公开(公告)号：US5751489A

公开(公告)日：1998-05-12

申请号：US409279

申请日：1995-03-23

Applicant: Gregory T. Caskey ,  Niall R. Lynam ,  Bryant P. Hichwa

Inventor： Gregory T. Caskey ,  Niall R. Lynam ,  Bryant P. Hichwa

IPC: B60R1/08 ,  G02B5/08 ,  G02B7/18 ,  G02B1/10 ,  G02B5/26 ,  G02B7/182

CPC classification number: G02B5/0833 ,  B60R1/082 ,  B60R1/083 ,  G02B7/181 ,  Y10S359/90

Abstract: A elemental mirror for vehicles having a luminous reflectance of at least about 30% includes a substrate coated with a thin layer of elemental semiconductor having an index of refraction of at least 3 and an optical thickness of at least about 275 angstroms. Preferably, the elemental semiconductor coating is sputter coated silicon or germanium and a light absorbing coating is included therebehind. The mirror is spectrally nonselective with elemental semiconductor optical thicknesses of about 275 to 2400 angstroms on the front substrate surface. Spectrally selective mirrors are provided by adding an interference coating to the elemental semiconductor layer coating, preferably of a dielectric such as silicon dioxide or silicon nitride, on either the front or rear substrate surface, or by using a thicker, single elemental semiconductor layer. Instead of an absorbing coating behind the mirror, additional elemental semiconductor and dielectric thin layers may be included to reduce secondary reflections. The method includes coating the thin elemental semiconductor layer on flat glass and heating to harden the layer and make it more scratch resistant, or heating and bending the glass without destroying the reflective properties of the mirror. The thin interference layer, secondary reflection reducing layers, and/or light absorbing coating may be coated before or after heating and bending.

Abstract translation: 具有至少约30％的光反射率的车辆的元素反射镜包括涂覆有折射率至少为3并且至少约275埃的光学厚度的元素半导体薄层的基底。 优选地，元素半导体涂层是溅射涂覆的硅或锗，并且包括光吸收涂层。 镜子是光谱非选择性的，在前衬底表面上的元素半导体光学厚度为约275至2400埃。 通过在衬底表面或后衬底表面上添加干涉涂层来提供元素半导体层涂层，优选电介质如二氧化硅或氮化硅，或通过使用较厚的单个元素半导体层来提供光谱选择性反射镜。 代替反射镜后面的吸收涂层，可以包括另外的元素半导体和电介质薄层以减少次级反射。 该方法包括在平板玻璃上涂覆薄的元素半导体层并加热以使层硬化，使其更具耐擦伤性，或加热和弯曲玻璃而不破坏反射镜的反射特性。 可以在加热和弯曲之前或之后涂覆薄的干涉层，二次反射减少层和/或光吸收涂层。

公开(公告)号：US5715093A

公开(公告)日：1998-02-03

申请号：US768193

申请日：1996-12-17

Applicant: Kenneth L. Schierbeek ,  Niall R. Lynam

Inventor： Kenneth L. Schierbeek ,  Niall R. Lynam

IPC: B60Q1/14 ,  B60R1/08 ,  G02F1/15 ,  G02B5/08 ,  G02B21/00 ,  G02F1/153

CPC classification number: B60R1/088 ,  B60Q1/1423 ,  B60Q2300/21 ,  B60Q2300/314 ,  B60Q2400/30

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 translation: 具有用于建立电致变色后视镜元件的反射率水平并且用于控制车辆前灯的激活状态的前灯启动控制的车辆自动后视镜系统包括两个光传感器，电致变色镜元件驱动电路，其响应于光 曝光两个光传感器以建立车辆电致变色后视镜元件的部分反射率水平，以及响应于两个光传感器暴露的光的头灯激活控制，以在低光条件下激活车辆前灯，并且停用车辆 前灯在高光条件下。 两个光传感器优选地是朝向不同方向的方向敏感和瞄准，一个瞄准车辆前方，另一个朝向车辆后方。 前灯优选地被激活，作为曝光任一光传感器的最低光级的函数。

公开(公告)号：US5659423A

公开(公告)日：1997-08-19

申请号：US316047

申请日：1994-09-30

Applicant: Kenneth L. Schierbeek ,  Kenneth Schofield ,  Niall R. Lynam

Inventor： Kenneth L. Schierbeek ,  Kenneth Schofield ,  Niall R. Lynam

IPC: B60R1/06 ,  B60R1/072 ,  B60R1/08 ,  B60R1/12 ,  B60R11/02 ,  G02B5/08 ,  G02B17/00

CPC classification number: B60R1/072 ,  B60R1/0602 ,  B60R1/088 ,  B60R1/12 ,  B60R11/0241 ,  B60R1/1207 ,  B60R2001/1223 ,  B60R2001/1261 ,  B60R2001/1284

