Abstract: A beam steering device, an optical apparatus including the beam steering device, and a beam steering method are provided. The beam steering device includes a polarization converter adjusting a polarization direction of light that is emitted from a light source, and an antenna array receiving the light from the polarization converter and emitting light in different propagating direction depending on the polarization direction of the light from the polarization converter.

Abstract: A panel for a vehicle interior including a cover layer and a mask layer, wherein the cover layer has a frontside and a backside, and the mask layer is disposed at the backside of the cover layer. The cover layer includes a semi-transparent layer. The cover layer has a light transmittance of at most 90 percent in a direction perpendicular to the frontside, wherein the mask layer comprises a transparent display region and an opaque region, wherein the opaque region is located adjacent to the display region.

Abstract: A system includes a space with at least one window separating an interior space from an exterior space; band-pass filter layers provided in the window and configured to block narrowband light; and a light source provided in the interior space and including at least red, green and blue light emitting diodes. The light source is configured to selectively provide broad spectrum white light and narrowband light blocked by the filter layers in the window, such that the interior space is visible from the exterior space through the window when illuminated by the broad spectrum light, but not visible when illuminated by the narrowband light.

Abstract: A display system for transforming sunlit and other brightly lit surfaces while being observed by viewers or an audience. The display system includes an optical element switchable between first and second operating states, and the optical element includes a pane that is opaque in the first operating state and transparent in the second operating state. The display system includes a controller operable to switch the optical element between the first and second operating states. Further, the display system includes a background image element positioned adjacent to a first surface of the pane of the switchable optical element. The pane may be a liquid crystal (LC) film, and the controller operates a power source to provide electric current to the LC film to switch the optical element to the second operating state. The display system may include a foreground image element positioned proximate to a second surface of the pane.

Abstract: The invention provides an optical composite layer structure with a built-in touch sensitive polymer dispersed liquid crystal (PDLC) structure. The optical composite layer structure comprises an upper transparent substrate, a lower transparent substrate, an upper transparent conductive layer, a lower transparent conductive layer and a PDLC layer. A PDLC circuit and a touch sensitive circuit are provided on the upper and lower transparent conductive layers. A cable region that is electrically connected to external soft circuit cables is provided at an end of the upper transparent conductive layer and the lower transparent conductive layer to electrically connect to an external control unit. With a touch sensitive operation of a touch sensitive circuit of the optical composite layer structure, a signal instruction is provided to the control unit. The corresponding PDLC circuit may drive the corresponding regions of PDLC layer to conduct the change of light transmission of local region.

Abstract: A smart optical material characterized in that when the material is at ambient temperature (?30° C.), it is opaque to at least one color light in the visible light spectrum and when the material is at an elevated temperature of at least 80° C., it is substantially transparent to the at least one color light. The smart optical material is also characterized as having before thermal aging an elongation-at-break of at least 15% and after thermal aging in air at 200° C. for seven days an elongation-at-break that is unchanged or is at least 12% and has decreased by from >0% to less than 50%. Also included are related formulations, methods, uses, articles and devices.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a display device comprises a display panel and a polarizing plate. The display panel comprises a display area, a non-display area surrounding the display area, and a light-shielding layer arranged in the display area and the non-display area. The polarizing plate is provided on a surface of the display panel, and including an end portion located in the non-display area. In this display device, the light-shielding layer opposite to the end portion of the polarizing plate is at least partially removed.

Abstract: A display device for a motor vehicle having at least one annular gauge (1) and a display panel (2) having a display surface (20) intended to be oriented toward the inside of a passenger compartment of the vehicle. The device comprises a transparent pane (4) positioned facing the display surface (20) and serving as a support for the annular gauge (1).

Abstract: Certain example embodiments of this invention relate to ruggedized switchable glazings, and/or methods of making the same. The PDLC stack of certain example embodiments includes an outer substrate, a low-E UV blocking coating deposited on an inner surface of the outer substrate, a first PVB or EVA laminate, a first PET layer, a first TCO layer, the PDLC layer, a second TCO layer, a second PET layer, a second PVB or EVA laminate, and an inner substrate. The substrates may be glass substrates. The low-E UV blocking coating may include at least two layers of or including silver and/or may include one or more IR layers. Thus, certain example embodiments may advantageously reduce one or more problems associated with residual haze, color change, flicker, structural changes in the polymer and/or the LC, degradations in state-switching response times, delamination, etc.

