Cloaking devices with tilt correction and vehicles comprising the same

A cloaking device comprises an object-side, an image-side, a cloaked region between the object-side and the image-side. An object-side optical component and an object-side tilt correction (TC) component are positioned on the object-side, and an image-side optical component and an image-side TC component are positioned on the image-side. The cloaking device is tilted relative to an object positioned on the object-side such that light from the object is incident on the cloaking device at an acute angle. The object-side TC component redirects light from the object incident on the cloaking device such that the light propagates through the cloaking device generally normal to the object-side and image-side optical components. The image-side TC component redirects light propagating through the cloaking device back to normal to the object to form an image of the object on the image-side of the cloaking device which, if not for the TC components, would be distorted.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present specification generally relates to apparatuses and methods for making an object appear transparent and, more specifically, to apparatuses and methods with tilt correction for making pillars of vehicles appear transparent.

BACKGROUND

Studies on cloaking devices that appear to make a pillar of a vehicle transparent such that objects positioned outside the vehicle can be seen “through” the pillar have been published. Such studies disclose light propagating generally normal to surfaces of the cloak devices. However, cloaking devices oriented at an acute or obtuse angle relative to objects outside the vehicle may provide a distorted image of the objects.

Accordingly, a need exists for tilt correction for cloaking devices oriented at an acute or obtuse angle relative to objects outside a vehicle.

SUMMARY

In one embodiment, a cloaking device comprises an object-side, an image-side, a cloaked region between the object-side and the image-side, a zero-tilt axis and a tilt axis. The zero-tilt axis extends generally parallel to an object positioned on the object-side and the tilt axis extends at an acute angle relative to the zero-tilt axis. In some embodiments, the zero-tilt axis may be a vertical axis. An object-side optical component is positioned on the object-side and an image-side optical component is positioned on the image-side. The object-side optical component and the image-side optical component are oriented generally parallel to the tilt axis thereby being tilted (i.e., inclined) relative to the zero-tilt axis at the acute angle. An object-side tilt correction (TC) component is positioned on the object-side and an image-side TC component is positioned on the image-side. Light from an object on the object-side of the cloaking device propagating normal to the zero-tilt axis and incident on the object-side TC component is redirected generally normal to the tilt axis by the object-side TC component such that the light from the object propagates through the object-side optical component and the image-side optical component generally normal to the tilt axis. Light propagating through the image-side optical component generally normal to the tilt axis is redirected generally normal to the zero-tilt axis by the image-side TC component to form an image of the object on the image-side of the cloaking device such that the light from the object appears to pass through the CR. In some embodiments, the object-side TC component may be positioned outwardly from the object-side optical component and the image-side TC component may be positioned outwardly from the image-side optical component. In embodiments, light propagates through the cloaking device via an optical path of: object—object-side TC component—object-side optical component—image-side optical component—image-side TC component—image.

In some embodiments, the object-side TC component and the image-side TC component each comprise at least one Fresnel prism. In such embodiments, the at least one Fresnel prism of the object-side optical component refracts light from the object on the object-side of the cloaking device incident on the object-side TC component generally normal to the tilt axis. The light refracted by the object-side TC component propagates through the object-side optical component and the image-side optical component generally normal to the tilt axis. The at least one Fresnel prism of the image-side optical component refracts light propagating through the image-side optical component generally normal to the zero-tilt axis to form the image of the object on the image-side of the cloaking device such that the light from the object appears to pass through the CR. The at least one Fresnel prism of the object-side TC component and the image-side TC component may each comprise an outward facing first surface and an inward facing hypotenuse surface and light may propagate through the cloaking device via an optical path of: object—outward facing first surface of object-side TC component—inward facing hypotenuse surface of object-side TC component—object-side optical component—image-side optical component—inward facing hypotenuse surface of image-side TC component—outward facing first surface of image-side TC component—image.

In embodiments, the object-side optical component and the image-side optical component may comprise at least one of a pair of prisms, a pair of planar mirrors, a pair of curved mirrors, a pair of half-mirrors, a pair of converging lenses and a pair of color filters.

In another embodiment, a cloaking device assembly comprises an object-side, an image-side, a cloaked region between the object-side and the image-side, and a cloaked article positioned within the cloaked region. A zero-tilt axis and a tilt axis may be included and the zero-tilt axis may extend generally parallel to an object positioned on the object-side and the tilt axis may extend at an acute angle relative to the zero-tilt axis. An object-side optical component and an object-side tilt correction (TC) component are positioned on the object-side of the cloaked region and tilted relative to the zero-tilt axis at an acute angle. An image-side optical component and an image-side TC component are positioned on the image-side of the cloaked region and tilted relative to the zero-tilt axis at the acute angle. The object-side TC component may be positioned outwardly from the object-side optical component and the image-side TC component may be positioned outwardly from the image-side optical component. Light from an object on the object-side of the cloaking device assembly propagating at an acute relative to the tilt axis and incident on the object-side TC component is redirected by the object-side TC component such that the light propagates through the object-side optical component and the image-side optical component generally normal to the tilt axis. Also, light propagating through the image-side optical component generally normal to the tilt axis is redirected by the image-side TC component generally normal to the zero-axis to form an image of the object on the image-side of the cloaking device such that the light from the object appears to pass through the CR.

In embodiments, the object-side TC component and the image-side TC component may each comprise at least one Fresnel prism. In such embodiments, the at least one Fresnel prism of the object-side optical component refracts light from the object incident on the cloaking device generally normal to the tilt axis, and the at least one Fresnel prism of the image-side optical component refracts light propagating through the image-side optical component generally normal to the zero-tilt axis. In some embodiments, the at least one Fresnel prism of the object-side TC component and the at least one Fresnel prism of the image-side TC component may each comprise an outward facing first surface and an inward facing hypotenuse surface. In such embodiments, light propagates through the cloaking device via an optical path of: object—outward facing first surface of object-side TC component—inward facing hypotenuse surface of object-side TC component—object-side optical component—image-side optical component—inward facing hypotenuse surface of image-side TC component—outward facing first surface of image-side TC component—image.

In still another embodiment, a vehicle comprises an A-pillar and a cloaking device positioned on the A-pillar. The cloaking device comprises an object-side, an image-side, a cloaked region, a zero-tilt axis and a tilt axis. The zero-tilt axis extends generally parallel to an object that may be positioned on the object-side and the tilt axis extends at an acute angle relative to the zero-tilt axis. The A-pillar is positioned within the cloaked region and extends generally parallel to the tilt axis. The object-side is positioned on an exterior of the vehicle and the image-side is positioned within an interior of the vehicle. An object-side optical component is positioned on the object-side and an image-side optical component is positioned on the image-side. An outward facing surface of the object-side optical component and an outward facing surface of the image-side optical component are oriented generally parallel to the tilt axis such that the object-side optical component and the image-side optical component are tilted at the acute angle relative to the zero-tilt axis. An object-side tilt correction (TC) component is positioned on the object-side and an image-side TC component is positioned on the image-side. Light from an object on the object-side that is incident on the cloaking device and propagating normal to the zero-tilt axis is redirected generally normal to the tilt axis by the object-side TC component. The light redirected by the object-side TC component propagates through the object-side optical component and the image-side optical component generally normal to the tilt axis. Also, light propagating through the image-side optical component is redirected generally parallel to the light from the object incident on the cloaking device by the image-side TC component to form an image of the object on the image-side of the cloaking device, which if not for the object-side TC component and the image-side TC component, would be distorted due to the tilting of the cloaking device relative to the object.

In some embodiments, the object-side TC component is positioned outwardly from the object-side optical component, the image-side TC component is positioned outwardly from the image-side optical component, and the object-side TC component and the image-side TC component may each comprise at least one Fresnel prism. In such embodiments, the at least one Fresnel prism of the object-side TC component refracts light from the object incident on the cloaking device generally normal to the tilt axis. Also, the at least one Fresnel prism of the image-side TC component refracts light propagating through the image-side optical component generally normal to the zero-tilt axis to form an image of the object on the image-side of the cloaking device, which if not for the object-side TC component and the image-side TC component, would be distorted due to the tilting of the cloaking device relative to the object.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

According to one or more embodiments described herein, a cloaking device with tilt correction (TC) may generally comprise a cloaked region, an object-side optical component and an object-side TC component positioned on an object-side of the cloaked region, and an image-side optical component and an image-side TC component positioned on an image-side of the cloaked region. The cloaking devices with tilt correction described herein may utilize lenses, prisms, mirrors, half-mirrors and/or color filters to “bend” and refract light from an object on an object-side of a tilted cloaking device around the cloaked region to form an image of the object on an image-side of the cloaking device which, if not for the object-side TC component and the image-side TC component, would be distorted due to the tilt of the cloaking device relative to the object. Cloaking devices may be used to cloak vehicle articles such as vehicle A-pillars, B-pillars, C-pillars, D-pillars, etc., and remove a “blind spot” caused by the vehicle article. A blind spot refers to a region of the vehicle where an occupant's view may be obstructed. The utilization of the optical-side TC component and the image-side TC component allow a driver to perceive an image which, if not for the TC components, would be distorted due to the tilt of the cloaking device. Various embodiments of cloaking devices with TC components and methods for using the same will be described in further detail herein with specific reference to the appended drawings.

