Abstract: The present invention provides improved electrochromic layers, which comprise polymeric matrices with electrochromic solutions interspersed therein. Varying an electrical potential difference across a layer of the invention results in reversible variation in the transmittance of light across the layer because of electrochemical processes in the electrochromic solution of the layer. The invention further provides electrochromic devices, in which the electrochromic layers of the invention provide reversibly variable transmittance to light, and various apparatus in which the devices of the invention provide light-filtering or light-color modulation. Such apparatus include windows, including those for use inside and on the outside walls of buildings and in sunroofs for automobiles, and variable reflectance mirrors, especially rearview mirrors for automobiles.

Abstract: An inventive rearview assembly for a vehicle may comprise a mirror element and a display including a light management subassembly. The subassembly may comprise an LCD placed behind a transflective layer of the mirror element. Despite a low transmittance through the transflective layer, the inventive display is capable of generating a viewable display image having an intensity of at least 250 cd/m2 and up to 3500 cd/m2. The display includes a novel backlighting subassembly and novel optical components including a magnifying system, a depolarizer, a reflector, and a reflective polarizer. The display may be configured to display an image having edges contoured to correspond to the edges of the mirror element.

Abstract: A mirror includes an electro-optic mirror subassembly, and a thin-profiled bezel attached around a perimeter of the electrochromic mirror subassembly. The electro-optic mirror subassembly is supported on a carrier by an adheringly bonded heater and foam tape in a laminar arrangement. The bezel may be bonded to an edge of the front surface of the front element of the electro-optic mirror subassembly, and/or may be bonded and/or interlockingly mechanically attached to an edge of the carrier. Alternatively, the bezel can be a strip of paint or thin coating material. The bezel can be molded in place, or can be pre-molded and elastically stretched to permit assembly. In one form, the bezel includes a laterally-extending fin that prevents seeing past the bezel into the inside of a mirror housing. In at least one embodiment, the assembly has no bezel or only a bezel on one edge.

Abstract: A system and method of automatically controlling vehicle headlamps including an image sensor and a controller to generate headlamp control signals.

Abstract: Electro-optic elements are becoming commonplace in a number of vehicular and architectural applications. Various electro-optic element configurations provide variable transmittance and or variable reflectance for windows and mirrors. The present invention relates to various thin-film coatings, electro-optic elements and assemblies incorporating these elements.

Abstract: The inventive electrochromic mirror may be used in a vehicle rearview mirror assembly having a light source positioned behind the electrochromic mirror for selectively projecting light through the mirror and/or a light sensor positioned behind the electrochromic mirror for selectively receiving light through the mirror. The electrochromic mirror includes front and rear spaced elements each having front and rear surfaces and being sealably bonded together in a spaced-apart relationship to define a chamber, a layer of transparent conductive material disposed on the rear surface of the front element, an electrochromic material is contained within the chamber, and a second electrode overlies the front surface of the rear element in contact with the electrochromic material. The second electrode includes a layer of reflective material and a partially transmissive coating of and is disposed over substantially all of the front surface of the rear element.

Abstract: An electrochromic window assembly is disclosed that includes a first substrate and a second substrate that is maintained in a parallel and spaced relation from the first substrate by means of a window frame and spacer. The window assembly further includes an electrochromic device mounted within the airtight chamber formed between the first and second substrates. Electrochromic device 22 may be mounted so as to provide an air chamber between first substrate 12, which is the external substrate, and electrochromic device 22. At least one of the chambers formed between substrates 12 and 14 and electrochromic device 22 may be filled with an insulating gas such as argon. Also disclosed are novel methods for manufacture of an electrochromic device for incorporation into such a window assembly. A novel electrochromic device is also disclosed having electrical bus clips secured about the entire periphery of the electrochromic device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to improved electro-optic rearview mirror elements and assemblies incorporating the same.

