Selective transmission using isolated polarizers.

Abstract

A polarizer is an optical filter that allows light waves with a specific polarization to pass through while blocking light waves with another polarization. It can filter a light beam with indeterminate or mixed polarization into a beam with a definite polarization, i.e., polarized light. The technology disclosed herein generally uses multiple, isolated layers, each made of polarizing film or another polarizing structure, to selectively block light from entering a user's eye or electromagnetic radiation (EMR) from entering a sensor, which serves to selectively transmit information to the user or sensor. In some embodiments, one or more of the multiple layers, each made of polarizing film, are movable or rotatable to actively adjust the electromagnetic radiation blocking ratio.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] [CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS] This application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 409,248, filed September 23, 2022, and entitled "Selective Transmission Using Multiple Separated Polarized Screens," which is specifically incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. [Background technology]

[0002] A polarizer (a polarizer that acts on electromagnetic waves, including light) is an optical filter that passes some light waves with a particular polarization while blocking other light waves with other polarizations. It can filter a light beam with undefined polarization or mixed polarization into a beam with well-defined polarization, which is called polarized light. Common types of polarizers include linear polarizers and circular polarizers. Polarizers are used in many optical techniques and instruments, and polarized filters find multiple applications in, for example, imaging and liquid crystal display (LCD) technology. Polarizers can also be used to filter out electromagnetic waves, such as radio waves, microwaves, and X-rays, except for visible light. Summary of the Invention

[0003] Embodiments described herein and in the claims address some of the foregoing problems by providing an electromagnetic communication (e.g., electromagnetic wave transmission) system that includes an electromagnetic source present in a first environment; a first polarized medium (e.g., polarizer, polarized medium) having a first polarization direction and separating the first environment from a second environment; and a second polarized medium (e.g., polarized medium) having a second polarization direction and separating the second environment from a third environment, the second polarization direction being different from the first polarization direction, wherein one or more electromagnetic waves emanating from the first environment pass directly through the second environment to the third environment. environment) is effectively blocked.

[0004] Several other embodiments are also described and recited (claimed, etc.) within this document. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0005] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 shows an exemplary set of environments separated by adjustable optical filters positioned between a light source and a user.

[0006] [Figure 2]FIG. 2 shows an example use case in which a light source transmits two pieces of information, only one of which reaches each user depending on which optical filters A and B are used by each user.

[0007] [Figure 3] FIG. 3 shows an example use case in which a camera receives light indirectly, rather than directly, from a light source that illuminates a target.

[0008] [Figure 4] Figure 4 shows an example use case where two disparately located cameras receive light indirectly, rather than directly, from a light source that illuminates a target.

[0009] [Figure 5] FIG. 5 shows an example use case in which an eye of a user receives light indirectly, rather than directly, from a light source illuminating a target.

[0010] [Figure 6] FIG. 6 shows an example use case where two users are hidden from each other, but a third user can be seen by either of the first two users.

[0011] [Figure 7]FIG. 7 illustrates an example use case in which headlights of a first automobile are substantially hidden from view of a driver in an oncoming second automobile, thereby reducing glare and associated distraction and reduced vision of surrounding objects.

[0012] [Figure 8] FIG. 8 illustrates some exemplary operations for communicating information through at least two polarized filters.

[0013] [Figure 9] FIG. 9 shows a point light source illuminating an object of interest (eg, a target object) and how the object of interest would appear if viewed through camera A and camera B.

[0014] [Figure 10] FIG. 10 shows multiple radially arranged polarizers with corresponding multiple electromagnetic sources having focal positions on multiple sensors on the object of interest or within the region of interest.

[0015] [Figure 11]FIG. 11 shows a system consisting of a set of three polarizers that work together to separate constituent frequencies of a beam of light coming from a source, polarize that light so that it is distinguishable from other light coming from other sources, and filter the constituent frequencies so that only those frequencies of interest that are specific to the source are passed.

[0016] [Figure 12] FIG. 12 shows a driver's perspective through a windshield equipped with a polarized shade / band. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0017] The technology disclosed herein generally relates to the use of two or more separated layers, such as a polarized film applied to glass or a lens, or other polarizing structure, that act to selectively block light incident on a user's eye or electromagnetic radiation (EMR) incident on a sensor, and selectively transmit information to the user or sensor. In some embodiments, the polarized optical filter (each of the two or more layers) may take the form of a natural crystal (e.g., calcite and quartz) or a man-made equivalent that divides a single unpolarized beam into two separate polarized beams. By splitting the two polarized beams, it is possible to make a very efficient linear polarizer using the natural or man-made crystal. In some embodiments, one or more of the two or more layers of polarizing film described above are movable or rotatable to actively adjust the electromagnetic radiation (EMR) blocking.Additionally, two or more layers of the aforementioned polarizing film may be actively adjustable by selectively turning the polarization of one or both layers on and off.

[0018] As illustrated herein, solid lines generally indicate opaque structures that substantially block all light from passing through them, while dashed lines indicate at least partially transparent structures that have polarizing filters applied thereto. Differing broken lines indicate, within a singular illustration, polarizing filters with different polarization directions. Arrows generally indicate the transmission of light or other electromagnetic waves.

[0019] 1 illustrates an exemplary set of environments (environment A, environment B, and environment C) separated by adjustable optical filters 102, 104 positioned between a light source 106 and a user's eye(s) 108 (one or both eyes). While illustrated as a sun, light source 106 may be any point or distributed source of light (e.g., ambient lighting, light bulb, laser, etc.) that generates light within environment A or that passes through environment A on its way to environment B. In one exemplary embodiment, environment A is an exterior environment (e.g., an outdoor environment) that contains various sources, some or all of which originate with solar radiation. Furthermore, in FIG. 1, environment C is assumed to be configured such that any light originating from environment A must pass through environment B to reach environment C.

