SENSOR WINDOW.

Abstract

A sensor window may include a substrate and a set of layers placed on the substrate. The set of layers may include a first subset of layers with a first refractive index and a second set of layers with a second refractive index different from the first. The set of layers may be associated with a threshold transmittance in a perceptible spectral range. The set of layers may be set to a particular color in a visible spectral range and may be associated with a threshold opacity in the visible spectral range.

Description

SENSOR WINDOW Field and Background of the Invention

[0001] An optical receiver, such as an array of sensor elements, can receive light directed toward it. For example, in an object detection system, an array of sensor elements can be used to capture information about one or more wavelengths of light. The array of sensor elements can include a set of sensor elements (e.g., optical sensors, spectral sensors, and / or image sensors) that capture information about one or more wavelengths of light. An optical transmitter can emit light directed toward an object. For example, in the object detection system, the optical transmitter can transmit near-infrared light toward an object, and the near-infrared light can be reflected from the object to the array of sensor elements. In this case, based on the information captured by the array of sensor elements, the object can be detected.For example, in a vehicle context, a device can use the information to generate a three-dimensional representation of the object, and to identify the object's proximity, thereby enabling the vehicle to avoid objects.

[0002] In another example, the information captured by an optical receiver, such as an array of sensor elements, can be used to recognize a feature of an object (e.g., distance to the object, size of the object, shape of the object, spectroscopic signature of the object, type of object, speed of the object, etc.), the identity of a person, a characteristic of the person (e.g., height, weight, speed of movement, health characteristic, etc.), and / or the like. However, during the transmission of near-infrared light to the user or object and / or during reflection from the user or object to the optical receiver, ambient light can interfere with the near-infrared light. Therefore, the optical receiver can be optically coupled to an optical filter, such as a bandpass filter, to filter out ambient light and allow the near-infrared light to pass through to the optical receiver.Furthermore, when multiple wavelengths of light are perceived, a filter can be provided to ensure that each wavelength of light, out of the multiple wavelengths of light, is directed to a different sensor element of an array of sensor elements. Brief Description of the Invention

[0003] According to some possible implementations, a sensor window may include a substrate and a set of layers placed on the substrate. The set of layers may include a first subset of layers of a first refractive index and a second set of layers of a second refractive index different from the first refractive index. The set of layers may be associated with a threshold transmittance in a perceptible spectral range. The set of layers may be set to a particular color in a visible spectral range and may be associated with a threshold opacity in the visible spectral range.

[0004] According to some possible implementations, an optical filter may include a plurality of layers. The plurality of layers may include a set of high refractive index layers associated with a first refractive index and a set of low refractive index layers associated with a second refractive index that is lower than the first refractive index. The plurality of layers may form a plurality of channels to direct a plurality of wavelengths of light. The plurality of layers may be associated with a threshold transmittance in a perceptible spectral range and a threshold opacity in a visible spectral range.

[0005] According to some possible implementations, a system may include an array of optical sensors placed on or in a substrate and a sensor window deposited in an optical path of the optical sensor array. The sensor window may include at least one layer configured to provide more than 80% opacity, in a first spectral range and for angles of incidence from approximately 0 degrees to approximately 45 degrees, and to provide more than 80% transmittance in a second spectral range, which is different from the first spectral range, and for angles of incidence from approximately 0 degrees to approximately 45 degrees. Brief Description of the Figures

[0006] The patent or application document contains at least one color figure. Copies of this patent or patent application publication with color figures will be provided by the office upon application and payment of the required fee.

[0007] Figures 1A and 1B are example implementation diagrams of a sensor window described herein.

[0008] Figure 2 is a diagram of an example implementation of an optical system including a sensor window described herein.

[0009] Figure 3 is a diagram of an example implementation of a sensor window described herein.

[00010] Figures 4A-4E are diagrams of an example of sensor window features described herein.

[00011] Figure 5A-5D are diagrams of an example of sensor window features described herein.

[00012] Figures 6A-6D are diagrams of an example of features of a sensor window described herein.

[00013] Figures 7A-7C are diagrams of an example of sensor window features described herein.

[00014] Figures 8A-8E are diagrams of an example of sensor window features described herein. Detailed Description of the Invention

[00015] The following detailed description of example implementations refers to the attached figures. The same reference numbers in different figures may identify the same or similar elements.

[00016] A window may be provided to separate an internal environment from an external environment and to allow light to pass through from the external environment to the internal environment, from the internal environment to the external environment, and / or similar purposes. For example, in a vehicle context, such as for a car, a windshield window may be provided to protect a vehicle operator from environmental conditions, such as rain, wind, dust, debris, and / or similar conditions. The windshield window may be made of a durable material that allows light to pass through to enable the vehicle operator to operate the vehicle.

