背景技术：
[0004]1. Field of the Invention
[0005]The present invention relates to light guides that emit light. More specifically, the invention relates to see-through one-way light-emitting light guides and embodiments in eyeglasses and windows.
[0006]2. Description of Prior Art
[0007]Wearers of eyeglasses often need additional illumination when reading in a dimly lit environment. There are many patents that describe different means of providing such illumination through various attachments to eyeglasses or to a cap or band worn on the head. Some of these devices can also serve as a hands-free flashlights.
[0008]There are advertising glasses that allow a cover containing an image to be placed over the eyeglass lenses. There are also novelty glasses containing specially coated lenses that display a hologram. Other novelty glasses contain different colored lights on the frame, or flashing lights.
[0009]There are also many illuminated panels for use in signage and advertising. Some of these utilize perforated window coverings and decals to make the image a one-way see-through image.
[0010]U.S. Pat. No. 4,254,451 issued to Cochran on Mar. 3, 1981 and titled “Flashing spectacles” discloses, in the Abstract: “An electronic circuit comprised of several integrated circuits sequentially actuates a plurality of light-emitting diodes (LED's) located in an article such as eyeglass frames, which are carried or worn by a person. In one embodiment, an oscillator driven binary up-down counter drives first and second binary to one-of-four decoders. The LED's are arranged in an electrical circuit which allows them to be addressed in X-Y matrix fashion. The first decoder sequentially addresses each “row” of LED's while the second decoder sequentially addresses each “column” of LED's in the matrix so that each LED in the matrix circuit is sequentially flashed. After the entire array of LED's has been sequentially actuated a predetermined number of times, the up-down counter is electronically switched to the opposite state so as to reverse the order in which the LED's are sequentially actuated. In a second embodiment, an integrated circuit binary ripple counter/oscillator drives first and second demultiplexers. The first demultiplexer sequentially actuates the rows of LED's in an X-Y matrix LED circuit, while the second demultiplexer sequentially actuates the columns in the matrix. The demultiplexers may be driven by the ripple counter/oscillator in a manner which allows a less than 100 percent duty cycle, thereby minimizing the drain on the battery power supply. The integrated circuits used are preferably of the complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) type for minimizing battery drain. When the invention is incorporated in eyeglass frames, the LED circuit is automatically switched on when the temple pieces of the frames are unfolded for wearing, and automatically switched off when the temple pieces are folded for storage.” This patent describes a pair of spectacles which contains flashing LEDs on the frames around the lenses. The lenses of these spectacles, however, do not emit any light.
[0011]U.S. Pat. No. 4,283,127 issued to Rosenwinkel on Aug. 11, 1981 and titled “Novelty eyeglasses” discloses, in the Abstract: “A pair of novelty eyeglasses includes a frame for supporting them on the wearer's head and a pair of transparent lenses. The frame includes a pair of support earpieces connected by hinges to the frames. Two light emitting diodes or LEDs are secured to the frame, one adjacent each lense and connected to a portable source of power, such as small batteries, mounted in one of the earpieces. A hinge switch, defined at one of the hinges connecting one of the earpieces to the frame, must be closed by moving the respective earpiece to the open position before the LEDs can be actuated. A manually actuatable switch is secured to the frame in series with the batteries and the light emitting diodes. The manually actuatable switch can be selectively closed by the user to energize the LEDs thereby creating a novel effect.” This patent describes a pair of novelty glasses having an LED secured to the frame of each lens. The lenses of the glasses, however, do not emit any light.
[0012]U.S. Pat. No. 4,358,488 issued to Dunklin et al on Nov. 9, 1982 and titled “Simulated vehicle louvre applique” discloses, in the Abstract: “A low cost sun screen device for use on motor vehicles is disclosed comprising a perforated polymer laminate sheet which is affixed to the interior surface of the vehicle rear window. The outermost surface of the laminate sheet includes artwork and other indicia formed thereon which when viewed by an observer through the rear window of the vehicle, simulates the appearance of a three-dimensional mechanical window louvre structure. The perforated laminate sheet provides an aesthetically pleasing, effective sunshield which reduces the temperature of the interior compartment of the vehicle by as much as forty percent while insuring that occupant visibility is not adversely affected.” This patent describes the construction of a perforated laminate for use on automobile windows containing artwork that simulates a mechanical window louvre structure. The laminate, however, is not illuminated through light extracted from a light guide.
