Electro-optical reflection systems

An electro-optical system includes a voltage supply device, an active polarizing layer, a retarding layer, and a reflective layer. The active polarizing layer is electrically coupled to the voltage supply device. The active polarizing layer is configured to switch back and forth between a non-polarized state and a polarized state as the voltage supply device supplies varying levels of voltage. The retarding layer is configured to alter the polarization state of light traveling through it. The reflective layer is positioned adjacent to the retarding layer.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

This disclosure generally relates to electro-optical reflection systems which allow the reflection of light to be alternatingly reduced while maintaining high display transmission rates. One or more embodiments herein provide for electro-optical reflection systems which allow for the auto-dimming of light reflected off a mirror.

BACKGROUND

Electronic mirrors often use electrochromic elements with a semitransparent mirror in order to view a display on the mirror. However, this often results in the reflection of ambient light significantly interfering with the display while the electronic mirror is in a display mode. As a result, extremely high luminance values are required in order to adequately view the display. This unduly increases the cost to power the display.

A display system is needed to maintain high transmissivity of transmitted display light while reducing the reflection of ambient light in order to reduce the cost to power the system.

SUMMARY

In one embodiment, an electro-optical system includes a voltage supply device, an active polarizing layer, a retarding layer, and a reflective layer. The active polarizing layer is electrically coupled to the voltage supply device. The active polarizing layer is configured to switch back and forth between a non-polarized state and a polarized state as the voltage supply device supplies varying levels of voltage. The retarding layer is configured to alter the polarization state of light traveling through it. The reflective layer is positioned adjacent to the retarding layer. The reflective layer includes an organic light emitting diode display.

In another embodiment, an electro-optical system for a vehicle includes a polarizing layer, a retarding layer, a voltage supply device, and a reflective layer. The retarding layer is positioned adjacent to the polarizing layer. The voltage supply device is electrically coupled to the polarizing layer or the retarding layer. The reflective layer is positioned adjacent to the retarding layer. The reflective layer includes an organic light emitting diode display. The electro-optical system is configured to, in one state, be a reflective mirror reflecting ambient light, and in another state, be a visual display displaying light transmitted from the organic light emitting diode display.

In still another embodiment, a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium is disclosed. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium includes instructions, that, when executed by a processor of an electro-optical system, cause the processor to switch between a reflective mirror state and a visual display state. In the reflective mirror state the instructions cause the processor to: supply, from a voltage supply device, a first level of voltage to an active polarizing layer wherein the first level of voltage causes the active polarizing layer to operate in a non-polarized state; and cause an organic light emitting diode display to not transmit light. In the visual display state the instructions cause the processor to: supply, from the voltage supply device, a second level of voltage to the active polarizing layer, the second level of voltage causing the active polarizing layer to operate in a polarized state; and cause the organic light emitting diode display to transmit light.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1illustrates a box diagram of one embodiment of an electro-optical system10. The electro-optical system10may comprise a portion of a vehicle such as a rear-view mirror, a visor mirror, a side-mirror, or another type of vehicle display and/or mirror. In other embodiments, the electro-optical system10may be implemented in varying non-vehicle devices or systems. The electro-optical system10comprises a full circuit of electrically connected components comprising a processor12, a voltage supply device14, an active polarizing layer16, a retarding layer18, a reflective layer20, sensors22and24, and input device(s)26. The processor12is connected to or comprises a memory28which contains programming code30. The processor12controls the electro-optical system10following the instructions/algorithms contained in the programming code30. The instructions that are executed by the processor12may be stored in a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium. The input device(s)26provide inputs to the processor12.

The input device(s)26may comprise any type of device(s) which provide input to the processor12such as touch-activated instructions inputted from a touch screen, voice-activated inputs inputted from an audio device, manual inputs inputted from a controller, external inputs inputted from an external device, or from varying input device(s). The sensor22comprises a forward looking light sensor which detects the amount of light in a forward direction. The sensor24comprises a rear looking sensor which detects the amount of light in a rear direction.

The voltage supply device14comprises a device which is electrically coupled to and supplies voltage to the electro-optical system10to drive the system. The voltage supply device14drives the active polarizing layer16. The voltage supply device14comprises a liquid crystal driver. In other embodiments, the voltage supply device14may vary. The active polarizing layer16is optically connected to the retarding layer18and the reflective layer20to form electro-optic device31. The retarding layer18is abutted against and between the active polarizing layer16and the reflective layer20.

