Display device component and method for manufacturing the display device component

Abstract

Display device component, comprising: an optical waveguide (10) with a viewing surface; a first material (40) that is partially formed on the viewing surface of the optical waveguide (10); and a third material which is partially formed on the viewing surface of the optical waveguide (10), wherein the part of the viewing surface of the optical waveguide (10) on which the first material (40) is formed is different from the part of the viewing surface of the optical waveguide (10) on which the third material is formed; a second material (50) which is formed identically to the first and third materials; wherein the second material (50) has light-scattering properties; wherein the third material is a colored, non-white marking material, with a color different from the color of the first material (40), wherein the optical waveguide (10) has a first refractive index and the first material (40) has a second refractive index, wherein the first refractive index is essentially equal to the second refractive index, and wherein the second material (40) has a third refractive index, wherein the second refractive index is essentially the same as the third refractive index, where the first, second and third material is a marking material shaped image by image according to image data.

Description

BACKGROUND

[0001] Various transparent materials have already been used as optical waveguides for total optical reflection. Examples of such optical waveguides include optical fibers and flat structures made of acrylic or glass.

[0002] Further examples of printed or coated planar optical fibers are disclosed in the following patent applications: The US patent application US 2010 / 0 177 533 A1 discloses a large-area light panel intended to serve as a privacy screen.

[0003] The German patent application DE 10 2006 060 409 A1 discloses a light guide and a method for producing a light guide which is suitable for backlighting a display device such as an LCD (liquid crystal display), in particular as a plate-shaped light guide.

[0004] The German translation DE 699 14 089 T2 of the European patent specification EP 1 110 029 B1 relates to a luminous display panel with a layer on an optical waveguide plate.

[0005] Japanese Patent Application JP 2007 - 101 847A discloses a display device that can be used for interior decoration, ornamentation, signposting, advertising, various displays and the like, and in particular discloses a display device that forms a pattern for scattering light on a light guide plate and emits light by irradiation.

[0006] Japanese patent application JP S53 - 26 697A discloses a method for displaying patterns that allows a pattern to be displayed in different colors.

[0007] However, image-based total internal reflection can be "frustrated" by engraving markings into the surface of the optical medium (fiber optics), so that some of the internally reflected light is refracted externally and escapes from the fiber optics. Engraving markings into the surface of the optical medium enables the creation of a variety of different optical signs, where the image appears to "float" in space.

[0008] Fig. Figure 1 shows a conventional edge-lit sign, where a piece of acrylic 10 is illuminated at the edges with a light source (LEDs) 20. The light is internally reflected within the acrylic 10, except where the light strikes engraved regions (11, 12 and 13) which have critical angles (as in Fig. 2) between acrylic 10 and air. The critical angles created by the engraving process "frustrate" internal reflection and allow light to escape from acrylic 10 at these points (11, 12, and 13). The effect of this type of image formation is striking, as the light appears to emanate from the engraved images (11, 12, and 13).

[0009] As in Fig. 2, light 25 from a light source is totally reflected within the optical fiber 10 until it encounters the engraved section 11. At the engraved section 11, a portion of the light 25 is frustrated and deflected out of the optical fiber as escaped light 27. This deflection at the engraved section 11 causes the light to appear to emanate from the engraved section 11. However, this concept has disadvantages. First, the images tend to be monochromatic because the color of the light is the color of the illumination source. As shown in Fig. 3, this limitation can be overcome by using a plurality of acrylic parts or a plurality of optical fibers (10, 16 and 18), each of which is engraved with an image (11, 125 and 135) associated with a particular color and illuminated by a light source (20, 22 and 24) of that color.

[0010] This solution is complex and requires multiple etched optical fibers and multiple edge illumination sources.

[0011] A second disadvantage is that laser engraving machines create lines, not halftone patterns. Thus, laser engraving is limited to line art and cannot provide the toning and / or density levels that can be achieved with halftoning.

[0012] A third disadvantage of using laser engraving is that the optical fiber cannot be reused for other images once the image has been engraved. Thus, there is a need to provide a system or method that enables the emission of an image with multiple, distinct colors from the surface of a single optical fiber.

[0013] Thus, there is a need to provide 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 fiber.

[0014] There is also a need to provide a system or method that enables the emission of an image having multiple, distinct colors from one surface of a single optical fiber while maintaining the reusability of the optical fiber for the emission of other images.

[0015] Furthermore, there is a need to provide 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 fiber while maintaining the reusability of the optical fiber for the emission of other images.

[0016] The aforementioned requirements are met by the claimed display device component according to the accompanying claims 1, 2, and 5, as well as by the claimed method for manufacturing a display device component according to the accompanying claims 3, 4, and 6. The scope of protection is defined by the appended claims 1-6. The following description serves to understand the scope of protection. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Fig. 1 shows a conventional display system of an engraved optical fiber; Fig. Figure 2 shows an engraved portion of a conventional display device of the engraved optical waveguide of Fig. 1; Fig. 3 illustrates a conventional multi-color engraved optical fiber display system; Fig. 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. 6 illustrates a fiber optic display system using marking materials to display an image; Fig. Figure 7 shows the scattering and refraction properties of the optical fiber display system of Fig. 6 in which marking material is used; Fig. 8 illustrates a fiber optic display system using a marking material with a rough surface to display an image; Fig. Figure 9 shows the refractive properties of the optical fiber display system of Fig. 8 in which marking material is used; Fig. 10 is a table showing angle values ​​of different beam paths for a light passing through the optical fiber of Fig. 6 goes; Fig. 11 is a table showing angle values ​​of different beam paths for a light passing through the optical fiber of Fig. 8 goes; Fig. 12 illustrates a fiber optic display system showing a multi-color image emanating from a surface of a single fiber optic cable; Fig. 13 illustrates an optical fiber having an image on its front side and an image on its back side; Fig. 14 illustrates another embodiment of an optical fiber having an image on its front side and an image on its back side; Fig. 15 illustrates an additional embodiment of an optical fiber having an image on its front side and an image on its back side; Fig. 16 illustrates another embodiment of an optical fiber having an image on its front side and an image on its back side; Fig. 17 illustrates a fiber optic display system that displays a three-dimensional image; Fig. 18 illustrates an optical fiber using marking material to produce an image and a white background; Fig. 19 illustrates an optical fiber using a marking material having a rough surface pre-printed on a transparent medium; Fig. 20 illustrates an optical fiber using marking material pre-printed on a transparent medium; Fig. 21 illustrates an optical fiber having on its front side an image on a rough surface and on its back side an image formed by two layers of marking material; Fig. 22 illustrates a fiber optic display system that displays an image with a white background and therein a color or black image emanating from a surface of a single fiber optic cable; Fig. 23 illustrates a fiber optic display system showing a black and white image printed using a white marking material emanating from a surface of a single fiber optic cable; Fig. 24 illustrates a plurality of optical fibers producing a display of an edge-lit three-dimensional image / object; Fig. Figure 25 shows an example of a printing system designed to print a three-dimensional object. The Fig. 26 and Fig. 27 show other embodiments of the printing system of Fig. 25, in which a double backing element is used to enable movement of objects past a group of print heads; Fig. 28 represents a cabinet in which one of the Fig. 26 or Fig. 27 shown embodiments; Fig. 29 to Fig. 32 represent the object holder and the movable element, which are Fig. 26 or Fig. 27 are shown; Fig. 33 to Fig. 41 show different configurations of object holders used in Fig. 26 or Fig. 27 are shown, with which different types of objects can be held; Fig. 42 illustrates an embodiment of the printing system useful in a manufacturing environment; Fig. 43 shows an embodiment of an object holder in the printing system of Fig. 25, which enables printing of a sheet-shaped medium with a test pattern in order to check a configuration of the system; Fig. 44 illustrates an embodiment of an element that can be selectively attached to an object holder in the printing system of Fig. 25 to enable the printing of a test pattern on a surface of the element to verify a configuration of the system. Fig. 45 shows a conventional optical fiber with a rough cut edge; Fig. 46 illustrates an optical fiber having a conventional rough cut edge smoothed with a marking material to provide a smooth interface between the optical fiber and a light source; and Fig. 47 illustrates an optical fiber having a conventional engraved image smoothed with a marking material to provide a smooth optical fiber surface. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] For general clarity, reference is made to the drawings. In some cases, the same reference numerals are used throughout the drawings to indicate the same or equivalent elements. Please also note that the drawings may not be to scale, and certain regions may be intentionally drawn out of proportion to clearly illustrate features and concepts.

[0018] As stated above, fiber optics are already being used to enable a vehicle to display images. The principles of Snell's law are used to display the images.

[0019] 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 refraction limit, as in Fig. 4 is shown.

[0020] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 4, a light beam travels from the glass (n1) into the air (n2). The light emanating from the interface (x-axis) is reflected (at an angle θ t ) towards the glass (n1). If the angle of incidence (the angle θ i ) is sufficiently magnified, the radiation angle (in the 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

[0021] To determine the angle of incidence at which refraction occurs, Snell's law is reformulated as follows: sinθi=n2n1sinθt

[0022] To find the critical angle, solve for the value of θ i on, if θ t = 90°, from which follows sinθ t = 1. The resulting value of θ i is equal to the critical angle θ c .

[0023] Solving for θ i the equation for the critical angle is as follows: θc=θi=arcsin(n2n1)

[0024] If the angle of incidence is exactly the critical angle θ c the refracted ray is tangential to the boundary at the point of incidence (x-axis in Fig. 4).

[0025] For example, if light were to pass through an optical fiber, such as acrylic or glass (with a refractive index of 1.55) into air (with a refractive index of 1.00), the calculation would give the critical angle for light from the optical fiber into the air as follows: θc=arcsin(1.001.55)=41.8

[0026] In this example, light arriving at the boundary at an angle of less than 41.8° with respect to the normal (z-axis in Fig. 4) (x-axis of Fig. 4), is partially transmitted, while light emitted at larger angles with respect to the normal (z-axis in Fig. 4) incident at the boundary would be totally reflected.

[0027] 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.

[0028] 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 when the angle of incidence θ1 of light passing from water into air is smaller than the critical angle θ c . If, however, as in Fig. 5, the angle of incidence θ1 of light passing from water into air, the critical angle θ c the light is refracted so that it is parallel to the water / air interface. As in Fig. 5, finally, when the angle of incidence θ1 of light coming out of water and into air is larger than the critical angle θ c which reflects light at an angle θ2, causing total internal reflection of the incident light.

[0029] An alternative to traditionally engraving an image on a transparent medium (an optical fiber) is to print directly onto the transparent medium (the optical fiber) with marking materials such as inks, UV-curable inks, toners, solid inks, etc. using a printing system.

[0030] In the various embodiments described below, an optical waveguide having a refractive index significantly different from that of the surrounding medium (such as air) is used. For example, an acrylic optical waveguide having a refractive index of about 1.5 may be used when the surrounding medium is air, which has a refractive index of about 1. Furthermore, in the various embodiments described below, marking materials having a refractive index substantially equal to the refractive index of the optical waveguide are used.

[0031] For example, a marking material with a refractive index of about 1.4 can be used if the underlying optical fiber has a refractive index of about 1.5.

[0032] Given the examples discussed above, there are certain angles of incidence of light (e.g., light emanating from an LED source) that cause the incident light to be totally reflected at an interface between an optical fiber and the air, but partially refracted externally at an interface between a marking material(s) of the optical fiber.

[0033] These different refractive indices make it possible to confine the incident light in regions where no marking material(s) are present, while transmitting light in regions where marking material(s) is (are) present.

[0034] After the light has been allowed to enter the marking material to illuminate the image, the light or part of it must come out of the marking material to prevent the light from being totally reflected at the interface between the marking material and the air.

