Display articles including variable transmittance components and methods of operating same

Abstract

The present disclosure describes a glass article comprising: a glass substrate; and a variable transmissivity member disposed on the glass substrate, the variable transmissivity member being disposed on the glass substrate. The variable transmittance component includes an electrically responsive material configured to switch between a first transmissive state and a second transmissive state in response to a change in a voltage applied to the variable transmittance component. The variable transmittance component is electrically adjustable between a first configuration in which at least a portion of the electrically responsive material is in a first transmissive state such that a first average transmittance of an area of the glass article including the portion is less than or equal to 25%, and a second configuration in which at least a portion of the electrically responsive material is in a second transmissive state such that a second average transmittance of the area of the glass article including the portion is less than or equal to 25%. The portion of the electrically responsive material is in a second transmissive state and the region includes a second average transmittance greater than or equal to 40%. In a first configuration, an electroless plate effect is achieved.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims the benefit of priority under 35 U.S.C. §119 to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 341,188, filed on May 12, 2022, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 406,335, filed on September 14, 2022, the contents of which are the basis of this application and are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Technical Field

[0003] The present disclosure relates to display articles and methods of operating the same including variable transmittance components for adjusting their transmittance state to provide a deadfronting and / or color matching appearance. Background Art

[0004] In various applications involving displays, it is desirable to have a display surface or menu surface with a non-electrical panel appearance, wherein there is a seamless transition between the non-electrical panel area and the non-electrical panel area of ​​the article. For example, when the article is viewed from a covering surface (e.g., a plastic or glass display cover material), the non-electrical panel technology can be used to hide the edge of the display panel or the like. From an aesthetic or design point of view, it is desirable to have a non-electrical panel appearance so that when the display is turned off, the display area and the non-display area appear to be indistinguishable from each other, while the covering surface presents a unified appearance. Applications for the non-electrical panel appearance are desirable in automotive interiors including in-vehicle displays or touch interfaces, and in other applications in consumer mobile or home electronic devices (including mobile devices and home appliances).

[0005] Existing electroless panel technology typically involves the application of a film or layer that reduces the overall optical transmittance of the entire element (e.g., including the display panel and cover material). This lower optical transmittance (especially in the visible spectrum) may help hide certain components from view, but it can reduce the amount of light emitted by the display that reaches the viewer, which can adversely affect display performance.

[0006] Therefore, an alternative electroless panel approach is desired that provides a consistent or electroless panel appearance without adversely affecting display performance. Summary of the invention

[0007] Aspect (1) of the present disclosure relates to a glass article comprising: a glass substrate comprising a first major surface and a second major surface opposite to the first major surface; and a variable transmittance component disposed on the second major surface of the glass substrate, the variable transmittance component comprising an electro-responsive material, the electro-responsive material being configured to switch between a first transmission state and a second transmission state in response to a change in a voltage applied to the variable transmittance component, wherein: the variable transmittance component is electrically adjustable between the first configuration and the second configuration, in the first configuration, at least a portion of the electro-responsive material is in the first transmission state, so that a region of the glass article including the portion has a first average transmittance of less than or equal to 25%, and in the second configuration, the portion of the electro-responsive material is in the second transmission state, and the region includes a second average transmittance greater than or equal to 40%, the first average transmittance and the second average transmittance being measured in a wavelength range of 400 nm to 700 nm, and in the first configuration and the second configuration, the glass article exhibits a transmission haze of less than or equal to 5%.

[0008] Aspect (2) of the present disclosure relates to the glass article according to aspect (1), wherein in both the first configuration and the second configuration, the glass article exhibits an average reflectivity of less than or equal to 5% for light of 400 nm to 700 nm normally incident on the first major surface.

[0009] Aspect (3) of the present disclosure relates to a glass article according to any one of aspects (1) to (2), wherein: a variable transmittance component defines a boundary between a first area of ​​the glass article and a second area of ​​the glass article, the first area at least partially surrounds the second area, a portion that changes from a first transmission state to a second transmission state when the variable transmittance component is adjusted between the first configuration and the second configuration is arranged in the second area, and when the variable transmittance component is in the first configuration, the difference between the average transmittances of the first area and the second area is less than or equal to 10%, and when the variable transmittance component is in the second configuration, the difference between the average transmittances is greater than or equal to 40%.

[0010] Aspect (4) of the present disclosure relates to the glass article according to any one of aspects (1) to (3), further comprising a light source disposed adjacent to the variable transmittance component, wherein the light source is configured to emit light that passes through a portion that changes from a first transmittance state to a second transmittance state when the variable transmittance component is adjusted between the first configuration and the second configuration.

[0011] Aspect (5) of the present disclosure relates to the glass article according to aspect (4), wherein the light source comprises a display unit.

[0012] Aspect (6) of the present invention relates to a glass article according to any one of aspects (4) to (5), further comprising a control system communicatively coupled to the variable transmittance component and the light source, wherein the control system is configured to place the variable transmittance component in a first configuration when the light source is not emitting light, so that the glass article has a consistent appearance when viewed from the first major surface.

[0013] Aspect (7) of the present disclosure relates to the glass article according to aspect (6), wherein the control system is configured to place the variable transmittance component in the second configuration when the light source is emitting light.

[0014] Aspect (8) of the present disclosure relates to the glass article according to aspect (4), wherein when the light source emits light and the variable transmittance component is in the second configuration, the glass article exhibits a sparkle of 2% or less when viewed from the first major surface.

[0015] Aspect (9) of the present disclosure relates to a glass article according to any one of aspects (1) to (8), wherein: regardless of whether the variable transmittance component is in the first configuration or the second configuration, a peripheral region of the glass article includes an average transmittance of less than or equal to 20% for light of 400 nm to 700 nm, and when the variable transmittance component is in the first configuration, the peripheral region includes a first a* value and a first b* value, and when the variable transmittance component is adjusted between the first configuration and the second configuration, the portion that changes from the first transmittance state to the second transmittance state includes a second a* value and a second b* value, and when the glass article is illuminated using a D65 illuminant at an illumination angle of 0°, the first a* value and the second a* value differ by less than or equal to 5.0, and the first b* value and the second b* value differ by less than or equal to 5.0.

[0016] Aspect (10) of the present disclosure relates to the glass article according to aspect (9), wherein ΔE=√{(a* 1 –a* 2 ) 2 +(b* 1 –b* 2 ) 2}≤3, where a* 1 is the first a* value, a* 2 is the second a* value, b* 1 is the first b* value, b* 2 is the second b* value.

[0017] Aspect (11) of the present disclosure is the glass article according to any one of aspects (1) to (10), wherein the first average transmittance is less than or equal to 10%, and the second average transmittance is greater than or equal to 80%.

[0018] Aspect (12) of the present disclosure relates to a glass article according to any one of aspects (1) to (11), wherein the variable transmittance component includes a first electrode, an electrically responsive material, and a second electrode, wherein the electrically responsive material is disposed between the first electrode and the second electrode, and the first electrode is disposed near the glass substrate.

[0019] Aspect (13) of the present disclosure relates to the glass article according to aspect (12), wherein the electrically responsive material includes an uncovered portion that does not overlap the first electrode and the second electrode, such that the uncovered portion is permanently in the second transmissive state.

[0020] Aspect (14) of the present disclosure relates to the glass article according to aspect (12), wherein the electrically responsive material is segmented into a plurality of independently controllable portions.

[0021] Aspect (15) of the present disclosure relates to the glass article according to aspect (14), wherein the first electrode and the second electrode are segmented into a plurality of electrode portions overlapping with a plurality of independently controllable portions of the electro-responsive material.

[0022] Aspect (16) of the present disclosure relates to a glass article according to any one of aspects (12) to (16), wherein the variable transmittance component includes: a first substrate adjacent to the second major surface of the glass substrate; and a second substrate, wherein the first electrode, the electrically responsive material, and the second electrode are disposed between the first substrate and the second substrate.

[0023] Aspect (17) of the present disclosure relates to the glass article according to any one of aspects (11) to (16), wherein the electro-responsive material comprises an electrophoretic layer or an electrochromic layer.

[0024] Aspect (18) of the present disclosure relates to the glass article according to any one of aspects (11) to (16), wherein the electrically responsive material comprises a liquid crystal layer.

[0025] Aspect (19) of the present disclosure relates to the glass article according to aspect (18), wherein the liquid crystal layer comprises a mixture of nematic liquid crystal, a dichroic dye, and a chiral dopant.

[0026] Aspect (20) of the present disclosure relates to a glass article according to aspect (19), wherein: the dichroic dye comprises greater than or equal to 1 wt % and less than or equal to 5 wt % of the mixture, and the cell gap of the nematic liquid crystal is greater than or equal to 3 μm and less than or equal to 20 μm.

[0027] Aspect (21) of the present disclosure relates to a device comprising: a glass substrate comprising a first major surface and a second major surface opposite to the first major surface; a variable transmittance component disposed on the second major surface of the glass substrate, the variable transmittance component comprising an electro-responsive material, the electro-responsive material being configured to switch between a first transmittance state and a second transmittance state in response to a change in a voltage applied to the variable transmittance component; and a light source disposed on a surface of the variable transmittance component, the light source comprising a light-transmitting region, wherein: the electro-responsive material covers the light-transmitting region of the light source so that light emitted by the light source propagates through the electro-responsive material before reaching the glass substrate, and the variable transmittance component can be switched between the first configuration and the second configuration. The glass article is electrically adjusted so that in a first configuration, at least a portion of the electrically responsive material is in a first transmission state such that a region of the glass article including the portion has a first average transmission of less than or equal to 20%, and in a second configuration, the portion of the electrically responsive material is in a second transmission state and the region includes a second average transmission of greater than or equal to 60%, the first average transmission and the second average transmission being measured over a wavelength range of 400 nm to 700 nm, and in both the first configuration and the second configuration, the glass article exhibits at least one of a transmission haze of less than or equal to 5% or an average reflectance of less than or equal to 5% for light of 400 nm to 700 nm normally incident on the first major surface.

[0028] Aspect (22) of the present disclosure relates to an apparatus according to aspect (21), wherein a variable transmittance component defines a boundary between (a) a first region of the glass article overlapping a light transmissive region in a direction perpendicular to a surface of the variable transmittance component and (b) a second region of the glass article.

[0029] Aspect (23) of the present disclosure relates to the apparatus according to any one of aspects (21) to (22), wherein the light source comprises a display unit.

[0030] Aspect (24) of the present disclosure relates to an apparatus according to any one of aspects (21) to (23), further comprising a control system communicatively coupled to the variable transmittance component and the light source, wherein the control system is configured to place the variable transmittance component in a first configuration when the light source is not emitting light so that the glass article has a consistent appearance when viewed from the first major surface.

[0031] Aspect (25) of the present disclosure relates to the apparatus according to aspect (24), wherein the control system is configured to place the variable transmittance component in the second configuration when the light source is emitting light.

[0032] Aspect (26) of the present disclosure relates to an apparatus according to any one of aspects (21) to (25), wherein: regardless of whether the variable transmittance component is in the first configuration or the second configuration, the peripheral area of ​​the glass article includes an average transmittance of less than or equal to 20% for light of 400nm to 700nm, and when the variable transmittance component is in the first configuration, the peripheral area includes a first a* value and a first b* value, and when the variable transmittance component is adjusted between the first configuration and the second configuration, the portion that changes from the first transmittance state to the second transmittance state includes a second a* value and a second b* value, and when the glass article is illuminated using a D65 illuminant at an illumination angle of 0°, the first a* value and the second a* value differ by less than or equal to 5.0, and the first b* value and the second b* value differ by less than or equal to 5.0.

[0033] Aspect (27) of the present disclosure relates to the apparatus according to aspect (26), wherein ΔE=√{(a* 1 –a* 2 ) 2 +(b* 1 –b* 2 ) 2}≤3, where a* 1 is the first a* value, a* 2 is the second a* value, b* 1 is the first b* value, b* 2 is the second b* value.

[0034] Aspect (28) of the present disclosure relates to an apparatus according to any one of aspects (21) to (27), wherein when the light source emits light and the variable transmittance component is in the second configuration, the glass article exhibits a sparkle of 2% or less when viewed from the first major surface.

[0035] Aspect (29) of the present disclosure relates to an apparatus according to any one of aspects (21) to (28), wherein the first average transmittance is less than or equal to 10%.

[0036] Aspect (30) of the present disclosure relates to the apparatus according to any one of aspects (21) to (29), wherein the second average transmittance is greater than or equal to 80%.

[0037] Aspect (31) of the present disclosure relates to a device according to any one of aspects (21) to (30), wherein the variable transmittance component includes a first electrode, an electrically responsive material, and a second electrode, wherein the electrically responsive material is disposed between the first electrode and the second electrode, and the first electrode is disposed near the glass substrate.

