face the electro-optic material 22 may include electrodes (e.g., a conductive coating or a conductive layer) that distribute the electric field along the electro-optic material 22. An electric bus 47 may be in conductive communication with both electrodes. The major display 14 may include a first polarizer 46 (e.g., an absorbing polarizer) positioned between the second substrate 20 and the backlight 24 and a second polarizer 48 (e.g., a reflective polarizer, a second absorbing polarizer, and / or the like) positioned on an opposite side of the electro-optic material 22 (e.g., on a side of the first substrate 18 opposite the electro-optic material 22). The second polarizer 48 may be a reflective polarizer to recycle light from the backlight 24. The reflective polarizer will pass one polarization of light and reflect the other back into the backlight 24. In this manner,the light is recycled into the backlight 24 to change polarization states, thereby providing an efficiency gain to the backlight 24. In this manner, during operation, the liquid crystal molecules in the electro-optic material 22 may be switched between the twisted state, the untwisted states, and intermediate states.

[0021] In use, the first or absorptive polarizer 46 is configured to pass a first polarization of light that is either transmitted through the electro-optic material 22 unchanged (e.g., in the first state) or rotated to a second polarization of light (e.g., in the second state). The second polarizer 48, on the other hand, may be configured to reflect the first polarization of light and transmit the second polarization of light. In this manner, when the electrooptic material 22 is in the first state or untwisted, the light entering through the first substrate 18 and the first absorptive polarizer 46 is in the first polarization and reflected from the second polarizer 48 back towards the intended viewer in a mirror state. In the second state, the first polarization of light is rotated by the twisted electro-optic material 22 to the second polarization of light and passes through the second polarizer 48 such that images from the major display 14 can be generated in a display state. However, it should be appreciated that, in some implementations, the second polarizer 48 may alternatively be configured to reflect the second polarization of light, absorb one of the polarizations of light, and / or otherwise polarize one or more of the polarizations of light. It should also be appreciated that other selectively switchable reflective constructions could be utilized. For example, the second substrate 20 may include an electroplated surface. Further, in other embodiments, other types of LCD mediums, such as a cholesteric liquid crystal layer may be utilized.

[0022] With continued reference to FIG. 3, the electro-optic material 22 may be retained between the first and second substrates 18, 20 via a seal 50 extending in a peripheral manner around the electro-optic material 22. In some embodiments, a portion of the seal 50 bounding the opening 16 (e.g., notch) has a thickness that is less than an average thickness of the seal 50. In some implementations, the portion of the seal 50 bounding the opening 16 (e.g., notch) has a thickness that is less than substantially the thickness of all the other portions of the seal 50. The opening 16 may be defined by one or more (e.g., each) of the electro-optic material 22, the backlight 24, the electrodes, and the polarizers 46, 48. In some embodiments, the opening 16 may be further defined by the first substrate 18 and the second substrate 20.

[0023] The minor display 28 may be sized to overlap at least the seal 50 bounding the opening 16. In some embodiments, the minor display 28 overlaps the opening 16 such that an outer region of the minor display 28 overlaps with an operable portion of the major display 14. In this manner, when the control system 100 merges or composites image data (e.g., images or videos) and / or graphics, at least a portion of the minor and major displays 14, 28 are overlapping and both operable to generate a same region of the image data (e.g., images or videos) and / or graphics. While the opening 16 and minor display 28 are depicted as a rectilinear shape, it should be appreciated that other shapes, such as circular shapes, polygonal shapes, etc., may be employed for the opening 16 and / or the minor display 28. In some implementations, the opening 16 may have a different shape or size than the minor display 28. Generally speaking, the minor display 28 may be larger than and fully cover or substantially cover the opening 16.

