Rearview Display Assembly for Hidden IR Camera Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
The integration of cameras and illumination sources behind vehicle displays poses challenges in achieving both a good field of view and aesthetically pleasing placement, as they often fail to transmit light through displays and capture images effectively.
Innovation Solution
A display assembly design incorporating a transparent support member, edge-lit backlight, and a camera positioned opposite the backlight, with crossed reflective polarizers to transmit infra-red light, a switchable diffuser, and a transflective element to enhance image capture and visibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If a camera and illumination source are positioned behind a display in a rearview assembly, then aesthetic placement is improved, but image capture capability and field of view deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the optical path into different wavelength channels by using an infra-red transmitting support member that separates visible light (for display) from infra-red light (for camera). This allows the display and camera to coexist behind the same support member without interfering with each other's functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an infra-red transmitting support member as an intermediary element between the camera and the external scene. This support member acts as a selective mediator that transmits infra-red wavelengths to the camera while blocking visible wavelengths, enabling image capture functionality to be restored without compromising aesthetic placement.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a display is used in a rearview assembly, then video mirror functionality is improved, but light transmission for camera and illumination source deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by making the support member selectively transparent to different wavelengths - it is opaque to visible light (providing display functionality) but transparent to infra-red light (providing camera illumination transmission). This localized optical property differentiation resolves the contradiction between display and camera light transmission requirements.
3Illumination intensity
If crossed reflective polarizers are used to block visible light, then display visibility is improved, but infra-red light transmission for camera deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite optical structures including crossed reflective polarizers combined with an infra-red transmitting support member. The composite system leverages the polarizers' ability to block visible light while the support member's infra-red transparency ensures that infra-red wavelengths pass through to the camera, resolving the spectral selectivity contradiction.
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
The solution allows for effective image capture and illumination through the display while maintaining an aesthetically pleasing design, improving image quality and clarity for both display and camera functions.
Implementation Method 1
a light guide and an edge light configured to emit light into an edge of the light guide, the light guide configured to direct the light in a second direction
Implementation Method 2
a pair of crossed reflective polarizers disposed between the support member and the light guide, the crossed reflective polarizers operable to substantially prevent visible light from being emitted from the light guide
Implementation Method 3
a switchable diffuser disposed between the display and the light guide, the switchable diffuser configured to operate between a first state where the switchable diffuser is configured to substantially diffuse light transmitted therethrough
Implementation Method 4
an infra-red light source disposed in the first direction relative to the support member for projecting infra-red light through the backlight and the display to illuminate a scene
Data Source
AI summary
This application is directed to a rearview assembly. The rearview assembly may have a support member, a camera, a backlight, and/or a display. The support member may be substantially transparent to infra-red light. The camera may be disposed in a first direction relative the support member and configured to capture one or more infra-red images. The backlight may comprise a light guide and an edge light configured to emit light into an edge of the light guide. The light guide may be configured to direct the light in a second direction. The second direction may be opposite the first direction. The display may be associated with and supported by the backlight and support member. Further, the display may be disposed in the second direction relative the backlight, configured to receive light from the backlight, and configured to present one or more images for viewing by a user.