FIG. 2illustrates a cross-section view through the active polarizing layer16ofFIG. 1. As shown, the active polarizing layer16comprises glass or substrate layers32and34, transparent conductive layers36and38, rubbing layers40and42, a guest-host dichroic dye liquid crystal layer44, and a spacer46holding the rubbing layers40and42apart. The guest dye is a collection of elongated molecules that can either be orthogonal or parallel based on the applied voltage. The orientation of the elongated molecules determines the polarization associated with the active polarizing layer16. The active polarizing layer16is configured to switch back and forth between a non-polarized state and a polarized state as the voltage supply device14supplies varying levels of voltage. The active polarizing layer16comprises a vertical transmission axis. In other embodiments, the active polarizing layer16may vary in type or configuration.

Referring back toFIG. 1, the retarding layer18is configured to alter the polarization state of light traveling through it. The retarding layer18comprises a ¼ wavelength retarding layer. In other embodiments, the retarding layer18may vary in type.

FIG. 3illustrates a cross-section view through the reflective layer20ofFIG. 1. As shown collectively inFIGS. 1 and 3, the reflective layer20comprises a portion of a display48. The display48comprises an organic layer50comprising an organic light emitting diode52disposed between a transparent electrode54and a second electrode56. In other embodiments, the reflective layer20may be associated with other types of device/systems. For instance, in one embodiment the reflective layer20may comprise a mirror and may not be associated with a display. In still other embodiments, the reflective layer20may vary further.

As shown collectively inFIGS. 1-3, the reflective layer20of the electro-optical system10is configured to in one state be a reflective mirror reflecting ambient light58when the organic light emitting diode52is not transmitting the light60and the active polarizing layer16is in the non-polarized state. The reflective layer20of the electro-optical system10is configured to in another state be a visual display displaying light60transmitted from the organic light emitting diode52while the active polarizing layer16is in a polarized state.

The reflective layer20of the electro-optical system is configured in still another state to be a reflective mirror reflecting ambient light58while the active polarizing layer16is in the non-polarized state and the light60is transmitting from the organic light emitting diode52to display symbols on the reflective layer20forming the reflective mirror. In such manner, both reflection and display functions can be achieved simultaneously.

In another embodiment, the reflective layer20of the electro-optical system10may comprise a dimmable mirror having higher reflectivity when the active polarizing layer16is in the non-polarized state, and having lower reflectivity when the active polarizing layer16is in the polarized state. Depending on the forward looking light sensor22measured light levels, as the rear looking light sensor24detects more light than the forward looking light sensor22, the processor12controls the voltage supply device14to put the active polarizing layer16into the polarized state to decrease the reflectivity of the dimmable mirror of the reflective layer20. Depending on the forward looking light sensor22measured light levels, as the rear looking light sensor24detect less light than the forward looking light sensor22the processor12controls the voltage supply device14to put the active polarizing layer16into the non-polarized state to increase the reflectivity of the dimmable mirror of the reflective layer20.

Testing of the electro-optical system10revealed the following unexpected results in the minimum reflectance state: a transmission of the light60transmitting from the organic light emitting diode52of 54%; luminescence of 324 Nits; minimum reflectance of the ambient light58of 19% without an anti-reflection surface and 15% if an anti-reflection surface was utilized; and at a reasonable cost to both manufacture and operate the electro-optical system10. Moreover, testing of the electro-optical system under maximum reflection conditions revealed the following unexpected results: a maximum reflectance of the ambient light58of 49% without an anti-reflection surface and 45% if an anti-reflection surface was utilized. These results were a substantially unexpected improvement over the transmissivity and reflectivity rates of other known display mirror systems which can have transmissivities of display light of 40% or lower while having reflectance of ambient light of 70% or greater at substantial manufacturing and operation cost.