[0038] Aspect (32) of the present disclosure relates to a device according to aspect (31), wherein the electrically responsive material includes an uncovered portion that does not overlap the first electrode and the second electrode, such that the uncovered portion is permanently in the second transmissive state.

[0039] Aspect (33) of the present disclosure relates to a device according to aspect (31), wherein the electrically responsive material is segmented into a plurality of independently controllable portions.

[0040] Aspect (34) of the present disclosure relates to a device according to aspect (33), wherein the first electrode and the second electrode are segmented into a plurality of electrode portions overlapping with a plurality of independently controllable portions of the electro-responsive material.

[0041] Aspect (35) of the present disclosure relates to a device according to any one of aspects (31) to (34), wherein the variable transmittance component includes: a first substrate adjacent to the second major surface of the glass substrate; and a second substrate, wherein the first electrode, the electrically responsive material, and the second electrode are arranged between the first substrate and the second substrate.

[0042] Aspect (36) of the present disclosure relates to a device according to any one of aspects (31) to (35), wherein the electro-responsive material comprises an electrophoretic layer or an electrochromic layer.

[0043] Aspect (37) of the present disclosure relates to a device according to any one of aspects (31) to (35), wherein the electrically responsive material comprises a liquid crystal layer.

[0044] Aspect (38) of the present disclosure relates to a device according to aspect (37), wherein the liquid crystal layer comprises a mixture of nematic liquid crystal, a dichroic dye and a chiral dopant.

[0045] Aspect (39) of the present disclosure relates to a device according to aspect (38), wherein: the dichroic dye comprises greater than or equal to 1 wt% and less than or equal to 5 wt% of the mixture, and the cell gap of the nematic liquid crystal is greater than or equal to 3 μm and less than or equal to 20 μm.

[0046] Aspect (40) of the present disclosure relates to a glass method, comprising: operating a variable transmittance component of a glass article in a first configuration so that the glass article exhibits a substantially uniform transmittance across the entire glass article, wherein the glass article comprises a glass substrate and a variable transmittance component disposed on a major surface of the glass substrate, wherein the variable transmittance component comprises an electrically responsive material, the electrically responsive material being configured to switch between a first transmittance state and a second transmittance state in response to a change in a voltage across the variable transmittance component, wherein when the variable transmittance component is operated in the first configuration, the electrically responsive material is in the first transmittance state so that the glass article exhibits a substantially uniform transmittance across the entire glass article. The invention relates to a method of manufacturing a glass article having a first major surface and a second major surface, wherein the glass article has an average transmittance of less than or equal to 25% in a spectrum of light and a uniform appearance; emitting light from a light source to cause light to propagate through the variable transmittance component and the glass substrate; and operating the variable transmittance component in a second configuration when the light source emits light, wherein at least a portion of the electro-responsive material is in a second transmission state, such that an average transmittance of a region of the glass article including the portion is greater than or equal to 40%, and the region of the glass article exhibits at least one of a transmission haze of less than or equal to 5% or an average reflectance of less than or equal to 5% for light of 400 nm to 700 nm normally incident on the first major surface.

[0047] Aspect (41) of the present disclosure relates to the method according to aspect (40), wherein the variable transmittance component automatically changes from the first configuration to the second configuration in response to a light source emitting light.

[0048] Aspect (42) of the present disclosure relates to a method according to any one of aspects (40) to (41), wherein the step of operating the variable transmittance component in a first configuration includes: applying a voltage to an electrode of the variable transmittance component and removing one of the voltage applied to the electrode.

[0049] Aspect (43) of the present disclosure relates to a method according to aspect (42), wherein the step of operating the variable transmittance component in the second configuration includes: applying a voltage to an electrode of the variable transmittance component and removing the other of the voltage applied to the electrode.

[0050] Aspect (44) of the present disclosure relates to the method according to any one of aspects (40) to (43), wherein the area of ​​the glass article corresponds to the area above which the light source emits light.

[0051] Aspect (45) of the present disclosure relates to a method according to any one of aspects (40) to (44), wherein the light source comprises a display unit and the area of ​​the glass article corresponds to the size of an image emitted by the display unit.

[0052] Aspect (46) of the present disclosure relates to a method according to any one of aspects (40) to (45), further comprising: locally changing the transmission state of the electro-responsive material in multiple portions of the region so that these portions exhibit different average transmittances from each other.

[0053] It should be understood that both the above general description and the following detailed description are exemplary only and are intended to provide an overview or framework for understanding the nature and characteristics of the claims. The accompanying drawings are included to provide further understanding and are incorporated into and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings depict one or more embodiments and together with the description explain the principles and operation of the various embodiments. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0054] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form a part of the specification, illustrate several aspects of the present disclosure and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the present disclosure. In the drawings:

[0055] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a vehicle interior having a vehicle interior system including a display according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0056] Figure 2 Schematically depicting a through-hole according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure Figure 1 A view of a display of a vehicle interior system as shown in line segment 2-2;

[0057] Figure 3 Schematically depicting one or more embodiments of the present disclosure Figure 1 to Figure 2 a view of a variable transmittance component of the display shown;

[0058] Figure 4 Schematically depicting one or more embodiments of the present disclosure Figure 1 to Figure 2 a view of a variable transmittance component of the display shown;

[0059] Figure 5 a flowchart depicting a method of operating a display including a light source and a variable transmittance component according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure; and

[0060] Figure 6 A view schematically depicting a glass substrate according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0061] Referring generally to the drawings, a glass article is described herein that provides an electroless panel for various applications by incorporating a variable transmission component. The variable transmission component includes an electrically responsive material that is configured to switch between a first transmission state and a second transmission state in response to a change in a voltage applied to the variable transmittance component. The variable transmittance component is electrically adjustable between a first configuration, in which the electrically responsive material is in the first transmission state and the glass article includes a first average transmittance for light in the visible spectrum, and a second configuration, in which the electrically responsive material is in the second transmission state and the glass article includes a second average transmittance calculated for light in the visible spectrum. The first average transmittance is at least 40% greater than the second average transmittance. In an embodiment, for example, the first average transmittance is less than 25% (for example, less than or equal to 24%, less than or equal to 23%, less than or equal to 22%, less than or equal to 21%, less than or equal to 20%, less than or equal to 19%, less than or equal to 18%, less than or equal to 17%, less than or equal to 16%, less than or equal to 15%, less than or equal to 14%, less than or equal to 13%, less than or equal to 12%, less than or equal to 11%, less than or equal to 10%), and the second average transmittance is greater than 40% (for example, greater than or equal to 45%, greater than or equal to 50%, greater than or equal to 55%, greater than or equal to 60%, greater than or equal to 65%, greater than or equal to 70%, greater than or equal to 70%, greater than or equal to 75%, greater than or equal to 80%, greater than or equal to 90%). The variable transmittance component can also be designed to provide a consistent appearance when the glass article is viewed from the surface of the glass substrate (e.g., by being coextensive with the glass substrate or via an appearance that is color matched to an additional component of the glass article as described herein). Thus, when the variable transmittance component is in a first configuration, items disposed behind the variable transmittance component along the optical path (e.g., display components, electrical connectors, housings, fasteners) can be hidden from view and the glass article can have a consistent appearance. However, when the variable transmittance component is in a second configuration, the glass article can exhibit a relatively high optical transmittance to avoid adversely affecting the displayed image to the same extent as existing electroless panel technologies. Thus, the variable transmittance component described herein provides an effective electroless panel without significantly inhibiting the performance of the display.

[0062] In embodiments, the variable transmittance component is configured to provide advantageous performance attributes for display applications. In embodiments, for example, in both transmission states, the electro-responsive material is selected to provide a relatively low transmission haze of less than or equal to 5% (e.g., less than or equal to 4.0%, less than or equal to 3.0%, less than or equal to 2.9%, less than or equal to 2.8%, less than or equal to 2.7%, less than or equal to 2.6%, less than or equal to 2.5%, less than or equal to 2.4%, less than or equal to 2.3%, less than or equal to 2.2%, less than or equal to 2.1%, less than or equal to 2.0%), which helps maintain the contrast of the displayed image. In embodiments, in both transmission states, the electro-responsive material is also selected so that the variable transmittance component exhibits a relatively low average reflectivity for light in the visible spectrum (e.g., less than or equal to 5.0%, less than or equal to 4.0%, less than or equal to 3.0%, less than or equal to 2.0%, less than or equal to 1.0%) to prevent glare and other detrimental appearance attributes. The entire glass article including the variable transmittance component can have an average reflectivity of less than 2% for light from 400nm to 700nm, where an anti-reflection layer is added to reduce reflections at the glass substrate. In embodiments, the electro-responsive material can include a liquid crystal layer with nematic liquid crystals, an electrochromic layer, or an electrophoretic layer. Components that tend to scatter (e.g., suspended particles, polymer-dispersed liquid crystal materials) or reflect (e.g., mirror-like components, micro-electromechanical system-like components separated from the electro-responsive material) light are beneficially avoided to promote favorable display performance.

[0063] In embodiments, a variable transmittance component structurally defines a boundary between different regions of a glass article, and different regions of the glass article can exhibit different average transmittances for light in the visible spectrum depending on the configuration of the electro-responsive material. For example, in embodiments, a peripheral edge of the electro-responsive material (or an edge of an electrode conductively coupled thereto) coincides with a boundary of an image region of the glass article, and light generated by a companion light source is transmitted through the boundary for viewing. In such embodiments, operating the variable transmittance component in a first configuration can cause the image region to be color matched to a peripheral region of the glass article that at least partially surrounds the image region (e.g., such a peripheral region can include an opaque layer, as described herein), thereby providing a consistent appearance for the glass article and hiding the component from view. In embodiments, the electro-responsive material is segmented into a plurality of portions that can be independently adjusted between transmission states. For example, in embodiments, the electro-responsive material includes a first portion disposed in the image region and a second portion disposed in the peripheral region, and the variable transmittance component can include an electrode structure that facilitates simultaneous operation of the first portion and the second portion in different transmission states. For example, when the light source is emitting light, the first portion can be operated in the second transmission state so that most of the emitted light is transmitted through the glass article, and the second portion can be operated in the first transmission state to maintain the concealment of the components at the periphery of the glass article. When the light source is not emitting light, the first portion and the second portion can be operated in the first transmission state so that the glass article presents a consistent non-electrical panel appearance. Providing such a structural boundary with adjustable optical transmission contrast beneficially provides flexibility for a variety of configurations and appearances.

[0064] In aspects, the variable transmittance components of the present disclosure can also be controlled in response to various inputs to provide operational flexibility. In an embodiment, for example, the electro-responsive material can be adjusted from a first transmittance state to a second transmittance state in response to light emission from a companion light source. In this way, the glass article is only transmissive when light from the light source can be viewed. In an embodiment, the electro-responsive material can switch between transmittance states in response to user input (e.g., via a touch panel associated with the light source or other components, via a proximity sensor, via a sensor that tracks the eyes of one or more viewers), so that the user can modify the appearance of the glass article. Current non-electrical panel solutions cannot achieve this flexibility.

[0065] As used herein, the terms "optical transmission," "percent transmission," and "transmittance" are used interchangeably and refer to the percentage of light transmitted through an article within a wavelength range of interest. The "average transmittance" for light within a particular wavelength range is determined by averaging the optical transmittance measured at all integer wavelengths within that wavelength range.

[0066] As used herein, the terms "optical reflectance," "percent reflectance," and "reflectance" are used interchangeably and refer to the percentage of light reflected from an article within a wavelength range of interest. When referring to the reflectance of a particular surface, the value referred to applies only to a single surface of the glass article (e.g., the surface of a variable transmittance component). The "average optical reflectance" for light within a particular wavelength range is determined by averaging the optical reflectance measured at all integer wavelengths within that wavelength range.

[0067] As used herein, the term "haze" or "transmittance haze" refers to the percentage of transmitted light scattered outside a pyramid angle of about ±2.5° according to ASTM D1003 (titled "Standard Test Method for Haze and Luminous Transmittance of Transparent Plastics", the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety). It should be noted that although the title of ASTM D1003 refers to plastics, the standard also applies to substrates including glass materials.

