Optical film, display module, and display screen

Abstract

As an optical film, a display module, and a display screen, the optical film comprises a main body, a plurality of microstructures, and an opaque layer. The microstructures are disposed on one side of the main body, and these microstructures are protruding arch-shaped structures. The opaque layer is attached to the main body and is set to face the microstructures on the other side of the main body, and the opaque layer comprises a plurality of openings. Here, the center point of the opening overlaps with the center point of the microstructure on the projection plane. Here, the value obtained by dividing the equivalent diameter of the opening by the equivalent diameter of the microstructure is 0.3 or less, and the value obtained by dividing the equivalent diameter of the microstructure by the thickness of the main body is 1.3 or less and 0.7 or more. Here, the opaque layer is oriented toward a light source. A beneficial effect is that it can generate better collimating light, thereby further improving the performance of the display module.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an optical film, in particular to an optical film for use in a display module or a micro-projection system. Background Technology

[0002] Optical modules are widely used in many products, such as displays, fiber optic communications, and medical devices. Among these, display modules are extensively used in liquid crystal displays (LCDs), and their primary function is to provide a uniform light source to display clear images.

[0003] Conventional display modules primarily use tubes or LEDs as light sources and coordinate them in combination with other optical components (e.g., diffusers, light guides, reflectors, etc.) to achieve a uniform brightness effect. Such designs for display modules typically involve multiple complex optical components, which increases manufacturing steps, raises costs, and increases the difficulty of assembly.

[0004] To address these issues, some advanced display module designs have adopted microstructure technology. This technology enables the design of various optical functions, such as reflection, refraction, and diffusion, into a single optical component, thereby achieving the goal of controlling the light path and improving brightness uniformity.

[0005] However, while this type of microstructure design is theoretically possible, it faces many challenges in actual manufacturing. For example, the creation of microstructures requires precise lithographic techniques, which entail higher costs and technical limitations. On the other hand, conventional microstructure designs often fail to achieve optimal optical effects because the ability to control the optical path remains limited; in particular, the results frequently differ from expectations when handling high-brightness or wide-angle applications.

[0006] In summary, while there has been some progress in the design of existing display modules, many issues still remain to be addressed. For instance, the cost and complexity of existing designs are still high, and there is still room for improvement in optical performance. Consequently, there is still a significant demand for new design and manufacturing technologies for display modules.

[0007] Considering the above-mentioned problems, this patent proposes an optical film capable of generating better collimated light and further improving the performance of a display module by using a combination of a microstructure lens and an aperture in the design. Specific technical means are as follows:

[0008] As an optical film suitable as a component of an optical device including a light source, the optical film is characterized by comprising a main body, a plurality of microstructures, and an opaque layer. The microstructures are located on one side of the main body and protrude in an arched structure. The opaque layer is attached to the main body and is set on the opposite side of the microstructures on the other side of the main body, and the opaque layer includes a plurality of openings. Here, the center point of the opening overlaps with the center point of the microstructures on the projection plane. Here, the value obtained by dividing the equivalent diameter of the openings by the equivalent diameter of the microstructures is 0.3 or less, and the value obtained by dividing the equivalent diameter of the microstructures by the thickness of the main body is 1.3 or less and 0.7 or more. Here, the opaque layer is oriented toward the light source.

[0009] In the above optical film, the microstructure and apertures are uniformly arranged in the main body.

[0010] In the optical film above, the microstructure and apertures are arranged in an array pattern.

[0011] In the optical film above, the microstructure and apertures are arranged in a honeycomb pattern.

[0012] In the above optical film, the microstructure and apertures are randomly arranged on the main body.

[0013] In the above optical film, the microstructures intersect each other in the main body.

[0014] In the above optical film, the opaque layer is composed of a light-absorbing material.

[0015] In the optical film above, the main body is made of polycarbonate (PC), polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), or glass, and the opaque layer is made of nickel, silver, gold, aluminum, titanium dioxide, or silicon dioxide.

[0016] In the optical film above, the opaque layer is a reflective material.