[0020] Environment B represents an environment shielded from environment A using variable optical filter 102, which is a polarized optical filter, e.g., in the form of a film applied to glass or a lens. Optical filter 102 allows some light from environment A, specifically, some light waves with a particular polarization corresponding to optical filter 102, to pass through environment A, as indicated by arrow 110. Other light is blocked from passing through optical filter 102. In one exemplary embodiment, environment B is an interior environment in which light incident from environment A and passing through a window with optical filter 102 is filtered.

[0021] Environment C represents an environment further shielded from environment A with variable optical filter 104, which is another polarized optical filter, for example in the form of a film applied to glass or a lens. Optical filter 104 allows additional light from environment B to pass through environment B, specifically, some light waves with a particular polarization corresponding to optical filter 104, as indicated by arrow 112. Arrow 112 is smaller than arrow 110, indicating that generally less light reaches environment C than reaches environment B. In one exemplary embodiment, environment C is an interior environment (e.g., an interior environment) located around a user's eye(s) 108, in which incident light from environment A is further filtered (e.g., blocked) by an optical filter 104, which may be a pair of glasses worn by the user over the user's eye(s) 108.

[0022] In summary, the technology disclosed herein uses multiple optical filter partitions, each of which separates two environments (e.g., environments A and C). In some embodiments, one or both of the optical filters 102, 104 are rotatable to selectively vary the amount of light transmission through both of the optical filters 102, 104. For example, when the polarization directions of both filters 102, 104 are substantially aligned (aligned, aligned, phased, etc.), the combination of both filters 102, 104 blocks little to no additional light compared to one of the filters 102, 104 alone (compared to using only one filter, etc.). In contrast, when one of the optical filters 102, 104 is oriented to have a polarization direction that is substantially 90 degrees from the polarization direction of the other of the optical filters 102, 104, a maximum quantity of light is blocked by the combination of both optical filters 102, 104, which is much greater than that of one of the optical filters 102, 104.

[0023] In one exemplary embodiment, the overall light blocking may be from 20% (or less) when the polarization directions of both filters 102, 104 are substantially aligned with one another. Similarly, the overall light blocking may be 80% (or more) when the polarization direction of one of the optical filters 102, 104 is substantially 90 degrees offset from the polarization direction of the other of the optical filters 102, 104. In another exemplary embodiment, the overall light blocking is less than 1% when the polarization directions of both filters 102, 104 are substantially aligned with one another. The overall light blocking is in the range of 70% to 80% when the polarization direction of one of the optical filters 102, 104 is offset by substantially 90 degrees from the polarization direction of the other of the optical filters 102, 104. Furthermore, several orientations in the range of 0 to 90 degrees may be used to achieve light blockage between the maximums and minimums achieved by the pairing of filters 102, 104.

[0024] In one exemplary embodiment, a film of polarized translucent material is placed over a jobsite light to act as optical filter 102, and a worker wears polarized eyewear (eyewear, glasses, contact lenses, intraocular lenses, etc.) to act as optical filter 104. The orientation of the polarized translucent material covering the jobsite light is rotated at an acute angle relative to the polarized translucent eyewear, creating a significant filter of light emitted directly from the jobsite light but a lesser filter of diffuse light within the worker's workspace. This allows for adequate illumination of the workspace while preventing the worker from being dazzled by the work light itself.

[0025] In some embodiments, there may be multiple polarized converters (e.g., elements that convert light having a particular polarization state to light having another polarization state) of different types (e.g., a circular to linear converter, which converts a circularly polarized wave to a linearly polarized wave, and vice versa) in order to shape, change, and specify communication routes through all types of electromagnetic waves pass through the filters 102, 104.

[0026] 2 illustrates one use case in which a light source (e.g., a single light source) 206 communicates two pieces of visual information (e.g., polarized image data A and polarized image data B), only one of which reaches each user 208, 209 depending on the users' selective use of optical filters 202, 204. While light source 206 is shown in FIG. 2 as a television set, any light source capable of overlaying two pieces of information transmittable by light, i.e., two pieces of information with polarization directions that are 90 degrees apart, would function similarly. The light source 206 emits the polarized visual information, i.e., what is described in this document as polarized image data A and polarized image data B, as indicated by arrows 210, towards users 208, 209.

[0027] In various embodiments, the optical filters 202, 204 are designed to operate on a per-pixel basis (i.e., not uniformly throughout their respective areas, such as a checkerboard or shutter pattern). This adds additional flexibility in determining which information to transmit versus which information to block. In one use case, a billboard or sign may have two different pieces of information (e.g., languages ​​or advertisements), and the optical filters 202, 204 may determine which set of information is visible to a user.

[0028] Users 208 and 209 each wear polarized glasses or are otherwise oriented to be positioned behind their respective optical filters 202 and 204. In some alternative embodiments, optical filters 202 and 204 may be contact lenses or films applied to a window when users 208 and 209 are viewing light source 206 through the window. Optical filter 202 is oriented to block polarized image data B while allowing polarized image data A to pass through it. Thus, only user 208 sees polarized image data A output from light source 206. Similarly, optical filter 204 is oriented to block polarized image data A while allowing polarized image data B to pass through it. Thus, only user 209 sees polarized image data B output from light source 206 .

