Cabin monitoring illumination system

Abstract

A rearview mirror assembly for a vehicle includes a housing having a bottom surface extending between a back surface and a front surface, and the front surface defines an opening. A transmission window is at least partially defined by the bottom surface. A glass element is at least partially aligned with the opening and defines a viewing surface. At least one printed circuit board is located between the glass element and the back surface of the housing. A monitoring system includes an image capturing module and a light module connected to the at least one PCB and positioned to generate an illumination towards the back surface or the bottom surface of the housing. An optical element is located between a transmission path of the illumination and the transmission window. The optical element is configured to redirect the illumination from the light module through the transmission window.

Description

Atty. Docket No. AUTO 04648T GEN010 FP1385A WOCABIN MONITORING ILLUMINATION SYSTEMCROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) upon U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 687,384, entitled "CABIN MONITORING ILLUMINATION SYSTEM" filed on August 27, 2025, by Kason Keith Anderson et al., the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0002] The present disclosure generally relates to a rearview mirror assembly and, more particularly, to a rearview mirror assembly with a driver monitoring system that includes an optical assembly configured to direct light toward an occupant of a vehicle.SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0003] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a rearview mirror assembly for a vehicle includes a housing having a bottom surface extending between a back surface and a front surface, and the front surface defines an opening. A transmission window is at least partially defined by the bottom surface. A glass element is at least partially aligned with the opening, coupled to the housing, and defines a viewing surface. At least one printed circuit board (PCB) is located in the housing between the glass element and the back surface of the housing. A monitoring system includes an image capturing module and a light module connected to the at least one PCB and positioned to generate an illumination towards the back surface or the bottom surface of the housing. An optical element is located between a transmission path of the illumination and the transmission window. The optical element is configured to redirect the illumination from the light module through the transmission window and towards a lower portion of an occupant of the vehicle.

[0004] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a rearview mirror assembly for a vehicle includes a housing having a bottom surface extending between a back surface and a front surface, and the front surface defines an opening. At least two transmission windowsare at least partially defined by the bottom surface. A glass element is at least partially aligned with the opening, coupled to the housing, and defines a viewing surface. At least one printed circuit board (PCB) is located in the housing between the glass element and the back surface of the housing. A monitoring system includes an image capturing module, at least two light modules, and at least two optical elements. The at least two light modules are connected to the at least one PCB and positioned on opposite sides of the image capturing module to generate an illumination towards one of the back surface or the bottom surface of the housing. Each optical element located between a transmission path of one of the light modules and one of the transmission windows, the optical elements configured to redirect the illumination from the light modules through the transmission windows and towards a lower portion of at least one occupant of the vehicle.

[0005] According to yet another aspect of the present disclosure, a rearview mirror assembly for a vehicle includes a housing having a bottom surface extending between a back surface and a front surface, the front surface defining an opening. A transmission window is at least partially defined by the bottom surface. A glass element is at least partially aligned with the opening, coupled to the housing, and defines a viewing surface. At least one printed circuit board (PCB) located in the housing between the glass element and the back surface of the housing. A monitoring system includes an image capturing module, a light module connected to the at least one PCB and positioned to generate an illumination towards one of the back surface or the bottom surface of the housing, and an optical element. The optical element is located between a transmission path of the illumination and the transmission window, the optical element configured to at least one of collimate or diffuse the illumination from the light module through the transmission window and towards a lower portion of an occupant of the vehicle.

[0006] The present disclosure generally provides a rearview mirror assembly with a driver monitoring system that includes a light module and an optical assembly configured to direct an illumination from the light module toward an occupant of a vehicle. The rearview mirror assembly includes a housing with one or more transmission windows and a glass element defining a viewing surface. The illumination is transmitted in a direction generally away fromthe glass element, such that the optical element can redirect the illumination towards the transmission window. In this manner, the location of the light module may be flexible within the architecture of the rearview mirror assembly. Further, the path of transmission of the illumination can be redirected to locations of interest not typically captured by traditional light module locations, such as a lower portion of an occupant seating area.