[0068] As used herein, the term "flash" refers to a measurement of a pixel power deviation reference (PPDr). The terms "pixel power deviation reference" and "PPDr" refer to a quantitative measurement of display flash. Unless otherwise specified, a display arrangement including an optical liquid crystal display screen (twisted nematic liquid crystal display) having a native sub-pixel pitch of 60 μm by 180 μm and a sub-pixel opening window size of about 44 μm by about 142 μm is used to measure PPDr. The front surface of the liquid crystal display screen has a smooth anti-reflective linear polarizing film. In order to determine the PPDr of a display system or an anti-glare surface forming part of a display system, the screen is placed in the focus area of ​​an "eye simulator" camera that approximates the parameters of the eye of a human observer. In this way, the camera system includes an aperture (or "pupil aperture") inserted into the optical path to adjust the collection angle of light and thus approximate the aperture of the pupil of the human eye. In the PPDr measurement described herein, the iris aperture subtends an angle of 18 milliradians. A first image of the bare display is taken and used as a reference for taking an image of the test sample including an anti-glare surface. A second image is taken when the substrate is positioned between the display and the camera. The boundaries between adjacent pixels are calculated by summing the lines and columns in the image and determining the minimum. The total power in each pixel is then integrated and normalized by dividing the reference image by the pixel power. The standard deviation of the distribution of pixel power is then calculated to give a PPDr value.Further information on these properties and how to make these measurements can be found in (1) C. Li and T. Ishikawa, Effective Surface Treatment on the Cover Glass for Auto-Interior Applications, SIDSymposium Digest of Technical Papers, Volume 1, Issue 36.4, pp. 467 (2016); (2) J. Gollier, G. A. Piech, S. D. Hart, J. A. West, H. Hovagimian, E. M. Kosik Williams, A. Stillwell and J. Ferwerda, Display Sparkle Measurement and Human Response, SIDSymposium Digest of Technical Papers, Volume 44, Issue 1 (2013); and (3) J. Ferwerda, A. Stillwell, H. Hovagimian and E. M. Kosik Williams, Perception of sparkle in an anti-reflection and / or an anti-glare display screen, Journal of the SID, Volume 22, Issue 2 (2014) (the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference).

[0069] Figure 1A vehicle interior 1000 is depicted according to an exemplary embodiment and includes three different vehicle interior systems 100, 200, 300. The vehicle interior system 100 includes a center console base 110 having a curved surface 120 including a display 130. The vehicle interior system 200 includes an instrument panel base 210 having a curved surface 220 including a display 230. The instrument panel base 210 generally includes an instrument panel 215, which may also include a display. The vehicle interior system 300 includes an instrument panel steering wheel base 310 having a curved surface 320 and a display 330. In one or more embodiments, the vehicle interior system may include a base that is an armrest, a pillar, a seat back, a floor, a headrest, a door panel, or any portion of the vehicle interior that includes a curved surface. In an embodiment, the display 130, 230, 330 is planar and includes a cover glass having a flat major surface. In embodiments, one or more of displays 130, 230, 330 are curved, and the curved display may include a curved cover glass that may be hot-formed or cold-formed to have such a curvature. For example, such an embodiment may incorporate a variable transmittance component disposed on a cold-formed glass substrate as described herein (e.g., before or after the glass is cold-formed). Such cold forming involves any of the techniques described in U.S. Pre-Grant Publication No. 2019 / 0329531A1, entitled “Laminatingthin strengthened glass to curved molded plastic surface for decorative and display cover application,” U.S. Pre-Grant Publication No. 2019 / 0315648A1, entitled “Cold-formed glass article and assembly process thereof,” U.S. Pre-Grant Publication No. 2019 / 0012033A1, entitled “Vehicle interior systems having a curved cover glass and a display or touch panel and methods for forming the same,” and U.S. Patent Application No. 17 / 214,124, entitled “Curved glass constructions and methods for forming the same,” which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.

[0070] Embodiments of the glass articles described herein may be used in any or all of the vehicle interior systems 100, 200, and 300. Figure 1 The depiction depicts an automotive interior, but the various embodiments of the vehicle interior system may be incorporated into any type of vehicle, such as trains, motor vehicles (e.g., cars, trucks, buses, and the like), marine vehicles (boats, ships, submarines, and the like), and aircraft (e.g., drones, airplanes, jets, helicopters, and the like), and include manually driven vehicles, semi-autonomous vehicles, and fully autonomous vehicles. Furthermore, while the description herein is primarily directed to glass articles used in vehicle displays, it should be understood that the various embodiments described herein may be used in any type of display application. The present disclosure is also not limited to display applications, but may be used in any non-electrical panel application.

[0071] Figure 2 Schematic diagram of a method of transmitting a signal according to an exemplary embodiment Figure 1 FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of display 230 along line segment 2-2, where display 230 is flat. Figure 2 230, but it should be understood that the description herein with respect to Figure 1 The displays 130, 330 may have similar cross-sectional structures and include the variable transmittance components described herein in a similar manner. Figure 2 The display 230 in the illustrated embodiment is flat, but embodiments are also contemplated where the display 230 is curved and the glass article 400 includes one or more curved surfaces (eg, as a result of cold or hot forming to have a suitable curved shape).

[0072] like Figure 2As shown, the glass article 400 includes at least a glass substrate 450 and a variable transmittance component 460, and optionally includes an opaque layer 500. The glass substrate 450 has a first major surface 470 facing the viewer and a second major surface 480 on which the variable transmittance component 500 is disposed. The variable transmittance component 460 can be attached to the second major surface 480 using a suitable optically clear adhesive. As used herein, the term "disposed" includes coating, depositing and / or forming a material on a surface using any method known in the art. The disposed material may constitute a layer as defined herein. As used herein, the phrase "disposed on..." includes the case where the material is formed onto the surface so that the material is in direct contact with the surface, and also includes the following case: the material is formed on the surface, wherein one or more intermediate materials are located between the disposed material and the surface. One or more intermediate materials may constitute a layer as defined herein. The term "layer" may include a single layer, or may include one or more sublayers. Such sublayers may be in direct contact with each other. The sublayers may be formed of the same material or two or more different materials. In one or more alternative embodiments, such sub-layers may have intervening layers of different materials disposed therebetween. In one or more embodiments, a layer may include one or more connected and uninterrupted layers, and / or one or more discontinuous and interrupted layers (i.e., having layers of different materials formed adjacent to each other). A layer or sub-layer may be formed by any known method in the art, including discrete deposition or continuous deposition processes. In one or more embodiments, a layer may be formed using only continuous deposition processes, or alternatively only discrete deposition processes.

[0073] In an embodiment, the glass substrate 450 is a glass substrate that is optionally chemically strengthened and includes a thickness of 0.05 to 2.0 mm. The details of such a glass substrate will be referred to herein. Figure 6 450. Although embodiments in which the substrate is a glass substrate 450 are preferred, alternative embodiments may include substrates constructed of alternative materials, such as transparent plastics (e.g., PMMA), polycarbonate, and the like. As will also be discussed more fully below, in embodiments, the opaque layer 500 (when included) is printed onto the second major surface 480 of the glass substrate 450. In embodiments, the opaque layer 500 is printed onto the variable transmittance component 460.

[0074] In an embodiment, the glass article 400 includes a menu surface layer 490. The menu surface layer 490 can be configured to provide one or more of a variety of functions. For example, the menu surface layer 490 can be an optical coating configured to provide easy-to-clean performance, anti-glare properties and / or anti-reflective properties. Such optical coatings can be produced using a single layer or multiple layers. In the case of an anti-reflective menu surface layer, multiple layers with alternating high and low refractive indices can be used to form such a layer. Non-limiting examples of low refractive index films include SiO 2 MgF 2 and Al 2 O 3 , and non-limiting examples of high refractive index films include Nb 2 O 5 、TiO 2 、ZrO 2 , HfO 2 and Y 2 O 3 . In an embodiment, the total thickness of such an optical coating (which may be disposed over an anti-glare surface or a smooth substrate surface) is 5 nm to 750 nm. In addition, in an embodiment, the menu surface layer 490 that provides easy-to-clean properties also provides enhanced touch for touch screens and / or coatings / processing to reduce fingerprints. In some embodiments, the menu surface layer 490 is integrated with the first surface of the substrate. For example, such a menu surface layer may include an etched surface in the first surface of the glass substrate 450 to provide an anti-glare surface (or a haze of, for example, 2% to 10%). In an embodiment, both the first major surface 470 and the second major surface 480 of the glass article 400 include any of the functional layers described herein.

[0075] In an embodiment, the opaque layer 500 (when included) is composed of a suitable ink (e.g., a heat curable ink, a light curable ink) and includes a relatively high optical density (e.g., an optical density greater than 3, greater than or equal to 4, greater than or equal to 5) to block light transmission. In an embodiment, the opaque layer 500 is used to block light from penetrating through certain areas of the glass article 400. In an embodiment, the opaque layer 500 blocks functional or non-decorative components provided for the operation of the glass article 400. In an embodiment, the opaque layer 500 is provided to outline the outline of backlit icons and / or other graphics (not shown) to increase the contrast at the edges of such icons and / or graphics. The opaque layer 500 can be any color, but in a particular embodiment, the opaque layer 500 is black or gray. In an embodiment, the opaque layer 500 is applied over the variable transmittance component 460 and / or over the second major surface 480 of the glass substrate 450 via inkjet printing, screen printing, coating, or other suitable techniques. Generally, the opaque layer 500 has a thickness less than or equal to 25 μm (e.g., greater than or equal to 1.0 μm and less than or equal to 25.0 μm, greater than or equal to 5.0 μm and less than or equal to 25.0 μm, greater than or equal to 5.0 μm and less than or equal to 20.0 μm, greater than or equal to 5.0 μm and less than or equal to 10.0 μm).

[0076] In an embodiment, the opaque layer 500 (when included) can be deposited directly onto the second major surface 480 of the glass substrate 450 or the variable transmittance component 460 using a suitable inkjet process. In an embodiment, prior to the deposition of the opaque layer 500, the second major surface 480 or the variable transmittance component 460 can be primed using a suitable primer (e.g., an acryloxysilane primer) to promote adhesion of the opaque layer 500 to the glass substrate 450 or the variable transmittance component 460. Any suitable processing for the second major surface 480 can be used to promote adhesion of the opaque layer 500 to the glass substrate 450. As described herein, in an embodiment, the glass article 450 does not include the opaque layer 500. For example, the variable transmittance component 460 can be configured to define a boundary of optical transmission contrast to hide the component from view and provide a desired appearance, thereby eliminating the need for the opaque layer 500.

[0077] In an embodiment, Figure 2As shown, the glass article 400 is placed above or in front of a light source 540. The light source 540 is generally configured to emit light that is transmitted through the glass substrate 450 for viewing from the first major surface 470. The light emitted by the light source 540 can be monochromatic or cover any suitable spectral range to produce a suitable image. In one or more embodiments, the light source 540 includes a display (e.g., a touch display including a display and a touch panel). Exemplary displays include LED displays, DLP MEMS chips, LCDs, OLEDs, transmissive displays, and the like. In an embodiment, the light source 540 includes another suitable light emitting device (e.g., a light emitting diode or light emitting diode array, a laser, or other light source).

[0078] In embodiments, the high optical density of the opaque layer 500 (when included) causes the area of ​​the glass article 400 including the opaque layer 500 to have a relatively low optical transmission (e.g., an average transmittance in the visible spectrum of less than or equal to 1.0%, less than or equal to 0.5%, or less than or equal to 0.1%). Thus, the boundary of the opaque layer 500 can define an image region 520, wherein the glass article 400 can exhibit a relatively high optical transmission to facilitate visibility of light generated by the light source 540 when the glass article 450 is viewed from the first major surface 470 and the peripheral region 530, wherein the glass article 400 generally exhibits a lower optical transmission than in the image region 520 to facilitate hiding of various components. In embodiments, as described herein, the variable transmittance component 460 (e.g., without the opaque layer 500) defines a boundary between the peripheral region 530 and the image region 520 by incorporating independently controllable portions that can simultaneously have different transmittances. In the illustrated embodiment, the opaque layer 500 covers the edge 550 of the light source 540 to hide the edge 550 from the view through the first major surface 470. The opaque layer 500 can also be used to block various other components (e.g., electrical connections, mechanical housings, and the like) from view. The opaque layer 500 generally helps the desired portion of the light source 540 to be viewed by a user viewing the first major surface 470.

[0079] In the illustrated embodiment, the image region 520 is circumferentially surrounded by the peripheral region 530. For example, in an embodiment, the peripheral region 530 forms a border of the image region 520 and completely surrounds the image region 520. The border may include a uniform width around the entire image region 520. Alternative embodiments in which the peripheral region 530 does not completely surround the image region 520 are also contemplated and within the scope of the present disclosure. For example, in an embodiment, the peripheral region 530 may be disposed adjacent to the image region 520 and extend only along a single side of the image region 520. The present disclosure is not limited to applications in which the image region 520 having a relatively high optical transmission is disposed in the center of the glass article 400.

