CN107924005B

CN107924005B - Luminescence reducing compounds for electronic devices

Info

Publication number: CN107924005B
Application number: CN201680048240.6A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 贾斯廷·巴雷特; 史蒂文·D·莫; 博尼·G·西蒙斯; 贾斯廷·托莱
Original assignee: Eye Safety Co
Current assignee: Eye Safety Co
Priority date: 2015-06-15
Filing date: 2016-06-14
Publication date: 2022-06-17
Anticipated expiration: 2036-06-14
Also published as: WO2016205260A1; CN107924005A

Abstract

A light absorbing neutral density filter for an electronic device display. More specifically, a light absorbing neutral density filter as a protective body, protective film, or protective coating for an electronic device display that blocks ultraviolet light, high energy visible light, and at least a portion of blue light. The neutral density filter comprises a polymeric substrate and an absorber.

Description

Luminescence reducing compounds for electronic devices

Cross Reference to Related Applications

The present application is a continuation-in-part application, No. 14/719604, of U.S. non-provisional application No. 2015, 5/22, entitled "LIGHT EMISSION semiconductor FILM FOR electric device DEVICES", filed on 23/5/2014 FOR the benefit of U.S. provisional application No. 62/002412, entitled "LIGHT EMISSION semiconductor device FOR electric device DEVICES", filed on 23/5/2014, and claim the benefits of U.S. provisional application No. 62/175926 entitled "LIGHT EMISSION REDUCING FILM FOR ELECTRONIC DEVICES" filed on 15/6/2015, U.S. provisional application No. 62/254871 entitled "LIGHT EMISSION REDUCING COMPOUND FOR ELECTRONIC DEVICES" filed on 13/11/2015, U.S. provisional application No. 62/255287 entitled "LIGHT EMISSION REDUCING FILM FOR VIRTUAL REALITY HEADSET" filed on 13/11/2015, and U.S. provisional application No. 62/322624 entitled "LIGHT EMISSION REDUCING FILM FOR ELECTRONIC DEVICES" filed on 13/4/2016.

Technical Field

The disclosed invention relates to one or more absorbing compounds that can be combined with one or more polymeric substrates to be disposed on or incorporated into an electronic device, including on a display screen of the electronic device.

Background

Electronic digital devices typically emit a spectrum of light composed of different wavelengths, where the human eye is able to detect the visible spectrum between about 350 nanometers (nm) and about 700 nanometers (nm). It has been recognized that certain characteristics of such light (both in the visible range and the invisible range) can be harmful to the user and result in health symptoms and adverse health reactions such as, but not limited to, eye fatigue, eye dryness and irritation, fatigue, blurred vision, and headache. There may be a link between exposure to blue light found in electronic devices and human health hazards, particularly the risk of potential damage to the eyes. Some believe that exposure to blue light and/or high energy visible light, such as that emitted by a digital device screen, may cause problems with age-related macular degeneration, reduced melatonin levels, acute retinal damage, accelerated retinal aging, and disruption of cardiac rhythm. Additional studies may reveal additional musculoskeletal problems resulting from prolonged exposure to the blue light spectrum.

More specifically, High Energy Visible (HEV) light emitted by digital devices is known to increase eye fatigue over other wavelengths in the visible spectrum. Blue light may reach deeper into the eye than, for example, ultraviolet light, and may cause damage to the retina. Furthermore, there may also be a causal relationship between blue light exposure and age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and cataract development. Furthermore, the use of digital electronic devices is known to cause eye fatigue symptoms. This damage is believed to be caused by HEV light penetrating the macular pigment, which results in a more rapid retinal change.

In addition, blue light exposure suppresses the de-darkening stimulus by about twice that of green light and changes the circadian rhythm by twice. Light of the blue wavelength appears to be the most damaging at night. Studies have also shown that blue light frequencies are 50 to 80 times more efficient than green light in causing photoreceptor death, similar to those produced by LEDs of electronic devices such as smart phones. Exposure to the blue spectrum appears to be more rapid in AMD than other regions of the visible spectrum. However, it is also suspected that exposure to the red and green light spectra may also pose a health risk, which may be mitigated by absorbing light generated by the device in this wavelength range.

In addition, eye care professionals are particularly concerned with ultraviolet A (UVA) light (in the range of 320nm to 380 nm). UVA light is considered damaging because it directly affects the lens of the human eye. In one embodiment, the film 200 reduces high energy visible light according to standards set by the international safety equipment association, particularly ANSI/isaa Z87.1-2010 standards, which trade off the spectral sensitivity of the eye to spectral emittance in the range of 380nm to 1400 nm.

Although the light produced by LEDs from digital devices appears normal to human vision, a strong blue peak in the range of 380nm to 500nm is also emitted in the spectrum of white light produced by the screen of such digital devices. Since this blue light corresponds to a known spectrum for retinal hazards, means are needed to protect users from exposure to this light.

Optical filters are widely used in applications of optical filters including LCD (liquid crystal display) retardation films. LCD phase difference films use alternating layers of materials consisting of electroplated pigments, pigment dipping or printing process materials. These methods are subject to damage when subjected to friction, heat or moisture and may lead to ghost effects. The requirements for optical density transmission and sustainability may also fail due to moisture and mechanical integrity.

While some measures have been taken to reduce exposure to these harmful rays, these measures have been inadequate. Some measures have applied software schemes to reduce the emitted wavelengths, but they easily become less efficient and may change the viewing experience by blocking too much light from selected wavelengths and thus change the color visible to the user. Other measures have applied physical devices placed above the screen. However, these devices severely change the color visible to the user and, in most cases, completely block at least one complete color from the color spectrum.

More specifically, current film substrate technology often lacks desirable optical properties such as stability to UV light, selective transmission in the visible range, and absorption or other absorption characteristics in the UV and high intensity blue ranges. Current film substrates also lack desirable mechanical properties such as heat resistance and mechanical robustness at the desired thinness. Glass, polycarbonate, acrylic, and nylon lenses and films exist, but may not be able to maintain the dispersion of the dye or pigment and achieve an optical density sufficient to maintain high transmittance values at this thickness. In one embodiment, the F700 film, as produced by Kentek corporation, is resistant to moisture and humidity. Such films are preferred over glasses that may require repolishing. Other benefits are increased color resolution, repeatability, and lack of adhesive requirements.

Thus, there is a need for a physical film within, a protective layer, or a coating on an existing substrate of an electronic device screen that provides at least some protection of the device from wear and damage, as well as protects the user from potentially harmful light emitted by the device. In addition, the film or protective coating should provide the necessary protection while maintaining transparency and substantially true color appearance.

Disclosure of Invention

A shield, protective film and protective coating for a device are provided. In one embodiment, a shield for a device includes a polymeric substrate. The shield may also comprise an absorbent dispersed within the polymeric matrix. The shield may also reduce the transmission of the ultraviolet range of light by at least 90%, wherein the ultraviolet range of light comprises a range between 380 nanometers and 400 nanometers, and wherein the shield also reduces the transmission of the high-energy visible range by 10%, wherein the high-energy visible range comprises a range between 415 nanometers and 555 nanometers, and wherein the shield also reduces the transmission of the red range by at least 10%, wherein the red range comprises a range between 625 nanometers and 740 nanometers. Furthermore, the shield may also be configured to transmit sufficient light generated by the device such that an image generated by the device is not substantially altered by the shield. These and various other features and advantages, which characterize the claimed embodiments, will be apparent from a reading of the following detailed description and a review of the associated drawings.

Drawings

Fig. 1A shows a light absorbing film according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 1B shows a light absorbing film according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 1C shows a light absorbing film according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 1D shows a transmission curve of a light-absorbing film according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 1E shows a transmission curve of a light-absorbing film according to one embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 2A illustrates an exemplary interaction between an eye and a device having a light absorbing film, according to one embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 2B shows an exemplary effective wavelength absorption range of the light absorbing film.

FIG. 2C-1 illustrates a variety of absorbing compounds that can be used to achieve the desired characteristics of one embodiment of the light absorbing film.

Fig. 2C-2 illustrates a variety of absorbing compounds that can be used to achieve the desired characteristics of one embodiment of the light absorbing film.

Fig. 2C-3 illustrate a variety of absorbing compounds that may be used to achieve the desired characteristics of one embodiment of the light absorbing film.

Fig. 2C-4 illustrate a variety of absorbing compounds that may be used to achieve the desired characteristics of one embodiment of the light absorbing film.

Fig. 2C-5 illustrate a variety of absorbing compounds that may be used to achieve the desired characteristics of one embodiment of the light absorbing film.

Fig. 2C-6 illustrate a variety of absorbing compounds that may be used to achieve the desired characteristics of one embodiment of the light absorbing film.

Fig. 2C-7 illustrate a variety of absorbing compounds that may be used to achieve the desired characteristics of one embodiment of the light absorbing film.

FIG. 3A depicts a graph showing transmittance as a function of wavelength for various absorbing films, according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 4A depicts a method for producing a light absorbing film for a device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 4B depicts a method of producing a light absorbing film for a device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 4C depicts a method of producing a light absorbing film for a device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 5A depicts an exploded view of a screen of an electronic device constructed from several layers of glass and/or plastic.

Fig. 5B depicts a screen of an electronic device constructed from several layers of glass and/or plastic.

