WO2022269389A1

WO2022269389A1 - Electromagnetic energy directing system, and method using same

Info

Publication number: WO2022269389A1
Application number: PCT/IB2022/054982
Authority: WO
Inventors: Raul Mihali
Original assignee: Evolution Optiks Limited
Priority date: 2021-06-21
Filing date: 2022-05-27
Publication date: 2022-12-29

Abstract

Described are various embodiments of an electromagnetic energy directing system, and method using same. In one embodiment, the system comprises a thermal sensor, an energy source operable to output isotropic electromagnetic energy, an array of energy field shaping elements (EFSEs) disposed relative to said energy source for shaping an energy field emanating therefrom toward the substrate; and a digital data processor operable to digitally compute an adjusted energy field to be rendered via said energy source and said array of EFSEs.

Description

ELECTROMAGNETIC ENERGY DIRECTING SYSTEM AND METHOD USING

SAME

FIEUD OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0001] The present disclosure relates to illumination systems, and, in particular, to an electromagnetic energy directing system, and method using same.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Recent decades have seen the emergence of light field displays operable to manipulate the propagation of light for autostereoscopic and other 3D effects. For instance, United States Patent No. 10,394,322 entitled “Light Field Display, Adjusted Pixel Rendering Method Therefor, and Vision Correction System and Method Using Same” and issued to Gotsch on August 27, 2019 discloses a light field ray tracing process to enable the provision of visual content adjusted in accordance with a designated perception adjustment. Such processes may be in, for instance, applications related to the adjustment of displayed images to accommodate a reduced visual acuity of a user. [0003] The technological progress made on light field systems has been primarily driven by the desire to improve virtual or augmented reality systems, or to provide holographic content. For instance, United States Patent No. 10,663,657 entitled “Selective Propagation of Energy in Light Field and Holographic Waveguide Arrays” and issued to Karafin and Bevensee on May 26, 2020 discloses an energy waveguide system ultimately aimed towards realising the “holodeck” of Star Trek fame. However, to date, the manipulation of energy in 3D has been little explored outside of the realm of visual applications to provide perception adjustments.

[0004] This background information is provided to reveal information believed by the applicant to be of possible relevance. No admission is necessarily intended, nor should be construed, that any of the preceding information constitutes prior art or forms part of the general common knowledge in the relevant art.

SUMMARY [0005] The following presents a simplified summary of the general inventive concept(s) described herein to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the disclosure. This summary is not an extensive overview of the disclosure. It is not intended to restrict key or critical elements of embodiments of the disclosure or to delineate their scope beyond that which is explicitly or implicitly described by the following description and claims.

[0006] A need exists for an electromagnetic energy directing system, and method using same that overcome some of the drawbacks of known techniques, or at least, provides a useful alternative thereto. Some aspects of this disclosure provide examples of such systems and methods.

[0007] In accordance with one aspect, there is provided a system for directing thermal energy on a substrate, the system comprising: a thermal sensor configured to sense and communicate substrate thermal profile data; an energy source operable to output isotropic electromagnetic energy; an array of energy field shaping elements (EFSEs) disposed relative to the energy source for shaping an energy field emanating therefrom toward the substrate; and a digital data processor operable to digitally compute an adjusted energy field to be rendered via the energy source and the array of EFSEs, wherein the adjusted energy field is digitally computed in response to the substrate temperature profile data in accordance with a ray tracing process.

[0008] In one embodiment, the thermal sensor comprises a thermal camera.

[0009] In one embodiment, the thermal camera comprises an infrared (IR) camera.

[0010] In one embodiment, the thermal sensor comprises a light field camera.

[0011] In one embodiment, the substrate thermal profile data comprises a thermal map of the substrate. [0012] In one embodiment, the digital data processor is operable to digitally compute the adjusted energy field to selectively adjust a location-specific energy field intensity. [0013] In one embodiment, the digital data processor is operable to digitally compute the adjusted energy field to improve a thermal uniformity of the substrate.

[0014] In one embodiment, the adjusted energy field comprises one or more of a microwave field, an IR light field, a visible light field, or an ultraviolet (UV) light field. [0015] In one embodiment, the energy source comprises an array of light-emitting pixels operable to output isotropic electromagnetic energy.

[0016] In one embodiment, the array of EFSEs comprises a digital screen comprising an array of pixels operable on by the digital data processor to render at least some of the array of pixels opaque to electromagnetic energy output from the energy source. [0017] In one embodiment, the array of EFSEs comprises a microlens array (MLA).

[0018] In one embodiment, the array of EFSEs comprises one or more of a parallax barrier or a lenticular array.

[0019] In one embodiment, the thermal sensor is configured to sense the substrate thermal profile data and communicate the data related thereto over time as feedback data, and wherein the digital data processor is operable on the feedback data to output an updated energy field to be rendered via the energy source and array of EFSEs to update the energy field in response to the substrate thermal profile data sensed over time.

[0020] In one embodiment, the digital data processor is operable on substrate thermal profile data to determine a thermal inhomogeneity on the substrate and output the adjusted thermal energy field to adjust the energy field in response to the thermal inhomogeneity.

[0021] In one embodiment, the system further comprises a microscope, and wherein the substrate comprises a microscopic sample.

[0022] In one embodiment, the thermal sensor is configured to sense a target location in the substrate, and wherein the digital data processor is operable to output the adjusted energy field to adjust the energy field in response to the target location. [0023] In one embodiment, the target location comprises the location of a particle.

[0024] In one embodiment, the particle comprises a cell.

[0025] In one embodiment, the particle comprises a nanoparticle or a microparticle.

[0026] In one embodiment, the target location comprises the location of a substrate feature.

[0027] In one embodiment, the digital data processor is operable on the substrate thermal profile data to identify a tissue healing site, and output the adjusted energy field to adjust the energy field in response to the tissue healing site.

[0028] In one embodiment, the system is configured to be translatable relative to the substrate.

[0029] In one embodiment, the system is configured to allow translation of the substrate relative thereto.

[0030] In one embodiment, the thermal sensor comprises an array of temperature sensors operable to acquire and communicate spatial substrate thermal profile data. [0031] In accordance with another aspect, there is provided a system for directing electromagnetic energy on a three-dimensional (3D) substrate, the system comprising: an imager configured to sense a substrate geometry and communicate data related thereto; an energy source operable to output isotropic electromagnetic energy; an array of energy field shaping elements (EFSEs) disposed relative to the energy source for shaping an energy field emanating therefrom toward the substrate; and a digital data processor operable to digitally compute an adjusted energy field to be rendered via the energy source and the array of EFSEs, wherein the adjusted energy field is digitally computed in response to the substrate geometry in accordance with a ray tracing process.

[0032] In one embodiment, the imager comprises a camera. [0033] In one embodiment, the imager comprises a light field camera. [0034] In one embodiment, the substrate geometry data comprises an irradiance map of the substrate.

[0035] In one embodiment, the digital data processor is operable to digitally compute the adjusted energy field to selectively adjust a location-specific energy field intensity. [0036] In one embodiment, the digital data processor is operable to digitally compute the adjusted energy field to improve an irradiance uniformity of the substrate.

[0037] In one embodiment, the adjusted energy field comprises one or more of a microwave field, an IR light field, a visible light field, or an ultraviolet (UV) light field.

[0038] In one embodiment, the energy source comprises an array of light-emitting pixels operable to output isotropic electromagnetic energy.

[0039] In one embodiment, the array of EFSEs comprises a digital screen comprising an array of pixels operable on by the digital data processor to render at least some of the array of pixels opaque to electromagnetic energy output from the energy source.

[0040] In one embodiment, the array of EFSEs comprises a microlens array (MLA). [0041] In one embodiment, the array of EFSEs comprises one or more of a parallax barrier or a lenticular array.

[0042] In one embodiment, the imager is configured to acquire and communicate the substrate geometry data over time as feedback data, and wherein the digital data processor is operable on the feedback data calculate an irradiance profile over time and to output an updated energy field to be rendered via the energy source and array of EFSEs to update the energy field in response to the irradiance profile over time.

[0043] In one embodiment, the digital data processor is operable on substrate geometry data to determine an irradiance inhomogeneity on the substrate, and output the adjusted energy field to adjust the energy field in response to the irradiance inhomogeneity. [0044] In one embodiment, the imager is configured to sense a target location in the substrate, and wherein the digital data processor is operable to output the adjusted energy field to adjust the energy field in response to the target location.

[0045] In one embodiment, the target location comprises the location of a particle. [0046] In one embodiment, the target location comprises the location of a substrate feature.

[0047] In one embodiment, the digital data processor is operable on the substrate geometry data to identify a tissue healing site, and output the adjusted energy field to adjust the energy field in response to the tissue healing site. [0048] In one embodiment, the system is configured to be translatable relative to the substrate.

[0049] In one embodiment, the system is configured to allow translation of the substrate relative thereto.

[0050] In accordance with another aspect, there is provided a method for directing energy on a substrate, the method implemented by a digital data processor operable to render an energy field via an energy source operable to output isotropic electromagnetic energy and an array of energy field shaping elements (EFSEs) for shaping an energy field emanating therefrom, the method comprising: receiving as input from an imager substrate image data; computing an adjusted energy field in response to the image data in accordance with a ray tracing process; and rendering the adjusted energy field via the energy source and the array of EFSEs.

