Mastering Tool Cell Randomization to Eliminate Moiré Patterns

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Solution Overview

Problem

Mastering tools with highly engineered deterministic textures are prone to mechanical inaccuracies and vibrations, leading to the formation of undesirable interference patterns such as moiré, banding, and color non-uniformity, which deteriorate their aesthetic and cosmetic performance, especially when used to manufacture optical films or sheets.

Innovation Solution

A system utilizing cell geometry randomization and cell placement randomization methodologies to vary the aspect ratio and placement of cells on the mastering tool, achieved through controlled laser light pulses, minimizing or eliminating undesirable patterns by forming cells with varying cell opening sizes and positions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If highly engineered deterministic textures are used on mastering tools, then manufacturing precision and texture uniformity are improved, but mechanical inaccuracies and vibrations cause interference patterns such as moiré, banding, and color non-uniformity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetexture uniformityVSAvoidinterference patterns
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by varying cell geometry parameters (size, shape, depth) and placement positions within different regions of the mastering tool surface. This creates non-uniform local characteristics that prevent global interference patterns while maintaining local texture consistency, thereby resolving the contradiction between manufacturing precision and harmful interference patterns.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces asymmetry by deliberately varying cell geometries and placements to create irregular patterns. This asymmetry breaks the periodicity that causes moiré and banding effects, allowing the mastering tool to maintain high texture uniformity without generating interference patterns when used to manufacture optical films.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

2Manufacturing precision

If cell opening sizes are reduced to achieve finer textures, then manufacturing precision is improved, but interference patterns and banding become more pronounced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetexture finenessVSAvoidbanding patterns
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements local quality by allowing cell opening sizes to vary within small regions rather than maintaining uniform sizes across the entire surface. This local variation prevents the formation of regular patterns that cause banding, while still achieving fine texture resolution through appropriately small cell dimensions in each local area.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-randomizing cell geometry and placement parameters before the texturing process. This pre-established variability in cell characteristics prevents interference patterns from forming during operation, allowing fine textures to be created without subsequent banding issues.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Manufacturing precision

If regular texture patterns are used to achieve deterministic surfaces, then manufacturing precision is improved, but mechanical inaccuracies create visible bands and patterns

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesurface determinismVSAvoidvisible bands
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses asymmetry by creating irregular, non-repeating texture patterns where cell geometries and placements vary systematically. This asymmetric design maintains deterministic surface properties for optical performance while eliminating the regular periodicity that amplifies mechanical inaccuracies into visible bands and patterns.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies parameter changes by systematically varying multiple texture parameters including cell size, shape, depth, and placement positions. These controlled parameter variations create deterministic surfaces with optimized optical properties while preventing the formation of visible bands through deliberate non-uniformity in the texture characteristics.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 system effectively minimizes or eliminates undesirable patterns on the mastering tool, resulting in improved aesthetic and cosmetic performance by creating textured surfaces that do not transfer unwanted bands or patterns to the films or sheets.

Implementation Method 1

A system utilizing cell geometry randomization and cell placement randomization methodologies to vary the aspect ratio and placement of cells on the mastering tool, achieved through controlled laser light pulses

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLaser ablation: Laser Ablation

Data Source

PatentEP2029311B1Systems and methods for forming a plurality of cells on mastering tools
Publication Date: 2013.04.17 SABIC INNOVATIVE PLASTICS IP BV
  • EP2029311B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2029311B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP2029311B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

Mastering tools and systems and methods for forming a plurality of cells on the mastering tools are provided. In particular, the systems vary the geometry of the cells or the placement of the cells, or both, for forming a textured surface on a mastering tool.