| abstract |
The invention relates to a microcapsule, a system comprising microcapsules, and a corresponding method and apparatus, the microcapsule ( 11 ) comprising a core ( 12 ) which is encapsulated by an envelope ( 14 ) and in which at least one particle ( 16 ) having a motion component ( 17 ) and an indication component ( 18 ) is provided, the substance of the core ( 12 ) being capable of being transferred, at least for a short time, by an input of energy from a solid state or higher-viscosity state to a low-viscosity state, the at least one particle ( 16 ) being capable of undergoing a change in its position and/or orientation due to an input of energy occurring during the low-viscosity state of the substance of the core ( 12 ), and the substance of the core ( 12 ) reverting back, upon completion of the energy input, to the solid state or higher-viscosity state, thereby immobilising the at least one particle ( 16 ) in its new position and/or orientation. (Cf. FIG. 1 ). |