[0035] More specifically, in a case where the top surface of the marking material is smooth, the angles of incidence at the interface between the marking material and air are such that the light is reflected within the marking material and does not escape into the air and towards the viewer.

[0036] To enable the refraction of light at the interface between the marking material and air so that light can escape from the marking material, Fig. 6 depicts an optical waveguide 10 in which a white marking material 40 is printed on a visible surface (30) of the optical waveguide. Subsequently, another (colored) marking material 50 is printed over the white marking material 40. Note that the marking material 40 may be a transparent marking material with light-scattering properties or with light-scattering particles embedded therein.

[0037] It should further be noted that the marking material 40 may have light-scattering properties or light-scattering particles embedded therein such that light incident from a light source 20 is scattered at multiple angles such that at least one of the scattered light angles impinges on the marking material-air interface at an angle less than the critical angle, allowing light to exit the marking material 50 into the air. It should be noted that the refractive index of the white marking material 40 is substantially equal to the refractive index of the optical fiber 10, such that light exits the optical fiber 10 and enters the white marking material 40.The white marking material 40 causes the incoming 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 substantially equal to 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 the air and passes toward the viewer (30).

[0038] Fig. 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 25 is internally reflected within the optical waveguide 10. Since the refractive index of the white marking material 40 is substantially equal to the refractive index of the optical waveguide 10, the incident light 25 exits the optical waveguide 10 at the optical waveguide interface between the white marking material and the air and penetrates the white marking material 40.

[0039] Once the incident light 25 encounters an embedded scattering particle 45, it is scattered at multiple angles, creating scattered light 26. Since the refractive index of the white marking material 40 is substantially equal to the refractive index of the marking material 50, the scattered light 26 exits the white marking material 40 and enters the marking material 50. Since the refractive index of the marking material 50 is significantly different from the refractive index of air, at the interface between the marking material and air, light 27 exits (refracted) the marking material 50 and enters the 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.

[0040] To enable the refraction of light at the interface between the marking material and air so that light can escape from the marking material, Fig. 8 further illustrates another example of an optical waveguide 10, wherein a (colored) marking material 50 is printed on a visible surface (30) of the optical waveguide (10). In this embodiment, an upper surface 55 of the marking material 50 is formed such that the upper surface 55 is rough, thereby emulating an engraved surface.

[0041] Note that the refractive index of the marking material 50 is substantially equal to the refractive index of the optical fiber 10, so that light from a light source 20 exits the optical fiber 10 and enters the marking material 50.

[0042] Therefore, based on the angle of incidence of the light interacting with the rough surface at the marking material-air interface, a portion of the light entering the marking material 50 is refracted externally at the marking material-air interface and goes toward the viewer (30). Fig. 9 is a graphical representation of the beam path in the printed optical waveguide 10 of Fig. 8. As in Fig. As shown in Figure 9, incident light 25 is internally reflected within the optical waveguide 10.

[0043] Since the refractive index of the marking material 50 is substantially equal to the refractive index of the optical waveguide 10, the incident light 25 exits the optical waveguide 10 at the interface of the optical waveguide between the marking material and the air and penetrates the marking material 50.

[0044] Since the refractive index of the marking material 50 is significantly different from the refractive index of air, light 27 exits (refracted) from the marking material 50 at the interface between the marking material and the air and enters the air when the angle of incidence of the light 25 is smaller than the critical angle of the interface between the marking material and the air.

[0045] Fig. 10 is a table that provides an overview of the different beam paths through an optical fiber, as shown in the Fig. 6 and Fig. 7. More precisely, the beam path is defined as light entering the optical fiber from an illumination source (LED) on the left.

[0046] The light is refracted at an interface between the air and the optical fiber and internally reflected at all angles at several interfaces between the optical fiber and the air. The light is partially refracted at some angles at the interface between the optical fiber and the white marking material and scattered by the scattering particles in the white marking material.

[0047] The scattered light passes straight through the colored marking material (because the marking materials have similar refractive indices), and since the scattering has created many angles of incidence at the interface between the colored marking material and air, a large portion of the light then exits the colored marking material and goes to the viewer.

[0048] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 10, light enters the field with angles of incidence Θ iin the range from 0 to 90 degrees on the far left side of the optical fiber (for example from an LED). The refraction angles θ r1 are calculated based on Snell's law. The light rays along the θ r1 -paths encounter a boundary between optical fiber and air, so that for all possible θ r1 the light is totally reflected within the optical fiber (indicated by #NUM! in dashed box 61). The value #NUM! indicates that there is no solution for a refracted beam.

[0049] After the light rays have bounced back and forth within the optical fiber, they hit the boundary between the optical fiber and the white marking material at the same angles at which they hit the boundary between the optical fiber and the air.

[0050] However, due to the difference in the refractive indices of air (1.0) and the white marking material (e.g., 1.4), and depending on the angle of incidence, a portion of the light is refracted externally into the white marking material instead of being reflected internally within the optical fiber. The cells within the dashed boxes 62 in Fig. 10 refers to the light rays that are completely internally reflected at the interface between the optical fiber and the air and partially externally refracted at the interface between the optical fiber and the white marking material. Thus, light enters the white marking material.

[0051] Because the white marking material scatters light at a variety of angles, these scattered light rays then pass directly through the colored marking material, as the colored marking material and the white marking material have similar refractive indices. Due to the many angles of refraction at the interface between the colored marking material and the air, many rays are not reflected internally but are refracted externally, making them visible to the observer.

[0052] Fig. 11 is a table that provides an overview of the different beam paths through an optical fiber, as shown in the Fig. 8 and Fig. 9. More precisely, the optical path is defined as the light entering the optical fiber from an illumination source (LED) on the left. The light is refracted at an interface between the air and the optical fiber and internally reflected for all angles at several interfaces between the optical fiber and the air. For some angles, the light is partially refracted externally at the interface between the optical fiber and the marking material.

[0053] The externally refracted light passes through the marking material, and since the marking material has a rough surface that forms many angles of incidence at the boundary between the marking material and air, a large part of the light therefore exits the marking material and goes to the observer.

[0054] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 11, light enters the field with angles of incidence θ iin the range from 0 to 90 degrees on the far left side of the optical fiber (for example from an LED). The refraction angles θ r1 are calculated based on Snell's law. The light rays along the θ r1 -paths encounter a boundary between optical fiber and air, so that for all possible θ r1 the light is totally reflected within the fiber optic cable (indicated by #NUM! in dashed box 63). The value #NUM! indicates that there is no solution for a refracted beam.

[0055] After the light rays have bounced back and forth within the optical fiber, they hit the boundary between the optical fiber and the marking material at the same angles at which they hit the boundary between the optical fiber and the air.

[0056] However, due to the difference in the refractive indices of air (1.0) and the marking material (e.g. 1.4) and depending on the angle of incidence, part of the light is refracted externally into the marking material instead of being reflected internally within the optical fiber.

[0057] The cells within the dashed boxes 64 in Fig. 11 refers to the light rays that are completely internally reflected at the interface between the optical fiber and the air and partially externally refracted at the interface between the optical fiber and the marking material. Thus, light enters the marking material.

[0058] Because the marking material has a rough surface, it creates a range 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 internally reflected but are refracted externally and are visible to the observer. In other words, all light entering the marking material will be totally reflected at the interface 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.

[0059] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 11, the angles of incidence of the light rays (the cells within the dashed box 65) striking the boundary between the marking material and air quantify the effect of surface roughness.

[0060] Thus, the surface roughness causes part of the light to be refracted externally at the boundary between the marking material and air and to leave the marking material towards the observer.

[0061] These cells of the dashed boxes 65 can be traced across the table, starting at a certain angle of incidence from the LED, where no marking material is present, being internally reflected, refracted into the marking material, and then reflected out of the marking material due to surface roughness.

[0062] Note that the surface roughness of the printed marking material can be enhanced by halftoning.

[0063] Fig. Figure 12 illustrates a fiber optic display system wherein a fiber optic cable 10, when illuminated by a light source 20, displays printed images 110, 1120, and 113. Because the images 110, 1120, and 113 are printed on the fiber optic cable 10, the images can have different colors and do not rely on the color of the light source 20 to define their color.

[0064] In addition, Figures 110, 1120 and 113 can show the dual marking material construction of the Fig. 6 and Fig. 7 or the marking material with rough surface construction of the Fig. 8 and Fig. 9 include.

[0065] Fig. 13 illustrates a fiber optic display system wherein a fiber optic cable 10, when illuminated by a light source 20, displays images printed on both sides of the fiber optic cable 10. Since the images are printed on both sides of the fiber optic cable 10, the images are constructed differently depending on the surface side of the fiber optic cable 10 with respect to a viewing side 30.

[0066] As in Fig. 13, the image is constructed on a front side of the optical waveguide 10 (the viewed side 30) in the same way as in Fig. 6, wherein a white marking material 40 is printed on the front side of the optical fiber 10, followed by printing a marking material 50.

[0067] When the image on the front surface of the optical fiber 10 is illuminated by a light source 20, the printed image (40 and 50) is seen by the viewer 30.

[0068] How to continue in Fig. 13, on a rear surface of the optical fiber 10, the image is constructed in a different manner, wherein a marking material 55 is printed on the rear surface of the optical fiber 10, followed by printing a white marking material 45.

[0069] When the image on the back surface of the optical fiber 10 is illuminated by a light source 20, the printed image (45 and 55) is seen by the viewer 30.

[0070] Note that the thickness of the optical fiber 10 can be such that it presents the images at different depths, causing one image to appear to float in front of the other image.

[0071] Fig. Figure 14 illustrates a fiber optic display system wherein a fiber optic cable 10, when illuminated by a light source 20, displays images printed on both sides of the fiber optic cable 10 and viewable from both sides (30 and 31). In this embodiment, the images are printed on both sides of the fiber optic cable 10 using the same construction.

[0072] As in Fig. 14, on a front surface of the optical fiber 10 (the viewing side 30), the image is printed on a white marking material 40 that has been printed on the front surface of the optical fiber 10.

[0073] When the image on the front surface of the optical fiber 10 is illuminated by a light source 20, the printed image (40) on the front surface of the optical fiber 10 is seen by the viewer 30 and the viewer 31.

[0074] How to continue in Fig. 14, on a rear surface of the optical fiber 10, the image is also constructed from a white marking material 45 that has been printed on the rear surface of the optical fiber 10.

[0075] When the image on the rear surface of the optical fiber 10 is illuminated by a light source 20, the printed image (45) on the rear surface of the optical fiber 10 is seen by the viewer 30 and the viewer 31.

[0076] Note that the thickness of the optical fiber 10 can be such that it presents the images at different depths, causing one image to appear to float in front of the other image.

[0077] Fig. Figure 15 illustrates a fiber optic display system wherein a fiber optic cable 10, when illuminated by a light source 20, displays images printed on both sides of the fiber optic cable 10, and both images can be seen from only one viewing side. In this embodiment, the images are printed on both sides of the fiber optic cable 10 using different constructions.

[0078] As in Fig. 15, the image is constructed on a front side of the optical waveguide 10 (the viewed side 30) in the same way as in Fig. 6, wherein a white marking material 40 is printed on the front side of the optical fiber 10, followed by printing a marking material 50.

[0079] When the image on the front surface of the optical fiber 10 is illuminated by a light source 20, the printed image (40 and 50) can only be seen by the viewer 30.

[0080] How to continue in Fig. 15, on a rear surface of the optical fiber 10, the image is also constructed from a white marking material 45 printed on the rear surface of the optical fiber 10.

[0081] When the image on the rear surface of the optical fiber 10 is illuminated by a light source 20, the printed image (45) on the rear surface of the optical fiber 10 can be seen by the viewer 30 and the viewer 31.