[0017] The present patent also provides a display module characterized by comprising at least one of the optical films and a plurality of light sources. The light sources are disposed below the optical film. The optical film is oriented such that a surface having an opaque layer faces the light source.

[0018] The above display module further includes at least one diffusion layer located between the optical film and the light source.

[0019] In the above display module, the diffusion layer is attached to the lower surface of the optical film.

[0020] The above display module further includes a liquid crystal panel positioned on an optical film.

[0021] The display module further includes a polarizing beam splitter and a spatial light modulator, wherein the polarizing beam splitter is placed on an optical film. Light emitted from a light source is reflected by the polarizing beam splitter to the spatial light modulator.

[0022] The present patent also provides a display screen comprising a display module and at least one of the optical film. The optical film is attached to the display module, and the optical film is oriented such that the side having an opaque layer faces the display module. The foregoing and additional objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become more readily apparent from the following detailed description, which proceeds with reference to the accompanying drawings. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0023] Figure 1 illustrates the optical film of the present patent. Figure 2 shows a schematic diagram of an optical film and a light source. Figures 3 and 4 illustrate the array arrangement of microstructures and apertures. Figures 5 and 6 illustrate the microstructure and honeycomb arrangement of the openings. Figures 7 and 8 illustrate the microstructure and the random arrangement of openings. FIGS. 9 to 11 illustrate arrays and cross arrangements of microstructures. FIGS. 12 to 14 illustrate the honeycomb arrangement and cross arrangement of the microstructure. FIGS. 15 and 16 to 28 illustrate a method for manufacturing an optical film according to the present patent. Figure 29 shows an optical simulation result table. Figures 30 to 33 illustrate light distribution simulation diagrams. Figures 34 and 35 show light distribution graphs. FIGS. 36 to 39 illustrate light distribution simulation diagrams of other embodiments. Figures 40 and 41 show light distribution graphs. FIG. 42 illustrates a first embodiment of the application field. FIG. 43 illustrates a second embodiment of the application field. FIG. 44 illustrates a third embodiment of the application field. FIG. 45 illustrates a fourth embodiment of the application field. FIG. 46 illustrates a fifth embodiment of the application field. FIG. 47 illustrates a sixth embodiment of the application field. FIG. 48 illustrates a seventh embodiment of the application field. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0024] Refer to FIG. 1, which illustrates an optical film (100) of the present patent. This optical film (100) is suitable as a component of an optical device comprising at least one light source. The optical device may be, for example, a display device or a backlight module, and the light source refers to an LED in the display device or backlight module.

[0025] The optical film (100) of the present patent comprises a plurality of microstructures (111), a body (112), and an opaque layer (120). The body (112) may be made of a transparent material such as polycarbonate (PC), polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), or glass. A plurality of microstructures (111) are located on one side of the body (112), and these microstructures (111) are protruding arched structures.

[0026] Among these, the thickness of the main body (112) and the equivalent diameter of the microstructure (111) may be determined according to optical properties and actual requirements, but the thickness of the main body (112) and the equivalent diameter of the microstructure (111) have a specific proportional relationship. In this embodiment, the value obtained by dividing the equivalent diameter (A) of the microstructure (111) by the thickness (t) of the main body (112) is 1.3 or less and 0.7 or more.

[0027] The opaque layer (120) is set on the other side of the main body (112) facing the microstructure (111) and by the side of the opaque layer (120) facing the light source, that is, the opaque layer (120) is set on the light entry surface of the optical film (100) and the microstructure (111) is set on the light exit surface of the optical film (100). The opaque layer (120) may be made of an opaque material such as nickel, silver, gold, aluminum, titanium dioxide, or silicon dioxide. In one embodiment, the opaque layer (120) may also be selected from a reflective material to reflect light from the light source. In another embodiment, the opaque layer (120) may be made of a light-absorbing material, for example, formed from black ink.

