Unitary linear polarizer

Abstract

Apparatus and associated methods relate to a unitary linear polarizer (ULP). The unitary linear polarizer may, for example, have two adjacent polarizer layers, with intersecting polarizing angles, fixedly adhered to a window. In an illustrative example, the unitary linear polarizer may be placed as a window for a sensor module. The ULP may, for example, include at least two layers. The first layer may include a first window. The second layer may include a first polarizer with a transmitting axis orientation and a second polarizer with a receiving axis orientation. The receiving and transmitting axis may be intersecting. The intersecting angle may be 90 degrees with a predetermined margin of acceptable error. A third layer may include a second window. The layers may, for example, be fixedly adhered together. The fixedly adhered ULP may, for example, advantageously permit handling of the ULP without disrupting the polarizer layers.

Description

UNITARY LINEAR POLARIZERCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 63 / 580,910, titled “Unitary Linear Polarizer,” filed by Ethan Stout, et al., on September 6, 2023.

[0002] This application incorporates the entire contents of the foregoing application herein by reference.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] Various embodiments relate generally to linear polarizer systems.BACKGROUND

[0004] A polarizer is an optical filter that lets light waves of a specific polarization pass through while blocking light waves of other polarizations. A polarizer can filter a beam of light of undefined polarization into a beam of well-defined polarization. A polarizer may, for example, be used to reduce reflections, reduce atmospheric haze, or increase color saturation in images.

[0005] Linear polarizers are used in applications to reduce glare due to reflected light. Camera filters, sunglasses, and machine systems may, for example, include a linear polarizer. A linear polarizer transmits light uniformly vibrating in a single plane while absorbing the orthogonal plane.

[0006] Linear polarized light may, for example, be produced by double refraction or birefringence. Double refraction may, for example, occur by using a natural crystal to divide a single beam of unpolarized light into two separate polarized beams. Linear polarized light may, for example, be produced by reflection. Reflection may, for example, include using a single beam of unpolarized light to strike a flat, smooth, non-metallic surface at an angle. The reflected beam will partially or completely linearly polarize. Linear polarized light may, for example, be produced by dichroism. Dichroic polarizers include films that include dichroism properties. The dichroic polarizers may, for example, absorb light that is polarized in a particular direction. The dichroic linear polarizer includes an absorption and a transmission axis. The transmission axis is referred to as the polarizing axis. Stretched Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA) is commonly used in dichroic polarizers.SUMMARY

[0007] Apparatus and associated methods relate to a unitary linear polarizer (ULP). The unitary linear polarizer may, for example, have two adjacent polarizer layers, with intersecting polarizing angles, fixedly adhered to a window. In an illustrative example, the unitary linear polarizer may be placed as a window for a sensor module. The ULP may, for example, include at least two layers.The first layer may include a first window. The second layer may include a first polarizer with a transmitting axis orientation and a second polarizer with a receiving axis orientation. The receiving and transmitting axis may be intersecting. The intersecting angle may be 90 degrees with a predetermined margin of acceptable error. A third layer may include a second window. The layers may, for example, be fixedly adhered together. The fixedly adhered ULP may, for example, advantageously permit handle of the ULP without disrupting the polarizer layers.

[0008] The ULP layers may, for example, be adhered together such that the ULP may be handled as a single unit and / or be produced in bulk. A ULP may, for example, be manufactured by including the layers in a large unitary sheet, and then manufacturing individual ULP units out of the sheet (e.g., by a second manufacturer having purchased the ULP sheet). For example, a first manufacturer of the sheet may advantageously perforate the sheet for specific unitary linear polarizer shapes to suit predetermined sensors.

