Display device component and method for manufacturing the display device component

Abstract

Display device component, comprising: an optical waveguide (10) providing total internal reflection of light propagating in the optical waveguide (10), wherein the optical waveguide (10) has a viewing surface and a light source interface surface for receiving light propagating in the optical waveguide (10), wherein the light source interface surface is orthogonal to the viewing surface; a first UV-curable marking material (40) which is partially formed on the viewing surface of the optical waveguide (10); and a second UV-curable marking material (50) formed exclusively on the first UV-curable marking material (40); wherein the first UV-curable marking material (40) has light-scattering properties, wherein the first UV curable marking material (40) is formed image by image according to image data.

Description

BACKGROUND

[0001] Various transparent materials are already used as optical waveguides for total internal reflection. Examples of such waveguides include optical fibers and planar structures made of acrylic or glass. Further examples of printed or coated planar optical waveguides are disclosed, for example, in the following patent applications: German patent application DE 197 48 166 A1 discloses a glass or Plastic light guide plate with attached symbols for distributing light rays. Japanese patent application JP 2014-85 640 A discloses a flexible floor marking film and a flexible electric floor mat that uses the floor marking film. US patent application US 2010 / 0 177 533 A1 discloses light extraction from light-guiding plates and privacy screens. German patent application DE 10 2009 006 856 A1 discloses a disc with at least one integrated luminous field. US patent application US 4 460 940 A discloses a device for uniform illumination using a light diffuser. German patent application DE 103 36 352 A1 discloses a method for producing light-scattering structures on flat optical waveguides.

[0002] However, total internal reflection based on the image can be "frustrated" by engraving marks into the surface of the optical medium (optical waveguide), causing some of the internally reflected light to be refracted externally and escape from the optical waveguide. Engraving marks into the surface of the optical medium allows for the creation of a variety of different optical symbols, where the image appears to "float" in space.

[0003] Fig. Figure 1 shows a conventional edge-lit sign, where a piece of acrylic 10 is illuminated at its edges by a light source (LEDs) 20. The light is reflected internally within the acrylic 10, except where the light strikes engraved regions (11, 12 and 13) that have critical angles (as shown in Figure 1). Fig. (2 shown) between acrylic 10 and air. The boundary angles formed by the engraving process "frustrate" the internal reflection and allow the light to escape from the acrylic 10 at these points (11, 12 and 13). The effect of this type of image creation is astonishing, as the light appears to emanate from the engraved images (11, 12 and 13).

[0004] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 2, light 25 from a light source within the optical waveguide 10 is totally reflected until it reaches the engraved section 11. At the engraved section 11, some of the light 25 is frustrated and deflected out of the optical waveguide as escaped light 27. This deflection at the engraved section 11 causes the light to appear to originate from the engraved section 11.

[0005] However, this concept has disadvantages. Firstly, the images tend to be monochromatic, since the color of the light is the color of the light source.

[0006] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 3, this limitation can be overcome by using several acrylic parts or several optical waveguides (10, 16 and 18), each of which has an image (11, 125 and 135) engraved on it, which is assigned to a specific color and is illuminated with a light source (20, 22 and 24) of that color.

[0007] This solution is complex and requires multiple etched optical fibers and multiple edge illumination sources.

[0008] A second disadvantage is that laser engraving machines draw lines, but not halftone patterns. Therefore, laser engraving is limited to line art and cannot provide the toning and / or density levels that can be achieved through halftoning or rasterization.

[0009] A third disadvantage of using laser engraving is that the optical fiber cannot be reused for other images once the image has been engraved.

[0010] Therefore, there is a need to provide a system or method that enables the emission of an image with several different colors from the surface of a single optical waveguide.

[0011] Therefore, there is a need to create a system or method that enables the emission of an image with variable tint or variable luminance levels from a surface of a single optical waveguide.

[0012] There is also a need to create a system or method that enables the emission of an image with several different colors from a surface of a single optical waveguide, while preserving the reusability of the optical waveguide for the emission of other images.

[0013] Furthermore, there is a need to create a system or method that enables the emission of an image with variable tint or variable luminance levels from a surface of a single optical waveguide, while preserving the reusability of the optical waveguide for the emission of other images.

[0014] The aforementioned requirements are met by the claimed display device component according to dependent claims 1, 4, and 7, as well as by the claimed method for manufacturing a display device component according to dependent claims 8, 9, and 10. Preferred embodiments are claimed in dependent claims 2, 3, 5, and 6. The scope of protection is defined by the accompanying claims 1–10. The following description serves to clarify the scope of protection. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Fig. Figure 1 represents a conventional display system of an engraved optical waveguide; Fig. Figure 2 represents an engraved area of ​​a conventional display device of the engraved optical waveguide of Fig. 1 dar; Fig. Figure 3 represents a conventional display system of a multicolored engraved optical waveguide; Fig. Figure 4 is a graphical representation of Snell's law of refraction; Fig. 5 represents a refraction of light at the interface between two media; Fig. Figure 6 represents an optical fiber display system that uses marker materials to display an image; Fig. Section 7 describes the scattering and refraction properties of the optical fiber display system of Fig. 6, in which marking material is used; Fig. Figure 8 represents an optical fiber display system that uses a marker material with a rough surface to display an image; Fig. 9 presents the refractive properties of the optical fiber display system of Fig. 8, in which marking material is used; Fig. 10 is a table showing angular values ​​of different beam paths for light passing through the optical waveguide of Fig. 6 goes; Fig. Table 11 shows the angular values ​​of different beam paths for light passing through the optical waveguide of Fig. 8 goes; Fig. Figure 12 represents an optical waveguide display system that displays an image with several different colors emanating from a surface of a single optical waveguide; Fig. 13 represents an optical waveguide that has an image on its front and an image on its back; Fig. 14 represents another embodiment of an optical waveguide having an image on its front side and an image on its back side; Fig. 15 represents an additional embodiment of an optical waveguide having an image on its front side and an image on its back side; Fig. 16 represents another embodiment of an optical waveguide which has an image on its front side and an image on its back side; Fig. Figure 17 represents an optical fiber display system that displays a three-dimensional image; Fig. Figure 18 represents an optical waveguide that uses marker material to create an image and a white background; Fig. 19 represents an optical waveguide that uses a marker material with a rough surface that has been pre-printed onto a transparent medium; Fig. Figure 20 represents an optical waveguide that uses marking material that has been pre-printed onto a transparent medium; Fig. Figure 21 represents an optical waveguide which has an image on a rough surface on its front side and an image made of two layers of marker material on its back side; Fig. 22 represents an optical waveguide display system that displays an image with a white background and within it a colored or black image emanating from a surface of a single optical waveguide; Fig. 23 represents an optical waveguide display system that displays a black and white image printed using a white marker material, emanating from a surface of a single optical waveguide; Fig. Figure 24 represents multiple optical waveguides that create a display of an edge-illuminated three-dimensional image / object; Fig. Figure 25 represents an example of a printing system designed to print on a three-dimensional object. The Fig. 26 and Fig. 27 describe other embodiments of the printing system of Fig. 25, in which a double support element is used to allow movement of objects past a group of printheads; Fig. 28 represents a cabinet containing one of the items in Fig. 26 or Fig. 27 embodiments shown can be installed; Fig. 29 to Fig. Figure 32 represents the object holder and the movable attached element, which are in Fig. 26 or Fig. 27 are shown; Fig. 33 to Fig. 41 represent different configurations of object holders that are in Fig. 26 or Fig. 27 are shown, which can be used to hold different types of objects; Fig. 42 represents an embodiment of the printing system which is useful in a manufacturing environment; Fig. Figure 43 represents an embodiment of an object holder in the printing system of Fig. 25, which enables the printing of a test pattern onto a flat medium in order to verify a configuration of the system; Fig. 44 represents an embodiment of an element that is selectively attached to an object holder in the printing system of Fig. 25 can be attached to allow printing a test pattern onto a surface of the element to verify a configuration of the system. Fig. 45 represents a conventional optical waveguide with a rough cut edge; Fig. Figure 46 represents an optical waveguide with a conventional rough cut edge that has been smoothed with a marking material to create a smooth interface between the optical waveguide and a light source; and Fig. Figure 47 represents an optical waveguide with a conventional engraved image smoothed with a marker material to produce a smooth optical waveguide surface. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] For general clarification, please refer to the drawings. In some cases, the same reference symbols are used throughout the drawings to denote identical or equivalent elements. Please also note that the drawings are not necessarily to scale and that certain regions may be intentionally drawn disproportionately to better illustrate features and concepts.

[0016] As mentioned above, optical fibers are already used to enable a vehicle to display images. The principles of Snell's law are used to display these images.

[0017] According to Snell's law, the critical angle is the angle of incidence at which the angle of refraction is 90°. The angle of incidence is measured with respect to the normal (z-axis) at the refractive limit, as shown in Fig. 4 is shown.

[0018] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 4, a light ray travels from the glass (n1) into the air (n2). The light emanating from the interface (x-axis) is deflected (at an angle θ). t ) towards the glass (n1). If the angle of incidence (the angle θ) i If the light source is sufficiently magnified, the beam angle (in air) reaches 90 degrees. At this point, no light is emitted into the air. The critical angle θ c is given by Snell's law: n1sinθi=n2sinθt

[0019] To determine the angle of incidence at which refraction occurs, Snell's law is reformulated as follows: sinθi=n2n1sinθt

[0020] To find the critical angle, one solves for the value of θ. i up, when θ t = 90°, from which sinθ follows t = 1. The resulting value of θ iis equal to the critical angle θ c .

[0021] Solving for θ i If the angle is as follows, then the equation for the critical angle is as follows: θc=θi=arcsin(n2n1)

[0022] If the angle of incidence is exactly the critical angle θ c If the refracted ray is tangential to the boundary at the point of incidence (x-axis in the Fig. 4)

[0057] If light were to pass through an optical waveguide, such as acrylic or glass (with a refractive index of 1.55) into air (with a refractive index of 1.00), the calculation would yield the critical angle for light from the optical waveguide into the air as follows: θc=arcsin(1.001.55)=41.8

[0023] In this example, light that strikes the boundary at an angle of less than 41.8° with respect to the normal (z-axis) is Fig. 4) occurs (x-axis of Fig. 4), partially transmitted, while light traveling at larger angles to the normal (z-axis in Fig. 4) at the border, would be totally reflected.

[0024] Note that if the fraction n2 / n1 is greater than 1, the arcsine is undefined, meaning that total internal reflection does not occur even at very shallow angles of incidence or grazing angles. The critical angle is only defined if n2 / n1 is less than or equal to 1.

[0025] Fig. Figure 5 shows another example of the refraction of light at the interface between two media (air and water). As in Fig. As shown in Figure 5, light is refracted at an angle θ2 if the angle of incidence θ1 of light passing from water into air is smaller than the critical angle θ. c If, on the other hand, as in Fig. Figure 5 shows the angle of incidence θ1 of light passing from water into air, the critical angle θ c If this is the case, then the light is refracted in such a way that it travels parallel to the water / air interface. As in Fig. As shown in Figure 5, this will finally occur when the angle of incidence θ1 of light passing out of water and into air is greater than the critical angle θ. c , the light is reflected at an angle θ2, resulting in total internal reflection of the incident light.

[0026] An alternative to the conventional engraving of an image on a transparent medium (an optical waveguide) is direct printing onto the transparent medium (the optical waveguide) with marking materials such as inks, UV-curable inks, toners, solid inks, etc., using a printing system.

[0027] In the various embodiments described below, an optical waveguide is used that has a refractive index significantly different from that of the surrounding medium (such as air). For example, an acrylic optical waveguide with a refractive index of approximately 1.5 can be used when the surrounding medium is air, which has a refractive index of approximately 1.

[0028] Furthermore, in the various embodiments described below, marking materials with a refractive index that is essentially the same as the refractive index of the optical waveguide are used.

[0029] For example, a marking material with a refractive index of about 1.4 can be used if the underlying optical waveguide has a refractive index of about 1.5.

[0030] In light of the examples discussed above, there are certain angles of incidence of light (for example, light emanating from an LED source) that cause the incident light to be totally reflected at a boundary between an optical waveguide and the air, but to be partially refracted externally at a boundary between a marker material (or marker materials) of the optical waveguide.

[0031] These different refractive indices make it possible to trap the incident light in regions where no marker material is present, while allowing light to pass through in regions where marker material is present.

[0032] After the light has been allowed into the marking material to illuminate the image, the light, or part of it, must escape from the marking material to prevent total reflection at the interface between the marking material and the air.

[0033] More precisely, in a case where the upper surface of the marking material is smooth, the angles of incidence at the interface between the marking material and the air are such that the light is reflected internally within the marking material and does not escape into the air and towards the viewer.

[0034] To allow the refraction of light at the interface between the marking material and air, so that light can escape from the marking material, Fig. Figure 6 represents an optical waveguide 10, wherein a white marker material 40 is printed onto a considered surface (30) of the optical waveguide. Then another (colored) marker material 50 is printed over the white marker material 40.

[0035] Note that the marking material 40 can be a transparent marking material with light-scattering properties or light-scattering particles embedded within it.

[0036] It should also be noted that the marking material 40 may have light-scattering properties or light-scattering particles embedded therein, such that the light incident from a light source 20 is scattered at several angles, so that at least one of the angles of the scattered light falls at an angle smaller than the critical angle onto the interface between the marking material and air, so that the light can escape from the marking material 50 into the air.

[0037] Note that the refractive index of the white marking material 40 is essentially the same as the refractive index of the optical waveguide 10, so that light exits the optical waveguide 10 and enters the white marking material 40.