FIG. 1generally depicts one embodiment of a cloaking device with tilt correction. In some embodiments, a zero-tilt axis extends non-parallel to one or more outward facing surfaces of the cloaking device and a tilt axis extends generally parallel to one or more surfaces of the cloaking device. Accordingly, cloaking devices described herein aligned generally parallel with the tilt axis are aligned non-parallel to the zero-tilt axis and thereby are “tilted” (i.e., inclined). In some embodiments, an object positioned on the object-side of a cloaking device may be aligned generally parallel to the zero-tilt axis and the cloaking device is aligned non-parallel to the zero-tilt axis. In such embodiments, the cloaking device is tilted relative to the object. The phrase “zero-tilt axis” as used herein refers to an axis extending non-parallel to one or more surfaces (e.g., one or more outward facing surfaces) of the cloaking device and the term ‘tilt axis” refers to an axis lying in the same plane as the zero-tilt axis, extending generally parallel to one or more surfaces of the cloaking device, and oriented at an acute angle relative to the zero-tilt axis. As used herein, the term “tilt” refers to a non-zero angle between a zero-tilt axis of a cloaking device and a tilt axis of the cloaking device, and the phrase “tilt correction” refers to correction of an image on an image-side of a cloaking device which, if not for TC components, would be distorted due to light propagating through the cloaking device at an acute angle relative to the zero-tilt axis of the cloaking device. As used herein, the phrase “outward facing surface” refers to a surface facing away or distal from a cloaked region of a cloaking device and the phrase “inward facing surface” refers to a surface facing towards or proximal to the cloaked region.

The cloaking device includes a cloaked region at least partially bounded by an object-side optical component and an image-side optical component. An object-side TC component may be positioned outwardly from the object-side optical component and an image-side TC component may be positioned outwardly from the image-side optical component. As used herein, the phrase “positioned outwardly” refers to a component positioned distal to a cloaked region of a cloaking device relative to another component positioned proximal to the cloaked region. The cloaking device may be tilted at an angle ‘β’ relative to an object positioned on an object-side of the cloaking device (FIG. 4) such that light from the object is incident on the object-side TC component at an acute angle ‘θ’ (FIG. 4). The light incident on the object-side TC component at the acute angle θ is redirected by the object-side TC component such that the light propagates through the cloaking device generally normal to the object-side and image-side optical components. As used herein, the term “redirected” refers to refracted or reflected light unless stated otherwise and the phrase “generally normal” refers to a line or ray of light generally perpendicular (i.e., 90°+/−2°) to a surface of a cloaking device. The image-side TC component refracts light propagating through and exiting the image-side optical component back to generally parallel with the light from the object incident on the object-side TC component at the acute angle θ. Refracting the light with the object-side TC component and the image-side TC component provides an image of the object on the image-side of the cloaking device which, if not for the object-side and image-side TC components, would be distorted due to the tilt of the cloaking device relative to the object.

Still referring toFIG. 1, a top view of embodiments of a cloaking device assembly10comprising a cloaking device100with a pair of optical components110,120is schematically depicted. A pair of TC components150,160are included. In some embodiments, the cloaking device100may include the pair of TC components150,160. In other embodiments, the cloaking device100may not include the pair of TC components150,160. In such embodiments, the TC components150,160may be separate from the cloaking device100, e.g. the TC components150,160may be removably attached to the cloaking device100. The cloaking device assembly10includes an object-side12, an image-side14, and a cloaked region CR at least partially bounded by and positioned between the pair of optical components110,120. The object-side12is positioned above (+Y direction) a bisecting axis15and the image-side14is positioned below (−Y direction) the bisecting axis15. That is, the bisecting axis15extends between and delineates the object-side12and the image-side14. The optical component110and the TC component150may be positioned on the object-side12and may be referred to herein as an object-side optical component110and an object-side TC component150, respectively. Also, the optical component120and the TC component160maybe positioned on the image-side14and may be referred to herein as an image-side optical component120and an image-side TC component160, respectively. The object-side TC component150comprises a first end151positioned on a first side (+X direction) of a reference optical axis16extending from the object-side12to the image-side14, a second end153positioned on a second side (−X direction) of the reference optical axis16opposite the first side, and a width (X direction) extending from the first end151to the second end153. Similarly, the image-side TC component160comprises a first end161positioned on a first side (+X direction) of the reference optical axis16and a second end163positioned on the second side (−X direction) of the reference optical axis16opposite the first side, and a width (X direction) extending from the first end161to the second end163.

In some embodiments, the cloaking device100may include a pair of transition optical components115,125positioned between the object-side optical component110and the image-side optical component120as schematically depicted inFIG. 1. The pair of transition optical components115,125may be utilized to reflect, refract and/or transmit light around the cloaked region CR. In such embodiments, the transition optical component115may be positioned between the object-side optical component110and the image-side optical component120on the first side (+X direction) of the reference optical axis16and may be referred to herein as a first transition optical component115. The transition optical component125may be positioned between the object-side optical component110and the image-side optical component120on the second side (−X direction) of the reference optical axis16opposite the first side and may be referred to herein as a second transition optical component125. In other embodiments, transition optical components may not be included and the object-side optical component110and the image-side optical component120reflect, refract and/or transmit light from an object ‘O’ on the object-side12around the cloaked region CR to from an image I on the image-side14.

Referring now toFIGS. 2, 2A and 2B, a side view of the cloaking device assembly10is schematically depicted. The object-side optical component110and the image-side optical component120comprise outward facing surfaces112,122, inward facing surfaces114,124, lower ends116,126(−Z direction) and upper ends118,128(−Z direction), respectively. The outward facing surfaces112,122and inward facing surfaces114,124of the optical components110,120, respectively, extend between the lower ends116,126and the upper ends118,128, respectively. In some embodiments, the outward facing surfaces112,122and the inward facing surfaces114,124of the optical components110,120, respectively, and other outward facing and inward facing surfaces described herein, comprise one or more planar surfaces. In other embodiments, the outward facing surfaces112,122and inward facing surfaces114,124of the optical components110,120, respectively, and other outward facing and inward facing surfaces described herein, comprise one or more curved surfaces. In still other embodiments, the outward facing surfaces112,122and inward facing surfaces114,124of the optical components110,120, respectively, and other outward facing and inward facing surfaces described herein, comprise one or more planar surfaces and one or more curved surfaces.

The cloaking device assembly10depicted inFIGS. 2-2B, and other cloaking device assemblies described herein, may be tilted relative to a zero-tilt axis17extending generally parallel to the Z-axis and the object ‘O’ depicted in the figures. Particularly, a tilt axis18may extend generally parallel to the outward facing surfaces112,122of the optical components110,120, respectively, and as depicted inFIG. 2, the outward facing surfaces112,122and the tilt axis18may be oriented at an acute angle ‘β’ relative to the zero-tilt axis17. In some embodiments, the zero-tilt axis17, and other zero-tilt axes described herein, may be a vertical axis.

The object-side TC component150is positioned outwardly from and extends generally parallel to the outward facing surface112of the object-side optical component110and the image-side TC component160is positioned outwardly from and extends generally parallel to the outward facing surface122of the image-side optical component120as depicted inFIG. 2. The object-side TC component150comprises an outward facing planar surface155, and at least one Fresnel prism152with a first surface154, a second surface156, and a hypotenuse surface158extending between the first surface154and the second surface156(FIG. 2A). In embodiments, the first surface154is an outward facing surface and the hypotenuse surface158is an inward facing surface, and the outward facing planar surface155of the object-side TC component150may comprise the first surface154of each of the least one Fresnel prisms152. The image-side TC component160comprises an outward facing planar surface165, and at least one Fresnel prism162with a first surface164, a second surface166, and a hypotenuse surface168extending between the first surface164and the second surface166(FIG. 2B). In embodiments, the first surface164is an outward facing surface and the hypotenuse surface168is an inward facing surface, and the outward facing planar surface165of the image-side TC component160may comprise the first surface164of each of the least one Fresnel prisms162. The object-side TC component150and the image-side TC component160may extend generally parallel to the bisecting axis15(X direction) and generally perpendicular to the reference optical axis16and/or the tilt axis18. That is, the width (X direction) of the object-side TC component150and the image-side TC component160may be oriented generally parallel to the bisecting axis15(e.g., seeFIG. 1) and generally perpendicular to the reference optical axis16(FIG. 1) and tilt axis18(e.g., seeFIG. 2).

While the outward facing planar surfaces155,165of the object-side TC component150and the image-side TC component160, respectively, are schematically depicted as lines in the figures, it should be understood that the outward facing planar surfaces155,165may be an outward facing surface of a layer of transparent material (not shown) such as glass. Accordingly, the at least one Fresnel prism152and/or the at least one Fresnel prism162may be formed on or attached to a layer of glass, a layer of a transparent dielectric material, a layer of a transparent polymer, or the like.

Referring now toFIGS. 3, 4, 4A and 4B, light from the object O is schematically depicted propagating through the cloaking device assembly10tilted at the acute angle β relative to the zero-tilt axis17and the object O in the Y-Z plane. Particularly,FIG. 3schematically depicts a top view of light from the object O propagating through the cloaking device assembly10in a plane normal to the tilt axis18andFIGS. 4, 4A and 4Bschematically depict a side view of light from the object O propagating through the cloaking device assembly10in the Y-Z plane depicted in the figures.