[0028] Additionally, the opaque layer (120) also includes a plurality of openings (121). The design of these openings (121) allows light to pass through the optical film (100) at a specific angle. The positions of the microstructure (111) and the openings (121) correspond to each other, specifically, the center point of the openings (121) overlaps with the center point of the microstructure (111) on the projection plane. Also, the equivalent diameter of the microstructure (111) and the equivalent diameter of the openings (121) are related. In this embodiment, the value obtained by dividing the equivalent diameter (d) of the openings (121) by the equivalent diameter (A) of the microstructure (111) is 0.3 or less.

[0029] Refer to FIG. 2, which illustrates an optical film (100) and a light source. When the optical film (100) is set in the light source module (10) and the surface of the opaque layer (120) is aligned with the light source, light emitted by the light source will first reach the opaque layer (120). Some large-angle light will be blocked by the opaque layer (120), and other small-angle light will pass through the opening (121) on the opaque layer (120) and enter the main body (112). Since the positions of the opening (121) and the microstructure (111) correspond to each other, the light passing through the opening (121) will additionally pass through the microstructure (111). Additionally, if the opaque layer (120) is selected as a reflective material, it can reflect light from the light source module (10) and match the reflector of the light source module (10) itself, so that light originally blocked by the opaque layer (120) can pass through the opening (121) after reflection, thereby reducing the overall brightness loss.

[0030] At this stage, since the microstructure (111) adopts an arched shape, the microstructure (111) can create a lens effect, thereby creating light passing through the microstructure (111) from a collimated beam when emitted. This effectively controls the conduction of light so that the light is emitted in a specific manner and enables it to play a role in subsequent applications, such as being used as a privacy film for a display module or display panel.

[0031] Additionally, the microstructure (111) and the opening (121) may be arranged in different ways. Refer to FIG. 3 and 4, which illustrate an array arrangement of the microstructure (111a) and the opening (121a). In this embodiment, the microstructure (111a) and the opening (121a) are arranged in an array form on an optical film (100a) in an average horizontal and vertical alignment manner.

[0032] Refer to FIG. 5 and 6, which illustrate a honeycomb arrangement of microstructures (111b) and openings (121b). In this embodiment, the microstructures (111b) and openings (121b) are arranged staggered in a vertical line to form a honeycomb arrangement.

[0033] Refer to FIG. 7 and 8, which illustrate a random arrangement of microstructures (111c) and openings (121c). In this embodiment, the microstructures (111c) and openings (121c) are randomly distributed on the main body (112c) or the opaque layer (120c) and do not strictly follow a specific arrangement pattern. It is worth noting that even if the microstructures (111c) and openings (121c) are randomly arranged, there is still a corresponding positional relationship between the microstructures (111c) and openings (121c), which is related to the manufacturing method of the optical film (100c), and this feature will be explained later.

[0034] Additionally, the microstructures (111) do not need to be completely independent of each other. In some embodiments, the microstructures (111) may also intersect each other. Referring to FIGS. 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, and 14, FIGS. 9 through 11 illustrate an array and an intersecting arrangement of microstructures (111d), and FIGS. 12 through 14 illustrate a honeycomb arrangement and an intersecting arrangement of microstructures (111e). FIG. 11 is a three-dimensional image of an array and an intersecting arrangement of microstructures (111d), and FIG. 14 is a three-dimensional image of a honeycomb arrangement and an intersecting arrangement of microstructures (111e). In this embodiment, each microstructure (111d, 111e) overlaps with an adjacent microstructure (111d, 111e) to form an intersecting arrangement. And the openings (121d, 121e) of the opaque layers (120d, 120e) still correspond to the microstructure (111d, 111e).

[0035] In the embodiments of FIGS. 9 to 14, it is worth noting that the equivalent diameter (A) of the microstructure (111) refers to the diameter of the microstructures (111d and 111e), specifically, this is a polygon formed by the intersection points of the microstructures (111d and 111e), and the diagonal length is the equivalent diameter (A) of the microstructure (111). Also, the openings (121d, 121e) are formed by the microstructures (111d or 111e), so that the openings (121d, 121e) can form a polygonal shape, and the diagonal length of these polygons is the equivalent diameter (d) of the openings (121d, 121e). A method for manufacturing an optical film (100) will be described below.