[0038] The white marking material 40 causes the incident light to be scattered in all directions, and a portion of it exits the white marking material 40 and passes in a straight line through the marking material 50, since the refractive index of the white marking material 40 is essentially the same as the refractive index of the marking material 50. Due to the angle of incidence, a portion of the light entering the marking material 50 is refracted externally at the interface between the marking material and air and travels towards the viewer (30).

[0039] Fig. Figure 7 is a graphical representation of the beam path in the printed optical waveguide 10 of Fig. 6. As in Fig. As shown in Figure 7, incident light 10 is reflected internally within the optical waveguide 10. Since the refractive index of the white marker material 40 is essentially the same as the refractive index of the optical waveguide 10, the incident light 25 exits the optical waveguide 10 at the interface between the white marker material and the air and enters the white marker material 40.

[0040] As soon as the incident light 25 strikes an embedded scattering particle 45, it is scattered at several angles, producing scattered light 26. Since the refractive index of the white marker material 40 is essentially the same as the refractive index of the marker material 50, the scattered light 26 exits the white marker material 40 and enters the marker material 50.

[0041] Since the refractive index of the marking material 50 is significantly different from the refractive index of air, light 27 (refracted) emerges from the marking material 50 and enters the air at the interface between the marking material and air when the angle of incidence of the scattered light 26 is smaller than the critical angle of the interface between the marking material and air.

[0042] To allow the refraction of light at the interface between the marking material and air, so that light can escape from the marking material, Fig. Figure 8 further illustrates another example of an optical waveguide 10, wherein a (colored) marking material 50 is printed onto a considered (30) surface of the optical waveguide (10). In this embodiment, an upper surface 55 of the marking material 50 is designed such that the upper surface 55 is rough, thereby emulating an engraved surface.

[0043] Note that the refractive index of the white marking material 50 is essentially the same as the refractive index of the optical waveguide 10, so that light from a light source 20 exits the optical waveguide 10 and enters the white marking material 50.

[0044] Based on the angle of incidence of the light, which interacts with the rough surface at the interface between the marking material and the air, a portion of the light entering the marking material 50 is therefore refracted externally at the interface between the marking material and the air and goes towards the viewer (30).

[0045] Fig. Figure 9 is a graphical representation of the beam path in the printed optical waveguide 10 of Fig. 8. As in Fig. As shown in 9, incident light 25 is reflected internally within the optical waveguide 10.

[0046] Since the refractive index of the marking material 50 is essentially the same as the refractive index of the optical waveguide 10, the incident light 25 exits the optical waveguide 10 at the interface between the marking material and the air and enters the marking material 50.

[0047] Since the refractive index of the marking material 50 is significantly different from the refractive index of air, light 27 (refracted) emerges from the marking material 50 and enters the air at the interface between the marking material and air when the angle of incidence of the light 25 is smaller than the critical angle of the surface struck at the interface between the marking material and air.

[0048] Fig. Table 10 provides an overview of the different beam paths through an optical fiber, as described in the Fig. 6 and Fig. Figure 7 shows the beam path. More precisely, it is defined as light entering the optical waveguide from a light source (LED) on the left.

[0049] The light is refracted at an interface between the air and the optical fiber and internally reflected at multiple interfaces between the optical fiber and the air for all angles. At the interface between the optical fiber and white marker material, the light is partially refracted for some angles and scattered by the scattering particles in the white marker material.

[0050] The scattered light passes straight through the colored marking material (since the marking materials have similar refractive indices), and since the scattering has created many angles of incidence at the boundary between colored marking material and air, a large part of the light then exits the colored marking material and goes towards the viewer.

[0051] As in Fig. As shown in 10, light with angles of incidence θ enters the i The light enters the optical waveguide at the far left angle (for example, from an LED) in the range of 0 to 90 degrees. The refraction angles θ shown are... r1 are calculated based on Snell's law. The light rays along the θ r1 -paths encounter a boundary between optical waveguide and air, so that for all possible θ r1 The light is reflected internally within the optical waveguide (indicated by #NUM! in dashed boxes 61). The value #NUM! indicates that there is no solution for a refracted beam.

[0052] After the light rays have bounced back and forth within the optical waveguide, they strike the boundary between the optical waveguide and the white marker material at the same angles at which they struck the boundary between the optical waveguide and the air.

[0053] Due to the difference in the refractive indices of air (1.0) and the white marker material (e.g., 1.4), and depending on the angle of incidence, some of the light is refracted externally into the white marker material instead of being reflected internally within the optical waveguide. The cells within the dashed boxes 62 in Fig. 10 names the light rays that are completely internally reflected at the interface between the optical waveguide and the air, and partially refracted externally at the interface between the optical waveguide and the white marker material. Thus, light enters the white marker material.

[0054] Since the white marking material scatters light at a number of different angles, these scattered light rays then pass directly through the colored marking material, as the colored and white marking materials have similar refractive indices. Due to the many angles of refraction at the boundary between the colored marking material and the air, many rays are not reflected internally but refracted externally and are visible to the observer.

[0055] Fig. Table 11 provides an overview of the different beam paths through an optical fiber, as described in the Fig. 8 and Fig. Figure 9 illustrates this. More precisely, the beam path is defined as light entering the optical fiber from a light source (LED) on the left. The light is refracted at an interface between the air and the optical fiber and internally reflected at several interfaces between the optical fiber and the air for all angles. At some angles, the light is partially refracted externally at the interface between the optical fiber and the marking material.

[0056] The externally refracted light passes through the marking material, and since the marking material has a rough surface that creates many angles of incidence at the boundary between the marking material and the air, a large part of the light escapes from the marking material and goes towards the viewer.

[0057] As in Fig. As shown in 11, light with angles of incidence θ enters the iThe light enters the optical waveguide at the far left angle (for example, from an LED) in the range of 0 to 90 degrees. The refraction angles θ shown are... r1 are calculated based on Snell's law. The light rays along the θ r1 -paths encounter a boundary between optical waveguide and air, so that for all possible θ r1 The light is totally reflected within the optical waveguide (indicated by #NUM! in dashed boxes 63). The value #NUM! indicates that there is no solution for a refracted beam.

[0058] After the light rays have bounced back and forth within the optical waveguide, they strike the boundary between the optical waveguide and the marking material at the same angles at which they struck the boundary between the optical waveguide and the air.

[0059] However, due to the difference in the refractive indices of air (1.0) and the marking material (for example 1.4) and depending on the angle of incidence, some of the light is refracted externally into the marking material instead of being reflected internally within the optical waveguide.

[0060] The cells within the dashed boxes 64 in Fig. Equations 11 describe the light rays that are completely internally reflected at the interface between the optical waveguide and the air, and partially refracted externally at the interface between the optical waveguide and the marking material. Thus, light enters the marking material.

[0061] Because the marking material has a rough surface, it produces a number of different angles of incidence. Due to the many angles of refraction at the interface between the marking material and the air, many rays are not reflected internally but refracted externally and are visible to the observer.

[0062] In other words, all light entering the marking material is totally reflected at the boundary between the marking material and the air if the upper surface of the marking material is smooth. However, light will escape from the marking material if the critical angle is modified due to surface roughness.

[0063] As in Fig. Figure 11 shows that the angle of incidence of the light rays (the cells within the dashed box 65) that hit the boundary between marking material and air quantifies the effect of surface roughness.

[0064] Thus, the surface roughness causes some of the light to be refracted externally at the boundary between the marking material and the air, leaving the marking material towards the viewer.

[0065] These cells of the dashed boxes 65 can be traced above the table, starting at a certain angle of incidence from the LED, where, where no marking material is present, they are reflected internally, refracted into the marking material, and then reflected out of the marking material due to the surface roughness.

[0066] Note that the surface roughness of the printed marking material can be increased by halftoning.

[0067] Fig. Figure 12 represents an optical fiber display system, wherein an optical fiber 10, when illuminated by a light source 20, displays printed images 110, 1120, and 113. Since the images 110, 1120, and 113 are printed on the optical fiber 10, the images can have different colors and do not depend on the color of the light source 20 to define their color.

[0068] Furthermore, Figures 110, 1120 and 113 illustrate the dual marking material construction of the Fig. 6 and Fig. 7 or the marking material with a rough surface structure of the Fig. 8 and Fig. 9 include.

[0069] Fig. Figure 13 represents an optical fiber display system, wherein an optical fiber 10, when illuminated by a light source 20, displays images that have been printed on both sides of the optical fiber 10. Since the images are printed on both sides of the optical fiber 10, the images are constructed differently depending on the surface side of the optical fiber 10 with respect to a viewing side 30.

[0070] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 13, the image is constructed on a front surface of the optical waveguide 10 (the side 30 under consideration) in the same way as in Figure 13. Fig. 6, wherein a white marking material 40 is printed onto the front surface of the optical waveguide 10, followed by printing a marking material 50.

[0071] When the image on the front surface of the optical waveguide 10 is illuminated by a light source 20, the printed image (40 and 50) is seen by the viewer 30.

[0072] What's next in Fig. As shown in Figure 13, the image is constructed on a rear surface of the optical waveguide 10 in a different way, wherein a marker material 55 is printed onto the rear surface of the optical waveguide 10, followed by printing a white marker material 45.

[0073] When the image on the rear surface of the optical waveguide 10 is illuminated by a light source 20, the printed image (45 and 55) is seen by the viewer 30.

[0074] Note that the thickness of the optical waveguide 10 can be such that it displays the images at different depths, causing one image to appear to float in front of the other image.

[0075] Fig. Figure 14 represents an optical fiber display system, wherein an optical fiber 10, when illuminated by a light source 20, displays images that have been printed on both sides of the optical fiber 10 and can be viewed from both sides (30 and 31). In this embodiment, the images are printed on both sides of the optical fiber 10 using the same construction.

[0076] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 14, the image is printed on a white marking material 40 on a front surface of the optical waveguide 10 (the viewing side 30), which has been printed on the front surface of the optical waveguide 10.

[0077] When the image on the front surface of the optical waveguide 10 is illuminated by a light source 20, the printed image (40) on the front surface of the optical waveguide 10 is seen by viewer 30 and viewer 31.

[0078] What's next in Fig. As shown in Figure 14, the image is also constructed on a rear surface of the optical waveguide 10 from a white marking material 45 that has been printed onto the rear surface of the optical waveguide 10.

[0079] When the image on the rear surface of the optical waveguide 10 is illuminated by a light source 20, the printed image (45) on the rear surface of the optical waveguide 10 is seen by viewer 30 and viewer 31.

[0080] Note that the thickness of the optical waveguide 10 can be such that it displays the images at different depths, causing one image to appear to float in front of the other image.

[0081] Fig. Figure 15 represents an optical fiber display system, wherein an optical fiber 10, when illuminated by a light source 20, displays images that have been printed on both sides of the optical fiber 10, and both images can be seen from only one viewing side. In this embodiment, the images are printed on both sides of the optical fiber 10 using different constructions.

[0082] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 15, the image is constructed on a front surface of the optical waveguide 10 (on the considered side 30) in the same way as in Figure 15. Fig. 6, wherein a white marking material 40 is printed onto the front surface of the optical waveguide 10, followed by printing a marking material 50.

[0083] When the image on the front surface of the optical waveguide 10 is illuminated by a light source 20, the printed image (40 and 50) can only be seen by the viewer 30.

[0084] What's next in Fig. As shown in Figure 15, the image is also constructed on a rear surface of the optical waveguide 10 from a white marking material 45 that has been printed onto the rear surface of the optical waveguide 10.

[0085] When the image on the rear surface of the optical waveguide 10 is illuminated by a light source 20, the printed image (45) on the rear surface of the optical waveguide 10 can be seen by viewer 30 and viewer 31.

[0086] In other words, the embodiment of Fig. 15 the viewer 30 can see the image, but the viewer 31 cannot see the image on the front surface of the optical waveguide 10.

[0087] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 15, the image printed on the front surface of the optical waveguide 10 can be a color image with a white background, visible only to viewer 30. In contrast, the image printed on the rear surface of the optical waveguide 10 is a monochrome image visible to both viewer 30 and viewer 31.

[0088] Note that the thickness of the optical waveguide 10 can be such that it displays the images at different depths, causing one image to appear to float in front of the other image.

[0089] Fig. Figure 16 represents an optical fiber display system, wherein an optical fiber 10, when illuminated by a light source 20, displays images that have been printed on both sides of the optical fiber 10. In this embodiment, the images are printed on both sides of the optical fiber 10 using different constructions.

[0090] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 16, the image is constructed on a front surface of the optical waveguide 10 (the side 30 under consideration) by printing a marking material 50 onto the front surface of the optical waveguide 10.

[0091] What's next in Fig. As shown in Figure 16, the image is also constructed on a rear surface of the optical waveguide 10 from a white marking material 45 that has been printed onto the rear surface of the optical waveguide 10.

[0092] The image on the front surface of the optical waveguide 10 cannot be viewed in isolation. The image on the rear surface is visible to the viewer 30 through the plate.

[0093] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 16, the image on the front can be a color image without a white background. The color image typically cannot be viewed on its own because there is no dispersion. The image on the back is a monochrome image created with white marking material 45, which can be viewed by viewer 30 and viewer 31.

[0094] When the front image and the back image are combined, the image on the front becomes visible in the direction of the viewer 30 when the image on the back (the white marking material 45) provides the scattered light.

[0095] When the image on the back of the optical waveguide 10 is illuminated by a light source 20, the printed image (45) on the back of the optical waveguide 10 can be seen by viewer 30 and viewer 31.

[0096] Note that the image on the back should be visible through the optical waveguide 10. The image on the front can be a visible scattered light image or a transparent, invisible image.

[0097] The image on the front can be sparse, so that there is a sufficiently transparent viewing area for the image on the back.

[0098] Note that the thickness of the optical waveguide 10 can be such that it displays the images at different depths, causing one image to appear to float in front of the other image.