[0082] In other words, the implementation of Fig. 15 allows the viewer 30 to view the image, but the viewer 31 cannot see the image on the front surface of the optical fiber 10.

[0083] As in Fig. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 15, the image printed on the front surface of the optical fiber 10 may be a color image having a white background and seen as a color image only by the viewer 30. In contrast, the image printed on the rear surface of the optical fiber 10 is a monochrome image that can be seen by both the viewer 30 and the viewer 31.

[0084] Note that the thickness of the optical fiber 10 can be such that it presents the images at different depths, causing one image to appear to float in front of the other image.

[0085] Fig. Figure 16 illustrates a fiber optic display system wherein a fiber optic cable 10, when illuminated by a light source 20, displays images printed on both sides of the fiber optic cable 10. In this embodiment, the images are printed on both sides of the fiber optic cable 10 using different constructions.

[0086] As in Fig. 16, the image is constructed on a front surface of the optical fiber 10 (the viewed side 30) by printing a marking material 50 on the front surface of the optical fiber 10.

[0087] How to continue in Fig. 16, on a rear surface of the optical fiber 10, the image is also constructed from a white marking material 45 that has been printed on the rear surface of the optical fiber 10.

[0088] The image on the front surface of the optical fiber 10 cannot be viewed in isolation. The image on the rear surface is visible to the viewer 30 through the plate.

[0089] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 16, the front image may be a color image without a white background. The color image typically cannot be viewed on its own because there is no scattering. The back image is a monochrome image created with white marking material 45, which can be viewed by viewer 30 and viewer 31.

[0090] When the front image and the back image are combined, the image on the front becomes visible toward the viewer 30 when the image on the back (the white marking material 45) provides the scattered light.

[0091] When the image on the rear surface of the optical fiber 10 is illuminated by a light source 20, the printed image (45) on the rear surface of the optical fiber 10 can be seen by the viewer 30 and the viewer 31.

[0092] Note that the image on the back side should be visible through the optical fiber 10. The image on the front side can be a visible scattered light image or a transparent non-visible image.

[0093] The image on the front can be sparse so that there is enough transparent viewing area for the image on the back.

[0094] Note that the thickness of the optical fiber 10 can be such that it presents the images at different depths, causing one image to appear to float in front of the other image.

[0095] Fig. 17 represents a display device for displaying three-dimensional images. In Fig. 17 shows several optical fibers (10, 12 and 14). Each optical fiber is connected 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 fiber.

[0096] More specifically, on a front surface of each optical fiber (the viewed side 30), a white marking material 40 is printed on the front surface of the optical fiber, followed by printing a marking material 50. When the image on the front surface of the optical fiber is illuminated by a light source 20, the printed image (40 and 50) is seen by the viewer 30. As further described in Fig. 17, on a rear surface of each optical fiber, a marking material 55 is printed on the rear surface of the optical fiber, followed by printing a white marking material 45.

[0097] When the image on the back surface of the optical fiber is illuminated by a light source 20, the printed image (45 and 55) is seen by the viewer 30. Fig. 18 illustrates an optical fiber capable of providing a white background for an image printed thereon. As shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 18, a white marking material 400 is printed over an entire image area. Thereafter, a marking material 50 is printed on the white marking material 400. 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 fiber increasing proportionally as a distance from a light source interface of the optical fiber increases.

[0098] If the volumetric density of light-scattering particles did not change proportionally as the distance from the light source interface of the optical fiber increased, most of the light near the light source interface would escape from the optical fiber, and there would not be enough light to adequately illuminate an image in the center of the optical fiber.

[0099] The light source interface is the interface (surface) of the optical fiber that receives incident light from a light source.

[0100] An image is printed on the white marking material 400 using marking material 50.

[0101] Fig. 19 illustrates an optical waveguide in which an image is first printed on a transparent medium 70 and the transparent medium 70 is attached to the optical waveguide 10. As in Fig. 19, a marking material 50 having a rough surface 55 is printed on the transparent medium 70.

[0102] Note that the transparent medium 70 should be attached to the optical fiber 10 such that there are no air gaps between the transparent medium 70 and the optical fiber 10.

[0103] For example, the transparent medium 70 may be bonded to the optical fiber using a curable agent that may be rolled to remove the air gaps prior to curing.

[0104] Note that the transparent medium 70 may be an optical fiber having a refractive index substantially equal to the refractive index of the optical fiber 10.

[0105] Fig. 20 illustrates an optical waveguide in which an image is first printed on a transparent medium 70 and the transparent medium 70 is attached to the optical waveguide 10. As in Fig. 20, a white marking material 40 is printed on the transparent medium 70, followed by printing a marking material 50.

[0106] Note that the transparent medium 70 should be attached to the optical fiber 10 such that there are no air gaps between the transparent medium 70 and the optical fiber 10.

[0107] For example, the transparent medium 70 may be bonded to the optical fiber using a curable agent that may be rolled to remove the air gaps prior to curing.

[0108] Note that the transparent medium 70 may be an optical fiber having a refractive index substantially equal to the refractive index of the optical fiber 10.

[0109] Fig. 21 illustrates a fiber optic display system wherein a fiber optic cable 10, when illuminated by a light source 20, displays images printed on both sides of the fiber optic cable 10. Since the images are printed on both sides of the fiber optic cable 10, the images are constructed differently depending on the surface side of the fiber optic cable 10 with respect to a viewing side 30.

[0110] As in Fig. 21, on a front surface of the optical waveguide 10 (the viewed side 30) the image is formed in the same way as in Fig. 8, wherein a marking material 50 having a rough surface 55 is printed on the front surface of the optical fiber 10. When the image on the front surface of the optical fiber 10 is illuminated by a light source 20, the printed image (50 having the rough surface 55) is seen by the viewer 30.

[0111] How to continue in Fig. 21, on a rear surface of the optical fiber 10, the image is constructed in a different manner, wherein a marking material 55 is printed on the rear surface of the optical fiber 10, followed by printing a white marking material 45.

[0112] When the image on the back surface of the optical fiber 10 is illuminated by a light source 20, the printed image (45 and 55) is seen by the viewer 30.

[0113] Note that the thickness of the optical fiber 10 can be such that it presents the images at different depths, causing one image to appear to float in front of the other image.

[0114] Fig. 22 illustrates an optical fiber 10 capable of providing a white background for an image area 35. As shown in Fig. 22, a white marking material 40 is printed over the image area 35 to create a paper-like uniform background.

[0115] Note that the white marking material 40 can be printed over the entire image area 35. A marking material 57 is then printed on the white marking material 40.

[0116] Note that the marking material 57 can produce a black image, thereby providing a black and white image for display (illumination) on the optical fiber 10.

[0117] Note that the white marking material 40 may have a varying volumetric density of light-scattering particles, wherein the volumetric density of light-scattering particles along the surface of the optical fiber becomes proportionally larger as a distance from a light source interface of the optical fiber increases.

[0118] The light source interface is the interface (surface) of the optical fiber that receives incident light from a light source.

[0119] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 22, the light confined (internally reflected) in the optical waveguide 10 enters the white marking material 40 and is uniformly scattered by the white marking material 40. The scattered light is then absorbed by the marking material 57, thereby producing black or a color imagewise. Essentially, the image is created by the absorption of light by the marking material 57.

[0120] Fig. 23 illustrates an optical fiber 10 capable of providing a black and white image within an image area 35. As shown in Fig. 23, a white marking material 40 is printed image by image within the image area 35.

[0121] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 23, the light confined (internally reflected) within the optical waveguide 10 enters the white marking material 40 and is scattered imagewise by the white marking material 40. A portion of the scattered light exits the white marking material 40 and is perceived by an observer. Essentially, the image is created by the scattering of light by scattering particles in the white marking material 40.

[0122] Note that by modulating the amplitude / intensity of the scattering according to the desired image, a tint within the image can be provided.

[0123] For example, by controlling the amount of white marking material 40 printed in a particular region of the image area 35, the degree (amplitude / intensity) of scattering can be controlled. Specifically, the stronger the scattering (higher the amplitude / intensity), the brighter the image in a region will appear when illuminated with edge light.

[0124] In contrast, the weaker the scattering (the lower the amplitude / intensity), the darker the image appears in the region when illuminated with edge light.

[0125] Using a white marking material 40 to create an image enables the effective creation of monochrome images. Similarly, using a white marking material 40 to create an image enables the effective creation of grayscale images with large areas of dark areas. Fig. 24 shows several optical fibers 10 used to generate a three-dimensional image. As shown in Fig. 24, a part of an image is printed on each optical fiber 10.

[0126] As in Fig. 24, for example, a portion of an image 80 is printed on a surface of each optical waveguide 10. As shown in Fig. 24, a portion of an image 82 is also printed on both sides of a subset of the optical fibers 10. As shown in Fig. 24, a portion of an image 84 is finally printed on both sides of each optical fiber 10.

[0127] The pictures in Fig. 24 can be produced using any of various printing processes (color, monochrome, surface roughness, volume scattering, various color / white layering schemes, etc.) as described above.

[0128] In addition, each optical fiber 10 can be printed independently and can be printed on one surface or on both surfaces.

[0129] Note that optical fibers 10 can be evenly spaced. Furthermore, when images are printed on both surfaces of the optical fiber, the spacing between the optical fibers can be adjusted to optimize viewing and / or the thickness of the optical fibers can be adjusted to optimize viewing.

[0130] Please also note that the images should be sparse so that there is enough transparent viewing area to allow the images located at great depth to be visible.

[0131] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 24, each image on each optical fiber represents a layer of the three-dimensional image or object. The image or object may be the outline of the outer surface in full color. Furthermore, the image or object may include internal structures to create a sense of hollowness. Regarding the various embodiments described above, the optical fibers used to illuminate the printed images can be readily reused by removing the marking material from the optical fiber.

[0132] 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, toners and / or solid inks.

[0133] The printed image can then be removed from the fiber optic cable without compromising the optical quality of the surfaces. After the surface(s) of the fiber optic cable(s) have been refreshed, the fiber optic cable can be reused to print a new image.

[0134] For example, if UV-curable ink is used as the marking material, a solvent or cleaning solution, such as acetone, that does not damage the fiber optic material can be used with very little mechanical abrasion to remove the printed UV-curable ink. If necessary, minor scratches on the fiber optic cable can be repaired before it is reused.

[0135] In another example, in a case where tempered glass is used as an optical fiber, both chemical solvents such as acetone and mechanical agitation can be used to remove the marking material on the surface.

[0136] The above cleaning method can also be used to remove only a portion of the marking material. If the optical fiber contains both engraved and printed images, the above cleaning methods can be used to remove the marking material without affecting the engraved image.

[0137] Finally, the above 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.The reusability of the fiber optic cable surfaces enables (1) test printing for reliability and accuracy; (2) previewing an image using the fiber optic cable and illumination before it is used; (3) trial use, where a user can print and make a temporary fiber optic display and use it for a short time before making a permanent one; (4) rental, where a durable fiber optic cable can be used to print customized images that can be rented by a customer; (5) reuse, where the content can be changed as desired; and (6) a combination of engraving and printing, where only the content that is not to be permanent is removed.

[0138] Note that in the various embodiments described above, the optical fiber is edge-lit to provide illumination of the images printed thereon.

[0139] Edge lighting is the illumination of the optical fiber at the side edge of the optical fiber, or at 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 on which the images are printed.

[0140] The side edge of the optical fiber or the interface between the optical fiber and the light source is preferably a smooth surface, and the angle of incidence of the light on the side edge of the optical fiber or the interface between the optical fiber and the light source is larger than the critical angle of the interface between the air and the optical fiber, so that the light can be totally reflected within the optical fiber.