[00017] An optical system can be placed behind a windshield to protect the optical sensor from the external environment. For example, in a vehicle context, an object recognition sensor can be placed behind a windshield, headlight, or similar object to protect it. Similarly, in a security context, a facial recognition sensor can be placed behind a window to prevent unauthorized personnel from tampering with it. However, the window may still allow unauthorized persons to view the optical system. For example, an unauthorized person can see the optical system through a window and may cover the window, damage the window and / or the optical system, obstruct their line of sight to the optical system, or otherwise compromise its effectiveness.Similarly, a vehicle owner may refrain from installing an object recognition sensor in a car due to the negative aesthetic impact on the car of the optical system that is visible to other people, thus depriving themselves of the benefits of the object recognition sensor.

[00018] Some windows can be tinted to reduce the visibility of a sensor system placed behind the window. For example, in a vehicle context, tinted glass can be used to conceal an object recognition sensor from an outsider's view. Similarly, in a security context, a colored pigment can be applied to the glass to conceal a facial recognition sensor placed behind the glass. However, the use of pigmented or tinted glass may require more than one threshold glass thickness to achieve opacity, which can result in excessive size for installation, reduce the amount of light directed to or provided by an optical system, and / or similar issues.Additionally, pigment-based colored glass may lack a sharp transition between opacity at visible light wavelengths and transmittance at perceptible light wavelengths (e.g., near-infrared, mid-infrared, and / or similar wavelengths). The lack of a sharp transition can reduce perceptibility at perceptible wavelengths relatively close to visible light wavelengths, thereby reducing the effectiveness of the optical system.

[00019] Some implementations, described herein, can provide a color-matched sensor window for an optical system. For example, a sensor window can be configured, such as by using alternating layers of high-refractive-index and low-refractive-index material, to be transmissive to perceptible wavelengths and opaque to visible light wavelengths. In this way, the sensor window can be selectively configured in color to allow integration into, for example, a vehicle, a security housing, and / or similar applications. Furthermore, the sensor window can be associated with less than a threshold thickness and with a relatively sharp transition between transmittance at perceptible wavelengths and opacity at visible light wavelengths, thereby improving the performance of an optical system associated with the sensor window.Additionally, because it is color-configurable, the sensor window can be matched to an external environment, thereby reducing the likelihood of an optical system being installed (e.g., in a vehicle, as a safety feature, etc.) compared to sensor windows that are not selectively color-configurable.

[00020] Figures 1A and 1B are diagrams of example implementations described herein. As shown in Figure 1A, example 100 may include a vehicle 110, a sensor window 120, and a sensor 130.

[00021] Although some implementations, described herein, are described in terms of a perception system in a vehicle implementation, other systems are possible in other implementations, such as a communications system (e.g., a Li-Fi system), a biometric system, a security system, a health monitoring system, an object identification system, a spectroscopic identification system, a LIDAR system, and / or the like in a fixed implementation, a wearable implementation, and / or the like.

[00022] As further shown in Figure 1A, vehicle 110 may be within a threshold proximity of an object 140 (e.g., a stop sign). As shown by reference numbers 150 and 160, sensor 130 may transmit an optical signal toward object 140, and the optical signal may be reflected back to sensor 130. For example, sensor 130 may transmit a near-infrared signal and may receive a reflected near-infrared signal based on an object 140 reflecting the near-infrared signal. In this case, sensor 130 may determine a characteristic of object 140 based on the reflected near-infrared signal. For example, sensor 130 may determine the proximity of object 140, the size of object 140, the type of object 140, and / or similar characteristics based on the reflected near-infrared signal.

[00023] In some implementations, sensor window 120 can be associated with a particular color. For example, based on a layer type, layer thickness, layer order, and / or similar factors, sensor window 120 can be configured to pass near-infrared light, to absorb a first set of visible light colors, and to reflect a second set of visible light colors. In this case, based on configuring the second set of colors to match an adjacent surface with sensor window 120 (for example, by causing sensor window 120 to reflect a matching red vehicle color 110), sensor window 120 can be hidden from view.Furthermore, based on the configuration of sensor window 120 to allow near-infrared light to pass through, sensor window 120 can enable sensor 130 to transmit the near-infrared signal and receive the reflected near-infrared signal without the near-infrared light being blocked by sensor window 120. In this way, sensor window 120 enables the operation of a sensor system that includes sensor 130, protects sensor 130 from environmental degradation, and conceals sensor 130 from view, thereby improving both the performance of sensor 130 and the aesthetics of vehicle 110.

[00024] As shown in Figure IB, and in Example Implementation 100, the sensor window 120 can be configured to provide a secondary visual feature. For example, instead of a sensor window 120 color being set to match, say, an adjacent surface, the sensor window 120 can be set to reflect a different color or colors of light. As shown, the sensor window 120 can be set to appear as black and white vertical bars, thereby making the sensor window 120 appear to resemble a vehicle grille 110. In another example, the sensor window 120 can reflect one or more colors to resemble a vehicle manufacturer's logo, thereby making the sensor window 120 blend into view.In another example, the Sensor Window 120 can be configured with camouflage colors, such as when the Sensor Window 120 is deployed to conceal a sensor system in a wooded environment (for example, for wildlife monitoring). In yet another example, the Sensor Window 120 can be configured with an anti-camouflage pattern, such as to make a passerby notice a sensor system rather than obscure it. For example, in a security deployment, the Sensor Window 120 can be configured to reflect one or more bright colors (for example, alternating orange and yellow stripes) to make passersby aware of a sensor system, thereby providing an additional deterrent to theft or unauthorized entry.