[0007] These and other features, advantages, and objects of the present disclosure 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

[0008] In the drawings:

[0009] FIG. 1 is an interior view of a vehicle that includes a rearview mirror assembly in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;

[0010] FIG. 2A is a front elevational view of a rearview mirror assembly of a first construction in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;

[0011] FIG. 2B is a cross-sectional side view of a rearview mirror assembly of a first construction in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;

[0012] FIG. 2C is a cross-sectional side view of a glass element coupled to a rearview mirror assembly in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;

[0013] FIG. 3A is a bottom plan view of a rearview mirror assembly with a monitoring system of a second construction in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;

[0014] FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional side view of a rearview mirror assembly of a second construction that includes a reflective element oriented to reflect illumination towards an occupant of a vehicle in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;

[0015] FIG. 4A is a bottom plan view of a rearview mirror assembly with a monitoring system of a third construction in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;

[0016] FIG. 4B is a cross-sectional side view of a rearview mirror assembly of a third construction that includes a light guide pipe oriented and configured to direct illumination towards an occupant of a vehicle in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;

[0017] FIG. 5A is a bottom plan view of a rearview mirror assembly with a monitoring system of a fourth construction in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure; and

[0018] FIG. 5B is a cross-sectional side view of a rearview mirror assembly of a fourth construction that includes an optical element oriented to direct illumination towards an occupant of a vehicle in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0019] The present illustrated embodiments reside primarily in combinations of method steps and apparatus components related to a rearview mirror assembly with a driver monitoring system that includes an optical assembly configured to direct light toward an occupant of a vehicle. 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.

[0020] For purposes of description herein, the terms "upper," "lower," "right," "left," "rear," "front," "vertical," "horizontal," and derivatives thereof, shall relate to the disclosure as oriented in FIG. 1. Unless stated otherwise, the term "front" shall refer to the surface of the device closer to an intended viewer of the device, and the term "rear" shall refer to the surface of the device further from the intended viewer of the device. 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.

[0021] 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 apparatusthat 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.

[0022] Referring to FIGS. 1-2B, reference numeral 10 generally designates a rearview mirror assembly. The rearview mirror assembly 10A includes a housing 12 having a bottom surface 13 extending between a back surface 14 and a front surface 16, and the front surface 16 defines an opening 18. At least one transmission window 19 is at least partially defined by the bottom surface 13. A glass element 20 is at least partially aligned with the opening 18, coupled to the housing 12, and defines a viewing surface 22. At least one printed circuit board (PCB) is located in the housing 12 between the glass element 20 and the back surface 14 of the housing 12. A monitoring system 26 includes at least one image capturing module 28 and at least one light module 30 connected to the at least one PCB and positioned to generate an illumination 32, for example, towards one of the bottom surface 13 or the back surface 14 of the housing 12. At least one optical element 34 may be located between the light module 30 (e.g., a transmission path of the light module 30) and the transmission window 19. The at least one optical element 34 is configured to redirect the illumination 32 from the light module 30 through the transmission window 19 and towards a lower portion (e.g., waist, legs, and feet) of at least one occupant 36 (e.g., an occupant position) of a vehicle 38.

[0023] With reference now to FIGS. 1 and 2C, the rearview mirror assembly 10A may include a mounting member 40 configured to be coupled to an interior cabin 41 of the vehicle 38 (e.g., a front window 42 or overhead area 44) and the housing 12 is moveable relative to the mounting member 40 to orient the glass element 20 at various angles relative to the occupant position 36 to obtain different environmental views and / or orientations relative to the interior cabin 41. The light module 30 may be, for example, one of a plurality of light modules 30 positioned to generate the illumination 32 towards one of the bottom surface 13 or the back surface 14 of the housing 12. The at least one optical element 34 may include an optical element 34 for each of the light modules 30, an optical element 34 for two or more lightmodules 30, or two or more optical elements for each light module 30. For example, the plurality of light modules 30 may include light modules 30 positioned, with an associated one of the optical elements 34, to capture the lower portions of at least two occupants 36. The at least one optical element 34 may include one, more, or each of a refractive element, a reflective element, a guide element, a lens element, and / or the like. The at least one optical element 34 therefore, may refract, guide, and / or reflect light. The at least one optical element 34 may be a single piece or multi-piece construction.