[0024] With continued reference to FIG. 3, the backlight 24 may taper from the backlight illuminators 42 to a distal edge. The taper may be from the top edge 36 towards the bottom edge 38, the bottom edge 36 towards the top edge 38, or between opposite side edges 40 (e.g., left-to-right or right-to-left). In the depicted implementation, when the backlight illuminators 42 are located proximate the top edge 36, the backlight 24 may taper towards the bottom edge 38, and, by extension, towards the opening 16. Because the backlight 24 may partially define the opening 16 and in order to avoid irregular illumination from the backlight illuminators 42 aligned with the opening 16, at least one of the taper, the power to the backlight illuminators 42 aligned with the opening 16, or shapes and other surfaces of the backlight 24 may be modified. For example, in some embodiments, a region of the backlight 24 aligned with the opening 16 may taper at a greater or lesser angle. In some embodiments, the backlight illuminators 42 aligned with the opening 16 may be powered to a different level (e.g., via the control system 100) and / or otherwise configured to generate a different level of illumination (e.g., more or less). In this manner, illumination from the backlight 24 (e.g., the backlight illuminators 42) is perceived as substantially uniform across the major display 14.

[0025] With reference now to FIGS. 1-3, the major display 14 and the minor display 28 may have a variety of different constructions. However, generally speaking, the major display 14 may utilize a construction that inhibits operation of the camera 26 therethrough while the minor display 28 utilizes a construction that permits operation of the camera 26therethrough. Despite having different constructions, the major display 14 and the minor display 28 may both be configured to have the same or substantially the same illumination intensity, image or graphic resolution, aspect ratio, color saturation, sharpness, combinations thereof, and / or the like. As depicted, the major display 14 may have an LCD construction and the minor display 28 may have an LED (e.g., nano-LED, micro-LED, OLED, and / or other LED-type) construction. The control system 100 may be configured to operate both the major display 14 and the minor display 28 to generate a uniform image or graphic. In this manner, the control system 100 may be configured to merge or composite the images or graphics on the major display 14 and the minor display 28, such that a border of the minor display 28 is not distinguishable from the major display 14. In some embodiments, the control system 100 may further be capable of generating images or graphics on only one of the major display 14 and the minor display 28, different images or graphics (e.g., non-composited or merged) on both the major display 14 and the minor display 28, or merged or composited images or graphics on the major display 14 and the minor display 28. By adjusting the backlight 24 or the power level of the backlight illuminators 42 a merged or composite image or graphic is substantially indistinguishable from an image or graphic on a single display. However, by incorporation of the minor display 28, the camera 26 is concealed and substantially the entire viewing surface 34 can be utilized to generate images and graphics.

[0026] In some embodiments, the rearview mirror assembly 10 may further employ an electrochromic device 52 (e.g., a transflective electrochromic device). The electrochromic device 52 may include a third substrate 54 having a first surface 56 and a second surface 58 opposite the first surface 56. A fourth substrate 60 includes a third surface 62 and a fourth surface 64 opposite the third surface 62. The third and fourth substrates 54, 60 may be disposed in a spaced apart relationship so as to define a gap 66 therebetween with the second and third surfaces 58, 62 facing each other. When the electrochromic device 52 is included in the rearview mirror assembly 10 the fourth surface 64 may define the viewing surface (e.g., the surface that faces the intended viewer). A first electrode layer 68 is coupled to the second surface 58 and a second electrode layer 70 is coupled to the third surface 62. An electro-optic medium 72 may be located in the gap 66 between the first and second electrodes 68, 70 and switchable between a plurality of transmission states. In some implementations, the third substrate 54 may face the first or absorptive polarizer46. In some implementations, the first substrate 18 may be utilized as the third substrate 54, such that the third substrate 54 is not needed. In such implementations, the first or absorptive polarizer 46 may be located on the fourth surface 64 and / or between the fourth surface 64 and the electro-optic material 22 (e.g., LCD medium). The electrode layers 68, 70 and / or the electro-optic medium 72 may include electroactive anodic and cathodic materials that exhibit a change in its extinction coefficient at one or more wavelengths upon exposure to a particular electrical potential difference. The electrochromic device 52 may be utilized for dimming or darkening portions of the viewing surface 34 or fourth surface 64 to prevent or reduce glare in the mirror state.