[0141] Edge lighting can be provided by a single light source or by multiple light sources.

[0142] In addition, edge lighting can be provided at multiple side edges of the optical fiber or light source interfaces of the optical fiber.

[0143] It should also be noted that the optical fibers can be flat planes, curved surfaces, or enclosed objects suitable for displaying images.

[0144] Please also note that the marking materials described above can be liquid inks, UV-curable inks, toners and / or solid inks.

[0145] It should also be noted that the white marking material can be a white-colored liquid ink, a white-colored UV-curable ink, a white-colored toner, and / or a white-colored solid ink that has light-scattering properties.

[0146] Furthermore, the white marking material does not have to be white in color. Rather, the marking material referred to as white marking material may have no perceptible color and may be a clear liquid ink, a clear UV-curable ink, a clear toner, and / or a clear solid ink that exhibits light-scattering properties. Furthermore, the white marking material may be a clear liquid ink, a clear UV-curable ink, a clear toner, and / or a clear solid ink with light-scattering particles embedded therein.

[0147] The non-white marking material may 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 may be a black liquid ink, a black UV-curable ink, a black toner, and / or a black solid ink.

[0148] Note that the non-white marking material may have light-absorbing properties.

[0149] Note further 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.

[0150] Note also that in the various embodiments described above, the white marking material and the non-white marking material are printed or formed imagewise onto the optical waveguide. In other words, the marking material is formed by printing only in regions of the surface of the optical waveguide where an image is to be illuminated.

[0151] According to a comparative example for better understanding of the invention according to the claims, a white background can be produced 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 imagewise.

[0152] Image-wise printing or forming means that the marking material is placed according to the image data of the image to be illuminated.

[0153] It should also be noted that in the various embodiments described above and the claims set forth 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.

[0154] Furthermore, in the various embodiments described above and the claims set forth below, an 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 supports total internal reflection of light as the light propagates through the medium. Examples of optical waveguides can be glass, acrylic, fiber optics, etc. Furthermore, in the various embodiments described above and the claims set forth below, an 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 supports total internal reflection of light as the light propagates through the medium. Examples of optical waveguides can be glass, acrylic, fiber optics, etc.It should also be noted that in the various embodiments described above and in the claims set forth below, the formation of materials on the optical waveguide may be accomplished 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.

[0155] It should further be noted that in the various embodiments described above, the formation of materials may be accomplished by forming or depositing one or more marking materials on a thin, light-transmissive 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, light-transmissive substrate is attached to the optical fiber by an adhesive, an electrostatic agent, or otherwise to enable easy mechanical removal of the marking material by detaching the thin, light-transmissive substrate from the optical fiber.

[0156] Fig. Figure 25 illustrates an example of a printing system 100 configured to print on a three-dimensional object or to print on an optical fiber using the methods described above. The printing system 100 includes a printhead assembly 104, a support member 108, a component 112 movably mounted around the support member 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 controller 124 operatively connected to the plurality of printheads and the actuator.

[0157] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 25, the printhead assembly 104 is arranged in a two-dimensional array. 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 may be connected to the same supply, or each printhead may be connected to its own supply, allowing each printhead to eject a different marking material. The controller 124 is also operatively connected to an optical sensor 350.

[0158] The support member 108 is positioned parallel to a plane defined by the printhead assembly, and as shown in the figure, it is oriented such that one end of the support member 108 has a higher gravitational potential than the other end of the support member. This orientation allows the printing system 100 to have a smaller footprint than an alternative embodiment in which the printhead assembly is oriented horizontally and the support member, the movably mounted component, and the object holder are configured to allow the object holder to move objects past the horizontally arranged printheads, allowing the printheads to eject marking material downward onto the objects.

[0159] The component 112 is movably mounted to the support member 108 so that the component can slide along the support member. In some embodiments, the component 112 can move in two directions along the support member. In other embodiments, the support member 108 is configured to provide a return path to the lower end of the support member, forming a track for the movably mounted component.

[0160] The actuator 116 is operatively connected to the movably mounted component 112 such that the actuator 116 can move the movably mounted component 112 along the support member 108 and can 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 depicted in the figure, the object holder 120 moves an object 122 along the length dimension of the printhead assembly 104.

[0161] The controller 124 is configured with programmed instructions stored in a memory 128 operatively connected to the controller so that the controller can execute the programmed instructions to actuate components in the printing system 100.

[0162] Thus, the controller 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 controller 124 is configured to actuate the inkjet nozzles within the printheads of the printhead assembly 104 to eject droplets having masses greater than the masses of droplets ejected by those printheads.

[0163] In one embodiment, the controller 124 actuates the inkjet nozzles in the printheads of the printhead assembly 104 with firing signal waveforms that enable the inkjet nozzles to eject drops that produce drops on the object surfaces with a diameter of approximately seven to approximately ten mm. This drop size is significantly larger than the drops that produce drops on the material-receiving surface, with a mass of approximately 21 ng. 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 member 108, as indicated 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 member. The smaller footprint of the system allows for the system 100 to be housed in a single cabinet 180, as shown in Fig. 28, and installation in retail outlets where no production is taking place. After installation, various object holders, as described below, can be used with the system to print a variety of different goods whose appearance is unspecific until printing.

[0164] Another advantageous aspect of the Fig. 25 is the gap presented between the objects transported by the object holder 120 and the print heads of the print head assembly 104.

[0165] Additionally, the controller 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. An alternative embodiment of the system 100 is shown in Fig. 26. In this alternative embodiment 200, the support element consists of two support elements 208 around which the movably mounted component 212 is mounted.

[0166] This embodiment includes two fixed pulleys 232 and a belt 236 wrapped around the two pulleys to form an endless belt. The movably mounted member 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 moving around the two pulleys 232 to move the movably mounted member and the object holder 220.

[0167] In this embodiment, the actuator 216 is operatively connected to one of the pulleys 232 so that the controller 224 can actuate the actuator to rotate the driven pulley and move the endless belt around the pulleys 232. The controller 224 can be configured with programmed instructions stored in memory 228 to actuate the actuator 216 in two directions to rotate one of the pulleys 232 in two directions to move the movably mounted component 212 and the object holder 220 in two directions along the printhead assembly 204.

[0168] 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 take-up spool 244, which is operatively connected to the actuator 216. The other end of the belt 236 is fixedly positioned. The controller 224 is configured with programmed instructions stored in memory 228 to enable the controller 224 to actuate the actuator 216 to rotate the take-up spool 244 and wrap a portion of the length of the belt around the take-up spool 244.

[0169] The belt 244 also engages a rotatable pulley 248 attached to the movably mounted member 212. Because the other end of the belt 236 is fixed, rotation of the spool 244 causes the movably mounted member 212 to move the specimen holder past the printheads. When the controller 224 actuates the actuator 216 to unwind the belt from the spool 224, the movably mounted member 212 lowers, allowing the specimen holder to descend past the printhead assembly 204. This direction of movement is opposite the direction the specimen holder moved when the actuator was actuated to receive a length of the belt 236.

[0170] This configuration, which uses a belt to move the movably mounted component, differs from that shown in Fig. 25, in which the controller 124 actuates a linear actuator to move the movably mounted component 112 and the object holder 120 in two directions past the print head assembly.

[0171] Regarding the printing apparatus described above, the printing systems may include a UV curing station below the printhead assembly when UV-curable inks are used as the marking material. By incorporating a UV curing station into the printing system, a layer of UV-curable ink can be deposited and cured, followed by a subsequent layer of UV-curable ink, thereby building a three-dimensional layered body of cured ink. In other words, the deposited layer is cured after each layer of UV-curable ink is deposited, allowing the deposition of another layer to introduce depth into the deposited UV-curable ink, thus creating a rough surface.

[0172] An example of an object holder 220 is shown in Fig. 29. The object holder 220 includes a plate 304 with openings 308 in which objects 312, which in the figure are golf club heads, are placed for printing. A latch 316 is configured for selectively attaching the object holder 220 within the movably mounted component 212. The latch 316 includes locking features 320 to assist in the proper positioning of the object holder 220 to secure the holder to the component 212 supported by components 208, as shown in Fig. 26 is shown.

[0173] Once properly positioned, levers 322 actuate latch 316 to secure holder 220 to component 212. As shown in the figure, component 212 includes an input device 326 for retrieving an identifier from object holder 220, as described further below.

[0174] A perspective view of the object holder 220 is shown in Fig. 30 shown. In Fig. 30, an identification mark 330 on a surface of the object holder 220 faces the input device 326 on the movably mounted component 212 when the holder is secured to the component 212. The input device 326 is connected to the Fig. 26 and Fig. 27 to transmit an identifier from the identification mark 330 to the control device. The control device is further configured to control the print head assembly 204 and the actuator 216 ( Fig. 26 and Fig. 27) with reference to the identifier received from the input device 326 of the movably mounted component 212.

[0175] 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.

[0176] In one embodiment, the identification tag 330 is a radio frequency identification (RID) tag and the input device 326 of the movably mounted component is an RFID reader.

[0177] 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.

[0178] In another embodiment where mechanical indicia are used for the identification mark, the indicia are protrusions, indentations, or combinations of protrusions and indentations in a material that can be read by a biased arm scanning the surface of the identification mark.

[0179] In such an embodiment, the input device 326 may be a cam follower that converts the position of an arm sensing the mechanical features into electrical signals.

[0180] The controller 224 is further configured with programmed instructions stored in memory 228 to compare the identifier received from the input device 326 of the movably mounted component 212 with identifiers stored in memory 328 operatively connected to the controller. In response to the identifier received from the input device 326 not matching any of the identifiers stored in memory, the controller overrides actuation of the actuator 216.

[0181] In another embodiment, the controller 224 is further configured with programmed instructions stored in the memory 328 to compare the identifier received from the input device 326 of the movably mounted component 212 with identifiers stored in the memory 328.

[0182] In this embodiment, in response to the identifier received from the input device 326 not matching any of the identifiers stored in the memory 328, the controller 224 overrides the actuation of the printheads in the printhead assembly.

[0183] In these embodiments, the controller 224 is configured to override actuation of both the actuator 216 and the printhead assembly 204 in response to the identifier received from the input device 326 not matching any of the identifiers stored in the memory 328.

[0184] In all these embodiments, the control device 224 is operatively connected to a user interface 350, as shown in the Fig. 25 to 27. The interface 350 includes a display 360, an annunciator 364, and an input device 368, such as a keyboard.

[0185] The controller 224 is configured with programmed commands to actuate the user interface to notify 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's override.

[0186] Additionally, the controller 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.

[0187] For example, controller 224 monitors the system to determine the configuration of the printheads in the system and the inks supplied to the printheads. If the inks or printhead configuration cannot accurately and adequately print the objects corresponding to the object holder, controller 224 operates user interface 350 to generate a message on display 360 for the user that inks need to be replaced or that the printhead assembly needs to be reconfigured.

[0188] The controller 224 is also configured with programmed commands for actuating the user interface 350 to inform the user of processing that needs to be performed. For example, some identifiers received by the input device 326 indicate that an object requires pre-coating before printing or post-coating after the object is printed. The controller 224 of this example actuates the user interface 350 to display a message on the display 360 to the user regarding one or both of the conditions.

[0189] The user interface 350 includes: a display 360 for alphanumeric messages, a keyboard 368 for entering data by a user, and an annunciator 364, such as a warning light or an audible alarm, to draw attention to displayed messages.

[0190] Fig. 31 shows a front view of the object holder 220 secured to the movably mounted component 212, and Fig. 32 shows a rear view of the object holder 220 to the movably mounted component 212.

