Abstract: An automatically dimming mirror includes a dimming element having variable reflectivity, 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. The glare signal resulting from the glare integration period determines a mirror glare level used to set the dimming element control signal.

Abstract: An antiglare and antireflection film is provided, which can be formed by a wet-coating method and which is excellent in the antireflection property, antifouling property, scratch resistance, clearness of transmitted image and planar uniformity. A polarizer and a liquid crystal display device using this film are also provided. An antiglare and antireflection film is provided, comprising a transparent support having thereon an antiglare hard coat layer and a low refractive index layer having a refractive index of 1.38 to 1.49, wherein the low refractive index layer is formed by a coating method, the solvent of the coating solution for forming the low refractive index layer comprises one or more solvent, and from 50 to 100% by mass of the solvent is a solvent having a boiling point of 100° C. or less. A polarizer and a liquid crystal display device using this film are also provided.

Abstract: This invention focuses on electrooptic devices and in particular on electrochromic devices with many aspects directed towards automotive EC mirrors. There are several ways to improve these products and their processing using this invention and some of the prominent ones are outlined below. This invention improves on the devices by disclosing new compositions for electrodes and methods of depositing them. It also addresses novel ways to provide busbars to power these devices in order to improve their performance. The device processing attributes and performance are also improved by adhesive compositions and solid electrolytes disclosed herein. In addition sensors are also disclosed which are novel for use in electrochromic mirrors. The invention also discloses how the electrolytes comprising ionic liquids have no adverse effect on attributes of commercial EC mirrors and often result in improved performance and/or feature enhancements.

Abstract: In an antiglare mirror apparatus mounted inside a vehicle compartment a mirror member is an electrochromic element comprising an antiglare material including an electrochromic layer, a light transmission electrode material and a light reflective electrode material where the light transmission electrode material and the light reflective electrode material are positioned on both sides of the antiglare material and a control circuit controls a drive-electric energy to the electrochromic element based upon a driving electric signal of a signal generator wherein the mirror member is detachably mounted to a facility in a vehicle compartment so that a holder holds the mirror member and the mirror member covers a pre-mounted inner mirror.

Abstract: An automatically dimming mirror includes a dimming element having variable reflectivity, 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. The glare signal resulting from the glare integration period determines a mirror glare level used to set the dimming element control signal.

Abstract: A system apparatus, means and method for controlling a plurality of variable reflectance mirrors (or mirror segments), including a rearview mirror and side view mirrors, which change their reflectance level in response to a plurality of drive voltages applied thereto, for controlling the vehicle lighting system and for monitoring a vehicle interior for an automotive vehicle. The system includes a light sensing device and a control circuit formed as a single VLSI CMOS circuit. The light sensing device comprises a photosensor array having a field of view encompassing a vehicle interior. The logic and control circuit determines a background light signal from photosensor element signals generated by the photosensor elements in the photosensor array indicative of light levels incident on the photosensor elements. The circuit also determines a peak light signal in three different zones or sub-arrays of the photosensor array. The zones or sub-arrays may correspond to three mirrors or mirror segments.

Abstract: An electrochromic device is disclosed having a self-cleaning, hydrophilic optical coating. The electrochromic device preferably forms an external rearview mirror for a vehicle The coating preferably includes alternating layers of a photocatalytic material having a high index of refraction and a hydrophilic material having a low refractive index More specifically, the coating includes a first layer having a high refractive index, a second layer having a low refractive index, a third layer of titanium dioxide, and a fourth layer of silicon dioxide provided as an outermost layer. 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°.

Abstract: A control system for a plurality of electrochromic elements, for example, used in automobiles, to control the glare of the IEC elements used as a rearview mirror (20) as well as the OEC elements (24, 26) used as sideview mirrors (24, 26). The IEC element and each of the OEC elements is provided with an individual drive circuit (21, 22). The drive circuits for the OEC's elements may be customized to account for various factors such as the type of curvature as well as the size and shape. Since individual drive circuitry is provided for the IEC elements and each of the OEC elements, the reflectance of each of the electrochromic elements (20, 24, 26) can be relatively accurately controlled by way of glare signal from inside the automobile.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for automatically reducing glare produced from a spatial scene by reducing the intensity of light rays propagating from points in the three-dimensional spatial scene towards an optical element having a field of view. Further, an apparatus is provided that automatically reduces interfering illumination produced from an illumination source by reducing the intensity of light rays propagating from the illumination source towards a sensor having a field of view of radio communication. Both apparatus include an electro-optical element having an optically transparent surface including a plurality of pixels through which the field of view of the optical element or the sensor passes. Each pixel has a controllable light transmittance for selectively reducing the intensity of incident light rays propagating from one or more points from the illumination source, through the pixel, then towards the sensor or optical element.

