Vehicle Mirror Head Orientation for Ceiling Display Reflection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing interior rearview mirror systems face challenges in displaying video images across the entire reflective surface without distortion, particularly when transitioning between mirror and display modes, often resulting in odd-shaped areas between the displayed image and the reflective surface.
Innovation Solution
The system incorporates a display device positioned at the vehicle's cabin ceiling, allowing the mirror head to be adjusted to reflect video images across the entire reflective surface, utilizing transflective surfaces with varying curvatures to minimize distortion and enhance image resolution, and includes optional features like head tracking and vehicle-to-infrastructure communication for expanded field of view and safety alerts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the display device is positioned at the mirror assembly, then the driver can view video images through the mirror, but the displayed image occupies only a portion of the mirror surface resulting in odd-shaped areas between the image and reflective surface
Solution Approach 1:
The display device is relocated from the mirror assembly to the ceiling of the vehicle interior, changing its spatial position from a two-dimensional plane at the mirror to a three-dimensional position above the driver's field of view. This dimensional change allows the display to project images across the entire mirror surface without creating odd-shaped areas, as the display is no longer constrained by the mirror's physical boundaries
Solution Approach 2:
The mirror reflective surface acts as an intermediary between the ceiling-mounted display device and the driver's eye. The display projects images onto the mirror surface, which then reflects them to the driver. This intermediary relationship allows the display to occupy the entire mirror surface area while maintaining a rectangular image format, eliminating the odd-shaped areas problem
2Area of stationary object
If the mirror head is adjusted to reflect video images from a ceiling display, then the displayed image can cover the entire reflective surface, but the system complexity increases due to additional adjustment mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The mirror assembly is designed with multi-functionality, capable of operating in both traditional mirror mode and video display mode. The same mirror head and reflective element serve dual purposes: reflecting the driver's rearward view when in mirror mode, and reflecting ceiling display images when in display mode. This universality eliminates the need for separate adjustment mechanisms for different functions, reducing overall system complexity while achieving full reflective surface coverage
Solution Approach 2:
The mirror head incorporates dynamic adjustment capabilities that allow it to pivot and tilt to different orientations. When viewing the ceiling display, the mirror head adjusts to a downward-facing orientation to reflect the display image onto the reflective surface. This dynamic adjustment is achieved through existing motorized mechanisms that provide both manual and automatic positioning, enabling full surface coverage without adding significant complexity
3Area of stationary object
If the display device is positioned at the ceiling, then the video images can be viewed across the entire mirror surface, but the transition between mirror mode and display mode requires additional adjustment steps
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms that detect the driver's viewing conditions and automatically adjust the mirror head orientation and display activation accordingly. Sensors detect whether the driver is looking at the traditional rear window or at the mirror, and automatically switch between mirror mode and display mode. This feedback-based automation eliminates the need for manual adjustment steps during mode transitions, maintaining ease of operation while enabling full-screen video display
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-positioning the mirror head in optimal orientations for each mode and pre-configuring the display device. When transitioning from mirror mode to display mode, the mirror head is already positioned to optimally reflect ceiling display images, and the display device is pre-powered and ready. This preliminary preparation minimizes the adjustment steps required during actual mode transitions, making the switching process seamless and easy to operate
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 seamless transition between mirror and display modes with maximized image size and resolution, providing the driver with an unobstructed view of video images and rearward field of view, while enhancing safety through dynamic field adjustments and alerts.
Implementation Method 1
a reflective element operable to reflect light from a rearward scene and light from the display device
Data Source
AI summary
A vision system for a vehicle includes an interior rearview mirror assembly disposed at an interior surface of the vehicle and having a mirror head and a reflective element. The mirror head is adjustably mounted at a mirror mount that attaches at the interior surface of the vehicle and is adjustable to adjust a rearward view of a driver of the vehicle viewing said reflective element. A display device is disposed at an interior portion of the vehicle remote from the interior rearview mirror assembly. The mirror head is adjustable between a mirror mode orientation, where the driver of the vehicle views rearward of the vehicle via the reflective element, and a display mode orientation, where the driver of the vehicle views images displayed by the display device via the reflective element.