CPC Definition - Subclass G02F
This place covers:
This subclass covers the control of light by optical devices or arrangements involving at least one element with at least one optical medium, the optical properties thereof being changeable by the influence of external forces or fields affecting the element.
The following is a non-exhaustive list of the optical properties that can be changed in the optical element:
- refraction index;
- birefringence;
- absorption;
- nonlinear susceptibility.
The following is a non-exhaustive list of the external forces or fields which can affect the optical element:
- electric fields;
- magnetic fields;
- electric currents;
- acoustic or mechanical vibrations;
- pressure, stress or the like;
- temperature or heat.
The following optical elements are therefore covered, the list being not exhaustive:
- thermo-optic elements.
- electro-optic elements.
- magneto-optic elements.
- elasto-optic elements.
- acousto-optic elements.
- liquid crystal devices.
- electrochromic elements.
- electrophoretic elements.
- non-linear optics, i.e. devices or arrangements in which the electric or magnetic field component of the light beam influences the optical properties of the medium.
Non-linear optics, i.e. devices or arrangements in which the electric or magnetic field component of the light beam influences the optical properties of the medium.
Control of light beams by electromagnetic waves, e.g. radio waves, or by electrons or other elementary particles.
Optical analogue/digital converters, i.e. devices performing the digitalisation of an optical analogue signal, insofar these converters are based in substantial manner on elements which are provided for under the bullets above.
Demodulating light.
Transferring the modulation of modulated light, i.e. transferring the information from one optical carrier of a first wavelength to a second optical carrier of a second wavelength.
Frequency changing of light, e.g. by quantum counters.
Optical logic elements.
Optical bistable devices, i.e. devices exhibiting two different optical output states for a same optical input value.
Group G02B 26/00 covers optical devices or arrangements for controlling light using movable or deformable elements, as opposed to subclass G02F that covers devices or arrangements involving a modification or control of the optical properties of the medium of said devices or arrangements.
Group G05D 25/00 covers control of light in general, e.g. by using electric or mechanical means, as opposed to subclass G02F that covers devices or arrangements involving a modification or control of the optical properties of the medium of said devices or arrangements.
Group G09F 9/35 covers indicating arrangements in which characters are formed on a support by combining individual liquid crystal elements, as opposed to group G02F 1/13 that covers devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, phase, polarisation or colour based on liquid crystals. Classification should be given in G09F 9/35 when the emphasis is on the indicating aspects, and in the relevant subgroups of G02F 1/13 when the emphasis is on the devices or arrangements aspects of the liquid crystal cells involved.
Examples of places where the subject matter of this place is covered when specially adapted, used for a particular purpose, or incorporated in a larger system:
Optical computing devices, e.g. devices in which mathematical operations are carried out with optical elements | |
Modulators for heads used in optical recording or reproducing |
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Liquid crystal materials | |
Non-portable lighting devices in general | |
Features or details of lighting devices, e.g. use of light guides | |
Optical transfer means between sensing member and indicating or recording part in connection with measuring | |
Testing of optical apparatus | |
Investigating or analysing materials by the use of optical means | |
Optical devices, systems or arrangements per se, e.g. devices with movable or deformable element [DMD] or electro-wetting | |
Control of light in general, e.g. by using electric means | |
Electrical signal transmission systems using optical means to convert the input signal | |
Indicating arrangements for variable information by selection or combination of individual elements | |
Displays using movable, e.g. rotatable, elements | |
Control arrangements or circuits for visual indicators other than cathode-ray tubes | |
Optical recording associated with non-optical reproducing, or optical reproducing associated with non-optical recording | |
Static digital stores using optical elements | |
Semiconductor devices sensitive to radiation | |
Photoconductive antenna for Terahertz radiation | |
Modulation of electromagnetic waves | |
Transmission systems employing light | |
Optical multiplex systems | |
Spatial multiplexing | |
Orbital angular momentum [OAM] multiplex systems | |
Pictorial communication, e.g. television | |
Projection devices for colour picture display | |
Control of light sources |
In this place, the following terms or expressions are used with the meaning indicated:
Control | When referred to light or optical, covers affecting or directing one or more of the following properties of light: intensity; colour; phase; frequency or wavelength; polarisation; direction and one or more of the following optical operations: gating; switching or deflecting; modulation, demodulation or transfer of modulation. |
Light | Applies to electromagnetic radiation not only in the portion of the electromagnetic spectrum which can be perceived by the human eye (i.e. visible) but also to ultraviolet or infrared radiation. |
Optical, Optics | Applies not only to visible light but also to ultraviolet or infrared radiation. |
In patent documents, the following abbreviations are often used:
AMLCD | Active Matrix Liquid Crystal Display |
G-H | Guest-Host |
IPS-LCD | In Plane Switching Liquid Crystal Display |
LCD | Liquid Crystal Display |
MQW | Multiple Quantum Well |
PALC (display) | Plasma Addressed Liquid Crystal (display) |
PDLC | Polymer Dispersed Liquid Crystal |
SEED | Self Electro-optic Effect Device |
SHG | Second Harmonic Generation |
SLM | Spatial Light Modulator |
STN-LC | Super-Twisted Nematic Liquid Crystal |
TFT-LCD | Thin Film Transistor Liquid Crystal Display |
TN-LC | Twisted Nematic Liquid Crystal |
This place covers:
Devices and methods for the control of intensity, phase, polarisation (G02F 1/01); or direction of light (G02F 1/29).