[00025] As stated above, Figures 1A and 1B are provided only as examples. Other examples are possible and may differ from what was described with respect to Figures 1A and 1B.

[00026] Figure 2 is a diagram of the example implementation 200 described herein. As shown in Figure 2, the example implementation 200 includes a sensor system. The sensor system may be a portion of an optical system and may provide an electrical output corresponding to a sensor determination. The sensor system includes a sensor window 210, which is placed on a substrate 220, and an optical sensor 230. In some implementations, the sensor window 210 may be an optical filter that performs filtering functionality. For example, the sensor window 210 may include alternating layers of high refractive index material and layers of low refractive index material to provide color selectivity and to direct light to multiple sensor elements of the associated optical sensor 230 with multiple wavelength channels.

[00027] Although some implementations, described herein, can be described in terms of a sensor window in a sensor system, the implementations described herein can be used in other types of systems, can be used external to a sensor system, and / or similar.

[00028] As further shown in Figure 2, and by reference number 240, an optical input signal is directed to the sensor window 210. The optical input signal may include, but is not limited to, light associated with a particular spectral range (e.g., a near-infrared spectral range, a mid-infrared spectral range, a visible spectral range, and / or the like). For example, an optical transmitter may direct light to the optical sensor 230 to enable the optical sensor 230 to perform a light measurement (e.g., the optical transmitter may direct light toward an object, and the light may be reflected back to the optical sensor 230). In another example, the optical transmitter may direct a different spectral range of light for another function, such as a test function, a sensing function, a communications function, and / or the like.

[00029] As further shown in Figure 2, and by reference number 250, a first portion of the input optical signal with a first spectral range does not pass through the sensor window 210. For example, dielectric filter stacks of thin-film layers, which may include layers of high-index material and layers of low-index material in the sensor window 210, may cause the first portion of the input optical signal to be reflected in a first direction, absorbed, and / or similarly. In some implementations, the first portion of the input optical signal may include the first light that is reflected to cause the sensor window 210 to appear as a particular color to an observer and the second light that is absorbed.In some implementations, the first portion of the input optical signal may be a threshold portion of light incident on sensor window 210 not included in a bandpass of sensor window 210, such as more than 95% light, more than 99% light, and / or similar in a visible spectral range.

[00030] As further described in Figure 2, and by reference number 260, a second portion of the input optical signal is passed through the sensor window 210. For example, the sensor window 210 may pass the second portion of the input optical signal through with a second spectral range in a second direction toward the optical sensor 230. In this case, the second portion of the input optical signal may be a threshold portion of light incident on the sensor window 210 within a bandpass filter of the sensor window 210, such as more than 50% of the incident light, more than 90% of the light, more than 95% of the light, more than 99% of the light, and / or similar values ​​in a near-infrared spectral range. In some implementations, the sensor window 210 may be associated with multiple component filters associated with multiple spectral ranges.For example, based on the variation of the thickness of sensor window 210, different portions of sensor window 210 can pass different wavelengths of light to different sensor elements of the optical sensor 230, thereby enabling multi-spectral perception.

[00031] As further shown in Figure 2, and by reference number 270, based on the second portion of the input optical signal passed to the optical sensor 230, the optical sensor 230 can provide an electrical output signal for the sensor system, such as for use in imaging, detecting the presence of an object, identifying a person, performing a measurement, facilitating communication, and / or similar applications. In some implementations, a different arrangement of sensor window 210 and optical sensor 230 can be used. For example, instead of passing the second portion of the input optical signal collinearly with the input optical signal, the sensor window 210 can direct the second portion of the input optical signal in another direction toward a differently located optical sensor 230.

[00032] As stated above, Figure 2 is provided only as an example. Other examples are possible and may differ from what was described with respect to Figure 2.

[00033] Figure 3 is a diagram of an example optical filter 300. Figure 3 shows an example stack of an optical filter that can be used as a sensor window described herein. As further shown in Figure 3, the optical filter 300 includes an optical filter coating portion 310 and a substrate 320.

[00034] The optical filter coating portion 310 includes a set of optical filter layers. For example, the optical filter coating portion 310 includes a first set of layers 330-1 through 330-V- / -1 (N > 1) and a second set of layers 340-1 through 340-N. In another example, the optical filter coating portion 310 may be a single layer type (for example, one or more 330 layers), three or more layer types (for example, one or more 330 layers, one or more 340 layers, and one or more of one or more other layer types), and / or the like. In some implementations, the optical filter coating portion 310 may be placed on only one side of the substrate 320. In some implementations, the optical filter coating portion 310 may be discontinuous. For example, the optical filter coating portion 310 can be placed on multiple sides of the substrate 320.In this case, a first set of layers of the optical filter coating portion 310 can be placed on an upper side of the substrate 320, and a second set of layers of the optical filter coating portion 310 can be placed on a lower side of the substrate 320 to collectively provide color-selective functionality, bandpass functionality, out-of-band blocking functionality, anti-reflective coating functionality, polarization control functionality, and / or the like. Additionally, or alternatively, the optical filter coating portion 310 can include a first set of layers and a second set of layers separated by and sandwiched between one or more intermediate layers.