[0051] In one embodiment, the computing comprises computing the adjusted energy field to selectively adjust a location-specific energy field intensity.

[0052] In one embodiment, the computing comprises computing the adjusted energy field to improve an energy uniformity of the substrate. [0053] In one embodiment, the method further comprises monitoring the image data over time as feedback data, calculating an updated energy field in response to the feedback data in accordance with the ray tracing process, and rendering the updated energy field via the energy source and the array of EFSEs. [0054] In one embodiment, the method further comprises determining, based at least in part on the image data, an energy inhomogeneity on the substrate, wherein the computing comprises computing the adjusted energy field in accordance with the ray tracing process to adjust the energy field in response to the thermal inhomogeneity.

[0055] In one embodiment, the method further comprises determining, based at least in part on the image data, a target location in the substrate, wherein the computing comprises computing the adjusted energy field in accordance with a ray tracing process to adjust the energy field in response to the target location.

[0056] In one embodiment, the method further comprises identifying, based at least in part on the image data, a tissue healing site, wherein the computing comprises computing the adjusted energy field in accordance with the ray tracing process to adjust the energy field in response to the tissue healing site.

[0057] In accordance with another aspect, there is provided a system for directing energy on a substrate, the system comprising: a sensor configured to sense and communicate substrate property data; an energy source operable to output isotropic electromagnetic energy; an array of energy field shaping elements (EFSEs) disposed relative to the energy source for shaping an energy field emanating therefrom toward the substrate; and a digital data processor operable to digitally compute an adjusted energy field to be rendered via the energy source and the array of EFSEs, wherein the adjusted energy field is digitally computed in accordance with a ray tracing process in response to the substrate property data.

[0058] In one embodiment, the substrate property data comprises location-specific substrate property data. [0059] In one embodiment, the sensor comprises a camera, and the substrate property data comprises image data.

[0060] In one embodiment, the camera comprises a light field camera.

[0061] In one embodiment, the camera comprises an infrared (IR) camera. [0062] In one embodiment, the substrate property data comprises a thermal map of the substrate.

[0063] In one embodiment, the substrate property data relates to a substrate geometry.

[0064] In one embodiment, the substrate geometry comprises a three-dimensional (3D) geometry. [0065] In one embodiment, the digital data processor is operable to digitally compute the adjusted energy field to selectively adjust a location-specific energy field intensity.

[0066] In one embodiment, the digital data processor is operable to digitally compute the adjusted energy field to improve a uniformity of energy field intensity on the substrate.

[0067] In one embodiment, the energy field comprises one or more of a microwave field, an IR light field, a visible light field, or an ultraviolet (UV) light field.

[0068] In one embodiment, the energy source comprises an array of light-emitting pixels configured to output electromagnetic energy.

[0069] In one embodiment, the digital data processor is operable to digitally compute the adjusted energy field as a function of adjusted energy field ray traces digitally computed for at least some of the array of light-emitting pixels that intersect a location of the substrate.

[0070] In one embodiment, the array of EFSEs comprises a digital screen comprising an array of pixels operable on by the digital data processor to render at least some of the array of pixels opaque to electromagnetic energy output from the energy source. [0071] In one embodiment, the array of EFSEs comprises a microlens array (MLA).

[0072] In one embodiment, the array of EFSEs comprises one or more of a parallax barrier or a lenticular array.

[0073] In one embodiment, the sensor is configured to sense and communicate the substrate property data over time as feedback data, and wherein the digital data processor is operable to compute an updated energy field in response to the feedback data over time.

[0074] In one embodiment, the substrate property data is related to a macroscopic 3D geometry of the substrate, and wherein the digital data processor is operable on the substrate property data to output the adjusted energy field in response to the macroscopic 3D geometry.

[0075] In one embodiment, the digital data processor is operable, based at least in part on the substrate property data, to determine an illumination inhomogeneity on the macroscopic 3D geometry, and render the adjusted energy field via the energy source and the array of EFSEs to adjust the energy field in response to the illumination inhomogeneity. [0076] In one embodiment, the substrate property data comprises location-specific substrate temperature data, and wherein the digital data processor is operable to render an adjusted thermal energy field data in response to the location-specific substrate temperature data.

[0077] In one embodiment, the digital data processor is operable, based at least in part on the location-specific substrate temperature data to determine a thermal inhomogeneity on the substrate, and render the adjusted thermal energy field data via the energy source and the array of EFSEs to adjust the energy field in response to the thermal inhomogeneity.

[0078] In one embodiment, the system further comprises a microscope, and the substrate comprises a microscopic sample. [0079] In one embodiment, the sensor is configured to sense a target location in the microscopic sample, and wherein the digital data processor is operable to render the adjusted energy field via the energy source and the array of EFSEs in accordance with the ray tracing process in response to the target location.

[0080] In one embodiment, the target location comprises the location of a particle.

[0081] In one embodiment, the particle comprises a cell. [0082] In one embodiment, the particle comprises a nanoparticle or a microparticle.

[0083] In one embodiment, the target location comprises the location of a substrate feature.

[0084] In one embodiment, the digital data processor is operable on the substrate property data to identify a tissue healing site, and render the adjusted energy field data via the energy source and says array of EFSEs in accordance with the ray tracing process to adjust the energy field in response to the tissue healing site.

[0085] In one embodiment, the system is configured to be translatable relative to the substrate.

[0086] In one embodiment, the system is configured to allow translation of the substrate relative thereto.

[0087] Other aspects, features and/or advantages will become more apparent upon reading of the following non-restrictive description of specific embodiments thereof, given by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0088] Several embodiments of the present disclosure will be provided, by way of examples only, with reference to the appended drawings, wherein:

[0089] Figure 1 is a schematic of an exemplary device for controlling an electromagnetic energy field, in accordance with one embodiment; [0090] Figure 2 is a diagram of an exemplary process for controlling an energy field in response to a sensed property, in accordance with one embodiment;

[0091] Figure 3 is a schematic of an exemplary device for directing the deposition of thermal energy on a substrate, in accordance with one embodiment; [0092] Figure 4 is a schematic of an exemplary process for increasing a uniformity of energy on a substrate in response to a sensed energy distribution, in accordance with one embodiment;

[0093] Figure 5 is a schematic of an exemplary energy field shaping system comprising energy field shaping elements and operable to direct energy in accordance with a ray tracing process, in accordance with one embodiment; and

[0094] Figure 6 is a schematic of an exemplary energy field shaping system for targeting a substrate feature, in accordance with one embodiment.

[0095] Elements in the several figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the figures may be emphasized relative to other elements for facilitating understanding of the various presently disclosed embodiments. Also, common, but well-understood elements that are useful or necessary in commercially feasible embodiments are often not depicted in order to facilitate a less obstructed view of these various embodiments of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0096] Various implementations and aspects of the specification will be described with reference to details discussed below. The following description and drawings are illustrative of the specification and are not to be construed as limiting the specification. Numerous specific details are described to provide a thorough understanding of various implementations of the present specification. However, in certain instances, well-known or conventional details are not described in order to provide a concise discussion of implementations of the present specification. [0097] Various apparatuses and processes will be described below to provide examples of implementations of the system disclosed herein. No implementation described below limits any claimed implementation and any claimed implementations may cover processes or apparatuses that differ from those described below. The claimed implementations are not limited to apparatuses or processes having all of the features of any one apparatus or process described below or to features common to multiple or all of the apparatuses or processes described below. It is possible that an apparatus or process described below is not an implementation of any claimed subject matter.

[0098] Furthermore, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the implementations described herein. However, it will be understood by those skilled in the relevant arts that the implementations described herein may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures and components have not been described in detail so as not to obscure the implementations described herein.

[0099] In this specification, elements may be described as “configured to” perform one or more functions or “configured for” such functions. In general, an element that is configured to perform or configured for performing a function is enabled to perform the function, or is suitable for performing the function, or is adapted to perform the function, or is operable to perform the function, or is otherwise capable of performing the function.

[00100] It is understood that for the purpose of this specification, language of “at least one of X, Y, and Z” and “one or more of X, Y and Z” may be construed as X only, Y only, Z only, or any combination of two or more items X, Y, and Z (e.g., XYZ, XY, YZ, ZZ, and the like). Similar logic may be applied for two or more items in any occurrence of “at least one ...” and “one or more...” language.

[00101] Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. [00102] Throughout the specification and claims, the following terms take the meanings explicitly associated herein, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. The phrase “in one of the embodiments” or “in at least one of the various embodiments” as used herein does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, though it may. Furthermore, the phrase “in another embodiment” or “in some embodiments” as used herein does not necessarily refer to a different embodiment, although it may. Thus, as described below, various embodiments may be readily combined, without departing from the scope or spirit of the innovations disclosed herein.

[00103] In addition, as used herein, the term “or” is an inclusive “or” operator, and is equivalent to the term “and/or,” unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. The term “based on” is not exclusive and allows for being based on additional factors not described, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. In addition, throughout the specification, the meaning of "a," "an," and "the" include plural references. The meaning of "in" includes "in" and "on."

