Variable Reflectance Mirrors and Windows
First Claim
1. An automotive rearview assembly for use by a viewer, the assembly comprising a switchable mirror system, the switchable mirror system includinga plurality of substrates disposed sequentially in parallel and spaced-apart relationship so as to form a plurality of chambers, each chamber defined by opposing surfaces of two sequentially disposed substrates and a seal disposed therebetween, each of the opposing surfaces having an electrically conductive layer deposited thereon, each chamber containing a corresponding electro-optical medium that is in electrical communication with adjacent electrically conductive layers,wherein the switchable mirror system is characterized by a variable reflectance that includes at least three levels of reflectance.
1 Assignment
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
Various structures for variable reflectance rearview mirrors and variable transmittance windows are disclosed. One embodiment pertains to the provision of a polarized reflector in a rearview mirror. Another embodiment pertains to the provision of a switchable cholesteric liquid crystal element in a window. Yet another embodiment pertains to the provision of a plurality of apertures in a reflector layer of a rearview mirror where the apertures are sized and positioned in alignment with light emitting areas of a display positioned behind the reflector layer. In another embodiment, a moveable display or mirror element is attached to a rearview mirror housing.
139 Citations
11 Claims
-
1. An automotive rearview assembly for use by a viewer, the assembly comprising a switchable mirror system, the switchable mirror system including
a plurality of substrates disposed sequentially in parallel and spaced-apart relationship so as to form a plurality of chambers, each chamber defined by opposing surfaces of two sequentially disposed substrates and a seal disposed therebetween, each of the opposing surfaces having an electrically conductive layer deposited thereon, each chamber containing a corresponding electro-optical medium that is in electrical communication with adjacent electrically conductive layers, wherein the switchable mirror system is characterized by a variable reflectance that includes at least three levels of reflectance.
Specification