Fig. 5C depicts an exploded view of a screen of an electronic device constructed from several layers of glass and/or plastic, with an absorbing film layer interposed between two of the several layers.

Fig. 5D depicts a screen of an electronic device constructed of several layers of glass and/or plastic, with an absorbing film layer interposed between two of the several layers.

Fig. 5E depicts an exploded view of a screen of an electronic device constructed from several layers of glass and/or plastic, with a light-absorbing adhesive added to one of the several layers.

Fig. 5F depicts a screen of an electronic device constructed of several layers of glass and/or plastic, with a light absorbing coating added to one of the several layers.

Fig. 5G depicts light waves emitted from a screen of an electronic device constructed from several layers of glass and/or plastic.

Fig. 5F depicts light waves emitted by and blocked by a screen of an electronic device constructed from several layers of glass and/or plastic, with an absorbing film layer interposed between two of the several layers.

Fig. 6A depicts a virtual reality headset with one embodiment of a light absorbing layer inserted within the virtual reality headset.

Fig. 6B depicts a virtual reality headset with one implementation of a light absorbing layer inserted within the virtual reality headset.

Fig. 6C depicts a virtual reality headset with one implementation of a light absorbing layer inserted within the virtual reality headset.

Detailed Description

In general, the present invention relates to one or more absorbing compounds that can be combined with one or more polymeric substrates to be disposed on or incorporated into an electronic device. The absorbing compound is desirably blue-based and provides an individual with protection from potentially harmful light emitted by the electronic device, and the polymeric substrate is used in applications to or in the electronic device. The absorbing compound and polymer substrate combination described herein may include materials used to make optical filters having defined transmittance and optical density characteristics for visible wavelength transmittance. In some embodiments, the material from which such filters are made may comprise an organic dye impregnated polycarbonate composition. In application, the protective film may be applied to the screen surface of the device after purchasing the electronic device, or the protective film may be incorporated into the screen during manufacturing. In another embodiment, the absorbing compound may be applied as a protective coating to an existing film layer or other substrate in the screen of the device.

Films and film properties

Fig. 1A-1C illustrate exemplary films for absorbing light of a particular wavelength in one embodiment of the present invention. As described in any of the embodiments included below, a variety of membrane materials may be suitable. Based on various properties, the membrane material may be selected for a particular application. For example, the film material may be selected for a particular hardness, scratch resistance, transparency, conductivity, and the like. In one embodiment, the membrane is comprised of at least one absorbing compound and a polymeric material, such as any one or more of the polymeric substrates listed in table 1 below. As mentioned above, the polymer substrate is selected according to the type of technology to which the absorbing compound is applied.

Table 1: polymeric substrates for absorbent films

In one embodiment, any one or more of the polymers listed in table 1 are combined with one or more absorbing compounds (such as those listed in table 2 below) to produce a film 100 that can be used with one or more devices such as smart phones, laptops, tablets, glasses, or any other transparent surface used with electronic display devices. In one embodiment, the polymer substrate for film 100 is selected based at least in part on transparency so that a user can still view a screen of an electronic display device through film 100. In another embodiment, the polymeric substrate is selected based at least in part on its compatibility with the desired absorbing compound. In further embodiments, the polymer base is selected based on the substrate to which the absorbing compound is bound or attached.

According to one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1A, a film 100 is applied to a device 102 having a screen 104. Although fig. 1A shows device 102 as a smartphone, film 100 may illustratively be designed for application to any other device, such as a laptop computer 152 having film 150 over screen 154 shown in fig. 1B. Additionally, in another embodiment, the film 100 may be incorporated into one or more contact lenses (contact lenses) of a device, such as a pair of eyeglasses.

Film 100 is formed from a suitable material (e.g., a polymer) and one or more light absorbing dyes that selectively reduce the peaks and slopes of electromagnetic emissions from professional and personal electronic devices. Other examples of electronic devices that may use such films may include, for example, LEDs, LCDs, computer monitors, device screens, televisions, tablets, cell phones, and the like. However, it may also be used at the user end of the viewing experience, for example incorporated into contact lenses or spectacles.

Fig. 1C shows two layers of film 100. In one embodiment, the film does not include an antiglare coating as shown by film 170. In another embodiment, the film 100 includes a coating 172, wherein the coating 172 includes an antiglare coating 172, a hard coating 172, and/or a tack coating 172. In one embodiment, the absorbing compound may be incorporated directly into the coating material rather than the base film layer. This may be achieved, for example, due to the compatibility between the absorbing compound and the desired polymer substrate.

In one embodiment, the film 100 is blue-based and has a slight hue due at least in part to the selected absorbing compound and acts as a filter to reduce light emission from the screen 104. In one embodiment, film 100 having a 7.75 mil thickness under CIE illuminant D65 is a light blue-green having an (L, a, b) value of (90.24, -12,64, 3.54) and an X-Y-Z value of (67.14, 76.83, 78.90), respectively. In another embodiment, the membrane 100 appears shallower due to the reduced loading.

In one embodiment, film 100 is configured to reduce light emission across a broad spectrum (e.g., 200nm to 3000nm range). In another embodiment, film 100 may be configured to reduce light emission in only a portion of the broad spectrum (e.g., only within 390nm to 700nm of the visible spectrum), or only within a portion of the visible spectrum (e.g., within 200nm to 1400nm of the spectrum).

In one embodiment, film 100 is configured to normalize (normalize) the light emission from screen 104 such that the peak of light intensity across the spectrum is reduced. In one embodiment, the luminescence intensity is normalized to a maximum absorbance level between 0.0035 and 0.0038.

In the illustrated embodiment of fig. 1A, the film 100 is configured for use with a device having a touch screen (e.g., a capacitive touch screen). When used with a capacitive touch screen, such as screen 104, film 100 can be configured to have suitable electrical characteristics so that user touch input is accurately registered by the device. For example, the film 100 may have a dielectric constant of less than 4. In another example, the dielectric constant is less than 3. In a particular embodiment, the dielectric constant of film 100 is between 2.2 and 2.5.

In one embodiment, film 100 has a thickness between 10 mils and 30 mils and a hardness greater than 30 rockwell R. In one embodiment, the membrane 100 has a hardness between 45 rockwell R and 125 rockwell R.

Although the embodiments shown in fig. 1A-1C are described in the context of a film applied to an electronic device after manufacture, it is noted that the features described may be used in other applications, such as, but not limited to, for eyewear (e.g., spectacles, contact lenses, etc.) and applications on windows, for example, to protect against laser light. It may also be used on any other surface through which light is transmitted and which can be received by the human eye. In one embodiment, the film 100 is applied to an eyeglass lens, such as corrective lens eyeglasses, sunglasses, safety glasses, and the like. In another embodiment, when film 100 is shown in fig. 1A and 1B as being applied to device 102 as an after-market feature and provided to a user as shown in fig. 1C, during manufacture of device 102, film 100 is included within device 102 such that film 100 is located behind screen 104 or constitutes screen 104 of device 102.

Fig. 1D-1E show a plurality of transmission curves for different films that may be used in embodiments of the present invention. The transmission characteristics of a film (e.g., film 100) may be defined by a transmission curve, such as the transmission curves shown in fig. 1D or fig. 1E. In particular, curve 180 shows an exemplary transmission curve for the filter glass. Curve 182 shows an exemplary transmission curve for film 100 having a thickness of 4 mils. Curve 184 shows an exemplary transmission curve for film 100 having a thickness of 7.75 mils. The transmission curve includes a local maximum in transmission in the visible wavelength range and a first local minimum in transmission and a second local minimum in transmission near each end of the visible wavelength range.

In one embodiment, the local maximum of transmission is located at a position between 575nm and 425nm, the first local minimum of transmission is located at or near a position above about 700nm, and the second local minimum of transmission is located at or near a position below about 300 nm. The transmission local maximum may have a transmission of 85% or more. The transmission local maximum may also have a transmission of 90% or more. In one embodiment, the first and second local minima in transmission may have a transmission of less than 30%. In another embodiment, the first and second local minima in transmission may have a transmission of less than 5%. In one embodiment, the transmission curve may further include a first 50% transmission cutoff (cutoff) and a second 50% transmission cutoff between the respective local minimum and local maximum of transmission.

In one embodiment, the transmission curve may also include a curve shoulder formed by a decreasing slope of the transmission curve at least for between 750nm and 575nm, which increases the transmission of wavelengths at this end of the visible spectrum (e.g., red light). In one embodiment, the curvilinear shoulder passes through a location of 644nm ± 10 nm. In other embodiments, the curvilinear shoulder may pass through a location of 580nm ± 10 nm. One of the 50% transmission cutoffs may coincide with a curved shoulder, for example at 644nm ± 10 nm.

As used herein, the terms "optical density" and "absorbance" may be used interchangeably to refer to the logarithmic ratio of the amount of electromagnetic radiation incident on a material to the amount of electromagnetic radiation transmitted through the material. As used herein, "transmission" or "transmissivity" may be used interchangeably to refer to the fraction or percentage of incident electromagnetic radiation of a particular wavelength that passes through a material. As used herein, a "transmission curve" refers to the percentage of light transmission through the filter as a function of wavelength. "transmission local maximum" refers to the following location (i.e., at least one point) on the curve: at this position, the transmission of light through the filter is at a maximum with respect to the adjacent position on the curve. "local transmission minimum" refers to the following position on the curve: at this position, the transmission is at a minimum relative to the adjacent position on the curve. As used herein, "50% transmission cut-off" refers to a position on the transmission curve where the transmission of electromagnetic radiation (e.g., light) through the filter is about 50%.