[0099] Fig. Figure 17 represents a display device for showing three-dimensional images. Fig. Figure 17 shows several optical waveguides (10, 12 and 14). Each optical waveguide is constructed in the same way as in the construction of the two-sided images in the embodiment of Fig. 13 printed with images on both sides of the optical waveguide.

[0100] More precisely, a white marker material 40 is printed onto the front surface of each optical waveguide (the side 30 under consideration), followed by the printing of a marker material 50.

[0101] When the image on the front surface of the optical waveguide is illuminated by a light source 20, the printed image (40 and 50) is seen by the viewer 30.

[0102] What's next in Fig. As shown in Figure 17, a marker material 55 is printed onto the rear surface of each optical waveguide, followed by the printing of a white marker material 45.

[0103] When the image on the rear surface of the optical waveguide is illuminated by a light source 20, the printed image (45 and 55) is seen by the viewer 30.

[0104] Fig. Figure 18 represents an optical waveguide capable of providing a white background for an image printed upon it. As in Fig. As shown in Figure 18, a white marking material 400 is printed over the entire image area. Then, a marking material 50 is printed on top of the white marking material 400.

[0105] Note that the white marking material 400 has a varying volumetric density of light-scattering particles, with the volumetric density of light-scattering particles along the surface of the optical waveguide increasing proportionally as the distance from a light source interface of the optical waveguide increases.

[0106] If the volumetric density of light-scattering particles did not change proportionally as the distance from the light source interface of the optical waveguide increased, most of the light near the light source interface would escape from the optical waveguide, and there would not be enough light to adequately illuminate an image in the center of the optical waveguide.

[0107] The light source interface is the interface (surface) of the optical waveguide that receives incident light from a light source.

[0108] An image is printed onto white marking material 400 using marking material 50.

[0109] Fig. Figure 19 represents an optical waveguide in which an image is first printed onto a transparent medium 70, and the transparent medium 70 is attached to the optical waveguide 10. As in Fig. As shown in Figure 19, a marking material 50 with a rough surface 55 is printed onto the transparent medium 70.

[0110] Note that the transparent medium 70 should be attached to the optical fiber 10 in such a way that there are no air gaps between the transparent medium 70 and the optical fiber 10.

[0111] For example, the transparent medium 70 can be connected to the optical waveguide using a curable agent that can be rolled to remove air gaps before curing.

[0112] Note that the transparent medium 70 can be an optical waveguide with a refractive index that is essentially the same as the refractive index of the optical waveguide 10.

[0113] Fig. Figure 20 represents an optical waveguide in which an image is first printed onto a transparent medium 70, and the transparent medium 70 is attached to the optical waveguide 10. As in Fig. As shown in 20, a white marking material 40 is printed onto the transparent medium 70, followed by the printing of a marking material 50.

[0114] Note that the transparent medium 70 should be attached to the optical fiber 10 in such a way that there are no air gaps between the transparent medium 70 and the optical fiber 10.

[0115] For example, the transparent medium 70 can be connected to the optical waveguide using a curable agent that can be rolled to remove air gaps before curing.

[0116] Note that the transparent medium 70 can be an optical waveguide with a refractive index that is essentially the same as the refractive index of the optical waveguide 10.

[0117] Fig. Figure 21 represents an optical fiber display system, wherein an optical fiber 10, when illuminated by a light source 20, displays images that have been printed on both sides of the optical fiber 10. Since the images are printed on both sides of the optical fiber 10, the images are constructed differently depending on the surface side of the optical fiber 10 with respect to a viewing side 30.

[0118] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 21, the image is projected onto a front surface of the optical waveguide 10 (the side 30 under consideration) in the same way as in Figure 21. Fig. 8 is constructed in which a marking material 50 with a rough surface 55 is printed onto the front surface of the optical waveguide 10.

[0119] When the image on the front surface of the optical waveguide 10 is illuminated by a light source 20, the printed image (50 with the rough surface 55) is seen by the viewer 30.

[0120] What's next in Fig. As shown in Figure 21, the image is constructed in a different way on the back side of the optical waveguide 10, whereby a marker material 55 is printed on the back side of the optical waveguide 10, followed by printing a white marker material 45.

[0121] When the image on the back of the optical waveguide 10 is illuminated by a light source 20, the printed image (45 and 55) is seen by the viewer 30.

[0122] Note that the thickness of the optical waveguide 10 can be such that it displays the images at different depths, causing one image to appear to float in front of the other image.

[0123] Fig. Figure 22 represents an optical waveguide 10 capable of providing a white background for an image area 35. As in Fig. As shown in 22, a white marking material 40 is printed over the image area 35 to create a paper-like uniform background.

[0124] Note that the white marking material 40 can be printed over the entire image area 35. Then, a marking material 57 is printed onto the white marking material 40.

[0125] Note that the marking material 57 can produce a black image, thus providing a black and white image for display (illumination) on the optical fiber 10.

[0126] Note that the white marking material 40 can have a varying volumetric density of light-scattering particles, with the volumetric density of light-scattering particles along the surface of the optical waveguide becoming proportionally larger as the distance from a light source interface of the optical waveguide increases.

[0127] The light source interface is the interface (surface) of the optical waveguide that receives incident light from a light source.

[0128] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 22, the light enclosed (internally reflected) in the optical waveguide 10 enters the white marker material 40 and is uniformly scattered by it. The scattered light is then absorbed by the marker material 57, producing black or a color image. Essentially, the image is generated by the absorption of light by the marker material 57.

[0129] Fig. 23 represents an optical waveguide 10 capable of providing a black and white image within an image area 35. As in Fig. As shown in 23, a white marking material 40 is printed image by image within the image area 35.

[0130] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 23, the light enclosed (internally reflected) in the optical waveguide 10 enters the white marker material 40 and is scattered image by image by the white marker material 40. A portion of the scattered light exits the white marker material 40 and is perceived by an observer. Essentially, the image is generated by the scattering of light by scattering particles in the white marker material 40.

[0131] Note that by modulating the amplitude / intensity of the scattering according to the desired image, a tint can be provided within the image.

[0132] For example, by controlling the amount of white marker material 40 printed in a specific region of the image area 35, the amount (amplitude / intensity) of the scattering can be controlled. More precisely, the image appears brighter in a region when illuminated with edge light the stronger the scattering (the higher the amplitude / intensity).

[0133] In contrast, the image in the region appears darker when illuminated with edge light, the weaker the scattering (the lower the amplitude / intensity).

[0134] Using a white marking material 40 to create an image allows for the effective creation of monochrome images. Likewise, using a white marking material 40 to create an image allows for the effective creation of grayscale images with large areas of darkness.

[0135] Fig. Figure 24 represents several optical waveguides 10 used to generate a three-dimensional image. As in Fig. As shown in Figure 24, a part of an image is printed on each optical waveguide 10.

[0136] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 24, for example, part of an image 80 is printed onto a surface of each optical waveguide 10. As in Fig. As shown in Figure 24, a portion of image 82 is also printed on both sides of a subset of the optical waveguides 10. As in Fig. As shown in 24, a part of image 84 is finally printed on both sides of each optical waveguide 10.

[0137] The images in Fig. 24 can be produced using any of the different printing methods (color, monochrome, surface roughness, volume diffusion, various color / white layering schemes, etc.) as described above.

[0138] Furthermore, each optical waveguide can be printed independently and can be printed on one surface or on both surfaces.

[0139] Note that optical waveguides can be evenly spaced. Furthermore, if images are printed on both surfaces of the optical waveguide, the spacing between the waveguides can be adjusted to optimize viewing, and / or the thickness of the waveguides can be adjusted to optimize viewing.

[0140] Furthermore, note that the images should be sparse, so that there is enough transparent viewing area to allow images that lie at great depth to be visible.

[0141] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 24, each image on each optical waveguide represents a layer of the three-dimensional image or object. The image or object can be the outline of the outer surface in full color. Furthermore, the image or object can include internal structures to create an impression of hollowness.

[0142] Regarding the various embodiments described above, the optical waveguides used to illuminate the printed images can be easily reused by removing the marking material from the optical waveguide.

[0143] In other words, an image can first be printed onto an optical fiber intended for edge illumination using various marking materials such as liquid inks, UV-curable inks, toner and / or solid inks.

[0144] The printed image can then be removed from the optical fiber without affecting the optical quality of the surfaces. After the surface(s) of the optical fiber have been refurbished, the optical fiber can be reused to print a new image.

[0145] If, for example, UV-curable ink is used as a marking material, a solvent or cleaning solution, such as acetone, that does not damage the optical fiber material can be used with very little mechanical abrasion to remove the printed UV-curable ink. If necessary, minor scratches on the optical fiber can be repaired before it is reused.

[0146] In another example, in a case where hard glass is used as an optical waveguide, both chemical solvents, such as acetone, and mechanical agitation can be used to remove the marking material from the surface.

[0147] The cleaning method described above can also be used to remove only part of the marking material. If the optical fiber has both engraved and printed images, the cleaning methods described above can be used to remove the marking material without affecting the engraved image.

[0148] Finally, the above-mentioned cleaning methods can be used to remove the marking material from a double-sided (surface) printed optical fiber, to remove the marking material from both surfaces, or to remove the marking material from one surface.

[0149] The reusability of the optical fiber surfaces enables (1) test printing procedures for reliability and accuracy; (2) a preview of an image using the optical fiber and illumination before use; (3) trial use, where a user can print and create a temporary optical fiber display and use it for a short time before creating a permanent one; (4) rental, where a durable optical fiber can be used to print custom images that can be rented by a customer; (5) reuse, where the content can be modified as desired; and (6) a combination of engraving and printing, where only the content that is not intended to be permanent is removed.

[0150] Note that in the various embodiments described above, the optical waveguide is provided with edge illumination to illuminate the images printed on it.

[0151] Edge illumination is the illumination of the optical fiber at its side edge or the interface between the optical fiber and the light source. The side edge of the optical fiber or the interface between the optical fiber and the light source is essentially perpendicular or normal to the surface onto which the images are printed.

[0152] The side edge of the optical waveguide or the interface between the optical waveguide and the light source is preferably a smooth surface, and the angle of incidence of the light on the side edge of the optical waveguide or the interface between the optical waveguide and the light source is greater than the critical angle of the boundary between the air and the optical waveguide, so that the light can be totally reflected inside the optical waveguide.

[0153] Edge lighting can be provided by a single light source or by multiple light sources.

[0154] Furthermore, edge illumination can be provided at multiple side edges of the optical waveguide or light source interfaces of the optical waveguide.

[0155] Furthermore, it should be noted that optical waveguides can be flat planes, curved surfaces, or enclosed objects suitable for displaying images.

[0156] Please also note that the marking materials described above can be liquid inks, UV-curable inks, toners and / or solid inks.

[0157] Furthermore, it should be noted that the white marking material may be a white liquid ink, a white UV-curable ink, a white toner and / or a white solid ink that has light-scattering properties.

[0158] Furthermore, the white marking material need not be white; rather, the white marking material, referred to as white marking material, can be colorless and be a clear liquid ink, a clear UV-curable ink, a clear toner, and / or a clear solid ink that exhibits light-diffusing properties. Additionally, the white marking material can be a clear liquid ink, a clear UV-curable ink, a clear toner, and / or a clear solid ink containing embedded light-diffusing particles.

[0159] The non-white marking material can be a colored liquid ink, a colored UV-curable ink, a colored toner and / or a colored solid ink, or the non-white marking material can be a black liquid ink, a black UV-curable ink, a black toner and / or a black solid ink.

[0160] Note that the non-white marking material may have light-absorbing properties.

[0161] It should also be noted that the non-white marking material may include infrared material to provide infrared illumination, ultraviolet light material to provide ultraviolet illumination, or fluorescent material to provide non-white illumination.

[0162] Note also that in the various embodiments described above, the white marker material and the non-white marker material are printed or formed onto the optical waveguide image by image. In other words, the marker material is only formed by printing in regions of the optical waveguide surface where an image is to be illuminated.

[0163] According to a comparative example for better understanding of the invention according to the claims, a white background can be generated for which the white marking material is printed or formed on the entire surface of the optical waveguide, and only the non-white marking material is printed or formed image by image.

[0164] Image-wise printing or training means that the marking material is placed according to the image data of the image to be illuminated.

[0165] Note also that in the various embodiments described above and the claims specified below, optical waveguide means a physical structure (plane, strip or fiber), a transparent medium (plane, strip or fiber) or a translucent medium (plane, strip or fiber) that guides electromagnetic waves (light) in the optical spectrum.

[0166] Furthermore, in the various embodiments described above and the claims specified below, "optical waveguide" is understood to mean a physical structure (plane, strip, or fiber), a transparent medium (plane, strip, or fiber), or a translucent medium (plane, strip, or fiber) that facilitates total internal reflection of light as it travels through the medium. Examples of optical waveguides include glass, acrylic, fiber optics, etc.

[0167] Furthermore, in the various embodiments described above and the claims specified below, "optical waveguide" is understood to mean a physical structure (plane, strip, or fiber), a transparent medium (plane, strip, or fiber), or a translucent medium (plane, strip, or fiber) that facilitates total internal reflection of light as it propagates through the medium. Examples of optical waveguides include glass, acrylic, fiber optics, etc.

[0168] It should also be noted that in the various embodiments described above and in the claims specified below, the formation of materials on the optical waveguide can be achieved by depositing one or more marking materials using an inkjet printer, an inkjet printing process, a xerographic printer, a xerographic printing process, a screen printer, a screen printing process, a solid ink printer, a solid ink printing process, a three-dimensional printer, a three-dimensional printing process, a plotter, a brush or a marking material applicator.

