VIDEO MIRROR SYSTEM FOR A VEHICLE

• US 20120086808A1
• Filed: 12/02/2011
• Published: 04/12/2012
• Est. Priority Date: 01/23/2001
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Donnelly Corporation (Magna International Incorporated)
• Original Assignee: Donnelly Corporation (Magna International Incorporated)
• Inventors: Lynam, Niall R., Lindahl, John O.
• Granted Patent: US 8,653,959 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 348/148
• CPC Class Codes: B60D 1/36 for facilitating connection, e.g. hitch catchers , visual guide means, signalling aids B60D1/465 takes precedence; vehicle signalling in general B60Q; optical arrangements specially adapted for viewing trailer-hitches B60R1/003
• CPC Class Codes: B60D 1/58 Auxiliary devices
• CPC Class Codes: B60K 2360/143 Touch sensitive instrument input devices
• CPC Class Codes: B60K 2360/1438 Touch screens
• CPC Class Codes: B60K 2370/143 Touch sensitive input devices
• CPC Class Codes: B60K 2370/1438 Touch screens
• CPC Class Codes: B60K 35/00 Instruments specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement of instruments in or on vehicles
• CPC Class Codes: B60K 35/10 Input arrangements, i.e. from user to vehicle, associated with vehicle functions or specially adapted therefor
• CPC Class Codes: B60Q 1/247 for illuminating the close surroundings of the vehicle, e.g. to facilitate entry or exit for reverse drive B60Q1/22; by opening a side door B60Q1/323
• CPC Class Codes: B60Q 1/2665 on rear-view mirrors lighting devices for vehicle interior on or for rear-view mirrors B60Q3/258
• CPC Class Codes: B60Q 3/258 Rear-view mirrors
• CPC Class Codes: B60Q 3/64 for a single lighting device
• CPC Class Codes: B60Q 3/74 for overall compartment lighting; for overall compartment lighting in combination with specific lighting, e.g. room lamps with reading lamps general lighting mounted on specific fittings B60Q3/20; general lighting for mass transit vehicles B60Q3/43
• CPC Class Codes: B60Q 3/82 Switches specially adapted for vehicle interior lighting, e.g. switching by tilting the lens
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 1/003 for viewing trailer hitches
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 1/04 mounted inside vehicle B60R1/025, B60R1/08 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 1/12 Mirror assemblies combined with other articles, e.g. clocks
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 1/1207 with lamps; with turn indicators
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 1/29 for viewing an area inside the vehicle, e.g. for viewing passengers or cargo
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 11/0235 of flat type, e.g. LCD
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 11/04 : Mounting of cameras operative during drive; Arrangement of controls thereof relative to the vehicle
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2001/1253 : with cameras, video cameras or video screens
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2011/0026 : Windows, e.g. windscreen
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2011/0033 : Rear-view mirrors
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2011/0082 : collapsible, e.g. for storing after use
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2011/0084 : with adjustment by linear movement in their operational position
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2011/0089 : around three axes, i.e. universally mounted
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2011/0282 : for the use of several passengers, e.g. simultaneously
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2011/0288 : Apparatus made of several modules independently mounted
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2011/0294 : Apparatus with multi-functionalities, e.g. radio and telephone
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2300/10 : characterised by the type of camera system used
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2300/20 : characterised by the type of display used
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2300/308 : by overlaying the real scene, e.g. through a head-up display on the windscreen
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2300/8006 : for monitoring and displaying scenes of vehicle interior, e.g. for monitoring passengers or cargo
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2300/808 : for facilitating docking to a trailer
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 2027/0118 : comprising devices for improving the contrast of the display / brillance control visibility
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 2027/012 : comprising devices for attenuating parasitic image effects
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 6/00 : Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/165 : Management of the audio stream, e.g. setting of volume, audio stream path
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/167 : Audio in a user interface, e.g. using voice commands for navigating, audio feedback
• CPC Class Codes: G06V 20/52 : Surveillance or monitoring of activities, e.g. for recognising suspicious objects recognising microscopic objects G06V20/69
• CPC Class Codes: G06V 20/593 : Recognising seat occupancy
• CPC Class Codes: G09G 2320/0626 : for control of overall brightness
• CPC Class Codes: G09G 2380/10 : Automotive applications
• CPC Class Codes: G09G 3/3406 : Control of illumination source illumination devices structurally associated with liquid crystal cells G02F1/1336
• CPC Class Codes: G09G 3/3648 : using an active matrix G09G3/367 - G09G3/3696 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 23/11 : for generating image signals from visible and infrared light wavelengths
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 23/56 : provided with illuminating means
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 23/63 : by using electronic viewfinders
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 23/661 : Transmitting camera control signals through networks, e.g. control via the Internet
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 23/74 : by influencing the scene brightness using illuminating means
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 25/76 : Addressed sensors, e.g. MOS or CMOS sensors
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 7/183 : for receiving images from a single remote source
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 362/80 : Light emitting diode

