Abstract: A combined electrochromic/electroluminescent device includes at least one pixel 101-104. Each pixel includes a substrate 107 having an electrically conductive surface 105, and an electrochemically active counter electrode layer 110 disposed on the electrically conductive surface. An electrolyte layer 115 which provides electrolytes is disposed on the counter electrode 110. An electrically conductive layer 125 is disposed on the electrolyte layer 115. An electroactive layer 130 is disposed on the electrically conductive layer 125, the electroactive layer providing both electroluminescence and an electrochromically active working electrode, wherein the electrically conductive layer 125 provides transport of electrolytes therethrough.

Abstract: The present invention provides an all-solid-state reflection-controllable electrochromic device and a reflection-controllable member using that device, and the present invention relates to the all-solid-state reflection-controllable electrochromic device, which is a reflection-controllable device in which a multilayer thin film is formed on a transparent base material, wherein, at least a transparent conductive film layer, an ion storage layer, a solid electrolyte layer, a catalyst layer and a reflection-controllable layer using a magnesium-nickel based alloy thin film are formed on the base material; and, a reflection-controllable member incorporating this reflection-controllable electrochromic device, and it is possible to provide a reflection-controllable electrochromic device, having a novel multilayer structure with high transmissivity when transparent and capable of switching in a short period of time over a large surface area, and a reflection-controllable member incorporating this device.

Abstract: An electrochromic element includes a transparent carrier on which a multilayer system is disposed, the multilayer system including an ion storage layer, a transparent solid-state electrolyte layer), an electrochromic electrode layer, and a reflector layer. The reflector layer has a porosity which is sufficient for the penetration of water or water vapour.

Abstract: An interior rearview mirror system for a vehicle includes an interior rearview mirror assembly including a reflective element having a transparent glass substrate with a transflective reflector established at a surface thereof. The transflective reflector includes at least three thin film layers, which include at least one metallic layer. The transflective reflector exhibits a substantially spectrally neutral reflectant characteristic as viewed by a driver operating a vehicle equipped with the mirror assembly. A backlit active matrix liquid crystal video display screen is disposed behind the transflective reflector. Display information passes through the glass substrate and the transflective reflector for viewing by a driver operating the equipped vehicle. At least one silicon photo sensor is configured to detect ambient light at the vehicle, and the display intensity is adjustable responsive to a sensing of ambient light by the least one silicon photo sensor.

Abstract: A reflective mirror assembly includes an electrochromic reflective element providing a rearward field of view to a driver of a vehicle equipped with the reflective mirror assembly. The electrochromic reflective element includes an electrochromic medium disposed between a front substrate and a rear substrate in a cavity established by a seal that connects the front substrate to the rear substrate and that spaces them apart. An overhang region at a first edge region of the front substrate extends beyond a corresponding first edge region of the rear substrate. A transparent electrical conductor is disposed at the front substrate and a mirror reflector is disposed at the rear substrate. An electrically conducting tab extends outward from said seal at least partially to the edge of the rear substrate while making electrical contact with the mirror reflector. At least one hiding layer is disposed around a perimeter region of the front substrate.

Abstract: The present invention provides an EC mirror assembly that include s an EC mirror cell and control means for controlling the reflectivity of the mirror cell, the assembly also including a pair of contact elements independently displaceable relative to the mirror cell while maintaining an electrical connection with the control means, the contact elements also being engageable with opposite edges of the mirror cell in order to provide an electrical connection between the control means and the mirror cell.

Abstract: A portable electronic device, such as a notebook computer, includes a base and a lid. The base or the lid includes a shell and a multilayer structure coating thereon. The multilayer structure includes an electrically conductive layer, an electro chromic layer, an electrolyte layer, an ion storage layer and an electrode layer stacked one on another in that order. The portable electronic device utilizes the electro chromic layer to change colors, thereby the color-change function of the portable electronic device is achieved. Additionally, the electrode layer contains a photo catalyst TiO2 that has deodorizing, antibacterial and self-cleaning functions.