[0169] It should also be noted that in the various embodiments described above, the formation of materials can be achieved by forming or depositing one or more marking materials onto a thin, translucent substrate using an inkjet printer, an inkjet printing process, a xerographic printer, a xerographic printing process, a screen printer, a screen printing process, a solid ink printer, a solid ink printing process, a three-dimensional printer, a three-dimensional printing process, a plotter, a brush, or a marking material applicator, wherein the thin, translucent substrate is attached to the optical fiber by an adhesive, an electrostatic agent, or otherwise, in order to allow easy mechanical removal of the marking material by peeling the thin, translucent substrate from the optical fiber.

[0170] Fig. Figure 25 presents an example of a printing system 100 configured to print onto a three-dimensional object or onto an optical fiber using the methods described above. The printing system 100 comprises: a printhead assembly 104, a support element 108, a component 112 movably mounted around the support element 108, an actuator 116 operatively connected to the movably mounted component 112, an object holder 120 configured to be attached to the movably mounted component 112, and a control device 124 operatively connected to the multiple printheads and the actuator.

[0171] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 25, the printhead assembly 104 is arranged in a two-dimensional configuration. Each printhead is in fluid communication with a supply of marking material (not shown) and is configured to eject marking material received from the supply. Some of the printheads can be connected to the same supply, or each printhead can be connected to its own supply, allowing each printhead to eject a different marking material. The control unit 124 is also operatively connected to an optical sensor 350.

[0172] The support element 108 is positioned parallel to a plane formed by the printhead assembly and, as shown in the figure, is oriented such that one end of the support element 108 has a higher gravitational potential than the other end. This orientation allows the printing system 100 to have a smaller footprint than an alternative embodiment in which the printhead assembly is horizontally oriented and the support element, the movable component, and the object holder are configured to allow the object holder to move objects past the horizontally arranged printheads, enabling the printheads to eject marking material downwards onto the objects.

[0173] Component 112 is movably attached to the support element 108, allowing it to slide along the support element. In some embodiments, component 112 can move in two directions along the support element. In other embodiments, the support element 108 is configured to provide a return path to the lower end of the support element, thus forming a track for the movably attached component.

[0174] The actuator 116 is operatively connected to the movably mounted component 112, so that the actuator 116 can move the movably mounted component 112 along the support element 108 and enable the object holder 120, which is connected to the movably mounted component 112, to move past the printhead assembly 104 in one dimension of the two-dimensional printhead assembly. In the embodiment shown in the figure, the object holder 120 moves an object 122 along the length dimension of the printhead assembly 104.

[0175] The control unit 124 is configured with programmed commands stored in a memory 128 which is operatively connected to the control unit, so that the control unit can execute the programmed commands to actuate components in the printing system 100.

[0176] Thus, the control unit 124 is configured to actuate the actuator 116 to move the object holder 120 past the printhead assembly 104 and to actuate the printhead assembly 104 to eject marking material onto objects held by the object holder 120 as the object holder moves past the printhead assembly 104. Furthermore, the control unit 124 is configured to actuate the inkjet nozzles within the printheads of the printhead assembly 104 to eject droplets whose mass is greater than the mass of droplets ejected by these printheads.

[0177] In one embodiment, the control device 124 actuates the inkjet nozzles in the printheads of the printhead assembly 104 with launch signal waveforms that enable the inkjet nozzles to eject droplets which produce droplets on the object surfaces with a diameter of approximately seven to ten mm. This droplet size is significantly larger than that of the droplets produced on the material receiving surface, which has a mass of approximately 21 ng.

[0178] The in Fig. The system configuration shown in Figure 25 is particularly advantageous in several aspects. First, the vertical configuration of the printhead assembly 104 and the support element 108, as shown above, allows for a smaller footprint for the system 100 than for a system configured with a horizontal orientation of the assembly and the support element. The smaller footprint of the system allows the system 100 to be housed in a single cabinet 180, as shown in Figure 25. Fig. Figure 28 shows an installation in retail outlets where no production takes place. After installation, various object holders, as described below, can be used with the system to print on a range of different goods whose appearance is unspecific until printing.

[0179] Another advantageous aspect of the in Fig. The gap shown in system 100 is the gap presented between the objects transported by the object holder 120 and the printheads of the printhead assembly 104.

[0180] Furthermore, the control unit 124 can be configured with programmed commands for actuating the actuator 116 to move the object holder at speeds that dampen the air turbulence in the gap between the print head and the object surface used in the system 100.

[0181] An alternative embodiment of System 100 is in Fig. 26 shown. In this alternative embodiment 200, the support element consists of two support elements 208, around which the movably mounted component 212 is attached.

[0182] This embodiment includes two fixed pulleys 232 and a belt 236 that is wound around the two pulleys to form an endless belt. The movably mounted component 212 includes a third pulley 240 that engages the endless belt to allow the third pulley 240 to rotate in response to the movement of the endless belt around the two pulleys 232, in order to move the movably mounted component and the object holder 220.

[0183] In this embodiment, the actuator 216 is operatively connected to one of the pulleys 232, so that the control unit 224 can actuate the actuator to rotate the driven pulley and move the endless belt around the pulleys 232. The control unit 224 can be configured with programmed commands stored in the memory 228 to actuate the actuator 216 in two directions to rotate one of the pulleys 232 in two directions, and to move the movably mounted component 212 and the object holder 220 in two directions along the printhead assembly 204.

[0184] In another alternative embodiment, which is described in Fig. As shown in Figure 27, one end of the belt 236 is operatively connected to a receiving spool 244, which is operatively connected to the actuator 216. The other end of the belt 236 is fixed in position. The control unit 224 is configured with programmed commands stored in memory 228 to enable the control unit 224 to actuate the actuator 216 to rotate the receiving spool 244 and wind a portion of the belt's length around the receiving spool 244.

[0185] The belt 244 also engages a rotatable pulley 248, which is attached to the movable component 212. Since the other end of the belt 236 is fixed, the rotation of the spool 244 causes the movable component 212 to move the object holder past the print heads.

[0186] When the control device 224 actuates the actuator 216 to unwind the belt from the spool 224, the movable component 212 lowers, allowing the object holder to descend past the printhead assembly 204. This direction of movement is opposite to the direction in which the object holder moved when the actuator was actuated to take up a length of the belt 236.

[0187] This configuration, which uses a belt to move the movable component, differs from the one in Fig. 25 shown, in which the control device 124 actuates a linear actuator to move the movable component 112 and the object holder 120 past the printhead assembly in two directions.

[0188] Regarding the printing device described above, the printing systems can incorporate a UV curing station below the printhead assembly when UV-curable inks are used as the marking material. By including a UV curing station in the printing system, a layer of UV-curable ink can be deposited and cured, and then a subsequent layer of UV-curable ink can be deposited, thus building up a three-dimensionally layered body of cured ink. In other words, the deposited layer is cured after each layer of UV-curable ink has been deposited, enabling the deposition of further layers to add depth to the deposited UV-curable ink, thereby producing a textured surface.

[0189] An example of an object holder 220 is in Fig. Figure 29 shows that the object holder 220 has a plate 304 with openings 308 in which objects 312, which are golf club heads in the figure, are placed for printing. A latch 316 is configured for selectively attaching the object holder 220 to the movable component 212. The latch 316 has locking features 320 to assist in the correct positioning of the object holder 220 to secure the holder to the component 212, which is supported by components 208, as shown in Figure 29. Fig. 26 is shown.

[0190] After correct positioning, lever 322 actuates the latch 316 to secure the holder 220 to the component 212. As shown in the figure, the component 212 includes an input device 326 to retrieve an identifier from the object holder 220, as described below.

[0191] A perspective view of object holder 220 is in Fig. 30 shown. In Fig. 30 is an identification mark 330 on a surface of the object holder 220 of the input device 326 facing the movable component 212 when the holder is secured to the component 212. The input device 326 is connected to the Fig. 26 and Fig. The control unit 224 shown in Figure 27 is connected to transmit an identifier from the identification mark 330 to the control unit. The control unit is further designed to control the printhead assembly 204 and the actuator 216 ( Fig. 26 and Fig. 27) to actuate with reference to the identifier received by the input device 326 of the movable component 212.

[0192] As used in this document, "identification mark" means machine-readable characters that embody information processed by the printing system. The characters can be mechanical, optical, or electromagnetic.

[0193] In one embodiment, the identification mark 330 is a radio frequency identification (RFID) mark and the input device 326 of the movably mounted component is an RFID reader.

[0194] In another embodiment, the identification mark 330 is a barcode and the input device 326 of the movably mounted component 212 is a barcode reader.

[0195] In another embodiment, in which mechanical markings are used for the identification mark, the markings are projections, indentations or combinations of projections and indentations in a material that can be read by a pre-tensioned arm scanning the surface of the identification mark.

[0196] In such an embodiment, the input device 326 can be a cam plunger that converts the position of an arm scanning the mechanical features into electrical signals.

[0197] The control unit 224 is further configured with programmed commands stored in memory 228 to compare the identifier received by the input device 326 of the movable component 212 with identifiers stored in memory 328, which is operatively connected to the control unit. In response to the fact that the identifier received by the input device 326 does not correspond to any of the identifiers stored in memory, the control unit disables the actuation of the actuator 216.

[0198] In another embodiment, the control device 224 is further configured with programmed commands stored in memory 328 to compare the identifier received from the input device 326 of the movably mounted component 212 with identifiers stored in memory 328.

[0199] In this embodiment, the control unit 224, in response to the fact that the identifier received by the input device 326 does not correspond to any of the identifiers stored in the memory 328, disables the actuation of the printheads in the printhead assembly.

[0200] In these embodiments, the control device 224 is configured to override the actuation of both the actuator 216 and the printhead assembly 204 in response to the fact that the identifier received from the input device 326 does not correspond to any of the identifiers stored in the memory 328.

[0201] In all these embodiments, the control unit 224 is operatively connected to a user interface 350, as in the Fig. Figures 25 to 27 are shown. The interface 350 has a display 360, a detector 364 and an input device 368, such as a keyboard.

[0202] The control unit 224 is configured with programmed commands to operate the user interface in order to inform a user that the identifier received from the input device 326 did not match any of the identifiers in memory. Thus, the user is able to understand the reason for the system shutdown.

[0203] Furthermore, the control unit 224 is configured with programmed commands for actuating the user interface 350 to inform the user of a system status that is incompatible with the identifier received from the input device 326.

[0204] For example, the control unit 224 monitors the system to detect the printhead configuration and the inks supplied to the printheads. If the inks or printhead configuration are insufficient to accurately and appropriately print the objects corresponding to the object holder, the control unit 224 activates the user interface 350 to generate a message on the display 360 indicating to the user that inks need to be replaced or that the printhead arrangement needs to be reconfigured.

[0205] The control unit 224 is also configured with programmed commands for actuating the user interface 350 to inform the user about processing that needs to be performed. For example, some identifiers received from the input device 326 indicate that an object requires a pre-coating before printing or a post-coating after printing. In this example, the control unit 224 actuates the user interface 350 to display a message to the user on the display 360, relating to one or both of these conditions.

[0206] The user interface 350 features: a display 360 for alphanumeric messages, a keyboard 368 for user input of data, and a signal 364, such as a warning light or an audible alarm, to draw attention to displayed messages.

[0207] Fig. Figure 31 shows a front view of the object holder 220, which is secured to the movable component 212, and Fig. Figure 32 shows a rear view of the object holder 220 for the movable component 212.

[0208] Furthermore, the control unit 224 can be configured to count how often an object holder is attached to and removed from the movable component 212. This count can be used to determine and store the number of objects printed by the system 100. This count of printed objects can then be used to order supplies for the continued operation of the system before supplies run low, or to generate a record of the system's throughput for various purposes.

[0209] The Fig. Figures 33 to 41 depict object holders 220 in various configurations for holding different types of objects, and the holders 220 are secured to the movable component 212. The object holders in the Fig. 33, Fig. 34, Fig. 35, Fig. 37, Fig. 38, Fig. 40 and Fig. 41 have at least one opening configured to hold an object for printing by means of an arrangement of printheads.

[0210] In Fig. In 33, the opening 308 is configured to hold a plate-shaped object 312. Fig. 34 Each opening 308 of a plurality of openings is configured to hold a plurality of cup-shaped objects 312. In Fig. 35 Each opening 308 of a plurality of openings is configured to hold a plurality of cases 312, such as the illustrated mobile phone cases. In Fig. In 37, the opening 308 is configured to hold a spherical object 312. Fig. 38 is each opening 308 of a plurality of openings configured to hold a golf club head 312.

[0211] In Fig. 41 Each opening 308 of a plurality of openings is configured to hold a temple 312 of a spectacle frame. In Fig. In step 36, the object holder (not visible) is configured to hold a head guard. Fig. 39 The object holder 220 has two arms 404 configured to hold a rectangular or cylindrical object 312 between them.

[0212] As used herein, the term "arm" means a component with two ends, one end of which is attached to the object holder and the remaining part of the component is configured to hold the object on the object holder.

[0213] In Fig. Figure 40 shows the reverse side of the movable component 212 to illustrate the orientation in which an object holder (not visible) would hold a clothing item to enable printing on a surface of the item.

[0214] While the printing system 100 described above is particularly advantageous in non-production environments, the system 500, which is in Fig. 42 is shown, more robust and suitable for production environments.

[0215] In system 500, a conveyor 504 is configured to deliver objects from an object supply (not shown) to an object holder 508. The object holder 508 is configured to receive objects from the conveyor 504. The control unit 224 is operatively connected to the conveyor 504, the actuator 216, and the array of printheads 204. The control unit 224 is further configured with programmed commands, stored in memory 228, to actuate the conveyor 504 to deliver objects to the object holders 508 and to actuate the actuator 216 to move the objects held by the object holders past the array of printheads.

[0216] This action enables the printheads to print on the objects as the objects pass by the array of printheads 204. A bucket can be provided to receive the objects from the object holders 508 after they have been printed.

