U.S. patent application number 14/358192 was filed with the patent office on 2014-11-27 for video display mirror and video display mirror system.
This patent application is currently assigned to Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.. The applicant listed for this patent is Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.. Invention is credited to Yuji Matsumoto, Yuichi Tazaki.
Application Number | 20140347488 14/358192 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 48574004 |
Filed Date | 2014-11-27 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140347488 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Tazaki; Yuichi ; et
al. |
November 27, 2014 |
VIDEO DISPLAY MIRROR AND VIDEO DISPLAY MIRROR SYSTEM
Abstract
A video display mirror is provided with a half mirror, a
monitor, and an interlocking mechanism. The half mirror is used so
that a vehicle passenger can look toward the rear of the vehicle.
The monitor is disposed near the half mirror toward the front of
the vehicle. The interlocking mechanism moves in relation to a
video image being displayed on the monitor and changes the angle of
a reflection surface of the half mirror from the position of the
half mirror when the rear of the vehicle is viewed.
Inventors: |
Tazaki; Yuichi; (Kanagawa,
JP) ; Matsumoto; Yuji; (Kanagawa, JP) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. |
Kanagawa |
|
JP |
|
|
Assignee: |
Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
Kanagawa
JP
|
Family ID: |
48574004 |
Appl. No.: |
14/358192 |
Filed: |
October 29, 2012 |
PCT Filed: |
October 29, 2012 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/JP2012/077890 |
371 Date: |
May 14, 2014 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
348/148 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B60R 1/04 20130101; H04N
7/181 20130101; B60R 2300/8006 20130101; H04N 7/18 20130101; B60R
2001/1253 20130101; B60R 2300/8026 20130101; B60R 2300/207
20130101; B60R 2011/0033 20130101; B60R 1/08 20130101; B60R 1/00
20130101; B60R 1/12 20130101; B60R 2300/8066 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
348/148 |
International
Class: |
B60R 1/12 20060101
B60R001/12; B60R 1/08 20060101 B60R001/08; B60R 1/04 20060101
B60R001/04 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Dec 9, 2011 |
JP |
2011-269734 |
Jun 12, 2012 |
JP |
2012-132789 |
Claims
1-10. (canceled)
11. A video display mirror comprising: a half mirror used by a
passenger of a vehicle for looking toward a rear of the vehicle;
and a monitor installed at a position on a front of the vehicle
close to the half mirror, wherein when a video image is displayed
on a display surface of the monitor, the display surface of the
monitor is at a position looked at by the passenger, and a
reflective surface of the half mirror is directed toward a
direction different from that of the display surface of the monitor
and also to the direction different from an angle when the rear of
the vehicle is looked at.
12. A video display mirror comprising: a half mirror used by a
passenger of a vehicle for looking toward a rear of the vehicle;
and a monitor installed at a position on a front of the vehicle
close to the half mirror, wherein when a video image is displayed
on a display surface of the monitor, the display surface of the
monitor is directed toward the same direction as that of the half
mirror when the passenger looks toward the rear of the vehicle, and
the half mirror is directed toward the direction different from
that when the passenger looks toward the rear of the vehicle.
13. The video display mirror according to claim 11, wherein the
monitor and the half mirror are arranged with inclination so that
they can move at the same time, and wherein when the passenger
looks toward the rear of the vehicle by using the reflective
surface of the half mirror, the display surface of the monitor is
directed toward the direction different from that of the reflective
surface of the half mirror.
14. A video display mirror comprising: a half mirror used by a
passenger of a vehicle for looking toward a rear of the vehicle;
and a monitor installed at a position on a front of the vehicle
close to the half mirror, wherein the video display mirror is
arranged capable of selecting at least either one of: a position
where the passenger of the vehicle looks toward a display surface
of the monitor; and a half mirror use position where the passenger
of the vehicle looks toward the rear of the vehicle by a reflective
surface of the half mirror, and wherein if the position for looking
toward the display surface of the monitor is selected, the
reflective surface of the half mirror is directed toward a
direction different from that of the display surface of the monitor
and the direction different from an angle when the half mirror use
position is selected.
15. A video display mirror comprising: a half mirror used by a
passenger of a vehicle for looking toward a rear of the vehicle;
and a monitor installed at a position on a front of the vehicle
close to the half mirror, wherein the video display mirror is
arranged capable of selecting at least either one of: a position
where the passenger of the vehicle looks toward a display surface
of the monitor; and a half mirror use position where the passenger
of the vehicle looks toward the rear of the vehicle by a reflective
surface of the half mirror, and wherein if the position for looking
toward the display surface of the monitor is selected, the display
surface of the monitor is directed toward the same direction as
that of the reflective surface of the half mirror when the half
mirror use position is selected, and the reflective surface of the
half mirror is directed toward the direction different from that
when the half mirror use position is selected.
16. The video display mirror according to claim 14, wherein wherein
the monitor and the half mirror are arranged with inclination so
that they can move at the same time, and wherein when the half
mirror use position is selected, the display surface of the monitor
is directed toward the direction different from that of the
reflective surface of the half mirror.
17. A video display mirror comprising: a half mirror used by a
passenger of a vehicle for looking toward a rear of the vehicle; a
monitor installed at a position on a front of the vehicle close to
the half mirror, wherein when a video image is displayed on a
display surface of the monitor, the display surface of the monitor
is at a position looked at by the passenger; and an interlocking
mechanism which interlocks with display of the video image on the
display surface of the monitor and changes an angle of a reflective
surface of the half mirror to an angle different from that of the
display surface of the monitor and the angle different from an
angle when the rear of the vehicle is looked at.
18. A video display mirror comprising: a half mirror used by a
passenger of a vehicle for looking toward a rear of the vehicle; a
monitor installed at a position on a front of the vehicle close to
the half mirror; and an interlocking mechanism which interlocks
with display of a video image on a display surface of the monitor
and directs the display surface of the monitor to the same
direction as that of a reflective surface of the half mirror when
the passenger looks toward the rear of the vehicle and directs the
reflective surface of the half mirror to a direction different from
that when the passenger looks toward the rear of the vehicle.
19. The video display mirror according to claim 17, wherein the
display surface of the monitor is arranged with inclination with
respect to the reflective surface of the half mirror, and wherein
when the passenger looks toward the rear of the vehicle by using
the reflective surface of the half mirror, the display surface of
the monitor is directed toward a direction different from that of
the reflective surface of the half mirror.
20. The video display mirror according to claim 11, further
comprising: a housing for accommodating the half mirror and the
monitor.
21. The video display mirror according to claim 20, wherein the
half mirror and the monitor are fixed to the housing, and when an
angle of a reflective surface of the half mirror and an angle of a
display surface of the monitor are to be changed, they are made
movable together with the housing.
22. A video display mirror comprising: a half mirror used by a
passenger of a vehicle for looking toward a rear of the vehicle; a
monitor installed on a back surface side of the half mirror; and a
housing for accommodating the half mirror and the monitor, a
display surface of the monitor being at a position looked at by the
passenger when a video image is displayed on the display surface of
the monitor, wherein when the passenger looks toward the monitor,
the half mirror is accommodated in the housing so as to be directed
toward a direction different from that of the display surface of
the monitor and the direction different from an angle when the rear
of the vehicle is looked at.
23. A video display mirror comprising: a half mirror used by a
passenger of a vehicle for looking toward a rear of the vehicle; a
monitor installed on a back surface side of the half mirror; and a
housing for accommodating the half mirror and the monitor, a
display surface of the monitor being at a position looked at by the
passenger when a video image is displayed on the display surface of
the monitor, wherein when the passenger looks toward the monitor,
the display surface of the monitor is directed toward the same
direction as that of a reflective surface of the half mirror when
the passenger looks toward the rear of the vehicle, and the
reflective surface of the half mirror is accommodated in the
housing so as to be directed toward a direction different from that
when the passenger looks toward the rear of the vehicle.
24. The video display mirror according to claim 22, wherein when
the passenger of the vehicle looks toward the rear of the vehicle
by using the half mirror, the display surface of the monitor is
directed toward a direction different from that of the reflective
surface of the half mirror.
Description
FIELD OF INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to a video display mirror for
looking toward the rear of a vehicle and to a video display mirror
system.
BACKGROUND ART
[0002] A technology for displaying a video by combining a monitor
with a rearview mirror for an automobile has been known (see Patent
Literature 1 or 2).
[0003] In an image recording rearview mirror during traveling
described in Patent Literature 1, a mirror surface is installed on
a front surface of an auxiliary rearview mirror, and a liquid
crystal screen is installed in a hidden mode so as not to influence
a rearview mirror function on the mirror surface on one end of the
mirror surface. On a surface opposite to the auxiliary rearview
mirror, a camera can be fixed for photographing an image on the
front during traveling by arbitrarily adjusting an angle. The image
during traveling photographed by this camera is replayed on the
liquid crystal screen.
[0004] In Patent Literature 2, one reflective lens capable of light
transmission is provided inside a housing of a rearview mirror for
an automobile, one liquid crystal display screen is bonded to a
rear edge of this reflective lens, and one micro infrared
wide-angle video camera is provided at an appropriate position on a
peripheral edge of the housing. When an operation of the automobile
is normalized, the liquid crystal display screen is brought into a
non-display state, and no light is emitted on a rear surface of the
reflective lens so that the reflective lens reflects a rear image
like a traditional rearview mirror. If a video image photographed
by the video camera is displayed on the liquid crystal display
screen, light of the video image penetrates the reflective lens
capable of light transmission, and a real video image on the rear
is displayed on the reflective lens and offered for direct view by
a driver.
CITATION LIST
Patent Literature
[0005] Patent Literature 1: Japanese Utility Model Registration No.
3140339
[0006] Patent Literature 2: Japanese Utility Model Registration No.
3161007
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
[0007] If a video image is displayed on a monitor in a state in
which an amount of light from the rear of a vehicle reflected by a
half mirror toward a passenger of the vehicle is large, an image
displayed on the monitor overlaps with a reflective image by the
half mirror. As a result, the passenger of the vehicle feels
cumbersomeness, and visibility of the video image displayed on the
monitor deteriorates.