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. The light sensors may both be positioned behind the variable reflectance device within the mirror casing and may be aimed through the variable reflectance device and/or through a potion of the substrate thereof. The variable reflectance device is preferably an electrochromic mirror element but may also be a liquid crystal device, suspended particle device, or other known electro-optical device. The automatic rearview mirror system may be used as an exterior vehicle mirror, as a vehicle interior mirror, or as all three mirrors on a vehicle. The mirror system is particularly suited for use on automobiles, minivans, light trucks, small vans, and sport utility vehicles.

Abstract translation: 模块化后视镜系统包括具有反射表面的可变反射装置，其反射从车辆后方的入射表面的光。 可变反射装置通过调光到部分反射条件来响应驱动信号。 可变反射装置的反射率值的控制包括第一和第二光传感器和电路。 电路响应于光传感器以产生作为光传感器暴露的光级的函数的驱动信号。 第一和第二光传感器大致在车辆后方的方向上瞄准。 第一光传感器沿大致水平的轴线瞄准，第二光传感器沿着偏离水平轴的另一个轴线瞄准。 轴之间的优选偏差为至少约10度，但不大于约70度。 光传感器可以都位于反射镜壳体内的可变反射装置的后面，并且可以通过可变反射装置和/或通过其基板的一部分进行瞄准。 可变反射装置优选为电致变色镜元件，但也可以是液晶装置，悬浮粒子装置或其它已知的电光装置。 自动后视镜系统可以用作外部车辆后视镜，车辆内部反射镜或车辆上的所有三个反射镜。 镜子系统特别适用于汽车，小型货车，轻卡，小型货车和运动型多功能车。

公开(公告)号：US5416313A

公开(公告)日：1995-05-16

申请号：US183052

申请日：1994-01-18

Applicant: Mark L. Larson ,  Niall R. Lynam ,  Kenneth L. Schierbeek

Inventor： Mark L. Larson ,  Niall R. Lynam ,  Kenneth L. Schierbeek

IPC: B60Q3/04 ,  B60R1/08 ,  B60R1/12 ,  H01J40/14

CPC classification number: B60R1/088 ,  B60Q3/048 ,  B60R1/12 ,  B60K2350/2069 ,  B60R2001/1215

Abstract: A rearview mirror system for a vehicle having a reflective element with a reflective surface and a variable light transmission element includes an optical display device behind the reflective element in order to produce a visual display to the driver. A control is provided having a light sensor that senses light conditions in the vicinity of the vehicle and produces a continuously variable light signal indicative of such sensed light conditions. The control further includes a drive circuit that is responsive to the light signal in order to supply a drive signal to the reflective element and thereby establish the light transmission level of the light transmission element. The control further includes an intensity control circuit that varies the intensity of the optical display as a function of the value of the sensed light in the vicinity of the vehicle in order to accommodate physiological changes in the driver's eyes. The intensity control circuit further varies the intensity of the optical display device as a function of the drive signal supplied to the reflective element in order to compensate for reduced light transmission levels of the light transmission element. The intensity control circuit sums values of the light signal and the drive signal and processes the sum to a pulse-width modulated signal using a non-linear processor. The intensity control also provides a substantially constant high intensity of the optical display device for all values of sensed light above a predetermined high light level and for all values of sensed light below a predetermined low light level.

Abstract translation: 一种用于车辆的后视镜系统，具有具有反射表面的反射元件和可变光传输元件，包括在反射元件后面的光学显示装置，以便向驾驶员产生视觉显示。 提供了具有感测车辆附近的光条件的光传感器并产生指示这种感测到的光条件的连续可变光信号的控制。 该控制还包括响应于光信号的驱动电路，以便向反射元件提供驱动信号，从而建立光传输元件的光透射水平。 该控制还包括强度控制电路，其根据车辆附近的感测光的值改变光学显示器的强度，以适应驾驶员的眼睛的生理变化。 强度控制电路进一步根据提供给反射元件的驱动信号来改变光学显示装置的强度，以便补偿光传输元件的降低的光透射水平。 强度控制电路将光信号和驱动信号的值相加，并使用非线性处理器将该和处理为脉冲宽度调制信号。 强度控制还为预定的高光级以上的感测光的所有值以及低于预定低光级的感测光的所有值提供基本恒定的高强度的光学显示装置。

