JP2001509520A - Coloring media with improved brightness and color characteristics - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Summary] "Additives with improved reflective properties, mainly over" super white "coloring media with super sharp color properties of red, green and blue and color properties like magnesium oxide Novel reflective microflakes for use in making "one" coloring media are disclosed. The coloring media of the present invention provides a palette of colors to convey color characteristics or form a color image to surfaces of any surface shape. In one embodiment, the microflakes are made of a cholesteric liquid crystal (CLC) material, and the pitch of the helix of liquid crystal molecules in each CLC microflake varies along the thickness dimension. Depending on the final helical structure of the material used, CLC circularly polarized materials reflect either left or right circularly polarized light. Further, each CLC microflake of the additive coloring medium has a laminar structure, both upper and lower surfaces of which are made to have substantially the same reflective properties over the tuned reflective band.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 【Technical field】

The present invention is directed to broadband and spectrally-tunable made from non-absorbing film materials such as cholesteric liquid crystal (CLC) film materials.
ed) Ultra-white, mirror-like and additive film materials for reflective microflakes and also for film materials used in additive-primary type coloring systems requiring radiation absorbing substrates The present invention relates to a method for producing primary color inks, paints and crayons, and also to a method for producing a deflecting film having symmetrical reflective properties on its upper and lower surfaces in order to improve brightness and color properties.

[Brief description of the prior art]

In U.S. Pat. No. 5,364,557, Applicants teach a method for making CLC pigments used in various applications. Such C
An advantage of using LC pigments is that the reflective deflection properties of the CLC material can impart color properties to images drawn and printed with it. In color printing, and in art, CLC color inks are known to have much higher color saturation and brightness than ordinary pigment and dye based inks. This is in contrast to conventional pigments made from inorganic dyes. Because, for ordinary pigments, the color properties depend on the absorption properties of such materials.
This is because it is used to draw a picture and give it to the printed image. A direct consequence of the absorption properties of the prior art pigments based on inorganic dyes is that these pigments are characterized by low reflection properties on their respective spectral bands. This results in colors that are less bright than desired in many applications where highly reflective paints and surface coatings are particularly preferred, such as, for example, in the automotive industry. However, CLC-based pigments based on the content of Applicant's U.S. Pat. No. 5,364,557 do not have such disadvantages and disadvantages. For example, Applicants have found that the reflective properties of prior art CLC-based microflakes are different on different sides of all CLC microflakes. As a result, the color purity and brightness properties of the color coatings formed by prior art CLC microflakes are generally not uniform, since the surface alignment of the microflakes cannot be controlled during application. Therefore, it is not suitable for commercial use. In addition, when painting or printing on radiation absorbing surfaces using CLC-based coloring media having additive primary color characteristics (eg, red, green and blue), human artistic expression In order to provide a color image with the full range of color shades and intensities that is naturally required, there is a great need for CLC-based coloring media with white characteristics. However, the only way in which a perfect white characteristic can be obtained using a CLC-based coloring medium having red, green and blue color characteristics is that the ideal (spectrally pure) red, green and The additive mixing of CLC-based coloring media with blue color properties. However, these color characteristics have very narrow spectral reflection characteristics as shown in FIGS. 1A1, 1A2, 1A3. FIG. 1B shows the spectral reflectance characteristics that result when additively mixing CLC-based coloring media with ideal red, green, and blue color characteristics to obtain imperfect white characteristics. However, in practice, as illustrated in FIGS. 1C1, 1C2 and 1C3, CLC-based coloring media with real red, green and blue color characteristics are:
It has a relatively wide spectral reflection characteristic. As a result, when real CLC-based coloring media with red, green and blue color characteristics are added to each other, it is not possible to produce full white characteristics and is illustrated in FIG. 1D. Imperfect white characteristics with spectral reflection characteristics result. Thus, when painting or printing with a CLC-based coloring medium having actual red, green and blue color characteristics, the color shades and balance of the color image will occur, thereby causing other colors to appear. It is far below the ideal color properties obtained with coloring media. Consequently, when using the prior art CLC-based coloring media taught in US Pat. No. 5,364,557, it is not possible to produce a color image that faithfully captures the colorful aspects of nature. Is possible, and
Neither can it produce color images with the shades and shades required for low-level artistic expression. Accordingly, there is a strong need for a system and method for forming a high reflectance, full color image using a coloring medium that avoids the disadvantages and shortcomings of prior art printing and painting systems and methodologies.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to avoid the shortcomings and shortcomings of prior art printing and painting systems and methodologies used in ultra-white and additive primary color media (eg, color inks, paints, crayons). It is to provide reflective microflakes that can be made. Another object is to provide such reflective microflakes made from circularly reflective materials having improved spectral and bandpass location characteristics that provide improved color characteristics. It is another object of the present invention to provide microflakes having a laminated structure, each surface of which exhibits a symmetric broadband reflection characteristic over a specific region in the visible band of the electromagnetic spectrum, according to the present invention. It provides improved light reflectivity and brightness when used in the manufacture of color inks, paints and / or crayons. Another object of the present invention is to provide a microscopic view of thin CLC film materials such that the axis of the helical pitch of the CLC molecules extends along the thickness dimension of the CLC microflakes (ie, in a direction transverse to its surface). To provide microflakes made from slices of different sizes, the helix pitch of the CLC molecules varying non-linearly along the thickness dimension of each CLC microflake. It is another object of the present invention to provide microflakes having a laminated structure, wherein each surface perpendicular to the helical axis exhibits symmetric broadband reflection properties in the visible band of the electromagnetic spectrum, and according to the present invention. When used in the manufacture of super white deflection inks, paints and / or crayons, they provide improved light reflectivity and brightness. It is another object of the present invention to provide a CLC having reflective properties over the visible region of the electromagnetic spectrum that provides improved light reflectivity and brightness when used in the manufacture of the super white deflection link and / or paint of the present invention. It is to provide microflakes.