Referring particularly toFIG. 3, light from the object O on the first side (+X direction) of the reference optical axis16(shown as arrow ‘1’ and referred to herein as ‘light1’) and light from the object O on the second side (−X direction) of the reference optical axis16(shown as arrow ‘1’ and referred to herein as ‘light1’) opposite the first side is incident on the object-side TC component150. Light1on the first side (+X direction) and the second side (−X direction) of the reference optical axis16propagates through the object-side TC component150(shown as arrows ‘2’ and referred to herein as ‘light2’) and is incident on the object-side optical component110. Light3propagates through the object-side optical component110(shown as arrows ‘3’). Particularly, light3on the first side (+X direction) and the second side (−X direction) of the reference optical axis16is reflected by, refracted by, and/or transmitted through the outward facing surface112(FIG. 2) of the object-side optical component110, and propagates from the outward facing surface112to the inward facing surface114(FIG. 2) where it is reflected, refracted, and/or transmitted as light4(shown as arrows ‘4’). In embodiments where the cloaking device assembly10includes the first transition optical component115and the second transition optical component125, the object-side optical component110is positioned relative to the first transition optical component115such that light4on the first side (+X direction) of the reference optical axis16is reflected by, refracted by and/or transmitted through the object-side optical component110onto the first transition optical component115. Similarly, the object-side optical component110is positioned relative to the second transition optical component125such that light4on the second side (−X direction) of the reference optical axis16is reflected by, refracted by and/or transmitted through the object-side optical component110onto the second transition optical component125. The first transition optical component115is positioned relative to the image-side optical component120such that light4on the first side (+X direction) of the reference optical axis16is reflected by, refracted by and/or transmitted through the first transition optical component115as light5(shown as arrow ‘5’ on the first side of the reference optical axis16) onto the image-side optical component120. Similarly, the second transition optical component125is positioned relative to the image-side optical component120such that light4on the second side (−X direction) of the reference optical axis16is reflected by, refracted by and/or transmitted through the second transition optical component125as light5(shown as arrow ‘5’ on the second side of the reference optical axis16) onto the image-side optical component120. Light5on the first side (+X direction) and on the second side (−X direction) of the reference optical axis16propagates through the image-side optical component120as light6(shown as arrows ‘6’). Particularly, light5is reflected by, refracted by, and/or transmitted through the outward facing surface122(FIG. 2) of the image-side optical component120, and light6propagates from the outward facing surface122to the inward facing surface124(FIG. 2) where it is reflected, refracted, and/or transmitted generally parallel to light1from the object O on the object-side12in the X-Y plane. Light6on the first side (+X direction) and on the second side (−X direction) of the reference optical axis16is incident on and propagates through the image-side TC component160as light7(shown as arrows ‘7’). Light8on the first side and on the second side of the reference optical axis16(shown as arrows ‘8’) exits the image-side TC component160to form an image ‘I’ on the image-side14of the cloaking device assembly10.

Referring particularly toFIGS. 4-4B, light1propagates from the object O to the cloaking device assembly10generally perpendicular to the zero-tilt axis17and is incident on the first surface154of at least one Fresnel prism152at the angle ‘θ’ depicted inFIGS. 4-4B. Light1is refracted in the Y-Z plane depicted in the figures at the first surface154of the at least one Fresnel prism152and propagates as light2(FIG. 4A) to the hypotenuse surface158. Light2is refracted in the Y-Z plane at the hypotenuse surface158generally normal to the tilt axis18and propagates through the object-side optical component110as light3(FIG. 4A). It should be understood that the tilt axis18refracts light2generally normal to the outward facing surface112of the object-side optical component110as schematically depicted inFIG. 4A. Light3exits the object-side optical component110as light4(FIG. 4A) and propagates between the object-side optical component110and the image-side optical component120as light4and light5(FIG. 4B). Light5is incident on and propagates through the image-side optical component120generally normal to the tilt axis18and is incident on the hypotenuse surface168of at least one Fresnel prism162. Light6is refracted at the hypotenuse surface168of the at least one Fresnel prism162and propagates through the Fresnel prism162as light7to the first surface164. Light7is refracted at the first surface164as light8generally parallel to light1propagating from the object O to the cloaking device assembly10, i.e., light8propagates generally perpendicular to the zero-tilt axis17. Light8propagates from the image-side TC component160and forms an image ‘I’ on the image-side14of the cloaking device assembly10. It should be understood that, but for the utilization of the optical-side TC component150and the image-side TC component160, light propagates through the cloaking device assembly10from the object-side12to the image-side14at an angle that is not perpendicular to the tilt axis18. Such propagation of light (i.e., at an acute angle relative to the tilt axis18) through the cloaking device assembly10from the object-side12to the image-side14may result in a distorted image I on the image-side14as shown and described below with reference toFIG. 13A.

Accordingly, light1from the object O on the first side (+X direction) and the second side (−X direction) of the reference optical axis16propagates to the image-side to form the image I via the optical path: Object—object-side TC component150—object-side optical component110—first and second transition optical components115,125—image-side optical component120—image-side TC component160—Image. That is, light1from the object O on the first side (+X direction) and the second side (−X direction) of the reference optical axis16propagates via the optical path: object O—first surface154of Fresnel prism152—hypotenuse surface158of Fresnel prism152—outward facing surface112of object-side optical component110—inward facing surface114of object-side optical component110—first and second transition optical components115,125—inward facing surface124of image-side optical component120—outward facing surface122of image-side optical component120—hypotenuse surface168of Fresnel prism162—first surface164of Fresnel prism162—image I.

Referring now toFIGS. 5 and 6, embodiments of a cloaking device assembly20are schematically depicted with the object-side optical component110and the image-side optical component120depicted inFIG. 1comprising half lenses. Also, the first transition optical component115and the second transition optical component125, when included, may comprise a pair of planar mirrors. The cloaking device assembly20includes an object-side22, an image-side24, four half lenses200,220,240,260, and the TC components150,160. A cloaked region CR is positioned between the half lenses200,240and half lenses220,260. Each of the four half lenses200,220,240,260has a length along the X-axis, a thickness along the Y-axis and a height along the Z-axis of the coordinate axes shown in the figures. That is, the X-axis shown in the figures extends along a length of the four half lenses200,220,240,260, the Y-axis shown in the figures extends along a thickness of the four half lenses200,220,240,260, and the Z-axis shown in the figures extends along a height of the four half lenses200,220,240,260. The two half lenses200,240may be positioned on the object-side22of the cloaking device assembly20to face an object ‘O’ and may be referred to herein as object-side half lenses200,240. The two half lenses220,260may be positioned on the image-side24of the cloaking device assembly20to provide an image ‘I’ formed by the cloaking device assembly20and may be referred to herein as image-side half lenses220,260.

The half lenses200,220,240,260each have an inward facing surface202,222,242,262and an outward facing convex surface204,224,244,264, respectively. Also, the half lenses200,220,240,260each have a thick end206,226,246,266and a thin end208,228,248,268, respectively. The inward facing surfaces202,222,242,262and outward facing convex surfaces204,224,244,264extend between the thick ends206,226,246266and thin ends208,228,248,268, respectively. In embodiments, the half lenses200,220,240,260may be half cylindrical lenses, half acylindrical lenses, half achromatic lenses or half Fresnel lenses. Also, it should be understood that the half lenses200,220,240,260may be a combination of half cylindrical lenses, half acylindrical lenses, half achromatic lenses and/or half Fresnel lenses. That is, one or more of the half lenses200,220,240,260may be a half cylindrical lens, a half acylindrical lens, a half achromatic lens or half Fresnel lens.

Still referring toFIG. 5, the thin ends208,228,248,268of the four half lenses200,220,240,260are positioned proximal or adjacent to a reference optical axis26extending from the object-side22to the image-side24. In such embodiments, the thick ends206,226,246,266of the four half lenses200,220,240,260are positioned distal to or spaced apart from the reference optical axis26. AlthoughFIG. 5depicts the thin ends208,248of the object-side half lenses200,240, respectively, and the thin ends228,268of the image-side half lenses220,260, respectively, positioned in contact with each other, it should be understood that the thin ends208,248and/or thin ends228,268may be spaced apart from each other along the X-axis such that an uncloaked region or gap (not shown) is present between the spaced apart thin ends208,248and/or spaced apart thin ends228,268. In such embodiments, an image of the portion of the object O positioned above (+Y direction) the uncloaked region is not provided on the image side24of the cloaking device assembly20.

A planar reflection boundary210may be positioned between the object-side half lens200and the image-side half lens220on a first side (+X direction) of the reference optical axis26and a planar reflection boundary250may be positioned between the object-side half lens240and the image-side half lens260on a second side (−X direction) of the reference optical axis26. In embodiments, the planar reflection boundary210extends from the inward facing surface202of the object-side half lens200to the inward facing surface222of the image-side half lens220, and the planar reflection boundary250extends from the inward facing surface242of the object-side half lens240to the inward facing surface262of the image-side half lens260as depicted inFIG. 5. In other embodiments, the planar reflection boundary210may not extend from the inward facing surface202of the object-side half lens200to the inward facing surface222of the image-side half lens220, and the planar reflection boundary250may not extend from the inward facing surface242of the object-side half lens240to the inward facing surface262of the image-side half lens260. In such embodiments, the planar reflection boundary210and/or the planar reflection boundary250may be positioned on a bisecting axis25that bisects and extends between the object-side22and the image-side24. That is, the planar reflection boundary210may be equally spaced between the inward facing surface202of the object-side half lens200and the inward facing surface222of the image-side half lens220, and the planar reflection boundary250may be equally spaced between the inward facing surface242of the object-side half lens240and the inward facing surface262of the image-side half lens260. The planar reflection boundary210may include an inward facing mirror surface212and the planar reflection boundary250may include an inward facing mirror surface252. The inward facing mirror surfaces212,252may be oriented parallel to the reference optical axis26and can be made from omnidirectional photonic crystals or mirrors.

Still referring toFIGS. 5 and 6,FIG. 5schematically depicts a top view of light from the object O is schematically depicted propagating through the cloaking device assembly20tilted at the acute angle β relative to the zero-tilt axis27and the object O in the Y-Z plane. Particularly,FIG. 5schematically depicts a top view of light from the object O propagating through the cloaking device assembly20in a plane normal to the tilt axis28andFIG. 5schematically depicts a side view of light from the object O propagating through the cloaking device assembly20in the Y-Z plane depicted in the figures.