Abstract

A video mirror system for a vehicle includes an interior rearview mirror assembly with an electrochromic reflective element. The reflective element has an electrochromic medium disposed between a first substrate and a second substrate and has a transflective third-surface mirror reflector. A video display is disposed to the rear of the reflective element and emits light when actuated that passes through the transflective mirror reflector. The video display includes a thin film transistor video screen that is back lit by a plurality of white light emitting light emitting diodes that are operable by a control. The control includes DC to DC conversion circuitry that includes circuitry for converting an ignition voltage of the equipped vehicle to a lower voltage that is closer to the forward voltage applied across individual white light emitting light emitting diodes of the plurality of white light emitting light emitting diodes than the ignition voltage.

Claims

1. A video mirror system for a vehicle, said video mirror system comprising:

an interior electrochromic rearview mirror assembly configured for mounting at an interior portion of a vehicle equipped with said rearview mirror assembly, said rearview mirror assembly comprising a reflective element, said reflective element having a front portion that faces generally towards the driver of the equipped vehicle when said rearview mirror assembly is mounted in the equipped vehicle, and said reflective element having a rear portion that is generally opposite said front portion;

said reflective element comprising an electrochromic reflective element having an electrochromic medium disposed between a first substrate and a second substrate of said reflective element;

said first substrate being closer to the driver of the equipped vehicle than said second substrate when said rearview mirror assembly is mounted in the equipped vehicle;

said first substrate having a first surface and a second surface;

said first surface being closer to the driver of the equipped vehicle than said second surface when said rearview mirror assembly is mounted in the equipped vehicle;

said second substrate having a third surface and a fourth surface;

said third surface being closer to the driver of the equipped vehicle than said fourth surface when said rearview mirror assembly is mounted in the equipped vehicle;

a transparent electrical conductor disposed at said second surface of said first substrate;

a mirror reflector disposed at said third surface of said second substrate, said mirror reflector comprising a transflective mirror reflector;

wherein said transflective mirror reflector is at least about 15 percent transmitting to visible light incident thereon;

a video display disposed to the rear of said rear portion of said reflective element, said video display emitting light when actuated that passes through said transflective mirror reflector of said reflective element to be visible to a driver of the equipped vehicle viewing said front portion of said reflective element;

wherein said video display comprises a thin film transistor video screen that is back lit by a plurality of white light emitting light emitting diodes, and wherein said plurality of white light emitting light emitting diodes comprises at least four white light emitting light emitting diodes;

wherein said video mirror system comprises a control and wherein said plurality of white light emitting light emitting diodes are operable by said control;

wherein said control comprises DC to DC conversion circuitry;

wherein said DC to DC conversion circuitry comprises circuitry for converting an ignition voltage of the equipped vehicle to a lower voltage, and wherein said lower voltage is closer to the forward voltage applied across individual white light emitting light emitting diodes of said plurality of white light emitting light emitting diodes than said ignition voltage;

wherein said video display displays video images captured by a rear back-up video camera of the equipped vehicle; and

wherein said plurality of white light emitting light emitting diodes are powered to backlight said thin film transistor video screen during a reversing maneuver of the equipped vehicle.

