TW201800917A - Optical film and user input system - Google Patents

Abstract

An optical film includes an optical modulation layer and a coding pattern. The optical modulation layer has a first surface and a second surface, and the optical modulation layer can be driven by electricity or light irradiation to adjust the transmittance of the optical modulation layer. The coding pattern is arranged on at least one of the first surface and the second surface of the optical modulation layer. The coding pattern can absorb, reflect or radiate sensing light, and the coding pattern includes coded information. The foregoing optical film can be selectively switched between a transparent state and a mist state. A user input system including the foregoing optical film is also disclosed.

Description

Optical diaphragm and user input system

The present invention relates to an optical film and user input system, and more particularly to an optical film and user input system for a user to input with an optical reading device.

A user input system is to set a coding pattern containing address information on a substrate, and the user decodes the address information in the coding pattern by using an appropriate reading device to record the trajectory of the reading device on the surface of the substrate. In general, the reading device is of a one-piece configuration such that the user can interact with the electronic device in a customary manner. For example, by setting the addressing information on the surface of the display panel, the user can write and record the written content on the display panel. However, the opaque characteristics of the display panel are difficult to integrate into the use environment, thus limiting the range of applications.

In view of this, it is an urgent task to provide an optical film that is better integrated with the environment to enhance its application range.

The invention provides an optical film and a user input system, wherein a coding pattern is arranged on an optical modulation layer, so that the optical film of the invention can be switched between a transparent state and an atomized state for promotion and use. The degree of integration of the environment.

An optical film according to an embodiment of the invention comprises an optical modulation layer and a coding pattern. The optical modulation layer has a first surface and a second surface, and the optical modulation layer can be driven by electricity or illumination to adjust the transmittance of the optical modulation layer. The coding pattern is disposed on at least one of the first surface and the second surface of the optical modulation layer. The coding pattern absorbs, reflects or emits a sensed light, and the coded pattern contains an encoded information.

A user input system in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention includes an optical diaphragm and an optical reading device. The optical film comprises an optical modulation layer and a coding pattern. The optical modulation layer has a first surface and a second surface, and the optical modulation layer can be driven by electricity or illumination to adjust the transmittance of the optical modulation layer. The coding pattern is disposed on at least one of the first surface and the second surface of the optical modulation layer. The coding pattern absorbs, reflects or emits a sensed light, and the coded pattern contains an encoded information. The optical reading device has a tip for abutting the coding pattern. The optical reading device comprises a light emitting unit, an image sensor, a processing unit and a communication interface. The light emitting unit is configured to generate sensing light or an excitation light to illuminate the optical film. The image sensor is configured to sense the sensed light from the coded pattern and output a sensed image. The processing unit is electrically connected to the image sensor for analyzing the sensing image to obtain encoding information of one of the coding patterns. The communication interface is electrically connected to the processing unit for transmitting the encoded information to an external electronic device.

The purpose, technical contents, features, and effects achieved by the present invention will become more apparent from the detailed description of the appended claims.

The embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. In addition to the detailed description, the present invention may be widely practiced in other embodiments, and any alternatives, modifications, and equivalent variations of the described embodiments are included in the scope of the present invention. quasi. In the description of the specification, numerous specific details are set forth in the description of the invention. In addition, well-known steps or elements are not described in detail to avoid unnecessarily limiting the invention. The same or similar elements in the drawings will be denoted by the same or similar symbols. It is to be noted that the drawings are for illustrative purposes only and do not represent the actual dimensions or quantities of the components. Some of the details may not be fully drawn in order to facilitate the simplicity of the drawings.

Referring to FIG. 1a and FIG. 1b, an optical film 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes an optical modulation layer 11 and a code pattern 12. The optical modulation layer 11 has a first surface 111 and a second surface 112. The optical modulation layer 11 can be driven by electrical or illumination to adjust the transmittance of the optical modulation layer 11. For example, the optical modulation layer 11 can be switched between a transparent state and an atomized state. The optical modulation layer 11 in a transparent state has a lower scattering property for the incident light L1 of the transmissive optical modulation layer 11, as shown in FIG. 1a, and the optical modulation layer 11 in an atomized state is for the transmission optical modulation layer. The incident light L1 of 11 has a high scattering property as shown in Fig. 1b.