Abstract: A vehicle mirror assembly comprising a reflective element (21) for reflecting incident light (I), the reflective element (21) having a viewable side, a means (20) for varying the intensity of light (I) reflected from the viewable side, a photo-electrical power cell (35) for powering the means (20) for varying the intensity of reflected light (I) and a control means (40) for controlling the means (20) for varying the intensity of reflected light (I) in response to ambient light (A) conditions, wherein, in use, the intensity of the light (I) reflected from the viewable side is reduced in low ambient light (&Lgr;) conditions. In other embodiments a power storage means is defined, for providing intermittent power to power the means (20) for varying the intensity of light (I) reflected, the power being supplied by the photo-electric power cell (35).

Abstract: An optical film containing an anti-glare layer having irregularities on a surface thereof, wherein the irregularities are arranged such that the value of NN determined by the sequence of the following steps is 1,000 or less: dividing the irregular surface of the optical film into 10,000 planes; calculating, for each divided plane, the standard deviation D of the distance between positions where adjacent high or low spots have peaks; determining the mean value M for the values of the standard deviation D; and determining the number NN of divided planes for which the value of the standard deviation D is 50% of the mean value M or lower; and, wherein the frequency at which the angle of inclination to the regular reflecting plane as measured with an aperture of two square microns is 0.5 or less degrees is 2% or lower.

Abstract: The inventive sensor device includes a support structure, a sensing element mounted on the support substrate for sensing optical radiation and generating an electrical output signal in response thereto, and an encapsulant encapsulating the sensing element on the support structure. The encapsulant includes an integral lens. Alternatively or additionally, the encapsulant may have at least a first zone and a second zone, where the second zone exhibits at least one different characteristic from the first zone, such as a different optical, physical, thermal, or compositional characteristic. In addition, the encapsulant may include an integral diffuser. Further, the sensing element may have an active sensing area of less than 1 mm2, and may be positioned closer to the surface of the integral lens than a distance corresponding to a focal length of the integral lens.

Abstract: Equipment on automotive vehicle is controlled by a system including at least one semiconductor light sensor having variable sensitivity to light. Each light sensor generates a light signal indicative of the intensity of light incident on the light sensor. Control logic varies the sensitivity of the light sensor and generates equipment control signals based on received light signals. Sensitivity of light sensors may be varied by changing the integration time for producing charge from light incident on light transducers, by selecting between light transducers of different sensitivity within the light sensor, by using a light transducer with a sensitivity that is a function of the amount of incident light, and the like. Controlled equipment includes devices such as automatically dimming rearview mirrors, headlamps, and moisture removal means.

Abstract: A vehicle rearview mirror system includes a rearview mirror assembly having an electro-optic reflective element, a support for attaching the reflective element to a portion of the vehicle and a control. The reflective element is movable with respect to the support. The control is for establishing a reflective level of the reflective element and for determining a heading of the vehicle. The control includes a first circuit assembly and a second circuit assembly interconnected by at least one wire between the first and second circuit assemblies. The first circuit assembly is mounted to be movable with movement of the reflective element. The second circuit assembly is mounted substantially fixed at the support.

Abstract: A vehicle memory mirror system of the present invention includes a housing and an actuator. The housing includes a mirror casing and a support, which mounts the mirror casing to the vehicle. The weight of the actuator is directly distributed to the vehicle via the support so that the interior rearview mirror assembly of the memory mirror system exhibits improved vibration characteristics and, further, is positioned such that the mirror assembly has increased capacity for housing a variety of accessories and/or devices. A reflective element is incorporated in the casing and provides a rearward field of view when the mirror assembly is mounted to the vehicle, with the actuator providing adjustment for the rearward field of view. In one form, the actuator is substantially positioned exteriorly of the mirror casing and engages a portion of the casing to adjust the position of the casing and the reflective element about the one or more axes.

