Decorative thin material and display including decorative thin material

Abstract

To provide a decorative thin material that improves visibility of light display with transmitted light.SOLUTION: A decorative thin material according to the present disclosure receives incidence of light on a front face to allow a pattern to be visually recognized, transmits light incident on a back face to allow the pattern to be visually recognized, and comprises a first pattern layer and a second pattern layer including an interference pigment that develops color with reflected interference light in a first wavelength range, of the light incident on the front face. The first pattern layer includes a plurality of first areas that develops colors with rays of reflected interference light at a first light intensity different from each other. The second pattern layer is arranged to overlap each of the first areas when seen from a thickness direction and includes a plurality of second areas that develops colors with rays of reflected interference light at a second light intensity different from each other. The first light intensity includes light intensity S11 and light intensity S12. The second light intensity includes light intensity S21 and light intensity S22. The light intensity S11 is larger than the light intensity S12, and the light intensity S21 is smaller than the light intensity S22.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a decorative thin film, and more particularly to a backlit decorative thin film and a display device including the decorative thin film. [Background technology]

[0002] Backlit decorative thin films have been used in electrical appliances, automobile parts, etc. When a light source is applied to the backside of this type of decorative thin film, light is transmitted through the entire or part of the decorative thin film and is visible from the front side of the decorative thin film. On the other hand, when the backside is not illuminated by a light source, the decorative pattern on the front side of the decorative thin film, such as the color tone of natural wood, is visible, but structures such as the light source on the back side are not visible through the light source.

[0003] An example of this type of backlit decorative film is the decorative film described in Patent Document 1. The decorative film of Patent Document 1 has a pattern layer containing an interference pigment that exhibits color due to interference of a portion of the reflected light among the light incident on the surface. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2021-178431 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The decorative film of Patent Document 1 has a single pattern layer made of an interference pigment, and the light transmission characteristics may vary depending on the location. This impairs the visibility of light that has entered and passed through the back surface when viewed from the front side of the decorative film, resulting in problems such as the pattern appearing to overlap the optical display or non-uniformity in the optical display.

[0006] Therefore, the present disclosure is intended to solve the above-mentioned conventional problems, and has an object to provide a decorative thin material that improves the visibility of an optical display using transmitted light. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, a decorative thin material according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is a decorative thin material in which a pattern is visible by light incident on the front surface and is visible by transmitting light incident on the back surface, and is provided with a first pattern layer and a second pattern layer containing an interference pigment that develops color with reflected interference light in a first wavelength range of the light incident on the front surface, wherein the first pattern layer includes a plurality of first regions that develop color with reflected interference light of different first light intensities, and the second pattern layer includes a plurality of second regions that are arranged to overlap each of the first regions when viewed in the thickness direction and develop color with reflected interference light of different second light intensities, wherein the first light intensity includes light intensity S11 and light intensity S12, and the second light intensity includes light intensity S21 and light intensity S22, wherein light intensity S11 is greater than light intensity S12 and light intensity S21 is less than light intensity S22.

[0008] In addition, in order to achieve the above-mentioned object, another embodiment of the decorative thin material of the present disclosure is a decorative thin material in which a pattern is visible by light incident on the surface and is visible by transmitting light incident on the back surface, and which comprises a first pattern layer and a second pattern layer containing an interference pigment that develops color with reflected interference light of light incident on the surface, wherein the first pattern layer includes a plurality of first regions that develop color with reflected interference light of different wavelength ranges, and the second pattern layer includes a plurality of second regions that are arranged to overlap with each of the first regions when viewed in the thickness direction, and at least some of the overlapping first regions and second regions contain interference pigments that develop colors that are complementary to each other.

[0009] In this specification, "thin" means a state of being thin, that is, a state in which the thickness is much smaller than the planar dimensions, and "thin object" is a general term for an object in a thin state, regardless of the material or use, and includes, for example, a sheet, a film, a panel, etc. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a decorative thin material that improves the visibility of an optical display using transmitted light, and a display device that includes the decorative thin material. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] 1A is a conceptual cross-sectional view of a display device including a decorative thin material according to an embodiment of the present disclosure when no light is irradiated from the back side, and FIG. 1B is an image diagram showing an example of a pattern on the front side. [Figure 2] 1A is a conceptual cross-sectional view of a display device including a decorative thin material according to an embodiment of the present disclosure when light is irradiated from the back side, and FIG. 1B is an image diagram showing an example of a display on the front side. [Figure 3] Conceptual diagram illustrating the reflection and transmission of light in interference pigment particles [Figure 4] Conceptual cross-section diagram to explain the influence of the transmission properties of interference pigments [Figure 5] 1 is a conceptual cross-sectional view showing a decorative thin member and its transmission characteristics of a first configuration example of a display device according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure; [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a conceptual cross-sectional view showing a decorative thin member and its transmission characteristics of a second configuration example of the display device according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a conceptual cross-sectional view showing a decorative thin member of a third configuration example of the display device according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a conceptual cross-sectional view showing a decorative thin member of a fourth configuration example of the display device according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 9] Conceptual cross-section diagram to explain the influence of the transmission properties of interference pigments [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a conceptual cross-sectional view showing a configuration of a display device according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 11] 10 is a conceptual cross-sectional view showing the structure of the pattern layer of the decorative thin material of the second embodiment. [Figure 12] 10 is a conceptual cross-sectional view showing the transmission characteristics of a decorative thin material of a display device according to a second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a decorative thin object in which a pattern is visible due to light incident on the front surface and is visible by transmitting light incident on the back surface, the decorative thin object comprising a first pattern layer and a second pattern layer containing an interference pigment that develops color with reflected interference light in a first wavelength range of the light incident on the front surface, the first pattern layer including a plurality of first regions that develop color with reflected interference light of first light intensities different from each other, the second pattern layer including a plurality of second regions that are arranged to overlap with each of the first regions when viewed in the thickness direction and develop color with reflected interference light of second light intensities different from each other, the first light intensity including light intensity S11 and light intensity S12, the second light intensity including light intensity S21 and light intensity S22, the light intensity S11 being greater than light intensity S12 and the light intensity S21 being less than light intensity S22.

[0013] According to this aspect, the visibility of the optical display by transmitted light can be improved.

[0014] According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a decorative thin material according to the first aspect, in which the relative standard deviation value between the sum of the light intensity S11 and the light intensity S21 and the sum of the light intensity S12 and the light intensity S22 is less than 10%.

[0015] According to a third aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a decorative thin article according to the first or second aspect, further comprising a light-shielding layer disposed between the first pattern layer and the second pattern layer, the light-shielding layer having a transmittance of less than 50% for incident light in the visible range.

[0016] According to a fourth aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a decorative thin article as described in the third aspect, further comprising a chromaticity correction layer arranged on the back side of the light-shielding layer, wherein the chromaticity correction layer has a lower transmittance for incident light in the visible range different from the first wavelength range than the transmittance for light in the first wavelength range.

[0017] According to a fifth aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided the decorative thin article according to the fourth aspect, wherein the light-shielding layer and the chromaticity correction layer are integrally configured.

[0018] According to a sixth aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a decorative thin material according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, wherein the first pattern layer includes multiple layers containing interference pigments that develop color with reflected interference light in different wavelength ranges, the second pattern layer includes multiple layers corresponding to each of the first pattern layers and containing interference pigments that develop color with reflected interference light in substantially the same wavelength range as the corresponding first pattern layer, and each second pattern layer includes a second region arranged to overlap with each of the first regions of the corresponding first pattern layer when viewed in the thickness direction.