[0036] Refer to FIGS. 15 and 16 to 28, which illustrate a method for manufacturing an optical film (100) of the present patent. First, step S110 of providing a first mold substrate (210) is performed (as shown in FIG. 16). Then, step S120 of forming a plurality of first microstructures (211) on the first mold substrate (210) using, for example, lithography or diamond knife carving techniques to form the first microstructures (211) is performed (as shown in FIG. 17).

[0037] In this embodiment, lithography is used in step S120 to form a first microstructure (211). Specifically, a photosensitive material is coated on a first mold substrate (210). This photosensitive material is a material capable of reacting to light (typically ultraviolet light), and its chemical structure will change due to irradiation with light. Then, an exposure is performed using a mask, and a pattern on the mask can be projected onto the photosensitive material through light. Then, the exposed photosensitive material is washed and removed using a developer to obtain a corresponding first microstructure (211) pattern. Finally, an etching process, which may be dry etching or wet etching, is performed using an etching solution to etch away parts not protected by the photosensitive material, leaving the desired first microstructure (211).

[0038] When the manufacturing of the first microstructure (211) is completed, step S130 of casting a second mold (220) onto the first microstructure (211) is performed (as illustrated in FIG. 18). The second mold (220) includes a plurality of second microstructures (221), which correspond to the first microstructure (211). Additionally, in step S130, the second mold (220) is formed by an electrocasting method. Specifically, an electrolyte containing metal ions is first prepared, and the metal ions are selected according to the material requirements of the second mold (220). Then, the first mold substrate (210) having the first microstructure (211) is placed in the electrolyte, which is connected to the negative electrode of a DC power supply to serve as the cathode of the electrocasting. At the same time, another piece of the same metal or insoluble metal plate (e.g., platinum) is connected to the positive electrode of the DC power supply to serve as the anode of the electrocasting. Subsequently, when electricity is conducted, metal ions will move from the electrolyte to the surface (cathode) of the first mold substrate (210), where they will undergo chemical reduction to form stable metal atoms that will be attached to the surface of the first mold substrate (210). Since the surface of the first mold substrate (210) has a first microstructure (211), the metal atoms will be attached according to the shape of this first microstructure (211) to form a second microstructure (221) of the same shape. When these metal atoms reach a specific thickness, the second mold (220) and the corresponding second microstructure (211) surface are formed.

[0039] After the second mold (220) is formed, step S140 is performed to remove the first mold substrate (210) and leave the second mold (220) and the second microstructure (221) (as shown in FIG. 19). Then, step S150 is performed to provide a film substrate (201) (as shown in FIG. 20), and the film substrate (201) is a transparent material such as, for example, polycarbonate (PC), polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), or glass. Then, step S160 is performed to form a microstructure layer (202) on the film substrate (201) (as shown in FIG. 21). Next, step S170 using the second mold (220) is performed (as shown in FIG. 22), and the second microstructure (221) is transferred to the microstructure layer (202) so that the microstructure layer (202) forms a plurality of third microstructures (231). When the second mold (22) is removed, a film substrate (201) having the third microstructures (231) will be obtained (as shown in FIG. 23).

[0040] In one embodiment, steps S150 and S170 are performed by hot stamping to form an optical film (230). First, a plastic sheet or film (i.e., a microstructure layer (202)) is placed on a film substrate (201). Then, the plastic sheet or film is heated above its melting point. Then, when the plastic or film softens, a second mold (220) is pressed onto the plastic sheet or film to transfer the shape of the second microstructure (221) onto the plastic sheet or film. After cooling the plastic sheet or film and removing the second mold (220), a film substrate (201) having a third microstructure (231) can be obtained.