Abstract: A door (1) includes a tabular main body (2), a liquid crystal device (4) which is disposed in an aperture portion formed in the main body (2), a handheld portion (3A) which is attached to the main body (2), and a touch sensor (3) which is attached to the handheld portion (3A). Because the touch sensor (3) is attached to the handheld portion (3A), when a person's hand touches the handheld portion (3A), the touch sensor (3) senses the person's hand. The liquid crystal device (4) is capable of varying between an invisible state and a visible state reversibly, and is made into a visible state in the case where the touch sensor (3) senses a person's hand.

Abstract: Prior electrochromic devices frequently suffer from high levels of defectivity. The defects may be manifest as pin holes or spots where the electrochromic transition is impaired. This is unacceptable for many applications such as electrochromic architectural glass. Improved electrochromic devices with low defectivity can be fabricated by depositing certain layered components of the electrochromic device in a single integrated deposition system. While these layers are being deposited and/or treated on a substrate, for example a glass window, the substrate never leaves a controlled ambient environment, for example a low pressure controlled atmosphere having very low levels of particles. These layers may be deposited using physical vapor deposition.

Abstract: A lighting system comprises a light source having an exit window and an electrically controllable light processing arrangement, in the form of a grid of cells lying in a plane parallel to the exit window. Each cell has a cell wall formed as electrically switchable element which is switchable between at least two processing modes. The cell wall surrounds an opening, such that light emitted in a normal direction from the light source exit window is not processed, and light passing at an angle to the normal direction greater than a threshold angle is processed by the cell wall for color and/or intensity control.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of detection of viruses, and in particular to detection of viruses using a liquid crystal assay format. In the present invention, virus binding in a detection region is identified by changes in liquid crystal orientation caused by virus binding independent orientation caused by any topography associated with the detection region.

Abstract: An electrically-powered device, structure and/or component is provided that includes an attached electrical power source in a form of a unique, environmentally-friendly energy harvesting element or component. The energy harvesting component provides a mechanism for generating autonomous renewable energy, or a renewable energy supplement, in the integrated circuit system, structure and/or component. The energy harvesting element includes a first conductor layer, a low work function layer, a dielectric layer, and a second conductor layer that are particularly configured in a manner to promote electron migration from the low work function layer, through the dielectric layer, to the facing surface of the second conductor layer in a manner that develops an electric potential between the first conductor layer and the second conductor layer. The energy harvesting component includes a plurality of energy harvesting elements electrically connected to one another to increase an electrical power output.

Abstract: A system for detecting and responding to an intruding camera. The system includes an electronic media display device having a screen configured to display content, a sensor, and a processing circuit. The processing circuit is configured to obtain information from the sensor, analyze the information to determine a presence of a camera, and edit any displayed content in response to the presence of the camera.

Abstract: Certain example embodiments relate to a vehicle window (e.g., sunroof). Side-firing LEDs are provided between first and second substantially parallel substrates and emit light towards central regions of the window. A liquid-crystal inclusive switchable film is provided between the first and second substrates. The liquid crystals are sized such that light received from the LEDs is redirected in a direction substantially normal to major surfaces of the first and second substrates. The switchable film is operable in at least first and second modes, with the window in the first mode having a visible transmission of less than 1%, and with the window in the second mode having a visible transmission of 7-15%. The switchable film and the LEDs are operable independently of one another in connection with the LEDs emitting light and the switchable film controlling visible transmission therethrough.

Abstract: An anti-reflection structure includes a substrate including a planar portion, a protrusion portion disposed over the planar portion, and a coating layer, wherein the protrusion portion is integrated with the planar portion, and the coating layer conformably covers the planar portion and the protrusion portion.