Abstract: An electrochromic device that may have an elastomeric seal is disclosed as is an electrochromic device having a seal provided on the peripheral edges of both the front and rear elements and wherein the seal may comprises a first material having an oxygen permeability of less than about 2.0 cm3·mm/m2·day·atm. In addition, an electrochromic device may include a seal comprising a thin member bonded to the peripheral edge of at least one of the front and rear elements, wherein the thin member comprises one of a film, thin glass, and a strip of foil.

Abstract: The present invention concerns an electrochromic cell comprising a layer (4) of electrochromic material to which an electrolyte layer (3) is applied, means (7, 8, 9) being designed to establish a potential difference between these layers; said electrolyte comprises at least one compound of general formula: Na1+xZr2SixP3?xO12??(1) in which x is chosen to respond to the following conditions: 1, 6?x?2, 4. The present invention also concerns a glass pane or a rear-view mirror including such a cell.

Abstract: A rearview mirror element assembly includes an electrochromic reflective element having a front generally planar substrate and a rear generally planar substrate. A reflecting mirror reflector is established at a third surface of the rear substrate and an auxiliary mirror element is positioned rearward of a perimeter region of the front substrate. The auxiliary mirror element provides a wide angle view of a blind spot to the side of a vehicle and a generally planar portion of the electrochromic reflective element provides a generally planar view rearward of the vehicle. A perimeter band or demarcating band may be established at least partially around a perimeter border region of the substrate and may traverse the substrate at the perimeter region of the front substrate behind which the auxiliary mirror element is positioned. The band may demarcate the perimeter region from the generally planar portion of the reflective element.

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 reflective element assembly for a mirror assembly of a vehicle includes a reflective element substrate and a conductive trace or layer disposed at a rear surface of the reflective element substrate. A non-conductive layer is applied at the conductive layer and covers at least a portion of the conductive layer and leaves at least some portions of the conductive layer exposed. At least one circuitry component is applied to at least one of the portions of the conductive layer.

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 object of the present invention is to provide a reflection type display apparatus that has reduced unwanted reflection when black is displayed, has a high reflectance when white is displayed and can provide color display. For that object, a reflection type display apparatus according to the present invention includes: a first light modulating layer 101 for controlling electrically and externally a light absorbing state and a light transmitting state; a second light modulating layer 102 for controlling electrically and externally a light reflecting state and the light transmitting state; and a reflector 9 for reflecting light in a particular wavelength band, wherein the first light modulating layer 101, the second light modulating layer 102 and the reflector 9 are arranged in this order from a light incidence side.

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

Abstract: An electrochromic mirror includes an electrically conductive reflective film capable of reflecting light that is incident thereto and having electrical conductivity in which plural fine penetration holes are formed, an electrochromic film that is provided at a side of the electrically conductive reflective film at which the light is incident and reflected, an electrically conductive film that is provided at a side of the electrically conductive reflective film that is opposite from the electrochromic film, and an electrolytic solution that contains lithium ions and is enclosed between the electrically conductive film and the electrically conductive reflective film. The plural penetration holes formed in the electrically conductive reflective film penetrate in a thickness direction thereof, and a ratio between a distance between respective centers of the penetration holes and an inner peripheral diameter dimension of the penetration holes is 7 or more.

Abstract: A rearview mirror assembly comprising a rear housing section with wiring connected to a first electrical connection device and a circuit board with a second electrical connection device, with first electrical connection device and the second electrical connection device being configured to automatically mate when the circuit board and the rear housing section are moved relatively towards each other. The rearview mirror assembly can also include a circuit board with a third electrical connection device and a reflective element with a fourth electrical connection device, with third electrical connection device and the fourth electrical connection device being configured to automatically mate when the circuit board and the reflective element are moved relatively towards each other.

Abstract: The invention concerns an electrochromic device comprising a single supporting substrate (1) on which are disposed a working electrode (6) which is electrochromic per se and/or bears an electrochromic material on at least a portion thereof; a counter electrode (3); and a layer of an electrically insulating material (4) separating the electrodes; wherein said electrochromic material has a major surface at least a portion of which forms at least a portion of an external surface of the device. The new device allows deposition of electrochromic coatings on a variety of substrates which need not be transparent.