[0024] The rearview mirror assembly 10A may further include at least one (e.g., two, three, or more) additional light modules 37 (FIG. 2A). For example, the additional light modules 37 may be oriented to generate an illumination (e.g., similar to the illumination 32) towards an upper portion of the occupant position 36 (e.g., head and torso), while light modules 30 are oriented to generate the illumination 32 towards a lower and / or middle portion of the occupant position 36 (e.g., torso, hands, legs, steering wheel 46). In this manner, the at least one image capturing module 28 (e.g., one, two, or more, image capturing modules 28) may be configured to capture the illumination 32 from both the light modules 30 and the additional light modules 37 to obtain data on both the upper and lower portions of the occupant position 36. In some embodiments, the light modules 30 and / or additional light modules 37 are configured to generate the illumination 32 in a sequence (e.g., pulsed). In some embodiments, the sequence of the light modules 30 and / or additional light modules 37 is concurrent. In some embodiments, the additional light modules 37 may be configured to generate the illumination 32 substantially towards the occupant position 36 (e.g., through the viewing surface 22 and / or in a direction of the front surface 16 of the housing 12. In some embodiments, lens, light guides, and reflective elements may guide the illumination from the additional light modules 37.

[0025] With reference now to FIGS. 2A and 2B, the back surface 14 and the front surface 16 of the housing 12 are spaced by the bottom surface 13, a top surface 50, and a pair of side surfaces 52. The bottom surface 13 may define the at least one transmission window 19. The at least one transmission window 19 may include one, two, three, or more transmission windows 19. For example, each transmission window 19 may be matched with one or morelight modules 30 and / or each light module 30 may be matched with one or more transmission windows 19. Generally speaking, the light modules 30 may be configured to generate light in a direction away from the viewing surface 22 and towards at least one of the bottom surface 13 and the back surface 14. The transmission windows 19 may include one of an aperture or a region of the housing 12 that is transmissive to the illumination 32. For example, the entire housing 12 may be transmissive to the illumination 32, the bottom surface 13 may be transmissive to the illumination 32, inserts in the housing 12 may be transmissive to the illumination 32, and / or discrete portions or regions of the housing 12 may be formed with an additive, a dye, or an ink that is transmissive to the illumination 32. In some embodiments, the light module 30 is configured to generate the illumination 32 substantially in the infrared spectrum and the transmission windows 19 are transmissive to the light in the infrared spectrum but opaque to light in the visible spectrum. In some embodiments, the additional light modules 37 may also be configured to generate light substantially in the infrared spectrum.

[0026] As best depicted in FIG. 2B, in some embodiments, the at least one PCB may include a primary PCB 55 and a secondary PCB 56. The primary PCB 55 may be configured to power, provide instructions, or generally be in electrical communication with certain components of the monitoring system 26 and the secondary PCB 56 may be configured to power, provide instructions, or generally be in electrical communication with other components of the monitoring system 26. In some embodiments, the primary PCB 55 and second PCB 56 may be in operable communication with one another. In some embodiments, one or both of the primary PCB 55 and the secondary PCB 56 may include a control system (e.g., or components thereof) that generally instructs operation of the components of the rearview mirror assembly IDA. The light modules 30 may be mounted to the primary PCB 55 and / or the secondary PCB 56. More particularly, the light module 30 may be located on a rear surface of the primary PCB 55 facing generally away from the glass element 20 and positioned to generate the illumination 32 towards the back surface 14 of the housing 12. The primary PCB 55 may be substantially parallel to the glass element 20. In addition to or alternatively to the light modules 30 mounted to the primary PCB 55, the light modules 30 may be mounted to thesecondary PCB 56. In some implementations, the primary PCB 55 may be substantially perpendicular to the secondary PCB 56. More particularly, the secondary PCB 56 may be located proximate the bottom surface 13 and the light modules may be located on a lower surface of the secondary PCB 56 facing generally towards the bottom surface 13 and positioned to generate the illumination 32 towards the bottom surface 13 (e.g., the transmission windows 19). In some embodiments, the additional light modules 37 may be connected to a forward facing surface of the primary PCB 55 and direct illumination through the glass element 20.