Devices and methods using nonlinear optical effect (G02F 1/35)
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Optical logic elements | |
Organic tenebrescent materials | |
Luminescent materials | |
Liquid crystal materials | |
Measuring temperature using change of colour or translucency | |
Measuring temperature using changes in fluorescence in optical fibres | |
Photochromic filters | |
Light guides | |
Integrated circuits of the optical waveguide type, e.g. photonic chip | |
Optical devices or arrangements using movable or deformable optical elements for controlling light properties | |
Control of light in general | |
Visible signalling systems | |
Indicating arrangements for variable information on a support by selection or combination of individual elements | |
Control arrangements or circuits for visual indicators other than cathode-ray tubes | |
Digital stores characterised by the use of electro-optical storage elements | |
Control of light sources in general |
The class G02F 1/00 is mainly empty and consists only of materials (except nonlinear materials classified in G02F 1/355) insofar these materials are used in the devices provided for in this subclass.
This place covers:
NNew materials or compositions used in light modulation devices as far as the physical properties are concerned.
This place does not cover:
Non linear materials | |
Electrochromic materials | |
Photoluminescent materials | |
Liquid crystal materials | |
Radiation pyrometry | |
Thermometer using change of colour or translucency |
Examples of places where the subject matter of this place is covered when specially adapted, used for a particular purpose, or incorporated in a larger system:
Non-linear optics fabrication of domain inverted structures using ferro-electric materials |
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Capacitors with electrets, i.e. having a permanently polarised dielectric |
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Magnetic materials in general |
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Liquid crystals materials in general |
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Radiation pyrometry | |
Measuring temperature by using change of colour or translucency |
This place covers:
Devices and methods for modulating the light (intensity, phase, polarization, colour).
Passive optical element (Colour filter, polarizer): G02B
Backlight comprising a light guide: G02B 6/00
Integrated optical element G02B 6/00
Laser: H01S
This place does not cover:
Examples of places where the subject matter of this place is covered when specially adapted, used for a particular purpose, or incorporated in a larger system:
Eye protecting filters (Welding Helmet) | |
Rear-view mirrors | |
(smart) Windows with controllable transmission | |
Optical RF spectrum analyser | |
Passive optical element (colour filter, polariser) | |
Backlight comprising a light guide | |
Integrated optical element | |
Head-up display | |
Electro-optic spectacle (sunglasses) | |
Constructional details related to the housing of computer displays, e.g. of flat displays | |
Arrangements in which the information is build-up by the combination of elements | |
Transparent conductive material TCO | |
Thin film Transistor TFT | |
LED Display | |
Detail of television receiver | |
Stereoscopy | |
Electroluminescent Display |
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Optical polarising elements per se | |
Integrated display and digitiser | |
Recording by light | |
Static storage per se | |
Image tube screens acting as light valves by shutter operation | |
Such screens acting by discoloration | |
Active matrix with TFT | |
Projection arrangements for television image reproduction, e.g. using eidophor |
Common features of devices or arrangements for the control of intensity, phase, polarization or colour classified in G02F 1/167 (based on electrophoresis) are also classified in the G02F 1/13 and subgroups
In this place, the following terms or expressions are used with the meaning indicated:
BLU | Backlight Unit |
TFT | Thin film transistor |
In patent documents, the following abbreviations are often used:
SOP | State Of Polarization |
PDLC | Polymer dispersed Liquid crystal |
TCO | Transparent conductive oxide |
EA | Electro Absorption |
VOA | Variable Optical Attenuator |
Examples of places where the subject matter of this place is covered when specially adapted, used for a particular purpose, or incorporated in a larger system:
For liquid crystal cells | |
For display means of electronic time pieces |
Examples of places where the subject matter of this place is covered when specially adapted, used for a particular purpose, or incorporated in a larger system:
For liquid crystal cells | |
For electrochromic or electrolytic cells |
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Light guides in general |
This place covers:
Devices where a (electro, magnetic, pressure) field produce a deformation of the structure of the material which result in change in refractive index, absorption etc, e.g. elasto-optic effect (mechanically, stress induced birefringence).