In one embodiment, the transmission characteristics of the optical filter, such as those shown below in fig. 3, may be achieved in one embodiment by using a polycarbonate film having a blue or blue-green organic dye dispersed therein as the polymeric substrate. The organic dye impregnated polycarbonate film may have a thickness of less than 0.3 mm. In another embodiment, the polycarbonate film may have a thickness of less than 0.1 mm. The thinness of the polycarbonate film may help to provide a maximum transmission of greater than 90% of the light produced by the device. In at least one embodiment, the organic dye impregnated film may have a thickness between 2.5 mils and 14 mils. The combination of a polycarbonate substrate and a blue or blue-green organic dye is used in one or more embodiments of the present disclosure to provide improved heat resistance and mechanical robustness even with reduced thickness.

The polycarbonate film may comprise any type of optical grade polycarbonate, such as LEXAN 123R. While polycarbonates provide desirable mechanical and optical properties for films, other polymers, such as Cyclic Olefin Copolymers (COCs), can also be used.

In one embodiment, similar transmission characteristics may also be achieved, for example, by using an acrylic film having a blue-green organic dye dispersed therein. The organic dye impregnated acrylic film may have a thickness of less than 0.3 mm. In another embodiment, the acrylic film may have a thickness of less than 0.1 mm. The thinness of the acrylic film may help to provide a maximum transmission of greater than 90% of the light produced by the device. In at least one embodiment, the organic dye impregnated film may have a thickness between 2.5 mils and 14 mils. In one or more embodiments, a combination of an acrylic substrate and a blue-green organic dye may be used to provide improved heat resistance and mechanical robustness even with reduced thickness.

In another embodiment, similar transmission characteristics may also be achieved, for example, by using an epoxy film having a blue-green organic dye dispersed therein. The organic dye-impregnated epoxy resin film may have a thickness of less than 0.1 mm. In another embodiment, the epoxy film may have a thickness of less than 1 mil. The thinness of the epoxy film may help to provide a maximum transmission of greater than 90% of the light produced by the device. In one or more embodiments, a combination of an epoxy resin substrate and a blue-green organic dye may be used to provide improved heat resistance and mechanical robustness even with reduced thickness.

In yet another embodiment, similar transmission characteristics can also be achieved, for example, by using a PVC film having a blue-green organic dye dispersed therein. The organic dye impregnated PVC film may have a thickness of less than 0.1 mm. In another embodiment, the PVC film may have a thickness of less than 1 mil. The thinness of the PVC film may help to maximize transmission of light generated by the device greater than 90%. In one or more embodiments, a combination of PVC substrate and blue-green organic dye may be used to provide improved heat resistance and mechanical robustness even with reduced thickness.

In one embodiment, the organic dye impregnated polycarbonate film may also have desirable optical properties at this reduced thickness with parallelism of up to 25 arc seconds and chief ray incidence angles of 0 to 30 °. In a preferred embodiment, the angle of incidence is in the range of 0 to 26 °. Organic dye impregnated polycarbonate films may further provide improved UV absorbance with optical densities greater than 5 in the UV range. The exemplary combination of a polycarbonate substrate and a blue-green dye is provided for exemplary purposes only. It should be understood that any of the absorbing compounds described in detail below may be combined with any of the above-described polymeric substrates to produce a film having the desired mechanical properties and transmission.

Embodiments of the optical filter 100 as described herein may be used in different applications, including but not limited to: as filters for improving color rendering and digital imaging, LCD retardation films having excellent mechanical properties, excellent UV absorbance, light emission reducing films for electronic devices to reduce light of potentially harmful wavelengths, and optically corrected thin laser windows having high laser protection values. In these embodiments, the optical filter may be fabricated as a thin film having the desired optical properties for each of the applications.

In some embodiments, color rendering index (CRT) variation due to the disclosed invention is minimized. For example, the difference in CRI values before and after applying the disclosed invention to an electronic device can be between 1 and 3. Thus, when the disclosed invention is applied to a display of an electronic device, a user viewing the display will see minimal, if any, color changes, and all colors will remain visible.

Absorbent and absorbent material

When light encounters a compound, absorption of the wavelength of the light occurs. The rays of light from the light source are associated with varying wavelengths, where each wavelength is associated with a different energy. When light is irradiated onto a compound, energy from the light may force electrons within the compound into the anti-bond orbitals. This excitation occurs primarily when the energy associated with light of a particular wavelength is sufficient to excite an electron and thereby absorb the energy. Thus, different compounds with electrons of different configurations (configurations) absorb light of different wavelengths. Generally, the greater the energy required to excite an electron, the lower the wavelength of light required. Further, a single compound may absorb light from multiple wavelength ranges of a light source, as a single compound may have electrons present in various configurations.

Fig. 2A illustrates an exemplary interaction between a device having an exemplary membrane that may be useful in one embodiment of the present invention and an eye. In one embodiment, the film 200 comprises a film disposed on the apparatus 202, for example, as an aftermarket addition. In another embodiment, the film 200 occupies a portion of the device 202, such as a screen of the device 202. In yet another embodiment, the membrane is a physical barrier worn on or near the eye 250, for example as a contact lens, or as part of a pair of spectacle lenses; whether as part of an after-market application or the lens itself.

As shown in fig. 2A, the device 202 produces light at multiple wavelengths, including high intensity UV light 210, blue-violet light 212, turquoise light 214, and visible light 218. In one embodiment, the high intensity UV light may include light of a wavelength in the range of 315nm to 380 nm. Light in this wavelength range is known to cause damage to the lens of the eye. In one embodiment, the blue-violet light 212 may include light in the wavelength range of 380nm to 430nm and is known to be likely to cause age-related macular degeneration. Turquoise pinkish stone light 214 may include light in the range of 430nm to 500nm and is known to affect sleep cycle and memory. Visible light 218 may also include other wavelengths of light in the visible spectrum.

As used herein, "visible light" or "visible wavelength" refers to a wavelength range between 380nm to 750 nm. "Red light" or "red light wavelength" refers to a wavelength range between about 620nm to 675 nm. "orange light" or "orange light wavelength" refers to a wavelength range between about 590nm to 620 nm. "yellow light" or "yellow light wavelength" refers to a wavelength range between about 570nm to 590 nm. "Green light" or "green light wavelength" refers to a wavelength range of about 495nm to 570 nm. "blue light" or "blue light wavelength" refers to a wavelength range between about 450nm to 495 nm. "violet light" or "violet wavelength" refers to a wavelength range between about 380nm to 450 nm. As used herein, "ultraviolet" or "UV" refers to a range of wavelengths that includes wavelengths below 350nm and as low as 10 nm. "Infrared" or "IR" refers to a range of wavelengths that includes wavelengths above 750nm and up to 3000 nm.

When light of a particular wavelength is absorbed by a compound, the color corresponding to that particular wavelength does not reach the human eye and is therefore not visible. Thus, for example, to filter out UV light from the light source, compounds may be introduced into the film that absorb light having a wavelength below 350 nm. A list of some exemplary light absorbing compounds for various wavelength ranges is given in table 2 below, and corresponds to the exemplary absorption spectra shown in fig. 2D. The absorbent material used in the disclosed invention achieves protection of the individual while maintaining the color image integrity of the device. Thus, the absorbing compound ideally blocks only a portion of the wavelength range of each color so that each hue remains visible to an individual viewing the screen of the electronic device. Furthermore, the blocked wavelength range may be a wavelength range of a color that is not visible to humans. Thus, in some embodiments, the disclosed invention is a neutral density filter that allows full color identification.

Table 2: absorbing material and wavelength range

In one embodiment, film 200 is fabricated by selecting one of the substrates from the first column of table 2 and selecting one absorption column from one or more of columns 2 through 4 depending on the wavelength range to be targeted for absorption. In one embodiment, when the polymeric substrate contains UV inhibitors, UV stabilizers, or otherwise inherently has UV absorbing properties, no UV targeted absorbing compounds are needed. An absorbing compound may then additionally be selected from any of columns 2 to 4 in order to increase the absorption of light generated within the target wavelength range. The absorbing compounds may be selected in combination, provided that high light transmission is maintained, and the hue is maintained, so that the color integrity produced by the device remains true. In one embodiment, the absorbing compound is provided in polymer or pellet form and coextruded with a polymer substrate to produce the film 200. In another embodiment, the absorbing compound is disposed in a layer separate from the polymeric substrate, for example as a component in a coating applied to the polymeric substrate, or an additional scratch resistant layer.

Additionally, many of the exemplary compounds described in each of

columns

2, 3, and 4 may be substituted to produce desired characteristics in other polymeric substrates. For example, while compound 1002 is listed as an ideal compound for combination with polycarbonate substrates, compound 1002 is also known as a compatible compound for impregnation of PVC, acetals, and cellulose esters. Some possible exemplary combinations of the compounds and polymeric substrates listed in table 2 are described in further detail in the examples below. However, it should be understood that there may be other possible combinations, including combinations with polymeric substrates listed in table 1 that are no longer presented in table 2.