[00035] In some implementations, the 330 layers may include a set of layers of a high refractive index material (H layers), such as silicon layers, hydrogenated silicon layers, silicon-germanium (SiGe) layers, germanium layers, hydrogenated germanium layers, hydrogenated silicon-germanium layers, and / or the like. In some implementations, the 330 layers may be associated with a refractive index greater than approximately 3.0, greater than approximately 3.5, greater than approximately 3.6, greater than approximately 3.8, greater than approximately 4.0, and / or the like. Although some layers may be described as a particular material, such as SiGe, some layers may include (small amounts of) phosphorus, boron, nitride, hydrogen, a noble gas, and / or the like.

[00036] In some implementations, the 330 layers may consist of a set of layers of a metal or metal alloy material. For example, the 330 layers may be layers of silver. Alternatively, the 330 layers may be layers of silver alloy. For example, a silver alloy containing approximately 0.5 wt% gold, approximately 0.5 wt% tin, and / or similar metals may be used to provide improved corrosion resistance compared to other materials. In some implementations, the 330 layers may be layers of aluminum. In some implementations, the 330 layers may include layers of gold, platinum, palladium, alloys thereof, and / or similar metals. In some implementations, the 330 layers may have different thicknesses. For example, a first metal layer may have a first thickness, and a second metal layer may have a second thickness.In this case, the metal layers can each have a physical thickness of between approximately 5 nanometers (nm) and approximately 50 nm, between approximately 10 nm and approximately 35 nm, and / or similar thicknesses.

[00037] In some implementations, the 340 layers may include a set of layers of a low refractive index material (L layers), such as silicon dioxide layers and / or similar materials. Additionally, or alternatively, the L layers may include tantalum pentoxide (Ta20s) layers, magnesium fluoride (MgF2) layers, niobium pentoxide (Nb20s) layers, titanium dioxide (TiCb) layers, aluminum oxide (Al2O3) layers, zirconium oxide (ZrU2) layers, yttrium oxide (Y2O3) layers, silicon nitride (Si3N4) layers, a combination thereof, and / or similar materials. In some implementations, the 340 layer may be associated with a refractive index of approximately 2.7, approximately 2.0, or approximately 1.5, and / or similar. In some aspects, the difference between a first refractive index of the 330 layers and a second refractive index of the 340 layers may be greater than approximately 1.5, greater than approximately 2.0, greater than approximately 2.5, greater than approximately 3.0, greater than approximately 3.5, and / or similar. In some implementations, the optical filter coating portion 310 may include 330 layers of a first material and 340 layers of a second material.

[00038] In some implementations, the optical filter coating portion 310 may include multi-material 330 layers and / or multi-material 340 layers. For example, the optical filter coating portion 310 may include a first type of 330 layer with a first refractive index, a second type of 330 layer with a second refractive index, and a 340 layer with a third refractive index. Similarly, the optical filter coating portion 310 may include a 330 layer with a first refractive index, a first type of 340 layer with a second refractive index, and a second type of 340 layer with a third refractive index. Likewise, the optical filter coating portion 310 may include multiple types of 330 layers with multiple refractive indices and multiple types of 340 layers with multiple refractive indices.Based on the use of a third type of material, a fourth type of material, and / or the like, a color, a bandpass, a filtering functionality, and / or the like can be adjusted to a greater degree of configurability (e.g., a more granular color configuration capability, bandpass configuration capability, and / or the like) with respect to the use of a single material for layers 330 and a single material for layers 340.

[00039] In some implementations, the optical filter coating portion 310 can be associated with a particular number of layers, m. For example, an optical filter for use as a sensor window may include a number of alternating high-refractive-index and low-refractive-index layers, such as ranging from 2 layers to 200 layers. In some implementations, the optical filter coating portion 310 can be fabricated using a sparking procedure. For example, the optical filter coating portion 310 can be fabricated using a pulse magnetron-based sparking procedure to spark alternating 330 and 340 layers onto a glass or other substrate, as described herein. In some implementations, multiple cathodes can be used for the sparking procedure.such as a first cathode for sparking silicon and a second cathode for sparking germanium or a mixture of germanium and silicon, thereby forming a silicon-germanium layer. In some implementations, the optical filter coating portion 310 may include one or more other types of layers to provide one or more other functionalities, such as a hydrophobic layer (for example, on an outer surface of a sensor window to prevent water, such as rain, from covering a sensor window), a hydrophilic or superhydrophilic layer (for example, on an inner surface of a sensor window to prevent fogging of the sensor window, to add a self-cleaning functionality to the sensor window), an oleophobic layer, a protective layer (for example, a coating placed on top of the optical filter coating portion 310), an anti-reflective layer, a heat-generating layer (for example,a layer of material with built-in electrical connections to allow heating of the optical filter 300), an anti-icing layer, an out-of-band blocking layer (e.g., to block a particular spectral range), and / or the like. In some implementations, the substrate 320 may be chemically strengthened glass to provide protection to the one or more sensor elements covered by the substrate 320. In some implementations, the optical filter 300 and / or one or more layers thereof may be laminated (e.g., covered with a laminate coating or formed into a laminated construction) to provide shock resistance to the optical filter 300, thereby providing protection to the one or more sensor elements covered by the optical filter 300.