[0009] In some implementations, a sensor module may, for example, include an emitter. The emitter module may, for example, include a LED. The emitter may, for example, include a laser. The receiver module may, for example, include a photodetector. The photodetector may, for example, include a predetermined voltage error factor. The predetermined voltage error range may, for example, include 100 mV. The sensor module may, for example, include an emitter lens. The sensor module may, for example, include a receiver lens 160. Light may, for example, be emitted from the emitter through the emitter lens. The light from the emitter lens may, for example, pass through a ULP.

[0010] in some implementations, light may, for example, pass through the emitter lens through the ULP including a first polarizer with a transmitting axis orientation polarizing the light emitted from the sensor. The light may, for example, be reflected back when striking a retroreflector. The retroreflector may, for example, be included on packaging. The light may, for example, be reflected and passes through the ULP through the polarizer #2 lens such that the light is polarized in the receiving axis orientation. The light received may, for example, then pass through the receiver lens 160. The light received then may, for example, be processed by a receiver 165 (e.g., a photodetector). The photodetector may, for example, transfer the data received into a controller. The controller may, for example, include a computer processing unit. The controller may, for example, include a processor. The controller may, for example, use the input data to create an output. The output may, for example, include a safety protocol. The output may, for example, include a registeration of a delivery of a package. The data received may, for example, be transmitted to the cloud. The data received may, for example, be compared with data stored in the cloud. The data received may, for example, be compared with stored predetermined data criteria.

[0011] The details of various embodiments are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features and advantages will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] FIG. 1 depicts an exemplary illustrative use-case scenario including a unitary linear polarizer (ULP).

[0013] FIG. 2 A depicts a perforated ULP in a prepackaged unit.

[0014] FIG. 2B depicts an exemplary polarizer layer composition of a ULP in a prepackaged unit.

[0015] FIG. 3 depicts exemplary shapes of an exemplary ULP with perforated edges.

[0016] FIG. 4 depicts an exemplary method of manufacture of a ULP.

[0017] FIG. 5 depicts an exemplary system including the linear polarizer sensor.

[0018] Like reference symbols in the various drawings indicate like elements.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS

[0019] To aid understanding, this document is organized as follows. First, to help introduce discussion of various embodiments, an exemplary unitary linear polarizer system is introduced with reference to FIGS. 1. Second, that introduction leads into a description with reference to FIGS. 2A-2B of some exemplary embodiments of manufacturing and packaging ULPs. Third, with reference to FIGS. 3, a description of some shapes the ULP may, for example, include are depicted. Fourth, with reference to FIG. 4, the discussion turns to exemplary embodiments that illustrate an exemplary manufacturing process for a ULP.

[0020] FIG. 1 depicts an exemplary illustrative use-case scenario 100 including a unitary linear polarizer (ULP). The use-case scenario includes a package 105. The package includes a retroreflector 155. The illustrative use-case scenario includes a sensor 115. The sensor 115 emits light 110. The light 110 is reflected from the retroreflector 155. The light 110 received back is processed by the sensor 115 to detect the object.

[0021] The sensor 115 includes an emitter 120. The emitter may, for example, include an LED light. The emitter may, for example, include a laser. The emitter may, for example, emit the light 110. The light is processed through an emitter lens 125. The light from the emitter lens is directed to a unitary linear polarizer (ULP) embodiment (ULP embodiment 130). The ULP embodiment 130 includes a first layer 130a. The first layer 130a may, for example, include a window. The window may, for example, include glass. The window may, for example, include a lens. The window may, for example, include a rigid substrate. The window may, for example, be permissive to at least one target electromagnetic wave. The window may, for example, allow infrared light. The window may, for example, allow ultraviolet light. Some embodiments of the ULP may, forexample, be used for acoustic waves. Some embodiments of the ULP may, for example, be used for ultrasound. The window may, for example, include an inverse lens. The window may, for example, be curved. The window may, for example, have a predetermined nonplanar shape (curved, three dimensional). The ULP embodiment 130 includes a third layer 130c. The third layer may, for example, include a window.,

[0022] The ULP embodiment includes a second layer 130b. The second layer 130b is sandwiched between the first and third layer of the ULP. The second layer includes two adjacent polarizer layers, with intersecting polarizing angles, fixedly adhered to the first and third window. The first layer 130a is fixedly attached to the second layer 130b by an adhesive 135. For example, the second layer 130a may include an inner surface and an outer surface. For example, the inner surface of the first layer 130a may be fixedly attached to the second layer 130b by an adhesive 135.