FIG. 4illustrates a box diagram of another embodiment of an electro-optical system62. The electro-optical system62may comprise a portion of a vehicle such as a rear-view mirror, a visor mirror, a side-mirror, or another type of vehicle display and/or mirror. In other embodiments, the electro-optical system62may be implemented in varying non-vehicle devices or systems. The electro-optical system62comprises a full circuit of electrically connected components comprising a processor64, a voltage supply device66, a passive polarizing layer68, an active retarding layer70, a reflective layer72, sensors74and76, and input device(s)78. The processor64is connected to or comprises a memory80which contains programming code82. The processor64controls the electro-optical system62following the instructions/algorithms contained in the programming code82. The instructions that are executed by the processor64may be stored in a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium. The input device(s)78provide inputs to the processor64.

The input device(s)78may comprise any type of device(s) which provide input to the processor64such as touch-activated instructions inputted from a touch screen, voice-activated inputs inputted from an audio device, manual inputs inputted from a controller, external inputs inputted from an external device, or from varying input device(s). The sensor74comprises a forward looking light sensor which detects the amount of light in a forward direction. The sensor76comprises a rear looking sensor which detects the amount of light in a rear direction.

The voltage supply device66comprises a device which is electrically coupled to and supplies voltage to the electro-optical system62to drive the system. The voltage supply device66drives the active retarding layer70. The voltage supply device66comprises a liquid crystal driver. In other embodiments, the voltage supply device66may vary. The active retarding layer70is optically connected to the passive polarizing layer68and the reflective layer72to form electro-optic device83. The active retarding layer70is abutted against and between the passive polarizing layer68and the reflective layer72.

The passive polarizing layer68alters the polarization state of light that travels through it. The passive polarizing layer68comprises a vertical transmission axis. In other embodiments, the polarizing layer68may vary in type or configuration.

FIG. 5illustrates a cross-section view through the active retarding layer70ofFIG. 4. The active retarding layer70comprises a ¼ wavelength retarding layer. As shown, the active retarding layer70comprises glass or substrate layers65and67, transparent conductive layers69and71, rubbing layers73and75, a guest-host liquid crystal layer77, and a spacer81holding the rubbing layers73and75apart. The guest-host liquid crystal layer77is configured to either be in an orthogonal or parallel configuration based on the applied voltage. The active retarding layer70is configured to switch, depending on the level of voltage the voltage supply device66supplies, between a retarding state in which the active retarding layer70alters the polarization state of light traveling through it and a non-retarding state in which the active retarding layer70does not alter the polarization of the light traveling through it. In other embodiments, the active retarding layer70may vary in type or configuration.

FIG. 6illustrates a cross-section view through the reflective layer72ofFIG. 4. As shown collectively inFIGS. 4 and 6, the reflective layer72comprises a portion of a display79. The display79comprises an organic layer74comprising an organic light emitting diode76disposed between a transparent electrode78and a second electrode80. In other embodiments, the reflective layer72may be associated with other types of devices/systems. For instance, in one embodiment the reflective layer72may comprise a mirror and may not be associated with a display. In still other embodiments, the reflective layer72may further vary.

As shown collectively inFIGS. 4-6, the reflective layer72of the electro-optical system62is configured to in one state be a reflective mirror reflecting ambient light85when the organic light emitting diode76is not transmitting the light84and the active retarding layer70is in the non-retarding state in which the active retarding layer70does not alter the polarization of the light traveling through it. The reflective layer72of the electro-optical system62is configured to in another state be a visual display displaying light84transmitted from the organic light emitting diode76while the active retarding layer70is in the retarding state in which the active retarding layer70alters the polarization state of the light traveling through it.

The reflective layer72of the electro-optical system is configured in still another state to be a reflective mirror reflecting ambient light85while the active retarding layer70is in the non-retarding state and the light84is transmitting from the organic light emitting diode76to display symbols on the reflective layer72forming the reflective mirror. In such manner, both reflection and display functions can be achieved simultaneously.

In another embodiment, the reflective layer72of the electro-optical system62may comprise a dimmable mirror having higher reflectivity when the active retarding layer70is in the non-retarding state, and having lower reflectivity when the active retarding layer70is in the retarding state. Depending on the forward looking light sensor74measured light levels, as the rear looking light sensor76detect more light the processor64controls the voltage supply device66to put the active retarding layer70into the retarding state to decrease the reflectivity of the dimmable mirror of the reflective layer72. Depending on the forward looking light sensor74measured light levels, as the rear looking light sensor76detect less light the processor64controls the voltage supply device66to put the active retarding layer70into the non-retarding state to increase the reflectivity of the dimmable mirror of the reflective layer72.