[0013]French Patent 2585479 issued to Koubi on 1-30, 1987 and titled “Illuminating spectacle-frame device” discloses, in the Abstract: “Device illuminating the field of vision of the wearer and protecting his eyes. The invention presented here relates to plastic spectacle frames fitted with a clamping system 27 which can receive lenses 6 for the protection or the correction of the sight of the wearer and with two mini-headlights 2 located at the ends of the frame and connected to an electrical cable 1 embedded in the bulk as well as in one of the sides 3 and emerging at the end of the side as a flexible wire with two connections 4, the wire being insulated in accordance with the standard and being terminated by a male connector 5 which can be connected to the power-supply case 26. This case 26 includes a cover 22 equipped with an on/off push button 24 for establishing the electrical connection between the battery and the mini-headlights. The frame is held in place by attaching, at the ends of the sides, two curved plastic pieces 14 which match the back of the head (a device which is easily removed). The device, according to the invention, is particularly intended for all work requiring a constant illumination over the work area with or without protection of the eyes (professional and leisure use).” This patent describes a device attachable to a spectacle frame containing two mini-headlights near the left and right hinge of the spectacle to provide illumination for reading. The lenses of these spectacles, however, do not emit any light.
[0014]U.S. Pat. No. 4,673,609 issued to Hill on Jun. 15, 1987 and titled “Unidirectional panel” discloses, in the Abstract: “A panel which comprises a substrate of transparent or translucent material having applied to one or both sides a design superimposed on, or forming part of, an opaque pattern so that the design on one side of the panel cannot be seen from the other side.” This patent describes the construction of a one-way see-through panel where an image can be observed or made transparent by using contrasting illumination from one side to the other. The image, however, is not illuminated through light extracted from a light guide.
[0015]U.S. Pat. No. 4,822,160 issued to Tsai on Apr. 18, 1989 and titled “Flashing spectacles” discloses, in the Abstract: “This invention relates to a pair of flashing spectacles and in particular to one including a pair of spectacles, and an electrical device which has an external resistor for controlling frequency of the square waves generated by the oscillator, an on/off latch having an input connected with one and of a reset switch and an output connected with the oscillator and a counter, a decoder controller connected to output of the counter, an open drain driver connected with the decoder controller, a plurality of light emitting diodes connected with output of the open drain driver and a battery connected between output of the light emitting diodes and the other end of the reset switch whereby the light emitting diodes will emit light in turn when the reset switch is pressed once but will extinguish when the reset switch is further pressed.” This patent describes novelty spectacles which contain a series of flashing LEDs on the upper part of the spectacles. The lenses of these spectacles, however, do not emit any light.
[0016]U.S. Pat. No. 4,822,161 issued to Jimmy on Apr. 18, 1989 and titled “Illuminating spectacle apparatus” discloses, in the Abstract: “An illuminating spectacle apparatus is set forth wherein a generally “U” shaped framework is provided with a forward centrally positioned “U” shaped inner and outer lens. Between the respective inner and outer lens are positioned a series of lights constructed and arranged for sequential flashing by a remote power supply and control box arrangement.” This patent describes novelty spectacles consisting of a “U” shaped frame with a series of lenses and lights that blink sequentially. The lenses of these spectacles, however, do not emit any light.
[0017]U.S. Pat. No. 4,940,622 issued to Leavitt on Jul. 10, 1990 and titled “Printed film sheet” discloses, in the Abstract: “A method for applying informational images, such as advertising, to surfaces, particularly the windows of commercial vehicles. The method comprises applying a UV resistant emulsion to a laminate substrate of perforated metalized polymeric vinyl. The coated substrate is silk-screened with the appropriate image and is secured to the interior of the vehicle window by a peripheral tape strip and by spray adhesive.” This patent describes the construction of a perforated substrate that is subsequently screen printed with an image. The printed film sheet, however, is not illuminated through light extracted from a light guide.
[0018]U.S. Pat. No. 4,959,760 issued to Wu on Sep. 25, 1990 and titled “Lighting equipment for an eyeglasses” discloses, in the Abstract: “A lighting equipment for an eyeglasses includes a fin attached to one side of a main frame of the eyeglasses. A clamping frame has a pair of retaining plates formed at one side and a pair of clamping plates formed at an other side. The fin is force-fitted within the retaining plates of the clamping frame. A housing has an open lateral end enclosable by the clamping frame. A bulb is force-fitted and laterally rotatable within the housing. The light beam emitted from the bulb is adjustable both in a vertical direction and in a lateral direction.” This patent describes a lighting device that is attachable to eyeglasses and can adjust the direction of the emitted light. The lenses of the eyeglasses, however, do not emit any light.