[0029] The use case of Figure 2 has various applications. For example, light source 206 may output two overlaid television programs, and users 208 and 209 may choose which television program to watch based on their respective eyewear selections. Furthermore, light source 206 may output polarized image data A intended for or relevant only to user 208, and polarized image data B intended for or relevant only to user 209. A single light source 206 may be used to output both sets of data. Furthermore, a third user who does not have either of the optical filters 202, 204 may find it difficult to understand the data output from the light source 206 because it may appear as two sets of polarized image data A and B overlaid on top of one another, making the data unintelligible. In this manner, the polarized image data A and B may be communicated privately to each of the users 208, 209, respectively, without either polarized image data A or B being accidentally communicated to the third user.

[0030] In some embodiments, the use case of Figure 2 can be used as a form of data encryption when one of the transmitted polarized image data A and B is not useful by itself, but both polarized image data A and B are needed to retrieve useful data. Although a television is explicitly illustrated as light source 206, any light source transmitting multiple pieces of information is contemplated herein.

[0031] 3 illustrates a use case in which a camera 314 receives light indirectly, rather than directly, from a light source 306 illuminating a target 316. While illustrated as the sun, the light source 306 may be any point or distributed source of light (e.g., slit light source, area light source) (e.g., ambient lighting, light bulb, laser, etc.) that originates within environment A or passes through environment A on its way to environment B. In one exemplary implementation, environment A is an exterior environment with various sources, some or all of which originate from the sun. Furthermore, in the use case of Figure 3, environment C has a configuration (assumed, assumed, etc.) that is arranged such that any light originating from environment A must pass through environment B to reach environment C.

[0032] Environment B represents an environment shielded from environment A using polarizing optical filter 302, which may be, for example, a polarizing optical filter in the form of a film applied to glass or a lens. Optical filter 302 allows some light from environment A to pass through environment A, as indicated by arrow 310, specifically, some light waves with a particular polarization corresponding to optical filter 302. The light indicated by arrow 310 enters environment B and illuminates target 316 (e.g., one or more people or objects) as well as the surrounding structure of environment B. Other light from environment A is blocked from passing through optical filter 302. In one exemplary embodiment, environment B is an interior environment in which light entering from environment A and passing through a window with optical filter 302 is filtered (blocked).

[0033] Environment C represents an environment further shielded from environment A using polarizing optical filter 304, which is another polarizing optical filter, for example in the form of a film applied to glass or a lens. Optical filter 304 allows most of the diffuse light (e.g., reflected and / or refracted light) within environment B to pass through optical filter 304, as indicated by arrow 312. However, most of the light waves are prevented from passing directly from environment A to environment C by way of environment B using the polarization of optical filter 304.

[0034] In one exemplary embodiment, environment C is an indoor environment behind a camera lens that functions as optical filter 304. Camera 314 is shielded by optical filters 302, 304 from direct light from light source 306, but light source 306 adequately illuminates target 316 being photographed by camera 314.

[0035] 4 illustrates a use case in which two cameras 414, 415, each positioned at a different location, receive light indirectly but not directly from a light source 406 that illuminates a target 416. While illustrated as the sun, light source 406 may be any point or distributed source of light (e.g., slit light source, area light source) (e.g., ambient lighting, light bulb, laser, etc.) that originates within environment A or passes through environment A on its way to environment B. In one exemplary implementation, environment A is a partially, but not completely, occluded environment that has a substantial opening with a variety of light sources, some or all of which originate with the light emitted by the sun. Light entering environment A illuminates target 416 (eg, one or more people or objects) as well as the surrounding structure of environment A.

[0036] Environment B represents an environment shielded from environment A with a polarizing optical filter 402, which may be, for example, a polarizing optical filter in the form of a film applied to glass or a lens. Optical filter 402 allows some light from environment A to pass through environment A, specifically, some light waves with a particular polarization corresponding to optical filter 402, as indicated by arrow 410. Environment B includes a mirror 418 that reflects light incident into environment B from environment A back to environment A. However, the reflected light is directed toward optical filter 404, which may be, for example, another polarizing optical filter in the form of a film applied to another region of the glass or lens. The reflected light is substantially blocked from passing through optical filter 404 and re-entering environment A. In some other embodiments, the reflected light is substantially allowed to re-enter environment A as long as it reflects back through the same optical filter that it passed through when it entered from environment A, as shown by arrow 411, as opposed to passing through a different optical filter, as shown by arrow 410.

[0037] Camera 414 is positioned within environment A behind a shield 420, which blocks light from light source 406 from reaching camera 414 directly. Camera 414 is able to photograph target 416, as indicated by arrow 412. Target 416 is illuminated by light from light source 406. Camera 414 is further shielded from reflected light within environment B as long as the reflected light passes through both optical filters 402 and 404. If the reflected light within environment B only passes through one of the optical filters 402 and 404, it is substantially reflected toward camera 414. This effect aids in positioning and orienting light source 406 and camera 414 within environment A. Camera 415 is positioned within environment C, which is also behind optical filter 404. Light originating within environment A is generally allowed to pass through optical filter 404 to reach camera 415, as shown by arrow 422.

[0038] In some embodiments, one or more of cameras 414, 415 may be configured with multiple cameras, some of which perform horizontal polarization scanning and others of which perform vertical scanning, allowing for rapid scanning of a three-dimensional object, such as in MRI imaging of a region of tissue. In other embodiments, optical filters 402, 404 may be selectively used to block multiple areas of light for 3D printing applications in which an object is cured layer by layer by light rays (one or more light rays, light beams, etc.). In still other embodiments, optical filters 402, 404 may be selectively used to block multiple areas of light to protect surrounding tissue during tumor laser ablation. The embodiment of FIG. 4 may also use multiple light sources, such as light source 406. The embodiment of Figure 4 may also be adapted for polar targeting arrays, which selectively allow and block information from passing inward toward or outward from a center (e.g., the center of the array, the center of the polar coordinate system, etc.). The embodiment of Figure 4 may also be applied to 3D imaging arrays.