[0217] In another embodiment, a different transport device 512 is configured to receive objects from the object holders 508 after the objects held by the object holders have been printed by the printheads in the arrangement of printheads 204. The control device 224 is operatively connected to the transport device 512 and actuates the transport device 512 to transport the printed objects to a location away from the printing system, such as a container 516.

[0218] Fig. Figure 43 shows the object holder 308 from Fig. 35, which is configured with prestressed components 604. The prestressed components can be elastic components with a curvature formed at an unsecured end of the component, which presses downwards onto the surface of the holder 308.

[0219] Portions of a planar medium 608 can be inserted between the pre-stressed components and the surface of the holder 308 to allow the planar structure to be held against the holder's surface. Once the planar medium has been installed, a user can initiate a test or setup mode via the input device of the user interface 350. In response, the control unit 224 actuates the actuator 216 to move the planar medium, which is attached to the object holder, past the printheads, while the control unit actuates the printheads to eject one or more test patterns onto the planar medium.

[0220] The system can include an optical sensor 354, such as a digital camera, which is positioned to generate image data of the test pattern and the planar medium after the test pattern has been printed onto the planar structure.

[0221] The control unit 224, which executes programmed commands, analyzes the image data of the test pattern on the planar medium to detect maintenance tasks, such as printhead alignment and malfunctioning ejectors within the printheads. Furthermore, the control unit 224 verifies that the system is correctly configured to print the objects corresponding to the identifiers received by the input device 326 and read from the identification mark on the object holder.

[0222] Alternatively, an object holder, such as holder 308, can be used, as shown in Fig. Figure 44 shows a component 658 that is detachably attached to the object holder and has a test surface 662. The test surface 662 of the component 658 is a flat area made of a material such as Mylar, which can be printed on by the system, imaged by the optical sensor 354, and analyzed by the control unit 224 to detect problems with the system configuration.

[0223] Systems used in commercial environments print on objects in non-production settings. Some of these objects can be quite expensive, and the vendor doesn't want to waste them by printing test patterns on them. Since some of the objects have curved or complex geometries, molds that mimic the object's shape and geometry are provided for test runs through the system. These molds are designed to conform to the object's general contour but are made of a material like Mylar or similar, allowing images to be printed onto the mold, creating a visual representation and analysis to identify maintenance needs or to verify the system's configuration for printing on objects. Once the system is confirmed to be ready for printing on objects, the mold can be removed and wiped clean for later reuse.As an alternative to the form, a flat medium can be wrapped around an object so that it can be printed and the image data can be analyzed without forming a permanent image on the object, since the object can be removed before printing.

[0224] Fig. Figure 45 represents an optical waveguide 10 having cut edges 19, where the cut edges 19 are rough. More precisely, a raw sheet of optical waveguide material is typically cut from a larger sheet of optical waveguide material. During this cutting process, the edges are very rough after cutting.

[0225] A requirement for a good edge-lit display panel is a clean (optically transparent) or smooth edge to allow the illumination light to enter the panel efficiently. To achieve a clean (optically transparent) or smooth edge, the edges are conventionally polished (especially with glass) or heat-melted (using a torch for plastics such as acrylic) to create a smooth interface. These edge treatment methods are slow and typically not readily available in a printing environment.

[0226] As an alternative to the conventional method, the rough edges can be smoothed by coating the edge with a clear, curable ink 80, as shown in Fig. Figure 46 is shown, and then the ink is cured. This application and curing of a clear curable ink smooths the edge, so that the edge is a clear (optically transparent) edge.

[0227] In a preferred embodiment, the curable ink is a UV-curable ink.

[0228] Note that a curable colored ink can be used if colored light is desired for illuminating the optical fiber.

[0229] Furthermore, it should be noted that the several curable colored inks can be applied in strips, so that depending on the position of the incident light hitting the edge, a range of different colors can be used to illuminate the optical waveguide.

[0230] By using a clear UV-curable fluid (an ink) to surface-coat the cut edges (19) and by curing the clear UV-curable fluid (the ink) with a UV source, the resulting edge becomes smooth and allows for good edge illumination.

[0231] As stated above, the fluid (the ink) fills the irregularities at the edge of the base material due to wetting. The UV / air interface is smooth due to surface tension. Since the UV materials have a refractive index similar to that of the optical waveguide materials, the UV / optical waveguide material interface does not produce any significant back reflection, despite the unevenness or roughness of the interface between the fluid (ink) coating and the optical waveguide material.

[0232] Fig. Figure 47 represents an optical waveguide 10 having an engraved area 11, where the engraved area 11 is a rough surface. Because of the engraved area 11, the optical waveguide in its current state cannot be reused to illuminate another image, as the engraved area 11 would also emit light.

[0233] To enable the reusability of the optical fiber, the engraved area 11, as shown in Fig. Figure 47 shows a surface coated with a clear, curable ink (Figure 80), and then the ink is cured. This application and curing of a clear, curable ink smooths the surface of the optical waveguide, allowing the optical waveguide to be reused to illuminate another image.

[0234] In a preferred embodiment, the curable ink is a UV-curable ink.

[0235] By using a clear UV-curable fluid (an ink) to coat the engraved area 11, and by curing the clear UV-curable fluid (the ink) with a UV source, the resulting surface becomes smooth, thus enabling total reflection in the previously engraved area (11).

[0236] In summary, a display device component according to the invention comprises the features of any one of claims 1 to 7. Furthermore, in summary, a method for manufacturing a display device component comprises the features of any one of claims 8 to 10.

[0237] The following comparative examples are given which are useful for understanding the invention.

[0238] A display device component comprises an optical waveguide with a surface; a first material formed on a part of the surface of the optical waveguide; and a second material formed on a part of the first material, wherein the first material has light-scattering properties.

[0239] The second material can be formed anywhere on top of the first material.

[0240] The display device component may further comprise a third material being formed on a part of the first material, wherein the part of the first material on which the second material is formed is different from the part of the first material on which the third material is formed.

[0241] The display device component may further include a third material being formed on a part of the second material.

[0242] The first material can be a marking material and the second material can be a marking material.

[0243] The first material can be a white marking material.

[0244] The second material can be a non-white colored marking material.

[0245] The third marking material can be a non-white colored marking material with a color different from a color of the second material.

[0246] The first material can be a white marking material; the second material can be a first non-white colored marking material; and the third material can be a second non-white colored marking material, wherein the first non-white colored marking material has a color different from a color of the second non-white colored marking material.

[0247] The first material and the second material are inks.

[0248] The first material and the second material are toner.

[0249] A display device component comprises an optical waveguide with a surface; a first material formed on a part of the surface of the optical waveguide; and a second material formed on a part of the first material, wherein light-scattering particles are embedded in the first material.

[0250] The display device component may further comprise a third material being formed on a part of the first material, wherein the part of the first material on which the second material is formed is different from the part of the first material on which the third material is formed.

[0251] The display device component may further include a third material being formed on a part of the second material.

[0252] The first material can be a white marking material.

[0253] The second material can be a non-white colored marking material.

[0254] The third marking material can be a non-white colored marking material with a color different from a color of the second material.

[0255] The first material can be a white marking material; the second material can be a first non-white colored marking material; and the third material can be a second non-white colored marking material, wherein the first non-white colored marking material has a color different from a color of the second non-white colored marking material.

[0256] A display device component comprises an optical waveguide with a surface and a light source interface surface; a first material formed on the surface of the optical waveguide; and a second material formed on a part of the first material; wherein light-scattering particles are embedded in the first material; wherein the first material has a varying volumetric density of light-scattering particles, the volumetric density of light-scattering particles increasing proportionally along the surface of the optical waveguide as the distance from the light source interface surface increases.

[0257] The display device component may further comprise a third material being formed on a part of the first material, wherein the part of the first material on which the second material is formed is different from the part of the first material on which the third material is formed.

[0258] A display device component comprises an optical waveguide with a surface; a first material formed on a part of the surface of the optical waveguide; and a second material formed on the first material, wherein the second material has light-scattering properties.

[0259] The display device component may further comprise a third material being formed on a part of the surface of the optical waveguide, wherein the part of the surface of the optical waveguide on which the first material is formed is different from the part of the surface of the optical waveguide on which the third material is formed; wherein the second material is formed on the third material.

[0260] The display device component may further include the formation of a third material between the first material and the second material.

[0261] The first material can be a marking material and the second material can be a marking material.

[0262] The second material can be a white marking material.

[0263] The first material can be a non-white colored marking material.

[0264] The third material can be a non-white colored marking material with a color different from the color of the first material.

[0265] The second material can be a white marking material; the first material can be a first non-white colored marking material; and the third material can be a second non-white colored marking material, wherein the first non-white colored marking material has a color different from a color of the second non-white colored marking material.

[0266] The first material and the second material can be inks.

[0267] The first material and the second material could be toner.

[0268] A display device component comprises an optical waveguide with a surface; a first material formed on a part of the surface of the optical waveguide; and a second material formed on a part of the first material, wherein light-scattering particles are embedded in the second material.

[0269] The display device component may further comprise a third material being formed on a part of the surface of the optical waveguide, wherein the part of the surface of the optical waveguide on which the first material is formed is different from the part of the surface of the optical waveguide on which the third material is formed.

[0270] The display device component may further include the formation of a third material between the first material and the second material.

[0271] The second material can be a white marking material.

[0272] The first material can be a non-white colored marking material.

[0273] The third material can be a non-white colored marking material with a color different from the color of the first material.

[0274] The second material can be a white marking material; the first material can be a first non-white colored marking material; and the third material can be a second non-white colored marking material, wherein the first non-white colored marking material has a color different from a color of the second non-white colored marking material.

[0275] A display device component comprises an optical waveguide with a first surface and a second surface; a first material formed on a part of the first surface of the optical waveguide; a second material formed on a part of the first material; a third material formed on a part of the second surface of the optical waveguide; and a fourth material formed on the third material; wherein the first material has light-scattering properties; the fourth material has light-scattering properties.

[0276] The optical waveguide has a first refractive index, and the first material has a second refractive index, the first refractive index being essentially equal to the second refractive index.

[0277] The optical waveguide has a first refractive index, and the third material has a second refractive index, with the first refractive index being essentially equal to the second refractive index.

[0278] The first material can be a marking material and the fourth material can be a marking material.

[0279] The first material can be a white marking material and the fourth material can be a white marking material.

[0280] The white marking material could be an ink.

[0281] The white marking material could be toner.

[0282] The second material can be a marking material and the third material can be a marking material.

[0283] The second material can be a non-white colored marking material, and the third material can be a non-white colored marking material.

[0284] The non-white colored marking material could be an ink.

[0285] The non-white colored marking material could be toner.

[0286] A display device component comprises an optical waveguide with a first surface and a second surface; a first material formed on a part of the first surface of the optical waveguide; a second material formed on the first material; a third material formed on a part of the second surface of the optical waveguide; and a fourth material formed on the third material; wherein light-scattering particles are embedded in the first material; wherein light-scattering particles are embedded in the fourth material.

[0287] The optical waveguide has a first refractive index, and the first material has a second refractive index, the first refractive index being essentially equal to the second refractive index.

[0288] The optical waveguide has a first refractive index, and the third material has a second refractive index, with the first refractive index being essentially equal to the second refractive index.

[0289] The first material can be a marking material and the fourth material can be a marking material.

[0290] The first material can be a white marking material and the fourth material can be a white marking material.

[0291] The second material can be a marking material and the third material can be a marking material.

[0292] The second material can be a non-white colored marking material, and the third material can be a non-white colored marking material.

[0293] A display device comprises an optical waveguide with a surface and a light source interface surface; a light source, wherein the light source directs light at an angle of incidence onto the light source interface surface to provide total internal reflection of the incident light within the optical waveguide; a first material formed on a portion of the surface of the optical waveguide; and a second material formed on the first material; wherein the first material has light-scattering properties to frustrate a portion of the total internal reflection of the incident light within the optical waveguide.

[0294] The optical waveguide has a first refractive index, and the first material has a second refractive index, the first refractive index being essentially equal to the second refractive index.

[0295] The second material has a third refractive index, where the second refractive index is essentially the same as the third refractive index.

[0296] The first material can be a marking material.

[0297] The first material can be a white marking material.

[0298] The white marking material could be an ink.

[0299] The white marking material could be toner.

[0300] The second material can be a marking material.

[0301] The second material can be a non-white colored marking material.

[0302] The non-white colored marking material could be an ink.

[0303] The non-white colored marking material could be toner.

[0304] A display device comprises an optical waveguide with a surface and a light source interface surface; a light source, wherein the light source directs light at an angle of incidence onto the light source interface surface to provide total internal reflection of the incident light within the optical waveguide; a first material formed on a portion of the first surface of the optical waveguide; and a second material formed on the first material; wherein light-scattering particles are embedded in the first material to frustrate a portion of the total internal reflection of the incident light within the optical waveguide.

[0305] The optical waveguide has a first refractive index, and the first material has a second refractive index, wherein the first refractive index is essentially equal to the second refractive index, and the second material has a third refractive index, wherein the second refractive index is essentially equal to the third refractive index.

[0306] The first material can be a marking material.

[0307] The first material can be a white marking material.

[0308] The second material can be a marking material.

[0309] The second material can be a non-white colored marking material.

[0310] A display device comprises an optical waveguide with a surface and a light source interface surface; a light source, wherein the light source directs light at an angle of incidence onto the light source interface surface to provide total internal reflection of the incident light within the optical waveguide; a first material formed on a portion of the surface of the optical waveguide; and a second material formed on the first material; wherein light-scattering particles are embedded in the first material to frustrate a portion of the total internal reflection of the incident light within the optical waveguide; wherein the first material has a varying volumetric density of light-scattering particles; wherein the volumetric density of light-scattering particles along the surface of the optical waveguide increases proportionally with increasing distance from the light source interface.

