Backlit Colored Display With One-Way Mirror Color Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing backlit devices display patterns with fixed colors that do not change when illuminated, lacking dynamic color variation.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a light-transmissive coloring layer with multiple colors, a silvering material forming a one-way-mirror, and an illuminator that illuminates the coloring layer from the rear side, allowing the coloring layer to visibly colorize the displayed image when illuminated.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a light-transmissive coloring layer is used in existing backlit ornaments, then the pattern can be illuminated, but the color remains fixed and does not change dynamically
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into distinct functional layers: a coloring layer containing colorants, a silvering material layer forming a one-way-mirror, and a display layer. This segmentation allows each layer to perform its specific function independently, enabling dynamic colorization while maintaining structural organization and manufacturability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses a composite structure combining a light-transmissive coloring layer with colorants, a silvering material (metal, metalloid, or oxide), and a varnished coating. This composite material system enables the coloring layer to remain invisible in darkness while displaying variable colors when illuminated through the one-way-mirror effect.
2Illumination intensity
If the coloring layer is made visible without backlighting, then the pattern is always visible, but the dynamic colorization effect is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The silvering material acts as an intermediary one-way-mirror between the coloring layer and the viewer. It reflects ambient light to hide the coloring layer when unilluminated, while transmitting light from the illuminator to reveal the colorized pattern, thus controlling visibility dynamically without sacrificing color variability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a silvering material is plated on the coloring layer, then a one-way-mirror effect is achieved, but manufacturing precision is required
Solution Approach 1:
The silvering material is applied locally on the varnished front side of the coloring layer to form the one-way-mirror effect. The varnish coating serves as a preparatory layer that ensures uniform adhesion and distribution of the silvering material, reducing manufacturing precision requirements while achieving the desired optical effect.
Solution Approach 2:
The varnished coating is applied to the coloring layer before plating the silvering material. This preliminary action creates a suitable surface for plating, ensuring proper adhesion and uniform distribution of the silvering material, thereby facilitating the manufacturing process and reducing precision requirements.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If the coloring layer is hidden behind the one-way-mirror, then ambient visibility is maintained, but light transmission for colorization is blocked
Solution Approach 1:
The one-way-mirror effect operates periodically based on illumination conditions: it reflects ambient light to hide the coloring layer when unilluminated, and transmits illuminator light to reveal the colorized pattern when backlit. This periodic switching between reflection and transmission modes enables both ambient visibility and light transmission for colorization.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The device achieves dynamic colorization of the displayed image by illuminating the coloring layer, providing variable colors that are hidden when unilluminated and visible when illuminated through the one-way-mirror.
Implementation Method 1
the silvering material comprising a metal, a metalloid, or an oxide thereof to form a one-way-mirror
Implementation Method 2
when the coloring layer is illuminated by the illuminator, the illuminated coloring layer visibly colorizes the displayed image through the one-way-mirror
Data Source
AI summary
A device for displaying images having variable colors comprises a substrate; a light-transmissive coloring layer painted or laminated on the substrate, the coloring layer comprising colorants of different colors and having a rear side in contact with the substrate and a varnished front side; a display layer comprising a silvering material directly plated on the varnished front side of the coloring layer, the display layer comprising a display pattern forming a visible displayed image, the silvering material comprising a metal, a metalloid, or an oxide thereof to form a one-way-mirror; an illuminator configured and positioned to illuminate the coloring layer from the rear side of the coloring layer. When the coloring layer is unilluminated by the illuminator, the unilluminated coloring layer is hidden behind the one-way-mirror. When the coloring layer is illuminated by the illuminator, the illuminated coloring layer visibly colorizes the displayed image through the one-way-mirror.