[0019] According to a seventh aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a display device comprising a decorative thin material described in any one of the first to sixth aspects and an optical device arranged opposite the back surface of the decorative thin material and irradiating light.

[0020] According to an eighth aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a decorative thin object in which a pattern is visible due to light incident on the surface and is visible by transmitting light incident on the back surface, the decorative thin object comprising a first pattern layer and a second pattern layer containing an interference pigment that develops color with reflected interference light of light incident on the surface, wherein the first pattern layer includes a plurality of first regions that develop color with reflected interference light of different wavelength ranges, and the second pattern layer includes a plurality of second regions that are arranged to overlap with each of the first regions when viewed in the thickness direction, and at least some of the overlapping first regions and second regions contain interference pigments that develop colors that are complementary to each other.

[0021] According to a ninth aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a decorative thin article as described in the eighth aspect, further comprising a light-shielding layer disposed between the first pattern layer and the second pattern layer, the light-shielding layer having a transmittance of less than 50% for incident light in the visible range.

[0022] According to a tenth aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a display device comprising the decorative thin material according to the eighth or ninth aspect, and an optical device arranged opposite the back surface of the decorative thin material and irradiating light.

[0023] Any of the above-described various embodiments may be combined appropriately to achieve the effects of each of them.

[0024] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, more detailed explanation than necessary may be omitted. For example, detailed explanation of well-known matters or redundant explanation of substantially the same configuration may be omitted. This is to avoid unnecessary redundancy in the following explanation and to facilitate understanding by those skilled in the art.

[0025] A decorative thin object and a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 12. The accompanying drawings and the following description are provided to enable those skilled in the art to fully understand the present disclosure, and are not intended to limit the subject matter described in the claims. Furthermore, in each drawing, elements are exaggerated for ease of explanation. In addition, substantially identical components in the drawings are designated by the same reference numerals.

[0026] (Display device with decorative thin material) The configuration of a display device including a decorative thin material according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to Figures 1 and 2. Figure 1 shows a conceptual cross-sectional view (a) of a display device 100 including a decorative thin material according to an embodiment of the present disclosure when no light is irradiated from the backside, and an image diagram (b) showing an example of a pattern on the front side. Figure 2 shows a conceptual cross-sectional view (a) of a display device 100 including a decorative thin material according to an embodiment of the present disclosure when light is irradiated from the backside, and an image diagram (b) showing an example of a display on the front side.

[0027] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the display device 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure comprises a decorative thin material 20 and an optical device 30, and the optical device 30 is arranged opposite the back surface 20Fb of the decorative thin material 20 and can irradiate light onto the back surface 20Fb of the decorative thin material 20.

[0028] In FIG. 1, when the optical device 30 is turned off, light L1 from an external light source 50, such as natural light, illuminates the surface 20Fa of the decorative thin object 20. At this time, the surface 20Fa mainly exhibits a pattern, such as the wood grain pattern shown in FIG. 1(b), as shown in FIG. 1(b). When the optical device 30 is turned off, the pattern exhibited on the surface 20Fa is a pattern designed in the pattern layer of the decorative thin object 20. The configuration of the decorative thin object 20 will be described in detail later.

[0029] 2, when the optical device 30 is turned on, light L1 from the external light source 50 illuminates the front surface 20Fa of the decorative thin material 20, and light L2 from the optical device 30 is incident on the back surface 20Fb of the decorative thin material 20, with a portion of the light L2 passing through the decorative thin material 20. At this time, as shown in FIG. 2(b), illumination lights 11 and 12 and a display mark 13 are displayed in a woodgrain pattern on the front surface 20Fa. Note that the woodgrain pattern shown in FIG. 1(b) or the illumination lights and display marks shown in FIG. 2(b) are examples for explaining the patterns or light displays of the display device 100, and the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0030] The pattern on the surface 20Fa of the decorative thin object 20 can be formed by a pattern layer containing an interference pigment. The characteristics of the interference pigment will be described with reference to Fig. 3. Fig. 3 is a conceptual diagram for explaining the reflection and transmission of light in an interference pigment particle 210.

[0031] Interference pigments are pigments that develop their color through optical physical phenomena such as light reflection and interference. The interference pigment particles that make up such interference pigments can have a core-shell structure. The substrate, which serves as the core with a low refractive index, is made of, for example, plate-like mica, and the interference pigment particles can be constructed by coating the periphery with a metal oxide with a high refractive index, such as titanium dioxide (TiO2) or iron oxide (Fe2O3).

[0032] As conceptually shown in Fig. 3, an interference pigment particle 210 is composed of, for example, a core portion 211 and a shell portion 212 that covers the core portion 211. Both the core portion 211 and the shell portion 212 transmit light in the visible range. The core portion 211 and the shell portion 212 are composed of materials with different refractive indices; for example, the refractive index of the core portion 211 is smaller than the refractive index of the shell portion 212.

[0033] When incident light Lf1 and Lf2 from the illustrated surface side Fa are obliquely incident on the interference pigment particle 210, a portion of the incident light Lf1 travels into the shell portion 212 and is reflected by the surface 211a of the core portion 211 at the surface 212a of the shell portion 212, becoming reflected light Lf11. Furthermore, a portion of the incident light Lf2 is reflected by the surface 212a of the shell portion 212 and becomes reflected light Lf21. The reflected light Lf11 and the reflected light Lf21 interfere with each other, and when the reflected light of wavelength λa among the reflected light Lf11 and Lf21 satisfies the constructive interference condition, the reflected interference light of wavelength λa is strongly visible. In this case, the interference pigment particle 210 can be colored by the reflected interference light of wavelength λa. Here, the "reflected interference light" of the interference pigment particle refers to the light reflected by the interference pigment particle that satisfies the constructive interference condition. The interference pigment exhibits a "reflected color," which is the color of the reflected interference light that is visible.

[0034] Meanwhile, the other portion of the incident light Lf1 that passes through the front surface 211a of the core portion 211 travels into the core portion 211, and a portion of this light further passes through the shell portion 212 on the back surface side Fb to become transmitted light Lf12. The color of the transmitted light Lf12 is the "transmitted color," and the "reflected color" of the reflected interference light of the interference pigment particles and the "transmitted color" of the transmitted light are complementary colors. Here, "complementary colors" refer to a combination of colors that are diametrically opposed on the color wheel. In this way, transmitted light that is complementary to the color of the reflected interference light of the interference pigment particles passes through the interference pigment particles, and the combination of the reflected interference light and transmitted light has a spectrum that is essentially white light.

[0035] Similarly, when incident light Lb1 from the light source element 310 on the back side Fb in the figure is incident on the interference pigment particles 210, reflected interference light of wavelength λa is reflected to the back side Fb, and transmitted light Lb12 is emitted from the interference pigment particles 210 on the front side Fa and is visible. At this time, the transmitted light Lb12 emitted on the front side Fa is composed of light whose color is complementary to the reflected interference light of the interference pigment particles, and contributes to the display of the light source element 310 on the front side Fa.

[0036] The wavelength λa of the reflected interference light can be changed by adjusting the thickness T of the shell portion 212 of the interference pigment particle, thereby obtaining interference pigment particles with different reflected colors. By mixing interference pigment particles with different reflected colors, it is possible to create an interference pigment that develops color when exposed to reflected interference light in a specified wavelength range.