[0311] The first material can be a white marking material.

[0312] The second material can be a non-white colored marking material.

[0313] A display device comprises an optical waveguide with a surface and a light source interface surface; a light source, wherein the light source directs light at an angle of incidence onto the light source interface surface to provide total internal reflection of the incident light within the optical waveguide; a first material formed on a portion of the first surface of the optical waveguide; and a second material formed on the first material; wherein the second material has light-scattering properties to frustrate a portion of the total internal reflection of the incident light within the optical waveguide.

[0314] The optical waveguide has a first refractive index, and the first material has a second refractive index, the first refractive index being essentially equal to the second refractive index.

[0315] The second material has a third refractive index, where the second refractive index is essentially the same as the third refractive index.

[0316] The second material can be a marking material.

[0317] The second material can be a white marking material.

[0318] The white marking material could be an ink.

[0319] The white marking material could be toner.

[0320] The first material can be a marking material.

[0321] The first material can be a non-white colored marking material.

[0322] The non-white colored marking material could be an ink.

[0323] The non-white colored marking material could be toner.

[0324] A display device comprises an optical waveguide with a surface and a light source interface surface; a light source, wherein the light source directs light at an angle of incidence onto the light source interface surface to provide total internal reflection of the incident light within the optical waveguide; a first material formed on a portion of the surface of the optical waveguide; and a second material formed on the first material; wherein light-scattering particles are embedded in the second material to frustrate part of the total internal reflection of the incident light within the optical waveguide.

[0325] The optical waveguide has a first refractive index, and the first material has a second refractive index, wherein the first refractive index is essentially equal to the second refractive index, and the second material has a third refractive index, wherein the second refractive index is essentially equal to the third refractive index.

[0326] The second material can be a marking material.

[0327] The second material can be a white marking material.

[0328] The first material can be a marking material.

[0329] The first material can be a non-white colored marking material.

[0330] A display device comprises an optical waveguide with a first surface, a second surface, and a light source interface surface; a light source, wherein the light source directs light at an angle of incidence onto the light source interface surface to provide total internal reflection of the incident light within the optical waveguide; a first material formed on a portion of the first surface of the optical waveguide; a second material formed on the first material; a third material formed on a portion of the second surface of the optical waveguide; and a fourth material formed on the third material; wherein the first material has light-scattering properties to frustrate a portion of the total internal reflection of the incident light within the optical waveguide;wherein the fourth material has light-scattering properties in order to frustrate some of the total internal reflection of the incident light within the optical waveguide.

[0331] The optical waveguide has a first refractive index, and the first material has a second refractive index, the first refractive index being essentially equal to the second refractive index.

[0332] The optical waveguide has a first refractive index, and the third material has a second refractive index, with the first refractive index being essentially equal to the second refractive index.

[0333] The first material can be a marking material and the fourth material can be a marking material.

[0334] The first material can be a white marking material and the fourth material can be a white marking material.

[0335] The white marking material could be an ink.

[0336] The white marking material could be toner.

[0337] The second material can be a marking material and the third material can be a marking material.

[0338] The second material can be a non-white colored marking material, and the third material can be a non-white colored marking material.

[0339] The non-white colored marking material could be an ink.

[0340] The non-white colored marking material could be toner.

[0341] A display device comprises an optical waveguide with a first surface, a second surface, and a light source interface surface; a light source, wherein the light source directs light at an angle of incidence onto the light source interface surface to provide total internal reflection of the incident light within the optical waveguide; a first material formed on a portion of the first surface of the optical waveguide; a second material formed on the first material; a third material formed on a portion of the second surface of the optical waveguide; and a fourth material formed on the third material; wherein light-scattering particles are embedded in the first material to frustrate a portion of the total internal reflection of the incident light within the optical waveguide;wherein light-scattering particles are embedded in the fourth material in order to frustrate part of the total internal reflection of the incident light within the optical waveguide.

[0342] The optical waveguide has a first refractive index, and the first material has a second refractive index, the first refractive index being essentially equal to the second refractive index.

[0343] The optical waveguide has a first refractive index, and the third material has a second refractive index, with the first refractive index being essentially equal to the second refractive index.

[0344] The first material can be a marking material and the fourth material can be a marking material.

[0345] The first material can be a white marking material and the fourth material can be a white marking material.

[0346] The second material can be a marking material and the third material can be a marking material.

[0347] The display device according to claim 12, wherein the second material can be a non-white colored marking material and the third material can be a non-white colored marking material.

[0348] A method for manufacturing a display device component to enable image-specific illumination on an image printed on a light wave comprises (a) forming a first material on a portion of an optical waveguide having a surface, wherein the first material has light-scattering properties, and (b) forming a second material on the first material.

[0349] The optical waveguide has a first refractive index, and the first material has a second refractive index, the first refractive index being essentially equal to the second refractive index.

[0350] The second material has a third refractive index, where the second refractive index is essentially the same as the third refractive index.

[0351] The first material can be a white marking material.

[0352] The first material can be formed using an inkjet printing device.

[0353] The first material can be formed by a xerographic printing device.

[0354] The first material can be formed using a solid ink printing device.

[0355] The second material can be a non-white colored marking material.

[0356] The second material can be formed using an inkjet printing device.

[0357] The second material can be formed using a xerographic printing device.

[0358] The second material can be formed using a solid ink printing device.

[0359] A method for manufacturing a display device component to enable image-specific illumination on an image printed on a light wave comprises (a) forming a first material on a portion of an optical waveguide having a surface, wherein light-scattering particles are embedded in the first material, and (b) forming a second material on the first material.

[0360] The optical waveguide has a first refractive index, and the first material has a second refractive index, the first refractive index being essentially equal to the second refractive index.

[0361] The first material can be a white marking material.

[0362] The first material can be formed using an inkjet printing device.

[0363] The second material can be a non-white colored marking material.

[0364] The second material can be formed using an inkjet printing device.

[0365] A method for manufacturing a display device component to enable image-specific illumination of an image printed on a light wave comprises: (a) forming a first material on an optical waveguide having a surface and a light source interface surface, wherein light-scattering particles are embedded in the first material, the first material having a varying volumetric density of light-scattering particles, the volumetric density of light-scattering particles on the surface increasing proportionally with increasing distance from the light source interface surface; and (b) forming a second material on the first material.

[0366] The first material can be a white marking material.

[0367] The second material can be a non-white colored marking material.

[0368] A method for manufacturing a display device component to enable image-specific illumination on an image printed on a light wave comprises (a) forming a first material on a portion of an optical waveguide having a surface and (b) forming a second material on the first material, wherein the second material has light-scattering properties.

[0369] The optical waveguide has a first refractive index, and the first material has a second refractive index, the first refractive index being essentially equal to the second refractive index.

[0370] The second material has a third refractive index, where the second refractive index is essentially the same as the third refractive index.

[0371] The second material can be a white marking material.

[0372] The second material can be formed using an inkjet printing device.

[0373] The second material can be formed using a xerographic printing device.

[0374] The second material can be formed using a solid ink printing device.

[0375] The first material can be a non-white colored marking material.

[0376] The first material can be formed using an inkjet printing device.

[0377] The first material can be formed by a xerographic printing device.

[0378] The first material can be formed using a solid ink printing device.

[0379] A method for manufacturing a display device component to enable image-specific illumination on an image printed on a light wave comprises (a) forming a first material on a portion of an optical waveguide having a surface and (b) forming a second material on the first material, wherein light-scattering particles are embedded in the second material.

[0380] The optical waveguide has a first refractive index, and the first material has a second refractive index, the first refractive index being essentially equal to the second refractive index.

[0381] The second material can be a white marking material.

[0382] The second material can be formed using an inkjet printing device.

[0383] The first material can be a non-white colored marking material.

[0384] The first material can be formed using an inkjet printing device.

[0385] A method for manufacturing a display device component to enable image-specific illumination on an image printed on a light wave with a first surface and a second surface comprises (a) forming a first material on a portion of a first surface of an optical waveguide, wherein the first material has light-scattering properties; (b) forming a second material on the first material; (c) forming a third material on a portion of a second surface of the optical waveguide; and (d) forming a fourth material on the third material, wherein the fourth material has light-scattering properties.

[0386] The optical waveguide has a first refractive index, and the first material has a second refractive index, the first refractive index being essentially equal to the second refractive index.

[0387] The second material has a third refractive index, where the second refractive index is essentially the same as the third refractive index.

[0388] The first material can be a white marking material and the fourth material can be a white marking material.

[0389] The first material can be formed by an inkjet printing device and the fourth material can be formed by an inkjet printing device.

[0390] The first material can be formed by a xerographic printing device and the fourth material can be formed by a xerographic printing device.

[0391] The first material can be formed by a solid ink printing device and the fourth material can be formed by a solid ink printing device.

[0392] The second material can be a non-white colored marking material, and the third material can be a non-white colored marking material.

[0393] The second material can be formed by an inkjet printing device, and the third material can be formed by an inkjet printing device.

[0394] The second material can be formed by a xerographic printing device, and the third material can be formed by a xerographic printing device.

[0395] The second material can be formed by a solid ink printing device and the third material can be formed by a solid ink printing device.

[0396] A method for manufacturing a display device component to enable image-specific illumination on an image printed on a light wave comprises (a) forming a first material on a portion of a first surface of an optical waveguide, wherein light-scattering particles are embedded in the first material; (b) forming a second material on the first material; (c) forming a third material on a portion of a second surface of the optical waveguide; and (d) forming a fourth material on the third material, wherein light-scattering particles are embedded in the fourth material.

[0397] The optical waveguide has a first refractive index, and the first material has a second refractive index, the first refractive index being essentially equal to the second refractive index.

[0398] The first material can be formed by an inkjet printing device and the fourth material can be formed by an inkjet printing device.

[0399] The first material can be formed by a xerographic printing device and the fourth material can be formed by a xerographic printing device.

[0400] The first material can be formed by a solid ink printing device and the fourth material can be formed by a solid ink printing device.

[0401] The second material can be formed by an inkjet printing device, and the third material can be formed by an inkjet printing device.

[0402] The second material can be formed by a xerographic printing device, and the third material can be formed by a xerographic printing device.

[0403] The second material can be formed by a solid ink printing device and the third material can be formed by a solid ink printing device.

[0404] A display device component comprises an optical waveguide with a surface; and a first material formed on a portion of the surface of the optical waveguide; wherein the first material has a first surface adjacent to the surface of the optical waveguide and a second surface away from the surface of the optical waveguide, the second surface being non-smooth in order to frustrate some of the light reflected internally within the optical waveguide.

[0405] The display device component may further comprise a second material formed on a portion of the surface of the optical waveguide; wherein the second material has a third surface adjacent to the surface of the optical waveguide and a fourth surface away from the surface of the optical waveguide and a second surface away from; wherein the fourth surface is not smooth in order to frustrate some of the light that is reflected internally within the optical waveguide.

[0406] The first material can be a marking material.

[0407] The second material can be a marking material.

[0408] The first material can be a non-white colored marking material.

[0409] The second material can be a non-white colored marking material with a color different from the color of the first material.

[0410] The first material can be a first non-white colored marking material and the second material can be a second non-white colored marking material, wherein the first non-white colored marking material has a color different from a color of the second non-white colored marking material.

[0411] The first material could be ink.

[0412] The first material could be a toner.

[0413] A display device comprises an optical waveguide with a surface and a light source interface surface; a light source, wherein the light source directs light at an angle of incidence onto the light source interface surface to provide total internal reflection of the incident light within the optical waveguide; and a first material formed on a portion of the surface of the optical waveguide; wherein the first material has a first surface adjacent to the surface of the optical waveguide and a second surface away from the surface of the optical waveguide; wherein the second surface is not smooth in order to frustrate part of the total internal reflection of the incident light within the optical waveguide.

[0414] The display device may further comprise a second material formed on a portion of the surface of the optical waveguide; wherein the second material has a third surface adjacent to the surface of the optical waveguide and a fourth surface away from the surface of the optical waveguide and a second surface away from; wherein the fourth surface is not smooth in order to frustrate a portion of the incident light that is totally reflected within the optical waveguide.

[0415] The first material can be a marking material.

[0416] The second material can be a marking material.

[0417] The first material can be a non-white colored marking material.

[0418] The second material can be a non-white colored marking material with a color different from the color of the first material.

[0419] The first material can be a first non-white colored marking material and the second material can be a second non-white colored marking material, wherein the first non-white colored marking material has a color different from a color of the second non-white colored marking material.

[0420] The first material could be ink.

[0421] The first material could be a toner.

[0422] A method for manufacturing a display device component to enable image-specific illumination of an image printed on a light wave comprises (a) forming a first material on a portion of the surface of an optical waveguide, wherein the first material has a first surface adjacent to the surface of the optical waveguide and a second surface away from the surface of the optical waveguide, wherein the second surface is not smooth in order to frustrate some of the light that is reflected internally within the optical waveguide.

[0423] The first material can be formed on part of the surface of the optical waveguide using a printing process, and the non-smooth second surface is formed by printing a halftone image onto the optical waveguide using the first material.