[00040] In some implementations, the optical filter coating portion 310 can be fixed using one or more fixing procedures, such as a first fixing procedure at a temperature of approximately 280 degrees Celsius or between approximately 200 degrees Celsius and approximately 400 degrees Celsius, a second fixing procedure at a temperature of approximately 320 degrees Celsius or between approximately 250 degrees Celsius and approximately 350 degrees Celsius, and / or similar.

[00041] In some implementations, each layer of the optical filter coating portion 310 may be associated with a particular thickness. For example, layers 330 and 340 may each be associated with a thickness between 1 nm and 1500 nm, between 10 nm and 500 nm, and / or similar thicknesses. Additionally, or alternatively, optical filter 300 may be associated with a thickness between 50 pm and 10 millimeters (mm), between 1 mm and 5 nm, and / or similar thicknesses. In some implementations, at least one of layers 330 and 340 may each be associated with a thickness of less than 1000 nm, less than 100 nm, or less than 5 nm, and / or similar thicknesses. Additionally, or alternatively, the 310 optical filter coating portion can be associated with a thickness of less than 100 pm, less than 50 pm, less than 10 pm, less than 5 pm, and / or similar thicknesses. In some implementations, one layer can be associated with multiple different thicknesses.For example, to form a set of channels, the thickness of a particular layer (e.g., a separator layer placed between a set of reflectors formed by layers 330 and 340) can be varied to cause different wavelengths of light to be directed to different sensor elements in a sensor array via different channels. In this way, a sensor window can enable the use of a multispectral sensor to determine information regarding multiple wavelengths of light. In some implementations, the optical filter 300 can form at least 1 channel, at least 2 channels, at least 32 channels, at least 64 channels, at least 128 channels, and / or similar quantities to allow the perception of a threshold number of wavelengths. In some implementations, the multiple channels can be associated with a common wavelength for perception by at least one sensor element aligned with multiple channels.

[00042] In some implementations, the optical filter 300 may be associated with a particular spectral range, such as a near-infrared spectral range, a mid-infrared spectral range, and / or the like. For example, the optical filter 300 may be associated with a spectral range of approximately 600 nm to approximately 2500 nm, approximately 700 nm to approximately 2000 nm, approximately 800 nm to approximately 1600 nm, and / or the like. In some implementations, the optical filter 300 may be associated with a particular center wavelength, such as a center wavelength of approximately 940 nm, a center wavelength of approximately 1064 nm, a center wavelength of approximately 1550 nm, and / or the like.In some implementations, the 300 optical filter can be associated with a particular channel spacing, such as a channel spacing of less than approximately 50 nm, less than approximately 20 nm, less than approximately nm, less than approximately 5 nm, less than approximately 1 nm, and / or the like.

[00043] In some implementations, the optical filter 300 can be associated with a particular color change. For example, the optical filter 300 can be associated with a color change from a first color at a first angle of incidence (e.g., 0 degrees) to a second color at a second angle of incidence (e.g., greater than 15 degrees, 30 degrees, 45 degrees, 60 degrees, and / or similar) within 1 ΔE, within 5 ΔE, within 10 ΔE, within 20 ΔE, within 30 ΔE, within 40 ΔE, within 100 ΔE, within 150 ΔE, and / or similar. In some implementations, the optical filter 300 can associate with a threshold transmittance, such as greater than approximately 50% transmittance, greater than approximately 80% transmittance, greater than approximately 90% transmittance, greater than approximately 95% transmittance, greater than approximately 99% transmittance, and / or similar values ​​of a a particular spectral range (e.g., a perceptible spectral range). In some implementations, the Optical Filter 300 can be associated with a threshold opacity (e.g., based on reflectance, absorption, and / or similar factors). For example, the Optical Filter 300 can be associated with an opacity of more than approximately 50% transmittance, more than approximately 80% transmittance, more than approximately 90% transmittance, more than approximately 95% transmittance, more than approximately 99% transmittance, and / or similar values ​​for a particular spectral range (e.g., a visible spectral range). In this way, the Optical Filter 300 enables color selectivity for a sensor window and allows perception by a sensor element placed in an optical path of the sensor window.

