REAR WIPER OPERATION INDICATOR AND FULL DISPLAY MIRROR SYSTEM OF A MOTOR VEHICLE

Abstract

A system for controlling vehicle components including a rear wiper system and a full display mirror (FDM) system is described herein. The system includes a rear wiper system switch including an OFF position and at least one activated position. The system also includes an FDM control switch including an OFF position and an ON position. The system also includes a control unit communicatively coupled to the rear wiper system switch and the FDM switch and configured to activate a rear wiper activation indicator when the rear wiper system switch is in the at least one activated position and the FDM switch is in the ON position.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/665,931 filed May 2, 2018, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

The field of the present disclosure relates generally to full display mirrors for use in motor vehicles and, more specifically, to coordination of operation of the full display mirror and a rear window wiper system.

Rearview mirrors have long been used to provide a vehicle operator with a reflected view of an area behind the operator while the operator remains facing forward. This area behind the operator includes portions of the interior of the vehicle as well as an area outside of the vehicle as seen through the rear window. Most vehicles also include a rearview camera system that includes a rearview camera and a video display screen that facilitate providing an operator of the vehicle with an unobstructed view rearward of the vehicle. Typically, the rearview camera system is only activated when the vehicle is in a predetermined operational mode, such as when the vehicle is set to operate in reverse. The operator relies on the rearview mirror to provide visibility rearward of the vehicle when the vehicle is set to operate in other operational modes. However, cargo loaded in the rear of the vehicle or passengers occupying the rear seats may interfere with the operator's ability to see out of the rear window using the rearview mirror.

As such, at least some known vehicles include a full display mirror system installed therein. Known full display mirror systems provide a video feed from a rearview camera to a display screen incorporated in the rearview mirror of the vehicle regardless of the current operational mode of the vehicle. Some known full display mirror systems provide the operator with the capability to switch between a view provided by the rearview camera (i.e., the operator views a video feed displayed on the display screen) and a view provided by a traditional rearview mirror (i.e., the operator views a reflection in the mirror). The vehicle may also include a rear wiper system that is operable independently of the full display mirror system. If the rearview camera is mounted on an exterior of the vehicle and does not provide a rearward view through the rear window of the vehicle, the operator of the vehicle may not notice that the rear wiper system is active if the operator relies solely on the video feed provided on the display screen. Unintentional activation of the rear wiper system may reduce the service life of the rear wiper blade.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

In one aspect, a system for controlling vehicle components including a rear wiper system and a full display mirror (FDM) system is provided. The system includes a rear wiper system switch including an OFF position and at least one activated position. The system also includes an FDM control switch including an OFF position and an ON position. The system also includes a control unit communicatively coupled to the rear wiper system switch and the FDM control switch and configured to activate a rear wiper activation indicator when the rear wiper system switch is in the at least one activated position and the FDM control switch is in the ON position.

In another aspect, a method of operating a full display mirror (FDM) system of a motor vehicle is provided. The FDM system includes a display window. The method including determining that the FDM system is in an active mode, determining that a rear wiper system of the motor vehicle is in an active mode, and automatically displaying a rear wiper activation indicator within the display window.

In yet another aspect, a full display mirror (FDM) system is provided. The FDM system includes a mirror/display screen configured to display a video feed from a rear facing camera and to selectively display a rear wiper activation indicator. The FDM system also includes an FDM control switch including an OFF position and an ON position. The FDM system also includes a control unit communicatively coupled to the mirror/display screen and the FDM switch and configured to receive an activate signal from a rear wiper system switch. The control unit is configured to activate the rear wiper activation indicator when the FDM switch is in the ON position and upon receipt of the activate signal from the rear wiper system switch.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a box diagram illustrating select components within an exemplary motor vehicle.