[0027] The optical element 34 utilized in the rearview mirror assembly 10A of the first construction may be a refractive element and a reflective element. More particularly, at least some light modules 30 may be located on the primary PCB 55 (e.g., a rear surface) and facing the back surface 14 of the housing 12. At least some of the light modules 30 may additionally be located on the secondary PCB 56 (e.g., a bottom surface) and directed towards the bottom surface 13 of the housing 12. The refractive element is located under the secondary PCB 56 and aligned with a transmission path of the illumination 32 from the light modules on the secondary PCB 56 and angled towards or otherwise configured to refract or redirect the transmission of the illumination 32 towards the transmission window 19. More particularly, the refractive element may be positioned and configured to redirect the transmission path of the illumination 32 from the light module 30 on the secondary PCB 56 into a second transmission path that is oriented through the transmission window 19. The reflective element may be located between the primary PCB 55 and the back surface 14 of the housing 12 (e.g., at least partially above the secondary PCB 56) and angled towards or otherwise configured to reflect or redirect the transmission of the illumination 32 past the secondary PCB 56 and towards the transmission window 19 and / or the refractive element. The at least one optical element 34 (e.g., the reflective and refractive elements) may exhibit a flat or planar reflective surface, a concave surface, optical pillows, a convex surface, curves, steps (e.g., each step defining a different angle relative to the transmission window 19), combinations of two or more thereof, and / or the like.

[0028] With reference now to FIG. 2C, the glass element 20 may include an optical stack of components. For example, the glass element 20 may include an electro-optic assembly 58 and a display 60 located, for example, between the electro-optic assembly 58 and the back surface 14 of the housing 12. The electro-optic assembly 58 may, for example, include an electro-optic medium 62 located between a pair of substrates. The pair of substrates may include a front substrate 64 as well as a rear substrate 66. The front substrate 64 may include a first surface 68 and a second surface 70 and the rear substrate 66 may include a third surface 72 and a fourth surface 74. The second surface 70 and the third surface 72 may face each other to define a cavity 76 for holding the electro-optic medium 62. In some embodiments, the viewing surface 22 is the same and / or defined by the first surface 68. A first electrode 78 is coupled to the second surface 70, and a second electrode 80 is coupled to the third surface 72.

[0029] With continued reference to FIG. 2C, the first electrode 78 and the second electrode 80 may be formed by electrically conductive transparent materials, including, but not limited to, a transparent conducting film (e.g., indium tin oxide (ITO), F:SnO2, ZnO, IZO), insulator / metal / insulator stack "IMI Structures", carbon (graphene and / or graphite), and / or a conductive metal mesh (e.g., nanowires). In various examples, the electro-optic medium 62 may include at least one solvent, at least one anodic material, and at least one cathodic material. Typically, both of the anodic and cathodic materials are electroactive and at least one of them may be electrochromic. It will be understood that regardless of its ordinary meaning, the term "electroactive" may mean a material that undergoes a modification in its oxidation state upon exposure to a particular electrical potential difference. Additionally, it will be understood that the term "electrochromic" may mean, regardless of its ordinary meaning, a material that exhibits a change in its extinction coefficient at one or more wavelengths upon exposure to a particular electrical potential difference.

[0030] A first electrical bus 82 may be coupled to (i.e., in conductive communication with) the first electrode 78 and a second electrical bus 84 may be connected to the second electrode 80. The electric buses 82, 84 may include a conductive adhesive, tape, and / or the like, that may include a higher electric conductivity than one of or both of the first electrode 78 and thesecond electrode 80. In this manner, the electrical buses 82, 84 may provide current to the electrodes 78, 80. The electric buses 82, 84 may be placed on an internal surface (e.g., a surface that faces towards the cavity 76) of the first electrode 78 and / or the second electrode 80 or the buses 82, 84 may be placed on an outer surface (e.g., a surface that faces away from the cavity 76) of the first electrode 78 and / or the second electrode 80. In some instances, the buses 82, 84 may transverse an entire perimeter of the cavity 76 or may be localized to one or more discrete locations. One or more seals 86 may confine the electro-optic medium 62 in the cavity 76.

[0031] With reference now to FIGS. 3A-5B additional constructions of the rearview mirror assembly 10A are depicted. Unless otherwise expressly indicated, each construction may share all the same features, functions, elements, and materials as those previously described in reference to the description of the rearview mirror assembly 10A of the first construction. However, the location of the light modules 30, the location of the optical element 34, and the type of optical element 34 may be changed. Likewise, it should be understood that the optical element 34 depicted in the rearview mirror assembly 10A of the first construction may include one, some, or each of the types of the optical elements 34 and locations of the optical elements 34 and light modules 30 described in reference to the other constructions in any combination. For purposes of brevity, like elements are designated with the same reference numerals for each construction.

