Rearview Mirror NIR Proximity Sensing Through Electrochromic Glass
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing interior rearview mirrors lack efficient touch and proximity sensing capabilities, leading to ergonomic and technical sophistication issues with capacitive inputs and incomplete ablation of conductive layers, and do not effectively integrate with vehicle systems for user inputs.
Innovation Solution
A vehicular interior rearview mirror assembly with an electrochromic reflective element and integrated IR proximity sensors that detect user inputs through near-infrared light, allowing for capacitive touch sensing and integration with vehicle systems via a video display screen for user interface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If capacitive touch sensing is implemented in existing interior rearview mirrors, then user input capability is improved, but manufacturing defects occur due to incomplete ablation of conductive layers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces capacitive touch sensing with optical proximity sensing using NIR light. The light emitter and sensor detect hand proximity through the electrochromic mirror without requiring direct contact or conductive layer ablation, eliminating the manufacturing defect while maintaining user input capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces NIR light as an intermediary medium to detect user proximity. The light passes through the electrochromic mirror reflective element to sense hand presence, providing a non-contact interface that avoids the conductive layer ablation issues of capacitive sensing
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional touch sensors are used in interior rearview mirrors, then device complexity is reduced, but integration with vehicle systems for user inputs is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the mirror assembly multi-functional by integrating it with vehicle systems through the sensor. The same optical sensing infrastructure detects both proximity for user input and can potentially serve other functions, enabling versatile vehicle system integration without proportionally increasing complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the mirror reflective element with light emitter and sensor into a single integrated assembly. This merging allows the mirror to directly interface with vehicle systems through the sensor data, eliminating the need for separate touch sensor systems and improving integration efficiency
3Illumination intensity
If the mirror reflective element is made more opaque for better reflection, then reflection quality is improved, but sensor detection capability through the mirror deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the wavelength parameter of the light used for sensing to NIR, which has different interaction properties with the electrochromic mirror material. This allows the mirror to maintain its reflective properties in the visible spectrum while being transparent to NIR light, enabling simultaneous optimization of both reflection quality and sensor detection
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different optical properties to different parts of the system: the mirror reflective element maintains high visible light reflection for image quality, while being transparent to NIR light for sensor detection. The light emitter and sensor are positioned to utilize this localized transparency without compromising overall mirror performance
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 ergonomic and sophisticated user input detection, enhancing vehicle system control through capacitive touch and proximity sensing, improving user interaction and system integration.
Implementation Method 1
A light emitter is accommodated by the mirror head. The light emitter, with the mounting structure attached at the interior portion of the cabin of the vehicle, and when the light emitter is electrically operated, emits near infrared (NIR) light.
Implementation Method 2
The mirror reflective element may comprise an electrochromic mirror reflective element comprising a front glass substrate and a rear glass substrate with an electrochromic medium sandwiched between the glass substrates
Implementation Method 3
A sensor, such as a NIR proximity sensor, is accommodated by the mirror head. The sensor, with the mounting structure attached at the interior portion of the cabin of the vehicle, and when the light emitter is electrically operated to emit light, generates sensor data based on detection of NIR light reflected from objects within the cabin of the vehicle
Implementation Method 4
a single ball pivot or joint mounting configuration or double ball pivot or joint mounting configuration where the mirror casing and reflective element are adjusted relative to the interior portion of a vehicle by pivotal movement about the single or double ball pivot configuration
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicular interior rearview mirror assembly includes a mirror head adjustable about a mounting base. The mirror head accommodates a mirror reflective element. A light emitter is accommodated by the mirror head and is electrically operated to emit near infrared (NIR) light. A light sensor is accommodated by the mirror head and, when the light emitter emits NIR light, the light sensor detects NIR light that reflects off an object within the cabin and that passes through the mirror reflective element. Based on detection of NIR light by the light sensor, presence of a user's hand at or near the mirror reflective element is determined.