Abstract: An exterior reflective mirror element suitable for a vehicle includes a transparent glass substrate having a reflector and a visual indicator display disposed to the rear of the substrate. The visual indicator display may be part of a blind spot detection and display system of the vehicle wherein the visual indicator display is actuated to emit light responsive to a detection by a blind spot detection detector of the equipped vehicle of an overtaking vehicle in a side lane adjacent the side of the equipped vehicle. The visual indicator display includes at least a first indicator at a first location to the rear of the exterior reflective mirror element. A first portion of the reflector may be at least partially removed at the first location in order to establish an at least partially transmissive first portion of the exterior reflective mirror element at the first location.

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: A reflective element assembly for a mirror assembly of a vehicle includes a reflective element substrate and a conductive trace or layer disposed at a rear surface of the reflective element substrate. A non-conductive layer is applied at the conductive layer and covers at least a portion of the conductive layer and leaves at least some portions of the conductive layer exposed. At least one circuitry component is applied to at least one of the portions of the conductive layer. The circuitry component may include a carbon ink resistor printed onto the conductive trace.

Abstract: Deterioration of characteristics due to repeated cycles of coloration and discoloration in an electrochromic element comprising an oxidative coloration layer composed of a nickel oxide and a electrolyte composed of a solid electrolyte is suppressed. A lower ITO transparent electrode film 12 is formed on a transparent substrate 10. A nickel oxide film 32 making up an oxidative coloration layer, an intermediate layer 33, a tantalum oxide film making up a solid electrolyte layer, a mixed film comprising a tungsten oxide and a titanium oxide making up a reductive coloration layer, and an upper ITO transparent electrode film 20 making up an upper electrode film are formed on the lower ITO transparent electrode film 12 on this order. The intermediate layer 33 is a transparent film comprising a metal oxide such as SnO2, a metal such as Al, or a composite of the metal oxide and the metal.

Abstract: An optical power limiter is designed for use with high gain optical systems by providing intensity reduction by the use of a non-linear fluid. As the intensity of light increases in the fluid, the index of refraction becomes non-linear very rapidly. This results in a plasma being formed within the fluid. Picosecond reaction time is provided. Recovery time of less than a microsecond is required for the system to return to its starting point.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an electrochromic device having the functionality of a secondary battery. The electrochromic device includes a plurality of secondary battery/display segments in which a double metal oxide layer comprising mesoporous metal oxide particles and macroporous metal oxide particles is disposed on a transparent electrode, and a cathode active material for a lithium secondary battery is disposed on a counter electrode to enable oxidation and reduction of lithium. Methods of manufacturing the electrochromic device are disclosed as well.

Abstract: The present invention is an active matrix electrochromic display architecture where the active components are placed on the backplane of the display, thereby maximizing the viewable pixel area. The cathode of the electrochromic pixel is placed on top of the active components, with respect to the viewer, thereby allowing the active components to be as large as desired while not interfering with the viewable area of the pixel.

Abstract: A mounting structure for accommodating an electro-optical device having an image display area from which display light exits and for holding the accommodated electro-optical device by magnetic force includes a case and a mounting unit. The case has a window disposed in correspondence with the image display area, surrounds the electro-optical device from a peripheral edge of the electro-optical device, and has at least a portion of a surface at a side opposite to a side facing the electro-optical device formed of a magnetic material. The mounting unit is disposed at the case and is used for mounting the mounting structure to a mounting member which is an object for mounting the mounting structure thereto.

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: Portable electronic devices with displays having switchable mirrors are described. The switchable mirror covers the display and is capable of switching from a transparent state to a reflecting state responsive to a switch in the portable electronic device. In one embodiment of the present invention, the display is switched off when the switchable mirror switches to its reflecting state. In another embodiment of the present invention, the switchable mirror is switched to its reflecting state when the portable electronic device is switched off.

Abstract: An interior rearview mirror assembly suitable for use in a vehicle includes a bezel and a mirror element located behind the bezel and viewable through an opening formed by the bezel. A backplate, formed by molding and having a first pivot element integrally formed on a side thereof, is securely fixed to a rear portion of the mirror element by direct attachment at least at a central region of the mirror element. A support bracket for attaching the interior rearview mirror assembly to a portion of the interior cabin of a vehicle includes a second pivot element that connects with the first pivot element of the backplate to form a pivot joint that enables angular adjustment by the driver of the rearward field of view provided by the mirror element. Circuitry is supported by the backplate and a housings, principally serving as a cosmetic shroud, connects with the bezel.