[0032] With reference now to FIGS. 3A and 3B, the rearview mirror assembly 10B is depicted with a second construction. More particularly, the optical element 34 of the second construction may be configured as a reflective element 88 (e.g., a plurality of reflective elements 88) oriented to reflect the illumination 32 towards the transmission window 19. The reflective element 88 may include, for example, a reflective coating on an interior surface of the back surface 14 of the housing, bottom surface 13, and / or side surfaces 52. Alternatively or additionally to the reflective coating, the reflective element 88 may, as depicted in FIG. 3B, include a non-integral member positioned within the housing 12 to reflect the illumination 32 towards the transmission window 19. For example, the non-integral member may be positioned between the light module 30 (e.g., the transmission path of the light module 30)and the back surface 14 and angled generally in a direction towards the transmission window 19 to redirect (e.g., reflect) the illumination 32 out of the transmission window 19. In some embodiments, the reflective element 88 (e.g., a surface of the reflective coating and / or the non-integral member) may include a variety of reflective optical shapes for collimating, diffusing, and / or guidingthe illumination 32. More particularly, the reflective element 88 may include planar structures, concave structures, convex structures, optical pillows, curves, steps (e.g., each step defining a different angle relative to the transmission window 19), combinations of two or more thereof, and / or the like. In the second construction, the light modules 30 may be located on the rear surface of the primary PCB 55. More particularly, the light modules 30 are depicted as located on the rear surface of the primary PCB 55 proximate the bottom surface 13 of the housing. In the depicted implementation, the secondary PCB 56 is not utilized. However, it should be appreciated that the secondary PCB 56 may be above the depicted light modules 30 or, alternatively, below the depicted light modules 30 but spaced from or otherwise defining apertures or openings along the transmission path of illumination 32 that has been reflected from the reflective element 88.

[0033] With reference now to FIGS. 4A and 4B, the rearview mirror assembly 10C is depicted in a third construction. More particularly, the optical element 34 of the third construction may be configured as a guide element 90 (e.g., a plurality of guide elements 90), such as a light pipe guide, that extends from a first end 92 proximate the light module 30 and a second end 94 proximate the transmission window 19 for guiding the illumination 32 from the light module 30 through the transmission window 19. In some embodiments, the second end 94 is at least partially located in (e.g., sits flush) and / or extends through the transmission window 19. In other embodiments, the second end 94 may terminate before the transmission window 19. In some embodiments, the guide element 90 may include a bend 96 that redirects / guides the illumination 32 around the bend 96. The bend 96 may redirect / reroute the illumination 32 from the light module 30 at least 30°, at least 45°, at least 60°, at least 70°, at least 80°, at least 90°, at least 120°, at least 140°, or about 180° through the bend 96. The first end 92 of the guide element 90 may include and / or otherwise be coupled to a connector 98. The connector 98 may include an internal channel 100 and the first end 92 may be located at leastpartially in the internal channel 100. The light module 30 is aligned with the internal channel 100 and may also be at least partially located within the internal channel 100. In some embodiments, the connector 98 connects to the primary PCB 55 around the light modules 30. In this manner, in the third construction, the light modules 30 may be located on the rear surface of the primary PCB 55. In the depicted implementation, the secondary PCB 56 is not utilized. However, it should be appreciated that the secondary PCB 56 may be above the depicted light modules 30 or, alternatively, below the depicted light modules 30 but the guide element 90 may at least partially wrap around the secondary PCB 56.