[00104] The term “comprising” as used herein will be understood to mean that the list following is non-exhaustive and may or may not include any other additional suitable items, for example one or more further feature(s), component(s) and/or element(s) as appropriate.

[00105] The term “energy field”, as used herein, will be understood to refer to a field of various forms of energy. An energy field may comprise, for instance, a light field (i.e. an electromagnetic field), which may in turn comprise, in accordance with various embodiments, one or more wavelengths of light, or spectra thereof. For example, and in accordance with some embodiments, an electromagnetic (EM) energy field may comprise visible, ultraviolet (UV), infrared (IR), short-wave infrared (SWIR), near-infrared (NIR), forward looking infrared (FLIR), microwave (MW), and/or other wavelengths of light, or a combination thereof.

[00106] In accordance with other embodiments, an energy field may comprise non- electromagnetic forms of energy, a non-limiting example of which may comprise acoustic energy. For instance, in accordance with various embodiments, an acoustic field may comprise sonic, subsonic, and/or ultrasonic waves which may be directional or directionally controlled for directing acoustic energy.

[00107] In accordance with other embodiments, more than one type of energy field may be employed. For example, and without limitation, both EM and acoustic fields may be produced and independently directionally controlled to transfer respective forms of energy to, or on, one or more regions of a substrate or target.

[00108] In accordance with different embodiments, a substrate may comprise different configurations and/or substances. For example, some embodiments relate to a substrate comprising a small particle (e.g. a quantum dot, a cell, a microdroplet, or the like) that may be targeted by an energy field system to selectively deposit energy thereon. Alternatively, other embodiments relate to a substrate may comprising a macroscale object, such as a plant, a Petri dish, a food to be heated, or the like. In accordance with yet further embodiments, a substrate may comprise a surface feature or energy-activatable structure that may be targeted by an energy field to, for instance, influence an energy profile of an adjacent object or medium. For example, and without limitation, a substrate may comprise a plasmonic feature in a micro polymerase chain reaction system that, when irradiated, heats a solution or reaction volume in contact therewith. Accordingly, a substrate may comprise an object that is microscopic or macroscopic, and may comprise various dimensionalities. For example, a substrate may comprise a 2D surface, such as a Petri dish, or a 3D object, such as a macroscopic bioreactor, a plant, a food, or the like.

[00109] In accordance with various embodiments, and as will be further described below, the systems and methods herein described relate to directing energy on a substrate by way of an energy field. For example, and in accordance with some embodiments, a system or method may comprise directing energy on a substrate to, for instance, improve a uniformity of energy thereof and/or deposited thereon. For example, traditional indoor gardens may provide UV light from a single source or direction, the energy from which may be blocked or shaded by leaves or other barriers, limiting certain regions of a plant from exposure to light. Similarly, energy in an infrared or microwave oven may not be transferred uniformly to an item being heated due to, for instance, the item’s geometry, or due to a system geometry. This may result in some areas of the item being hotter than others. Various embodiments relate to the provision of energy on such substrates so to increase the uniformity of, for instance, surface irradiation or temperature.

[00110] Biomedical applications may similarly benefit from the provision of energy that is deposited uniformly on a substrate. For example, and in accordance with one embodiment, a bioreactor for generating, for instance, a vaccine, may comprise a large tank, wherein the vaccine development process for a single tank may cost millions of dollars, require long periods of time, and may be extremely vulnerable to small changes in environmental conditions such as temperature. Accordingly, the ability to precisely control temperature and a uniformity thereof could be of tremendous value for such processes. In accordance with one embodiment, an energy field-based energy deposition system may enable such precise spatial control of temperature, directing thermal energy as appropriate to maintain a desired uniform bioreactor content temperature.

[00111] Conversely, and in accordance with other embodiments, an energy field may be governed to generate highly localised regions of energy deposition on a target. For example, various biochemical processes, such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR), require precise control over temperature values and rates of change (e.g. raising the temperature form 42 °C to 45 °C at a designated rate). For such an application, and in accordance with one embodiment, an energy field may be governed to precisely deposit energy to heat specific areas locally. Such an embodiment may relate to, for instance, plasmonic heating for PCR processes. In yet another embodiment, energy may similarly be directed via a controllable energy field to specifically deposit high amounts of, for instance, UV electromagnetic energy to selectively attack or destroy a target area or particle (e.g. cancer cells). [00112] In accordance with various embodiments, a system or method for directing an energy onto a substrate via an energy field may comprise various elements analogous to those employed in light field display technologies. For example, a traditional light field display configured to provide, for instance, perception-adjusted content, may comprise a non-directi onal light source (e.g. an array of digital display pixels or other isotropically emitting light sources) and a means of controlling the propagation direction of light. For example, pixels of a digital display screen, or subsets thereof, may be activated by a digital processor in accordance with a desired output (e.g. a perception adjustment). Non directi onal (i.e. isotropically propagating) light from activated pixels may be shaped or otherwise directionally controlled by one or more light field shaping elements (LFSEs). Non-limiting examples of LFSEs may include lenslets, microlenses or other such diffractive optical elements that together form, for example, a lenslet array; pinholes or like apertures or windows that together form, for example, a parallax or like barrier; concentrically patterned barriers (e.g. cut outs and/or windows), such as a to define a Fresnel zone plate or optical sieve, for example, and that together form a diffractive optical barrier (as described, for example, in Applicant’s U.S. Application Serial No. 15/910,908, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference); and/or a combination thereof, such as, for example, a lenslet array whose respective lenses or lenslets are partially shadowed or barriered around a periphery thereof so to combine the refractive properties of the lenslet with some of the advantages provided by a pinhole barrier. Furthermore, and in accordance with some embodiments, an EFSL may comprise a layer that may be partially opaque or transparent to one or more forms of energy. For example, and without limitation, a LFSL may comprise a liquid crystal display (LCD) or like screen comprising pixels that may be digitally activated or deactivated to control an opacity or transparency thereof to a form of energy (e.g. UV, visible, and/or IR light). In accordance with some embodiments, an EFSL or LFSL may additionally or alternatively comprise a lenticular array, such as that employed in, for instance, and without limitation, an autostereoscopic display. It will be appreciated that such a lenticular array may comprise various configurations and/or constituent materials. For example, and without limitation, various embodiments relate to an energy field shaping system comprising a cylindrical or linear lens arrays, which may in turn be fabricated from different forms of plastic, glass, liquid crystals, or the like.

[00113] Furthermore, it will be appreciated that, in accordance with various embodiments, an EFSL or a LFSL may comprise a combination of field shaping elements or layers. For example, an EFSL may comprise a digitally activated barrier, such as a pixelated screen operable on by a data processor to render specific pixels opaque to one or more wavelengths of electromagnetic energy from an energy source. Energy that is not blocked by the digital barrier may then be further shaped or governed by a microlens array (MLA) such that is it is directed to a designated region of a substrate. Furthermore, various embodiments relate to systems for directing energy on the microscopic scale. Such systems may accordingly comprise various optical elements analogous to or conventionally employed in microscope systems, in addition to other energy field shaping layer(s). Accordingly, various embodiments may relate to energy directing systems comprising complex optical components, layers, or systems.

[00114] Various embodiments herein described may comprise, among various other components, a non-directional energy source, such as one or more light sources, acoustic sources, or the like, the energy from which may be shaped and/or directed by energy field shaping elements (EFSEs) to produce a desired energy field. For example, embodiments related to the provision of an electromagnetic energy field may comprise an array of digital display pixels, such as that of an LED or LCD display screen, that may be configured to output isotropically propagating visible, IR, or UV light. In accordance with such embodiments, an array of, for instance, organic light emitting diodes (OLEDs) or like components may be employed to output such wavelengths. Accordingly, energy sources may comprise a high density of sources (e.g. pixels) comparable to, for instance, high definition or ultra-high-definition display screens. Conversely, and in accordance with other embodiments, a low density of energy sources, or even a single non-directional energy source, may provide energy which is then selectively allowed to pass and/or be directed through EFSEs.

[00115] Various embodiments relate to the provision a spatially controlled energy field via various ray tracing processes. Accordingly, various embodiments relate to the use of a digital data processor operable to, for instance, perform ray tracing calculations, govern pixel activations, dynamically adjust an energy field shaping layer (e.g. a dynamically adjustable light field shaping layer), or the like, and/or a plurality or combination thereof. Further discussion of exemplary light field generating elements and related processes herein contemplated, such as ray tracing, may be found in, for example, Applicant’s United States Patent Nos. 10,761,604, 10,394,322, and 10,636,116, and Applicant’s co-pending United States Patent Application Nos. 63/056,188 and 16/992,583, the entire contents of each of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference.

[00116] Various embodiments may further relate to the use of a sensor to determine a property of the system or substrate so to shape an energy field in response thereto. For example, and in accordance with one embodiment, a particular application may require that a substrate have a uniform temperature thereacross. A sensor in such an embodiment may comprise, for instance, an IR camera operable to provide a thermal image of the substrate, a thermometer, and/or an array of temperature probes. Various means known in the art (e.g. image processing) may then identify high- and/or low-temperature regions of the substrate to determine an energy field geometry so to deposit energy selectively on a region(s) of lower temperature, for example.

