Multi-Zone Polarizing Optical Articles for Display Visibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional polarizing sunglasses often interfere with liquid crystal display panels due to cross-polarization issues, making it difficult for wearers to see the contents of these displays, as they are typically aligned vertically while sunglasses are aligned horizontally.
Innovation Solution
Development of optical articles with multiple light-influencing zones that have different polarizing and optical properties, allowing for enhanced vision in various environments by using anisotropic coating layers with aligned dichroic, photochromic, and photochromic-dichroic materials applied in specific patterns or gradients to manage polarization and tint.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional polarizing sunglasses with horizontal alignment are used, then glare reduction is improved, but visibility of liquid crystal display panels deteriorates due to cross-polarization
Solution Approach 1:
The optical article is divided into multiple zones with different polarization properties. A first zone provides horizontal polarization for glare reduction, while a second zone provides vertical or circular polarization for display visibility, allowing both functions to coexist without interference
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the optical article are assigned different optical properties. The first zone has horizontal polarization aligned to block glare from horizontal surfaces, while the second zone has vertical or circular polarization aligned to allow viewing of liquid crystal displays, optimizing performance for different viewing conditions in different locations
2Ease of manufacture
If single-zone polarizing lenses are used, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but adaptability to different viewing environments deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The lens is segmented into multiple zones with different polarization characteristics using an inkjet printing process that deposits dichroic dye materials in specific patterns, enabling the lens to adapt to different viewing environments while maintaining a relatively simple manufacturing process
Solution Approach 2:
The optical article provides dynamic adaptability through spatially varying polarization properties. The inkjet printing process enables precise control of dye concentration and orientation in different zones, creating a multi-functional lens that can adapt to various viewing conditions without requiring multiple separate lenses
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
Enables improved visibility of liquid crystal display panels while maintaining glare reduction by creating zones with tailored polarization and tint properties, accommodating different viewing conditions.
Implementation Method 1
The coating layer comprises at least one anisotropic coating layer that includes at least one anisotropic material... at least one dichroic material and/or at least one photochromic-dichroic material
Implementation Method 2
Photochromic dyes generally provided reversible tinting, meaning that the lenses are tinted when exposed to actinic radiation, and revert to being untinted in the absence of actinic radiation
Implementation Method 3
The anisotropic materials are aligned in a gradient orientation... The inkjet printing device may be used to apply the anisotropic material, the dichroic material, the photochromic material, and/or the photochromic-dichroic material in a gradient fashion
Data Source
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AI summary
A method of making an optical article having multiple light-influencing zones can include: forming an alignment coating layer having a first alignment region and a second alignment region over at least a portion of an optical element; applying at least one anisotropic material over the first alignment region and the second alignment region by an inkjet printing device; and applying at least one dichroic material and/or at least one photochromic-dichroic material over at least one of the first alignment region and the second alignment region to form a first light-influencing zone over the first alignment region and a second light-influencing zone over the second alignment region.