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 or receiving light of a first polarization, the mirror element comprising:
- a first substrate having first and second surfaces;
a second substrate having third and fourth surfaces, the second and first substrates positioned in a spaced-apart relationship such that the second and third surfaces face each other;
a first electrode carried on a surface of the first substrate;
a second electrode carried on a surface of the second substrate,an electrochromic medium provided between the first and second substrates; and
a reflective polarizer for substantially transmitting light of a first polarization and substantially reflecting light of a second polarization, the second polarization being opposite the first polarization, the reflective polarizer disposed on or near the second substrate such that the electronic device transmits or receives light of the first polarization through the reflective polarizer,wherein the reflective polarizer includes multiple layers of plastic film.
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
56 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 or receiving light of a first polarization, the mirror element comprising:
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a first substrate having first and second surfaces; a second substrate having third and fourth surfaces, the second and first substrates positioned in a spaced-apart relationship such that the second and third surfaces face each other; a first electrode carried on a surface of the first substrate; a second electrode carried on a surface of the second substrate, an electrochromic medium provided between the first and second substrates; and a reflective polarizer for substantially transmitting light of a first polarization and substantially reflecting light of a second polarization, the second polarization being opposite the first polarization, the reflective polarizer disposed on or near the second substrate such that the electronic device transmits or receives light of the first polarization through the reflective polarizer, wherein the reflective polarizer includes multiple layers of plastic film. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12)
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13. A variable reflectance mirror element for use in a rearview mirror assembly having an electronic device positioned behind the mirror element for transmitting or receiving light of a first polarization, the mirror element comprising:
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a first substrate having first and second surfaces; a second substrate having third and fourth surfaces, the second and first substrates positioned in a spaced-apart relationship such that the second and third surfaces face each other; a first electrode carried on a the first substrate; a second electrode carried on the second substrate, an electrochromic medium provided between the first and second substrates; and a reflective polarizer for substantially transmitting light of a first polarization and substantially reflecting light of a second polarization, the second polarization being opposite the first polarization, the reflective polarizer disposed on or near the second substrate such that the electronic device transmits or receives light of the first polarization through the reflective polarizer, the reflective polarizer laminated to the second substrate. - View Dependent Claims (14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34)
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35. A variable reflectance mirror element for use in a rearview mirror assembly having an electronic device positioned behind the mirror element for transmitting or receiving light of a first polarization, the mirror element comprising:
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a first substrate having first and second surfaces; a second substrate having third and fourth surfaces, the second and first substrates positioned in a spaced-apart relationship such that the second and third surfaces face each other; a first electrode carried on a surface of the first substrate; a second electrode carried on a surface of the second substrate; an electrochromic medium provided between the first and second substrates; a reflective polarizer for substantially transmitting light of a first polarization and substantially reflecting light of a second polarization, the second polarization being opposite the first polarization, the reflecting polarizer positioned on or near the second substrate such that the electronic device transmits or receives light of the first polarization through the reflective polarizer; and at least one optical film enhancing a reflectivity of the reflective polarizer. - View Dependent Claims (36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56)
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Specification