[0037] An interference pigment can be used to form a picture layer that forms a picture on the surface of the display device 100 shown in Figures 1 and 2. In this case, the visibility of the optical display of the display device 100 may be affected by the transmission characteristics of the interference pigment. This will be explained with reference to Figure 4. Figure 4 is a conceptual cross-sectional view for explaining the influence of the transmission characteristics of the interference pigment.

[0038] 4 shows a display device 100a including an optical device 30 and a decorative thin material 20a including a pattern layer 25 containing an interference pigment. The decorative thin material 20a is composed of, in the thickness direction from the front side Fa to the back side Fb, a hard coat layer 22, a substrate layer 23, the pattern layer 25, and a light-shielding layer 27. The hard coat layer 22, the substrate layer 23, and the light-shielding layer 27 will be described in detail below.

[0039] The pattern layer 25 of the decorative thin object 20a in FIG. 4 contains, for example, an interference pigment that develops color with reflected interference light in the wavelength range λ1. The pattern layer 25 also includes regions 25a, 25b, and 25c, each of which contains an interference pigment that develops color with reflected interference light of substantially the same wavelength range λ1 but at different light intensities. The present disclosure is not limited to regions that develop color with reflected interference light of substantially the same wavelength range λ1 but at different light intensities. For example, such regions can be constructed by including interference pigment particles with similar shell thicknesses and adjusting the content of the interference pigment particles, e.g., the weight percentage of the interference pigment. Alternatively, such regions can be constructed by varying the type of interference pigment particles contained.

[0040] The optical device 30 applies light 35 from the rear surface Fb to the decorative thin object 20a including the pattern layer 25 configured as described above. The incident light 35 includes incident light 31 in the wavelength range λ1 and incident light 32 in the wavelength range λ2, which is different from the wavelength range λ1, and is incident on the rear surface of the decorative thin object 20a with approximately uniform brightness. At this time, the incident light 31 in the wavelength range λ1 of the incident light 35 satisfies the constructive interference condition, and is partially reflected as reflected interference light 31aF, 31bF, and 31cF in the regions 25a, 25b, and 25c of the pattern layer 25. Since regions 25a, 25b, and 25c have the characteristic of developing colors at different light intensities, the light intensities of reflected interference light 31aF, 31bF, and 31cF are different, and for example, as shown by the thickness of the arrows in Figure 4, the light intensities of reflected interference light 31aF, 31bF, and 31cF have the relationship S1a > S1b > S1c. On the other hand, of the incident light 35, incident light 32 in wavelength range λ2 does not satisfy the constructive interference condition and is transmitted through regions 25a, 25b, and 25c of the pattern layer 25 with approximately uniform light intensity.

[0041] On the front surface side Fa, transmitted lights 35a, 35b, and 35c including lights having a relationship of complementary colors with the reflected interference lights 31aF, 31bF, and 31cF are respectively emitted from regions 25a, 25b, and 25c. The transmitted lights 35a, 35b, and 35c include transmitted lights 31aT, 31bT, and 31cT in the wavelength range λ1 and transmitted lights 32aT, 32bT, and 32cT in the wavelength range λ2. Further, the transmitted lights 32aT, 32bT, and 32cT in the wavelength range λ2 have substantially uniform light intensities, but the light intensities of the transmitted lights 31aT, 31bT, and 31cT in the wavelength range λ1 have a relationship of T1a < T1b < T1c. Therefore, on the front surface side Fa, the transmitted lights 35a, 35b, and 35c from the regions 25a, 25b, and 25c are emitted with non-uniform luminance.

[0042] Furthermore, since a part of the incident light 31 in the wavelength range λ1 is reflected as reflected interference light satisfying the interference condition of constructive interference, the transmitted lights 31aT, 31bT, and 31cT have lower light intensities compared to the transmitted lights 32aT, 32bT, and 32cT in the wavelength range λ2 that do not satisfy the constructive interference condition. Therefore, in the transmitted lights 35a, 35b, and 35c on the front surface side Fa, the light of the spectral component in the wavelength range λ1 is attenuated, and a chromaticity shift occurs in the transmitted lights 35a, 35b, and 35c. Here, chromaticity is the property of color ignoring brightness, the color of light excluding lightness, and a quantitative representation of hue and saturation.

[0043] Thus, the light incident on the back surface of the decorative thin object 20a including the pattern layer 25 that develops colors with reflected interference lights of different light intensities in substantially the same wavelength range λ1 passes through the decorative thin object 20a and is emitted with non-uniform luminance. Also, in the transmitted light, since the light of the spectral component in the wavelength range λ1 is attenuated, a chromaticity shift occurs. As a result, the visibility of the light display is impaired.

[0044] In this specification, "substantially equal" or "substantially the same" means not only exactly the same value but also considering actual manufacturing tolerances, and for example, may include an error of about ±10%, preferably may include an error of about ±5%.

[0045] The decorative thin material according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure can improve the above-mentioned problems of the decorative thin material 20a and can improve the visibility of the optical display by transmitted light. The configuration of the decorative thin material according to the first embodiment will be described below with reference to Figures 5 to 8. In Figures 5 to 8, the same reference numerals are used to designate substantially the same components, and detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0046] <First Embodiment> (Configuration of display device and first configuration example of decorative thin object) 5 is a conceptual cross-sectional view showing a decorative thin material 200a and its transmission characteristics in a first configuration example of a display device 100A according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. The display device 100A shown in FIG. 5 includes a decorative thin material 200a and an optical device 30 disposed on a back surface Fb of the decorative thin material 200a and configured to emit light. Similar to the display device 100 shown in FIG. 1, the display device 100A displays a pattern solely on the surface of the decorative thin material 200a when the optical device 30 is turned off, and displays an optical display by the optical device 30 on the surface of the decorative thin material 200a.

[0047] The decorative thin object 200a is composed of, in the thickness direction from the front side Fa to the back side Fb, a hard coat layer 22, a base layer 23, a first pattern layer 25A, a light-shielding layer 27, and a second pattern layer 25B. In this embodiment, the second pattern layer 25B forms the back surface of the decorative thin object 200a, and the optical device 30 is disposed opposite the second pattern layer 25B.

[0048] The hard coat layer 22 has a protective function and is made of a material that is transparent to light incident from both the front side Fa and the back side Fb. The hard coat layer 22 can be made of, for example, a transparent resin with high hardness, and can also include a tactile sensation imparting structure according to the pattern expressed by the decorative thin object 200a. As shown in the figure, a grain pattern 21, such as fine irregularities that express a wood pattern, can be formed on the surface of the hard coat layer 22.

[0049] The base layer 23 is made of a material that is transparent to light incident from both the front side Fa and the back side Fb, and may be in the form of a flat plate or a three-dimensional shape. The base layer 23 can be made of a light-transmitting material such as polycarbonate resin, polyethylene terephthalate resin, or acrylic resin. The base layer 23 provides support for the pattern layers 25A and 25B and the light-shielding layer 27, ensuring the necessary strength of the entire decorative thin object 200a.

[0050] The first pattern layer 25A contains an interference pigment that develops color in response to reflected interference light in a predetermined wavelength range, and can form a pattern such as a wood grain pattern on the surface. In this embodiment, the first pattern layer 25A includes first regions 25a1, 25b1, and 25c1 that are multiple color-developing regions, and the first regions 25a1, 25b1, and 25c1 are configured to contain interference pigments that develop color in response to reflected interference light in substantially the same wavelength range λ1 but with different light intensities S1a, S1b, and S1c.

