Electrochromic rearview mirror assembly incorporating a display/signal light
US7042616B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 12, 2004 |
| Grant date | May 9, 2006 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 12, 2024 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH01L2924/12044
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
According to one embodiment of the present invention, an electrochromic rearview mirror assembly for a vehicle includes an electrochromic mirror having a variable reflectivity, a glare sensor for sensing levels of light directed towards the front element from the rear of the vehicle, an ambient sensor for sensing levels of ambient light, a display positioned behind the partially transmissive, partially reflective portion of the reflector for displaying information therethrough; and a control circuit coupled to the sensors and the display. The control circuit determines whether daytime or nighttime conditions are present as a function of the ambient light level sensed by the ambient sensor. During daytime conditions, the control circuit responds to light levels sensed by the glare sensor to control a contrast ratio of light originating from the display and light reflecting from the partially transmissive, partially reflective area of the reflector.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.