[0023] The second layer 130b is fixedly attached to (e.g., an inner surface of) the third layer 130c by an adhesive 135 in this example. The adhesive may, for example, allow the unitary linear polarizer to be enclosed on the top and bottom of the first and third layer respectively by a window to protect the second layer that includes the polarizer film.

[0024] The intersecting angle may, for example, be perpendicular to each other. The second layer 130b includes a first polarizer 140. The second layer 130b includes a second polarizer 150. The first polarizer 140 is separated by a gap 145 to the second polarizer 150. The sensor may, for example, be sealed by the ULP. The ULP may, for example, be welded to a housing of the sensor. The sensor may, for example, be fixedly attached to the ULP.

[0025] FIGS. 2A-2B depict exemplary perforated ULP units in a prepackaged unit in an illustrative use case scenario 200. The illustrative use case scenario depicts a ULP sheet 205. The sheet 205 includes a first layer 205a. The sheet includes a second polarizer layer 205b. The sheet includes a third layer 205c. The first layer may, for example, include a window. The third layer may, for example, include a window. In some embodiments a polarizer second layer and a first layer including a window may, for example, be used. In some embodiments coatings may, for example, be used to add a protective film to the polarizer layer. The ULP sheet 205 includes perforations 210. The perforations are predetermined shapes for sensors. The perforations may, for example, be used to transport a great quantity of sheets in bulk during transport. FIG. 3 depicts exemplary shapes of an exemplary ULPs 300 with perforated edges 305A, 305B, 305C, 305D.

[0026] FIG. 4 depicts an exemplary method 400 of manufacture of a ULP. In step 405, a user determines the parameters of the ULP. The parameters may, for example, include the shape, quantity, dimensions, material, number of layers, polarizer orientation. In step 410, the two polarizer sheets are oriented such that the intersecting polarizer angles segments are adjacent together. A user may, for example, use machinery or a computer processor in a manufacturingprocessor to orient the polarizer sheets. The polarizer sheet may, for example, be layered including a first layer with a single orientation with gaps and a corresponding second polarizer layer that fills the gaps and has gaps that correspond to the first layer’s polarizer orientation. In step 415, a user applies adhesive to the windows to fixedly adhere the polarizer sheets to the windows with a predetermined orientation. In step 420, a user cuts the perforations into the sheet allowing for easy removal. The perforations may, for example, align at the cross point between the orientation shift of the polarizers. The user may, for example, use machinery and / or use a computer processor to direct machinery to perform such actions. The entire manufacturing process may, for example, be automated by machinery.

[0027] FIG. 5 depicts an exemplary system including the linear polarizer sensor 500. The linear polarizer sensor 500 includes a polarizer window 505. The polarizer window may, for example, include a ULP. The polarizer window 505 is coupled to a housing 510. The housing 510 includes a photoelectric module (PE module 515). The housing includes a Picocoulomb module (PCB module 520). The PE module 515 is coupled to the PCB module 520. The housing 510 is coupled to a connector 525. The connector 525 may, for example, include M8 D connector. Connectors may, for example, be designed for sensors and actuators for small places.

[0028] Although various embodiments have been described with reference to the figures, other embodiments are possible.

[0029] Although an exemplary system has been described with reference to FIGS., other implementations may be deployed in other industrial, scientific, medical, commercial, and / or residential applications. The ULP system may, for example, include use of a controller. The ULP system may, for example, include use of a database, such as a database stored in the cloud. The ULP may, for example, be sold in a prepackaged kit. The ULP may, for example, be used in sensors for industrial manufacturing.