Another object is to provide CLC microflakes made from right-handed and left-handed circularly polarized materials having circularly polarized reflection properties over the entire visible range of the electromagnetic spectrum for improved color properties. Another object is to provide a method for producing CLC microflakes from circularly deflecting materials having extremely broad spectral reflection and transmission properties, low optical loss properties, high deflection efficiency and low manufacturing costs. . Another object is to provide a method for producing circularly reflective microflakes having broadband spectral properties, low optical loss properties, high deflection efficiency, simplified production, and low production costs. is there. Another object of the present invention is to produce a CLC polymer film having liquid crystal molecules aligned along a helical axis perpendicular to the film plane, and then to convert the CLC polymer film into micro-sized flakes or platelets. It is to provide a novel method of producing broadband CLC-based pigments by splitting and then mixing them in a suitable carrier medium for application on the surface of a particular radiation absorbing substrate. . Another object is to use a mixture of polymerizable CLC, liquid crystal material and photoinitiator to achieve CL
The present invention provides a method for producing C-based microflakes, wherein during the polymerization of the polymerizable CLC, the rate of segregation of the liquid crystal material is greater than the rate of polymerization of the polymerizable CLC being polymerized. To be limited. Another object is to provide a method for producing broadband CLC microflakes in a manner that does not use ultraviolet dye during the production. Another object is to provide a method of producing broadband circularly reflective microflakes, wherein the polymerizable CLC being polymerized has a non-linear (eg, logarithmic) intensity gradient due to light loss therein. (E.g., in the ultraviolet region), thereby causing nonlinear fluctuations in the helical pitch of the internal CLC molecules. Another object is to provide a method for producing ultra-wideband circularly polarized reflective microflakes using commercially available component cholesteric liquid crystal polymers and liquid crystal materials. Another object of the invention is to provide an ultra-white CLC-based colorant with broad-band circularly-reflective microflakes, the microflakes having a helical axis perpendicular to its plane, and When formed on a substrate by being suspended in a transparent carrier medium, it reflects a non-specular (in a non-specular manner) broadband circularly polarized incident light, and a conventional magnesium oxide-based paint and The inks have different thicknesses which create a coating that produces a super-white hue similar to the ink in the eyes of the viewer. Another object of the present invention is to provide a mirror-like CLC-based colorant with broad-band circularly reflective microflakes, the microflakes having a helical axis perpendicular to the plane, and When applied on a substrate by being suspended in an optically transparent carrier medium, it reflects a non-specularly incident broadband circularly polarized light to produce a mirror-like hue similar to that of a conventional plane mirror. Have different thicknesses to make the resulting coating. Another object of the present invention is to form an image on a radiation absorbing substrate made from platelets of colors including super-white and additive primaries (ie, pure red, pure green and pure blue). It is to provide a new set of CLC-based paints and inks. Another object of the present invention is to provide a radiation absorbing substrate at room temperature so that artists, painters, etc. can form images having super-white color characteristics similar to conventional magnesium oxide based inks and paints. It is to provide a new coloring system with a new set of CLC-based inks and paints that can be formed thereon and retain their excellent color properties even after drying at room temperature. Another object of the present invention is to provide ultra-white inks and paints, wherein the pigments are realized by broadband circularly reflective microflakes made from CLC film material. Another object of the present invention is to have a highly contrasting broadband reflection characteristic that allows for a non-specular reflection of 100% of the ambient light, when viewed under predefined lighting conditions. It is an object of the present invention to provide a novel method for producing ultra-white CLC-based inks and paints comprising two-layer CLC microflakes that produce ultra-white color characteristics. Another object is to provide a method for producing CLC-based microflakes from broadband free standing circularly reflective CLC films. Another object of the present invention is to provide a novel method for making ultra-white CLC inks and paints that can be applied at room temperature and without the need for alignment or measurement to provide non-specular reflection properties. To provide. Another object of the invention is to use such a novel coloring system for generating three-dimensional stereo images (printing, painting and drafting). It is another object of the present invention to provide an ultra-white CLC pen, pencil and crayon for painting and printing applications. It is another object of the present invention to include two demultiplexed images in a three-dimensional relationship with each other.
Providing an apparatus for generating a three-dimensional image, wherein one of the images is made using the CLC ink (or paint) of the present invention, which reflects a left-handed broadband circular deflection, and the other is The image is created using the CLC ink (or paint) of the present invention that reflects a right-handed broadband circular deflection. Another object of the present invention is to provide 3-D stereo printing, coloring using the CLC-based inks and paints of the present invention to produce higher brightness and higher quality images achievable using prior art materials and methods. And a new method and system for plotting. It is another object of the present invention to provide 3-D images produced by conventional printing and plotting means in conjunction with right-handed and left-handed polarized CLC inks, paints or other transfer media. It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a CLC-based toner material for use in conventional xerographic printers and copiers. It is another object of the present invention to provide various types of CLC-based toner materials for xerographic printing of monochromatic monocular images, full color monocular images, monochromatic stereoscopic images and full color monocular images. It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a system and method for generating secure material by printing information contained in the material with an invisible polarization selective ink or toner. It is another object of the present invention to provide such a system and method for producing secure material in which invisible polarization-selective inks or toners are made from CLC-based microflakes. It is another object of the present invention to provide a system and method for producing a color image on a radiation absorbing surface and having improved luminance and color characteristics. It is another object of the present invention to provide such a system and method for producing a color image on a radiation absorbing surface using a coloring medium having additive primary and super-white characteristics. Another object of the present invention is to use a pair of electrically passive polarizing glasses to stereoscopically encode a polarization encoded composite image for use in stereoscopically viewing a full color 3-D object represented on a radiation absorbing surface. It is to provide a method and system for forming on a radiation absorbing surface.
Another object is to generate a polarization-encoded composite image having a full depth of color (e.g., thousands of color values) that has not heretofore been achievable using prior art color-imparting techniques. It is to provide such a method and system. Another object is to provide such a method and system for generating a polarization-encoded composite image consisting of a stereoscopic image pair formed to partially overlap a radiation absorbing surface and having improved luminance and color characteristics. Is to do. Another object is to provide such a method and system for generating a polarization-encoded perspective image pair using a super-white and additive primary color media that realizes polarized reflective microflakes having symmetrical reflective properties. . Another object is a method and system for generating a polarization-encoded composite image, comprising:
Providing such a polarization-encoded composite image generation method and system wherein the polarization-reflecting microflakes are made from a circularly-polarizing reflective material having improved spectral and bandpass location characteristics to impart improved color characteristics. It is in. Another object is a method and system for generating a polarization-encoded composite image, comprising:
Polarization reflective microflakes have a laminated structure, each surface of which has a symmetric broadband reflection characteristic over a specific region of the visible band of the electromagnetic spectrum to provide improved light reflection and brightness characteristics. An object of the present invention is to provide an image generation method and system. Another object is a method and system for generating a polarization-encoded composite image, comprising:
Polarizing reflective microflakes are made from small sized pieces of thin CLC film material, in which the axis of the helical pitch of the CLC molecules is along the thickness dimension of the CLC microflakes (ie, the CLC microflakes). Extending across the surface of the flakes) and the helical pitch of the CLC molecules varies non-linearly (eg, exponentially) along the thickness dimension of each CLC microflake.
An object of the present invention is to provide a method and system for generating such a polarization-encoded composite image. Another object is a method and system for generating a polarization-encoded composite image, comprising:
It is an object of the present invention to provide such a polarization-encoded composite image generation method and system wherein each surface of the polarization-reflecting microflakes exhibits symmetric broadband reflection characteristics over the visible band of the electromagnetic spectrum to provide improved light reflection and brightness characteristics. . Another object is a method and system for generating a polarization-encoded composite image, comprising:
Polarized reflective microflakes contained in the left perspective image are left-handed circularly polarized light (LH) having left-handed circularly polarized light reflection characteristics over the entire visible band of the electromagnetic spectrum.
CP) material and included in the right perspective image are polarizing reflective microflakes made from right-handed circularly polarized (RHCP) material having right-handed circularly polarized light reflection properties over the entire visible band of the electromagnetic spectrum. An object of the present invention is to provide a method and system for generating a polarization-encoded composite image. Another object is to provide a method and system for displaying polarization-encoded composite images on a wide variety of substrates including, for example, billboards, magazine pages, scientific and technical journals, public advertising surfaces, and the like. Is to provide. Another object of the present invention is to provide an LHCP-type CL having symmetrical deflection / reflection characteristics.
A first plurality of computer controlled applicators for creating left hand perspective images with LHCP encoding on a radiation absorbing substrate using a CLC-based coloring medium containing C microflakes, and an RHCP with symmetrical deflection / reflection features Having a second plurality of computer-controlled applicators for creating a right-handed perspective image with RHCP encoding on a radiation absorbing substrate using a CLC-based coloring medium including a type CLC microflake, with ultra-high brightness and deflection Provide a computer-controlled system for producing a polarization-encoded composite image with uniform color uniformity required for high-quality stereoscopic observation of a three-dimensional object graphically represented in the encoded composite image It is to be. It is another object of the present invention to provide a system as described above in the form of a xerographic printer that prints a deflection-encoded composite image on radiation absorbing paper using a CLC-based toner material having additive primary and super-white characteristics. That is. Another object of the present invention is to provide such a system in the form of an ink jet printer that prints a polarization encoded composite image on radiation absorbing paper using a CLC-based toner material having additive primary and super white characteristics. It is. Another object of the present invention is to provide an LHCP-type CL having symmetrical deflection / reflection characteristics.
