Abstract: An electrochromic mirror reflective element includes a front glass substrate and a rear glass substrate having an electrochromic medium sandwiched therebetween. A curved recess is established at a second surface of the front glass substrate or a fourth surface of the rear glass substrate. A first metallic reflector is coated at the curved recess, with the reflector-coated curved recess establishing an auxiliary wide angle reflector region of the electrochromic mirror reflective element. A second metallic reflector is coated at a surface of the rear glass substrate, with the reflector-coated surface establishing a principal reflector region of the electrochromic minor reflective element. The reflective element may include a hiding layer that hides at least a portion of a component of the electrochromic mirror reflective element that is behind the hiding layer from view by the driver of a vehicle equipped with the electrochromic mirror reflective element.

Abstract: An ultracompact, lightweight, reflective telescope is described which has no loss due to central obscuration for a beam being projected from its focus. The optical surfaces are composed of matched conics of rotation.

Abstract: The invention relates to an optical system adapted to project a cylindrical, spherical, conical or other three-dimensional display surface onto every direction in the distance or receive images from every direction at such a three-dimensional imaging surface. The optical system is adapted to project a three-dimensional object surface 3 onto a full circle in the distance, and comprises at least one rotationally symmetric reflective surface 2.

Abstract: A projector includes a plane mirror that is disposed at one end side of an end portion of a screen and a projection optical system that is disposed at a position that is separated from a reflection surface side of the plane mirror. A light shielding plate is provided to at least one of two positions; one is between a fourth mirror and the plane mirror of the projection optical system, and the other is between the plane mirror and the screen.

Abstract: A rear view mirror (1) for a motor vehicle comprising a metal-coated substrate (2) which forms a main mirror surface (4) and is provided in a subarea with an additional blind spot mirror (6) is to provide a particularly high reproduction quality of the reflected image, while production costs are kept down. For this purpose, according to the invention, the additional blind spot mirror (6) is bonded onto the side of the substrate (2) remote from the direction of light incidence on the substrate (2) by a transparent, light-resistant adhesive.

Abstract: A mirror reflective element assembly for an exterior rearview mirror assembly of a vehicle includes a reflective element and an auxiliary wide angle element. The reflective element has a front surface and a rear surface and a first reflector portion and a second reflector portion, with the first reflector portion having a first reflective coating disposed thereat. The auxiliary wide angle element is disposed at a rear surface of the glass mirror substrate of the reflective element and at the second reflector portion. The auxiliary wide angle element has a glass element having a curved rear surface with a second reflective coating disposed at the curved rear surface. An optical coupling element may be disposed between a front surface of the auxiliary wide angle element and the rear surface of the reflective element, the optical coupling element may be a substantially optically clear and flexible elastomer.

Abstract: An ultracompact, lightweight, reflective telescope is described which has no loss due to central obscuration for a beam being projected from its focus. The optical surfaces are composed of matched conics of rotation.

Abstract: A rear-projection-type display apparatus projects an image formed by a display element with a light beam emitted from a light source on a screen that is larger than the display element through a projection lens. The rear-projection-type display apparatus includes a reflective optical-element group having at least two reflecting mirrors provided between the projection lens and the screen to deflect a light from the projection lens.

Abstract: An imaging device with micro-scale optical structures comprises a plurality of display units, where each display unit comprises a plurality of micro-scale optical structures, and each micro-scale optical structure comprises a convex part, a planar part, and base part. The convex part is positioned on the base part and has an arc surface, where the arc surface comprises a left side arc face and a right side arc face for reflecting oblique incident lights from the left or the right to form a reflected light toward the front. And different arrangements of micro-scale optical structures are used for reflecting left side and right side incident lights to display different characters or images.