FIG. 2 is an illustration of an exemplary combination front and rear wiper system switch that may be included in the motor vehicle shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is an exemplary display of a full display mirror system that may be included in the motor vehicle shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is an exemplary control diagram illustrating a method of operating a full display mirror system, for example, the full display mirror system shown in FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The embodiments described herein relate generally to a full display mirror (FDM) system for use in a motor vehicle and, more specifically, to control of an indicator associated with the FDM system and representing an operational status of a rear window wiper system. Embodiments described herein are intended for use with large vehicles, such as sport utility vehicles or minivans, that include an FDM system, and/or smaller vehicles that also include relatively vertical and/or large rear windows. In the exemplary embodiment, these vehicles include a rear window wiper and a window washer fluid nozzle. Typically, an indicator light informing the driver that the front windshield wipers are ON is unnecessary since the driver is visually aware of the windshield wipers moving across the windshield when activated. Similarly, an indicator light informing the driver that the rear window wiper is ON is also typically unnecessary since the driver can see, when looking in a rearview mirror, the rear window wiper moving across the rear window. However, the rearview camera of the FDM system described herein is located on the exterior of the vehicle. Therefore, if the driver unintentionally has the rear window wiper ON, the driver would not see it operating in a rearview display screen of the FDM system when the FDM system is activated. If the rear window is dry, unintentional prolonged use of the rear window wiper on the dry window may cause the wiper blade to prematurely wear, thus reducing its useful life.

In some embodiments described herein, use of the video feed within the FDM system is optional. That is, the FDM system includes a reflective layer that enables it to be used in the same manner as a traditional rearview mirror. Thus, the video display screen of the FDM system needs to be activated in order to view the video feed from the rearview camera. As referred to hereinafter, when the FDM system is in an active mode, which is also referred to herein as activated, turned ON, or enabled, the vehicle operator sees images from the camera on the video display screen. Conversely, when the FDM system is in an inactive mode, which is also referred to herein as deactivated, turned OFF, or disabled, the vehicle operator sees reflected images. Moreover, in some embodiments, the FDM system includes a washer nozzle to keep the rearview camera clean. In the exemplary embodiment, the FDM washer nozzle is activated by the same switch used to activate the rear window washer nozzle (e.g., the rear wiper switch options are ON, INT (intermittent), OFF, and WASH). The WASH selection on the switch is a momentary switch, in that the switch must be held in the WASH selection position to be activated.

An embodiment of the present disclosure provides a rear window wiper activation indicator. As noted above, a driver may not realize that the rear wiper system is activated while the FDM system is activated. In the exemplary embodiment, the FDM system displays an indicator, for example, an icon or a light, when the FDM system is ON and the rear window wiper is activated. The icon indicates to the driver that the rear window wiper is activated, and the driver can then determine what action to take, if any.

FIG. 1 is a box diagram illustrating select components within an exemplary motor vehicle 100. In the exemplary embodiment, motor vehicle 100 includes a control unit 102, a combination front and rear wiper system switch 104, and a full display mirror (FDM) system 106. Alternatively, motor vehicle 100 may include a front wiper switch and a separate rear wiper switch. Motor vehicle 100 also includes a front wiper system 108, a rear wiper system 110, and a rear window washer system 111.

In the exemplary embodiment, FDM system 106 includes a combination mirror/display screen 130, a rearview camera 132, an FDM control switch 134, and a rearview camera wash system 136. Control unit 102 is coupled in communication with switch 104, FDM system 106, front wiper system 108, rear wiper system 110, and rear window washer system 111. Control unit 102 controls operation of FDM system 106, front wiper system 108, rear wiper system 110, and rear window washer system 111, and, in some embodiments, facilitates controlling the operation based on commands received from switch 104 and/or FDM system 106. Control unit 102 also stores control algorithms therein, such as those described in more detail below. Although illustrated as a single box, functions of control unit 102 may be performed by a single controller and/or processor, or may be separated between multiple controllers and/or processors. Furthermore, although illustrated as communicatively coupled to FDM system 106, control unit 102, or specific functions of control unit 102, may be included within FDM system 106.

In the exemplary embodiment, rearview camera 132 is coupled to an exterior portion of vehicle 100. For example, rearview camera 132 may be positioned adjacent to a center high mount stop light assembly, adjacent to or within a rear spoiler, and/or any other location on a rear portion of the vehicle that allows the FDM system 106 to function as described herein. By positioning rearview camera 132 on an exterior of vehicle 100, the camera is positioned outside of a path of a rear wiper of rear wiper system 110. Such positioning prevents the rear wiper from interfering with the image provided by rearview camera 132.

