Rear View Mirror with Facet Containing Selective Acceptance Layer

Abstract

A rear view minor assembly is disclosed in which the minor has a viewing section and an alignment section meeting to form a reflex angle. The alignment section is etched with a targeting image: a cross-hair or the side surface of the vehicle. When the targeting image is aligned with appropriate feature on the side of the vehicle, the reflex angle is such that the minor is properly aligned. Also disclosed is a mirror assembly having viewing section and an alignment section with a clear protective outer layer a selective acceptance layer below the clear protective outer layer, and a colored substrate below the selective layer. When the vehicle operator can see the colored substrate through the selective acceptance layer, which transmits only normal light, the minor is properly aligned.

1 . A mirror for a vehicle, comprising:
 a viewing section; and   an alignment section proximate the viewing section and comprising a selective acceptance layer transmitting light generally parallel with an axis and absorbing light non-parallel with the axis.   
     
     
         2 . The mirror of  claim 1  wherein the alignment section further comprises a colored layer disposed below the selective acceptance layer which reflects light transmitted by the selective acceptance layer. 
     
     
         3 . The mirror of  claim 2  wherein the axis is aligned relative to a surface of the viewing section so that a driver is able to see the opaque substrate only when the mirror is properly aligned. 
     
     
         4 . The mirror of  claim 1  wherein the alignment section further comprises a clear protective layer over the selective acceptance layer. 
     
     
         5 . The mirror of  claim 1  wherein the axis is normal to a surface of the selective acceptance layer. 
     
     
         6 . The mirror of  claim 1  wherein the alignment section is inset relative to a periphery of the viewing section. 
     
     
         7 . The mirror of  claim 1  wherein the alignment section is adjacent to a periphery of the viewing section. 
     
     
         8 . A mirror system for a vehicle, comprising:
 a mirror; and   a facet proximate the mirror and comprising a selective acceptance layer transmitting only light rays parallel with an axis, and an opaque substrate disposed below the selective acceptance layer.   
     
     
         9 . The mirror system of  claim 8  wherein the opaque substrate comprises a colored layer. 
     
     
         10 . The mirror system of  claim 8  wherein the axis is normal to a surface of the selective acceptance layer. 
     
     
         11 . The mirror system of  claim 8  further comprising a clear protective layer over the selective acceptance layer. 
     
     
         12 . The mirror system of  claim 8  wherein the facet is coupled to a surface of the mirror. 
     
     
         13 . The mirror system of  claim 8  wherein the facet is inset relative to a periphery of a surface of the mirror. 
     
     
         14 . The mirror system of  claim 8  wherein the facet is adjacent to a periphery of a surface of the mirror. 
     
     
         15 . The mirror system of  claim 8  wherein the axis is aligned relative to a surface of the mirror so that a driver is able to see the opaque substrate only when the mirror is properly aligned. 
     
     
         16 . The mirror system of  claim 8  wherein a vector normal to a surface of the mirror and the axis form an acute angle. 
     
     
         17 . The mirror system of  claim 16  wherein the acute angle is in a range of 5-45 degrees. 
     
     
         18 . The mirror system of  claim 8  further comprising an angle adjusting mechanism for mounting the mirror to the vehicle. 
     
     
         19 . A mirror system for a vehicle, comprising:
 a mirror;   a facet proximate to the mirror comprises a selective acceptance layer that reflects light in a cone of acceptance about an axis;   an opaque substrate disposed below the selective acceptance layer and reflecting light transmitted by the selective acceptance layer; and   an angle adjusting mechanism for mounting the mirror to the vehicle.