Rearview Mirror Display Switching for Low-Light Visibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Rearview mirrors in vehicles struggle to provide clear images of road conditions and obstacles in low ambient light conditions, such as at night, making it difficult for drivers to navigate safely.
Innovation Solution
A rearview mirror system comprising a light-pervious display screen, a camera, an image processing chip, a fill light lamp, and a brightness sensor, which switches between mirror reflection and image display based on ambient light levels, using the fill light and camera to capture and display images when light is insufficient.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a traditional rearview mirror is used, then the structure is simple and cost-effective, but the image quality deteriorates in low ambient light conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The rearview mirror system dynamically switches between two operating modes: mirror reflection mode for normal lighting conditions and image display mode for low-light conditions. The brightness sensor detects ambient light levels and triggers the controller to switch between these modes, allowing the system to adapt its functionality based on environmental conditions while maintaining optimal performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The display screen serves multiple functions: it acts as a light-pervious mirror during daytime through optical reflection, and transforms into an image display device at night by showing camera-captured images. This multi-functionality allows a single component to replace both traditional mirror and digital display systems, improving low-light visibility without significantly increasing overall system complexity.
2Reliability
If a camera and fill light are added to improve night visibility, then the image quality in low light improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the camera, fill light, brightness sensor, and display screen into a single integrated rearview mirror assembly. By merging these components into one unified system rather than separate units, the patent reduces installation complexity and creates a compact design that maintains driving safety through enhanced night visibility while minimizing the increase in overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The brightness sensor automatically detects ambient light conditions and triggers the controller to switch between mirror and image display modes without driver intervention. The fill light automatically activates when the camera captures images in low-light conditions, ensuring reliable operation while reducing the need for complex control interfaces and manual adjustments.
3Illumination intensity
If the display screen is always active to show images, then the image clarity is maintained, but the energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The display screen operates periodically rather than continuously - it remains in mirror reflection mode during daytime when ambient light is sufficient, and switches to image display mode only when the brightness sensor detects low-light conditions. This periodic operation significantly reduces energy consumption compared to continuous display operation while maintaining optimal image brightness when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The display screen is designed with light-pervious properties that allow it to function as both a mirror and a display device. The screen selectively activates image display functionality only in the specific condition of low ambient light, rather than operating uniformly under all conditions, thereby optimizing energy usage based on local environmental quality.
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 drivers to view clear images of road conditions around the vehicle even in dim light, enhancing driving safety by providing visual information of obstacles and hazards.
Implementation Method 1
a camera (30), an image processing chip (40)... The camera (30) is configured to capture images of an object in front of the camera (30)... and generate an optical signal
Implementation Method 2
a fill light lamp (50)... The fill light lamp (50) is configured to provide a fill light to the camera (30)
Implementation Method 3
a display screen (20) which is light-pervious at only one side... The image processing chip (40) is configured to generate an image based on the optical signal, and the image is displayed on the display screen (20)
Implementation Method 4
a brightness sensor (70)... The brightness sensor (70) is configured to measure an ambient brightness around the rearview mirror system (100)
Data Source
AI summary
A rearview mirror system for a vehicle providing a direct reflection of scenes in good light and an enhanced display of scenes in bad lighting includes a housing defining an opening, a display screen arranged at the opening, a camera, a fill light lamp, and a controller. The display screen is light-pervious at only one side. The camera and the fill light lamp are arranged on the housing. An image processing chip and the controller are arranged between the display screen and the housing. When ambient brightness is below a preset brightness value, the camera and the fill light lamp are activated, the camera captures images of side and rear scenes of the vehicle and generates an optical signal, the image processing chip, based on the optical signal, outputs an enhanced image on the display screen for better driving safety. A vehicle including the rearview mirror system is also disclosed.