Patent ID: 6759945
Filing Date: 2004-07-06
Classification: B60R,G02F

Abstract:
A variable reflectance vehicle mirror which can be controlled to adjust reflectivity, comprising:a front transparent polymer panel; an outer anti-abrasion surface coating of an organo-silicone polymer on an outer surface of the front transparent polymer panel; a first polarization filter adhered to an inside surface of the front panel; a super twisted nematic (STN) liquid crystal cell connected to the first polarization filter; a second polarization filter connected to a rear of the STN liquid crystal cell; a layer of metallic reflective material adhered to a rear surface of the second polarization filter; a rear panel bonded to the reflective material layer, the layer of metallic reflective material enables a reflectance of greater than 90% when incident light is not attenuated by the STN liquid crystal cell; and a control circuit connected to said STN liquid crystal cell for controlling the birefringence of the STN liquid crystal cell to adjust the degree of reflection of the mirror, wherein the STN liquid crystal cell can provide a contrast ratio of 480:1.