U.S. patent application number 15/630161 was filed with the patent office on 2018-12-27 for system and method for image specific illumination of image printed on optical waveguide.
This patent application is currently assigned to Xerox Corporation. The applicant listed for this patent is Xerox Corporation. Invention is credited to David C. Craig, Chu-Heng Liu.
Application Number | 20180372627 15/630161 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 64693061 |
Filed Date | 2018-12-27 |
View All Diagrams
United States Patent
Application |
20180372627 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Craig; David C. ; et
al. |
December 27, 2018 |
SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR IMAGE SPECIFIC ILLUMINATION OF IMAGE PRINTED
ON OPTICAL WAVEGUIDE
Abstract
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.
Inventors: |
Craig; David C.; (Pittsford,
NY) ; Liu; Chu-Heng; (Penfield, NY) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Xerox Corporation |
Norwalk |
CT |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Xerox Corporation
Norwalk
CT
|
Family ID: |
64693061 |
Appl. No.: |
15/630161 |
Filed: |
June 22, 2017 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G01N 21/47 20130101;
G06K 9/2063 20130101; G02B 6/0063 20130101; G02B 6/0076 20130101;
G02B 6/003 20130101; G02B 6/0043 20130101; G02B 6/006 20130101;
G02B 6/0065 20130101 |
International
Class: |
G01N 21/47 20060101
G01N021/47; G06K 9/20 20060101 G06K009/20; F21V 8/00 20060101
F21V008/00 |
Claims
1. A display device component comprising: an optical waveguide
having a first surface and a second surface; a first material
formed on a portion of said first surface of said optical
waveguide; a second material formed on a portion of said first
material, said second material being a marking material; a third
material formed on a portion of said second surface of said optical
waveguide, said third material being a marking material; and a
fourth material formed on said third material; said first material
having light scattering properties; said fourth material having
light scattering properties.
2. The display device component as claimed in claim 1, wherein said
optical waveguide has a first index of refraction and said first
material has a second index of refraction, said first index of
refraction being substantially equal to said second index of
refraction.
3. The display device component as claimed in claim 1, wherein said
optical waveguide has a first index of refraction and said third
material has a second index of refraction, said first index of
refraction being substantially equal to said second index of
refraction.
4. The display device component as claimed in claim 1, wherein said
first material is a marking material and said fourth material is a
marking material.
5. The display device component as claimed in claim 1, wherein said
first material is a white marking material and said fourth material
is a white marking material.
6. The display device component as claimed in claim 5, wherein said
white marking material is ink.
7. The display device component as claimed in claim 5, wherein said
white marking material is toner.
8. (canceled)
9. The display device component as claimed in claim 1, wherein said
second material is a non-white colored marking material and said
third material is a non-white colored marking material.
10. The display device component as claimed in claim 9, wherein
said non-white colored marking material is ink.
11. The display device component as claimed in claim 9, wherein
non-white colored marking material is toner.
12. A display device component comprising: an optical waveguide
having a first surface and a second surface; a first material
formed on a portion of said first surface of said optical
waveguide; a second material formed on said first material, said
second material being a marking material; a third material formed
on a portion of said second surface of said optical waveguide, said
third material being a marking material; and a fourth material
formed on said third material; said first material having light
scattering particles embedded therein; said fourth material having
light scattering particles embedded therein.
13. The display device component as claimed in claim 12, wherein
said optical waveguide has a first index of refraction and said
first material has a second index of refraction, said first index
of refraction being substantially equal to said second index of
refraction.
14. The display device component as claimed in claim 12, wherein
said optical waveguide has a first index of refraction and said
third material has a second index of refraction, said first index
of refraction being substantially equal to said second index of
refraction.
15. The display device component as claimed in claim 12, wherein
said first material is a marking material and said fourth material
is a marking material.
16. The display device component as claimed in claim 12, wherein
said first material is a white marking material and said fourth
material is a white marking material.
17. (canceled)
18. The display device component as claimed in claim 12, wherein
said second material is a non-white colored marking material and
said third material is a non-white colored marking material.
19. A process for making a display device component to enable image
specific illumination of an image printed on an optical waveguide
having a first surface and a second surface, comprising: (a)
forming a first material on a portion of a first surface of an
optical waveguide, the first material having light scattering
properties; (b) forming a second material on the first material,
the second material being a marking material; (c) forming a third
material on a portion of a second surface of the optical waveguide,
the third material being a marking material; and (d) forming a
fourth material on the third material, the fourth material having
light scattering properties.
20. The process as claimed in claim 19, wherein the optical
waveguide has a first index of refraction and the first material
has a second index of refraction, the first index of refraction
being substantially equal to the second index of refraction.
21. The process as claimed in claim 20, wherein the second material
has a third index of refraction, the second index of refraction
being substantially equal to the third index of refraction.
22. The process as claimed in claim 19, wherein the first material
is a white marking material and the fourth material is a white
marking material.
23. The process as claimed in claim 19, wherein the first material
is formed by an inkjet printing device and the fourth material is
formed by an inkjet printing device.
24. The process as claimed in claim 19, wherein the first material
is formed by a xerographic toner printing device and the fourth
material is formed by a xerographic toner printing device.
25. The process as claimed in claim 19, wherein the first material
is formed by a solid ink printing device and the fourth material is
formed by a solid ink printing device.
26. The display device as claimed in claim 19, wherein the second
material is a non-white colored marking material and the third
material is a non-white colored marking material.
27. The process as claimed in claim 19, wherein the second material
is formed by an inkjet printing device and the third material is
formed by an inkjet printing device.
28. The process as claimed in claim 19, wherein the second material
is formed by a xerographic toner printing device and the third
material is formed by a xerographic toner printing device.
29. The process as claimed in claim 19, wherein the second material
is formed by a solid ink printing device and the third material is
formed by a solid ink printing device.
30. A process for making a display device component to enable image
specific illumination of an image printed on an optical wave,
comprising: (a) forming a first material on a portion of a first
surface of an optical waveguide, the first material having light
scattering particles embedded therein; (b) forming a second
material on the first material, the second material being a marking
material; (c) forming a third material on a portion of a second
surface of the optical waveguide, the third material being a
marking material; and (d) forming a fourth material on the third
material, the fourth material having light scattering particles
embedded therein.
31. The process as claimed in claim 30, wherein the optical
waveguide has a first index of refraction and the first material
has a second index of refraction, the first index of refraction
being substantially equal to the second index of refraction.
32. The process as claimed in claim 30, wherein the first material
is formed by an inkjet printing device and the fourth material is
formed by an inkjet printing device.
33. The process as claimed in claim 30, wherein the first material
is formed by a xerographic toner printing device and the fourth
material is formed by a xerographic toner printing device.
34. The process as claimed in claim 30, wherein the first material
is formed by a solid ink printing device and the fourth material is
formed by a solid ink printing device.
35. The process as claimed in claim 30, wherein the second material
is formed by an inkjet printing device and the third material is
formed by an inkjet printing device.
36. The process as claimed in claim 30, wherein the second material
is formed by a xerographic toner printing device and the third
material is formed by a xerographic toner printing device.
37. The process as claimed in claim 30, wherein the second material
is formed by a solid ink printing device and the third material is
formed by a solid ink printing device.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] Various transparent materials have been conventionally used
as optical waveguides for optical total internal reflection.
Examples of such optical waveguides are optical fibers and sheets
of acrylic or glass.
[0002] However, total internal reflection can be "frustrated" on an
image-wise basis by engraving marks in the surface of the optical
medium (optical waveguide) so that the internally reflecting light
partially externally refracts and escapes the optical waveguide.
Engraving marks in the surface of the optical medium enables the
production of a variety of optical signs where the image appears to
"hover" in space.
[0003] FIG. 1 shows a conventional edge lit sign wherein a piece of
acrylic 10 is edge lit with a light source (LEDS) 20. The light is
internally reflected within the acrylic 10 except where the light
encounters engraved regions (11, 12, and 13) that introduce
interface angles (as illustrated in FIG. 2), between acrylic 10 and
air. The interface angles, formed by the engraving process,
"frustrate" internal reflection and allow light to escape the
acrylic 10 at these points (11, 12, and 13). The effect of this
type of imaging is striking since the light seems to originate in
the engraved images (11, 12, and 13).
[0004] As illustrated in FIG. 2, light 25 from a light source is
totally reflected within the optical waveguide 10 until it
encounters an engraved section 11. At the engraved section 11, a
portion of the light 25 is frustrated and is refracted out of the
optical waveguide as escaped light 27. This refraction at the
engraved section 11 causes the light to appear to originate in the
engraved image section 11.
[0005] However, there are disadvantages to this approach. First,
since the color of the light is the color of the illumination
source, the images tend to be monochromatic.
[0006] This limitation can be overcome, as illustrated in FIG. 3,
by using several pieces of acrylic or optical waveguides (10, 16,
and 18), each etched with an image (11, 125, and 135) associated
with a specific color and illuminated with that a light source (20,
22, and 24) of that color.
[0007] This solution is complicated and requires several pieces of
etched optical waveguides and several sources of edge
illumination.
[0008] A second disadvantage is that laser engraving machines draw
lines, not rasterized halftone patterns. Thus, laser engraving
limits the engravings to line art and cannot provide shading and/or
density levels that halftoning can provide.
[0009] A third disadvantage of utilizing laser engraving is that
once the image is engraved, the optical waveguide cannot be re-used
for other images.
[0010] Thus, it is desirable to provide a system or process that
enables the emanation of an image having multiple distinct colors
from a surface of single optical waveguide.
[0011] It is further desirable to provide a system or process that
that enables the emanation of an image with variable shading or
variable light density levels from a surface of single optical
waveguide.
[0012] It is also desirable to provide a system or process that
enables the emanation of an image having multiple distinct colors
from a surface of single optical waveguide while maintaining the
re-usability of the optical waveguide to emanation other
images.
[0013] It is additionally desirable to provide a system or process
that that enables the emanation of an image with variable shading
or variable light density levels from a surface of single optical
waveguide while maintaining the re-usability of the optical
waveguide to emanation other images.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] FIG. 1 illustrates a conventional engraved optical waveguide
display system;
[0015] FIG. 2 illustrates an engraved area of the conventional
engraved optical waveguide display device of FIG. 1;
[0016] FIG. 3 illustrates a conventional multi-color engraved
optical waveguide display system;
[0017] FIG. 4 is a graphical illustration of Snell's law of
refraction;
[0018] FIG. 5 illustrates refraction of light at the interface
between two media;
[0019] FIG. 6 illustrates an optical waveguide display system
utilizing marking materials to display an image;
[0020] FIG. 7 illustrates the scattering and refracting
characteristics of the optical waveguide display system utilizing
marking material of FIG. 6;
[0021] FIG. 8 illustrates an optical waveguide display system
utilizing a marking material having a rough surface to display an
image;
[0022] FIG. 9 illustrates the refracting characteristics of the
optical waveguide display system utilizing marking material of FIG.
8;
[0023] FIG. 10 is a table showing angle values for various optical
paths for light travelling through the optical waveguide of FIG.
6;
[0024] FIG. 11 is a table showing angle values for various optical
paths for light travelling through the optical waveguide of FIG.
8;
[0025] FIG. 12 illustrates an optical waveguide display system
displaying an image having multiple distinct colors from a surface
of a single optical waveguide;
[0026] FIG. 13 illustrates an optical waveguide having a front side
image and a backside image thereon;
[0027] FIG. 14 illustrates another embodiment of an optical
waveguide having a front side image and a backside image
thereon;
[0028] FIG. 15 illustrates an additional embodiment of an optical
waveguide having a front side image and a backside image
thereon;
[0029] FIG. 16 illustrates a further embodiment of an optical
waveguide having a front side image and a backside image
thereon;
[0030] FIG. 17 illustrates an optical waveguide display system
displaying a three-dimensional image;
[0031] FIG. 18 illustrates an optical waveguide utilizing marking
materials to create an image and a white background;
[0032] FIG. 19 illustrates an optical waveguide utilizing a marking
material having a rough surface pre-printed on a transparent
medium;
[0033] FIG. 20 illustrates an optical waveguide utilizing marking
materials pre-printed on a transparent medium;
[0034] FIG. 21 illustrates an optical waveguide having a front side
rough surface image and a backside two layer marking material image
thereon;
[0035] FIG. 22 illustrates an optical waveguide display system
displaying an image having white background and a color or black
image therein from a surface of a single optical waveguide;
[0036] FIG. 23 illustrates an optical waveguide display system
displaying a black and white image, printed using a white marking
material, from a surface of a single optical waveguide;
[0037] FIG. 24 illustrates multiple optical waveguides to create
edge illuminated three-dimensional image/object display;
[0038] FIG. 25 illustrates an exemplary printing system configured
to print on a three-dimensional object.
[0039] FIGS. 26 and 27 illustrate other embodiments of the printing
system of FIG. 25 that use a double support member to enable
movement of objects past an array of print heads;
[0040] FIG. 28 illustrates a cabinet within which one of the
embodiments shown in FIG. 26 or FIG. 27 can be installed;
[0041] FIG. 29 through FIG. 32 illustrate the object holder and the
moveably mounted member shown in FIG. 26 or FIG. 27;
[0042] FIG. 33 through FIG. 41 illustrate various configurations of
object holders shown in FIG. 26 or FIG. 27 for holding different
types of objects;
[0043] FIG. 42 illustrates an embodiment of the printing system
that is useful in a manufacturing environment;
[0044] FIG. 43 illustrates an embodiment of an object holder in the
printing system of FIG. 25 that enables a media sheet to be printed
with a test pattern to verify configuration of the system;
[0045] FIG. 44 illustrates an embodiment of a member that is
selectively attachable to an object holder in the printing system
of FIG. 25 to enable a test pattern to be printed on a surface of
the member to verify configuration of the system;
[0046] FIG. 45 illustrates a conventional optical waveguide having
a rough cut edge;
[0047] FIG. 46 illustrates an optical waveguide having a
conventional rough cut edge smoothed with a marking material to
create a smooth optical waveguide light source interface; and
[0048] FIG. 47 illustrates an optical waveguide having a
conventional engraved image smoothed with a marking material to
create a smooth optical waveguide surface.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0049] For a general understanding, reference is made to the
drawings. In the drawings, in some instances, like references have
been used throughout to designate identical or equivalent elements.