Abstract: A control system for a plurality of electrochromic elements, for example, used in automobiles, to control the glare of the IEC elements used as a rearview mirror (20) as well as the OEC elements (24, 26) used as sideview mirrors (24, 26). The IEC element and each of the OEC elements is provided with an individual drive circuit (21, 22). The drive circuits for the OEC's elements may be customized to account for various factors such as the type of curvature as well as the size and shape. Since individual drive circuitry is provided for the IEC elements and each of the OEC elements, the reflectance of each of the electrochromic elements (20, 24, 26) can be relatively accurately controlled by way of glare signal from inside the automobile.

Abstract: The inventive sensor device provides different fields of view in transverse directions. The sensor device include a support structure, a sensing element mounted on the support substrate for sensing optical radiation and generating an electrical output signal in response thereto, and an encapsulant encapsulating the sensing element on the support structure. The encapsulant includes an integral anamorphic lens. Alternatively or additionally, the encapsulant may have at least a first zone and a second zone, where the second zone exhibits at least one different characteristic from the first zone, such as a different optical, physical, thermal, or compositional characteristic.

Abstract: A liquid crystal cell is interposed between a vehicle driver and at least one of the vehicle's side view mirrors. It resides within the cabin of the vehicle and is warmed by the vehicle's interior. The cell is placed over the windowpane to dim headlight beams impinging on the driver and minimize eye discomfort. The liquid crystal cell operating temperature is maintained by cabin heating. Means are provided to detachably mount the liquid crystal cell over the windowpane. The liquid crystal cell can be dimmed manually dimmed or dimmed automatically in response to a sensor located in a position, which views the headlight directly or through a reflection. This liquid crystal cell dimming device affords a greater than 90 percentile reflection, and glare reduction for trucks, truck cabs and sport utility vehicles.

Abstract: An interior rearview mirror assembly provides a display system for displaying light or information to a driver of a vehicle. The display includes a refractive light directing element, which may include a prismatic display lens which refracts and directs the light of the display message downwardly and/or sidewardly toward a driver of the vehicle for improved viewing of the display message by the driver of the vehicle. The display system is mountable to a printed circuit board positioned within the case of the mirror assembly. The printed circuit board may also be connected to a pair of illumination sources positioned at a lower portion of a casing of the mirror assembly.

Abstract: A vehicle rearview mirror system includes a rearview mirror assembly having an electro-optic reflective element, a support for attaching the reflective element to a portion of the vehicle and a control. The reflective element is movable with respect to the support. The control is for establishing a reflective level of the reflective element and for determining a heading of the vehicle. The control includes a first circuit assembly and a second circuit assembly interconnected by at least one wire between the first and second circuit assemblies. The first circuit assembly is mounted to be movable with movement of the reflective element. The second circuit assembly is mounted substantially fixed at the support.

Abstract: An electrochromic rearview mirror system for a vehicle includes an electrochromic reflective element having an electrochromic cell, wherein the reflective element colors to a partial reflectance level in response to a drive signal applied to the cell. The rearview mirror assembly additionally includes a drive circuit which applies a pulsed drive signal to the electrochromic cell in order to establish the partial reflectance level of the reflective element. The drive circuit controls the partial reflectance level as a function of the duty cycle of the pulsed drive signal, which has a pulse repetition rate of at least approximately 10 cycles per second and preferably at least approximately 20 cycles per second. The drive circuit additionally adjusts the amplitude of the pulses as a function of the voltage developed across the electrochromic cell.

Abstract: A side rear-view mirror for land vehicles comprises a liquid crystal cell formed by applying a liquid crystal coating over a pair of transparent conducting electrodes positioned in front of a reflecting mirror. Heating means cooperate with a temperature sensor to maintain the temperature of the liquid crystal cell substantially constant within operating limits of liquid crystals therewithin. Dimming means electrically connected to said liquid crystal cell apply dimming voltage to the liquid crystals. Insulating means encapsulate the liquid crystal cell within an envelope, thereby insulating the liquid crystals from high velocity air flow surrounding said mirror. Sensor means responsive to vehicle headlight beams impinging on said reflective element cooperate with the dimming means to increase the dimming voltage in direct proportion to impinging light intensity.

