ELECTRO-OPTIC MIRROR SYSTEM AND METHOD THEREOF
First Claim
1. An electro-optic rearview mirror system for a vehicle, the electro-optic rearview mirror system comprising:
- a first light sensor configured to detect ambient light in an approximately forward direction with respect to a normal operating direction of the vehicle;
a first electro-optic rearview mirror assembly comprising;
a first electro-optic element; and
a second light sensor configured to detect glare light in an approximately rearward direction with respect to the normal operating direction of the vehicle;
a second electro-optic rearview mirror assembly comprising;
a second electro-optic element;
a third light sensor configured to detect glare light in an approximately rearward direction with respect to the normal operating direction of the vehicle;
a processor in communication with said first light sensor and in communication with said third light sensor, wherein the second electro-optic element is operable to change a second reflectance in response to a first signal received from the first light sensor and a third signal received from the third light sensor.
1 Assignment
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A system is configured to reduce glare form a trailing vehicle. The system may include a forward facing light sensor, partially enclosed in an interior mirror housing. This forward facing light sensor is configured to detect ambient light, such that the system can determine a day time condition or a nighttime condition. The system may also include rear facing light sensors, each included in separate mirror assemblies. Based upon an ambient light detected and a glare of a trailing vehicle, the system may be configured to change the reflectance of an electro-optic element in order to reduce glare independently in the separate mirror assemblies.
11 Citations
20 Claims
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1. An electro-optic rearview mirror system for a vehicle, the electro-optic rearview mirror system comprising:
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a first light sensor configured to detect ambient light in an approximately forward direction with respect to a normal operating direction of the vehicle; a first electro-optic rearview mirror assembly comprising; a first electro-optic element; and a second light sensor configured to detect glare light in an approximately rearward direction with respect to the normal operating direction of the vehicle; a second electro-optic rearview mirror assembly comprising; a second electro-optic element; a third light sensor configured to detect glare light in an approximately rearward direction with respect to the normal operating direction of the vehicle; a processor in communication with said first light sensor and in communication with said third light sensor, wherein the second electro-optic element is operable to change a second reflectance in response to a first signal received from the first light sensor and a third signal received from the third light sensor. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
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10. An exterior electro-optic mirror assembly configured for use with a vehicle, said exterior electro-optic mirror assembly comprising:
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a first substrate; a second substrate approximately parallel to said first substrate, said first and second substrates defining a cavity; an electro-optic medium in said cavity; a first light sensor configured to detect light and view at least partially rearward of the vehicle; and a processor configured to receive an input signal from a second light sensor, said processor further configured to control electrical power supplied to said electro-optic medium based upon light detected by said light sensor and said received input from said second light sensor. - View Dependent Claims (11, 12, 13, 14)
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15. An electro-optic rearview mirror system for a vehicle, the electro-optic rearview mirror system comprising:
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a first electro-optic rearview mirror assembly comprising; a first electro-optic element; a first light sensor configured to detect an ambient light in an approximately forward direction with respect to a normal operating direction of the vehicle; and a second light sensor configured to detect a glare light in an approximately rearward direction with respect to the normal operating direction of the vehicle; a second electro-optic rearview mirror assembly comprising; a second electro-optic element; a third light sensor configured to detect glare light in an approximately rearward direction with respect to the normal operating direction of the vehicle; and a processor in communication with said first light sensor and in communication with said third light sensor, wherein said second electro-optic element is in electrical communication with said processor and said second electro-optic element is configured to change reflectance based upon light received by said first light sensor and said third light sensor. - View Dependent Claims (16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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Specification