Creating an LHCP-encoded left-hand perspective image on a radiation absorbing substrate using a CLC-based coloring medium containing C microflakes, and CLC-based coloring containing RHCP-type CLC microflakes with symmetrical deflection / reflection features (Coloring) The process of creating a right-hand perspective image by RHCP coding on a radiation absorbing substrate using a medium, thereby enabling high-quality stereoscopic observation of a three-dimensional object graphically represented in a deflection-encoded composite image. It is an object of the present invention to provide a computer control method for creating a deflection / encoding composite image having ultra-high brightness and uniform color uniformity as much as possible. Another object of the present invention is to provide a novel stereoscopic observation system for observing a three-dimensional object graphically represented in a deflection-encoded composite image through a circular deflection observation spectacle made of a broadband CLC film material. is there. Another object of the present invention is to provide a stereoscopic observation system as described above, which can be worn as ordinary sunglasses when the circularly polarized observation spectacle is not used as stereoscopic observation glasses. Another object of the present invention is to provide an LHCP made from a broadband CLC film material.
It is to provide a novel stereoscopic observation spectacle that embodies the type and RHCP type filters. It is another object of the present invention to provide a light reflective film that is circularly polarized and has improved spectral and band position characteristics to provide improved color characteristics. Another object of the present invention is an improved light reflecting film having a laminated structure, which has improved light reflectivity when used in the manufacture of the color inks, paints and / or crayons of the present invention. It is an object of the present invention to provide a light-reflective film in which the front and back surfaces of the film exhibit symmetric broadband reflection characteristics over a specific region of the visible band of the electromagnetic spectrum so that brightness is obtained. It is another object of the present invention that the axis of the helical pitch of the CLC molecule extends along the thickness of the CLC film (ie, extends across its surface) and the helical pitch of the CLC molecule Has a symmetrical reflection characteristic, characterized in that the value varies non-linearly (eg, exponentially) along the thickness direction of the CLC film.
It is to provide an LC film material. Another object of the present invention is a CLC film as described above having a laminated structure, which has improved light reflection when used in the production of the super white deflection inks, paints and / or crayons of the present invention. It is an object of the present invention to provide a CLC film in which each surface of the film perpendicular to the helical axis exhibits symmetric broadband reflection properties over the visible band of the electromagnetic spectrum, so that brightness and brightness are obtained. It is another object of the present invention to provide a CLC film made of left-hand and right-hand circularly deflecting materials having circularly reflective properties over the visible band of the electromagnetic spectrum so as to obtain improved color characteristics. . Another object of the present invention is to provide a method for producing a circularly polarized reflective film having low optical loss characteristics and high deflection efficiency while being easy to manufacture and low in production cost, and having symmetrical reflection characteristics. is there. It is another object of the present invention to provide a method for producing a broadband CLC film having symmetric reflection properties in such a way that no ultraviolet dye is used during production. Another object of the present invention is to provide a polymerizable CL that is polymerized with actinic radiation (eg, ultraviolet light) of varying intensity in a non-linear (eg, exponential) manner based on optical loss.
By irradiating C in a polymerizable CLC medium, a helical pitch of CLC molecules in the medium is changed in a non-linear manner. It is to provide a method of manufacturing. It is another object of the present invention to provide a method for making ultra-wide band circularly reflective films using commercially available constituent CLC polymers and liquid crystal materials.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a novel form of color media made from a deflective reflective film having symmetrical reflective properties. The above and other objects of the present invention will become more apparent from the following and the appended claims.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

 The best mode embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Drawing smell
In some instances, similar structures and elements in multiple figures have the same reference numerals.
You.Overview of the coloring media according to the present invention In general, the coloring medium of the present invention comprises (i) an "additive primary color"
primary) "(i.e.," red "," green "and" blue ")
And (ii) "super-white" (
That is, at least one of the coloring media (white of magnesium oxide) is provided.
And a source. Each of these has been created in accordance with the principles of the present invention.
I have. The coloring medium of the present invention includes paints, inks, crayons (waxes or chips).
Or a thin coating on a radiation absorbing substrate (ie, surface).
A wide range of color characteristics that could not be achieved by
It can be implemented as a medium having any other form that can be provided. Each type of coloring medium (i.e., additive primary or super white)
It consists of two basic sub-components. That is, a non-absorbing light-reflective filter
Microscopically small flakes or platelets of LUM (hereinafter referred to as Platelet)
In the following, a “reflective microflake” is referred to as a light-transmitting carrier (host
A carrier material that is applied to the radiation absorbing substrate and cured.
Before or after drying), or in which microflakes float
Light-transmissive carrier material. Inks, paints, chalks according to the invention,
The fundamental difference that exists between wax and the like is that these applied coatings
Used to transport and float microflakes (ie, pigments)
Present in certain properties of the light transmissive carrier medium. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, each reflective microflake is
Almost identical reflection characteristics along the front and back of each layered microflake
A laminated structure composed of two identical film layers that is guaranteed to be
Have. Because the reflection properties are so symmetric, certain wavelength bands (and
(In a deflected state), which surface of each microflake
Along with the applied coloring medium coating, independent of whether facing
Each location is guaranteed to reflect the same amount to the same extent.
You. In the case of an additive primary color type coloring medium, such symmetrical characteristics
More under uniform lighting conditions, the color uniformity and brightness of the applied coating
Is improved. In the case of a super-white type coloring medium, such a symmetrical
The characteristics improve whiteness and uniformity of luminance under uniform lighting conditions. When applied to a radiation-absorbing substrate, the reflective floating medium in the carrier medium
Microflakes can be stacked in single or multiple layers, depending on the thickness of the carrier medium.
Become. Microflakes have irregular width and length dimensions or shapes
The fact that many microflakes do not fit in a single plane
Rather, they tend to overlap each other and create gaps between microflakes.
Interstices are formed. As a result, the applied color
The respective mask on each microscopically small area of the
There are many surface discontinuities in the microflake layer. This allows certain
The incident light at the wavelength is non-specular in the applied coating.
experience large reflections. In the case of ultra-white coloring media,
Specular reflection characteristics, coating with ultra-wide band microflakes applied
It is essential to provide "ultra-white" color characteristics under broadband visible light conditions. Addition
In the case of primary color media, a coating with broadband microflakes applied
Ultra-bright additive primaries (i.e., red, green and
And blue) to avoid “glare” with color effects.
A planar reflection characteristic is required. In the case of the additive primary color coloring medium according to the invention
Indicate that the front and back of each microflake are red, green, and
Very large tuned over a specific region of the visible spectrum associated with colors such as blue and blue
It has good reflection characteristics. The super-white coloring medium according to the present invention is used for visual and graphic arts.
Similar to the usual magnesium oxide inks and paints used in
It has the same visually striking color characteristics. Generally, the super white color according to the present invention
The cooling medium is preferably at room temperature when applied to a substrate having radiation absorbing properties.
Can be liquid or solid. As a thin coating on radiation absorbing substrates at room temperature
When applied and viewed in broadband lighting conditions, this coating will
Shows ultra-white color characteristics similar to magnesium-based inks and paints. Addition
When used with coloring media having primary color characteristics, artists, painters,
After painting at room temperature, the painter using a computer, etc.
Prior art painting ins suggested in US Pat. No. 5,364,557.
