Abstract: A field-of-view controlling arrangement such as a privacy screen includes a single microprism or lenticular sheet having a plurality of sets of parallel surfaces that intersect to form prisms or lenticular structures, and in which field-of-view control is achieved by (i) for sheets made up of parallel “one-dimensional” microprism or lenticular structures having at least two intersecting sets of mutually parallel surfaces, altering at least two sets of the mutually parallel surfaces, and/or portions of the at least two sets of mutually parallel surfaces, by applying a light-attenuating treatment, (ii) for sheets made up of polyhedral lenticular structures having at least three intersecting sets of mutually parallel surfaces, or at least one set of curved surfaces extending in directions transverse to directions in which the field-of-view is to be limited, altering at least one set of the mutually parallel or curved surfaces by applying a light-attenuating treatment, or (iii) for any type of micropr

Abstract: An automotive mirror includes a mirror element, a housing for accepting and retaining the mirror element and a receiver circuit mounted on a printed circuit board (PCB) contained within the housing. The receiver circuit includes a helical antenna with a substantially noncircular cross-section.

Abstract: An image display device is provided which comprises an antiglare surface having unevenness and pixels having a minimum pixel pitch (a) of about 10 to about 100 &mgr;m, wherein a ratio (Sm/a) of an average spacing of roughness peak (Sm) of said unevenness to the minimum pixel pitch (a) is about 0.4 or smaller. In the image display device, the generation of “glittering” can be restrained.

Abstract: A mirror element for a school bus is mounted to the front to provide wide angle viewing of the ground in front of and to the side of the bus. An upper portion of the mirror element which is generally dome shaped is treated to reduce glare resulting from possible sun rays reflected in the direction of the bus driver.

Abstract: Automatically dimming rearview mirrors allow a vehicle operator to view a scene generally behind the operator at a reflectivity level automatically adjusted to ambient light and glare levels. An automatically dimming mirror includes a dimming element having a variably reflective surface, the degree of reflectivity based on a control signal. An ambient light sensor is positioned to receive light from a region generally in front of the vehicle. The ambient light sensor outputs a discrete ambient light signal based on the amount of light incident on the ambient light sensor over an integration period. A glare sensor is positioned to view the scene generally behind the vehicle operator. The glare sensor outputs a discrete glare signal based on the amount of light incident on the glare sensor over an integration period. A dimming logic determines an ambient light level based on the ambient light signal. The glare integration period is determined based on the ambient light level.

Abstract: A vehicle automatic anti-glare device comprises a LCD panel having a function of being converted into a “non-light filtering” mode from a “light filtering” mode as voltage is applied thereon; a reflection film installed at a back side of said LCD panel, when the said LCD panel is in a “light filtering” mode, said reflection film reflects the light of said LCD panel so that said LCD panel reflects images; a light sensor for detecting the light intensity of the light radiated to said LCD panel and sends out a signal; and a control module for receiving an output signal from said light sensor. As the signal is over is default value, then a pressure is applied to the LCD panel so that said LCD panel is converted into a “non-light filtering” mode. The control module has a data receiving device which receives the data from a microcomputer in a vehicle and then transfers said data to said LCD panel.

Abstract: Equipment on automotive vehicle (20) is controlled by a system at least one semiconductor light sensor (170, 170′) having variable sensitivity to light. Each light sensor generates a light signal (164) indicative of the intensity of light incident on the light sensor. Control logic (66) varies the sensitivity of the light sensor and generates equipment control signals (166) based on received light signals. Sensitivity of light sensors (170, 170′) may be varied by changing the integration time (228) for producing charge from light (176) incident on light transducers (178), by selecting between light transducers (178, 490, 500, 504) of different sensitivity within the light sensor (170), by using a light transducer (530) with a sensitivity that is a function of the amount of incident light (176), and the like. Controlled equipment includes devices such as automatically dimming rearview mirrors (24,26), headlamps (44), and moisture removal means (38, 40, 42).

Abstract: This single-actuator-and-cam, remotely adjustable, exterior vehicle rear-view mirror provides a glare-free rear view, by switching between a high-reflectivity position and a low-reflectivity position at the same view adjustment. Exterior rear-view mirrors are repositioned by a single motor and rotary cam scanning all possible mirror positions. The single-motor mechanism increases reliability while accomplishing both directional alignment and day/night reflectivity selection, using a cam with positions for all predicted view positions, two reflectivity positions for each view. This invention works equally well with flat wedge mirrors and wide-angle convex wedge mirrors. Since each position is unique, each directional/reflectivity position is assigned a set of digital coordinates which can be stored for each vehicle driver and each glare condition, for an initial setting which can be easily, or even automatically, adjusted for changes as the driver desires.