[00117] Additionally, or alternatively, a sensor may comprise a camera operable to acquire visible-wavelength images, and/or images of other wavelengths (e.g. fluorescence images). For example, various embodiments relate to the acquisition of visible images of a substrate so to determine a geometry or other property thereof through various image recognition/analysis processes.

[00118] For example, Figure 1 schematically illustrates one such embodiment, wherein an energy field system 100 is generally configured to provide an energy field (e.g. light field 102) so to improve an improved uniformity of energy (e.g. UV light) exposure on a substrate (e.g. plant 104) based on a geometry thereof. In this exemplary embodiment, the system 100 comprises a sensor, such as camera 106, operable to obtain an image of the substrate 104 representative of, for instance, a plant geometry (e.g. a canopy shape, distribution of leaves, height, etc.). In accordance with different embodiments, a sensor 106 may acquire a visible-wavelength image of the substrate, or may acquire images of one or more other wavelengths to determine exposure levels to an energy source so to detect one or more substrate properties and/or data related thereto.

[00119] In accordance with some embodiments, a plurality of sensors may be employed to acquire data related to the substrate. For instance, the energy field system 100 of Figure 1 further comprises a second sensor 108 disposed relative to the substrate 104 so to acquire images thereof from a different perspective from that of sensor 106. In accordance with some embodiments, sensor data from sensors 106 and 108 may be complementary, for instance to enable reconstruction of a three-dimensional representation of the substrate 104. Alternatively, or additionally, sensors 106 and 108 may acquire different forms of data. For instance, a first visible-wavelength camera 106 may acquire a top-down image of the plant 104 to determine an x-y distribution of leaves relative to other components of the system 100. A second camera 108 may simultaneously acquire IR imagery of the system from a perpendicular or other-oriented plane to determine, for instance, regions of the plant 104 that have high/low thermal activity (e.g. low photosynthesis).

[00120] The second sensor 108 may, in accordance with one embodiment, simultaneously contribute image data to provide for, for instance, a 3D reconstruction of the plant geometry for subsequent processes related to providing, for instance, a uniform UV distribution. It will be appreciated that while two sensors 106 and 108 are disposed at different angles relative to the substrate 104 in Figure 1, various configurations of sensors may be employed, in accordance with various embodiments. For example, two sensors may be adjacently positioned in the system 100 to capture different data types (e.g. visible and thermal images) from the same effective position. In another embodiment, six sensors may be combined in two groups of three sensors, wherein each group is disposed at a different position in the system 100 to acquire three different types of data from each position. It will therefore be appreciated that various different configurations of different numbers of sensors and sensor types are contemplated herein.

[00121] In accordance with various embodiments, an image processing system or process (e.g. image recognition system, 3D reconstruction process, thermal mapping process, or the like) operatively coupled with or accessible to the system 100 may then determine from such acquired data that, for instance, various regions of the substrate 104 are shaded from UV exposure. For example, it may be determined that, for known or measured propagation directions of UV light, and a measured or inferred plant geometry, that lower leaves of a canopy are shaded, thereby having reduced exposure to UV light and resulting in sub-optimal plant health or growth. [00122] Having determined a substrate property (e.g. geometry, thermal profile, or the like), a digital data processor associated with the system 100 may then, in accordance with various embodiments, employ a ray-tracing or like process so to determine an energy field that can selectively deposit energy, or an increased amount of energy, at one or more regions of the substrate 104. Similarly, a process may determine that excess energy is being deposited at one or more regions, and that a light field may be generated to reduce an energy deposition thereon. For instance, an energy field may be calculated using a ray tracing process to generate a more uniform UV exposure profile over a larger surface area of a plant 104 than would otherwise be possible from an isotropically emitting energy source.

[00123] In the exemplary embodiment of Figure 1, the system 100 comprises an energy source 110, such as a UV light source 110, for outputting energy. While a single planar energy source 110 is shown in Figure 1, it will be appreciated that different embodiments relate to a system 100 utilising different configurations of energy source(s). For example, in accordance with one embodiment, the energy source 110 of the energy field system 100 may comprise the sun, wherein the direction of propagation of energy changes predictably as a function of time over the course of the day relative to the substrate. In accordance with other embodiments, the energy source 110 may comprise a plurality of UV lamps or similar sources as conventionally used in, for instance, hydroponics applications. In accordance with yet other embodiments, an energy source 110 may comprise a pixelated display, such as that of an LCD screen or OLED screen which, when activated, provide a plurality of energy sources of optionally different wavelengths.

[00124] The energy source 108 may be configured, in accordance with some embodiments, to output light or other forms of energy in an isotropic manner. Emitted light may then be shaped or otherwise governed by one or more energy field shaping elements (EFSEs) or energy field shaping layers (EFSLs) to generate an energy field. Accordingly, the deposition of energy on a substrate may be so shaped, in accordance with, for instance, various ray tracing algorithms understood by those skilled in the art.

[00125] In the exemplary embodiment of Figure 1, light emitted from the energy source 110 is first shaped by a pixelisation layer 112 comprising, for instance, an LCD screen or like layer 112 comprising pixels digitally switchable to be transparent or opaque to a form of energy. Accordingly, energy from the energy source 110 may be spatially selectively allowed to pass therethrough in a pixelated manner (or conversely blocked in a similar manner by switching pixels to an energetically opaque state). For example, and in accordance with one embodiment, the energy source 110 may be considered as a plane of isotropically emitted energy, regions of which contribute to a generated light field 102, as dictated by activation/deactivation of specific pixels, or subsets thereof, of the pixelisation layer 112.

[00126] It will be appreciated that while the energy source 110 of Figure 1 is disposed above the substrate, various configurations of energy sources are considered within the scope and nature of the disclosure. For instance, and in accordance with various embodiments, an energy field system 100 may comprise any number of energy sources 110. For example, and as described above, the system 100 may be exposed to sunlight. The energy source 108 may therefore comprise a single source (i.e. the sun), the light from which is spatially selectively transmitted in to the system in a pixelated manner via a pixelisation layer 110. Such a system may be useful in, for instance, a greenhouse or like setting, wherein the position of the sun is known as a function of time, and the pixelisation layer 112 may be selectively activated to shade or direct sunlight based on the system configuration and the position thereof relative to the sun at a given time throughout the day. Sunlight may then be directed onto, for instance, different regions of a plant, as appropriate. Conversely, the energy source may comprise a plurality of UV lamps, each disposed at different orientations relative to the substrate 104, so to provide the potential for illumination from different angles. For instance, an energy source(s) 110 may be disposed relative to the substrate at perpendicular angles to a direction of sunlight, such that energy from the source(s) 110 may be directed on the substrate in a manner that is not readily achieved directly from the sun (e.g. below the substrate while the sun is disposed thereabove).

[00127] In accordance with such embodiments, a substrate 104 may be irradiated with energy from a plurality of directions from a plurality of energy sources 110. For example, a sensor 106 (and optionally, an additional sensor(s) 108) may acquire substrate data (e.g. irradiation levels) representative of a substrate property (e.g. temperature profile, irradiation, etc., across a substrate) that may be compared to a desired target (e.g. uniformity across the surface area of the substrate, high intensity at specific regions, or the like). The system 100 may then compute via, for instance, a digital data processor and a ray tracing process, an energy field that may be applied using energy from the plurality of sources 110 (and governed through corresponding pixelisation layers 112) disposed at different positions relative to the substrate 104 so to achieve the desired target property (e.g. increased uniformity across the surface area of the substrate) in view the present sensed substrate property (e.g. the rightmost outer leaves in the second tier of a canopy are receiving less UV light than the target value). For example, and in accordance with some embodiments, the digital data processor may calculate, for instance, which pixels of six LCD-based pixelisation layers must be rendered opaque so to enable generation of a light field 102, the energy from which is emitted from six corresponding isotropically emitting UV lamps disposed above, below, to the left and right, and to the front and back of a plant substrate 104, so to increase the UV exposure to an underexposed region of the plant 104.

[00128] Various embodiments therefore comprise energy sources disposed at various positions around a substrate to, for instance, enable exposure of different regions of the substrate. That is, an energy field system at a particular location relative to a substrate may employ a ray tracing process to provide directional control over an energy field to direct energy on regions of a substrate that would be inaccessible to a conventional display. The area or volume of space that may be addressed by an energy field system may be increased through the inclusion of additional energy source(s) and associated energy field shaping layer(s), however, various embodiments may further relate to systems having additional energy redirecting means. For example, an energy field system may comprise an array of mirrors or like components that may be included in a ray tracing process in order to redirect energy to otherwise inaccessible regions of a substrate (e.g. below the substrate 104 in Figure 1). It will further be understood that such elements may be adjustable, for instance through the use of actuators digitally controlled by a digital data processor, to redirect energy as needed to generate a designated energy field. [00129] It will be appreciated that such embodiments are non-limiting. For instance, and based on the application at hand, two energy sources 110, and corresponding pixelisation layers 112, may be disposed, for instance, above and below a substrate. Similarly, sources 110 and corresponding pixelisation layers 112 may be disposed perpendicularly or at another angle relative to one another and relative to the substrate. Further, a third, or any number of sources 110 and/or pixelisation layers may be employed to generate an energy field based on a particular application or system geometry. It will further be appreciated that each source 110 and/or pixelisation layer 112 may have a corresponding sensor 106 or 108. For instance, each side, or a selection of sides, of a substrate 104 may have a corresponding array of a sensor 106, an energy source 110, and a pixelisation layer 112.

