WO2013028601A1 - Override for auto-dimming rearview assembly and method thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

A rearview assembly configured for use in a vehicle and method thereof are provided, the rearview assembly includes a plurality of light sensors, a controller in communication with the plurality of light sensors, a rearview element in communication with the controller, the rearview element configured to provide a view of a scene rearward of the vehicle, the rearview element commanded to be automatically dimmed by the controller based upon outputs of the plurality of sensors that are received by the controller, and an override device in communication with the controller, wherein when the override device is actuated, the controller commands the rearview element to approximately maximum dim state.

Description

OVERRIDE FOR AUTO-DIMMING

REARVIEW ASSEMBLY AND METHOD THEREOF

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001 ] This application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Patent

Application No. 61/525,359, filed on August 19, 2011, entitled "OVERRIDE FOR AUTO-DIMMING REARVIEW ASSEMBLY AND METHOD THEREOF," the disclosure of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention generally relates to an auto-dimming rearview assembly, and more particularly, an override to dim an auto-dimming rearview assembly.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Generally, an outside auto-diming mirror dim based on a level of light received by a glare sensor that is located on an inside rearview mirror. Thus, the outside mirrors dim or clear based only on the status of the inside mirror.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0004] According to one aspect of the present invention, a rearview assembly configured for use in a vehicle includes a plurality of light sensors, a controller in communication with the plurality of light sensors, a rearview element in communication with the controller, the rearview element configured to provide a view of a scene rearward of the vehicle, the rearview element commanded to be automatically dimmed by the controller based upon outputs of the plurality of sensors that are received by the controller, and an override device in communication with the controller, wherein when the override device is actuated, the controller commands the rearview element to a dim state.

[0005] According to another aspect of the present invention, a method for overriding an auto-dimming function in a rearview assembly configured for use in a vehicle includes the steps of automatically dimming a rearview element to various dimming states between a maximum reflectance state and a dim state based upon received light levels, determining if an override device has been actuated, and dimming the rearview element to a dim state when the override device has been actuated.

[0006] According to yet another aspect of the present invention, a non-transitory computer readable medium having stored thereon software instructions that, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to control equipment of a vehicle, by executing the steps including automatically dimming a rearview element to various dimming states between a maximum reflectance state and a dim state based upon received light levels, determining if an override device has been actuated, and dimming the rearview element to a dim state when the override device has been actuated.

[0007] These and other features, advantages, and objects of the present invention will be further understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art by reference to the following specification, claims, and appended drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] The present invention will become more fully understood from the detailed

description and the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0009] Fig. 1 is a block diagram of an auto-dimming rearview assembly, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

[0010] Fig. 2 is an environmental view of an auto-dimming rearview assembly, in

accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

[001 1 ] Fig. 3 is a plan view of a cross-sectional view of a rearview element, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

[0012] Fig. 4 is a flow chart of a method for overriding an auto-dimming function in a rearview assembly, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; and

[0013] Fig. 5 is a block diagram of an auto-dimming rearview assembly, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0014] The present illustrated embodiments reside primarily in combinations of method steps and apparatus components related to an auto-dimming rearview assembly.

Accordingly, the apparatus components and method steps have been represented, where appropriate, by conventional symbols in the drawings, showing only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present invention so as not to obscure the disclosure with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description herein. Further, like numerals in the description and drawings represent like elements.

[0015] In this document, relational terms, such as first and second, top and bottom, and the like, are used solely to distinguish one entity or action from another entity or action, without necessarily requiring or implying any actual such relationship or order between such entities or actions. The terms "comprises," "comprising," or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements does not include only those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. An element proceeded by "comprises . . . a" does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of additional identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises the element.