In one embodiment, the organic dye dispersed in the polymeric substrate provides selective transmission characteristics including, for example, reduced transmission of blue and/or red wavelengths. Reducing these unnaturally high emissivity levels for a particular band or wavelength to a level more representative of sunlight helps to reduce some of the adverse effects of using digital electronics. In addition, the optical film may reduce HEV light in the range emitted by device 202. However, in one embodiment, optical film 200 is also configured to allow light of other blue wavelengths (e.g., cyan) to pass through to maintain color reproduction through device 202.

Polycarbonate examples

In one embodiment, the film 200 comprises a polycarbonate substrate impregnated with an absorbing compound 1002, the absorbing compound 1002 being selected to target light generated in the range of 260nm to 400 nm. In one embodiment, absorbing compound 1002 is selected for peak absorption in the range of 300nm to 400 nm. An exemplary absorbing compound is provided, for example, by Ciba Specialty Chemicals

Also known as2- (2H-benzotriazol-2-yl) -p-cresol. However, any other exemplary absorbing compound having strong absorption properties in the range of 300nm to 400nm is also suitable for absorbing UV light. In which use is made

In embodiments to provide UV protection, other polymeric substrates (such as those listed in table 1) are also suitable for forming the film 200.

In one embodiment, the film 200 comprises a polycarbonate substrate impregnated with an absorbing compound 1004, the absorbing compound 1004 selected to target light generated in the range of 400nm to 700 nm. In one embodiment, absorbing compound 1004 is selected for peak absorption in the range of 400nm to 700 nm. Specifically, in one embodiment, absorbing compound 1004 is selected for peak absorption in the range of 600nm to 700 nm. Even more specifically, in one embodiment, the absorbing compound is selected for peak absorption in the range of 635nm to 700 nm. An exemplary absorbing compound is a mixture of

A proprietary (prepracticary) compound was produced under the trade name ABS 668. However, any other exemplary absorbing compound having strong absorption in the 600nm to 700nm range of the visible spectrum may also be suitable for forming the film 200. In another embodiment, compound 1004 can also be combined with a different polymeric substrate from table 1.

In one embodiment, the film 200 comprises a polycarbonate substrate impregnated with an absorbing compound 1006, the absorbing compound 1006 being selected to target light generated in the infrared range. In one embodiment, the selective absorbing compound 1006 is selected to target light generated in the range of 800nm to 1100 nm. Specifically, in one embodiment, the absorbing compound 1006 is selected for peak absorption in the range of 900nm to 1000 nm. One exemplary compound may be the NIR1002A dye produced by QCR Solutions Corporation. However, any other exemplary absorbing compound having strong absorption in the infrared range may also be suitable for forming the film 200. In another embodiment, compound 1006 can also be combined with a different polymeric substrate from table 1.

In one embodiment, the polymer substrate is impregnated with a combination of

compounds

1002, 1004, and 1006 such that any two of

compounds

1002, 1004, and 1006 are included to form the membrane 200. In another embodiment, all three of

compounds

1002, 1004, and 1006 are combined within a polymeric substrate to form film 200.

In another embodiment, a polycarbonate substrate is disposed in film 200 along with any of

compounds

1002, 1008, 1022, 1028, 1040, or 1046. In one embodiment, it can be combined with any one of

compounds

1004, 1010, 1018, 1024, 1030, 1036, 1042, or 1048. In one embodiment, it may be combined with any one of

compounds

1006, 1020, 1026, 1032, 1038, 1044 or 1050.

PVC Filter embodiments

In one embodiment, the film 200 comprises a polyvinyl chloride (PVC) substrate impregnated with an absorbing compound 1008, the absorbing compound 1008 being selected to target light generated in the range of 260nm to 400 nm. In one embodiment, the absorbing compound 1008 is selected for peak absorption in the range of 320nm to 380 nm. An exemplary absorbing compound is DYE VIS 347 manufactured by Adam Gates & Company, LLC. However, any other exemplary absorbing compound having strong absorption properties in the range of 300nm to 400nm is also suitable for absorbing UV light. In embodiments where DYE VIS 347 is used to provide UV protection, other polymeric substrates (such as those listed in table 1) are also suitable for generating film 200.

In one embodiment, the film 200 comprises a PVC substrate impregnated with an absorbing compound 1010, the absorbing compound 1010 being selected to target light generated in the range of 400nm to 700 nm. Specifically, in one embodiment, absorbing compound 1010 is selected for peak absorption in the range of 550nm to 700 nm. Even more specifically, in one embodiment, the absorbing compound is selected for peak absorption in the range of 600nm to 675 nm. An exemplary absorbing compound is ADS640PP, also known as 2- [5- (1, 3-dihydro-3, 3-dimethyl-1-propyl-2H-indol-2-ylidene) -1, 3-pentadienyl ] -3, 3-dimethyl-1-propyl-3H-indolium perchlorate, manufactured by American Dye Source, inc. However, any other exemplary absorbing compound having strong absorption in the 600nm to 700nm range of the visible spectrum may also be suitable for generating the film 200. In another embodiment, compound 1010 can also be combined with a different polymeric substrate from table 1.

In one embodiment, the polymer substrate is impregnated with a combination of

compounds

1008 and 1010. In another embodiment, a PVC substrate is disposed in the film 200 along with any one of the

compounds

1006, 1020, 1026, 1032, 1038, 1044 or 1050.

Examples of epoxy resins

In one embodiment, the film 200 comprises an epoxy substrate impregnated with an absorbing compound 1016, the absorbing compound 1016 being selected to target light generated in the range of 260nm to 400 nm. In one embodiment, the absorbing compound 1016 is selected for peak absorption in the range of 300nm to 400 nm. Specifically, in one embodiment, the absorbing compound 1016 is selected for peak absorption in the range of 375nm to 410 nm. One exemplary absorbing compound is ABS 400, for example, produced by exiton, which has a peak absorbance at 399 nm. However, any other exemplary absorbing compound having strong absorption properties in the range of 300nm to 400nm is also suitable for absorbing UV light. In embodiments where ABS 400 is used to provide UV protection, other polymeric substrates such as those listed in table 1 may also be suitable for forming film 200.

In one embodiment, the film 200 comprises an epoxy substrate impregnated with an absorbing compound 1018, the absorbing compound 1018 being selected to target light generated in the range of 400nm to 700 nm. In one embodiment, absorbing compound 1018 is selected for peak absorption in the range of 400nm to 700 nm. Specifically, in one embodiment, absorbing compound 1018 is selected for peak absorption in the range of 600nm to 700 nm. Even more specifically, in one embodiment, the absorbing compound is selected for peak absorption in the range of 650nm to 690 nm. One exemplary absorbing compound is a proprietary compound manufactured by QCR Solutions Corporation under the trade name VIS675F and having a peak absorption at 675nm in chloroform. However, any other exemplary absorbing compound having strong absorption in the 600nm to 700nm range of the visible spectrum may also be suitable for generating the film 200. In another embodiment, compound 1018 can also be combined with a different polymeric substrate from table 1.

In one embodiment, the film 200 comprises an epoxy substrate impregnated with an absorbing compound 1020, the absorbing compound 1020 selected to target light generated in the infrared range. In one embodiment, the selective absorption compound 1020 is selected for light generated in the range of 800nm to 1100 nm. Specifically, in one embodiment, the absorbing compound 1020 is selected for peak absorption in the range of 900nm to 1080 nm. In one embodiment, the absorbing compound is a proprietary compound manufactured by QCR Solutions Corporation under the trade name NIR1031M and having a peak absorption at 1031nm in acetone. However, any other exemplary absorbing compound having strong absorption in the infrared range may also be suitable for forming the film 200. In another embodiment, compound 1020 may also be combined with a different polymeric substrate from table 1.

In one embodiment, the polymer substrate is impregnated with a combination of

compounds

1016, 1018, and 1020, such that any two of

compounds

1016, 1018, and 1020 are included to form the membrane 200. In another embodiment, all three of

compounds

1016, 1018, and 1020 combine within the polymeric substrate to form film 200.

In another embodiment, an epoxy substrate is disposed in the film 200 along with any of the

compounds

1006, 1020, 1026, 1032, 1038, 1044 or 1050.

Examples of polyamides

In one embodiment, the film 200 comprises a polyamide substrate impregnated with an absorbing compound 1022, the absorbing compound 1022 selected to target light generated in the range of 260nm to 400 nm. In one embodiment, absorbing compound 1022 is selected for peak absorption in the range of 260nm to 350 nm. One exemplary absorbing compound is manufactured, for example, by QCR Solutions Corporation under the product name UV 290A. However, any other exemplary absorbing compound 1022 having strong absorption characteristics in the 260nm to 400nm range is also suitable for absorbing UV light. In embodiments where UV290A is used to provide UV protection, other polymeric substrates (such as those listed in table 1) are also suitable for forming the film 200.

In one embodiment, the film 200 comprises a polyamide substrate impregnated with an absorbing compound 1024, the absorbing compound 1024 being selected to target light generated in the range of 400nm to 700 nm. In one embodiment, absorbing compound 1024 is selected for peak absorption in the range of 600nm to 700 nm. Specifically, in one embodiment, absorbing compound 1024 is selected for peak absorption in the range of 620nm to 700 nm. An exemplary absorbing compound is a proprietary compound manufactured by Adam Gates & Company, LLC under the trade name DYE VIS 670, which also has an absorption peak between 310nm and 400 nm. However, any other exemplary absorbing compound having strong absorption in the 600nm to 700nm range of the visible spectrum may also be suitable for generating the film 200. In another embodiment, compound 1024 can also be combined with a different polymeric substrate from table 1.

