Abstract: A privacy glazing structure may include an electrically controllable optically active material that provides controlled transition between a privacy or scattering state and a visible or transmittance state. To make electrical connections with electrode layers that control the optically active material, the privacy glazing structure may include electrode engagement regions. In some examples, the electrode engagement regions are formed as notches in peripheral edges of opposed panes bounding the optically active material. The notches may or may not overlap to provide a through conduit in the region of overlap for wiring. In either case, the notches may allow the remainder of the structure to have a flush edge surface for ease of downstream processing.

Abstract: A privacy glazing structure may include an electrically controllable optically active material that provides controlled transition between a privacy or scattering state and a visible or transmittance state. To make electrical connections with electrode layers that control the optically active material, the privacy glazing structure may include an offset pane arrangement. The structure may include first and second panes that contain an optically active material. The two panes may be sandwiched by two laminated outer panes. In some examples, the first and second panes are recessed relative to the laminated outer panes along their side edges to define recesses in which electrical connection features are positioned. While the side edges may be recessed, the bottom edges of all the panes may be positioned flush with each other.

Abstract: A privacy glazing structure may be fabricated from multiple panes of transparent material that hold an optically active material and also define a between-pane space that is separated from a surrounding environment for thermal insulating properties. The privacy glazing structure may include various functional coatings and intermediate films to enhance the performance and/or life span of the structure. For example, the privacy glazing structure may include a low emissivity coating and a laminate layer positioned between an optically active layer and an exterior environment exposed to sunlight. The low emissivity coating and laminate layer may work in combination to effectively protect the optically active layer from sunlight degradation. Additionally or alternatively, the laminate layer may impart safety and impact resistance properties to the structure.

Abstract: An electrical characteristic of a privacy glazing structure and indicative of a health of the privacy glazing structure can be measured at a first time and at a second time later than the first time. In response to detecting a change in the electrical characteristic indicating a change in the health of the privacy glazing structure, one or more parameters of an electrical drive signal can be adjusted to compensate for the change in the health of the privacy glazing structure. The electrical characteristic can be measured at a plurality of times after the second time and compared to the electrical characteristic measured at the first time. If, at any of the plurality of times, the measured electrical characteristic differs from the electrical characteristic measured at the first time by more than a threshold amount, one or more parameters of the electrical drive signal can be adjusted.

Abstract: A privacy glazing structure may include an electrically controllable optically active material that provides controlled transition between a privacy or scattering state and a visible or transmittance state. To make electrical connections with electrode layers that control the optically active material, the privacy glazing structure may include electrode engagement regions. In some examples, the electrode engagement regions are formed as notches in peripheral edges of opposed panes bounding the optically active material. The notches may or may not overlap to provide a through conduit in the region of overlap for wiring. In either case, the notches may allow the remainder of the structure to have a flush edge surface for ease of downstream processing.

Abstract: A privacy glazing structure may include an electrically controllable optically active material, such as a liquid crystal material, sandwiched between a flexible substrate and a rigid substrate. The flexible substrate and the rigid substrate may each have a conductive layer deposited on the surface facing the optically active material. The flexible substrate may be bonded about its perimeter to the rigid substrate and may be sufficiently flexible to conform to non-planarity of the rigid substrate. As a result, the flexible substrate may adopt the surface contour of the rigid substrate to maintain a uniform thickness of optically active material between the flexible substrate and the rigid substrate.

Abstract: A privacy glazing structure may include an electrically controllable optically active material that provides controlled transition between a privacy or scattering state and a visible or transmittance state. To make electrical connections with electrode layers that control the optically active material, the privacy glazing structure may include electrode engagement regions. In some examples, the electrode engagement regions are formed as notches in peripheral edges of opposed panes bounding the optically active material. The notches may or may not overlap to provide a through conduit in the region of overlap for wiring. In either case, the notches may allow the remainder of the structure to have a flush edge surface for ease of downstream processing.

Abstract: A privacy glazing structure may include an electrically controllable optically active material, such as a liquid crystal material, sandwiched between a flexible substrate and a rigid substrate. The flexible substrate and the rigid substrate may each have a conductive layer deposited on the surface facing the optically active material. The flexible substrate may be bonded about its perimeter to the rigid substrate and may be sufficiently flexible to conform to non-planarity of the rigid substrate. As a result, the flexible substrate may adopt the surface contour of the rigid substrate to maintain a uniform thickness of optically active material between the flexible substrate and the rigid substrate.