[0191] Additionally, the controller 224 may be configured to count the number of times an object holder is attached to and detached from the movably mounted component 212. This count may be used to determine and store a number of objects printed by the system 100. This count of printed objects may then be used to order supplies for continued operation of the system before supplies run out, or to maintain a record of the system's throughput for various purposes.

[0192] The Fig. 33 to 41 depict object holders 220 in various configurations for holding different types of objects, and the holders 220 are secured to the movably mounted 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 the array of print heads.

[0193] In Fig. 33, the opening 308 is configured to hold a plate-shaped object 312. In 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. 37, the opening 308 is configured to hold a spherical object 312. In Fig. 38, each opening 308 of a plurality of openings is configured to hold a golf club head 312.

[0194] In Fig. 41, each opening 308 of a plurality of openings is configured to hold a temple 312 of an eyeglass frame. In Fig. 36, the object holder (not visible) is configured to hold a head protector. In Fig. 39, the object holder 220 has two arms 404 configured to hold a rectangular or cylindrical object 312 between them.

[0195] As used herein, the term "arm" means a member having two ends, one end of which is attached to the specimen holder and the remainder of the member is configured to hold the specimen to the specimen holder.

[0196] In Fig. 40, the back of the movably mounted component 212 is shown to illustrate the orientation in which an object holder (not visible) would hold an article of clothing to enable printing on a surface of the article.

[0197] While the printing system 100 described above is particularly advantageous in non-production environments, the system 500, which is used in Fig. 42, is more robust and suitable for production environments.

[0198] 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 transport 504. The controller 224 is operatively connected to the transport 504, the actuator 216, and the array of print heads 204. The controller 224 is further configured with programmed instructions stored in memory 228 to actuate the transport 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 print heads.

[0199] Through this actuation, the print heads are able to print on the objects as the objects pass the array of print heads 204. A bucket may be provided to receive the objects from the object holders 508 after the objects have been printed.

[0200] In another embodiment, another 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 array of printheads 204. The controller 224 is operatively connected to the transport device 512 and actuates the transport device 512 to transport the printed objects to a location remote from the printing system, such as a bin 516.

[0201] Fig. 43 shows the object holder 308 of Fig. 35, which is configured with preloaded components 604. The preloaded components may be elastic components with a curvature formed at an unattached end of the component that presses downwardly onto the surface of the holder 308.

[0202] Portions of a sheet media 608 can be inserted between the preloaded components and the surface of the holder 308 to allow the sheet media to be held against the surface of the holder. A user can initiate a test or setup mode via the input device of the user interface 350 once the sheet media has been installed. In response, the controller 224 actuates the actuator 216 to move the sheet media attached to the object holder past the printheads, while the controller actuates the printheads to eject one or more test patterns onto the sheet media.

[0203] The system may include an optical sensor 354, such as a digital camera, positioned to generate image data of the test pattern and the sheet media after the test pattern has been printed onto the sheet.

[0204] The controller 224, which executes programmed commands, analyzes the image data of the test pattern on the flat media to detect maintenance tasks, such as printhead alignment and malfunctioning ejectors within the printheads. The controller 224 also checks whether the system is correctly configured to print the objects corresponding to the identifiers received from the input device 326 and read from the identification mark on the object holder.

[0205] Alternatively, an object holder, such as the holder 308, as shown in Fig. 44, may include a component 658 that is removably attached to the object holder and that has a test surface 662. The test surface 662 of the component 658 is a flat area of ​​a material such as Mylar that can be printed by the system, imaged by the optical sensor 354, and analyzed by the controller 224 to detect problems with the configuration of the system. Systems used in commercial environments print objects in non-production environments. Some of these objects can be quite expensive, and the retailer does not want to waste objects by printing them with test patterns. Since some of the objects have curved or complicated geometries, molds that mimic the shape and geometry of an object are provided for test runs by the system.These molds are designed to conform to the general contour of the object, but are made of a material such as Mylar or similar, which allows images to be printed onto the mold, imaged, and analyzed to identify maintenance issues or to verify the system's configuration for printing objects. Once it has been confirmed that the system is ready to print objects, the mold can be removed and wiped clean for later reuse. As an alternative to the mold, a flat medium can be wrapped around an object to allow printing, and the image data can be analyzed without creating a permanent image on the object, as the object can be removed before printing.

[0206] Fig. 45 illustrates an optical fiber 10 having cut edges 19, wherein the cut edges 19 are rough. More specifically, a blank sheet of optical fiber material is typically cut from a larger sheet of optical fiber material. During this cutting process, the edges are very rough after cutting.

[0207] A prerequisite for a good edge-lit display panel is a clear (optically transparent) edge or smooth edge to allow the illuminating light to efficiently enter the panel. To achieve a clear (optically transparent) edge or smooth edge, the edges are conventionally polished (particularly for glass) or heat-fused (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 print shop environment.

[0208] As an alternative to the conventional process, the rough edges can be smoothed by surface coating the edge with a clear curable ink 80, as in Fig. 46, and then the ink is cured. This application and curing of a clear, curable ink smooths the edge, resulting in a clear (optically transparent) edge.

[0209] In a preferred embodiment, the curable ink is a UV-curable ink. Note that a curable colored ink may be used if colored light is desired for illuminating the optical fiber.

[0210] Additionally, it is important to note that the multiple curable colored inks can be applied in stripes so that, depending on the position of the incident light hitting the edge, a range of different colors can be used to illuminate the fiber optic cable.

[0211] By using a clear UV-curable fluid (ink) to surface coat the cut edges (19) and by curing the clear UV-curable fluid (ink) with a UV source, the resulting edge is smooth and allows for good edge illumination.

[0212] As stated above, the fluid (ink) fills the irregularities in 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 fiber materials, the UV / optical fiber interface does not produce any significant backreflection, despite the irregularity or roughness of the interface between the fluid (ink) coating and the optical fiber material.

[0213] Fig. Figure 47 illustrates an optical fiber 10 having an engraved area 11, wherein the engraved area 11 is a rough surface. Because of the engraved area 11, the optical fiber in its current state cannot be reused to illuminate another image, since the engraved area 11 would also illuminate.

[0214] To enable the reusability of the optical fiber, the engraved area 11, as shown in Fig.47, is surface-coated with a clear curable ink 80, and then the ink is cured. This application and curing of a clear curable ink smoothes the surface of the optical fiber so that the optical fiber can be reused to illuminate another image. In a preferred embodiment, the curable ink is a UV-curable ink. By using a clear UV-curable fluid (ink) to surface-coat the engraved area 11 and curing the clear UV-curable fluid (ink) with a UV source, the resulting surface becomes smooth, thereby enabling total internal reflection in the previously engraved area (11). In summary, a display device component according to the invention comprises the features of any one of claims 1, 2, and 5. Furthermore, in summary, a method for manufacturing a display device component comprises the features of any one of claims 3, 4, and 6.

[0215] Comparative examples useful for understanding the invention are given below.

[0216] A display device component comprises an optical waveguide having a surface; a first material formed on a portion of the surface of the optical waveguide; and a second material formed on a portion of the first material, the first material having light-scattering properties.

[0217] The second material can be formed anywhere on the first material.

[0218] The display device component may further comprise a third material formed on a portion of the first material, wherein the portion of the first material on which the second material is formed is different from the portion of the first material on which the third material is formed.

[0219] The display device component may further comprise a third material formed on a portion of the second material.

[0220] The first material may be a marking material and the second material may be a marking material.

[0221] The first material can be a white marking material.

[0222] The second material may be a non-white colored marking material.

[0223] The third marking material may be a non-white colored marking material having a color different from a color of the second material.

[0224] The first material may be a white marking material; the second material may be a first non-white colored marking material; and the third material may be a second non-white colored marking material, wherein the first non-white colored marking material has a color that is different from a color of the second non-white colored marking material.

[0225] The first material and the second material are inks.

[0226] The first material and the second material are toner.

[0227] A display device component comprises an optical waveguide having a surface; a first material formed on a portion of the surface of the optical waveguide; and a second material formed on a portion of the first material, wherein light-scattering particles are embedded in the first material.

[0228] The display device component may further comprise a third material formed on a portion of the first material, wherein the portion of the first material on which the second material is formed is different from the portion of the first material on which the third material is formed.

[0229] The display device component may further comprise a third material formed on a portion of the second material.

[0230] The first material can be a white marking material.

[0231] The second material may be a non-white colored marking material.

[0232] The third marking material may be a non-white colored marking material having a color different from a color of the second material.

[0233] The first material may be a white marking material; the second material may be a first non-white colored marking material; and the third material may be a second non-white colored marking material, wherein the first non-white colored marking material has a color that is different from a color of the second non-white colored marking material.

[0234] A display device component comprises an optical waveguide having 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 portion 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, wherein the volumetric density of light-scattering particles along the surface of the optical waveguide increases proportionally as a distance from the light source interface surface increases. The display device component may further comprise a third material formed on a portion of the first material, wherein the portion of the first material on which the second material is formed is different from the portion of the first material on which the third material is formed.

[0235] A display device component comprises an optical waveguide having a surface; 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 second material has light-scattering properties. The display device component may further comprise a third material formed on a portion of the surface of the optical waveguide, wherein the portion of the surface of the optical waveguide on which the first material is formed is different from the portion of the surface of the optical waveguide on which the third material is formed; wherein the second material is formed on the third material. The display device component may further comprise a third material formed between the first material and the second material.

[0236] The first material may be a marking material and the second material may be a marking material.

[0237] The second material can be a white marking material.

[0238] The first material may be a non-white colored marking material.

[0239] The third material may be a non-white colored marking material having a color different from a color of the first material.

[0240] The second material may be a white marking material; the first material may be a first non-white colored marking material; and the third material may be a second non-white colored marking material, wherein the first non-white colored marking material has a color that is different from a color of the second non-white colored marking material.

[0241] The first material and the second material can be inks.

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

[0243] A display device component comprises an optical waveguide having a surface; a first material formed on a portion of the surface of the optical waveguide; and a second material formed on a portion of the first material, wherein light-scattering particles are embedded in the second material.

[0244] The display device component may further comprise a third material formed on a portion of the surface of the optical waveguide, wherein the portion of the surface of the optical waveguide on which the first material is formed is different from the portion of the surface of the optical waveguide on which the third material is formed.

[0245] The display device component may further comprise a third material formed between the first material and the second material.

[0246] The second material can be a white marking material.

[0247] The first material may be a non-white colored marking material.

[0248] The third material may be a non-white colored marking material having a color different from a color of the first material.

[0249] The second material may be a white marking material; the first material may be a first non-white colored marking material; and the third material may be a second non-white colored marking material, wherein the first non-white colored marking material has a color that is different from a color of the second non-white colored marking material.

[0250] A display device component comprises an optical waveguide having 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; 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; the fourth material has light-scattering properties. The optical waveguide has a first refractive index, and the first material has a second refractive index, wherein the first refractive index is substantially equal to the second refractive index.

[0251] The optical waveguide has a first refractive index, and the third material has a second refractive index, wherein the first refractive index is substantially equal to the second refractive index.

[0252] The first material may be a marking material and the fourth material may be a marking material.

[0253] The first material may be a white marking material and the fourth material may be a white marking material.

[0254] The white marking material can be an ink.

[0255] The white marking material can be a toner.

[0256] The second material may be a marking material and the third material may be a marking material.

[0257] The second material may be a non-white colored marking material and the third material may be a non-white colored marking material.

[0258] The non-white colored marking material may be an ink.

[0259] The non-white colored marking material may be a toner.

[0260] A display device component comprises an optical waveguide having 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 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; wherein light-scattering particles are embedded in the fourth material.

[0261] The optical waveguide has a first refractive index, and the first material has a second refractive index, wherein the first refractive index is substantially equal to the second refractive index.

