Lithophane Display Unit with Integrated Edge-Lit Roughened Surface
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing techniques for visualizing 3D printed lithophanes require natural daylight or artificial light sources for image visibility, which can be inconvenient and limit usability, especially in the absence of daylight.
Innovation Solution
A display unit with a built-in light source, a base with a receptacle, and a stand piece with a roughened surface, allowing for the positioning of a lithophane and providing adjustable lighting options, including brightness and color settings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If natural daylight or artificial light sources are used for backlighting lithophanes, then image visibility is achieved, but convenience and usability are reduced due to the need to position light sources or hold lithophanes up to light
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the lithophane display function with an integrated light source into a single unified device. The light source is embedded within the display unit itself, eliminating the need for separate external lighting arrangements and making the device self-contained and easier to operate.
Solution Approach 2:
The display unit provides its own lighting through an integrated light source, making it self-sufficient. The device does not require external light sources or user intervention to position lighting, as it generates its own illumination internally.
2Illumination intensity
If artificial light sources are required for viewing lithophanes in dark environments, then image visibility is maintained, but usability becomes cumbersome requiring users to hold lithophanes up to light sources
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the lithophane holder with an integrated light source, creating a self-contained display unit that provides its own illumination. This eliminates the need for users to seek external light sources or manually position lithophanes under lighting.
Solution Approach 2:
The display unit serves its own lighting needs through an embedded light source that automatically illuminates the lithophane when the device is in use, eliminating the need for user intervention to position external light sources.
3Adaptability or versatility
If built-in light sources with adjustable brightness and color settings are integrated into the display unit, then versatility and user control are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic lighting control with adjustable brightness and color temperature settings, allowing the light source to adapt to different viewing conditions and user preferences. This transforms a static lighting system into a dynamically adjustable one.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated light source serves multiple functions: it provides illumination for viewing, allows brightness adjustment for different ambient conditions, and offers color temperature control for varied atmospheres, making the device versatile for multiple use scenarios.
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
Enables the viewing of lithophane images both during the day with natural light and at night or in dark environments with the integrated light source, enhancing convenience and usability.
Implementation Method 1
The stand piece may include a roughened surface formed on at least a portion of a front side of the stand piece
Data Source
AI summary
Display units for lithophanes and methods for manufacturing them. A display unit may include a pane, or a stand piece, formed of a clear or translucent material of construction. At least a portion of a frontward-facing surface of the pane or the stand piece may include a roughened surface formed thereon. The display unit may include at least one light source positioned sufficiently proximate to, or in contact with, one or more edges of the pane or the stand piece to direct light from the at least one light source as at least one light path into and through the clear or translucent material of construction toward the roughened surface. The display unit may include means for positioning a lithophane upon, or proximate, to the roughened surface. Users of such display units may experience greater lithophane viewing convenience using either natural light or with the at least one light source.