Abstract: A switchable window includes: first and second substrates (e.g., glass substrates); a liquid crystal inclusive layer (e.g., PDLC layer) disposed between at least the first and the second substrates; and a low-E coating provided between at least the liquid crystal inclusive layer and the first substrate. Voltage is applied to the liquid crystal inclusive layer via the low-E coating and a substantially transparent conductive coating which are on opposite sides of the liquid crystal inclusive layer. By adjusting voltage applied to at least part of the liquid crystal inclusive layer, the window is selectively switchable between at least first and second states with different visible light transmissions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a display, in particular Head-Up-Display of a vehicle, comprising an image forming unit for generating an image, an illumination means for illuminating the image forming unit and a deflecting unit for providing a user with a virtual image of the image generated by the image forming unit, wherein the image forming unit comprises a reflective LCoS—(Liquid Crystal on Silicon) display and the deflecting unit comprises a partially transmissive combiner.

Abstract: Certain example embodiments relate to a vehicle window (e.g., sunroof). Side-firing LEDs are provided between first and second substantially parallel substrates and emit light towards central regions of the window. A liquid-crystal inclusive switchable film is provided between the first and second substrates. The liquid crystals are sized such that light received from the LEDs is redirected in a direction substantially normal to major surfaces of the first and second substrates. The switchable film is operable in at least first and second modes, with the window in the first mode having a visible transmission of less than 1%, and with the window in the second mode having a visible transmission of 7-15%. The switchable film and the LEDs are operable independently of one another in connection with the LEDs emitting light and the switchable film controlling visible transmission therethrough.

Abstract: A showcase including a plurality of frames including a front frame and an upper frame defining a showroom; a transparent display panel placed at the front frame among the frames, the transparent display panel displaying an image; and a light source unit configured to emit light into the showroom, wherein the light source unit is located between an opaque upper portion of the front frame surrounding the transparent display panel and the upper frame, and wherein the light source unit includes a plurality of lamps at each corner of the showcase and is obliquely arranged in a direction from the front frame to the upper frame, and positions of the plurality of lamps are increased in height with an increasing distance from the front frame to the upper frame.

Abstract: A liquid crystal display (LCD) device module capable of implementing a transparent display using reflection and transmission properties of cholesteric liquid crystal includes a liquid crystal display panel, a backlight unit disposed at one side surface of the liquid crystal panel to emit light directly to the side surface, and a supporting structure to support and secure the liquid crystal display panel and the backlight unit. A light guide plate is not provided at a rear surface of the liquid crystal display panel. A backlight unit faces the side surface of the liquid crystal display panel so that light can be incident directly onto the liquid crystal panel to generate an image, resulting in image enhanced with visibility and transparency of the liquid crystal display panel.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for darkening or tinting windows may be described. The method and apparatus can include coupling a display to a window; coupling the display to a power source; sending a signal from a controller to the display, and changing the display properties of the display with the signal sent from the controller to adjust the transparency of the display.

Abstract: Methods, systems, devices and/or apparatuses are provided that selectively reflect the infrared spectrum independent of other regions of the solar spectrum in order to actively manage solar heat gain across surfaces such as windows, skylights, roofs, siding and the like.

Abstract: A liquid crystal optical device that includes a first substrate layer that is substantially flat and a second substrate layer that is substantially flat and parallel to the first substrate layer. The liquid crystal optical device further includes a layer of cholesteric liquid crystal disposed between the first substrate layer and the second substrate layer, where the layer of cholesteric liquid crystal is arranged in domains, each domain having a helical axis, wherein the helical axes of the domains have a plurality of orientations relative to an orientation of the first and second substrate layers, and where a wavefront of a light wave having a wavelength within a range of wavelengths changes after reflecting from the layer of cholesteric liquid crystal.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a transparent composite material capable of exhibiting relatively high light transmittance, reduced haze, fabrication in the form of a thin film, and improved mechanical strengths (impact strength, flexural strength, etc.), by way of unidirectionally aligning glass fiber filaments without intersecting or overlapping with each other, and embedding the aligned glass fiber filaments into a transparent resin formed on a film, and a manufacturing method thereof. The transparent composite material is composed of glass fiber plates including a transparent resin, and a plurality of glass fiber filaments embedded in the transparent resin in a unidirectionally aligned state.

