| abstract |
An electro-optic mirror of the type having an electro-optic cell or medium with a transmittance which is variable upon the application of an electric field includes a perimeter coating applied to a front or rear surface of a substrate element for concealing any seal and/or electrical connections for the elctro-optic cell or meidum. The perimeter coating may be reflective to increase the field of view in the mirror and allow use of smaller cases or retaining bezels. Alternately, the perimeter coating may be opaque and nonreflective such as black frit, paint or lacquer. In either case, the coating may also be electrically conductive to substantially encircle an electrically conductive layer on the substrate and evenly distribute electric current to the electro-optic cell or medium for enhanced coloration response. The perimeter coating may be used with either a single, optically transparent mirror substrate including solid-state electro-optic cell or a laminate mirror assembly including spaced, optically transparent substrates with an electro-optic medium confined therebetween. Alternately, the laminate assembly includes a seal between said substrate elements which is either dark or color matched to the surrounding rim/bezel providing a border of uniform color around the assembly perimeter. |