Lighting System for Accenting Layer Regions via Wavelength-Selective Scattering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image projection systems require a dark environment and often rely on biological responses or filters, making it difficult for all observers to perceive embedded images without interrupting their activities.
Innovation Solution
A lighting system with multiple light sources and a layer having distinct surface scatter profiles, where each region diffusively scatters specific wavelengths of light, allowing for selective emission and accentuation of images embedded in pseudo-random patterns, enabling all observers to view the images without environmental constraints.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional image projection systems are used, then images can be projected onto surfaces, but the environment must be dark and observers cannot view images while engaged in ordinary activities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating regions with different surface scatter profiles within the layer. Specific regions are designed to scatter particular wavelengths of light while other regions scatter different wavelengths, allowing selective visualization of embedded images based on the wavelength composition of incident light rather than requiring dark environments or special viewing conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes color changes by employing regions with different surface scatter profiles that respond to different wavelengths of light. By illuminating the layer with light containing specific wavelengths, different regions scatter those wavelengths to reveal different embedded images, enabling image visualization without dark environments and compatible with ordinary observer activities.
2Reliability
If embedded images are created using biological responses or filters, then images can be concealed and revealed, but not all observers can perceive the images and eyewear is not conducive to ordinary activities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent ensures reliable image perception for all observers by creating multiple regions with different surface scatter profiles throughout the layer. Each region is designed to scatter specific wavelengths, so when illuminated with appropriate wavelength-containing light, any observer can see the embedded images without requiring special biological responses or filter eyewear, making the system universally accessible and convenient for ordinary activities.
3Loss of information
If images are embedded in random or pseudo-random patterns, then images can be concealed, but the images become difficult to recognize without special viewing methods
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves the contradiction between concealment and detectability by assigning different surface scatter profiles to different regions within the pseudo-random pattern. Each region is optimized to scatter specific wavelengths, so when the layer is illuminated with light containing those wavelengths, the embedded images become clearly recognizable. The pseudo-random arrangement maintains concealment when not illuminated with the correct wavelengths while enabling easy recognition when properly illuminated.
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 system allows for the clear visualization of embedded images in various environments without the need for dark conditions or filters, enhancing accessibility and usability for all observers.
Implementation Method 1
The first surface scatter profile may be configured to diffusively scatter a combined light including a first wavelength. Furthermore, the second surface scatter profile may be configured to diffusively scatter a combined light including a second wavelength.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for accenting regions of a layer including a lighting system including a plurality of light sources operable to emit polychromatic light and a layer having two or more regions configured to diffusively scatter light within a wavelength range while absorbing light not within the wavelength range. The regions may be configured to represent recognizable characters or images, and may form a sequence. The lighting system may highlight the regions individually or simultaneously. The layer may be attachable to a surface and may further include non-highlighted regions. The system may also include appliqués applied to a surface and a cover layer transparent to certain wavelengths of light that the appliqués scatter.