In one embodiment, the optical modulation layer 11 includes a polymer dispersed liquid crystal (PDLC) layer 11a and two transparent electrodes 11b and 11c. The transparent electrodes 11b, 11c are respectively disposed on both sides of the polymer dispersed liquid crystal layer 11a, which selectively provides an electric field to change the optical characteristics of the polymer dispersed liquid crystal layer 11a. For example, the polymer dispersed liquid crystal layer 11a is in an atomized state without being subjected to an electric field, that is, has a high scattering property; the polymer dispersed liquid crystal layer 11a is in a transparent state when subjected to an electric field. That is, it has a lower scattering property. In another embodiment, the optical modulation layer 11 may include a fluid and a plurality of metal oxide particles dispersed in the fluid, and the metal oxide particles have a particle diameter of less than or equal to 1 μm. It should be noted that the optical modulation layer 11 is in a transparent state without being subjected to an electric field according to actual needs, and the present invention can also be realized in an atomized state in the case of being subjected to an electric field.

The coding pattern 12 is disposed on the first surface 111 or the second surface 112 of the optical modulation layer 11. The code pattern 12 is for absorbing, reflecting or emitting a sensed light L2. In an embodiment, the sensing light L2 may be invisible light, such as infrared light or ultraviolet light. In one embodiment, the optical modulation layer 11 and the code pattern 12 allow visible light transmission. It can be understood that when the optical modulation layer 11 is in an atomized state, it can scatter visible light and shield the images on both sides of the optical modulation layer 11 to achieve a hidden effect. The code pattern 12 may be a fluorescent material or a polarizing material, or the code pattern 12 may be a metal, a metal oxide, tantalum nitride, hafnium oxide or an alloy. It can be understood that the coding pattern 12 is a specially designed pattern containing an encoded information. In one embodiment, the code pattern 12 can be a plurality of geometric pattern units. For example, the geometric pattern unit can be circular, elliptical, polygonal, or a combination thereof. The coded information may be at least one of address information, text information, picture information, control instructions, and anti-counterfeiting information.

In the embodiment shown in Figures 1a and 1b, the code pattern 12 has the property of reflecting the sensed light L2. Therefore, regardless of whether the optical modulation layer 11 is in a transparent state (as shown in FIG. 1a) or in an atomized state (as shown in FIG. 1b), the coding pattern 12 can reflect the sensing light L2, enabling the optical reading device to capture the coding pattern. 12 images, and the code pattern 12 can be decoded to obtain coded information such as address information, text information, picture information, control instructions or anti-counterfeiting information.

In the embodiment shown in Figures 2a and 2b, the code pattern 12 has the property of absorbing the sensed light L2. Therefore, when the optical modulation layer 11 is in a transparent state (as shown in FIG. 2a), the sensing light L2 irradiated to the code pattern 12 is absorbed, and the sensing light L2 irradiated to the gap between the code patterns 12 is transmitted through the optical modulation layer. 11. In other words, the optical reading device cannot capture the image of the code pattern 12, that is, the code pattern 12 cannot be decoded to obtain the coded information. When the optical modulation layer 11 is in an atomized state (as shown in FIG. 2b), the sensing light L2 irradiated to the gap between the code patterns 12 can be reflected and scattered by the optical modulation layer 11, and the optical reading device can be used. The image of the code pattern 12 is taken, and the code pattern 12 is decoded to obtain coded information. It can be understood that, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 2a and FIG. 2b, a suitable reflective structure can also be provided, so that the sensing light L2 irradiated to the gap between the code patterns 12 can be reflected and viewed by the optical reading device. The reflected sensing light L2 is taken.