[0051] The color development caused by reflected interference light of different light intensities can be represented by the visible shade of the color. Areas that develop color with reflected interference light of relatively high light intensity are visually perceived as dark colors, while areas that develop color with reflected interference light of relatively low light intensity are visually perceived as light colors. In this embodiment, the first pattern layer 25A, which is configured to develop color with reflected interference light of different light intensities in substantially the same wavelength range λ1, is visually perceived as having areas of substantially the same color but different shades.

[0052] The second pattern layer 25B includes an interference pigment that develops color in response to reflected interference light in substantially the same wavelength range as the first pattern layer 25A. The second pattern layer 25B includes multiple color-developing regions (second regions 25a2, 25b2, and 25c2) that develop color in response to light of different light intensities S2a, S2b, and S2c. The second regions 25a2, 25b2, and 25c2 of the second pattern layer 25B are arranged to overlap with the first regions 25a1, 25b1, and 25c1 of the first pattern layer 25A, respectively, when viewed in the thickness direction of the decorative thin object (the direction indicated by the arrows in the figure). Therefore, when the optical device 30 is turned on, a portion of the incident light 35 entering from the back side Fb can pass through the overlapping second and first regions of the second pattern layer 25B and the first pattern layer 25A and exit to the front side Fa.

[0053] The present disclosure is not limited to the configuration or number of the multiple color regions in the first and second pattern layers 25A and 25B. These color regions may be configured, for example, by adjusting the content of interference pigment particles, e.g., the weight percentage of interference pigment, or by including different types of interference pigment particles. Furthermore, the first and second pattern layers 25A and 25B can be configured to include any number of color regions, two or more, and each color region can have any shape and / or size. Furthermore, color regions in the same pattern layer can be arbitrarily defined so as not to overlap each other, and each pattern layer can be configured to any thickness depending on the application.

[0054] The light intensity of the reflected interference light from the first pattern layer 25A, the second pattern layer 25B, and each color-forming region can be measured, for example, by directing the reflected interference light into a light-receiving element positioned at a predetermined position in the direction of emission of the reflected interference light and measuring the amount of light received by the light-receiving element with a photodetector. The light-receiving surface of the light-receiving element can be positioned perpendicular to the direction of the reflected interference light. The photodetector can be, for example, a sensing device such as a photodiode that utilizes the photoelectric effect, and can output the light intensity of the received reflected interference light as an electrical signal. Furthermore, the light intensity of the reflected interference light from each color-forming region can be calculated as the average of multiple light intensity values ​​measured for the reflected interference light from that color-forming region.

[0055] The light shielding layer 27 can shield a part of the light incident on the decorative thin film 200a. In the present embodiment, the light shielding layer 27 has a transmittance of less than 50% with respect to the light in the visible range incident on the decorative thin film 200a. Further, the light shielding layer 27 can be configured to have a substantially uniform transmittance over the spectrum of the light in the visible range incident on the decorative thin film 200a. Thereby, the light shielding layer 27 can transmit a part of the light in the visible range incident so as not to give a chromaticity shift. By having a transmittance of less than 50% with respect to the light in the visible range, the light shielding layer 27 can conceal the components arranged on the back side of the light shielding layer 27 so that they are not visually recognized from the front side Fa. In the present embodiment, the light shielding layer 27 is arranged between the first pattern layer 25A and the second pattern layer 25B, and the light shielding layer 27 can conceal the second pattern layer 25B and the optical device 30 so that they are not visually recognized from the front side Fa.

[0056] The decorative thin film 200a may be produced by laminating each constituent layer through an adhesive layer having light transmissibility in the visible range, or may be produced by laminating and printing each constituent layer using a printing method such as screen printing or gravure printing.

[0057] (Configuration of the color-developing region where the first pattern layer and the second pattern layer overlap) In the present embodiment, generally, the first pattern layer of the decorative thin film can include a plurality of color-developing regions that develop color with reflected interference light of different first light intensities, and the second pattern layer can include a plurality of color-developing regions that develop color with reflected interference light of different second light intensities. When the first light intensity includes the light intensity S11 and the light intensity S12, and the second light intensity includes the light intensity S21 and the light intensity S22, the first light intensities S11, S12 and the second light intensities S21, S22 can be configured to satisfy the condition (1) of S11 > S12 and S21 < S22.

[0058] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the first light intensities S11, S12 of the first pattern layer and the second light intensities S21, S22 of the second pattern layer can generally be configured to satisfy condition (2) that the relative standard deviation between the sum of the light intensities S11 and S21, which is the sum of the light intensities of the overlapping color-producing regions, and the sum of the light intensities S12 and S22, which is the sum of the light intensities of the overlapping color-producing regions, is less than 10%. Preferably, the light intensities S11, S12 and the light intensities S21, S22 can be configured such that the relative standard deviation between the sum of the light intensities S11 and S21 and the sum of the light intensities S12 and S22 is less than 3%.

[0059] Here, the relative standard deviation of the total light intensity of overlapping color-producing regions is the standard deviation of the total light intensity of each overlapping color-producing region divided by the average value of the total light intensity of those overlapping color-producing regions, i.e., the value expressed as relative standard deviation (%) = (standard deviation / average value) × 100. Therefore, in multiple overlapping color-producing regions, the smaller the relative standard deviation of the total light intensity of each overlapping color-producing region, the smaller the variation around the average value of the total light intensity of those overlapping color-producing regions.

[0060] The first light intensities S11 and S12 and the second light intensities S21 and S22 respectively indicate the light intensities of the reflected interference light in the overlapping color regions when viewed in the thickness direction. Specifically, the color region in the first pattern layer that develops color with light of light intensity S11 overlaps the color region in the second pattern layer that develops color with light of light intensity S21, and the color region in the first pattern layer that develops color with light of light intensity S12 overlaps the color region in the second pattern layer that develops color with light of light intensity S22. Note that in this specification, the terms S11 and S12 indicating the first light intensities and S21 and S22 indicating the second light intensities only indicate the overlapping relationship between the corresponding color regions of the first and second pattern layers and are not intended to limit the arrangement of the color regions in the pattern layers. For example, each of the color-producing areas that produce color with reflected interference light of the first light intensities S11 and S12 can be positioned at any position on the first pattern layer, and each of the color-producing areas that produce color with reflected interference light of the second light intensities S21 and S22 can be positioned at any position on the second pattern layer as long as they overlap with each of the color-producing areas that produce color with reflected interference light of the first light intensities S11 and S12.

[0061] The present disclosure is not limited to the number of overlapping color-producing regions configured so that the light intensity of the reflected interference light satisfies the above condition (1) or (2). Furthermore, among the multiple color-producing regions included in the first and second pattern layers, some of the overlapping regions may be configured so that they satisfy condition (1) or (2), or all of the overlapping regions may be configured so that they satisfy condition (1) or (2).

[0062] Specifically, for example, in the configuration example of the decorative thin object 200a in which the first pattern layer 25A and the second pattern layer 25B shown in FIG. 5 include three overlapping color-developing regions, among the overlapping color-developing regions 25a1, 25a2, 25b1, 25b2, 25c1, and 25c2, the light intensities of the reflected interference light of any two color-developing regions, for example, regions 25a1, 25b1 and regions 25a2, 25b2, can satisfy the above condition (1) or condition (2). In this case, for example, when condition (1) is satisfied, the first pattern layer 25A and the second pattern layer 25B can be configured to satisfy, but not limited to, for example, S1a > S1b and S2a < S2b. Further, when condition (2) is satisfied, the first pattern layer 25A and the second pattern layer 25B can be configured such that, for example, the relative standard deviation value between the total value of the light intensity S1a and the light intensity S2a and the total value of the light intensity S1b and the light intensity S2b is less than 10%, preferably less than 3%.

