Abstract: An authentication apparatus configured to identify a user comprises a scanning apparatus configured to capture identifying information of the user and a feedback apparatus configured to communicate alignment information for the scanning apparatus to a user. A controller is in communication with the scanning apparatus and the alignment apparatus. The controller is configured to activate the feedback apparatus to reveal the alignment information identifying an alignment with the scanning apparatus. The controller is further configured to capture the identifying information of the user and identify the user in response to the identifying information.

Abstract: An improved device switchable between reflective and display states comprising an optical element and a display element. The optical element comprising a liquid crystal medium disposed between first and second substrates. The optical element may further comprise a first electrode, a second electrode, an absorptive polarizer, and a reflective polarizer. The first electrode and the absorptive polarizer may be disposed in a first direction relative the liquid crystal medium. Similarly, the second electrode and the reflective polarizer may be disposed in a second direction relative the liquid crystal medium. The second direction is opposite the first direction. In some embodiments, one or more of the absorptive and reflective polarizers may be further disposed between the first and second substrates. The display may be disposed in the first direction relative the optical element. Additionally, the device may further comprise a housing. In some embodiments, the housing may not have a bezel.

Abstract: An electronic device includes a cover substrate defining a first surface and a second surface. A polarizer is coupled to the second surface of the cover substrate and an electro-optic element. A light source is coupled to the electro-optic element. A concealment layer extends proximate a perimeter of the electro-optic element. The concealment layer is positioned between the polarizer and the electro-optic element.

Abstract: A detector is provided including a plurality of nanofiber chemical sensors, each having an electrical characteristic; and a processing and alarm circuit in electrical communication with the plurality of nanofiber chemical sensors; wherein the electrical characteristics of at least one of the plurality of nanofiber chemical sensors changes in the presence of a first airborne material; wherein the electrical characteristics of at least one of the plurality of nanofiber chemical sensors changes in the presence of a second airborne material; and wherein the changes in the electrical characteristics of at least one of the plurality of nanofiber chemical sensors in the presence of the first airborne material are different from the changes in the electrical characteristics of at least one of the plurality of nanofiber chemical sensors in the presence of the second airborne material.

Abstract: An illumination system and method of use that includes a light source, a first linear polarizer, a first converter configured to convert at least a portion of the light transmitted through the first linear polarizer to light having a first handedness of circular polarization, and a second converter configured to convert light having a second handedness of circular polarization to light having a second linear polarization. A second linear polarizer is positioned to receive the light of the second linear polarization from the second converter. At least one of the first linear polarizer and the second linear polarizer are selectively switchable between (i) a first condition in which light having the first linear polarization and light having the second linear polarization is transmitted and (ii) a second condition in which light of the first linear polarization is absorbed and light of the second linear polarization is transmitted.

Abstract: An electro-optic system where an electrical potential is changed and/or regulated to achieve a desired potential applied to an electro-optic medium. The electro-optic system comprises an electro-optic medium disposed in a chamber defined in part by two electrodes. A power source is connected to the two electrodes and thereby operable to apply an electrical potential to the electrochromic medium across the two electrodes. A voltmeter is operable to measure an electrical potential between two points within the chamber. Additionally, a controller is connected to the voltmeter and the power source and is operable to regulate the electrical potential applied by the power source based, at least in part, on the electrical potential measured between the two points within the chamber by the voltmeter.

Abstract: A vehicular rearview assembly includes an electro-optic element. A first substrate defines a first element surface and a second element surface. A first polarizer is coupled to the second element surface. A second substrate is spaced away from the first substrate and defines a third element surface and a fourth element surface. An electro-optic material is positioned between the first and second substrates. A second polarizer is coupled to the second substrate. A display is configured to emit light having a first polarization toward the second polarizer.

Abstract: An electro-optic device is provided having a first transparent substrate having a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface; a first transparent electrode on the second surface of the first substrate; a second transparent substrate having a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface; a second transparent electrode on the first surface of the second substrate, wherein the second substrate is positioned in spaced relation to the first substrate, wherein an extended portion of the first substrate extends beyond an edge of the second substrate; an electro-optic medium disposed between the first substrate and the second substrate, wherein the electro-optic medium is electrically coupled to the first electrode and the second electrode; and a printed circuit board mounted directly to the extended portion of the first substrate, the printed circuit board having a first electrical contact electrically coupled to the first electrode.

Abstract: A vehicular rearview assembly includes an electro-optic element. A first substrate defines a first element surface and a second element surface. A first polarizer is coupled to the second element surface. A second substrate is spaced away from the first substrate and defines a third element surface and a fourth element surface. An electro-optic material is positioned between the first and second substrates. A second polarizer is coupled to the second substrate. A display is configured to emit light having a first polarization toward the second polarizer.