[0030] In various embodiments, some bypass circuits implementations may be controlled in response to signals from analog or digital components, which may be discrete, integrated, or a combination of each. Some embodiments may include programmed, programmable devices, or some combination thereof (e.g., PLAs, PLDs, ASICs, microcontroller, microprocessor), and may include one or more data stores (e.g., cell, register, block, page) that provide single or multi-level digital data storage capability, and which may be volatile, non-volatile, or some combination thereof. Some control functions may be implemented in hardware, software, firmware, or a combination of any of them.

[0031] Computer program products may contain a set of instructions that, when executed by a processor device, cause the processor to perform prescribed functions. These functions may be performed in conjunction with controlled devices in operable communication with the processor.Computer program products, which may include software, may be stored in a data store tangibly embedded on a storage medium, such as an electronic, magnetic, or rotating storage device, and may be fixed or removable (e.g., hard disk, floppy disk, thumb drive, CD, DVD).

[0032] Although an example of a system, which may be portable, has been described with reference to the above figures, other implementations may be deployed in other processing applications, such as desktop and networked environments.

[0033] Temporary auxiliary energy inputs may be received, for example, from chargeable or single use batteries, which may enable use in portable or remote applications. Some embodiments may operate with other DC voltage sources, such as a 9V (nominal) batteries, for example. Alternating current (AC) inputs, which may be provided, for example from a 50 / 60 Hz power port, or from a portable electric generator, may be received via a rectifier and appropriate scaling. Provision for AC (e.g., sine wave, square wave, triangular wave) inputs may include a line frequency transformer to provide voltage step-up, voltage step-down, and / or isolation.

[0034] Some systems may be implemented as a computer system that can be used with various implementations. For example, various implementations may include digital circuitry, analog circuitry, computer hardware, firmware, software, or combinations thereof. Apparatus can be implemented in a computer program product tangibly embodied in an information carrier, e.g., in a machine-readable storage device, for execution by a programmable processor; and methods can be performed by a programmable processor executing a program of instructions to perform functions of various embodiments by operating on input data and generating an output. Various embodiments can be implemented advantageously in one or more computer programs that are executable on a programmable system including at least one programmable processor coupled to receive data and instructions from, and to transmit data and instructions to, a data storage system, at least one input device, and / or at least one output device. A computer program is a set of instructions that can be used, directly or indirectly, in a computer to perform a certain activity or bring about a certain result. A computer program can be written in any form of programming language, including compiled or interpreted languages, and it can be deployed in any form, including as a stand-alone program or as a module, component, subroutine, or other unit suitable for use in a computing environment.

[0035] In some implementations, one or more user-interface features may be custom configured to perform specific functions. Various embodiments may be implemented in a computer system that includes a graphical user interface and / or an Internet browser. To provide for interaction with a user, some implementations may be implemented on a computer having a display device. The display device may, for example, include an LED (light-emitting diode) display. In some implementations, a display device may, for example, include a CRT (cathode ray tube). In someimplementations, a display device may include, for example, an LCD (liquid crystal display). A display device (e.g., monitor) may, for example, be used for displaying information to the user. Some implementations may, for example, include a keyboard and / or pointing device (e.g., mouse, trackpad, trackball joystick), such as by which the user can provide input to the computer.

[0036] In various embodiments, the computer system may include Internet of Things (loT) devices. loT devices may include objects embedded with electronics, software, sensors, actuators, and network connectivity which enable these objects to collect and exchange data. loT devices may be in-use with wired or wireless devices by sending data through an interface to another device. loT devices may collect useful data and then autonomously flow the data between other devices.