[0063] Also, among a part of the overlapping color-developing regions 25a1, 25a2, 25b1, 25b2, 25c1, and 25c2 of the decorative thin object 200a shown in FIG. 5, for example, any four color-developing regions, for example, regions 25a1, 25b1 and regions 25a2, 25b2, and regions 25a1, 25c1 and regions 25a2, 25c2, can be configured such that the light intensities of the reflected interference light satisfy the above condition (1) or condition (2). In this case, for example, when condition (1) is satisfied, the first pattern layer 25A and the second pattern layer 25B can be configured to satisfy, but not limited to, for example, S1a > S1b, S2a < S2b, S1a > S1c, and S2a < S2c. Further, when condition (2) is satisfied, the first pattern layer 25A and the second pattern layer 25B are configured such that, for example, the relative standard deviation value between the total value of the light intensity S1a and the light intensity S2a and the total value of the light intensity S1b and the light intensity S2b is less than 10%, preferably less than 3%, and further, the relative standard deviation value between the total value of the light intensity S1a and the light intensity S2a and the total value of the light intensity S1c and the light intensity S2c is less than 10%, preferably less than 3%.

[0064] Furthermore, all of the overlapping color-developing regions 25a1, 25a2, 25b1, 25b2, and 25c1, 25c2 of the decorated thin film 200a shown in FIG. 5 can be configured such that the light intensity of the reflected interference light satisfies the above condition (1) or condition (2). In this case, for example, when condition (1) is satisfied, the first pattern layer 25A and the second pattern layer 25B can be configured to satisfy, but not limited to, for example, S1a > S1b > S1c and S2a < S2b < S2c. Furthermore, when condition (2) is satisfied, the first pattern layer 25A and the second pattern layer 25B can be configured such that the relative standard deviation value of the sum of the light intensity S1a and the light intensity S2a, the sum of the light intensity S1b and the light intensity S2b, and the sum of the light intensity S1c and the light intensity S2c is less than 10%, preferably less than 3%.

[0065] The arrangement of the overlapping color-developing regions configured to satisfy the above condition (1) or condition (2) is not limited to the configuration example shown in FIG. 5. The overlapping color-developing regions configured to satisfy condition (1) or condition (2) can be arranged at any positions in the first pattern layer 25A and the second pattern layer 25B.

[0066] When the incident light 35 incident from the back surface side Fb passes through the second pattern layer 25B and the first pattern layer 25A in order because the first pattern layer 25A and the second pattern layer 25B of the decorated thin film 200a include the overlapping color-developing regions configured to satisfy the above condition (1), the non-uniformity of the light intensity of the transmitted light 31aT, 31bT, 31cT in the wavelength range λ1 emitted from different color-developing regions is reduced, and the uniformity of the luminance of the emitted transmitted light 35a, 35b, 35c can be improved.

[0067] Furthermore, since the first pattern layer 25A and the second pattern layer 25B of the decorative thin object 200a include overlapping color-producing regions configured to satisfy the above condition (2), when the incident light 35 incident from the back side Fb passes through the second pattern layer 25B and the first pattern layer 25A in sequence, the variation in the light intensity of the transmitted light 31aT, 31bT, and 31cT in the wavelength range λ1 emitted from the different color-producing regions is suppressed, and the uniformity of the brightness of the emitted transmitted light 35a, 35b, and 35c can be further improved.

[0068] Furthermore, the color-forming regions satisfying the above condition (1) or (2) may be constructed, for example, by adjusting the content of interference pigment particles contained in the overlapping color-forming regions, for example, the weight percentage of the interference pigment, or by adjusting the type of interference pigment particles contained in the overlapping color-forming regions.

[0069] (Transmission characteristics of the first example of the decorative thin object) 5, in the decorative thin material 200a of the first configuration example of the display device 100A according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure, incident light 35 from the optical device 30 includes incident light 31 in the wavelength range λ1 and incident light 32 in the wavelength range λ2 different from the wavelength range λ1, and is incident with approximately uniform brightness on the second pattern layer 25B on the back surface of the decorative thin material 200a. At this time, the incident light 31 in the wavelength range λ1 of the incident light 35 satisfies the constructive interference condition and is partially reflected as reflected interference light S2a, S2b, and S2c in the second regions 25a2, 25b2, and 25c2 of the second pattern layer 25B. The remaining portion of the incident light 35 that has passed through the second pattern layer 25B travels within the decorative thin material 200a, and is further reflected as reflected interference light S1a, S1b, and S1c by the first regions 25a1, 25b1, and 25c1 of the first pattern layer 25A, before passing through the decorative thin material 200a and being emitted. On the other hand, of the incident light 35, the incident light 32 in the wavelength range λ2 does not satisfy the constructive interference condition and passes through the decorative thin material 200a with a generally uniform light intensity.

[0070] Light 35a, 35b, 35c transmitted through the overlapping second and first regions of the first and second pattern layers 25A, 25B includes transmitted light 31aT, 31bT, 31cT in wavelength range λ1 and transmitted light 32T in wavelength range λ2 with generally uniform light intensity. Because the first and second pattern layers 25A, 25B include overlapping color-producing regions configured to satisfy condition (1), non-uniform light intensity in wavelength range λ1 that occurs in transmitted light of different regions when transmitted through the second pattern layer is at least partially alleviated when transmitted through the corresponding overlapping region of the first pattern layer, improving the uniformity of brightness of the emitted transmitted light 35a, 35b, 35c.

[0071] Furthermore, since the first pattern layer 25A and the second pattern layer 25B include overlapping color-producing areas configured to satisfy condition (2), the variation in the light intensity of the transmitted light in the wavelength range λ1 is suppressed, and the uniformity of the brightness of the emitted transmitted light 35a, 35b, 35c can be further improved.

[0072] As described above, the decorative thin member 200a of the display device 100A of the first embodiment can improve the uniformity of the luminance of transmitted light, thereby improving the visibility of the optical display by transmitted light.

[0073] (Second example of decorative thin object and its transmission characteristics) FIG. 6 is a conceptual cross-sectional view showing a decorative thin material 200b and its transmission characteristics in a second configuration example of the display device 100A according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. The display device 100B shown in FIG. 6 includes a decorative thin material 200b and an optical device 30 disposed on a rear surface Fb of the decorative thin material 200b and configured to emit light. The display device 100B differs from the display device 100A of FIG. 5 in that the decorative thin material 200b further includes a chromaticity correction layer 28. The following description of the display device 100B focuses on the different configuration. Note that in FIG. 6, components that are substantially the same as those of the display device 100A of FIG. 5 are designated by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0074] In this embodiment, the chromaticity correction layer 28 is disposed on the back surface of the light-shielding layer 27. In Fig. 6, the chromaticity correction layer 28 is shown as being disposed between the light-shielding layer 27 and the second pattern layer 25B, but the present disclosure is not limited to this. The chromaticity correction layer 28 may also be disposed on the back surface of the light-shielding layer 27, for example, on the back surface of the second pattern layer 25B.

