Auto-Dimming Exterior Mirror Control Without Rear-Facing Cameras
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing exterior rearview mirror systems struggle to effectively reduce glare from approaching vehicles without rear windows or when rear windows are obscured, as they rely on costly and complex rear-facing cameras for glare control.
Innovation Solution
A glare control system incorporating a blind spot module with sensors like lidar, sonar, or radar, and an ambient light sensor, which communicates with an electro-optic element to automatically dim or clear the mirror based on detected objects and light levels, providing a low-cost and simpler alternative for glare reduction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a rear-facing camera system is used to detect glare and control electro-optic elements, then glare reduction effectiveness is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the glare detection function from the complex rear-facing camera system and implements it using simpler, dedicated sensors (ambient light sensors and blind spot detection sensors) positioned strategically on the vehicle. This separation allows glare control to be achieved independently without requiring the full complexity of a rear-facing camera system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes existing vehicle sensors serve multiple functions: ambient light sensors originally designed for general lighting detection are repurposed to detect glare conditions, and blind spot detection sensors are used to identify approaching vehicles that may cause glare. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated glare detection cameras.
2Device complexity
If ambient light sensors and blind spot modules are used to control electro-optic elements, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision for glare detection may be insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a controller as an intermediary that receives signals from both ambient light sensors and blind spot detection sensors, processes this information together, and determines glare conditions. This intermediary synthesizes data from multiple sources to achieve accurate glare detection without requiring any single sensor to be highly complex.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by continuously monitoring ambient light levels and blind spot conditions, comparing these against predetermined thresholds, and dynamically adjusting the electro-optic elements accordingly. This closed-loop feedback ensures accurate glare detection and response despite using simpler sensors.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system effectively reduces glare by using a combination of blind spot detection and ambient light sensing to control the electro-optic element, improving visibility and safety without the need for expensive camera systems, and addressing glare from both approaching and passing vehicles.
Implementation Method 1
an electro-optic element associated with the display element and configured to selectively darken and clear upon the receipt of appropriate instructions
Implementation Method 2
an ambient light sensor configured to determine levels of ambient light
Implementation Method 3
The sensor of the blind spot module may comprise one of a lidar, a sonar, or a radar sensor
Implementation Method 4
The sensor of the blind spot module may comprise one of a lidar, a sonar, or a radar sensor
Implementation Method 5
The sensor of the blind spot module may comprise one of a lidar, a sonar, or a radar sensor
Data Source
AI summary
A glare control system for a vehicle comprises a rearview assembly comprises a display element configured to display scenes exterior to the vehicle; an ambient light sensor configured to determine levels of ambient light; a blind spot module comprising at least one sensor and operable to detect other vehicles located in a field of view to the side and rear of the vehicle and in communication with the rearview assembly; an electro-optic element configured to selectively darken and clear upon receipt of appropriate instructions; and a controller in communication with the blind spot module, the ambient light sensor, and the electro-optic element, the controller configured to selectively cause the dimming of the electro-optic element. In response to the receipt of appropriate inputs from the blind spot module and the ambient light sensor, the controller is configured to transmit instructions to the electro-optic element.