Switchable reflective layer for windows and other optical elements

摘要

Reflective systems include a reflective element secured to an optical element. The reflective element is a switchable reflective layer that is switched by an alignment mechanism electrically coupled to a controller that sends data instructing the alignment mechanism that various light conditions exist.

主权项

1. A reflecting system, comprising:
an optical element; a removable film applied to the optical element, the removable film having a reflective element that includes:
a first layer;a second layer bonded to the first layer;a plurality of rotatable gyricon elements embedded between the first layer and the second layer, each of the plurality of rotatable gyricon elements including:
a first portion having a first refractive index and including a first material;a second portion having a second refractive index and including the first material; anda reflective plane that separates the first portion and the second portion; an alignment mechanism that causes at least a portion of the plurality of rotatable gyricon elements to rotate to a first position under a first condition and to rotate to a second position under a second condition; and a controller electrically coupled to the alignment mechanism such that the controller sends data to the alignment mechanism with information that instructs the alignment mechanism that at least one of the first condition and the second condition exists.