Remarkable color characteristics that could not be achieved with paints and paints
Image can be formed. When realized in the form of inks or paints, the colors "super white" and "additive primary"
The coating medium is in a liquid state at room temperature before being applied and
After being applied and dried, it is in the form of a solid coating. crayon(
For example, when realized in the form of wax or chalk,
Forensic primary colorants are solid at room temperature before being applied and are applied as a coating.
It remains solid at room temperature even after drying. Generally, a number of different film technologies are used to provide the reflective microframes of the present invention.
Can be realized. In that case, front (upper, upper) and back (lower, lower)
B) The reflection characteristics along the surface are substantially identical over the visible band. More details later
As described above, a reflective microphone according to the present invention having symmetrical reflective characteristics
Lakes are manufactured using broadband and ultra-wideband cholesteric liquid crystal (CLC) filters.
Film is a preferred material. However, even without using CLC materials,
In order to realize the broader features of the invention disclosed in
It should be understood that the emissive film configuration can also be used as appropriate. CLC
An example of a non-material based broadband reflective film construction is published by 3M
PCT application WO 95/17692. Disclosure in the application
As described above, a broadband reflective film is made of polymer having different refractive indices.
It can be constructed by alternately stacking layers of the backing material. Individual ports
Due to the optical characteristics of the limeric layer, a multilayer structure with multiple layers
A deflecting polarizer that transmits the deflecting component of incident light that is correctly oriented with respect to
To work. In addition, interference films, holographic reflective films (for example, reflective type
A suitable broadband film using reflective materials such as volume holograms
It can also be configured. In a preferred embodiment, the coloring media of the present invention comprises a reflective microfiber as described above.
CLC-based reflective microflakes, a type of
(Referred to as microflakes). This coloring medium is
It is made using a new process consisting of the following steps: That is, (A)
The thickness within a given thickness range and the desired color to be produced (red, green, blue
Or super white) and associated symmetric deflection and reflection characteristics.
(B) laminating a CLC film (free standing or
Fractures one of the supporting substrates into stacked CLC microflakes of various sizes
And (C) light transmission for floating the laminated CLC microflakes
Selecting a conductive carrier (or host) medium; and (D) stacked CL
C Add the microflakes to the selected carrier medium in an appropriate amount and add
Producing a rolling medium. Procedure for applying a coloring medium to a substrate that has absorption characteristics in the visible band
Involves performing the following additional steps: That is, (E)
Preparing / treating a substrate (ie, a surface) to which the mirroring medium is applied;
(F) applying a CLC coloring medium to the processed substrate.
You. The CLC polymer film made during step A is
Have liquid crystal molecules aligned along a vertical (transverse) helical axis, and
Each laminated CLC microflake made during Step B also has
It has liquid crystal molecules arranged along a helical axis perpendicular to the surface of the film. Next
Next, each of these steps will be described in more detail.Production of CLC film with symmetrical reflection characteristics The preferred technique described below is a broad band with symmetric deflection selective reflection properties.
For ultra-wideband and ultra-wideband CLC films, but with symmetrical reflection characteristics
Understand that this technology can also be used to produce narrow band films
Should. Furthermore, this manufacturing technique is limited to CLC-based film materials.
For example, WO95 / 1969, which is an internationally published PCT application
2, an interference film of the type disclosed in U.S. Pat.
It can also be used with graphic reflective film materials and the like.Step A: A CLC film having symmetric deflection selective reflection characteristics is subjected to unidirectional UV
Manufactured using irradiation and lamination techniques Free-standing having symmetric (deflection-selective) reflection characteristics
) CLC films can be made using the film manufacturing methods described below.
Wear. The method consists of performing the following sequence of sub-steps. sand
That is, a mixture of (A1) a polymerizable (crosslinkable) liquid crystal film material is prepared.
And (A2) treating the surface of the substrate on which the liquid crystal material is to be placed.
And (A3) applying a liquid crystal material to the surface-treated substrate,
Providing a layer of a polymerizable liquid crystal film on the substrate;
And (A5) a liquid crystal film material distribution.
The deposited layer is exposed to (i) one surface thereof to UV light and a non-linear intensity
And (A6) a sub-step of curing (polymerizing)
) Remove the layer of cured liquid crystal film from the substrate and "asymmetric" polarized reflection
To create a first sheet of a free-standing layer of cholesteric liquid crystal film
And (A7) sub-steps (A2) to (A6) are repeated, and CL
This has an "asymmetric" deflection reflection characteristic similar to the first sheet of C film.
Creating a second sheet of a self-supporting layer of steric liquid crystal film;
A8) The first and second CLC film sheets are laminated on each other and the first and second CLC film sheets are laminated.
The product such that each of the second surfaces has the same or substantially the same deflective reflection properties.
Forming a layered CLC film structure.Sub-step (A1): preparing a mixture of liquid crystal materials Broadband circular polarization according to the invention
g) A common method of manufacturing a material involves mixing the following components: sand
That is, (i) a polymerizable liquid crystal material having cholesteric order (for example, a side chain
And (ii) having or having a nematic liquid crystal order.
Non-polymerizable material and (iii) satisfying the above mentioned "ultra-wideband" manufacturing constraints
With the appropriate amount of photoinitiator. All these components are pre-configured.
Measured according to the specified ratio and mixed well. After the liquid crystal material is mixed
Preferably, the temperature is raised to a level not exceeding 80 ° C. in vacuum.
Is removed. The purpose of the degassing process is to mix
To remove air trapped in the material. In the embodiments of the present invention exemplified in Examples 1 to 10 described here,
"Polymerizable" CLC material used in the manufacturing process
Polymerizable CLC, commercially available from Wacker GmbH
Non-polymerizable nematic liquid crystal materials used with the materials are E31LV and E7
Is commercially available from EM Industries, Germany.
The polymerizable CLC material is exposed to ultraviolet radiation when a photoinitiator is present.
When illuminated, it is polymerized by a cationic polymerization process. This polymerizable CLC
Material available in blue (CC4039L) and red (CC4070L) compounds
It is. The first polymerizable CLC material has a left-handed (LH) spiral structure and a right-handed (LH) spiral structure.
Blue compound CC4039L each having a hand system (RH) spiral structure
And CC4039R. The second polymerizable CLC material is on the left
Obtained as a red compound CC4070L having a hand-held (LH) spiral structure
It is possible. The blue compound reflects LHCP light at 390 nm and becomes red
The compound reflects LHCP light at 690 nm after UV curing at 70 ° C. Blue
The color compound (CC4039R) is a left-handed polymerizable C such as CC4039L.
When mixed with the LC material in an appropriate ratio and cured at 70 ° C., the resulting C
LC films reflect RHCP light. Before curing, the raw CLC material is
At a temperature, it assumes a rubbery state and changes to a liquid at about 70 ° C.Sub-step (A2): Processing a substrate on which a liquid crystal material is disposed After the liquid crystal material is prepared, it is deposited on the surface of the substrate (deposit).
Is done. In realizing the present invention, various substrates can be used.
For example, flat glass, ITO-coated glass, plastic substrates
Plate, polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), PET, polycarbonate (PC)
Etc. are included. However, before being placed, the substrate surface may be, for example, an ultrasonic bath.
The cleaning is first performed by the
(Mido or SiO coating) is not applied to the cleaned surface.
I have to. The function of the alignment layer is to transfer the liquid crystal molecules to the polymerization stage of the manufacturing process.
According to the desired molecular ordering during the floor
Is to force it to be aligned. Three different surface treatment procedures are described below
explain. Flat glass, ITO coated glass, plastic substrate (eg,
, PVA, PET, polycarbonate, etc.)