[0262] The optical waveguide has a first refractive index, and the third material has a second refractive index, wherein the first refractive index is substantially equal to the second refractive index.

[0263] The first material may be a marking material and the fourth material may be a marking material.

[0264] The first material may be a white marking material and the fourth material may be a white marking material.

[0265] The second material may be a marking material and the third material may be a marking material.

[0266] The second material may be a non-white colored marking material and the third material may be a non-white colored marking material.

[0267] A display device comprises an optical waveguide having a 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 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; the first material having light-scattering properties to frustrate a portion of the total internal reflection of the incident light within the optical waveguide. The optical waveguide has a first refractive index, and the first material has a second refractive index, the first refractive index being substantially equal to the second refractive index.

[0268] The second material has a third refractive index, wherein the second refractive index is substantially equal to the third refractive index.

[0269] The first material can be a marking material.

[0270] The first material can be a white marking material.

[0271] The white marking material can be an ink.

[0272] The white marking material can be a toner.

[0273] The second material can be a marking material.

[0274] The second material may be a non-white colored marking material.

[0275] The non-white colored marking material may be an ink.

[0276] The non-white colored marking material may be a toner.

[0277] A display device comprises an optical waveguide having 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.The optical waveguide has a first refractive index, and the first material has a second refractive index, wherein the first refractive index is substantially equal to the second refractive index, the second material has a third refractive index, wherein the second refractive index is substantially equal to the third refractive index.

[0278] The first material can be a marking material.

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

[0280] The second material can be a marking material.

[0281] The second material may be a non-white colored marking material.

[0282] A display device comprises an optical waveguide having a 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 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 as the distance from the light source interface increases.

[0283] The first material can be a white marking material.

[0284] The second material may be a non-white colored marking material.

[0285] A display device comprises an optical waveguide having 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. The optical waveguide has a first refractive index, and the first material has a second refractive index, wherein the first refractive index is substantially equal to the second refractive index.

[0286] The second material has a third refractive index, wherein the second refractive index is substantially equal to the third refractive index.

[0287] The second material can be a marking material.

[0288] The second material can be a white marking material.

[0289] The white marking material can be an ink.

[0290] The white marking material can be a toner.

[0291] The first material can be a marking material.

[0292] The first material may be a non-white colored marking material.

[0293] The non-white colored marking material may be an ink.

[0294] The non-white colored marking material may be a toner.

[0295] A display device comprises an optical waveguide having a 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 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 a portion of the total internal reflection of the incident light within the optical waveguide.

[0296] The optical waveguide has a first refractive index, and the first material has a second refractive index, wherein the first refractive index is substantially equal to the second refractive index, the second material has a third refractive index, wherein the second refractive index is substantially equal to the third refractive index.

[0297] The second material can be a marking material.

[0298] The second material can be a white marking material.

[0299] The first material can be a marking material.

[0300] The first material may be a non-white colored marking material.

[0301] A display device comprises an optical waveguide having 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 to frustrate a portion of the total internal reflection of the incident light within the optical fiber;

[0302] The optical waveguide has a first refractive index, and the first material has a second refractive index, wherein the first refractive index is substantially equal to the second refractive index.

[0303] The optical waveguide has a first refractive index, and the third material has a second refractive index, wherein the first refractive index is substantially equal to the second refractive index.

[0304] The first material may be a marking material and the fourth material may be a marking material.

[0305] The first material may be a white marking material and the fourth material may be a white marking material.

[0306] The white marking material can be an ink.

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

[0308] The second material may be a marking material and the third material may be a marking material.

[0309] The second material may be a non-white colored marking material and the third material may be a non-white colored marking material.

[0310] The non-white colored marking material may be an ink.

[0311] The non-white colored marking material may be a toner.

[0312] A display device comprises an optical waveguide having 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 to frustrate a portion of the total internal reflection of the incident light within the optical fiber;

[0313] The optical waveguide has a first refractive index, and the first material has a second refractive index, wherein the first refractive index is substantially equal to the second refractive index.

[0314] The optical waveguide has a first refractive index, and the third material has a second refractive index, wherein the first refractive index is substantially equal to the second refractive index.

[0315] The first material may be a marking material and the fourth material may be a marking material.

[0316] The first material may be a white marking material and the fourth material may be a white marking material.

[0317] The second material may be a marking material and the third material may be a marking material.

[0318] The display device of claim 12, wherein the second material may be a non-white colored marking material and the third material may be a non-white colored marking material.

[0319] A method of manufacturing a display device component to enable image-specific illumination on an image printed on a light waveguide comprises (a) forming a first material on a portion of an optical waveguide having a surface, the first material having light-scattering properties, and (b) forming a second material on the first material.

[0320] The optical waveguide has a first refractive index, and the first material has a second refractive index, wherein the first refractive index is substantially equal to the second refractive index.

[0321] The second material has a third refractive index, wherein the second refractive index is substantially equal to the third refractive index.

[0322] The first material can be a white marking material.

[0323] The first material may be formed by an inkjet printing device. The first material may be formed by a xerographic toner printing device.

[0324] The first material may be formed by a solid-ink printing device. The second material may be a non-white colored marking material.

[0325] The second material may be formed by an inkjet printing device. The second material may be formed by a xerographic toner printing device.

[0326] The second material can be formed by a solid-ink printing device. A method for fabricating a display device component to enable image-specific illumination on an image printed on a light waveguide 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.

[0327] The optical waveguide has a first refractive index, and the first material has a second refractive index, wherein the first refractive index is substantially equal to the second refractive index.

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

[0329] The first material may be formed by an inkjet printing device. The second material may be a non-white colored marking material.

[0330] The second material may be formed by an inkjet printing device. A method of fabricating 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 as a distance from the light source interface surface increases; and (b) forming a second material on the first material.

[0331] The first material can be a white marking material.

[0332] The second material may be a non-white colored marking material.

[0333] A method of fabricating 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 an optical waveguide having a surface and (b) forming a second material on the first material, the second material having light-scattering properties. The optical waveguide has a first refractive index, and the first material has a second refractive index, the first refractive index being substantially equal to the second refractive index.

[0334] The second material has a third refractive index, wherein the second refractive index is substantially equal to the third refractive index.

[0335] The second material can be a white marking material.

[0336] The second material may be formed by an inkjet printing device. The second material may be formed by a xerographic toner printing device.

[0337] The second material may be formed by a solid-ink printing device. The first material may be a non-white colored marking material.

[0338] The first material may be formed by an inkjet printing device. The first material may be formed by a xerographic toner printing device.

[0339] The first material may be formed by a solid-ink printing device. A method for fabricating 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 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.

[0340] The optical waveguide has a first refractive index, and the first material has a second refractive index, wherein the first refractive index is substantially equal to the second refractive index.

[0341] The second material can be a white marking material.

[0342] The second material may be formed by an inkjet printing device. The first material may be a non-white colored marking material.

[0343] The first material may be formed by an inkjet printing device. A method of manufacturing a display device component to enable image-specific illumination of an image printed on a lightwave having a first surface and a second surface comprises (a) forming a first material on a portion of a first surface of an optical waveguide, the first material having 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, the fourth material having light-scattering properties.

[0344] The optical waveguide has a first refractive index, and the first material has a second refractive index, wherein the first refractive index is substantially equal to the second refractive index.

[0345] The second material has a third refractive index, wherein the second refractive index is substantially equal to the third refractive index.

[0346] The first material may be a white marking material and the fourth material may be a white marking material.

[0347] The first material may be formed by an inkjet printing device and the fourth material may be formed by an inkjet printing device.

[0348] The first material may be formed by a xerographic toner printing device and the fourth material may be formed by a xerographic toner printing device.

[0349] The first material may be formed by a solid ink printing device and the fourth material may be formed by a solid ink printing device.

[0350] The second material may be a non-white colored marking material and the third material may be a non-white colored marking material.

[0351] The second material may be formed by an inkjet printing device and the third material may be formed by an inkjet printing device.

[0352] The second material may be formed by a xerographic toner printing device and the third material may be formed by a xerographic toner printing device.

[0353] The second material may be formed by a solid ink printing device and the third material may be formed by a solid ink printing device.

[0354] A method of manufacturing a display device component to enable image-specific illumination on an image printed on a lightwave comprises (a) forming a first material on a portion of a first surface of an optical waveguide, wherein the first material has light-scattering particles embedded therein; (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 particles embedded therein.

[0355] The optical waveguide has a first refractive index, and the first material has a second refractive index, wherein the first refractive index is substantially equal to the second refractive index.

[0356] The first material may be formed by an inkjet printing device and the fourth material may be formed by an inkjet printing device.

[0357] The first material may be formed by a xerographic toner printing device and the fourth material may be formed by a xerographic toner printing device.

[0358] The first material may be formed by a solid ink printing device and the fourth material may be formed by a solid ink printing device.

[0359] The second material may be formed by an inkjet printing device and the third material may be formed by an inkjet printing device.

[0360] The second material may be formed by a xerographic toner printing device and the third material may be formed by a xerographic toner printing device.

[0361] The second material may be formed by a solid ink printing device and the third material may be formed by a solid ink printing device.

[0362] A display device component comprises an optical waveguide having 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 remote from the surface of the optical waveguide, wherein the second surface is non-smooth to frustrate a portion of light reflected internally within the optical waveguide.

[0363] 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 remote from the surface of the optical waveguide and a second surface remote from it; wherein the fourth surface is not smooth to frustrate a portion of the light reflected internally within the optical waveguide.

[0364] The first material can be a marking material.

[0365] The second material can be a marking material.

[0366] The first material may be a non-white colored marking material.

[0367] The second material may be a non-white colored marking material having a color different from a color of the first material.

[0368] The first material may be a first non-white colored marking material, and the second material may be a second non-white colored marking material, wherein the first non-white colored marking material has a color that is different from a color of the second non-white colored marking material. The first material may be an ink.

[0369] The first material can be a toner.

[0370] A display device comprises an optical waveguide having 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 remote from the surface of the optical waveguide; wherein the second surface is non-smooth to frustrate a portion of the total internal reflection of the incident light within the optical waveguide.

[0371] 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 remote from the surface of the optical waveguide and a second surface remote from it; wherein the fourth surface is not smooth to frustrate a portion of the incident light that is totally reflected within the optical waveguide.

[0372] The first material can be a marking material.

[0373] The second material can be a marking material.

[0374] The first material may be a non-white colored marking material.

[0375] The second material may be a non-white colored marking material having a color different from a color of the first material.

[0376] The first material may be a first non-white colored marking material, and the second material may be a second non-white colored marking material, wherein the first non-white colored marking material has a color that is different from a color of the second non-white colored marking material. The first material may be an ink.

[0377] The first material can be a toner.

[0378] A method of 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, the first material having a first surface adjacent to the surface of the optical waveguide and a second surface remote from the surface of the optical waveguide, the second surface being non-smooth to frustrate a portion of the light reflected internally within the optical waveguide.

[0379] The first material may be formed on the part of the surface of the optical waveguide using a printing method, and wherein the non-smooth second surface is formed by printing a halftone image on the optical waveguide using the first material.

[0380] A display device comprises a first optical waveguide having a first surface, a second surface, and a first light source interface surface; a second optical waveguide having 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; 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.

[0381] The first optical waveguide may be spaced apart from the second optical waveguide. A distance between the first optical waveguide and the second optical waveguide may be equal to half the thickness of the first optical waveguide. The first optical waveguide may be parallel to the second optical waveguide.

