Optical Waveguide Image Printing via Refractive Index Control
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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
1Manufacturing precision
If laser engraving is used to create images on optical waveguides, then images can be displayed with light refraction, but the images are limited to line art without shading or density levels
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of image creation from engraving (removing material) to printing (depositing material). By using marking materials with different indices of refraction printed on the waveguide surface, the system can create continuous tone images with shading and density levels, overcoming the line-art-only limitation of laser engraving while maintaining manufacturing precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite marking materials with specifically selected indices of refraction that match or contrast with the optical waveguide material. This use of composite materials enables precise control over light refraction and scattering, allowing creation of images with variable shading and density levels that were impossible with monolithic laser engraving.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple pieces of acrylic are used to display multiple colors, then color images can be displayed, but the system complexity increases with multiple waveguides and light sources
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes a single optical waveguide perform multiple functions by printing different marking materials with different indices of refraction on its surface. This universal approach allows one waveguide to display multiple colors and complex images, eliminating the need for multiple separate waveguides and light sources while maintaining full color display capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by varying the index of refraction of marking materials at different locations on the waveguide surface. By selecting materials with specific refractive indices for different regions, the system can control light refraction locally to produce different colors and image features across the same waveguide, achieving multi-color display without increasing system complexity.
3Manufacturing precision
If engraving is used to create images on optical waveguides, then images can be displayed, but the waveguide cannot be reused for different images
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements discarding and recovering by using printable marking materials that can be removed from the waveguide surface after use. This allows the waveguide to be recovered and reused for different images, overcoming the permanent modification issue of laser engraving while maintaining high image display quality through controlled material deposition and removal.
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
Implementation Method 2
the first material having light scattering properties to frustrate a portion of the total internal reflection of the incident light within the optical waveguide
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.