[0008] One or more embodiments of the present invention provides a
video display mirror which decreases cumbersomeness the passenger
of the vehicle feels due to the light reflected by the half mirror
and improves visibility of the video image displayed on the monitor
and a video display mirror system.
[0009] A video display mirror according to a first aspect of the
present invention is provided with a half mirror, a monitor, and an
interlocking mechanism. The half mirror is used so that a passenger
of the vehicle can look toward the rear of the vehicle. The monitor
is installed at a position on the front of the vehicle close to the
half mirror. The interlocking mechanism interlocks with display of
the video image on the monitor and changes an angle of a reflective
surface of the half mirror from the position of the half mirror
when the rear of the vehicle is viewed.
[0010] The video display mirror system according to a second aspect
of the present invention is provided with a camera, a half mirror,
a monitor, and an interlocking mechanism. The camera is mounted on
the vehicle and photographs an image around the vehicle. The half
mirror is used so that the passenger of the vehicle looks toward
the rear of the vehicle. The monitor is installed at a position on
the front of the vehicle close to the half mirror and displays at
least the video image imaged by the camera. The interlocking
mechanism interlocks with display of the video image on the monitor
and changes an angle of a reflective surface of the half mirror
from the position of the half mirror when the rear of the vehicle
is viewed.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0011] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a
video display mirror and a video display mirror system according to
a first embodiment of the present invention.
[0012] FIG. 2 is an outline diagram illustrating a vehicle on which
the video display mirror system in FIG. 1 is mounted.
[0013] FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating a specific
configuration example of an inside mirror 11 according to the first
embodiment.
[0014] FIG. 4 is a sectional view along an A-A cross section in
FIG. 3.
[0015] FIGS. 5(a) and 5(b) are sectional views along a B-B cross
section in FIG. 3 and diagrams for explaining a motion of the
inside mirror 11 by an operation of a lever switch 44 and on/off
control of a contact switch 23a. FIG. 5(a) illustrates a position
of the inside mirror 11 when a rear view reflected by a half mirror
21 is looked at, and FIG. 5(b) illustrates a position of the inside
mirror 11 when a video image is displayed on a monitor 22.
[0016] FIG. 6 is a sectional view illustrating configurations of a
contact extending material portion 44a of the lever switch 44 and
the contact switch 23a formed on a lower end portion 43a of a
bracket 43.
[0017] FIG. 7(a) and FIG. 7(b) are diagrams corresponding to FIG.
5(a) and FIG. 5(b), respectively, for explaining an effect by the
first embodiment of the present invention.
[0018] FIG. 8 is a diagram corresponding to FIG. 5(b) for
explaining an effect by the embodiment of the present
invention.
[0019] FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an operation example of
the video display mirror system according to the first
embodiment.
[0020] FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a
video display mirror and a video display mirror system according to
a modified example of the first embodiment.
[0021] FIG. 11 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a
video display mirror and a video display mirror system according to
a second embodiment of the present invention.
[0022] FIGS. 12(a) and 12(b) are diagrams for explaining a motion
of an inside mirror 71 by driving of a motor 72. FIG. 12(a)
illustrates a position of the inside mirror 71 when the rear view
reflected by the half mirror 21 is looked at, and FIG. 12(b)
illustrates the position of the inside mirror 71 when a video image
is displayed on the monitor 22.
[0023] FIG. 13 is a sectional view enlarging a part of the motor 72
in FIG. 12(a).
[0024] FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating an operation example of
the video display mirror system according to the second
embodiment.
[0025] FIG. 15 is a perspective view illustrating a specific
configuration example of the inside mirror 11 according to a third
embodiment.
[0026] FIG. 16 is a sectional view along a C-C cross section in
FIG. 15.
[0027] FIGS. 17(a) and 17(b) are sectional views along a D-D cross
section in FIG. 15 and diagrams for explaining a motion of the
inside mirror by the operation of the lever switch 44 and on/off
control of the contact switch 23a. FIG. 17(a) illustrates a
position of the inside mirror when the rear view reflected by the
half mirror 21 is looked at, and FIG. 17(b) illustrates the
position of the inside mirror when the video image is displayed on
the monitor 22.
[0028] FIG. 18 is a sectional view illustrating configurations of a
lever portion 44b of the lever switch 44 and the contact switch 23a
formed on a lower end portion 41a of a housing 41.
[0029] FIG. 19(a) and FIG. 19(b) are diagrams corresponding to FIG.
17(a) and FIG. 17(b), respectively, for explaining an effect by the
third embodiment of the present invention.
[0030] FIGS. 20(a) and 20(b) are diagrams for explaining a motion
of the inside mirror by driving of the motor 72. FIG. 20(a)
illustrates the position of the inside mirror when the rear view
reflected by the half mirror 21 is looked at, and FIG. 20(b)
illustrates the position of the inside mirror when the video image
is displayed on the monitor 22.
[0031] FIG. 21 is a perspective view illustrating appearances of
the inside mirrors 11 and 71 according to a modified example of
third and fourth embodiments.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0032] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below
by referring to the attached drawings. In descriptions of the
drawings, the same reference numerals are given to the same
portions, and explanation will be omitted. In embodiments of the
invention, numerous specific details are set forth in order to
provide a more thorough understanding of the invention. However, it
will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that the
invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other
instances, well-known features have not been described in detail to
avoid obscuring the invention.
First Embodiment
[0033] By referring to FIG. 1, configurations of a video display
mirror and a video display mirror system according to a first
embodiment of the present invention will be described. The video
display mirror system has an inside mirror 11 provided inside a
cabin, an ECU (engine control unit) 12 having a role as a video
controller, cameras (13a, 13b) mounted on a vehicle and
photographing a video image around the vehicle, and a battery 16
for supplying DC power to the inside mirror 11, the ECU 12, and the
cameras (13a, 13b). In the embodiment, as the camera for
photographing a video image around the vehicle, a rearview camera
13a for photographing a rearview for checking a following vehicle
and a back-view camera 13b for imaging a back view for detecting an
obstacle when the vehicle retreats will be described as an
example.
[0034] To each of the inside mirror 11, the ECU 12, the rearview
camera 13a, and the back-view camera 13b, wiring for supplying DC
power from the battery 16 is connected. On the wiring connected to
the inside mirror 11 and the rearview camera 13a, a contact switch
23a is provided. On the wiring connected to the back-view camera
13b, a reverse position switch 15 is provided. The reverse position
switch 15 is a switch closed if a transmission mounted on the
vehicle is at a reverse position and opened in the case other than
the reverse position.
[0035] The inside mirror 11 includes a half mirror 21 used so that
a vehicle passenger can look toward the rear of the vehicle, a
monitor 22 for displaying a video image imaged by at least either
one of the rearview camera 13a and the back-view camera 13b, and an
interlocking mechanism 23 for interlocking with display of the
video image on the monitor 22 and changing an angle of a reflective
surface of the half mirror 21 from a position of the half mirror 21
when the rear of the vehicle is looked at.
[0036] By closing of the contact switch 23a, the rearview camera
13a is started, and photographing is started. By closing of the
reverse position switch 15, the back-view camera 13b is started,
and photographing is started. The rearview camera 13a and the
back-view camera 13b transmit photographed video data as a video
signal to the ECU 12. In the first embodiment, the ECU 12 does not
transmit a control signal for controlling start of the cameras,
that is, the rearview camera 13a and the back-view camera 13b.
[0037] The ECU 12 transfers a rearview video signal transferred
from the rearview camera 13a to the inside mirror 11 and transfers
a back-view video signal transferred from the back-view camera 13b
to the inside mirror 11. If the rearview video signal and the
back-view video signal are transmitted from the rearview camera 13a
and the back-view camera 13b to the ECU 12 at the same time, the
ECU 12 preferentially transfers the back-view video signal to the
inside mirror 11. The ECU 12 does not have to transfer the rearview
video signal when transferring the back-view video signal.
[0038] The inside mirror 11 displays a video image based on a video
signal transferred from the ECU 12 on the monitor 22. The inside
mirror 11 can preferentially display the back view if the rearview
video signal and the back-view video signal are transmitted at the
same time. As a result, the ECU 12 can switch the type of video
image to be displayed on the monitor 22 depending on whether or not
the transmission mounted on the vehicle is at the reverse position.
Moreover, the ECU 12 can display on the monitor 22 the back view
for detecting an obstacle when the vehicle retreats if the
transmission mounted on the vehicle is at the reverse position and
can display on the monitor 22 the rearview for checking the
following vehicle if the transmission mounted on the vehicle is not
at the reverse position. It is needless to say that the type of the
video image can be switched by the operation of the passenger or
the rearview and the back view can be displayed on the monitor 22
at the same time by dividing the display screen of the monitor 22
into two parts or more.
[0039] By referring to FIG. 2, a mounting example of the video
display mirror system in FIG. 1 on the vehicle will be described.
As a camera for photographing the periphery of a vehicle 25, the
rearview camera 13a for photographing a rearview RV for checking
the following vehicle and a back-view camera 13b for photographing
a back view BV for detecting an obstacle when the vehicle 25
retreats are mounted. In the cabin, the inside mirror 11 for a
passenger 26a or a passenger 26b of the vehicle 25 to check a rear
view of the vehicle 25 is provided. An arrow FD in FIG. 2 indicates
a traveling direction of the vehicle 25. As a camera for
photographing the periphery of the vehicle 25, other than the
cameras 13a and 13b, a front camera or a side camera for
photographing a blind spot on the front or side of the vehicle can
be used, for example.
[0040] By referring to FIG. 3, a specific configuration example of
the inside mirror 11 will be described. In FIG. 3, for ease of
explanation, major constituent elements of the inside mirror 11 are
shown in a separated state, but the inside mirror 11 is assembled
by stacking the major constituent elements in the direction
indicated by the arrow FD.
