Magna Mirrors of America, Inc.

Michael L Gallas

Hamid R Habibi

Niall R Lynam

Mark L Larson

Rodney K Blank

Christopher R Koetje

Patrick M Foley, Iv

Patrick M Foley Iv

A vehicular vision system includes a rear-viewing camera disposed at a vehicle and viewing at least rearward of the vehicle. Each frame of image data captured by the imaging array of the rear-viewing camera includes a plurality of grids, with each grid of the plurality of grids having a respective set of photosensing elements associated with respective rows and columns of photosensing elements. A electro-optic rearview mirror assembly includes an electro-optic mirror reflective element that is controlled responsive to an ambient light condition and a glare light condition. The ambient light condition is determined by processing at least one first grid of the plurality of grids of the frames of image data captured by the rear-viewing camera. The glare light condition is determined by processing at least one second grid of the plurality of grids of the frames of image data captured by the rear-viewing camera.

Multifunctional rearward viewing camera system

A multifunctional rear camera system includes a rear camera and a processor. Responsive to processing of captured image data, the processor generates respective outputs for (i) a rear backup assist function, (ii) a mirror dimming control for at least an electro-optic interior rearview mirror assembly of the vehicle and (iii) ambient light detection. The processor processes a mirror zone of captured image data for mirror dimming control and processes upper corner regions of captured image data for ambient light detection. The processor processes at least lower regions of captured image data for the rear backup assist function. The generated output for the mirror dimming control is provided to the electro-optic interior rearview mirror assembly to control dimming of the electro-optic reflective element. The generated output for the rear backup assist function provides (i) object detection and/or (ii) video display of video images derived from captured image data.

An electro-optic rearview mirror assembly for a vehicle includes a caseless electro-optic rearview mirror reflective element and a plate attached at the rear of the reflective element. The mirror reflective element connected to and pivotal about a windshield electronics module via a ball and socket pivot joint. Control circuitry may be disposed in a windshield electronics module for automatically controlling dimming of the electro-optic medium or alternatively, dimming of the electro-optic medium is automatically controlled via a multifunctional rear backup camera system of the equipped vehicle. Optionally, the control circuitry controls dimming of the electro-optic medium of the mirror reflective element via wiring that passes through the ball and socket pivot joint. Optionally, image data captured by the multifunctional rear backup camera may be used for ambient light determination and to provide video image display at the interior rearview mirror assembly.

Caseless rearview mirror assembly

A system for filling a vehicular electrochromic rearview mirror reflective element includes a filling crucible, a compressible sealing element, and a fixture configured to support an unfilled mirror cell. The filling crucible includes a fluid reservoir, a mirror cell receiving portion and a channel between the fluid reservoir and the mirror element receiving portion. The mirror cell receiving portion of the filling crucible is shaped to receive a perimeter portion of the unfilled mirror cell therein such that the fill port of the unfilled mirror cell is aligned with the channel of the filling crucible. With the unfilled mirror cell supported at the fixture, the mirror cell receiving portion of the filling crucible receives the upper perimeter portion of the unfilled mirror cell with the compressible sealing element between the filling crucible and the unfilled mirror cell. The mirror cell is filled under negative pressure.

System for filling electrochromic mirror element

A process for filling an electro-optic rearview mirror reflective element assembly includes providing an unfilled mirror cell and providing a filling element having a fluid reservoir, a mirror cell receiving portion, and a channel that provides fluid communication between the fluid reservoir and the mirror element receiving portion. The unfilled mirror cell and the filling element and compressible sealing element are positioned in a vacuum chamber such that the mirror cell receiving portion receives an upper portion of the unfilled mirror cell. Negative pressure is established in the vacuum chamber and electro-optic fluid is provided at the fluid reservoir of the filling element, with the fluid flowing through the channel and passageway and fill port to fill an interpane cavity of the mirror cell with electro-optic fluid. After filling the interpane cavity, the filling element and sealing element are removed and the fill port is plugged.

Electro-optic mirror element and process of making same

A system for filling a variable reflectance vehicular electro-optic element assembly (such as for a rearview mirror assembly) includes a front substrate, a rear substrate and a perimeter seal disposed between the front and rear substrates. The perimeter seal spaces the front and rear substrates apart and forms an interpane cavity therebetween. The perimeter seal has a gap between terminal ends of the perimeter seal to provide a fill port for the mirror reflective element assembly when the front and rear substrates are mated together. The fill port allows an electro-optic medium to flow therethrough during the filling process. During the filling process, the front and rear substrates are fixtured in a chamber with the fill port disposed at an upper portion of the front and rear substrates, with the filling process being one of (i) a gravity feed filling process and (ii) a pressurized filling process.

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South Haven, MI, United States of America

Michael L Gallas