Abstract: A display mirror assembly includes a reflective mirror element having a semitransparent mirror reflector coated onto a light-transmitting substrate. Visible light transmission through the reflective mirror element is at least 3 percent and visible light reflectance by the reflective mirror element is at least 40 percent for visible light incident upon the front side of the reflective mirror element. The reflective mirror element does not exhibit substantial spectral selectivity in its reflectance of visible light incident upon its front side. A display device is disposed to the rear of the reflective mirror element and configured so that light emitted by the display device passes through the semitransparent mirror reflector to be viewed by a viewer viewing from the front. When electrically powered, a display luminance of at least about 60 foot lamberts as measured with said display device placed behind, and emitting light through, the reflective element is achieved.

Abstract: A reflective mirror assembly includes an electrochromic reflective element providing a rearward field of view to a driver of a vehicle equipped with the reflective mirror assembly. The electrochromic reflective element includes an electrochromic medium disposed between a front substrate and a rear substrate in a cavity established by a seal that connects the front substrate to the rear substrate and that spaces them apart. An overhang region at a first edge region of the front substrate extends beyond a corresponding first edge region of the rear substrate. A transparent electrical conductor is disposed at the front substrate and a mirror reflector is disposed at the rear substrate. An electrically conducting tab extends outward from said seal at least partially to the edge of the rear substrate while making electrical contact with the mirror reflector. At least one hiding layer is disposed around a perimeter region of the front substrate.

Abstract: A dimming device is provided by using a material which is capable of transitioning between a metallic reflection state and a transmitting state. The dimming device has a layered structure including a first layer and a second layer, such that the light reflectance of the first layer changes in response to an external stimulation. The first layer contains a first material whose optical characteristics change in accordance with a concentration of a specific element. The second layer contains a second material capable of containing the specific element, the second material releasing or absorbing the specific element in accordance with the external stimulation.

Abstract: An electrochromic device in which specific channel direction for the conduction of ions is implemented. As a result ionic crosstalk between display pixels is greatly reduced and unwanted transient coloration effects are minimized. Further, specific gel, polymer, or ionic liquid solutions can greatly eliminate the corrosive effects associated with the use of electrolyte salt solutions.

Abstract: A method and system for controlling an electrochromic mirror and an electrochromic system which are applicable to a motor vehicle are provided. The invention relates to a method of controlling an electrochromic mirror and to an electrochromic system which are intended for a motor vehicle.

Abstract: An image projection apparatus. The image projection apparatus comprises a light source and LCD panel. The LCD panel comprises a plurality of pixels and color filters thereon. Light from the light source is projected to the pixels along an irradiative path and the LCD panel selectively reflects the projected light in accordance with an image signal along a projective path, wherein an angle between the irradiative and projective paths exceeds 0°.

Abstract: An electrochromic device that may have an elastomeric seal is disclosed as is an electrochromic device having a seal provided on the peripheral edges of both the front and rear elements and wherein the seal may comprises a first material having an oxygen permeability of less than about 2.0 cm3·mm/m2·day·atm. In addition, an electrochromic device may include a seal comprising a thin member bonded to the peripheral edge of at least one of the front and rear elements, wherein the thin member comprises one of a film, thin glass, and a strip of foil.

Abstract: An electrochromic mirror including a glass substrate, a transparent conductive film formed on the back of the glass substrate, an electrochromic layer formed on the back of the transparent conductive film, a reflection and electrode film formed on the back of the electrochromic layer in which the electrochromic layer and the reflection and electrode film are covered on the back thereof with an ion shielding oxide film, whereby the performance is stabilized and the productivity enhanced.

Abstract: In a display device including: a display space provided on a display surface side; and a conductive liquid sealed inside the display space so as to be operable, which is constituted so as to be able to change a display color on the display surface side according to an application of an electric field to the conductive liquid, a power source portion, a first driving circuit that is connected to the power source portion, and allows the conductive liquid to flow into an inside of the display space according to a voltage applied by the power source portion, and a second driving circuit that is connected to the power source portion, and allows the conductive liquid to flow out of the inside of the display space according to a voltage applied by the power source portion are provided.