Abstract: Environmentally improved rearview mirror assemblies are provided which incorporate a reflective element with variable reflectance. In one embodiment, the environmentally improved rearview mirror assembly is substantially free of cadmium (Cd). In another embodiment, the environmentally improved rearview mirror assembly is substantially free of lead (Pb). In yet another embodiment, the environmentally improved rearview mirror assembly is substantially free of mercury (Hg). In a further embodiment, the environmentally improved rearview mirror assembly is substantially free of poly-vinyl-chloride (PVC). In yet a further embodiment, the environmentally improved rearview mirror assembly is substantially free of halogen producing chemicals such as bromine (Br).

Abstract: The present invention relates to improved electro-optic rearview mirror elements and assemblies incorporating the same.

Abstract: The present invention relates to improved electro-optic rearview mirror elements and assemblies incorporating the same.

Abstract: According to one embodiment of the present invention, an electrochromic rearview mirror assembly for a vehicle includes an electrochromic mirror having a variable reflectivity, a glare sensor for sensing levels of light directed towards the front element from the rear of the vehicle, an ambient sensor for sensing levels of ambient light, a display positioned behind the partially transmissive, partially reflective portion of the reflector for displaying information therethrough.

Abstract: An electro-optic device is disclosed having a self-cleaning, hydrophilic optical coating. The electro-optic device preferably forms an external rearview mirror for a vehicle. The optical coating preferably includes photocatalytic layer(s), a hydrophilic layer, and a color suppression coating. The electro-optic device is preferably an electrochromic mirror. The disclosed optical coating exhibits a reflectance at the front surface of the reflective element that is less than about 20 percent, and has sufficient hydrophilic properties such that water droplets on a front surface of the optical coating exhibit a contact angle of less than about 20°. The mirror exhibits a C* value of less than 25.

Abstract: The inventive electrochromic mirror may be used in a vehicle rearview mirror assembly having a light source positioned behind the electrochromic mirror for selectively projecting light through the mirror. The electrochromic mirror includes front and rear spaced elements each having front and rear surfaces and being sealably bonded together in a spaced-apart relationship to define a chamber, a layer of transparent conductive material disposed on the rear surface of the front element, an electrochromic material is contained within the chamber, and a second electrode overlies the front surface of the rear element in contact with the electrochromic material. The second electrode includes a layer of reflective material and a partially transmissive coating of and is disposed over substantially all of the front surface of the rear element. The second electrode further includes a region in front of the light source that is at least partially transmissive.

Abstract: An electrochromic window assembly is disclosed that includes a first substrate and a second substrate that is maintained in a parallel and spaced relation from the first substrate by means of a window frame and spacer. The window assembly further includes an electrochromic device mounted within the airtight chamber formed between the first and second substrates. Electrochromic device 22 may be mounted so as to provide an air chamber between first substrate 12, which is the external substrate, and electrochromic device 22. At least one of the chambers formed between substrates 12 and 14 and electrochromic device 22 may be filled with an insulating gas such as argon. Also disclosed are novel methods for manufacture of an electrochromic device for incorporation into such a window assembly. A novel electrochromic device is also disclosed having electrical bus clips secured about the entire periphery of the electrochromic device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to improved electro-optic rearview mirror elements and assemblies incorporating the same.

Abstract: A system and method of automatically controlling vehicle equipment includes an image sensor and a controller to generate control signals. The control signals are derived based on information obtained from the image sensor as well as other detected parameters pertaining to the detected light source(s), the vehicle having the inventive control system, and the ambient environment. The control circuit may simply turn certain vehicle equipment, for example exterior lights, on or off, or change the brightness, aim, focus, etc. to produce various beam patterns that maximize the illuminated area in front of the vehicle without causing excessive glare in the eyes of other drivers.

Abstract: A system and method of automatically controlling vehicle exterior lights including an image sensor and a controller to generate headlamp control signals.

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.

Abstract: A variable reflectance rearview mirror for a vehicle, comprising: (a) a variable reflectance mirror element having a reflectivity that varies in response to an applied potential so as to exhibit at least a high reflectance state and a low reflectance state; (b) a self-cleaning, hydrophilic coating applied to a front surface of said mirror element having a controlled surface morphology.