[0034] With reference now to FIGS. 5A and 5B, the rearview mirror assembly 10D is depicted in a fourth construction. In the fourth construction, the light modules 30 may be located on the secondary PCB 56 (e.g., the bottom surface of the secondary PCB 56 facing the bottom surface 13 of the housing 12) rather than the primary PCB 55. More particularly, the secondary PCB 56 may be located such that opposite sides face the bottom surface 13 and the top surface 50, respectively. The light modules 30 may be located on the side facing the bottom surface 13 and in substantial alignment with the transmission windows 19. In the fourth construction, the optical element 34 may be configured as a refractive element such as a lens 102 (e.g., a plurality of lenses). The lens 102 may include a variety transmissive and refractive optical shapes for collimating, diffracting, and / or guiding the illumination 32. More particularly, the lens 102 may include concave structures, convex structures, optical pillows, curves, steps (e.g., each step defining a different angle relative to the transmission window 19), combinations of two or more thereof, and / or the like. The lens 102 may be located between the light module 30 and the bottom surface 13 (i.e., the transmission window 19) of the housing 12, outside of the housing 12, and / or at least partially defined by the transmission window 19. It is contemplated that in the fourth construction, the light module 30 may be oriented to direct the illumination directly towards the lower portion of the occupant position 36 (e.g., towards two or more occupants) without the lens 102. In some embodiments, a light sensor 104 may be employed proximate the transmission window 19 for detecting reflections from an occupant's hands or fingers. In such embodiments, the light sensor 104 may functionas a button for controlling certain features and functionalities of the rearview mirror assembly10D.

[0035] The light module 30 and optical element 34 locations and the optical element 34 configurations as described herein permit the rearview mirror assembly 10A-10D to illuminate different portions of the interior 41 (e.g., the occupant position 36, a driver's seat, and / or the lower portions of one or more occupants or occupant seats). Further, it should be appreciated that the rearview mirror assembly 10A-10D may employ two or more of optical element 34 configurations of the second, third, and fourth configurations. For example, in some embodiments, the rearview mirror assembly 10A-10D may employ the reflective element 88 in conjunction with one or both of the guide element 90 and the lens 102 (e.g., to spread and distribute reflected illumination 32). In some embodiments, the rearview mirror assembly 10A-10D may employ the guide element 90 in conjunction with one or both of the reflective element 88 and the lens 102 (e.g., on or proximate the second end 94). In some embodiments, the rearview mirror assembly 10A-10D may employ the lens 102 in conjunction with one or both of the guide element 90 and the reflective element 88. Further, the rearview mirror assembly 10A-10D in any of the aforementioned configurations may employ the light sensor 104 for detecting reflections of the illumination from an occupant's hands, fingers, other body portions, or objects in close proximity. In such embodiments, the light sensor 104 may function as a button for controlling certain features and functionalities of the rearview mirror assembly 10A-10D.

[0036] 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.

[0037] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a rearview mirror assembly for a vehicle includes a housing having a bottom surface extending between a back surface and a front surface, and the front surface defines an opening. A transmission window is at least partially defined by the bottom surface. A glass element is at least partially aligned with the opening, coupled to the housing, and defines a viewing surface. At least one printed circuit board (PCB) is located in the housing between the glass element and the back surface of the housing. A monitoring system includes an image capturing module and a light moduleconnected to the at least one PCB and positioned to generate an illumination towards the back surface or the bottom surface of the housing. An optical element is located between a transmission path of the illumination and the transmission window. The optical element is configured to redirect the illumination from the light module through the transmission window and towards a lower portion of an occupant of the vehicle.

[0038] According to another aspect, the back surface and the front surface of the housing are spaced, at least in part, by the bottom surface, and wherein the transmission window includes one of an aperture or a region of the housing that is transmissive to the illumination.

[0039] According to yet another aspect, the transmission window includes an aperture.

[0040] According to still another aspect, the transmission window includes a region of the housing that transmissive to the illumination.

[0041] According to yet another aspect, the other portions of the housing are not transmissive to the illumination.

[0042] According to still yet another aspect, the illumination is substantially within the infrared spectrum and the region is transmissive to infrared illumination and opaque to light in the visible spectrum.

[0043] According to still another aspect, an optical element includes a reflective element oriented to reflect the illumination towards a transmission window.

[0044] According to another aspect, an optical element includes a light pipe guide extending from a first end proximate a light module and a second end proximate a transmission window on a bottom surface of a housing. The light pipe guide configured to guide an illumination from a light module through the transmission window.

[0045] According to yet another aspect, a light pipe guide includes a bend that redirects an illumination from a light module at least 90° through the bend.

[0046] According to still another aspect, at least one PCB includes a primary PCB substantially parallel to a glass element, and a light module is located on a rear surface of the primary PCB facing generally away from the glass element and positioned to generate the illumination towards the back surface.

[0047] According to still yet another aspect, at least one PCB includes a primary PCB substantially parallel to a glass element and a secondary PCB located proximate a bottom surface, and a light module is located on a lower surface of the secondary PCB facing generally towards the bottom surface, and positioned to generate an illumination towards the bottom surface.