公开(公告)号：US5239405A

公开(公告)日：1993-08-24

申请号：US756342

申请日：1991-09-06

Applicant: Desaraju V. Varaprasad ,  Steven D. Looman ,  Mingtang Zhao ,  Hamid R. Habibi ,  Niall R. Lynam

Inventor： Desaraju V. Varaprasad ,  Steven D. Looman ,  Mingtang Zhao ,  Hamid R. Habibi ,  Niall R. Lynam

IPC: C09K9/02 ,  E06B9/24 ,  G02F1/15

CPC classification number: E06B9/24 ,  C09K9/02 ,  G02F1/1521 ,  E06B2009/2464 ,  G02F2001/1502 ,  G02F2001/1512

Abstract: The present invention relates to electrochromic solutions and devices manufactured therefrom. More precisely, the invention relates to electrochemichromic solutions, and those devices manufactured with the same, that demonstrate superior responsiveness to those solutions known heretofore when an applied potential is introduced thereto. That is, the responsiveness observed in terms of solution coloring is of a greater rapidity, intensity and uniformity than those electrochemichromic solutions of the prior art. Preparation of these solutions involve the novel process of pre-treating at least one of the electrochemichromic compounds with a redox agent prior to placing it in contact with the other electrochemichromic compound. Moreover, the present invention relates to methods of preparing such novel solutions and processes for using these solutions to provide devices that exhibit and benefit from the aforementioned superior characteristics.

Abstract translation: 本发明涉及电致变色溶液及其制造的装置。 更准确地说，本发明涉及电化学显色溶液，以及使用其制造的那些装置，其表现出对迄今为止已知的施加电位被引入其中的那些溶液的优异响应性。 也就是说，在溶液着色方面观察到的响应性比现有技术的电化学显色溶液具有更快的速度，强度和均匀性。 这些溶液的制备涉及在将其与其它电化铬化合物接触之前用氧化还原剂预处理至少一种电化学铬化合物的新方法。 此外，本发明涉及制备这些新型溶液的方法以及使用这些溶液提供显示和受益于上述优异特性的装置的方法。

公开(公告)号：US5151816A

公开(公告)日：1992-09-29

申请号：US458969

申请日：1989-12-29

Applicant: Desaraju V. Varaprasad ,  Hamid R. Habibi ,  Niall R. Lynam ,  Padma Desaraju

Inventor： Desaraju V. Varaprasad ,  Hamid R. Habibi ,  Niall R. Lynam ,  Padma Desaraju

IPC: C09K9/02 ,  G02F1/15

CPC classification number: G02F1/1521 ,  C09K9/02

Abstract: The specification discloses a method for reducing current leakage and enhancing UV stability by using electrochemichromic solutions whose solvents include, either solely or in combination with other solvents, glutaronitrile (GNT).

公开(公告)号：US5076674A

公开(公告)日：1991-12-31

申请号：US491447

申请日：1990-03-09

Applicant: Niall R. Lynam

Inventor： Niall R. Lynam

IPC: B60R1/08 ,  G02F1/157

CPC classification number: G02F1/157 ,  B60R1/088

Abstract: A reduced first surface reflectivity electrochromic/electrochemichromic rearview mirror assembly provides improved glare reduction and substantially less noticeable double imaging. Preferably, the assembly includes an anti-reflective layer or coating on the outermost, front surface of the front glass substrate/panel. The coating can be a single thin film or a multiple layer thin film stack of suitable durability and index of refraction. Alternately, a gradient refractive index layer produced by surface leaching, dip coating and heating, or ion implantation may be used. The invention is especially useful in electrochemichromic mirror assemblies having a laminated front glass where unwanted total reflection and double imaging could otherwise be pronounced because of opportunities for nonparallel attachment of the multiple glass substrates.

公开(公告)号：US4959247A

公开(公告)日：1990-09-25

申请号：US132196

申请日：1987-12-14

Applicant: Frank H. Moser ,  Niall R. Lynam

Inventor： Frank H. Moser ,  Niall R. Lynam

IPC: C03C17/25 ,  C03C17/27 ,  C03C17/34 ,  C04B41/50 ,  C04B41/85 ,  G02F1/15

CPC classification number: C04B41/009 ,  C03C17/25 ,  C03C17/27 ,  C03C17/3417 ,  C04B41/5072 ,  C04B41/85 ,  G02F1/1523 ,  C03C2217/217 ,  C03C2218/11 ,  C03C2218/322

Abstract: Transition metal nitrates such as nickel nitrate are dissolved in monoalcohols having from 1 to 5 carbon atoms. The coatings are applied to a substrate material and fired to convert the coating to an electrochromically active state.

