Rearview Mirror Blind Spot Indicator Optics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current blind spot detection systems for vehicles do not effectively communicate the presence of objects in the blind spot to drivers through the rearview mirror, lacking a comprehensive and intuitive visual indicator within the driver's field of view.
Innovation Solution
A rearview mirror assembly integrated with a blind spot indicator system, featuring a first indicator assembly with a high intensity optic and a second indicator assembly with a diffuser optic, both in optical communication with light sources, to provide visual alerts to the driver through the reflective mirror element when an object is detected in the blind spot, using LEDs or light pipes for illumination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If a blind spot detection system is implemented without integrated visual indicators in the rearview mirror, then the system structure remains simple, but the driver's awareness of blind spot objects is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the blind spot indicator system with the rearview mirror assembly by integrating light sources, optics, and indicia directly into the mirror structure. This merging allows the indicator system to leverage the existing mirror housing and optical path, providing effective blind spot visualization without requiring separate dashboard-mounted indicators or complex additional structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses optical intermediaries including light pipes, diffusers, and reflective surfaces within the mirror assembly to transmit indicator light from the light sources to the visible indicia. These optical mediators enable the transmission of blind spot detection information through the mirror element itself, creating an intuitive display that naturally appears in the driver's field of view without requiring direct line-of-sight to separate indicators.
2Ease of operation
If multiple indicator assemblies with different optic types are integrated into the rearview mirror, then the visual communication effectiveness is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the indicator system into multiple independent indicator assemblies, each with its own light source and optic type (e.g., high-intensity optic for alert indicators, diffuser optic for status indicators). This segmentation allows each indicator type to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining modular construction that simplifies assembly and manufacturing processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different optic characteristics to different regions of the mirror assembly based on local functional requirements. High-intensity optics are positioned and oriented for critical alert indicators requiring maximum visibility, while diffuser optics are used for status indicators requiring softer, more distributed light patterns. This local optimization of optical properties enhances overall visual communication effectiveness.
3Illumination intensity
If light sources are positioned to illuminate indicia through the reflective mirror element, then the indicator visibility is enhanced, but the mirror's reflective performance may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent embeds the light sources and optical components within the internal structure of the rearview mirror assembly, nesting them behind the reflective mirror element. This nested configuration allows indicator light to traverse the mirror element from the rear, illuminating indicia that are viewed through the same element, while keeping the light-generating components isolated from the front reflective surface to preserve mirror performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions the indicator illumination from a front-face approach to a rear-illumination approach, changing the dimensional path of light through the mirror assembly. By positioning light sources behind the mirror element and viewing indicia through the element from the front, the system separates the illumination function from the reflection function, allowing both to operate effectively without mutual interference.
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 system effectively notifies drivers of objects in their blind spots by illuminating specific indicia on the rearview mirror, enhancing safety by providing clear and intuitive visual cues for the driver's awareness of adjacent vehicles or objects.
Implementation Method 1
a first light source and a high intensity optic in optical communication with the first light source. The first light source is configured to emit light that at least partially propagates through the high intensity optic and the reflective mirror element
Implementation Method 2
a second light source and a diffuser optic in optical communication with the second light source. The second light source is configured to emit light that at least partially propagates through the diffuser optic and the reflective mirror element
Implementation Method 3
light that at least partially propagates through the high intensity optic and the reflective mirror element
Data Source
AI summary
A rearview mirror assembly includes a reflective mirror element and a blind spot indicator system in optical communication with the reflective mirror element and configured to receive an input from a blind spot detector system, wherein the blind spot indicator system includes a first indicator assembly and a second indicator assembly each having a light source and an optic, the optic is in optical communication with the light source. The light sources are configured to emit light that at least partially propagates through the optics and the reflective mirror element if the input received from the blind spot detector indicates the blind spot detector is active or an object is detected in the blind spot.