Switchable diffuser projection systems and methods
US10578781B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 28, 2019 |
| Grant date | Mar 3, 2020 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 28, 2039 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG02F1/1334
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A system including a light projecting system configured to project collimated beams of light; and a switchable diffuser. The switchable diffuser is coupled to a control source. The switchable diffuser changes from a first state to a second state responsive to the source being changed from a first condition to a second condition (e.g., changing a voltage condition from 0V to 1-50V). In the first state, the switchable diffuser receives collimated beams of light, diffuses them and projects a flood light. In the second state, the switchable diffuser is substantially transparent to the plurality of collimated beams of light, and permits the collimated beams of light to propagate through and out as an array. Systems may also include a detector configured to capture flood light and dot array reflections, and/or a ToF detector configured to measure time differences between different portions of returning light reflected off of a surface.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.