Rear Camera Glare Detection for Auto-Dimming Mirrors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rearview mirror systems for vehicles face challenges in providing effective dimming control for exterior mirrors without an interior electrochromic rearview mirror assembly, particularly in vehicles without a rear window or with obstructed views.
Innovation Solution
The system utilizes a rear backup camera to capture ambient light and glare data, processing this information to independently control the dimming of each auto-dimming mirror, including interior and exterior mirrors, via communication with an electronic control unit and door module units.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If an interior electrochromic rearview mirror assembly is used to control dimming, then effective glare reduction is achieved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the electrochromic dimming functionality from the interior rearview mirror and applies it separately to exterior sideview mirrors. This allows glare reduction control to be implemented on exterior mirrors without requiring a complex interior electrochromic mirror assembly, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining effective glare reduction capability.
2Ease of operation
If an interior electrochromic rearview mirror assembly is installed, then auto-dimming control is provided, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the electrochromic dimming system universal by enabling it to control multiple mirror types (interior and exterior) through a single control architecture. The rear backup camera and electronic control unit can independently control dimming of each auto-dimming mirror, allowing the system to provide auto-dimming control functionality without requiring separate interior electrochromic mirror assemblies for each mirror type, thereby reducing manufacturing costs.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a rear backup camera is used for glare detection, then independent dimming control of each mirror is enabled, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an electronic control unit as an intermediary between the rear backup camera and the auto-dimming mirrors. This intermediary processes glare detection data from the camera and generates appropriate dimming control signals for each mirror independently. This approach enables versatile independent dimming control while managing system complexity through a centralized control architecture that can be integrated into existing vehicle electronic systems.
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 enables independent dimming control of auto-dimming mirrors based on glare detection, improving driver visibility by reducing glare from rearward sources, and does so without the need for a separate interior electrochromic rearview mirror assembly.
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 and a rearward-viewing camera disposed at a vehicle. The system, via processing of a first subset of image data captured by the rearward-viewing camera, is operable to detect ambient light rearward of the equipped vehicle. The system, via processing of a second subset of the image data captured by the rearward-viewing camera, is operable to detect light emanating from a headlight of another vehicle following the equipped vehicle. The first subset of the image data captured by the rearward-viewing camera is different than the second subset of the image data captured by the rearward-viewing camera. Responsive to determining that the detected light emanating from the headlight of the other vehicle glares a driver of the equipped vehicle, the ECU controls dimming of the electro-optic mirror reflective element of the interior rearview mirror assembly.