[00130] It will be appreciated that while the exemplary schematic of Figure 1 comprises both an energy source 110 and a pixelisation layer 112, the function of both said components may be inherent in a single pixelated energy sourcel lO, in accordance with other embodiments. That is, and as described above, an energy source 110 may inherently comprise the pixelated functionality conventionally employed in, for instance, ray tracing processes for virtual or augmented reality displays through the use of, for instance, a pixelated screen or display. For example, an OLED screen operable to output UV, IR, and/or visible light may be inherently capable of selectively emitting light from an array of high-density pixels. Accordingly, various ray tracing processes known the art for governing a light field emanating from a pixelated display screen and shaped by an array of light field shaping elements, with or without a pixelisation layer 112, may be similarly employed, in accordance with various embodiments.

[00131] Indeed, various embodiments of an energy field system 100 as described herein may comprise an energy field shaping layer (EFSL), generally described by the LFSL 114 of Figure 1 or an array of energy field shaping elements (EFSEs) 116, disposed relative to a pixelated energy source 110 so to shape an energy field 102 emanating therefrom. Various ray tracing processes may thus be employed to render an energy field 102 in response to a property of the substrate 104 determined or inferred from a sensor 106 (and/or using an additional sensor(s) 108) so to realise a target substrate property (e.g. uniformly illuminated). Returning again to the example of Figure 1 of a plant 104 irradiated using a pixelated UV light source 110, a light field shaping layer 114 (or a plurality thereof, disposed at different positions relative to the substrate 104 and shaping light from respective pixelated energy sources 110), may be disposed relative to the UV source(s) so to shape the light field emanating therefrom to, for instance, increase a uniformity of UV exposure over the surface of the plant (e.g. to direct UV energy to otherwise shaded leaves).

[00132] It will be appreciated that while the abovementioned description relates to the generation of an energy field 102 in response to a sensed property as acquired by a sensor 106 (e.g. adjusting a UV energy field 102 via selective activation of a source 110 and/or pixelisation layer 112 so to expose underexposed regions of a plant), various embodiments relate to such a sensed property being employed in a feedback loop to adjust an energy field 102 in real- or near real-time to achieve a target substrate property. For instance, and without limitation, a substrate (e.g. a plant) may first be exposed to a maximal, a minimal, or a test energy field (e.g. exposed from all sides at full power using, for example, six energy sources, no energy field from any source 110 of the system, or the like). Upon exposure (or lack thereof, or that corresponding to a test energy field 102), sensor(s) 106 (and/or sensor(s)108) may acquire data corresponding to a property (e.g. exposure) of the substrate 104. The system 100 may then adjust the energy field 102 so to increase (or reduce) energy deposition on the substrate 104 at said regions, for instance by rendering opaque subsets of pixels of a pixelisation layer 112, or by deactivating subsets of pixels in a pixelated energy source 110, in accordance with, for instance, energy field ray tracing processes. This process may be repeated, in accordance with various embodiments, as needed (e.g. real- or near-real time) to adjust energy deposition to achieve a designated target property or energy profile.

[00133] In accordance with various embodiments, Figure 2 schematically illustrates such an exemplary process 200. In this example, the process 200 may comprise, at initiation or throughout execution process 200, sensing 202 a property of a substrate. As described above, a substrate property may comprise a temperature, a geometry, a vibrational energy, or the like, and may be acquired by any appropriate sensor known in the art (e.g. a thermometer, an array of temperature sensors, a camera, an IR, UV, or visible like sensor, or the like). A sensed property 202 may in turn comprise a scalar value, a vector, a profile, uniformity metric, a presence or absence of a physical target, or the like. As described above, and in accordance with various embodiments, a sensed property may be inferred from sensed data. For example, and without limitation, a temperature may be inferred from an electrical resistance, or a 3D geometry may be reconstructed from 2D images, or the like.

[00134] The process 200 may then comprise a comparison 204 with a target. A target may comprise, for example, a desired temperature, a uniformity thereof, a frequency of vibration, an emission of one or more electromagnetic or vibrational wavelengths, a predicted exposure value to a target wavelength (e.g. exposure to UV or IR radiation, vibrational frequency, etc.), a desired geometry after a sculpting process (e.g. in ablation processes enabled using energy field ablation), or the like. The comparison 204 may determine that the substrate is presently in a state that meets or is within a designated tolerance of the target parameter, in which case the process may continue to maintain 206 a present configuration or state (e.g. continue not outputting a correcting energy field, continue outputting an energy field in accordance with a previous output, or the like).

[00135] In accordance with various embodiments, should a target metric not be met during comparison 204 (e.g. a substrate is deemed to not be realising a target exposure thereacross, a target has a non-uniform temperature, a new target substrate has/has not been identified, a time threshold has been met, a target temperature has not been met, or the like), the process 200 may then calculate an energy field 208 that may compensate or correct for a deficiency identified in the comparison 204. The process may employ a means known in the art (e.g. ray -tracing) to determine 208, given, for instance, a system configuration of energy sources and field-shaping elements, as well as a system and substrate geometry as sensed 202, an appropriate energy field so to theoretically deposit energy selectively and spatially across the substrate so to remedy a deficiency in the observed substrate property. The system 200 may generate the calculated energy field 208 and apply 210 the same. In accordance with some embodiments, the manifestation of the applied energy field 210 may be monitored 212 in a feedback loop. That is, an applied energy field 210 may alter one or more properties of the substrate (or may not), the effects of which may be sensed 202 as feedback 212 in order to progressively (or continuously) achieve a target substrate property.

[00136] For example, the process 200 may sense 202 a UV exposure across the surface area of a plant substrate (e.g. through IR, UV, or visible sensing performed by, for instance, one or more respective cameras). The process may also recognise, through user input or from a learned (e.g. machine-learned) parameter, that a designated target 204 of exposure is desirable for, for instance, improved plant outcome (e.g. fruit yield). Should the sensed property 202 be aligned with a target exposure level that is, for instance, optimal given the constraints of the system (e.g. the configuration of system 100 components of Figure 1), the process 200 may opt to maintain 206 the status quo (i.e. affect no change in the system 100). Conversely, should the process 200 determine 204 that there is a deficiency in UV light given current exposure conditions (e.g. a fraction of leaves is not receiving sufficient UV light for optimal production), the process 200 may then continue by calculating 208, given a known configuration of UV sources (e.g. energy sources 110 from Figure 1) and light field shaping elements (e.g. EFSEs 116 from Figure 1), as well as the sensed configuration 202 of the plant (e.g. substrate 104) and deficient regions thereof, a preferred UV light field (e.g. energy field 102) so to spatially provide energy via an applied UV field 210 to the identified substrate region(s). Upon application 210 of the UV field, the process may then continue monitoring 202 the exposure to the plant, repeating the comparison 204, and calculating 208 and applying 210 a designated UV field to the plant, so to achieve the target exposure.

[00137] Various other applications of a controllable energy field system are herein contemplated, in accordance with different embodiments. For example, and in accordance with one embodiment, an energy field system may comprise a means of selectively heating a substrate spatially thereacross in response to a sensed temperature.

[00138] For example, Figure 3 schematically illustrates one such embodiment, wherein an energy field system 300 is generally configured to produce a thermal energy field 302 so to deposit thermal energy on a substrate 304. In this exemplary embodiment, the system 302 comprises a thermal sensor 306, such as an IR camera 306, operable to obtain a thermal image of the substrate 304. An image processing system of the process may determine from the thermal image that, for instance, a particular surface region of the substrate is below a target temperature. It will be appreciated that a plurality of such sensors (e.g. sensors 306 and 308) may be employed to sense a substrate property, for instance to acquire temperature data from all sides of the substrate 304. A digital data processor associated with the system 300 may then employ a ray -tracing or like process to generate an energy field so to selectively deposit energy, or an increased amount of energy, at one or more regions of the substrate 304, as desired.

[00139] As described above with respect to Figure 1, and in accordance with various embodiments, an energy field system 300 may comprise an energy source 310, such as an IR lamp or like energy source, for outputting thermal energy. The energy source 310 may be configured, in accordance with some embodiments, to output EM radiation or other forms of thermal energy in an isotropic manner. Emitted IR or MW light may then be shaped or otherwise governed by one or more energy field shaping elements (e.g. pixelisation layer 312, EFSL 314, and/or EFSEs 316) to generate an energy field comprising, for instance, spatially controlled IR and/or MW light.

[00140] It will be appreciated that, as described above with respect to Figure 1, various embodiments of a thermal energy field system 300 may comprise any number of energy sources 310 and corresponding EFSLs 314 and/or EFSEs 316, which may be disposed in accordance with various configurations. Further, it will be appreciated that while the embodiment schematically illustrated in Figure 3 comprises both an IR and/or MW energy source 310 and a pixelisation layer 312, various embodiments relate to a thermal energy field system 300 comprising, for instance, a pixelated IR or MW source 310 comprising, for instance, OLEDs, the position and output of which may be utilised in ray tracing processes to shape a thermal energy field 302.