It is also noted that the drawings may not have been drawn to scale
and that certain regions may have been purposely drawn
disproportionately so that the features and concepts may be
properly illustrated.
[0050] As noted above, optical waveguides have been utilized to
provide a vehicle to display images. The displaying of the images
utilizes the principles of Snell's Law.
[0051] According to Snell's Law, the critical angle is the angle of
incidence for which the angle of refraction is 90.degree.. The
angle of incidence is measured with respect to the normal (z-axis)
at the refractive boundary, as illustrated in FIG. 4.
[0052] As illustrated in FIG. 4, a light ray passes from glass
(n.sub.1) into air (n.sub.2). The light emanating from the
interface (x-axis) is bent (angle .theta..sub.t) towards the glass
(n.sub.1). When the incident angle (angle .theta..sub.i) is
increased sufficiently, the transmitted angle (in air) reaches 90
degrees. It is at this point no light is transmitted into air. The
critical angle .theta..sub.c is given by Snell's law:
n.sub.1 sin .theta..sub.i=n.sub.2 sin .theta..sub.t
[0053] To determine the angle of incidence for no refraction,
Snell's Law is rearranged as follows:
sin .theta. i = n 2 n 1 sin .theta. t ##EQU00001##
[0054] To find the critical angle, solve for the value for
.theta..sub.i when .theta..sub.t=90.degree., and thus, sin
.theta..sub.t=1 sin .theta..sub.t=1. The resulting value of
.theta..sub.i is equal to the critical angle .theta..sub.c.
[0055] Solving for .theta..sub.i, the equation for the critical
angle is as follows:
.theta. c = .theta. i = arcsin ( n 2 n 1 ) .theta. c = .theta. i =
arcsin ( n 2 n 1 ) ##EQU00002##
[0056] If the incident ray is precisely at the critical angle
.theta..sub.c, the refracted ray is tangent to the boundary at the
point of incidence (x-axis in FIG. 4).
[0057] For example, if light was traveling through an optical
waveguide; such as acrylic or glass; (with an index of refraction
of 1.55) into air (with an index of refraction of 1.00), the
calculation would give the critical angle for light from the
optical waveguide into air as follows:
.theta. c = arcsin ( 1.00 1.55 ) = 41.8 ##EQU00003##
[0058] In this example, light incident on the border (x-axis in
FIG. 4) with an angle less than 41.8.degree., with respect to
normal (z-axis in FIG. 4), will be partially transmitted, while
light incident on the border at larger angles, with respect to
normal (z-axis in FIG. 4), would be totally internally
reflected.
[0059] It is noted that if the fraction n.sub.2/n.sub.1 is greater
than 1, the arcsine is not defined, meaning that total internal
reflection does not occur even at very shallow or grazing incident
angles. The critical angle is only defined when n.sub.2/n.sub.1 is
less than or equal to 1.
[0060] FIG. 5 shows another example of refraction of light at the
interface between two mediums (air and water). As illustrated in
FIG. 5, when the incident angle .theta..sub.1 of light travelling
from water to air is less than the critical angle .theta..sub.c,
the light is refracted at angle .theta..sub.2. On the other hand,
as illustrated in FIG. 5, when the incident angle .theta..sub.1 of
light travelling from water to air is the critical angle
.theta..sub.c, the light is refracted to travel parallel to the
water/air interface. Lastly, as illustrated in FIG. 5, when the
incident angle .theta..sub.1 of light travelling from water to air
greater than the critical angle .theta..sub.c, the light is
reflected at angle .theta..sub.2 to cause a total internal
reflection of the incident light.
[0061] An alternative to the conventional engraving of an image on
a transparent medium (optical waveguide) is to print directly onto
the transparent medium (optical waveguide) with marking materials,
such as liquid inks, UV curable inks, toners, solid inks, etc.,
using a printing system.
[0062] In the various embodiments described below, an optical
waveguide having an index of refraction significantly different
from the surrounding medium (such as air) is utilized. For example,
an optical waveguide made of acrylic having an index of refraction
of about 1.5 may be utilized when the surrounding medium is air,
having an index of refraction of about 1.
[0063] Moreover, in the various embodiments described below,
marking materials having an index of refraction substantially equal
to the index of refraction of the optical waveguide is
utilized.
[0064] For example, a marking material having an index of
refraction of about 1.4 may be utilized when the underlying optical
waveguide has an index of refraction of about 1.5.
[0065] Given the examples discussed above, there are certain angles
of light incidence (such as light emanating from a LED source) that
cause the incident light to be totally internally reflected at an
optical waveguide-air boundary, but partially externally refracted
at an optical waveguide-marking material(s) boundary.
[0066] These differences in indices of refraction enable the
containment of the incident light within the optical waveguide in
regions where there is(are) no marking material(s), while releasing
light in regions where there is(are) marking material(s).
[0067] Upon having the light enter the marking material, to realize
illumination of the image, the light or a portion thereof must exit
the marking material so as to prevent the light from being totally
internally reflected at the marking material-air interface.
[0068] More specifically, if the top surface of the marking
material is smooth, the angles of incidence at the marking
material-air interface are such that the light will internally
reflect within the marking material and not exit into the air and
towards the viewer.
[0069] To enable the refraction of the light at the marking
material-air interface to enable the light to exit the marking
material, FIG. 6 illustrates an optical waveguide 10, wherein a
white marking material 40 is printed on a viewing (30) surface of
the optical waveguide 10. Thereafter, another (colored) marking
material 50 is printed on top of the white marking material 40.
[0070] It is noted that the marking material 40 may be a clear
marking material with light scattering properties or light
scattering particles embedded therein.
[0071] It is further noted that the marking material 40 has light
scattering properties or has light scattering particles embedded
therein so that the incident light, from a light source 20, is
scattered at multiple angles so that at least one of the angles of
the scattered light will be incidence upon the marking material-air
interface at an angle less than the critical angle so that the
light may exit the marking material 50 into the air.
[0072] It is noted that the index of refraction of the white
marking material 40 is substantially equal to the index of
refraction of the optical waveguide 10 so that light will exit the
optical waveguide 10 and penetrate the white marking material
40.
[0073] The white marking material 40 causes the entering light to
scatter in all directions, some of which will exit the white
marking material 40, travel in a straight line through the marking
material 50 because the index of refraction of the white marking
material 40 is substantially equal to the index of refraction of
the marking material 50. Based upon the angle of incidence, some of
the light entering the marking material 50 will externally refract
at the marking material-air interface and travel towards the viewer
(30).
[0074] FIG. 7 is a graphical illustration of the pathway of light
in the printed on optical waveguide 10 of FIG. 6. As illustrated in
FIG. 7, incidence light 25 is internally reflected within the
optical waveguide 10. At the optical waveguide-white marking
material interface, since the index of refraction of the white
marking material 40 is substantially equal to the index of
refraction of the optical waveguide 10, the incidence light 25 will
exit the optical waveguide 10 and penetrate the white marking
material 40.
[0075] Upon encountering an embedded scattering particle 45, the
incidence light 25 is scattered at multiple angles to create
scattered light 26. At the white marking material-marking material
interface, since the index of refraction of the white marking
material 40 is substantially equal to the index of refraction of
the marking material 50, the scattered light 26 will exit the white
marking material 40 and penetrate the marking material 50.
[0076] At the marking material-air interface, since the index of
refraction of the marking material 50 is substantially different
from the index of refraction of air, light 27 (refracted) will exit
the marking material 50 into the air when the angle of incidence of
the scattered light 26 is less than the critical angle of the
marking material-air interface.
[0077] Moreover, to enable the refraction of the light at the
marking material-air interface to enable the light to exit the
marking material, FIG. 8 illustrates another example of an optical
waveguide 10, wherein a (colored) marking material 50 is printed on
a viewing (30) surface of the optical waveguide 10. In this
embodiment, a top surface 55 of the marking material 50 is formed
so that the top surface 55 is rough, emulating an engraved
surface.
[0078] It is noted that the index of refraction of the marking
material 50 is substantially equal to the index of refraction of
the optical waveguide 10 so that light, from a light source 20,
will exit the optical waveguide 10 and penetrate the marking
material 50.
[0079] Thus, based upon the angle of incidence of the light
interacting with the rough surface of the marking material-air
interface, some of the light entering the marking material 50 will
externally refract at the marking material-air interface and travel
towards the viewer (30).
[0080] FIG. 9 is a graphical illustration of the pathway of light
in the printed on optical waveguide 10 of FIG. 8. As illustrated in
FIG. 9, incidence light 25 is internally reflected within the
optical waveguide 10.
[0081] At the optical waveguide-marking material interface, since
the index of refraction of the marking material 50 is substantially
equal to the index of refraction of the optical waveguide 10, the
incidence light 25 will exit the optical waveguide 10 and penetrate
the marking material 50.
[0082] At the marking material-air interface, since the index of
refraction of the marking material 50 is substantially different
from the index of refraction of air, light 27 (refracted) will exit
the marking material 50 into the air when the angle of incidence of
the light 25 is less than the critical angle of the encountered
surface of the marking material-air interface.
[0083] FIG. 10 is a table providing a summary of the various
optical paths through an optical waveguide, as illustrated in FIGS.
6 and 7. More specially, the optical path is defined as light
entering the optical waveguide on the left from an illumination
source (LED).
[0084] The light is then refracted at an air-optical waveguide
interface and internally reflected at multiple optical
waveguide-air interfaces for all angles. The light is partially
externally refracted at the optical waveguide-white marking
material interface, for some angles, and scattered by the
scattering particles in the white marking material.
[0085] The scattered light travels straight through the colored
marking material (since the marking materials have similar indices
of refraction) and then, since the scattering created many angles
of incidence at the colored marking material-air boundary, much of
the light exits the colored marking material and travels towards
the viewer.
[0086] As shown in FIG. 10, on the far left, light enters the
optical waveguide (for example, from an LED) with angles of
incidence .theta..sub.i ranging from 0 to 90 degrees. The shown
refracted angles .theta..sub.r1 are computed on the basis of
Snell's law. The rays of light along the .theta..sub.r1 paths
strike an optical waveguide-air boundary such that for all possible
.theta..sub.r1, the light will be totally internally reflected
within the optical waveguide (indicated by #NUM! in dashed boxes
61). The value, #NUM!, indicates that there is no solution for a
refracted ray.
[0087] After bouncing back and forth within the optical waveguide,
the light rays will strike the optical waveguide-white marking
material boundary at the same angles as it had struck the optical
waveguide-air boundary.
[0088] However, since the difference in index of refraction between
air (1.0) and the white marking material (for example, 1.4) and
depending on the angle of incidence, some of the light is
externally refracted into the white marking material instead of
being internally reflected within the optical waveguide. The cells
within the dashed boxes 62 in FIG. 10 identify the light rays that
will be completely internally reflected at the optical
waveguide-air interface and partially externally refracted at the
optical waveguide-white marking material interface. Thus, light
will enter the white marking material.
[0089] Since the white marking material scatters light at a variety
of angles, these rays of scattered light then travel directly
through the colored marking material because the colored marking
material and white marking material have similar indices of
refraction. Due to the many angles of incidence on the colored
marking material-air boundary, many rays will not internally
reflect, but will be externally refracted and seen by the
viewer.
[0090] FIG. 11 is a table providing a summary of the various
optical paths through an optical waveguide, as illustrated in FIGS.
8 and 9. More specially, the optical path is defined as light
entering the optical waveguide on the left from an illumination
source (LED). The light is then refracted at an air-optical
waveguide interface and internally reflected at multiple optical
waveguide-air interfaces for all angles. The light is partially
externally refracted at the optical waveguide-marking material
interface for some angles.
[0091] The externally refracted light travels through the marking
material, and then, since marking material has a rough surface,
creating many angles of incidence at the marking material-air
boundary, much of the light exits the marking material and travels
towards the viewer.
[0092] As shown in FIG. 11, on the far left, light enters the
optical waveguide (for example, from an LED) with angles of
incidence .theta..sub.i ranging from 0 to 90 degrees. The shown
refracted angles .theta..sub.r1 are computed on the basis of
Snell's law. The rays of light along the .theta..sub.r1 paths
strike an optical waveguide-air boundary such that for all possible
.theta..sub.r1, the light will be totally internally reflected
within the optical waveguide (indicated by #NUM! in dashed boxes
63). The value, #NUM!, indicates that there is no solution for a
refracted ray.
[0093] After bouncing back and forth within the optical waveguide,
the light rays will strike the optical waveguide-marking material
boundary at the same angles as it had struck the optical
waveguide-air boundary.
[0094] However, since the difference in index of refraction between
air (1.0) and the marking material (for example, 1.4) and depending
on the angle of incidence, some of the light is externally
refracted into the marking material instead of being internally
reflected within the optical waveguide.
[0095] The cells within the dashed boxes 64 in FIG. 11 identify the
light rays that will be completely internally reflected at the
optical waveguide-air interface and partially externally refracted
at the optical waveguide-marking material interface. Thus, light
will enter the marking material.
[0096] Since the marking material has a rough surface, it produces
a variety of angles of incidence. Due to the many angles of
incidence on the marking material-air boundary, many rays will not
internally reflect, but will be externally refracted and seen by
the viewer.
[0097] In other words, if the top surface of the marking material
is smooth, all of the light entering the marking material will be
totally internally reflected at the marking material-air boundary.
However, light will escape the marking material is if the angle of
interface is modified due to surface roughness.
[0098] As illustrated in FIG. 11, the angle of incidence of the
light rays (the cells within the dashed box 65) striking the
marking material-air boundary quantify the effect of surface
roughness.
[0099] Thus, the surface roughness causes some of the light to be
externally refracted at the marking material-air boundary and exit
the marking material towards the viewer.
[0100] These cells of dashed box 65 can be traced across the table,
starting at a certain angle of incidence from the LED, internally
reflected where there is no marking material, refracting into the
marking material, and then refracting out of the marking material
due to the surface roughness.
[0101] It is noted that surface roughness of the printed marking
material can be enhanced through halftoning.
[0102] FIG. 12 illustrates an optical waveguide display system,
wherein an optical waveguide 10, when illuminated by a light source
20, displays printed on images 110, 1120, and 113. Since the images
110, 1120, and 113 are printed onto the optical waveguide 10, the
images can be different colors and not rely upon the color of the
light source 20 to define their color.