[0041] The inside mirror 11 is provided with the half mirror 21 for
reflecting a part of incident light and transmitting a part
thereof, the monitor 22 arranged at the position on the vehicle
front FD close to the half mirror 21, the housing 41 for
accommodating the half mirror 21 and the monitor 22, and a
frame-shaped lid 42 welded to the housing 41.
[0042] Inside the housing 41, monitor abutting ribs 51a, 51b, and
51c against which a back surface (a surface directed to the
traveling direction FD) of the monitor 22 abuts and mirror abutting
ribs 52a and 52b against which a back surface (a surface directed
to the traveling direction FD) of the half mirror 21 abuts are
provided. At a center part in the housing 41, a bracket 43 and a
lever switch 44 for changing an angle of the inside mirror 11 are
provided. FIG. 3 illustrates only the abutting ribs 51a, 51b, 51c,
52a and 52b arranged on one side in a vehicle width direction from
the bracket 43, but the abutting ribs 51a, 51b, 51c, 52a, and 52b
are similarly arranged on the other side in the vehicle width
direction from the bracket 43.
[0043] On an outer peripheral portion of the monitor 22, notch
portions 53a and 53b are formed at positions corresponding to the
mirror abutting ribs 52a and 52b, respectively. The notch portions
53a and 53b penetrate the mirror abutting ribs 52a and 52b, the
back surface of the monitor 22 abuts against the monitor abutting
ribs 51a, 51b, and 51c, and the back surface of the monitor 22 and
the monitor abutting ribs 51a, 51b, and 51c are bonded by using an
adhesive or a double-sided tape. As a result, the monitor 22 is
fixed at a predetermined angle with respect to the housing 41,
determined by the monitor abutting ribs 51a, 51b, and 51c.
[0044] The back surface of the half mirror 21 abuts tip ends of the
mirror abutting ribs 52a and 52b, and a front surface (a surface on
the side opposite to the traveling direction FD) of the half mirror
21 is brought into contact with the lid 42. The half mirror 21 is
sandwiched between the mirror abutting ribs 52a and 52b and the lid
42, and by welding of the lid 42 to the housing 41, the half mirror
21 is fixed at a predetermined angle with respect to the housing
41, different from the monitor 22.
[0045] The bracket 43 has a plate shape in which a normal line of
its front/back surface is directed to the traveling direction FD,
and a pair of rotating shafts 56 protrude in the vehicle width
direction from both side surfaces of an upper part of the bracket
43. Inside the housing 41, rotation guide portions 54a and 54b are
formed. The pair of rotating shafts 56 are supported rotatably with
respect to the housing 41 by the rotation guide portions 54a and
54b, respectively. On a lower part of the bracket 43, a bearing 43b
for rotatably supporting a rotating shaft 57 of the lever switch 44
which will be described later is formed.
[0046] The lever switch 44 has a lever portion 44b offered for an
operation of the passenger 26a, the contact extending material
portion 44a forming the contact switch 23a in FIG. 1, and a
rotating shaft extending material portion 44c forming the rotating
shaft 57 of the above described lever switch 44. At a tip end of
the rotating shaft extending material portion 44c, the rotating
shaft 57 with respect to the bracket 43 is formed. The rotating
shaft 57 is supported rotatably by the bearing 43b of the bracket
43. From both side surfaces of the rotating shaft extending
material portion 44c, the pair of rotating shafts 58 with respect
to the housing 41 protrude in the vehicle width direction. In the
housing 41, the rotation guide portions 55a and 55b are formed. The
pair of rotating shafts 58 are supported rotatably with respect to
the housing 41 by the rotation guide portions 55a and 55b,
respectively. Bearings of the rotation guide portions 55a and 55b
are formed larger than the pair of rotating shafts 58 so that the
pair of rotating shafts 58 can move in parallel in the bearings of
the rotation guide portions 55a and 55b.
[0047] As illustrated in FIG. 4, on an A-A cross section in FIG. 3,
the notch portions 53a and 53b of the monitor 22 penetrate the
mirror abutting ribs 52a and 52b, and the back surface of the
monitor 22 is brought into contact with the monitor abutting ribs
51a, 51b, and 51c. The half mirror 21 is sandwiched between tip
ends of the mirror abutting ribs 52a and 52b and the lid 42, and by
welding of the lid 42 to the housing 41, the half mirror 21 is
fixed to the housing 41. As illustrated in FIG. 4, the monitor 22
is installed at a position on the vehicle front close to the half
mirror 21. The half mirror 21 and the monitor 22 are fixed at
different predetermined angles with respect to the housing 41. That
is, the half mirror 21 and the monitor 22 are arranged with
inclination. Specifically, a reflective surface (front surface) of
the half mirror 21 is inclined more upward than a display surface
(back surface) of the monitor 22.
[0048] By referring to FIG. 5(a) and FIG. 5(b), a motion of the
inside mirror 11 and on/off control of the contact switch by an
operation of the lever switch 44 will be described. FIG. 5(a) and
FIG. 5(b) are sectional views along a B-B cross section in FIG. 3.
The bracket 43 is connected to a vehicle joint portion BS through a
ball joint BJ. The vehicle joint portion BS is fixed to the
vicinity of a center on an upper part of a front window of the
vehicle 25, for example.
[0049] FIG. 5(a) illustrates a position of the inside mirror 11
when the passenger 26a looks toward the rear view reflected by the
half mirror 21. In a state illustrated in FIG. 5(a), the rear view
of the vehicle 25 with respect to the passenger 26a of the vehicle
25 is projected to the half mirror 21 and the video image is not
displayed on the monitor 22. Thus, since the inside of the inside
mirror 11 is dark, and the outside is in a bright state, the
passenger 26a of the vehicle 25 can easily check the rear of the
vehicle by the half mirror 21.
[0050] The passenger 26a of the vehicle 25 operates the lever
switch 44 in FIG. 5(a) to a direction HD1 opposite to the vehicle
traveling direction FD. Then, the lever switch 44 rotates with
respect to the housing 41 around the pair of rotating shafts 58. At
the same time with that, the lever switch 44 also rotates with
respect to the bracket 43 around the rotating shaft 57, and the
bracket 43 rotates with respect to the housing 41 around a rotating
shaft 56. As indicated by a reference character CP1 in FIG. 5(b),
if a contact extending material portion 44a of the lever switch 44
is brought into contact with a lower end portion 43a of the bracket
43, whereby each rotation operation described above is stopped, and
at the same time the contact switch 23a formed on the lower end
portion 43a of the bracket 43 is closed. By closing of the contact
switch 23a, a video image is displayed on the monitor 22.
[0051] FIG. 5(b) shows a state in which the aforementioned rotation
operation is stopped and also illustrates a position of the inside
mirror 11 when the video image is displayed on the monitor 22.
Before and after the rotation operation, angles of the housing 41,
the half mirror 21, and the monitor 22 are changed upward
similarly. On the other hand, the bracket 43, the ball joint BJ,
and the vehicle joint portion BS do not move before and after the
rotation operation.
[0052] As described above, the interlocking mechanism 23 provided
in the inside mirror 11 is a manual interlocking mechanism
including the contact switch 23a switched to on/off in accordance
with the angle of the half mirror 21 and the lever switch 44 for
performing on/off control of the contact switch 23a by changing the
angle of the inside mirror 11. As a result, the interlocking
mechanism 23 can change the angle of the reflective surface of the
half mirror 21 from the position of the half mirror 21 when the
rear of the vehicle is looked at by interlocking with display of a
video image on the monitor 22. If the passenger 26a pulls forward
the lever switch 44 in FIG. 5(a), the housing 41, the half mirror
21, and the monitor 22 incline upward by a hinge structure.
Moreover, by closing of the contact switch 23a, the cameras 13a and
13b and the monitor 22 are started, and a video image is displayed
on the monitor 22. At this time, the half mirror 21 is directed
upward so as to prevent a double image by eliminating
reflection.
[0053] By referring to FIG. 6, a configuration of the contact
switch 23a formed on the lower end portion 43a of the bracket 43
will be described. The contact switch 23a includes two fixed
contacts 61a and 61b arranged separately and a movable contact 62
supported by the lower end portion 43a of the bracket 43 through a
spring 63. In the state of FIG. 5(a), since the contact extending
material portion 44a of the lever switch 44 is located away from
the lower end portion 43a of the bracket 43, the movable contact 62
does not contact the fixed contacts 61a and 61b and the contact
switch 23a is in an off state. In the state of FIG. 5(b), since the
contact extending material portion 44a of the lever switch 44 is
brought into contact with the lower end portion 43a of the bracket
43, the lower end portion 43a of the bracket 43 presses the movable
contact 62, and the movable contact 62 is brought into contact with
the fixed contacts 61a and 61b. Thus, the contact switch 23a is
brought into an on state.
[0054] As illustrated in FIG. 7(a), in the state of FIG. 5(a),
since an eye line extended from an eye EY of the passenger 26a is
directed to the rear view BD, the rear view of the vehicle 25 is
projected to the half mirror 21 with respect to the passenger 26a
of the vehicle 25, and an amount of light reflected by the half
mirror 21 toward the passenger 26a of the vehicle 25 becomes large
in this state. In the state of FIG. 5(a), since the contact switch
23a is open, no video image is displayed on the monitor 22, and the
monitor 22 looks dark. Thus, since the inside of the inside mirror
11 is dark and the outside is bright, the passenger 26a of the
vehicle 25 can easily check the rear view by the half mirror
21.
[0055] On the other hand, as illustrated in FIG. 7(b), in the state
of FIG. 5(b), since the housing 41, the half mirror 21, and the
monitor 22 are directed upward, the eye line extended from the eye
EY of the passenger 26a is directed to a roof direction RD in the
cabin. Thus, the light amount reflected by the half mirror 21
toward the passenger 26a of the vehicle 25 decreases as compared
with the state of FIG. 5(a). In the state of FIG. 5(b), since the
contact switch 23a is closed, a video image is displayed on the
monitor 22. Thus, since a state in which the inside of the inside
mirror 11 is bright and the outside is dark is formed, the
passenger 26a of the vehicle 25 no longer feels cumbersomeness by
the light reflected by the half mirror 21, and visibility of the
video image displayed on the monitor 22 is improved. As a result, a
light amount of the monitor 22 can be kept lower than an existing
technology.