[00141] In accordance with various embodiments, Figure 4 schematically illustrates another exemplary process for selectively depositing energy spatially across a substrate. In this non-limiting example, the surface of a substrate 402 exhibits a non-uniform energy profile (e.g. a non-uniform thermal profile), schematically illustrated as dark regions 404 (e.g. cooler regions 404) along the substrate surface 402, in the absence of intervention from an external energy field system 400. In this example, system sensors 406 (e.g. IR cameras) may monitor a substrate property (e.g. spatial heat distribution), which, in conjunction with on-board or external processing resources in communication therewith (not shown), may be used to calculate a spatial distribution 408 of the property (e.g. a heat map 408).

[00142] Upon receipt as input of sensed data, the energy field system 400 may then determine an energy field distribution 412 designated so to spatially alter the sensed energy distribution 408 so to achieve a target 410. For example, the energy field 412 may be calculated to provide a designated uniform temperature 410 across the surface of the substrate 402.

[00143] The energy field system 400 may then generate the calculated energy field 412 using, for instance, at least one energy source and at least one EFSL. In the example of Figure 4, the energy field shaping system 400 comprises an isotropically emitting light source 414 (e.g. an IR lamp, or a plurality thereof), and an energy field shaping pixelisation layer 416. In this example, the EFSL 416 comprises an array of binary pixels wherein individual pixels 418 thereof may be digitally activated/deactivated to be rendered transparent or opaque to energy from the source 414 (e.g. transparent/opaque to IR wavelengths). As schematically shown, the energy field (e.g. IR light field) between the EFSL 416 and the substrate 402 is spatially controlled so to selectively deposit energy at specific regions of the substrate 402. In this example, the energy field generated deposits energy primarily in the dark (e.g. cooler) regions 404. Upon continued sensing of the substrate using sensors 406, the resultant sensed property 420 may have, for instance, increased uniformity, or may approach the target property 410. In accordance with one embodiment, this process may be repeated until the sensed property 420 is within a designated tolerance of the target 410, for example by computing a root-mean-square error between the sensed property 420 and the target 410. However, it will be appreciated that various embodiments relate to other forms of characterisation and/or processes to achieve a desired outcome, depending on, for instance, the nature of the application at hand. [00144] While the exemplary embodiment of Figure 4 schematically illustrates characterisation of a ID substrate for simplicity, various embodiments relate to the characterisation of a 2D or 3D substrate with the ability to output a corresponding energy field, without departing from the general spirit or nature of the disclosure. [00145] Similarly, it will be appreciated that while Figure 4 schematically depicts a single energy source 412 and a single pixelising EFSL 414, it will be appreciated that various alternative configurations of an energy field shaping system 400 may be employed. For example, and as described above, the energy source 412 may comprise a pixelated display screen comprising, for instance, an array of OLEDs 412, and an EFSL may comprise, for instance, a microlens array (MLA) disposed relative to the energy source 412 so to govern a directionality of light emitted therefrom to generate an energy field.

[00146] For instance, Figure 5 schematically depicts an alternative configuration of an energy field shaping system 500, in accordance with various embodiments. In this example, the energy field shaping system 500 comprises a pixelated or like energy source 502 (e.g. a digital display screen 502) comprising an array of pixels 504 (e.g. LEDs 504 or like components) individually digitally addressable by a digital data processor so to be activated to emit energy (e.g. UV light, or electromagnetic energy of a different wavelength). In this example, the energy field shaping system further comprises an EFSL 506 (e.g. a microlens array 506) comprising EFSEs 508. The energy field shaping system 500 is configured to sense a property of a substrate 510 using a sensor array 512. A sensor array may comprise, for instance, an array of temperature sensing elements 512, an array of resistance or conductivity probes 512, pixels 512 of a digital camera, or the like. It will be appreciated that while the sensor array 512 is disposed beneath the substrate 510 in Figure 510, various other embodiments relate to alternative configurations of sensors. For instance, a camera 513 or other sensor may be disposed above the substrate so to capture an image of the substrate from any desired perspective.

[00147] In this example, the substrate property (e.g. temperature, resistance, etc.) may be spatially quantified so to determine where along the substrate an energy field may be, for instance, intensified. In this example, the system 500 utilises computing resources (e.g. one or more digital data processors, digital instructions to be executed thereby, and the like) to determine an energy field 514 to be applied to the substrate 510. In this example, the known system geometry (e.g. relative positions of pixels 504 in the energy source 502, the positions of EFSEs 508 in the EFSL 506, and positional information of the substrate 510 acquired using sensors 512) enables the computing resources to employ a ray tracing process (e.g. trace rays 516 from the target region 518 of the substrate) so to calculate activation of pixels 504 such that energy emanating therefrom may be shaped by elements 508 in the EFSL 506 to be selectively deposited in the desired region 518 of the substrate.

[00148] It will be appreciated that the elements presented in Figure 5 are not necessarily drawn to scale. In accordance with different embodiments, such a system may be employed across a wide range of length scales and applications. For instance, such a system may relate to a macroscopic system (e.g. spatial control of temperature in a bioreactor for the generation of a vaccine), a microscopic system (e.g. a microfluidic architecture comprising microchannels for spatially controlling PCR reactions in very small droplets), and various combinations of length scales in between (e.g. incubating a cell culture dish with uniform temperature across an area thereof).

[00149] For example, and in accordance with one embodiment, an energy field system or process such as those schematically depicted in Figures 4 or 5 may be employed for uniformly heating a substrate (e.g. food) in an IR or MW oven, wherein regions of the food or other substrate that are sensed to be below a target temperature may be selected for increased energy deposition using a controlled IR or MW energy field. The energy field may then be adapted as feedback from a thermal sensor (e.g. IR camera) indicated changes in the distribution of energy in/on the substrate.

[00150] Similarly, exposure of a plant substrate to UV light may be controlled to, for instance, increase a uniformity of UV energy deposition on shaded leaves in a hydroponics system. The spatial requirements of such an UV field may be determined, for instance, through image processing systems to determine a plant geometry from a camera sensor. As the plant geometry changes in response to the new distribution of energy thereon, as determined by the sensing system, the UV energy field may be adapted in response to continue depositing UV energy in underexposed regions.

[00151] On smaller scales, a sensor may be combined with, or inherent in, various means of sensing microscale properties. For example, a camera sensor may be combined with various microscope components to, for instance, image cells in a microfluidic architecture. For example, a microfluidic dialysis or like system may be employed to flow a sample therethrough. A microscope-mounted camera or like sensor may be disposed so to image serum and/or cells as fluid is flown through a channel within the field of view. An image processing application may then analyse images or video to identify potential targets. For example, a system may be configured to detect the presence and position of a cancer cell or other pathogen within the channel. It will be appreciated that a sensor may be further able to detect, for instance, fluorescence. For example such a microfluidic architecture may be further configured and operable to tag potentially harmful species with a fluorophore to facilitate identification for subsequent energy deposition using an energy field.

[00152] With reference again to Figure 5, such an embodiment may relate to light regions of the substrate 510 (e.g. a microchannel 510) corresponding to a carrier fluid, while the dark region 518 may correspond to a particle detected and flagged for destruction. In response to identification of the target 518, the system may employ a ray tracing process to generate a targeting energy field (e.g. a localised high-energy light field) to deposit a high concentration of energy at the target position 518 to thereby destroy, incapacitate, or otherwise alter the target.

[00153] In accordance with another embodiment, an energy field deposition system 500 may be disposed within a hand-held device or wand. For example, a mobile handheld system powered, for instance, through a wired connection to a power source (or having disposed thereon a rechargeable battery or like system), may be passed along a substrate 510, such as a patient’s skin. An on-board camera 513 may acquire images of tissue for communication with an on-board or remote processor (e.g. a computing resources in wireless communication with the device) to determine where an energy field 514 may be applied. In accordance with various embodiments, such image processing may relate to, for instance, artificial intelligence or machine learning processes to identify malignant tissue or other areas to be addressed by an energy field. An energy field may then be generated to target, for instance, a wound, so to add therapeutic benefit. Alternatively, a high-intensity energy field may be locally applied to a specific region 518 to, for instance, specifically ablate or otherwise affect harmful tissue. It will be appreciated that such systems may further comprise, for instance, any light sources (e.g. visible or fluorescent light sources) in order to assist in image processing to identify or provide feedback on regions of interest.

[00154] With reference now to Figure 6, alternate embodiments of an energy field system 600 may relate to, for instance, miniatured biochemical reactors. In this example, the energy field shaping system 600 again comprises a pixelated or like energy source 602 (e.g. a digital display screen 602) comprising an array of pixels 604 (e.g. LEDs 604 or like components) individually digitally addressable by a digital data processor so to be activated to emit energy (e.g. UV light, or electromagnetic energy of a different wavelength). In this example, the energy field shaping system again further comprises an EFSL 606 (e.g. a microlens array 606) comprising EFSEs 608. In accordance with some embodiments, the system 600 may be disposed so to address an array of microdroplets 610 or micro-reaction chambers 610 comprising, for instance, reactants in a PCR process.