Abstract: An adaptive light-responsive vehicle control, such as an electro-optic rearview mirror system, and a method of adapting a light-responsive vehicle control to a vehicle which accommodates variations in vehicle configuration includes providing at least one light sensor receiving light passing through the vehicle rear window and monitoring this light sensor, such as for an extended period of time. At least one operating parameter, such as sensitivity, of the light-responsive vehicle control is established as a result of the monitoring. This allows the same light-responsive vehicle control to be used with both tinted and non-tinted rear windows.

Abstract: A vehicle control system comprises an industry standard CAN network with a number of nodes distributed around the vehicle for controlling corresponding parts of the vehicle. One such node is located in the housing of the vehicle interior rearview mirror and directly controls the reflectivity of an electro-optic mirror unit, in accordance with the state of at least one ambient light sensor and a remote keyless entry device. The node also communicates via an ISO9141 interface with a number of slave controllers such as a sun-roof control module mounted adjacent a sun-roof and a roof control module mounted in a roof housing. By this means the UCM exercises indirect control of the sun-roof in accordance with the state of a switch, and exercises indirect control of various lamps GEN1, GEN2, FLL and FRL in the roof housing in accordance with the state of switches Gen, FL and FR mounted in the roof housing or, in the case of the lamps GEN1 and GEN2, when a vehicle door is opened.

Abstract: A method for producing a display window for a communication device covering a display element. The method includes the steps of providing a moulding tool with a matt surface structure, injecting fluid plastics, and cooling of the injected plastics and releasing the display window.

Abstract: A rearview mirror assembly is disclosed including a housing adapted to be mounted to the vehicle, a mirror disposed in the housing, at least one electrically powered device disposed in the housing, and a power supply for receiving power from a vehicle power source having a voltage in excess of about 24 V and for supplying power at a voltage of about 5 V or less to the electrically powered device. The electrically powered device and the power supply exhibit an electromagnetic interference level of less than about 41 dB&mgr;V/m for emissions in the frequency range from about 0.4 MHz to about 20 MHz. The mirror is preferably an electrochromic mirror, and the electrically powered device may be a control circuit for the electrochromic mirror.

Abstract: An electrochromic layer system, in particular for motorcar mirrors, comprising one first transparent, electrically conductive layer deposited on a glass carrier and serving as an electrode, one electrochromic layer, one second electrically conductive layer serving as a backplate electrode, and one reflecting layer. The electrochromic layer includes at least one oxidation-reduction layer as a metal oxide layer or a polymer layer having a conjugate double bond system, which is deposited upon the electrode. Hence, preferably a storage layer for ions is also provided.

Abstract: A dual rear view mirror assembly for trucks and other vehicles comprising a bracket assembly having an upper portion and a lower portion, each bracket portion having an inboard end adapted to be attached to a truck and like vehicles forwardly of the driver and to one side thereof, each bracket portion having an outboard end with attachment mechanisms, an inboard first mirror having a supporting strip on its upper edge, lower edge and inboard edge, the supporting strip including adjustable support means coupled to the bracket assembly for allowing the adjustment of the first mirror at its inboard end about a vertical axis, and an outboard second mirror having a supporting strip on its upper edge, lower edge and outboard edge, the inboard edge of the second mirror being located adjacent to the outboard edge of the first mirror, and adjustment means coupling the first mirror and second mirror about a vertical axis extending through the line of coupling between the first and second mirrors whereby the second mirr

Abstract: An electrochromic layer system, in particular for motorcar mirrors, comprising one first transparent, electrically conductive layer deposited on a glass carrier and serving as an electrode, one electrochromic layer, one second electrically conductive layer serving as a backplate electrode, and one reflecting layer. The electrochromic layer includes at least one oxidation-reduction layer as a metal oxide layer or a polymer layer having a conjugate double bond system, which is deposited upon the electrode. Hence, preferably a storage layer for ions is also provided.

Abstract: An active anti-glare filter system in the form of a monoblock or solid unit which can be easily inserted into areas of protective helmets and goggles as a replacement or alternate filter includes an active and a passive optical filter elements, electronics which control the active optical filter element and a current supply, preferably in the form of a solar cell, which powers the electronics. Transparent cover plates surround the foregoing elements and are joined together and protected by a jointing mass.

Abstract: To improve non-flammability, there is provided a reflective screen for a liquid crystal projector or display in an aircraft. An antireflective member holding an antireflective function on its surface is provided on a top surface of a polarizing film through urethane resin system adhesive, and a reflective member is provided on a bottom surface of the polarizing film through an acrylic resin system pressure sensitive adhesive.