2. The video mirror system of claim 1, wherein said rearview mirror assembly comprises at least one of (a) a user input for a wireless communication between the equipped vehicle and a remote location, (b) at least one microphone, (c) a compass direction display and (d) a garage door opener transmitter.

3. The video mirror system of claim 1, wherein at least one light emitting diode of said plurality of white light emitting light emitting diodes comprises an Indium Gallium Nitride light emitting diode.

4. The video mirror system of claim 1, wherein at least one light emitting diode of said plurality of white light emitting light emitting diodes has an operating voltage in a range from about 2 volts to about 5 volts.

5. The video mirror system of claim 1, wherein at least one light emitting diode of said plurality of white light emitting light emitting diodes comprises an Indium Gallium Nitride light emitting diode and wherein said Indium Gallium Nitride light emitting diode is operable by said control to individually emit a luminous flux of at least about 5 lumens.

6. The video mirror system of claim 1, wherein said rearview mirror assembly connects to a vehicle network system.

7. The video mirror system of claim 6, wherein said vehicle network system comprises at least one of a CAN network and a LIN network.

8. The video mirror system of claim 1, wherein said rearview mirror assembly comprises a heat dissipation element for dissipating heat generated upon actuation of at least some white light emitting light emitting diodes of said plurality of white light emitting light emitting diodes.

9. The video mirror system of claim 8, wherein said heat dissipation element comprises a heat dissipation surface area of at least about 2.5 square inches.

10. The video mirror system of claim 1, wherein a heat dissipation element is provided for dissipating heat generated upon actuation of at least some of said plurality of white light emitting light emitting diodes, and wherein said heat dissipating element comprises a metal.

11. The video mirror system of claim 10, wherein said metal comprises at least one of copper, a copper alloy, aluminum and brass.

12. The video mirror system of claim 1, wherein said control utilizes pulse width modulation when operating at least some of said white light emitting light emitting diodes of said plurality of white light emitting light emitting diodes.

13. The video mirror system of claim 1, wherein at least one of said white light emitting light emitting diodes of said plurality of white light emitting light emitting diodes has a junction temperature that is less than about 100 degrees Celsius during operation by said control.

14. The video mirror system of claim 1, further comprising a reflector for directing light emitted by at least some of said white light emitting light emitting diodes of said plurality of white light emitting light emitting diodes, and wherein said reflector comprises a light reflective surface.

15. The video mirror system of claim 14, wherein said reflector further serves as a heat dissipation element for dissipating heat generated upon actuation of said at least some of said white light emitting light emitting diodes of said plurality of white light emitting light emitting diodes.

16. The video mirror system of claim 1, wherein said ignition voltage is around twelve volts.

17. The video mirror system of claim 1, wherein said DC to DC conversion circuitry comprises a switching regulator.

18. The video mirror system of claim 17, wherein said switching regulator comprises a switching regulator chip.

19. The video mirror system of claim 1, wherein said DC to DC conversion circuitry comprises at least one of (a) an internal temperature compensated reference, (b) a comparator, (c) a controlled duty cycle oscillator, (d) a controlled duty cycle oscillator with an active current limit circuit, (e) an active current limit circuit and (f) a high current output switch.

20. The video mirror system of claim 1, wherein at least one of said white light emitting light emitting diodes of said plurality of white light emitting light emitting diodes has a junction temperature that is less than about 130 degrees Celsius during operation by said control.

21. The video mirror system of claim 20, wherein all of said white light emitting light emitting diodes of said plurality of white light emitting light emitting diodes have a junction temperature that is less than about 130 degrees Celsius during operation by said control.

22. The video mirror system of claim 1, wherein a heat dissipation element is provided for dissipating heat generated upon actuation of at least some white light emitting light emitting diodes of said plurality of white light emitting light emitting diodes, and wherein said heat dissipation element comprises a metal, and wherein said heat dissipation element contributes at least in part to each of said at least some white light emitting light emitting diodes having a junction temperature that is less than about 130 degrees Celsius during operation by said control.