[0080] Still refer to Figure 2 In an embodiment, the variable transmittance component 460 is configured to modify the optical transmittance of at least the image region 520 depending on the configuration in which the variable transmittance component 460 is operated. For example, in an embodiment, the vehicle interior system 200 (see Figure 1 ) includes a control system 495 that can be communicatively coupled to the variable transmittance component 460. The control system 495 can control the operation of the variable transmittance component 460 to modify its configuration and change the optical transmission distribution of the glass article 400. For example, in an embodiment, the control system 495 can be communicatively coupled to the light source 540 (e.g., to control its operation) and can operate the variable transmittance component 460 using a first configuration wherein the average optical transmittance of the glass article 400 for light in the visible spectrum in the image area 520 is relatively low (e.g., less than or equal to 20%, less than or equal to 19%, less than or equal to 18%, less than or equal to 17%, less than or equal to 16%, less than or equal to 15%, less than or equal to 14%, less than or equal to 13%, less than or equal to 12%, less than or equal to 11%, less than or equal to 10%, less than or equal to 9%, less than or equal to 8%, less than or equal to 7%, less than or equal to 6%, less than or equal to 5%, less than or equal to 4%, less than or equal to 3%, less than or equal to 2%, less than or equal to 1%) when the light source 540 is not emitting light. The control system 495 can be configured to modify the configuration of the variable transmittance component 460 to a second configuration in which the average optical transmittance of the glass article 400 within the image area 520 is relatively high (e.g., greater than or equal to 40%, greater than or equal to 45%, greater than or equal to 50%, greater than or equal to 55%, greater than or equal to 60%, greater than or equal to 65%, greater than or equal to 70%, greater than or equal to 75%, greater than or equal to 80%) when the light source 540 emits light to facilitate viewing. Depending on the configuration of the variable transmittance component 460, the optical transmittance in at least the image area 520 is changed to facilitate viewing and hiding of the light source 540. Control of the configuration of the variable transmittance component 460 can be based on various inputs (e.g., user input via touch or other suitable input mechanism, light sensor, proximity sensor, position sensor).

[0081] Various structures and configurations of the variable transmittance component 460 are contemplated and are within the scope of the present disclosure. For example, in an embodiment, the variable transmittance component 460 is coextensive with the glass substrate 450 (e.g., such that the variable transmittance component 460 covers the entire second major surface 480). In an embodiment, the variable transmittance component 460 can be disposed only in the image area 520 of the glass article 400 (e.g., the edge of the variable transmittance component 460 can coincide with the boundary between the image area 520 and the peripheral area 530 (or partially define the boundary between the image area 520 and the peripheral area 530)). For example, the peripheral edge of the variable transmittance component 460 can coincide with the opaque layer 500 (e.g., the opaque layer 500 can contact the peripheral edge of the variable transmittance component to define the peripheral area 530). In an embodiment, the variable transmittance component 460 includes a plurality of independently controllable portions (e.g., the control system 495 can be communicatively coupled to each portion). Such independently controllable portions can include a first portion disposed entirely in the image area 520 and a second portion disposed entirely in the peripheral area 530. Operating such first and second portions in the same or different optical transmission configurations, depending on the operating state of the light source 540, can modify the spatial distribution of the optical transmission of the glass article 400. In an embodiment, the portion of the variable transmittance component 460 that overlaps the peripheral region 530 is always operated in the first transmission state described herein, such that the optical transmission of the peripheral region 530 is always relatively low to hide components at the perimeter of the glass article 400 from view.

[0082] In embodiments, the variable transmittance component 460 is configured such that the glass article 400 presents a uniform appearance when viewed from the first major surface 470 and the light source 540 is not emitting light. For example, in embodiments, when the variable transmittance component 460 is in the first configuration described herein, the optical transmittance of the glass article 400 can be low enough to hide components of the light source 540 from view. That is, when the light source 540 is not emitting light, the variable transmittance component 460 can prevent the light source 540 from being seen by a viewer, thereby providing a good appearance for the glass article 400.

[0083] In embodiments, the variable transmittance component 460 is configured such that the glass article 400 has a uniform appearance when viewed from the first major surface 470. For example, in embodiments, the variable transmittance component 460 can cover the entire second major surface 480, and when the light source 540 is not emitting light, the variable transmittance component 460 is placed in the first configuration described herein such that the entire glass article 400 has the same appearance (determined by the optical properties of the variable transmittance component 460 in the first configuration). In embodiments, regardless of whether the opaque layer 500 is included, the image region 520 and the peripheral region 530 can be color matched when viewed from the first major surface 470 and the variable transmittance component 460 is in the first configuration. As used herein, "color matching" means that when the first major surface 470 is illuminated by a D65 illuminant and viewed at a viewing angle of 0°, the peripheral region 530 and the image region 520 include a* values ​​and b* values ​​that differ from each other by less than or equal to 5.0 (e.g., less than or equal to 4.0, less than or equal to 3.0, or less than or equal to 2.0) according to the CIELAB color coordinate system.

[0084] In an embodiment, when the image region 520 is color matched to the peripheral region 530 (e.g., when the light source 540 is not emitting light and the variable transmittance component 460 is in the first configuration described herein), the glass article 400 exhibits a color change ΔE when viewed from the first major surface 470 and is defined as:

[0085] ΔE=√{(a* 1 –a* 2 ) 2 +(b* 1 –b* 2 ) 2}(2)

[0086] where a* 1 is the a* value of image area 520, b* 1 is the b* value of image area 520, a* 2 is the a* value of the surrounding area 530, b* 2 is the b* value of the peripheral region 530. In embodiments, ΔE is less than or equal to 4.0 (e.g., less than or equal to 3.0, less than or equal to 3.5, less than or equal to 3.0, less than or equal to 2.5, less than or equal to 2.0) when the glass article 400 is illuminated with a D65 illuminant having an illumination angle of 0° and the variable transmittance component is in the first configuration described herein.

[0087] Figure 3Schematically depicts a view of a variable transmittance component 460 according to an exemplary embodiment. The variable transmittance component 460 includes an electrically responsive material 600, a first electrode 602, and a second electrode 604. In an embodiment, at least one of the first electrode 602 and the second electrode 604 can be communicatively coupled (e.g., conductively coupled) to a control system 495 (see Figure 2 ) to facilitate controlling the optical transmission state of the electrically responsive material 600. The electrically responsive material 600 is configured to change the transmission state in response to a change in the voltage (or electric field) applied via the first electrode 602 and the second electrode 604. The electrically responsive material 600 may include any suitable material that can reversibly modify the overall optical transmission of the variable transmittance component 460 in the visible spectrum without significantly degrading the optical performance of the glass article 400 (e.g., the reflectivity and / or optical transmission when the electrically responsive material 600 is in a relatively high optical transmission state) and hindering the operation of the light source 540 (see Figure 2 ).

[0088] In an embodiment, the electrically responsive material 600 comprises an electrophoretic material. The electrophoretic material may include a dielectric solvent and a dispersion of charged pigment particles. The voltage difference between the first electrode 602 and the second electrode 604 may cause different charged pigment particles to be attracted to the first electrode 602 and / or the second electrode 604, thereby changing the optical transmission state of the variable transmittance component 460. At least one of the first electrode 602 and the second electrode 604 may be patterned with a suitable arrangement to achieve the desired optical transmission performance attributes. Such a patterned electrode may change the distribution of the charged pigment particles (so that some areas have a low concentration of pigment particles and other areas have a high concentration of pigment particles), effectively increasing the average transmittance of the variable transmittance component 460. It is preferred that the pigment particles have similar refractive indices to reduce haze.

[0089] In an embodiment, the electro-responsive material 600 comprises an electrochromic material. In such an embodiment, the electro-responsive material 600 comprises an electrochromic layer, an electrolyte, and an ion storage layer. The electrochromic layer comprises a suitable inorganic or organic (e.g., an electrochromic polymer) material. In an embodiment, the electrochromic layer comprises a suitable oxide (e.g., WO 3 、NiO、WMoO 3). The electrolyte may include a suitable material configured to transport protons supplied by the ion storage layer. Any suitable existing electrochromic cell structure may be used. In general, the supply of electrons from the first electrode 602 and the second electrode 604 and ions from the ion storage layer may promote a reduction reaction, which in turn promotes electron exchange via photon absorption, resulting in a change in optical transmittance depending on the voltage applied to the first electrode 602 and the second electrode 604. Any suitable existing electrochromic cell structure may be used.

[0090] In an embodiment, the electro-responsive material 600 includes a suitable liquid crystal layer. In an embodiment, the liquid crystal layer includes a mixture of nematic liquid crystal, a dichroic dye, and a chiral dopant. The weight % of the dichroic dye and the cell gap of the nematic liquid crystal can be selected to determine the maximum transmittance of the electro-responsive material 600. The maximum transmittance is the maximum average transmittance of the electro-responsive material 600 from 400 nm to 700 nm and can be approximated as

[0091] T max =T 0 *e -wt％*cellgap*C (1)

[0092] Among them, T o and C are constants determined by measurement. The electroresponsive material includes a maximum optical transmittance T max This state may be referred to as a vertically oriented state, in which the liquid crystal and the dichroic molecules are mostly oriented vertically to the glass substrate 450. In an embodiment, the weight percent of the dichroic dye in the liquid crystal layer is greater than or equal to 1 weight percent and less than or equal to 5 weight percent, and the cell gap of the nematic liquid crystal is greater than or equal to 3 μm and less than or equal to 20 μm. In such an embodiment, the T of the electro-responsive material 600 is greater than or equal to 1 weight percent and less than or equal to 20 μm. max It may be greater than or equal to 40% and less than or equal to 90% (e.g., greater than or equal to 60% and less than or equal to 85%, greater than or equal to 60% and less than or equal to 80%, greater than or equal to 60% and less than or equal to 75%, greater than or equal to 60% and less than or equal to 70%).

[0093] In embodiments where the electrically responsive material 600 is a liquid crystal layer, the weight percent of the chiral dopant can be selected (e.g., any range provided herein) so that the liquid crystal material can be twisted from the first substrate 606 to the second substrate 608 using a twist angle greater than or equal to 180° and less than or equal to 1800°. Generally speaking, the larger the twist angle, the lower the transmittance of the liquid crystal when it is in a planar twisted state. That is, the liquid crystal layer can be configured such that, depending on the voltage applied between the first electrode 602 and the second electrode 604, the liquid crystal is twisted into a planar state so that at least a portion thereof extends approximately parallel to the second major surface 180 and blocks light transmission to achieve a minimum average light transmission T for light of 400 nm to 700 nm. min The higher the twist angle achieved through the selection of the weight % of the chiral dopant, the lower T can be achieved. min In the embodiment, T min Less than or equal to 25% (e.g., less than or equal to 20%, less than or equal to 20%, less than or equal to 19%, less than or equal to 18%, less than or equal to 17%, less than or equal to 16%, less than or equal to 15%, less than or equal to 15%, less than or equal to 14%, less than or equal to 13%, less than or equal to 12%, less than or equal to 11%, less than or equal to 10%, less than or equal to 9%, less than or equal to 8%, less than or equal to 7%, less than or equal to 6%, less than or equal to 6%, less than or equal to 5%).

[0094] In embodiments, the variable transmittance component 460 can be changed from a first configuration in which at least a portion of the electro-responsive material 600 includes a minimum average optical transmittance to a second configuration in which at least a portion of the electro-responsive material 600 includes a maximum average optical transmittance, depending on the particular cell gap and the weight percent of the selected dichroic dye. In embodiments, when the variable transmittance component 460 is in the first configuration, the average optical transmittance in the image region 520 and the peripheral region 530 for light from 400 nm to 700 nm incident on the glass article at an incident angle of 0° is less than or equal to 20% (e.g., less than or equal to 15%, less than or equal to 10). In embodiments, when the variable transmittance component is in the second configuration, the average optical transmittance in at least the image region 520 is greater than or equal to 60% (e.g., greater than or equal to 65%, greater than or equal to 70%, greater than or equal to 75%, greater than or equal to 80%, greater than or equal to 85%, greater than or equal to 90%).

[0095] In embodiments, when the electrically responsive material 600 includes a liquid crystal layer, the liquid crystal can be in any suitable orientation state when zero voltage is applied to the first electrode 602 and the second electrode 604. For example, in embodiments, in the absence of a potential difference, the liquid crystal can generally be in the first configuration described herein. In such embodiments, the liquid crystal has a positive dielectric anisotropy and includes a planar surface orientation (e.g., substantially parallel to the second major surface 480) in the absence of a potential difference, such that the transmittance includes T as described herein as a default value. min In an embodiment, the liquid crystal may be generally in the second configuration described herein and have a relatively high optical transmittance in the absence of a potential difference. In such an embodiment, the liquid crystal has a negative dielectric anisotropy and includes an upright orientation state (e.g., perpendicular to the second major surface 480) in the absence of a potential difference, such that the transmittance includes T as described herein as a default value. max value.

[0096] In an embodiment, when the electro-responsive material 600 includes a liquid crystal layer, the liquid crystal layer may also include a bistable surface orientation in the absence of a potential difference (e.g., where the liquid crystals are parallel and perpendicular to the second major surface 480), such that in the absence of any voltage applied to the first electrode 602 and the second electrode 604, the electro-responsive material 600 includes a T as a default value. min With T max Examples of such bistable liquid crystal layers are described in U.S. Patent No. 8,384,872, entitled "Bistable Nematic Liquid Crystal Device," which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Formulating the electrically responsive material of the liquid crystal layer advantageously provides flexibility in the preset transmission states of the variable transmittance component 460 in the absence of any voltage supplied via the control system 495 (see Figure 2 ).