[0027] With reference now to FIG. 4, the control system 100 of the rearview mirror assembly 10 may include at least one electronic control unit (ECU) 102. The at least one ECU 102 may be located in a singular packaging or housing or be distributed throughout the rearview mirror assembly 10. The at least one ECU 102 may include the processor 104 and the memory 106. The processor 104 may include any suitable processor 104. Additionally, or alternatively, each ECU 102 may include any suitable number of processors, in addition to or other than the processor 104. The memory 106 may comprise a single disk or a plurality of disks (e.g., hard drives) and includes a storage management module that manages one or more partitions within the memory 106. In some embodiments, memory 106 may include flash memory, semiconductor (solid-state) memory, orthe like. The memory 106 may include Random Access Memory (RAM), a Read- Only Memory (ROM), Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory (EEPROM), or a combination thereof. The memory 106 may include instructions that, when executed by the processor 104, cause the processor 104 to, at least, perform the functions associated with operational aspects of the components of the rearview mirror assembly 10. The memory 106 may include a major display module 108, a minor display module 110, and an operational parameter module 112. The major display module 108 may include information about the major display 14, such as the illumination intensity, image or graphic resolution, aspect ratio, color saturation, sharpness, and / or the like that may be adjusted by a user. The minor display module 110 may, likewise, include information on the minor display 28, such as the illumination intensity, image orgraphic resolution, aspect ratio, color saturation, sharpness, and / or the like that may be adjusted by a user. The control system 100 may monitor the settings in the major and minor display modules 108,110 to confirm that the major and minor displays 14, 28 include the same or substantially the same illumination intensity, image or graphic resolution, aspect ratio, color saturation, sharpness, combinations thereof, and / or the like even when one of the major or minor displays 14, 28 is adjusted. In some embodiments, adjustments by a user are applied to both the major and minor displays 14, 28 automatically by (e.g., via the control system 100) matching illumination intensity, image or graphic resolution, aspect ratio, color saturation, sharpness, combinations thereof, and / or the like. The major display module 108 may further include dimensional properties of the major display 14, including opening 16. The minor display module 110 may include dimensional properties of the minor display 28, including overlapping regions with the major display 14. In this manner, the control system 100 can review image characteristics, sizes, and / or the like to stitch, composite, and / or otherwise merge the graphics generated on both major and minor displays 14, 28.

[0028] The operational parameter module 112 may include various control settings of the rearview mirror assembly 10, including when to reduce glare via the electrochromic device 52, when to switch the electro-optic material 22, and / or the like. The operational parameter module 112 may include instructions, such that when composite image data (e.g., images or videos) and / or graphics are generated on the major and minor displays 14, 28, the control system 100 may be configured to de-energize the electrochromic device 52 if the electrochromic device 52 is in an energized state (e.g., low transmissive state). When the major and minor displays 14, 28 are in an off state, the control system 100 may energize the electrochromic device based on feedback from one or more glare sensors. The rearview mirror assembly 10 may be a full display mirror, displaying an image from the camera 26 or other cameras, for example, other cameras near the rear of the vehicle. The camera 26 in conjunction with the light source 35 (e.g., the flood and / or structured lights) can incorporate infrared, and / or near IR image data for driver monitoring functions while the minor display 28 is displaying image data or other graphics. Including, for example, interior cabin monitoring functions, biometric authentication functions, video conferencing functions, and generally capturing images of one or more vehicle occupants. The camera 26 in conjunction with the light source 35 (e.g., the flood and / or structured lights) may additionally or alternatively incorporate visible or RGB image data for the same functionalities when the minor display 28 is not displaying image data or other graphics. In this manner, even when an RGB camera is utilized, the major display 14 can still generateimage data or other graphics while the minor display 28 is powered down and the camera 26 gathers data.

[0029] The disclosure herein is further summarized in the following paragraphs and is further characterized by combinations of any and all of the various aspects described therein.

[0030] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a rearview mirror assembly includes a housing and a major display coupled to the housing that defines an opening. The major display includes a first substrate, a second substrate, an electro-optic material located between the first and second substrates, and a backlight. A camera is located in the housing and aligned with the opening, and a minor display overlaps the opening. The minor display has an LED construction.

[0031] According to another aspect, a minor display has a micro-LED construction.

[0032] According to yet another aspect, a minor display has an OLED construction.

[0033] According to still yet another aspect, an opening is at least partially defined by a backlight.

[0034] According to another aspect, an opening is at least partially defined by an electrooptic material.

[0035] According to yet another aspect, a major display has an LCD construction.

[0036] According to still yet another aspect, a minor display overlaps a major display proximate an opening.

[0037] According to another aspect, a control system is configured to selectively merge images generated on the major display with images generated on the minor display.

