Tri-modal display mirror assembly glare reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional rearview mirrors struggle with glare from headlights during nighttime driving and contrast issues due to reflective images, which can be distracting and affect visibility.
Innovation Solution
A display mirror assembly with a prismatic element and actuator device that moves between three viewing positions, adjusting the reflection of primary and secondary images to minimize glare and enhance visibility, while also controlling the display's on/off state based on the viewing position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a conventional rearview mirror uses a reflective coating to provide a clear rearward scene image, then the image intensity and visibility are improved, but glare from headlights during nighttime driving increases and causes distraction
Solution Approach 1:
The reflective surface is segmented into multiple prismatic elements with different orientations. Each prismatic element reflects light at different angles, allowing the system to separate the desired rearward scene image from harmful glare. The actuator device can selectively position specific prismatic elements to control which reflections reach the viewer's eyes.
Solution Approach 2:
The mirror assembly incorporates an actuator device that dynamically adjusts the position and orientation of the prismatic element based on driving conditions. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to optimize image intensity during daytime while minimizing nighttime glare by tilting the prismatic element to redirect headlight reflections away from the driver's line of sight.
2Illumination intensity
If a conventional rearview mirror provides a bright reflected image for good visibility, then visibility is improved, but contrast issues arise that can be distracting and affect visibility
Solution Approach 1:
Different regions of the mirror assembly have different optical properties. The prismatic element creates distinct reflection paths with different intensities and angles. The display integrated into the housing provides supplemental illumination and information in specific zones, enhancing contrast and reducing distractions by providing localized visual enhancement where needed.
3Loss of information
If a display is integrated into the mirror housing to provide additional information, then information availability is improved, but the display can be distracting when reflected images are present
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator device dynamically controls the position of the prismatic element to manage the interaction between reflected images and the display. By adjusting the prismatic element's orientation, the system can minimize the visibility of reflected images when the display is active, reducing distraction while maintaining information availability. The display is strategically positioned and controlled to complement rather than compete with the reflected scene.
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 effectively reduces glare and contrast issues, providing improved visibility for drivers by adjusting the reflection and display state according to driving conditions, thereby enhancing safety and comfort.
Implementation Method 1
a partially reflective, partially transmissive coating provided on a rear surface of the prismatic element
Implementation Method 2
A primary reflected image of a rearward scene is reflected from the partially reflective, partially transmissive coating and a secondary reflected image of the rearward scene is reflected from a front surface of the prismatic element
Data Source
AI summary
A display mirror assembly for a vehicle includes a housing configured for attachment to the vehicle; a prismatic element positioned in the housing; a partially reflective, partially transmissive coating provided on a rear surface of the prismatic element; a display mounted behind the prismatic element within the housing; and an actuator device for moving the prismatic element between three distinct viewing positions including a first viewing position, a second viewing position wherein the prismatic element is tilted higher than in the first viewing position, and a third viewing position wherein the prismatic element is tilted higher than in the second viewing position.