[0016] In reference to Figs. 1 and 2, an auto-dimming rearview assembly is generally shown at reference identifier 100. The auto-dimming rearview assembly 100 can be used with a vehicle 102 (Fig. 2), such that during certain operating conditions, the auto- dimming rearview assembly 100 will automatically dim to reduce glare for light sources that are behind the vehicle 102 (e.g., headlights of a trailing vehicle). The auto-dimming rearview assembly 100 includes a plurality of light sensors, which can include a first light sensor 104 configured to view approximately forward of the vehicle 102 (e.g., an ambient light sensor), and a second light sensor 106 configured to view approximately rearward of the vehicle 102 (e.g., a glare sensor). The auto-dimming rearview assembly also includes a controller generally indicated at 108 that is in communication with the first and second sensors 104, 106. The controller 108 is also in communication with a rearview element generally indicated at 110 that is configured to provide a view of a scene rearward of the vehicle 102. The rearview element 110 can be commanded to automatically dimmed by the controller 108 based upon outputs of the first and second sensors 104, 106 that are received by the controller 108. The auto-dimming rearview assembly 100 further includes an override device 112 in communication with the controller 108, wherein when the override device 112 is actuated, the controller 108 commands the rearview element 110 to approximately maximum dim state or partially dim state, as described in greater detail herein. [0017] By way of explanation and not limitation, the auto-dimming assembly 100 having the override capability can be used when the vehicle 102 has a structural component that substantially blocks light from a rearward light source (e.g., headlamps of a trailing vehicle) from being received by the sensor 106 but are viewable by the rearview element 110. Thus, the rearward light source causes a disruptive glare to the driver, but the rearview element 110 does not automatically dim because the light is not received by the sensor 106, since the light is blocked by a portion of the vehicle. In such a scenario, a user of the rearview assembly 100 can actuate the override device 112 so that the rearview element 110 is approximately fully dimmed to reduce the disruptive glare viewed by the user. Examples of vehicle structures that can block the rearward light source are, but not limited to, a headrest or vehicle seat 114, a spoiler 116, the like, or a combination thereof.

[0018] With respect to an embodiment illustrated in Fig. 3, the rearview element 110 can be an electrochromic element that includes a first substrate 118 and a second substrate 120, wherein the first substrate 118 has a first surface 122 and second surface 124 and the second substrate 120 has a third surface 126 and forth surface 128. An electrochromic medium 130 is between the first and second substrates 118, 120, and when an electrical charge is supplied to the electrochromic medium 130, the electrochromic medium 130 darkens so that the reflected scene perceived by a user of the rearview assembly 100 is dimmed. According to one embodiment, the rearview element 110 has a substantially transparent conductive coating on the second surface 124 and a reflective and a conductive coating on the third surface 126. Examples of electrochromic elements are described in U.S. Patent No. 7,427,150, entitled "Rearview Mirror Assembly Including A Multi- Functional Light Module, U.S. Patent No. 7,372,611 entitled "Vehicular Rearview Mirror Element And Assemblies Incorporating These Elements," U.S. Patent App. Serial No. 13/470,147, entitled "Rearview Assembly For A Vehicle," U.S. Patent App. Serial No. 12/774,721, entitled "Rearview Mirror Assemblies With Anisotropic Polymer Laminates," U.S. Patent No. 8,228,590, entitled "Electro-Optic System Configured To Reduce A Perceived Color Change," and U.S. Provisional App. Serial No. 61/637,527, entitled "Display Mirror System," all of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

[0019] Referring to Figs. 1-3, actuation of the override device 112 causes the rearview element 110 to be approximately fully dimmed only when the auto-dimming rearview assembly 100 is in a dimming (or nighttime) mode, which can be determined based upon light sensed by at least one of the first and second sensors 104, 106, according to one embodiment. Thus, if the auto-dimming rearview assembly 100 is not in the dimming mode (e.g., daytime operating conditions) then actuation of the override device 112 results in no changes to a reflectance of the rearview element 110.

[0020] Additionally or alternatively, when the override device 112 is actuated, and the rearview element 110 is commanded to be approximately fully dimmed, such a command can be further overridden by another operating characteristic of the rearview assembly 100 and/or the vehicle 102. The rearview assembly 100 can be configured so that under certain operating conditions the rearview element 110 is in an approximately maximum reflectance state without regard to the light being sensed by the sensors 104, 106. For purposes of explanation and not limitation, such operating conditions can be when the vehicle 102 is in reverse, so that even if the override device 112 has been actuated, the rearview element 110 is in an approximately maximum reflectance state. Another example is if a display 133 that is behind the rearview element 110, such that the display 133 is viewed through the rearview element 110, is turned on. Yet another example is where the operating condition can be an input that is received by the controller 108 from another component of the rearview assembly 100 or an input received from a vehicle 102 communication bus 131.

[0021] As illustrated in Fig. 1, the controller 108 can include a memory 132 that has one or more executable software routines 134. Thus, the controller 108 can execute the one or more executable software routines 134 bases upon one or more received inputs to supply a command to the rearview element 110. It should be appreciated that the memory, or a portion of the memory, can be external to the controller 108.

[0022] The override device 112 can be any type of electrical or mechanical button or switch, such as, but not limited to, a mechanical tact switch, a touch switch, a proximity switch (e.g., capacitive), the like, or a combination thereof. Typically, the override device 112 is located in a bezel 136 (Fig. 3); however, it should be appreciated that the override device 112 can be located elsewhere, such as, but not limited to, a chin, on the first substrate 118, on the second substrate 120, or behind the second substrate 120 (e.g., using a "ground edge" or "chrome ring" type rearview assembly).