[0038] According to yet another aspect, a rearview mirror assembly includes a transflective electrochromic device including an electrochromic medium located between the major and minor displays and a viewing surface, the electrochromic medium configured to change transmissive states.

[0039] According to still yet another aspect, the major display includes an absorptive polarizer between the electro-optic material and a viewing surface and a second polarizer between the electro-optic material and the backlight.

[0040] According to another aspect, the camera is configured to capture image data in the infrared or near infrared spectrum.

[0041] According to yet another aspect, the opening is defined as a notch along a bottom edge of the major display.

[0042] According to still yet another aspect, a rearview mirror assembly includes a seal located between a first and a second substrate to contain an electro-optic material, the seal circumscribing an opening and covered by a minor display.

[0043] According to another aspect, a portion of the seal that circumscribes the opening has a thickness that is less than an average thickness of the seal.

[0044] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a rearview mirror assembly includes a major display that has a backlight defining an opening. The backlight tapers from a first edge towards an opposite edge, and a plurality of backlight illuminators are located proximate the first edge. A camera is aligned with the opening. A minor display overlaps the opening and at least part of the major display. The minor display includes different construction than the major display. A control system is configured to illuminate one or more of the plurality of backlight illuminators aligned with the opening at a different level than other ones of the plurality of backlight illuminators that are not aligned with the opening.

[0045] According to another aspect, the major display has an LCD construction and the minor display has an LED construction, the camera configured to capture image data through the minor display.

[0046] According to yet another aspect of the present disclosure, a rearview mirror assembly includes a liquid crystal display defining an opening and a camera is aligned with the opening. A light-emitting diode display overlaps the liquid crystal display and is aligned with the opening opposite the camera. A control system is configured to selectively merge images generated on the liquid crystal display with images generated on the light-emitting diode display.

[0047] According to another aspect, the control system is configured to match a resolution of the images generated on the liquid crystal display with images generated on the lightemitting diode display.

[0048] According to yet another aspect, the control system is configured to match an illumination intensity of the images generated on the liquid crystal display with images generated on the light-emitting diode display.

[0049] According to still yet another aspect, the control system is configured to match an aspect ratio of the images generated on the liquid crystal display with images generated on the light-emitting diode display.

[0050] For purposes of this disclosure, the term "coupled" (in all of its forms, couple, coupling, coupled, etc.) generally means the joining of two components (electrical or mechanical) directly or indirectly to one another. Such joining may be stationary in nature or movable in nature. Such joining may be achieved with the two components (electrical or mechanical) and any additional intermediate members being integrally formed as a single unitary body with one another or with the two components. Such joining may be permanent in nature or may be removable or releasable in nature unless otherwise stated.

[0051] As used herein, the term "about" means that amounts, sizes, formulations, parameters, and other quantities and characteristics are not and need not be exact, but may be approximate and / or larger or smaller, as desired, reflecting tolerances, conversion factors, rounding off, measurement error and the like, and other factors known to those of skill in the art. When the term "about" is used in describing a value or an end-point of a range, the disclosure should be understood to include the specific value or end-point referred to. Whether or not a numerical value or end-point of a range in the specification recites "about," the numerical value or end-point of a range is intended to include two embodiments: one modified by "about," and one not modified by "about." It will be further understood that the end-points of each of the ranges are significant both in relation to the other end-point, and independently of the other end-point.

[0052] The terms "substantial," "substantially," and variations thereof as used herein are intended to note that a described feature is equal or approximately equal to a value or description. For example, a "substantially planar" surface is intended to denote a surface that is planar or approximately planar. Moreover, "substantially" is intended to denote that two values are equal or approximately equal. In some embodiments, "substantially" may denote values within about 10% of each other, such as within about 5% of each other, or within about 2% of each other.