[0019]British Patent 2,244,585 issued to Akers on Dec. 2, 1991 and titled “Transparent material with perforations” discloses, in the Abstract: “A transparent material C for use in advertising, supports one or more printed layers D and E, and is attached to a substrate A which may be a window or other transparent material. To improve the visibility of the printed layers, the material C is provided with a plurality of perforations F. These perforations may be of circular, square or other shape, and the perforations may be effected before or after the addition of printed layers. The material C and printed layers, may be attached to the substrate A by means of a self-cling layer B. Material C may be a vinyl polymer.” This patent describes the construction of a perforated transparent material for use in advertising. The transparent material, however, is not illuminated through light extracted from a light guide.
[0020]U.S. Pat. No. 5,114,218 issued to Black on May 19, 1992 and titled “Liquid crystal sunglasses with selectively color adjustable lenses” discloses, in the Abstract: “LC sunglasses with selectively color adjustable lenses comprising an energy cell (30) attached to one butt-strap (22) of a rim (10), a color changing switch (28) supported by another butt-strap (24), a memory chip (26) supported by a bridge portion (16) of the glasses rim, and lenses (12 and 14) of a laminated structure. Each lens consists of a color mosaic mask (43), an input polarizing plate (44), a liquid crystal cell (50) sandwiched between voltage-controlled active matrices (52a and 52b), and an output polarizing plate (46). When the wearer of the sunglasses wants to change the color of the lenses (12 and 14), he/she installs the switch (28) into the position of a selected color, whereby the battery cell (30) is electrically connected with respective pixel sets of the active matrices (52a and 52b) via the memory chip (26). As a result, the lenses will pass only the component of the white light (W) which corresponds to the selected color.” This patent describes sunglasses that can be made to change colors by the wearer. The sunglass lenses, however, do not emit a lighted graphic image.
[0021]U.S. Pat. No. 5,202,180 issued to Watts on Apr. 13, 1993 and titled “Printed film sheet” discloses, in the Abstract: “A flexible decorative web that can be laminated to a substrate and that exhibits serial changes in its appearance with changes in viewing angle relative to incident white light. Chromatic, iridescent and metallic pigments produce three separate appearance zones where the chromatic pigment is most predominant, where the iridescent pigment is most predominant and where a transition occurs and neither the chromatic pigment nor the iridescent pigment predominates. The metallic pigment accentuates the iridescent appearance or flash by its sparkle effect produced both in the iridescent appearance areas and in the transition areas immediately surrounding and highlighting the iridescent appearance areas.” This patent describes the construction of a decorative film that exhibits changes in its appearance when viewed or illuminated from different angles. The film, however, is not illuminated through light extracted from a light guide.
[0022]U.S. Pat. No. 5,217,791 issued to Fujita et al on Jun. 8, 1993 and titled “Printed film sheet” discloses, in the Abstract: “A printed film sheet in which an image printed on a transparent film sheet can be seen from both the printed side and the non-printed side of said film sheet. The transparent film sheet is provided with a coating composition containing one or more pigments and one or more adhesives so that said film sheet has a brightness of above 50%. The pigments include one or more pigments having a linseed oil absorption of 10 to 80 ml/100 g in an amount of 70 to 100% by weight of the total pigment content. The film sheet has an opacity of 20 to 60% and is printed so that the difference between the ink density of a printed image on the printed side of said film sheet and the ink density thereof on the non-printed side of said film sheet is below 35%.” This patent describes a method to print an image on a transparent film such that the image is clearly recognizable from the printed side and the reverse side. The image, however, is not illuminated through light extracted from a light guide.
[0023]U.S. Pat. No. 5,218,385 issued o Lii on Jun. 8, 1993 and titled “Flash light eyeglasses with hinge switch” discloses, in the Abstract: “A pair of flash eyeglasses has a switch positioned in a space between two screw projections at one end of a frame fitted with a flash light board therein. A skull temple has an ear at one end to be combined between the two projections in the frame with a screw so that the skull temple can swing open or closes with the screw as a pivot. A switch is placed in the space between the two projections in the frame to be pressed or released to turn on or off a circuit of the flash light board by the ear in the skull temple when the skull temple is swung open or closed.” This patent describes eyeglasses with a hinge that turns on a flash light switch when the two temple arms are open, and turns off the flash light switch when the two temple arms are closed. The lenses of these eyeglasses, however, do not emit any light.
