Variable reflectance mirrors and windows
First Claim
1. An automotive rearview assembly having a front, the assembly comprising a switchable mirror system configured to have a non-transitory changeable reflectance, 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 at least one chamber is configured to define a voltage-switchable reflective polarizer, andwherein the changeable reflectance includes at least three levels of reflectance respectively corresponding to at least three reflectance modes of operation of the switchable mirror system.
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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
19 Claims
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1. An automotive rearview assembly having a front, the assembly comprising a switchable mirror system configured to have a non-transitory changeable reflectance, 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 at least one chamber is configured to define a voltage-switchable reflective polarizer, and wherein the changeable reflectance includes at least three levels of reflectance respectively corresponding to at least three reflectance modes of operation of the switchable mirror system.
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11. An automotive rearview assembly having a front, the assembly comprising a switchable mirror system configured to have a non-transitory changeable reflectance, 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 one chamber defines an electrochromic (EC) element corresponding to the front of the rearview assembly and at least one chamber is configured to define a voltage-switchable polarizer disposed behind the EC element, and wherein the changeable reflectance includes at least three levels of reflectance respectively corresponding to at least three reflectance modes of operation of the switchable mirror system.
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16. An automotive rearview assembly having a front, the assembly comprising a switchable mirror system configured to have a non-transitory changeable reflectance, 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 at least one chamber is configured to define a cholesteric liquid-crystal element, wherein one chamber is configured to define and electrochromic (EC) element corresponding to the front of the rearview assembly and disposed in front of the at least one chamber that is configured to define a cholesteric liquid-crystal medium, and wherein the changeable reflectance of the switchable mirror includes at least three levels of reflectance respectively corresponding to at least three reflectance modes of operation of the switchable mirror system.
Specification