[0041] In another embodiment, steps S150 and S170 are performed by UV imprinting to form a third microstructure (231). First, a UV-curable resin is coated onto the microstructure layer (i.e., the microstructure layer (202)), and then a second mold (220) is brought into contact with the UV-curable resin and an appropriate pressure is applied so that the UV-curable resin and the second microstructure (221) are completely bonded. Then, UV light is used to irradiate the UV-curable resin so that the UV-curable resin is cured and a third microstructure (231) corresponding to the second microstructure (221) can be formed. After removing the second mold (220), a film base (201) having the third microstructure (231) can be obtained.

[0042] After obtaining a film substrate (201) having a third microstructure (231), step S180 of forming a negative photoresist layer (240) is performed (as shown in FIG. 24), and the negative photoresist layer (240) is set on the other side of the third microstructure (231). The negative photoresist layer (240) is made of a photosensitive material, which undergoes a chemical structural change after exposure to light.

[0043] Next, step S190 is performed to expose a negative photoresist layer (240) from the front of the film substrate (201), that is, the side having the third microstructure (231) (as shown in FIG. 25). At this time, the third microstructure (231) can create the effect of a small lens because the arched surface can concentrate the exposed light to a specific location, thereby guiding the exposed light to a specific location on the negative photoresist layer (240).

[0044] After exposure, step S200 is performed to remove the unexposed portion of the negative photoresist layer (240) (as illustrated in FIG. 26). Specifically, the portion of the negative photoresist layer (240) exposed to light will undergo a chemical change and harden, and a developer may be used to remove the unexposed portion to form a first opening (241) on the negative photoresist layer (240). In steps S180 to S200, using a self-alignment technique to form the first opening (241) on the negative photoresist layer (240) using the third microstructure (231) and optical properties, the first opening (241) and the third microstructure (231) will have corresponding positions.

[0045] After forming the first opening (241), step S210 is performed to form an opaque layer (250) on the first opening (241) (as shown in FIG. 27). Then, step S220 is performed to remove the negative photoresist layer (240) to obtain an opaque layer (250) having a plurality of second openings (251) (as shown in FIG. 28), and these second openings (251) correspond to the opening (121) of FIG. 1. Thus, the manufacture of the optical film (230 (100)) of the present patent is completed, and the simulation and experimental results of the optical film (100) will be described next.

[0046] Refer to FIG. 29, which illustrates a table of optical simulation results. In this simulation, the parameters used include aperture ratio α and luminous efficiency EFF. The aperture ratio describes the ratio of the aperture area to the total area of ​​the optical film (100), and the luminous efficiency describes the percentage of luminous flux remaining after light has passed through the optical film (100). Additionally, the optical film (100) used in the simulation is an array of microstructures (111) each having a length and width of 5 mm and a thickness of 0.1 mm. Optical films (100) having aperture ratios α of 100%, 10%, 20%, and 30% were used for a number of simulations. The light source is a 5050 LED package.

[0047] In FIG. 29, the optical film (100) is not used, i.e., the aperture ratio α is 100%. In this case, the luminous flux is 9.473 units and the luminous efficiency is 100%, because there is no material blocking the passage of light. When the optical film (100) having an aperture ratio α of 10% is used, the luminous flux decreases to 0.234 units, and the corresponding luminous efficiency EFF is 2.47%. When the optical film (100) having an aperture ratio α of 20% is used, the luminous flux increases to 0.872 units, and the corresponding luminous efficiency EFF is 9.2%. When the optical film (100) having an aperture ratio α of 30% is used, the luminous flux further increases to 1.753 units, and the corresponding luminous efficiency EFF is 18.5%.