Abstract: An alignment system for side view mirrors featuring a mirror with regions of diverse curvature, with an upright alignment line in a region of greater curvature. The side view mirror is set up so that the side of a user's vehicle lies entirely on the side of the alignment line closest to the vehicle. This generates a cone of vision to the rear of the vehicle which overlaps with the cone of vision from a rear view mirror such that blind spots are greatly reduced or eliminated.

Abstract: A reflection optical system placed between a light valve 5 and a screen 4, wherein curved surfaces are only three reflection surfaces of first to third mirrors 1 to 3, and satisfies the following: (1) ?L<20 degrees, (2) 25 degrees<?UL<55 degrees, (3) 20 degrees<?M1<55 degrees, (4) 15 degrees<?M2<50 degrees, (5) 8 degrees<?M3<30 degrees, (6) ?L<15 degrees, (7) 30 degrees<?UL and (8) 7.5 degrees<|?F|, where ?L: minimum angle which a light beam of pupil center forms with respect to the enlargement side image surface; ?UL: difference between maximum and minimum angles which a light beam of pupil center forms with respect to the enlargement side image surface; ?M1, ?M2 and ?M3: deviation angles of the light beam of pupil center passing the center of the reduction-side image surface in first to third mirrors 1 to 3; and ?F: reduction-side pupil divergent angle.

Abstract: An exterior rearview mirror assembly for a motor vehicle is disclosed having a bracket which is fixedly secured to the motor vehicle. A mirror casing is secured to the bracket. The mirror casing defines a primary opening. A primary mirror is disposed within the primary opening and provides a view rearward of the motor vehicle through a primary field of view. A spotting mirror is disposed adjacent the primary mirror. The spotting mirror is defined by a single radius of curvature differing from the primary mirror such that the spotting mirror provides a secondary field of view rearward of the motor vehicle.

Abstract: A mirror assembly comprising primary and auxiliary mirror assemblies having complimentary recesses and protrusions on respective frame portions of the assemblies, the auxiliary mirror assembly adapted to be disposed at a plurality of positions along the primary mirror assembly when the recesses and protrusions are disposed in interfitting engagement.

Abstract: The present invention provides a reflector having a light-diffusing property which suppresses inter-object reflection over a wide angle, and giving particularly high reflectance in an intended range of viewing angle; and to provide a reflection type liquid crystal display device using the same. The reflector includes a plurality of light-reflective concave portions. Each of the concave portions is formed so that an inclination angle (an angle between a plane tangential to a point on a concave surface and the surface of the base material) is maximum on a side portion of the curved surface, and so that the direction of the side portion having the maximum inclination angle is on a far side from a view point of an observer.

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: A mirror reflective element for an exterior rearview mirror assembly of a vehicle includes a mirror substrate having a front surface and a rear surface. The mirror substrate has a first reflector portion and a second reflector portion, with the first reflector portion having a principal reflector portion of the mirror reflective element. The rear surface of the mirror substrate has a curved recess established thereat, and the second curved reflector portion is established at the curved recess. The curved recess has a radius of curvature that is less than a radius of curvature of the first reflector portion, whereby the curved recess, when coated by a reflector coating, provides a wide angle auxiliary reflector portion integrally formed with the mirror reflective element.

Abstract: A composite mirror adapted for use as an outside rearview mirror of a motor vehicle includes a main or primary viewing mirror and an auxiliary blindzone viewing mirror juxtaposed to expose the vehicle blindzone to the vehicle operator. The main viewing mirror is generally of unit magnification. The auxiliary mirror is generally composed of a convex surface that can be either attached atop the surface of the main viewing mirror or placed within a cut-out region of the main viewing mirror. The auxiliary mirror can be partially recessed below the surface of the main viewing mirror and can have a skirt for minimizing undesirable reflections in the main viewing mirror.