Abstract: An electro-optic assembly includes a first substrate and a second substrate. A primary seal is disposed between the first substrate and the second substrate. The primary seal, the first substrate, and the second substrate define an interior cavity. A fill port extends through the primary seal. A secondary seal is disposed proximate a side of the primary seal. The primary seal and the secondary seal define a channel. A sealing plug is disposed within the channel.

Abstract: An alignment system comprises a first diffractive optical element comprising an image and a laser source. The image is visible when the laser source is viewed from a desired field of view through the diffractive optical element. The laser source may be configured to produce a beam of light that will extend through at least a portion of the first diffractive optical element, thereby illuminating the image. The first diffractive optical element and the laser source may be disposed in a vehicle.

Abstract: An electronic device includes a cover substrate defining a first surface and a second surface. A polarizer is coupled to the second surface of the cover substrate and an electro-optic element. A light source is coupled to the electro-optic element. A concealment layer extends proximate a perimeter of the electro-optic element. The concealment layer is positioned between the polarizer and the electro-optic element.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus comprises a first light source configured to project a first illumination onto a vehicle occupant and a second light source configured to project a second illumination onto the vehicle occupant. The system further comprises an imager comprising a pixel array. A lens apparatus comprises a first lens comprising a first field of view and a second lens comprising a second field of view. At least one shutter is selectively controlled to transmit the first illumination from the first lens to the pixel array. The at least one shutter is further controlled to selectively transmit the second illumination from the second lens to the pixel array. The imager is configured to process the first illumination in the first field of view and the second illumination in the second field of view.

Abstract: A switchable device is provided. The switchable device includes an electro-optic element switchable between a darkened state and a transmissive state in addition to a sensor having a field of view at least partially defined by a perimeter portion of the electro-optic element. The darkened state is configured to mask the sensor and visibly match the perimeter portion.

Abstract: A concealing device for an imager of a vehicle includes a photochromic lens cover with an external surface that is co-extensive with an adjacent portion of the vehicle and disposed proximate a lens of the imager. The photochromic lens cover is operable between a first condition wherein the photochromic lens cover is exposed to ultraviolet light and darkens to a transmissivity of less than 15% and a second condition wherein the photochromic lens cover includes a transmissivity of greater than 50%.

Abstract: An authentication apparatus configured to identify a user comprises a scanning apparatus configured to capture identifying information of the user and a feedback apparatus configured to communicate alignment information for the scanning apparatus to a user. A controller is in communication with the scanning apparatus and the alignment apparatus. The controller is configured to activate the feedback apparatus to reveal the alignment information identifying an alignment with the scanning apparatus. The controller is further configured to capture the identifying information of the user and identify the user in response to the identifying information.

Abstract: An electro-optic device is provided having a first transparent substrate having a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface; a first transparent electrode on the second surface of the first substrate; a second transparent substrate having a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface; a second transparent electrode on the first surface of the second substrate, wherein the second substrate is positioned in spaced relation to the first substrate, wherein an extended portion of the first substrate extends beyond an edge of the second substrate; an electro-optic medium disposed between the first substrate and the second substrate, wherein the electro-optic medium is electrically coupled to the first electrode and the second electrode; and a printed circuit board mounted directly to the extended portion of the first substrate, the printed circuit board having a first electrical contact electrically coupled to the first electrode.

Abstract: An imaging device is disclosed. The device comprises an image sensor configured to capture image data and a filter. The filter is configured to selectively control a range of wavelengths of light entering the image sensor. The filter comprises a liquid crystal structure configured to pass the range of wavelengths in a first configuration and reflect the range of wavelengths in a second configuration. The device further comprises a controller in communication with the image sensor and the filter. The controller is configured to adjust the filter from the first configuration to the second configuration in response to an environmental lighting condition.

Abstract: An imager module for a vehicle includes an imager having an imager lens. The imager is configured to collect image data from at least one of inside and outside the vehicle. A cover is disposed proximate the imager lens and configured to allow the imager to capture image data through the cover. The cover is operable between a first condition, wherein the imager is generally visible through the cover, and a second condition, wherein the imager is generally concealed from view by the cover.

Abstract: A detector is provided including a plurality of nanofiber chemical sensors, each having an electrical characteristic; and a processing and alarm circuit in electrical communication with the plurality of nanofiber chemical sensors; wherein the electrical characteristics of at least one of the plurality of nanofiber chemical sensors changes in the presence of a first airborne material; wherein the electrical characteristics of at least one of the plurality of nanofiber chemical sensors changes in the presence of a second airborne material; and wherein the changes in the electrical characteristics of at least one of the plurality of nanofiber chemical sensors in the presence of the first airborne material are different from the changes in the electrical characteristics of at least one of the plurality of nanofiber chemical sensors in the presence of the second airborne material.