Cholesteric Liquid Crystal Image Material with Alignment Angle Variation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image recording methods using ink containing liquid crystal compounds do not effectively achieve a stereoscopic effect, which is required for certain applications.
Innovation Solution
An image recorded material and method utilizing a cholesteric liquid crystal layer with a specific stripe pattern and alignment angles, applied using an ink jet recording method and cured with active energy rays, to achieve a stereoscopic effect.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a cholesteric liquid crystal layer with a stripe pattern is used, then wavelength-selective reflectivity is achieved, but a stereoscopic effect cannot be obtained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating multiple regions within the cholesteric liquid crystal layer, each with different alignment angles (first alignment angle and second alignment angle). This local variation in alignment properties allows different regions to reflect light at different angles, thereby achieving both wavelength-selective reflectivity and stereoscopic effect simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces asymmetry by having the first and second alignment angles be different from each other. This asymmetric alignment structure creates regions that respond differently to light from various viewing angles, enabling the stereoscopic effect while maintaining the wavelength-selective reflectivity characteristic of cholesteric liquid crystals.
2Ease of manufacture
If a uniform cholesteric liquid crystal layer is used, then manufacturing is simple, but a stereoscopic effect cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
Rather than creating a completely uniform layer, the patent introduces controlled local variations in alignment angle within the cholesteric liquid crystal layer. This approach maintains the overall simplicity of the liquid crystal layer structure while introducing specific regional differences that enable the stereoscopic effect.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the cholesteric liquid crystal layer into multiple regions with different alignment angles. This segmentation allows the layer to maintain ease of manufacture as a single liquid crystal layer while achieving the stereoscopic effect through the differentiated alignment properties of its segments.
3Device complexity
If the alignment angle is kept constant throughout the layer, then the structure is simple, but viewing angle dependence is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces asymmetry in the alignment angle distribution by defining multiple regions with different alignment angles (first alignment angle and second alignment angle). This asymmetric configuration creates viewing angle dependence in different regions, allowing the image to be viewed from multiple angles while maintaining a relatively simple overall layer structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by varying the alignment angle in different regions of the cholesteric liquid crystal layer. This local variation in alignment properties enables viewing angle dependence without requiring complex overall structure, as each region independently contributes to the viewing characteristics.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution provides a noticeable stereoscopic effect by creating regions with significant differences in alignment angles and film thickness, enhancing the perceived three-dimensionality of the image.
Implementation Method 1
Cholesteric liquid crystals prepared by adding a chiral agent to the liquid crystal compound have unique light reflectivity and have characteristics in that tone changes depending on the viewing angle
Implementation Method 2
cholesteric liquid crystal layer having wavelength-selective reflectivity
Implementation Method 3
applying an ink containing a polymerizable liquid crystal compound, a chiral compound, and a solvent onto a substrate by an ink jet recording method
Implementation Method 4
irradiating the ink applied onto the substrate with an active energy ray to record an image which is a cured film of the ink
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are an image recorded material including a substrate and an image recorded on the substrate, in which the image includes a cholesteric liquid crystal layer, the cholesteric liquid crystal layer has a stripe pattern of a bright portion and a dark portion, observed by a scanning electron microscope, in a cross section along a thickness direction of the image, in a case where an angle between a continuous line which is the bright portion or the dark portion and a main surface of the substrate is defined as an alignment angle, at least two regions in which an absolute value of a difference of the alignment angles is 5° or more are provided, and both of the two regions have a length of width of 1 mm or more in an in-plane direction of the substrate; and applications thereof.