Optical reflector with increased field-of-view
First Claim
Patent Images
1. An optical reflector comprising:
- a primary optical element having a perimeter, a first substantially flat portion, and a second portion that is curved in two dimensions, the second portion adjoining said first portion along a curved line, wherein the first and second portions are within the perimeter, and further wherein each portion defines a primary differentiable surface; and
a layer of reflective material on said primary optical element.
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Abstract
An optical element such as a reflector defining a differentiable fiducial surface having a first portion, with a flat region, that seamlessly adjoins, along a curved line, a second portion having a two-dimensionally curved region. The quality of optical imaging in the reflector is drastically improved by reducing the ratio of optical powers measured in two perpendicular directions along the two-dimensionally curved portion of the surface. The vehicular rearview assembly including such a reflector possesses a field-of-view (FOV) that is significantly higher than the FOV of a conventional flat mirror and facilitates visual access to a “blind spot” behind the vehicle.
32 Citations
19 Claims
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1. An optical reflector comprising:
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a primary optical element having a perimeter, a first substantially flat portion, and a second portion that is curved in two dimensions, the second portion adjoining said first portion along a curved line, wherein the first and second portions are within the perimeter, and further wherein each portion defines a primary differentiable surface; and a layer of reflective material on said primary optical element. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
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11. An optical reflector comprising:
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a primary optical element having a perimeter, a first substantially flat portion, and a second portion that is curved in two dimensions, the second portion adjoining said first portion along a breakline comprising a substantially circular arc having a radius of curvature, wherein the first and second portions are within the perimeter, and further wherein each portion defines a primary differentiable surface; and a layer of reflective material on said primary optical element. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13, 14, 15, 16)
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17. An optical reflector comprising:
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a primary optical element having a perimeter, a first substantially flat portion, and a second portion that is curved, the second portion adjoining said first portion along a straight breakline, wherein the first and second portions are within the perimeter, and further wherein each portion defines a primary differentiable surface; and a layer of reflective material on said primary optical element, wherein the first substantially flat portion is configured to meet the requirements of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration set forth in 49 C.F.R. §
571.111. - View Dependent Claims (18, 19)
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Specification