[0048] Next, refer to FIGS. 30 to 33, which are light distribution simulation diagrams. In FIG. 30, the optical film (100) is not used (corresponding to an aperture ratio α of 100% in FIG. 29), and the light emitted by the light source is completely diffused. In FIG. 31, the optical film (100) having an aperture ratio of 10% is used (corresponding to an aperture ratio α of 10% in FIG. 29), and it can be observed that the light is significantly concentrated in the center and the brightness is relatively reduced. In FIG. 32, the optical film (100) having an aperture ratio of 20% is used (corresponding to an aperture ratio α of 20% in FIG. 29), and the light is still concentrated in the center, and the brightness and area have increased slightly compared to FIG. 31. In FIG. 33, an optical film (100) having an aperture ratio of 30% is used (corresponding to an aperture ratio α of 30% in FIG. 29), and a situation of light concentrated at the center is maintained, and brightness and area are higher than in FIG. 32, and some brightness can also be observed around the edges. From the simulation results, it can be seen that the optical film (100) has the ability to control light. When light passes through the microstructure (111) of the film, its propagation path and distribution will be changed due to the intervention of the microstructure (111).

[0049] Next, refer to FIGS. 34 and 35, which are light distribution diagrams. These light distribution diagrams correspond to FIGS. 30 through 33 and are used to display light intensity at various viewing angles. Among them, FIG. 34 uses light intensity as the unit on the vertical axis, and FIG. 35 uses relative light intensity on the vertical axis. Additionally, curve (501) corresponds to FIG. 30, curve (502) corresponds to FIG. 31, curve (503) corresponds to FIG. 32, and curve (504) corresponds to FIG. 33. In these figures, 0 degrees is equivalent to viewing perpendicularly to the optical film (100), and ±90 degrees is equivalent to viewing parallel to the optical film (100).

[0050] Referring to FIGS. 34 and 35, since the optical film (100) is not used, the curve (501) is considerably smooth, with the light intensity being greatest at 0 degrees and gradually decreasing as it approaches ±90 degrees, meaning that light is visible at most angles. However, the curves (502 to 504) show the greatest light intensity within the ±10 degree range, and the light intensity drops significantly outside the ±10 degree range. This implies that after using the optical film (100), good light intensity can be obtained within the ±10 degree range, which also implies that it is visible within the ±10 degree range. It should be noted that at the ±50 degree position, the curves (503 and 504) exhibit a protruding phenomenon. This implies that as the aperture ratio increases, light leakage occurs at this position.

[0051] Refer to FIG. 36 through 39, which are light distribution simulation diagrams of other embodiments. In this embodiment, the optical film (100) used in the simulation is an array of microstructures (111) each having a length and width of 5 mm and a thickness of 0.1 mm, and the light source is a 5050 LED or backlight module package, and the backlight module includes commonly used components of a backlight module such as a diffuser plate and a brightness enhancement film (or dual brightness enhancement film).

[0052] In FIG. 36, an LED is used as a light source, and an optical film (100) is not used, and the light emitted by the light source is completely diffused. In FIG. 37, an optical film (100) having an aperture ratio of 10% is used, and it can be observed that the light is significantly concentrated in the center.

[0053] In FIG. 38, a display module is used as a light source, and no optical film (100) is used. The light emitted by the light source is completely diffused and influenced by a diffuser or reinforcing film, and the light intensity is stronger in the vertical direction. In FIG. 39, an optical film (100) having an aperture ratio of 10% is used for the display module, and it can be observed that the light is significantly concentrated in the center, which is very similar to the simulation result of FIG. 37.

[0054] Refer to FIGS. 40 and 41, which illustrate a light distribution graph. As can be seen, curve (601) corresponds to FIG. 36, curve (602) corresponds to FIG. 37, curves (603 and 603') correspond to FIG. 38, where curve (603) represents light intensity in the horizontal direction, curve (603') represents light intensity in the vertical direction, and curve (604) corresponds to FIG. 39. Referring to FIGS. 40 and 41, for curves (601, 603 and 603'), that is, when the optical film (100) is not used, the curves are very smooth, and the light intensity is greatest at 0 degrees and gradually decreases as it approaches ±90 degrees. That is, light is visible at most angles. However, curves (602 and 604) show the greatest light intensity within a ±10 degree range and drop significantly outside a ±10 degree range.