Light1on the first side (+X direction) of the reference optical axis26is incident on and propagates through the object-side TC component150as light2. Particularly, light1is incident on the first surface154of at least one Fresnel prism152at the angle ‘θ’ (FIG. 4A) and is refracted in the Y-Z plane depicted in the figures at the first surface154as light2(FIG. 4A). Light2propagates to the hypotenuse surface158where it is refracted as light3in the Y-Z plane generally normal to the tilt axis28. Light3propagates through the object-side half lenses200,240. It should be understood that refraction of light2normal to the tilt axis28refracts light2generally normal to the object-side half lenses200,240as schematically depicted inFIG. 6. The object-side half lens200is positioned relative to the object-side TC component150such that light2exits the object-side TC component150and is incident on the outward facing convex surface204of the object-side half lens200. Light3propagates from the outward facing convex surface204to the inward facing surface202where it is refracted and focused as light4. The planar reflection boundary210is positioned relative to the object-side half lens200such that light4is focused by the object-side half lens200onto the inward facing mirror surface212where it is reflected as light5. In embodiments, light4is focused by the object-side half lens200to a line extending in the Z-direction and intersecting a focal point f1of the object-side half lens200(herein referred to as “focal line f1”). In such embodiments, the inward facing mirror surface212may be positioned at the focal line f1. It should be understood that the focal line f1, and other focal lines described herein, are provided by the shape of the object-side half lenses described herein. For example, the focal line f1is due to or provided by the curvature of the outward facing convex surface204of the object-side half lens200. The image-side half lens220is positioned relative to the planar reflection boundary210such that light5reflected by and diverging from the inward facing mirror surface212is incident on the inward facing surface222. Light6propagates from the inward facing surface222to the outward facing convex surface224where it is refracted as light7generally parallel to light1from the object O. Light7is incident on and propagates through the image-side TC component160. Particularly, light7is incident on the hypotenuse surface168of at least one Fresnel prism162(FIG. 4B). Light7is refracted at the hypotenuse surface168of the at least one Fresnel prism162and propagates through the Fresnel prism162to the first surface164(FIG. 4B) where it is refracted as light8generally parallel to light1propagating from the object O to the cloaking device assembly10. Light8exits and propagates from the image-side TC component160to provide a portion of an Image ‘I’ on the first side (+X direction) of the reference optical axis26on the image-side24of the cloaking device assembly20. It should be understood that but for the utilization of the optical-side TC component150and the image-side TC component160, light propagates through the cloaking device assembly20from the object-side22to the image-side24at an angle not perpendicular to the tilt axis28. Such propagation of light (i.e., at an acute angle relative to the tilt axis28) through the cloaking device assembly20from the object-side22to the image-side24may result in a distorted image I on the image-side14.

Accordingly, light1from the object O on the first side (+X direction) of the reference optical axis26propagates to the image-side to form the image I on the first side of the reference optical axis26via the optical path: Object—object-side TC component150—object-side half lens200—planar reflection boundary210—image-side half lens220—image-side TC component160—Image. That is, light1from the object O on the first side (+X direction) of the reference optical axis26propagates via the optical path: object O—first surface154of Fresnel prism152—hypotenuse surface158of Fresnel prism152—outward facing convex surface204of the object-side half lens200—inward facing surface202of the object-side half lens200—inward facing mirror surface212of the planar reflection boundary210—hypotenuse surface168of Fresnel prism162—first surface164of Fresnel prism162—inward facing surface222of the image-side half lens220—outward facing convex surface224of the image-side half lens220—image I.

Regarding light1on the second side (−X direction) of the reference optical axis26, light1is incident on and propagates through the object-side TC component150as light2as described above for light2on the first side (+X direction) of the reference optical axis26. The object-side half lens240is positioned relative to the object-side TC component150such that light2exits the object-side TC component150and is incident on the outward facing convex surface244of the object-side half lens240. Light3propagates from the outward facing convex surface244to the inward facing surface242where it is refracted and focused as light4. The planar reflection boundary250is positioned relative to the object-side half lens240such that light4is focused by the object-side half lens240onto the inward facing mirror surface252where it is reflected as light5. In embodiments, light4is focused by the object-side half lens240to a line extending in the Z-direction and intersecting a focal point f2of the object-side half lens240(herein referred to as “focal line f2”). In such embodiments, the inward facing mirror surface252may be positioned at the focal line f2. The image-side half lens260is positioned relative to the planar reflection boundary250such that light5reflected by and diverging from the inward facing mirror surface252is incident on the inward facing surface262. Light6propagates from the inward facing surface262to the outward facing convex surface264where it is refracted as light7generally parallel to light1from the object O. Light7is incident on and propagates through the image-side TC component160as described above for light7on the first side (+X direction) of the reference optical axis26. Light8exits and propagates from the image-side TC component160to provide a portion of an Image ‘I’ on the second side (−X direction) of the reference optical axis26on the image-side24of the cloaking device assembly20.

Accordingly, light1from the object O on the second side (−X direction) of the reference optical axis26propagates to the image-side to form the image I on the second side of the reference optical axis26via the optical path: Object—object-side TC component150—object-side half lens240—planar reflection boundary250—image-side half lens260—image-side TC component160—Image. That is, light1from the object O on the second side (−X direction) of the reference optical axis26propagates via the optical path: object O—first surface154of Fresnel prism152—hypotenuse surface158of Fresnel prism152—outward facing convex surface244of the object-side half lens240—inward facing surface242of the object-side half lens240—inward facing mirror surface252of the planar reflection boundary250—hypotenuse surface168of Fresnel prism162—first surface164of Fresnel prism162—inward facing surface262of the image-side half lens260—outward facing convex surface264of the image-side half lens260—image I.

Referring now toFIGS. 7-9, embodiments of a cloaking device assembly30are schematically depicted with the object-side optical component110and the image-side optical component120depicted inFIG. 1comprising half-mirrors and color filters. Particularly, the cloaking device assembly30includes an object-side32comprising two object-side CR reflection boundaries310,330, a pair of object-side half-mirrors352,372, a pair of object-side color filters354,374, and the object-side TC component150. The cloaking device assembly30also includes an image-side34comprising two image-side CR reflection boundaries320,340, a pair of image-side half-mirrors362,382, a pair of image-side color filters364,384, and the image-side TC component160. A cloaked region CR is at least partially bounded by the CR reflection boundaries310,320,330,340.

Referring particularly toFIG. 7, in embodiments, the CR reflection boundaries310,320,330,340are planar reflection boundaries. In other embodiments, the CR reflection boundaries310,320,330,340are not planar reflection boundaries. The object-side32is positioned above (+Y direction) a bisecting axis35and the image-side34is positioned below (—Y direction) the bisecting axis35. That is, the bisecting axis35extends between and delineates the object-side32and the image-side34. Each of the CR reflection boundaries310,320,330,340has a length along the X-axis, a width along the Y-axis and a height along the Z-axis shown in the figures. That is, the X-axis shown in the figures extends along a length of the CR reflection boundaries310,320,330,340, the Y-axis shown in the figures extends along a width of the CR reflection boundaries310,320,330,340, and the Z-axis shown in the figures extends along a height of the CR reflection boundaries310,320,330,340.

The CR reflection boundaries310,320,330,340each have an outward facing reflection surface312,322,332,342and an inward facing surface314,324,334,344, respectively. In embodiments, the inward facing surfaces314,324,334,344may be an opaque surface that prevents light from within the cloaked region CR from propagating through the CR reflection boundaries310,320,330,340, respectively. The outward facing reflection surfaces312,322,332,342may be made from omnidirectional photonic crystals or mirrors such that light incident on the outward facing reflection surfaces312,322,332,342is reflected there from. In the alternative, one or more of the outward facing reflection surfaces312,322,332,342may be a surface of a prism, e.g., a right angle prism, that totally internally reflects light incident on the surface.

The CR reflection boundaries310,320,330,340may have an apex end316,326,336,346and a side end318,328,338,348, respectively. The side ends318,328,338,348are spaced apart from the apex ends316,326,336,346, respectively, and the CR reflection boundaries310,320,330,340extend between the apex ends316,326,336,346and the side ends318,328,338,348, respectively. In embodiments, the apex ends316,336of the two object-side CR reflection boundaries310,330, respectively, meet or intersect at an apex390. In the alternative or in addition to, the apex ends326,346of the two image-side CR reflection boundaries320,340, respectively, meet or intersect at an apex392. In such embodiments, the reference optical axis36bisects the apex390and the apex392, and may be a centerline between a first side (+X direction) and a second side (—X direction) of the cloaking device assembly30. In other embodiments, the apex ends316,336of the two object-side CR reflection boundaries310,330, respectively, are spaced apart (X direction) from each other and/or the apex ends326,346of the two image-side CR reflection boundaries320,340, respectively, are spaced apart from each other such that an uncloaked region or gap (not shown) is present between the spaced apart apex ends316,336and/or spaced apart apex ends326,346. In such embodiments, an image of the portion of the object O positioned above (+Y direction) the uncloaked region is not provided on the image-side34of the cloaking device assembly30. Also, in embodiments, the side end318may be positioned adjacent to and may be joined to side end328and the side end338may be positioned adjacent to and may be joined to side end348as depicted inFIG. 7. In other embodiments, the side ends318,338may be spaced apart (Y direction) from the side ends328,348(not shown).

The two CR reflection boundaries310,330may be positioned on the object-side32of the cloaking device assembly30to face an object ‘O’ and may be referred to herein as object-side CR reflection boundaries310,330. Also, the object-side CR reflection boundary310is positioned on a first side (+X direction) of the reference optical axis36and may be referred to herein as a first object-side CR reflection boundary310and the object-side CR reflection boundary330is positioned on a second side (−X direction) of the reference optical axis36opposite the first side and may be referred to herein as a second object-side CR reflection boundary330. The two CR reflection boundaries320,340may be positioned on the image-side34of the cloaking device assembly30to provide an image ‘I’ formed by the cloaking device assembly30and may be referred to herein as image-side CR reflection boundaries320,340. The image-side CR reflection boundary320is positioned on the first side (+X direction) of the reference optical axis36and may be referred to herein as a first image-side CR reflection boundary320and the image-side CR reflection boundary340is positioned on the second side (−X direction) of the reference optical axis36opposite the first side and may be referred to herein as a second image-side CR reflection boundary340.

In embodiments, the two object-side CR reflection boundaries310,330and the two image-side CR reflection boundaries320,340may be oriented at an acute angle (e.g., 45°) relative to the bisecting axis35and the reference optical axis36, and form the cloaked region CR that is bound at least partly by the inward facing surfaces314,334,324,344, respectively. The two object-side CR reflection boundaries310,330and the two image-side CR reflection boundaries320,340have a height ‘h’ (FIG. 3) in the Z-direction of the coordinate axes in the figures and light reflected or transmitted within the cloaked region CR does not pass through the inward facing surfaces314,334,324,344. Accordingly, an article located within the cloaked region CR (e.g., a cloaked article) is not visible to an observer viewing the cloaking device assembly30from the image-side34in the +Y direction.