[0097] Still refer to Figure 3 In an embodiment, the variable transmittance component 460 includes a first substrate 606 and a second substrate 608 that form an outer layer of the variable transmittance component 460. The first substrate 606 and the second substrate 608 can protect other components of the variable transmittance component 460 and serve as a base for depositing other components (e.g., electrode structures) of the variable transmittance component 460. The first substrate 606 and the second substrate 608 can be composed of any suitable material (e.g., a suitable glass material, a suitable polymer material) having relatively high optical transmittance and refractive index properties, so that the glass article 400 has the optical transmittance and reflective properties described herein.

[0098] In embodiments, the variable transmittance component 460 is configured such that the glass article 400 exhibits a relatively low haze. For example, in embodiments, the glass article 400 exhibits a transmittance haze of less than or equal to 5% (e.g., less than or equal to 4%, less than or equal to 3%, less than or equal to 2.5%, less than or equal to 2.0%). Such haze performance may exclude certain materials from being used as the electro-responsive material 600. For example, in embodiments, the electro-responsive material 600 does not include polymer dispersed liquid crystal materials, which tend to exhibit relatively high haze and reduce non-electro-responsive performance. Electro-responsive materials that incorporate any kind of scattering components (e.g., suspended particles that do not have a good refractive index match to the host) may also exhibit relatively high haze without incorporating the electro-responsive material 600.

[0099] In an embodiment, the variable transmittance component 460 is further configured to exhibit an average reflectance of less than or equal to 5.0% (e.g., less than or equal to 4.5%, less than or equal to 4.0%, less than or equal to 3.5%, less than or equal to 3.0%, less than or equal to 2.5%, less than or equal to 2.0%, less than or equal to 1.5%, less than or equal to 1.0%) for light between 400 nm and 700 nm incident normally on the glass article 400 (e.g., measured at the interface between the glass substrate 450 and the variable transmittance component 460). This low reflectivity advantageously allows most ambient light to pass through the variable transmittance component and be absorbed at the low transmittance state or opaque layer 500 of the variable transmittance component. Thus, very little ambient light is reflected back toward the viewer. This low reflectivity beneficially contributes to the glass article 400 having a consistent electro-free appearance. This reflectivity requirement can further exclude certain materials from being the electrically responsive material 600. For example, in embodiments, variable transmittance component 460 may exclude a switchable micro-electromechanical (MEMS) mirror or an electrochromic component that includes a reflector in addition to the electrochromic material. Such components may exhibit high reflectivity that is not suitable for electroless panel applications.

[0100] Still refer to Figure 3In an embodiment, the first electrode 602 and the second electrode 604 are composed of a suitable transparent conductive material (e.g., an oxide (e.g., indium tin oxide or other suitable oxide), a conductive polymer, or conductive nanoparticles). In such an embodiment, any reflectivity measured for the variable transmittance component 460 (e.g., at the interface between the variable transmittance component 460 and the glass substrate 450, at any interface between different layers of the variable transmittance component 460) is primarily derived from the surfaces of the first substrate 606 and the second substrate 608 or the first electrode 602 and the second electrode 604, rather than from the electro-responsive material 600 or any reflective layer disposed adjacent thereto. In an embodiment, less than 50% of the reflectivity of the variable transmittance component 460 is derived from the interface of the electro-responsive material 600.

[0101] In an embodiment, the glass article 400 exhibits a haze of less than or equal to 3.0% and a reflectance of less than or equal to 5.0% when illuminated with a D65 illuminant at an illumination angle of 0°, regardless of the configuration of the variable transmittance component 460. This performance is achieved by selecting the electrically responsive material 600 and configuring the variable transmittance component 460, and beneficially helps the glass article 400 have a desired appearance while providing the electroless panel capabilities described herein.

[0102] Reference Figures 2 to 3 , the glass article 400 without the light source 540 may lack various components associated with existing display panels for providing the optical transmittance and reflectance performance attributes described herein. For example, the glass article 400 may lack polarization layers typically associated with LCD display structures. The glass article 400 may also lack color filter layers or transistor layers required to drive an active matrix LCD. The lack of such components may contribute to the glass article 400 having a relatively high average optical transmittance when the variable transmittance component 460 is placed in the second configuration described herein.

[0103] In an embodiment, the variable transmittance component 460 includes two or more individually controllable regions, wherein the electro-responsive material 600 in each region can be independently placed in a desired optical transmission state. Figure 4 Schematically depicts an embodiment of a variable transmittance component 460, wherein Figure 3The first electrode 602 and the second electrode 604 described herein are each segmented into different portions. The first electrode 602 is depicted as including a first portion 602a and a second portion 602b. The second electrode 604 is depicted as including a first portion 604a and a second portion 604b. In an embodiment, the first portions 602a and 604a and the second portions 602b and 604b can be independently positioned via the control system 495, and different potential differences can be applied across different sections of the electro-responsive material 600. Therefore, via applying different potential differences between the first portions 602a and 604a and the second portions 602b and 604b, the first portion 600a of the electro-responsive material 600 can be placed in a different optical transmission state than the second portion 600b of the electro-responsive material 600.

[0104] In an embodiment, the electro-responsive material 600 is segmented into independently controllable portions (e.g., Figure 4 600a and the second portion 600b shown). In an embodiment, for example, the variable transmittance component includes a TFT layer formed on the second substrate 608 adjacent to the second electrode 604. The TFT layer can form a plurality of field effect transistors, and can be used to control the voltage applied to adjacent portions of the electrically responsive material 600, thereby separately controlling the optical transmission state of such adjacent portions of the electrically responsive material 600. For example, a first field effect transistor can be disposed in the first portion 604a of the second electrode 604, and a second field effect transistor can be disposed in the second portion 604b of the second electrode 604. The first field effect transistor and the second field effect transistor can be effectively used to separately control the optical transmission state of the first portion 600a and the second portion 600b of the electrically responsive material. In such an embodiment, the variable transmittance component 460 may be similar in structure to a TFT LCD display, except that the variable transmittance component 460 may lack polarization and color filter layers, and include a much larger pixel size (each "pixel" corresponds to a portion of the electro-responsive material 600 that can be individually controlled) than is typical in a TFT LCD display (e.g., the pixel size of the variable transmittance component 460 may be greater than or equal to 0.25 mm). 2 , greater than or equal to 0.5mm 2 , greater than or equal to 1.0mm 2 , greater than or equal to 2.0mm 2 , greater than or equal to 5.0mm 2 , or greater than or equal to 10mm 2 ).

[0105] In an embodiment, the electro-responsive material 600 is segmented into independently controllable portions (e.g., Figure 4 600a and 600b). In such embodiments, the variable transmittance component 460 has increased open pores, and thus increased optical transmission, and is preferred. In embodiments, the electro-responsive material 600 is segmented into independently controllable portions (e.g., Figure 4 4. The first part 600a and the second part 600b are shown, each of which can be directly switched. In such an embodiment, the variable transmittance component 460 has increased optical transmission and lower manufacturing cost.

[0106] In an embodiment, the first electrode 602 and the second electrode 604 may not overlap a portion of the electrically responsive material 600, so that a potential difference is never applied to the portion of the electrically responsive material and the portion always maintains a default optically transmissive state.

[0107] In an embodiment, the variable transmittance component 460 is configured so that individually controllable portions of the electrically responsive material 600 are located within the glass article 400 in a desired arrangement. Figure 2 and Figure 4 , the first portion 600a of the electro-responsive material 600 may be located in the peripheral region 530, and the second portion 600b of the electro-responsive material 600 may be located in the image region 520. That is, the boundary between the first portion 600a and the second portion 600b may coincide with the boundary between the image region 520 and the peripheral region 530. Depending on the operation of the light source 540, the optical transmission state of the electro-responsive material 600 may vary spatially. For example, in an embodiment, when the light source 540 is not emitting light, the first electrode 602 and the second electrode 604 may be operated such that the first portion 600a and the second portion 600b of the electro-responsive material 600 are both operated in the first optical transmission state (e.g., such that the electro-responsive material 600 includes the T described herein in both the first portion 600a and the second portion 600b). min The first electrode 602 and the second electrode 604 can be operated so that only the second portion 600b of the electro-responsive material 600 changes from the first optically transmissive state to the second optically transmissive state when the light source 540 emits light, so that the electro-responsive material 600 in the image area 520 (i.e., the second portion 600b) has the T value described herein. max Therefore, a contrast in optical transmittance may occur between the image area 520 and the peripheral area 530 to allow the viewer to view the light emitted by the light source 540. In an embodiment, when located in the peripheral area 530, the first portion 600a always operates in the first optical transmittance state to shield various components from view.

[0108] By segmented control of the electro-responsive material 600 via the first electrode 602 and the second electrode 604, an optical transmission contrast between various regions of the glass article 400 can be established to facilitate electro-free panels for various applications. For example, the first portion 600a can outline the shape of the backlit image object perimeter and always operate in a low optical transmission state, while the second portion 600b can coincide with the image object bright area and change the optical transmission state to facilitate the visibility of the image object when lit and the invisibility of the light source 540 when not emitting light. In an embodiment, the first portion 600a and the second portion 600b are further subdivided so that different portions of the electro-responsive material 600 within the image area 520 and the peripheral area 530 can be controlled separately from each other to provide further flexibility.

[0109] It should be understood that by varying the operation of the first electrode 602 and the second electrode 604 (e.g., by segmenting the first electrode 602 and the second electrode into portions that can receive separate control signals from the control system 495 and / or by providing an appropriate number and arrangement of transistors to control the voltages provided to different portions of the electrically responsive material), the optical transmission state of any number of portions of the electrically responsive material 600 can be controlled separately from each other. In embodiments, the electrically responsive material 600 can include at least 2 (e.g., at least 3, at least 4, at least 5, at least 10, at least 100, or even more) independently controllable portions. In response to a variety of different inputs (e.g., from touch inputs received from a user, based on the operating state of the light source 540, based on feedback from one or more sensors), the control system 495 can control the optical transmission state of each of such independently controllable portions. The optical transmittance of the variable transmittance component 460 in the visible spectrum can be spatially varied using any suitable pattern and / or temporal sequence to accommodate any electroless panel application.

[0110] Figure 5 A flow chart depicting a method 700 of controlling the operation of a glass article according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. The method 700 may be used, for example, to control the operation of a glass article according to the embodiments described herein. Figures 2 to 4 Any of the related embodiments can be used to control the operation of the glass article 400 described herein. Figures 2 to 4 Various components are related to help describe the method 700. In an embodiment, the various steps of the method 700 are performed via the control system 495. For example, the control system 495 can execute instructions stored thereon to send control signals to various components of the display 230 to perform the method 700. It should be understood that the method 700 can be used to control components of systems other than the display 230 described herein. In addition, actions can be performed by multiple control systems rather than a single control system.

[0111] At block 702, the control system 495 operates the variable transmittance component 460 in a first configuration as described herein. In this configuration, the electrically responsive material 600 may be in a T min When operating the electro-responsive material 600 in this manner, the glass article 400 may include an average optical transmittance of less than or equal to 25% (e.g., less than or equal to 25%, less than or equal to 19%, less than or equal to 18%, less than or equal to 17%, less than or equal to 16%, less than or equal to 15%, less than or equal to 14%, less than or equal to 13%, less than or equal to 12%, less than or equal to 11%, less than or equal to 10%) across the surface area (e.g., in the image area 520 and the peripheral area 530), such that the peripheral area 530 is color matched to the image area 520, and / or the light source 540 is hidden from view. Such color matching may occur regardless of whether the opaque layer 500 is included. As described herein, operating the variable transmittance component 460 in the first configuration may involve applying or not applying voltages to respective portions of the first electrode 602 and the second electrode 604, depending on the default optical transmittance state of the electro-responsive material 600.

[0112] At block 704, control system 495 can cause light source 540 to emit light. Light source 540 can be caused to emit light in response to various inputs (e.g., a vehicle being started, input from a user via a touch panel (e.g., as part of light source 540 or elsewhere), an ambient light sensor, a proximity sensor, a motion sensor). Light source 540 can emit light intended for a viewer to view from first major surface 470.

