Optical Waveguide Marking Materials for Multi-Color Display

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional optical waveguides using engraving for image display are limited by monochromatic images, inability to produce shading or variable light density, and non-reusability for different images.

Innovation Solution

Printing marking materials with specific indices of refraction on optical waveguides to control light refraction and scattering, allowing for multi-color and shaded images while maintaining the waveguide's reusability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If laser engraving is used to create images on optical waveguides, then images can be displayed with internal reflection frustration, but the images are limited to line art without shading or density levels

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage detail capabilityVSAvoidimage type flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the fundamental parameter of image creation from engraving (removing material) to deposition (adding material). By depositing marking materials with varying optical properties onto the waveguide surface, the system can create continuous tone images with shading and density levels, overcoming the line-art-only limitation of laser engraving.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses composite marking materials deposited on the optical waveguide surface. These materials have specific refractive indices that differ from the waveguide core, creating the necessary optical interface for light escape. The composite structure enables both shading capability and optical functionality simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple pieces of acrylic with different color engravings are used, then multi-color images can be displayed, but the system complexity increases with multiple waveguides and light sources

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecolor display capabilityVSAvoidnumber of components

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple color capabilities into a single optical waveguide by depositing different colored marking materials on the same waveguide surface. This eliminates the need for multiple separate waveguides and light sources, reducing system complexity while maintaining multi-color display capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a universal optical waveguide that can display multiple colors simultaneously through marking material deposition. A single waveguide with deposited marking materials can produce full-color images, making the system multi-functional and eliminating the need for color-specific components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Manufacturing precision

If laser engraving is used to create images on optical waveguides, then images can be displayed, but the optical waveguide cannot be re-used for other images

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage display capabilityVSAvoidre-usability

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables recovery and re-use of the optical waveguide by making the marking material deposition removable. The deposited marking materials can be cleaned off the waveguide surface, allowing the same waveguide to be reused for different images, unlike permanent laser engraving.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #34Discarding and recovering

4Adaptability or versatility

If marking materials are deposited on optical waveguides, then multi-color and shaded images can be displayed, but the process complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage capabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing process simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical engraving process with a deposition process using marking materials. This substitution enables more versatile image creation (colors, shading) while the deposition techniques used are well-established in other industries, making the manufacturing process manageable despite increased complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 creation of images with multiple colors and variable shading on a single optical waveguide, enhancing display capabilities and allowing for reuse of the waveguide for different images.

Implementation Method 1

Printing marking materials with specific indices of refraction on optical waveguides to control light refraction

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRefraction: Refraction

Implementation Method 2

Printing marking materials with specific indices of refraction on optical waveguides to control light refraction and scattering

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight scattering: Scattering

Implementation Method 3

Various transparent materials have been conventionally used as optical waveguides for optical total internal reflection

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTotal internal reflection: Total Internal Reflection

Data Source

PatentUS11249240B2System and method for image specific illumination of image printed on optical waveguide

Publication Date: 2022.02.15 GENESEE VALLEY INNOVATIONS LLC

AI summary

A display device component includes an optical waveguide having a surface; a first material formed on a portion of the surface of the optical waveguide; and a second material formed on a portion of the first material. The first material has light scattering properties.