Method and apparatus of light control using microlens arrays
US11204450B2 · kind B2 · utility
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 8, 2019 |
| Grant date | Dec 21, 2021 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 15, 2040 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG02B2003/0093
- WIPO fieldCivil engineering
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
The disclosure presents methods and apparatus of light transmission control, comprising two layers of film separated by air, wherein each film is inlaid with a convex micro-lenses array. The first film will focus incoming light through the microlens, whereas the second film contains a grid of opaque areas that will be structured to block or un-block the focal planes of light depending on the thickness of the air layer. When the light is unblocked, the micro lens array in the second film will disperse the light to the other side of the film so it appears transparent or translucent. An attached hand pump can control the thickness of the air layer. The method and apparatus to control light levels is effective, reliable, affordable, intuitive and easy to use. The films can be attached to existing surfaces provide full transparency, a dimming effect, or complete blackout.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.