Still referring toFIG. 7, the cloaking device assembly30may include four half-mirrors352,362,372,382spaced apart from and positioned generally parallel (within +/−2°) with each of the CR reflection boundaries310,320,330,340, respectively. In embodiments, four color filters354,364,374,384are spaced apart from and positioned generally parallel to each of the CR reflection boundaries310,320,330,340, respectively. As depicted inFIG. 7, in embodiments, the color filters354,364,374,384may be co-planar with the half-mirrors352,362,372,382, respectively. In such embodiments, the half-mirrors352,362,372,382may be positioned proximal to the reference optical axis36and the color filters354,364,374,384may be positioned distal to the reference optical axis36as depicted inFIG. 7.

The two half-mirrors352,372and the two color filters354,374may be positioned on the object-side32of the cloaking device assembly30and may be referred to herein as object-side half-mirrors352,372and object-side color filters354,374, respectively. The object-side half-mirror352and the object-side color filter354are positioned on the first side (+X direction) of the reference optical axis36and may be referred to herein as a first object-side half-mirror352and a first object-side color filter354. The object-side half-mirror372and the object-side color filter374are positioned on the second side (−X direction) of the reference optical axis36opposite the first side and may be referred to herein as a second object-side half-mirror372and a second object-side color filter374. The two half-mirrors362,382and the two color filters364,384may be positioned on the image-side34of the cloaking device assembly30and may be referred to herein as image-side half-mirrors362,382and image-side color filters364,384, respectively. The image-side half-mirror362and the image-side color filter364are positioned on the first side (+X direction) of the reference optical axis36and may be referred to herein as a first image-side half-mirror362and a first image-side color filter364. The image-side half-mirror382and the image-side color filter384are positioned on the second side (−X direction) of the reference optical axis36opposite the first side and may be referred to herein as a second image-side half-mirror382and a second image-side color filter384.

The half-mirrors352,362,372,382include a proximal end352a,362a,372a,382a, respectively, located proximal to the bisecting axis35and a distal end352b,362b,372b,382b, respectively, located distal from the bisecting axis35. As used herein, the term “proximal end” refers to an end or edge of an optical component positioned proximal to a bisecting axis of a cloaking assembly (compared to a distal end of the optical component) and the term “distal end” refers to an end or edge of an optical component positioned distal from the bisecting axis of the cloaking assembly (compared to a proximal end of the optical component). The distal ends352b,362b,372b,382bare spaced apart from the proximal ends352a,362a,372a,382a, respectively, and the half-mirrors352,362,372,382extend from the proximal ends352a,362a,372a,382ato the distal ends352b,362b,372b,382b, respectively. Also, the color filters354,364,374,384include a proximal end354a,364a,374a,384a, respectively, proximal to the bisecting axis35and a distal end354b,364b,374b,384b, respectively, distal from the bisecting axis35. The distal ends354b,364b,374b,384bare spaced apart from the proximal ends354a,364a,374a,384a, respectively, and the color filters354,364,374,384extend from the proximal ends354a,364a,374a,384ato the distal ends354b,364b,374b,384b, respectively. In embodiments, the distal ends354b,364b,374b,384bof the color filters354,364,374,384, respectively, are positioned in contact with the proximal ends352a,362a,372a,382aof the half-mirrors352,362,372,382, respectively. In such embodiments, the distal ends354b,364b,374b,384bof the color filters354,364,374,384, respectively, may be attached to the proximal ends352a,362a,372a,382aof the half-mirrors352,362,372,382, respectively.

The half-mirrors352,362,372,382reflect a specific mode of light. Specifically, each of the half-mirrors352,362,372,382may be an s-polarizer half-mirror or a p-polarizer half-mirror. The half-mirrors352,362,372,382may be in the form of a diffraction grating or thin film polarizer that reflects the s-mode of visible light and allows the p-mode of visible light to pass through (a p-polarization diffraction grating or thin film), or in the alternative, reflects the p-mode of visible light and allows the s-mode of visible light to pass through (an s-polarization diffraction grating or thin film). In embodiments, the half-mirrors352,362,372,382are all p-polarizer half-mirrors or all s-polarizer half-mirrors. In other embodiments, the first side (+X direction) half-mirrors, i.e., half-mirrors352,362are p-polarizer half-mirrors and the second side (−X direction) half-mirrors, i.e., the half-mirrors372,382are s-polarizer half-mirrors. In still other embodiments, the first side (+X direction) half-mirrors, i.e., half-mirrors352,362are s-polarizer half-mirrors and the second side (−X direction) half-mirrors, i.e., the half-mirrors372,382are p-polarizer half-mirrors.

The color filters354,364,374,384transmit a first range of visible light and reflect a second range of visible light. The color filters354,364,374,384may also transmit and/or reflect portions of the ultraviolet and/or infrared electromagnetic radiation spectrum. The color filters354,364,374,384may be in the form of a dichroic color filter. One non-limiting example of a color filter is a red color filter that transmits light with wavelengths in the red color spectrum (e.g., first range=wavelengths equal to or greater than 630 nanometers (nm)) and reflects light not in the red color spectrum (e.g., second range=wavelengths less than 630 nm). It should be understood that color filters that transmit other colors may be included and used with the cloaking devices described and illustrated herein. In embodiments, the color filters354,364,374,384are all the same color. In other embodiments, the first side (+X direction) color filters, i.e., color filters354,364are first color (e.g., red) and the second side (−X direction) color filters, i.e., the color filters374,384are a second color different than the first color (e.g., blue).

Referring now toFIGS. 7 and 8, the cloaking device assembly30includes three optical paths for light from an object ‘O’ positioned on the object-side32to propagate and form an image T on the image-side34on the first side (+X direction) of the reference optical axis36. The cloaking device assembly30may also include three optical paths for light from an object ‘O’ positioned on the object-side32to propagate and form an image T on the image-side34on the second side (−X direction) of the reference optical axis36. Regarding the three optical paths on the first side (+X direction) of the reference optical axis36, light from the object O incident on the cloaking device assembly30between the reference optical axis36and a first optical path transition axis37apropagates via an optical path ‘A’. Light from the object O incident on the cloaking device assembly30between the first optical path transition axis37aand a second optical path transition axis37bpropagates via an optical path ‘B’. Light from the object O positioned above (+Y direction) the cloaking device assembly30between the second optical path transition axis37band a third optical path transition axis37cpropagates via an optical path ‘C’.

The first optical path transition axis37aextends parallel to the Y-axis in the figures from the distal end352b(FIG. 7) of the first object-side half-mirror352to the object O. Accordingly, light propagating via optical path A is incident on the first object-side CR reflection boundary310. The second optical path transition axis37bextends parallel to the Y-axis from the distal end354b(FIG. 7) of the first object-side color filter354to object O. Accordingly, light propagating via optical path B is incident on the first object-side half-mirror352. The third optical path transition axis37cextends parallel to the Y-axis from the proximal end354a(FIG. 7) of the first object-side color filter354to the object O. Accordingly, light propagating via optical path C is incident on the first object-side color filter354.

Referring now toFIGS. 8 and 9,FIG. 8schematically depicts a top view of light from the object O propagating through the cloaking device assembly30in a plane normal to the tilt axis38andFIG. 9schematically depicts a side view of light from the object O propagating through the cloaking device assembly30in the Y-Z plane depicted in the figures and with the cloaking device assembly30tilted at the acute angle β relative to the zero-tilt axis37and the object O. Regarding the first optical path A on the first side (+X direction) of the reference optical axis36, light1from the object O positioned above (+Y direction) the cloaking device assembly30between the reference optical axis36and the first optical path transition axis37ais incident on and propagates through the object-side TC component150. Particularly, light1is incident on the first surface154of at least one Fresnel prism152(FIG. 4A) where it is refracted and propagates to the hypotenuse surface158(e.g., see light2inFIG. 4A). Light1is refracted at the hypotenuse surface158generally normal to a tilt axis38(FIG. 9) in the Y-Z plane (e.g., see light3inFIG. 4A). The object-side TC component150is positioned relative to the first object-side CR reflection boundary310such that light1propagating through the object-side TC component150is incident on the first object-side CR reflection boundary310where it is reflected as light2. The first object-side CR reflection boundary310is positioned relative to the first object-side half-mirror352such that light2reflected by the outward facing reflection surface312of the first object-side CR reflection boundary310is incident on the first object-side half-mirror352. Light2is polarized by the first object-side half-mirror352such that one mode of light2is reflected by the first object-side half-mirror352and another mode of light2is transmitted through the first object-side half-mirror352(not shown). A non-limiting example of the first object-side half-mirror352in the form of a p-polarization half-mirror is depicted inFIG. 8. Accordingly, the s-mode of light2is reflected by the first object-side half-mirror352as s-polarized light3(shown as a dashed line in the figures). The first object-side half-mirror352is positioned relative to the first object-side CR reflection boundary310such that s-polarized light3is reflected by the first object-side half-mirror352onto the outward facing reflection surface312of the first object-side CR reflection boundary310where it is reflected as s-polarized light4. The first object-side CR reflection boundary310is positioned relative to the first object-side color filter354such that s-polarized light4is reflected by the outward facing reflection surface312onto the first object-side color filter354. A first range of wavelengths of the s-polarized light4is transmitted through the first object-side color filter354(not shown) and a second range of wavelengths of the s-polarized light4is reflected by the first object-side color filter354as s-polarized light5.