The treatment is in the form of a coating of polyimide (7311SE by Nissan Chemical).
Using methods such as spinning, dipping, offset printing, etc.
This can be done by applying to the surface of the substrate. Coating applied
Then, the substrate surface is baked at a temperature raised to, for example, about 180 ° C.
It is. After baking, the coated substrate is
Polished mechanically by known methods. Flat glass, ITO coated glass, plastic substrate (eg,
, PVA, PET, polycarbonate, etc.)
The surface treatment first cleans the substrate surface, then in a vacuum,
Inclined alignment layer in the form of a thin coating of SiO placed on the surface
(Obliquely) by arranging. When using a suitable plastic substrate, the substrate treatment must first
Clean and then mechanically polished in a manner known in the art
Can be performed bySub-step (A3): Apply liquid crystal material to a processed substrate and polymerize on the substrate
Provide a layer of liquid crystal film Generally, a variety of different techniques are used to apply the liquid crystal material to the treated substrate,
A layer of a polymerizable liquid crystal film can be provided on the substrate. For this purpose
, Any one of the film forming techniques described below can be used.Liquid crystal material can be polymerized on processed substrate by filling in vacuum chamber
Method of providing a layer of liquid crystal film Processed substrates using the classical methods used to manufacture LCD panels
A thin layer of a polymerizable liquid crystal film can be provided on top. This method uses 1
A spacer of desired thickness (e.g., beads, optical fiber) between a pair of surface-treated substrates
, Realized as a mylar)
Including making a "hollow cell" for the pun end. Once configured, this section
Around the edges in three directions with a suitable epoxy resin (eg UV glue)
And sealed and only one side is open to perform liquid crystal weighted operation. That
Later, the cell and the prepared liquid crystal mixture are maintained in a vacuum chamber while maintaining a separate relationship.
The vacuum chamber is, for example, 10^-2Appropriate Torr vacuum
Vacuum is applied until the condition is achieved. At this stage, remove the open side of the cell
Immerse in the crystal mixture, open the vacuum valve, air is led inside the vacuum chamber
Make it possible. This allows the liquid crystal mixture to exist between its inside and outside
Flow into the cell due to the pressure difference that occurs and can polymerize on the treated substrate surface of the cell
A layer of a liquid crystal film is obtained.Capable of polymerizing on processed substrates by filling liquid crystal material using capillary action
To provide a flexible liquid crystal film layer Prior to the operation of filling the liquid crystal, the hollow cell is made using a method similar to the method described above.
From a pair of surface treated substrates. Cell thickness is the same as described above
Next, control is performed using a spacer. The basic difference between this technology is that the two opposing cells
Side or all four of its edges must be open.
You. After the cell has been constructed and sealed, it is placed on a hot plate and
Heated to a degree. Room temperature is appropriate for this technique, depending on the manufacturing method
. When properly heated, the liquid crystal mixture comes into physical contact with one of the cell edges.
It is. Then, due to the capillary action, the liquid crystal material moves into the inside of the cell, and the cell is processed.
A layer of a polymerizable liquid crystal film is obtained on the surface of.The film can be sandwiched in vacuum to polymerize on the processed substrate
To provide a functional liquid crystal film layer In this method, a layer of liquid crystal material is processed on a first (glass or plastic) substrate.
Spread evenly on the finished surface. After that, the substrate having the liquid crystal layer is processed.
With the second substrate having a surface, it is placed inside the oven of the vacuum chamber.
The treated surface of the second substrate is brought into contact by means located outside the vacuum chamber.
Using an appropriate controllable support mechanism, the liquid crystal layer above the first substrate surface
Must be supported. Here, the internal temperature of the oven is adjusted according to the desired liquid crystal material.
Raise until low viscosity is achieved. At this stage, the vacuum chamber is evacuated,
Next, the second substrate is placed directly on top of the liquid crystal layer disposed on the treated surface of the first substrate.
Dropped immediately. Here, the two processed substrates are sandwiched between a liquid crystal material and
Allow enough time to allow contact while maintaining the hooks.
Finally, the vacuum state inside the oven, the pressure inside the oven reaches the ambient pressure
Until slowly released. Using this method, large sheets of liquid crystal material can be
It can be provided on a processed substrate.Method for providing a layer of polymerizable liquid crystal film on a substrate that has been processed by lamination This method is based on plastic-plastic or plastic-glass molds.
Particularly suitable for boards. According to this technique, a surface-treated substrate is prepared. next
, The liquid crystal mixture is made by either plastic or glass material
Applied to one edge of the first substrate. This first substrate is then replaced by a second substrate
The applied liquid crystal mixture is positioned between them at one end.
It will be in a state where it was lost. The first and second substrates are then compressed by a laminator
. The gap in the laminator is made of liquid crystal material between the pair of laminated substrates.
It is adjusted to a desired value so as to have a sharp thickness.Processed by roller coater
Method for providing a layer of polymerizable liquid crystal film on a substrate This method uses two substrates (preferably plastic plus
Similar to the lamination method described above, in that
You. Next, a liquid crystal mixture is applied to one edge of the first substrate. And the second
The treated surface of the first substrate is disposed on the treated surface of the first substrate. Where the gala
A platform having a flat, smooth surface, such as a metal plate,
The liquid crystal mixture is sandwiched over the sample
Roll the roller from the edge where it is. The pressure of the roller is the pressure between the pair of substrates.
The crystal material is adjusted to a desired value so as to have an appropriate thickness.Polymerization on substrate by knife coating
Of providing a possible liquid crystal film layer This technology works with any combination of materials (eg, plastics, plastics, plastics).
Plastic glass and glass-glass combinations).
A pair of surface-treated substrates is used. The surface of the substrate was treated by the method described above
Later, a thin uniform film of liquid crystal material was described in US Pat. No. 5,364,557.
A processed table of the first substrate using the knife coating technique shown and illustrated
Applied uniformly on the surface. Next, the treated surface of the second substrate is replaced by the technique described above.
It is placed on the applied liquid crystal using one of the following.Sub-step (A4): annealing the layer of the liquid crystal film disposed on the substrate
To Typically, the liquid crystal layer applied during sub-step A3 is a liquid crystal film
Time interval at the desired temperature to achieve a sharp flat matched texture (tissue)
It is necessary to perform a temperature treatment (annealing) during the heating. The annealing temperature depends on the liquid
The texture of the crystallized film is selected to be highly flat and as viscous as possible.
You can choose. The annealing time depends on the liquid crystal material used,
It can range from minutes to hours. Prior to polymerization, the liquid crystal film is typically
Has a band pass from 50 nm to 80 nm in the visible band of the magnetic spectrum
Shows narrow band reflection characteristics. Sub-step (A5): the weight placed on the processed substrate by unidirectional UV exposure
The polymerizable liquid crystal film cures a layer of the compatible liquid crystal film, providing a perfectly flat texture on the surface treated substrate.
Upon achievement, polymerization of the polymerizable CLC material components of the applied film (eg,
Cross-linking). CLC film production professional
In a second embodiment of Seth, the polymerization is performed by exposing one surface to UV light to form a film.
To produce a non-linear intensity gradient within
Is achieved by: UV intensity before the polymerizable compound is completed
Phase separation of compounds that cannot be cross-linked at the same time
n) and molecular diffusion and redistribution should not be selected.
I have to. After the polymerization has stopped, the first sheet of the broadband CLC deflection film
And the deflection and reflection characteristics become “asymmetric” over the entire visible band of the electromagnetic spectrum.