[0024]U.S. Pat. No. 5,258,214 issued to Cooledge et al on Nov. 2, 1993 and titled “Preprinted thin plastic film wall covering, and method for making the same” discloses, in the Abstract: “Thin filmed thermoplastic material wall coverings having a preprinted image thereon and provided with a static electrical charge for securing the coverings to a surface. The wall covering may comprise posters, maps, and the like, and the image is printed on the film by means such as silk-screening. The static electrical charge is sufficient to removably secure the film to a wall surface, a window, or the like, and allows for relocation of the covering without damage to the surface upon which it is secured. The coverings may be packaged individually, or be dispensed from a continuous roll. Preprinted maps adherable to a window surface such as a windshield of an automobile are provided.” This patent describes the construction of wall and window coverings using static cling film pre-printed with an image. The image, however, is not illuminated through light extracted from a light guide.
[0025]U.S. Pat. No. 5,273,796 issued to Elbing et al on Dec. 28, 1993 and titled “Paper translites” discloses, in the Abstract: “This invention relates to paper translites comprising a translucent paper sheet or web bearing on the front facing thereof an image area of a right reading in one or more colors, and on the back facing thereof an image area but of a reverse image and of the same colors. Each of the image areas is printed by halftone dots, and the image area of the reverse image has substantially dot-for-dot registration with the image area of the right reading. The printing plate used for printing the image area for the reverse image has about the same or a lower percentage of halftone dots than the printing plate used for printing the image area for the right reading, thereby resulting in a lighter value for each color of the reverse image relative to the same color of the right reading. The resulting translite is equally pleasing viewed by reflective light only and viewed by transmitted light.” This patent describes the construction of printed halftone images that can be viewed with reflective or transmitted light. The images, however, are not illuminated through light extracted from a light guide.
[0026]U.S. Pat. No. 5,346,433 issued to Weinreich on Sep. 11, 1994 and titled “Mirror illusion” discloses, in the Abstract: “By a new configuration which more efficiently controls illumination, it is possible to make a mirror dissolve illusion which uses less power than those previously known in the art. A reflector and lamp assembly is provided in front of a partially reflective and partially transparent (one-way) mirror to direct light to a viewer via the one-way mirror. The technique includes use of a backlit wall pattern and a reflective floor surface along with a mirror of reduced density.” This patent describes the use of a one-way mirror and variable illumination to make an object appear and disappear to a viewer. Illumination is not created through light extracted from a light guide.
[0027]U.S. Pat. No. 5,376,977 issued to Liu on Dec. 27, 1994 and titled “Glasses structure for advertising” discloses, in the Abstract: “The present invention relates to a kind of glasses structure for advertising mainly comprising a movable cover plate, a pair of glasses and a hook mounting. The movable cover is inserted to the front frame of the glasses at the two convex pieces found on each side by means of a convex axis designed at both sides of the upper section of the glasses. The hook mounting is specially designed such that the pair of glasses can be kept at the waist to a belt and the movable cover plate can thereon be used as a very convenient means of publicity.” This patent describes a cover plate fitted over a pair of glasses as an advertising item. There is no illumination.
[0028]U.S. Pat. No. 5,432,623 issued to Egan on Jul. 11, 1995 and titled “Optical lens incorporating an integral hologram” discloses, in the Abstract: “A lens design consisting of a multi-component assembly, with one of the said components being a (decorative) hologram. The said assembly being comprised of an optical-quality holographic recording material coating applied to the inner or outer surface of a primary lens element, upon which a hologram may then be recorded in-situ, and may be used alone, or be optically contacted to a secondary lens element to form a unitary assembly of high optical quality and clarity, with the holographic recording material being encapsulated between the primary and secondary elements. The said lens assembly may be of simple or compound curvature, and be used in functional, prescription-quality eyewear of single or multi-lens type. Also, one or more of the lens components, other than the hologram, may function in a light-filtering role, so as to visually eliminate unwanted images or colors to the wearer, and further allow such lens assemblies to be used in sunglasses. In addition, the said lens assembly may contain multiple images on the holographic recording material, which are visible to an observer during different periods of daytime sunlight, or under various artificial lighting conditions.” This patent describes the construction of an optical quality lens which incorporate a hologram as an integral portion of the lens. The lens, however, does not emit any light.