In other embodiments, the electro-optical system62may vary. For instance, in other embodiments the electro-optical system62may comprise varying types of components in varying configurations.

Testing of the electro-optical system62revealed the following unexpected results in the minimum reflectance state: a transmission of the light84transmitting from the organic light emitting diode76of 40%; luminescence of 240 Nits; minimum reflectance of the ambient light85of 4% without an anti-reflection surface and 0% if an anti-reflection surface was utilized; and at a reasonable cost to both manufacture and operate the electro-optical system62. Moreover, testing of the electro-optical system under maximum reflection conditions revealed the following unexpected results: a maximum reflectance of the ambient light85of 24.9% without an anti-reflection surface and 24.5% if an anti-reflection surface was utilized. These results were a substantially unexpected improvement over the transmissivity and reflectivity rates of other known display mirror systems which can have transmissivities of display light of 40% or lower while having reflectance of ambient light of 70% or greater at substantial manufacturing and operation cost.

FIG. 7is a flowchart illustrating one embodiment of a method86of operating an electro-optical system. The method86may utilize the electro-optical system disclosed inFIGS. 1-3as discussed above. Step88comprises providing an electro-optical system. The electro-optical system comprises a voltage supply device, an active polarizing device, a retarding layer, and a reflective layer. The active polarizing layer is electrically coupled to the voltage supply device. The retarding layer is configured to alter the polarization state of light traveling through it. Step90comprises the voltage supply device supplying a first level of voltage putting the active polarizing layer in a non-polarized state. Step92comprises light traveling through the active polarizing layer, in the non-polarized state, and the retarding layer. Step94comprises the voltage supply device supplying a second level of voltage, different than the first level of voltage, putting the active polarizing layer in a polarized state. Step96comprises the light traveling through the active polarizing layer, in the polarized state, and the retarding layer.

In one embodiment of the method86, the reflective layer comprises a display, which may comprise organic or inorganic light emitting diode technology, and the electro-optical system is in a reflective mirror state reflecting ambient light when the display is not transmitting light and the active polarizing layer is in the non-polarized state. In the same embodiment, the electro-optical system is in a visual display state when the display is transmitting the light and the active polarizing layer is in the polarized state.

In another embodiment of the method86, the reflective layer comprises a display, which may comprise organic or inorganic light emitting diode technology, and while the active polarizing layer is in the non-polarized state the electro-optical system is in a reflective mirror state reflecting ambient light while light is transmitted from the display.

In still another embodiment of the method86, the electro-optical system comprises a dimmable mirror and a light sensor, and when the light sensor detects more of the light the active polarizing layer is put into the polarized state causing the dimmable mirror to have lower reflectivity. In the same embodiment, when the light sensor detects less of the light the active polarizing layer is put into the non-polarized state causing the dimmable mirror to have higher reflectivity.

FIG. 8is a flowchart illustrating one embodiment of a method98of operating an electro-optical system. The method98may utilize the electro-optical system disclosed inFIGS. 4-6as discussed above. Step100comprises providing an electro-optical system. The electro-optical system comprises a voltage supply device, an active retarding layer, a passive polarizing layer, and a reflective layer. The active retarding layer is electrically coupled to the voltage supply device. The passive polarizing layer is configured to alter the polarization state of light traveling through it. Step102comprises the voltage supply device supplying a first level of voltage putting the active retarding layer in a non-retarding state in which the active retarding layer does not alter the polarization of the light traveling through it. Step104comprises light traveling through the passive polarizer and the active retarding layer in the non-retarding state. Step106comprises the voltage supply device supplying a second level of voltage, different than the first level of voltage, putting the active retarding layer in a retarding state in which the active retarding layer alters the polarization of the light traveling through it. Step108comprises the light traveling through the passive polarizer and the active retarding layer in the retarding state.

In one embodiment of the method98, the reflective layer comprises a display, which may comprise organic or inorganic light emitting diode technology, and the electro-optical system is in a reflective mirror state reflecting ambient light when the display is not transmitting light and the active retarding layer is in the non-retarding state in which the active retarding layer does not alter the polarization of the light traveling through it. In the same embodiment, the electro-optical system is in a visual display state when the display is transmitting the light and the active retarding layer is in the retarding state in which the active retarding layer alters the polarization of the light traveling through it.

