Rearview Mirror Bezel With Hidden Infrared User Input

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional rearview mirrors lack effective integration of infrared illumination and detection systems for user input functionality, limiting their ability to provide enhanced user interaction and control through the bezel assembly.

Innovation Solution

A mirror assembly with a bezel assembly that includes localized regions opaque to visible light but transmissive to infrared light, featuring illumination elements and sensors, which allow for the detection of infrared light presence and generation of user inputs through a control system, enabling interactive functions such as button inputs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Shape

If the bezel assembly is made opaque to visible light for aesthetic purposes, then the visual appearance is improved, but infrared illumination and detection through the bezel is blocked

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaesthetic appearance of bezelVSAvoidinfrared transmission capability

Core Design Contradiction:

ShapeVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The bezel assembly incorporates localized infrared transmissive regions (apertures) within an otherwise opaque structure. These specific regions allow infrared light to pass through while the rest of the bezel maintains its aesthetic opaque appearance for visible light, resolving the contradiction between visual aesthetics and infrared functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The bezel assembly uses composite construction combining opaque materials (for aesthetic visible light blocking) with infrared transmissive materials or structures (for infrared illumination and detection). This composite approach allows simultaneous achievement of visual appearance requirements and infrared functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Adaptability or versatility

If infrared illumination elements and sensors are integrated into the bezel assembly for user input functionality, then user interaction capability is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser input functionalityVSAvoidintegration of illumination and detection systems

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple functions (infrared illumination and infrared detection) into a single integrated bezel assembly structure. The illumination elements and sensors are merged within the same housing and bezel structure, allowing user input functionality while managing complexity through functional integration rather than separate components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The bezel assembly serves multiple functions: it provides structural housing, enables infrared illumination for visibility, detects infrared light for user input, and maintains aesthetic appearance. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components and manages overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Measurement precision

If the bezel assembly includes localized infrared transmissive regions, then infrared detection accuracy is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinfrared light detection accuracyVSAvoidbezel assembly production

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The bezel assembly is segmented into distinct regions: opaque regions for aesthetic purposes and localized infrared transmissive apertures for detection. This segmentation allows precise infrared detection through specific openings while maintaining ease of manufacture by dividing the bezel into functional zones that can be produced using standard manufacturing techniques.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 intuitive user interaction by allowing the mirror assembly to generate user inputs based on infrared light detection, enhancing functionality and usability without visible changes to the bezel assembly.

Implementation Method 1

a bezel assembly that includes at least one localized region that is substantially opaque to a visible spectrum of light and substantially transmissive to an infrared spectrum of light

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectInfrared light transmission: Absorption (EM radiation)

Implementation Method 2

at least one sensor configured to detect increases in the presence of the infrared spectrum of light

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectInfrared detection through absorption: Absorption (EM radiation)

Data Source

PatentUS20230302996A1Full display mirror assembly with through bezel infrared illumination

Publication Date: 2023.09.28 GENTEX CORP

AI summary

A full display mirror assembly for a vehicle includes a housing and a partially reflective, partially transmissive element is located in the housing. A bezel assembly includes at least one localized region that is substantially opaque to a visible spectrum of light and substantially transmissive to an infrared spectrum of light. At least one illumination element is located in the housing and oriented to project infrared illumination through the at least one localized region.