[0029]U.S. Pat. No. 5,485,358 issued to Chien on Jan. 16, 1996 and titled “Universal L.E.D. safety light for head-wear” discloses, in the Abstract: “A lighting arrangement for head-wear is made up of several light emitting diodes mounted on a flexible plate. The flexible plate is one of the straps of the length-adjustable belt conventional provided at the rear of a cap. The strap on which the LED is mounted may be stitched to the rear of the cap in conventional fashion and used for length adjustment purposes or may alternatively by stitched to the side of the cap to be used solely as a mounting for the lighting arrangement.” This patent describes a flexible plate of LEDs that can be mounted onto head-wear to create a novelty head-wear. This flexible plate, however, does not involve eyeglasses that emit light.
[0030]U.S. Pat. No. 5,525,177 issued to Ross on Jun. 11, 1996 and titled “Image transfer method for one way vision display panel” discloses, in the Abstract: “A method of producing an image onto a surface of a one-way vision display panel of the type which is constructed as a perforated membrane having an opaque light-reflective surface and a light-absorbing surface and whereby the image is clearly visible when viewing the display panel from one direction and wherein the perforated membrane permits substantially unobstructed through-viewing when viewing the display panel from a second, opposite direction. The method substantially eliminates the corona effect of the image while viewing the display panel in the through-viewing direction, the corona effect being the result of stray ink which has traveled from the image layer into the through-holes of the perforated membrane during the image printing process. The method includes the steps of: electrostatically transferring ink onto a transfer medium as a reverse image for temporarily holding the reverse image for later transfer to a surface of a perforated membrane; and transferring the reverse image from the transfer medium using heat and/or pressure in order to form a desired correctly oriented image onto only the solid bar portions of a surface of a perforated membrane without any substantial image transfer into or through the through-holes of the perforated membrane such that the correctly oriented image is substantially undetectable when looking at the one-way vision display panel in the second, opposite through-viewing direction.” This patent describes a method of printing an image onto a one-way perforated display panel. The display panel, however, is not illuminated through light extracted from a light guide.
[0031]U.S. Pat. No. 5,594,573 issued to August on Jan. 14, 1997 and titled “Image display glasses having an LCD for displaying an image wherein the image provides for viewing by others” discloses, in the Abstract: “Glasses include lens assemblies held by a frame to be worn by a user. The lens assemblies have liquid crystal displays which are operatively connected to a PC board mounted on the frame. The printed circuit board drives the liquid crystal display to produce animated images which may be seen by one facing the wearer. A battery mounted on the frame powers the chip and PC board.” This patent describes a method to produce glasses having animated images displayed on the lenses. A liquid crystal display (LCD) connected to a PC board is used to create the images on the lenses. Illumination is not derived from light extracted from a light guide.
[0032]Japanese Patent 9017204 issued to Isobe on Jan. 17, 1997 and titled “Glasses mounted luminaire” discloses, in the Abstract: “PURPOSE: To accurately read out fine letters and numerals even in a dark place. CONSTITUTION: A set of lighting systems are mounted on the part of the bow 5 of a glasses. Since they are mounted direct to a glasses, small-size, lightweight and fine view are required. An LED lamp having high reliability is used for an illumination lamp. A horizontal off-switch 7 is actuated during conversation to put out lights so as to prevent illumination light from entering the eye of a companion to talk with.” This patent describes an LED assembly mounted on the temple arm of glasses to illuminate the area in front of the glasses. The lenses of the glasses, however, do not emit any light.
[0033]U.S. Pat. No. 5,598,231 issued to Lin on Jan. 28, 1997 and titled “Glasses capable of producing a three-D visual effect” discloses, in the Abstract: “It is a pair of glasses capable of producing a 3-D visual effect, mainly including a frame, two polarizing lenses set in the frame, and two additional laminated lenses removably disposed either in front of or behind the two polarizing lenses. The laminated lenses each consists of two glass sheet layers, an LCD layer between the two glass sheet layers, and a polarizer layer attached to an outer side of one of the two glass sheet layers. When a voltage is applied to the LCD layer, molecules constituting the LCD layer rotate and change their arrangement directions to produce light blocking effect, enabling the glasses to be used as an LCD shutter glass for watching a 3-D image system. When the additional laminated lenses are removed, the glasses can be used as a normal sun glass.” This patent describes the construction of glasses for producing 3-D effects using an LCD layer. Illumination is not created through light extracted from a light guide.