Abstract: An intelligent electronic sunblind includes an integral glass plate and a liquid crystal film attached on the glass plate. The liquid crystal film is formed with several display regions, and the liquid crystal film of the display region is cut into strips or is primarily formed with a strips shape, with the display regions abutting each other. A controller is installed between the display regions and a power source and connected with an input unit that functions to transmit signals and produce power control to the controller. The controller controls the liquid crystal film of the display regions to be electrically connected or electrically disconnected to make the liquid crystal film respectively become transparent or opaque for attaining an effect of simulating different states of partially shading light of a conventional window curtain.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of detection of viruses, and in particular to detection of viruses using a liquid crystal assay format. In the present invention, virus binding in a detection region is identified by changes in liquid crystal orientation caused by virus binding independent orientation caused by any topography associated with the detection region.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling light transmission from an optical input to an optical output can function as a tunable iris or eclipse, or as a privacy window. The iris/eclipse can use a liquid crystal matrix with a dispersion of dichroic particles that absorb light in one orientation and transmit light in another, such that controlling the liquid crystal with an electric field allows control of the dichroic particles. Alternatively, a layer may be used with a light absorbing liquid or powder material that moves with a charged material in response to a variable electric field applied to the layer. Privacy windows use a plurality of liquid crystal microlenses that can be controlled with an electric field to allow an image of an optical input to be obtainable at an optical output when in a first state, or to render the image irretrievable when in a second state.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention generally provide an input device having a plurality of sensor electrodes that can be configured to be scanned in a first direction or a second direction. The input device includes a set of sensor electrodes and first and second sets of buses. The first buses are oriented in a first direction and the second buses are oriented in a second direction. The input device also includes a set of switching elements that are each configured to couple one of the sensor electrodes to either a bus in the first set of buses or a bus in the second set of buses. These embodiments allow the sensor electrodes to be scanned in a variety of patterns for flexible sensing functionality.

Abstract: A switchable window includes: first and second substrates (e.g., glass substrates); a liquid crystal inclusive layer (e.g., PDLC layer) disposed between at least the first and the second substrates; and a low-E coating provided between at least the liquid crystal inclusive layer and the first substrate. Voltage is applied to the liquid crystal inclusive layer via the low-E coating and a substantially transparent conductive coating which are on opposite sides of the liquid crystal inclusive layer. By adjusting voltage applied to at least part of the liquid crystal inclusive layer, the window is selectively switchable between at least first and second states with different visible light transmissions.

Abstract: A system for controlling switchable glass based upon intention detection. The system includes a sensor for providing information relating to a posture of a person detected by the sensor, a processor, and switchable glass capable of being switched between transparent and opaque states. The processor is configured to receive the information from the sensor and process the received information in order to determine if an event occurred. This processing includes determining whether the posture of the person indicates a particular intention, such as attempting to take a photo. If the event occurred, the processor is configured to control the state of the switchable glass by switching it to an opaque state to prevent the photo-taking of an object, such as artwork, behind the switchable glass.

Abstract: A multiple glazing with variable scattering by liquid crystals can have first and second flat float glass sheets held on the edge of their internal faces by a joint made of a given joint material. In some examples, the glazing also includes first and second electrodes and a layer of liquid crystals with an average thickness E between 5 and 15 ?m. The thickness of each of the first and second glass sheets may be less than or equal to 6.5 mm and each of the internal faces coated with the first and second electrodes may have a dioptric defect score, expressed in millidioptres, of less than or equal to 2+2E/3, where the thickness E of the liquid crystals is in ?m.

Abstract: An anti-peeping privacy device is provided, including a polarizing element, a liquid crystal member and a diffusing element. The liquid crystal member is disposed on the polarizing element. The diffusing element is disposed on the liquid crystal member, comprising a transparent layer and a liquid crystal layer. The transparent layer having a refractive index and adjacent to the liquid crystal member includes a plurality of concave-convex stripe microstructures on the top side thereof, wherein the plurality of concave-convex stripe microstructure is arranged in a direction substantially orthogonal to the polarized light. The liquid crystal layer disposed on the concave-convex stripe microstructures of the transparent resin layer.

