Variable reflectance mirrors and windows
First Claim
1. A variable reflectance mirror element for use in a rearview mirror assembly having an electronic device positioned behind the mirror element for transmitting/receiving light of a first polarization, said mirror element comprising:
- a first substrate;
a second substrate;
a first electrode provided on a surface of said first substrate;
a second electrode provided on a surface of said second substrate;
an electro-optic medium provided between said first and second substrates that changes transmittance of the mirror element in response to a voltage applied across said first and second electrodes; and
a polarized reflector provided on or near a surface of said second substrate for transmitting light of the first polarization and reflecting light of a second polarization opposite the first polarization, wherein said polarized reflector is positioned in front of the electronic device such that the electronic device transmits/receives light of the first polarization through said polarized reflector.
1 Assignment
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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.
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Citations
27 Claims
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1. A variable reflectance mirror element for use in a rearview mirror assembly having an electronic device positioned behind the mirror element for transmitting/receiving light of a first polarization, said mirror element comprising:
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a first substrate; a second substrate; a first electrode provided on a surface of said first substrate; a second electrode provided on a surface of said second substrate; an electro-optic medium provided between said first and second substrates that changes transmittance of the mirror element in response to a voltage applied across said first and second electrodes; and a polarized reflector provided on or near a surface of said second substrate for transmitting light of the first polarization and reflecting light of a second polarization opposite the first polarization, wherein said polarized reflector is positioned in front of the electronic device such that the electronic device transmits/receives light of the first polarization through said polarized reflector. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
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9. A rearview mirror assembly for a vehicle comprising:
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an electro-optic element comprising first and second electrodes, said electro-optic element changes reflectance in response to a voltage applied across said first and second electrodes, wherein said second electrode comprises a polarized reflector for transmitting light of a first polarization and reflecting light of a second polarization opposite the first polarization; and an electronic device positioned behind said polarized reflector for transmitting/receiving light of the first polarization through said polarized reflector. - View Dependent Claims (10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22)
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23. An electrochromic element comprising:
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a first substrate; a second substrate spaced apart from said first substrate; a first electrode provided on a surface of said first substrate; a second electrode provided on a surface of said second substrate; an electrochromic medium provided between said first and second substrates; and a polarized reflector provided on a surface of one of said first and second substrates, said polarized reflector transmits light of a first polarization and reflects light of a second polarization opposite the first polarization; wherein said second electrode includes a second layer of conductive material, and wherein said polarized reflector is disposed between said second substrate and said second layer of conductive material.
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24. An electrochromic element comprising:
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a first substrate; a second substrate spaced apart from said first substrate; a first electrode provided on a surface of said first substrate; a second electrode provided on a surface of said second substrate; an electrochromic medium provided between said first and second substrates; and a polarized reflector provided on a surface of one of said first and second substrates, said polarized reflector transmits light of a first polarization and reflects light of a second polarization opposite the first polarization; wherein said polarized reflector is provided on the same surface of said second substrate as said second electrode.
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25. An electrochromic element comprising:
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a first substrate; a second substrate spaced apart from said first substrate; a first electrode provided on a surface of said first substrate; a second electrode provided on a surface of said second substrate; an electrochromic medium provided between said first and second substrates; and a polarized reflector provided on a surface of one of said first and second substrates, said polarized reflector transmits light of a first polarization and reflects light of a second polarization opposite the first polarization; wherein said second electrode is provided on a first surface of said second substrate, and said polarized reflector is provided on a second surface of said second substrate that is opposite said first surface.
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26. The electrochromic element 25, wherein said first electrode includes a first layer of conductive material provided over substantially the entire surface of said first substrate and said second electrode includes a second layer of conductive material provided over substantially the entire surface of said second substrate.
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27. The electrochromic element 26, wherein said polarized reflector is disposed between said second substrate and said second layer of conductive material.
Specification