FIG. 2 is an exemplary embodiment of front and rear wiper system switch 104. In the exemplary embodiment, switch 104 includes a front wiper toggle 112 and a rear wiper system switch 114. Rear wiper system switch 114 may also be referred to herein as a rear wiper toggle 114. Front wiper toggle 112 controls operation of front wiper system 108 (shown in FIG. 1), and rear wiper toggle 114 controls operation of a rear wiper system 110 and rear window washer system 111 (both shown in FIG. 1). In the exemplary embodiment, front wiper toggle 112 is selectively positionable in a MIST position, an OFF position, an AUTO position, a LO position, and a HI position. Front wiper toggle 112 includes a wiper interval selector 113 that is rotatable relative to switch 104. Wiper interval selector 113 is operable when front wiper toggle 112 is in the AUTO position, which facilitates activating front wiper system 108 in an automatic mode. Wiper interval selector 113 enables a driver of motor vehicle 100 (shown in FIG. 1) to adjust a front wiper activation interval of front wiper system 108 while in the automatic mode. The activation interval is a length of time between windshield wiper wipes. In addition, positioning front wiper toggle 112 in the LO position facilitates activating front wiper system 108 in a low speed mode, and positioning front wiper toggle 112 in the HI position facilitates activating front wiper system 108 in a high speed mode. The low speed mode has a shorter front wiper activation interval (i.e., shorter time period between wipes, i.e., higher frequency of wipes) than the automatic mode, and the high speed mode has a shorter front wiper activation interval than the low speed mode.

Rear wiper toggle 114 is rotatable between a plurality of perpetual switches and at least one momentary switch. The perpetual switches remain in their set position unless urged by a driver into a different position, and the momentary switch must be held in a selected position for the switch functionality to be maintained. The perpetual switches include an OFF switch 116, an INT switch 118, and an ON switch 120, such that rear wiper toggle 114 is selectively positionable between an OFF position, an INT position, and an ON position. Positioning rear wiper toggle 114 in the INT position facilitates activating rear wiper system 110 in an intermittent mode, and positioning rear wiper toggle 114 in the ON position facilitates activating rear wiper toggle 114 in an ON mode. The ON mode has a shorter rear wiper activation interval than the intermittent mode. As referred to herein, the rear wiper system 110 is defined as ON, activated, or in an active mode when in either the ON mode or the intermittent mode. Furthermore, the ON position and the INT position are considered activated positions since the rear wiper system 110 is activated when rear wiper toggle 114 is in either of these positions. The at least one momentary switch includes a first WASH switch 122 adjacent OFF switch 116, and a second WASH switch 124 adjacent ON switch 120. First and second WASH switches 122 and 124 facilitate activating rear window washer system 111, as well as rearview camera wash system 136.

FIG. 3 is a front view of an exemplary embodiment of mirror/display screen 130 of FDM system 106 in the active mode. In the exemplary embodiment, mirror/display screen 130 is included within vehicle 100 in the same position/orientation as a typical rearview mirror. For example, mirror/display screen 130 may be coupled to and extending from a vehicle windshield, a vehicle headliner, and/or in any other position/orientation that allows FDM system 106 to function as described herein.

Mirror/display screen 130 includes a housing 126, a display window 128 within housing 126, and FDM control switch 134. In the exemplary embodiment, FDM control switch 134 is coupled to housing 126. Mirror/display screen 130 also includes a display screen 140 positioned behind a mirrored layer 142. In other words, the mirrored layer 142 is positioned between the user and the display screen 140 such that, when FDM system 106 is in the active mode, images from the display screen 140 pass through the mirrored layer 142 before they are viewed by the user. Display screen 140 may include, but is not limited to, a liquid-crystal display (LCD), a light-emitting diode (LED) based display, an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) based display, and/or any other type of video display that allows FDM system 106 to function as described herein. Display window 128 is an area on a front surface of mirror/display screen 130 on which the user sees a reflected image or an image produced by the display screen 140.

The mirror/display screen 130 is configured such that when the FDM system 106 is in the active mode, the user sees a video feed provided by rearview camera 132 and displayed on display screen 140 within display window 128. When FDM system 106 is in the inactive mode, the user sees images reflected from mirrored layer 142 within display window 128. The transition between viewing an image displayed on display screen 140 and an image reflected from mirrored layer 142 may involve physically moving mirror/display screen 130, for example, by tilting mirror/display screen 130 up or down. In a first position, a reflection of a view through the rear window of the vehicle can be seen by the driver. In a second position, for example, a position where the mirror/display screen 130 is tilted upward compared to the first position, the reflection of a view through the rear window can no longer be seen by the driver. However, in the second position, the driver is able to see images produced on display screen 140. FDM control switch 134 facilitates selecting between the active mode and the inactive mode of FDM system 106. FDM control switch 134 may be a toggle switch that physically tilts mirror/display screen 130 between the first position and the second position, and may also activate (i.e., turn ON) and de-activate (i.e., turn OFF) display screen 140.