Abstract: An interior rearview mirror 10 includes a stay 1 fastened on a ceiling in a vehicle, a mirror 2, a mirror housing 3, a bracket 4, and a lever that engages with the bracket 4 and tilts the mirror 2. At a lower end of the bracket 4 are alternately provided from side to side a first engageable projection having a projection at a front side, and a second engageable projection having a projection at a back side. At an upper end of the lever 5 are alternately provided from side to side a first engageable depression having a depression at a front side that engages with the first engageable projection, and a second engageable depression having a depression at a back side that engages with the second engageable projection.

Abstract: A control system for a plurality of electrochromic elements, for example, used in automobiles, to control the glare of the IEC elements used as a rearview mirror (20) as well as the OEC elements (24, 26) used as sideview mirrors (24, 26). The IEC element and each of the OEC elements is provided with an individual drive circuit (21, 22). The drive circuits for the OEC's elements may be customized to account for various factors such as the type of curvature as well as the size and shape. Since individual drive circuitry is provided for the IEC elements and each of the OEC elements, the reflectance of each of the electrochromic elements (20, 24, 26) can be relatively accurately controlled by way of glare signal from inside the automobile.

Abstract: A mirror assembly 3 is detachably attached to an open side 2a of a mirror housing 2 in an exterior rearview mirror system (exterior mirror) 1 that is mounted outside a vehicle body. A mirror 4 in the mirror assembly 3 is comprised of a transparent glass plate 5 with a reflective coating 6 spread over a back surface of the transparent glass plate 5, through which reflective coating 6 electric current passes to produce an antiglare effect. The electric current passing through the reflective coating 6 is controlled using a sensors 8, 9 that detect intensity of light from surroundings and rearward of the vehicle body, and an electronic control circuit 10 that compares intensity of light detected in each sensor 8, 9 to automatically adjust an antiglare level of reflection in the reflective coating 6. A battery 11 that is connected with the electronic control circuit 10 and supplies electric current into the reflective coating 6 is provided in the mirror housing 2.

Abstract: Optical interleavers and de-interleavers that can be used to combine and separate optical signals are described. These devices are based on Mach-Zehnder interferometers having one or two Gires-Toumois mirrors. The optical designs disclosed herein include several key improvements over prior arts. These improvements of interleavers enabled lower cross talk and more accurate channel center frequencies. The new designs also improve on the stability of the devices and substantially reduce the manufacturing costs. With the usage of multi-fiber collimators, a pair of interleaver and de-interleaver is fabricated using the same optical block thereby further reducing the manufacturing costs.

Abstract: A vehicular electrochromic rearview mirror system includes an interior electrochromic rearview mirror assembly and at least one exterior electrochromic rearview mirror assembly. Each mirror assembly includes an electrochromic reflective element that assumes a partial reflectance level in response to a signal applied thereto. A drive circuit applies a drive signal to each of the electrochromic reflective elements. The drive circuit may include a digital controller, a master drive circuit responsive to the digital controller to apply a first drive signal to one of the electrochromic reflective elements and a slave drive circuit responsive to the digital controller to apply a second drive signal to a second of the electrochromic reflective elements. The second drive signal may be derived from the first drive signal. The drive circuit may include a digital controller and a switching power supply controlled by the digital controller to produce a drive signal.

Abstract: An electrochromic device is disclosed having a self-cleaning, hydrophilic optical coating. The electrochromic device preferably forms an external rearview mirror for a vehicle The coating preferably includes alternating layers of a photocatalytic material having a high index of refraction and a hydrophilic material having a low refractive index More specifically, the coating includes a first layer having a high refractive index, a second layer having a low refractive index, a third layer of titanium dioxide, and a fourth layer of silicon dioxide provided as an outermost layer. 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°.

Abstract: A vehicle rearview mirror system includes a rearview mirror assembly having an electro-optic reflective element, a support for attaching the reflective element to a portion of the vehicle and a control. The reflective element is movable with respect to the support. The control is for establishing a reflective level of the reflective element and for determining a heading of the vehicle. The control includes a first circuit assembly and a second circuit assembly interconnected by at least one wire between the first and second circuit assemblies. The first circuit assembly is mounted to be movable with movement of the reflective element. The second circuit assembly is mounted substantially fixed at the support.

