Reflective and refractive surfaces configured to project desired caustic pattern
US9188783B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 9, 2011 |
| Grant date | Nov 17, 2015 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 20, 2034 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG06F30/00
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Techniques are described for designing and manufacturing a surface that produces a desired image when illuminated by a light source. As described, the desired image may be decomposed into a collection of Gaussian kernels (referred to as Gaussians). A shape of a micropatch lens corresponding to each Gaussian may be determined, and the resulting micropatch lenses may be assembled to form a highly continuous surface that will cast an approximation of the desired image formed form the sum of a plurality of Gaussian caustics. The disclosed techniques may be used to create a design for a light-redirecting surface amenable to milling (or other manufacturing process).
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.