[0056] As illustrated in FIG. 8, in the state of FIG. 5(b),
interlocking with display of a video image on the monitor 22, the
display surface of the monitor 22 can be directed to the passenger
26a of the vehicle 25. As a result, visibility of the video image
displayed on the monitor 22 can be further improved. For example,
it is only necessary to direct the display surface of the monitor
22 perpendicularly to the passenger 26a of the vehicle 25. Since an
angle of the display surface of the monitor 22 which improves
visibility of the video image is different depending on
characteristics of the monitor 22, directing perpendicularly is not
limiting, and the display surface may be directed to an angle at
which the visibility of the video image is improved.
[0057] Moreover, the half mirror 21 and the monitor 22 can be fixed
with respect to each other in a state in which the display surface
of the monitor 22 is directed toward the passenger 26a of the
vehicle 25, and the reflective surface of the half mirror 21 is
directed to an upper direction (the roof direction RD, for example)
than an angle when the rear of the vehicle is looked at. The
interlocking mechanism 23 can direct the reflective surface of the
half mirror 21 to the upper direction than the angle when the rear
of the vehicle is looked at and at the same time, can direct the
display surface of the monitor 22 toward the passenger of the
vehicle by changing the angles of the reflective surface of the
half mirror 21 and the display surface of the monitor 22 at the
same time. Thus, angle control of the half mirror 21 and the
monitor 22 by the interlocking mechanism 23 is made easy.
[0058] Alternatively, the half mirror 21 and the monitor 22 can be
fixed to each other in a state in which the display surface of the
monitor 22 is directed to the passenger 26a of the vehicle 25, and
the reflective surface of the half mirror 21 is directed to a lower
direction (a floor direction, for example) than the angle when the
rear of the vehicle is looked at. In this case, the interlocking
mechanism 23 can direct the reflective surface of the half mirror
21 to the lower direction than the angle when the rear of the
vehicle is looked at and at the same time, can direct the display
surface of the monitor 22 toward the passenger of the vehicle by
changing the angles of the reflective surface of the half mirror 21
and the display surface of the monitor 22 to the lower direction at
the same time. For example, the state illustrated in FIG. 5(a) and
the state illustrated in FIG. 5(b) can be switched in practice.
[0059] By referring to FIG. 9, an operation example of the video
display mirror system according to the first embodiment will be
described. First, if ignition is in the off state (OFF at S01), the
inside mirror 11 is used as a normal mirror in the state
illustrated in FIG. 5(a) (S05). That is, a video image is not
displayed on the monitor 22, and the rear view of the vehicle 25 is
reflected by the half mirror 21 to the passenger 26a of the vehicle
25.
[0060] If the ignition is in the on state (ON at S01), the process
proceeds to S03 step, and if the lever switch 44 is in the state
illustrated in FIG. 5(a), that is, in a state in which the contact
switch 23a is open (OFF at S03), the process proceeds to S21 step.
Then, if the transmission is at the reverse position (YES at S21),
the reverse position switch 15 is closed, and DC power is supplied
to the monitor 22 and the back-view camera 13b. The back view BV is
displayed on the monitor 22 (S23). Subsequently, if the
transmission provided in the vehicle 25 leaves the reverse position
(S25), the reverse position switch 15 is opened, supply of the DC
power to the monitor 22 and the back-view camera 13b is stopped,
and a video image is not displayed on the monitor 22 (S27).
Subsequently, the inside mirror 11 is used as the normal mirror
(S29).
[0061] On the other hand, if the passenger 26a operates the lever
switch 44 and brings the inside mirror 11 into the state
illustrated in FIG. 5(b) (ON at S03), the contact switch 23a is
closed, and the DC power is supplied to the monitor 22 and the
rearview camera 13a. As a result, the rearview RV is displayed on
the monitor 22 (S07). Subsequently, if the transmission comes to
the reverse position (YES at S09), the reverse position switch 15
is closed, and the DC power is supplied also to the back-view
camera 13b. Then, a rearview video image signal and a back-view
video image signal are transmitted from the rearview camera 13a and
the back-view camera 13b to the ECU 12 at the same time, and thus,
the ECU 12 preferentially transfers the back-view video image
signal to the inside mirror 11. Thus, the video image displayed on
the monitor 22 is switched from the rearview RV to the back view BV
(S11). Subsequently, if the transmission leaves the reverse
position (S13), the reverse position switch 15 is opened, and
supply of the DC power to the back-view camera 13b is stopped.
Thus, the video image displayed on the monitor 22 is switched from
the back view BV to the rear view RV (S15). On the other hand, at
S09, if the transmission is at a position other than the reverse
position (NO at S09), with the inside mirror 11 in the state
illustrated in FIG. 5(b), the rearview RV is displayed on the
monitor 22. Subsequently, if the passenger 26a operates the lever
switch 44 and returns the inside mirror 11 to the state illustrated
in FIG. 5(a) (S17), the contact switch 23a is opened, and supply of
the DC power to the monitor 22 and the rearview camera 13a is
stopped. Subsequently, the inside mirror 11 is used as a normal
mirror (S29).
[0062] As described above, according to the first embodiment, the
following working effects can be obtained.
[0063] Interlocking with display of the video image (BV, RV) on the
monitor 22, an angle of the reflective surface of the half mirror
21 is changed from the position of the half mirror 21 when the rear
of the vehicle is looked at. As a result, the amount of light from
the rear of the vehicle reflected by the half mirror 21 toward the
passengers 26a and 26b of the vehicle 25 decreases. Thus,
cumbersomeness the passengers 26a and 26b of the vehicle 25 feel by
the light reflected by the half mirror 21 decreases, and visibility
of the video image (BV, RV) displayed on the monitor 22 is
improved. Thus, the light amount of the monitor 22 can be kept
lower than the existing technology.
[0064] The interlocking mechanism 23 interlocks with display of the
video image (BV, RV) on the monitor 22 and directs the display
surface of the monitor 22 toward the passengers 26a and 26b of the
vehicle 25 so that visibility of the video image displayed on the
monitor 22 is further improved.
[0065] The half mirror 21 and the monitor 22 are fixed to each
other in a state in which the display surface of the monitor 22 is
directed toward the passengers 26a and 26b of the vehicle 25, and
the reflective surface of the half mirror 21 is directed to the
upper direction or the lower direction than the angle when the rear
of the vehicle is looked at. The interlocking mechanism 23 directs
the reflective surface of the half mirror 21 to the upper direction
or the lower direction than the angle when the rear of the vehicle
is looked at and can direct the display surface of the monitor 22
toward the passengers 26a and 26b of the vehicle 25. Thus, angle
control of the half mirror 21 and the monitor 22 by the
interlocking mechanism 23 is made easier.
[0066] The ECU 12 switches the type of the video image (BV, RV) to
be displayed on the monitor 22 depending on whether or not the
transmission mounted on the vehicle 25 is at the reverse position.
As a result, the optimal video image (BV, RV) can be displayed in
accordance with a shift position of the transmission.
[0067] The ECU 12 displays the back view BV for detecting an
obstacle when the vehicle 25 retreats if the transmission mounted
on the vehicle 25 is at the reverse position and displays the
rearview RV for checking the following vehicle on the monitor 22 if
the transmission mounted on the vehicle 25 is not at the reverse
position. As a result, the rear video image in the vicinity of the
vehicle can be displayed when the vehicle 25 retreats, while the
video image in a wider range on the rear of the vehicle can be
displayed in the case other than that.
[0068] The interlocking mechanism 23 includes the contact switch
23a switched to on/off in accordance with the angle of the half
mirror 21, and controls display and non-display of the video image
(BV, RV) in accordance with on/off of the contact switch 23a. As a
result, since the interlocking mechanism 23 can be mechanically
constituted, reliability of the interlocking mechanism 23 is
improved.
[0069] When the transmission provided in the vehicle 25 is at the
reverse position, regardless of open/closed of the contact switch
23a, the interlocking mechanism 23 interlocks with display of the
back view BV on the monitor 22 and can change the angle of the half
mirror 21 from the position of the half mirror 21 when the rear of
the vehicle is looked at. When the vehicle 25 retreats, visibility
of the video image of the rear of the vehicle displayed on the
monitor 22 is improved.
[0070] The bracket 43 is fixed to the vehicle 25, the half mirror
21 and the monitor 22 are fixed to the housing 41 at different
angles, and the interlocking mechanism 23 changes the angles of the
housing 41, the half mirror 21, and the monitor 22 with respect to
the bracket 43. As a result, the reflective surface of the half
mirror 21 can be directed to the upper direction or the lower
direction than the angle when the rear of the vehicle is looked at
and at the same time, the display surface of the monitor 22 can be
directed toward the passengers 26a and 26b of the vehicle 25. Thus,
angle control of the half mirror 21 and the monitor 22 by the
interlocking mechanism 23 is made easier.
Modified Example
[0071] In the configuration example of the video display mirror
system according to the first embodiment, the contact switch 23a
and the reverse position switch 15 are arranged on the wiring for
supplying the DC power from the battery 16. In a modified example
of the first embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 10, both terminals
of the contact switch 23a are directly connected to the ECU 12, and
a signal indicating a state of the contact switch 23a is
transmitted to the ECU 12. Instead of provision of the reverse
position switch 15, the ECU 12 receives a reverse signal RS
indicating that the transmission is at the reverse position. The
ECU 12 transmits a camera control signal to the rearview camera 13a
or the back-view camera 13b on the basis of a signal indicating the
state of the contact switch 23a and the reverse signal RS and
controls the start of the rearview camera 13a or the back-view
camera 13b. Moreover, the ECU 12 transmits a monitor control signal
to the monitor 22 on the basis of the signal indicating the state
of the contact switch 23a and the reverse signal RS and controls
the start of the monitor 22.