[0424] A display device comprises a first optical waveguide with a first surface, a second surface, and a first light source interface surface; a second optical waveguide with a third surface, a fourth surface, and a second light source interface surface; a light source, wherein the light source directs light at an angle of incidence onto the first light source interface surface to provide total internal reflection of the incident light within the optical waveguide; wherein the light source directs light at an angle of incidence onto the second light source interface surface to provide total internal reflection of the incident light within the second optical waveguide; a first material formed on a portion of the first surface of the first optical waveguide; and a second material formed on the first material.a third material formed on a portion of the second surface of the first optical waveguide; a fourth material formed on the third material; wherein the first material has light-scattering properties to frustrate a portion of the total internal reflection of the incident light within the first optical waveguide; wherein the fourth material has light-scattering properties to frustrate a portion of the total internal reflection of the incident light within the first optical waveguide; a fifth material formed on a portion of the third surface of the second optical waveguide; a sixth material formed on the fifth material; a seventh material formed on a portion of the fourth surface of the second optical waveguide; an eighth material formed on the seventh material;wherein the fifth material has light-scattering properties to frustrate part of the total internal reflection of the incident light within the second optical waveguide; wherein the eighth material has light-scattering properties to frustrate part of the total internal reflection of the incident light within the second optical waveguide.;

[0425] The first optical waveguide can be spaced apart from the second optical waveguide.

[0426] The distance between the first optical waveguide and the second optical waveguide can be equal to half the thickness of the first optical waveguide.

[0427] The first optical waveguide can be parallel to the second optical waveguide.

[0428] A display device comprises multiple optical waveguides, each optical waveguide having a front surface, a rear surface, and a light source interface surface; a light source, the light source directing light at an angle of incidence onto the light source interface surfaces of each optical waveguide to provide total internal reflection of the incident light within each optical waveguide; a first material is formed on each optical waveguide, the first material having light-scattering properties to frustrate part of the total internal reflection of the incident light within the optical waveguide; each optical waveguide has a second material formed on the first material.wherein each optical waveguide has a third material formed on a portion of the rear surface of each optical waveguide; wherein each optical waveguide has a fourth material formed on the third material, the fourth material having light-scattering properties to frustrate some of the total internal reflection of the incident light within the optical waveguide.

[0429] The distance between individual optical waveguides can be equal to the thickness of an optical waveguide divided by the number of optical waveguides.

[0430] Each optical waveguide can be parallel to it.

[0431] A display device comprises multiple optical waveguides, each optical waveguide having a front surface, a rear surface, and a light source interface surface; a light source, the light source directing light at an angle of incidence onto the light source interface surfaces of each optical waveguide to provide total internal reflection of the incident light within each optical waveguide; each optical waveguide having a first material formed on a portion of the front surface of each optical waveguide; the first material having a first surface adjacent to the surface of the optical waveguide and a second surface away from the surface of the optical waveguide; the second surface being non-smooth to frustrate some of the internal reflection of the light within the optical waveguide.

[0432] The distance between individual optical waveguides can be equal to the thickness of an optical waveguide divided by the number of optical waveguides.

[0433] Each optical waveguide can be parallel to it.

[0434] A display device component comprises a first optical waveguide having a first surface and a second surface; a second optical waveguide having a third surface and a fourth surface; a first material formed on a portion of the first surface of the first optical waveguide; a second material formed on the first material; a third material formed on a portion of the second surface of the first optical waveguide; a fourth material formed on the third material; wherein the first material has light-scattering properties to frustrate a portion of the total internal reflection of the incident light within the first optical waveguide; wherein the fourth material has light-scattering properties to frustrate a portion of the total internal reflection of the incident light within the first optical waveguide;a fifth material formed on a portion of the third surface of the second optical waveguide; a sixth material formed on the fifth material; a seventh material formed on a portion of the fourth surface of the second optical waveguide; an eighth material formed on the seventh material; wherein the fifth material has light-scattering properties to frustrate a portion of the total internal reflection of the incident light within the second optical waveguide; wherein the eighth material has light-scattering properties to frustrate a portion of the total internal reflection of the incident light within the second optical waveguide.

[0435] The first optical waveguide can be spaced apart from the second optical waveguide.

[0436] The distance between the first optical waveguide and the second optical waveguide can be equal to half the thickness of the first optical waveguide.

[0437] The first optical waveguide can be parallel to the second optical waveguide.

[0438] A display device component comprises multiple optical waveguides, each optical waveguide having a front surface and a rear surface; wherein a first material is formed on each optical waveguide, which is formed on a portion of the front surface of each optical waveguide, the first material having light-scattering properties to frustrate a portion of the total internal reflection of the incident light within the optical waveguide; wherein each optical waveguide has a second material formed on the first material; wherein each optical waveguide has a third material formed on a portion of the rear surface of each optical waveguide;wherein each optical waveguide has a fourth material formed on the third material, the fourth material having light-scattering properties to frustrate some of the total internal reflection of the incident light within the optical waveguide.

[0439] The distance between individual optical waveguides can be equal to the thickness of an optical waveguide divided by the number of optical waveguides.

[0440] Each optical waveguide can be parallel to it.

[0441] The display device component comprises multiple optical waveguides, each optical waveguide having a front surface and a rear surface; a first material is formed on each optical waveguide, which is formed on a portion of the front surface of each optical waveguide, the first material having a first surface adjacent to the surface of the optical waveguide and a second surface away from the surface of the optical waveguide, the second surface being non-smooth in order to frustrate some of the light that is reflected internally within the optical waveguide;wherein a second material is formed on each optical waveguide, which is formed on a part of the rear surface of the optical waveguide, wherein each optical waveguide has a third material formed on the second material, wherein the third material has light-scattering properties to frustrate part of the total internal reflection of the incident light within the optical waveguide.

[0442] The distance between individual optical waveguides can be equal to the thickness of an optical waveguide divided by the number of optical waveguides.

[0443] Each optical waveguide can be parallel to it.

[0444] A display device component comprises multiple optical waveguides, each optical waveguide having a front surface and a rear surface; wherein a first material is formed on each optical waveguide, which is formed on a part of the front surface of each optical waveguide, the first material having light-scattering properties to frustrate part of the total internal reflection of the incident light within the optical waveguide, and wherein each optical waveguide has a second material formed on the first material.

[0445] The distance between individual optical waveguides can be equal to the thickness of an optical waveguide divided by the number of optical waveguides.

[0446] Each optical waveguide can be parallel to it.

[0447] A display device component comprises multiple optical waveguides, each optical waveguide having a front surface and a rear surface; wherein a first material is formed on each optical waveguide, which is formed on a part of the rear surface of each optical waveguide, wherein each optical waveguide has a second material formed on the first material, the second material having light-scattering properties to frustrate part of the total internal reflection of the incident light within the optical waveguide.

[0448] The distance between individual optical waveguides can be equal to the thickness of an optical waveguide divided by the number of optical waveguides.

[0449] Each optical waveguide can be parallel to it.

[0450] A display device component comprises multiple optical waveguides, each optical waveguide having a front surface and a rear surface; wherein a first material is formed on each optical waveguide, forming a portion of the surface of each optical waveguide; wherein the first material has a first surface adjacent to the surface of the optical waveguide and a second surface away from the surface of the optical waveguide, the second surface being non-smooth in order to frustrate some of the light that is internally reflected within the optical waveguide.

[0451] The distance between individual optical waveguides can be equal to the thickness of an optical waveguide divided by the number of optical waveguides.

[0452] Each optical waveguide can be parallel to it.

[0453] A display device component comprises an optical waveguide with a first surface and a second surface; a first material formed on a portion of the first surface of the optical waveguide; a second material formed on a portion of the first material; and a third material formed on a portion of the second surface of the optical waveguide, wherein the third material has a first surface adjacent to the second surface of the optical waveguide and a second surface away from the second surface of the optical waveguide; wherein the second surface is not smooth, so that it frustrates some of the light reflected internally within the optical waveguide; wherein the second material has light-scattering properties.

[0454] The first material can be a marking material and the third material can be a marking material.

[0455] The second material can be a white marking material.

[0456] The white marking material could be an ink.

[0457] The white marking material could be toner.

[0458] The first material can be a non-white colored marking material and the third material can be a non-white colored marking material.

[0459] The non-white colored marking material could be an ink.

[0460] The non-white colored marking material could be toner.

[0461] The display device component comprises an optical waveguide with a first surface and a second surface; a first material formed on a portion of the first surface of the optical waveguide; a second material formed on a portion of the first material; and a third material formed on a portion of the second surface of the optical waveguide, wherein the third material has a first surface adjacent to the second surface of the optical waveguide and a second surface away from the second surface of the optical waveguide; wherein the second surface is not smooth, so that it frustrates some of the light reflected internally within the optical waveguide; wherein light-scattering particles are embedded in the second material.

[0462] The first material can be a marking material and the third material can be a marking material.

[0463] The second material can be a white marking material.

[0464] The white marking material could be an ink.

[0465] The white marking material could be toner.

[0466] The first material can be a non-white colored marking material and the third material can be a non-white colored marking material.

[0467] The non-white colored marking material could be an ink.

[0468] The non-white colored marking material could be toner.

[0469] The display device component comprises multiple optical waveguides, each optical waveguide having a front surface and a rear surface; a first material is formed on each optical waveguide, which is formed on a portion of the front surface of each optical waveguide, the first material having a first surface adjacent to the surface of the optical waveguide and a second surface away from the surface of the optical waveguide, the second surface being non-smooth in order to frustrate some of the light that is reflected internally within the optical waveguide;wherein a second material is formed on each optical waveguide, which is formed on a part of the rear surface of the optical waveguide, wherein each optical waveguide has a third material formed on the second material, wherein the third material has light-scattering properties to frustrate part of the total internal reflection of the incident light within the optical waveguide.

[0470] The first material can be a marking material and the second material can be a marking material.

[0471] The third material can be a white marking material.

[0472] The white marking material could be an ink.

[0473] The display device component comprises an optical waveguide with a front surface and a rear surface; a first material formed on a portion of the rear surface of the optical waveguide; a second material formed on the first material, wherein the second material has light-scattering properties to frustrate a portion of the totally reflected light within the optical waveguide; and a third material formed on the front surface of the optical waveguide, wherein the third material has a first surface adjacent to the front surface of the optical waveguide and a second surface away from the front surface of the optical waveguide; wherein the second surface is not smooth, so that it frustrates a portion of the light that is reflected internally within the optical waveguide.

[0474] The first material can be a non-white marking material.

[0475] The second material can be a white marking material.

[0476] The third material can be a non-white colored marking material.

[0477] The third material can be a non-white colored marking material with a color different from the color of the first material.

[0478] The display device component comprises an optical waveguide with a front surface and a rear surface; a first material formed on a portion of the rear surface of the optical waveguide; wherein the first material has light-scattering properties to frustrate a portion of the totally reflected light within the optical waveguide; and a second material formed on the front surface of the optical waveguide, wherein the second material has light-scattering properties to frustrate a portion of the light that is reflected internally within the optical waveguide.

[0479] The first material can be a white marking material.

[0480] The second material can be a white marking material.

[0481] The display device component comprises an optical waveguide with a front surface and a rear surface; a first material formed on the front surface of the optical waveguide material, wherein the first material has light-scattering properties to frustrate a portion of the totally reflected light within the optical waveguide; a second material formed on the first material; and a third material formed on the rear surface of the optical waveguide, wherein the third material has light-scattering properties to frustrate a portion of the totally reflected light within the optical waveguide.

[0482] The first material can be a white marking material.

[0483] The second material can be a non-white marking material.

[0484] The third material can be a white-colored marking material.

[0485] A display device component comprises an optical waveguide having a front surface and a rear surface; a first material formed on a portion of the front surface of the optical waveguide; and a second material formed on the rear surface of the optical waveguide, wherein the second material has light-scattering properties to frustrate some of the light that is reflected internally within the optical waveguide.

[0486] The first material can be a non-white marking material.

[0487] The second material can be a white marking material.

[0488] A display device component comprises an optical waveguide with a surface; and a first material formed image-wise on the surface of the optical waveguide to generate multiple image regions having the first material, wherein the first material has light-scattering properties; wherein the multiple image regions include a first subset of the multiple image regions with a first density of the first material and a second subset of the multiple image regions with a second density of the first material; wherein the first density of the first material is not equal to the second density of the first material in order to generate areas of different brightness.

[0489] The first material can be a white marking material.

[0490] The white marking material could be an ink.

[0491] The white marking material could be toner.

[0492] A display device component comprises an optical waveguide with a surface; and a first material formed image-wise on the surface of the optical waveguide to generate multiple image regions comprising the first material, wherein light-scattering particles are embedded in the first material; wherein the multiple image regions include a first subset of the multiple image regions with a first density of the first material and a second subset of the multiple image regions with a second density of the first material; wherein the first density of the first material is not equal to the second density of the first material in order to generate areas of different brightness.

[0493] The first material can be a white marking material.

[0494] The white marking material could be an ink.

[0495] The white marking material could be toner.

[0496] A display device comprises an optical waveguide with a surface; and a first material formed image-wise on the surface of the optical waveguide to create multiple image regions comprising the first material, wherein light-scattering particles are embedded in the first material, wherein an amount of the first material is formed in each image region, and wherein the amount of the first material is modulated for each image region to create areas of different brightness.

[0497] The first material can be a white marking material.

[0498] The white marking material could be an ink.

[0499] The white marking material could be toner.

[0500] A method for producing and reusing an optical waveguide for use in an edge-illuminated display comprises (a) forming a first marker material that marks a portion of an optical waveguide having a surface, wherein the first marker material is a UV-curable ink and has light-scattering properties; (b) forming a second marker material on top of the first marker material; and (c) cleaning the surface of the optical waveguide with a solvent to remove the first marker material and the second marker material.

[0501] The solvent can be acetone.

[0502] The method may further include (d) mechanical scrubbing of the surface of the optical waveguide to assist in the removal of the first marking material and the second marking material.

[0503] A method for producing and reusing an optical waveguide for use in an edge-illuminated display comprises (a) forming a first marking material that marks a portion of an optical waveguide having a surface, wherein the first marking material is a UV ink having light-scattering properties; and (b) cleaning the surface of the optical waveguide with solvent to remove the first marking material.

[0504] The solvent can be acetone.

[0505] The method may further include (c) mechanical scrubbing of the surface of the optical waveguide to assist in the removal of the first marking material and the second marking material.

