Layered Optical Device with One-Way Branding and Clear Viewing

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional optical devices, such as eyeglasses and windows, struggle to display an image on one surface while maintaining a clear and uninterrupted view from the opposite surface, often requiring power sources or reducing clarity and brightness.

Innovation Solution

A layered optical device comprising an image layer, a mirrored one-way layer, a color conversion layer, and an anti-reflective layer, where the image is visible from one surface and neutralized on the other, using transparent or semi-transparent inks and dielectric mirror coatings to achieve this effect.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If an image is applied on the surface of the lens, then branding or custom images can be displayed, but the view of the user is blocked

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage applicationVSAvoidview blocking

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The optical device is divided into multiple functional layers: an image layer for displaying the custom image, a mirrored one-way layer for selective reflection, and a color conversion layer for neutralizing colors. This segmentation allows each layer to perform its specific function without interfering with the user's view through the lens.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions of the optical device have different optical properties. The image layer contains transparent or semi-transparent inks with specific color characteristics in certain regions, while the color conversion layer applies complementary colors in corresponding regions to neutralize the image appearance from the user's perspective while maintaining visibility from the outside.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Ease of manufacture

If conventional image application methods are used, then images can be displayed on the lens, but a power source is required which increases cost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage display capabilityVSAvoidpower source requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The optical device uses passive optical layers that do not require external power sources. The image layer with transparent inks, mirrored one-way layer, and color conversion layer work together through optical principles alone, eliminating the need for batteries, displays, or electronic control systems while still achieving the image display effect.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces active electronic systems (digital displays, smart glass with power sources) with passive optical systems. The image display function is achieved through the interaction of light with transparent inks, mirrored surfaces, and color conversion layers, substituting mechanical/electronic complexity with optical simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Ease of manufacture

If perforated or semi-transparent films are used for image application, then images can be displayed, but clarity or brightness is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage displayVSAvoidclarity and brightness

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSIllumination intensity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a composite structure combining transparent or semi-transparent inks on an image layer with a mirrored one-way layer and a color conversion layer. This composite material system maintains optical clarity and brightness by using transparent inks instead of opaque perforated films, while the mirrored and color conversion layers enhance the image visibility from the outside without blocking the user's view.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

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 allows for a vivid image to be visible on one surface while ensuring a neutral view from the other, without the need for power sources, maintaining clarity and durability.

Implementation Method 1

a mirrored one-way layer defined by a first side positioned adjacent the image layer second side, and an opposed second side, wherein the mirrored one-way layer comprises a dielectric mirror coating

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 2

a color conversion layer defined by defined by a first side positioned adjacent to the second side of the mirrored one-way layer, and a second side, wherein the color conversion layer comprises an additive color in the same size and shape as the image to neutralize the image

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectColor conversion: Fluorescence

Data Source

PatentUS12360395B1System and method of creating a layered optical device

Publication Date: 2025.07.15 LONSWAY GENE A

AI summary

The invention is a system and method used to prepare an optical device with external branding on a first surface while also ensuring internal visibility preservation. The optical device includes multiple layers that provide functional aspects to the optical device. Specifically, the optical device includes an image layer, a mirrored one-way layer, a color conversion layer, a lens, and an anti-reflective layer. The combination of the optical device layers ensures an image printed on the first surface of the device is fully visible on, while the view from the opposed second surface (e.g., the view of the user) is uninhibited by the image.