[0039] Some embodiments may employ circular polarization for the optical filters 402, 404. In some such embodiments, the optical filters 402, 404 may be flipped (e.g., turned over) rather than rotated (as described above) to affect the transmittance of light passing through the optical filters 402, 404. Typically, the particular side of each of the optical filters 402, 404 facing the mirror 418 is blackened (e.g., to increase reflection or absorption, decrease light transmittance, etc.), while the other side allows the light to pass through.

[0040] FIG. 5 illustrates a use case in which a user's eye 514 receives light indirectly, rather than directly, from a light source 506 that illuminates a target 516. While illustrated as a light bulb, light source 506 may be any point or distributed source of light that originates in environment A or passes through environment A on its way to environment B. In one exemplary implementation, environment A is a point source of light, such as a work light. Furthermore, in the use case of FIG. 5, environment C is assumed to be arranged such that any light originating from environment A must pass through environment B to reach environment C.

[0041] Environment B represents an environment shielded from environment A using a polarized optical filter 502, which may be in the form of a film applied to glass or a lens and positioned to cover the work light. Optical filter 502 allows some light from environment A, specifically, some light waves with a particular polarization corresponding to optical filter 502, to pass through environment A, as indicated by arrow 510. The light indicated by arrow 510 enters environment B and illuminates a target 516 (e.g., a workpiece) as well as surrounding structures in environment B. Other light from environment A is blocked from passing through optical filter 502. In one exemplary embodiment, environment B is an environment in which light incident from environment A and passing through a lens with an optical filter 302 positioned over the work light is filtered (blocked, etc.).

[0042] Environment C represents an environment further shielded from environment A with polarizing optical filter 504, which is another polarizing optical filter, for example in the form of a film applied to glasses or lenses worn by a user as eyewear. Optical filter 504 allows most diffuse light (e.g., reflected and / or refracted light) within environment B to pass through optical filter 504, as indicated by arrow 512. However, most light waves are prevented from passing directly from environment A to environment C via environment B by using the polarization of optical filter 504.

[0043] In one exemplary embodiment, a user's eye 514 is shielded from direct light from a light source 506 by optical filters 502, 504, but the light source 506 adequately illuminates a target 516 being viewed by the user's eye 514. This can reduce glare and districting point source light from the user's field of vision.

[0044] In another embodiment, an optical filter 502 may be positioned to cover the headlights of an oncoming automobile, and an optical filter 504 may be incorporated into the user's windshield and / or eyewear. The user's eyes 514 are shielded by filters 502, 504 from direct light from the oncoming automobile's headlights, but the oncoming automobile's headlights adequately illuminate a field of vision between the oncoming automobile's headlights and the user's eyes 514.

[0045] In yet another embodiment, optical filter 502 may be placed over a workpiece to be welded, and optical filter 504 may be incorporated into the user's welding mask. Optical filters 502 and 504 shield the user's eye 514 from direct light from welding operations on the workpiece, but the workpiece and surrounding environment are adequately illuminated to the user's eye 514 so that they are visible to the user's eye 514 without the need to apply a particularly dark, non-polarized filter to the user's welding mask. This allows the user to view their environment around the workpiece without removing their welding mask. Additionally, the workpiece may be visible if the user's eyes 514 are fitted with a digitally darkening welding mask lens that darkens (or selectively polarizes) bright light. Furthermore, polarized curtains may be used to shield the area where the welding operation is being performed so that bystanders are protected from the bright light.

[0046] In various embodiments herein, blocked or substantially blocked refers to a reduction in light intensity of more than 20%, while passing or substantially passing refers to a reduction in light intensity of less than 10%. In other embodiments, blocked or substantially blocked refers to two or more optical filters that are substantially 90 degrees (e.g., greater than 80 degrees) offset from each other in terms of polarization direction. In still other embodiments, blocked or substantially blocked refers to an amount of light blocking that exceeds doubling the polarization of multiple filters arranged in parallel. This is in contrast to two parallel filters arranged at an acute angle compared to being generally parallel.

[0047] 6 illustrates one use case in which users 608 and 614 are hidden from each other, but user 616 is visible to both users 608 and 614. While illustrated as a sun, light source 606 may be any point or distributed source of light (e.g., ambient lighting, light bulbs, lasers, etc.) that originates within environment B or passes through environment B on its way to environments A and C. In one exemplary implementation, environments A and C are enclosed environments (e.g., the interior of a vehicle or a building such as a house), each having a substantial opening with a variety of light sources present, some or all of which originate with light emitted from the sun. Light source 606 illuminates user 616 (and other people and objects in environment B).

[0048] In one use case, users 608, 614 are located in adjacent homes, and polarized optical filters 602, 604 are applied to windows in the homes of users 608, 614. Each of users 608, 614 is permitted to see user 616 outside, but neither user 608, 614 is permitted to see inside the other's home.

[0049] Environment B represents an outdoor environment in which many objects, including user 616, are illuminated by light source 606. User 616 is visible to each of users 608 and 614 because some light from environment B, specifically, some light waves with specific polarizations corresponding to optical filters 602 and 604, respectively, passes through optical filters 602 and 604 and reaches users 608 and 614, as indicated by arrows 610 and 612.