[0037] Various examples of modules may be implemented using circuitry, including various electronic hardware. By way of example and not limitation, the hardware may include transistors, resistors, capacitors, switches, integrated circuits, other modules, or some combination thereof. In various examples, the modules may include analog logic, digital logic, discrete components, traces and / or memory circuits fabricated on a silicon substrate including various integrated circuits (e.g., FPGAs, ASICs), or some combination thereof. In some embodiments, the module(s) may involve execution of preprogrammed instructions, software executed by a processor, or some combination thereof. For example, various modules may involve both hardware and software.In an illustrative aspect, a unitary linear polarizer includes a first window, a first polarizer having a first polarization orientation and a first surface fixedly adhered to an inner surface of the first window, and a second polarizer having a second polarization orientation. For example, a first surface of the second polarizer may be fixedly adhered to the inner surface of the first window adjacent to the first polarizer along the inner surface. For example, the unitary linear polarizer may include a second window second surfaces of the first polarizer and the second polarizer. For example, the second surfaces may be on an opposite side of the first surfaces, respectively, of the first polarizer and the second polarizer For example, the first polarization orientation and the second polarization orientation may intersect.

[0038] For example, the first polarization orientation and the second polarization orientation may intersect perpendicularly. For example, the first window and second window may include rigid substrates. For example, the first window, polarizer layer, and second window may be permissive to at least one electromagnetic wave. For example, the at least one electromagnetic wave may include light. For example, the unitary linear polarizer may include perforations in a layered sheet including the first window, the first polarizer, the second polarizer, and the second window, the perforations defining a plurality of unitary linear polarizer units. For example, the first polarizer and the second polarizer may include polarizing films.

[0039] In an illustrative aspect, a unitary linear polarizer may, for example, include a window, a first polarizer having a first polarization orientation adhered to the inner surface, and a second polarizer adhered to the inner surface adjacent to the first polarizer along the inner surface including a second polarization orientation intersecting the first polarization orientation.

[0040] For example, the window may be fixedly adhered to a first surface of the first polarizer and of the second polarizer, and further include a second window fixedly adhered to a second surface of the first polarizer and of the second polarizer, the second surface being on an opposing side of the first polarizer of the second polarizer from the first surface.

[0041] For example, the first polarization orientation and the second polarization orientation may intersect perpendicularly. For example, the first window, the first polarizer, the second polarizer, and second window may be permissive to at least one electromagnetic wave. For example, the at least one electromagnetic wave includes light. For example, the unitary linear polarizer includes perforations in a layered sheet including the first window, the first polarizer, the second polarizer, and the second window, the perforations defining a plurality of unitary linear polarizer units. For example, the first polarizer and the second polarizer are polarizing films.

[0042] In an illustrative aspect, a unitary linear polarizer sensor system may include a polarizer window having a window, a first polarizer with a first polarization orientation adhered to the window, a second polarizer adhered to the inner surface adjacent to the first polarizer along the inner surface. For example, the second polarizer may include a second polarization orientation intersecting the first polarization orientation. For example, the unitary linear polarizer sensor system may include an emitter aligned to emit light through the first polarizer of the polarizer window, and a receiver aligned to receive, through the second polarizer of the polarizer window, the light reflected by a target object.

[0043] For example, the first polarization orientation and the second polarization orientation intersect perpendicularly. For example, the first window, the first polarizer, the second polarizer, and the second window may be permissive to at least one electromagnetic wave. For example, the at least one electromagnetic wave includes light. For example, the first polarizer and the second polarizer may include polarizing films. For example, the system may have a lens disposed between the polarizer window and at least one of the emitter and the receiver.