Abstract: A method for reducing reflection of undesirable light in an opto-electronic package includes the coating of the interior surfaces of the package with light absorbing materials. Accordingly, when stray or scattered light is incident on package surfaces, reflections are minimized and therefore the optical noise, interference and feedback are reduced.

Abstract: A vehicle rearview mirror system suitable for use in a vehicle comprises an interior rearview mirror assembly, at least one control and, preferably, at least one exterior rearview mirror assembly. The interior rearview mirror assembly includes an interior electro-optic reflective element having an electrically variable reflectivity. The exterior rearview mirror assembly includes an exterior electro-optic reflective element having an electrically variable reflectivity. The at least one control at least controls a reflectivity level of the interior electro-optic reflective element, preferably in accordance with a duty cycle of a pulse width modulated signal. The at least one control may further control a reflectivity level of the exterior electro-optic reflective element via a bus system of the vehicle. The control or controls may communicate and/or control an accessory of the vehicle via the bus system of the vehicle. The controls may comprise a control node of a vehicle control network.

Abstract: The present invention provides an anti-reflection material, and a polarization film employing the anti-reflection material, having superior anti-glare properties, anti-reflection properties, and anti-static properties. In the anti-reflection material, an anti-glare layer is provided on the surface of a transparent substrate directly or via another layer, a low reflection layer having lower reflective index than that of the anti-glare layer is provided on the surface of the anti-glare layer, and the frontmost surface of the anti-reflection material is subjected to a surface hydrophilizing treatment.

Abstract: An antiglare and antireflection film is provided, which can be formed by a wet-coating method and which is excellent in the antireflection property, antifouling property, scratch resistance, clearness of transmitted image and planar uniformity. A polarizer and a liquid crystal display device using this film are also provided. An antiglare and antireflection film is provided, comprising a transparent support having thereon an antiglare hard coat layer and a low refractive index layer having a refractive index of 1.38 to 1.49, wherein the low refractive index layer is formed by a coating method, the solvent of the coating solution for forming the low refractive index layer comprises one or more solvent, and from 50 to 100% by mass of the solvent is a solvent having a boiling point of 100° C. or less. A polarizer and a liquid crystal display device using this film are also provided.

Abstract: A rearview mirror for vehicles has a housing having a receiving opening for receiving an electrochromic mirror of a mirror glass and a cover glass. At least one seal is arranged in an edge area of the mirror glass and of the cover glass and extends at least over a portion of the circumference of the edge area of the mirror glass and the cover glass, respectively. The housing has a rim engaging the electrochromic mirror, wherein the rim, in the viewing direction onto the rearview mirror, has a part positioned in front of the seal to cover the seal from view. The part of the rim positioned in front of the seal is made of a transparent material and has a backside provided with a reflective metal coating.

Abstract: An automatically dimming mirror includes a dimming element having variable reflectivity, 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. The glare signal resulting from the glare integration period determines a mirror glare level used to set the dimming element control signal.

Abstract: An electrochromic window assembly includes: a first transparent substrate having a first conductive coating on a surface thereof; a second transparent substrate having a second conductive coating on a surface thereof, the first transparent substrate and the second transparent substrate being spaced from each other to define a chamber therebetween; an electrochromic medium contained in the chamber, the electrochromic medium having a luminous transmittance that varies upon application of an electrical potential through the electrochromic medium; a plurality of first spaced facilities contacting the first conductive coating and capable of delivering electrical current to the first conductive coating; and a plurality of second spaced facilities contacting the second conductive coating and capable of delivering electrical current to the second conductive coating to establish the electrical potential through the electrochromic medium.

Abstract: A control system for a plurality of electrochromic elements, for example, used in automobiles, to control the glare of the IEC elements used as a rearview mirror (20) as well as the OEC elements (24, 26) used as sideview mirrors (24, 26). The IEC element and each of the OEC elements is provided with an individual drive circuit (21, 22). The drive circuits for the OEC's elements may be customized to account for various factors such as the type of curvature as well as the size and shape. Since individual drive circuitry is provided for the IEC elements and each of the OEC elements, the reflectance of each of the electrochromic elements (20, 24, 26) can be relatively accurately controlled by way of glare signal from inside the automobile.