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Acousto-optical devices |
This place covers:
Thermo optic effect.
This place does not cover:
Thermal activation of liquid crystals exhibiting a thermo-optic effect |
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Tenebrescent materials | |
Radiation pyrometry | |
Measuring temperature using change of colour or translucency |
This place covers:
Mainly GaAs InP devices.
This place does not cover:
Based on ceramics or electro-optical crystals, e.g. exhibiting Pockels effects or Kerr effect |
This place covers:
Using silicon as the electro-optical material for the waveguide.
This place does not cover:
Structure with periodic or quasi-peridoic potential variation, e.g. superlattices, quantum wells | |
Optical waveguides made of semiconductor material |
This place covers:
Device using insulating electro-optic crystals, e.g. made of LiNbO3, LiTtaO3, KTP material
This place does not cover:
Based on electro-optical organic material |
This place does not cover:
Light control based on ceramics or electro-optical crystals with ferro-electric properties |
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Electrography, electrophotography | |
Screens for cathode-ray tubes acting as light valves |
This place covers:
Photo-refractive effect.
This place does not cover:
With ferro-electric properties |
This place does not cover:
Ceramics or electro-optical crystals, e.g. exhibiting Pockels effect or Kerr effect in an optical waveguide structure | |
The active material being a ceramic |
Examples of places where the subject matter of this place is covered when specially adapted, used for a particular purpose, or incorporated in a larger system:
Domain inversion in ferro-electric materials |
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Ferro-electric digital stores |
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Electrography, electrophotography | |
Screens for cathode-ray tubes acting as light valves |
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Holography | |
Electro-optical digital static stores using an interference pattern |
This place covers:
Covers device using PLZT ceramic material.
This place does not cover:
In an optical waveguide structure |
This place covers:
Obsolete technology
This place covers:
Magneto-optic effect
This place covers:
Acousto-optic
This place does not cover:
Acousto-optical deflection |
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Elasto-optic effect without wave propagation |
This place covers:
Liquid crystal.
Groups in G02F 1/13 are also used to classify common devices features in electrochromic and Electrophoretic device (see for example US2007024954, US20100137569)
Control arrangement and circuits for Liquid crystal device |
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Liquid crystal materials |
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Testing of optical apparatus | |
Electronic testing of displays and display drivers, e.g. of LCDs |
Not used anymore for classifying new documents.
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Measuring temperature using change of colour or translucency of liquid crystals | |
Thermally addressed liquid crystal elements in a matrix |
Examples of places where the subject matter of this place is covered when specially adapted, used for a particular purpose, or incorporated in a larger system:
Arrangements or circuits for control of liquid crystal elements in a segment display, not structurally associated with these elements |
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Plasma display panels |
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Electrography, electrophotography | |
Screens for cathode-ray tubes acting as light valves |
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Liquid crystalline polymers in general |
Examples of places where the subject matter of this place is covered when specially adapted, used for a particular purpose, or incorporated in a larger system:
Touch-panels as input devices for computers structurally associated with displays |
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Touch-panels in general | |
Keyboard switches |
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Chemical compositions of additive materials |
This place covers:
Integration of optical elements with the LCD panel.
When the invention concerns the optical elements (for example polarizers) themselves and the incorporation in an LCD is trivial then they should only be classified the in G02B.