[0113] At block 706, control system 495 can operate variable transmittance component 460 in a second configuration. At least a portion of electro-responsive material 600 can change from a first optically transmissive state to a second optically transmissive state such that within the portion of glass article 400 where the electro-responsive material changes to the second optically transmissive state, glass article 400 includes an average optical transmission greater than or equal to 60% (e.g., greater than or equal to 65%, greater than or equal to 70%, greater than or equal to 75%, greater than or equal to 80%, greater than or equal to 85%, greater than or equal to 90%) for light between 400 nm and 700 nm normally incident on glass article 400. Thus, for such light, the average optical transmission in peripheral region 530 can differ from the average transmission in image region 520 by at least 40% (e.g., at least 50%, at least 60%, at least 70%, at least 80%). This transmission contrast may be due to opaque layer 500, electro-responsive material 600 in image region 520 being modified to the second optically transmissive state (while electro-responsive material 600 in peripheral region 530, if present, remains in the first optically transmissive state), or both. Thus, the optical transmission in image region 520 may have a relatively high optical transmission to facilitate viewing of the light from light source 540 with a relatively high contrast. When light source 540 ceases to emit light, method 700 may return to block 702 to hide light source 540 from view and provide a non-electrical panel appearance.

[0114] Glass material

[0115] Reference Figure 6 In an embodiment, the glass substrate 450 has a thickness t, which is substantially constant over the width and length of the glass substrate 450 and is defined as the distance between the first major surface 470 and the second major surface 480. In various embodiments, T may refer to an average thickness or a maximum thickness of the glass substrate 450. In addition, the glass substrate 450 includes a width W and a length L, the width W being defined as a first maximum dimension of one of the first major surface 470 or the second major surface 480 that is orthogonal to the thickness t, and the length L being defined as a second maximum dimension of one of the first major surface 470 or the second major surface 480 that is orthogonal to both the thickness and the width. In other embodiments, W and L may be the average width and average length of the glass substrate 450, respectively, and in other embodiments, W and L may be the maximum width and maximum length of the glass substrate 450, respectively (e.g., for a glass substrate having a variable width or length).

[0116] In various embodiments, the thickness t is 2 mm or less. More specifically, the thickness t is 0.30 mm to 2.0 mm. For example, the thickness t can range from about 0.30 mm to about 2.0 mm, about 0.40 mm to about 2.0 mm, about 0.50 mm to about 2.0 mm, about 0.60 mm to about 2.0 mm, about 0.70 mm to about 2.0 mm, about 0.80 mm to about 2.0 mm, about 0.90 mm to about 2.0 mm, about 1.0 mm to about 2.0 mm, about 1.1 mm to about 2.0 mm, about 1.2 mm to about 2.0 mm, about 1.3 mm to about 2.0 mm, about 1.4 mm to about 2.0 mm, about 1.5 mm to about 2.0 mm, about 0.30 mm to about 1.9 mm, about 0.30 mm to about 2.0 mm In some embodiments, t is about 1.8 mm, about 0.30 mm to about 1.7 mm, about 0.30 mm to about 1.6 mm, about 0.30 mm to about 1.5 mm, about 0.30 mm to about 1.4 mm, about 0.30 mm to about 1.4 mm, about 0.30 mm to about 1.3 mm, about 0.30 mm to about 1.2 mm, about 0.30 mm to about 1.1 mm, about 0.30 mm to about 1.0 mm, about 0.30 mm to about 0.90 mm, about 0.30 mm to about 0.80 mm, about 0.30 mm to about 0.70 mm, about 0.30 mm to about 0.60 mm, or about 0.30 mm to about 0.40 mm. In other embodiments, t falls within any one of the exact numerical ranges given in this paragraph.

[0117] In various embodiments, the width W ranges from 5 cm to 250 cm, about 10 cm to about 250 cm, about 15 cm to about 250 cm, about 20 cm to about 250 cm, about 25 cm to about 250 cm, about 30 cm to about 250 cm, about 35 cm to about 250 cm, about 40 cm to about 250 cm, about 45 cm to about 250 cm, about 50 cm to about 250 cm, about 55 cm to about 250 cm, about 60 cm to about 250 cm, about 65 cm to about 250 cm, about 70 cm to about 250 cm, about 75 cm to about 250 cm, about 80 cm to about 250 cm, about 85 cm to about 250 cm, about 90 cm to about 250 cm, about 95 cm to about 250 cm, about 100 cm to about 250 cm, about 110 cm to about 250 cm In some embodiments, W is about 150cm to about 200cm, about 120cm to about 250cm, about 130cm to about 250cm, about 140cm to about 250cm, about 150cm to about 250cm, about 5cm to about 240cm, about 5cm to about 230cm, about 5cm to about 220cm, about 5cm to about 210cm, about 5cm to about 200cm, about 5cm to about 190cm, about 5cm to about 180cm, about 5cm to about 170cm, about 5cm to about 160cm, about 5cm to about 150cm, about 5cm to about 140cm, about 5cm to about 130cm, about 5cm to about 120cm, about 5cm to about 110cm, about 5cm to about 110cm, about 5cm to about 100cm, about 5cm to about 90cm, about 5cm to about 80cm, or about 5cm to about 75cm. In other embodiments, W falls within any one of the exact numerical ranges given in this section.

[0118] In various embodiments, the length L ranges from about 5 cm to about 2500 cm, about 5 cm to about 2000 cm, about 4 to about 1500 cm, about 50 cm to about 1500 cm, about 100 cm to about 1500 cm, about 150 cm to about 1500 cm, about 200 cm to about 1500 cm, about 250 cm to about 1500 cm, about 300 cm to about 1500 cm, about 350 cm to about 1500 cm, about 400 cm to about 1500 cm, about 450 cm to about 1500 cm, about 500 cm to about 1500 cm, about 550 cm to about 1500 cm, about 600 cm to about 1500 cm, about 650 cm to about 1500 cm, about 650 cm to about 1500 cm, or about 660 cm to about 1500 cm. In some embodiments, L is from about 1500cm to about 1500cm, from about 1500cm to about 1500cm, from about 1500cm to about 1500cm, from about 1500cm to about 1500cm, from about 1500cm to about 1500cm, from about 1500cm to about 1500cm, from about 1500cm to about 1500cm, from about 1550cm to about 1500cm, from about 1600cm to about 1600cm, from about 1650cm to about 1600cm, from about 1700cm to about 1700cm, from about 1750cm to about 1700cm, from about 1700cm to about 1700cm, from about 1750cm to about 1700cm, from about 1700cm to about 1700cm, from about 1750cm to about 1700cm, from about 1700cm to about 1700cm, from about 1750cm to about 1700cm

[0119] In an embodiment, the glass substrate 450 may be formed of any suitable glass composition including soda-lime glass, aluminosilicate glass, borosilicate glass, boroaluminosilicate glass, alkali-containing aluminosilicate glass, alkali-containing borosilicate glass, and alkali-containing boroaluminosilicate glass.

[0120] Unless otherwise indicated, the glass compositions disclosed herein are described in terms of mole percent (mol %) analyzed on an oxide basis.

[0121] In one or more embodiments, the glass composition includes SiO 2 The amount can range from about 66 mol % to about 80 mol %, about 67 mol % to about 80 mol %, about 68 mol % to about 80 mol %, about 69 mol % to about 80 mol %, about 70 mol % to about 80 mol %, about 72 mol % to about 80 mol %, about 65 mol % to about 78 mol %, about 65 mol % to about 76 mol %, about 65 mol % to about 75 mol %, about 65 mol % to about 74 mol %, about 65 mol % to about 72 mol %, or about 65 mol % to about 70 mol %, and all ranges and subranges therebetween.

[0122] In one or more embodiments, the glass composition includes Al 2 O 3 The amount of Al in the glass composition is greater than about 4 mol% or greater than about 5 mol%. In one or more embodiments, the glass composition includes Al 2 O 3 In one or more embodiments, Al2O3 may be present in an amount of greater than about 7 mol% to about 15 mol%, greater than about 7 mol% to about 14 mol%, about 7 mol% to about 13 mol%, about 4 mol% to about 12 mol%, about 7 mol% to about 11 mol%, about 8 mol% to about 15 mol%, 9 mol% to about 15 mol%, about 9 mol% to about 15 mol%, about 10 mol% to about 15 mol%, about 11 mol% to about 15 mol%, or about 12 mol% to about 15 mol%, and all ranges and subranges therebetween. 2 O 3 The upper limit of may be about 14 mol%, 14.2 mol%, 14.4 mol%, 14.6 mol%, or 14.8 mol%.

[0123] In one or more embodiments, the glass layer herein is described as an aluminosilicate glass article or includes an aluminosilicate glass composition. In such embodiments, the glass composition or article formed therefrom includes SiO 2 With Al 2 O 3 In this regard, the glass composition or article formed thereby includes Al 2 O 3 The amount is about 2 mol % or greater, 2.25 mol % or greater, 2.5 mol % or greater, about 2.75 mol % or greater, about 3 mol % or greater.

[0124] In one or more embodiments, the glass composition includes B 2 O 3 (For example, about 0.01 mol % or more). In one or more embodiments, the glass composition includes B 2 O 3 The amount of is in the range of about 0 mol% to about 5 mol%, about 0 mol% to about 4 mol%, about 0 mol% to about 3 mol%, about 0 mol% to about 2 mol%, about 0 mol% to about 1 mol%, about 0 mol% to about 0.5 mol%, about 0.1 mol% to about 5 mol%, about 0.1 mol% to about 4 mol%, about 0.1 mol% to about 3 mol%, about 0.1 mol% to about 2 mol%, about 0.1 mol% to about 1 mol%, about 0.1 mol% to about 0.5 mol%, and all ranges and sub-ranges therebetween. In one or more embodiments, the glass composition does not substantially include B 2 O 3.

[0125] As used herein, "substantially exclusive" with respect to a component of a composition means that the component is not actively or intentionally added to the composition during initial formulation, but may be present as an impurity in an amount less than about 0.001 mol%.

[0126] In one or more embodiments, the glass composition may optionally include P 2 O 5 (e.g., about 0.01 mol % or greater). In one or more embodiments, the glass composition includes up to (and including) 2 mol %, 1.5 mol %, 1 mol %, or 0.5 mol % of P 2 O 5 In one or more embodiments, the glass composition substantially does not include P 2 O 5 .

[0127] In one or more embodiments, the glass composition includes R 2 The total amount of O (which is the amount of alkali metal oxides (such as Li 2 O、Na 2 O.K 2 O、Rb 2 O and Cs 2 The total amount of R (O) may be greater than or equal to about 8 mol%, greater than or equal to about 10 mol%, or greater than or equal to about 12 mol%. In some embodiments, the glass composition includes R 2 The total amount of O is in the range of about 8 mol% to about 20 mol%, about 8 mol% to about 18 mol%, about 8 mol% to about 16 mol%, about 8 mol% to about 14 mol%, about 8 mol% to about 12 mol%, about 9 mol% to about 20 mol%, about 10 mol% to about 20 mol%, about 11 mol% to about 20 mol%, about 12 mol% to about 20 mol%, about 13 mol% to about 20 mol%, about 10 mol% to about 14 mol%, or 11 mol% to about 13 mol%, and all ranges and sub-ranges therebetween. In one or more embodiments, the glass composition may be substantially free of Rb. 2 O、Cs 2 O, or Rb 2 O and Cs 2 O both. In one or more embodiments, R 2 O may include only Li 2 O、Na 2 O and K 2 In one or more embodiments, the glass composition may include a material selected from Li 2 O、Na 2 O and K 2O, wherein the alkali metal oxide is present in an amount greater than about 8 mol % or more.

[0128] In one or more embodiments, the glass composition includes Na 2 The amount of O is greater than or equal to about 8 mol%, greater than or equal to about 10 mol%, or greater than or equal to about 12 mol%. In one or more embodiments, the composition includes Na 2 O ranges from about 8 mol% to about 20 mol%, about 8 mol% to about 18 mol%, about 8 mol% to about 16 mol%, about 8 mol% to about 14 mol%, about 8 mol% to about 12 mol%, about 9 mol% to about 20 mol%, about 10 mol% to about 20 mol%, about 11 mol% to about 20 mol%, about 12 mol% to about 20 mol%, about 13 mol% to about 20 mol%, about 10 mol% to about 14 mol%, or 11 mol% to about 16 mol%, and all ranges and subranges therebetween.

[0129] In one or more embodiments, the glass composition includes less than about 4 mol % K 2 O, less than about 3 mol% K 2 O, or less than about 1 mol% K 2 O. In some cases, the glass composition includes K 2 The amount of O may range from about 0 mol% to about 4 mol%, from about 0 mol% to about 3.5 mol%, from about 0 mol% to about 3 mol%, from about 0 mol% to about 2.5 mol%, from about 0 mol% to about 2 mol%, from about 0 mol% to about 1.5 mol%, from about 0 mol% to about 1 mol%, from about 0 mol% to about 0.5 mol%, from about 0 mol% to about 0.2 mol%, from about 0 mol% to about 0.1 mol%, from about 0.5 mol% to about 4 mol%, from about 0.5 mol% to about 3.5 mol%, from about 0.5 mol% to about 3 mol%, from about 0.5 mol% to about 2.5 mol%, from about 0.5 mol% to about 2 mol%, from about 0.5 mol% to about 1.5 mol%, or from about 0.5 mol% to about 1 mol%, and all ranges and sub-ranges therebetween. In one or more embodiments, the glass composition may substantially exclude K. 2 O.

