Autonomous Maneuver Mirror Assembly with Selective Icon Illumination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current side rearview mirrors in vehicles lack effective interfaces to intuitively communicate complex autonomous and semi-autonomous maneuvers to drivers, particularly in systems operating below Level 3 automation, where driver vigilance is crucial for safe transitions between human control and automated systems.
Innovation Solution
A mirror assembly with a reflector and light sources on a circuit board, positioned to selectively illuminate icon regions, providing intuitive visual cues through a series of icons visible to the driver, such as warning stars, lane change indicators, and cross traffic warnings, synchronized with vehicle signal inputs indicating imminent maneuvers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If traditional side rearview mirrors are used without additional display components, then the mirror structure remains simple and cost-effective, but the driver receives no visual cues about autonomous vehicle maneuvers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into the side rearview mirror assembly: the traditional mirror function for rear vision, plus an information display function using icons illuminated by light sources. The circuit board with light sources is integrated behind the mirror, and icons are positioned on the mirror surface to display maneuver information, creating a multi-functional device that addresses information loss without requiring separate display systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The side rearview mirror is transformed into a universal display platform that serves both its traditional rear vision purpose and acts as an information display interface for autonomous vehicle maneuvers. The mirror assembly can display various icons (turn signals, lane change indicators, cross traffic warnings) depending on the vehicle's operational state, making it a multi-functional component that communicates multiple types of information through a single interface.
2Loss of information
If multiple icons are displayed simultaneously to indicate complex maneuvers, then driver awareness is enhanced, but the mirror assembly requires more light sources and control circuitry
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses periodic or selective illumination of icons based on the vehicle's maneuver state. Rather than illuminating all icons continuously, the circuit board selectively activates specific light sources corresponding to relevant maneuver information. This periodic action reduces energy consumption while maintaining effective communication of necessary information to the driver during autonomous operations.
3Ease of operation
If the mirror assembly includes selective icon illumination capability, then the interface becomes more intuitive for autonomous maneuvers, but the circuit board and light source positioning becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The mirror assembly is segmented into distinct functional zones: the traditional mirror surface for rear vision, and discrete icon regions positioned on the mirror where specific light sources illuminate corresponding symbols. The circuit board is segmented with individual light source circuits that can be independently controlled. This segmentation allows intuitive display of different maneuver types through specific icon illumination while managing complexity through modular circuit design.
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
Enhances driver awareness of autonomous vehicle actions by providing a complex yet intuitive interface through the side rearview mirror, ensuring safe transitions and maintaining driver vigilance during semi-autonomous operations.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of light sources mounted to the circuit board and positioned to selectively emit light to illuminate the icon regions
Implementation Method 2
a reflector for collecting and distributing emitted light to a plurality of icon regions
Data Source
AI summary
A mirror assembly for use with mirror housing on autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle, including a reflector for collecting and distributing emitted light to a plurality of icon regions, a circuit board, a plurality of light sources mounted to the circuit board and positioned to selectively emit light to illuminate the icon regions, wherein the circuit board provides selective illumination of the icon regions via the light sources in response to one or more received signal inputs from the vehicle indicating an imminent autonomous vehicle maneuver, a mirror having a front surface and a rear surface, wherein the reflector is secured at least indirectly to the rear surface and a plurality of icons visible along a driver viewing axis relative to the front surface of the mirror during illumination, wherein the plurality of icons are positioned over the icon regions to allow for selective icon illumination via a selected icon region.