Abstract translation: 过渡金属硝酸盐如硝酸镍溶解在具有1至5个碳原子的一元醇中。 将涂层施加到基底材料并烧制以将涂层转化为电致变色的状态。

公开(公告)号：US09487144B2

公开(公告)日：2016-11-08

申请号：US12578732

申请日：2009-10-14

Applicant: Rodney K. Blank ,  Mark L. Larson ,  Niall R. Lynam

Inventor： Rodney K. Blank ,  Mark L. Larson ,  Niall R. Lynam

IPC: H04N7/18 ,  B60R1/12 ,  G02B27/01

CPC classification number: B60R1/12 ,  B60R2001/1215 ,  B60R2001/1253 ,  G02B5/003 ,  G02B27/01 ,  G02B2027/0118 ,  G02B2027/0138 ,  G02B2027/014 ,  G02F1/1533 ,  G02F1/157 ,  H01L27/3232 ,  H01L27/3234 ,  H04N5/23293

Abstract: An interior rearview mirror system and assembly includes a variable reflectivity reflective element and a video display screen disposed behind the reflective element and operable to display images viewable through the reflective element by a person viewing the interior rearview mirror assembly when it is normally mounted in a vehicle. The video display screen may be operable to brighten or enhance the intensity of images displayed by the video display screen responsive to a dimming condition of the variable reflectivity reflective element. The mirror system may include an image sensor and a decoder that decodes an output signal of the image sensor. The decoder has a microprocessor operable to control the video display screen, such that the captured image data are processed and images are displayed via operation of a common microprocessor. A compass chip may connect to a vehicle wire harness that extends from a vehicle headliner.

Abstract translation: 内部后视镜系统和组件包括可变反射反射元件和设置在反射元件后面的视频显示屏，并且可操作以在通常安装在车辆中时通过观看内部后视镜组件的人显示通过反射元件可观看的图像 。 视频显示屏幕可操作以响应于可变反射率反射元件的调光条件来增亮或增强由视频显示屏幕显示的图像的强度。 镜系统可以包括对图像传感器的输出信号进行解码的图像传感器和解码器。 解码器具有可操作以控制视频显示屏幕的微处理器，使得捕获的图像数据被处理，并且通过公共微处理器的操作来显示图像。 指南针芯片可以连接到从车顶架延伸的车辆线束。

公开(公告)号：US09278654B2

公开(公告)日：2016-03-08

申请号：US13452125

申请日：2012-04-20

Applicant: Timothy G. Skiver ,  Joseph P. McCaw ,  John T. Uken ,  Jonathan E. DeLine ,  Niall R. Lynam

Inventor： Timothy G. Skiver ,  Joseph P. McCaw ,  John T. Uken ,  Jonathan E. DeLine ,  Niall R. Lynam

IPC: G02B5/08 ,  G02B17/00 ,  B60R11/02 ,  B60R1/12 ,  B60R11/00

CPC classification number: B60R1/12 ,  B60Q3/258 ,  B60R1/086 ,  B60R1/088 ,  B60R1/1207 ,  B60R11/02 ,  B60R11/0217 ,  B60R11/0241 ,  B60R11/0247 ,  B60R2001/1223 ,  B60R2011/0026 ,  B60R2011/0033 ,  G02B5/08 ,  G02B17/00 ,  G10K11/175 ,  G10K2210/1282 ,  G10L21/028 ,  H04R2499/13

Abstract: An interior rearview mirror system suitable for use in a vehicle includes an interior rearview mirror assembly having a mirror head and a reflective element. The mirror head includes a first microphone operable to generate a first analog signal and a second microphone operable to generate a second analog signal. The first analog signal is converted to a first digital signal by at least one analog to digital converter and the second analog signal is converted to a second digital signal by the at least one analog to digital converter. A digital sound processor is operable to process the first and second digital signals. Responsive to the processing of the first and second digital signals, the digital sound processor generates a digital output, and the digital output, at least in part, distinguishes a human voice present in the vehicle from noise present in the vehicle.

Abstract translation: 适用于车辆的内部后视镜系统包括具有镜头和反射元件的内部后视镜组件。 镜头包括可操作以产生第一模拟信号的第一麦克风和可操作以产生第二模拟信号的第二麦克风。 第一模拟信号由至少一个模数转换器转换成第一数字信号，并且第二模拟信号由至少一个模数转换器转换成第二数字信号。 数字声音处理器可操作以处理第一和第二数字信号。 响应于第一和第二数字信号的处理，数字声音处理器产生数字输出，并且数字输出至少部分地区分车辆中存在的人声与车辆中存在的噪声。