[0023] When the override device 112 is actuated, the override feature is activated or

turned on, which can be using one button, a plurality of buttons, actuating a sequence of button(s), the like, or a combination thereof. According to one embodiment, the rearview assembly 100 can include an indicator, such that the user is made aware of the change of state. The indicator can be visual (e.g., LED indicator), audio, tactile, the like, or a combination thereof. One example of a series of switching sequences is as follows:

TABLE 1

[0024] The override device 112 can be deactivated by the user by actuating the override device 112, such that the rearview assembly 100 returns to a normal operation.

Additionally or alternatively, the rearview assembly 100 can return to normal operation after a power cycle (e.g., the vehicle 102 is turned off and turned on again).

[0025] Another example of an object blocking the glare sensor 106 is a trailer that is being pulled by the vehicle 102, such that the glare sensor 106 does not detect glare of other vehicles behind the vehicle 102, and if no glare is detected by the glare sensor 106 associated with the rearview assembly 100, then one or more outside mirrors will not dim.

[0026] According to one embodiment, as illustrated in Fig. 5, the rearview assembly 100 includes one or more outside rearview assemblies 138. The override device 112 can partially dim or approximately fully dim one or more of the outside rearview assemblies 138, the inside rearview assembly 140, or a combination thereof to a percentage, such as, but not limited to approximately 30% dim, approximately 50% dim, approximately 100% dim or a level between approximately 30%> and 100%. It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the percentage can be anywhere between 0% and 100% dim and that the percentage can be pre-set by a manufacturer or variable to be adjusted by a user. The outside rearview assembly 138 can have a view exterior of the vehicle, such as, but not limited to, an electrochromic mirror element mounted on the exterior of the vehicle 102 or a display mounted interior of the vehicle. [0027] When the first sensor 104 detects the ambient condition to be night time and a user has selected the override feature, the outside rearview assembly 138 will dim even though the glare sensor 106 does not detect glare. However, if the glare sensor 106 does detect glare then the outside rearview assembly 138 will darken to a state based upon the amount of glare detected. The state of the outside rearview assembly 138 can return to the partial dim, override state once the glare is not longer detected.

[0028] In regards to Figs. 1-5, a method for overriding an auto-dimming function in a rearview assembly is generally shown in Fig. 4 at reference identifier 200. The method 200 can start at step 202, and proceed to decision step 204, wherein it is determined if auto-dimming is "on." If it is determined that auto-dimming is "off (e.g., daytime conditions), then the method 200 returns until auto-dimming is turned "on." If it is determined at decision step 204 that auto-dimming is turned "on" (e.g., night time conditions), then the method 200 proceeds to step 206. At step 206, the rearview assembly operates utilizing normal auto-dimming control parameters.

[0029] At decision step 208, it is determined if the override has been activated. If it is determined at decision step 208 that the override has not been activated, then the method returns to step 206. However, if it is determined at decision step 208 that the override has been activated, then the method 200 proceeds to step 210. At step 210, the rearview assembly 110 is dimmed to an override dim level. The method 200 then determines if at least one auto clear event has occurred, at decision step 212. If it is determined at decision step 212 that at least one auto clear event has occurred, then the method 200 proceeds to step 214, wherein the rearview element 110 is un-dimmed to be in an approximately maximum reflectance state, and returns to step 206. Otherwise, if it is an override determined at decision step 212 that an auto clear event has not occurred, then the method 200 proceeds to decision step 216, wherein it is determined if the override has been deactivated.

[0030] If it is determined at decision step 216 that an override has been deactivated, then the method returns to step 206, wherein normal auto-dimming operation is performed. However, if it is determined at decision step 216 that the override has not been deactivated then the method returns to step 210, when the rearview element is continued to be dimmed to an approximately maximum level. [0031] It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the rearview assembly 100 can include a non-transitory computer readable medium configured to implement the method 200.

[0032] Advantageously, the assembly 100 and method 200 allow for a manual override to dim the rearview element 100 to an approximately maximum state or partially dim state when the rearview assembly is operating in an auto-dimming mode "on," and the controller is not commanding the rearview element 110 to be in an maximum dim state based upon the light received by the sensors 104, 106. It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the assembly 100 and method 200 can have additional or alterative advantages. It should be further appreciated that the components described herein can be combined in additional or alternative ways not explicated stated herein.

[0033] Modifications of the invention will occur to those skilled in the art and to those who make or use the invention. Therefore, it is understood that the embodiments shown in the drawings and described above are merely for illustrative purposes and not intended to limit the scope of the invention, which is defined by the following claims as interpreted according to the principles of patent law, including the doctrine of equivalents.