In one embodiment, the film 200 comprises a polyamide substrate impregnated with an absorbing compound 1026, the absorbing compound 1026 being selected to target light generated in the infrared range. In one embodiment, the selective absorbing compound 1026 is selected to target light generated in the range of 800nm to 1200 nm. Specifically, in one embodiment, absorbing compound 1026 is selected for peak absorption in the range of 900nm to 1100 nm. One exemplary absorbing compound is a proprietary compound manufactured by QCR Solutions Corporation under the product name NIR1072A, which has an absorption peak at 1072nm in acetone. However, any other exemplary absorbing compound having strong absorption in the infrared range may also be suitable for forming the film 200. In another embodiment, compound 1026 may also be combined with a different polymeric substrate from table 1.

In one embodiment, the polymer substrate is impregnated with a combination of

compounds

1022, 1024, and 1026 such that any two of

compounds

1022, 1024, and 1026 are included to form film 200. In another embodiment, all three of

compounds

1022, 1024, and 1026 combine within the polymer substrate to form film 200.

In another embodiment, a polyamide substrate is disposed in the film 200 along with any of the

compounds

1006, 1020, 1026, 1032, 1038, 1044 or 1050.

Polyester examples

In one embodiment, the film 200 comprises a polyester substrate impregnated with an absorbing compound 1036, the absorbing compound 1036 selected to target light generated in the range of 400nm to 700 nm. In one embodiment, absorbing compound 1036 is selected for peak absorption in the range of 600nm to 750 nm. Specifically, in one embodiment, absorbing compound 1036 is selected for peak absorption in the range of 670nm to 720 nm. An exemplary absorbing compound is

A proprietary compound was produced under the trade name ABS 691 which has an absorption peak at 696nm in polycarbonate. However, any other exemplary absorbing compound having strong absorption in the 600nm to 700nm range of the visible spectrum may also be usedSuitable for forming the film 200. In another embodiment, compound 1036 can also be combined with a different polymeric substrate from table 1.

In one embodiment, the film 200 comprises a polyester substrate impregnated with an absorbing compound 1038, the absorbing compound 1038 selected to target light generated in the infrared range. In one embodiment, the absorbing compound 1038 is selected to be directed to light generated in the range of 800nm to 1300 nm. Specifically, in one embodiment, absorbing compound 1038 is selected for peak absorption in the range of 900nm to 1150 nm. An exemplary absorbing compound 1038 is a proprietary compound manufactured by Adam Gates & Company, LLC under the product name IR Dye 1151, which has an absorption peak at 1073nm in Methyl Ethyl Ketone (MEK). However, any other exemplary absorbing compound having strong absorption in the infrared range may also be suitable for forming the film 200. In another embodiment, compound 1038 can also be combined with a different polymeric substrate from table 1.

In one embodiment, the polymeric substrate is impregnated with a combination of

compounds

1036 and 1038. In another embodiment, a polyester substrate is disposed in film 200 along with any of

compounds

1002, 1008, 1022, 1028, 1040, or 1046. In one embodiment, this may be combined with any of

compounds

1004, 1010, 1018, 1024, 1030, 1036, 1042, or 1048. In one embodiment, this may be combined with any one of

compounds

1006, 1020, 1026, 1032, 1038, 1044 or 1050.

Polyethylene examples

In one embodiment, the film 200 comprises a polyethylene substrate impregnated with an absorbing compound 1042, the absorbing compound 1042 selected to target light generated in the range of 400nm to 700 nm. In one embodiment, absorbing compound 1042 is selected for peak absorption in the range of 600nm to 750 nm. Specifically, in one embodiment, the absorbing compound 1042 is selected for peak absorption in the range of 670nm to 730 nm. One exemplary absorbing compound is a proprietary compound manufactured by molecuum under the trade name LUM690, which has an absorption peak at 701nm in chloroform. However, any other exemplary absorbing compound having strong absorption in the 600nm to 700nm range of the visible spectrum may also be suitable for generating the film 200. In another embodiment, compound 1042 can also be combined with a different polymeric substrate from table 1.

In one embodiment, the film 200 comprises a polyethylene substrate impregnated with an absorbing compound 1044, the absorbing compound 1044 being selected to target light generated in the infrared range. In one embodiment, the absorbing compound 1044 is selected to be directed to light generated in the range of 800nm to 1100 nm. Specifically, in one embodiment, the absorbing compound 1044 is selected for peak absorption in the range of 900nm to 1100 nm. One exemplary absorbing compound is a proprietary compound manufactured by molecuum under the trade name LUM1000A, which has an absorption peak at 1001nm in chloroform. However, any other exemplary absorbing compound having strong absorption in the infrared range may also be suitable for forming the film 200. In another embodiment, compound 1044 may also be combined with a different polymeric substrate from table 1.

In one embodiment, the polymer substrate is impregnated with a combination of

compounds

1040, 1042, and 1044 such that any two of

compounds

1040, 1042, and 1044 are included to form film 200. In another embodiment, all three of

compounds

1040, 1042, and 1044 are combined within a polymeric substrate to form film 200.

compounds

1006, 1020, 1026, 1032, 1038, 1044, or 1050.

Other exemplary embodiments

The blue-green organic absorbing compound may be selected to provide selective transmission and/or attenuation at a desired wavelength (e.g., by attenuating blue light relative to red light). The blue-green organic dye may include, for example, blue-green phthalocyanine dyes that are suitable for plastic applications and provide good visible light transmittance, light stability, and thermal stability with a melting point greater than 170 ℃. The organic dye impregnated polycarbonate compound may comprise about 0.05% to 2% by weight of the absorbing compound. The blue-green phthalocyanine dye may be in the form of a powder that can be dispersed in the molten polycarbonate during extrusion. The blue-green dye may also be dispersed within the polycarbonate resin beads prior to the extrusion process.

In another embodiment, one or more additional dyes may be dispersed within the film. To increase infrared protection, for example, additional IR filtering dyes may be used to provide an optical density of 9 or greater in the IR range. One example of an IR filtering dye may include LUM 1000A. The organic dye impregnated polycarbonate mixture may comprise about 0.05% to 2% by weight of the absorbing compound.

In one embodiment, a filter for digital electronics is provided with defined electromagnetic radiation transmission characteristics that have selective transmission at visible wavelengths. In one embodiment, the optical filter is designed to block or reduce the transmission of light in multiple wavelength ranges, for example, in both the blue and red wavelength ranges. The optical filter may be used in various applications including, but not limited to, optical filters, light emission reduction films for electronic devices, and LCD phase difference films. In one embodiment, the optical filter is made of a composite material comprising an organic dye dispersed or impregnated in a polymeric substrate, such as a polycarbonate film. In another embodiment, any one or more of the polymeric substrates may be selected from table 1 above.

As shown in FIG. 2A, wavelengths of

light

210, 212, 214, and 218 are generated by the device 202. In one embodiment, light at these wavelengths then encounters the film 200. When light of the wavelength encounters the film 200, the film 200 is configured to allow only light of some wavelengths to pass through. For example, in one embodiment as shown in fig. 2A, UV light is substantially prevented from passing through the film 200. Blue-violet light is also substantially prevented from passing through the film 200. The turquoise light 214 is at least partially blocked from passing through the film 200 while allowing some other range of blue wavelengths 216 to pass through. In one embodiment, these may include light of wavelengths in the cyan range. However, in one embodiment, visible light 218, which may be safe for a user to view, is allowed to pass through the film. In one embodiment, once the wavelengths of light have encountered and passed through the film 200, they are perceived by the human eye of the user using the device 202. In one embodiment, as shown in fig. 2A, region 252 of the eye is known to be highly influenced by UV light, and region 254 of the eye is known to be highly influenced by blue light. By inserting the membrane 200 between the device 202 and the eye 250, light rays that may cause damage to the eye in the

regions

252 and 254 are substantially prevented from reaching the user's eye.

Fig. 2B illustrates exemplary effective wavelength absorption ranges for films that may be useful in one embodiment of the present invention. In one embodiment, the film 200 may include one or more absorbing compounds configured to absorb light in one or more wavelength ranges. In one embodiment, a range of wavelengths may be blocked by the film 272, with at least some light in the 300nm to 400nm range being blocked by the film 272 from reaching the user's eye, but the remainder of the wavelength spectrum being substantially unaffected. In another embodiment, the film 274 substantially reduces light in the range of 300nm to 500nm from reaching the user's eye, but the remainder of the wavelength spectrum is substantially unaffected. In another embodiment, the film 276 substantially reduces light in the range of 300nm to 650nm from reaching the user's eye, but the remainder of the wavelength spectrum is substantially unaffected. In yet another embodiment, the film 278 reduces the amount of light in the range of 300nm to 3000nm to reach the user's eye, but the remainder of the wavelength spectrum is substantially unaffected. Depending on the conditions affecting the user of the device 202,

different membranes

272, 274, 276, and 278 may be applied to the user's device 202 in order to treat or prevent a medical condition.

Fig. 2C and the above examples illustrate multiple absorption compound spectra that may be used alone or in combination in one embodiment of the invention to achieve the desired properties of the film. In one embodiment, one or more of the absorbers shown in fig. 2C are impregnated within a polymeric substrate to achieve a desired transmittance.