Referring to FIG. 3, in an embodiment, the coding patterns 12a, 12b may be respectively disposed on the first surface 111 and the second surface 112 of the optical modulation layer 11, and the characteristic configurations of the coding patterns 11a, 11b are different. For example, for the coding pattern 12a on the first surface 111 side, the address information suitable for the first surface 111 side should be designed, and the coding pattern 12b for the second surface 112 side should be designed to be suitable for the second surface 112 side addressing. News. For example, the writing directions of the user on the first surface 111 side and the second surface 112 side are from left to right, and therefore, the addressing information on the first surface 111 side and the second surface 112 side are opposite to each other.

Referring to FIG. 4, in an embodiment, the optical film of the present invention further includes a coating layer 13 covering the code pattern 12 to prevent the code pattern 12 from being worn due to frequent contact of the optical reading device. In one embodiment, the coating layer 13 has hard coating, anti-glare, anti-reflection, anti-fingerprint, hydrophobicity, and anti-static. ) at least one of the properties.

Referring to FIG. 5 and FIG. 6, a user input system according to an embodiment of the present invention includes an optical film 10 and an optical reading device 20. The detailed structure of the optical film 10 is as described above and will not be described herein. The optical reading device 20 has a tip end 21 for abutting against the code pattern 12 of the optical film 10, allowing the user to interact with the electronic device in a customary writing action. The optical reading device 20 includes a light emitting unit 201, an image sensor 202, a processing unit 203, and a communication interface 204.

The light emitting unit 201 is configured to generate the sensing light L2 or the excitation light to illuminate the optical film 10. For example, the light emitting unit 201 can be a light emitting diode of infrared light or ultraviolet light. Preferably, the light emitting unit 201 is a light emitting diode of infrared light. The image sensor 202 is configured to sense the sensing light L2 from the coded pattern and output a sensing image. For example, the image sensor 202 includes a lens and a Charge Coupled Device (CCD) or a Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor (CMOS) sensor. The lens can be made of polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), typically an injection molded optical component. PMMA has scratch resistance and a penetration of about 90% in light with a peak of 810 nm. The CCD or CMOS sensor can be 128 x 128 pixels in size. Preferably, the CCD or CMOS sensor can be 140 x 140 pixels in size for better manufacturing tolerance.

The processing unit 203 is electrically connected to the image sensor 202. The processing unit 203 can analyze the sensing image to obtain coding information contained in the coding pattern 12, such as addressing information, text information, picture information, control instructions, or anti-counterfeiting information. The communication interface 204 is electrically connected to the processing unit 203. The communication interface 204 can transmit the encoded information such as the address information, the text information, the picture information, the control command, and the anti-counterfeiting information obtained by the processing unit 203 to an external electronic device 30. For example, the communication interface 204 can be a wired communication interface or a wireless communication interface. Preferably, the communication interface 204 is a wireless communication interface, so as to avoid interference caused by the cable during the writing operation. For example, the wireless communication interface can be Bluetooth, wireless local area network (WLAN), ZigBee communication, wireless USB or mobile communication network.

In one embodiment, the user input system of the present invention further includes a projection device 31 electrically connected to the external electronic device 30. According to this architecture, the external electronic device 30 can instantly display the encoded information received from the optical reading device 20 via the projection device 31. For example, the user signs or draws on the optical film 10 of the present invention with the optical reading device 20, and the external electronic device 30 can immediately project the signature or drawing of the user onto the optical film 10 via the projection device 31. . Alternatively, the presenter can click on a specific area by the optical reading device 20 to decode the corresponding control command to perform page turning or scrolling of the page.