In another embodiment of the method98, the reflective layer comprises a display, which may comprise organic or inorganic light emitting diode technology, and while the active retarding layer is in the non-retarding state the electro-optical system is in a reflective mirror state reflecting ambient light while light is transmitted from the display.

In yet another embodiment of the method98, the electro-optical system comprises a dimmable mirror and a light sensor, and when the light sensor detects more of the light the active retarding layer is put into the retarding state causing the dimmable mirror to have lower reflectivity. In the same embodiment, when the light sensor detects less of the light the active retarding layer is put into the non-retarding state causing the dimmable mirror to have higher reflectivity.

The electro-optical system10ofFIG. 1may be used in conjunction with a touch sensor in order to control the electro-optical system10or to control any other system or device.FIG. 9illustrates a cross-section view through one embodiment of an electro-optical device110that may be substituted for the electro-optical device31of the electro-optical system10ofFIG. 1. The electro-optical device110comprises a touch sensor112, optical lamination layers114,116, and118, an active polarizing layer120, a retarding layer122, an organic light emitting diode encapsulant substrate124, and an organic light emitting diode backplane126.

The touch sensor112may comprise any type of touch sensor such as a single sided Indium Tin Oxide touch sensor, a double sided Indium Tin Oxide touch sensor, a metal mesh, or another touch sensor of varying type or material. The touch sensor112may be used to control the electro-optical system10ofFIG. 1. For instance, as shown collectively inFIGS. 1 and 9, the touch sensor112may be configured to control, through the processor12which controls the levels of voltage being supplied by the voltage supply device14to the active polarizing layer120to control the polarity of the active polarizing layer120, whether the electro-optical system10ofFIG. 1is in the reflective mirror state reflecting the ambient light58or in the visual display state displaying the light60transmitted from the organic light emitting diode encapsulant substrate124and the organic light emitting diode backplane126.

The optical lamination layer114comprises a transparent or substantially clear layer binding the touch sensor112to the active polarizing layer120. The optical lamination layer114may comprise a liquid optically clear adhesive, or another type of optically clear adhesive. The optical lamination layer116comprises a transparent or substantially clear layer binding the active polarizing layer120to the retarding layer122. The optical lamination layer116may comprise a liquid optically clear adhesive, or another type of optically clear adhesive. The optical lamination layer118comprises a transparent or substantially clear layer binding the retarding layer122to the organic light emitting diode encapsulant substrate124. The optical lamination layer118may comprise a liquid optically clear adhesive, or another type of optically clear adhesive. The organic light emitting diode encapsulant substrate124and the organic light emitting diode backplane126are bound together. In other embodiments, instead of using optically laminated layers to bind layers, air-gaps may be disposed in between the layers.

FIG. 10illustrates a cross-section view showing in more detail an electro-optical device128that may be substituted for the electro-optical device31of the electro-optical system10ofFIG. 1. The electro-optical device128comprises a touch sensor130, active polarizer substrate132, an active polarizer glue seal134, an active polarizer dichroic liquid crystal136, an active polarizer substrate138, optical lamination layers140and142, retarding layer144, organic light emitting encapsulant substrate146, and organic light emitting diode backplane148. The active polarizer substrate132, the active polarizer glue seal134, the active polarizer dichroic liquid crystal136, and the active polarizer substrate138are bound together.

The touch sensor130ofFIG. 10is bound directly to and on the active polarizer substrate132. The touch sensor130may comprise any type of touch sensor such as an Indium Tin Oxide touch sensor, or another touch sensor of varying type or material. The touch sensor130may be used to control the electro-optical system10ofFIG. 1. For instance, as shown collectively inFIGS. 1 and 10, the touch sensor130may be configured to control, through the processor12which controls the levels of voltage being supplied by the voltage supply device14to the active polarizer dichroic liquid crystal136to control the polarity of the active polarizer dichroic liquid crystal136, whether the electro-optical system10ofFIG. 1is in the reflective mirror state reflecting the ambient light58or in the visual display state displaying the light60transmitted from the organic light emitting encapsulant substrate146and the organic light emitting diode backplane148.

