Abstract: An interior rear view mirror assembly for a vehicle includes a mirror housing rotatably attached to a housing holder which is adapted to be attached to an interior of the vehicle, the mirror housing including a first rear view side to which a reflective mirror element is attached, and a second rear view side to which a display device with a display screen is attached to, where a camera is connected to the display device establishing a display system to provide an image to the display screen; and an actuator unit configured to automatically rotate the mirror housing to the first or second rear view side. A vehicle and a method may be used to operate the interior rear view mirror assembly.

Abstract: A display device including a first substrate; a second substrate facing the first substrate; a connection pad disposed on the first substrate; a first spacer disposed on the connection pad and exposing part of the connection pad; and a connecting pad disposed on side surfaces of the first and second substrates, the connecting pad contacting the connection pad.

Abstract: A dye-doped laser protective film is disclosed, comprising a polymer layer A and a polymer layer B. The polymer molecules in the polymer layer A are arranged in a left-handed helical structure which can reflect a left-handed polarized laser. The polymer molecules in the polymer layer B are arranged in a right-handed helical structure which can reflect a right-handed polarized laser. The combination of the polymer layer having the left-handed helical structure and the polymer layer having the right-handed helical structure can completely reflect circularly polarized light. In addition, the dye can absorb incident laser, so as to expand the protection angle of the laser protective film. The dye-doped laser protective film of the present disclosure has a simple manufacturing process, large protection angle and good flexibility, and can refit existing devices.

Abstract: A liquid crystal cell and a manufacturing method thereof and a use thereof are provided in the present disclosure. The liquid crystal cell is in a normally transparent mode, and has excellent transmittance-variable characteristics in a transparent mode and a scattering mode and excellent haze characteristics in the scattering mode. Such liquid crystal cell may be applied to various light modulation devices, such as a smart window, a window protective film, a flexible display element, a light shielding plate for transparent displays, an active retarder for 3D image displays or a viewing angle control film.

Abstract: One example of a display device includes a first layer and a second layer including a conductive material. The second layer is attached to the first layer such that a surface of the second layer facing the first layer is exposed along an edge of the second layer. The second layer supports an electronic paper display imageable by receiving charges on an imaging surface of the electronic paper display. The second layer is electrically coupled to a counter-electrode of the electronic paper display.

Abstract: A rearview mirror with a dimming function includes: a transparent cover substrate covering substantially the full screen of the rearview mirror, an absorptive polarization layer disposed below the transparent cover substrate with a substantially uniform size, where when non-polarized ambient light passes through the absorptive polarization layer, the layer absorbs light of a polarization parallel to its absorption axis while transmits light of a polarization perpendicular to its absorption axis, a liquid crystal light-controlling layer disposed below the absorptive polarization layer with a substantially uniform size, and a reflective polarization layer disposed below the liquid crystal light-controlling layer with a substantially uniform size, which reflects the light of a polarization parallel to its reflective axis while transmits the light of a polarization perpendicular to its reflective axis.

Abstract: A composition comprising individual single-stranded oligonucleotides capable of self assembling to form a pair of complementary, substantially contiguous single strands of a double-stranded nucleic acid filament, and a method for forming such filaments are disclosed.

Abstract: Sub-micron-structured (nanostructured) polymer film or coatings are made by coating a substrate with a mixture of materials. One of the materials is removed using a selective solvent, leaving pores or other nanostructure. The substrate may be grooved, providing a competing nanostructure. The coating may act as an antireflective coating, optical retarder, optical diffuser, or orientation layer.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a liquid crystal apparatus includes a first liquid crystal panel including a pair of substrates, and a dispersed liquid crystal held between the pair of substrates, and an active mirror placed behind the first liquid crystal panel, and configured to switch a first state in which linearly polarized light whose polarizing direction is a second direction is transmitted, and a second state in which the linearly polarized light whose polarizing direction is the second direction is absorbed or reflected.

Abstract: A mirror system, comprising a spectrally selective liquid crystal reflective assembly, designed and constructed to substantially absorb or transmit light at wavelengths corresponding to mesopic conditions, while reflecting light at other wavelengths. In one embodiment, the reflectance level of the mirror system is altered in response to a voltage applied across the selective liquid crystal reflective assembly.

Abstract: A method of producing a light-reflecting film having a light-reflecting layer on a resin film and reflecting 30% or more of incident light of a wavelength in the range of 800 to 2000 nm, includes a step of curing a cholesteric liquid crystal phase to form the light-reflecting layer, the cholesteric liquid crystal phase is obtained by mixing a chiral agent having an HTP of 30 ?m?1 or more expressed by Expression 1 into a starting solution by an in-line mixing method while supplying the starting solution prepared by dissolving a curable liquid crystal compound in a solvent, coating the resin film with the resultant coating solution, and drying the resultant.