As described above, in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3, FDM system 106 is in the active mode. In the active mode, display screen 140 displays a display mode indicator 144. For example, display mode indicator 144 may be an icon resembling a video camera. Displaying display mode indicator 144 ensures that the vehicle operator is aware that FDM system 106 is in the active mode and that a video feed from rearview camera 132 is being viewed within display window 128. When FDM system 106 is in the inactive mode, display mode indicator 144 is not visible to the vehicle operator. Furthermore, display screen 140 is configured to display a rear wiper activation indicator 146. In the exemplary embodiment, rear wiper activation indicator 146 is an icon resembling a window and wiper. The rear wiper activation indicator 146 may include text along with, or in place of, an icon or other graphic symbol. In alternative embodiments, rear wiper activation indicator 146 may include an animation, for example, simulating an appearance of a rear wiper moving across the rear window.

FIG. 4 is a control diagram illustrating an exemplary method 210 of operating an FDM system, for example, FDM system 106 (shown in FIG. 1). In the exemplary embodiment, FDM system 106 is in the active mode (i.e., is ON) and the control diagram illustrates what occurs when rear wiper toggle 114 (shown in FIG. 2) is in different positions. Control unit 102 may determine that rear wiper system 110 is in the active mode when an activate signal is received from rear wiper toggle 114. When rear wiper toggle 114 is positioned to activate rear wiper system 110 (i.e., either ON position 120 or INT position 118 (both shown in FIG. 2)), control unit 102 (shown in FIG. 1) activates rear wiper activation indicator 146 (shown in FIG. 3) (i.e., causes rear wiper activation indicator 146 to be displayed on display screen 140 within display window 128 (both shown in FIG. 3)). For example, rear wiper activation indicator 146 may be overlaid on the video feed displayed on display screen 140 in a position that does not impede the rearview visibility provided to the vehicle operator. Alternatively, activating rear wiper activation indicator 146 may include illuminating a dedicated light emitting device, icon, and/or indicator within display window 128 but not a part of display screen 140. Moreover, when FDM system 106 is in the active mode, and rear wiper toggle 114 is positioned in the OFF position 116, rear wiper activation indicator 146 is not visible to the vehicle operator.

In the exemplary embodiment, method 210 also includes monitoring a length of time rear wiper activation indicator 146 is displayed. For example, control unit 102 may monitor the length of time the indicator 146 is displayed and/or the length of time conditions are present that result in the activation of the indicator 146. Method 210 may also include modifying an appearance of the rear wiper activation indicator 146 when the monitored length of time exceeds a predefined threshold. The predefined threshold may be a length of time stored within a memory associated with control unit 102 and/or FDM system 106. Modifying the appearance of the rear wiper activation indicator 146 may include, but is not limited to, increasing a size of the indicator, changing a color of the indicator, and/or causing the indicator to flash. These modifications to the appearance of the rear wiper activation indicator 146 are intended to draw additional attention to the indicator 146 when rear wiper system 110 has not been deactivated within the predefined length of time after the indicator 146 is activated. As an alternative to, or in combination with, modifying the appearance of the rear wiper activation indicator 146, method 210 may also include producing an auditory alert when the monitored length of time exceeds the predefined threshold.

As stated above, since the rearview camera 132 of the FDM system 106 is located on the exterior of the vehicle, if the driver unintentionally activates the rear wiper system 110, or the rear wiper system 110 is activated from a previous drive, the driver would not see it operating in the display screen 140 of the FDM system 106 when the FDM system 106 is in the active mode. If the rear window is dry, unintentional prolonged use of the rear window wiper on the dry window may cause the wiper blade to prematurely wear, thus reducing its useful life. As such, rear wiper activation indicator 146 provides the driver with a convenient indication that rear wiper system 110 is active, and the driver can then decide whether to deactivate rear wiper system 110.

In contrast, when FDM system 106 is in the inactive mode (i.e., reflected view seen by vehicle operator within display window 128), rear wiper activation indicator 146 is not displayed on display screen 140 and not visible within display window 128. More specifically, regardless of the position of rear wiper toggle 114, when FDM system 106 is in the inactive mode, rear wiper activation indicator 146 is not visible to the vehicle operator within display window 128. When FDM system is in the inactive mode, the vehicle operator can see, in the reflected images, when the rear wiper system 110 is activated.