Referring to FIG. 7, the coding pattern includes a virtual ruled line 41 and a plurality of marks 42. The virtual ruled line 41 is not actually disposed on the optical film 10 and is therefore drawn in dashed lines. In an embodiment, the virtual grid lines 41 intersect perpendicularly to each other to form a plurality of intersections. The encoded information such as address information, text information, picture information, control commands, or anti-counterfeiting information is encoded according to the position of the intersection of the mark 42 with respect to the virtual ruled line 41. For example, the indicia 42 may be respectively disposed at positions of 0, 90, 180, or 270 degrees of the intersection of the virtual grid lines 41 to represent 4 different encoded values. The encoded information can be encoded with the tag 42. In one embodiment, referring to FIG. 8, the markers 42 may also be disposed at positions of 45 degrees, 135 degrees, 225 degrees, or 315 degrees of the intersection of the virtual grid lines 41 to represent four different encoded values. The detailed coding method is well known to those skilled in the art, and the coding method is not the main technical feature of the present invention, and therefore will not be described herein. It should be noted that in addition to the above coding methods, the coding information can also be implemented by other suitable coding methods.

In summary, the optical film and the user input system of the present invention are provided with a coding pattern on an optical modulation layer. Therefore, the optical film of the present invention can be switched between a transparent state and an atomized state to enhance the electronic product. The degree of integration with the use environment, for example, in glass compartments or shop windows.

The embodiments described above are only intended to illustrate the technical idea and the features of the present invention, and the purpose of the present invention is to enable those skilled in the art to understand the contents of the present invention and to implement the present invention. That is, the equivalent variations or modifications made by the spirit of the present invention should still be included in the scope of the present invention.

10‧‧‧Optical diaphragm
11‧‧‧Optical modulation layer
11a‧‧‧ polymer dispersed liquid crystal layer
11b, 11c‧‧‧ transparent electrode
111‧‧‧ first surface
112‧‧‧ second surface
12, 12a, 12b‧‧‧ code pattern
13‧‧‧ Coating layer
20‧‧‧Optical reading device
201‧‧‧Lighting unit
202‧‧‧Image Sensor
203‧‧‧Processing unit
204‧‧‧Communication interface
21‧‧‧ tip
30‧‧‧External electronic devices
31‧‧‧Projector
41‧‧‧Virtual grid
42‧‧‧ mark
L1‧‧‧ incident light
L2‧‧‧ Sense light

Figure 1a is a schematic view showing the optical film of the first embodiment of the present invention in a transparent state. Figure 1b is a schematic view showing the optical film of the first embodiment of the present invention in an atomized state. Figure 2a is a schematic view showing the optical film of the second embodiment of the present invention in a transparent state. Figure 2b is a schematic view showing the optical film of the second embodiment of the present invention in an atomized state. Figure 3 is a schematic view showing an optical film of a third embodiment of the present invention. Figure 4 is a schematic view showing an optical film of a fourth embodiment of the present invention. Figure 5 is a schematic diagram showing a user input system in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 6 is a schematic diagram showing an optical reading device of a user input system in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 7 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a code pattern. Figure 8 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of another coding pattern.

10‧‧‧Optical diaphragm

11‧‧‧Optical modulation layer

11a‧‧‧ polymer dispersed liquid crystal layer

11b, 11c‧‧‧ transparent electrode

111‧‧‧ first surface

112‧‧‧ second surface

12‧‧‧Code pattern

L1‧‧‧ incident light

L2‧‧‧ Sense light

Claims (24)