[0034]U.S. Pat. No. 5,657,563 issued to Lane on Aug. 19, 1997 and titled “Picture illumination display device” discloses, in the Abstract: “A picture illumination display device (10) comprising a picture frame (12). A one-way mirror (14) is in the picture frame (12), so that when a person normally looks into the one-way mirror (14) a reflection will be seen. A picture (16) is carried in the picture frame (12) behind the one-way mirror (14). A facility (18) behind the picture (16), is for producing light. Once the light producing facility (18) is activated an image of the picture (16) will be projected through the one-way mirror (14), to allow a person looking into the one-way mirror (14) to see the projected image from the picture (16).” This patent describes a picture display device that utilizes a one-way mirror together with a light source behind the picture in order to project the image from the picture. Illumination is not created through light extracted from a light guide.
[0035]U.S. Pat. No. 5,679,435 issued to Andriash on Oct. 21, 1997 and titled “Vision control panels with perforations and method of making” discloses, in the Abstract: “A retro-reflective vision control panel which includes an opaque sheet material coated with retro-reflective light reflecting particles and a dark opaque color on the reverse side thereof, and an image formed over top the retro-reflective particles using colored light permeable translucent inks or films to form an image thereon. The opaque sheet and image have a plurality of perforations spaced thereover such that when the light level on the image side of said panel is slightly less than, equal to, or greater than that on the other side, an observer on the image side clearly sees the image while an observer on the other side sees through the panel without seeing any trace whatsoever of the image or design.” This patent describes the construction of a one-way see-through perforated panel containing a colored image. The panel, however, is not illuminated through light extracted from a light guide.
[0036]U.S. Pat. No. 5,722,762 issued to Soll on Mar. 3, 1998 and titled “Illumination device for mounting on the head of a user” discloses, in the Abstract: “An illumination device for mounting on the head of a user including a frame having a cross member and a pair of rearwardly extending temple members attached to opposite ends of the cross member. At least one focusable light assembly is rotatably mounted to the frame and includes a light source for emitting light. The light assembly is adjustable by the user for varying the vergence and direction of the light emitted from the light source.” This patent describes an illumination device incorporated into a specialized eyeglass-type frame. This is a standalone device and is not mounted onto eyeglasses or function as eyeglasses.
[0037]U.S. Pat. No. 5,741,060 issued to Johnson on Apr. 21, 1998 and titled “Baseball cap light” discloses, in the Abstract: “A combination baseball style cap and light assembly, wherein the cap has a crown, a bill extending from the crown, a sweatband liner circumscribing the bottom edge of the cap, and a reinforcing crown liner, has a double light and switch assembly comprising two lamp sockets affixed to a mounting plate on each side of a sealed sub-mini micro switch also affixed to the mounting plate. The plate is in turn affixed to the underside of the bill of the cap, two lamp sockets affixed to the mounting plate such that their axes decline at an acute angle to the plane of the plate and converge at an acute angle to a line perpendicular to the front edge of the plate, setting the focal point of the lamps at a predetermined location directly out from and generally equidistant between the wearers eyes. A micro switch is affixed to an integral mounting flange on the mounting plate located approximately on the center line of the mounting plate between the two sockets. First and second battery holders are each affixed respectively to each side of the center line of the top edge of the reinforcing element of the crown of the cap and the top edge of the crown of the cap, and a circuit electrically couples the micro switch, the lamp sockets and the battery holders.” This patent describes lamps mounted to the visor of a baseball cap. The lamps, however, do not involve eyeglasses that emit any light.
[0038]U.S. Pat. No. 5,830,529 issued to Ross on Nov. 3, 1998 and titled “Perimeter coating alignment” discloses, in the Abstract: “A method of forming a scratch resistant color ink pattern of multi-color coatings (5) onto a see-through panel (6) with exact registration between successive color coatings of the pattern. The method of the invention includes the steps of: providing a base material (1) having an ink printable release coating on one side thereof; applying a first color coating of ceramic ink (75) to the printable release coating side of the base material (1); applying at least one additional color coating of ceramic ink (76) over at least a portion of the first color coating of ceramic ink (75); perforating the base material to provide a pattern of light passages (28) therethrough, the light passages (28) defining aligned edges of successive color coatings of ceramic inks to ensure exact registration between said successive color coatings of ceramic inks; transferring the pattern of color coatings of ceramic i
具体实施方式：
[0079]Terminology
[0080]The terminology and definitions of the prior art are not necessarily consistent with the terminology and definitions of the present invention. Where there is a conflict, the following definitions apply.