The first object-side color filter354is positioned relative to the first image-side color filter364such that s-polarized light5is reflected by the first object-side color filter354onto the first image-side color filter364. As noted above, the first image-side color filter364is the same type (color) of color filter as the first object-side color filter354. Accordingly, s-polarized light5is reflected by the first image-side color filter364as s-polarized light6. The first image-side color filter364is positioned relative to the first image-side CR reflection boundary320such that s-polarized light6is reflected by the first image-side color filter364onto the outward facing reflection surface322(FIG. 7) where it is reflected as s-polarized light7. The first image-side CR reflection boundary320is positioned relative to the first image-side half-mirror362such that s-polarized light7is reflected by the outward facing reflection surface322onto the first image-side half-mirror362. As noted above, the first image-side half-mirror362is the same type of half-mirror as the first object-side half-mirror352. Accordingly, s-polarized light7is reflected by the first image-side half-mirror362as s-polarized light8. The first image-side half-mirror362is positioned relative to the first image-side CR reflection boundary320such that s-polarized light8is reflected by the first image-side half-mirror362onto the outward facing reflection surface322where it is reflected as s-polarized light9generally parallel to light1. The image-side TC component160is positioned relative to the first image-side CR reflection boundary320such that light9is incident on and propagates through the image-side TC component160. Particularly, light9is incident on the hypotenuse surface168of at least one Fresnel prism162(e.g., see light6inFIG. 4B) where it is refracted and propagates to the first surface164(e.g., see light7inFIG. 4B). Light9is refracted at the first surface164generally parallel to light1in the Y-Z plane (e.g., see light8inFIG. 4B) and forms a portion of the image I on the image-side34of the cloaking device assembly30.

Accordingly, light from the object O may travel from the object-side32to the image-side34via the first optical path A: object O—object-side TC component150—first object-side CR reflection boundary310—first object-side half-mirror352—first object-side CR reflection boundary310—first object-side color filter354—first image-side color filter364—first image-side CR reflection boundary320—first image-side half-mirror36213first image-side CR reflection boundary320—image-side TC component160—image I. That is, light from the object O may travel from the object-side32to the image-side34via the first optical path A: object O—refraction at first surface154of Fresnel prism152—refraction at hypotenuse surface158of Fresnel prism152—reflection from first object-side CR reflection boundary310—reflection from first object-side half-mirror352—reflection from first object-side CR reflection boundary310—reflection from first object-side color filter354—reflection from first image-side color filter364—reflection from first image-side CR reflection boundary320—reflection from first image-side half-mirror362—reflection from first image-side CR reflection boundary320—refraction at hypotenuse surface168of Fresnel prism162—refraction at first surface164of Fresnel prism162—image I.

Regarding the second optical path B on the first side (+X direction) of the reference optical axis36, light from the object O positioned above (+Y direction) the cloaking device assembly30between the first optical path transition axis37aand the second optical path transition axis37bis incident on the object-side TC component150. Particularly, light1′ is incident on the first surface154of at least one Fresnel prism152(e.g., see light1FIG. 4A) where it is refracted and propagates to the hypotenuse surface158(e.g., see light2inFIG. 4A). Light1′ is refracted at the hypotenuse surface158generally normal to the tilt axis38(FIG. 9) in the Y-Z plane (e.g., see light3inFIG. 4A). The object-side TC component150is positioned relative to the first object-side half-mirror352such that light1′ propagating through the object-side TC component150is incident on the first object-side half-mirror352. As noted above, a non-limiting example of the first object-side half-mirror352in the form of a p-polarization half-mirror is depicted inFIG. 8. Accordingly, p-polarized light (shown as a short-dash line in the figures in contrast to long-dash line for s-polarized light) is transmitted through the first object-side half-mirror352as p-polarized light2′. The first object-side half-mirror352is positioned relative to the first object-side CR reflection boundary310such that p-polarized light2′ transmitted through the first object-side half-mirror352is incident on the first object-side CR reflection boundary310where it is reflected by the outward facing reflection surface312(FIG. 7) as p-polarized light3′. The first object-side CR reflection boundary310is positioned relative to the first object-side color filter354such that p-polarized light3′ reflected by the outward facing reflection surface312is incident on the first object-side color filter354. The first range of wavelengths of the p-polarized light3′ are transmitted through the first object-side color filter354(not shown) and the second range of wavelengths of the p-polarized light is reflected by the first object-side color filter354as p-polarized light4′.

The first object-side color filter354is positioned relative to the first image-side color filter364such that p-polarized light4′ reflected by the first object-side color filter354is incident on the first image-side color filter364where it is reflected as p-polarized light5′. The first image-side color filter364is positioned relative to the first image-side CR reflection boundary320such that p-polarized light5′ reflected by the first image-side color filter364is incident on the outward facing reflection surface322(FIG. 7) where it is reflected as p-polarized light6′. The first image-side CR reflection boundary320is positioned relative to the first image-side half-mirror362such that p-polarized light6′ reflected by the outward facing reflection surface322is incident on the first image-side half-mirror362. As noted above, the first image-side half-mirror362is the same type of half-mirror as the first object-side half-mirror352. Accordingly, p-polarized light6′ is transmitted through the first image-side half-mirror362as p-polarized light7′. The image-side TC component160is positioned relative to the first image-side CR reflection boundary320such that light7′ is incident on and propagates through the image-side TC component160. Particularly, light7′ is incident on the hypotenuse surface168of at least one Fresnel prism162(e.g., see light6inFIG. 4B) where it is refracted and propagates to the first surface164(e.g., see light7inFIG. 4B). Light7′ is refracted at the first surface164generally parallel to light1in the Y-Z plane (e.g., see light8inFIG. 4B) and forms a portion of the image I on the image-side34of the cloaking device assembly30.

Accordingly, light from the object O may travel from the object-side32to the image-side34via the second optical path B: object O—object-side TC component150—first object-side half-mirror352—first object-side CR reflection boundary310—first object-side color filter354—first image-side color filter364—first image-side CR reflection boundary320—first image-side half-mirror362—image-side TC component160—image I. That is, light from the object O may travel from the object-side32to the image-side34via the second optical path B: object O—refraction at first surface154of Fresnel prism152—refraction at hypotenuse surface158of Fresnel prism152—transmittance through first object-side half-mirror352—reflection from first object-side CR reflection boundary310—reflection from first object-side color filter354—reflection from first image-side color filter364—reflection from first image-side CR reflection boundary320—transmittance through first image-side half-mirror362—refraction at hypotenuse surface168of Fresnel prism162—refraction at first surface164of Fresnel prism162—image I.

Regarding the third optical path C on the first side (+X direction) of the reference optical axis36, light1″ from the object O positioned above (+Y direction) the cloaking device assembly30between the second optical path transition axis37band the third optical path transition axis37cis incident on the object-side TC component150. Particularly, light1″ is incident on the first surface154of at least one Fresnel prism152(e.g., see light1FIG. 4A) where it is refracted and propagates to the hypotenuse surface158(e.g., see light2inFIG. 4A). Light1″ is refracted at the hypotenuse surface158generally normal to the tilt axis38(FIG. 9) in the Y-Z plane (e.g., see light3inFIG. 4A). The object-side TC component150is positioned relative to the first object-side color filter354such that light1″ propagating through the object-side TC component150is incident on the first object-side color filer354. The first range of wavelengths of light1″ is transmitted through the first object-side color filter354as colored light2″. The first object-side color filer354is positioned relative to the first image-side color filer364such that colored light2″ transmitted through the first object-side color filer354is incident on the first image-side color filer364where it is transmitted through as colored light3″. The image-side TC component160is positioned relative to the first image-side color filter364such that light3″ is incident on and propagates through the image-side TC component160. Particularly, light3″ is incident on the hypotenuse surface168of at least one Fresnel prism162(e.g., see light6inFIG. 4B) where it is refracted and propagates to the first surface164(e.g., see light7inFIG. 4B). Light3″ is refracted at the first surface164generally parallel to light1in the Y-Z plane (e.g., see light8inFIG. 4B) and forms a portion of the image I on the image-side34of the cloaking device assembly30.

It should be understood that the portion of the image I formed by lighting propagating via the third optical path C (colored light3′) will have a color corresponding to the first range of wavelengths transmitted through the first object-side color filter354and the first image-side color filter364.

Accordingly, light from the object O may travel from the object-side32to the image-side34via the third optical path C: object O—object-side TC component150—first object-side color filter354—first image-side color filter364—image-side TC component160—image I. That is, light from the object O may travel from the object-side32to the image-side34via the third optical path C: object O—refraction at first surface154of Fresnel prism152—refraction at hypotenuse surface158of Fresnel prism152—transmittance through first object-side color filter354—transmittance through first image-side color filter364—refraction at hypotenuse surface168of Fresnel prism162—refraction at first surface164of Fresnel prism162—image I.

Still referring toFIGS. 8 and 9, and regarding the three optical paths on the second side (−X direction) of the reference optical axis36, light from the object O incident on the cloaking device assembly30between the reference optical axis36and a first optical path transition axis37a′ propagates via an optical path ‘A’. Light from the object O incident on the cloaking device assembly30between the first optical path transition axis37a′ and a second optical path transition axis37b′ propagates via an optical path ‘B’. Light from the object O positioned above (+Y direction) the cloaking device assembly30between the second optical path transition axis37b′ and a third optical path transition axis37c′ propagates via an optical path ‘C’.

The first optical path transition axis37a′ extends parallel to the Y-axis in the figures from the distal end372b(FIG. 7) of the second object-side half-mirror372to the object O. Accordingly, light propagating via optical path A is incident on the second object-side CR reflection boundary330. The second optical path transition axis37b′ extends parallel to the Y-axis from the distal end374b(FIG. 7) of the second object-side color filter374to object O. Accordingly, light propagating via optical path B is incident on the second object-side half-mirror372. The third optical path transition axis37c′ extends parallel to the Y-axis from the proximal end374a(FIG. 7) of the second object-side color filter374to the object O. Accordingly, light propagating via optical path C is incident on the second object-side color filter374.