[0130] In one or more embodiments, the glass composition does not substantially include Li 2 O.

[0131] In one or more embodiments, Na in the composition 2 The amount of O can be greater than that of Li 2 O. In some cases, Na 2 The amount of O can be greater than that of Li 2 O and K2 In one or more alternative embodiments, the Li 2 The amount of O can be greater than that of Na 2 The amount of O or Na 2 O and K 2 The combined amount of O.

[0132] In one or more embodiments, the glass composition includes a total amount of RO (which is the total amount of alkaline earth metal oxides (e.g., CaO, MgO, BaO, ZnO, and SrO) in the range of about 0 mol% to about 2 mol%. In some embodiments, the glass composition includes a non-zero amount of RO up to about 2 mol%. In one or more embodiments, the glass composition includes RO in an amount of about 0 mol% to about 1.8 mol%, about 0 mol% to about 1.6 mol%, about 0 mol% to about 1.5 mol%, about 0 mol% to about 1.4 mol%, about 0 mol% to about 1.2 mol%, about 0 mol% to about 1 mol%, about 0 mol% to about 0.8 mol%, about 0 mol% to about 0.5 mol%, and all ranges and sub-ranges therebetween.

[0133] In one or more embodiments, the glass composition includes less than about 1 mol%, less than about 0.8 mol%, or less than about 0.5 mol% of CaO. In one or more embodiments, the glass composition substantially excludes CaO. In some embodiments, the glass composition includes MgO in an amount of about 0 mol% to about 7 mol%, about 0 mol% to about 6 mol%, about 0 mol% to about 5 mol%, about 0 mol% to about 4 mol%, about 0.1 mol% to about 7 mol%, about 0.1 mol% to about 6 mol%, about 0.1 mol% to about 5 mol%, about 0.1 mol% to about 4 mol%, about 1 mol% to about 7 mol%, about 2 mol% to about 6 mol%, or about 3 mol% to about 6 mol%, and all ranges and sub-ranges therebetween.

[0134] In one or more embodiments, the glass composition includes ZrO 2 The amount of ZrO is equal to or less than about 0.2 mol%, less than about 0.18 mol%, less than about 0.16 mol%, less than about 0.15 mol%, less than about 0.14 mol%, less than about 0.12 mol%. In one or more embodiments, the glass composition includes ZrO 2 The range is about 0.01 mol % to about 0.2 mol %, about 0.01 mol % to about 0.18 mol %, about 0.01 mol % to about 0.16 mol %, about 0.01 mol % to about 0.15 mol %, about 0.01 mol % to about 0.14 mol %, about 0.01 mol % to about 0.12 mol %, or about 0.01 mol % to about 0.10 mol %, and all ranges and sub-ranges therebetween.

[0135] In one or more embodiments, the glass composition includes SnO 2 The amount of SnO is equal to or less than about 0.2 mol%, less than about 0.18 mol%, less than about 0.16 mol%, less than about 0.15 mol%, less than about 0.14 mol%, less than about 0.12 mol%. In one or more embodiments, the glass composition includes SnO 2 The range is about 0.01 mol % to about 0.2 mol %, about 0.01 mol % to about 0.18 mol %, about 0.01 mol % to about 0.16 mol %, about 0.01 mol % to about 0.15 mol %, about 0.01 mol % to about 0.14 mol %, about 0.01 mol % to about 0.12 mol %, or about 0.01 mol % to about 0.10 mol %, and all ranges and sub-ranges therebetween.

[0136] In one or more embodiments, the glass composition may include an oxide that imparts color or hue to the glass article. In some embodiments, the glass composition includes an oxide that prevents the glass article from discoloring when exposed to ultraviolet radiation. Examples of such oxides include, but are not limited to, the following oxides: Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Ce, W, and Mo.

[0137] In one or more embodiments, the glass composition includes Fe 2 O 3 In one or more embodiments, the glass composition includes Fe. 2 O 3 The amount of Fe is equal to or less than about 0.2 mol%, less than about 0.18 mol%, less than about 0.16 mol%, less than about 0.15 mol%, less than about 0.14 mol%, less than about 0.12 mol%. In one or more embodiments, the glass composition includes Fe 2 O 3 The range is about 0.01 mol % to about 0.2 mol %, about 0.01 mol % to about 0.18 mol %, about 0.01 mol % to about 0.16 mol %, about 0.01 mol % to about 0.15 mol %, about 0.01 mol % to about 0.14 mol %, about 0.01 mol % to about 0.12 mol %, or about 0.01 mol % to about 0.10 mol %, and all ranges and sub-ranges therebetween.

[0138] When the glass composition includes TiO 2 When TiO 2The amount of TiO2 may be about 5 mol% or less, about 2.5 mol% or less, about 2 mol% or less, or about 1 mol% or less. In one or more embodiments, the glass composition may substantially exclude TiO2. 2 .

[0139] An exemplary glass composition includes SiO 2 The amount ranges from about 65 mol% to about 75 mol%, Al 2 O 3 The amount ranges from about 8 mol% to about 14 mol%, Na 2 The amount of O ranges from about 12 mol % to about 17 mol %, K 2 The amount of O ranges from about 0 mol% to about 0.2 mol%, and the amount of MgO ranges from about 1.5 mol% to about 6 mol%. Optionally, SnO as disclosed elsewhere herein may be included. 2 The amount.

[0140] Strengthened glass properties

[0141] In one or more embodiments, the glass substrate 450 discussed herein may be formed from a strengthened glass sheet or article. In one or more embodiments, the glass article used to form the layer of the decorative glass structure discussed herein may be strengthened to include a compressive stress extending from the surface to a depth of compression (DOC). The compressive stress region is balanced by a central portion exhibiting tensile stress. At the DOC, the stress crosses from positive (compressive) stress to negative (tensile) stress.

[0142] In one or more embodiments, the glass articles used to form the layers of the decorative glass structures discussed herein can be mechanically strengthened by exploiting the mismatch in thermal expansion coefficients between portions of the glass to produce regions of compressive stress and a central region exhibiting tensile stress. In some embodiments, the glass articles can be thermally strengthened by heating the glass to a temperature above the glass transition point and then rapidly quenching.

[0143] In one or more embodiments, the glass articles used to form the layers of the decorative glass structures discussed herein can be chemically strengthened by ion exchange. In the ion exchange process, ions at or near the surface of the glass article are replaced or exchanged by larger ions of the same valence or oxidation state. In those embodiments where the glass article comprises an alkali aluminosilicate glass, the ions in the surface layer of the article and the larger ions are monovalent alkali metal cations (e.g., Li+, Na+, K+, Rb+, and Cs+). Alternatively, the monovalent cations in the surface layer can be replaced by monovalent cations other than alkali metal cations (e.g., Ag+ or the like). In such embodiments, the monovalent ions (or cations) exchanged into the glass article produce stress.

[0144] The ion exchange treatment is typically performed by immersing the glass article in a molten salt bath (or two or more molten salt baths) containing larger ions to exchange with smaller ions in the glass article. It should be noted that aqueous salt baths may also be utilized. In addition, the composition of the bath may include more than one glassy type of larger ion (e.g., Na+ and K+) or a single larger ion. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the parameters for the ion exchange treatment include, but are not limited to, the composition and temperature of the bath, the immersion time, the number of immersions of the glass article in the salt bath (or baths), the use of multiple salt baths, additional steps (such as annealing, washing, and the like), and are typically determined by the composition of the glass layer of the decorative glass structure (including the structure of the article and any crystalline phases present) and the desired DOC and CS of the glass layer of the decorative glass structure produced via strengthening.

[0145] Exemplary melt bath compositions may include nitrates, sulfates, chlorides of larger alkali metal ions. Typical nitrates include KNO 3 、NaNO 3 、LiNO 3 、NaSO 4 And combinations thereof. Depending on the glass thickness, the temperature of the bath, the glass (or monovalent ion) diffusivity, the temperature of the molten salt bath is generally in the range of about 380°C to about 450°C, and the immersion time is in the range of about 15 minutes to about 100 hours. However, temperatures and immersion times different from those described above may also be used.

[0146] In one or more embodiments, the glass article used to form the layer of decorative glass may be immersed in 100% NaNO having a temperature of about 370° C. to about 480° C. 3 , 100% KNO 3 , or NaNO 3 With KNO 3 In some embodiments, the glass layer of the decorative glass may be immersed in a molten salt bath comprising about 5% to about 90% KNO 3 and about 10% to about 95% NaNO 3 In one or more embodiments, after being immersed in the first bath, the glass article may be immersed in a second bath. The first and second baths may have different compositions and / or temperatures from each other. The immersion times in the first and second baths may be different. For example, the time of immersion in the first bath may be longer than the time of immersion in the second bath.

[0147] In one or more embodiments, the glass article used to form the layer of the decorative glass structure may be immersed in a solution including NaNO having a temperature of less than about 420° C. (eg, about 400° C. or about 380° C.). 3 With KNO 3The molten mixed salt bath (eg, 49% / 51%, 50% / 50%, 51% / 49%) lasts for less than about 5 hours, or even about 4 hours or less.

[0148] The ion exchange conditions may be tailored to provide a "spike" or increase the slope of the stress profile at or near the surface of the glass layer of the resulting decorative glass structure. The spike may result in a greater surface CS value. Due to the unique properties of the glass compositions used in the glass layers of the decorative glass structures described herein, this spike may be achieved by a single bath or multiple baths, where the baths have a single composition or a mixed composition.

[0149] In one or more embodiments, when more than one monovalent ion is exchanged into a glass article used to decorate a layer of a glass structure, different monovalent ions may be exchanged to different depths within the glass layer (and produce different amounts of stress at different depths within the glass article). The relative depths of the stress-producing ions produced may be determined and result in different characteristics of the stress profile.

[0150] CS is measured by methods known in the art, such as by using a surface stress meter (FSM) using a commercially available instrument such as the FSM-6000 manufactured by Orihara Industrial Co., Ltd (Japan). Surface stress measurements rely on accurate measurements of the stress optical coefficient (SOC) related to the birefringence of the glass. SOC is then measured by methods known in the art, such as the fiber and four point bend methods (both methods are described in ASTM standard C770-98 (2013) entitled "Standard Test Method for Measurement of Glass Stress-Optical Coefficient", the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety), and the bulk cylinder method. As used herein, CS may be the "maximum compressive stress" of the highest compressive stress value measured within the compressive stress layer. In some embodiments, the maximum compressive stress is located at the surface of the glass article. In other embodiments, the maximum compressive stress may occur at a depth below the surface, and the compression profile presented is a "buried peak".

[0151] Depending on the strengthening method and conditions, DOC can be measured by FSM or by a scattered light polarizer (SCALP) (e.g., a SCALP-04 scattered light polarizer available from Glasstress Ltd. of Tallinn, Estonia). When the glass article is chemically strengthened by an ion exchange process, either FSM or SCALP can be used, depending on which ions are exchanged into the glass article. In the case where stress in the glass article is generated by exchanging potassium ions into the glass article, FSM is used to measure DOC. In the case where stress is generated by exchanging sodium ions into the glass article, SCALP is used to measure DOC. When stress in the glass article is generated by exchanging potassium ions and sodium ions into the glass, DOC is measured by SCALP because the exchange depth of sodium is considered to indicate the DOC, while the exchange depth of potassium ions indicates the change in the magnitude of the compressive stress (but not the change in stress from compression to tension); the exchange depth of potassium ions in such glass articles is measured by FSM. Central tension or CT is the maximum tensile stress and is measured by SCALP.