Abstract: A privacy glazing structure may include an electrically controllable optically active material that provides controlled transition between a privacy or scattering state and a visible or transmittance state. To make electrical connections with electrode layers that control the optically active material, the privacy glazing structure may include an offset pane arrangement. The structure may include first and second panes that contain an optically active material. The two panes may be sandwiched by two laminated outer panes. In some examples, the first and second panes are recessed relative to the laminated outer panes along their side edges to define recesses in which electrical connection features are positioned. While the side edges may be recessed, the bottom edges of all the panes may be positioned flush with each other.

Abstract: A controllable privacy structure, such as a window or door, may include an electrically controllable optically active material connected to a driver. The driver can control the application and/or removal of electrical energy to the optically active material to transition from a scattering state in which visibility through the structure is inhibited to a transparent state in which visibility through the structure is comparatively clear. The driver may need to be located in relatively close physical proximity to the privacy structure the driver is intended to control. Devices, systems, and techniques are described for discretely positioning a driver relative to a privacy structure to be controlled.

Abstract: A controllable privacy structure, such as a window or door, may include an electrically controllable optically active material connected to a driver. The driver can control the application and/or removal of electrical energy to the optically active material to transition from a scattering state in which visibility through the structure is inhibited to a transparent state in which visibility through the structure is comparatively clear. The driver may need to be located in relatively close physical proximity to the privacy structure the driver is intended to control. Devices, systems, and techniques are described for discretely positioning a driver relative to a privacy structure to be controlled.

Abstract: A privacy glazing structure may include an electrically controllable optically active material that provides controlled transition between a privacy or scattering state and a visible or transmittance state. To make electrical connections with electrode layers that control the optically active material, the privacy glazing structure may include electrode engagement regions. In some examples, the electrode engagement regions are formed as notches in peripheral edges of opposed panes bounding the optically active material. The notches may or may not overlap to provide a through conduit in the region of overlap for wiring. In either case, the notches may allow the remainder of the structure to have a flush edge surface for ease of downstream processing.

Abstract: A privacy glazing structure may be fabricated from multiple panes of transparent material that hold an optically active material and also define a between-pane space that is separated from a surrounding environment for thermal insulating properties. The privacy glazing structure may include various functional coatings and intermediate films to enhance the performance and/or life span of the structure. For example, the privacy glazing structure may include a low emissivity coating and a laminate layer positioned between an optically active layer and an exterior environment exposed to sunlight. The low emissivity coating and laminate layer may work in combination to effectively protect the optically active layer from sunlight degradation. Additionally or alternatively, the laminate layer may impart safety and impact resistance properties to the structure.

Abstract: A privacy glazing structure may include an electrically controllable optically active material, such as a liquid crystal material, sandwiched between a flexible substrate and a rigid substrate. The flexible substrate and the rigid substrate may each have a conductive layer deposited on the surface facing the optically active material. The flexible substrate may be bonded about its perimeter to the rigid substrate and may be sufficiently flexible to conform to non-planarity of the rigid substrate. As a result, the flexible substrate may adopt the surface contour of the rigid substrate to maintain a uniform thickness of optically active material between the flexible substrate and the rigid substrate.

Abstract: A display device includes a cholesteric liquid crystal writing tablet and a piezoelectric transducer. The piezoelectric transducer is subjected to a mechanical force that generates a voltage that is applied to the writing tablet that erases writing on the writing tablet or a portion thereof. A further feature is a display device comprising a cholesteric liquid crystal display and a piezoelectric transducer. The piezoelectric transducer is subjected to a mechanical force that generates a voltage that is applied to the display that places the display or a portion thereof in at least one of a color reflective planar state, a substantially transparent focal conic state and a gray scale state. Also featured is a method of erasing a cholesteric liquid crystal writing tablet.

Abstract: A display device includes a cholesteric liquid crystal writing tablet and a piezoelectric transducer. The piezoelectric transducer is subjected to a mechanical force that generates a voltage that is applied to the writing tablet that erases writing on the writing tablet. A further feature is a display device comprising a cholesteric liquid crystal display and a piezoelectric transducer. The piezoelectric transducer is subjected to a mechanical force that generates a voltage that is applied to the display that places the display in at least one of a color reflective planar state, a substantially transparent focal conic state and a gray scale state. Also featured is a method of erasing a cholesteric liquid crystal writing tablet.

Abstract: This disclosure features embedded electrooptical displays such as liquid crystal displays and methods of making the same. The displays are embedded in light curable material on one or both sides thereof. Processes for embedding the displays include injection molding and continuous roll-to-roll processing. The light curable material forms a protective covering over the display. Electrical interconnects connected to electrodes of the display can protrude from the protective layer. Once the display is embedded it can resist contact with moisture and mechanical damage. The protective layer can be clear or it can contain additives such as pigments or additives for UV protection. The embedded display with the protective layer may be molded into different shapes during the embedding process or thermoformed after the embedding process into different shapes.