Abstract: A vehicle automatic rearview mirror system with headlight activation control for establishing a reflectivity level of an electrochromic rearview mirror element and for controlling the activated state of a vehicle's headlights includes two light sensors, an electrochromic mirror element drive circuit that is responsive to light to which the two light sensors are exposed for establishing a partial reflectivity level for the vehicle's electrochromic rearview mirror element, and a headlight activation control that is responsive to light to which the two light sensors are exposed for activating the vehicle's headlights under low light conditions and deactivating the vehicle's headlights under high light conditions. The two light sensors are preferably directionally sensitive and aimed in different directions, one aimed forward of the vehicle and the other aimed rearward of the vehicle. The headlights are preferably activated as a function of the lowest light level to which either of the light sensors is exposed.

Abstract: An improved electro-optic rearview mirror for motor vehicles, the mirror incorporating an improved display, such as "HEATED" or "OBJECTS IN MIRROR ARE CLOSER THAN THEY APPEAR" or the like, and wherein the mirror colors and clears uniformly and the display is effected in an aesthetically pleasing manner.

Abstract: An improved electrochromic rearview mirror for motor vehicles, the mirror incorporating an improved display which economically and efficiently displays information or images or symbols on the mirror in a reliable and aesthetically pleasing manner while providing excellent speed of reflective change, good high end reflectance, good uniformity of reflectance change across the surface area of the mirror, continually variable reflectance and good low end reflectance while displaying desired information or images or symbols throughout the range of reflectance of the mirror.

Abstract: Anti-glare EC mirror comprises a transparent glass substrate with ITO film, IrO.sub.x film, SnO.sub.2 film, Ta.sub.2 O.sub.5 film, WO.sub.3 film and Al film in the order written. Because of this layer arrangement, SnO.sub.2 film insures an ample supply of water during the aging of IrO.sub.x film, thereby allowing the aging operation to be completed within a short period of time.

Abstract: A modular rearview mirror system includes a variable reflectance device having a reflectance surface, which reflects light incident the surface from a direction rearward of the vehicle. The variable reflectance device is responsive to a drive signal by dimming to a partial reflectance condition. A control for the reflectivity value of the variable reflectance device includes first and second light sensors and a circuit. The circuit is responsive to the light sensors to produce a drive signal as a function of the light levels to which the light sensors are exposed. The first and second light sensors are both aimed generally in a direction rearwardly of the vehicle. The first light sensor is aimed along a generally horizontal axis and the second light sensor is aimed along another axis that deviates from the horizontal axis. A preferable deviation between the axes is at least approximately 10 degrees, but not more than approximately 70 degrees.

Abstract: An EC mirror having an end surface of layers consisting of an ECD, an output electrode, and a clip electrode, prevents attacking by water submerging through the end surface, improves sealing ability with the mirror holder, prevents the mirror from chattering and a strange noise due to a vibration of the mirror, improves an anti-impact ability of the ECD end surface. An insulating member is disposed to cover ECD periphery portions and connecting portions of an output electrode, the clip electrode and a harness cord. A water proof member is disposed on an outer periphery of the insulating member.

Abstract: A device for preventing a false lighting phenomenon is provided between a light source of the main body of a signal lamp and e cover lens for preventing the signal lamp from presenting a false lighting phenomenon. The device for preventing a false lighting phenomenon comprises a pair of complex spherical lenses formed by many numbers of spheres arranged in a matrix on planes, and configured in a chain form in which the contact points, front, rear, left and right sides, of each of the spheres truncate the spheres forming a gapless interface while the upper and lower spherical surfaces are left intact to function as spherical lenses.

Abstract: An information system in a motor vehicle which includes electronic circuits connectable to the vehicle computer of the motor vehicle as well as one or more sensors, a display device and possibly operational elements. In order that the display device be clearly laid out for the driver, it is designed so that the sensor and the circuits are accommodated in the frame of a motor vehicle rear-view mirror, with the circuits being linked to a cable connectable to the on-board computer and led through a hollow arm of the rear-view mirror, with the display system being integrated in the mirror glass of the rear-view mirror.

Abstract: A sealed compartment of compartments being all or partially constructed of light transmitting materials with light reflecting surfaces in different designs. The compartments are substantially filled with a diffusing light transmitting medium. When the filled compartments are placed over lighting sources they reduce the high glare and blinding effects of the light sources. Increasing the light output of lighting sources when used with compartments can maintain the lighting level while reducing glare. When used for automotive usage alternative automotive headlights are used. The combined usage of the alternative headlights and the compartments provides roadway and side of the roadway lighting without high glare to oncoming vehicles, bicyclists, pedestrians and animals. The existing automotive headlight system can be maintained so that the high beam headlights can be used if necessary or desirable.

Abstract: A light stop having at least one appropriately laser textured surface assures the absorption of energy including laser emissions that impinge on the at least one surface to thereby inhibit reflected energy therefrom. Optionally, an improved emitter of energy is created by at least one appropriately laser textured surface having an increased surface area of emission to increase the emissive power of the surface to thereby provide improved conductive and radiative cooling. An improved absorber and emitter is fabricated by providing front side and backside textured surfaces. All these capabilities are provided in a variety of structural configurations.