Side illuminated LCD backlights employing a waveguide should be classified in G02B 6/00.
If the invention is to be used in the field of lighting (for example luminaire, with waveguide and LEDs) then F21V should also be considered
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Optical filters |
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Luminescent elements |
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Photomechanical production of textured or patterned surfaces |
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Simple or compound lenses in general |
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Optical polarising elements in general |
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Lighting devices in general | |
Associated with display devices for electronic timepieces |
This place covers:
Pattern of LEDs in an array in a direct type (i.e. without waveguide) LCD back light device.
This place covers:
Backlight light employing side illumination without a waveguide.
Where the invention concerns the waveguide (or plurality of waveguides) shape or integration into the support structure on the LCD device then it should be classified in the G02B 6/001 and subgroups.
If the integration of the waveguide type side illuminated backlight involves adaptation of the general LCD panel support structure then G02F 1/133308 and its subgroups should be considered.
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Light guides specially adapted for lighting devices or systems |
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Optical systems for polarising |
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Displaying information by combining elements in general |
This place covers:
Details of the connection terminals of the LCD.
See for example US2011116028, US2011075089, US2010321624
This place covers:
Detail of the connection of the IC driver or PCB with the terminal pads of the LCD.
Further details of the PCB (printed circuit board) are in H05K. Further details concerning bonding of the drivers are in H01L 21/00.
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Constructional arrangements; operation of liquid crystal cells; circuit arrangements | |
Drivers integrated with an active matrix | |
Processes or apparatus adapted for the manufacture or treatment of semiconductor or solid state devices or parts thereof | |
TAB tape automated bonding. COB chip-on-board. COG chip-on-glass. |
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Colour projection displays with liquid crystal valves |
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Luminescent materials in general | |
Composition of liquid crystals materials comprising additives | |
Electroluminescent light sources |
This place covers:
Electroplating RED (Reversible electrodeposition device).
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Materials for which the range of wavelengths for energy absorption is changed as a result of excitation by electric energy |
This place covers:
Variable absorption device
This place does not cover:
Based on semiconductor elements with at least one potential jump barrier e.g. PN, PIN junction | |
Based on ceramics or electro-optical crystals e.g. exhibiting Pockets effect or Kerr effect | |
Based on electro-optical organic material | |
Based on electro-optical liquids exhibiting Kerr effect | |
Based on magneto-optical elements, e.g. exhibiting Faraday effect | |
Based on acousto-optical elements e.g. using variable diffraction by sound or like mechanical waves | |
Based on liquid crystals, e.g. single liquid crystal display cells | |
Based on electrochromic elements | |
Based on electrophoresis | |
Organic tenebrescent materials |
This place covers:
Suspended Particle Display
This place covers:
Variable reflection device (switchable mirror using metal hydride)
This place does not cover:
For the control of the intensity, phase, polarization or colour... | |
Constructional details | |
in optical waveguides | |
Operation of the device; Circuit arrangement not otherwise provided for | |
by another light beam, i.e. opto-optical modulation | |
based on electro-mechanical, magneto-mechanical, elasto-optic effects | |
for the control of polarisation, e.g. state of polarisation (SOP) control, polarisation | |
based on thermo-optic effects | |
based on semiconductor elements with at least one potential jump barrier, e.g. PN, PIN junction | |
based on ceramics or electro-optical crystals, e.g. exhibiting Pockels effect or Kerr effect | |
based on electro-optical organic material | |
based on electro-optical liquids exhibiting Kerr effect | |
based on magneto-optical elements, e.g. exhibiting Faraday effect | |
based on acousto-optical elements, e.g. using variable diffraction by sound or like mechanical waves | |
based on liquid crystals, e.g. single liquid crystal display cells | |
based on electrochromic elements | |
based on electrophoresis |
This place covers:
Obsolete technologies
Led associated with phosphor for the control of the colour of the emitted light are classified in H05B 33/00, F21K 9/00 - F21K 99/00, C09K 11/00; H01L 33/00 (US2008007172)
This place covers:
Devices and methods for the control or direction (deflection) of light
- deflection of a light beam that can be spanned over a discrete number (digital) of positions, as opposed to deflection spanned over a continuous range (analog) of positions.
Analog scanner US2008112042 (Electro-optic beam steering) electro active lens US2010226000.