[0382] A display device comprising a plurality of optical fibers, each optical fiber having a front surface, a back 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 fiber to provide total internal reflection of the incident light within each optical fiber; each optical fiber having a first material formed on a portion of the front surface of each optical fiber, the first material having light-scattering properties to frustrate a portion of the total internal reflection of the incident light within the optical fiber, each optical fiber having a second material formed on the first material;wherein each optical waveguide comprises a third material formed on a portion of the rear surface of each optical waveguide; wherein each optical waveguide comprises a fourth material formed on the third material, the fourth material having light-scattering properties to frustrate a portion of the total internal reflection of the incident light within the optical waveguide.

[0383] A distance between the individual optical fibers can be equal to a thickness of an optical fiber divided by a number of optical fibers.

[0384] Any optical fiber can be parallel to it.

[0385] A display device comprising a plurality of optical fibers, each optical fiber having a front surface, a back 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 surfaces of each optical fiber to provide total internal reflection of the incident light within each optical fiber; wherein each optical fiber has a first material formed on a portion of the front surface of each optical fiber; wherein the first material has a first surface adjacent to the surface of the optical fiber and a second surface remote from the surface of the optical fiber; wherein the second surface is not smooth to frustrate a portion of the internal reflection of the light within the optical fiber.

[0386] A distance between the individual optical fibers can be equal to a thickness of an optical fiber divided by a number of optical fibers.

[0387] Any optical fiber can be parallel to it.

[0388] 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.

[0389] The first optical waveguide may be spaced apart from the second optical waveguide. A distance between the first optical waveguide and the second optical waveguide may be equal to half the thickness of the first optical waveguide. The first optical waveguide may be parallel to the second optical waveguide.

[0390] A display device component comprising a plurality of optical fibers, each optical fiber having a front surface and a rear surface; wherein each optical fiber is formed with a first material formed on a portion of the front surface of each optical fiber, the first material having light-scattering properties to frustrate a portion of the total internal reflection of the incident light within the optical fiber, each optical fiber having a second material formed on the first material; wherein each optical fiber has a third material formed on a portion of the rear surface of each optical fiber;wherein each optical waveguide comprises a fourth material formed on the third material, the fourth material having light-scattering properties to frustrate a portion of the total internal reflection of the incident light within the optical waveguide. ;

[0391] A distance between the individual optical fibers can be equal to a thickness of an optical fiber divided by a number of optical fibers.

[0392] Any optical fiber can be parallel to it.

[0393] The display device component comprises a plurality of optical fibers, each optical fiber having a front surface and a rear surface; formed on each optical fiber is a first material formed on a portion of the front surface of each optical fiber, the first material having a first surface adjacent to the surface of the optical fiber and a second surface remote from the surface of the optical fiber, the second surface being non-smooth to frustrate a portion of the light reflected internally within the optical fiber;wherein each optical waveguide has a second material formed on a portion of the rear surface of the optical waveguide, each optical waveguide having a third material formed on the second material, the third material having light scattering properties to frustrate a portion of the total internal reflection of the incident light within the optical waveguide;

[0394] A distance between the individual optical fibers can be equal to a thickness of an optical fiber divided by a number of optical fibers.

[0395] Any optical fiber can be parallel to it.

[0396] A display device component comprising a plurality of optical fibers, each optical fiber having a front surface and a back surface; each optical fiber having a first material formed on a portion of the front surface of each optical fiber, the first material having light scattering properties to frustrate a portion of the total internal reflection of incident light within the optical fiber, each optical fiber having a second material formed on the first material.

[0397] A distance between the individual optical fibers can be equal to a thickness of an optical fiber divided by a number of optical fibers.

[0398] Any optical fiber can be parallel to it.

[0399] A display device component comprises a plurality of optical fibers, each optical fiber having a front surface and a rear surface; wherein each optical fiber has a first material formed on a portion of the rear surface of each optical fiber, each optical fiber having a second material formed on the first material, the second material having light-scattering properties to frustrate a portion of the total internal reflection of incident light within the optical fiber. A spacing between the individual optical fibers may be equal to a thickness of an optical fiber divided by a number of the optical fibers.

[0400] Any optical fiber can be parallel to it.

[0401] A display device component comprises a plurality of optical fibers, each optical fiber having a front surface and a back surface; wherein each optical fiber has a first material formed on a portion of the surface of each optical fiber; wherein the first material has a first surface adjacent the surface of the optical fiber and a second surface remote from the surface of the optical fiber, wherein the second surface is not smooth to frustrate a portion of the light internally reflected within the optical fiber.

[0402] A distance between the individual optical fibers can be equal to a thickness of an optical fiber divided by a number of optical fibers.

[0403] Any optical fiber can be parallel to it.

[0404] A display device component comprises an optical waveguide having 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, the third material having a first surface adjacent to the second surface of the optical waveguide and a second surface remote from the second surface of the optical waveguide; the second surface being non-smooth so as to frustrate a portion of light reflected internally within the optical waveguide; the second material having light scattering properties.

[0405] The first material may be a marking material and the third material may be a marking material.

[0406] The second material can be a white marking material.

[0407] The white marking material can be an ink.

[0408] The white marking material can be a toner.

[0409] The first material may be a non-white colored marking material and the third material may be a non-white colored marking material.

[0410] The non-white colored marking material may be an ink.

[0411] The non-white colored marking material may be a toner.

[0412] The display device component comprises an optical waveguide having 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 remote from the second surface of the optical waveguide; wherein the second surface is not smooth such that it frustrates a portion of the light reflected internally within the optical waveguide; wherein light-scattering particles are embedded in the second material.

[0413] The first material may be a marking material and the third material may be a marking material.

[0414] The second material can be a white marking material.

[0415] The white marking material can be an ink.

[0416] The white marking material can be a toner.

[0417] The first material may be a non-white colored marking material and the third material may be a non-white colored marking material.

[0418] The non-white colored marking material may be an ink.

[0419] The non-white colored marking material may be a toner.

[0420] The display device component comprises a plurality of optical fibers, each optical fiber having a front surface and a rear surface; formed on each optical fiber is a first material formed on a portion of the front surface of each optical fiber, the first material having a first surface adjacent to the surface of the optical fiber and a second surface remote from the surface of the optical fiber, the second surface being non-smooth to frustrate a portion of the light reflected internally within the optical fiber;wherein each optical waveguide has a second material formed on a portion of the rear surface of the optical waveguide, each optical waveguide having a third material formed on the second material, the third material having light scattering properties to frustrate a portion of the total internal reflection of the incident light within the optical waveguide;

[0421] The first material may be a marking material and the second material may be a marking material.

[0422] The third material can be a white marking material.

[0423] The white marking material can be an ink.

[0424] The display device component comprises an optical waveguide having a front surface and a back surface; a first material formed on a portion of the back surface of the optical waveguide; a second material formed on the first material, the second material having 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, the third material having a first surface adjacent to the front surface of the optical waveguide and a second surface remote from the front surface of the optical waveguide; the second surface being non-smooth so as to frustrate a portion of the light reflected internally within the optical waveguide.

[0425] The first material can be a non-white marking material.

[0426] The second material can be a white marking material.

[0427] The third material may be a non-white colored marking material.

[0428] The third material may be a non-white colored marking material having a color different from a color of the first material.

[0429] The display device component comprises an optical waveguide having 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 reflected internally within the optical waveguide.

[0430] The first material can be a white marking material.

[0431] The second material can be a white marking material.

[0432] The display device component comprises an optical waveguide having a front surface and a rear surface; a first material formed on the front surface of the optical waveguide material, the first material having 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, the third material having light-scattering properties to frustrate a portion of the totally reflected light within the optical waveguide.

[0433] The first material can be a white marking material.

[0434] The second material can be a non-white marking material.

[0435] The third material can be a white colored marking material.

[0436] A display device component comprises an optical fiber having a front surface and a rear surface; a first material formed on a portion of the front surface of the optical fiber; and a second material formed on the rear surface of the optical fiber, the second material having light scattering properties to frustrate a portion of light reflected internally within the optical fiber.

[0437] The first material can be a non-white marking material.

[0438] The second material can be a white marking material.

[0439] A display device component comprises an optical waveguide having a surface; and a first material imagewise formed on the surface of the optical waveguide to create a plurality of image regions comprising the first material, the first material having light-scattering properties; wherein the plurality of image regions includes a first subset of the plurality of image regions having a first density of the first material and a second subset of the plurality of image regions having 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 to create regions of different brightnesses.

[0440] The first material can be a white marking material.

[0441] The white marking material can be an ink.

[0442] The white marking material can be a toner.

[0443] A display device component comprises an optical waveguide having a surface; and a first material imagewise formed on the surface of the optical waveguide to create a plurality of image regions comprising the first material, wherein the first material has light-scattering particles embedded therein; wherein the plurality of image regions includes a first subset of the plurality of image regions having a first density of the first material and a second subset of the plurality of image regions having 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 to create regions of different brightnesses.

[0444] The first material can be a white marking material.

[0445] The white marking material can be an ink.

[0446] The white marking material can be a toner.

[0447] A display device comprises an optical waveguide having a surface; and a first material imagewise formed on the surface of the optical waveguide to create a plurality of 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, wherein the amount of the first material is modulated for each image region to create areas of different brightness.

[0448] The first material can be a white marking material.

[0449] The white marking material can be an ink.

[0450] The white marking material can be a toner.

[0451] A method for producing and reusing an optical waveguide used in an edge-lit display comprises (a) forming a first marking material that marks on a portion of an optical waveguide having a surface, the first marking material being a UV-curable ink and having light-scattering properties; (b) forming a second marking material on the first marking material; and (c) cleaning the surface of the optical waveguide with a solvent to remove the first marking material and the second marking material.

[0452] The solvent can be acetone.

[0453] The method may further comprise (d) mechanically scrubbing the surface of the optical fiber to assist in removing the first marking material and the second marking material.

[0454] A method for producing and reusing an optical waveguide used in an edge-lit illuminated display comprises (a) forming a first marking material that marks a portion of an optical waveguide having a surface, the first marking material being a UV ink and having light-scattering properties; and (b) cleaning the surface of the optical waveguide with solvent to remove the first marking material.

[0455] The solvent can be acetone.

[0456] The method may further comprise (c) mechanically scrubbing the surface of the optical fiber to assist in removing the first marking material and the second marking material.

[0457] A method for producing and reusing an optical waveguide used in an edge-lit illuminated display comprises (a) forming a first marking material on a portion of a surface of the optical waveguide, the first marking material being a UV-curable ink and having a first surface adjacent to the surface of the optical waveguide and a second surface remote from the surface of the optical waveguide, the second surface being non-smooth to frustrate a portion 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 marking material.

[0458] The solvent can be acetone.

[0459] The method may further comprise (c) mechanically scrubbing the surface of the optical fiber to assist in removing the first marking material and the second marking material.

[0460] A method for smoothing a rough cut edge of an optical fiber comprises (a) surface coating a rough cut edge of an optical fiber with a curable fluid having a refractive index substantially equal to a refractive index of the optical fiber; and (b) curing the fluid to form a smooth edge.

[0461] The curable fluid can be a clear UV-curable ink. The curable fluid can be a colored UV-curable ink.

[0462] A method for smoothing an engraved region of a surface of an optical waveguide comprises (a) surface coating an engraved region of a surface of an optical waveguide with a curable fluid having a refractive index substantially equal to a refractive index of the optical waveguide; and (b) curing the fluid to produce a smooth surface.

[0463] The curable fluid can be a clear UV-curable ink.

[0464] A display device component comprises an optical waveguide having 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 portion of the first material, wherein light-scattering particles are embedded in the first material.

[0465] The first material may be a UV-curable marking material and the second material may be a UV-curable marking material.

