Rearview Mirror Optical Interface for Frameless User Input
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rearview mirror devices face challenges in providing a wide visual field while minimizing weight and volume, and they struggle to incorporate user interfaces for controlling electronic components without compromising aesthetics or usability.
Innovation Solution
A rearview device that utilizes a light emitter and receiver to detect user inputs applied to the mirror surface without direct contact, allowing for the execution of various functions such as controlling electrochromic elements or displays through a light transmitting region.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a frameless-type rearview mirror device is used to minimize weight and volume and provide a wide visual field, then aesthetic satisfaction and visual field are improved, but it becomes difficult to install a user interface for controlling electronic parts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent moves the user interface from the traditional bezel area to the mirror surface itself by utilizing the light transmitting region. This dimensional shift allows the interface to be integrated into the mirror's optical path rather than requiring peripheral space, thus maintaining the frameless aesthetic while enabling control functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The mirror surface serves dual purposes: it acts as both the reflective/optical surface for viewing and as the interface for user input. The light transmitting region enables the mirror to function as both an optical element and a control interface, eliminating the need for separate bezel-mounted controls.
2Ease of operation
If a touch panel is installed on the front surface of the mirror to provide user interface, then user interface functionality is improved, but fingerprints may hinder the visual field and usability is degraded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces light as an intermediary medium for user interaction. Instead of direct physical contact with the mirror surface, users interact by disrupting the light path (e.g., blocking reflected light or altering light transmission), which eliminates fingerprints while maintaining touch-like control functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical touch panel system with an optical sensing system. User inputs are detected through changes in light properties (reflection, transmission, or blockage) rather than through physical contact with a touch-sensitive surface, thereby eliminating the fingerprint problem inherent in traditional touch panels.
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 the implementation of user interfaces in frameless rearview mirror devices, prevents contamination from fingerprints, and provides a distortion-free visual field by allowing user input without direct contact with the mirror surface.
Implementation Method 1
a light emitter for emitting a light including a first wavelength in a first direction through the light transmitting region, and a light receiver for detecting a light entering a second direction through the light transmitting region
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure refers to a rearview device, in particular a rearview mirror device for a motor vehicle, comprising: a rearview element including a first layer and a second layer; a housing supporting at least a portion of the rearview element; a light transmitting region formed to penetrate the second layer of the rearview element; a light emitter for emitting a first light including a first wavelength in a first direction through the light transmitting region; and a light receiver for detecting a second light entering a second direction through the light transmitting region, the second light entering the second direction including a second wavelength corresponding to the first wavelength, wherein a first function of the rearview device or an electrically operating configuration connected with the rearview device is executed when the second light including the second wavelength corresponding to the first wavelength is detected by the light receiver by a predetermined amount or more during a predetermined period, and wherein a transmittance of the first layer is larger than a transmittance of the second layer, or wherein a function of the rearview device or an electrically operating configuration connected with the rearview device is executed when an object is located within a certain distance from light transmitting region, and wherein a transmittance of the first layer is larger than a transmittance of the second layer.