[0044] A number of implementations have been described. Nevertheless, it will be understood that various modifications may be made. For example, advantageous results may be achieved if the steps of the disclosed techniques were performed in a different sequence, or if components of the disclosed systems were combined in a different manner, or if the components were supplemented with other components. Accordingly, other implementations are contemplated within the scope of the following claims.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. A unitary linear polarizer comprising: a first window (130a); a first polarizer (140) comprises a first polarization orientation and a first surface fixedly adhered to an inner surface of the first window; a second polarizer (150) comprises a second polarization orientation, wherein a first surface of the second polarizer is fixedly adhered to the inner surface of the first window adjacent to the first polarizer along the inner surface; and, a second window (130c) fixedly adhered to second surfaces of the first polarizer and the second polarizer, wherein: the second surfaces are on an opposite side of the first surfaces, respectively, of the first polarizer and the second polarizer, and, the first polarization orientation and the second polarization orientation intersect.

2. The unitary linear polarizer of claim 1 , wherein the first polarization orientation and the second polarization orientation intersect perpendicularly.

3. The unitary linear polarizer of claim 1, wherein the first window and the second window each comprises rigid substrates.

4. The unitary linear polarizer of claim 1, wherein the first window, a polarizer layer comprising the first polarizer and the second polarizer, and the second window are configured to be permissive to at least one electromagnetic wave.

5. The unitary linear polarizer of claim 4, wherein the at least one electromagnetic wave comprises light.

6. The unitary linear polarizer of claim 1, further comprises perforations in a layered sheet comprising the first window, the first polarizer, the second polarizer, and the second window, wherein the perforations defines a plurality of unitary linear polarizer units.

7. The unitary linear polarizer of claim 1, wherein the first polarizer and the second polarizer comprise polarizing films.

8. A unitary linear polarizer comprising: a window (130a) comprises an inner surface; a first polarizer (140) comprises a first polarization orientation adhered to the inner surface; and, a second polarizer (150) adhered to the inner surface adjacent to the first polarizer along the inner surface comprising a second polarization orientation intersecting the first polarization orientation.

9. The unitary linear polarizer of claim 8, wherein the inner surface of the window is fixedly adhered to first surfaces of each of the first polarizer and of the second polarizer, wherein a second surfaces of each of the first polarizer and of the second polarizer is fixedly adhered to a second window, and the second surfaces are on an opposing side of the first surfaces, respectively, of the first polarizer and the second polarizer.

10. The unitary linear polarizer of claim 8, wherein the first polarization orientation and the second polarization orientation intersect perpendicularly.

11. The unitary linear polarizer of claim 8, wherein the window, the first polarizer, and the second polarizer are permissive to at least one electromagnetic wave.

12. The unitary linear polarizer of claim 11, wherein the at least one electromagnetic wave comprises light.

13. The unitary linear polarizer of claim 9, wherein the unitary linear polarizer comprises perforations in a layered sheet comprising the window, the first polarizer, and the second polarizer, wherein the perforations defines a plurality of unitary linear polarizer units.

14. The unitary linear polarizer of claim 8, wherein the first polarizer and the second polarizer are polarizing films.

15. A unitary linear polarizer sensor system comprising: a polarizer window (130) comprises: a window (130a), a first polarizer (140) comprising a first polarization orientation adhered to an inner surface of the window; and, a second polarizer (150) adhered to the inner surface adjacent to the first polarizer along the inner surface, wherein the second polarizer comprises a second polarization orientation intersecting the first polarization orientation; an emitter (120) aligned to emit light through the first polarizer of the polarizer window; and, a receiver (165) aligned to receive, through the second polarizer of the polarizer window, the light reflected by a target object.

16. The unitary linear polarizer sensor system of claim 15, wherein the first polarization orientation and the second polarization orientation intersect perpendicularly.

17. The unitary linear polarizer sensor system of claim 15, wherein the window, the first polarizer, and the second polarizer are permissive to at least one electromagnetic wave.

18. The unitary linear polarizer sensor system of claim 17, wherein the at least one electromagnetic wave comprises light.

19. The unitary linear polarizer sensor system of claim 15, wherein the first polarizer and the second polarizer comprise polarizing films.

20. The unitary linear polarizer sensor system of claim 15, further comprises a lens disposed between the polarizer window and at least one of the emitter and the receiver.

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