Frameless Rearview Mirror Optical Sensing Without Fingerprint Smears
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for a rearview mirror device that minimizes weight and volume while providing a wide visual field behind and beside a vehicle, and also allows for user interface control without the space constraints of a traditional bezel, while avoiding fingerprint interference with the driver's view.
Innovation Solution
A rearview mirror device with a light emitter and receiver system that allows user input detection through a light transmitting region, enabling control functions without direct contact and reducing fingerprint contamination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If a frameless-type rearview mirror device is used to minimize weight and volume, then the aesthetic satisfaction and visual field are improved, but the space for installing a user interface is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the user interface with the mirror surface by integrating touch-sensitive sensors directly into the mirror glass or coating layer. This allows the entire mirror surface to function as both a reflective surface and a control interface, eliminating the need for separate buttons or switches that would require additional space in a frameless design.
Solution Approach 2:
The mirror surface serves multiple functions: it reflects light for the driver's view, displays information through integrated displays or LEDs, and detects user inputs through touch or proximity sensors. This multi-functionality allows the frameless mirror to maintain aesthetic appeal while providing comprehensive user control capabilities.
2Ease of operation
If a touch panel is installed on the front surface of the mirror to provide user interface control, then the ease of operation is improved, but fingerprints interfere with the driver's visual field
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses an intermediary layer (such as a transparent conductive coating or oleophobic coating) on the mirror surface that allows touch detection while repelling fingerprints and oils. This intermediary layer enables the touch interface to function without the visual interference of fingerprints accumulating on the mirror surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces direct mechanical contact interfaces (buttons, switches) with optical and electromagnetic sensing methods. Proximity sensors detect finger approach without contact, and capacitive sensors detect touch through the mirror surface, eliminating the need for physical touch panels that would show fingerprints while maintaining user control capability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If electronic parts are installed inside the rearview mirror device to provide convenience functions, then the functionality is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent nests electronic components (sensors, displays, control circuits) within the layered structure of the mirror assembly itself. By integrating these components into the mirror's construction rather than adding them as separate external units, the system achieves enhanced functionality while minimizing the increase in overall device complexity.
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
Enables user input detection and control of the rearview mirror device functions without direct contact, maintaining a clear visual field and addressing the space constraints of a frameless design.
Implementation Method 1
a light emitter for emitting a light including a first wavelength in a first direction through the light transmitting region, and a light receiver for detecting a light entering a second direction through the light transmitting region
Data Source
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AI summary
The present disclosure refers to a rearview device, in particular a rearview mirror device (1000, 4000, 5000) for a motor vehicle, comprising: a rearview element (1100, 3100, 4100, 5100) including a first layer and a second layer; a housing (1200, 3200, 4200, 5200) supporting at least a portion of the rearview element (1100, 3100, 4100, 5100); a light transmitting region (1140, 3140, 4240, 5140) formed to penetrate the second layer of the rearview element (1100, 3100, 4100, 5100); a light emitter (1321, 2321, 3321, 3371, 4321, 5321) for emitting a first light (l1) including a first wavelength (w1) in a first direction through the light transmitting region (1140, 2140, 3140, 4240, 5140); and a light receiver (1323, 2323, 3323, 3373, 4323) for detecting a second light (l2) entering a second direction through the light transmitting region (1140, 2140, 3140, 4240, 5140), the second light (l2) entering the second direction including a second wavelength (w2) corresponding to the first wavelength (w1), wherein a first function of the rearview device or an electrically operating configuration connected with the rearview device is executed when the second light (l2) including the second wavelength (w2) corresponding to the first wavelength (w1) is detected by the light receiver (1323, 2323, 3323, 3373, 4323) by a predetermined amount or more during a predetermined period (pth), and wherein a transmittance of the first layer is larger than a transmittance of the second layer, or wherein a function of the rearview device or an electrically operating configuration connected with the rearview device is executed when an object is located within a certain distance from light transmitting region (1140, 2140, 3140, 4240, 5140), and wherein a transmittance of the first layer is larger than a transmittance of the second layer.