Deflection based on total internal reflection (TIR), producing a yes/no deflection, which is covered by group G02F 1/315.
Wavelength multiplexer /demultiplexer are classified in G02B 6/12007 for the optical details, and in H04J 14/02218 and H04J 14/02219 for the control details.
Examples of places where the subject matter of this place is covered when specially adapted, used for a particular purpose, or incorporated in a larger system:
Lasers provided with means to change the location from which, or the direction in which, laser radiation is emitted | |
Optical switching system |
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Working and shaping a Laser beam | |
Optical coupling means | |
Scanning systems | |
Optical beam shaping, splitting, combining | |
Static stores | |
Scanning arrangement |
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
All-optical modulation, gating or switching using non-linear directional couplers |
This place covers:
Devices and methods using nonlinear optical processes.
Frequency conversion; Harmonic generation.
Wave mixing.
Optical rectification.
Optical KERR effect.
Self de or /focusing.
Self phase modulation (Soliton propagation).
Cross phase modulation.
nonlinear absorption (optical limiter).
Optical phase conjugation.
Parametric amplification.
Examples of places where the subject matter of this place is covered when specially adapted, used for a particular purpose, or incorporated in a larger system:
Analysing materials by the use of optical means and of the non-linear properties of the material | |
Brillouin, Raman laser |
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Optical bistable devices | |
Photoconductive Terahertz emitter (antenna) (Auston switch) |
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Constructional arrangements of electro-optical crystals |
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Opto-optical modulation | |
Photo-refractive properties or effects of electro-optical crystals | |
Photo-refractive effects of ceramics | |
Opto-optical deflection |
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Laser Q-switching using bleachable media |
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Raman effects |
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Second harmonic generation | |
Parametric generation or amplification of optical waves | |
Transferring the modulation of modulated light | |
Optical pumping of a laser by another laser | |
Nonlinear optical devices inside a laser cavity |
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Arrangements of plural non-linear devices for generating multi-colour light beams | |
Electrical parametric amplifiers |
This place covers:
Demodulating light; Transferring the modulation of modulated light.
Frequency-changing of light, e.g. by quantum counters:
- Up-converter, e.g. Infrared to visible converter,
- Down-converter.
Frequency-changing of light using nonlinear optical effects.
This place does not cover:
Non linear optics |
Examples of places where the subject matter of this place is covered when specially adapted, used for a particular purpose, or incorporated in a larger system:
Demodulator for optical sensor | |
Measuring optical wavelength | |
Measuring optical phase difference | |
Photoelectric discharge tubes not involving the ionisation of a gas | |
Semiconductor devices sensitive to infrared radiation, light, electromagnetic radiation of shorter wavelength or corpuscular radiation and adapted either for the conversion of the energy of such radiation into electrical energy or for the control of electrical energy by such radiation; processes or apparatus peculiar to the manufacture or treatment thereof or of parts thereof; details thereof | |
Controlling the intensity, frequency, phase, polarisation or direction or the emitted radiation (of lasers), e.g. switching, gating, modulating or demodulating | |
Optical receiver/ transmitter | |
Millimeter wave (RF) generation using optical means (Radio over Fiber system) | |
Optical clock arrangement for synchronisation | |
Optical demodulator for modulated carrier |
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Phase antenna array | |
RF synthesiser | |
Demodulation of electromagnetic waves, or transferring modulation of electromagnetic waves from one carrier to another |
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Coherent homodyne or heterodyne receivers |
This place covers:
Wavelength converter used to convert the carrier of high-bit-rate data from one wavelength to another
This place covers:
Frequency-changing of light, e.g. by quantum counters.
Obsolete technology.
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Luminescent, e.g. electroluminescent, chemiluminescent materials |
This place covers:
Optical logic elements, i.e. optical basic logic gates, e.g. AND, OR, NAND.
Optical bistable devices i.e. devices exhibiting two different optical output states for a same optical input value.
This group is not active.
Examples of places where the subject matter of this place is covered when specially adapted, used for a particular purpose, or incorporated in a larger system:
Optical computing |
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Electric-pulse generators using opto-electronic devices as active elements | |
Logic circuits using opto-electronic devices |
This place covers:
Optical analogue/digital converters
This group covers only converters based in substantial manner on elements which are provided for in group G02F 1/00.
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Conversion of a code using opto-electronic devices |