[0103] Moreover, the images 110, 1120, and 113 may comprise the
dual marking material construction of FIGS. 6 and 7 or the marking
material with rough surface construction of FIGS. 8 and 9.
[0104] FIG. 13 illustrates an optical waveguide display system,
wherein an optical waveguide 10, when illuminated by a light source
20, displays images printed on both sides of the optical waveguide
10. Since the images are printed onto both sides of the optical
waveguide 10, the images are constructed differently depending upon
the surface side of the optical waveguide 10 with respect to a
viewing side 30.
[0105] As illustrated in FIG. 13, on a front surface of the optical
waveguide 10 (the viewing side 30), the image is constructed in the
same manner as illustrated in FIG. 6, wherein a white marking
material 40 is printed onto the front surface of the optical
waveguide 10, followed by the printing of a marking material
50.
[0106] When the image on the front surface of the optical waveguide
10 is illuminated by a light source 20, the printed image (40 and
50) is viewed by the viewer 30.
[0107] As further illustrated in FIG. 13, on a back surface of the
optical waveguide 10, the image is constructed in a different
manner, wherein a marking material 55 is printed onto the back
surface of the optical waveguide 10, followed by the printing of a
white marking material 45.
[0108] When the image on the back surface of the optical waveguide
10 is illuminated by a light source 20, the printed image (45 and
55) is viewed by the viewer 30.
[0109] It is noted that the thickness of the optical waveguide 10
can be such to present the images at different depths, thereby
making one image to appear to be floating in front of the other
image.
[0110] FIG. 14 illustrates an optical waveguide display system,
wherein an optical waveguide 10, when illuminated by a light source
20, displays images printed on both sides of the optical waveguide
10 and can be observed from both viewing sides (30 and 31). In this
embodiment, the images are printed onto both sides of the optical
waveguide 10 using the same construction.
[0111] As illustrated in FIG. 14, on a front surface of the optical
waveguide 10 (the viewing side 30), the image is constructed of a
white marking material 40 that is printed onto the front surface of
the optical waveguide 10.
[0112] When the image on the front surface of the optical waveguide
10 is illuminated by a light source 20, the printed image (40) on
the front surface of the optical waveguide 10 is viewed by the
viewer 30 and viewer 31.
[0113] As further illustrated in FIG. 14, on a back surface of the
optical waveguide 10, the image is also constructed of a white
marking material 45 that is printed onto the back surface of the
optical waveguide 10.
[0114] When the image on the back surface of the optical waveguide
10 is illuminated by a light source 20, the printed image (45) on
the back surface of the optical waveguide 10 is viewed by the
viewer 30 and viewer 31.
[0115] It is noted that the thickness of the optical waveguide 10
can be such to present the images at different depths, thereby
making one image to appear to be floating in front of the other
image.
[0116] FIG. 15 illustrates an optical waveguide display system,
wherein an optical waveguide 10, when illuminated by a light source
20, displays images printed on both sides of the optical waveguide
10 and only one viewing side can view both images. In this
embodiment, the images are printed onto both sides of the optical
waveguide 10 using different constructions.
[0117] As illustrated in FIG. 15, on a front surface of the optical
waveguide 10 (the viewing side 30), the image is constructed in the
same manner as illustrated in FIG. 6, wherein a white marking
material 40 is printed onto the front surface of the optical
waveguide 10, followed by the printing of a marking material
50.
[0118] When the image on the front surface of the optical waveguide
10 is illuminated by a light source 20, the printed image (40 and
50) can only be viewed by the viewer 30.
[0119] As further illustrated in FIG. 15, on a back surface of the
optical waveguide 10, the image is also constructed of a white
marking material 45 that is printed onto the back surface of the
optical waveguide 10.
[0120] When the image on the back surface of the optical waveguide
10 is illuminated by a light source 20, the printed image (45) on
the back surface of the optical waveguide 10 can be viewed by the
viewer 30 and viewer 31.
[0121] In other words, the embodiment of FIG. 15 enables both
images to be viewed by viewer 30, but viewer 31 cannot view the
image on the front surface of the optical waveguide 10.
[0122] Moreover, as illustrated in FIG. 15, the image printed on
the front surface of the optical waveguide 10 can be a color image
with a white background and it is only viewable as a color image by
viewer 30. On the other hand, the image printed on the back surface
of the optical waveguide 10 is a monochrome image, which is
viewable by viewer 30 and viewer 31.
[0123] It is noted that the thickness of the optical waveguide 10
can be such to present the images at different depths, thereby
making one image to appear to be floating in front of the other
image.
[0124] FIG. 16 illustrates an optical waveguide display system,
wherein an optical waveguide 10, when illuminated by a light source
20, displays images printed on both sides of the optical waveguide
10. In this embodiment, the images are printed onto both sides of
the optical waveguide 10 using different constructions.
[0125] As illustrated in FIG. 16, on a front surface of the optical
waveguide 10 (the viewing side 30), the image is constructed,
wherein a marking material 50 is printed onto the front surface of
the optical waveguide 10.
[0126] As further illustrated in FIG. 16, on a back surface of the
optical waveguide 10, the image is also constructed of a white
marking material 45 that is printed onto the back surface of the
optical waveguide 10.
[0127] The image on the front surface of the optical waveguide 10
is not viewable alone. The back side image is viewable through the
panel by the viewer 30.
[0128] As illustrated in FIG. 16, the front image may be a color
image without a white background. The color image is typically not
viewable alone because there is no scattering. The back side image
is a monochrome image created with white marking material 45, which
is viewable by viewer 30 and viewer 31.
[0129] When the front image and the back image are assembled
together, the front side image becomes visible in direction of
viewer 30 when the backside image (white marking material 45)
provides the scattering light.
[0130] When the image on the back surface of the optical waveguide
10 is illuminated by a light source 20, the printed image (45) on
the back surface of the optical waveguide 10 can be viewed by the
viewer 30 and viewer 31.
[0131] It is noted that the backside image should be viewable
through the optical waveguide 10. The front side image can be a
scattering viewable image or transparent non-viewable image.
[0132] The front side image may be sparse, such that there is
plenty of transparent viewing area for the back side image.
[0133] It is noted that the thickness of the optical waveguide 10
can be such to present the images at different depths, thereby
making one image to appear to be floating in front of the other
image.
[0134] FIG. 17 illustrates a display device for displaying
three-dimensional images. As illustrated in FIG. 17, a plurality of
optical waveguides (10, 12, and 14). Each optical waveguide has
printed thereon images on both sides of the optical waveguide in
the same manner as the dual sided images are constructed in the
embodiment of FIG. 13.
[0135] More specifically, on a front surface of each optical
waveguide (the viewing side 30), a white marking material 40 is
printed onto the front surface of the optical waveguide, followed
by the printing of a marking material 50.
[0136] When the image on the front surface of the optical waveguide
is illuminated by a light source 20, the printed image (40 and 50)
is viewed by the viewer 30.
[0137] As further illustrated in FIG. 17, on a back surface of each
optical waveguide, a marking material 55 is printed onto the back
surface of the optical waveguide, followed by the printing of a
white marking material 45.
[0138] When the image on the back surface of the optical waveguide
is illuminated by a light source 20, the printed image (45 and 55)
is viewed by the viewer 30.
[0139] FIG. 18 illustrates an optical waveguide capable of
providing a white background for an image printed thereon. As
illustrated in FIG. 18, a white marking material 400 is printed
over an entire image area. Thereafter, a marking material 50 is
printed on the white marking material 400.
[0140] It is noted that the white marking material 400 has a varied
light scattering particle volumetric density, wherein the light
scattering particle volumetric density increases proportionally
along the surface of the optical waveguide as a distance away from
a light source interface of the optical waveguide increases.
[0141] If the light scattering particle volumetric density did not
vary proportionally as the distance from the light source interface
of the optical waveguide increases most of the light would escape
the optical waveguide near the light source interface and there
would be enough light to properly illuminate an image in the middle
of the optical waveguide.
[0142] The light source interface is the interface (surface) of the
optical waveguide that receives incident light from a light
source.
[0143] An image is printed on the white marking material 400 using
marking material 50.
[0144] FIG. 19 illustrates an optical waveguide wherein an image is
initially printed on a transparent medium 70, and the transparent
medium 70 is attached to the optical waveguide 10. As illustrated
in FIG. 19, a marking material 50 with a rough surface 55 is
printed on the transparent medium 70.
[0145] It is noted that the transparent medium 70 should be
attached to the optical waveguide 10 so that there are no air gaps
between the transparent medium 70 and the optical waveguide 10.
[0146] For example, the transparent medium 70 may be bonded to the
optical waveguide using a curable agent that can be rolled to
remove the air gaps before curing.
[0147] It is noted that the transparent medium 70 may be an optical
waveguide having an index of refraction substantially equal to the
index of refraction of the optical waveguide 10.
[0148] FIG. 20 illustrates an optical waveguide wherein an image is
initially printed on a transparent medium 70, and the transparent
medium 70 is attached to the optical waveguide 10. As illustrated
in FIG. 20, a white marking material 40 is printed on the
transparent medium 70, followed by the printing of a marking
material 50.
[0149] It is noted that the transparent medium 70 should be
attached to the optical waveguide 10 so that there are no air gaps
between the transparent medium 70 and the optical waveguide 10.
[0150] For example, the transparent medium 70 may be bonded to the
optical waveguide using a curable agent that can be rolled to
remove the air gaps before curing.
[0151] It is noted that the transparent medium 70 may be an optical
waveguide having an index of refraction substantially equal to the
index of refraction of the optical waveguide 10.
[0152] FIG. 21 illustrates an optical waveguide display system,
wherein an optical waveguide 10, when illuminated by a light source
20, displays images printed on both sides of the optical waveguide
10. Since the images are printed onto both sides of the optical
waveguide 10, the images are constructed differently depending upon
the surface side of the optical waveguide 10 with respect to a
viewing side 30.
[0153] As illustrated in FIG. 21, on a front surface of the optical
waveguide 10 (the viewing side 30), the image is constructed in the
same manner as illustrated in FIG. 8, wherein a marking material 50
with a rough surface 55 is printed onto the front surface of the
optical waveguide 10.
[0154] When the image on the front surface of the optical waveguide
10 is illuminated by a light source 20, the printed image (50 with
rough surface 55) is viewed by the viewer 30.
[0155] As further illustrated in FIG. 21, on a back surface of the
optical waveguide 10, the image is constructed in a different
manner, wherein a marking material 55 is printed onto the back
surface of the optical waveguide 10, followed by the printing of a
white marking material 45.
[0156] When the image on the back surface of the optical waveguide
10 is illuminated by a light source 20, the printed image (45 and
55) is viewed by the viewer 30.
[0157] It is noted that the thickness of the optical waveguide 10
can be such to present the images at different depths, thereby
making one image to appear to be floating in front of the other
image.
[0158] FIG. 22 illustrates an optical waveguide 10 capable of
providing a white background for an image area 35. As illustrated
in FIG. 22, a white marking material 40 is printed over the image
area 35 to create a paper-like uniform background.
[0159] It is noted that the white marking material 40 may be
printed over the entire image area 35. Thereafter, a marking
material 57 is printed on the white marking material 40.
[0160] It is noted that the marking material 57 may produce a black
image, thereby providing a black/white image for displaying
(illuminating) on the optical waveguide 10.
[0161] It is noted that the white marking material 40 may have a
varied light scattering particle volumetric density, wherein the
light scattering particle volumetric density increases
proportionally along the surface of the optical waveguide as a
distance away from a light source interface of the optical
waveguide increases.
[0162] The light source interface is the interface (surface) of the
optical waveguide that receives incident light from a light
source.
[0163] With respect to FIG. 22, the light, which is trapped
(internally reflected) in the optical waveguide 10, enters the
white marking material 40 and gets scattered uniformly by the white
marking material 40. The scattered light is then absorbed by the
marking material 57, which may produce black or color, in an
image-wise fashion. In essence, the image is created by absorption
of light through the marking material 57.
[0164] FIG. 23 illustrates an optical waveguide 10 capable of
providing a black/white image within an image area 35. As
illustrated in FIG. 23, a white marking material 40 is printed, in
an image-wise fashion, within the image area 35.
[0165] With respect to FIG. 23, the light, which is trapped
(internally reflected) in the optical waveguide 10, enters the
white marking material 40 and gets scattered, in an image-wise
fashion, by the white marking material 40. A portion of the
scattered light exits the white marking material 40 and is observed
by a viewer. In essence, the image is created by scattering of
light through scattering particles in the white marking material
40.
[0166] It is noted that shading within the image may be provided by
the modulation of the amplitude/intensity of the scattering
according the intended image.
[0167] For example, by controlling an amount of white marking
material 40 printed in a specific region of the image area 35, the
amount (amplitude/intensity) of scattering can be controlled. More
specifically, the more scattering (higher amplitude/intensity), the
brighter the image in that region will appear when illuminated with
edge lighting.
[0168] In contrast, the less scattering (lower
amplitude/intensity), the darker the image in that region will
appear when illuminated with edge lighting.
[0169] The use of a white marking material 40 to create an image
enables the effective creation of monochrome images. Also, the use
of a white marking material 40 to create an image enables the
effective creation of gray level images with large areas of darker
areas.
[0170] FIG. 24 illustrates multiple optical waveguides 10 used in
creating a three-dimensional image. As illustrated in FIG. 24, each
optical waveguide 10 has a portion of an image printed thereon.
[0171] For example, as illustrated in FIG. 24, a portion of image
80 is printed on one surface of each optical waveguide 10.
Moreover, as illustrated in FIG. 24, a portion of image 82 is
printed on both sides of a subset of the optical waveguides 10.
Lastly, as illustrated in FIG. 24, a portion of image 84 is printed
on both sides of each optical waveguide 10.
[0172] The images, in FIG. 24, may be created using any of the
various printing processes (color, monochrome, surface roughness,
bulk scattering, various color/white layering schemes, etc.) as
described above.
[0173] Moreover, each optical waveguide 10 may be printed
independently and may be printed on one surface or printed on both
surfaces.
[0174] It is noted that optical waveguides 10 may be spaced
uniformly. Moreover, if the images are printed on both surfaces of
the optical waveguide, the spacing between the optical waveguides
can be adjusted to optimize viewing and/or the thickness of the
optical waveguides can be adjusted to optimize viewing.