An optical film comprising: an optical modulation layer having a first surface and a second surface and electrically or optically driven to adjust transmittance of the optical modulation layer; and a coding pattern disposed on At least one of the first surface and the second surface of the optical modulation layer, wherein the coding pattern absorbs, reflects or emits a sensed light, and the coded pattern includes an encoded information. The optical film of claim 1, wherein the optical modulation layer comprises a polymer dispersed liquid crystal (PDLC) layer and two transparent electrodes, wherein the two transparent electrodes are respectively disposed on the polymer dispersion Both sides of the liquid crystal layer are used to selectively provide an electric field to change the transmittance of the polymer dispersed liquid crystal layer. The optical film of claim 1, wherein the optical modulation layer comprises a fluid and a plurality of metal oxide particles dispersed in the fluid, and the metal oxide particles have a particle diameter of less than or equal to 1 μm. The optical film of claim 1, wherein the optical modulation layer and the encoding pattern allow visible light transmission, and the sensing light is invisible light. The optical film of claim 1, wherein the sensing light is infrared light or ultraviolet light. The optical film of claim 1, wherein the coding pattern is disposed on the first surface and the second surface of the optical modulation layer, and the characteristic configuration of the coding pattern of the first surface and the second surface Different from each other. The optical film of claim 1, wherein the coding pattern comprises a plurality of geometric pattern elements, and the geometric pattern unit comprises a circle, an ellipse, a polygon, or a combination thereof. The optical film of claim 1, wherein the coding pattern comprises a fluorescent material or a polarizing material. The optical film of claim 1, wherein the code pattern comprises a metal, a metal oxide, a tantalum nitride, a hafnium oxide or an alloy. The optical film of claim 1, wherein the encoded information comprises at least one of address information, text information, picture information, control instructions, and anti-counterfeiting information. The optical film of claim 1, further comprising: a coating layer covering the coding pattern, wherein the coating layer has at least one of hardening, anti-glare, anti-reflection, anti-fingerprint, hydrophobicity and antistatic The nature of one. A user input system comprising: an optical film comprising: an optical modulation layer having a first surface and a second surface and electrically or optically driven to adjust the transmittance of the optical modulation layer And a coding pattern disposed on at least one of the first surface and the second surface of the optical modulation layer, wherein the coding pattern absorbs, reflects or emits a sensed light, and the coded pattern includes an encoded information And an optical reading device having a tip for abutting the coding pattern, and the optical reading device comprises: an illumination unit for generating the sensing light or an excitation light to illuminate the optical film; An image sensor for sensing the sensed light from the coded pattern and outputting a sensed image; a processing unit electrically coupled to the image sensor for analyzing the sensed image Obtaining one of the coding patterns of the coding information; and a communication interface electrically connected to the processing unit for transmitting the coded information to an external electronic device. The user input system of claim 12, wherein the optical modulation layer comprises a polymer dispersed liquid crystal (PDLC) layer and two transparent electrodes, the two transparent electrodes being respectively disposed on the polymer The two sides of the liquid crystal layer are dispersed to selectively provide an electric field to change the transmittance of the polymer dispersed liquid crystal layer. The user input system of claim 12, wherein the optical modulation layer comprises a fluid and a plurality of metal oxide particles dispersed in the fluid, and the metal oxide particles have a particle diameter of less than or equal to 1 μm. The user input system of claim 12, wherein the optical modulation layer of the optical film and the coding pattern allow visible light transmission, and the sensed light is invisible light. The user input system of claim 12, wherein the sensed light is infrared light or ultraviolet light. The user input system of claim 12, wherein the coding pattern is disposed on the first surface and the second surface of the optical modulation layer, and features of the coding pattern of the first surface and the second surface Configuration is different. The user input system of claim 12, wherein the coding pattern comprises a plurality of geometric pattern elements, and the geometric pattern elements comprise a circle, an ellipse, a polygon, or a combination thereof. The user input system of claim 12, wherein the coding pattern comprises a fluorescent material or a polarizing material. The user input system of claim 12, wherein the code pattern comprises a metal, a metal oxide, tantalum nitride, tantalum oxide or an alloy. The user input system of claim 12, wherein the encoded information includes at least one of address information, text information, picture information, control instructions, and anti-counterfeiting information. The user input system of claim 12, wherein the optical film further comprises: a coating layer covering the coding pattern, wherein the coating layer has hardening, anti-glare, anti-reflection, anti-fingerprint, and hydrophobicity And the property of at least one of antistatic. The user input system of claim 12, further comprising: a projection device electrically coupled to the external electronic device to project an image on the optical film. The user input system of claim 12, wherein the communication interface is a wireless communication interface.