Abstract: An optical reflecting unit comprises a support prism extending in an elongated manner, and a half mirror fixedly mounted in contact with a surface of the support prism. An optical axis of the incident light in the form of a line incident upon a half mirror is folded. A transmitted light transmitted through the half mirror is incident upon the support prism. An extracted bore is provided in which an incident transmitted light is irregularly reflected by a bottom and a peripheral wall of the extracted bore. With the arrangement discussed above, the transmitted light transmitted through the half mirror and reflected by the surface of the half-mirror support prism is not deviated in a direction along the optical axis of the reflected light from the half mirror. Only the reflected light from the half mirror can be led to a predetermined direction.

Abstract: A reduced vibration day/night rearview mirror assembly provides improved stability of the mirror assembly. The assembly preferably includes a molded mirror case, a prismatic mirror element, and a two piece actuator assembly which provides reduced vibratory movement between a mirror mounting bracket and the mirror assembly. The actuator assembly includes a toggle member and a pivot lever which pivotally interconnect. The toggle member has a pivot journal defined along at least a portion of a first side and has a pivot surface defined along at least a portion of a second, opposing side. The pivot lever has a pivot shaft for pivotally mounting the lever in the mirror case and has an open-sided pivot channel generally parallel to and spaced from the pivot shaft for receiving and pivotally engaging the pivot surface of the toggle member. The case has cooperating supports for receiving the pivot lever pivot shaft and a pivot axle for engaging the toggle member pivot journal.

Abstract: A system for automatically controlling the position of a tractor-trailer rearview mirror to maintain unobstructed vision in the mirror during turns employs a pair of ultrasonic transducers mounted on the external rear wall of the tractor on opposite sides of the centerline thereof so as to project ultrasonic sound beams onto the forward wall of the trailer. A control circuit determines the difference in the two path lengths, indicating the degree of turning of the vehicle, to generate control signals to a mirror rotating motor. A third transducer may be mounted for rotation with the mirror and directs an ultrasonic beam along the zone immediately beside the trailer for detecting persons or objects within the zone and actuating an alarm in the event of such detection.

Abstract: A terminator system particularly suited for beams of high intensity electromagnetic radiation such as from a laser includes an enclosure having a hole therein and a black mirror mounted in the enclosure. The black mirror has a specularly reflecting surface opposite the hole and is oriented at an angle such that the beam impinging on the hole would be impinging on the specularly reflecting surface and would not be reflected directly back out the hole. The black mirror is constructed of a material that absorbs energy at the wavelength of the incident beam. In another preferred embodiment, there are a plurality of black mirrors for performing a succession of reflections, so that the beam power is reduced significantly at each reflection.

Abstract: A combiner for a head-up display apparatus is integrally molded with a support for the combiner into a single piece. A baffle preventing direct occupant viewing of the display source of the head-up display may also be integrally molded for the combiner and the support. The integrally molded combiner and support provides for improved quality of the head-up display at a reduced price.

Abstract: Electro optic devices incorporating an improved configuration of elements which dramatically reduces light scattering and haziness with relatively inexpensive coated glass. The devices are liquid or gel containing electro optic devices, such as an electrochromic automatic rearview mirror for automotive vehicles, which has for at least one of its walls a sheet of glass coated with a transparent conductive coating. The combination of the coated glass, which has a tendency to have an optically rough surface, and the liquid or gel electro optic material reduces the scattering of any incident light by wetting out the rough optical surface of the coated glass, thereby improving the optical quality. The coated glass scatters between 0.2 and 4.0% of visible white light prior to assembly into the device.

Abstract: A light transmitting system for a vehicle includes a window or mirror with variable transmittance. A first input device, which may comprise a user adjustable device or an ambient light sensor, provides a comfort setting. A second input device, which overrides the first, may be operated manually, or by the vehicle engaging reverse gear or switching on headlights, to increase or decrease the reflectivity and transmittance of mirror and window embodiments respectively. Where a mirror is used, a third input device, which may comprise a photosensor, may be actuated to provide lower reflectivity when experiencing glare.

Abstract: A display for a vehicle arranged such that displays indicating driving information such as engine speeds, water temperatures and so on are disposed in the portion other than the dash board of the vehicle whereby information form the displays can be visibly recognized form the driver's seat by projecting the same to a reflecting member disposed in the portion of the instrument panel in the dash board wherein semi-transmissable cover plates are provided on the front surfaces of the displays confornting the reflecting member as to reduce an influence of light from outside of vehicle through the windshield glass, to prevent reduction in the contrast of the display image for the purpose of obtaining a display image exhibiting excellent visibility and quality.