[0175] It is further noted that the images should be sparse such
that there is plenty of transparent viewing area for the images
deep in the bulk to be visible.
[0176] As illustrated in FIG. 24, each image on each optical
waveguide represents a slice of the three-dimensional image or
object. The image or object can be the contour of the outer surface
with full color. Moreover, the image or object can include inside
structures to give an appearance of hollowness.
[0177] With respect to the various embodiments described above, the
optical waveguides utilized in illuminating the printed on images
can be readily re-used by removing the marking material from the
optical waveguide.
[0178] In other words, an image on an optical waveguide intended
for edge illumination can be first printed using various marking
materials such as liquid inks, UV curable inks, toner, and/or solid
inks.
[0179] Thereafter, the printed on image can be removed from the
optical waveguide without degrading the optical quality of the
surfaces. After the surface(s) of the optical waveguide is(are)
refreshed, the optical waveguide can be reused for printing a new
image.
[0180] For example, if UV curable ink is utilized as the marking
material, a solvent or cleaning solution, such as acetone, which is
not going to harm the optical waveguide material can be used with
very little mechanical scrubbing to remove the printed on UV
curable ink. If necessary, the optical waveguide can be repaired
for minor scratches before being re-used.
[0181] In another example, if a hard glass is utilized as the
optical waveguide, both chemical solvents, such as acetone, and
mechanical agitation can be used to remove the marking material on
the surface.
[0182] The above cleaning processes can also be used to remove only
a portion of the marking material. Moreover, if the optical
waveguide includes both engraved images and printed on images, the
above cleaning processes can be used to remove the marking material
without disturbing the engraved image.
[0183] Lastly, the above cleaning processes can be used to remove
the marking material from a dual sided (surface) printed optical
waveguide to remove the marking material from both surfaces or
remove the marking material from one surface.
[0184] The re-usability of the optical waveguide surfaces enables
(1) test printing processes for reliability and correctness; (2)
preview an image with the optical waveguide and lighting before
committing to utilization; (3) trial use wherein a user can print
and make a temporary optical waveguide display, use it for a short
period before making a permanent one; (4) renting, wherein a
durable optical waveguide can be used to print custom images and
allow a customer to rent; (5) reuse, wherein the content can be
changed when desired; and (6) combining engraving with printing,
wherein only the content that is not intended to be permanent is
removed.
[0185] It is noted that in the various embodiment described above,
the optical waveguide is provided with edge lighting to effectuate
the illumination of the images printed thereon.
[0186] Edge lighting is the illumination of the optical waveguide
at the optical waveguide side edge or optical waveguide light
source interface. The optical waveguide side edge or optical
waveguide light source interface is substantially normal to the
surface upon which the images are printed.
[0187] The optical waveguide side edge or optical waveguide light
source interface is preferably a smooth surface and the angle of
incidence of the light upon the optical waveguide side edge or
optical waveguide light source interface is greater than the
critical angle of the air-optical waveguide boundary so that the
light can be totally internally reflected within the optical
waveguide.
[0188] The edge lighting may be provided by a single light source
or multiple light sources.
[0189] Moreover, the edge lighting may be provided at multiple
optical waveguide side edges or optical waveguide light source
interfaces.
[0190] It is further noted that the optical waveguides may be flat
planes, curved surfaces, or enclosed objects, which are suitable
for displaying images.
[0191] It is also noted that the marking materials, described
above, may be liquid inks, UV curable inks, toner, and/or solid
inks.
[0192] It is additionally noted that the white marking material may
be a white colored liquid ink, a white colored UV curable ink, a
white colored toner, and/or a white colored solid ink that has
light scattering properties.
[0193] Moreover, the white marking material may not have a white
color, but the marking material being referred to a white marking
material may have no discernible color and be a clear liquid ink, a
clear UV curable ink, a clear toner, and/or a clear solid ink that
has light scattering properties. In addition, the white marking
material may be a clear liquid ink, a clear UV curable ink, a clear
toner, and/or a clear solid ink that has light scattering particles
embedded therein.
[0194] The non-white marking material may be a colored liquid ink,
a colored UV curable ink, a colored toner, and/or a colored solid
ink, or the non-white marking material may be a black liquid ink, a
black UV curable ink, a black toner, and/or a black solid ink.
[0195] It is noted that the non-white marking material may have
light absorption properties.
[0196] It is further noted that the non-white marking material may
have include infrared material to provide infrared illumination,
ultraviolet light material to provide ultraviolet illumination, or
fluorescent material to provide non-white illumination.
[0197] It is also noted that, in the various embodiments described
above, that the white marking material and the non-white marking
material is printed or formed on the optical waveguide in an
image-wise manner. In other words, the marking material is only
printed formed in regions of the surface of the optical waveguide
wherein an image is to be illuminated.
[0198] On the other hand, if a white background is to be created,
the white marking material is printed or formed on the entire
surface of the optical waveguide and only the non-white marking
material is printed or formed in an image-wise manner.
[0199] Printing or forming in an image-wise manner means that the
marking material is placed in accordance with the image data of the
image to be illuminated.
[0200] It is also noted that, in the various embodiments described
above and in the claims set forth below, an optical waveguide
refers to a physical structure (planar, strip, or fiber), a
transparent medium (planar, strip, or fiber), or a translucent
medium (planar, strip, or fiber) that guides electromagnetic waves
(light) in the optical spectrum.
[0201] Moreover, in the various embodiments described above and in
the claims set forth below, an optical waveguide refers to a
physical structure (planar, strip, or fiber), a transparent medium
(planar, strip, or fiber), or a translucent medium (planar, strip,
or fiber) that supports total internal reflection of light as the
light propagates through the medium. Examples of optical waveguides
may be glass, acrylic, fiber optics, etc.
[0202] Furthermore, in the various embodiments described above and
in the claims set forth below, an optical waveguide refers to a
physical structure (planar, strip, or fiber), a transparent medium
(planar, strip, or fiber), or a translucent medium (planar, strip,
or fiber) that supports total internal reflection of light as the
light propagates through the medium. Examples of optical waveguides
may be glass, acrylic, fiber optics, etc.
[0203] It is also noted that, in the various embodiments described
above and in the claims set forth below, the forming of materials
on the optical waveguide may be realized by depositing one or more
marking materials using an inkjet printer, an inkjet printing
process, a xerographic printer, a xerographic printing process, a
screen printer, a screen printing process, a solid ink printer, a
solid ink printing process, a three-dimensional printer, a
three-dimensional printing process, a plotter, a brush or marking
material applicator.
[0204] It is further noted that, in the various embodiments
described above, the forming of materials may be realized by
forming or depositing one or more marking materials on a thin,
light transmissive substrate using an inkjet printer, an inkjet
printing process, a xerographic printer, a xerographic printing
process, a screen printer, a screen printing process, a solid ink
printer, a solid ink printing process, a three-dimensional printer,
a three-dimensional printing process, a plotter, a brush or marking
material applicator, wherein the thin, light transmissive substrate
is attached, by adhesive, electrostatic, or other means, to the
optical waveguide to enable easy mechanical removal of the marking
material by detaching the thin, light transmissive substrate from
the optical waveguide.
[0205] FIG. 25 illustrates an exemplary printing system 100
configured to print on a three-dimensional object or to print on an
optical waveguide utilizing the processes described above. The
printing system 100 includes an array of print heads 104, a support
member 108, a member 112 movably mounted to the support member 108,
an actuator 116 operatively connected to the movably mounted member
112, an object holder 120 configured to mount to the movably
mounted member 112, and a controller 124 operatively connected to
the plurality of print heads and the actuator.
[0206] As shown in FIG. 25, the array of print heads 104 is
arranged in a two-dimensional array. Each print head is fluidly
connected to a supply of marking material (not shown) and is
configured to eject marking material received from the supply. Some
of the print heads can be connected to the same supply or each
print head can be connected to its own supply so each print head
can eject a different marking material. The controller 124 is also
operatively connected to an optical sensor 350.
[0207] The support member 108 is positioned to be parallel to a
plane formed by the array of print heads and, as shown in the
figure, is oriented so one end of the support member 108 is at a
higher gravitational potential than the other end of the support
member. This orientation enables the printing system 100 to have a
smaller footprint than an alternative embodiment that horizontally
orients the array of print heads and configures the support member,
movably mounted member, and object holder to enable the object
holder to pass objects past the horizontally arranged print heads
so the print heads can eject marking material downwardly on the
objects.
[0208] The member 112 is movably mounted to the support member 108
to enable the member to slide along the support member. In some
embodiments, the member 112 can move bi-directionally along the
support member. In other embodiments, the support member 108 is
configured to provide a return path to the lower end of the support
member to form a track for the movably mounted member.
[0209] The actuator 116 is operatively connected to the movably
mounted member 112 so the actuator 116 can move the moveably
mounted member 112 along the support member 108 and enable the
object holder 120 connected to the moveably mounted member 112 to
pass the array of print heads 104 in one dimension of the
two-dimensional array of print heads. In the embodiment depicted in
the figure, the object holder 120 moves an object 122 along the
length dimension of the array of print heads 104.
[0210] The controller 124 is configured with programmed
instructions stored in a memory 128 operatively connected to the
controller so the controller can execute the programmed
instructions to operate components in the printing system 100.
[0211] Thus, the controller 124 is configured to operate the
actuator 116 to move the object holder 120 past the array of print
heads 104 and to operate the array of print heads 104 to eject
marking material onto objects held by the object holder 120 as the
object holder passes the array of print heads 104. Additionally,
the controller 124 is configured to operate the inkjets within the
print heads of the array of print heads 104 so they eject drops
with larger masses than the masses of drops ejected from such print
heads.
[0212] In one embodiment, the controller 124 operates the inkjets
in the print heads of the array of print heads 104 with firing
signal waveforms that enable the inkjets to eject drops that
produce drops on the object surfaces having a diameter of about
seven to about ten mm. This drop size is appreciably larger than
the drops that produced drops on the material receiving surface
having a mass of about 21 ng.
[0213] The system configuration shown in FIG. 25 is especially
advantageous in a number of aspects. For one, as noted above, the
vertical configuration of the array of print heads 104 and the
support member 108 enables the system 100 to have a smaller
footprint than a system configured with a horizontal orientation of
the array and support member. This smaller footprint of the system
enables the system 100 to be housed in a single cabinet 180, as
depicted in FIG. 28, and installed in non-production outlets. Once
installed, various object holders, as described further below, can
be used with the system to print a variety of goods that are
generic in appearance until printed.
[0214] Another advantageous aspect of the system 100 shown in FIG.
25 is the gap presented between the objects carried by the object
holder 120 and the print heads of the array of print heads 104.
[0215] Additionally, the controller 124 can be configured with
programmed instructions to operate the actuator 116 to move the
object holder at speeds that attenuate the air turbulence in the
gap between the print head and the object surface used in the
system 100.
[0216] An alternative embodiment of the system 100 is shown in FIG.
26. In this alternative embodiment 200, the support member is a
pair of support members 208 about which the moveably mounted member
212 is mounted.
[0217] This embodiment includes a pair of fixedly positioned
pulleys 232 and a belt 236 entrained about the pair of pulleys to
form an endless belt. The moveably mounted member 212 includes a
third pulley 240 that engages the endless belt to enable the third
pulley 240 to rotate in response to the movement of the endless
belt moving about the pair of pulleys 232 to move the moveably
mounted member and the object holder 220.
[0218] In this embodiment, the actuator 216 is operatively
connected to one of the pulleys 232 so the controller 224 can
operate the actuator to rotate the driven pulley and move the
endless belt about the pulleys 232. The controller 224 can be
configured with programmed instructions stored in the memory 228 to
operate the actuator 216 bi-directionally to rotate one of the
pulleys 232 bi-directionally for bi-directional movement of the
moveably mounted member 212 and the object holder 220 past the
array of print heads 204.
[0219] In another alternative embodiment shown in FIG. 27, one end
of the belt 236 is operatively connected to a take-up reel 244 that
is operatively connected to the actuator 216. The other end of the
belt 236 is fixedly positioned. The controller 224 is configured
with programmed instructions stored in the memory 228 to enable the
controller 224 to operate the actuator 216 to rotate the take-up
reel 244 and wind a portion of the length of the belt about the
take-up reel 244.
[0220] The belt 244 also engages a rotatable pulley 248 mounted to
the moveably mounted member 212. Since the other end of the belt
236 is fixedly positioned, the rotation of the reel 244 causes the
moveably mounted member 212 to move the object holder past the
array of print heads.
[0221] When the controller 224 operates the actuator 216 to unwind
the belt from the reel 224, the moveably mounted member 212
descends and enables the object holder to descend past the array of
print heads 204. This direction of movement is opposite to the
direction in which the object holder moved when the actuator was
operated to take up a length of the belt 236.
[0222] These configurations using a belt to move the moveably
mounted member differ from the one shown in FIG. 25 in which the
controller 124 operates a linear actuator to move the moveably
mounted member 112 and the object holder 120 bi-directionally past
the array of print heads.
[0223] With to the printing device described above, the printing
systems may include a UV curing station below the array of print
heads when UV curable inks are being utilized as a marking
material. By including a UV curing station in the print system, a
layer of UV curable ink can be deposited, cured, and thereafter, a
subsequent layer of UV curable ink can be deposited, thereby
building a three-dimensional layered body of cured ink. In other
words, after each layer of UV curable ink is deposited, the
deposited layer is cured, thereby enabling the depositing of
another layer so as to build depth into the deposited UV curable
ink so that a rough surface can be produced.
[0224] An example of an object holder 220 is shown in FIG. 29. The
object holder 220 includes a plate 304 having apertures 308 in
which objects 312, which are golf club heads in the figure, are
placed for printing. A latch 316 is configured for selectively
mounting the object holder 220 to the movably mounted member 212.
The latch 316 includes locating features 320 to aid in properly
positioning the object holder 220 for securing the holder to the
member 212, which is supported by members 208 as shown in FIG.
26.
[0225] Once properly positioned, levers 322 operate the latch 316
to secure the holder 220 to the member 212. As shown in the figure,
member 212 includes an input device 326 for obtaining an identifier
from the object holder 220 as further described below.
[0226] A perspective view of the object holder 220 is shown in FIG.