23. The video mirror system of claim 1, wherein, when operated by said control, a forward voltage in a range from about 2 volts to about 5 volts is applied across individual white light emitting light emitting diodes of said plurality of white light emitting light emitting diodes.

24. A video mirror system for a vehicle, said video mirror system comprising:

an interior electrochromic rearview mirror assembly configured for mounting at an interior portion of a vehicle equipped with said rearview mirror assembly, said rearview mirror assembly comprising a reflective element, said reflective element having a front portion that faces generally towards the driver of the equipped vehicle when said rearview mirror assembly is mounted in the equipped vehicle, and said reflective element having a rear portion that is generally opposite said front portion;

said reflective element comprising an electrochromic reflective element having an electrochromic medium disposed between a first substrate and a second substrate of said reflective element;

said first substrate being closer to the driver of the equipped vehicle than said second substrate when said rearview mirror assembly is mounted in the equipped vehicle;

said first substrate having a first surface and a second surface;

said first surface being closer to the driver of the equipped vehicle than said second surface when said rearview mirror assembly is mounted in the equipped vehicle;

said second substrate having a third surface and a fourth surface;

said third surface being closer to the driver of the equipped vehicle than said fourth surface when said rearview mirror assembly is mounted in the equipped vehicle;

a transparent electrical conductor disposed at said second surface of said first substrate;

a mirror reflector disposed at said third surface of said second substrate, said mirror reflector comprising a transflective mirror reflector;

wherein said transflective mirror reflector is at least about 15 percent transmitting to visible light incident thereon;

a video display disposed to the rear of said rear portion of said reflective element, said video display emitting light when actuated that passes through said transflective mirror reflector of said reflective element to be visible to a driver of the equipped vehicle viewing said front portion of said reflective element;

wherein said video display comprises a thin film transistor video screen that is back lit by a plurality of white light emitting light emitting diodes, and wherein said plurality of white light emitting light emitting diodes comprises at least four white light emitting light emitting diodes;

wherein said video mirror system comprises a control and wherein said plurality of white light emitting light emitting diodes are operable by said control;

wherein said control utilizes pulse width modulation when operating at least some of said white light emitting light emitting diodes of said plurality of white light emitting light emitting diodes;

wherein said control comprises DC to DC conversion circuitry;

wherein said DC to DC conversion circuitry comprises circuitry for converting an ignition voltage of the equipped vehicle to a lower voltage, and wherein said lower voltage is closer to the forward voltage applied across individual white light emitting light emitting diodes of said plurality of white light emitting light emitting diodes than said ignition voltage;

a heat dissipation element, wherein said heat dissipation element is provided for dissipating heat generated upon actuation of at least some of said plurality of white light emitting light emitting diodes, and wherein said heat dissipation element comprises a metal;

wherein said video display displays video images captured by a rear back-up video camera of the equipped vehicle; and

wherein said plurality of white light emitting light emitting diodes are powered to backlight said thin film transistor video screen during a reversing maneuver of the equipped vehicle.

25. The video mirror system of claim 24, wherein said metal comprises at least one of copper, a copper alloy, aluminum and brass.

26. The video mirror system of claim 24, wherein said DC to DC conversion circuitry comprises at least one of (a) an internal temperature compensated reference, (b) a comparator, (c) a controlled duty cycle oscillator, (d) a controlled duty cycle oscillator with an active current limit circuit, (e) an active current limit circuit, (f) a high current output switch, (g) a switching regulator and (h) a switching regulator comprising a switching regulator chip.

27. The video mirror system of claim 24, wherein at least one of said white light emitting light emitting diodes of said plurality of white light emitting light emitting diodes has a junction temperature that is less than about 130 degrees Celsius during operation by said control.

28. The video mirror system of claim 24, wherein said heat dissipation element contributes at least in part to each of said at least some white light emitting light emitting diodes having a junction temperature that is less than about 130 degrees Celsius during operation by said control.