[00044] In some implementations, the Optical Filter 300 can be associated with multiple features in multiple locations on the Optical Filter 300. For example, a first portion of the Optical Filter 300 can be associated with a first thickness, a first layer arrangement, a first material type, and / or the like in a first cross-sectional region of the Optical Filter 300, and a second portion of the Optical Filter 300 can be associated with a second thickness, a second layer arrangement, a second material type, and / or the like in a second cross-sectional region of the Optical Filter 300. In this way, the Optical Filter 300 can enable color selectivity for multiple colors in a single sensor window, such as to form a particular pattern, to form a particular iconography, and / or the like, as described above.

[00045] As stated above, Figure 13 is provided only as an example. Other examples are possible and may differ from what was described with respect to Figure 3.

[00046] Figures 4A-4E are example feature diagrams relating to a sensor window described herein.

[00047] As shown in Figure 4A, and by Graph 400, a transmittance can be determined for a particular sensor window and spectral range. In this case, the sensor window can be a black antireflective sensor window placed on a borosilicate substrate, matched to an air environment, and exposed to collimated light. Furthermore, the sensor window is configured for a spectral range centered at 1550 nm. As shown, at an angle of incidence from approximately 0 degrees to approximately 45 degrees, the transmittance is less than 5% between approximately 400 nm and approximately 780 nm and is greater than 95% at approximately 1550 nm. In this case, a blocker can be added to an optical filter that includes the sensor window to block transmission below, for example, approximately 1000 nm.As further shown, as a result of the transmittance and reflectance, shown in Figure 4B, a surface with the sensor window may appear as a particular color in a visible spectral range and may provide antireflectance to a desired NIR spectral range in which perception is to be performed.

[00048] As shown in Figure 4B, and by Graph 410, a reflectance for the sensor window can be determined. In this case, the reflectance can be less than 10% in the visible spectral range (e.g., approximately 390 nm to approximately 700 nm) and at angles of incidence from approximately 0 degrees to approximately 45 degrees, resulting in a black color for the sensor window across a threshold range of angles of incidence (e.g., from approximately 0 degrees to at least approximately 45 degrees).

[00049] As shown in Figures 4C and 4D, and by graphs 420 and 430, respectively, a color change is determined at angles of incidence from approximately 0 degrees to approximately 60 degrees. For example, the sensor window is associated with a color change, at angles of incidence from approximately 0 degrees to approximately 60 degrees, of less than approximately 20 ΔE, at angles of incidence from approximately 0 degrees to approximately 30 degrees of less than 5 ΔE, and / or similar.

[00050] As shown in Figure 4E, and by Graph 440, an example stacking for the sensor window is shown. For example, a first side of the sensor window (e.g., placed on a first side of a sensor window substrate) may include alternating high-refractive-index (H-layers) and low-refractive-index (L-layers) layers matched with an air interface. A second side of the sensor window (e.g., placed on a second side of the sensor window substrate) may include additional H-layers and L-layers. In this case, each layer can be associated with a thickness configured to provide the optical performance described with respect to Figures 4A–4D.

[00051] In this case, as shown in Figures 4A-4E, the sensor window allows transmission at near-infrared wavelengths and color selectivity at visible wavelengths for a threshold range of incidence angles, thus improving performance compared to other techniques for producing a colored window. Furthermore, based on a reduced thickness and a sharper transition zone (e.g., a wavelength range from less than a first threshold transmittance and greater than a first threshold reflectance to greater than a second threshold transmittance and less than a second threshold reflectance, is smaller than a threshold wavelength range), the optical performance of a colored window and / or an associated sensor is improved.

[00052] As stated above, Figures 4A-4E are provided only as examples. Other examples are possible and may differ from what was described with respect to Figures 4A-4E.

[00053] Figures 5A-5D are example feature diagrams relating to a sensor window described herein.

[00054] As shown in Figure 5A, and by Graph 500, a transmittance can be determined for a particular sensor window and spectral range. In this case, the sensor window can be a black antireflective sensor window placed on a borosilicate substrate, matched to an air environment, and exposed to collimated light. Furthermore, the sensor window is configured for a spectral range centered at 940 nm. As shown, at incidence angles from approximately 0 degrees to approximately 45 degrees, the transmittance is less than 50% between approximately 400 nm and approximately 850 nm and is greater than 95% at approximately 940 nm. In this case, a blocker can be added to an optical filter that includes the sensor window to block transmission above, for example, approximately 1000 nm, thereby suppressing transmission at wavelengths greater than approximately 1000 nm.

[00055] As shown in Figure 5B, and by Graph 510, a reflectance for the sensor window can be determined. In this case, the reflectance can be less than 10% in the visible spectral range (e.g., from approximately 390 nm to approximately 650 nm) and at angles of incidence from approximately 0 degrees to approximately 45 degrees, resulting in a black color for the sensor window across the angles of incidence.