Abstract: A projection optical system is configured to project a reduced pattern of an object surface onto an image surface. The projection optical system includes, in order of reflecting light from the object surface, a first reflective surface having a concave surface shape, a second reflective surface having a convex surface shape, a third reflective surface having a concave surface shape, a fourth reflective surface, a fifth reflective surface, a sixth reflective surface, a seventh reflective surface, and an eighth reflective surface, and an aperture stop disposed on an optical path between the first reflective surface and the second reflective surface. An intermediate image is formed on an optical path between the fourth reflective surface and the fifth reflective surface. This configuration provides a projection optical system that has eight or more reflective surfaces and a high NA, and secures a disposing space for members, and exhibits a superior imaging performance.

Abstract: A composite mirror adapted for use as an outside rearview mirror of a motor vehicle includes a main or primary viewing mirror and an auxiliary blindzone viewing mirror juxtaposed to expose the vehicle blindzone to the vehicle operator. The main viewing mirror is generally of unit magnification. The auxiliary mirror is composed of a planar array of reflecting facets mimicking a convex mirror. The main and auxiliary mirrors can be combined in constant or variable reflectivity applications.

Abstract: A vehicle side mirror that can visually confirm the blind spot of the main mirror without providing a prism or a fresnel lens on the window glass is provided. The vehicle side mirror is equipped with mirror housing attached to the side of the vehicle body and main mirror attached to the rear surface of mirror housing. The first sub-mirror that reflects the blind spot at the front side of the vehicle is provided on the side surface of mirror housing so as to face the vehicle body and second sub-mirror that reflects the blind spot at the center side of the vehicle is provided at the bottom portion of the rear surface of mirror housing.

Abstract: A vehicle interior mirror device disposed in a passenger compartment for reflecting a state of rear seats and traffic conditions behind a vehicle. The interior mirror device has reflection restricting means notched in a lower end of the interior mirror device to prevent a face of a passenger from being reflected, so that eyes of passengers seated in seats other than the driver's seat do not meet.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a mirror and mirror system which can be used in connection with large vehicles, such as school buses, to provide the driver of such vehicles with the ability to view the entire side of the vehicle. While such vehicles currently include side view mirrors attached to the front of the vehicle, these mirrors contain blind spots, such as the area immediately in front of the rear wheel of the vehicle. The current invention overcomes such blind spots by attaching a second mirror to the rear portion of the vehicle that provides a forward view from the rear of the vehicle, including a view of such blind spots. Such front and rear mirrors may be aligned so that the view of the rear mirror is portrayed within the view of the front mirror. As such, the present invention provides the driver with a complete view of the passenger side of the vehicle.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a mirror and mirror system which can be used in connection with large vehicles, such as school buses, to provide the driver of such vehicles with the ability to view the entire side of the vehicle. While such vehicles currently include side view mirrors attached to the front of the vehicle, these mirrors contain blind spots, such as the area immediately in front of the rear wheel of the vehicle. The current invention overcomes such blind spots by attaching a second mirror to the rear portion of the vehicle that provides a forward view from the rear of the vehicle, including a view of such blind spots. Such front and rear mirrors may be aligned so that the view of the rear mirror is portrayed within the view of the front mirror. As such, the present invention provides the driver with a complete view of the passenger side of the vehicle.

Abstract: A projection optical system unit has a lower pedestal. The lower pedestal has first and second tubular portions opened to each other. An image formation device holding plate for a DMD is mounted on the first tubular portion at a side where one opening is formed. A mirror holder for a convex mirror is fixed on the second tubular portion at a side where the other opening is formed. A linear heat expansion coefficient in a specific direction of the lower pedestal component is set between 0.8×10?5 (1/K) and 3.0×10?5 (1/K).

Abstract: The present invention relates to optical components for reversing and inverting images, and to methods of manufacturing them accurately, robustly and cost-effectively. The method includes optical contact bonding a first optical element and a second optical element and adhesively bonding the first optical element and the second optical element. Adhesively bonding might include forming a notch into the second optical element and depositing a bead of adhesive into the notch, such that the adhesive adheres to both the notch and the first optical element.