29. A video mirror system for a vehicle, said video mirror system comprising:

an interior electrochromic rearview mirror assembly configured for mounting at an interior portion of a vehicle equipped with said rearview mirror assembly, said rearview mirror assembly comprising a reflective element, said reflective element having a front portion that faces generally towards the driver of the equipped vehicle when said rearview mirror assembly is mounted in the equipped vehicle, and said reflective element having a rear portion that is generally opposite said front portion;

said reflective element comprising an electrochromic reflective element having an electrochromic medium disposed between a first substrate and a second substrate of said reflective element;

said first substrate being closer to the driver of the equipped vehicle than said second substrate when said rearview mirror assembly is mounted in the equipped vehicle;

said first substrate having a first surface and a second surface;

said first surface being closer to the driver of the equipped vehicle than said second surface when said rearview mirror assembly is mounted in the equipped vehicle;

said second substrate having a third surface and a fourth surface;

said third surface being closer to the driver of the equipped vehicle than said fourth surface when said rearview mirror assembly is mounted in the equipped vehicle;

a transparent electrical conductor disposed at said second surface of said first substrate;

a mirror reflector disposed at said third surface of said second substrate, said mirror reflector comprising a transflective mirror reflector;

wherein said transflective mirror reflector is at least about 15 percent transmitting to visible light incident thereon;

a video display disposed to the rear of said rear portion of said reflective element, said video display emitting light when actuated that passes through said transflective mirror reflector of said reflective element to be visible to a driver of the equipped vehicle viewing said front portion of said reflective element;

wherein said video display comprises a thin film transistor video screen that is back lit by a plurality of white light emitting light emitting diodes, and wherein said plurality of white light emitting light emitting diodes comprises at least four white light emitting light emitting diodes;

wherein said video mirror system comprises a control and wherein said plurality of white light emitting light emitting diodes are operable by said control;

wherein at least one of said white light emitting light emitting diodes of said plurality of white light emitting light emitting diodes has a junction temperature that is less than about 130 degrees Celsius during operation by said control;

wherein said control comprises DC to DC conversion circuitry;

wherein said DC to DC conversion circuitry comprises circuitry for converting an ignition voltage of the equipped vehicle to a lower voltage, and wherein said lower voltage is closer to the forward voltage applied across individual white light emitting light emitting diodes of said plurality of white light emitting light emitting diodes than said ignition voltage;

wherein said DC to DC conversion circuitry comprises at least one of (a) an internal temperature compensated reference, (b) a comparator, (c) a controlled duty cycle oscillator, (d) a controlled duty cycle oscillator with an active current limit circuit, (e) an active current limit circuit, (f) a high current output switch, (g) a switching regulator and (h) a switching regulator comprising a switching regulator chip;

wherein said video display displays video images captured by a rear back-up video camera of the equipped vehicle; and

wherein said plurality of white light emitting light emitting diodes are powered to backlight said thin film transistor video screen during a reversing maneuver of the equipped vehicle.

30. The video mirror system of claim 29, wherein all of said white light emitting light emitting diodes of said plurality of white light emitting light emitting diodes have a junction temperature that is less than about 130 degrees Celsius during operation by said control.

31. The video mirror system of claim 29, wherein a heat dissipation element is provided for dissipating heat generated upon actuation of at least some white light emitting light emitting diodes of said plurality of white light emitting light emitting diodes, and wherein said heat dissipation element comprises a metal, and wherein said heat dissipation element contributes at least in part to each of said at least some white light emitting light emitting diodes having a junction temperature that is less than about 130 degrees Celsius during operation by said control.

32. The video mirror system of claim 29, wherein, when operated by said control, a forward voltage in a range from about 2 volts to about 5 volts is applied across individual white light emitting light emitting diodes of said plurality of white light emitting light emitting diodes.

