Switchable imaging device, switchable optical device, and display
US9596458B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 6, 2012 |
| Grant date | Mar 14, 2017 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 24, 2033 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG02B3/0087
- WIPO fieldAudio-visual technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A switchable imaging device (1) has a first mode of operation in which the device performs an imaging function and a second mode of operation different from the first mode, for example a non-imaging mode. In the first mode of operation the device comprises at least one first region that performs a lensing action and at least one second region that at least partially absorbs light passing through the or each second region. The switchable imaging device (1) may be disposed in path of light through an image display panel (4). This provides a display that may be operable in either a directional display mode such as an autostereoscopic 3D display mode or a 2-D display mode, by controlling the switchable imaging device to be in its first mode or its second mode.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.