[0075] The chromaticity correction layer 28 is configured to have a lower transmittance for incident light in the visible range, which is different from the wavelength range λ1 of the reflected interference light of the first pattern layer 25A and the second pattern layer 25B, than for light in the wavelength range λ1, among the incident light 35 that enters the decorative thin object 200b. The chromaticity correction layer 28 can be configured as, but is not limited to, an ink layer or a film layer, and can be configured uniformly throughout. The chromaticity correction layer 28 can also be configured to include multiple layers.

[0076] In the decorative thin object 200a shown in FIG. 5, the transmitted light 35a, 35b, and 35c in the wavelength range λ1 has a lower intensity than the transmitted light 32T in the wavelength range λ2. Therefore, in the transmitted light 35a, 35b, and 35c on the front side Fa, the spectral component of the wavelength range λ1 is attenuated, resulting in a chromaticity shift. In the decorative thin object 200b shown in FIG. 6, the chromaticity correction layer 28 has a low transmittance for the incident light 32 in the visible wavelength range λ2, which is different from the wavelength range λ1. Therefore, the intensity of the transmitted light in the wavelength range λ2 is attenuated in the light 35a, 35b, and 35c transmitted through the decorative thin object 200b, and the light is emitted as transmitted light 32T1. This can improve the chromaticity shift caused by the attenuation of the spectral component of the wavelength range λ1. Furthermore, by adjusting the transmittance of the chromaticity correction layer 28, it is possible to substantially cancel out the chromaticity shift that occurs when light passes through the first pattern layer 25A and the second pattern layer 25B, thereby enabling the light 35a, 35b, and 35c that passes through the decorative thin object 200a to be emitted with a spectrum substantially similar to that of the incident light 35 from the optical device 30.

[0077] In this way, the decorative thin material 200b of the display device 100B of this embodiment 1 can improve the uniformity of the brightness of the transmitted light and reduce the chromaticity shift that occurs in the transmitted light, thereby improving the visibility of the optical display using the transmitted light.

[0078] (Third example of decorative thin object and its transmission characteristics) FIG. 7 is a conceptual cross-sectional view showing a decorative thin material 200c of a third configuration example of the display device 100C according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. The display device 100C shown in FIG. 7 includes a decorative thin material 200c and an optical device 30 disposed on a rear surface side Fb of the decorative thin material 200c and configured to emit light. The display device 100C differs from the display device 100A shown in FIG. 5 in that the decorative thin material 200c includes a chromaticity-correcting light-shielding layer 29. The following description of the display device 100C focuses on the different configuration. Note that in FIG. 7, components that are substantially the same as those of the display device 100A shown in FIG. 5 are designated by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0079] The chromaticity-correcting shading layer 29 of the decorative thin object 200c is a layer formed by integrating the shading layer 27 of the decorative thin object 200a in FIG. 5 and the chromaticity-correcting layer 28 of the decorative thin object 200b in FIG. 6. Like the shading layer 27, it has a transmittance of less than 50% for visible light incident on the decorative thin object 200c, thereby concealing components arranged on its back side from view on the front side Fa. Similarly to the chromaticity-correcting layer 28, the chromaticity-correcting shading layer 29 is also configured to attenuate the intensity of transmitted light in the visible range different from the wavelength range λ1, thereby reducing the chromaticity shift that occurs when light passes through the first pattern layer 25A and the second pattern layer 25B. By integrating the shading layer and the chromaticity-correcting layer 28, the decorative thin object can be manufactured compactly.

[0080] Thus, the decorative thin material 200c of the display device 100C of this embodiment 1 can improve the uniformity of the brightness of the transmitted light and reduce the chromaticity shift that occurs in the transmitted light, thereby improving the visibility of the optical display using the transmitted light.

[0081] (Fourth example of the decorative thin object and its transmission characteristics) FIG. 8 is a conceptual cross-sectional view showing a decorative thin material 200d of a fourth configuration example of the display device 100D according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. The display device 100D shown in FIG. 8 includes a decorative thin material 200d and an optical device 30 disposed on a rear surface Fb of the decorative thin material 200d and configured to emit light. The display device 100D differs from the display device 100B of FIG. 6 in that the decorative thin material 200d includes a plurality of first pattern layers 25A, 26A and a plurality of second pattern layers 25B, 26B. The following description of the display device 100D focuses on the different configuration. Note that in FIG. 8, components that are substantially the same as those of the display device 100B of FIG. 6 are designated by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0082] The decorative thin material 200d in Figure 8 is composed of, in the thickness direction from the front side Fa to the back side Fb, a hard coat layer 22, a base material layer 23, first pattern layers 25A, 26A, a light-shielding layer 27, a chromaticity correction layer 28, and second pattern layers 25B, 26B.

[0083] The first pattern layer 25A includes first regions 25a1, 25b1, and 25c1 that are multiple color-producing regions, and the first regions 25a1, 25b1, and 25c1 are configured to contain interference pigments that produce color with reflected interference light of different light intensities in substantially the same wavelength range λ11. The first pattern layer 26A includes first regions 26a1, 26b1, and 26c1 that are multiple color-producing regions, and the first regions 26a1, 26b1, and 26c1 are configured to contain interference pigments that produce color with reflected interference light of different light intensities in substantially the same wavelength range λ12.

[0084] The second pattern layer 25B is configured to correspond to the first pattern layer 25A and is configured to contain an interference pigment that develops color with reflected interference light in substantially the same wavelength range λ11 as the first pattern layer 25A. The second pattern layer 25B includes second regions 25a2, 25b2, and 25c2 that are multiple color-developing regions, and each of the second regions 25a2, 25b2, and 25c2 is arranged to overlap with a corresponding first region 25a1, 25b1, and 25c1 of the first pattern layer 25A when viewed in the thickness direction of the decorative thin object.

[0085] The second pattern layer 26B is configured to correspond to the first pattern layer 26A and is configured to contain an interference pigment that develops color with reflected interference light in substantially the same wavelength range λ12 as the first pattern layer 26A. The second pattern layer 26B includes second regions 26a2, 26b2, and 26c2 that are multiple color-developing regions, and each of the second regions 26a2, 26b2, and 26c2 is arranged to overlap with a corresponding first region 26a1, 26b1, and 26c1 of the first pattern layer 26A when viewed in the thickness direction of the decorative thin object.

[0086] While the decorative thin film 200d in Figure 8 is shown as having two first and second design layers, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. The decorative thin film can have any number of first and second design layers. Multiple first and second design layers can be produced by layer printing using a printing method such as screen printing or gravure printing.

[0087] Furthermore, the present disclosure is not limited to the configuration or number of the multiple color regions in each of the first and second design layers. These color regions may be configured, for example, by adjusting the content of interference pigment particles, e.g., the weight percentage of interference pigment, or by including different types of interference pigment particles. Each of the first and second design layers can be configured to include any number of color regions, two or more, and each color region can have any shape and / or size. Furthermore, color regions in the same design layer can be arbitrarily defined so as not to overlap each other. Different first and second design layers can include color regions of different shapes and / or sizes, and each design layer can be configured to any thickness depending on the application.

[0088] In the decorative thin material 200d, the corresponding first pattern layer 25A and second pattern layer 25B can include color-producing regions configured to satisfy condition (1) or condition (2). This improves the uniformity of the luminance of light in the wavelength range λ11 transmitted through the overlapping first regions 25a1, 25b1, and 25c1 and second regions 25a2, 25b2, and 25c2. Similarly to the first pattern layer 25A and second pattern layer 25B, the corresponding first pattern layer 26A and second pattern layer 26B can also include color-producing regions configured to satisfy condition (1) or condition (2), thereby improving the uniformity of the luminance of light in the wavelength range λ12 transmitted through the overlapping first regions 26a1, 26b1, and 26c1 and second regions 26a2, 26b2, and 26c2.