Become.Sub-step (A6): removing the substrate from the cured layer of the liquid crystal film Once the first sheet of liquid crystal film is cured, remove it from the substrate,
It is necessary to obtain a free-standing broadband CLC film.
is there. Freestanding broadband CLC film mechanically peels the film from the supporting substrate,
It can be obtained by physically decomposing the substrate, chemically etching the substrate, etc.
Wear. These techniques are generally well known in the art,
The above explanation is unnecessary. When this step is completed, the symmetric deflection
A first sheet of a CLC film having projection properties is obtained.Sub-step (A7): Sub-steps (A2) to (A6) are repeated to
Creating a second sheet of cured CLC film having nominally reflective reflection properties
To At this stage, sub-steps (A2) to (A6) are repeated, and the first
Of a cured CLC film having symmetrical deflective reflection properties similar to
A sheet is obtained.Sub-step (A8): First and second CLCs having asymmetric deflection reflection characteristics
Laminating film layers to obtain a laminated structure with symmetrical deflection and reflection characteristics As discussed in the Background of the Invention section of this specification, the applicant has
Have found. That is, generally during the curing stage of the film manufacturing process,
Polymerizable CLC films directly illuminated with linear UV light intensity are ultra-wide
The surface on the opposite side, which is not directly illuminated, has a "bandwidth" deflection characteristic.
It exhibits different polarization reflection characteristics with respect to reflectance or spectral band. Below,
Cured CLC films with such deflective reflection properties can produce "asymmetric" reflections.
It will be referred to as a CLC film having characteristics. Curing with asymmetric properties
CLC film is ideal for making the CLC coloring media of the present invention
Not really. The reason is that any CLC micro
The upper surface of the flakes is on a substrate that is illuminated by ambient white light during normal use.
The probability of facing up to the surface of the applied CLC coating is 50%.
This is because that. As a result, CLC colors made from asymmetric CLC films
Ring media is ideally desirable for most coloring applications.
Is not bright. Because the front and back of each CLC microflake
Are both broadband surfaces having different spectral characteristics. In order to compensate for the disadvantages and disadvantages of such an asymmetric CLC film, the present invention
A method of making a symmetric broadband CLC film according to this method is at this stage of the process.
The back of the first sheet of cured CLC film
The second sheet of lum is brought into contact with the back of the second sheet, while the two sheets are joined by a conventional lamination technique.
It is suggested that they be stacked on each other by using. During stacking, asymmetric CLC flow
Optically clear and isotropic with a refractive index suitable for the film to be laminated
It is desirable to use an isotropic adhesive. Preferably, such
Good adhesives are neither birefringent nor absorbent. The resulting laminated
Each surface of the CLC film structure has the same or substantially the same polarized reflection
Properties, and thus produce the CLC pigments of the CLC coloring media of the present invention.
Ideal for use in building.Control its bandwidth and spectral position during the film manufacturing process described above
By specifying the color characteristics of symmetric CLC films In the above steps (A) and (A '), the symmetrical deflection reflection characteristics
Two different technologies to produce ultra-wideband and broadband CLC films with
Was disclosed in detail. These techniques are based on the “additive primaries” and “ultra-white”
To produce symmetric broadband CLC films for CLC coloring media
Can be used. When making ultra-white CLC coloring media, broadband
The circular reflection film material has a reflection bandwidth in the visible band of the electromagnetic spectrum (ie, 3).
(50 to 750 nm). Likewise
To make the additive primary color CLC coloring medium of the present invention, the additive primary color characteristics (for example, red
Color, green and blue) to the incident light reflected from it.
The reflection properties of the CLC film correspond to the corresponding regions of the visible band (eg, red, green and
(Blue). Generally, the spectral position of the CLC film material in this application (ie,
Tuning) and bandwidth are used for various purposes during the film manufacturing process described above.
It can be controlled in a number of ways (eg, providing color characteristics to a CLC pigment).
To design the filtering characteristics of the polarizer). For example, this
The spectrum and thus the color properties of such a CLC film can be controlled as follows:
Can be tuned. That is, select the first CLC polymer
To cure a CLC polymer film disposed on a substrate.
UV light used during curing by controlling the intensity of UV light used
The temperature gradient during curing of the CLC polymer film is controlled by controlling the strength gradient of
By controlling the distribution and / or in making the initial CLC polymer material.
Concentration of matic polymers, chiral polymers, photoinitiators, dyes, etc.
By controlling. These different spectral tunings (tuning
The details of the technique are described below.By controlling its thickness, the spectral bandwidth of the circularly polarized film material is controlled.
Control The first approach is to control the thickness of the circularly deflecting film material.
Control the spectral bandwidth of. For example, E31 / CC4039L = 1: by weight
2 and 0.6% IG184, the bandwidth of the polarizer is
580 nm when the film thickness changes from 5 microns to 20 microns
To 800 nm. After that, the polarizer film
0.047 mW / cm at 92 ° C²Cured by UV intensity.Varying the concentration of chiral additives
Controls the spectral bandwidth of circularly deflected film materials In the second approach, a chiral additive is used.
The spectral bandwidth of circularly polarized film materials by varying the concentration of
I do. For example, a material having E31 / CC4039L = 1: 2 by weight is 0.6%
Used with IG 184, and the film thickness is 20 microns,
The riser film is 0.047 mW / cm at 70 ° C.²Cured by UV intensity of
Is done. The concentration of S1011 chiral additive increased from 0% to 6.6% by weight
If so, the bandwidth decreases from 980 nm to 460 nm. Furthermore, Kaira
As the additive concentration increases, the center wavelength shifts blue to the shorter wavelength side.
Have.Controlling the reflection / deflection spectrum by changing the curing temperature A third approach is to control the curing temperature so that the circularly deflected film material
Control the spectral bandwidth of. To further illustrate this method, the following example is given.
I will do it. According to a first example, CC4039L: E44: 1184 = 4: 0.69:. 2
A liquid crystal mixture containing 2: 0.33: 0.63 is prepared. UV used during curing
The light intensity is about 0.02 mW / cm²It is. When the temperature goes from 60 ° C to 90 ° C,
When the temperature changes further to 100 ° C, the center wavelength of the broadband CLC is 610 microns.
From 700 microns to even 550 microns, with a bandwidth of 420 microns.
It changes from cron to 700 microns and even 400 microns. According to another example, E31 / CC4039 by weight with 0.6% IG184.
A liquid crystal mixture is prepared by mixing at L = 1: 2. 20 micron
0.047 mW / cm of film sample with film thickness²The strength of
Cured under a UV light source. When the curing temperature is reduced from 92 ° C to 70 ° C
, The center wavelength shifted red toward the longer wavelengths.By changing the photoinitiator concentration, the deflection / reflection spectrum can be changed.
Control The fifth approach is to change the photoinitiator concentration to create a circle.
Controlling the spectral band of the deflection film material. For example, weight the material
Mixed with E31 / CC4039L = 1: 2 and a filter having a thickness of 20 microns.
By forming the lum, a liquid crystal mixture is formed. Film samples
, 0.047mW / cm²Cured at 92 ° C. under a UV light source having an intensity of
In this case, the concentration of the photo initiator (IG184) is increased from 1% to 2%.
The bandwidth of the deflecting film from 1050 microns to 850 microns
Dropped.Controlling the deflection / reflection spectrum by selecting the starting CLC polymer material A sixth approach is to select a starting polymer material with cholesteric order.
Thus, controlling the spectral bandwidth of the circularly polarized film material is included. Special
In addition, the starting CLC polymer has a specific (smaller) shorter pitch value, thereby
The wideband CLC is selected to have a blue shift in the deflection wavelength.