[0072] If the ECU 12 receives a signal indicating a state in which
the contact switch 23a is closed and does not receive the reverse
signal RS, the ECU 12 starts the rearview camera 13a and the
monitor 22 and displays the rearview RV on the monitor 22. If the
ECU 12 receives a signal indicating the state in which the contact
switch 23a is closed and receives the reverse signal RS, the ECU 12
starts the back-view camera 13b and the monitor 22 and displays the
back view BV on the monitor 22. If the ECU 12 receives a signal
indicating a state in which the contact switch 23a is open, the ECU
12 does not start the cameras 13a and 13b and the monitor 22 and
does not display the video image on the monitor 22.
Second Embodiment
[0073] In the second embodiment, instead of the manual interlocking
mechanism 23, the video display mirror using an electric
interlocking mechanism and the video display mirror system will be
described.
[0074] By referring to FIG. 11, configurations of the video display
mirror and the video display mirror system according to the second
embodiment of the present invention will be described. An inside
mirror 71 as an example of the video display mirror includes the
electric interlocking mechanism 23. The interlocking mechanism 23
changes the angle of the reflective surface of the half mirror 21
by using a motor 72. Moreover, on an instrument panel of the
vehicle 25, a switching switch 23c is provided at a position where
the passenger 26a can perform an operation. As illustrated in FIG.
11, both terminals of the switching switch 23c are directly
connected to the ECU 12, and the ECU 12 receives a signal
indicating a state of the switching switch 23c. The ECU 12 receives
the reverse signal RS indicating that the transmission is at the
reverse position. The ECU 12 transmits a camera control signal to
the rearview camera 13a or the back-view camera 13b on the basis of
the signal indicating the state of the switching switch 23c and the
reverse signal RS and controls an operation of the rearview camera
13a or the back-view camera 13b. Moreover, the ECU 12 transmits a
motor control signal to the motor 72 on the basis of the signal
indicating the state of the switching switch 23c and the reverse
signal RS and controls an operation of the motor 72.
[0075] If the ECU 12 receives a signal indicating a state in which
the switching switch 23c is closed and does not receive the reverse
signal RS, the ECU 12 starts the rearview camera 13a and the
monitor 22 and displays the rearview RV on the monitor 22. Then,
the ECU 12 drives the motor 72 and changes the angle of the
reflective surface of the half mirror 21 from the position of the
half mirror 21 when the rear of the vehicle is looked at. As a
result, interlocking with display of the video image (RV) on the
monitor 22, the angle of the reflective surface of the half mirror
21 can be changed from the position of the half mirror 21 when the
rear of the vehicle is looked at.
[0076] If the ECU 12 receives a signal indicating a state in which
the switching switch 23c is closed and receives the reverse signal
RS, the ECU 12 starts the back-view camera 13b and the monitor 22
and displays the back view BV on the monitor 22. Then, the ECU 12
drives the motor 72 and changes the angle of the reflective surface
of the half mirror 21 from the position of the half mirror 21 when
the rear of the vehicle is looked at. As described above, if the
ECU 12 receives a signal indicating a state in which the switching
switch 23c is closed, the ECU 12 drives the motor 72 and changes
the angle of the reflective surface of the half mirror 21 from the
position of the half mirror 21 when the rear of the vehicle is
looked at. Moreover, the video image displayed on the monitor 22 is
switched depending on whether or not the reverse signal RS is
received.
[0077] If the ECU 12 receives a signal indicating a state in which
the switching switch 23c is open, the ECU 12 does not start the
cameras 13a and 13b and the monitor 22 and does not display the
video image on the monitor 22. The ECU 12 does not drive the motor
72. Thus, the angle of the reflective surface of the half mirror 21
is the same as that when the rear of the vehicle is looked at.
[0078] By referring to FIG. 12(a) and FIG. 12(b), a motion of the
inside mirror 71 by driving of the motor 72 will be described. FIG.
12(a) and FIG. 12(b) are diagrams corresponding to sectional views
along the B-B cross section in FIG. 3. Instead of the lever switch
44, the motor 72 is accommodated inside the housing 41. The bracket
43 is directly connected to the vehicle joint portion BS. The motor
72 is fixed to a lower part on the back surface (surface directed
to the traveling direction FD) of the bracket 43.
[0079] As illustrated in FIG. 13, the motor 72 is installed so that
its rotating shaft is directed toward the horizontal direction, and
a gear 72a is provided on the rotating shaft of the motor 72. On a
lower end portion of the housing 41, an irregular portion 73 is
formed so as to mesh with the gear 72a. The irregular portion 73 is
formed into an arc shape around the rotating shaft 56.
[0080] FIG. 12(a) illustrates the position of the inside mirror 11
when the passenger 26a looks toward the rear view reflected by the
half mirror 21. In a state illustrated in FIG. 12(a), the rear view
of the vehicle 25 is projected to the half mirror 21 to the
passenger 26a of the vehicle 25, and a video image is not displayed
on the monitor 22. Thus, since the inside of the inside mirror 11
is dark and the outside is bright, the passenger 26a of the vehicle
25 can easily check the rear of the vehicle by the half mirror
21.
[0081] When the switching switch 23c is closed by the operation of
the passenger 26a, the ECU 12 transmits a motor control signal
including information of a rotation angle to the motor 72. The gear
72a of the motor 72 rotates to the left only by the rotation angle
indicated by the motor control signal. With the rotation of the
gear 72a, the irregular portion 73 moves to the right side, and the
housing 41 rotates around the rotating shaft 56 with respect to the
bracket 43. The above described rotation angle is an angle set in
advance.
[0082] FIG. 12(b) shows a state in which the above described
rotation operation of the housing 41 is stopped and illustrates the
position of the inside mirror 11 when a video image is displayed on
the monitor 22. Before and after the rotation operation, the angles
of the housing 41, the half mirror 21, and the monitor 22 change
upward similarly. On the other hand, the motor 72, the bracket 43,
and the vehicle joint portion BS do not move before and after the
rotation operation.
[0083] As described above, interlocking with display of the video
image (RV, BV) on the monitor 22, the electric interlocking
mechanism 23 can change the angle of the reflective surface of the
half mirror 21 from the position of the half mirror 21 when the
rear of the vehicle is looked at.
[0084] Similarly to the first embodiment, the interlocking
mechanism 23 directs the display surface of the monitor 22 toward
the passengers 26a and 26b of the vehicle 25, interlocking with
display of the video image (BV, RV) on the monitor 22. Moreover,
the half mirror 21 and the monitor 22 are fixed to each other in a
state in which the display surface of the monitor 22 is directed
toward the passengers 26a and 26b of the vehicle 25, and the
reflective surface of the half mirror 21 is directed toward the
upper direction or the lower direction than the angle when the rear
of the vehicle is looked at.
[0085] By referring to FIG. 14, an operation example of the video
display mirror system according to a second embodiment will be
described. First, if ignition is in the off state (OFF at S51), the
inside mirror 11 is used as a normal mirror in the state
illustrated in FIG. 12(a) (S55). That is, a video image is not
displayed on the monitor 22, and the rear view of the vehicle 25 is
reflected by the half mirror 21 to the passenger 26a of the vehicle
25.
[0086] If the ignition is in the on state (ON at S51), the process
proceeds to S53 step, and if the switching switch 23c is in an open
state (OFF at S53), the process proceeds to S75 step. Then, if the
transmission is at the reverse position (YES at S75), the ECU 12
starts the back-view camera 13b and the monitor 22 and displays the
back view BV on the monitor 22 (S77). After the back-view camera
13b and the monitor 22 are started, the ECU 12 drives the motor 72
and brings the inside mirror 11 into a state illustrated in FIG.
12(b). As a result, the reflective surface of the half mirror 21
can be directed upward (S79). Subsequently, if the transmission
provided in the vehicle 25 leaves the reverse position (S81), the
ECU 12 turns off the power of the monitor 22 and the back-view
camera 13b. Thus, a video image is not displayed on the monitor 22.
Moreover, the ECU 12 drives the motor 72 and returns the inside
mirror 11 to a state illustrated in FIG. 12(a). As a result, the
inside mirror 11 returns to the position of the half mirror 21 when
the rear of the vehicle is looked at (S83). Subsequently, the
inside mirror 11 is used as a normal mirror (S85).
[0087] On the other hand, if the passenger 26a performs an
operation of closing the switching switch 23c (ON at S53), the ECU
12 starts the rearview camera 13a and the monitor 22 and displays
the rearview RV on the monitor 22. Then, the ECU 12 drives the
motor 72 and moves the inside mirror 11 to the state illustrated in
FIG. 12(b) (S57). Subsequently, if the transmission comes to the
reverse position (YES at S59), the reverse signal RS is inputted to
the ECU 12, and the ECU 12 turns off the power of the rearview
camera 13a and starts the back-view camera 13b (S61). After the
back-view camera 13b is started, a video image displayed on the
monitor 22 is switched from the rearview RV to the back view BV
(S63). Subsequently, if the transmission leaves the reverse
position (S65), the ECU 12 turns off the power of the back-view
camera 13b and starts the rearview camera 13a (S67). After the
rearview camera 13a is started, a video image displayed on the
monitor 22 is switched from the back view BV to the rearview RV
(S69).
[0088] Subsequently, if the passenger 26a performs an operation of
opening the switching switch 23c (S71), the ECU 12 turns off the
power of the monitor 22 and the rearview camera 13a, drives the
motor 72, and returns the inside mirror 11 to the state illustrated
in FIG. 12(a) (S73). Subsequently, the inside mirror 11 is used as
a normal mirror (S85).
[0089] As described above, according to the second embodiment, the
following working effects can be obtained.
[0090] Interlocking with display of a video image (BV, RV) on the
monitor 22, the angle of the reflective surface of the half mirror
21 is changed from the position of the half mirror 21 when the rear
of the vehicle is looked at. As a result, the amount of light from
the rear of the vehicle reflected by the half mirror 21 toward the
passengers 26a and 26b of the vehicle 25 decreases. Thus,
cumbersomeness the passengers 26a and 26b of the vehicle 25 feel by
the light reflected by the half mirror 21 decreases, and visibility
of the video image (BV, RV) displayed on the monitor 22 is
improved. Thus, the light amount of the monitor 22 can be kept
lower than the existing technology.