[0089] Furthermore, the decorative thin object 200d is provided with the chromaticity correction layer 28, which can attenuate the light intensity of transmitted light in the visible range different from the wavelength ranges λ11 and λ12, thereby improving the chromaticity shift that occurs when light passes through the first pattern layers 25A and 26A and the second pattern layers 25B and 26B.

[0090] Thus, the decorative thin material 200d of the display device 100D of this embodiment 1 can improve the uniformity of the brightness of the transmitted light and reduce the chromaticity shift that occurs in the transmitted light, thereby improving the visibility of the optical display using the transmitted light.

[0091] <Embodiment 2> The pattern layer 25 of the decorative thin material 20a of the display device 100a shown in FIG. 4 is configured to include regions 25a, 25b, and 25c that develop color with reflected interference light of different light intensities in substantially the same wavelength range λ1, but the present disclosure is not limited to this. The pattern layer of the decorative thin material can also be configured to include regions that develop color with reflected interference light in different wavelength ranges. In this case, the visibility of the optical display of the display device may be affected by the transmission characteristics of the interference pigment. This will be explained with reference to FIG. 9. FIG. 9 is a conceptual cross-sectional view illustrating the influence of the transmission characteristics of the interference pigment.

[0092] Fig. 9 shows a display device 100b including an optical device 30 and a decorative thin material 20b including a pattern layer 35 containing an interference pigment. The decorative thin material 20b differs from the decorative thin material 20a shown in Fig. 4 in the configuration of the pattern layer 35. The following describes the display device 100b, focusing on the different configuration. In Fig. 9, components that are substantially the same as those of the display device 100a in Fig. 4 are designated by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0093] The pattern layer 35 of the decorative thin object 20b is configured to contain interference pigments that develop color in response to reflected interference light in different wavelength ranges. As shown in the figure, the pattern layer 35 includes regions 35a, 35b, and 35c, each of which is configured to contain interference pigments that develop color in response to reflected interference light in different wavelength ranges λ1, λ2, and λ3. The regions that develop color in response to reflected interference light in different wavelength ranges may be configured, for example, by adjusting the thickness of the shell of the interference pigment particles contained therein, or by containing different types of interference pigment particles.

[0094] The optical device 30 transmits light 35 from the rear surface Fb to the decorative thin object 20b. The incident light 35 includes incident light beams 31, 32, and 33 having different wavelength bands λ1, λ2, and λ3, and is incident on the rear surface of the decorative thin object 20a with approximately uniform brightness. Of the incident light beams 35, the incident light beam 31 having the wavelength band λ1 satisfies the constructive interference condition in the region 35a of the pattern layer 35, and the reflected interference light beam 31aF having the wavelength band λ1 is reflected by the region 35a. Similarly, the incident light beam 32 having the wavelength band λ2 and the incident light beam 33 having the wavelength band λ3 satisfies the constructive interference condition in the regions 35b and 35c of the pattern layer 35, respectively, and the reflected interference light beam 32aF having the wavelength band λ2 and the reflected interference light beam 33aF having the wavelength band λ3 are reflected by the regions 35b and 35c, respectively.

[0095] On the front side Fa, transmitted light 35a, 35b, and 35c, including light having a complementary color relationship with the reflected interference light 31aF, 31bF, and 31cF, are emitted from the regions 35a, 35b, and 35c, respectively. In the transmitted light 35a, the transmitted light 31T1 in the wavelength range λ1 has a lower light intensity than the transmitted light 32T and 33T in the wavelength ranges λ2 and λ3, which do not satisfy the constructive interference condition, and the spectral components of the wavelength range λ1 are attenuated. Similarly, in the transmitted light 35b and 35c, the spectral components of the wavelength ranges λ2 and λ3 are attenuated. Thus, as the incident light passes through the decorative thin material 20b, the spectral components of the incident light in different wavelength ranges are attenuated in each color-producing region. This causes spectral nonuniformity in the transmitted light emitted by the color-producing regions on the surface of the decorative thin material 20b, impairing the visibility of the optical display.

[0096] The decorative thin material according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure can improve the above-mentioned problems of the decorative thin material 20b and can enhance the visibility of the optical display by transmitted light. The configuration of the decorative thin material according to the second embodiment will be described below with reference to Figures 10 to 12. In Figures 10 to 12, the same reference numerals are used to designate substantially the same components, and detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0097] (Configuration of display device and decorative thin object) Fig. 10 is a conceptual cross-sectional view showing the configuration of a display device 100E according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 11 is a conceptual cross-sectional view showing the configuration of a pattern layer of a decorative thin material 300 according to the second embodiment. Fig. 12 is a conceptual cross-sectional view showing the transmission characteristics of the decorative thin material 300 of the display device 100E according to the second embodiment.

[0098] The display device 100E of the second embodiment shown in Figure 10 includes a decorative thin object 300 and an optical device 30 that is disposed on the back side Fb of the decorative thin object 300 and emits light. The decorative thin object 300 is composed of, in the thickness direction from the front side Fa to the back side Fb, a hard coat layer 22, a base layer 23, a first pattern layer 35A, a light-shielding layer 27, and a second pattern layer 35B. The decorative thin object 300 may be fabricated by laminating the constituent layers via a light-transmitting adhesive layer, or by laminating the constituent layers by printing using a printing method such as screen printing or gravure printing.

[0099] The display device 100E differs from the display device 100A in Fig. 5 in the configuration of the first pattern layer 35A and the second pattern layer 35B of the decorative thin object 300. The following describes the display device 100E, focusing on the different configuration. Note that in Fig. 10, components that are substantially the same as those of the display device 100A in Fig. 5 are assigned the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0100] As shown in Figure 11, the first pattern layer 35A of the decorative thin material 300 is configured to include first regions 35a1, 35b1, and 35c1, which are multiple color-emitting regions containing interference pigments that emit color with reflected interference light in different wavelength ranges λ1, λ2, and λ3.

[0101] The second pattern layer 35B includes a plurality of color-producing regions, namely, second regions 35a2, 35b2, and 35c2, which are arranged so as to overlap with the first regions 35a1, 35b1, and 35c1 of the first pattern layer 35A, respectively, when viewed in the thickness direction of the decorative thin object (the direction indicated by the arrows in the figure). Therefore, when the optical device 30 is turned on, a portion of the incident light 35 incident from the back side Fb can pass through the overlapping second and first regions of the second pattern layer 35B and the first pattern layer 35A and exit to the front side Fa.

[0102] In this embodiment, at least a portion of the overlapping regions of the first pattern layer 35A and the second pattern layer 25B, such as the first region 35a1 and the second region 35a2, the first region 35b1 and the second region 35b2, and the first region 35c1 and the second region 35c2, can be configured to contain interference pigments that emit complementary colors. That is, at least a portion of the overlapping first and second regions contain interference pigments that emit colors that are opposite each other on the color wheel. Complementary color combinations have the greatest hue difference, such as red and blue-green or yellow and blue-purple.

[0103] The combination of reflected and interfered light from interference pigment particles that produce complementary colors has a spectrum that is essentially white light. Therefore, as shown in Figure 11, when incident light Lb passes through the overlapping second and first regions of the second and first pattern layers 25B and 35A, which are configured to produce complementary colors, the light in each wavelength range is attenuated approximately evenly, and transmitted light Lt1, Lt2, and Lt3 can be emitted with a approximately uniform spectrum.