[0152] In one or more embodiments, the glass article used to form the layer of the decorative glass structure can be strengthened to present a DOC described as a portion of the thickness t of the glass article (as described herein). For example, in one or more embodiments, the DOC can be equal to or greater than about 0.05t, equal to or greater than about 0.1t, equal to or greater than about 0.11t, equal to or greater than about 0.12t, equal to or greater than about 0.13t, equal to or greater than about 0.14t, equal to or greater than about 0.15t, equal to or greater than about 0.16t, equal to or greater than about 0.17t, equal to or greater than about 0.18t, equal to or greater than about 0.19t, equal to or greater than about 0.2t, equal to or greater than about 0.21t. In some embodiments, the DOC may range from about 0.08t to about 0.25t, about 0.09t to about 0.25t, about 0.18t to about 0.25t, about 0.11t to about 0.25t, about 0.12t to about 0.25t, about 0.13t to about 0.25t, about 0.14t to about 0.25t, about 0.15t to about 0.25t, about 0.08t to about 0.24t, about 0.08t to about 0.23t, about 0.08t to about 0.22t, about 0.08t to about 0.21t, about 0.08t to about 0.2t, about 0.08t to about 0.19t, about 0.08t to about 0.18t, about 0.08t to about 0.17t, about 0.08t to about 0.16t, or about 0.08t to about 0.15t. In some cases, the DOC may be about 20 μm or less. In one or more embodiments, the DOC may be about 40 μm or greater (e.g., about 40 μm to about 300 μm, about 50 μm to about 300 μm, about 60 μm to about 300 μm, about 70 μm to about 300 μm, about 80 μm to about 300 μm, about 90 μm to about 300 μm, about 100 μm to about 300 μm, about 110 μm to about 300 μm, about 120 μm to about 300 μm, about 140 μm to about 300 μm, about 150 μm to about 300 μm, about 40 μm to about 290 μm, about 40 μm to about 280 μm). 0 μm, about 40 μm to about 260 μm, about 40 μm to about 250 μm, about 40 μm to about 240 μm, about 40 μm to about 230 μm, about 40 μm to about 220 μm, about 40 μm to about 210 μm, about 40 μm to about 200 μm, about 40 μm to about 180 μm, about 40 μm to about 160 μm, about 40 μm to about 150 μm, about 40 μm to about 140 μm, about 40 μm to about 130 μm, about 40 μm to about 120 μm, about 40 μm to about 110 μm, or about 40 μm to about 100 μm.

[0153] In one or more embodiments, the CS of the glass article used to form a layer of the decorative glass structure (which may be found at the surface or at a depth within the glass article) may be about 200 MPa or greater, 300 MPa or greater, 400 MPa or greater, about 500 MPa or greater, about 600 MPa or greater, about 700 MPa or greater, about 800 MPa or greater, about 900 MPa or greater, about 930 MPa or greater, about 1000 MPa or greater, or about 1050 MPa or greater.

[0154] In one or more embodiments, the maximum tensile stress or central tension (CT) of the glass article used to form the layer of the decorative glass structure can be about 20 MPa or more, about 30 MPa or more, about 40 MPa or more, about 45 MPa or more, about 50 MPa or more, about 60 MPa or more, about 70 MPa or more, about 75 MPa or more, about 80 MPa or more, or about 85 MPa or more. In some embodiments, the maximum tensile stress or central tension (CT) can range from about 40 MPa to about 100 MPa.

[0155] Unless explicitly stated otherwise, any method described herein is not to be construed as requiring that its steps be performed in a specific order. Therefore, in the case where a method claim does not actually recite the order of its steps or does not specifically state in the claim or narrative that the steps are limited to a specific order, no specific order is inferred. In addition, the article "a" as used herein is intended to include one or more than one component or element and is not intended to be interpreted as meaning only one.

[0156] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that various modifications and variations may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the disclosed embodiments. Since those skilled in the art may conceive of modified combinations, sub-combinations, and variations of the disclosed embodiments that include the spirit and substance of the embodiments, the disclosed embodiments should be interpreted as including all contents within the scope of the claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A glass product, comprising: a glass substrate comprising a first major surface and a second major surface opposite to the first major surface; and a variable transmittance component disposed on the second major surface of the glass substrate, the variable transmittance component comprising an electrically responsive material configured to switch between a first transmittance state and a second transmittance state in response to a change in a voltage applied to the variable transmittance component, wherein: The variable transmittance component is electrically adjustable between a first configuration in which at least a portion of the electrically responsive material is in the first transmission state such that a region of the glazing including the portion has a first average transmittance of less than or equal to 25%, and a second configuration in which the portion of the electrically responsive material is in the second transmission state and the region includes a second average transmittance of greater than or equal to 40%, The first average transmittance and the second average transmittance are measured within a wavelength range of 400 nm to 700 nm, and In the first configuration and the second configuration, the glass article exhibits a transmission haze of less than or equal to 5%.

2. The glass article of claim 1, wherein in both the first configuration and the second configuration, the glass article exhibits an average reflectance of less than or equal to 5% for light between 400 nm and 700 nm normally incident on the first major surface.

3. The glass product according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein: The variable transmittance component defines a boundary between a first region of the glass article and a second region of the glass article, the first region at least partially surrounding the second region, When the variable transmittance component is adjusted between the first configuration and the second configuration, the portion that changes from the first transmittance state to the second transmittance state is disposed in the second region, When the variable transmittance component is in the first configuration, the difference in average transmittance between the first region and the second region is less than or equal to 10%, and When the variable transmittance component is in the second configuration, the difference in the average transmittance is greater than or equal to 40%.

4. The glass article of any one of claims 1-3, further comprising a light source disposed adjacent to the variable transmittance component, wherein the light source is configured to emit light through the portion that changes from the first transmittance state to the second transmittance state when the variable transmittance component is adjusted between the first configuration and the second configuration.

5. The glass article of claim 4, further comprising a control system communicatively coupled to the variable transmittance component and the light source, wherein the control system is configured to place the variable transmittance component in the first configuration when the light source is not emitting light so that the glass article has a consistent appearance when viewed from the first major surface.

6. The glass article of claim 5, wherein the control system is configured to place the variable transmittance component in the second configuration when the light source is emitting light.

7. The glass article of any one of claims 4-6, wherein when the light source is emitting light and the variable transmittance component is in the second configuration, the glass article exhibits 2% or less sparkle when viewed from the first major surface.

8. The glass article according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein: a peripheral region of the glazing article comprising an average transmittance of less than or equal to 20% for light in the range of 400 nm to 700 nm, regardless of whether the variable transmittance component is in the first configuration or in the second configuration, the peripheral region comprising a first a* value and a first b* value when the variable transmittance component is in the first configuration, and the portion that changes from the first transmission state to the second transmission state when the variable transmittance component is adjusted between the first configuration and the second configuration comprises a second a* value and a second b* value, when the glazing article is illuminated at an illumination angle of 0° using a D65 illuminant, The first a* value differs from the second a* value by less than or equal to 5.0, and The first b* value differs from the second b* value by less than or equal to 5.

0.

9. The glass article according to claim 8, wherein ΔE=√{(a*1−a*2) 2 +(b*1–b*2) 2 }≤3, wherein a*1 is the first a* value, a*2 is the second a* value, b*1 is the first b* value, and b*2 is the second b* value.

10. The glass article of any one of claims 1-9, wherein the variable transmittance component comprises a first electrode, the electrically responsive material, and a second electrode, wherein the electrically responsive material is disposed between the first electrode and the second electrode, and the first electrode is disposed adjacent to the glass substrate.

11. The glass article of claim 10, wherein the electrically responsive material includes an uncovered portion that does not overlap the first electrode and the second electrode, such that the uncovered portion is permanently in the second transmissive state.

12. The glass article of claim 10, wherein the electrically responsive material is segmented into a plurality of independently controllable portions, wherein the first electrode and the second electrode are segmented into a plurality of electrode portions overlapping the plurality of independently controllable portions of the electrically responsive material.

13. The glass article of any one of claims 10-12, wherein the electrically responsive material comprises an electrophoretic layer or an electrochromic layer.

14. The glass article of any one of claims 10-12, wherein the electrically responsive material comprises a liquid crystal layer.

15. The glass article of claim 14, wherein: The liquid crystal layer includes a mixture of nematic liquid crystal, dichroic dye and chiral dopant, The dichroic dye comprises greater than or equal to 1 wt % and less than or equal to 5 wt % of the mixture, and The cell gap of the nematic liquid crystal is greater than or equal to 3 μm and less than or equal to 20 μm.

16. A device comprising: A glass substrate comprising a first major surface and a second major surface opposite to the first major surface; a variable transmittance component disposed on the second major surface of the glass substrate, the variable transmittance component including an electrically responsive material configured to switch between a first transmittance state and a second transmittance state in response to a change in a voltage applied to the variable transmittance component; and a light source disposed on a surface of the variable transmittance component, the light source comprising a light transmission area, wherein: The electrically responsive material covers the light-transmitting region of the light source so that light emitted by the light source propagates through the electrically responsive material before reaching the glass substrate, The variable transmittance component is electrically adjustable between a first configuration in which at least a portion of the electrically responsive material is in the first transmission state such that a region of the glazing including the portion has a first average transmittance of less than or equal to 20%, and a second configuration in which the portion of the electrically responsive material is in the second transmission state and the region includes a second average transmittance of greater than or equal to 60%, The first average transmittance and the second average transmittance are measured within a wavelength range of 400 nm to 700 nm, and In both the first configuration and the second configuration, the glass article exhibits at least one of a transmission haze of less than or equal to 5% or an average reflectance of less than or equal to 5% for light of 400 nm to 700 nm normally incident on the first major surface.

17. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the variable transmittance component defines a boundary between (a) a first region of the glass article overlapping the light-transmitting region in a direction perpendicular to the surface of the variable transmittance component and (b) a second region of the glass article.

18. The apparatus of any one of claims 16-17, further comprising a control system communicatively coupled to the variable transmittance component and the light source, wherein the control system is configured to place the variable transmittance component in the first configuration when the light source is not emitting light so that the glass article has a consistent appearance when viewed from the first major surface.

19. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein the control system is configured to place the variable transmittance component in the second configuration when the light source is emitting light.

20. The apparatus of any one of claims 16 to 19, wherein: a peripheral region of the glazing article comprises an average transmittance of less than or equal to 20% for light in the range of 400 nm to 700 nm, regardless of whether the variable transmittance component is in the first configuration or the second configuration, the peripheral region comprises a first a* value and a first b* value when the variable transmittance component is in the first configuration, the portion of the region that changes from the first transmission state to the second transmission state when the variable transmittance component is adjusted between the first configuration and the second configuration comprises a second a* value and a second b* value, the first a* value differing from the second a* value by less than or equal to 5.0 when the glazing article is illuminated at an illumination angle of 0° using a D65 illuminant, and The first b* value differs from the second b* value by less than or equal to 5.

0.

21. The glass article of claim 20, wherein ΔE = √{(a*1 - a*2) 2 +(b*1–b*2) 2 }≤3, wherein a*1 is the first a* value, a*2 is the second a* value, b*1 is the first b* value, and b*2 is the second b* value.

22. The apparatus of any of claims 16-21, wherein when the light source is emitting light and the variable transmittance component is in the second configuration, the glass article exhibits 2% or less sparkle when viewed from the first major surface.

23. The apparatus of any one of claims 16-22, wherein the variable transmittance component comprises a first electrode, the electrically responsive material, and a second electrode, wherein the electrically responsive material is disposed between the first electrode and the second electrode, and the first electrode is disposed adjacent to the glass substrate.

24. The apparatus of claim 23, wherein the electrically responsive material comprises an uncovered portion that does not overlap the first electrode and the second electrode, such that the uncovered portion is permanently in the second transmissive state.

25. The apparatus of claim 24, wherein the electrically responsive material is segmented into a plurality of independently controllable portions, wherein the first electrode and the second electrode are segmented into a plurality of electrode portions overlapping the plurality of independently controllable portions of the electrically responsive material.

26. The device of any one of claims 23-25, wherein the electrically responsive material comprises an electrophoretic layer or an electrochromic layer.

27. The apparatus of any one of claims 23 to 25, wherein: The electrically responsive material comprises a liquid crystal layer, The liquid crystal layer includes a mixture of nematic liquid crystal, dichroic dye and chiral dopant, The dichroic dye comprises greater than or equal to 1 wt % and less than or equal to 5 wt % of the mixture, and The cell gap of the nematic liquid crystal is greater than or equal to 3 μm and less than or equal to 20 μm.

28. A method comprising: operating a variable transmittance component of a glass article in a first configuration such that the glass article exhibits a substantially uniform transmittance across the glass article, wherein the glass article comprises a glass substrate and the variable transmittance component disposed on a major surface of the glass substrate, wherein the variable transmittance component comprises an electrically responsive material configured to switch between a first transmittance state and a second transmittance state in response to a change in a voltage across the variable transmittance component, wherein when the variable transmittance component is operated in the first configuration, the electrically responsive material is in the first transmittance state such that the glass article exhibits an average transmittance of less than or equal to 25% across the visible spectrum and the glass article has a uniform appearance; emitting the light from the light source to cause the light to propagate through the variable transmittance member and the glass substrate; as well as The variable transmittance component is operated in a second configuration when the light source emits light, wherein at least a portion of the electrically responsive material is in the second transmission state, such that an average transmittance of a region of the glass article including the portion is greater than or equal to 40%, and the region of the glass article exhibits at least one of a transmission haze of less than or equal to 5% or an average reflectance of less than or equal to 5% for light between 400 nm and 700 nm normally incident on the first major surface.

29. The method of claim 28, wherein the variable transmittance component automatically changes from the first configuration to the second configuration in response to the light source emitting the light.

30. The method of any one of claims 28-29, further comprising: The transmissive state of the electrically responsive material is locally varied in portions of the region such that the portions exhibit average transmissivities that differ from one another.

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