[00155] In accordance with one embodiment, the samples 610 are disposed on a surface 614 comprising features 618 that may be activated by an energy source. For example, features 618 may comprise plasmonic or like structures that may be activated upon exposure to a specific wavelength to, for instance, generate heat to initiate PCR or another thermally activated reaction. It will be appreciated that in other embodiments, the droplets 610 or sample 610 itself may comprise particles (e.g. nanoparticles) or similar components that may be, for instance, optically active when targeted with an energy or light field. Accordingly, an energy field system 600 may direct energy directly on a micro-target 610, or may target a structure or feature 618 of a substrate so to indirectly cause an effect in a sample. For example, and without limitation, an energy field system may target a surface feature 618 so to enable a Raman or evanescence-based spectroscopic application. [00156] In the example of Figure 6, a sensor 612 such as a camera may sense a position of a microdroplet so to provide a sample location 610 to which an energy field may be provided. In another embodiment, the sensor may comprise an array of microsensors, such as the sensor array 512 of Figure 5, operable to sense, for instance, the location of a liquid solution thereon through, for instance, conductivity measurements. The system 600 may then utilise computing resources (e.g. one or more digital data processors, digital instructions to be executed thereby, and the like) to determine an energy field to be applied to the sample 610. Again, in this example, the known system geometry (e.g. relative positions of pixels 604 in the energy source 602, the positions of EFSEs 608 in the EFSL 606, and the positional information of the target substrate 610 acquired using the sensor 612) enables computing resources to employ a ray tracing process (e.g. trace rays 616) to calculate activation of pixels 604 such that energy emanating therefrom may be shaped by elements 608 in the EFSL 606 to be selectively deposited in a desired location. In accordance with one embodiment, the system 600 may perform ray tracing calculations to target a surface feature 618 or structure 618 such that a surrounding area (e.g. droplet 610) is heated or otherwise activated (e.g. via plasmons, evanescence, Raman effects, or the like) upon exposure of the feature 618.

[00157] In accordance with similar embodiments, a system 600 may selectively target droplets 610 (or features 618 near thereto) based on a specifically sensed property. For example, a system may only target droplets exhibiting a fluorescence, as determined or identified by an appropriate sensor 612.

[00158] It will be appreciated that the systems and methods described herein provide, in accordance with different embodiments, different examples in which energy may be directed to specific locations in three dimensions on a 3D substrate. Accordingly, various sensors employed may be configured to acquire 3D data related to the substrate. To this end, it will be appreciated that various approaches to acquiring such data may be employed. For example, and without limitation, a sensor may comprise a light field camera operable to provide depth-related data in addition to 2D images. Similarly, various confocal microscopes or related techniques or processes may be employed, in accordance with various embodiments. [00159] It will be further understood that various sensors described herein are not considered an exhaustive list of possible sensors. For example, and without limitation, various sensors may be energetically sensitive (e.g. able to distinguish between different wavelengths of light). Accordingly, it will be appreciated that an energy field generated in response to such substrate-related data may be thus tailored. For example, and without limitation, an energy field system may be operable to sense visible and ultraviolet light. Upon sensing a deficiency in, for instance, an ultraviolet spectrum, an energy source operable to output wavelengths of light corresponding to both spectra may selectively output ultraviolet light in a targeted manner spatially along a substrate.

[00160] While the present disclosure describes various embodiments for illustrative purposes, such description is not intended to be limited to such embodiments. On the contrary, the applicant's teachings described and illustrated herein encompass various alternatives, modifications, and equivalents, without departing from the embodiments, the general scope of which is defined in the appended claims. Except to the extent necessary or inherent in the processes themselves, no particular order to steps or stages of methods or processes described in this disclosure is intended or implied. In many cases the order of process steps may be varied without changing the purpose, effect, or import of the methods described.

[00161] Information as herein shown and described in detail is fully capable of attaining the above-described object of the present disclosure, the presently preferred embodiment of the present disclosure, and is, thus, representative of the subject matter which is broadly contemplated by the present disclosure. The scope of the present disclosure fully encompasses other embodiments which may become apparent to those skilled in the art, and is to be limited, accordingly, by nothing other than the appended claims, wherein any reference to an element being made in the singular is not intended to mean "one and only one" unless explicitly so stated, but rather "one or more." All structural and functional equivalents to the elements of the above-described preferred embodiment and additional embodiments as regarded by those of ordinary skill in the art are hereby expressly incorporated by reference and are intended to be encompassed by the present claims. Moreover, no requirement exists for a system or method to address each and every problem sought to be resolved by the present disclosure, for such to be encompassed by the present claims. Furthermore, no element, component, or method step in the present disclosure is intended to be dedicated to the public regardless of whether the element, component, or method step is explicitly recited in the claims. However, that various changes and modifications in form, material, work-piece, and fabrication material detail may be made, without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure, as set forth in the appended claims, as may be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art, are also encompassed by the disclosure.

Claims

CLAIMS What is claimed is:

1. A system for directing thermal energy on a substrate, the system comprising: a thermal sensor configured to sense and communicate substrate thermal profile data; an energy source operable to output isotropic electromagnetic energy; an array of energy field shaping elements (EFSEs) disposed relative to said energy source for shaping an energy field emanating therefrom toward the substrate; and a digital data processor operable to digitally compute an adjusted energy field to be rendered via said energy source and said array of EFSEs, wherein said adjusted energy field is digitally computed in response to said substrate temperature profile data in accordance with a ray tracing process.

2. The system of Claim 1, wherein said thermal sensor comprises a thermal camera.

3. The system of Claim 2, wherein said thermal camera comprises an infrared (IR) camera.

4. The system of any one of Claims 1 to 3, wherein said thermal sensor comprises a light field camera.

5. The system of any one of Claims 1 to 3, wherein said substrate thermal profile data comprises a thermal map of the substrate.

6. The system of any one of Claims 1 to 3, wherein said digital data processor is operable to digitally compute said adjusted energy field to selectively adjust a location- specific energy field intensity.

7. The system of any one of Claims 1 to 3, wherein said digital data processor is operable to digitally compute said adjusted energy field to improve a thermal uniformity of the substrate.

8. The system of any one of Claims 1 to 3, wherein said adjusted energy field comprises one or more of a microwave field, an IR light field, a visible light field, or an ultraviolet (UV) light field.

9. The system of any one of Claims 1 to 3, wherein said energy source comprises an array of light-emitting pixels operable to output isotropic electromagnetic energy.

10. The system of any one of Claims 1 to 3, wherein said array of EFSEs comprises a digital screen comprising an array of pixels operable on by said digital data processor to render at least some of said array of pixels opaque to electromagnetic energy output from said energy source.

11. The system of any one of Claims 1 to 3, wherein said array of EFSEs comprises a microlens array (MLA).

12. The system of any one of Claims 1 to 3, wherein said array of EFSEs comprises one or more of a parallax barrier or a lenticular array.

13. The system of any one of Claims 1 to 3, wherein said thermal sensor is configured to sense said substrate thermal profile data and communicate said data related thereto over time as feedback data, and wherein said digital data processor is operable on said feedback data to output an updated energy field to be rendered via said energy source and array of EFSEs to update said energy field in response to said substrate thermal profile data sensed over time.

14. The system of any one of Claims 1 to 3, wherein said digital data processor is operable on substrate thermal profile data to: determine a thermal inhomogeneity on the substrate; and output said adjusted thermal energy field to adjust said energy field in response to said thermal inhomogeneity.

15. The system of any one of Claims 1 to 3, further comprising a microscope, and wherein the substrate comprises a microscopic sample.

16. The system of any one of Claims 1 to 3, wherein said thermal sensor is configured to sense a target location in the substrate, and wherein said digital data processor is operable to output said adjusted energy field to adjust said energy field in response to said target location.

17. The system of Claim 16, wherein said target location comprises the location of a particle.

18. The system of Claim 17, wherein said particle comprises a cell.

19. The system of Claim 18, wherein said particle comprises a nanoparticle or a microparticle.

20. The system of Claim 16, wherein said target location comprises the location of a substrate feature.

21. The system of any one of Claims 1 to 3, wherein said digital data processor is operable on said substrate thermal profile data to: identify a tissue healing site; and output said adjusted energy field to adjust said energy field in response to said tissue healing site.

22. The system of any one of Claims 1 to 3, wherein the system is configured to be translatable relative to the substrate.

23. The system of any one of Claims 1 to 3, wherein the system is configured to allow translation of the substrate relative thereto.

24. The system of any one of Claims 1 to 3, wherein said thermal sensor comprises an array of temperature sensors operable to acquire and communicate spatial substrate thermal profile data.

25. A system for directing electromagnetic energy on a three-dimensional (3D) substrate, the system comprising: an imager configured to sense a substrate geometry and communicate data related thereto; an energy source operable to output isotropic electromagnetic energy; an array of energy field shaping elements (EFSEs) disposed relative to said energy source for shaping an energy field emanating therefrom toward the substrate; and a digital data processor operable to digitally compute an adjusted energy field to be rendered via said energy source and said array of EFSEs, wherein said adjusted energy field is digitally computed in response to said substrate geometry in accordance with a ray tracing process.