Abstract: The curved rearview mirror system for vehicles allows a driver to see the entire area of a driver's blind spot from looking into any one of three mirrors without giving the driver an overly distorted view. The mirror system includes a central rearview mirror with a central planar section and two side convexly curved sections having a constant radius of curvature. The mirror system also includes left and right side rearview mirrors. Each side rearview mirror includes a central planar section, a convexly curved side section, a convexly curved top section, and a convexly curved bottom section. The shape and placement of each mirror is governed by a series of equations that give the driver the best possible view of the blind spot.

Abstract: An automobile exterior sideview mirror system includes an exterior sideview mirror assembly, which includes a reflective element assembly. The reflective element assembly includes a first reflective element having a unit magnification and a second reflective element having a curvature. The first reflective element and the second reflective element are supported at a support element. The mirror system preferably further includes an actuator, which is operable to adjust the orientation of the reflective element assembly. The second reflective element is disposed adjacent to and separate from the first reflective element when it is included in the exterior sideview mirror assembly. Further, a demarcation element is provided between the first reflective element and the second reflective element. A portion of the second reflective element adjacent the demarcation element has a front surface that is generally coplanar with the front surface of the first reflective element.

Abstract: A composite mirror adapted for use as an outside rearview mirror of a motor vehicle includes a main or primary viewing mirror and an auxiliary blindzone viewing mirror juxtaposed to expose the vehicle blindzone to the vehicle operator. The main viewing mirror is generally of unit magnification. The auxiliary mirror is generally composed of a convex surface that can be either attached atop the surface of the main viewing mirror or placed within a cut-out region of the main viewing mirror. The auxiliary mirror can be partially recessed below the surface of the main viewing mirror and can have a skirt for minimizing undesirable reflections in the main viewing mirror.

Abstract: A mirror assembly in which the mirror housing and multi-function backing plate provide various useful functions. The multi-function backing plate supports not only a conventional reflective element but also supports a wide angle reflective element. The wide angle reflective element may be adjustable. The multi-function backing plate supports an indicator light assembly so that the mirror assembly can provide an indicator light function. The multi-function backing plate also support a recessible spot or approach lamp which, when the mirror is in an operative position, is recessed within the housing. When the mirror is in an inoperative state, the multi-function backing plate can be rotated so as to expose the spot or approach light. Various light pipe configurations enable transmission of light projected from a light source mounted to and behind the multi-function backing plate to project light through the light pipe externally to the mirror housing to provide an indicator light function.

Abstract: An automotive rear view mirror includes a primary flat reflective surface that generates an undistorted image, and three secondary reflective surfaces that are curved so as to increase the field of view laterally and also vertically. The curved reflective surfaces include a relatively large trapezoidal surface curved in the horizontal plane for increasing the field of view in the horizontal direction, and two smaller triangular curved reflective surfaces contiguous with the upper and lower boundaries of the trapezoidal surface for increasing the field of view in the vertical direction.

Abstract: There is provided a collector for guiding light with a wavelength of ?193 nm onto a plane. The collector includes a first mirror shell for receiving a first ring aperture section of the light and irradiating a first planar ring section of the plane with a first irradiance, and a second mirror shell for receiving a second ring aperture section of the light and irradiating a second planar ring section of the plane with a second irradiance. The first and second mirror shells are rotationally symmetrical and concentrically arranged around a common axis of rotation, the first and second ring aperture sections do not overlap with one another, the first planar ring section substantially abuts the second planar ring section, and the first irradiance is approximately equal to the second irradiance.

Abstract: A single shell side-view mirror assembly is disclosed which provides improved aerodynamic features and improved vibrational resistance characterized by an aerodynamically domed shell structure, interchangeable mirror elements, an electrically activated vibration dampening element and a static vibration dampening elements.