[0466] The removable transparent layer can be: a clear removable transparent medium with a refractive index substantially equal to that of the optical fiber to support total internal reflection, or a clear removable translucent medium with a refractive index substantially equal to that of the optical fiber to support total internal reflection. The removable transparent layer can be: a colored removable transparent medium with a refractive index substantially equal to that of the optical fiber to support total internal reflection, or a colored removable translucent medium with a refractive index substantially equal to that of the optical fiber to support total internal reflection.

[0467] A method of manufacturing a display device component to enable image-specific illumination on an image adhered to an optical fiber comprises (a) forming a first material on a portion of a removable transparent medium, wherein the first material has light-scattering particles embedded therein; (b) forming a second material on the first material; and (c) adhering the removable transparent medium to a surface of an optical fiber.

[0468] The first material may be a UV-curable marking material and the second material may be a UV-curable marking material.

[0469] The removable transparent layer can be: a clear removable transparent medium with a refractive index substantially equal to that of the optical fiber to support total internal reflection, or a clear removable translucent medium with a refractive index substantially equal to that of the optical fiber to support total internal reflection. The removable transparent layer can be: a colored removable transparent medium with a refractive index substantially equal to that of the optical fiber to support total internal reflection, or a colored removable translucent medium with a refractive index substantially equal to that of the optical fiber to support total internal reflection.

[0470] A display device component comprises an optical waveguide having 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 the second material has light-scattering particles embedded therein.

[0471] The first material may be a UV-curable marking material and the second material may be a UV-curable marking material.

[0472] The removable transparent layer can be: a clear removable transparent medium with a refractive index substantially equal to that of the optical fiber to support total internal reflection, or a clear removable translucent medium with a refractive index substantially equal to that of the optical fiber to support total internal reflection. The removable transparent layer can be: a colored removable transparent medium with a refractive index substantially equal to that of the optical fiber to support total internal reflection, or a colored removable translucent medium with a refractive index substantially equal to that of the optical fiber to support total internal reflection.

[0473] A method of 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 a removable transparent medium; (b) forming a second material on the first material, wherein the second material has light-scattering particles embedded therein; and (c) adhering the removable transparent medium to a surface of an optical waveguide.

[0474] The first material may be a UV-curable marking material and the second material may be a UV-curable marking material.

[0475] The removable transparent layer can be: a clear removable transparent medium with a refractive index substantially equal to that of the optical fiber to support total internal reflection, or a clear removable translucent medium with a refractive index substantially equal to that of the optical fiber to support total internal reflection. The removable transparent layer can be: a colored removable transparent medium with a refractive index substantially equal to that of the optical fiber to support total internal reflection, or a colored removable translucent medium with a refractive index substantially equal to that of the optical fiber to support total internal reflection.

[0476] A display device component comprises an optical waveguide having 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 remote from the surface of the removable transparent layer; wherein the second surface is non-smooth to frustrate a portion of light reflected internally within the optical waveguide.

[0477] The first material may be a UV-curable marking material and the second material may be a UV-curable marking material.

[0478] The removable transparent layer can be: a clear removable transparent medium with a refractive index substantially equal to that of the optical fiber to support total internal reflection, or a clear removable translucent medium with a refractive index substantially equal to that of the optical fiber to support total internal reflection. The removable transparent layer can be: a colored removable transparent medium with a refractive index substantially equal to that of the optical fiber to support total internal reflection, or a colored removable translucent medium with a refractive index substantially equal to that of the optical fiber to support total internal reflection.

[0479] A method of 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, the first material having a first surface adjacent to the surface of the removable transparent medium and a second surface remote from the surface of the removable transparent medium, the second surface being non-smooth to frustrate a portion of the light reflected internally within the optical waveguide, and (b) adhering the removable transparent medium to a surface of an optical waveguide.

[0480] The first material may be a UV-curable marking material and the second material may be a UV-curable marking material.

[0481] The removable transparent layer can be: a clear removable transparent medium with a refractive index substantially equal to that of the optical fiber to support total internal reflection, or a clear removable translucent medium with a refractive index substantially equal to that of the optical fiber to support total internal reflection. The removable transparent layer can be: a colored removable transparent medium with a refractive index substantially equal to that of the optical fiber to support total internal reflection, or a colored removable translucent medium with a refractive index substantially equal to that of the optical fiber to support total internal reflection.

[0482] A display device component comprises an optical waveguide having a surface; a removable transparent layer adhered to the surface of the optical waveguide; and a first material imagewise formed on the surface of the removable transparent layer to create a plurality of image regions comprising the first material, wherein the first material has light-scattering particles embedded therein; wherein the plurality of image regions includes a first subset of the plurality of image regions having a first density of the first material and a second subset of the plurality of image regions having 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 to create regions of different brightnesses.

[0483] The first material may be a UV-curable marking material and the second material may be a UV-curable marking material.

[0484] The removable transparent layer can be: a clear removable transparent medium with a refractive index substantially equal to that of the optical fiber to support total internal reflection, or a clear removable translucent medium with a refractive index substantially equal to that of the optical fiber to support total internal reflection. The removable transparent layer can be: a colored removable transparent medium with a refractive index substantially equal to that of the optical fiber to support total internal reflection, or a colored removable translucent medium with a refractive index substantially equal to that of the optical fiber to support total internal reflection.

[0485] A display device component comprises an optical waveguide having a surface; a removable transparent layer adhered to the surface of the optical waveguide; and a first material imagewise formed on the surface of the removable transparent layer to create a plurality of image regions comprising the first material, the first material having light-scattering particles embedded therein, an amount of the first material formed in each image region, the amount of the first material being modulated for each image region to create areas of different brightness.

[0486] The first material may be a UV-curable marking material and the second material may be a UV-curable marking material.

[0487] The removable transparent layer can be: a clear removable transparent medium with a refractive index substantially equal to that of the optical fiber to support total internal reflection, or a clear removable translucent medium with a refractive index substantially equal to that of the optical fiber to support total internal reflection. The removable transparent layer can be: a colored removable transparent medium with a refractive index substantially equal to that of the optical fiber to support total internal reflection, or a colored removable translucent medium with a refractive index substantially equal to that of the optical fiber to support total internal reflection.

[0488] Various features and functions disclosed above and other features and functions, or alternatives thereto, may be combined to form many other different systems or applications. Various alternatives, modifications, variations, or improvements not currently contemplated or anticipated may be made by one skilled in the art in the future, which are also intended to be encompassed by the disclosed embodiments.

Claims

[1] Display device component, comprising: an optical waveguide (10) with a viewing surface; a first material (40) that is partially formed on the viewing surface of the optical waveguide (10); and a third material which is partially formed on the viewing surface of the optical waveguide (10), wherein the part of the viewing surface of the optical waveguide (10) on which the first material (40) is formed is different from the part of the viewing surface of the optical waveguide (10) on which the third material is formed; a second material (50) which is formed identically to the first and third materials; wherein the second material (50) has light-scattering properties; wherein the third material is a colored, non-white marking material, with a color different from the color of the first material (40), wherein the optical waveguide (10) has a first refractive index and the first material (40) has a second refractive index, wherein the first refractive index is essentially equal to the second refractive index, and wherein the second material (40) has a third refractive index, wherein the second refractive index is essentially the same as the third refractive index, where the first, second and third material is a marking material shaped image by image according to image data. [2] Display device component, comprising: an optical waveguide (10) with a viewing surface; a first material (40) that is partially formed on the viewing surface of the optical waveguide (10); and a third material which is partially formed on the viewing surface of the optical waveguide (10), wherein the part of the viewing surface of the optical waveguide (10) on which the first material (40) is formed is different from the part of the viewing surface of the optical waveguide (10) on which the third material is formed; a second material (50) which is formed identically to the first and third materials; wherein light-scattering particles are embedded in the second material (50); wherein the third material is a non-white colored marking material, with a color different from the color of the first material (40), wherein the optical waveguide (10) has a first refractive index and the first material (40) has a second refractive index, wherein the first refractive index is essentially equal to the second refractive index, and wherein the second material (40) has a third refractive index, wherein the second refractive index is essentially the same as the third refractive index, where the first, second and third material is a marking material shaped image by image according to image data. [3] Method for manufacturing a display device component to enable image-specific illumination of an image printed on an optical waveguide (10), comprising: (a) Forming a first material (40) partially on a viewing surface of an optical waveguide (10); (b) Forming a third material partially on the viewing surface of the optical waveguide (10), wherein the part of the viewing surface of the optical waveguide (10) on which the first material (40) is formed is different from the part of the viewing surface of the optical waveguide (10) on which the third material is formed; and (c) Forming a second material (50) congruently on the first and third material, wherein the third material is a non-white colored marking material with a color different from the color of the first material (40), wherein the second material (50) has light-scattering properties; wherein the optical waveguide (10) has a first refractive index and the first material (40) has a second refractive index, wherein the first refractive index is essentially equal to the second refractive index, and wherein the second material (40) has a third refractive index, wherein the second refractive index is essentially the same as the third refractive index, where the first, second and third material is a marking material shaped image by image according to image data. [4] Method for manufacturing a display device component to enable image-specific illumination of an image printed on an optical waveguide (10), comprising: (a) Forming a first material (40) partially on a viewing surface of an optical waveguide (10) with a surface; and (b) Forming a third material partially on the viewing surface of the optical waveguide (10), wherein the part of the surface of the optical waveguide (10) on which the first material (40) is formed is different from the part of the surface of the optical waveguide (10) on which the third material is formed; and (c) Forming a second material (50) congruently on the first and third materials, wherein the third material is a non-white colored marker material with a color different from the color of the first material (40), wherein light-scattering particles are embedded in the second material (50); wherein the optical waveguide (10) has a first refractive index and the first material (40) has a second refractive index, wherein the first refractive index is essentially equal to the second refractive index, and wherein the second material (40) has a third refractive index, wherein the second refractive index is essentially the same as the third refractive index, where the first, second and third material is a marking material shaped image by image according to image data. [5] Display device component, comprising: an optical waveguide (10) with a viewing surface; a removable transparent layer (70) that adheres to the viewing surface of the optical waveguide (10); a first material (40) which is partially formed on the removable transparent layer (70); a third material that is partially formed on the surface of the removable transparent layer (70), wherein the part of the surface of the removable transparent layer (70) on which the first material (40) is formed is different from the part of the surface of the removable transparent layer (70) on which the third material is formed; and a second material (50) which is formed identically to the first and third material (40), wherein light-scattering particles are embedded in the second material; wherein the third material is a non-white colored marking material, with a color different from the color of the first material (40), wherein the optical waveguide (10) has a first refractive index and the first material (40) has a second refractive index, wherein the first refractive index is essentially equal to the second refractive index, and wherein the second material (40) has a third refractive index, wherein the second refractive index is essentially the same as the third refractive index, where the first, second and third material is a marking material shaped image by image according to image data. [6] Method for manufacturing a display device component to enable image-specific illumination of an image that adheres to a viewing surface of an optical waveguide (10), comprising: (a) Forming a first material (40) partially on a removable transparent layer (70); (b) Forming a third material partially on the surface of the removable transparent layer (70), wherein the part of the surface of the removable transparent layer (70) on which the first material (40) is formed is different from the part of the surface of the removable transparent layer (70) on which the third material is formed; (c) Forming a second material (50) congruently on the first and third materials, wherein the third material is a non-white colored marking material with a color different from the color of the first material (40), wherein the second material (50) has light-scattering properties; and (d) Adhering the removable transparent layer (70) to the viewing surface of the optical waveguide, wherein the optical waveguide (10) has a first refractive index and the first material (40) has a second refractive index, wherein the first refractive index is essentially equal to the second refractive index, and wherein the second material (40) has a third refractive index, wherein the second refractive index is essentially the same as the third refractive index, where the first, second and third material is a marking material shaped image by image according to image data.

Images