Optical Interference Decoration Member for Depth Perception

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional decorative films struggle to create a sense of depth on a single plane and are limited in expressing various colors on three-dimensional patterns, with fixed colors at different viewing angles.

Innovation Solution

A decoration member comprising a substrate and a decorative layer, where the decorative layer includes one or more light reflection and/or light absorption layers, allowing for light reflection and absorption that creates constructive and destructive interference, enabling the expression of specific colors through thickness variations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If conventional printing or deposition methods are used to express colors on a decorative film, then color representation is achieved, but multiple printing passes are required for different colors and three-dimensional patterns cannot be practically implemented

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecolor application processVSAvoidnumber of printing passes
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the parameter of color expression from additive printing to optical interference. By controlling the thickness of the transparent resin layer (parameter change), different colors are achieved through constructive and destructive interference of light waves, eliminating the need for multiple printing passes

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical printing system with an optical system. Instead of physically depositing pigments through printing, the color is generated optically through interference patterns created by varying layer thickness, substituting a mechanical process with an optical phenomenon

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Stability of the object's composition

If conventional decorative films use fixed color layers, then color stability is maintained, but the color does not change with viewing angle and lacks depth perception

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecolor consistencyVSAvoidcolor variation with viewing angle
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces dynamics to the color presentation by making it angle-dependent. The color observed changes dynamically as the viewing angle changes, created by the interference pattern in the transparent resin layer. This allows the same physical structure to present different colors from different angles while maintaining compositional stability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent adds a new dimension to color expression by incorporating viewing angle as a variable. Instead of color being fixed in two dimensions (hue and saturation), a third dimension (viewing angle) is introduced, creating a three-dimensional color experience that provides depth perception and angle-dependent color variation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Shape

If physical surface structures are used to create depth effect, then tactile depth is achieved, but the actual distance from the decoration member to the observer's eyes does not match the visually sensed distance

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesurface depth structureVSAvoiddistance perception accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
ShapeVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates an optical copy of depth rather than a physical copy. Instead of relying on physical surface relief to convey depth, it uses interference patterns that visually simulate depth. The optical illusion of depth is created through color variation with angle, matching the visually sensed distance to the actual distance

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

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 decoration member achieves surface characteristics with a sense of depth, allowing for the expression of multiple colors on three-dimensional patterns, independent of physical surface structures, by varying the thickness of the light reflection and absorption layers.

Implementation Method 1

a light reflection layer provided on the substrate; a light absorption layer provided on the substrate, wherein the light absorption layer and the light reflection layer are alternately stacked a plurality of times

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight reflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 2

a light absorption layer provided on the substrate, wherein the light absorption layer and the light reflection layer are alternately stacked a plurality of times

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight absorption: Absorption (EM radiation)

Implementation Method 3

allowing for light reflection and absorption that creates constructive and destructive interference, enabling the expression of specific colors through thickness variations

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOptical interference: Interference

Data Source

PatentEP3738770B1Decoration member
Publication Date: 2025.05.14 LG CHEM LTD
  • EP3738770B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3738770B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3738770B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

Provided is a decoration member including a substrate and a decorative layer provided on the substrate, wherein the decoration member has a depth parameter value δ1m represented by Formula 1 of 0.15 or more.