Electro-optical device with integrated light sources
An electro-optic device includes a first substrate that has a first surface and a second surface. A second substrate has a third surface and a fourth surface. A first electrode layer is associated with the second surface. A second electrode layer is associated with the third surface. An electro-optic medium is disposed between the first and second electrode layers. The electro-optic medium is operable between substantially activated and substantially unactivated states based on changes to an electrical potential between the first and second electrode layers. At least one third electrode layer is disposed adjacent to one of the first electrode layer and the second electrode layer. At least one light source operably electrically interposes the at least one third electrode layer and the one of the first electrode layer or the second electrode layer that is adjacent to the at least one third electrode layer.
1 . An electro-optic device comprising:
a first substrate having a first surface and a second surface;
a second substrate spaced from the first substrate and having a third surface and a fourth surface;
a first electrode layer associated with the second surface;
a second electrode layer associated with the third surface;
an electro-optic medium disposed between the first and second electrode layers, the electro-optic medium operable between substantially activated and substantially unactivated states based on changes to an electrical potential between the first and second electrode layers;
at least one third electrode layer disposed adjacent to one of the first electrode layer or the second electrode layer; and
at least one light source operably electrically interposing the at least one third electrode layer and the one of the first electrode layer or the second electrode layer that is adjacent to the at least one third electrode layer.
2 . The electro-optic device of claim 1 , wherein the at least one light source is disposed between the second and third surfaces.
3 . The electro-optic device of claim 2 , wherein the third electrode layer is disposed adjacent to the second electrode layer and the at least one light source is oriented to project illumination through the first substrate and the first electrode layer towards an intended viewer.
4 . The electro-optic device of claim 3 , wherein the third electrode layer is substantially co-planar to the second electrode layer.
5 . The electro-optic device of claim 3 , wherein the second electrode layer defines a conductivity gap and the third electrode layer is located in the conductivity gap and out of contact with the second electrode layer.
6 . The electro-optic device of claim 2 , wherein the third electrode layer is disposed adjacent to the first electrode layer and the at least one light source is oriented to project illumination through the first substrate towards an intended viewer.
7 . The electro-optic device of claim 6 , wherein the first electrode layer defines a conductivity gap and the third electrode layer is located in the conductivity gap and out of contact with the first electrode layer.
8 . The electro-optic device of claim 6 , wherein the at least one light source is at least partially surrounded by the electro-optic medium.
9 . The electro-optic device of claim 6 , wherein the at least one light source is located between the first electrode layer and the first substrate.
10 . The electro-optic device of claim 2 , further including a diffractive optical element configured to scatter light emitted from the at least one light source, wherein the diffractive optical element is coupled to the first electrode layer on a side opposite the electro-optic medium.
11 . The electro-optic device of claim 1 , wherein the at least one light source is at least partially surrounded by the electro-optic medium and a barrier is located between the electro-optic medium and the at least one light source.
12 . A window assembly of a vehicle including the electro-optic device of claim 1 .
13 . The electro-optic device of claim 1 , further including a reflective layer coupled to the third or fourth surface.
14 . A visor assembly including the electro-optic device of claim 1 .
15 . An electro-optic device comprising:
a first substrate having a first surface and a second surface;
a second substrate spaced from the first substrate and having a third surface and a fourth surface;
a first electrode layer associated with the second surface;
a second electrode layer associated with the third surface;
an electro-optic medium disposed between the first and second electrode layers, the electro-optic medium operable between substantially activated and substantially unactivated states based on changes to an electrical potential between the first and second electrode layers;
at least one third electrode layer disposed adjacent to one of the first electrode layer or the second electrode layer; and
at least one light source operably electrically interposing the at least one third electrode layer and the one of the first electrode layer or the second electrode layer that is adjacent to the at least one third electrode layer, and wherein at least some of the plurality of light sources aligned within a perimeter of the electro-optic medium and oriented to project illumination towards a viewing surface.
16 . The electro-optic device of claim 15 , wherein the at least one light source includes a plurality of light sources that include micro-LEDs.
17 . The electro-optic device of claim 16 , further including a reflective layer coupled to the third or fourth surface and wherein the plurality of light sources are located between the reflective layer and the first surface.