Multiple-Polarization Cloaking Window Array

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Solution Overview

Problem

In open plan workplaces, sensitive information displayed on polarized view screens can be inadvertently visible from outside intended areas due to unobstructed sightlines, as existing solutions fail to effectively cloak polarized image sources without obstructing sightlines.

Innovation Solution

A multiple-polarization cloaking system using a non-uniform array of polarizer panels with patterned waveplates that block specific polarizations, allowing unpolarized light to pass through while rendering polarized images unintelligible, achieved by interspersing panels with different orientations and waveplate configurations to convert and filter various polarization outputs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If a single polarization-blocking panel is used, then one polarization type is blocked, but other polarization types remain visible

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprivacy protectionVSAvoidcoverage of polarization types

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The window array is divided into multiple discrete panel sets, each configured to block a specific polarization type. This segmentation allows the system to address multiple polarization types simultaneously by distributing the blocking function across specialized sub-units rather than requiring a single universal panel.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The window array system achieves multi-functionality by integrating multiple panel sets with different polarization-blocking capabilities into a single unified structure. This allows the same physical window to effectively cloak multiple polarization types from different view screens without requiring separate solutions for each device.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Loss of information

If polarizer panels are added to block polarized light, then privacy is improved, but light transmission is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinformation privacyVSAvoidlight transmission

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSIllumination intensity

Solution Approach 1:

The polarizer panels are selectively applied only to regions where privacy protection is needed, rather than uniformly across the entire window. This allows light transmission to be maintained in areas where cloaking is not required while providing privacy protection in specific zones where view screens are positioned.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses a non-uniform distribution of polarizer panels, applying partial coverage rather than complete obstruction. This partial action approach provides sufficient privacy protection for polarized content while allowing adequate light transmission through the remaining transparent portions of the window array.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple panel sets with different orientations are used, then coverage of multiple polarization types is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemulti-polarization coverageVSAvoidpanel array complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple panel sets with different orientations and waveplate configurations are merged into a single integrated window array structure. This combining approach achieves multi-polarization coverage while consolidating what could be separate complex systems into one unified installation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The window array functions as a composite structure combining multiple types of optical panels (different polarizer orientations, waveplate configurations) within a single system. This composite approach enables the array to handle multiple polarization types simultaneously while maintaining a manageable overall structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Preserves information privacy across different polarized view screens while maintaining open plan layouts by ensuring that sensitive information remains unintelligible outside intended viewing areas without obstructing sightlines, using a single panel array or converter system to handle multiple polarization types.

Implementation Method 1

A multiple-polarization cloaking system using a non-uniform array of polarizer panels with patterned waveplates that block specific polarizations

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPolarisation: Polarisation

Implementation Method 2

patterned waveplates that block specific polarizations, allowing unpolarized light to pass through while rendering polarized images unintelligible

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectWaveplate:

Data Source

PatentUS11221497B2Multiple-polarization cloaking

Publication Date: 2022.01.11 STEELCASE INC

AI summary

A system includes a view screen with polarized output. A window capable of blocking the polarized output at least in part cloaks the view screen to frustrate viewing of the view screen through the window. In some cases, the window comprises an array of panels capable of blocking multiple polarizations. The array may disrupt multiple different polarized view screen outputs while maintaining transparency to unpolarized light. In some cases, the window capable of blocking polarized output may be paired with view screen cover that converts view screen output in an unblocked polarization to one of the one or more polarizations blocked by the window.