Regarding the first optical path A on the second side (−X direction) of the reference optical axis36, light1from the object O positioned above (+Y direction) the cloaking device assembly30between the reference optical axis36and the first optical path transition axis37a′ is incident on and propagates through the object-side TC component150. Particularly, light1is incident on the first surface154of at least one Fresnel prism152(FIG. 4A) where it is refracted and propagates to the hypotenuse surface158(e.g., see light2inFIG. 4A). Light1is refracted at the hypotenuse surface158generally normal to a tilt axis38(FIG. 9) in the Y-Z plane (e.g., see light3inFIG. 4A). The object-side TC component150is positioned relative to the second object-side CR reflection boundary330such that light1propagating through the object-side TC component150is incident on the second object-side CR reflection boundary330where it is reflected as light2. The second object-side CR reflection boundary330is positioned relative to the second object-side half-mirror372such that light2reflected by the outward facing reflection surface332of the second object-side CR reflection boundary330is incident on the second object-side half-mirror372. Light2is polarized by the second object-side half-mirror372such that one mode of light2is reflected by the second object-side half-mirror372and another mode of light2is transmitted through the second object-side half-mirror372(not shown). A non-limiting example of the second object-side half-mirror372in the form of a p-polarization half-mirror is depicted inFIG. 8. Accordingly, the s-mode of light2is reflected by the second object-side half-mirror372as s-polarized light3. The second object-side half-mirror372is positioned relative to the second object-side CR reflection boundary330such that s-polarized light3is reflected by the second object-side half-mirror372onto the outward facing reflection surface332of the second object-side CR reflection boundary330where it is reflected as s-polarized light4. The second object-side CR reflection boundary330is positioned relative to the second object-side color filter374such that s-polarized light4is reflected by the outward facing reflection surface332onto the second object-side color filter374. A first range of wavelengths of the s-polarized light4is transmitted through the second object-side color filter374(not shown) and a second range of wavelengths of the s-polarized light4is reflected by the second object-side color filter374as s-polarized light5.

The second object-side color filter374is positioned relative to the second image-side color filter384such that s-polarized light5is reflected by the second object-side color filter374onto the second image-side color filter384. As noted above, the second image-side color filter384is the same type (color) of color filter as the second object-side color filter374. Accordingly, s-polarized light5is reflected by the second image-side color filter384as s-polarized light6. The second image-side color filter384is positioned relative to the second image-side CR reflection boundary340such that s-polarized light6is reflected by the second image-side color filter384onto the outward facing reflection surface342(FIG. 7) where it is reflected as s-polarized light7. The second image-side CR reflection boundary340is positioned relative to the second image-side half-mirror382such that s-polarized light7is reflected by the outward facing reflection surface342onto the second image-side half-mirror382. As noted above, the second-image-side half-mirror382is the same type of half-mirror as the second object-side half-mirror372. Accordingly, s-polarized light7is reflected by the second image-side half-mirror382as s-polarized light8. The second image-side half-mirror382is positioned relative to the second image-side CR reflection boundary340such that s-polarized light8is reflected by the second image-side half-mirror382onto the outward facing reflection surface342where it is reflected as s-polarized light9generally parallel to light1. The image-side TC component160is positioned relative to the second image-side CR reflection boundary340such that light9is incident on and propagates through the image-side TC component160. Particularly, light9is incident on the hypotenuse surface168of at least one Fresnel prism162(e.g., see light6inFIG. 4B) where it is refracted and propagates to the first surface164(e.g., see light7inFIG. 4B). Light9is refracted at the first surface164generally parallel to light1in the Y-Z plane (e.g., see light8inFIG. 4B) and forms a portion of the image I on the image-side34of the cloaking device assembly30.

Accordingly, light from the object O may travel from the object-side32to the image-side34via the first optical path A: object O—object-side TC component150—second object-side CR reflection boundary330—second object-side half-mirror372—second object-side CR reflection boundary330—second object-side color filter374—second image-side color filter384—second image-side CR reflection boundary340—second image-side half-mirror382—second image-side CR reflection boundary340—image-side TC component160—image I. That is, light from the object O may travel from the object-side32to the image-side34via the first optical path A: object O—refraction at first surface154of Fresnel prism152—refraction at hypotenuse surface158of Fresnel prism152—reflection from second object-side CR reflection boundary330—reflection from second object-side half-mirror372—reflection from second object-side CR reflection boundary330—reflection from second object-side color filter374—reflection from second image-side color filter384—reflection from second image-side CR reflection boundary340—reflection from second image-side half-mirror382—reflection from second image-side CR reflection boundary340—refraction at hypotenuse surface168of Fresnel prism162—refraction at first surface164of Fresnel prism162—image I.

Regarding the second optical path B on the second side (−X direction) of the reference optical axis36, light1′ from the object O positioned above (+Y direction) the cloaking device assembly30between the first optical path transition axis37a′ and the second optical path transition axis37b′ is incident on and propagates through the object-side TC component150. Particularly, light1′ is incident on the first surface154of at least one Fresnel prism152(e.g., see light1FIG. 4A) where it is refracted and propagates to the hypotenuse surface158(e.g., see light2inFIG. 4A). Light1′ is refracted at the hypotenuse surface158generally normal to the tilt axis38(FIG. 9) in the Y-Z plane (e.g., see light3inFIG. 4A). The second object-side half-mirror372is positioned relative to the object-side TC component150such that light1′ propagating through and exiting the object-side TC component150is incident on the second object-side half-mirror372. As noted above, a non-limiting example of the second object-side half-mirror372in the form of a p-polarization half-mirror is depicted inFIG. 8. Accordingly, p-polarized light (shown as a short-dash line in the figures in contrast to long-dash line for s-polarized light) is transmitted through the second object-side half-mirror372as p-polarized light2′. The second object-side half-mirror372is positioned relative to the second object-side CR reflection boundary330such that p-polarized light2′ transmitted through the second object-side half-mirror372is incident on the second object-side CR reflection boundary330where it is reflected by the outward facing reflection surface332(FIG. 7) as p-polarized light3′. The second object-side CR reflection boundary330is positioned relative to the second object-side color filter374such that p-polarized light3′ reflected by the outward facing reflection surface332is incident on the second object-side color filter374. The first range of wavelengths of the p-polarized light3′ is transmitted through the second object-side color filter374(not shown) and the second range of wavelengths of the p-polarized light is reflected by the second object-side color filter374(shown as arrow ‘4′’ inFIG. 8and referred to herein simply as ‘p-polarized light4′’).

The second object-side color filter374is positioned relative to the second image-side color filter384such that p-polarized light4′ reflected by the second object-side color filter374is incident on the second image-side color filter384where it is reflected as p-polarized light5′. The second image-side color filter384is positioned relative to the second image-side CR reflection boundary340such that p-polarized light5′ reflected by the second image-side color filter384is incident on the outward facing reflection surface342(FIG. 7) where it is reflected as p-polarized light6′. The second image-side CR reflection boundary340is positioned relative to the second image-side half-mirror382such that p-polarized light6′ reflected by the outward facing reflection surface342is incident on the second image-side half-mirror382. As noted above, the second-image-side half-mirror382is the same type of half-mirror as the second object-side half-mirror372. Accordingly, p-polarized light6′ is transmitted through the second image-side half-mirror382as p-polarized light7′. The image-side TC component160is positioned relative to the second image-side half-mirror382such that light7′ is incident on and propagates through the image-side TC component160. Particularly, light7′ is incident on the hypotenuse surface168of at least one Fresnel prism162(e.g., see light6inFIG. 4B) where it is refracted and propagates to the first surface164(e.g., see light7inFIG. 4B). Light7′ is refracted at the first surface164generally parallel to light1in the Y-Z plane (e.g., see light8inFIG. 4B) and forms a portion of the image I on the image-side34of the cloaking device assembly30.

Accordingly, light from the object O may travel from the object-side32to the image-side34via the second optical path B: object O—object-side TC component150—second object-side half-mirror372—second object-side CR reflection boundary330—second object-side color filter374—second image-side color filter384—second image-side CR reflection boundary340—second image-side half-mirror382—image-side TC component160—image I. That is, light from the object O may travel from the object-side32to the image-side34via the second optical path B: object O—refraction at first surface154of Fresnel prism152—refraction at hypotenuse surface158of Fresnel prism152—transmittance through second object-side half-mirror372—reflection from second object-side CR reflection boundary330—reflection from second object-side color filter374—reflection from second image-side color filter384—reflection from second image-side CR reflection boundary340—transmittance through second image-side half-mirror382—refraction at hypotenuse surface168of Fresnel prism162—refraction at first surface164of Fresnel prism162—image I.

Regarding the third optical path C on the second side (−X direction) of the reference optical axis36, light1″ from the object O positioned above (+Y direction) the cloaking device assembly30between the second optical path transition axis37b′ and the third optical path transition axis37c′ is incident on the object-side TC component150. Particularly, light1″ is incident on the first surface154of at least one Fresnel prism152(e.g., see light1FIG. 4A) where it is refracted and propagates to the hypotenuse surface158(e.g., see light2inFIG. 4A). Light1″ is refracted at the hypotenuse surface158generally normal to the tilt axis38(FIG. 9) in the Y-Z plane (e.g., see light3inFIG. 4A). The object-side TC component150is positioned relative to the second object-side color filter374such that light1″ propagating through the object-side TC component150is incident on the second object-side color filer374. The first range of wavelengths of light1″ is transmitted through the second object-side color filter374as colored light2″. The second object-side color filer374is positioned relative to the second image-side color filer384such that colored light2″ transmitted through the second object-side color filer374is incident on the second image-side color filer384where it is transmitted through as colored light3″. The image-side TC component160is positioned relative to the second image-side color filter384such that light3″ is incident on and propagates through the image-side TC component160. Particularly, light3″ is incident on the hypotenuse surface168of at least one Fresnel prism162(e.g., see light6inFIG. 4B) where it is refracted and propagates to the first surface164(e.g., see light7inFIG. 4B). Light3″ is refracted at the first surface164generally parallel to light1in the Y-Z plane (e.g., see light8inFIG. 4B) and forms a portion of the image I on the image-side34of the cloaking device assembly30.