Abstract: A bistable switchable liquid crystal device is provided in which the device can be switched between a transparent and an opaque state by a predetermined voltage pulse. The device is based on polymer stabilized cholesteric materials. No additional amount of voltage has to be applied to the device in order to sustain the optical states. Therefore, the device is energy-saving.

Abstract: A display apparatus having a thin thickness and improved esthetic sense is disclosed. The display apparatus comprises a display panel including an upper substrate having a signal line to which gate and data signals are supplied, and at least one lower substrate bonded to the upper substrate; and a panel support member supporting the display panel to externally expose an entire upper surface of the display panel, wherein the display panel includes a display portion having a main display region, a sub display region having an area smaller than that of the main display region, and a boundary region dividing the main display region and the sub display region from each other; and a periphery portion surrounding the display portion.

Abstract: A structural interface having an adaptive liquid crystal material that is positioned to receive electromagnetic radiation and adapted to reflect a selective band of the received electromagnetic radiation so as to help with cooling of a structure in the summer and/or heating of the structure in the winter. The adaptive liquid crystal material is designed to change its selective reflection band when exposed to an activating temperature or an activating light or both. Depending on the interior and/or exterior conditions, the adaptive liquid crystal material has one or more selective reflection bands with a peak wavelength selected from the following: within a sunlight wavelength span, outside a thermal infrared wavelength span, outside the sunlight wavelength span, or within the thermal infrared wavelength span. The structural interface may be applied to an exterior or interior surface of a structural envelop or be integrated into a structural envelope material.

Abstract: An electronic device includes a camera module and a shielding assembly. The shielding assembly includes at least one window glass and a smart film mounted to the window glass. The shielding assembly covers the camera module by turning opaque. If the camera module is in use, the shielding assembly is provided with electricity, and changes transparent. If the shielding assembly is not being provided with electricity, the shielding module becomes opaque to blind the camera module. A shielding assembly is also provided.

Abstract: Thermochromic filters use combinations of absorptive, reflective, thermoabsorptive, and thermoreflective elements covering different portions of the solar spectrum, to achieve different levels of energy savings, throw, shading, visible light transmission, and comfort. Embodiments include stopband filters in the near-infrared spectrum.

Abstract: An electronic device may have a display such as a liquid crystal display. The display may have an array of display pixels. The array of display pixels may display images for a user in an active area of the display. An inactive area of the display may surround the active area. An opaque masking layer may be provided in the inactive area to block internal components in the electronic device from view. An optical component such as a light-based proximity sensor, ambient light sensor, image sensor, or light-emitting status indicator may be aligned with an opening in the opaque masking layer. A liquid crystal shutter may be provided in the display. The liquid crystal shutter may be controlled by control circuitry in the electronic device. The liquid crystal shutter may be aligned with the opening in the opaque masking layer in the inactive area and with the optical component.

Abstract: A controller or control method may be designed or configured to operate without information about the current temperature of the device and/or the device's environment. Further, in some cases, the controller or control method is designed or configured to control transition of an optical device to an intermediated state between two end states. For example, the controller may be configured to control a transition to a state of transmissivity that is intermediate between two end states of transmissivity. In such case, the device has three or more stable states of transmissivity.

Abstract: A light reflective film is produced by (a) forming a hard coat layer having a surface energy of less than 30 mN/m and a pencil hardness of at least 2H on a resin film, (b) applying a curable liquid crystal composition onto the surface of the opposite side, (c) drying the applied curable liquid crystal composition to be in a state of a cholesteric liquid crystal phase, (d) promoting the curing reaction to form a light reflective layer, and (e) repeating at least once the process of from (b) to (d).

Abstract: A light reflective film is produced by (a) forming an antistatic layer having a surface energy of at least 30 mN/m on a resin film, (b) applying a curable liquid crystal composition onto the surface of the opposite side, (c) drying the applied curable liquid crystal composition to be in a state of a cholesteric liquid crystal phase, (d) promoting the curing reaction to form a light reflective layer, and (e) repeating at least once the process of from (b) to (d).