[00056] As shown in Figure 5C, and by Graph 520, a color shift is determined at angles of incidence from approximately 0 degrees to approximately 60 degrees. For example, the sensor window is associated with a color shift, at angles of incidence from approximately 0 degrees to approximately 60 degrees, of approximately 30 ΔE, at angles of incidence from approximately 0 degrees to approximately 30 degrees of less than 5 ΔE, and / or similar. In this way, as shown in Figures 5A-5C, the sensor window allows transmission at near-infrared wavelengths and color selectivity at visible wavelengths for a threshold range of angles of incidence, thereby improving performance relative to other techniques for producing a sensor window.

[00057] As shown in Figure 5D, and by Figure 530, an example stacking for the sensor window is shown. For example, a first side of the sensor window (e.g., placed on a first side of a sensor window substrate) may include alternating high-refractive-index (H-layers) and low-refractive-index (L-layers) layers matched with an air interface. A second side of the sensor window (e.g., placed on a second side of the sensor window substrate) may include additional H-layers and L-layers. In this case, each layer can be associated with a thickness configured to provide the optical performance described with respect to Figures 5A-5C.

[00058] As stated above, Figures 5A-5D are provided only as examples. Other examples are possible and may differ from what was described with respect to Figures 5A-5D.

[00059] Figures 6A-6D are example feature diagrams related to a sensor window described herein.

[00060] As shown in Figure 6A, and by Graph 600, a transmittance can be determined for a particular sensor window and spectral range. In this case, the sensor window can be a red antireflective sensor window placed on a borosilicate substrate, matched to an air environment, and exposed to collimated light. Furthermore, the sensor window can be configured for a spectral range centered at 940 nm. As shown, at incidence angles from approximately 0 degrees to approximately 45 degrees, the transmittance is less than 50% between approximately 400 nm and approximately 800 nm and is greater than 85% at approximately 940 nm.

[00061] As shown in Figure 6B, and by Graph 610, a reflectance for the sensor window can be determined. In this case, the reflectance may be less than 12% in one part of the visible spectral range (e.g., approximately 390 nm to approximately 590 nm) and at angles of incidence from approximately 0 degrees to approximately 45 degrees. Conversely, the reflectance may be greater than 12% in another part of the visible spectral range (e.g., approximately 590 nm to approximately 700 nm), resulting in a red color for the sensor window.

[00062] As shown in Figure 6C, and by Graph 620, a color shift can be determined at angles of incidence from approximately 0 degrees to approximately 60 degrees. For example, the sensor window is associated with a color shift of 40 ΔE at angles of incidence from approximately 0 degrees to approximately 60 degrees, less than 5 ΔE at angles of incidence from approximately 0 degrees to approximately 30 degrees, and / or similar values. Thus, as shown in Figures 6A-6C, the sensor window allows transmission at near-infrared wavelengths and color selectivity at visible wavelengths within a threshold range of angles of incidence, thereby improving performance compared to other techniques for producing a sensor window.

[00063] As shown in Figure 6D, and by graph 630, an example stacking for the sensor window is shown. For example, a first side of the sensor window (e.g., placed on a first side of a sensor window substrate) may include alternating high refractive index (H) layers and low refractive index (L) layers matched with an air interface. A second side of the sensor window (e.g., placed on a second side of the sensor window substrate) may include additional H and L layers. In this case, each layer can be associated with a thickness configured to provide the optical performance described with respect to Figures 6A-6C.

[00064] As stated above, Figures 6A-6D are provided only as examples. Other examples are possible and may differ from what was described with respect to Figures 6A-6D.

[00065] Figures 7A-7C are example feature diagrams related to a sensor window described herein.

[00066] As shown in Figure 7A, and by Graph 700, a reflectance for a particular sensor window and spectral range can be determined. In this case, the sensor window can be a black, antireflective sensor window placed on a borosilicate substrate, matched to an air environment, and exposed to collimated light. Furthermore, the sensor window can be configured for a spectral range centered at 1064 nm. In this case, the reflectance can be less than 8% in the visible spectral range (e.g., approximately 390 nm to approximately 700 nm) and at incidence angles of approximately 0 degrees to approximately 45 degrees, resulting in a black color for the sensor window.

[00067] As shown in Figures 7B and 7C, and by graphs 710 and 720, respectively, a color shift can be determined at angles of incidence from approximately 0 degrees to approximately 60 degrees. For example, the sensor window is associated with a reduced color shift at angles of incidence from approximately 0 degrees to approximately 60 degrees compared to other techniques for producing a sensor window. Thus, as shown in Figures 7A-7C, the sensor window allows transmission at near-infrared wavelengths and color selectivity at visible wavelengths within a threshold range of angles of incidence, thereby improving performance compared to other techniques for producing a sensor window.

[00068] As stated above, Figures 7A-7C are provided only as examples. Other examples are possible and may differ from what was described with respect to Figures 7A-7C.

[00069] Figures 8A-8E are example feature diagrams related to a sensor window described herein.