26. The system of Claim 25, wherein said imager comprises a camera.

27. The system of Claim 25, wherein said imager comprises a light field camera.

28. The system of any one of Claims 25 to 27, wherein said substrate geometry data comprises an irradiance map of the substrate.

29. The system of any one of Claims 25 to 27, wherein said digital data processor is operable to digitally compute said adjusted energy field to selectively adjust a location- specific energy field intensity.

30. The system of any one of Claims 25 to 27, wherein said digital data processor is operable to digitally compute said adjusted energy field to improve an irradiance uniformity of the substrate.

31. The system of any one of Claims 25 to 27, wherein said adjusted energy field comprises one or more of a microwave field, an IR light field, a visible light field, or an ultraviolet (UV) light field.

32. The system of any one of Claims 25 to 27, wherein said energy source comprises an array of light-emitting pixels operable to output isotropic electromagnetic energy.

33. The system of any one of Claims 25 to 27, wherein said array of EFSEs comprises a digital screen comprising an array of pixels operable on by said digital data processor to render at least some of said array of pixels opaque to electromagnetic energy output from said energy source.

34. The system of any one of Claims 25 to 27, wherein said array of EFSEs comprises a microlens array (MLA).

35. The system of any one of Claims 25 to 27, wherein said array of EFSEs comprises one or more of a parallax barrier or a lenticular array.

36. The system of any one of Claims 25 to 27, wherein said imager is configured to acquire and communicate said substrate geometry data over time as feedback data, and wherein said digital data processor is operable on said feedback data calculate an irradiance profile over time and to output an updated energy field to be rendered via said energy source and array of EFSEs to update said energy field in response to said irradiance profile over time.

37. The system of any one of Claims 25 to 27, wherein said digital data processor is operable on substrate geometry data to: determine an irradiance inhomogeneity on the substrate; and output said adjusted energy field to adjust said energy field in response to said irradiance inhomogeneity.

38. The system of any one of Claims 25 to 27, wherein said imager is configured to sense a target location in the substrate, and wherein said digital data processor is operable to output said adjusted energy field to adjust said energy field in response to said target location.

39. The system of Claim 38, wherein said target location comprises the location of a particle.

40. The system of Claim 38, wherein said target location comprises the location of a substrate feature.

41. The system of any one of Claims 25 to 27, wherein said digital data processor is operable on said substrate geometry data to: identify a tissue healing site; and output said adjusted energy field to adjust said energy field in response to said tissue healing site.

42. The system of any one of Claims 25 to 27, wherein the system is configured to be translatable relative to the substrate.

43. The system of any one of Claims 25 to 27, wherein the system is configured to allow translation of the substrate relative thereto.

44. A method for directing energy on a substrate, the method implemented by a digital data processor operable to render an energy field via an energy source operable to output isotropic electromagnetic energy and an array of energy field shaping elements (EFSEs) for shaping an energy field emanating therefrom, the method comprising: receiving as input from an imager substrate image data; computing an adjusted energy field in response to said image data in accordance with a ray tracing process; and rendering said adjusted energy field via said energy source and said array of EFSEs.

45. The method of Claim 44, wherein said computing comprises computing said adjusted energy field to selectively adjust a location-specific energy field intensity.

46. The method of Claim 44, wherein said computing comprises computing said adjusted energy field to improve an energy uniformity of the substrate.

47. The method of any one of Claims 44 to 46, further comprising: monitoring said image data over time as feedback data; calculating an updated energy field in response to said feedback data in accordance with said ray tracing process; and rendering said updated energy field via said energy source and said array of EFSEs.

48. The method of any one of Claims 44 to 46, further comprising: based at least in part on said image data, determining an energy inhomogeneity on the substrate, wherein said computing comprises computing said adjusted energy field in accordance with said ray tracing process to adjust said energy field in response to said thermal inhomogeneity.

49. The method of any one of Claims 44 to 46, further comprising: based at least in part on said image data, determining a target location in the substrate, wherein said computing comprises computing said adjusted energy field in accordance with a ray tracing process to adjust said energy field in response to said target location.

50. The method of any one of Claims 44 to 46, further comprising: based at least in part on said image data, identifying a tissue healing site, wherein said computing comprises computing said adjusted energy field in accordance with said ray tracing process to adjust said energy field in response to said tissue healing site.

51. A system for directing energy on a substrate, the system comprising: a sensor configured to sense and communicate substrate property data; an energy source operable to output isotropic electromagnetic energy; an array of energy field shaping elements (EFSEs) disposed relative to said energy source for shaping an energy field emanating therefrom toward the substrate; and a digital data processor operable to digitally compute an adjusted energy field to be rendered via said energy source and said array of EFSEs, wherein said adjusted energy field is digitally computed in accordance with a ray tracing process in response to said substrate property data.

52. The system of Claim 51, wherein said substrate property data comprises location- specific substrate property data.

53. The system of Claim 51 , wherein said sensor comprises a camera, and said substrate property data comprises image data.

54. The system of Claim 53, wherein said camera comprises a light field camera.

55. The system of any one of Claims 51 to 54, wherein said camera comprises an infrared (IR) camera.

56. The system of Claim 55, wherein said substrate property data comprises a thermal map of the substrate.

57. The system of any one of Claims 51 to 54, where said substrate property data relates to a substrate geometry.

58. The system of Claim 57, wherein said substrate geometry comprises a three- dimensional (3D) geometry.

59. The system of any one of Claims 51 to 54, wherein said digital data processor is operable to digitally compute said adjusted energy field to selectively adjust a location- specific energy field intensity.

60. The system of any one of Claims 51 to 54, wherein said digital data processor is operable to digitally compute said adjusted energy field to improve a uniformity of energy field intensity on the substrate.

61. The system of any one of Claims 51 to 54, wherein said energy field comprises one or more of a microwave field, an IR light field, a visible light field, or an ultraviolet (UV) light field.

62. The system of any one of Claims 51 to 54, wherein said energy source comprises an array of light-emitting pixels configured to output electromagnetic energy.

63. The system of Claim 62, wherein said digital data processor is operable to digitally compute said adjusted energy field as a function of adjusted energy field ray traces digitally computed for at least some of said array of light-emitting pixels that intersect a location of the substrate.

64. The system of any one of Claims 51 to 54, wherein said array of EFSEs comprises a digital screen comprising an array of pixels operable on by said digital data processor to render at least some of said array of pixels opaque to electromagnetic energy output from said energy source.

65. The system of any one of Claims 51 to 54, wherein said array of EFSEs comprises a microlens array (MLA).

66. The system of any one of Claims 51 to 54, wherein said array of EFSEs comprises one or more of a parallax barrier or a lenticular array.

67. The system of any one of Claims 51 to 54, wherein said sensor is configured to sense and communicate said substrate property data over time as feedback data, and wherein said digital data processor is operable to compute an updated energy field in response to said feedback data over time.

68. The system of any one of Claims 51 to 54, wherein said substrate property data is related to a macroscopic 3D geometry of the substrate, and wherein said digital data processor is operable on said substrate property data to output said adjusted energy field in response to said macroscopic 3D geometry.

69. The system of Claim 68, wherein said digital data processor is operable, based at least in part on said substrate property data, to: determine an illumination inhomogeneity on said macroscopic 3D geometry; and render said adjusted energy field via said energy source and said array of EFSEs to adjust said energy field in response to said illumination inhomogeneity.

70. The system of any one of Claims 51 to 54, wherein said substrate property data comprises location-specific substrate temperature data, and wherein said digital data processor is operable to render an adjusted thermal energy field data in response to said location-specific substrate temperature data.

71. The system of Claim 70, wherein said digital data processor is operable, based at least in part on said location-specific substrate temperature data to: determine a thermal inhomogeneity on the substrate; and render said adjusted thermal energy field data via said energy source and said array of EFSEs to adjust said energy field in response to said thermal inhomogeneity.

72. The system of any one of Claims 51 to 54, further comprising a microscope, and wherein the substrate comprises a microscopic sample.

73. The system of Claim 72, wherein said sensor is configured to sense a target location in said microscopic sample, and wherein said digital data processor is operable to render said adjusted energy field via said energy source and said array of EFSEs in accordance with said ray tracing process in response to said target location.

74. The system of Claim 73, wherein said target location comprises the location of a particle.

75. The system of Claim 74, wherein said particle comprises a cell.

76. The system of Claim 74, wherein said particle comprises a nanoparticle or a microparticle.

77. The system of Claim 73, wherein said target location comprises the location of a substrate feature.

78. The system of any one of Claims 51 to 54, wherein said digital data processor is operable on said substrate property data to: identify a tissue healing site; and render said adjusted energy field data via said energy source and says array of EFSEs in accordance with said ray tracing process to adjust said energy field in response to said tissue healing site.

79. The system of any one of Claims 51 to 54, wherein the system is configured to be translatable relative to the substrate.

80. The system of any one of Claims 51 to 54, wherein the system is configured to allow translation of the substrate relative thereto.