Occlusioner

Occlusioner is a term encountered in several fields to denote an object or device that occludes, or blocks, part of a signal, field of view, or anatomical region. Because usage varies by discipline, there is no single, universal definition. In general, an occluder is any component designed to prevent passage of light, sight, or data through a specified area.

In optics and imaging, an occluder is a physical mask or plate that blocks portions of a light beam or image. Such devices are used to shape illumination, create shadows for calibration, or restrict exposure to particular regions of a sensor or scene. In vision research, occluders may cover one eye or part of a stimulus to study perception, depth, or binocular integration.

In computer graphics and computer vision, an occluder refers to geometry or volumes that block the view of other objects. Occluders are central to occlusion culling techniques, where objects hidden by occluders are not processed for rendering, improving performance. They may also be used in shadowing and visibility determination algorithms.

In dentistry and medicine, the exact term occlusioner is not standard. More common are occlusal appliances, bite guards, or splints that influence occlusion—the contact relationship between teeth. When the word appears in medical contexts, it is often used informally or as a descriptor rather than a formal device name.

See also: occlusion, occluder in rendering, occlusal appliance.