[0081]“Printing” includes but is not limited to flexographic printing; screen printing; digital printing; laser printing, offset lithography printing; thermal transfer; and hot and cold stamping.
[0082]“Imprinting” includes but is not limited to etching through chemical, laser, and other means; injection molding or cast film molding; and surface lamination.
[0083]“See-through pattern” is any graphic pattern, including but not limited to halftone patterns, whereby a viewer at a certain distance from the pattern can see through the pattern with minor or imperceptible degradation in vision clarity.
[0084]“Image” is any single-color or multi-color graphic image of any size that can be printed or imprinted in a see-through pattern, including but not limited to pictures, drawings, photographs, holograms, or any graphic pattern.
[0085]Operation
[0086]In the following detailed description of the invention, reference is made to the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof, and in which are shown, by way of illustration, specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be used, and structural changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.
[0087]Referring to the drawings, FIG. 1 shows the basic construction of the present invention comprised of a light guide 10, a light-reflecting see-through image 12, and a light-blocking see-through layer 14.
[0088]There are many ways to construct the light guide 10 of the present invention. The light guide 10 is composed of optical plastic or glass, and is Illuminated through edge-illumination or other means using LEDs or other light sources. The air surrounding the light guide 10 serves to maintain total internal reflection within the light guide and make the light within the light guide substantially non-visible. The LEDs are powered by a battery pack or other power source.
[0089]The light-reflecting see-through image 12 is positioned on the surface of the light guide 10, and is composed of any material that reflects or refracts light. The light-blocking see-through layer 14 is positioned on the back surface of the light-reflecting see-through image, i.e. the surface not in contact with the light guide 10. When the LEDs are turned on, light will be transmitted edgewise into the light guide 10. Light will then be emitted from the light-reflecting image 12 by reflection and/or refraction. The light will be emitted in one direction only as it is blocked in the opposite direction by the light-blocking layer 14. A person 16 looking at the back of the light guide 10 will see through the light guide 10 with minor or imperceptible degradation in vision clarity without seeing the light-reflecting image 12.
[0090]There are numerous ways to construct the light-reflecting image and the light-blocking layer. In FIG. 2A, a light-blocking see-through layer 22 is printed or imprinted on an optically clear film 26 using a light-blocking material such as black ink, reflective ink, or reflective foil. A light-reflecting see-through image 24, composed of one or more light-reflecting or light-refracting material, such as Titanium Dioxide (TiO2) or holographically recorded surface relief structures, is printed directly above the light-blocking layer 22. Optionally, the light reflecting see-through image 24 contains a permanent or repositionable adhesive. To maintain the see-through property of the light guide 20, a printing machine capable of precise registration is required to print the light-reflecting image 24 directly above the light-blocking layer 22. The area of the light-reflecting image 24 should be entirely within the area covered by the light-blocking layer 22. Optionally, to produce a specific color, one or more colorants, such as CMYK pigments or dyes, are printed directly above the light-reflecting image 24 or between the light-reflecting image 24 and the light-blocking layer 22. The film side containing the light-reflecting image 22 is then adhered to the surface of the light guide 20.
[0091]An alternative construction is shown In FIG. 2B. Here, a light-blocking layer 23 is printed or imprinted on an optically clear film 27. A light-reflecting image 25 is printed or imprinted directly over the light-blocking layer 23 on the opposite side of the film 27. Optionally, the light reflecting see-through image 25 contains a permanent or repositionable adhesive. Optionally, to produce a specific color, one or more colorants, such as CMYK pigments or dyes, are printed directly above or below the light-reflecting image 25. The film side containing the light-reflecting image 23 is then adhered to the surface of the light guide 21.
[0092]Another construction is shown in FIG. 3. Here, a light-reflecting see-through image 34 is printed or imprinted on an optically clear film 36. A light-blocking see-through layer 32 is printed or imprinted directly above the light-reflecting image 34. Optionally, to produce a specific color, one or more colorants, such as CMYK pigments or dyes, are printed between the film 36 and the light-reflecting image 34 or between the light-reflecting image 34 and the light-blocking layer 32. The side of the film 36 opposite the side containing the light-reflecting image 34 is adhered to the surface of the light guide 30 with a permanent or repositionable optically clear adhesive 38 that preferably has an index of refraction that matches the index of refraction of the light guide 30.