[0091] The interlocking mechanism 23 interlocks with display of the
video image (BV, RV) on the monitor 22 and directs the display
surface of the monitor 22 toward the passengers 26a and 26b of the
vehicle 25, and whereby visibility of the video image displayed on
the monitor 22 is further improved.
[0092] The half mirror 21 and the monitor 22 are fixed to each
other in a state in which the display surface of the monitor 22 is
directed toward the passengers 26a and 26b of the vehicle 25 and
also, the reflective surface of the half mirror 21 is directed
toward the upper direction or the lower direction than the angle
when the rear of the vehicle is looked at. The interlocking
mechanism 23 can direct the reflective surface of the half mirror
21 to the upper direction or the lower direction than the angle
when the rear of the vehicle is looked at and at the same time, can
direct the display surface of the monitor 22 toward the passengers
26a and 26b of the vehicle 25. Thus, angle control of the half
mirror 21 and the monitor 22 by the interlocking mechanism 23 is
made easier.
[0093] The ECU 12 switches the type of the video image (BV, RV) to
be displayed on the monitor 22 depending on whether or not the
transmission mounted on the vehicle 25 is at the reverse position.
As a result, the optimal video image (BV, RV) can be displayed in
accordance with the shift position of the transmission.
[0094] If the transmission mounted on the vehicle 25 is at the
reverse position, the ECU 12 displays the back view BV for
detecting an obstacle when the vehicle 25 retreats on the monitor
22. If the transmission mounted on the vehicle 25 is not at the
reverse position, the rearview RV for checking the following
vehicle is displayed on the monitor 22. As a result, the rear video
image in the vicinity of the vehicle is displayed when the vehicle
25 retreats, while the video image in a wider range on the rear of
the vehicle can be displayed in the case other than that.
[0095] Since the interlocking mechanism 23 is an electric
interlocking mechanism, design freedom of time from timing of
display of a video image (BV, RV) on the monitor 22 until the angle
of the half mirror is changed is improved.
[0096] If the transmission provided in the vehicle 25 is at the
reverse position, regardless of opening/closing of the switching
switch 23c, the interlocking mechanism 23 interlocks with display
of the back view BV on the monitor 22 and can change the angle of
the half mirror 21 from the position of the half mirror 21 when the
rear of the vehicle is looked at. When the vehicle 25 retreats,
visibility of a video image on the rear of the vehicle displayed on
the monitor 22 is improved.
[0097] The bracket 43 is fixed to the vehicle 25, the half mirror
21 and the monitor 22 are fixed to the housing 41 at different
angles, and the interlocking mechanism 23 changes the angles of the
housing 41, the half mirror 21, and the monitor 22 with respect to
the bracket 43. As a result, the reflective surface of the half
mirror 21 can be directed toward the upper direction or the lower
direction than the angle when the rear of the vehicle is looked at
and at the same time, the display surface of the monitor 22 can be
directed toward the passengers 26a and 26b of the vehicle 25. Thus,
angle control of the half mirror 21 and the monitor 22 by the
interlocking mechanism 23 is made easier.
Third Embodiment
[0098] In the first and second embodiments, the inside mirror 11 in
which the bracket 43 is fixed to the front window of the vehicle
25, and the interlocking mechanism 23 changes the angles of the
housing 41, the half mirror 21, and the monitor 22 with respect to
the bracket 43 is described.
[0099] On the other hand, in a third embodiment, the inside mirror
11 in which the half mirror 21 and the monitor 22 are fixed to a
bracket 83, the housing 41 is fixed to the front window of the
vehicle 25, and the interlocking mechanism 23 changes the angles of
the bracket 83, the half mirror 21, and the monitor 22 with respect
to the housing 41 will be described.
[0100] The configuration of the video display mirror system
illustrated in FIG. 1, the mounted example of the video display
mirror system on the vehicle illustrated in FIG. 2, and the
operation example of the video display mirror system illustrated in
FIG. 9 are the same as those in the first embodiment, and the
explanation will be omitted.
[0101] First, by referring to FIG. 15, a specific configuration
example of the inside mirror 11 will be described. In FIG. 15, for
ease of explanation, major constituent elements of the inside
mirror 11 are illustrated in a separated state, but the inside
mirror 11 is assembled by stacking the major constituent elements
in the direction indicated by the arrow FD.
[0102] The inside mirror 11 includes the half mirror 21, the
monitor 22 installed at the position on the vehicle front FD close
to the half mirror 21, a spacer 45 sandwiched between the half
mirror 21 and the monitor 22, and the housing 41 for accommodating
the half mirror 21, the spacer 45, and the monitor 22. The inside
mirror 11 illustrated in FIG. 15 is not provided with the lid 42 in
FIG. 3.
[0103] In a state in which the reflective surface of the half
mirror 21 and the display surface of the monitor 22 are directed
toward a direction opposite to the traveling direction FD, the half
mirror 21, the spacer 45, and the monitor 22 are overlapped and
bonded by an adhesive. The spacer 45 is a frame having a
rectangular shape and is bonded to an outer frame portion of the
display surface of the monitor 22. Thus, the display surface of the
monitor 22 can be looked at through the spacer 45 and the half
mirror 21. Moreover, since a thickness of the spacer 45 is
different in the vertical direction, the direction of the
reflective surface of the half mirror 21 bonded through the spacer
45 and the direction of the display surface of the monitor 22 are
different in the vertical direction. In an example illustrated in
FIG. 15, the thickness of the spacer 45 on a vertically lower side
is larger than the thickness of the spacer 45 on a vertically upper
side. Thus, the reflective surface of the half mirror 21 is
directed upward from the display surface of the monitor 22.
[0104] A surface (back surface of the monitor 22) opposite to the
display surface of the monitor 22 is bonded to the bracket 83
arranged in the housing 41. Thus, the half mirror 21 and the
monitor 22 are fixed to the bracket 83 at angles different from
each other. Moreover, a thickness of the bracket 83 is different in
the vertical direction. In the example illustrated in FIG. 15, the
thickness of the bracket 83 on the vertically lower side is smaller
than the thickness of the bracket 83 on the vertically upper side.
If a normal line of the surface (surface directed toward the
traveling direction FD) of the bracket 83 is directed toward the
horizontal direction, the normal line of the back surface (surface
in a direction opposite to the traveling direction FD) of the
bracket 83 is directed downward from the horizontal direction.
[0105] From both side surfaces of an upper part of the bracket 83,
the pair of rotating shafts 56 protrude in the vehicle width
direction. Inside the housing 41, the rotation guide portions 54a
and 54b are formed. The bracket 83 is supported rotatably by the
pair of rotating shafts 56 and the rotation guide portions 54a and
54b with respect to the housing 41. On a lower part of the bracket
83, too, a pair of rotating shafts 157 protrude in the vehicle
width direction. The pair of rotating shafts 157 are supported
rotatably by a bearing 83b of the lever switch 44 which will be
described later.
[0106] The lever switch 44 has a lever portion 44b offered for an
operation of the passenger 26a and a bearing extending material
portion 44d forming the above described bearing 83b of the lever
switch 44. At a tip end of the bearing extending material portion
44d, the bearing 83b into which the rotating shaft 157 of the
bracket 43 is inserted is formed. The rotating shaft 157 is
rotatably supported by the bearing 83b of the lever switch 44. From
both side surfaces of the bearing extending material portion 44d,
the pair of rotating shafts 58 to the housing 41 protrude in the
vehicle width direction. In the housing 41, the rotation guide
portions 55a and 55b are formed. The lever switch 44 is rotatably
supported by the pair of rotating shafts 58 and the rotation guide
portions 55a and 55b with respect to the housing 41. The bearing
83b of the lever switch 44 is formed larger than the rotating shaft
157 so that the rotating shaft 157 of the bracket 83 can move in
parallel in the bearing 83b.
[0107] As illustrated in FIG. 16, on a C-C cross section in FIG.
15, the thickness of the upper part of the spacer 45 arranged
between the monitor 22 and the half mirror 21 is smaller than the
thickness of the lower part of the spacer 45. Thus, the display
surface of the monitor 22 and the reflective surface of the half
mirror 21 are fixed forming different angles. Specifically, the
reflective surface of the half mirror 21 is inclined upward from
the display surface of the monitor 22.
[0108] Subsequently, by referring to FIG. 17(a) and FIG. 17(b), a
motion of the inside mirror 11 by the operation of the lever switch
44 and on/off control of the contact switch 23a will be described.
FIG. 17(a) and FIG. 17(b) are sectional views along a D-D cross
section in FIG. 15. The housing 41 is connected to the vehicle
joint portion BS through the ball joint BF. The vehicle joint
portion BS is fixed to the vicinity of a center on an upper part of
the front window of the vehicle 25, for example.
[0109] FIG. 17(a) illustrates a position of the inside mirror 11
when the passenger 26a looks at the rear view reflected by the half
mirror 21. In a state illustrated in FIG. 17(a), the rear view of
the vehicle 25 to the passenger 26a of the vehicle 25 is projected
to the half mirror 21 and a video image is not displayed on the
monitor 22. Thus, the inside of the inside mirror 11 is dark and
the outside is bright and thus, the passenger 26a of the vehicle 25
can easily check the rear of the vehicle by the half mirror 21.
[0110] The passenger 26a of the vehicle 25 operates the lever
switch 44 in FIG. 17(a) to a direction HD2 which is the same as the
vehicle traveling direction FD. Then, the lever switch 44 rotates
around the pair of rotating shafts 58 to the right with respect to
the housing 41. At the same time, the lever switch 44 rotates
around the rotating shaft 157 to the right also with respect to the
bracket 83, and the bracket 83 rotates to the left around the
rotating shaft 56 with respect to the housing 41. As indicated by
reference character CP2 in FIG. 17(b), when the lever portion 44b
of the lever switch 44 is brought into contact with the lower end
portion 41a of the housing 41, each of the above described rotation
operations is stopped, and at the same time, the contact switch 23a
formed on the lower end portion 41a of the housing 41 is closed.
