Method and arrangement for influencing light propagation directions

US12147123B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• siOPTICA GmbH · DE

Inventors

• André Heber · Weimar, DE
• Andreas Bregulla · Duderstadt, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Mar 16, 2021
• Grant date: Nov 19, 2024
• Expiry date: Nov 12, 2041

Classification

• Technology area (CPC G): Physics
• CPC primary: G02F1/1323
• WIPO field: Optics
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

A method for influencing light propagation directions of a plurality of illuminated surfaces, comprising: arranging switchable absorbers on the light-exit side of the surfaces, such that light only exits through portions of the surfaces which are in front of the surfaces; switching on the absorbers for a first operating state so that a portion of the light emanating from the surfaces is absorbed, while the rest of the light exits at the surface portions of the light-exit side of the surface substrates at which no switchable absorbers are applied, resulting in light only being visible from a limited viewing angle which is defined by the shape of the switchable absorber, the shape of the surface, refractive index conditions in, and thickness of, the substrates of the surfaces; and switching off the absorbers for a second operating state so that light from the surfaces is visible from an unrestricted viewing angle.