The embodiments described herein relate to a control scheme for use with a full display mirror system and a rear wiper system of a vehicle that facilitates reducing unnecessary wear to wiper components of rear wiper system. The control schemes described herein reduce unnecessary wear to the wiper components by providing an indication to the driver that use of the rear wiper system may be unnecessary. As such, the service life of the wiper components is increased.

This written description uses examples to disclose various embodiments, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the various implementations, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the disclosure is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal language of the claims.

Claims

1. A system for controlling vehicle components including a rear wiper system and a full display mirror (FDM) system, comprising:

a rear wiper system switch including an OFF position and at least one activated position;

an FDM control switch including an OFF position and an ON position; and

a control unit communicatively coupled to said rear wiper system switch and said FDM control switch and configured to activate a rear wiper activation indicator when said rear wiper system switch is in the at least one ON position and said FDM control switch is in the ON position.

2. A system in accordance with claim 1, wherein said FDM system includes a display window, and wherein the rear wiper activation indicator is visible within the display window when activated.

3. A system in accordance with claim 2, wherein said FDM system includes a display screen visible within said display window, wherein said control unit provides a signal to said display screen that causes said display screen to overlay said rear wiper activation indicator on a video feed displayed by said display screen.

4. A system in accordance with claim 1, wherein said rear wiper activation indicator comprises an icon resembling a window and wiper.

5. A system in accordance with claim 1, wherein said control unit is further configured to monitor a length of time said rear wiper activation indicator is activated.

6. A system in accordance with claim 5, wherein said control unit is further configured to activate a modified rear wiper activation indicator when the monitored length of time exceeds a predefined threshold, wherein the modified rear wiper activation indicator comprises at least one of a flashing indicator, an indicator of increased size, and an indicator having a different color.

7. A system in accordance with claim 5, wherein said control unit is further configured to produce an auditory alert when the monitored length of time exceeds the predefined threshold.

8. A method of operating a full display mirror (FDM) system of a vehicle, the FDM system including a display window, said method comprising:

determining that the FDM system is in an active mode;

determining that a rear wiper system of the motor vehicle is in an active mode; and

automatically displaying a rear wiper activation indicator within the display window.

9. A method in accordance with claim 8, wherein determining that the FDM system is in the active mode comprises receiving, at a control unit, an activation signal from an FDM control switch.

10. A method in accordance with claim 8, wherein determining that the rear wiper system is in the active mode comprises receiving, at the control unit, one of an ON signal and an INT signal from a rear wiper system switch.

11. A method in accordance with claim 8, wherein automatically displaying the rear wiper activation indicator comprises overlaying an icon on a video feed displayed in the display window.

12. A method in accordance with claim 8, wherein automatically displaying the rear wiper activation indicator comprises illuminating a dedicated light emitting device, visible within the display window.

13. A method in accordance with claim 8, further comprising monitoring a length of time the rear wiper activation indicator is displayed.

14. A method in accordance with claim 13, further comprising modifying an appearance of the rear wiper activation indicator when the monitored length of time exceeds a predefined threshold.

15. A method in accordance with claim 14, wherein modifying the appearance of the rear wiper activation indicator comprises at least one of flashing the indicator, increasing a size of the indicator, and changing a color of the indicator.

16. A full display mirror (FDM) system comprising:

a mirror/display screen configured to display a video feed from a rear facing camera and to selectively display a rear wiper activation indicator;

an FDM control switch including an OFF position and an ON position;

a control unit communicatively coupled to said mirror/display screen and said FDM switch and configured to receive an activate signal from a rear wiper system switch, said control unit configured to activate said rear wiper activation indicator when said FDM switch is in the ON position and upon receipt of the activate signal from the rear wiper system switch.

17. An FDM system in accordance with claim 16, wherein said rear wiper activation indicator is visible on said mirror/display screen when activated.

18. An FDM system in accordance with claim 16, wherein said control unit provides a signal to said mirror/display screen that causes said mirror/display screen to overlay said rear wiper activation indicator on a video feed displayed on said mirror/display screen.

19. An FDM system in accordance with claim 16, wherein said rear wiper activation indicator comprises an icon resembling a window and wiper.

20. An FDM system in accordance with claim 16, wherein said control unit is further configured to:

monitor a length of time said rear wiper activation indicator is displayed; and

modify an appearance of said rear wiper activation indicator when the monitored length of time exceeds a predefined threshold, wherein the modified appearance comprises at least one of a flashing indicator, an indicator of increased size, and an indicator having a different color.