Fig. 1.13. Cross-section of an external rear-view mirror

The electrochromic mirror element consists of two layers of glass with electrochromic filler between them. The electrochromic element changes color owing to electrochemical oxidation. These features are used that by means of electronics to change coefficient of reflection of a mirror (fig. 1.13).

Fig. 1.14. Scheme of change of coefficient of reflection internal and external rear-view mirrors

The system of electrochromic mirrors provides two control modes, AUTO and DAY which can be chosen as the switch of the choice of the mode. In the AUTO mode the system changes (fig. 1.14) coefficient of reflection internal and external rear-view mirrors according to distinction in intensity surrounding and getting on mirrors behind light.

When the switch of the choice of the mode is installed in the DAY mode, coefficient of reflection internal and external rear-view mirrors is installed so that the maximum reflection irrespective of intensity surrounding or getting on mirrors behind light was provided. At the choice of the AUTO mode the system is activated only in that case when the switch of ignition is in position of ON.

In the afternoon internal and external rear-view mirrors remain in the DAY mode. The automatic anti-glare scheme finds the surrounding light by means of the sensor number 1 and getting on mirrors behind light – by means of the sensor number 2 and determines time of day (day or night) by intensity of surrounding light. At the same time intensity of light getting on mirrors behind is determined by a difference of intensity surrounding and getting on a mirror behind light. When the automatic anti-glare scheme determines the increased brightness of light getting behind, the chain of management of an electrochromic element gives tension to internal and to external rear-view mirrors to change their coefficient of reflection.

According to intensity getting on a mirror behind light coefficient of reflection of an internal and external rear-view mirror changes бесступенчато.