30. In FIG. 30, an identification tag 330 on a surface of the
object holder 220 faces the input device 326 on the movably mounted
member 212 when the holder is secured to the member 212. The input
device 326 is operatively connected to the controller 224, shown in
FIGS. 26 and 27, to communicate an identifier from the
identification tag 330 to the controller. The controller is further
configured to operate the array of print heads 204 and the actuator
216 (FIGS. 26 and 27) with reference to the identifier received
from the input device 326 of the movably mounted member 212.
[0227] As used in this document, "identification tag" means
machine-readable indicia that embody information to be processed by
the printing system. The indicia can be mechanical, optical, or
electromagnetic.
[0228] In one embodiment, the identification tag 330 is a radio
frequency identification (RFID) tag and the input device 326 of the
movably mounted member is a RFID reader.
[0229] In another embodiment, the identification tag 330 is a bar
code and the input device 326 of the movably mounted member 212 is
a bar code reader.
[0230] In another embodiment in which mechanical indicia are used
for the identification tag, the indicia are protrusions,
indentations, or combinations of protrusions and indentations in a
material that can be read by a biased arm following the surface of
the identification tag.
[0231] The input device 326 in such an embodiment can be a cam
follower that converts the position of an arm that follows the
mechanical features into electrical signals.
[0232] The controller 224 is further configured with programmed
instructions stored in the memory 228 to compare the identifier
received from the input device 326 of the movably mounted member
212 to identifiers stored in the memory 328 operatively connected
to the controller. The controller disables operation of the
actuator 216 in response to the identifier received from the input
device 326 failing to correspond to one of the identifiers stored
in the memory.
[0233] In another embodiment, the controller 224 is further
configured with programmed instructions stored in the memory 328 to
compare the identifier received from the input device 326 of the
movably mounted member 212 to identifiers stored in the memory
328.
[0234] In this embodiment, the controller 224 disables operation of
the print heads in the array of print heads in response to the
identifier received from the input device 326 failing to correspond
to one of the identifiers stored in the memory 328.
[0235] In some embodiments, the controller 224 is configured to
disable both the actuator 216 and the array of print heads 204 in
response to the identifier received from the input device 326
failing to match one of the identifiers stored in the memory
328.
[0236] In all of these embodiments, the controller 224 is
operatively connected to a user interface 350 as shown in FIGS. 25
through 27. The interface 350 includes a display 360, an
annunciator 364, and an input device 368, such as a keypad.
[0237] The controller 224 is configured with programmed
instructions to operate the user interface to notify an operator of
the failure of the identifier received from the input device 326 to
correspond to one of the identifiers in memory. Thus, the operator
is able to understand the reason for the disabling of the
system.
[0238] Additionally, the controller 224 is configured with
programmed instructions to operate the user interface 350 to inform
the operator of a system status that is incompatible with the
identifier received from the input device 326.
[0239] For example, the controller 224 monitors the system to
detect the configuration of the print heads in the system and the
inks being supplied to the print heads. If the inks or the print
head configuration is unable to print the objects corresponding to
the object holder accurately and appropriately, then the user
interface 350 is operated by the controller 224 to generate a
message on the display 360 for the operator that inks need to be
changed or that the print head array needs to be reconfigured.
[0240] The controller 224 is also configured with programmed
instructions to operate the user interface 350 to inform the
operator of processing that needs to be performed. For example,
some identifiers received from the input device 326 indicate that
an object requires pre-coating prior to printing or post-coating
after the object is printed. The controller 224 in this example
operates the user interface 350 to provide a message on the display
360 to the operator regarding either or both of the conditions.
[0241] The user interface 350 includes a display 360 for
alphanumeric messages, a keypad 368 for entry of data by an
operator, and an annunciator 364, such as a warning light or
audible alarm, to attract attention to displayed messages.
[0242] FIG. 31 shows a front view of the object holder 220 secured
to the movably mounted member 212, and FIG. 32 shows a rear view of
the object holder 220 to the moveably mounted member 212.
[0243] Additionally, the controller 224 can be configured to
accumulate a count of the number of times an object holder is
mounted and dismounted to the movably mounted member 212. This
count can be used to obtain and store a number of objects printed
by the system 100. This count of printed objects can then be used
to order supplies for the continued operation of the system before
the supplies are exhausted or to render an accounting of the
throughput of the system for various purposes.
[0244] FIGS. 33 through 41 depict object holders 220 in various
configurations for holding different types of articles and the
holders 220 are secured to the movably mounted member 212. The
object holders in FIGS. 33, 34, 35, 37, 38, 40 and 41 include at
least one aperture that is configured to hold an object for
printing by the array of print heads.
[0245] In FIG. 33, the aperture 308 is configured to hold a
disk-shaped object 312. In FIG. 34, each aperture 308 in a
plurality of apertures is configured to hold a plurality of
cap-shaped objects 312. In FIG. 35, each aperture 308 in a
plurality of apertures is configured to hold a plurality of cases
312, such as the depicted mobile telephone cases. In FIG. 37, the
aperture 308 is configured to hold a spherically shaped object 312.
In FIG. 38, each aperture 308 in a plurality of apertures is
configured to hold a golf club head 312.
[0246] In FIG. 41, each aperture 308 in a plurality of apertures is
configured to hold an ear piece 312 of an eyeglasses frame. In FIG.
36, the object holder (not visible) is configured to hold head
gear. In FIG. 39, the object holder 220 includes a pair of arms 404
configured to secure a rectangular or cylindrical object 312
between them.
[0247] As used in this document, the term "arm" refers to a member
having two ends with one end being mounted to the object holder and
the remainder of the member is configured to hold the object with
reference to the object holder.
[0248] In FIG. 40, the rear side of the moveably mounted member 212
is shown to depict the orientation at which an object holder (not
visible) would hold an article of clothing to enable printing of a
surface of the article.
[0249] While the printing system 100 described above is especially
advantageous in non-production environments, the system 500
depicted in FIG. 42 is more robust and useful in manufacturing
environments.
[0250] In system 500, a conveyor 504 is configured to deliver
objects from a supply of objects (not shown) to an object holder
508. The object holder 508 is configured to receive objects from
the conveyor 504. The controller 224 is operatively connected to
the conveyor 504, the actuator 216, and the array of print heads
204. The controller 224 is further configured with programmed
instructions stored in the memory 228 to operate the conveyor 504
to deliver objects to the object holders 508 and to operate the
actuator 216 to move the objects held by the object holders past
the array of print heads.
[0251] This operation enables the print heads to print the objects
as the objects pass the array of print heads 204. A bin can be
provided to receive the objects from the object holders 508 after
the objects have been printed.
[0252] In another embodiment, another conveyor 512 is configured to
receive objects from the object holders 508 after the objects held
by the object holders are printed by the print heads in the array
of print heads 204. The controller 224 is operatively connected to
the conveyor 512 and operates the conveyor 512 to transport the
printed objects to a location away from the printing system, such
as a receptacle 516.
[0253] FIG. 43 illustrates shows the object holder 308 of FIG. 35
configured with biased members 604. The biased members can be
resilient members formed with a crook at an unattached end of the
member that presses downwardly on the surface of the holder
308.
[0254] Portions of a sheet of media 608 can be inserted between the
biased members and the surface of the holder 308 to enable the
sheet to be held against the surface of the holder. An operator can
initiate a test or setup mode through the input device of the user
interface 350 once the media sheet is installed. In response, the
controller 224 operates the actuator 216 to move the media sheet
attached to the object holder past the print heads as the
controller operates the print heads to eject one or more test
patterns onto the media sheet.
[0255] The system can include an optical sensor 354, such as a
digital camera, that is positioned to generate image data of the
test pattern and media sheet after the test pattern has been
printed onto the sheet.
[0256] The controller 224 executing programmed instructions
analyzes the image data of the test pattern on the media sheet to
identify maintenance issues, such as print head alignments and
inoperative ejectors within print heads. Additionally, the
controller 224 verifies the system is appropriately configured to
print the objects corresponding to the identifier received from the
input device 326 that was read from the identification tag on the
object holder.
[0257] Alternatively, as depicted in FIG. 44, an object holder,
such as holder 308, can include a member 658 that is detachably
mounted to the object holder and that has a test area 662. The test
area 662 of the member 658 is a planar area of a material, such as
Mylar, that can be printed by the system, imaged by the optical
sensor 354, and analyzed by the controller 224 to identify issues
with the configuration of the system.
[0258] The systems used in commercial environments print objects in
non-production environments. Some of these objects can be quite
expensive and the distributor does not want to waste objects by
printing test patterns on them. Since some of these objects have
curved or intricate geometries, forms replicated the shape and
geometry of an object are provided for test runs through the
system. These forms are shaped to conform to the general outline of
the object, but are made from a material, such as Mylar or the
like, that enable images to be printed on the form, imaged, and
analyzed to identify maintenance issues or to verify the
configuration of the system to print the objects. Once the system
has been confirmed as being ready to print objects, the form can be
removed and wiped clean so it can used at a later time. As an
alternative to the form, a media sheet can be wrapped about an
object so it can be printed and the image data analyzed without
permanently forming an image on the object since the sheet can be
removed before printing the object.
[0259] FIG. 45 illustrates an optical waveguide 10 having cut edges
19, wherein the cut edges 19 are rough. More specifically, a raw
panel of optical waveguide material is usually cut from a bigger
panel of optical waveguide material. During this cutting process,
the edges are very rough after cutting.
[0260] One requirement for a good edge illuminated display panel is
a clear (optically transparent) edge or smooth edge to enable the
illuminating light to enter the panel efficiently. To achieve a
clear (optically transparent) edge or smooth edge, conventionally,
the edges are polished (especially for glass) or hot melted (using
a torch for plastic materials such as acrylic) to create a smooth
interface. These methods of edge treatments are slow and typically
not conveniently available around a print shop.
[0261] Alternatively to the conventional process, the rough edges
can be made smooth by flood coating the edge with a clear curable
ink 80, as illustrated in FIG. 46, and then the ink is cured. This
application and curing of a clear curable ink, smooths the edge so
that the edge is a clear (optically transparent) edge.
[0262] In a preferred embodiment, the curable ink is a UV curable
ink.
[0263] It is noted that a curable colored ink may be utilized if
color light is desired in illuminating the optical waveguide.
[0264] Moreover, it is noted that the multiple curable colored inks
may be applied in bands so that based upon the position of the
incidence light impinging upon the edge, a variety of colors can be
utilized to illuminate the optical waveguide.
[0265] By using a clear UV curable fluid (ink) to flood coat the
cut edges (19) and curing the clear UV curable fluid (ink) with a
UV source, the resulting edge will be smooth and enable good edge
illumination.
[0266] As noted above, the fluid (ink) fills the roughness of the
base material edge due to wetting. The UV/air interface is smooth
due to surface tension. Since the UV materials have index of
refraction similar to that of the optical waveguide materials, the
UV/optical waveguide material interface will not generate
substantial back reflection despite the roughness of the interface
between the fluid (ink) coating and the optical waveguide
material.
[0267] FIG. 47 illustrates an optical waveguide 10 having an
engraved area 11, wherein the engraved area 11 is a rough surface.
Due to the engraved area 11, the optical waveguide cannot be
re-used in its current condition for illuminating a different image
because the engraved area 11 will also illuminate.
[0268] To enable the re-usability of the optical waveguide, as
illustrated in FIG. 47, the engraved area 11 is flood coated with a
clear curable ink 80 and then the ink is cured. This application
and curing of a clear curable ink, smooths the surface of the
optical waveguide so that the optical waveguide can be re-used to
illuminate a different image.
[0269] In a preferred embodiment, the curable ink is a UV curable
ink.
[0270] By using a clear UV curable fluid (ink) to flood coat the
engrave area 11 and curing the clear UV curable fluid (ink) with a
UV source, the resulting surface will be smooth, thereby enabling
total internal reflection at the previously engraved area (11).
[0271] In summary, a display device component comprises 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 having light
scattering properties.
[0272] The second material may be formed on all of the first
material.
[0273] The display device component may further comprise being a
third material formed on a portion of the first material, the
portion of the first material having the second material formed
thereon being distinct from the portion of the first material
having the third material formed thereon.
[0274] The display device component may further comprise being a
third material formed on a portion of the second material.
[0275] The first material may be a marking material and the second
material may be a marking material.
[0276] The first material may be a white marking material.
[0277] The second material may be a non-white colored marking
material.
[0278] The third material may be a non-white colored marking
material having a color distinct from a color of the second
material.
[0279] The first material may be a white marking material; the
second material may be a first non-white colored marking material;
and the third material may be a second non-white colored marking
material, the first non-white colored marking material having a
color distinct from a color of the second non-white colored marking
material.
[0280] The first material and the second materials are inks.
[0281] The first material and the second materials are toners.
[0282] A display device component comprises 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 having light
scattering particles embedded therein.
[0283] The display device component may further comprise being a
third material formed on a portion of the first material, the
portion of the first material having the second material formed
thereon being distinct from the portion of the first material
having the third material formed thereon.
[0284] The display device component may further comprise being a
third material formed on a portion of the second material.
[0285] The first material may be a white marking material.
[0286] The second material may be a non-white colored marking
material.
[0287] The third material may be a non-white colored marking
material having a color distinct from a color of the second
material.
[0288] The first material may be a white marking material; the
second material may be a first non-white colored marking material;
and the third material may be a second non-white colored marking
material, the first non-white colored marking material having a
color distinct from a color of the second non-white colored marking
material.
[0289] A display device component comprises an optical waveguide
having a surface and a light source interface surface; a first
material formed on the surface of the optical waveguide; and a
second material formed on a portion of the first material; the
first material having light scattering particles embedded therein;
the first material having a varied light scattering particle
volumetric density; the light scattering particle volumetric
density increasing proportionally along the surface of the optical
waveguide as a distance away from the light source interface
surface increases.
[0290] The display device component may further comprise being a
third material formed on a portion of the first material, the
portion of the first material having the second material formed
thereon being distinct from the portion of the first material
having the third material formed thereon.
[0291] A display device component comprises 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
the first material; the second material having light scattering
properties.
[0292] The display device component may further comprise being a
third material formed on a portion of the surface of the optical
waveguide, the portion of the surface of the optical waveguide
having the first material formed thereon being distinct from the
portion of the surface of the optical waveguide having the third
material formed thereon; the second material being formed on the
third material.
[0293] The display device component may further comprise being a
third material formed between the first material and the second
material.