In one embodiment, the film 272 is configured to substantially block 99.9% of UV light, 15% to 20% of HEV light, and 15% to 20% of photo-active (PS) light. In one embodiment, the film 272 comprises a UV inhibited polycarbonate substrate having a thickness of at least 5 mils. In one embodiment, the thickness is less than 10 mils. In one embodiment, the film 272 further comprises a UV inhibiting additive comprising at least 1% of the film 272. In one embodiment, the UV-inhibiting additive comprises at least 2% of the film, but less than 3% of the film 272. In one embodiment, the film 272 also includes a hard coating. In one embodiment, the film 272 may also be characterized as having an optical density of at least 3 in the range of 280nm to 380nm, at least 0.7 in the range of 380nm to 390nm, at least 0.15 in the range of 390nm to 400nm, at least 0.09 in the range of 400nm to 600nm, and at least 0.04 in the range of 600nm to 700 nm.

In one embodiment, the film 274 substantially blocks 99.9% UV light, 30% to 40% HEV light, and 20% to 30% PS light. In one embodiment, the film 274 comprises a UV-inhibited polycarbonate substrate having a thickness of at least 5 mils. In one embodiment, the thickness is less than 10 mils. In one embodiment, the film 274 further comprises a UV inhibiting additive that comprises at least 1% of the film 274. In one embodiment, the UV-inhibiting additive comprises at least 2% of the film, but less than 3% of the film 274. In one embodiment, the membrane 274 further includes a phthalocyanine dye that comprises at least 0.0036% of the membrane 274. In one embodiment, the phthalocyanine dye comprises at least 0.005%, or at least 0.008%, but less than 0.01% of the film 274. In one embodiment, the film 274 includes a hard coating. In one embodiment, the film 274 can also be characterized as having an optical density of at least 4 in the range of 280nm to 380nm, at least 2 in the range of 380nm to 390nm, at least 0.8 in the range of 290nm to 400nm, at least 0.13 in the range of 400nm to 600nm, and at least 0.15 in the range of 600nm to 700 nm.

In one embodiment, film 276 blocks 99.9% UV light, 60% to 70% HEV light, and 30% to 40% photo-active (PS) light. In one embodiment, the film 276 comprises a UV-inhibited polycarbonate substrate having a thickness of at least 5 mils. In one embodiment, the thickness is less than 10 mils. In one embodiment, the membrane 276 further comprises a UV inhibiting additive that comprises at least 1% of the membrane 276. In one embodiment, the UV-inhibiting additive comprises at least 2% of the membrane, but less than 3% of the membrane 276. In one embodiment, the film 274 further includes a phthalocyanine dye that comprises at least 0.005% of the film 274. In one embodiment, the phthalocyanine dye comprises at least 0.01%, or at least 0.015%, but less than 0.02% of the membrane 276. In one embodiment, the membrane 276 includes a hard coating. In one embodiment, the film 276 may also be characterized as having an optical density of at least 4 in the range of 280nm to 380nm, at least 2 in the range of 380nm to 390nm, at least 0.8 in the range of 290nm to 400nm, at least 0.13 in the range of 400nm to 600nm, and at least 0.15 in the range of 600nm to 700 nm.

In one embodiment, the film 278 blocks 99% of UV light, 60% to 70% of HEV light, and 30% to 40% of PS light. In one embodiment, the film 278 comprises a UV-inhibited PVC film having a thickness of at least 8 mils. In one embodiment, the thickness is at least 10 mils, or at least 15 mils, but less than 20 mils thick. In one embodiment, the membrane 278 further includes an elastomer.

In one embodiment, the film is configured to substantially block 99% of the ultraviolet light in the 200nm to 315nm range, 99% of the ultraviolet light in the 315nm to 380nm range, and about 10% of the PS light (i.e., light near 555 nm). In one embodiment, the film is configured to allow up to 65% of visible light (i.e., light in the range from 380nm to 780 nm) to pass through. In some embodiments, the film may block different amounts of blue light. For example, the film may have a layer that blocks 15% of the blue light, a layer that blocks 30% of the blue light, a layer that blocks 60% of the blue light, or a combination thereof. In one embodiment, the film comprises a UV-inhibiting film having a thickness of 7 mils to 9 mils.

FIG. 3 depicts a graph showing transmittance as a function of wavelength for various films that may be used in one embodiment of the present invention. In one embodiment, the absorption spectrum 300 is associated with a general stock film (genetic stock film) manufactured by Nabi. The absorption spectrum 302 can be associated with another stock film provided by Nabi. The absorption spectrum 304 may be associated with an Armor brand film. In one embodiment, the absorption spectrum 306 may be associated with the film 272. In one embodiment, the absorption spectrum 308 may be associated with the film 276. In another embodiment including an elastomer, the absorption spectrum 310 can be associated with the film 278. In one embodiment, the absorption spectrum 312 may be associated with the film 274. As shown in fig. 3, using any of the

films

272, 274, 276, or 278 results in a reduction in the absorption spectrum produced by the device. For example, absorption spectrum 306 shows a maximum transmission in the blue range that decreases from approximately 1.00 to 0.37. Thus, application of any of the

films

272, 274, 276, or 278 to a device (e.g., device 202) may result in a reduction of light rays of harmful light in a known wavelength range, and thus reduce any of the above-described multiple eye-related problems.

In one embodiment, the use of any of the films shown in fig. 3 provides a measurable change in light transmission from the device to the user, as shown in table 3 below. Table 3 shows the percentage of energy remaining in each wavelength range after passing through the indicated application film.

Table 3: energy remaining after film application

As shown in table 3 above, any of the films described herein provide a significant reduction in the energy retained over multiple wavelength ranges after filtering between light produced by a device, such as device 202, and eye 250. The

films

272, 274, 276, and 278 almost completely absorb the UV light emitted by the device 202.

In one embodiment, an organic dye impregnated membrane such as

membrane

272, 274, 276, or 278 may be provided in the form of a rectangular or square membrane sheet, as shown in fig. 1C. One or more desired shapes of the filters may then be cut from the film. As shown in fig. 1A, for example, one embodiment of an optical film may include a generally rectangular shape for a smartphone, with the circle removed for the smartphone's button. In another embodiment, the optical filter may include a circular filter design, for example to cover a digital image sensor in a camera of a cell phone or other electronic device. In yet another embodiment, the filters are provided to the manufacturer or user in the form of sheets so that the manufacturer or user can cut the film to the desired size. In another embodiment, the film is provided with an adhesive backing so that it can be sized and then attached to a desired device.

One or more additional layers or coatings of material may also be provided on the film. For example, the additional layer of material may include a hard coating to protect the film during shipping or use. The transmission can be improved by applying certain anti-reflective properties to the film, including when any other coating (including a hard coating in one embodiment) is applied. The film may also or alternatively have an antiglare coating applied or an adhesive coating applied.

According to one method of manufacture, the organic dye is manufactured, dispersed in a film material (e.g., polycarbonate in one embodiment), mixed into pellets, and then extruded into a film using techniques commonly known to those skilled in the art. The organic dye impregnated film composition may thus be provided in the form of pellets or in the form of an extruded film which may be provided on a roll and then cut to size according to the particular application.

Method of producing light absorbing film

Fig. 4A-4C depict various methods for producing a light-absorbing film for a device, according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 4A, the method 400 begins at block 402, where a user obtains their device. The device may be a smartphone, laptop, tablet, or other light emitting device such as device 102. The user then obtains and applies a film, such as film 100, as shown in block 404. The user may select the film 100 based on a particular eye problem or a desire to prevent one or more particular eye-related problems. After the user obtains the device, the film 100 may be applied, for example, by using an adhesive layer. The adhesive layer may be found on an after-market film such as

film

272, 274, 276, or 278.

As shown in fig. 4B, method 410 illustrates a method for a manufacturer of a device to provide a safer screen to a user, where the safer screen includes a film having properties as those described above with respect to

films

272, 274, 276, and/or 278. In one embodiment, the method 140 begins at block 420, where the manufacturer produces a screen having a combination of one or more absorbing compounds. In one embodiment, the dye may be selected from any of those described above to reduce the transmission of light of a particular wavelength from the device. The manufacturer may manufacture the screen so that the dye is impregnated within the screen itself, rather than being applied to the screen as a separate film. The method then continues at block 422 where the manufacturer applies the screen to the device, for example, using any suitable mechanism, such as by using an adhesive. In one embodiment, the method then continues at block 424, where the manufacturer provides the device to the user, which may include through a sale or other transaction.

Fig. 4C illustrates a method for making a film having specific absorption characteristics, according to an embodiment of the present invention. In one embodiment, the method 430 begins at block 440 where the wavelengths to be absorbed for the film are selected or otherwise inhibited from reaching the user's eye. The method then continues at block 442, where one or more absorbing compounds are selected to absorb a selected range of wavelengths, such as from table 1 above. The method then continues at block 444, where an appropriate film substrate is selected. A suitable membrane substrate may be the screen of a device. In another embodiment, a suitable film substrate may be one of any series of polymers that are compatible with the selected dye. In one embodiment, the user may first select the appropriate film, e.g., based on device characteristics, and then select the appropriate dye, thereby reversing the order of

blocks

442 and 444.

