Touch-Sensitive Rearview Mirror with Integrated Symbol Illumination

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional systems for controlling multiple appliances and devices require multiple remote controls, each with a specific predetermined control signal, making it cumbersome to operate multiple devices from a single system.

Innovation Solution

A touch-sensitive interior rearview mirror assembly with a reflective element that senses inputs to determine points corresponding to symbols, allowing for the activation of illumination sources or symbols for controlling devices, which can be integrated into a vehicle's mirror system, enabling easy access to wireless devices and appliances.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple remote controls are used to control different appliances and devices, then each device can be operated with its specific predetermined control signal, but the system complexity and user burden increase due to needing to carry and operate multiple separate remote controls

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to control multiple devicesVSAvoidnumber of remote controls required

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple remote control functions into a single interior rearview mirror assembly. The mirror housing integrates multiple user inputs (buttons) that can control different appliances and devices, eliminating the need for multiple separate remote controls. The mirror assembly serves as a unified control station for garage door openers, security gates, home alarms, lighting, and other devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The interior rearview mirror assembly is designed with universal control capabilities to operate multiple types of appliances and devices. The trainable transceiver can learn and store control signals for different devices, allowing a single mirror unit to function as a universal remote control system for various home and vehicle accessories.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If conventional remote controls with predetermined control signals are used, then each device operates reliably with its specific signal, but the ease of operation decreases when controlling multiple devices from a single interface

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice operation reliabilityVSAvoidcontrol convenience for multiple devices

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The interior rearview mirror assembly acts as an intermediary device between the user and multiple appliances. The trainable transceiver in the mirror learns control signals from original remote controls and retransmits them to the target devices. This intermediary function maintains reliable device operation while providing centralized control from a single mirror interface.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The mirror assembly incorporates feedback mechanisms to confirm signal transmission and device response. When a user presses a button on the mirror, the system provides visual or audible feedback to confirm the control signal was sent to the appropriate device, enhancing ease of operation while maintaining reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple separate remote controls are distributed to users, then each user can control their specific device, but the loss of time increases due to searching for and switching between different remote controls

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice control capabilityVSAvoidtime to locate and switch remote controls

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

By merging all remote control functions into a single mirror assembly, the system eliminates the need to search for or switch between multiple remote controls. All device controls are integrated into one location (the mirror), immediately accessible to the driver without time loss.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The trainable transceiver pre-learns and stores control signals for multiple devices during initial setup. This preliminary action allows the mirror to immediately transmit the correct control signal when a button is pressed, eliminating the time required to locate or program remote controls during actual device operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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 users to control multiple devices from a single interface within a vehicle, providing intuitive operation and reducing the need for multiple remote controls by using touch-sensitive technology to activate symbols corresponding to specific devices or functions.

Implementation Method 1

a reflective element configured to accept an input; a mirror housing to support the reflective element, wherein the reflective element is operable to sense a touch or proximity of the input

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCapacitive touch sensing: Capacitance

Data Source

PatentUS9841173B2Interior rearview mirror assembly with integrated indicator symbol

Publication Date: 2017.12.12 GENTEX CORP

AI summary

This invention relates to mirror assemblies for vehicles and in particular to interior rearview mirror assemblies having touch screen inputs corresponding to elements representing a symbol. The symbols are located behind a reflective element and not visible until activated by selection of the corresponding input or other means.