US 12,332,524 B2
Color-preserving variable transmission optical device
Antonio Munoz, Shaker Heights, OH (US); and Bahman Taheri, Shaker Heights, OH (US)
Assigned to ALPHAMICRON INCORPORATED, Kent, OH (US)
Filed by ALPHAMICRON INCORPORATED, Kent, OH (US)
Filed on Sep. 19, 2023, as Appl. No. 18/369,843.
Application 18/369,843 is a continuation in part of application No. PCT/US2022/044310, filed on Sep. 22, 2022.
Claims priority of provisional application 63/246,940, filed on Sep. 22, 2021.
Prior Publication US 2024/0004245 A1, Jan. 4, 2024
Int. Cl. G02F 1/1347 (2006.01)
CPC G02F 1/13475 (2013.01) [G02F 2203/01 (2013.01)] 29 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A variable transmission optical device (“VTOD”) comprising:
a first cell comprising a first electro-optic material provided between a first pair of substrates, wherein the first electro-optic material is capable of changing from a state of higher light transmittance to a state of lower light transmittance in a first wavelength region upon a change in a first electric field applied across the first electro-optical material; and
a second cell in optical communication with the first cell, the second cell comprising a second electro-optic material provided between a second pair of substrates, wherein the second electro-optic material is capable of changing from a state of higher light transmittance to a state of lower light transmittance in a second wavelength region upon a change in a second electric field applied across the second electro-optical material,
wherein:
a) for light from a scene passing through the VTOD to be viewed, the VTOD is switchable between i) a clear state having chromaticity CCS and a photopic transmission PTCS of at least 20% wherein the first cell and second cell are each in the state of higher light transmission, ii) a first darkened state having chromaticity CD1 and a photopic transmission PTD1 lower than PTCS, and iii) a second darkened state having chromaticity CD2 and a photopic transmission PTD2 that is lower than PTD1, and
b) as characterized by Munsell color space i) PTD1 corresponds to a Munsell value MVD1, ii) PTD2 corresponds to a Munsell value MVD2, iii) CD1 falls within chroma 2 when MVD1 is 5 or less, and iv) CD2 falls within chroma 2 when MVD2 is 5 or less.