Multifunctional multilayer optical film

• US 7,151,532 B2
• Filed: 08/09/2002
• Issued: 12/19/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 08/09/2002
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company (3M Company)
• Original Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company (3M Company)
• Inventors: Schulz, Stephen C.
• Primary Examiner(s): Hjerpe, Richard
• Assistant Examiner(s): LESPERANCE, JEAN E
• Application Number:
  US10/216,507
• Publication Number:
  US 20040027339A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,593 Days
• Field of Search: 345173-178, 345/179, 427164-167, 427/255, 428426-428
• US Class Current: 345/173
• CPC Class Codes: C03C 17/3417 all coatings being oxide coatings
• CPC Class Codes: C03C 17/3435 comprising a nitride, oxynitride, boronitride or carbonitride
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/0445 using two or more layers of sensing electrodes, e.g. using two layers of electrodes separated by a dielectric layer
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/045 using resistive elements, e.g. a single continuous surface or two parallel surfaces put in contact

Abstract

Optical component for use in a touch sensor and method of fabrication of same are disclosed. Optical component includes a multilayer optical film at least some layers of which are fabricated on the same manufacturing line and using the same manufacturing method. Each layer of the multilayer optical film is designed primarily to provide a desired associated property.

Claims

1. A capacitive touch sensor comprising:

a glass substrate;

a transparent conductive film disposed on the substrate and configured for detecting a touch by capacitively coupling to a conductive touch object;

a barrier film disposed between the substrate and the transparent conductive film and configured to isolate the transparent conductive film from impurities present in the glass substrate;

an antiglare coating disposed over the transparent conductive film; and

electrical leads connecting the transparent conductive film to electronic circuitry for determining location of the touch.

2. The capacitive touch sensor of claim 1, further comprising an antireflective film disposed between the transparent conductive film and the antiglare coating.

3. The capacitive touch sensor of claim 1, wherein the glass substrate is a float glass substrate.

4. The capacitive touch sensor of claim 1, wherein the antiglare coating incorporates particles.

5. The capacitive touch sensor of claim 1, wherein the antiglare coating is formed by spraying.

6. The capacitive touch sensor of claim 1, wherein the antiglare coating comprises silicon dioxide.

7. The capacitive touch sensor of claim 1, wherein the transparent conductive film comprises indium tin oxide.

8. The capacitive touch sensor of claim 1, wherein the transparent conductive film comprises fluorine doped tin oxide.

9. The capacitive touch sensor of claim 1, wherein the transparent conductive film comprises antimony tin oxide.

10. The capacitive touch sensor of claim 1, wherein the transparent conductive film comprises zinc oxide.

11. The capacitive touch sensor of claim 1, wherein the barrier film comprises silicon dioxide.

12. The capacitive touch sensor of claim 1, wherein the barrier film comprises tin oxide.

13. The capacitive touch sensor of claim 1, further comprising an abrasion resistant film for resisting abrasion to the capacitive touch sensor due to repeated touch inputs.