Rearview Mirror Assembly With Transflective Full Video Display
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing interior rearview mirrors lack the ability to provide a seamless integration of a display screen that does not obstruct the driver's view and efficiently utilize light transmission and reflection, limiting the functionality and visibility of rearview images.
Innovation Solution
An interior rearview mirror assembly with a transflective mirror reflector that converts linearly polarized light from the display device to circularly polarized light, allowing for a display screen that occupies at least 75% of the reflective area, enhancing light transmission and reflection while maintaining visibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If a display screen is integrated into the mirror assembly, then information display capability is improved, but the driver's view through the mirror is obstructed
Solution Approach 1:
The mirror assembly is segmented into distinct functional zones: a reflective region for rearview visibility and a display region for information presentation. This spatial segmentation allows both functions to coexist without mutual interference, as the display screen occupies only a portion of the mirror assembly while the reflective portion remains fully functional for driving visibility.
Solution Approach 2:
A polarizing filter is introduced as an intermediary element between the display screen and the mirror reflective surface. This filter selectively transmits light based on polarization orientation, allowing the display to be visible when needed while maintaining unobstructed view through the mirror during normal operation. The polarizing filter acts as a mediator that reconciles the conflicting requirements of display visibility and mirror transparency.
2Loss of information
If the display screen occupies a large area of the mirror, then information visibility is improved, but light transmission through the mirror is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
Different regions of the mirror assembly are assigned different optical properties: the display region is designed with high light emission capability while the reflective region maintains high light transmission and reflection properties. This local differentiation of optical quality allows the display to occupy substantial area without compromising the light transmission performance of the mirror's primary viewing area.
Solution Approach 2:
The mirror assembly incorporates dynamic control mechanisms that adjust the display screen's activation state based on driving conditions. The display can be dynamically activated or deactivated, and its brightness and visibility characteristics are adjusted in real-time, allowing large display area to be utilized only when information presentation is required, thereby maintaining optimal light transmission during normal mirror usage.
3Illumination intensity
If a transflective mirror reflector is used, then light transmission and reflection are improved, but polarization conversion complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The transflective mirror reflector utilizes changes in light polarization parameters to achieve its dual function. By manipulating the polarization state of incident light through carefully engineered reflective and transmissive properties, the system achieves efficient light transmission and reflection without requiring complex mechanical or optical mechanisms. The polarization conversion is accomplished through material properties and optical layer design rather than complex moving parts or additional components.
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 solution provides enhanced rearview visibility with reduced power consumption and heat generation, enabling a larger display area that enhances the driver's field of view and reduces blind spots, while maintaining optimal light transmission and reflection characteristics.
Implementation Method 1
the mirror reflector reflects light that is incident on the reflective element
Implementation Method 2
partially transmits illumination emitted from the display device through the mirror reflective element
Implementation Method 3
The polymer reflector or film converts linearly polarized light (that is emitted by the display screen) to circularly polarized light (that passes through the reflective element)
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicular interior rearview mirror assembly includes a mirror head pivotally adjustable about a mirror support. The mirror head includes a video display device disposed rearward of a prismatic mirror reflective element having a transflective mirror reflector. A touch sensor is disposed at the prismatic mirror reflective element and is associated with circuitry at a flexible printed circuit of the video display device. The video display device is operable to display video images captured by a rearward viewing camera of the vehicle. Light emitted by the video display device passes through the transflective mirror reflector for viewing of displayed video images by the driver of the vehicle viewing the prismatic mirror reflective element. The reflective region of the transflective mirror reflector of the prismatic mirror reflective element reflects at least 40 percent of visible light incident at the front side of the prismatic mirror reflective element.