The method 430 continues at block 446 where a dye impregnated film is manufactured. In one embodiment, this may involve co-extrusion of the film with a plurality of absorbing compounds. The film may be provided as a series of resin beads and may be mixed with a series of resin beads containing the desired absorbing compound. In alternative embodiments, the absorbing compound may be provided as a liquid solution. However, any other suitable mechanism for making a dye impregnated film may also be used at block 446. In one embodiment, it may also be desirable to subject the film to additional treatments applied, such as reducing glare or privacy screen features. In another embodiment, the film may be treated to have a hard coating, or may be treated to have a tacky coating. In one embodiment, any or all of these processes may be provided at block 448.

In one embodiment, the method continues at block 450, where a film, such as film 100, is provided to a device, such as device 102. As previously described, this may involve the manufacturer applying a screen having desired characteristics, such as screen 102, to device 100 using an appropriate manufacturing procedure. It may also include providing the dye-impregnated after-market film to a user who then applies the film to the device, for example, by

methods

400 and 410 previously described.

In one embodiment of the method of producing a light absorbing film for a device, the film is manufactured by stacking a plurality of coatings on top of each other. More specifically, the film may be composed of several layers such as, but not limited to, a matte finish, a blue dye layer, a polyethylene terephthalate (hereinafter "PET") layer, a UV protective layer, a pressure sensitive adhesive (hereinafter "PSA"), and a liner.

In some embodiments, the first layer applied (which is the top layer in the final embodiment) is a matte finish. Matte finishes may provide antiglare characteristics, may be oil resistant, and may include anti-fingerprint properties. In addition, matte finishes may block small amounts of high energy visible light, such as blue light. In one embodiment, the matte finish comprises a haze factor that describes the haze of the film. Ideally, the haze factor is about 3% so as not to obstruct the user's view of the device screen. However, the haze factor may be as high as 26%. Some embodiments of the disclosed films do not include a matte finish, either with no finish or with a clear hard coat.

The next layer that can be applied is a blue dye. The blue dye layer may block various amounts of high energy visible light, such as blue light. For example, a blue dye layer may block 30% of the blue light and may be cool blue in color. In another embodiment, the blue dye layer may block 60% of the blue light and may be cyan in color. If a blue dye layer is added as the first layer, the blue dye layer may also contain properties that enable it to act as a hard coating. However, some embodiments will not include any of these blue dye layers.

Regardless of whether a blue dye layer is included, the next layer is a PET layer that blocks about 15% of the blue light. Thus, the film may have a layer that blocks 30% of the blue light and another layer that blocks 15% of the blue light, or may be limited to a layer that blocks 15% of the blue light. The PET layer is preferably transparent and free of color tones. The PET layer may also serve as a topcoat and may include properties to protect the remaining layers if the film does not have a matte topcoat or blue dye layer.

The next layer added to the PET layer is a UV protective layer that can block at least 99% of the UV light. The UV protective layer may have any of the features described above. On top of the UV layer, a PSA such as a silicone PSA may be applied. The adhesive may be configured such that it prevents the formation of air bubbles between the film and the device during application of the film to the device. In some embodiments, the film may not include an adhesive layer. For example, it may not be feasible to apply a film to an electronic device having a large screen (e.g., a computer display) using an adhesive, and thus a different attachment method is used, such as a clip that clips the film onto the display.

After applying the adhesive layer or UV layer, a white paper liner and/or a transparent printable liner may be applied on top to protect the computer facing layer, whether it is a UV layer or PSA. This prevents the film from attaching to anything or being exposed to dust and debris prior to attachment to the electronic device.

In one embodiment, such as when used as an optical filter, the organic dye impregnated film allows for a target transmission cutoff at a particular wavelength (e.g., near the end of the visible wavelength spectrum). In such applications, the curve should further increase the overall transmission of visible wavelengths, such as red wavelengths. In one embodiment, the optical filter can improve the true color reproduction of the digital image sensor by correcting the absorption imbalance at red and blue wavelengths using silicone as the light absorber, resulting in improved image quality through improved color definition.

When used as an LCD phase difference film, in accordance with another embodiment, the organic dye impregnated film provides desirable optical properties such as selective visible light wavelength at 0 to 30 ° or 0 to 26 ° incident angle chief ray and 50% transmission cutoff, and excellent mechanical robustness at less than 0.01mm thickness. Basically, pigments, like some dyes, tend to stay on the surface during application of the dye or substrate. The disclosed product contains the dye particles throughout the carrier substrate, so light striking the substrate will collide with the dye particles somewhere on its way through the substrate. Thus, in one embodiment, the substrate is designed to be safe at a minimum angle of incidence of 30 °. The LCD retardation film can also provide better UV absorption than other conventional LCD retardation films.

When used as a light emission reducing film, the organic dye impregnated film reduces light emission from an electronic device at a specific wavelength that may be harmful to a user, consistent with yet another embodiment. The light emission reduction film can reduce the peak and slope of the electromagnetic emission (e.g., in the blue, green, and orange ranges) to normalize the emission spectrum in the visible range. The emission spectrum may be normalized, for example, between 0.0034 and 0.0038. These optical properties can provide maximum suppression of harmful radiation across the visible and near infrared range in the thinnest substrates while still meeting industry standard visible light transmission requirements.

Although an LCD display is shown in the figures, at least some embodiments of the invention may be applied to devices that utilize different display generation technologies, such as Cathode Ray Tube (CRT) or Light Emitting Diode (LED) displays.

Is combined to an electronic device

As described above, in some embodiments, the protective film comprises a combination of polymer substrates and includes an absorbing compound in an amount that absorbs harmful light generated by the device. However, in other embodiments, the absorbing compound and the polymer substrate may be incorporated into the screen layer of the device during manufacture, as shown in fig. 5C-5F and 5H, such that the electronic device is manufactured with protection from such harmful light build-in.

The following description is designed to accompany the accompanying fig. 5A to 5H. However, while the present embodiments are described with respect to a touch screen capable device provided by the capacitive mesh layer 506, it should be understood that at least some embodiments of the present invention may be applied to devices that do not have touch screen capability. Furthermore, although an LCD display is shown in the figures, at least some embodiments of the invention may be applied to devices that utilize different display generation techniques. For example, Cathode Ray Tube (CRT) or Light Emitting Diode (LED) displays are possible.

In one embodiment, as shown in fig. 5A and 5B, the screen of the electronic device includes several layers of glass and/or plastic. These layers may be configured to provide additional functionality, such as touch screen functionality, as well as to protect the device from damage from use. Fig. 5A and 5B show an exemplary screen of a digital device composed of five layers: LCD layer 510, glass layer 508, capacitive mesh layer 506, flexible protective cover 504, and surface coating 502. The device may be a capacitive device such as a cell phone or tablet computer with a touch sensitive screen. The device may also be another form of display device such as, but not limited to, a television having a non-capacitive screen. Additionally, the device may be in the form of headwear worn by a user exposed to light, such as glasses or contact lenses.

In one embodiment, as shown in fig. 5C and 5D, one or more absorbing compounds may be disposed in the polymer layer to create an absorbing film layer 512, the absorbing film layer 512 being interposed between one of the layers (e.g., the layers previously shown with respect to fig. 5A and 5B) that make up the screen of the electronic device, as shown in fig. 5C and 5D, the absorbing film layer 512 may be applied between the LCD layer 510 and the glass layer 508. However, in another embodiment, the absorbing film layer 512 may be applied between the glass layer 508 and the capacitive mesh layer 506. In another embodiment, the absorbent film layer 512 may be applied between the capacitive mesh layer 506 and the flexible protective cover 504. In another embodiment, an absorbent film layer 512 may be applied between the flexible protective cover 504 and the surface coating 502.

In one embodiment, the absorbing film layer 512 may be applied as a film layer interposed between any of the layers constituting the screen of the electronic device or applied as a hard coating layer to any one of the layers constituting the screen of the electronic device. In another embodiment, the absorbing film layer 512 may be applied as a thermal coating or paint layer.

In yet another embodiment, one or more absorbing film layers may be combined with layers that make up a screen of an electronic device (e.g., the layers previously described with respect to fig. 5A and 5B). For example, four absorbent film layers 512 may be provided such that they fit between each of the five layers of the screen. However, in another embodiment, two or three absorbent film layers 512 are disposed between at least some of the five layers of the screen.

The absorbent film layer 512 may include at least one polymeric substrate. In one embodiment, the polymer substrate is selected to absorb light at a desired wavelength. However, in another embodiment, an additional absorbing compound is used to absorb all of the desired wavelengths of light. In yet another embodiment, several absorbing compounds may be combined with a single polymeric substrate to achieve the desired protection. Fig. 5G shows light waves emitted from a computer screen. Fig. 5H shows an absorbing film layer 512 that absorbs and thus blocks those particular light waves from reaching the user. A list of several polymer substrates that may be used in one embodiment is provided in table 4 below.

Table 4: polymeric substrate for absorbent film

In one embodiment, one of the polymers selected from table 4 is combined with a desired target range of one or more absorbing compounds, as shown in table 5 below. The absorbing compounds listed in table 5 are some examples of absorbing compounds that may be selected for the desired protection in a given wavelength range.

