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Optical film having microeplicated structures; and methods

a technology of optical film and micro-eplication, applied in the direction of optical elements, lighting and heating apparatus, instruments, etc., can solve the problems of limited depth function of signals which can be used to generate depth, and achieve the effects of avoiding glare effects, efficient utilization of available light, and improving durability of tools and surface quality

Inactive Publication Date: 2005-02-03
3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES CO
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  • Summary
  • Abstract
  • Description
  • Claims
  • Application Information

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0009] Optical films having the reflective surfaces of the present invention are useful as back reflectors for LCDs, since they can be designed to reflect light in a useful range of directions, and can produce closely controlled distributions of light which more efficiently utilize available light and avoid glare effects.
[0010] In addition to the microstructures defined by the tilt angles and the depth function, additional surface treatments, such as chemical etching of the tool, may also be used to provide diffusion or other directional components to the reflected light distribution. Plating of the tool may be useful in improving durability of the tool and surface quality of the microstructured product.

Problems solved by technology

Generally, the signals which can be used to generate the depth function are limited only by the suitability of a particular signal in producing a useful microstructure.

Method used

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  • Optical film having microeplicated structures; and methods
  • Optical film having microeplicated structures; and methods
  • Optical film having microeplicated structures; and methods

Examples

Experimental program
Comparison scheme
Effect test

example 2

[0113] Variable Facet or Prism Angle

[0114]FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a light directing construction 200, which includes a light directing film 210, according to one aspect of the present invention. This view of light directing film 210 is similar to the orientation shown in FIG. 2, with the y-axis extending across the structure from left to right in the figure, and the z-axis extending top to bottom of the figure. The x-axis extends into the page.

[0115] Light directing film 210 has a smooth surface 212 and a structured surface 214, which create a plurality of prisms 240 having a first prism face 242 and a second prism face 244 that define valleys 243 and peaks 245. First prism face 242 and second prism face 244 form a pair of faces that define a composite. Generally, first prism face 242 is used for reflecting light; second prism face 244 does not participate in light reflectance or direction. Smooth surface 212 of film 210 is adjacent substrate 220. Overlying light direc...

examples 3a and 3b

[0121] Curved, Non-Linear Facets

[0122]FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a light directing construction 300 according to another aspect of the present invention. This view of light directing construction 300, and light directing film 310, is similar to the orientation shown in FIG. 2, with the y-axis extending across the structure from left to right in the figure, and the z-axis extending top to bottom of the figure. The x-axis extends into the page.

[0123] Light directing construction 300 includes a light directing film 310 having a smooth surface 312 and a structured surface 314, which includes a plurality of prisms 340 having a first prism face 342 and a second prism face 344 that define valleys 343 and peaks 345. Smooth surface 312 is adjacent substrate 320. Overlying light direction film 310 is a metal coating 330 and a diffuser layer 335 having a low concentration of glass or polymeric beads 336 to mask artifacts and defects.

[0124] First prism face 342, rather than being a ...

example 4

[0128] Segmented Face having Linear or Curved Segments

[0129]FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of a light directing construction 400 according to another aspect of the present invention. Light directing construction 400 includes a light directing film 410 having a smooth surface 412 and a structured surface 414. Light directing film 410 is oriented similar to the orientation shown in FIG. 2, with the y-axis extending across the structure from left to right in the figure, and the z-axis extending top to bottom of the figure. The x-axis extends into the page.

[0130] Light directing film 410 includes a plurality of prisms 440 having a first prism face 442 and a second prism face 444 that define valleys 443 and peaks 445. Smooth surface 412 is adjacent substrate 420. Overlying light direction film 410 is a metal coating 430 and a diffuser layer 435 having a low concentration of glass or polymeric beads 436 to mask artifacts and defects.

[0131] First prism face 442 includes at least two s...

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Abstract

An optical film for use in transparent displays, such as reflective LCDs. The optical film has three-dimensional, prismatic structures that reflect incoming light. The prismatic structures are configured so that the reflecting facets orient the reflected light in desired reflective light pattern. The pattern shape and intensity can be controlled by the shape and dimensions of the various reflecting facets. In one embodiment, the height of the prismatic structure varies along two dimensions of the structure.

Description

[0001] This application is a Continuation-In-Part application of U.S. patent application having Ser. No. 09 / 922,438 filed Aug. 3, 2001, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.[0002] The present invention is directed to optical films and the methods of manufacturing. In particular, the present invention is directed to optical films including a layer having microreplicated structures. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0003] Reflective imaging devices, also known as special light modulators, produce a viewable image by locally altering the reflection of light. One useful device of this type is the liquid crystal display, or LCD, in which light entering the display is either transmitted, reflected or blocked, in an imagewise manner, by electronically addressed pixels of liquid crystalline material sandwiched between polarizers, thereby forming a visible image on the display. [0004] LCDs are often illuminated by light which enters one major surface, called the back...

Claims

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Application Information

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IPC IPC(8): G02B5/02G02B5/04G02B5/08G02B5/09G02F1/1335
CPCG02B5/021G02B5/0242G02B5/09G02B5/045G02B5/0284G02B5/00
Inventor EPSTEIN, KENNETH A.GRIFFITH, RICHARD F.CAMPBELL, ALAN B.
Owner 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES CO
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