[0055] By combining the simulation results from FIGS. 30 to 35 and FIGS. 36 to 41, it can be seen that after using the optical film (100) of the present patent, light can be effectively concentrated within a range of ±10 degrees to achieve a level of privacy protection. Furthermore, whether simply using an LED as a light source or using a display module (including a diffuser and a reinforcing film), the optical film (100) of the present patent can produce significant results after refraction. Next, the application of the optical film (100) of the present patent as a component of an optical device will be described.

[0056] Refer to FIG. 42, which illustrates a first embodiment of the application field. In the embodiment of FIG. 42, the optical film (100) is placed directly on the display module (301) using an optically transparent adhesive (350) (OCA) for fixation. Thus, the optical film (100) will be set over the light source (310), the diffuser plate (320), the optical component (330), and the liquid crystal panel (340). Specifically, in the embodiment of FIG. 42, the optical film (100) is attached to the display module of the display screen to achieve a privacy effect.

[0057] Refer to FIG. 43, which illustrates a second embodiment of the application field. In the embodiment of FIG. 43, the optical film (100) is integrated into a display module (301). The optical film (100) will be set between the optical component (330) and the liquid crystal panel (340).

[0058] Refer to FIG. 44, which illustrates a third embodiment of the application field. In the embodiment of FIG. 44, the optical film (100) replaces the original optical component (330) of the display module (301). Accordingly, the optical film (100) will be set on the diffuser plate (320). In one embodiment, an optically transparent adhesive (350) (OCA) may be used to adhere to the diffuser plate (320). That is, the diffuser plate (320) is adhered to the lower surface of the optical film (100) through the optically transparent adhesive (350).

[0059] Refer to FIG. 45, which illustrates a fourth embodiment of the application field. In the embodiment of FIG. 45, the display module (301) is configured with only an optical film (100). This can further reduce the thickness of the display module (301).

[0060] Refer to FIG. 46, which illustrates a fifth embodiment of the application field. In the embodiment of FIG. 46, the optical film (100) is integrated into a different type of display module (301'). The optical film (100) will be set between the optical component (300) and the liquid crystal panel (340). Below the optical component (330) is a light guide plate (312), and a light-emitting component (311) is set on the side of the light guide plate (312).

[0061] Refer to FIG. 47, which illustrates a sixth embodiment of the application field. In the embodiment of FIG. 47, the display module (301') is configured with only an optical film (100). This further reduces the thickness of the display module (301').

[0062] FIGS. 42 to 46 demonstrate various methods of integrating the optical film (100) with the display module (301) to utilize the characteristics of the optical film (100) and effectively control the propagation of light to achieve a privacy effect.

[0063] Refer to FIG. 48, which illustrates a seventh embodiment of the application. In the embodiment of FIG. 48, this is integrated with a polarizing beam splitter (410) (PBS). Light emitted by the light source (310) will pass through the optical film (100) and form collimated light. This collimated light is further reflected by the polarizing beam splitter to a spatial light modulator (420), for example, a silicon liquid crystal (LCOS) component.

[0064] Due to the optical film (100) of this patent, which provides collimating light with better uniformity and transmission efficiency, it can be used with polarizing beam splitters and LCOS components such as projectors, head-mounted devices, and virtual reality devices, which provide better resolution and image quality. Additionally, the optical film (100) of this patent can replace various films or lenses and other optical components of projectors, head-mounted devices, and virtual reality devices, thereby further reducing the thickness and manufacturing cost of the device.

[0065] In summary, the optical film (100) of the present patent can effectively generate collimating light by utilizing the relationship between the microstructure (111) and the aperture (121) of the opaque layer (120). This can be very useful in many applications. For example, it can be used as a privacy film to provide privacy protection. This film allows the display to be viewed from a specific angle, while the content cannot be viewed from other angles, so it can be applied to devices used in public places, such as ATMs or personal computers.

[0066] The optical film (100) may also be used in a head-mounted device such as a virtual reality (VR) headset. Since the collimating light has more effective light transmission efficiency and reduces light scattering and reflection, the optical film can help improve display quality to provide clearer and more vivid images, better contrast, and better vivid colors. The optical film (100) can also replace parts of the lens or film and other optical components of the display module, thereby further reducing the thickness and manufacturing cost of the display module.