It should be understood that the portion of the image I formed by lighting propagating via the third optical path C (colored light3″) will have a color corresponding to the first range of wavelengths transmitted through the second object-side color filter374and the second image-side color filter384.

Accordingly, light from the object O may travel from the object-side32to the image-side34via the third optical path C: object O—object-side TC component150—second object-side color filter374—second image-side color filter384—image-side TC component160—image I. That is, light from the object O may travel from the object-side32to the image-side34via the second optical path C: object O—refraction at first surface154of Fresnel prism152—refraction at hypotenuse surface158of Fresnel prism152—transmittance through second object-side color filter374—transmittance through second image-side color filter384—refraction at hypotenuse surface168of Fresnel prism162—refraction at first surface164of Fresnel prism162—image I.

In combination, i.e., light1on the first side (+X direction) and the second side (−X direction) of the reference optical axis36from the object O on the object-side32of the cloaking device assembly30propagates to the image-side34via the first optical paths A: object O—refraction at first surface154of Fresnel prism152—refraction at hypotenuse surface158of Fresnel prism152—reflection from first and second object-side CR reflection boundaries310,330—reflection from first and second object-side half-mirrors352,372—reflection from first and second object-side CR reflection boundaries310,330—reflection from first and second object-side color filters354,374—reflection from first and second image-side color filters364,384—reflection from first and second image-side CR reflection boundaries320,340—reflection from first and second image-side half-mirrors362,382—reflection from first and second image-side CR reflection boundaries320,340—refraction at hypotenuse surface168of Fresnel prism162—refraction at first surface164of Fresnel prism162—image I. Light1′ on the first side (+X direction) and the second side (−X direction) of the reference optical axis36from the object O on the object-side32of the cloaking device assembly30propagates to the image-side34via the second optical paths B: object O—refraction at first surface154of Fresnel prism152—refraction at hypotenuse surface158of Fresnel prism152—transmittance through first and second object-side half-mirrors352,372—reflection from first and second object-side CR reflection boundaries310,330, respectively—reflection from first and second object-side color filters354,374—reflection from first and second image-side color filters364,384—reflection from first and second image-side CR reflection boundaries320,340—transmittance through first and second image-side half-mirrors362,382—refraction at hypotenuse surface168of Fresnel prism162—refraction at first surface164of Fresnel prism162—image I. Light1″ on the first side (+X direction) and the second side (−X direction) of the reference optical axis36from the object O on the object-side32of the cloaking device assembly30propagates to the image-side34via the third optical paths C: object O—refraction at first surface154of Fresnel prism152—refraction at hypotenuse surface158of Fresnel prism152—transmittance through first and second object-side color filters354,374—transmittance through first and second image-side color filters364,384—refraction at hypotenuse surface168of Fresnel prism162—refraction at first surface164of Fresnel prism162—image I.

It should be understood that but for the utilization of the optical-side TC component150and the image-side TC component160, light propagate through the cloaking device assembly30from the object-side32to the image-side34at an angle not perpendicular to the tilt axis28. Such propagation of light (i.e., at an acute angle relative to the tilt axis38) through the cloaking device assembly30from the object-side32to the image-side34may result in a distorted image I on the image-side34.

WhileFIGS. 7 and 8depict the CR reflection boundaries310,320,330,340, the half-mirrors352,362,372,382, and the color filters354,364,374,384as stand-alone components, it should be understood that the CR reflection boundaries310,320,330,340, the half-mirrors352,362,372,382, and the color filters354,364,374,384may be provided as a single unit or a plurality of assembled units. For example, the CR reflection boundaries310,320,330,340, the half-mirrors352,362,372,382, and the color filters354,364,374,384may be formed from a plurality of prisms that comprise the CR reflection boundaries310,320,330,340, the half-mirrors352,362,372,382, and the color filters354,364,374,384. In contrast, or in addition to, the half-mirrors352,362,372,382may be in the form of wire-grid polarizer—cube beamsplitters (not shown). It should also be understood that the cloaking device assembly30may cloak an object within the cloaked region CR including only the first object-side and image-side CR reflection boundaries310,320, the first object-side and image-side half-mirrors352,362, and the first object-side and image-side color filters354,364. That is, an object positioned on the first side (+X direction) of the reference optical axis36within the cloaked region CR would be cloaked by the first object-side and image-side CR reflection boundaries310,320, first object-side and image-side half-mirrors352,362, and first object-side and image-side color filters354,364. In the alternative, an object positioned on the second side (−X direction) of the reference optical axis36within the cloaked region CR would be cloaked by the second object-side and image-side CR reflection boundaries330,340, second object-side and image-side half-mirrors372,382, and second object-side and image-side color filters374,384.

Referring now toFIGS. 3, 10 and 11, a top perspective view and a side view of a cloaking device according to embodiments as discussed with respect toFIG. 3are shown inFIGS. 10 and 11, respectively. Specifically,FIG. 10is a top perspective view of an article in the form of a column ‘C’ within the cloaked region CR of the cloaking device assembly20and an automobile ‘A’ located behind the column C on the object-side22of the cloaking device assembly20in the +Y direction. The column C has a height dimension in the Z direction (increasing height in the +Z direction) greater than the height h of the cloaking device (FIG. 11).FIG. 11is a side view from the +Y direction of the cloaking device assembly20shown inFIG. 3and shows the portion of the column C that is within the cloaked region is not visible and the automobile A located behind the column C in the +Y direction is visible to an observer viewing the cloaking device assembly20in the +Y direction. Accordingly, the column C positioned within the cloaked region is not visible to an observer viewing the image-side24of the cloaking device assembly20and an image of the automobile A is visible to the observer viewing the image-side24.

Referring toFIG. 12, embodiments of a pillar of a vehicle being cloaked by a tilted cloaking device are shown. Particularly,FIG. 12shows a tilted cloaking device19as described herein cloaking a portion of a pillar P of a vehicle V. In some embodiments, the pillar P is an A-pillar. In other embodiments, the pillar P is a B-pillar. In still other embodiments, the pillar P is a C-pillar. A portion of the pillar P is positioned within a tilted cloaked region (not shown) of the tilted cloaking device19and a portion of the pillar P extends beyond the cloaking device and is covered with trim T. Illustrated outside of the vehicle V on the object-side of the tilted cloaking device19is a target object ‘O’ in the form of pedestrian. A portion of the pedestrian O is visible through a side window of the vehicle V and a portion of the pedestrian is visible “through” the pillar P cloaked by the tilted cloaking device19. The tilted cloaking device19redirects light reflected from the pedestrian O around the pillar P positioned within the cloaked region of the tilted cloaking device19and forms an image I of the pedestrian O in the interior of the vehicle on the image-side of the tilted cloaking device19that is visible to an occupant of the vehicle V looking towards the pedestrian O. Accordingly, light from the pedestrian O appears to pass through the pillar P and a blind spot typically created by the pillar P is not as present as when the portion of the pillar P is not positioned within the cloaked region of the tilted cloaking device19. In embodiments, the pillar P itself serves as the cloaked region, i.e. the pillar P has an outer surface with one or more inward facing surfaces that assist in redirecting light from the pedestrian) around the pillar P. It should be appreciated that cloaking of the pillar P with the tilted cloaking device19and bypassing the blind spot produced by the pillar P is performed without the use of metamaterials, video images, cameras, sophisticated electronics, etc.

EXAMPLES

Referring now toFIGS. 13A-13D, images of an object positioned on the object-side22of the cloaking device assembly20and as viewed from the image-side24simulated using a commercial software program (Zemax OpticStudio) are depicted. The object-side half lenses200,240and image-side half lenses220,260were half lenses of commercial AYL5040-A acylindrical lenses from Thorlabs and the tilt axis28was oriented at an angle of 30° relative to the zero-tilt axis27.FIG. 13Adepicts an image of the object without tilt correction for the cloaking device assembly20, i.e., without the object-side TC component150positioned on the object-side22and the image-side TC component160positioned on the image-side24.FIG. 13Bdepicts an image of the object with the object-side TC component150having two Fresnel prisms152and the image-side TC component160having two Fresnel prisms162.FIG. 13Cdepicts an image of the object with the object-side TC component150having three Fresnel prisms152and the image-side TC component160having three Fresnel prisms162.FIG. 13Ddepicts an image of the object with the object-side TC component150having four Fresnel prisms152and the image-side TC component160having four Fresnel prisms162. As shown by the images inFIGS. 13A-13D, an image of an object on the object-side22of the cloaking device assembly20is significantly distorted when the cloaking device assembly20is tilted 30° and the tilt correction (i.e., object-side TC component150and image-side TC component160) is not included.

The cloaking devices described herein may be used to cloak vehicle articles when viewed from within the vehicle, such as a vehicle A-pillar, B-pillar, C-pillar, D-pillar, etc., and bypass a blind spot caused by the vehicle article. The terms “object,” “article,” and “item” may interchangeably refer to a visual object or image (2D or 3D) that reflects light or transmits light and the term “light from” may refer to “light reflected from” or “light transmitted from.” The terms “generally,” may be utilized herein to represent the inherent degree of uncertainty that may be attributed to any quantitative comparison, value, measurement, or other representation. These terms are also utilized herein to represent the degree by which a quantitative representation may vary from a stated reference without resulting in a change in the basic function of the subject matter at issue.

It should be understood that cloaking devices described herein may be tilted relative to a zero-tilt axis extending generally parallel to the Z-axis and the object O depicted in the figures such that light from the object is incident on the cloaking devices at an acute angle. It should also be understood that tilt correction components described herein may be utilized to redirect light incident on the cloaking devices such that light propagates generally normal through the cloaking devices, and then is redirected again to generally parallel to light from the object incident on the cloaking devices.

Directional terms as used herein—for example top, upper, bottom, and lower—are made only with reference to the figures as drawn and are not intended to imply absolute orientation unless otherwise expressly stated.