This technique can be illustrated by the following example. Two CLC polysiloxanes from Backer (CC4039L and CC40
70L) is mixed with the nematic liquid crystal of E7 to produce two different liquid crystal mixtures.
I will. The mixture has a weight ratio of CC4070L (CC4070L) / E31LV = 2.
: 1 with 0.6% 184 photoinitiator. Left-handed polysiloki
Sun CC4039L reflects at 390 nm, while CC4070L has 700n
Reflect at m. A 20 micron thick film is made from each of the mixtures
At a temperature of 90 ° C. using a UV light source having the same light intensity of 0.047 mW / cm 2
Cured. Cured containing shorter pitch polysiloxane CC4039L
CLC film in the shorter wavelength range from 370 nm to 1200 nm
Cured, containing, on the other hand, a longer pitch polysiloxane CC4070L.
The CLC film has a longer wavelength range from 560 nm to 2160 nm.
To reflect.Control the deflection / reflection spectrum by changing the intensity of UV curing light A seventh approach is to vary the intensity of the UV curing light source to provide circular deflection.
Controlling the spectral bandwidth of the film material. Polymerization rate is incident UV
Nematics such as E7 have a 1/2 ratio of C
When used with CLC materials such as C4039L, the resulting polarizer
Bandwidth decreases with increasing UV intensity. 0.47mW / cm²At the strength of
Means that the resulting bandwidth is 980 nm. Strength is 0.97mW / cm²In the case of
Shows that when cured at 90 ° C., the resulting bandwidth is 700 nm and at 92 ° C.
When cured at 7.1 mWcm2, the resulting bandwidth is 280 nm.
These results clearly indicate that bandwidth controls the intensity of UV radiation during film curing
It is shown that it can be controlled by performingControl the deflection / reflection spectrum by changing the direction of the UV curing light An eighth approach is to change the direction of the UV light source during curing by
Controlling the spectral bandwidth of the deflection film material. According to this mechanism
UV gradient inside the film along the surface normal
Are selectively modified. Keeping the overall UV intensity inside the CLC film substantially constant
By holding, a single UV curing beam results in a dual beam curing
A wider reflection bandwidth.Controlling deflection / reflection spectrum by changing the concentration of nematic liquid crystal
Do A ninth approach involves changing the concentration of nematic liquid crystals in the raw starting mixture.
Includes controlling the spectral bandwidth of the circularly polarized film material.
No. This technique can be illustrated as follows. For example, CC4039L
CC4039 with 0.6% IG184 photoinitiator to compound
Using a liquid crystal mixture composed of E31 in L, different mixtures were polished
Filled into a 20 micron glass cell with a polyimide coating
You. All samples were 0.047 mW / cm at 92 ° C.²U with strength of
Cured by V light source. Nematic liquid crystals (E31) in raw starting mixtures
By varying the density of the resulting CLC film, the bandwidth of the resulting CLC film is increased.
Can be increased.Deflection / reflection spectrum by adding different types of nematic additives
Control files A tenth approach is to use different types of nematic additives.
Additives), the spectrum of the circularly deflected film material
Including controlling the bandwidth. For example, the consequences of different types of nematic additives
Have different bandwidths when added at the same concentration with the polysiloxane.
It was found that the following CLC film was obtained. In particular, additives E7, E31,
E44, K15, K24, M15 were found to increase bandwidth. Only
Additives such as ZLI-2309 and ZKI-5800-100 increase bandwidth
I knew I wouldn't let it.Deflection / reflection spectra by adding different types of chiral additives
Control The eleventh approach involves different types of chiral additives (different torsional powers)
(With twisting power))
Controlling the spectral bandwidth of the film material. As an example of this technology,
Given the same mixture containing CC4039R and E31, the same amount of chiral
Addition of (R1011, CE1, CB15) has different spectral characteristics
It was found that a broadband CLC film resulted. As another example, given CC
In the mixture of 4039R and E7, the chiral is mixed separately. For example, it
The final pitch before curing of each mixture, ie CC4039R / E7 / R
1011, CC4039R / E7 / CE1 and CC4039R / E7 / CB15
Will be the same. The final spectral properties are the same for the three CLC films
It is different when cured under conditions.Example of CLC film production In the example of CLC film production described in detail below, polymerizable CLC, nematic
Tic liquid crystal materials, photoinitiators (and in some cases, chiral additives)
Weighed to the desired ratio and placed on each other on a hot plate or equivalent device
Mixed. In each case, the CLC mixture has a better molecular alignment.
With a polyimide coating buffed for
-Guided into the cell. Finally, the mixture is allowed to stand for a time sufficient to complete the polymerization.
Cured at the selected temperature by being exposed to light having photochemical action during
(Eg, polymerized). Light used to polymerize CLC film material
Radiation with chemical action (UV radiation) is cured inside the CLC film or
Used during prior art manufacturing processes inside the layer being developed
A non-linear (eg, exponential) intensity distribution is shown instead of a linear intensity distribution. This
This is due to the light attenuation caused by the materials used to make the CLC mixture layer
I do. Separately, non-crosslinkable liquid crystal materials may be final after UV curing.
It can also be in a liquid state in a polarizer that is formed locally. After mixing at a temperature that maintains the material in a liquid state, prior to polymerization, the nematic
The liquid crystal material is weakly bound to the polymerizable CLC material. Has photochemical action
In response to exposure to radiation, the weakly bound liquid crystal is polymerized by polymerization into C
Initiate diffusion separate from LC. Nematic liquid crystal material diffuses and is rich in liquid crystal
The regions of the polymerizable CLC that form the salient sites are inflated. Polymerizable CLC
When the liquid crystal is separated from other regions, a liquid crystal depletion site remains. Medium
The nature of the radiation intensity is non-linear (more specifically, exponential) throughout the body
The areas where the strength of the polymerizable CLC is higher are more expanded than the areas where the strength is low.
Therefore, the nematic liquid crystal material diffuses to the site having higher radiation intensity, and the polymer C
Non-linear dispersion occurs in the LC material. In addition, ultra-wideband deflection film,
(Nematic) Polymerization rate of CLC material where the separation rate of liquid crystal material is polymerizing
If larger, it can be made using commercially available materials. Examples 1 to 10 illustrate the symmetrical reflective filter described above (using the lamination subprocess).
The Lum manufacturing method was used to make the same. However, according to the present invention,
Understand that other methods can be used to create a nominally reflective film
Should.Example 1 This example is used to create a CLC-based microflake according to the present invention.
A method for manufacturing a broadband CLC circularly polarizing film material is described. C described above
The red compound of LC polysiloxane (CC4070L) is the same as E3 described above.
1 Blend with nematic liquid crystal. The red CC4070L is a left-handed twist
And has a reflectance of 690 nm when cured at 70 ° C. This
Of E31 / CC4070L in a ratio of 1/2 by weight and 0.6% by weight
IG184 photo initiator. Photo initiator IG184 is rice
Commercially available from Ciba Geigy, located in Hawthorne, New York. This mixture
The object is guided into a 20 micron glass cell and provided by a hot plate.
0.047 mW / cm at the provided temperature of 92 ° C.²Cured with UV intensity. This
In the example, only the CLC polysiloxane material is polymerized and the nematic liquid crystal material is
Maintained in physical condition. After polymerization, the spectrum of the resulting circularly polarized film
Analysis was performed by Perkin-Elmer's Lambda (Lamb
da) Run on 19 Spectrophotometer. Transmission and reflection spectrum
Both are taken with left-handed, right-handed and unpolarized light. Resulting deflection fill
The system covers the spectral band pass from 560 nm to 2160 nm,
A CLC-based polarizing reflective film having an ultra-wide band of 00 nm is provided.Example 2 This example is used to create a CLC-based microflake according to the present invention.