The optical lamination layer140comprises a transparent or substantially clear layer binding the active polarizer substrate138to the retarding layer144. The optical lamination layer140may comprise a liquid optically clear adhesive, or another type of optically clear adhesive. The optical lamination layer142comprises a transparent or substantially clear layer binding the retarding layer144to the organic light emitting diode encapsulant substrate146. The optical lamination layer142may comprise a liquid optically clear adhesive, or another type of optically clear adhesive. The organic light emitting diode encapsulant substrate146and the organic light emitting diode backplane148are bound together.

FIG. 11illustrates a cross-sectional view through another embodiment of an electro-optical device150that may be substituted for the electro-optical device31of the electro-optical system10ofFIG. 1. The electro-optical device150comprises an active polarizing layer152, a retarding layer154, a reflective layer156, a bezel158, and a touch sensor160. The only difference between the electro-optical device150ofFIG. 11and the electro-optical device31ofFIG. 1is the bezel158and the touch sensor160ofFIG. 11. The touch sensor160comprises an infrared emitter/receiver in communication with the processor12ofFIG. 1. The touch sensor160is attached to the bezel158in a position in which it detects touch of the active polarizing layer152.

The touch sensor160may be used to control the electro-optical system10ofFIG. 1. For instance, as shown collectively inFIGS. 1 and 11, the touch sensor130may be configured to control, through the processor12which controls the levels of voltage being supplied by the voltage supply device14to the active polarizing layer152, whether the electro-optical system10ofFIG. 1is in the reflective mirror state reflecting the ambient light58or in the visual display state displaying the light60transmitted from the organic light emitting diode of the reflective layer156.

FIG. 12illustrates a top view of one embodiment of an active polarizing layer162which may be substituted for the active polarizing layer16of the electro-optical device31of the electro-optical system10ofFIG. 1.FIG. 13illustrates a cross-sectional view through line13-13of the active polarizing layer162ofFIG. 12. As shown collectively inFIGS. 12 and 13, the active polarizing layer162comprises controllable portions164,166, and168, non-conductive layers170and172, conductive connectors174,176, and178, conductive layers180and182, substrates181and185, seal186, and a dye doped liquid crystal188.

AlthoughFIG. 13shows the cross-sectional view through controllable portion168, controllable portions164and166have identical cross-sections. Controllable portions164,166, and168are each configured to be independently controllable by the processor12ofFIG. 1to each independently switch between being in a reflective mirror state reflecting ambient light58to being in a visual display state displaying light transmitted from the light emitting diode of the reflective layer20. The voltage supply device14ofFIG. 1is connected to each of the controllable portions164,166, and168through each of their respective conductive layers180and182. Conductive connectors174,176, and178are utilized to transfer counter-opposing voltage to the opposing conductive layer180of each of the respective controllable portions164,166, and168such that an electric field is created between the respective opposing conductive layers180and182of each of the controllable portions164,166, and168. The processor12ofFIG. 1controls the voltage supply device14to independently supply controllable portions164,166, and168with varying levels of voltage so that they are independently controllable. In other embodiments, a plurality of the voltage supply device14may be used to independently supply controllable portions164,166, and168with varying levels of voltage so that they are independently controllable.

The non-conductive layers170and172between the controllable portions164,166, and168allow for the controllable portions164,166, and168to be independently controlled by providing non-conductive breaks between one or more of the conductive layers180and182of the controllable portions164,166, and168so that different voltages, supplied by the voltage supply device14ofFIG. 1, may be applied independently to each of the controllable portions164,166, and168. In other embodiments, any type of non-conductive layers may be substituted for the non-conductive layers170and172.

The conductive layers180and182of each of the controllable portions164,166, and168are electrically connected to one another by their respective conductive connectors174,176, and178. Seal186seals the dye doped liquid crystal188between the conductive layers180and182. When voltage is supplied by the voltage supply device14ofFIG. 1the dye doped liquid crystal188activates and changes orientation to change the polarity of the active polarizing layer162as previously discussed. In such manner, the dye doped liquid crystal188will have one orientation when no voltage is supplied and will gradually change orientation as increased voltage is supplied.

The controllable portions164,166, and168may each be independently manually or automatically controlled to switch back and forth independently between reflective mirror states and display states. For instance, in one embodiment in which the electro-optical system10comprises a rear-view mirror of an automobile, in a normal driving state without the turning signal on the controllable portions164,166, and168are each in a reflective mirror state. However, when the turn signal is turned on, the processor12ofFIG. 1controls the voltage supply device14to supply varying levels of voltages to the controllable portions164,166, and168so that controllable portion164switches to an overhead display showing a bird's eye view of the automobile, so that controllable portion166remains in a reflective mirror state, and so that controllable portion168switches to a blind-spot display showing a blind-spot of the automobile. Each of the controllable portions164,166, and168may also have their own dedicated touch sensor, and/or share a touch sensor which controls each of them independently, and be independently manually controlled by the touch of the driver or a passenger in the car as previously discussed regardingFIGS. 9-11. In other embodiments, any number of independently controllable portions may be utilized.

The electro-optical system10ofFIG. 4may also be used in conjunction with a touch sensor in order to control the electro-optical system62or to control any other system or device.FIG. 14illustrates a cross-section view through one embodiment of an electro-optical device190that may be substituted for the electro-optical device83of the electro-optical system62ofFIG. 4. The electro-optical device190comprises a touch sensor192, optical lamination layers194and196, a passive polarizing layer198, an active retarding layer200, an organic light emitting diode encapsulant substrate202, and an organic light emitting diode backplane204.

The touch sensor192may comprise any type of touch sensor such as a single sided Indium Tin Oxide touch sensor, a double sided Indium Tin Oxide touch sensor, a metal mesh, or another touch sensor of varying type or material. The touch sensor192may be used to control the electro-optical system62ofFIG. 4. For instance, as shown collectively inFIGS. 4 and 14, the touch sensor192may be configured to control, through the processor64which controls the levels of voltage being supplied by the voltage supply device66to the active retarding layer200to control the polarity of the active retarding layer200, whether the electro-optical system62ofFIG. 4is in the reflective mirror state reflecting the ambient light85or in the visual display state displaying the light84transmitted from the organic light emitting diode encapsulant substrate202and the organic light emitting diode backplane204.

The touch sensor192is bound to and between the passive polarizing layer198and the optical lamination layer194. In another embodiment, the touch sensor192could be disposed on top of the passive polarizing layer198with the passive polarizing layer198disposed between the touch sensor192and the active retarding layer200. In other embodiments, the touch sensor192could be disposed anywhere as long as the touch sensor192is disposed in front of the active retarding layer200to avoid shorting out the electric field for the touch sensor192. The optical lamination layer194comprises a transparent or substantially clear layer binding the touch sensor192to the active retarding layer200. The optical lamination layer194may comprise a liquid optically clear adhesive, or another type of optically clear adhesive. The optical lamination layer196comprises a transparent or substantially clear layer binding the active retarding layer200to the organic light emitting diode encapsulant substrate202. The optical lamination layer196may comprise a liquid optically clear adhesive, or another type of optically clear adhesive. The organic light emitting diode encapsulant substrate202and the organic light emitting diode backplane204are bound together.

FIG. 15illustrates a cross-sectional view through another embodiment of an electro-optical device206that may be substituted for the electro-optical device83of the electro-optical system62ofFIG. 4. The electro-optical device206comprises a passive polarizing layer208, an active retarding layer210, a reflective layer212, a bezel214, and a touch sensor216. The only difference between the electro-optical device206ofFIG. 15and the electro-optical device83ofFIG. 4is the bezel214and the touch sensor216ofFIG. 15. The touch sensor216comprises an infrared emitter/receiver in communication with the processor64ofFIG. 4. The touch sensor216is attached to the bezel214in a position in which it detects touch of the passive polarizing layer208.

The touch sensor216may be used to control the electro-optical system62ofFIG. 4. For instance, as shown collectively inFIGS. 4 and 15, the touch sensor216may be configured to control, through the processor64which controls the levels of voltage being supplied by the voltage supply device66to the active retarding layer210to control the polarity of the active retarding layer210, whether the electro-optical system62ofFIG. 4is in the reflective mirror state reflecting the ambient light85or in the visual display state displaying the light84transmitted from the organic light emitting diode of the reflective layer212.

FIG. 16illustrates a top view of one embodiment of an active retarding layer218which may be substituted for the active retarding layer70of the electro-optical device83of the electro-optical system62ofFIG. 4.FIG. 17illustrates a cross-sectional view through line17-17of the active retarding layer218ofFIG. 16. As shown collectively inFIGS. 16 and 17, the active retarding layer218comprises controllable portions220,222, and224, non-conductive layers226and228, conductive connectors230,232, and234, conductive layers236and238, substrates237and241, seal242, and a liquid crystal244.