Table 5: absorbing material and wavelength range

In one embodiment, the absorbing film layer 512 has a slight hue due at least in part to the selected absorbing compound and functions as a filter to reduce light emission from the screen. In one embodiment, the absorbing film layer 512 having a thickness of 7.75 mils under CIE illuminant D65 was a light blue-green color having (L, a, B) values of (90.24, 12.64, 3.54) and (X-Y-Z) values of (67.14, 76.83, 78.90), respectively. In another embodiment, the absorbent film layer 512 appears light due to the reduced loading.

In one embodiment, the polymeric substrate and the one or more absorbing compounds are mixed and extruded as pellets, where the pellets may then be molded into the absorbing film layer 512. Alternatively, they may be used for thermal coatings. In another embodiment, the polymeric substrate and the one or more absorbing compounds are extruded or fabricated as part of any of the layers of the screen of the device.

In one embodiment, an adhesive compound may be used between one or more of each of the layers of the screen of the electronic device to ensure that the layers are laminated together. The adhesive compound may also provide a seal between the layers. Thus, instead of providing protection from harmful wavelengths of light as an additional film layer within the screen, protection may be provided by the adhesive used to adhere the screen layers.

Fig. 5E and 5F show exemplary screens of digital devices incorporating light absorbing adhesive 514 having wavelength absorbing characteristics. In one embodiment, as shown in fig. 5E and 5F, one or more absorbing compounds are disposed in an absorbent adhesive 514, the absorbent adhesive 514 being coated on the top or bottom side of the layers previously described with respect to fig. 5A and 5B. For example, as shown in fig. 5E and 5F, a light absorbing adhesive 514 may be applied as an adhesive that bonds the capacitive mesh layer 506 to the flexible protective cover 504. However, in another embodiment, light absorbing adhesive 514 may be applied as an adhesive to adhere LCD layer 510 to glass layer 508. In another embodiment, the light absorbing adhesive 514 may be applied as an adhesive that bonds the glass layer 508 to the capacitive grid layer 506. In another embodiment, the light absorbing adhesive 514 may be applied such that it adheres the flexible protective cover 504 to the surface coating 502.

In yet another embodiment, one or more absorbing compounds may be used as part of the adhesive between each of the five layers. For example, the light absorbing adhesive 514 may be the only adhesive used between the five layers. However, in another embodiment, the light absorbing adhesive 514 may be used between two or three layers of the screen. In one embodiment, the selected absorbing compound is based on a selected range of wavelengths of light to be blocked. For example, the absorbing compound selected may be from any one of columns 2 through 4 of table 5.

The light absorbing adhesive 514 may include at least one polymeric substrate. In one embodiment, the polymer substrate is selected to absorb light at a desired wavelength. However, in another embodiment, an additional absorbing compound is used to absorb all of the desired wavelengths of light. In another embodiment, several absorbing compounds may be combined with a single polymeric substrate to achieve the desired protection.

In one embodiment, the silicone adhesive may be used with any of the absorbing compounds listed in columns 2 through 4 of table 5. In one embodiment, the pressure sensitive adhesive may be used with any of the absorbing compounds listed in columns 2 through 4 of table 5. In another embodiment, the hot melt adhesive may be used with any of the absorbing compounds listed in columns 2 through 4 of table 5. In another embodiment, an acrylic adhesive may be used with any of the absorbing compounds listed in columns 2 through 4 of table 5.

In one embodiment, dissolving the desired absorbing compound in a ketone-based solvent, preferably methyl ethyl ketone, can produce an adhesive. The dissolved absorbing compound is then lost (miss) with the desired adhesive compound. For example, in one embodiment, the pressure sensitive adhesive may be combined with an absorbing compound dissolved in a ketone-based solvent. In at least one embodiment, the method comprises at least one filtration step to remove undissolved absorbing compounds. In another embodiment, the process includes adding additional solvent to redissolve the absorbing compound, thereby causing the entire process to cake.

In one embodiment, the adhesive layer has a slight hue due to the at least partially selected absorbing compound and acts as a filter to reduce light emission from the screen. In one embodiment, the adhesive layer having a thickness of 7.75 mils under CIE illuminant D65 was a light blue-green color having (L, a, B) values of (90.24, -12.64, 3.54) and (X-Y-Z) values of (67.14, 76.83, 78.90), respectively. In another embodiment, the adhesive layer appears lighter due to the reduced load.

In some embodiments, the absorbing compound may be disposed in one or more polymeric substrates to integrate with a polarizing filter of an electronic screen. For example, in the case of an electronic screen having an LCD screen, the screen has two polarizing filters, and the absorbing compound may be applied on one of the polarizing filters of the screen. In the case of a coating, the absorbing compound may be disposed in a polymer substrate such that the polarizing filter can be laminated with the absorbing compound. In another embodiment, the absorbing compound may be incorporated directly into one of the two polarizing filters.

As described above, the absorbing compound desirably blocks only a portion of the wavelength range of each color so that each hue remains visible to an individual viewing the screen of the electronic device. Thus, in embodiments where the absorbing compound is integrated into the screen of the electronic device, the color with a fraction of the wavelengths blocked by the disclosed technology may be enhanced, allowing for a smaller range of light passing through the absorbing compound.

Headphones coupled to virtual reality

While other embodiments have been described with respect to devices having touch screen capability provided by a capacitive grid, it should be understood that at least some embodiments of the present invention may be applied to devices that do not have touch screen capability. For example, in one embodiment, the invention may be applied to or integrated into a virtual reality headphone device, as shown in fig. 6A-6C, or another type of head mounted glass device configured to absorb the wavelengths of light generated by the light sources.

Virtual Reality (VR) headphones are headwear that users can wear on their eyes to obtain an immersive audiovisual experience. More specifically, VR headphones provide a screen that is a few inches from the user's face. Additionally, the VR headset may shield ambient light from intruding into the user's field of view. Due to the proximity of the screen, so that the UV light and blue light are close to the user's eyes, VR headsets pose a unique risk to the user. The disclosed technology is unique to VR headsets because it can block these harmful wavelengths. In some embodiments, because the VR headset blocks ambient light from interfering with the screen, the pigmentation or chemical structure used in the light absorbing material may interfere with the user's color experience, and thus the light absorbing material used for the VR headset may vary from the embodiments described above.

Some virtual reality headsets include glasses, a frame, or a unit in combination with headphones or another hearing device, and can receive a mobile phone that acts as a screen. As described in U.S. patent No. 8,957,835 (the' 835 patent), the phone may be snapped into the headset and the user may utilize a mobile application on the phone. Fig. 4 in the' 835 patent shows a phone-based virtual reality headset. As shown in fig. 6A, the present invention may be used in conjunction with such virtual reality headsets. In this embodiment, the light absorbing layer 602 may be built into the frame of the virtual reality headset in front of the phone, so that when light is transmitted from the phone, it must pass through the light absorbing layer 602 before passing through the rest of the headset and passing to the user's eye. Light-absorbing layer 602 may exhibit any of the several properties described above.

In addition to using the phone as a screen, other virtual reality headsets have a built-in screen panel. For example, Oculus Rift developed by Oculus VR uses an Organic Light Emitting Diode (OLED) panel for each eye. In these virtual reality headsets, light absorbing layer 602 may be included in front of the light display panel, as shown in fig. 6B and 6C. The light absorbing layer 602 may be one continuous layer covering both eyes. In another embodiment, there may be two photoabsorbing layers 602, one photoabsorbing layer 602 for each eye. In some implementations, each light absorbing layer 602 is a flat plate. In other embodiments, each light absorbing layer 602 is curved around the interior of the headset.

While the principles of the invention have been described herein, it is to be understood by those skilled in the art that this description is made only by way of example and not as a limitation as to the scope of the invention. In addition to the exemplary embodiments shown and described herein, other embodiments are also contemplated within the scope of the present invention. Modifications and substitutions by one of ordinary skill in the art are considered to be within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A display for an electronic device, the display comprising:

a liquid crystal display layer;

a glass layer;

a capacitive mesh layer;

a flexible protective cover layer;

surface coating;

two polarization filter layers;

a neutral density filter comprising a light absorbing compound in a coating and a polymeric substrate;

wherein:

the light absorbing compound comprises an organic phthalocyanine dye and is further selected from the group consisting of polycarbonate, PVC, epoxy, polyester, polyethylene, polyamide, and combinations thereof;

the neutral density filter blocks at least a portion of the ultraviolet wavelength range,

the light absorbing compound has a peak absorption in the range of 600nm to 700 nm.

2. The display of claim 1, wherein the neutral density filter is a coating on at least one of the two polarizing filter layers.

3. The display of claim 1, wherein the neutral density filter is incorporated into at least one of the two polarizing filter layers.

4. The display of claim 1, wherein the neutral density filter produces a color rendering index change of about one to three.

5. The display of claim 1, wherein the neutral density filter blocks at least 10% of light in the wavelength range of 415 to 555 nanometers.

6. The display of claim 1, wherein the neutral density filter blocks at least 10% of light in the wavelength range of 400 nanometers to 500 nanometers.

7. The display of claim 1, wherein the neutral density filter has a color with an x value of 67.14, a y value of 76.83, and a z value of 78.90.

8. The display of claim 1, wherein the neutral density filter further comprises an adhesive.

9. The display of claim 8, wherein the adhesive comprises a light absorbing compound.

10. The display of claim 8, wherein the adhesive is a pressure sensitive adhesive.