When the contact switch 23a is closed, a video image is displayed
on the monitor 22.
[0111] FIG. 17(b) shows a state in which the above described
rotation operation is stopped and illustrates the position of the
inside mirror 11 when a video image is displayed on the monitor 22.
Before and after the rotation operation, the angles of the bracket
83, the half mirror 21, the spacer 45, and the monitor 22 are
changed upward similarly. On the other hand, the housing 41, the
ball joint BJ, and the vehicle joint portion BS do not move before
and after the rotation operation.
[0112] In the first and second embodiments, angles of the housing
41 and the half mirror 21 and the monitor 22 fixed to the housing
41 are changed upward by the operation of the lever switch 44. On
the other hand, the third embodiment is different in that by the
operation of the lever switch 44, the angles of the bracket 83 and
the half mirror 21 and the monitor 22 fixed to the bracket 83 are
changed upward.
[0113] Moreover, since the operation direction of the lever switch
44 is different, the third embodiment is also different in that the
contact switch 23a provided in the interlocking mechanism 23 is
formed not on the lower end portion of the bracket 83 but on the
lower end portion 41a of the housing 41.
[0114] As described above, the interlocking mechanism 23 interlocks
with display of a video image on the monitor 22 and can change the
angle of the reflective surface of the half mirror 21 from the
position of the half mirror 21 when the rear of the vehicle is
looked at. If the passenger 26a pushes the lever switch 44 in FIG.
17(a) to the traveling direction FD, the bracket 83, the half
mirror 21, and the monitor 22 incline upward by a hinge structure.
Moreover, by closing of the contact switch 23a at the same time,
the cameras 13a and 13b and the monitor 22 are started, and a video
image is displayed on the monitor 22. At this time, the half mirror
21 is directed upward so as to prevent a double image by
eliminating reflection.
[0115] FIG. 18 is a sectional view enlarging a portion indicated by
a reference character CP2 in FIG. 17(b) and illustrates a
configuration of the contact switch 23a formed on the lower end
portion 41a of the housing 41. As described above, FIG. 18 is
different from FIG. 6 in that the contact switch 23a is formed on
the lower end portion 41a of the housing 41 and the lever portion
44b of the lever switch 44 presses the movable contact 62 in the
state of FIG. 17(b), but the configuration of the contact switch
23a is the same as in FIG. 6, and the explanation will be
omitted.
[0116] As illustrated in FIG. 19(a), in the state of FIG. 17(a),
since the eye line extended from the eye EY of the passenger 26a is
directed toward the rear view BD, the rear view of the vehicle 25
is projected to the half mirror 21 with respect to the passenger
26a of the vehicle 25, and an amount of light reflected by the half
mirror 21 toward the passenger 26a of the vehicle 25 becomes large
in this state. In the state of FIG. 17(a), since the contact switch
23a is open, no video image is displayed on the monitor 22, and the
monitor 22 looks dark. Thus, since the inside of the inside mirror
11 is dark and the outside is bright, the passenger 26a of the
vehicle 25 can easily check the rear view by the half mirror
21.
[0117] On the other hand, as illustrated in FIG. 19(b), in the
state of FIG. 17(b), since the bracket 83, the half mirror 21, the
spacer 45, and the monitor 22 are directed upward, the eye line
extended from the eye EY of the passenger 26a is directed toward a
roof direction RD in the cabin. Thus, the amount of light reflected
by the half mirror 21 toward the passenger 26a of the vehicle 25
decreases as compared with the state of FIG. 17(a). In the state of
FIG. 17(b), since the contact switch 23a is closed, a video image
is displayed on the monitor 22. Thus, since a state in which the
inside of the inside mirror 11 is bright and the outside is dark is
formed, the passenger 26a of the vehicle 25 no longer feels
cumbersomeness by the light reflected by the half mirror 21, and
visibility of the video image displayed on the monitor 22 is
improved. As a result, a light amount of the monitor 22 can be kept
lower than by an existing technology.
[0118] Moreover, in the state of FIG. 17(b), interlocking with
display of a video image on the monitor 22, the display surface of
the monitor 22 can be directed toward the passenger 26a of the
vehicle 25. As a result, visibility of the video image displayed on
the monitor 22 is further improved. For example, it is only
necessary to direct the display surface of the monitor 22
perpendicularly to the passenger 26a of the vehicle 25. Since an
angle of the display surface of the monitor 22 which improves
visibility of the video image is different depending on
characteristics of the monitor 22, directing perpendicularly is not
limiting, and the display surface may be directed toward an angle
at which the visibility of the video image is improved.
[0119] Moreover, the half mirror 21 and the monitor 22 can be fixed
to each other in a state in which the display surface of the
monitor 22 is directed toward the passenger 26a of the vehicle 25,
and the reflective surface of the half mirror 21 is directed toward
the upper direction (the roof direction RD, for example) than an
angle when the rear of the vehicle is looked at. The interlocking
mechanism 23 can direct the reflective surface of the half mirror
21 to the upper direction than the angle when the rear of the
vehicle is looked at and at the same time, can direct the display
surface of the monitor 22 toward the passenger of the vehicle by
changing the angles of the reflective surface of the half mirror 21
and the display surface of the monitor 22 at the same time. Thus,
angle control of the half mirror 21 and the monitor 22 by the
interlocking mechanism 23 is made easier.
[0120] Alternatively, the half mirror 21 and the monitor 22 can be
fixed to each other in a state in which the display surface of the
monitor 22 is directed toward the passenger 26a of the vehicle 25,
and the reflective surface of the half mirror 21 is directed toward
the lower direction (the floor direction, for example) than the
angle when the rear of the vehicle is looked at. In this case, the
interlocking mechanism 23 can direct the reflective surface of the
half mirror 21 to the lower direction than the angle when the rear
of the vehicle is looked at and at the same time, can direct the
display surface of the monitor 22 toward the passenger of the
vehicle by changing the angles of the reflective surface of the
half mirror 21 and the display surface of the monitor 22 to the
lower direction at the same time. For example, the state
illustrated in FIG. 17(a) and the state illustrated in FIG. 17(b)
can be switched in practice.
[0121] Moreover, as described above, in the third embodiment, since
the configuration of the video display mirror system illustrated in
FIG. 1 is common to that of the first embodiment, a modified
example similar to the modified example of the video display mirror
system described by referring to FIG. 10 is possible.
[0122] As described above, according to the third embodiment, the
following working effects can be obtained.
[0123] Interlocking with display of a video image (BV, RV) on the
monitor 22, the angle of the reflective surface of the half mirror
21 is changed from the position of the half mirror 21 when the rear
of the vehicle is looked at. As a result, the amount of light from
the rear of the vehicle 25 reflected by the half mirror 21 toward
the passengers 26a and 26b of the vehicle decreases. Thus,
cumbersomeness the passengers 26a and 26b of the vehicle 25 feel by
the light reflected by the half mirror 21 decreases, and visibility
of the video image (BV, RV) displayed on the monitor 22 is
improved. Thus, the light amount of the monitor 22 can be kept
lower than by the existing technology.
[0124] The interlocking mechanism 23 interlocks with display of the
video image (BV, RV) on the monitor 22 and directs the display
surface of the monitor 22 toward the passengers 26a and 26b of the
vehicle 25, and whereby visibility of the video image displayed on
the monitor 22 is further improved.
[0125] The half mirror 21 and the monitor 22 are fixed to each
other in a state in which the display surface of the monitor 22 is
directed toward the passengers 26a and 26b of the vehicle 25 and
also, the reflective surface of the half mirror 21 is directed
toward the upper direction or the lower direction than the angle
when the rear of the vehicle is looked at. The interlocking
mechanism 23 can direct the reflective surface of the half mirror
21 to the upper direction or the lower direction than the angle
when the rear of the vehicle is looked at and at the same time, can
direct the display surface of the monitor 22 toward the passengers
26a and 26b of the vehicle 25. Thus, angle control of the half
mirror 21 and the monitor 22 by the interlocking mechanism 23 is
made easier.
[0126] The ECU 12 switches the type of the video image (BV, RV) to
be displayed on the monitor 22 depending on whether or not the
transmission mounted on the vehicle 25 is at the reverse position.
As a result, the optimal video image (BV, RV) can be displayed in
accordance with the shift position of the transmission.
[0127] If the transmission mounted on the vehicle 25 is at the
reverse position, the ECU 12 displays the back view BV for
detecting an obstacle when the vehicle 25 retreats on the monitor
22, and if the transmission mounted on the vehicle 25 is not at the
reverse position, the rearview RV for checking the following
vehicle is displayed on the monitor 22. As a result, the rear video
image in the vicinity of the vehicle is displayed when the vehicle
25 retreats, while the video image in a wider range on the rear of
the vehicle can be displayed in the case other than that.
[0128] The interlocking mechanism 23 includes the contact switch
23a switched to on/off in accordance with the angle of the half
mirror 21, and controls display and non-display of the video image
(BV, RV) in accordance with on/off of the contact switch 23a. As a
result, since the interlocking mechanism 23 can be mechanically
constituted, reliability of the interlocking mechanism 23 is
improved.
[0129] When the transmission provided in the vehicle 25 is at the
reverse position, regardless of opening/closing of the contact
switch 23a, the interlocking mechanism 23 interlocks with display
of the back view BV on the monitor 22 and can change the angle of
the half mirror 21 from the position of the half mirror 21 when the
rear of the vehicle is looked at. When the vehicle 25 retreats,
visibility of the video image of the rear of the vehicle displayed
on the monitor 22 is improved.
[0130] The housing 41 is fixed to the vehicle 25, the half mirror
21 and the monitor 22 are fixed to the bracket 83 at different
angles, and the interlocking mechanism 23 changes the angles of the
bracket 83, the half mirror 21, and the monitor 22 with respect to
the housing 41. As a result, the reflective surface of the half
mirror 21 can be directed toward the upper direction or the lower
direction than the angle when the rear of the vehicle is looked at
and at the same time, the display surface of the monitor 22 can be
directed toward the passengers 26a and 26b of the vehicle 25. Thus,
angle control of the half mirror 21 and the monitor 22 by the
interlocking mechanism 23 is made easier.
