VARIABLE VIEWING ANGLE OPTICAL SYSTEMS

摘要

Optical systems are described that include a switchable diffuser, a display panel, a lighting component and a diffuser controller. The diffuser controller is configured to switch the state of the switchable diffuser when the diffuser controller determines that the diffuser state is to be changed. The diffuser controller may be configured to vary an output level of the display panel in association with a change in state of the switchable diffuser. The optical system may also include a switching device which may be separable from the display panel.

主权项

1. An optical system comprising:
a display panel; an electrically switchable diffuser disposed proximate the display panel, the switchable diffuser having one or more regions, and the switchable diffuser having a diffuser state, each of the one or more regions capable of being in a first state or in a second state different from the first state; a lighting component either disposed between the display panel and the switchable diffuser or disposed adjacent the switchable diffuser opposite the display panel; and a diffuser controller configured to control the diffuser state and to control an output level of the display panel, wherein the diffuser controller is configured to determine whether a first diffuser state of the switchable diffuser is to be changed and if the diffuser controller determines that the first diffuser state is to be changed, the diffuser controller is configured to switch the switchable diffuser from the first diffuser state to a second diffuser state over a first time period; wherein the diffuser controller is configured to determine whether to vary an output level of the display panel in association with a change from the first diffuser state to the second diffuser state and if the diffuser controller determines that the output level is to be varied, the diffuser controller is configured to vary the output level over a second time period, the second time period overlapping with the first time period; and wherein the diffuser controller is configured to vary the output level in association with at least one diffuser state change.