AlthoughFIG. 17shows the cross-sectional view through controllable portion224, controllable portions220and222have identical cross-sections. Controllable portions220,222, and224are each configured to be independently controllable by the processor64ofFIG. 4to each independently switch between being in a reflective mirror state reflecting ambient light82to being in a visual display state displaying light transmitted from the light emitting diode of the reflective layer72. The voltage supply device66ofFIG. 4is connected to each of the controllable portions220,222, and224through each of their respective conductive layers236and238. Conductive connectors230,232, and234are utilized to transfer counter-opposing voltage to the opposing conductive layer236of each of the respective controllable portions220,222, and224such that an electric field is created between the respective opposing conductive layers236and238of each of the controllable portions220,222, and224. The processor64ofFIG. 4controls the voltage supply device66to independently supply controllable portions220,222, and224with varying levels of voltage so that they are independently controllable. In other embodiments, a plurality of the voltage supply device66may be used to independently supply controllable portions220,222, and224with varying levels of voltage so that they are independently controllable.

The non-conductive layers226and228between the controllable portions220,222, and224allow for the controllable portions220,222, and224to be independently controlled by providing non-conductive breaks between one or more of the conductive layers236and238of the controllable portions220,222, and224so that different voltages, supplied by the voltage supply device66ofFIG. 4, may be applied independently to each of the controllable portions220,222, and224. In other embodiments, any type of non-conductive layers may be substituted for the non-conductive layers226and228.

The conductive layers236and238of each of the controllable portions220,222, and224are electrically connected to one another by their respective conductive connectors230,232, and234. Seal242seals the liquid crystal244between the conductive layers236and238. When voltage is supplied by the voltage supply device66ofFIG. 4the liquid crystal244activates and changes orientation to change the polarity of the active retarding layer218as previously discussed. In such manner, the liquid crystal244will have one polarity when no voltage is supplied and will gradually change polarity as increased voltage is supplied.

The controllable portions220,222, and224may each be independently manually or automatically controlled to switch back and forth independently between reflective mirror states and display states. For instance, in one embodiment in which the electro-optical system62comprises a rear-view mirror of an automobile, in a normal driving state without the turning signal on the controllable portions220,222, and224are each in a reflective mirror state. However, when the turn signal is turned on, the processor64ofFIG. 4controls the voltage supply device66to supply varying levels of voltages to the controllable portions220,222, and224so that controllable portion220switches to an overhead display showing a bird's eye view of the automobile, so that controllable portion222remains in a reflective mirror state, and so that controllable portion224switches to a blind-spot display showing a blind-spot of the automobile. Each of the controllable portions220,222, and224may also have their own dedicated touch sensor, and/or share a touch sensor which controls each of them independently, and be independently manually controlled by the touch of the driver or a passenger in the car as previously discussed regardingFIGS. 14-15. In other embodiments, any number of independently controllable portions may be utilized.

FIG. 18is a flowchart illustrating one embodiment of a method246of operating an electro-optical system. Step248comprises providing an electro-optical system. The electro-optical system may comprise any of the electro-optical systems disclosed herein. Step250comprises touching at least one touch sensor to control the state of the electro-optical system to put a first portion of the electro-optical system in a reflective mirror state, and to put a second portion of the electro-optical system in a visual display state. During step250a processor controls one or more voltage supply devices to supply varying levels of voltage to the first portion and the second portion of the electro-optical system to change a polarization state of their active polarizing layer or their active retarding layer. Step252comprises touching the at least one touch sensor to change the state of the electro-optical system to put the first portion of the electro-optical system in a display state, and to put the second portion of the electro-optical system in a reflective mirror state. During step252the processor controls the one or more voltage supply devices to supply varying levels of voltage to the first portion and the second portion of the electro-optical system to change the polarization state of their active polarizing layer or their active retarding layer.

In another embodiment of the method246, steps250and252are modified so that the first and second portions of the electro-optical system are automatically independently controlled to independently switch between reflective mirror and visual display states.

In yet another embodiment of the method246, steps250and252are modified so that only one portion of the electro-optical system is manually or automatically controlled to switch back and forth between a reflective mirror state and a visual display state.