Fourth Embodiment
[0131] In a fourth embodiment, instead of the manual interlocking
mechanism 23 described in the third embodiment, a video display
mirror using an electric interlocking mechanism and a video display
mirror system will be described. A configuration of the video
display mirror system according to the fourth embodiment is the
same as in FIG. 11, and an operation example of the video display
mirror system according to the fourth embodiment is the same as in
FIG. 14, and the explanation will be omitted, respectively.
[0132] By referring to FIG. 20(a) and FIG. 20(b), a motion of the
inside mirror 71 by driving of the motor 72 will be described. FIG.
20(a) and FIG. 20(b) are diagrams corresponding to sectional views
along the D-D cross section in FIG. 15. Instead of the lever switch
44, the motor 72 is accommodated inside the housing 41. The motor
72 is fixed to a lower part on the back surface (surface directed
toward the traveling direction FD) of the bracket 83.
[0133] The motor 72 is installed so that its rotating shaft is
directed toward the horizontal direction, and the gear 72a is
provided on the rotating shaft of the motor 72. On a lower end
portion of the housing 41, the irregular portion 73 is formed so as
to mesh with the gear 72a. The irregular portion 73 is formed into
an arc shape around the rotating shaft 56.
[0134] FIG. 20(a) illustrates the position of the inside mirror 11
when the passenger 26a looks toward the rear view reflected by the
half mirror 21. In a state illustrated in FIG. 20(a), the rear view
of the vehicle 25 is projected to the half mirror 21 to the
passenger 26a of the vehicle 25, and a video image is not displayed
on the monitor 22. Thus, since the inside of the inside mirror 11
is dark and the outside is bright, the passenger 26a of the vehicle
25 can easily check the rear of the vehicle by the half mirror
21.
[0135] When the switching switch 23c in FIG. 11 is closed by the
operation of the passenger 26a, the ECU 12 transmits a motor
control signal including information of a rotation angle to the
motor 72. The gear 72a of the motor 72 rotates to the right by the
rotation angle indicated by the motor control signal. With the
rotation of the gear 72a, the bracket 83, the monitor 22, the
spacer 45, and the half mirror 21 rotate around the rotating shaft
56 with respect to the housing 41. The above described rotation
angle is an angle set in advance.
[0136] FIG. 20(b) shows a state in which the above described
rotation operation of the housing 41 is stopped and illustrates the
position of the inside mirror 11 when a video image is displayed on
the monitor 22. Before and after the rotation operation, the angles
of the bracket 83, the half mirror 21, the spacer 45, and the
monitor 22 change upward similarly. On the other hand, the housing
41 and the vehicle joint portion BS do not move before and after
the rotation operation.
[0137] As described above, interlocking with display of the video
image (RV, BV) on the monitor 22, the electric interlocking
mechanism 23 can change the angle of the reflective surface of the
half mirror 21 from the position of the half mirror 21 when the
rear of the vehicle is looked at.
[0138] As described above, according to the fourth embodiment, the
following working effects can be obtained.
[0139] Interlocking with display of the video image (BV, RV) on the
monitor 22, an angle of the reflective surface of the half mirror
21 is changed from the position of the half mirror 21 when the rear
of the vehicle is looked at. As a result, the amount of light from
the rear of the vehicle reflected by the half mirror 21 toward the
passengers 26a and 26b of the vehicle 25 decreases. Thus,
cumbersomeness the passengers 26a and 26b of the vehicle 25 feel by
the light reflected by the half mirror 21 decreases, and visibility
of the video image (BV, RV) displayed on the monitor 22 is
improved. Thus, the light amount of the monitor 22 can be kept
lower than by the existing technology.
[0140] The interlocking mechanism 23 interlocks with display of the
video image (BV, RV) on the monitor 22 and directs the display
surface of the monitor 22 toward the passengers 26a and 26b of the
vehicle 25 so that visibility of the video image displayed on the
monitor 22 is further improved.
[0141] The half mirror 21 and the monitor 22 are fixed to each
other in a state in which the display surface of the monitor 22 is
directed toward the passengers 26a and 26b of the vehicle 25, and
the reflective surface of the half mirror 21 is directed toward the
upper direction or the lower direction than the angle when the rear
of the vehicle is looked at. The interlocking mechanism 23 directs
the reflective surface of the half mirror 21 to the upper direction
or the lower direction than the angle when the rear of the vehicle
is looked at and at the same time, can direct the display surface
of the monitor 22 toward the passengers 26a and 26b of the vehicle
25. Thus, angle control of the half mirror 21 and the monitor 22 by
the interlocking mechanism 23 is made easier.
[0142] The ECU 12 switches the type of the video image (BV, RV) to
be displayed on the monitor 22 depending on whether or not the
transmission mounted on the vehicle 25 is at the reverse position.
As a result, the optimal video image (BV, RV) can be displayed in
accordance with a shift position of the transmission.
[0143] The ECU 12 displays the back view BV for detecting an
obstacle when the vehicle 25 retreats on the monitor 22 if the
transmission mounted on the vehicle 25 is at the reverse position.
If the transmission mounted on the vehicle 25 is not at the reverse
position, the ECU 12 displays the rearview RV for checking the
following vehicle on the monitor 22. As a result, the rear video
image in the vicinity of the vehicle can be displayed when the
vehicle 25 retreats, while the video image in a wider range on the
rear of the vehicle can be displayed in the case other than
that.
[0144] Since the interlocking mechanism 23 is an electric
interlocking mechanism, design freedom of time from timing of
display of a video image (BV, RV) on the monitor 22 until the angle
of the half mirror is changed is improved.
[0145] If the transmission provided in the vehicle 25 is at the
reverse position, regardless of opening/closing of the switching
switch 23c, the interlocking mechanism 23 interlocks with display
of the back view BV on the monitor 22 and can change the angle of
the half mirror 21 from the position of the half mirror 21 when the
rear of the vehicle is looked at. When the vehicle 25 retreats,
visibility of a video image on the rear of the vehicle displayed on
the monitor 22 is improved.
[0146] The housing 41 is fixed to the vehicle 25, the half mirror
21 and the monitor 22 are fixed to the bracket 83 at different
angles, and the interlocking mechanism 23 changes the angles of the
bracket 83, the half mirror 21, and the monitor 22 with respect to
the housing 41. As a result, the reflective surface of the half
mirror 21 can be directed toward the upper direction or the lower
direction than the angle when the rear of the vehicle is looked at
and at the same time, the display surface of the monitor 22 can be
directed toward the passengers 26a and 26b of the vehicle 25. Thus,
angle control of the half mirror 21 and the monitor 22 by the
interlocking mechanism 23 is made easier.
Modified Example
[0147] In the third and fourth embodiments, the case in which the
housing 41 is fixed to the vicinity of the center on the upper part
of the front window of the vehicle 25 through the ball joint BJ and
the vehicle joint portion BS is described. The inside mirrors 11
and 71 according to the third and fourth embodiments are not
limited to that. For example, the inside mirrors 11 and 71 can be
embedded in a front-end center part 84a of a ceiling member 84 in
the cabin as illustrated in FIG. 21. In this case, the housing 41
of the inside mirrors 11 and 71 can be directly fixed to the
front-end center part 84a of the ceiling member 84 in the cabin not
through the ball joint BJ and the vehicle joint portion BS.
Alternatively, as the housing 41 of the inside mirrors 11 and 71,
the front-end center part 84a of the ceiling member 84 in the cabin
can be used.
[0148] As described above, the embodiments and their modified
examples of the present invention are described, but the
description and drawings constituting a part of this disclosure
should not be understood to limit this invention. From this
disclosure, various alternative embodiments, examples, and
operation technologies will be made obvious for those skilled in
the art.
[0149] For example, in the embodiments of the present invention, as
an example of the video display mirror, the inside mirror 11
installed in the cabin is described, but the video display mirror
includes other mirrors used for reflecting the view of the rear of
the vehicle 25 such as a door mirror and a fender mirror installed
outside the cabin. Interlocking with display of the video image on
the monitor 22, by changing the angle of the reflective surface of
the half mirror 21 from the position of the half mirror 21 when the
rear of the vehicle is looked at, the amount of light reflected by
the half mirror 21 decreases, and visibility of the monitor 22 is
improved.
[0150] Moreover, the manual interlocking mechanism 23 and the
electric interlocking mechanism 23 are described as different
embodiments, but the manual interlocking mechanism 23 and the
electric interlocking mechanism 23 may be combined in use. In this
case, the passenger 26a can freely select between a manual
operation by the lever switch 44 and an electric operation by the
motor 72.
[0151] All the contents of Japanese Patent Application No.
2011-269734 (filing date: Dec. 9, 2011) and Japanese Patent
Application No. 2012-132789 (filing date: Jun. 12, 2012) are
incorporated by reference.
[0152] According to the video display mirror and the video display
mirror system according to the embodiments of the present
invention, the amount of light from the rear of the vehicle
reflected by the half mirror toward the passenger of the vehicle
decreases. Thus, cumbersomeness the passenger of the vehicle feels
by the light reflected by the half mirror decreases, and visibility
of the video image displayed on the monitor is improved. Thus, the
present invention has industrial applicability.
[0153] While the invention has been described with respect to a
limited number of embodiments, those skilled in the art, having
benefit of this disclosure, will appreciate that other embodiments
can be devised which do not depart from the scope of the invention
as disclosed herein. Accordingly, the scope of the invention should
be limited only by the attached claims.
REFERENCE SIGNS LIST
[0154] 11, 71 inside mirror (video display mirror) [0155] 12 ECU
(video controller) [0156] 13a rearview camera [0157] 13b back-view
camera [0158] 21 half mirror [0159] 22 monitor [0160] 23
interlocking mechanism [0161] 23a contact switch [0162] 25 vehicle
[0163] 26a, 26b passenger [0164] 41 housing [0165] 43, 83 bracket
[0166] 72 motor [0167] BV back view [0168] RV rearview
* * * * *