Abstract: An electrochromic device is disclosed having a self-cleaning, hydrophilic optical coating. The electrochromic device preferably forms an external rearview mirror for a vehicle. The coating preferably includes alternating layers of a photocatalytic material having a high index of refraction and a hydrophilic material having a low refractive index. More specifically, the coating includes a first layer having a high refractive index, a second layer having a low refractive index, a third layer of titanium dioxide, and a fourth layer of silicon dioxide provided as an outermost layer. 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°.

Abstract: An electro-optic interior rearview mirror system is provided for a vehicle, comprising an interior rearview mirror assembly including an interior electro-optic reflective element and an interior mirror housing for said reflective element. The mirror assembly includes a mount for attachment to a portion of the vehicle and a control. The control includes a microprocessor that functions as a controller of a plurality of vehicle functions, the plurality of functions including the reflectance state of the electro-optic reflective element. The control includes a connection to a vehicle bus for receiving control signals via the bus for processing by the microprocessor.

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 interior rearview mirror assembly for a vehicle includes a reflective element, a housing or casing supporting the reflective element, and the casing including a storage space. The storage space provides storage for at least one accessory and for storing the accessory in the location easily accessible by an occupant of the vehicle whereby the accessory can be inserted into and removed from the storage space for use by an occupant of the vehicle. The storage space may take the form of a recess provided in a top wall of the casing, a recessed portion provided in a front wall, back wall, or end wall of the casing. In one form, the recessed portion houses a pendent accessory which is movable between a retracted position within the recess to an extended position for viewing by an occupant of the vehicle. For example, the pendent accessory may include a reflective element or a display element, for displaying information to an occupant of the vehicle.

Abstract: Equipment on automotive vehicle is controlled by a system including at least one semiconductor light sensor having variable sensitivity to light. Each light sensor generates a light signal indicative of the intensity of light incident on the light sensor. Control logic varies the sensitivity of the light sensor and generates equipment control signals based on received light signals. Sensitivity of light sensors may be varied by changing the integration time for producing charge from light incident on light transducers, by selecting between light transducers of different sensitivity within the light sensor, by using a light transducer with a sensitivity that is a function of the amount of incident light, and the like. Controlled equipment includes devices such as automatically dimming rearview mirrors, headlamps, and moisture removal means.

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: A control system for a plurality of electrochromic elements, for example, used in automobiles, to control the glare of the IEC elements used as a rearview mirror (20) as well as the OEC elements (24, 26) used as sideview mirrors (24, 26). The IEC element and each of the OEC elements is provided with an individual drive circuit (21, 22). The drive circuits for the OEC's elements may be customized to account for various factors such as the type of curvature as well as the size and shape. Since individual drive circuitry is provided for the IEC elements and each of the OEC elements, the reflectance of each of the electrochromic elements (20, 24, 26) can be relatively accurately controlled by way of glare signal from inside the automobile.

Abstract: Phase and free spectra range adjustable reflectors, referred to herein as nano tuner (NanoT) reflectors, provide building blocks for the manufacturing of passive and active devices used for dense wavelength division multiplexing applications. Specifically, NanoT can be used to fabricate interleavers, multichannel filters and dispersion compensators, optical spectrum synthesizers and other valuable devices. Various embodiments are disclosed. Each provides at least one hermetically sealed optical cavity connected to a tuning device through a channel. The tuning device permits modification to the density of an optical medium contained in the cavity. In the preferred embodiments disclosed, the optical medium comprises one or more selected gases which determine the index of refraction in the cavity. The cavity is formed between two optical windows having facing surfaces coated by partially or wholly reflective coatings. The facing surfaces are separated by a selected distance by a precise spacer.

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: 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: A back mirror 1 comprising an automatic glare-proof function of the present invention includes a battery E1, a daytime/nighttime deciding circuit 3 for deciding whether the current time is daytime or nighttime, an integrating circuit 4, an electronic switch FET1, a glare-proof/glare-non-proof deciding circuit 5 for deciding whether an EC mirror 2 is set to a glare-proof state or a glare-non-proof state, and a driving circuit 6 for applying a DC voltage to the EC mirror 2. The daytime/nighttime deciding circuit 3 is being constantly applied with a DC voltage from the battery E1. When the daytime/nighttime deciding circuit 3 has decided that the current time is daytime, the electronic switch FET1 is turned off, and when the daytime/nighttime deciding circuit 3 has decided that the current time is nighttime, the electronic switch FET1 is turned on.

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.