Abstract: A liquid crystal display device and a method for driving the same are provided. The liquid crystal display device includes a first liquid crystal layer selectively driven by a first electric field in a first direction; and a second liquid crystal layer selectively driven a second electric field in a second direction, the second direction being different from the first direction.

Abstract: An automatic darkening liquid crystal mirror for vehicles, the mirror having a transparent front substrate and a back substrate with a reflective or transflective mirrored coating. The front and back substrates are spaced apart to define a liquid crystal cell between the substrates that is filled with a liquid crystal fluid incorporating a dichroic dye. A conductive thin film is applied onto the interior surface of the front substrate, and the mirrored coating of the back substrate also is conductive. An alignment compound is deposited on opposite sides of and bounding the liquid crystal cell. An electronic control circuit is adapted to apply selectively a voltage signal to the conductive think film and the conductive mirrored coating to affect the transmittance of the liquid crystal fluid, and thereby the darkness of the mirror, in response to light intensity sensed by a headlight sensor coupled to the electronic control circuit.

Abstract: A multi-display vehicular rearview mirror system (2600) and method includes an electrochromic (EC) glass element (2603) and a plurality of liquid crystal displays (LCDs) (2605a, 2605b, 2605c) positioned behind EC element (2603). A plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs) (2610a, 2610b, 2610c) are used for providing backlighting for each respective LCD of the plurality of LCDs such that the LCDs utilize a plurality of imaging devices (2717, 2719, 2721) for forming substantially a single image across the plurality of LCDs (2605a, 2605b, 2605c).

Abstract: A vehicular rearview mirror assembly (600) includes an electrochromic (EC) glass element (303) and a printed circuit board (603) for mounting electrical components. A liquid crystal display (LCD) (615) is mounted to the printed circuit board (603), while a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs) (608) are also mounted to the same printed circuit board below the LCD (603) for providing backlighting.

Abstract: A cholesteric reflector (100) includes a substrate (110) and a first cholesteric layer (120) which is disposed over the substrate (110) and reflects a first polarization of light within a design waveband. A second cholesteric layer (140) is disposed over the first cholesteric layer (120) and reflects a second polarization of light within the design waveband.

Abstract: A method of producing a light-reflecting film having a light-reflecting layer on a resin film and reflecting 30% or more of incident light of a wavelength in the range of 800 to 2000 nm, includes a step of curing a cholesteric liquid crystal phase to form the light-reflecting layer, the cholesteric liquid crystal phase is obtained by mixing a chiral agent having an HTP of 30 ?m?1 or more expressed by Expression 1 into a starting solution by an in-line mixing method while supplying the starting solution prepared by dissolving a curable liquid crystal compound in a solvent, coating the resin film with the resultant coating solution, and drying the resultant.

Abstract: A variable reflectance vehicular mirror reflective element assembly includes a front substrate, an intermediate substrate and a rear substrate, with a first liquid crystal polarization unit disposed between the rear surface of the front substrate and the front surface of the intermediate substrate and a second liquid crystal polarization unit disposed between the rear surface of the intermediate substrate and the front surface of the rear substrate. When the liquid crystal polarization units are unpowered, the reflective element assembly substantially specularly reflects light incident thereon so as to appear specularly mirror-like to a driver of the vehicle viewing the front surface of the front substrate. When the liquid crystal polarization units are electrically powered, they change from being highly specularly reflective to substantially transmitting visible light therethrough.

Abstract: A cover for use in connection with a mirror of a vehicle is provided. The cover is provided with a lens having an electrically activatable material. The lens is positioned in front of the vehicle mirror. The electrically activatable material prevents the reflectivity of visible light off the mirror of the vehicle when the electrically activatable material is set to a light inhibiting state. A coupling device electrically couples the electrically activatable material to an electrical power source. An actuation device is adapted to set the electrically activatable material of the lens to the light inhibiting state in response to user operation such that the lens prevents the reflectivity of visible light off the mirror to reduce the observability of the vehicle mirror.

Abstract: A mirror assembly is provided having a mirror for use in connection with a vehicle, such as a military combat vehicle. An electrically activatable material is positioned at the mirror of the vehicle. The electrically activatable material prevents the reflectivity of visible light off the mirror when the electrically activatable material is switched to a light-blocking state. A coupling device electrically couples the electrically activatable material to an electrical power source. An actuation device is adapted to switch the electrically activatable material of the vehicle mirror assembly to the light-blocking state in response to user operation such that the electrically activatable material prevents the reflectivity of visible light off the vehicle mirror to reduce the observability of the vehicle mirror.