[0104] The present disclosure is not limited to the configuration or number of the multiple color regions in the first and second pattern layers 35A and 35B. These color regions may be configured, for example, by adjusting the content of interference pigment particles, e.g., the weight percentage of interference pigment, or by including different types of interference pigment particles. Furthermore, the first and second pattern layers 35A and 35B can be configured to include any number of color regions, two or more, and each color region can have any shape and / or size. Furthermore, color regions in the same pattern layer can be arbitrarily defined so as not to overlap each other, and each pattern layer can be configured with any thickness depending on the application. Furthermore, the first and second pattern layers 35A and 35B can be configured to transmit light incident from the back side Fb through the overlapping second and first regions and exit with approximately uniform brightness by adjusting the content or type of interference pigment particles contained.

[0105] (Transmission characteristics of decorative thin material) 12, the optical device 30 emits light 35 from the rear surface side Fb onto the decorative thin object 300. The incident light 35 includes incident light beams 31, 32, and 33 having different wavelength bands λ1, λ2, and λ3, and is incident on the rear surface of the decorative thin object 300 with approximately uniform brightness.

[0106] Because the first region 35a1 of the first pattern layer 35A contains an interference pigment that develops color with reflected interference light in the wavelength range λ1, the light in the wavelength range λ1 of the incident light satisfies the constructive interference condition in the first region 35a1 and is reflected as reflected interference light. In addition, the second region 35a2 contains an interference pigment that develops a color complementary to the first region 35a1, and light outside the wavelength range λ1, including wavelength ranges λ2 and λ3, satisfies the constructive interference condition and is reflected as reflected interference light. Because the light 35a transmitted through the overlapping second region 35a2 and first region 35a1 has a complementary color relationship with the reflected interference light, it can be emitted so as to include transmitted light components 31T1, 32T1, and 33T1 that are approximately equally attenuated from the incident light 31, 32, and 33 in the wavelength ranges λ1, λ2, and λ3. Similarly, the light 35b, 35c transmitted through the overlapping second regions 35b2, 35c2 and the first regions 35b1, 35c1 can be emitted to include transmitted light components 31T1, 32T1, 33T1 that are attenuated approximately evenly in the wavelength ranges λ1, λ2, λ3 of the incident light 31, 32, 33. Therefore, when the incident light passes through the decorative thin object 300, the light of the spectral components in each wavelength range is attenuated approximately evenly in the overlapping color-emitting regions configured to emit colors that are complementary to each other, thereby improving the spectral uniformity of the transmitted light on the surface of the decorative thin object 300 and the visibility of the optical display.

[0107] As described above, the decorative thin member 300 of the display device 100E of the second embodiment improves the uniformity of the spectrum of transmitted light, and can improve the visibility of the optical display by the transmitted light.

[0108] As described above, the above-described embodiments have been described as examples of the technology of the present disclosure. For this purpose, drawings and detailed descriptions are provided. Therefore, the components described in the drawings and detailed descriptions may include not only components essential for solving the problem, but also components that are not essential for solving the problem in order to exemplify the above-described technology. Therefore, the fact that these non-essential components are described in the drawings or detailed descriptions should not be interpreted as immediately indicating that these non-essential components are essential.

[0109] Furthermore, since the above-described embodiments are intended to illustrate the technology of the present disclosure, various modifications, substitutions, additions, omissions, etc. may be made within the scope of the claims or their equivalents. [Industrial Applicability]

[0110] The present disclosure is applicable to a decorative thin object and a display device including the decorative thin object. The present disclosure is applicable to a wide range of fields including in-vehicle parts, home appliances, and housing products. [Explanation of symbols]

[0111] 11,12,13 light display 20, 20a, 20b Decorative thin material 21 Grain pattern 22 Hard coat layer 23 Base material layer 25 Picture layer 25A, 25B, 26A, 26B pattern layer 35, 35A, 35B pattern layer 27 Light blocking layer 28 Chromaticity correction layer 29 Chromaticity correction light shielding layer 30 Optical Devices 50 External light source 100,100a,100b display device 100A,100B,100C,100D,100E Display device 200a, 200b, 200c, 200d, 300 Decorative thin material 200 interference pigment particles 211 Core 212 Shell part

Claims

1. A decorative thin object in which a pattern is visible by light incident on the front surface and is visible by transmitting light incident on the back surface, a first pattern layer and a second pattern layer containing an interference pigment that develops color when reflected interference light in a first wavelength range is received from light incident on the surface; Equipped with the first pattern layer includes a plurality of first regions that develop colors by the reflected interference light of different first light intensities; the second pattern layer includes a plurality of second regions that are arranged to overlap with the first regions when viewed in a thickness direction and that emit colors by the reflected interference light of second light intensities different from each other; the first light intensity includes a light intensity S11 and a light intensity S12, the second light intensity includes a light intensity S21 and a light intensity S22, the light intensity S11 is greater than the light intensity S12, and the light intensity S21 is less than the light intensity S22; Decorative thin material.

2. the relative standard deviation value of the sum of the light intensity S11 and the light intensity S21 and the sum of the light intensity S12 and the light intensity S22 is less than 10%; The decorative film according to claim 1.

3. Further, a light-shielding layer is disposed between the first pattern layer and the second pattern layer, The light-shielding layer has a transmittance of less than 50% for incident light in the visible range. The decorative film according to claim 1 or 2.

4. Further, a chromaticity correction layer is provided on the back surface side of the light-shielding layer, the chromaticity correction layer has a transmittance for light in a visible range different from the first wavelength range among incident light, which is lower than a transmittance for light in the first wavelength range; The decorative film according to claim 3.

5. The light-shielding layer and the chromaticity correction layer are integrally formed. The decorative film according to claim 4.

6. the first pattern layer includes a plurality of layers containing interference pigments that develop colors by reflected interference light of mutually different wavelength ranges; the second pattern layer includes a plurality of layers each corresponding to one of the first pattern layers and each containing an interference pigment that develops color in response to reflected interference light in substantially the same wavelength range as that of the corresponding first pattern layer; Each of the second pattern layers includes the second region arranged so as to overlap with each of the first regions of the corresponding first pattern layer when viewed from the thickness direction. The decorative film according to claim 1 or 2.

7. The decorative thin material according to claim 1 or 2; an optical device disposed opposite the rear surface of the decorative thin object and configured to emit light; Equipped with Display device.

8. A decorative thin object in which a pattern is visible by light incident on the front surface and is visible by transmitting light incident on the back surface, a first pattern layer and a second pattern layer containing an interference pigment that develops color by reflected interference light of light incident on the surface; Equipped with the first pattern layer includes a plurality of first regions that emit colors by reflected interference light of mutually different wavelength ranges; the second pattern layer includes a plurality of second regions arranged so as to overlap with the first regions, as viewed in the thickness direction; At least a portion of the first region and the second region that overlap each other contain interference pigments that emit colors that are complementary to each other. Decorative thin material.

9. Further, a light-shielding layer is disposed between the first pattern layer and the second pattern layer, The light-shielding layer has a transmittance of less than 50% for incident light in the visible range. The decorative film according to claim 8.

10. The decorative thin material according to claim 8 or 9, an optical device disposed opposite the rear surface of the decorative thin object and configured to emit light; Equipped with Display device.

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