[0294] The first material may be a marking material and the second
material may be a marking material.
[0295] The second material may be a white marking material.
[0296] The first material may be a non-white colored marking
material.
[0297] The third material may be a non-white colored marking
material having a color distinct from a color of the first
material.
[0298] The second material may be a white marking material; the
first material may be a first non-white colored marking material;
and the third material may be a second non-white colored marking
material, the first non-white colored marking material having a
color distinct from a color of the second non-white colored marking
material.
[0299] The first material and the second materials may be inks.
[0300] The first material and the second materials may be
toners.
[0301] A display device component comprises 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 second material having light
scattering particles embedded therein.
[0302] The display device component may further comprise being a
third material formed on a portion of the surface of the optical
waveguide, the portion of the surface of the optical waveguide
having the first material formed thereon being distinct from the
portion of the surface of the optical waveguide having the third
material formed thereon.
[0303] The display device component may further comprise being a
third material formed between the first material and the second
material.
[0304] The second material may be a white marking material.
[0305] The first material may be a non-white colored marking
material.
[0306] The third material may be a non-white colored marking
material having a color distinct from a color of the first
material.
[0307] The second material may be a white marking material; the
first material may be a first non-white colored marking material;
and the third material may be a second non-white colored marking
material, the first non-white colored marking material having a
color distinct from a color of the second non-white colored marking
material.
[0308] A display device component comprises an optical waveguide
having a first surface and a second surface; a first material
formed on a portion of the first surface of the optical waveguide;
a second material formed on a portion of the first material; a
third material formed on a portion of the second surface of the
optical waveguide; and a fourth material formed on the third
material; the first material having light scattering properties;
the fourth material having light scattering properties.
[0309] The optical waveguide has a first index of refraction and
the first material has a second index of refraction, the first
index of refraction being substantially equal to the second index
of refraction.
[0310] The optical waveguide has a first index of refraction and
the third material has a second index of refraction, the first
index of refraction being substantially equal to the second index
of refraction.
[0311] The first material may be a marking material and the fourth
material may be a marking material.
[0312] The first material may be a white marking material and the
fourth material may be a white marking material.
[0313] The white marking material may be ink.
[0314] The white marking material may be toner.
[0315] The second material may be a marking material and the third
material may be a marking material.
[0316] The second material may be a non-white colored marking
material and the third material may be a non-white colored marking
material.
[0317] The non-white colored marking material may be ink.
[0318] The non-white colored marking material may be toner.
[0319] A display device component comprises an optical waveguide
having a first surface and a second surface; a first material
formed on a portion of the first surface of the optical waveguide;
a second material formed on the first material; a third material
formed on a portion of the second surface of the optical waveguide;
and a fourth material formed on the third material; the first
material having light scattering particles embedded therein; the
fourth material having light scattering particles embedded
therein.
[0320] The optical waveguide has a first index of refraction and
the first material has a second index of refraction, the first
index of refraction being substantially equal to the second index
of refraction.
[0321] The optical waveguide has a first index of refraction and
the third material has a second index of refraction, the first
index of refraction being substantially equal to the second index
of refraction.
[0322] The first material may be a marking material and the fourth
material may be a marking material.
[0323] The first material may be a white marking material and the
fourth material may be a white marking material.
[0324] The second material may be a marking material and the third
material may be a marking material.
[0325] The second material may be a non-white colored marking
material and the third material may be a non-white colored marking
material.
[0326] A display device comprises an optical waveguide having a
surface and a light source interface surface; a light source, the
light source directing light upon the light source interface
surface at an angle of incidence to provide total internal
reflection of the incident light within the optical waveguide; a
first material formed on a portion of the surface of the optical
waveguide; and a second material formed on the first material; the
first material having light scattering properties to frustrate a
portion of the total internal reflection of the incident light
within the optical waveguide.
[0327] The optical waveguide has a first index of refraction and
the first material has a second index of refraction, the first
index of refraction being substantially equal to the second index
of refraction.
[0328] The second material has a third index of refraction, the
second index of refraction being substantially equal to the third
index of refraction.
[0329] The first material may be a marking material.
[0330] The first material may be a white marking material.
[0331] The white marking material may be ink.
[0332] The white marking material may be toner.
[0333] The second material may be a marking material.
[0334] The second material may be a non-white colored marking
material.
[0335] The non-white colored marking material may be ink.
[0336] The non-white colored marking material may be toner.
[0337] A display device comprises an optical waveguide having a
surface and a light source interface surface; a light source, the
light source directing light upon the light source interface
surface at an angle of incidence to provide total internal
reflection of the incident light within the optical waveguide; a
first material formed on a portion of the first surface of the
optical waveguide; and a second material formed on the first
material; the first material having light scattering particles
embedded therein to frustrate a portion of the total internal
reflection of the incident light within the optical waveguide.
[0338] The optical waveguide has a first index of refraction and
the first material has a second index of refraction, the first
index of refraction being substantially equal to the second index
of refraction, the second material having a third index of
refraction, the second index of refraction being substantially
equal to the third index of refraction.
[0339] The first material may be a marking material.
[0340] The first material may be a white marking material.
[0341] The second material may be a marking material.
[0342] The second material may be a non-white colored marking
material.
[0343] A display device comprises an optical waveguide having a
surface and a light source interface surface; a light source, the
light source directing light upon the light source interface
surface at an angle of incidence to provide total internal
reflection of the incident light within the optical waveguide; a
first material formed on of a portion the surface of the optical
waveguide; and a second material formed on the first material; the
first material having light scattering particles embedded therein
to frustrate a portion of the total internal reflection of the
incident light within the optical waveguide; the first material
having a varied light scattering particle volumetric density; the
light scattering particle volumetric density increasing
proportionally along the surface of the optical waveguide as a
distance away from the light source interface increases.
[0344] The first material may be a white marking material.
[0345] The second material may be a non-white colored marking
material.
[0346] A display device comprises an optical waveguide having a
surface and a light source interface surface; a light source, the
light source directing light upon the light source interface
surface at an angle of incidence to provide total internal
reflection of the incident light within the optical waveguide; a
first material formed on a portion of the first surface of the
optical waveguide; and a second material formed on the first
material; the second material having light scattering properties to
frustrate a portion of the total internal reflection of the
incident light within the optical waveguide.
[0347] The optical waveguide has a first index of refraction and
the first material has a second index of refraction, the first
index of refraction being substantially equal to the second index
of refraction.
[0348] The second material has a third index of refraction, the
second index of refraction being substantially equal to the third
index of refraction.
[0349] The second material may be a marking material.
[0350] The second material may be a white marking material.
[0351] The white marking material may be ink.
[0352] The white marking material may be toner.
[0353] The first material may be a marking material.
[0354] The first material may be a non-white colored marking
material.
[0355] The non-white colored marking material may be ink.
[0356] The non-white colored marking material may be toner.
[0357] A display device comprises an optical waveguide having a
surface and a light source interface surface; a light source, the
light source directing light upon the light source interface
surface at an angle of incidence to provide total internal
reflection of the incident light within the optical waveguide; a
first material formed on a portion of the surface of the optical
waveguide; and a second material formed on the first material; the
second material having light scattering particles embedded therein
to frustrate a portion of the total internal reflection of the
incident light within the optical waveguide.
[0358] The optical waveguide has a first index of refraction and
the first material has a second index of refraction, the first
index of refraction being substantially equal to the second index
of refraction, the second material having a third index of
refraction, the second index of refraction being substantially
equal to the third index of refraction.
[0359] The second material may be a marking material.
[0360] The second material may be a white marking material.
[0361] The first material may be a marking material.
[0362] The first material may be a non-white colored marking
material.
[0363] A display device comprises an optical waveguide having a
first surface, a second surface, and a light source interface
surface; a light source, the light source directing light upon the
light source interface surface at an angle of incidence to provide
total internal reflection of the incident light within the optical
waveguide; a first material formed on a portion of the first
surface of the optical waveguide; a second material formed on the
first material; a third material formed on a portion of the second
surface of the optical waveguide; and a fourth material formed on
the third material; the first material having light scattering
properties to frustrate a portion of the total internal reflection
of the incident light within the optical waveguide; the fourth
material having light scattering properties to frustrate a portion
of the total internal reflection of the incident light within the
optical waveguide.
[0364] The optical waveguide has a first index of refraction and
the first material has a second index of refraction, the first
index of refraction being substantially equal to the second index
of refraction.
[0365] The optical waveguide has a first index of refraction and
the third material has a second index of refraction, the first
index of refraction being substantially equal to the second index
of refraction.
[0366] The first material may be a marking material and the fourth
material may be a marking material.
[0367] The first material may be a white marking material and the
fourth material may be a white marking material.
[0368] The white marking material may be ink.
[0369] The white marking material may be toner.
[0370] The second material may be a marking material and the third
material may be a marking material.
[0371] The second material may be a non-white colored marking
material and the third material may be a non-white colored marking
material.
[0372] The non-white colored marking material may be ink.
[0373] The non-white colored marking material may be toner.
[0374] A display device comprises an optical waveguide having a
first surface, a second surface, and a light source interface
surface; a light source, the light source directing light upon the
light source interface surface at an angle of incidence to provide
total internal reflection of the incident light within the optical
waveguide; a first material formed on a portion of the first
surface of the optical waveguide; a second material formed on the
first material; a third material formed on a portion of the second
surface of the optical waveguide; and a fourth material formed on
the third material; the first material having light scattering
particles embedded therein to frustrate a portion of the total
internal reflection of the incident light within the optical
waveguide; the fourth material having light scattering particles
embedded therein to frustrate a portion of the total internal
reflection of the incident light within the optical waveguide.
[0375] The optical waveguide has a first index of refraction and
the first material has a second index of refraction, the first
index of refraction being substantially equal to the second index
of refraction.
[0376] The optical waveguide has a first index of refraction and
the third material has a second index of refraction, the first
index of refraction being substantially equal to the second index
of refraction.
[0377] The first material may be a marking material and the fourth
material may be a marking material.
[0378] The first material may be a white marking material and the
fourth material may be a white marking material.
[0379] The second material may be a marking material and the third
material may be a marking material.
[0380] The display device as claimed in claim 12, wherein the
second material may be a non-white colored marking material and the
third material may be a non-white colored marking material.
[0381] A process for making a display device component to enable
image specific illumination of an image printed on an optical wave,
comprises (a) forming a first material on a portion of an optical
waveguide having a surface, the first material having light
scattering properties; and (b) forming a second material on the
first material.
[0382] The optical waveguide has a first index of refraction and
the first material has a second index of refraction, the first
index of refraction being substantially equal to the second index
of refraction.
[0383] The second material has a third index of refraction, the
second index of refraction being substantially equal to the third
index of refraction.
[0384] The first material may be a white marking material.
[0385] The first material may be formed by an inkjet printing
device.
[0386] The first material may be formed by a xerographic toner
printing device.
[0387] The first material may be formed by a solid ink printing
device.
[0388] The second material may be a non-white colored marking
material.
[0389] The second material may be formed by an inkjet printing
device.
[0390] The second material may be formed by a xerographic toner
printing device.
[0391] The second material may be formed by a solid ink printing
device.
[0392] A process for making a display device component to enable
image specific illumination of an image printed on an optical wave,
comprises (a) forming a first material on a portion of an optical
waveguide having a surface, the first material having light
scattering particles embedded therein; and (b) forming a second
material on the first material.
[0393] The optical waveguide has a first index of refraction and
the first material has a second index of refraction, the first
index of refraction being substantially equal to the second index
of refraction.
[0394] The first material may be a white marking material.
[0395] The first material may be formed by an inkjet printing
device.
[0396] The second material may be a non-white colored marking
material.
[0397] The second material may be formed by an inkjet printing
device.
[0398] A process for making a display device component to enable
image specific illumination of an image printed on an optical wave
comprises (a) forming a first material on an optical waveguide
having a surface and a light source interface surface, the first
material having light scattering particles embedded therein, the
first material having a varied light scattering particle volumetric
density, the light scattering particle volumetric density
increasing proportionally on the surface as a distance away from
the light source interface increases; and (b) forming a second
material on the first material.
[0399] The first material may be a white marking material.
[0400] The second material may be a non-white colored marking
material.
[0401] A process for making a display device component to enable
image specific illumination of an image printed on an optical wave
comprises (a) forming a first material on a portion of an optical
waveguide having a surface; and (b) forming a second material on
the first material, the second material having light scattering
properties.
[0402] The optical waveguide has a first index of refraction and
the first material has a second index of refraction, the first
index of refraction being substantially equal to the second index
of refraction.
[0403] The second material has a third index of refraction, the
second index of refraction being substantially equal to the third
index of refraction.
[0404] The second material may be a white marking material.
[0405] The second material may be formed by an inkjet printing
device.
[0406] The second material may be formed by a xerographic toner
printing device.
[0407] The second material may be formed by a solid ink printing
device.
[0408] The first material may be a non-white colored marking
material.
[0409] The first material may be formed by an inkjet printing
device.
[0410] The first material may be formed by a xerographic toner
printing device.
[0411] The first material may be formed by a solid ink printing
device.
[0412] A process for making a display device component to enable
image specific illumination of an image printed on an optical wave
comprises (a) forming a first material on a portion of an optical
waveguide having a surface; and (b) forming a second material on
the first material, the second material having light scattering
particles embedded therein.
[0413] The optical waveguide has a first index of refraction and
the first material has a second index of refraction, the first
index of refraction being substantially equal to the second index
of refraction.
[0414] The second material may be a white marking material.
[0415] The second material may be formed by an inkjet printing
device.
[0416] The first material may be a non-white colored marking
material.
[0417] The first material may be formed by an inkjet printing
device.
[0418] A process for making a display device component to enable
image specific illumination of an image printed on an optical wave
having a first surface and a second surface, comprises (a) forming
a first material on a portion of a first surface of an optical
waveguide, the first material having light scattering properties;
(b) forming a second material on the first material; (c) forming a
third material on a portion of a second surface of the optical
waveguide; and (d) forming a fourth material on the third material,
the fourth material having light scattering properties.
[0419] The optical waveguide has a first index of refraction and
the first material has a second index of refraction, the first
index of refraction being substantially equal to the second index
of refraction.
[0420] The second material has a third index of refraction, the
second index of refraction being substantially equal to the third
index of refraction.
