Rearview Mirror Video Display With Glare-Adaptive Electrochromic Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing interior rearview mirror assemblies for vehicles lack an efficient way to display information to drivers while minimizing glare and optimizing visibility under various lighting conditions.
Innovation Solution
The interior rearview mirror assembly incorporates a transflective electro-optic mirror reflective element and a display device behind the mirror, with an LED backlight that adjusts illumination intensity based on daytime or nighttime driving conditions, and independently controls zones to optimize image brightness and reduce glare.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If a display device is placed behind the mirror reflective element to display information to the driver, then information visibility is improved, but glare is generated under certain lighting conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The mirror assembly utilizes an electro-optic reflective element that can change its optical properties between reflective and transmissive states. This allows the display information to be visible when needed while minimizing glare by adjusting the optical state based on lighting conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the optical state of the reflective element and LED backlight illumination based on ambient lighting conditions. During daytime, the element remains reflective to prevent glare, while during nighttime, it becomes transmissive to allow display visibility
2Area of stationary object
If the display screen spans the height and width of the mirror reflective element to maximize information display area, then information display capability is improved, but the mirror's reflective function is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The electro-optic reflective element dynamically switches between reflective and transmissive states. When displaying information, it becomes transmissive to allow the display screen behind it to be visible. When not displaying, it returns to reflective state to maintain mirror functionality, thus achieving both full display area and reflective function at different times
Solution Approach 2:
The system ensures continuous useful action by maintaining either display visibility or mirror reflection at any given time, with smooth transitions between states. The LED backlight and electro-optic element work continuously to ensure that when the display is active, it is fully visible, and when inactive, the mirror function is fully operational
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 provides enhanced rearward viewing capabilities by minimizing glare and optimizing image brightness, ensuring that drivers can clearly view displayed information regardless of ambient lighting conditions.
Implementation Method 1
The electro-optic mirror reflective element comprises a transflective mirror reflector whereby the mirror reflector reflects light that is incident on the electro-optic element
Implementation Method 2
a display device disposed behind the electro-optic mirror reflective element and operable to display information for viewing by the driver of the vehicle through the mirror reflective element
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicular dual-state interior rearview mirror assembly includes a mirror head that accommodates an electrochromic mirror reflective element. A video display device is disposed behind a viewable reflective region of the mirror reflective element. With the mirror assembly operating in a first state, the video display device does not display video images at the display screen and the driver of the vehicle views rearward via reflection at the viewable reflective region. With the mirror assembly operating in a second state, the video display device displays video images at the display screen for viewing by the driver. A touch sensor is disposed at an overhang region of the reflective element behind the front substrate and below the video display device. The video display device is operated responsive at least in part to a touch event at the first surface of the front substrate of the electrochromic mirror reflective element.