Rear-view mirror display inclination and gap occlusion
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Rear-view mirrors with integrated light-emitting display devices suffer from poor visibility due to the display surface being oriented away from the driver's viewpoint, leading to inadequate indication visibility.
Innovation Solution
The integration of a semi-transmissive reflective film on a transparent substrate with a mask member and a light-emitting display device, where the display surface's central axis is inclined towards the driver's viewpoint, and a wedge-shaped gap is occluded by a dark-colored wall member, allowing improved visibility and glare reduction through a greenish reflection color.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the display surface orientation is set to be the same as the mirror orientation, then the mirror function is maintained, but the display visibility to the driver deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dimensionality change by inclining the display surface at a specific angle (e.g., 15-30 degrees) relative to the mirror surface. This angular offset in the third dimension allows the display to face the driver while the mirror maintains its outward orientation, resolving the contradiction between mirror function and display visibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by creating a wedge-shaped gap between the mirror element and display device, with the gap being larger at one end and smaller at the other. This non-uniform spatial arrangement allows optimal positioning of the display surface at an angle to the mirror, enabling both functions to coexist with improved display visibility.
2Illumination intensity
If a wedge-shaped gap occurs between the mirror element and light-emitting display device, then the display can be inclined toward the driver, but the inside of the mirror device becomes visible through the gap
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the intermediary principle by introducing a wall member positioned between the mirror element and display device. This wall member fills or occludes the wedge-shaped gap, preventing the driver from seeing through it, while still allowing the display surface to be inclined for improved visibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies color changes by making the wall member dark-colored (e.g., black). This dark coloration ensures that even if light passes through or around the wall member, the internal components remain visually obscured, maintaining aesthetic appearance and preventing distraction.
3Reliability
If a semi-transmissive reflective film is used, then the mirror function is maintained when lights are off, but the display visibility may be reduced when lights are on
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by optimizing the optical properties of the semi-transmissive reflective film. The film's transmittance and reflectance parameters are carefully selected to allow sufficient light from the display to pass through while maintaining adequate mirror reflection when the display is off, balancing both functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies periodic action by controlling the display lights to be on only when needed for information display. During normal driving conditions, the mirror function dominates with lights off. When information needs to be displayed, the lights are activated temporarily, and the semi-transmissive film allows this periodic illumination to be visible while maintaining mirror function during other periods.
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 indication visibility and reduces glare by orienting the display surface towards the driver and minimizing reflective blue light, creating a more comfortable driving environment.
Implementation Method 1
a mirror element (14) having a semi-transmissive reflective film (18) on one surface of a transparent substrate (16)
Implementation Method 2
a mask member (20) having an opening (20a) in a surface thereof, the mask member being arranged over an entire region excluding the opening (20a), or at a relevant region excluding the opening (20a), of a back side of the mirror element (14), at least a front surface of the mask member (20) being of a dark color
Data Source
AI summary
Visibility of indications in a rear-view mirror incorporating a light-emitting display device is improved. A mirror element is formed by forming a semi-transmissive reflective film on one surface of a transparent substrate. On a back surface of the mirror element, a dark color mask member is arranged. An opening is formed in the mask member. Behind the mirror element, a light-emitting display device is arranged facing the opening. Where the mirror element is formed of a plane mirror, the light-emitting display device is arranged in such a manner that it is inclined toward a driver relative to the mirror surface. A wedge-shaped gap occurring between the mirror element and the light-emitting display device due to the inclination is occluded by a wall member. Where the mirror element is formed of a convex mirror, the opening is formed at a corner of the surface of the mirror element close to the driver, and the light-emitting display device is arranged facing an opening, with a display surface arranged in parallel to the surface of the mirror element 44.