Cloaking Device Using Prism and Light Guide Refraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Observers experience a restricted or obscured view of objects due to obstruction by articles, which can interfere with device operation or detract from events, as existing solutions fail to effectively redirect light around such obstructions.
Innovation Solution
A cloaking device comprising a prism and a light guide, where the prism is attachable to an article and configured to direct light rays from an obscured object around the article, utilizing transparent materials with specific refractive indices to ensure the object remains visible by maintaining a refracted angle of less than 90 degrees and preserving luminance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If a conventional lens or mirror is used to redirect light around an obstruction, then the obscured object may become visible, but the device complexity increases and image quality deteriorates due to multiple reflections and distortions
Solution Approach 1:
The cloaking device is divided into three distinct functional segments: a light guide portion with high refractive index material for initial light redirection, a low refractive index material layer for precise angle control, and a prism portion for final light direction. Each segment performs a specific function in the light redirection sequence, simplifying the overall design while maintaining effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention utilizes precise control of refractive index parameters to achieve the desired light redirection. By selecting materials with specific refractive indices (high index for light guide, low index for angle control layer), the device achieves accurate light bending without complex mechanical or optical mechanisms.
2Loss of information
If existing light redirection solutions are implemented, then some visibility improvement may be achieved, but luminance is lost and image quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The invention optimizes luminance preservation by carefully selecting and controlling refractive index parameters. The high refractive index light guide material efficiently redirects light with minimal loss, while the low refractive index material layer precisely controls the exit angle to maximize light transmission to the observer's eye, preserving image brightness.
3Device complexity
If a simple opaque article is used without any optical elements, then the device complexity remains low, but the object behind the article remains completely blocked from view
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies optical functionality only where needed - the light guide and prism are positioned specifically on the edges of the opaque article where light redirection is required. The majority of the article remains simple and opaque, maintaining overall structural simplicity while achieving the cloaking effect at critical locations.
4Loss of information
If conventional optical elements are used to redirect light at oblique angles, then some visibility may be achieved, but the angle of refraction exceeds 90 degrees causing total internal reflection and loss of image
Solution Approach 1:
The invention solves the oblique angle problem by using a low refractive index material layer between the high index light guide and air. This intermediate layer reduces the refraction angle to below 90 degrees, preventing total internal reflection and ensuring reliable light transmission to the observer regardless of the incident angle.
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 cloaking device effectively renders the article transparent, allowing the observer to view the object from various angles with improved image quality and luminance, even when the light ray intercepts the device at oblique angles, thereby enhancing visibility without using cameras or metamaterials.
Implementation Method 1
The light guide is formed from a first transparent material having a first refractive index and a third transparent material having a third refractive index that is less than the first refractive index. The light guide redirects the light ray through the first transparent material and the third transparent material as a refracted ray
Implementation Method 2
The refraction surface and the light ray define a first angle therebetween of less than 90°. The light guide is configured for directing the light ray through the prism
Implementation Method 3
configured for directing around the article a light ray reflected from an object that is blocked from view by the article
Data Source
AI summary
A cloaking device includes a prism and a light guide. The prism is attachable to an article and is configured for directing around the article a light ray reflected from an object that is blocked from view. The prism has an object surface and an article surface spaced opposite the object surface. The guide is disposed on solely the object surface and has a refraction surface at least partially spaced apart from the object surface. The guide is configured for directing the ray through the prism such that the object is not blocked from view. The refraction surface and the ray define a first angle therebetween of less than 90°. The guide is formed from a first transparent material having a first refractive index and the prism is formed from a second transparent material having a second refractive index that is greater than or equal to the first refractive index.