Abstract: These teachings disclose a multi-purpose electric window that comprises a printed transparent sheet and a reflective layer laminated onto an electric light-switching device and a power source. The electric light-switching device is made of electrically actuated polymer dispersed liquid crystal or suspended polarized particles laminated between two transparent electrodes. There are surface lens structures at one side or both sides of the transparent sheet. Images are printed unto the surface lens structures. The lens structures are selected from prism, half spherical, half cylindrical, pyramidal, Fresnel structure or a combination of the above. The transparent sheet is laminated on the side with reflective layer or the other side of the electric light-switching device without reflective layer. Light emitting diodes can be placed at the sides or under the transparent sheet.

Abstract: An anti-peeping privacy device is provided, including a polarizing element, a liquid crystal member and a diffusing element. The liquid crystal member is disposed on the polarizing element. The diffusing element is disposed on the liquid crystal member, comprising a transparent layer and a liquid crystal layer. The transparent layer having a refractive index and adjacent to the liquid crystal member includes a plurality of concave-convex stripe microstructures on the top side thereof, wherein the plurality of concave-convex stripe microstructure is arranged in a direction substantially orthogonal to the polarized light. The liquid crystal layer disposed on the concave-convex stripe microstructures of the transparent resin layer.

Abstract: A liquid crystal display device with a built-in touch screen comprising a substrate having a pixel region, a thin film transistor formed at the pixel region, the thin film transistor including at least an active layer, a gate electrode, an insulating layer, and a data electrode, a first passivation layer formed on the thin film transistor, a first contact hole formed through a portion of the first passivation layer to expose the data electrode, a common electrode formed on at least one portion of the first passivation layer including inside the first contact hole, the common electrode operable to sense touch, a conductive line formed on at least one portion of the first passivation layer including inside the first contact hole, a second passivation layer formed on the common electrode and the conductive line, a second contact hole formed through a portion of the second passivation layer to expose the conductive line corresponding to the data electrode, and a pixel electrode electrically connected with the con

Abstract: A system for selectively revealing indicia to an observer comprises a transitioning window having a receiving surface and a viewing surface. The receiving surface is positioned in optical communication with an indicia holder that is configured to removably retain indicia, such as information content. During operation, the transitioning window transitions from a substantially opaque state to a substantially transparent state so as to reveal or otherwise display the indicia to an observer via the viewing surface.

Abstract: The present utility model relates to a sun control window film with light control function, comprising: an anti-dirty layer; a curing layer arranged under the anti-dirty layer; a sun control function layer arranged under the curing layer; a first ITO PET layer, wherein a top surface of the first ITO PET layer is attached to the sun control function layer by laminate adhesive; a polymer dispersed liquid crystal layer, wherein a bottom surface of the first ITO PET layer is attached to the polymer dispersed liquid crystal layer by laminate adhesive; a second ITO PET layer, wherein a top surface of the second ITO PET layer is attached to the polymer dispersed liquid crystal layer by laminate adhesive; and a lower surface polyester protective release layer, wherein a bottom surface of the second ITO PET layer is attached to the lower surface polyester protective release layer by contact adhesive.

Abstract: A cholesteric liquid-crystal mixture containing a compound represented by the general formula (Ia), a compound represented by the general formula (Ib), a fluorine-containing horizontal alignment agent and a polymerization initiator is capable of forming a film which is prevented from precipitation of liquid-crystal compounds therein, of which the haze is reduced and which has a broad reflection width.

Abstract: In an IPS type liquid crystal display device having a reduced number of layers and formed through a reduced number of photolithography steps, an off current of a TFT is prevented from increasing due to photocurrent. A drain line, a TFT drain electrode, and a source electrode each have a multilayer structure including metal and a semiconductor layer. The drain line and the semiconductor layer formed thereunder are separated from the drain electrode and the semiconductor layer formed thereunder with the drain line and the drain electrode connected by a blocking conductive film formed of ITO of which the pixel electrode is also formed. Photocurrent generated by backlight is blocked by the blocking conductive film without flowing into the TFT. Therefore, the number of photomasks required in the production process can be decreased without an increase of causing the off current of the TFT.