[00070] As shown in Figure 8A, and by Graph 800, a transmittance can be determined for a particular sensor window and spectral range. In this case, the sensor window can be a blue antireflective sensor window placed on a borosilicate substrate, matched to an air environment, and exposed to collimated light. Furthermore, the sensor window can be configured for a spectral range centered at 940 nm. As shown, at incidence angles from approximately 0 degrees to approximately 45 degrees, the transmittance is less than 15% between approximately 400 nm and approximately 800 nm and is greater than 80% at approximately 940 nm.

[00071] As shown in Figure 8B, and by Graph 810, a reflectance for the sensor window can be determined. In this case, the reflectance may be less than 10% in a portion of the visible spectral range (e.g., approximately 500 nm to approximately 700 nm). Conversely, the reflectance may be greater than 90% in a smaller spectral range of approximately 500 nm, resulting in a blue color for the sensor window across a threshold range of incidence angles.

[00072] As shown in Figures 8C and 8D, and by graphs 820 and 830, respectively, a color shift can be determined at angles of incidence from approximately 0 degrees to approximately 60 degrees. For example, the sensor window is associated with a color shift, at angles of incidence from approximately 0 degrees to approximately 60 degrees, from 105 ΔE to angles of incidence from approximately 0 degrees to approximately 30 degrees, from less than 12 ΔE, and / or similar values. In this way, as shown in Figures 8A and 8D, the sensor window allows transmission at near-infrared wavelengths and color selectivity at visible wavelengths within a threshold range of angles of incidence, thereby improving performance compared to other techniques for producing a sensor window.

[00073] As shown in Figure 8E, and by Graph 840, an example stacking for the sensor window is shown. For example, a first side of the sensor window (e.g., placed on a first side of a sensor window substrate) may include alternating high-refractive-index (H-layers) and low-refractive-index (L-layers) layers matched with an air interface. A second side of the sensor window (e.g., placed on a second side of the sensor window substrate) may include additional H-layers and L-layers. In this case, each layer can be associated with a thickness configured to provide the optical performance described with respect to Figures 8A–8D.

[00074] As stated above, Figures 8A-8E are provided only as examples. Other examples are possible and may differ from what was described with respect to Figures 8A-8E.

[00075] In this way, a sensor window can be color-matched to, for example, an adjacent surface (for example, a vehicle body color), such as within 1 ΔE, within 5 ΔE, within 10 ΔE, within 20 ΔE, within 30 ΔE, within 40 ΔE, within 100 ΔE, within 150 ΔE and / or similar for incidence angles from approximately 0 degrees to approximately 60 degrees or larger incidence angles with reduced thickness, improved transmittance, and / or similar with respect to a pigment-based sensor window. Furthermore, the sensor window can allow a sharper transition between transmittance at a perceptible spectral range and color selectivity at a visible spectral range, thereby improving perception by a sensor element compared to a pigment-based sensor window.

[00076] The above description provides illustration and This description is provided, but it is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit implementations to the precise form described. Modifications and variations are possible in light of the above description or can be learned from practical implementations.

[00077] Some implementations are described herein in connection with thresholds. As used herein, satisfaction of a threshold may refer to a value that is greater than the threshold, more than the threshold, higher than the threshold, greater than or equal to the threshold, less than the threshold, smaller than the threshold, below the threshold, less than or equal to the threshold, equal to the threshold, and / or the like.

[00078] Although particular combinations of features are mentioned in the claims and / or described in the specification, these combinations are not intended to limit the description of possible implementations. In fact, many of these features can be combined in ways not specifically mentioned in the claims and / or described in the specification. Although each dependent claim listed below may depend directly on only one claim, the description of possible implementations includes each dependent claim in combination with another claim in the set of claims.

[00079] No element, act, or instruction used herein shall be considered critical or essential unless explicitly described as such. Also, as used herein, the articles "a" and "an" are proposed to include one or more articles and may be used interchangeably with "one or more." Additionally, as used herein, the term "set" is proposed to include one or more articles (e.g., related articles, unrelated articles, a combination of related and unrelated articles, etc.) and may be used interchangeably with "one or more." Where only one article is proposed, the term "one" or similar language is used. Also, as used herein, the terms "has," "have," "which has," and / or similar terms are proposed to be open terms. Additionally, the phrase "based on" is proposed to mean "based, at least in part, on" unless explicitly stated otherwise.

Claims

1. A system comprising: an optical sensor array placed on or in a substrate; and a sensor window placed in an optical path of the optical sensor array, the sensor window including: at least one layer configured to provide more than 80% opacity to a first spectral range and for angles of incidence from approximately 0 degrees to approximately 45 degrees and to provide more than 80% transmittance to a second spectral range, which is different from the first spectral range, and for angles of incidence from approximately 0 degrees to approximately 45 degrees.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the system is included in a vehicle and is color-matched within 1 ΔE of a vehicle body color.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein the system is at least one of: a biometric system, a security system, a communications system, a health monitoring system, an object identification system, a spectroscopic identification system.

4. The system of claim 1, wherein the at least one layer is configured to a particular color in a visible spectral range, and wherein the particular color is a plurality of colors arranged in a particular pattern or to form a particular iconography in the visible spectral range.

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