[0053] It is also important to note that the construction and arrangement of the elements of the disclosure, as shown in the exemplary embodiments, is illustrative only. Although only a few embodiments of the present innovations have been described in detail in this disclosure, those skilled in the art who review this disclosure will readily appreciate thatmany modifications are possible (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements, values of parameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations, etc.) without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter recited. For example, elements shown as integrally formed may be constructed of multiple parts, or elements shown as multiple parts may be integrally formed, the operation of the interfaces may be reversed or otherwise varied, the length or width of the structures and / or members or connector or other elements of the system may be varied, the nature or number of adjustment positions provided between the elements may be varied. It should be noted that the elements and / or assemblies of the system may be constructed from any of a wide variety of materials that provide sufficient strength or durability, in any of a wide variety of colors, textures, and combinations. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present innovations. Other substitutions, modifications, changes, and omissions may be made in the design, operating conditions, and arrangement of the desired and other exemplary embodiments without departing from the spirit of the present innovations.

[0054] It will be understood that any described processes or steps within described processes may be combined with other disclosed processes or steps to form structures within the scope of the present disclosure. The exemplary structures and processes disclosed herein are for illustrative purposes and are not to be construed as limiting.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A rearview mirror assembly, comprising: a housing; a major display coupled to the housing and defining an opening, the major display including a first substrate, a second substrate, an electro-optic material located between the first and second substrates, and a backlight; a camera located in the housing and aligned with the opening; and a minor display overlapping the opening, the minor display having an LED construction.

2. The rearview mirror assembly of claim 1, wherein the minor display has a microLED construction.

3. The rearview mirror assembly of claim 1, wherein the minor display has an OLED construction.

4. The rearview mirror assembly as in one of claims 1-3, wherein the opening is at least partially defined by the backlight.

5. The rearview mirror assembly as in one of claims 1-3, wherein the opening is at least partially defined by the electro-optic material.

6. The rearview mirror assembly as in one of claims 1-3, wherein the major display has an LCD construction.

7. The rearview mirror assembly as in one of claims 1-3, wherein the minor display overlaps the major display proximate the opening.

8. The rearview mirror assembly as in one of claims 1-3, further including a control system configured to selectively merge images generated on the major display with images generated on the minor display.

9. The rearview mirror assembly as in one of claims 1-3, further including a transflective electrochromic device including an electrochromic medium located between the major and minor displays and a viewing surface, the electrochromic medium configured to change transmissive states.

10. The rearview mirror assembly as in one of claims 1-3, wherein the major display includes an absorptive polarizer between the electro-optic material and a viewing surface and a second polarizer between the electro-optic material and the backlight.

11. The rearview mirror assembly as in one of claims 1-3, wherein the camera is configured to capture image data in the infrared or near infrared spectrum.

12. The rearview mirror assembly of claim 1, wherein the opening is defined as a notch along a bottom edge of the major display.

13. The rearview mirror assembly as in one of claims 1-3 or 12, further including a seal located between the first and second substrates to contain the electro-optic material, the seal circumscribing the opening and covered by the minor display.

14. The rearview mirror assembly of claim 13, wherein a portion of the seal that circumscribes the opening has a thickness that is less than an average thickness of the seal.

15. A rearview mirror assembly, comprising: a major display including a backlight defining an opening, the backlight tapering from a first edge towards an opposite edge, and a plurality of backlight illuminators are located proximate the first edge; a camera aligned with the opening;a minor display overlapping the opening and at least part of the major display, the minor display having different construction than the major display; and a control system configured to illuminate one or more of the plurality of backlight illuminators aligned with the opening at a different level than other ones of the plurality of backlight illuminators that are not aligned with the opening.

16. The rearview mirror assembly of claim 15, wherein the major display has an LCD construction and the minor display has an LED construction, the camera configured to capture image data through the minor display.

17. A rearview mirror assembly, comprising: a liquid crystal display defining an opening; a camera aligned with the opening; a light-emitting diode display overlapping the liquid crystal display and aligned with the opening opposite the camera; and a control system configured to selectively merge images generated on the liquid crystal display with images generated on the light-emitting diode display.

18. The rearview mirror assembly of claim 17, wherein the control system is configured to match a resolution of the images generated on the liquid crystal display with images generated on the light-emitting diode display.

19. The rearview mirror assembly as in one of claims 17 or 18, wherein the control system is configured to match an illumination intensity of the images generated on the liquid crystal display with images generated on the light-emitting diode display.

20. The rearview mirror assembly as in one of claim 17 or claim 18, wherein the control system is configured to match an aspect ratio of the images generated on the liquid crystal display with images generated on the light-emitting diode display.

Images