[0048] According to another aspect, the optical element is configured to redirect the illumination from the light module through the transmission window and towards a lower portion of a driver's seat of the vehicle.

[0049] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a rearview mirror assembly for a vehicle includes a housing having a bottom surface extending between a back surface and a front surface, and the front surface defines an opening. At least two transmission windows are at least partially defined by the bottom surface. A glass element is at least partially aligned with the opening, coupled to the housing, and defines a viewing surface. At least one printed circuit board (PCB) is located in the housing between the glass element and the back surface of the housing. A monitoring system includes an image capturing module, at least two light modules, and at least two optical elements. The at least two light modules are connected to the at least one PCB and positioned on opposite sides of the image capturing module to generate an illumination towards one of the back surface or the bottom surface of the housing. Each optical element located between a transmission path of one of the light modules and one of the transmission windows, the optical elements configured to redirect the illumination from the light modules through the transmission windows and towards a lower portion of at least one occupant of the vehicle.

[0050] According to another aspect, optical elements are configured to redirect an illumination from light modules through transmission windows and towards lower portions of at least two occupant seats of a vehicle.

[0051] According to yet another aspect, each of the at least two optical elements includes one of a refractive element, a reflective element, or a guide element.

[0052] According to still yet another aspect, a driver monitoring system includes a light sensor proximate the at least two transmission windows to detect reflections of the illumination from the at least one occupant.

[0053] According to still another aspect, at least one PCB is located perpendicular to the glass element and the at least two the light modules are located on a bottom surface of the at least one PCB and directed towards the bottom surface of the housing.

[0054] According to yet another aspect of the present disclosure, a rearview mirror assembly for a vehicle includes a housing having a bottom surface extending between a back surface and a front surface, the front surface defining an opening. A transmission window is at least partially defined by the bottom surface. A glass element is at least partially aligned with the opening, coupled to the housing, and defines a viewing surface. At least one printed circuit board (PCB) located in the housing between the glass element and the back surface of the housing. A monitoring system includes an image capturing module, a light module connected to the at least one PCB and positioned to generate an illumination towards one of the back surface or the bottom surface of the housing, and an optical element. The optical element is located between a transmission path of the illumination and the transmission window, the optical element configured to at least one of collimate or diffuse the illumination from the light module through the transmission window and towards a lower portion of an occupant of the vehicle.

[0055] According to another aspect, the illumination is substantially in the infrared spectrum.

[0056] According to yet another aspect, the transmission window includes one or more discrete regions of the bottom surface of the housing that is transmissive to the infrared spectrum and opaque to light in the visible spectrum.

[0057] It will be understood by one having ordinary skill in the art that construction of the described disclosure and other components is not limited to any specific material. Other exemplary embodiments of the disclosure disclosed herein may be formed from a wide variety of materials, unless described otherwise herein.

[0058] 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.

[0059] 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.

[0060] 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.

[0061] 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 that many modifications are possible (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements, values of parameters, mounting arrangements, use ofmaterials, colors, orientations, etc.) without materially departingfrom 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 connectors or other elements of the system may be varied, and 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.

[0062] 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.

[0063] It is also to be understood that variations and modifications can be made on the aforementioned structures and methods without departing from the concepts of the present disclosure, and further it is to be understood that such concepts are intended to be covered by the following claims unless these claims by their language expressly state otherwise.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. A rearview mirror assembly for a vehicle, comprising: a housing including a bottom surface extending between a back surface and a front surface, the front surface defining an opening; a transmission window at least partially defined by the bottom surface; a glass element at least partially aligned with the opening, coupled to the housing, and defining a viewing surface; at least one printed circuit board (PCB) located in the housing between the glass element and the back surface of the housing; and a monitoring system comprising: an image capturing module; a light module connected to the at least one PCB and positioned to generate an illumination towards one of the back surface or the bottom surface of the housing; and an optical element located between a transmission path of the illumination and the transmission window, the optical element configured to redirect the illumination from the light module through the transmission window and towards a lower portion of an occupant of the vehicle.

2. The rearview mirror assembly of claim 1, wherein the back surface and the front surface of the housing are spaced, at least in part, by the bottom surface, and wherein the transmission window includes one of an aperture or a region of the housing that is transmissive to the illumination.

