Optical film having microreplicated structures; and methods
First Claim
1. A light directing film having an x-axis, a y-axis, and a z-axis, the film comprising a first structured surface and an opposing surface, the structured surface comprising a plurality of elongate prismatic structures thereon, the elongate prismatic structures:
- extending generally along the x-axis;
having a spacing along the y-axis between adjacent prismatic structures; and
having a height along the z-axis, the height of the prismatic structure varying along the x-axis in a repeating period.
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Accused Products
Abstract
An optical film for use in transparent displays, such as reflective LCDs. The optical film has three-dimensional, prismatic structures that reflect incoming light. The prismatic structures are elongate structures configured so that the reflecting facets orient the reflected light in desired reflective light pattern. The pattern shape and intensity can be controlled by the shape and dimensions of the various reflecting facets. In one embodiment, the height of the prismatic structure varies along the elongate structure.
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Citations
24 Claims
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1. A light directing film having an x-axis, a y-axis, and a z-axis, the film comprising a first structured surface and an opposing surface, the structured surface comprising a plurality of elongate prismatic structures thereon, the elongate prismatic structures:
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extending generally along the x-axis;
having a spacing along the y-axis between adjacent prismatic structures; and
having a height along the z-axis, the height of the prismatic structure varying along the x-axis in a repeating period. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
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- 10. The light directing film according to claim 10, further comprising a reflective coating on the light reflecting film.
- 12. An optical device comprising a microreplicated light reflecting film, the film comprising a plurality of prismatic structures having a length and a width, each of the plurality of prismatic structures having a height varying in a repeating pattern along the length.
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16. An article made using a programmably controlled cutting tool, the article having an x-axis, a y-axis, and a z-axis, the article comprising a plurality of structures extending generally along the x-axis, the plurality of structures having a spacing along the y-axis between adjacent prismatic structures, and the structures having a height along the z-axis, the height of the structure varying along the x-axis in a repeating pattern.
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17. A method of making a reflective structured film comprising:
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(a) machining a master tool from a blank with a cutting tool, the cutting tool being movable in an x-direction, a y-direction, and a z-direction, the machining comprising;
(i) contacting the blank with the cutting tool;
(ii) moving at least one of the blank and the cutting tool in relation to one another in the x-direction to cut the blank;
(iii) moving at least one of the blank and the cutting tool in relation to one another in the y-direction to cut the blank; and
(iv) moving at least one of the blank and the cutting tool in relation to one another in the z-direction to cut the blank. (b) forming a structured film on the master tool; and
(c) applying a reflective coating to the structured film. - View Dependent Claims (18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24)
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Specification