Abstract: The present invention provides a smart mirror apparatus using an LCD panel. The smart mirror of the present invention includes a reflective mirror, which is provided in the vehicle, and an LCD panel, which is placed in a light path between the reflective mirror and eyes of the driver and has one or two polarizing sheets. The smart mirror further includes an incident light detecting unit, which detects both the brightness of the incident light transmitted from the rear to the LCD panel and the brightness around the LCD panel, and calculates a difference value therebetween. The smart mirror further includes a voltage determination unit, which receives the calculated difference value and determines the drive voltage depending on the difference value, and a voltage apply and supply unit which applies the drive voltage, determined by the voltage determination unit, to the LCD panel.

Abstract: The present invention provides an electro-optical filter for filtering light from an object. The filter is arranged for receiving the light via a first imaging element and comprises a plurality of reflective elements for receiving and reflecting the light. Each reflective element has an optical property that is dependent on an intensity of the light at or near the reflective element. The optical property controls local filtering of the light intensity in a manner such that, above a predetermined intensity threshold, the filter reduces intensity differences of light originating from bright and dark regions of the object.

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: Provided are multilayer laminates having one or more layers comprising twisted nematic liquid crystals and one or more layers of a polymeric sheet. The twisted nematic liquid crystal layers reflect infrared radiation. Thus, the multilayer laminates are useful to reduce the transmission of infrared energy. For example, in some embodiments the multilayer laminates are useful as windows to reduce energy consumption necessary to cool the interior of a structure such as an automobile or building. Preferably, the multilayer laminates retain one or more of the beneficial properties of safety glass. The multilayer laminates may include additional layers such as infrared absorbing layers, half wave plates, and the like, to minimize the transmission of infrared energy. The multilayer laminates may also include further additional layers such as polymeric films, polymeric sheets, rigid sheets, and the like.

Abstract: An automatic darkening and glare reducing liquid crystal mirror for vehicles is disclosed. The mirror has a front substrate (101) of transparent glass or plastic and a back substrate (109) of glass or plastic with a highly reflective or transflective mirrored coating (108). The front and back substrates are spaced apart a small distance to define a liquid crystal cell between the substrates and a liquid crystal fluid (106) incorporating dichroic dyes is contained within the liquid crystal cell. A conductive thin film (102) is applied onto the interior surface of the front substrate and the reflective or transflective coating (108) of the back substrate also is conductive. An alignment compound is deposited on the conductive thin film (102) and on the reflective or transflective coating (108) and the alignment compound bounds the liquid crystal cell.

Abstract: A mirror system, comprising a spectrally selective liquid crystal reflective assembly, designed and constructed to substantially absorb or transmit light at wavelengths corresponding to mesopic conditions, while reflecting light at other wavelengths. In one embodiment, the reflectance level of the mirror system is altered in response to a voltage applied across the selective liquid crystal reflective assembly.

Abstract: Device for transmitting light at variable intensity, the device including a front variable polarizer, polarizing incoming light at a first selected polarization level, in a first direction and a rear variable polarizer, optically coupled with the front variable polarizer, polarizing light exiting the front variable polarizer at a second selected polarization level, in a second direction, wherein the first selected polarization level and the second selected polarization level are substantially zero, when no substantial electric power is applied respectively, to the front variable polarizer and the rear variable polarizer.

Abstract: A liquid crystal display device is disclosed, which can remove a defect generated from polishing and etching of a glass substrate. The LCD device includes first and second substrates assembled together with some spaces therebetween, each having an etched outer surface, and a passivation film outside the first and second substrates. In the LCD device, the passivation film such as BCB or photo-acrylate is formed on a surface of a glass substrate damaged by etching and polishing processes, so as to repair the damaged surface of the glass substrate.

Abstract: A liquid crystal display device having a touch panel that exploits a shutter effect of a liquid crystal layer includes an antiglare film placed behind the touch panel as seen by the viewer. The antiglare film fulfills the following three conditions: 0.3<Ra≦0.4; 50<Sm≦80; and 5≦H≦20; where Ra represents the center-line mean roughness (&mgr;m) of the surface of the antiglare film, Sm represents the irregularity interval (&mgr;m) of the surface, and H represents the haze value (%).

Abstract: The present invention provides a thin film transistor liquid crystal display (TFTLCD) including a liquid crystal layer having a first region and a second region therein, a liquid crystal controlling device for controlling an anti-dazzling effect produced by the first region, and a photoelectric converting device having a conductive layout constituted on the second region for converting a portion of light energy passing through the liquid crystal layer into electric power to recycle the electric power.

Abstract: A glazing is described, which includes at least one active layer and at least one reflecting coating on the active layer. A pane, partition, mirror, or door is also described that includes the glazing. A method for making is also described. The glazing exhibits superior thermal and radiative durability, and is capable of modulating the optical appearance of the active layer.