[0093]The constructions in FIGS. 2A, 2B, and 3 will all exhibit the following properties: First, when the light-reflecting image 24, 25 or 34 consists entirely of a see-through pattern and a repositionable adhesive is used, then applying pressure to the film 26, 27, or 36 using a stylus or any other means of pressure application will cause the area of the film beneath the pressurized area to bond to the light guide 20, 21, or 30. This causes light to be emitted from the light guide 20, 21, or 30 and creates an illuminated image such as a drawing. Peeling off the film 26, 27, or 36 from the light guide 20, 21, or 30 will erase the illuminated image. Second, when the light-reflecting image 24, 25 or 34 consists entirely of a see-through pattern and a permanent adhesive is used, turning on the LEDs will result in a uniform stream of light being emitted outward from the light guide 20, 21, or 30.
[0094]Another construction is shown in FIG. 4. Here, a light-reflecting image 44 is printed or imprinted directly onto the light guide 40. A light-blocking layer 42 is printed or imprinted directly above the light-reflecting image 42. Optionally, to produce a specific color, one or more colorants, such as CMYK pigments or dyes, are printed between the light-reflecting image 44 and the light-blocking layer 42. When the light-reflecting image 44 consists entirely of a see-through pattern, turning on the LEDs will result in a uniform stream of light being emitted outward from the light guide 40.
[0095]FIG. 5 shows an application of the present invention to a pair of eyeglasses. Here the pair of eyeglasses is the light guide and is comprised of a single lens 50 that is curved and integrated with the temple arms 52. A light-reflecting image and a light-blocking layer are applied on the inside of the lens 50 using the construction shown in FIG. 2A, 2B, 3, or 4. The back end of each temple arm 52 holds an LED 56 that injects light directly into the temple arm 52. The light is transmitted forward through the temple arms, around the curved portion 54 of the lens, and into the front portion 50 of the lens. The gradual curvature 54 of the lens 50 helps to maintain total internal reflection of the LED light transmitted from the temple arms 52 to the lens 50.
[0096]To change the color of the LED light to a different color, the temple arm 52 may have a color filter, or be coated with a coat of color dye. To better channel the LED light within the temple arm and help maintain total internal reflection, the temple arm 52 may have a coat of vacuum reflective deposit, such as aluminium, or have an opaque covering 58 on the back portion of the temple arm 52. The battery pack 60 powers the LEDs 56.
[0097]As shown in FIG. 5, the present invention enables the creation of a variety of novelty glasses and eyewear. Such novelty glasses can emit different colored lights as well as colored, lighted images. When the light-reflecting image consists entirely of a see-through pattern and a permanent adhesive is used, turning on the LEDs 56 will result in a uniform stream of light being emitted outward from the lens 50. This enables the construction of eyeglasses to be used for night reading or as a hands-free flashlight when bright LEDs are used.
OTHER EMBODIMENTS
[0098]Another embodiment of the present invention is to construct a pair of eyeglasses comprised of a single lens or dual lenses that are secured to separate temple arms. The left and right outer edge of the lens, or the top or bottom edge of the lens, is adapted to hold an LED and to provide edge illumination to the lens. A light-reflecting image and a light-blocking layer are applied on the inside of the lens using the construction shown in FIG. 2A, 2B, 3, or 4. A battery pack is used to power the LEDs. Except for the difference in construction, this eyeglass embodiment will have the same characteristics as the eyeglasses in FIG. 5.
[0099]Another embodiment is to construct a lens assembly comprised of a single lens or dual lenses 70 that are attachable to a pair of eyeglasses, as shown in FIG. 6. The left and right edge of the lens is adapted to hold an LED 72 that provides edge illumination to the lens. A light-reflecting image and a light-blocking layer are applied on the inside of the lens using the construction shown in FIG. 2A, 2B, 3, or 4. A battery pack is used to power the LEDs. Clips or a flip-down mechanism 74 is used to mount the lens assembly to the top of the eyeglass frame such that the lens assembly can flip down over the eyeglass lenses. Except for the difference in construction, this lens assembly when attached to a pair of eyeglasses will have the same characteristics as the eyeglasses in FIG. 5.
[0100]Another embodiment is to construct a window adapted to accept edge illumination from LEDs or other light sources. A light-reflecting image and a light-blocking layer are applied on the inside of the window using the construction shown in FIG. 2A, 2B, 3, or 4. Except for the difference in construction, this window will have the same characteristics as the eyeglasses in FIG. 5. A one-way see-through window that emits illuminated colored images can be used for signage and advertising. By incorporating such a window in a door, a person standing behind the door can look through the window at the illuminated person outside the door.