[0050] Environment A represents an environment shielded from environment C using a combination of polarizing optical filters 602, 604, each of which may take the form of, for example, a film applied to glass or lenses positioned to cover the windows of users 608, 614, respectively. Specifically, optical filter 602 allows some light from environment B, specifically, some light waves having a particular polarization corresponding to optical filter 602, to pass through environment B, as indicated by arrow 650. The light indicated by arrow 650 enters environment A and illuminates user 608, as well as the surrounding structures of environment A. However, reflected or refracted light from user 608 and the surrounding structures of environment A that passes through optical filter 602 and returns to environment B is substantially prevented from entering environment C by optical filter 604, as indicated by arrow 652.

[0051] Similarly, environment C represents an environment shielded from environment A using a combination of optical filters 602 and 604. Specifically, optical filter 604 allows some light from environment B, specifically, some light waves having a particular polarization corresponding to optical filter 604, to pass through environment B, as indicated by arrow 654. The light indicated by arrow 654 enters environment C and illuminates user 614, as well as the surrounding structures of environment C. However, reflected or refracted light from user 614 and the surrounding structures of environment C that passes through optical filter 604 and returns to environment B is substantially prevented from entering environment A by optical filter 602, as indicated by arrow 656.

[0052] The embodiment of Figure 6 may also be used to shield caged or fenced animals from view while still allowing the animals to be illuminated and visible from outside the cage or fence. The embodiment of Figure 6 may also be used as a privacy screen for a side window of a vehicle.

[0053] 7 illustrates one use case in which multiple headlights 702, 704 of a first car (710) are substantially hidden from a driver 706 in an approaching second car (708), thereby reducing glare and associated distraction and reducing reduced visibility of surrounding objects. The first car 710 has a pair of projector-type headlights 702, 704, which may employ any conventional lighting technology (e.g., sealed beam, halogen, xenon, LED, etc.) to illuminate the path ahead of them. Each headlight 702, 704 includes a first polarizing optical filter 712, which may take the form of a film applied to the glass or lens positioned over the headlight 702, 704. The optical filter 712 allows a majority of the light emitted from the headlight 702, 704 to pass through the optical filter 712, specifically, some light waves having a particular polarization corresponding to the optical filter 712, as indicated by arrows 714, 716, respectively.

[0054] Light emitted from headlights 702, 704 passes through the windshield of an approaching second vehicle 708 to the driver's eyes. The windshield includes a second using polarized optical filter 718, which may be another polarized optical filter, such as a film applied to the windshield or lenses worn by a user as eyewear. The optical filter 718 allows most of the diffuse light (e.g., reflected and / or refracted light) located between the vehicles 708, 710 to pass through the optical filter 718. However, most of the light waves are prevented from passing directly from the headlights 702, 704 to the driver's eyes by way of the polarization of the optical filters 712, 718, which are oriented 90 degrees apart from each other. This effect is illustrated by the black dots 720 on the windshield 722, where light from the headlights 704 is blocked while a surrounding area of ​​the windshield 722 remains substantially unblocked.

[0055] In some embodiments, the windshield 722 may employ multiple areas with different polarizations to more selectively block light. For example, the windshield 722 has a majority of its area with a polarization of the optical filter 718 at approximately 90 degrees from the optical filter 712. However, one area 724 of the windshield 722 has a polarization that is approximately parallel to the optical filter 712. This region 724 is a discrete area where light from headlight 702 should be allowed to pass through the windshield 722 (presumably for safety reasons so that the first vehicle 710 can be seen by the approaching driver 706). This effect is illustrated by the rectangle 726 (shown in white), which roughly corresponds to the region 724 of the windshield 722 having a different polarization, while a surrounding area 728 in windshield 722 blocks light from the headlight 702 (shown in black), and a surrounding area 730 in windshield 722 remains substantially unblocked (shown in white). Light output from headlight 704 may be similarly treated by windshield 722 .

[0056] In other embodiments, optical filter 712 may incorporate multiple areas of differing polarizations over headlights 702, 704 to more selectively block light, instead of optical filter 718 over windshield 722 to achieve a similar effect. Furthermore, both optical filters 712, 718 may incorporate multiple areas of differing polarizations to selectively block light across an area in a similar or different manner.

[0057] In various embodiments herein and as described above, one of the polarizing optical filters may be applied on or near a light source, such as a point light source, such as job site lights and automobile headlamps. Another of the polarizing optical filters may be applied on or near a user's eyes (e.g., eyeglasses, contact lenses, face masks (e.g., welding masks)). Any of the polarizing optical filters may be applied to one or more window panes oriented between a light source and a user. Various embodiments herein may also be used for interferometers, spectral diffusers, 3D scanners, and 3D printers.

[0058] FIG. 8 illustrates exemplary operations 800 for transmitting information through at least two polarizing filters or polarizing media. The operations 800 control wave transmission (e.g., wave transmission) between various electromagnetic wave sources (including, but not limited to, visible light sources) and various electromagnetic recipients (e.g., individuals or sensors) using polarizing filters or polarizing media. A generating operation 805 generates controlled (e.g., predetermined, with controlled polarization or transmission state) electromagnetic waves from a first environment for information transmission. The first environment may be any space in which a source of electromagnetic waves exists and generates the outbound electromagnetic waves. The information may be utilized in a workplace, such as an office or workplace, and may be transmitted outbound to a recipient, either an intentionally targeted recipient or an unintentionally (accidentally, randomly, etc.) targeted recipient, such as a person or animal, or an electrically, radioactively, or biologically sensitive material.