A method for manufacturing a broadband CLC circularly polarizing film material is described. In this example
, CLC polysiloxane (CC4039L) blue compound and nematic liquid crystal (
E31) is 2: 1 by weight and 0.6% by weight of the photoinitiator (
IG 184). This CLC is 0.047 mW at a temperature of 92 ° C.
/ Cm²Cured by a UV lamp. The resulting deflection layer is from 370 nm
Ultra wideband polarizer at 830 nm, covering spectral bandpass up to 1200 nm
A riser is provided to cover the entire visible band and the vicinity of the IR spectral band. An example
As in 1, the liquid crystal material (E31) is maintained in a liquid state after curing. polymerization
After (ie, curing) the spectrum of the resulting circularly polarized film material
Analysis is Perkin-Elmer's Lambda (Lamb
da) Run on 19 Spectrophotometer. Transmission and reflection spectrum
Both are taken with left-handed, right-handed and unpolarized light.Example 3 This example is used to create a CLC-based microflake according to the present invention.
A method for manufacturing a broadband CLC circularly polarizing film material is described. The previous two
In the example, a CLC polysiloxane with a left-handed twist sense was used.
. In this third example, a CLC polyhedral having a right-handed spiral sense (twisted)
Siloxane is used. A blue compound having such a twist sense (
CC4070R) is commercially available from Wacker GmbH, Germany
And emits right-handed circular light at 390 nm when cured at 70 ° C.
reflect. Nematic liquid crystal (M15) from EM Industries, Germany
Although commercially available, the CLC polysiloxane material (CC40
39R) and 1% by weight IG184 photoinitiator. This mixture
, 20 micron glass cell at 0.047 mW / cm at 122 ° C.²Ultraviolet
It is sandwiched between plates that are cured with linear strength. Resulting circular deflection film material
Reflects the right-handed circularly deflected light and has a spectroscopic
To provide a 400 nm ultra-wideband polarizer that covers the Torr bandpass. Curing (
That is, after polymerization, the non-polymerizable liquid crystal (M-15) becomes solid at room temperature.
It is. After polymerization, spectral analysis of the resulting sample was performed by Perkin-El.
Lambda 19 Spectro of Perkin-Elmer
Run on the meter. Both transmission and reflection spectra are left-handed, right-handed
And using unpolarized light.Example 4 This example is used to create a CLC-based microflake according to the present invention.
A method for manufacturing a broadband CLC circularly polarizing film material is described. In this example
The materials used are non-polymerizable nematics and polymerizable nematic liquid crystals.
A mixed chiral additive. Non-polymerizable nematic materials are E31
And ZLI-2309. The chiral additive is S1011. these
All materials are commercially available from EM Industries, Germany. Chiral
The additive introduces a left-handed spiral structure into the mixture. E31 / ZLI-23
09 / S1011 is mixed in a ratio of 1/1 / 0.2 by weight. This mixture
And then a polymerizable nematic liquid crystal polymer material CN4000 with a weight ratio of 1: 2.
Mix again in proportions. CN4000 is commercially available from Backer, Germany.
You. This mixture was combined with 0.6% by weight of photoinitiator IG184 for 2%.
0.047 mW / cm at a temperature of 70 ° C. separated by 0 micron²Hard with UV intensity
From two polished polyimide coated glass substrates
Into the cell. Here, this nematic liquid crystal material CN4000 is heavy.
Thus, the low molecular weight chiral nematic material remains in the liquid state. In the present invention
As in all other examples, the separation rate of non-polymerizable liquid crystal material is
Larger than the polymerization rate of a functional liquid crystal material. Resulting circular deflection film material is left-handed
Reflects circularly polarized radiation and passes the spectral band from 430nm to 1050nm
CLC-based polarizing reflective film covering a wide area and having a wide bandwidth of 620 nm
I will provide a. After polymerization, spectral analysis of the resulting circularly deflected film material is performed.
Lambda 19 from Perkin-Elmer
Performed on a spectrophotometer. Both transmission and reflection spectra are left
Hand-based, right-handed and taken using unpolarized light.Example 5 This example is used to create a CLC-based microflake according to the present invention.
A method for manufacturing a broadband CLC circularly polarizing film material is described. In this example
The mixture is a crosslinkable siloxane polymer having a nematic order.
, A chiral additive, and a photoinitiator (IG184). Noteworthy
In particular, a nematic liquid crystal (E31) which cannot be cross-linked is not added.
No. Siloxane Nematic Polymer (CN4000) is from Backer, Germany
belongs to. The chiral additive is composed of R1011, CB15 and CE1.
(All from Merck, EMI). The mixture is, by weight, CN4000 /
R1011 / CB15 / CE1 / IG184 = 0.75: 0.03: 0.11:
0.11: 0.017. This mixture is then mixed with the polished polyimide
Into a 20 micron glass cell with a coating. 80 ℃ temperature
About 0.2mW / cm for enough time²360 exposures after exposure to
A broadband reflective deflecting film having a bandwidth of from nm to 750 nm is obtained. Kai
This CLC deflecting film has a right-handed sense because the Ral additive has a right-handed sense.
Reflects circularly polarized light of the system. The importance of this example is that small molecules that are not crosslinkable
The amount of nematic liquid crystal needed to make broadband circularly polarizing film material in accordance with the present invention.
It is not necessary. Nematics simply mixed with chiral additives
Liquid crystal creates a similar ultra-wideband polarizer. The same mechanism, namely polymerization
The induced molecular redispersion (PIMRD) is still effective in this example.
is there. All of the chiral additives (ie, R1011, CB15, CE1)
Since the components are not capable of cross-linking, the chiral molecule will undergo phase separation and
Experience separation from the nematic polymer network. Chiral isolated
The molecules begin to diffuse along the direction of UV propagation, resulting in chiral molecules
It forms accumulation and depletion where the pitch is shorter and longer, respectively. Most
Later, a pitch gradient is formed. Notably, chiral additives have multiple
Has compound format. As is evident from another experiment, two chiral compounds
The products CB15 and CE1 are separated from the liquid crystal polymer network during polymerization.
It diffuses along the direction of UV propagation. However, the third chiral compound, R10
No. 11 shows no obvious phase separation or diffusion. After polymerization, the resulting circularly polarized fill
The spectral analysis of the material is performed by Perkin-Elmer.
Lambda 19 spectrophotometer. Transmission
And reflection spectra are both taken using left-handed, right-handed and unpolarized light.Example 6 In this example, a method for manufacturing ultra-wide band CLC circularly deflecting material on a plastic substrate
Is explained. This plastic substrate should have a free surface from the substrate if possible
Have one. The liquid crystal mixture used in this example is the liquid crystal mixture referred to throughout this application.
Anything you want. A typical plastic substrate used is PET. PET
The surface is treated even if it has been treated with a polished polyimide coating.
You don't have to. If a polyimide coating is required,
The whole manufacturing process is much simpler. The only processing required for PET substrates
Is the mechanical polishing of the bare surface. CLC mixture is one plastic
Applied on a substrate and covered by a second PET sheet. After that, the package
The entire page is placed in a laminator at the appropriate temperature. After lamination, one
Such a CLC film is obtained between two plastic sheet substrates. next
The film is exposed to a suitable intensity of UV light at a temperature of 80 ° C. for a sufficient length of time.
Receive light. Ultra-wideband CLC polarizer is obtained between plastic sheets
You. