Optical Waveguide Image Illumination via Refractive Marking
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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
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If engraving marks are used to display images on optical waveguide, then light can escape at engraved points to create visible images, but the images are limited to monochromatic colors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by depositing different colored materials at different locations on the optical waveguide surface. Each region has a specific color property tailored to the desired image output, allowing multi-color images while maintaining the single waveguide structure. The colored materials are applied only where needed to create the image, rather than uniformly across the entire surface.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple pieces of acrylic are used to display multi-color images, then each piece can be etched with a specific color image, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functions into a single optical waveguide by depositing multiple colored materials on one substrate. Instead of using separate acrylic pieces for different colors, the invention combines red, green, blue, and other colored materials on a single waveguide, reducing component count while maintaining multi-color display capability. This integration simplifies the overall device structure.
3Ease of manufacture
If laser engraving is used to create images, then the engraving process can be performed, but the optical waveguide cannot be re-used for other images
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the image information from permanent engraving and separates it into removable colored material deposits. By using deposited materials rather than permanent laser engraving, the image content can be changed by removing and replacing the colored materials, while the underlying optical waveguide remains intact and reusable for different images.
4Illumination intensity
If conventional engraving is used, then images can be displayed, but shading and variable light density levels cannot be provided
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by varying the concentration, thickness, or optical properties of the deposited colored materials to create different shading levels. By controlling material deposition parameters such as layer thickness or material density, the invention achieves variable light transmission and reflection, enabling shaded images and grayscale effects that conventional binary engraving cannot provide.
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 easy reuse of the waveguide for different images.
Implementation Method 1
various transparent materials have been conventionally used as optical waveguides for optical total internal reflection
Implementation Method 2
Printing marking materials with specific indices of refraction on optical waveguides to control light refraction and scattering
Implementation Method 3
Printing marking materials with specific indices of refraction on optical waveguides to control light refraction and scattering
Data Source
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.