[0506] A method for producing and reusing an optical waveguide for use in an edge-illuminated display comprises (a) forming a first marker material on a portion of a surface of the optical waveguide, wherein the first marker material is a UV-curable ink and has a first surface adjacent to the surface of the optical waveguide and a second surface away from the surface of the optical waveguide, the second surface being uneven to frustrate some of the totally reflected light within the optical waveguide; and (b) cleaning the surface of the optical waveguide with a solvent to remove the first marker material.

[0507] The solvent can be acetone.

[0508] The method may further include (c) mechanical scrubbing of the surface of the optical waveguide to assist in the removal of the first marking material and the second marking material.

[0509] A method for smoothing a rough cut edge of an optical waveguide comprises (a) coating the surface of a rough cut edge of an optical waveguide with a curable fluid having a refractive index substantially equal to the refractive index of the optical waveguide; and (b) curing the fluid to form a smooth edge.

[0510] The curable fluid can be a clear UV-curable ink. The curable fluid can be a colored UV-curable ink.

[0511] A method for smoothing an engraved area of ​​a surface of an optical waveguide comprises (a) coating an engraved area of ​​a surface of an optical waveguide with a curable fluid having a refractive index substantially equal to the refractive index of the optical waveguide; and (b) curing the fluid to produce a smooth surface.

[0512] The curable fluid can be a clear UV-curable ink.

[0513] A display device component comprises an optical waveguide with a surface; a removable transparent layer adhered to the surface of the optical waveguide; a first material formed on the removable transparent layer; and a second material formed on a part of the first material, wherein light-scattering particles are embedded in the first material.

[0514] The first material can be a UV-curable marking material, and the second material can be a marking material.

[0515] The removable transparent layer can be: a clear removable transparent medium with a refractive index essentially the same as that of the optical waveguide to facilitate total internal reflection, or a clear removable translucent medium with a refractive index essentially the same as that of the optical waveguide to facilitate total internal reflection. The removable transparent layer can also be: a colored removable transparent medium with a refractive index essentially the same as that of the optical waveguide to facilitate total internal reflection, or a colored removable translucent medium with a refractive index essentially the same as that of the optical waveguide to facilitate total internal reflection.

[0516] A method for manufacturing a display device component to enable image-specific illumination on an image adhered to an optical waveguide comprises (a) forming a first material on a portion of a removable transparent medium, wherein light-scattering particles are embedded in the first material; (b) forming a second material on the first material; and (c) bonding the removable transparent medium to a surface of an optical waveguide.

[0517] The first material can be a UV-curable marking material, and the second material can be a marking material.

[0518] The removable transparent layer can be: a clear removable transparent medium with a refractive index essentially the same as that of the optical waveguide to facilitate total internal reflection, or a clear removable translucent medium with a refractive index essentially the same as that of the optical waveguide to facilitate total internal reflection. The removable transparent layer can also be: a colored removable transparent medium with a refractive index essentially the same as that of the optical waveguide to facilitate total internal reflection, or a colored removable translucent medium with a refractive index essentially the same as that of the optical waveguide to facilitate total internal reflection.

[0519] A display device component comprises an optical waveguide with a surface; a removable transparent layer adhered to the surface of the optical waveguide; a first material formed on a portion of the removable transparent layer; and a second material formed on a portion of the first material, wherein light-scattering particles are embedded in the second material.

[0520] The first material can be a UV-curable marking material, and the second material can be a marking material.

[0521] The removable transparent layer can be: a clear removable transparent medium with a refractive index essentially the same as that of the optical waveguide to facilitate total internal reflection, or a clear removable translucent medium with a refractive index essentially the same as that of the optical waveguide to facilitate total internal reflection. The removable transparent layer can also be: a colored removable transparent medium with a refractive index essentially the same as that of the optical waveguide to facilitate total internal reflection, or a colored removable translucent medium with a refractive index essentially the same as that of the optical waveguide to facilitate total internal reflection.

[0522] A method for manufacturing a display device component to enable image-specific illumination on an image adhered to an optical waveguide comprises (a) forming a first material on a portion of a removable transparent medium; (b) forming a second material on the first material, wherein light-scattering particles are embedded in the second material; and (c) bonding the removable transparent medium to a surface of an optical waveguide.

[0523] The first material can be a UV-curable marking material, and the second material can be a marking material.

[0524] The removable transparent layer can be: a clear removable transparent medium with a refractive index essentially the same as that of the optical waveguide to facilitate total internal reflection, or a clear removable translucent medium with a refractive index essentially the same as that of the optical waveguide to facilitate total internal reflection. The removable transparent layer can also be: a colored removable transparent medium with a refractive index essentially the same as that of the optical waveguide to facilitate total internal reflection, or a colored removable translucent medium with a refractive index essentially the same as that of the optical waveguide to facilitate total internal reflection.

[0525] A display device component comprises an optical waveguide with a surface; a removable transparent layer adhered to the surface of the optical waveguide; and a first material formed on a portion of a surface of the removable transparent layer; wherein the first material has a first surface adjacent to the removable transparent layer and a second surface away from the surface of the removable transparent layer; wherein the second surface is not smooth in order to frustrate some of the light that is reflected internally within the optical waveguide.

[0526] The first material can be a UV-curable marking material, and the second material can be a marking material.

[0527] The removable transparent layer can be: a clear removable transparent medium with a refractive index essentially the same as that of the optical waveguide to facilitate total internal reflection, or a clear removable translucent medium with a refractive index essentially the same as that of the optical waveguide to facilitate total internal reflection. The removable transparent layer can also be: a colored removable transparent medium with a refractive index essentially the same as that of the optical waveguide to facilitate total internal reflection, or a colored removable translucent medium with a refractive index essentially the same as that of the optical waveguide to facilitate total internal reflection.

[0528] A method for manufacturing a display device component to enable image-specific illumination of an image adhered to an optical waveguide comprises (a) forming a first material on a portion of the surface of a removable transparent medium, wherein the first material has a first surface adjacent to the surface of the removable transparent medium and a second surface away from the surface of the removable transparent medium, the second surface being non-smooth in order to frustrate some of the light reflected internally within the optical waveguide, and (b) bonding the removable transparent medium to a surface of an optical waveguide.

[0529] The first material can be a UV-curable marking material, and the second material can be a marking material.

[0530] The removable transparent layer can be: a clear removable transparent medium with a refractive index essentially the same as that of the optical waveguide to facilitate total internal reflection, or a clear removable translucent medium with a refractive index essentially the same as that of the optical waveguide to facilitate total internal reflection. The removable transparent layer can also be: a colored removable transparent medium with a refractive index essentially the same as that of the optical waveguide to facilitate total internal reflection, or a colored removable translucent medium with a refractive index essentially the same as that of the optical waveguide to facilitate total internal reflection.

[0531] A display device component comprises an optical waveguide with a surface; a removable transparent layer adhered to the surface of the optical waveguide; and a first material formed image-wise on the surface of the removable transparent layer to generate multiple image regions comprising the first material, wherein light-scattering particles are embedded in the first material; wherein the multiple image regions include a first subset of the multiple image regions with a first density of the first material and a second subset of the multiple image regions with a second density of the first material; wherein the first density of the first material is not equal to the second density of the first material in order to generate areas of different brightness.

[0532] The first material can be a UV-curable marking material, and the second material can be a marking material.

[0533] The removable transparent layer can be: a clear removable transparent medium with a refractive index essentially the same as that of the optical waveguide to facilitate total internal reflection, or a clear removable translucent medium with a refractive index essentially the same as that of the optical waveguide to facilitate total internal reflection. The removable transparent layer can also be: a colored removable transparent medium with a refractive index essentially the same as that of the optical waveguide to facilitate total internal reflection, or a colored removable translucent medium with a refractive index essentially the same as that of the optical waveguide to facilitate total internal reflection.

[0534] A display device component comprises an optical waveguide with a surface; a removable transparent layer adhering to the surface of the optical waveguide; and a first material formed image-wise on the surface of the removable transparent layer to create multiple image regions comprising the first material, wherein light-scattering particles are embedded in the first material, wherein an amount of the first material is formed in each image region, and wherein the amount of the first material is modulated for each image region to create areas of different brightness.

[0535] The first material can be a UV-curable marking material, and the second material can be a marking material.

[0536] The removable transparent layer can be: a clear, removable transparent medium with a refractive index essentially the same as that of the optical waveguide to facilitate total internal reflection; or a clear, removable translucent medium with a refractive index essentially the same as that of the optical waveguide to facilitate total internal reflection. The removable transparent layer can also be: a colored, removable transparent medium with a refractive index essentially the same as that of the optical waveguide to facilitate total internal reflection; or a colored, removable translucent medium with a refractive index essentially the same as that of the optical waveguide to facilitate total internal reflection. Various features and functions disclosed above, or alternatives thereof, can be combined to create many other different systems or applications.In the future, a person skilled in the art may implement various alternatives, modifications, variations or improvements that are not currently foreseeable or expected and which are also intended to be included in the disclosed embodiments.

Claims

[1] Display device component comprising: an optical waveguide (10) providing total internal reflection of light propagating in the optical waveguide (10), the optical waveguide (10) having a viewing surface and a light source interface surface for receiving light propagating in the optical waveguide (10), the light source interface surface being orthogonal to the viewing surface; a first UV-curable marking material (40) partially formed on the viewing surface of the optical waveguide (10); and a second UV-curable marking material (50) formed exclusively on the first UV-curable marking material (40); wherein the first UV-curable marking material (40) has light-scattering properties, wherein the first UV-curable marking material (40) is formed imagewise according to image data. [2] The display device component of claim 1, wherein the second UV curable marking material (50) is formed throughout the first UV curable marking material (40). [3] The display device component of claim 1, further comprising a third UV-curable marking material formed on a portion of the first UV-curable marking material (40), wherein the portion of the first UV-curable marking material (40) on which the second UV-curable marking material (50) is formed is different from the portion of the first UV-curable marking material (40) on which the third UV-curable marking material is formed. [4] A display device component comprising: an optical waveguide (10) providing total internal reflection of light propagating in the optical waveguide (10), the optical waveguide (10) having a viewing surface and a light source interface surface for receiving light propagating in the optical waveguide (10), the light source interface surface being orthogonal to the viewing surface; a first UV-curable marking material (40) partially formed on the viewing surface of the optical waveguide (10); and a second UV-curable marking material (5) formed exclusively on the first UV-curable marking material (40); wherein light-scattering particles (45) are embedded in the first UV-curable marking material (40), wherein the first UV-curable marking material (40) is formed imagewise according to image data. [5] The display device component of claim 4, further comprising a third UV-curable marking material formed on a portion of the first UV-curable marking material (40), wherein the portion of the first UV-curable marking material (40) on which the second UV-curable marking material is formed is different from the portion of the first UV-curable marking material (40) on which the third UV-curable marking material is formed. [6] The display device component of claim 4, further comprising a third UV curable marking material formed on a portion of the second UV curable marking material (50). [7] A display device component comprising: an optical waveguide (10) providing total internal reflection of light propagating in the optical waveguide (10), the optical waveguide (10) having a viewing surface and a light source interface surface for receiving light propagating in the optical waveguide (10), the light source interface surface being orthogonal to the viewing surface; a first UV-curable marking material (40) partially formed on the viewing surface of the optical waveguide (10); and a second UV-curable marking material (50) formed exclusively on the first UV-curable marking material (40); wherein the first UV-curable marking material (40) is formed imagewise according to image data, wherein light-scattering particles are embedded in the first UV-curable marking material (40); wherein the first UV-curable marking material (40) has a varying volumetric density of light-scattering particles; wherein the volumetric density of light-scattering particles along the viewing surface of the optical waveguide (10) increases proportionally as the distance from the light source interface surface increases. [8] A method of manufacturing a display device component to enable image-specific illumination of an image printed on an optical fiber (10), comprising: (a) forming a first UV-curable marking material (40) partially on the optical waveguide (10) to provide total internal reflection of light propagating in the optical waveguide (10), the optical waveguide (10) having a viewing surface and a light source interface surface for receiving light propagating in the optical waveguide (10), the light source interface surface being orthogonal to the viewing surface, the first UV-curable marking material having light-scattering properties; and (b) forming a second UV-curable marking material (50) exclusively on the first UV-curable marking material (40), wherein the first UV-curable marking material (40) is formed imagewise according to image data. [9] A method of manufacturing a display device component to enable image-specific illumination of an image printed on an optical fiber (10), comprising: (a) forming a first UV-curable marking material (40) partially on the optical waveguide (10) to provide total internal reflection of light propagating in the optical waveguide (10), the optical waveguide (10) having a viewing surface and a light source interface surface for receiving light propagating in the optical waveguide (10), the light source interface surface being orthogonal to the viewing surface, the first UV-curable marking material (40) having light-scattering particles (45) embedded therein; and (b) forming a second UV-curable marking material (50) exclusively on the first UV-curable marking material (40), wherein the first UV-curable marking material (40) is formed imagewise according to image data. [10] A method of manufacturing a display device component to enable image-specific illumination of an image printed on an optical fiber, comprising: (a) forming a first UV-curable marking material (40) partially on the optical waveguide (10) to provide total internal reflection of light propagating in the optical waveguide (10), the optical waveguide (10) having a viewing surface and a light source interface surface for receiving light propagating in the optical waveguide (10), the light source interface surface being orthogonal to the viewing surface, light-scattering particles embedded in the first UV-curable marking material (40), the first UV-curable marking material having a varying volumetric density of light-scattering particles, the volumetric density of light-scattering particles on the viewing surface increasing proportionally as a distance from the light source interface surface increases; and (b) forming a second material exclusively on the first material, wherein the first UV-curable marking material (40) is formed imagewise according to image data.

Images