[0059] A manipulating step 810 changes the electromagnetic wave as it passes through at least two layers of polarized filters or mediums, each having a different polarization direction, which, when used together, allows some information carried by the electromagnetic wave to pass therethrough largely unimpeded while other information or noise is excluded from passing through the polarized media. A second environment exists between the two polarized media. If further layers of polarized media are present, then additional environments exist between each of the layers of polarized media that exist between one environment in which the source is present and another environment in which the recipient is present.

[0060] A rotating step 815 rotates at least one of the multiple layers of polarizing filters or polarizing media. More specifically, the multiple layers of polarizing filters or polarizing media can be rotated about the normal of the direction of electromagnetic wave propagation to affect transmissivity. The electromagnetic wave's electric field is polarized into a vector sum using a first polarizer, and a second polarizer is used to reshape the electric field vector sum into a new vector sum. The number of polarizers and their respective rotated orientations can attenuate the electromagnetic wave passing through them or create a larger vector sum to be used in a particular stage of shaping the electromagnetic wave passing through them. As a result, rotation step 815 can be used to selectively affect the information passed from the first environment to the third environment.

[0061] In a use case with three layers of polarizing media, the two outer polarizing media are set with their polarizations 90 degrees apart. The middle polarizing media is rotated to create sensitize and non-sensitize zones. If two adjacent polarizing media are set with their polarizations 90 degrees apart and the remaining outer polarized media is rotated, this affects the transmission of light from the first environment to the third environment, changing the transmission to a greater degree compared to an embodiment using only two polarizing media.

[0062] A receiving step 820 receives the controlled electromagnetic waves at the recipient in the third environment. The electromagnetic waves originating from the first environment are substantially blocked from passing directly through the second environment to the third environment. The third environment may be any space in which the recipient of the electromagnetic waves resides to receive information from the source. In some embodiments, the recipient accepts attenuated or shaped electromagnetic waves and processes the waves for use by the recipient or subsequently transmits the processed waves to another specific target. In other embodiments, the electromagnetic waves are reflected from and / or absorbed within an object, resulting in diffusive electromagnetic waves. This diffusive signal (e.g., diffuse light) may or may not have a polarized signal (e.g., light) that travels to the recipient and returns to the electromagnetic wave source, where it can be used for better signal processing without the electromagnetic wave source information disrupting the recipient's ability to process the diffusive signal.

[0063] The electromagnetic waves created in generating step 805 may carry information from a point source or a distributed source, such as a display screen. Additionally, for receiving step 820, there may be an array of sensors receiving signals such as Multiple Input Multiple Output (MIMO) signals. Furthermore, the medium through which the electromagnetic waves travel may be any medium, including water, air, and a near vacuum (e.g., space).

[0064] In some embodiments, the electromagnetic waves reach polarizers positioned to reshape the waves to affect specific points in the medium with an increased electric field vector sum. This results in a response where a lower electric field vector sum has a lower effect. Furthermore, the electromagnetic waves can be used in a space created by physical separation with several polarizers, and the sensor can also be in any space created by the separation with several polarizing filters or polarizing media, where the diffuse information is waveform-shaped or attenuated to create privacy between one polarizer space and another. This can have psychological effects in addition to information control.

[0065] The polarizers disclosed herein may be of any number of types, including, but not limited to, linear polarizers and circular polarizers. The polarizers may be applied as films on transparent glass or plastic structures, or may have structures that are separate from other polarizers. Furthermore, individual polarizers may be uniform or non-uniform within an implementation, and each polarizer may have multiple regions with specific changes to block, focus, or reshape electromagnetic waves passing therethrough.

[0066] The polarizers disclosed herein may be used, for example, to sort materials through process and identification, such as by recognizing material states (e.g., material types) during manufacturing. Specifically, the use of electromagnetic waves, sensors, and multiple polarizers on in-process components may facilitate identifying the in-process components using the shape, material, and color of the items. Furthermore, directed energy from electromagnetic waves may be used to create a reactive state in a product in a way that distinguishes or homogenizes states to create discernable differences in the product. Furthermore, characteristics such as color, texture, and reflectivity can be used by in-process component identification techniques using one or more electromagnetic waves, one or more sensor locations, and multiple polarizers.

[0067] 9 shows a point light source 906 illuminating an object of interest 916. Camera A has a point of view of the object of interest 916 through polarizer 902 only. Polarizer 902 may block some light emitted from the point source of light 906, but it may also block some light illuminating the object of interest 916. Thus, the view of the object of interest 916 from camera A is partially washed out by noise from the point light source 906 or some other light source on either side of polarizer 902 opposite camera A. Camera B has a point of view of the object of interest 916 through both polarizers 902, 904. The polarizers 902, 904 are oriented such that light directly emitted from the point light source 906 is substantially obscured, while light reflected or refracted from the object of interest 916 substantially passes through the polarizers 902, 904. In this manner, camera B is better positioned to view the object of interest 916 with less noise from the point light source 906 or other light sources. This allows camera B to better view certain features of the object of interest 916, including, but not limited to, color, texture, and reflectance, which can be used by the in-process component identification techniques described above.

[0068] Furthermore, multiple polarizers, along with corresponding multiple electromagnetic sources and multiple sensors, can be used to form sensitive, non-sensitive, and sensitive spaces using the separation of the multiple polarizers, which can provide different types of object recognition information from the several in-process components to process more information states.

[0069] 10 illustrates a radial arrangement of polarizers with corresponding electromagnetic sources focused on sensors on an object 1016 or within a region of interest. For example, an electromagnetic source 1006 directs a beam of light 1010 (e.g., a laser) through a pair of polarizers 1002, 1004 toward an object 1016, which has an array of mirrors (e.g., mirror 1018) arranged on it. The beam of light 1010 reflects back from the object 1016 via mirror 1018 and may be collected by one or more sensors (not shown). In other embodiments, instead of an array of mirrors disposed on the object 1016, the sensors are disposed on the object 1016 in a similar arrangement, and no light reflection is required to image the object 1016.