Claims

CLAIMS What is claimed is:

1. A rearview assembly configured for use in a vehicle, said rearview assembly comprising:

a plurality of light sensors;

a controller in communication with said plurality of light sensors;

a rearview element in communication with said controller, said rearview element configured to provide a view of a scene rearward of the vehicle, the rearview element commanded to be automatically dimmed by said controller based upon outputs of said plurality of sensors that are received by said controller; and

an override device in communication with said controller, wherein when said override device is actuated, said controller commands said rearview element to a dim state.

2. The rearview assembly of claim 1, wherein said controller commands said rearview element to an approximately maximum dim state.

3. The rearview assembly of claims 1, wherein said controller commands said rearview element to said dim state ranging from approximately 30% to 50% dim.

4. The rearview assembly of any one of claims 1-3, wherein the rearview element is an electrochromic element comprising:

a first substrate;

a second substrate approximately parallel to said first substrate, said first and second substrates defining a chamber; and

an electrochromic medium in said chamber.

5. The rearview assembly of claim 4, wherein said override device is mounted behind or within at least one of said first and second substrates.

6. The rearview assembly of any one of claims 1-5 further comprising:

an interior rearview assembly comprising a first light sensor and a second light sensor of said plurality of light sensors, said controller, and said rearview element; and at least one outside rearview assembly in communication with said override device, said outside rearview assembly comprising an outside rearview element.

7. The rearview assembly of claim 6, wherein said at least one outside rearview element is an electrochromic element comprising:

a first substrate;

a second substrate approximately parallel to said first substrate, said first and second substrates defining a chamber; and

an electrochromic medium in said chamber.

8. The rearview assembly of any one of claims 1-7, wherein said plurality of sensors comprises:

a first sensor having a field of view approximately forward with respect to a normal operating position of a vehicle; and

a second sensor having a field of view approximately rearward with respect to a normal operating position of a vehicle.

9. The rearview assembly of any one of claims 1-3, wherein said rearview element is a display.

10. A method for overriding an auto-dimming function in a rearview assembly configured for use in a vehicle, said method comprising the steps of:

automatically dimming a rearview element to various dimming states between a maximum reflectance state and a dim state based upon received light levels;

determining if an override device has been actuated; and

dimming said rearview element to a dim state when said override device has been actuated.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein said step of dimming said rearview element when said override device has been actuated further comprises dimming said rearview element to an approximately maximum dim state.

12. The method of claim 10, wherein said step of dimming said rearview element when said override device has been actuated further comprises dimming said rearview element to a dim state ranging from approximately 30% to 50% dim.

13. The method of any one of claims 10-12, wherein said steps of dimming said rearview element comprises supplying electrical power to an electrochromic element of an inside rearview assembly, said electrochromic element comprising:

a first substrate;

a second substrate approximately parallel to said first substrate, said first and second substrates defining a chamber; and

an electrochromic medium in said chamber.

14. The method of any one of claims 10-13, wherein said steps of dimming said rearview element comprises supplying electrical power to an electrochromic element of an outside rearview assembly, said electrochromic element comprising:

a first substrate;

a second substrate approximately parallel to said first substrate, said first and second substrates defining a chamber; and

an electrochromic medium in said chamber.

15. The method of any one of claims 10-12, wherein said steps of dimming said rearview element comprises dimming a display.

16. A non-transitory computer readable medium having stored thereon software instructions that, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to control equipment of a vehicle, by executing the steps comprising:

automatically dimming a rearview element to various dimming states between a maximum reflectance state and a dim state based upon received light levels;

determining if an override device has been actuated; and dimming said rearview element to a dim state when said override device has been actuated.

17. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 16, wherein said step of dimming said rearview element when said override device has been actuated further comprises dimming said rearview element to an approximately maximum dim state.

18. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claims 16, wherein said step of dimming said rearview element when said override device has been actuated further comprises dimming said rearview element to a dim state ranging from approximately 30% to 50% dim.

19. The non-transitory computer readable medium of any one of claims 16-18, wherein said steps of dimming said rearview element comprises supplying electrical power to an electrochromic element of an inside rearview assembly, said

electrochromic element comprising:

a first substrate;

a second substrate approximately parallel to said first substrate, said first and second substrates defining a chamber; and

an electrochromic medium in said chamber.

20. The non-transitory computer readable medium of any one of claims 16-19, wherein said steps of dimming said rearview element comprises supplying electrical power to an electrochromic element of an outside rearview assembly, said

electrochromic element comprising:

a first substrate;

a second substrate approximately parallel to said first substrate, said first and second substrates defining a chamber; and

an electrochromic medium in said chamber.