[0421] The first material may be a white marking material and the
fourth material may be a white marking material.
[0422] The first material may be formed by an inkjet printing
device and the fourth material may be formed by an inkjet printing
device.
[0423] The first material may be formed by a xerographic toner
printing device and the fourth material may be formed by a
xerographic toner printing device.
[0424] The first material may be formed by a solid ink printing
device and the fourth material may be formed by a solid ink
printing device.
[0425] The second material may be a non-white colored marking
material and the third material may be a non-white colored marking
material.
[0426] The second material may be formed by an inkjet printing
device and the third material may be formed by an inkjet printing
device.
[0427] The second material may be formed by a xerographic toner
printing device and the third material may be formed by a
xerographic toner printing device.
[0428] The second material may be formed by a solid ink printing
device and the third material may be formed by a solid ink printing
device.
[0429] A process for making a display device component to enable
image specific illumination of an image printed on an optical wave,
comprises (a) forming a first material on a portion of a first
surface of an optical waveguide, the first material having light
scattering particles embedded therein; (b) forming a second
material on the first material; (c) forming a third material on a
portion of a second surface of the optical waveguide; and (d)
forming a fourth material on the third material, the fourth
material having light scattering particles embedded therein.
[0430] The optical waveguide has a first index of refraction and
the first material has a second index of refraction, the first
index of refraction being substantially equal to the second index
of refraction.
[0431] The first material may be formed by an inkjet printing
device and the fourth material may be formed by an inkjet printing
device.
[0432] The first material may be formed by a xerographic toner
printing device and the fourth material may be formed by a
xerographic toner printing device.
[0433] The first material may be formed by a solid ink printing
device and the fourth material may be formed by a solid ink
printing device.
[0434] The second material may be formed by an inkjet printing
device and the third material may be formed by an inkjet printing
device.
[0435] The second material may be formed by a xerographic toner
printing device and the third material may be formed by a
xerographic toner printing device.
[0436] The second material may be formed by a solid ink printing
device and the third material may be formed by a solid ink printing
device.
[0437] A display device component comprises an optical waveguide
having a surface; and a first material formed on a portion of the
surface of the optical waveguide; the first material having a first
surface adjacent to the surface of the optical waveguide and a
second surface away from the surface of the optical waveguide; the
second surface being non-smooth to frustrate a portion of light
being internally reflected within the optical waveguide.
[0438] The display device component may further comprise being a
second material formed on a portion of the surface of the optical
waveguide; the second material having a third surface adjacent to
the surface of the optical waveguide and a fourth surface away from
the surface of the optical waveguide and a second surface away; the
fourth surface being non-smooth to frustrate a portion of light
being internally reflected within the optical waveguide.
[0439] The first material may be a marking material.
[0440] The second material may be a marking material.
[0441] The first material may be a non-white colored marking
material.
[0442] The second material may be a non-white colored marking
material having a color distinct from a color of the first
material.
[0443] The first material may be a first non-white colored marking
material and the second material may be a second non-white colored
marking material, the first non-white colored marking material
having a color distinct from a color of the second non-white
colored marking material.
[0444] The first material may be an ink.
[0445] The first material may be a toner.
[0446] A display device comprises an optical waveguide having a
surface and a light source interface surface; a light source, the
light source directing light upon the light source interface
surface at an angle of incidence to provide total internal
reflection of the incident light within the optical waveguide; and
a first material formed on a portion of the surface of the optical
waveguide; the first material having a first surface adjacent to
the surface of the optical waveguide and a second surface away from
the surface of the optical waveguide; the second surface being
non-smooth to frustrate a portion of the incident light being
totally internally reflected within the optical waveguide.
[0447] The display device may further comprise being a second
material formed on a portion of the surface of the optical
waveguide; the second material having a third surface adjacent to
the surface of the optical waveguide and a fourth surface away from
the surface of the optical waveguide and a second surface away; the
fourth surface being non-smooth to frustrate a portion of the
incident light being totally internally reflected within the
optical waveguide.
[0448] The first material may be a marking material.
[0449] The second material may be a marking material.
[0450] The first material may be a non-white colored marking
material.
[0451] The second material may be a non-white colored marking
material having a color distinct from a color of the first
material.
[0452] The first material may be a first non-white colored marking
material and the second material may be a second non-white colored
marking material, the first non-white colored marking material
having a color distinct from a color of the second non-white
colored marking material.
[0453] The first material may be an ink.
[0454] The first material may be a toner.
[0455] A process for making a display device component to enable
image specific illumination of an image printed on an optical wave,
comprises (a) forming a first material on a portion of a surface of
an optical waveguide, the first material having a first surface
adjacent to the surface of the optical waveguide and a second
surface away from the surface of the optical waveguide, the second
surface being non-smooth to frustrate a portion of light being
internally reflected within the optical waveguide.
[0456] The first material may be formed on the portion of the
surface of the optical waveguide using a printing process and the
non-smooth second surface being formed by printing a halftone image
on the optical wave guide using the first material.
[0457] A display device comprises a first optical waveguide having
a first surface, a second surface, and a first light source
interface surface; a second optical waveguide having a third
surface, a fourth surface, and a second light source interface
surface; a light source, the light source directing light upon the
first light source interface surface at an angle of incidence to
provide total internal reflection of the incident light within the
first optical waveguide; the light source directing light upon the
second light source interface surface at an angle of incidence to
provide total internal reflection of the incident light within the
second optical waveguide; a first material formed on a portion of
the first surface of the first optical waveguide; a second material
formed on the first material; a third material formed on a portion
of the second surface of the first optical waveguide; a fourth
material formed on the third material; the first material having
light scattering properties to frustrate a portion of the total
internal reflection of the incident light within the first optical
waveguide; the fourth material having light scattering properties
to frustrate a portion of the total internal reflection of the
incident light within the first optical waveguide; a fifth material
formed on a portion of the third surface of the second optical
waveguide; a sixth material formed on the fifth material; a seventh
material formed on a portion of the fourth surface of the second
optical waveguide; an eighth material formed on the seventh
material; the fifth material having light scattering properties to
frustrate a portion of the total internal reflection of the
incident light within the second optical waveguide; the eighth
material having light scattering properties to frustrate a portion
of the total internal reflection of the incident light within the
second optical waveguide.
[0458] The first optical waveguide may be spaced apart from the
second optical waveguide.
[0459] A distance between the first optical waveguide and the
second optical waveguide may be equal to half a thickness of the
first optical waveguide.
[0460] The first optical waveguide may be parallel to the second
optical waveguide.
[0461] A display device comprises a plurality of optical
waveguides, each optical waveguide having a front surface, a back
surface, and a light source interface surface; a light source, the
light source directing light upon the light source interface
surfaces of each optical waveguide at an angle of incidence to
provide total internal reflection of the incident light within each
optical waveguide; each optical wave guide having formed thereon a
first material formed on a portion of the front surface of each
optical waveguide, the first material having light scattering
properties to frustrate a portion of the total internal reflection
of the incident light within the optical waveguide; each optical
wave guide having formed on the first material a second material;
each optical wave guide having formed thereon a third material
formed on a portion of the back surface of each optical waveguide;
each optical wave guide having formed on the third material a
fourth material, the fourth material having light scattering
properties to frustrate a portion of the total internal reflection
of the incident light within the optical waveguide.
[0462] A distance between each optical waveguide may be equal to a
thickness of an optical waveguide divided by a number of optical
waveguides.
[0463] Each optical waveguide may be parallel thereto.
[0464] A display device comprises a plurality of optical
waveguides, each optical waveguide having a front surface, a back
surface, and a light source interface surface; a light source, the
light source directing light upon the light source interface
surfaces of each optical waveguide at an angle of incidence to
provide total internal reflection of the incident light within each
optical waveguide; each optical wave guide having formed thereon a
first material formed on a portion of the front surface of each
optical waveguide, the first material having a first surface
adjacent to the surface of the optical waveguide and a second
surface away from the surface of the optical waveguide, the second
surface being non-smooth to frustrate a portion of light being
internally reflected within the optical waveguide.
[0465] A distance between each optical waveguide may be equal to a
thickness of an optical waveguide divided by a number of optical
waveguides.
[0466] Each optical waveguide may be parallel thereto.
[0467] A display device component comprises a first optical
waveguide having a first surface and a second surface; a second
optical waveguide having a third surface and a fourth surface; a
first material formed on a portion of the first surface of the
first optical waveguide; a second material formed on the first
material; a third material formed on a portion of the second
surface of the first optical waveguide; a fourth material formed on
the third material; the first material having light scattering
properties to frustrate a portion of the total internal reflection
of the incident light within the first optical waveguide; the
fourth material having light scattering properties to frustrate a
portion of the total internal reflection of the incident light
within the first optical waveguide; a fifth material formed on a
portion of the third surface of the second optical waveguide; a
sixth material formed on the fifth material; a seventh material
formed on a portion of the fourth surface of the second optical
waveguide; an eighth material formed on the seventh material; the
fifth material having light scattering properties to frustrate a
portion of the total internal reflection of the incident light
within the second optical waveguide; the eighth material having
light scattering properties to frustrate a portion of the total
internal reflection of the incident light within the second optical
waveguide.
[0468] The first optical waveguide may be spaced apart from the
second optical waveguide.
[0469] A distance between the first optical waveguide and the
second optical waveguide may be equal to half a thickness of the
first optical waveguide.
[0470] The first optical waveguide may be parallel to the second
optical waveguide.
[0471] A display device component comprises a plurality of optical
waveguides, each optical waveguide having a front surface and a
back surface; each optical wave guide having formed thereon a first
material formed on a portion of the front surface of each optical
waveguide, the first material having light scattering properties to
frustrate a portion of the total internal reflection of the
incident light within the optical waveguide; each optical wave
guide having formed on the first material a second material; each
optical wave guide having formed thereon a third material formed on
a portion of the back surface of each optical waveguide; each
optical wave guide having formed on the third material a fourth
material, the fourth material having light scattering properties to
frustrate a portion of the total internal reflection of the
incident light within the optical waveguide.
[0472] A distance between each optical waveguide may be equal to a
thickness of an optical waveguide divided by a number of optical
waveguides.
[0473] Each optical waveguide may be parallel thereto.
[0474] A display device component comprises a plurality of optical
waveguides, each optical waveguide having a front surface and a
back surface; each optical wave guide having formed thereon a first
material formed on a portion of the front surface of each optical
waveguide, the first material having a first surface adjacent to
the surface of the optical waveguide and a second surface away from
the surface of the optical waveguide, the second surface being
non-smooth to frustrate a portion of light being internally
reflected within the optical waveguide; each optical wave guide
having formed thereon a second material formed on a portion of the
back surface of each optical waveguide; each optical wave guide
having formed on the second material a third material, the third
material having light scattering properties to frustrate a portion
of the total internal reflection of the incident light within the
optical waveguide.
[0475] A distance between each optical waveguide may be equal to a
thickness of an optical waveguide divided by a number of optical
waveguides.
[0476] Each optical waveguide may be parallel thereto.
[0477] A display device component comprises a plurality of optical
waveguides, each optical waveguide having a front surface and a
back surface; each optical wave guide having formed thereon a first
material formed on a portion of the front surface of each optical
waveguide, the first material having light scattering properties to
frustrate a portion of the total internal reflection of the
incident light within the optical waveguide; each optical wave
guide having formed on the first material a second material.
[0478] A distance between each optical waveguide may be equal to a
thickness of an optical waveguide divided by a number of optical
waveguides.
[0479] Each optical waveguide may be parallel thereto.
[0480] A display device component comprises a plurality of optical
waveguides, each optical waveguide having a front surface and a
back surface; each optical wave guide having formed thereon a first
material formed on a portion of the back surface of each optical
waveguide; each optical wave guide having formed on the first
material a second material, the second material having light
scattering properties to frustrate a portion of the total internal
reflection of the incident light within the optical waveguide.
[0481] A distance between each optical waveguide may be equal to a
thickness of an optical waveguide divided by a number of optical
waveguides.
[0482] Each optical waveguide may be parallel thereto.
[0483] A display device component comprises a plurality of optical
waveguides, each optical waveguide having a front surface and a
back surface; each optical wave guide having formed thereon a first
material formed on a portion of the front surface of each optical
waveguide, the first material having a first surface adjacent to
the surface of the optical waveguide and a second surface away from
the surface of the optical waveguide, the second surface being
non-smooth to frustrate a portion of light being internally
reflected within the optical waveguide.
[0484] A distance between each optical waveguide may be equal to a
thickness of an optical waveguide divided by a number of optical
waveguides.
[0485] Each optical waveguide may be parallel thereto.
[0486] A display device component comprises an optical waveguide
having a first surface and a second surface; a first material
formed on a portion of the first surface of the optical waveguide;
a second material formed on a portion of the first material; and a
third material formed on a portion of the second surface of the
optical waveguide; the third material having a first surface
adjacent to the second surface of the optical waveguide and a
second surface away from the second surface of the optical
waveguide; the second surface being non-smooth to frustrate a
portion of light being internally reflected within the optical
waveguide; the second material having light scattering
properties.
[0487] The first material may be a marking material and the third
material may be a marking material.
[0488] The second material may be a white marking material.
[0489] The white marking material may be ink.
[0490] The white marking material may be toner.
[0491] The first material may be a non-white colored marking
material and the third material may be a non-white colored marking
material.
[0492] The non-white colored marking material may be ink.
[0493] The non-white colored marking material may be toner.
[0494] A display device component comprises an optical waveguide
having a first surface and a second surface; a first material
formed on a portion of the first surface of the optical waveguide;
a second material formed on a portion of the first material; and a
third material formed on a portion of the second surface of the
optical waveguide; the third material having a first surface
adjacent to the second surface of the optical waveguide and a
second surface away from the second surface of the optical
waveguide; the second surface being non-smooth to frustrate a
portion of light being internally reflected within the optical
waveguide; the second material having light scattering particles
embedded therein.
[0495] The first material may be a marking material and the third
material may be a marking material.
[0496] The second material may be a white marking material.
[0497] The white marking material may be ink.
[0498] The white marking material may be toner.
[0499] The first material may be a non-white colored marking
material and the third material may be a non-white colored marking
material.
[0500] The non-white colored marking material may be ink.
[0501] The non-white colored marking material may be toner.