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: 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: An electrochromic display is disclosed which comprises an array side substrate (10) on which a pixel electrode (15) and an electrochromic layer (30) are formed, a color filter side substrate (50) on which a counter electrode (53) and an electrochromic layer (54) are formed, and an electrolytic layer (80) injected between the array side substrate (10) and the color filter side substrate (50). By forming the pixel electrode (15) of a reflective electrode material, it becomes unnecessary to add a coloring agent in the electrolytic layer (80) for enhancing contrast and therefore the electrolytic layer (80) can be made thin.

Abstract: An optical modulation device is disclosed which can suppress production of a cause of degradation such as a void or hillock on a light illumination surface thereof and can be incorporated in an image display apparatus of a small size and a high luminance to improve the reliability of the same. The optical modulation device includes first and second surface elements movable relative to each other to form different diffraction gratings to modulate light inputted thereto. Each of the first and second surface elements has a light illumination surface made of an AlCu alloy material. The optical modulation device has an airtight sealed space in which surrounding gas for the first and second surface elements is encapsulated. The surrounding gas contains hydrogen gas or helium gas or both of hydrogen gas and helium gas.

Abstract: A vehicle rearview mirror assembly including a mirror, an electronic component unit, a protective housing exposing the mirror through a viewing aperture and enclosing the electronic component unit, an RF antenna connected to the electronic component unit, and a support bracket assembly adapted to mount the mirror assembly to an interior surface of a vehicle. The electronic component unit may be mounted on one face of a carrier plate and the mirror may be mounted on the other face of said carrier plate, with the support bracket assembly extending through the housing from the carrier plate. The electronic component unit may be adapted to receive information via the RF antenna and may display such information on a visual display.

Abstract: Provided is a flat panel display (FPD), and more particularly, an FPD to display an image by controlling optical properties of a portion of the FPD. The FPD may include an image panel unit whose optical properties are locally controlled; a panel control unit to form a line field by controlling optical properties of a horizontal or vertical line region of the image panel unit; and an image input unit to project an image, which is to be output on the image panel unit, to the formed line field.

Abstract: A display device comprising a plurality of independently addressable pixels (1) comprising: a first substrate (2); a counter-electrode (3); second substrate (4); a stack of electrochromic layers (5a, 5b, 5c) associated with said second substrate (4); an electrolyte (6) disposed between said counter-electrode (3) and said stack of electrochromic layers (5a, 5b, 5c). Said electrochromic layers (5a, 5b, 5c) are each independently addressable for switching operation; and separated from each other by layers of an electrolyte (7).

Abstract: To allow an electrochromic device to have little or no offset between its front and rear elements, an electrical conductor may be provided to electrically couple a portion of a first conductive layer provided on the rear surface of the front element with a portion of a second conductive layer provided on the front surface of the rear element. The electrical conductor may be in the form of a conductive portion of the seal. To prevent shorting across the electrochromic medium, at least one of the first and second conductive layers is separated into a first portion and a second portion that is electrically isolated from the first portion and is in electrical contact with the electrochromic material. An elastomeric bezel may be utilized. Also, an edge seal may optionally be employed so as to reduce the need or width of the bezel.

Abstract: An exterior electrochromic reflective mirror element for a vehicular exterior rearview mirror assembly comprises an electrochromic cross-linked polymeric solid film disposed between a first substrate and a second substrate. The electrochromic cross-linked polymeric solid film contacts a transparent conductive layer of the first substrate and a conductive layer comprising a metallic reflective layer of the second substrate. A visual indicator display is disposed to the rear of said second substrate and is part of a blind spot detection and display system and is actuated to emit light responsive to a detection of another overtaking vehicle in a side lane. Light emitted by the visual indicator display passes through the second substrate, through the electrochromic cross-linked polymeric solid film and through the first substrate to be viewed by a driver of the vehicle equipped with the exterior electochromic reflective mirror element.

Abstract: A vehicle lamp assembly includes a housing and an LED lamp carried in the housing. A signal mirror includes a mirror and an LED lamp. The LED lamp includes a heat extraction member.