[0070] The radial array 1000 shown in Figure 10 allows for simultaneous imaging of an object 1016 or region of interest over a 360-degree range without the need to rotate the object 1016 or the single electromagnetic source 1006 and corresponding polarizers 1002, 1004. Similarly, the object 1016 can be surrounded by a spherical arrangement of multiple electromagnetic sources and corresponding polarizers to simultaneously image the object 1016 or region of interest in three dimensions. Various applications of linear systems consisting of one or more electromagnetic sources, one or more polarizers, and one or more objects of interest discussed elsewhere in this document can be applied to radial systems or three-dimensional systems, such as the one shown in Figure 10. Some specific exemplary applications may be three-dimensional object printing, targeted material ablation (e.g., Gamma Knife radiosurgery, non-invasive radiation brain therapy, etc.), tissue disintegration, tissue imaging, or some other application where it is important to measure or define specific metes and bounds of an object or area of ​​interest in two or three dimensions. A measurement of an object or area of ​​interest can be used to convert the object or area of ​​interest to another form by a process that measures the object or area of ​​interest and converts the medium to another form (e.g., a sensitive liquid can be selectively hardened).

[0071] In some embodiments, some of the electromagnetic waves and some of the sensors can use frequency separation / signal processing techniques in conjunction with the polarization techniques. This allows for further processing to pass, block, shape, or otherwise manipulate the electromagnetic waves for future needs (e.g., separation of light frequencies for color separation). Several types of polarizers can operate based on frequency selections (e.g., one color, selective notches, band-pass filters, etc.).

[0072] For example, FIG. 11 shows a system 1100 comprising a set of three polarizers 1102, 1104, and 1106 that cooperate to separate constituent frequencies of an incoming beam of light (represented by blunt arrows 1110) from a source (not shown), and to separate the constituent frequencies of the light (represented by pointed arrows) so as to distinguish that light from other light coming from other sources. The objective of the polarizer 1106 is to polarize the source (represented by arrows 1112) and to filter the frequencies to pass only those of interest (represented by one arrow 1114 of arrows 1112 passing through polarizer 1106) that are specific to the source. Polarizers 1102, 1104, and 1106 have exemplary orientations 1103, 1105, and 1107, respectively. While the functions of polarizers 1102, 1104, and 1106 are described above in a particular order, other orders of separation, polarization, and filtering are contemplated in this document for purposes of transmitting information.

[0073] In one exemplary embodiment, system 1100 may be used by a first party to securely communicate information across a large, noisy environment to a second party. Specifically, the first party may generate a beam of light (or several other EM waves) and separate (e.g., using polarizers 1102, 1104) those waves into numerous polarized waves, one or more of which are encoded with (e.g., regarding) the information to be communicated. The second party receives the light beam and has a specific third polarizer (here, polarizer 1106) that allows a specific frequency or frequencies of the light beam to pass, while filtering out some other constituent frequencies of the light beam and other optical noise in the environment. The specific frequency or frequencies of the light beam contain encoded information, so that the second party receives the information while its content is obscured (i.e., hidden) from any other parties that do not have polarizer 1106.

[0074] Figure 12 illustrates a driver's perspective through a windshield 1250 that includes a polarized shade band 1252. The driver (not shown) is seated behind a steering wheel 1254 and adjacent to a gear shift 1256. As shown in Figure 12, the polarized shade band 1252 is typically positioned at the top edge of the windshield 1250 and behind a rear view mirror 1258, although several other placements for the polarized shade band 1252 are contemplated herein.

[0075] A typical shade band (e.g., shade band), positioned as shown in FIG. 12, is simply a shaded, possibly tinted, portion of the windshield 1250 to aid in glare from the sun 1260. The polarized shade band 1252 provides a similarly shaded view when used without polarized glasses 1262. However, when the driver wears polarized glasses 1262, this blocks substantially all light from the view. This allows the driver to selectively change the driver's perception of the opaqueness of the polarized shade band 1252 based on whether or not the driver is wearing polarized glasses 1262. Furthermore, if the polarization direction of the polarized glasses 1262 is adjustable by the driver, the driver can change the opaqueness of the polarized shade band 1252 by adjusting the polarized glasses 1262.

[0076] In another embodiment, the polarized shade band 1252 can be applied to some or all of a building window and can be used, among other things, to block out the sun from a user residing in the building. Its modularity allows the user to adjust or remove one or many polarized filters (e.g., polarized eyeglasses 1262) to suit the user's needs as the environment (or the user's needs) changes. In various embodiments, this can help address dizziness, headaches or migraines, fear of heights, and the like. For example, a user's fear of heights can be addressed by blocking out the building window while still allowing the user to see inside an apartment. In further embodiments, the window may comprise a photovoltaically (e.g., solar-powered) polarizing material that can be digitally activated, thereby giving the user additional control over the perceived opacity of the window.

[0077] The technology disclosed herein may be implemented as logical steps within one or more computer systems (e.g., as a sequence of processor-executed steps executed within one or more computer systems, and as interconnected machine or circuit modules within one or more computer systems). The implementation is a matter of choice dependent on the performance requirements of the computer systems implementing the technology disclosed herein. Accordingly, the logical operations making up embodiments of the technology disclosed herein are referred to variously as operations, method steps, objects, or modules. Furthermore, it should be understood that the logical operations may be performed in any order, and that operations may be added or deleted as necessary, unless otherwise expressly stated in the claims or unless the claim language inherently requires a particular order. Furthermore, the various implementations of the technology disclosed herein may be combined with each other, in whole or in part.