Abstract: A coupling configuration for connecting an optical conductor to an opto-receiver has a parabolic mirror or a spherical mirror that reflects light emerging from the optical conductor onto a launching mirror through which the light is launched into the opto-receiver. Such a configuration is largely adjustment-free and therefore particularly suitable for the connection of single-mode fibers (SMF).

Abstract: A vehicular mirror 12 having a first curved portion 18 and a second substantially planar portion 16. The first curved portion 18 is deployed in close proximity to the vehicle 10, thereby substantially eliminating the conventional “blind spot” while concomitantly providing a relatively wide field of view.

Abstract: An external rearview mirror includes a holder for affixing the mirror to a motor vehicle. A carrier plate is located in a housing that is secured to the holder. At least one mirror assembly with a mirror pane is mounted pivotally on the carrier plate in the housing. At least one means of adjustment is mounted on the carrier plate and bound to the mirror assembly. A base plate is attached to the carrier plate, the base plate having a honeycomb structure with a multiplicity of cells on at least one side. The cells are integral and normal to the base plate and may vary in both height and diameter.

Abstract: A single construct mirror within a mirror is provided for use in enhancing the safe operation of motor vehicles by eliminating “blind spots.” Such construct includes a secondary mirror formed within a primary mirror by the removal of or formation of a concave indentation on the rear surface of a generally flat sheet of glass, plastic or other suitable material. Such sheet may then be mirrored by silvering the rear surface including the concave indentation. The front reflective surfaces of both mirrors are generally flat and co-planar.

Abstract: An exterior sideview mirror assembly for a vehicle includes a housing or casing and a reflective element, which is supported in the casing. The casing includes a storage space, which provides storage for at least one accessory. The accessory is retrievable from the storage space and useable exteriorly of the mirror assembly.

Abstract: A side view mirror assembly and method of adjustment for use on an automotive vehicle. The mirror assembly includes a support for mounting to a side of the vehicle and supporting a reflective surface. The reflective surface has an outboard region, and an inboard region between the side of the vehicle and the outboard region. The inboard region is generally convex shaped, while the outboard region forms the majority of the reflective surface and is generally flat. A vehicle operator can tilt the reflective surface relative to the vehicle such that a portion of the side of the vehicle can be seen by a reflection from the inboard region. The outboard region can then be used to view other vehicles behind and to the side of the vehicle.

Abstract: This invention provides a reflective element assembly suitable for use in an exterior sideview mirror assembly mounted to the side body of an automobile. The reflective element assembly includes a first reflective element and a second reflective element. The second reflective element is angled downwardly and forwardly with respect to the first reflective element when the mirror assembly is mounted to a side of an automobile to provide an increased field of view. In one form, both reflective elements are commonly supported on a bezel, which is mounted to the mirror assembly casing. In another form, the reflective elements are separately mounted, with the second reflective element fixedly mounted to the casing and the first reflective element movably supported in the mirror casing, for example, on an actuator.

Abstract: An external rearview mirror includes a holder for affixing the mirror to a motor vehicle. A carrier plate is located in a housing that is secured to the holder. At least one mirror assembly with a mirror pane is mounted pivotally on the carrier plate in the housing. At least one means of adjustment is mounted on the carrier plate and bound to the mirror assembly. A base plate is attached to the carrier plate, the base plate having a honeycomb structure with a multiplicity of cells on at least one side. The cells are integral and normal to the base plate and may vary in both height and diameter.

Abstract: A combination magnetic pick up tool and inspection mirror includes a telescoping handle with a connection fixture to a magnetic pick up element. A separable mirror assembly may be attached to the magnetic pick up element. The tool thus may include a mirror assembly or a magnetic pick up element at the top section or distal end of the tool and may be easily converted from an inspection mirror to a pick up tool.

Abstract: A vehicular mirror 12 having a first curved portion 18 and a second substantially planar portion 16. The first curved portion 18 is deployed in close proximity to the vehicle 10, thereby substantially eliminating the conventional “blind spot” while concomitantly providing a relatively wide field of view.