[0502] A display device component comprises a plurality of optical
waveguides, each optical waveguide having a front surface and a
back surface; each optical wave guide having formed thereon a first
material formed on a portion of the front surface of each optical
waveguide, the first material having a first surface adjacent to
the surface of the optical waveguide and a second surface away from
the surface of the optical waveguide, the second surface being
non-smooth to frustrate a portion of light being internally
reflected within the optical waveguide; each optical wave guide
having formed thereon a second material formed on a portion of the
back surface of each optical waveguide; each optical wave guide
having formed on the second material a third material, the third
material having light scattering properties to frustrate a portion
of the total internal reflection of the incident light within the
optical waveguide.
[0503] The first material may be a marking material and the second
material may be a marking material.
[0504] The third material may be a white marking material.
[0505] The white marking material may be ink.
[0506] A display device component comprises an optical waveguide
having a front surface and a back surface; a first material formed
on a portion of the back surface of the optical waveguide; a second
material formed on the first material, the second material having
light scattering properties to frustrate a portion of totally
internally reflected light within the optical waveguide; and a
third material formed on the front surface of the optical
waveguide, the third material having a first surface adjacent to
the front surface of the optical waveguide and a second surface
away from the front surface of the optical waveguide, the second
surface being non-smooth to frustrate a portion of light being
internally reflected within the optical waveguide.
[0507] The first material may be a non-white marking material.
[0508] The second material may be a white marking material.
[0509] The third material may be a non-white colored marking
material.
[0510] The third material may be a non-white colored marking
material having a color distinct from a color of the first
material.
[0511] A display device component comprises an optical waveguide
having a front surface and a back surface; a first material formed
on a portion of the back surface of the optical waveguide, the
first material having light scattering properties to frustrate a
portion of totally internally reflected light within the optical
waveguide; and a second material formed on the front surface of the
optical waveguide, the second material having light scattering
properties to frustrate a portion of totally internally reflected
light within the optical waveguide.
[0512] The first material may be a white marking material.
[0513] The second material may be a white marking material.
[0514] A display device component comprises an optical waveguide
having a front surface and a back surface; a first material formed
on a portion of the front surface of the optical waveguide
material, the first material having light scattering properties to
frustrate a portion of totally internally reflected light within
the optical waveguide; a second material formed on the first
material; and a third material formed on the back surface of the
optical waveguide, the third material having light scattering
properties to frustrate a portion of totally internally reflected
light within the optical waveguide.
[0515] The first material may be a white marking material.
[0516] The second material may be a non-white marking material.
[0517] The third material may be a white colored marking
material.
[0518] A display device component comprises an optical waveguide
having a front surface and a back surface; a first material formed
on a portion of the front surface of the optical waveguide
material; and a second material formed on the back surface of the
optical waveguide, the second material having light scattering
properties to frustrate a portion of totally internally reflected
light within the optical waveguide.
[0519] The first material may be a non-white marking material.
[0520] The second material may be a white marking material.
[0521] A display device component comprises an optical waveguide
having surface; and a first material formed, in an image-wise
manner, on the surface of the optical waveguide to create a
plurality of image regions having the first material, the first
material having light scattering properties; the plurality of image
regions including a first subset of the plurality of image regions
having a first density of the first material, and a second subset
of the plurality of image regions having a second density of the
first material; the first density of the first material not being
equal to the second density of the first material to create areas
of different brightness.
[0522] The first material may be a white marking material.
[0523] The white marking material may be ink.
[0524] The white marking material may be toner.
[0525] A display device component comprises an optical waveguide
having surface; and a first material formed, in an image-wise
manner, on the surface of the optical waveguide to create a
plurality of image regions having the first material, the first
material light scattering particles embedded therein; the plurality
of image regions including, a first subset of the plurality of
image regions having a first density of the first material, and a
second subset of the plurality of image regions having a second
density of the first material; the first density of the first
material not being equal to the second density of the first
material to create areas of different brightness.
[0526] The first material may be a white marking material.
[0527] The white marking material may be ink.
[0528] The white marking material may be toner.
[0529] A display device component comprises an optical waveguide
having surface; and a first material formed, in an image-wise
manner, on the surface of the optical waveguide to create a
plurality of image regions having the first material, the first
material light scattering particles embedded therein, each image
region having an amount of the first material formed therein; the
amount of the first material being modulated for each image region
to create areas of different brightness.
[0530] The first material may be a white marking material.
[0531] The white marking material may be ink.
[0532] The white marking material may be toner.
[0533] A process for creating and reusing an optical waveguide
utilized in an edge lighting illuminated display, comprises (a)
forming a first marking material marking on a portion of an optical
waveguide having a surface, the first marking material being a UV
curable ink and having light scattering properties; (b) forming a
second marking material on the first marking material; and (c)
cleaning the surface of the optical waveguide, with a solvent, to
remove the first marking material and the second marking
material.
[0534] The solvent may be acetone.
[0535] The process may further comprise (d) mechanically scrubbing
the surface of the optical waveguide to assist in the removal of
the first marking material and the second marking material.
[0536] A process for creating and reusing an optical waveguide
utilized in an edge lighting illuminated display, comprises (a)
forming a first marking material marking on a portion of an optical
waveguide having a surface, the first marking material being a UV
ink and having light scattering properties; and (b) cleaning the
surface of the optical waveguide, with a solvent, to remove the
first marking material.
[0537] The solvent may be acetone.
[0538] The process may further comprise (c) mechanically scrubbing
the surface of the optical waveguide to assist in the removal of
the first marking material and the second marking material.
[0539] A process for creating and reusing an optical waveguide
utilized in an edge lighting illuminated display, comprises (a)
forming a first marking material on a portion of a surface of the
optical waveguide, the first marking material being an UV curable
ink and having a first surface adjacent to the surface of the
optical waveguide and a second surface away from the surface of the
optical waveguide, the second surface being non-smooth to frustrate
a portion of totally internally reflected light within the optical
waveguide; and (b) cleaning the surface of the optical waveguide,
with a solvent, to remove the first marking material.
[0540] The solvent may be acetone.
[0541] The process may further comprise (c) mechanically scrubbing
the surface of the optical waveguide to assist in the removal of
the first marking material and the second marking material.
[0542] A process for smoothing a rough cut edge of an optical
waveguide, comprises (a) flood coating a rough cut edge of an
optical waveguide with a curable fluid having an index of
refraction substantially equal to an index of refraction of the
optical waveguide; and (b) curing the fluid to create a smooth
edge.
[0543] The curable fluid may be a clear UV curable ink. The curable
fluid may be a colored UV curable ink.
[0544] A process for smoothing an engraved area of a surface of an
optical waveguide, comprises (a) flood coating an engraved area of
a surface of optical waveguide with a curable fluid having an index
of refraction substantially equal to an index of refraction of the
optical waveguide; and (b) curing the fluid to create a smooth
surface.
[0545] The curable fluid may be a clear UV curable ink.
[0546] A display device component comprises an optical waveguide
having a surface; a removable transparent layer adhered to the
surface of the optical waveguide; a first material formed on a
portion of the removable transparent layer; and a second material
formed on a portion of the first material; the first material
having light scattering particles embedded therein.
[0547] The first material may be a UV curable marking material and
the second material may be a UV curable marking material.
[0548] The removable transparent layer may be a clear removable
transparent medium having an index of refraction substantially
equal to the optical waveguide to support total internal reflection
or a clear removable translucent medium having an index of
refraction substantially equal to the optical waveguide to support
total internal reflection. The removable transparent layer may be a
colored removable transparent medium having an index of refraction
substantially equal to the optical waveguide to support total
internal reflection or a colored removable translucent medium
having an index of refraction substantially equal to the optical
waveguide to support total internal reflection.
[0549] A process for making a display device component to enable
image specific illumination of an image adhered to an optical
waveguide, comprises (a) forming a first material on a portion of a
removable transparent medium, the first material having light
scattering particles embedded therein; (b) forming a second
material on the first material; and (c) adhering the removable
transparent medium to a surface of an optical waveguide.
[0550] The first material may be a UV curable marking material and
the second material may be a UV curable marking material.
[0551] The removable transparent layer may be a clear removable
transparent medium having an index of refraction substantially
equal to the optical waveguide to support total internal reflection
or a clear removable translucent medium having an index of
refraction substantially equal to the optical waveguide to support
total internal reflection. The removable transparent layer may be a
colored removable transparent medium having an index of refraction
substantially equal to the optical waveguide to support total
internal reflection or a colored removable translucent medium
having an index of refraction substantially equal to the optical
waveguide to support total internal reflection.
[0552] A display device component comprises an optical waveguide
having a surface; a removable transparent layer adhered to the
surface of the optical waveguide; a first material formed on a
portion of the removable transparent layer; and a second material
formed on the first material; the second material having light
scattering particles embedded therein.
[0553] The first material may be a UV curable marking material and
the second material may be a UV curable marking material.
[0554] The removable transparent layer may be a clear removable
transparent medium having an index of refraction substantially
equal to the optical waveguide to support total internal reflection
or a clear removable translucent medium having an index of
refraction substantially equal to the optical waveguide to support
total internal reflection. The removable transparent layer may be a
colored removable transparent medium having an index of refraction
substantially equal to the optical waveguide to support total
internal reflection or a colored removable translucent medium
having an index of refraction substantially equal to the optical
waveguide to support total internal reflection.
[0555] A process for making a display device component to enable
image specific illumination of an image adhered to an optical
waveguide, comprises (a) forming a first material on a portion of a
removable transparent medium; (b) forming a second material on the
first material, the second material having light scattering
particles embedded therein; and (c) adhering the removable
transparent medium to a surface of an optical waveguide.
[0556] The first material may be a UV curable marking material and
the second material may be a UV curable marking material.
[0557] The removable transparent layer may be a clear removable
transparent medium having an index of refraction substantially
equal to the optical waveguide to support total internal reflection
or a clear removable translucent medium having an index of
refraction substantially equal to the optical waveguide to support
total internal reflection. The removable transparent layer may be a
colored removable transparent medium having an index of refraction
substantially equal to the optical waveguide to support total
internal reflection or a colored removable translucent medium
having an index of refraction substantially equal to the optical
waveguide to support total internal reflection.
[0558] A display device component comprises an optical waveguide
having a surface; a removable transparent layer adhered to the
surface of the optical waveguide; and a first material formed on a
portion of a surface of the removable transparent layer; the first
material having a first surface adjacent to the surface of the
removable transparent layer and a second surface away from the
surface of the removable transparent layer; the second surface
being non-smooth to frustrate a portion of light being internally
reflected within the optical waveguide.
[0559] The first material may be a UV curable marking material and
the second material may be a UV curable marking material.
[0560] The removable transparent layer may be a clear removable
transparent medium having an index of refraction substantially
equal to the optical waveguide to support total internal reflection
or a clear removable translucent medium having an index of
refraction substantially equal to the optical waveguide to support
total internal reflection. The removable transparent layer may be a
colored removable transparent medium having an index of refraction
substantially equal to the optical waveguide to support total
internal reflection or a colored removable translucent medium
having an index of refraction substantially equal to the optical
waveguide to support total internal reflection.
[0561] A process for making a display device component to enable
image specific illumination of an image adhered to an optical
waveguide, comprises (a) forming a first material on a portion of a
surface of a removable transparent medium, the first material
having a first surface adjacent to the surface of the removable
transparent medium and a second surface away from the surface of
the removable transparent medium, the second surface being
non-smooth to frustrate a portion of light being internally
reflected within the optical waveguide; and (b) adhering the
removable transparent medium to a surface of an optical
waveguide.
[0562] The first material may be a UV curable marking material and
the second material may be a UV curable marking material.
[0563] The removable transparent layer may be a clear removable
transparent medium having an index of refraction substantially
equal to the optical waveguide to support total internal reflection
or a clear removable translucent medium having an index of
refraction substantially equal to the optical waveguide to support
total internal reflection. The removable transparent layer may be a
colored removable transparent medium having an index of refraction
substantially equal to the optical waveguide to support total
internal reflection or a colored removable translucent medium
having an index of refraction substantially equal to the optical
waveguide to support total internal reflection.
[0564] A display device component comprises an optical waveguide
having a surface; a removable transparent layer adhered to the
surface of the optical waveguide; and a first material formed, in
an image-wise manner, on the surface of the removable transparent
layer to create a plurality of image regions having the first
material, the first material having light scattering particles
embedded therein; the plurality of image regions including, a first
subset of the plurality of image regions having a first density of
the first material, and a second subset of the plurality of image
regions having a second density of the first material; the first
density of the first material not being equal to the second density
of the first material to create areas of different brightness.
[0565] The first material may be a UV curable marking material and
the second material may be a UV curable marking material.
[0566] The removable transparent layer may be a clear removable
transparent medium having an index of refraction substantially
equal to the optical waveguide to support total internal reflection
or a clear removable translucent medium having an index of
refraction substantially equal to the optical waveguide to support
total internal reflection. The removable transparent layer may be a
colored removable transparent medium having an index of refraction
substantially equal to the optical waveguide to support total
internal reflection or a colored removable translucent medium
having an index of refraction substantially equal to the optical
waveguide to support total internal reflection.
[0567] A display device component comprises an optical waveguide
having a surface; a removable transparent layer adhered to the
surface of the optical waveguide; and a first material formed, in
an image-wise manner, on the surface of the removable transparent
layer to create a plurality of image regions having the first
material, the first material light scattering particles embedded
therein, each image region having an amount of the first material
formed therein; the amount of the first material being modulated
for each image region to create areas of different brightness.
[0568] The first material may be a UV curable marking material and
the second material may be a UV curable marking material.
[0569] The removable transparent layer may be a clear removable
transparent medium having an index of refraction substantially
equal to the optical waveguide to support total internal reflection
or a clear removable translucent medium having an index of
refraction substantially equal to the optical waveguide to support
total internal reflection. The removable transparent layer may be a
colored removable transparent medium having an index of refraction
substantially equal to the optical waveguide to support total
internal reflection or a colored removable translucent medium
having an index of refraction substantially equal to the optical
waveguide to support total internal reflection.
[0570] Various of the above-disclosed and other features and
functions, or alternatives thereof, may be combined into many other
different systems or applications. Various presently unforeseen or
unanticipated alternatives, modifications, variations or
improvements therein may be subsequently made by those skilled in
the art, each of which is also intended to be encompassed by the
disclosed embodiments.
* * * * *