[0078] The above specification, examples, and data fully describe the structure and application of the technology disclosed herein. Since many embodiments of the technology disclosed herein can be realized without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention, the technology disclosed herein resides in the appended claims. Furthermore, some structural features of the various embodiments may be combined with each other to form yet another embodiment without departing from the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. 1. An electromagnetic transmission system, comprising: an electromagnetic source present in a first environment; a first polarizing medium having a first polarization direction and separating the first environment from a second environment; a second polarizing medium having a second polarization direction, separating the second environment from a third environment, the second polarization direction being different from the first polarization direction; Including, 10. An electromagnetic transmission system in which one or more electromagnetic waves emanating from the first environment are substantially blocked from passing directly through the second environment and reaching the third environment.

2. 2. The electromagnetic transmission system according to claim 1, one of the first and second polarizing media is rotatable relative to the other of the first and second polarizing media; An electromagnetic transmission system in which the rotation affects information passing from the first environment to the third environment.

3. 2. The electromagnetic transmission system according to claim 1, moreover, a third polarization medium having a third polarization direction and separating the second environment from a fourth environment present between the second and third polarization media; 10. An electromagnetic transmission system wherein the one or more electromagnetic waves originating from the first environment are substantially blocked from passing directly through the second and fourth environments and reaching the third environment.

4. 2. The electromagnetic transmission system according to claim 1, The electromagnetic transmission system, wherein the first and second polarizing media are each a linear polarizer or a circular polarizer.

5. 2. The electromagnetic transmission system according to claim 1, 1. An electromagnetic transmission system wherein one or both of the first and second polarizing media includes a non-polarizing region surrounded by a separate polarizing region.

6. 2. The electromagnetic transmission system according to claim 1, An electromagnetic transmission system, wherein one or both of the first and second polarizing filters includes a non-uniform polarization pattern.

7. 2. The electromagnetic transmission system according to claim 1, moreover, An electromagnetic transmission system including a plurality of sets, each consisting of a separate electromagnetic source and a corresponding plurality of polarizing media, each set arranged to form a radial pattern around an object of interest and to have a focal position on the object of interest.

8. 2. The electromagnetic transmission system according to claim 1, moreover, An electromagnetic transmission system including a plurality of sets, each consisting of a separate electromagnetic source and a corresponding plurality of polarizing media, each set being arranged in three dimensions around an object of interest and having a focal position on the object of interest.

9. 1. A method for transmitting information through at least two polarizing filters, comprising: generating one or more electromagnetic waves to transmit information from a first environment; modifying the one or more electromagnetic waves as they pass through two polarizing media, each polarizing medium having a different polarization direction from the other, with a second environment present between the two polarizing media; receiving the one or more electromagnetic waves at a recipient in a third environment; Including, 10. A method of transmitting information, wherein the one or more electromagnetic waves emanating from the first environment are substantially blocked from passing directly through the second environment and reaching the third environment.

10. 10. The information transmission method according to claim 9, moreover, imparting a rotation to one polarizing medium relative to the other polarizing medium; A method of transmitting information, wherein the rotation affects the information passing from the first environment to the third environment.

11. An optical transmission system, comprising: a light source present in a first environment; a first polarizing filter having a first polarization direction and separating the first environment from a second environment; a second polarizing filter having a second polarization direction and separating the second environment from a third environment, the second polarization direction being different from the first polarization direction; Including, An optical transmission system in which light originating from the first environment is substantially blocked from passing directly through the second environment and reaching the third environment.

12. 12. The optical transmission system according to claim 11, one of the first and second polarizing filters is rotatable relative to the other of the first and second polarizing filters; An optical transmission system in which the rotation affects information passing from the first environment to the third environment.

13. 12. The optical transmission system according to claim 11, moreover, a third polarizing filter having a third polarization direction and separating the second environment from a fourth environment present between the second and third polarizing filters; An optical transmission system in which the light originating from the first environment is substantially blocked from passing directly through the second and fourth environments and reaching the third environment.

14. 14. The optical transmission system according to claim 13, the first, second, and third polarizing filters have the functions of separating a plurality of constituent frequencies of the incident light from the light source, polarizing the incident light from the light source, and filtering the incident light from the light source so that only one or more frequencies of interest that are unique to the light source pass through.

15. 12. The optical transmission system according to claim 11, The optical transmission system, wherein the first and second polarizing filters are each a linear polarizer or a circular polarizer.

16. 12. The optical transmission system according to claim 11, 10. An optical transmission system, wherein one or both of the first and second polarizing filters includes a non-polarizing region surrounded by a separate polarizing region.

17. 12. The optical transmission system according to claim 11, An optical transmission system wherein one or both of the first and second polarizing filters includes a non-uniform polarization pattern.

18. 12. The optical transmission system according to claim 11, the light source illuminates a target within the second environment; The target is visible from the third environment, but incident light from the light source is substantially blocked from the third environment.

19. 12. The optical transmission system according to claim 11, moreover, An optical transmission system including a plurality of sets, each consisting of a separate light source and a corresponding plurality of polarizing filters, each set arranged in a radial pattern around an object of interest and having a focal position on the object of interest.

20. 12. The optical transmission system according to claim 11, moreover, An optical transmission system including a plurality of sets, each consisting of a separate light source and a corresponding plurality of polarizing filters, each set being arranged in three dimensions around an object of interest and having a focal position on the object of interest.

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