3. The rearview mirror assembly of claim 2, wherein the transmission window includes an aperture.

4. The rearview mirror assembly of claim 2, wherein the transmission window includes a region of the housing that transmissive to the illumination.

5. The rearview mirror assembly of claim 4, wherein the other portions of the housing are not transmissive to the illumination.

6. The rearview mirror assembly as in claim 4 or claim 5, wherein the illumination is substantially within the infrared spectrum and the region is transmissive to infrared illumination and opaque to light in the visible spectrum.

7. The rearview mirror assembly as in one of claims 1-5, wherein the optical element includes a reflective element oriented to reflect the illumination towards the transmission window.

8. The rearview mirror assembly as in one of claims 1-5, wherein the optical element includes a light pipe guide extending from a first end proximate the light module and a second end proximate the transmission window for guiding the illumination from the light module through the transmission window.

9. The rearview mirror assembly of claim 8, wherein the light pipe guide includes a bend that redirects the illumination from the light module at least 90° through the bend.

10. The rearview mirror assembly as in one of claims 1-5, wherein the at least one PCB includes a primary PCB substantially parallel to the glass element, and the light module is located on a rear surface of the primary PCB facing generally away from the glass element and positioned to generate the illumination towards the back surface.

11. The rearview mirror assembly as in one of claims 1-5, wherein the at least one PCB includes a primary PCB substantially parallel to the glass element and a secondary PCBlocated proximate the bottom surface, and the light module is located on a lower surface of the secondary PCB facing generally towards the bottom surface, and positioned to generate the illumination towards the bottom surface.

12. The rearview mirror assembly as in one of claims 1-5, wherein the optical element is configured to redirect the illumination from the light module through the transmission window and towards a lower portion of a driver's seat of the vehicle.

13. A rearview mirror assembly for a vehicle, comprising: a housing including a bottom surface extending between a back surface and a front surface, the front surface defining an opening; at least two transmission windows at least partially defined by the bottom surface; a glass element at least partially aligned with the opening, coupled to the housing, and defining a viewing surface; at least one printed circuit board (PCB) located in the housing between the glass element and the back surface of the housing; and a monitoring system comprising: an image capturing module; at least two light modules connected to the at least one PCB and positioned on opposite sides of the image capturing module to generate an illumination towards one of the back surface or the bottom surface of the housing; and at least two optical elements, each optical element located between a transmission path of the illumination from one of the light modules and one of the transmission windows, the optical elements configured to redirect the illumination from the light modules through the transmission windows and towards a lower portion of at least one occupant of the vehicle.

14. The rearview mirror assembly of claim 13, wherein the optical elements are configured to redirect the illumination from the light modules through the transmission windows and towards lower portions of at least two occupant seats of the vehicle.

15. The rearview mirror assembly as in claim 13 or 14, wherein each of the at least two optical elements includes one of a refractive element, a reflective element, or a guide element.

16. The rearview mirror assembly of claim 15, further including a light sensor proximate the at least two transmission windows to detect reflections of the illumination from the at least one occupant.

17. The rearview mirror assembly of claim 15, wherein the at least one PCB is located perpendicular to the glass element and the at least two the light modules are located on a bottom surface of the at least one PCB and directed towards the bottom surface of the housing.

18. A rearview mirror assembly for a vehicle, comprising: a housing including a bottom surface extending between a back surface and a front surface, the front surface defining an opening; a transmission window at least partially defined by the bottom surface; a glass element at least partially aligned with the opening, coupled to the housing, and defining a viewing surface; at least one printed circuit board (PCB) located in the housing between the glass element and the back surface of the housing; and a monitoring system comprising: an image capturing module;a light module connected to the at least one PCB and positioned to generate an illumination towards one of the back surface or the bottom surface of the housing; and an optical element located between a transmission path of the illumination and the transmission window, the optical element configured to at least one of collimate or diffuse the illumination from the light module through the transmission window and towards a lower portion of an occupant of the vehicle.

19. The rearview mirror assembly of claim 18, wherein the illumination is substantially in the infrared spectrum.

20. The rearview mirror assembly of claim 19, wherein the transmission window includes one or more discrete regions of the bottom surface of the housing that is transmissive to the infrared spectrum and opaque to light in the visible spectrum.

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