Rearview Mirror Dimming Control Using a Rear Backup Camera
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional rearview mirror systems for vehicles face challenges in providing effective dimming control for interior and exterior mirrors, especially in vehicles without a rear window or where the interior mirror's view is obstructed, leading to increased costs and complexity.
Innovation Solution
An interior rearview mirror assembly with a thin mirror head and electro-optic reflective element, integrated with a rear backup camera that processes image data to independently control the dimming of auto-dimming mirrors based on glare and ambient light intensity, reducing the need for separate sensors and wiring harnesses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional rearview mirror systems are used with separate sensors and wiring harnesses for dimming control, then reliable dimming control is achieved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The rear backup camera is designed to perform multiple functions: it captures rearward viewing images for backup assistance and simultaneously serves as a glare sensor and ambient light sensor for controlling the dimming of interior and exterior mirrors. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate sensor systems and reduces wiring complexity while maintaining reliable dimming control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the imaging function of the rear backup camera with the sensing function required for mirror dimming control. By merging these functions into a single integrated system, the patent reduces the number of separate components (sensors, wiring harnesses) while ensuring reliable dimming control through the camera's image data processing capabilities.
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate sensors and control systems are installed for interior and exterior mirror dimming, then independent dimming control is achieved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The rear backup camera serves as a universal sensing device that provides both glare detection and ambient light detection capabilities. The processing system analyzes image data from the camera to independently control the dimming of interior mirrors and exterior mirrors, eliminating the need for separate sensor systems and reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining independent control capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the rear backup camera's captured image data to automatically determine glare and ambient light conditions without requiring additional dedicated sensors. The processing system independently controls each mirror's dimming based on the analyzed image data, enabling self-service operation that reduces component count and manufacturing complexity.
3Strength
If traditional thickness mirror heads are used, then structural strength is maintained, but vehicle interior space is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs thin-film technology and compact structural design to create a mirror head with reduced thickness. The mirror head includes a thin mirror casing that houses the reflective element and integrated camera system, achieving a thickness less than about 25 mm while maintaining necessary structural strength through optimized material selection and structural reinforcement at critical locations.
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
This solution provides a cost-effective, thinner, and lighter mirror system with independent dimming control for each mirror, enhancing visibility and reducing complexity by utilizing the rear backup camera for ambient and glare light sensing, thus addressing the limitations of conventional systems.
Implementation Method 1
The mirror reflective element may comprise an electrically variable reflectance mirror reflective element (such as an electro-optic mirror reflective element, such as an electrochromic mirror reflective element)
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicular rearview mirror control system includes an interior rearview mirror assembly, a driver-side exterior rearview mirror assembly, and a rearward-viewing camera. The system, via processing of a first subset of captured image data, is operable to determine ambient light rearward of the vehicle, and via processing of a second subset of the captured image data, is operable to determine light emanating from a headlight of a following vehicle. Responsive to determining that the light emanating from the following vehicle's headlight is at a driver-side region and glares a driver of the vehicle, the system dims the driver-side exterior rearview mirror assembly to reduce glare to the driver. Responsive to determining that the determined light emanating from the following vehicle's headlight is at a central region and glares the driver of the vehicle, the system dims the interior rearview mirror assembly to reduce glare to the driver.