33. A video mirror system for a vehicle, said video mirror system comprising:

an interior electrochromic rearview mirror assembly configured for mounting at an interior portion of a vehicle equipped with said rearview mirror assembly, said rearview mirror assembly comprising a reflective element, said reflective element having a front portion that faces generally towards the driver of the equipped vehicle when said rearview mirror assembly is mounted in the equipped vehicle, and said reflective element having a rear portion that is generally opposite said front portion;

said reflective element comprising an electrochromic reflective element having an electrochromic medium disposed between a first substrate and a second substrate of said reflective element;

said first substrate being closer to the driver of the equipped vehicle than said second substrate when said rearview mirror assembly is mounted in the equipped vehicle;

said first substrate having a first surface and a second surface;

said first surface being closer to the driver of the equipped vehicle than said second surface when said rearview mirror assembly is mounted in the equipped vehicle;

said second substrate having a third surface and a fourth surface;

said third surface being closer to the driver of the equipped vehicle than said fourth surface when said rearview mirror assembly is mounted in the equipped vehicle;

a transparent electrical conductor disposed at said second surface of said first substrate;

a mirror reflector disposed at said third surface of said second substrate, said mirror reflector comprising a transflective mirror reflector;

wherein said transflective mirror reflector is at least about 15 percent transmitting to visible light incident thereon;

a video display disposed to the rear of said rear portion of said reflective element, said video display emitting light when actuated that passes through said transflective mirror reflector of said reflective element to be visible to a driver of the equipped vehicle viewing said front portion of said reflective element;

wherein said video display comprises a thin film transistor video screen that is back lit by a plurality of white light emitting light emitting diodes, and wherein said plurality of white light emitting light emitting diodes comprises at least four white light emitting light emitting diodes;

a reflector for directing light emitted by at least some of said white light emitting light emitting diodes of said plurality of white light emitting light emitting diodes, and wherein said reflector comprises a light reflective surface;

wherein said video mirror system comprises a control and wherein said plurality of white light emitting light emitting diodes are operable by said control;

wherein at least one of said white light emitting light emitting diodes of said plurality of white light emitting light emitting diodes has a junction temperature that is less than about 130 degrees Celsius during operation by said control;

wherein said control comprises DC to DC conversion circuitry;

wherein said DC to DC conversion circuitry comprises circuitry for converting an ignition voltage of the equipped vehicle to a lower voltage, and wherein said lower voltage is closer to the forward voltage applied across individual white light emitting light emitting diodes of said plurality of white light emitting light emitting diodes than said ignition voltage;

wherein said video display displays video images captured by a rear back-up video camera of the equipped vehicle; and

wherein said plurality of white light emitting light emitting diodes are powered to backlight said thin film transistor video screen during a reversing maneuver of the equipped vehicle.

34. The video mirror system of claim 33, wherein said rearview mirror assembly connects to a vehicle network system.

35. The video mirror system of claim 33, wherein said rearview mirror assembly comprises a heat dissipation element for dissipating heat generated upon actuation of at least some white light emitting light emitting diodes of said plurality of white light emitting light emitting diodes.

36. The video mirror system of claim 33, wherein said control utilizes pulse width modulation when operating at least some of said white light emitting light emitting diodes of said plurality of white light emitting light emitting diodes.

37. The video mirror system of claim 36, wherein said reflector further serves as a heat dissipation element for dissipating heat generated upon actuation of said at least some of said white light emitting light emitting diodes of said plurality of white light emitting light emitting diodes.

38. The video mirror system of claim 33, wherein said DC to DC conversion circuitry comprises at least one of (a) an internal temperature compensated reference, (b) a comparator, (c) a controlled duty cycle oscillator, (d) a controlled duty cycle oscillator with an active current limit circuit, (e) an active current limit circuit, (f) a high current output switch, (g) a switching regulator and (h) a switching regulator comprising a switching regulator chip.

39. The video mirror system of claim 33, wherein a heat dissipation element is provided for dissipating heat generated upon actuation of at least some white light emitting light emitting diodes of said plurality of white light emitting light emitting diodes, and wherein said heat dissipation element contributes at least in part to each of said at least some white light emitting light emitting diodes having a junction temperature that is less than about 130 degrees Celsius during operation by said control.

40. The video mirror system of claim 39, wherein said heat dissipation element comprises a metal.

41. The video mirror system of claim 33, wherein, when operated by said control, a forward voltage in a range from about 2 volts to about 5 volts is applied across individual white light emitting light emitting diodes of said plurality of white light emitting light emitting diodes.