Abstract: A circular mirror has a frame with peripheral groove and a peripherally mounted gooseneck which is dimensioned to be wrapped around the periphery of the frame and received in the groove. According to the invention, the gooseneck is long enough so that it can be used to support the mirror in a variety of ways. For example, the gooseneck can be extended its full length with its end bent into a hook and then hung from a door. The gooseneck can also be bent into a semi-circle or similar configuration to be used as a table top stand.

Abstract: A pivot portion is press-fitted to the inside hollow portion of a pivot receiver, thereby the pivot receiver wraps the pivot portion from outside. A spring member is also fitted to the outside on one end side of the pivot receiver, thereby the pivot receiver fastens the pivot portion from outside. As a result, the outer face of the pivot portion and the inner face of the hollow portion of the pivot receiver are abutted on each other securely all the time, thereby the mirror unit is held always stably with respect to the holding member. As a result, the mirror face can be held reliably at a predetermined tilted position all the time.

Abstract: A wing mirror for vehicles includes a reflector having a flat region to serve as a planar mirror, and two curved regions integrally formed on outer and bottom sides of the flat region to serve as convex mirrors so as to give a view of a wide angle to the driver and avoid blind side. Furthermore, the integral formation of the curved regions with the flat region allows an existing wing mirror to be changed from a conventional type into the inventive type simply by replacing with the inventive reflector.

Abstract: A rearview mirror for vehicles or the like, comprising in a unitary structure a substantially flat reflecting central surface that at each end of the flat central surface progresses gradually into a series of convex, spherical reflective surfaces having progressively smaller spherical radii progressing from the flat central surface, thereby eliminating deadspots in the drivers view toward the rear and the sides of of the vehicle. This invention provides exact and undistorted view to the rear of the vehicle, permitting accurate judgement of distances to articles and other vehicles behind the driver, and gradually reducing images to the sides of the vehicle in a panoramic view without distorting them, so the driver at all times has recogniseable views behind and to the sides of the vehicle. This particularly facilitates changing lanes and the like without incurring accidents.

Abstract: An improved optical apparatus and system for producing a three-dimensional real image of an object. The apparatus includes a support member, a first concave reflective surface affixed to the support member and having an associated focal length, and a second concave reflective surface affixed to the support member. The first concave reflective surface and the second concave reflective surface are placed in substantially fixed spatial relationship to each other to define an acute angle so that when the object is appropriately placed further than the focal length of the first concave reflective surface, the apparatus produces a three-dimensional real image of the object.

Abstract: A mounting unit for a vehicular side-view mirror includes a substantially planar face plate defined by first and second spaced apart peripheral edges and third and fourth spaced apart peripheral edges, adjacent peripheral edges defining corners; first, second, third, and fourth sides disposed at respective peripheral edges of the face plate, the face plate and sides defining a frame for receiving either a flat or convex mirror; and one or more apertures disposed at one or more of the corners of the face plate, the apertures being sized and shaped such that a convex mirror may be received within the frame and edges thereof may be received at least partially within the apertures.

Abstract: A side-view mirror having a unitary body with a convex portion, which makes up one third of the total amount of mirror, that allows the driver of the vehicle to see other vehicles in the blind spot of the vehicle. The remaining two thirds of the of mirror is a flat mirror, which allows the driver to see rear images.

Abstract: A horn shaped rearview mirror assembly for vehicles is disclosed including a support structure for mounting the mirror assembly to the vehicle, and a support arm including a carrier structure having a vehicle end and a free end, the vehicle end connected to the support structure. The support arm also includes a molded component secured to the carrier structure, the molded component including a mirror housing. A main rearview mirror is affixed to the mirror housing for providing the driver a rearview of the vehicle, and a single supplemental mirror is affixed to the mirror housing above the main mirror for providing the driver a view of at least two dead zones disposed about the vehicle.