[0067] The above embodiments are for illustrative purposes only and are examples. A person skilled in the art to which this patent pertains may make modifications, but such modifications will not exceed the scope of protection desired in the claims.

Claims

Claim 1 An optical film configured for use as a component of an optical device including a light source, comprising: a transparent body; a plurality of microstructures located on one side of the transparent body — said microstructures are protruding arch-shaped structures —; and an opaque layer attached to the other side of the transparent body opposite to said microstructures — said opaque layer has a plurality of openings —; wherein the aperture ratio, defined as the ratio of the total area of ​​the plurality of openings to the total area of ​​the opaque layer, is 10% or less; said microstructures and openings are arranged at corresponding positions such that light entering the transparent body through each opening further passes through the corresponding microstructure; said center point of the opening overlaps with the center point of the microstructure on the projection plane; said value obtained by dividing the equivalent diameter of the opening by the equivalent diameter of the microstructure is 0.3 or less, and said value obtained by dividing the equivalent diameter of the microstructure by the thickness of the transparent body is 1.3 or less and 0.7 or more; and said opaque layer is configured to generate collimated light by refracting light from a light source passing through the openings through a convex lens. Claim 2 delete Claim 3 delete Claim 4 An optical film according to claim 1, wherein the microstructure and openings are arranged in a honeycomb pattern. Claim 5 delete Claim 6 delete Claim 7 delete Claim 8 delete Claim 9 delete Claim 10 As a display module, a plurality of light sources; and at least one optical film disposed over the light sources ― the optical film comprises: a transparent body; a plurality of microstructures located on one side of the transparent body, wherein the microstructures are protruding arch-shaped structures; A display module comprising: an opaque layer attached to the other side of a transparent body facing the microstructure, wherein the opaque layer has a plurality of openings; wherein the aperture ratio, defined as the ratio of the total area of ​​the plurality of openings to the total area of ​​the opaque layer, is 10% or less; wherein the microstructure and the openings are arranged at corresponding positions such that light entering the transparent body through each opening further passes through the corresponding microstructure; wherein the center point of the opening overlaps with the center point of the microstructure on the projection plane; wherein the value obtained by dividing the equivalent diameter of the opening by the equivalent diameter of the microstructure is 0.3 or less, and the value obtained by dividing the equivalent diameter of the microstructure by the thickness of the transparent body is 1.3 or less and 0.7 or more; wherein the opaque layer is oriented toward a light source; and wherein the optical film is configured to generate collimated light by refracting light from the light source passing through the openings through a convex lens, and wherein the optical film is oriented toward the side having the opaque layer facing the light source. Claim 11 delete Claim 12 delete Claim 13 delete Claim 14 delete Claim 15 A display screen comprising: a display module including a plurality of light sources; and at least one optical film; wherein the optical film comprises: a transparent body; a plurality of microstructures located on one side of the transparent body, wherein the microstructures are protruding arch-shaped structures; A display screen comprising: an opaque layer attached to the other side of a transparent body facing the microstructure, wherein the opaque layer has a plurality of openings; wherein the aperture ratio, defined as the ratio of the total area of ​​the plurality of openings to the total area of ​​the opaque layer, is 10% or less; wherein the microstructure and the openings are arranged at corresponding positions such that light entering the transparent body through each opening further passes through the corresponding microstructure; wherein the center point of the opening overlaps with the center point of the microstructure on the projection plane; wherein the value obtained by dividing the equivalent diameter of the opening by the equivalent diameter of the microstructure is 0.3 or less, and the value obtained by dividing the equivalent diameter of the microstructure by the thickness of the transparent body is 1.3 or less and 0.7 or more; wherein the opaque layer is oriented toward a light source; and wherein the optical film is configured to generate collimated light by refracting light from the light source passing through the openings through a convex lens; wherein the optical film is attached to a display module, and the optical film is oriented such that the side having the opaque layer faces the display module.

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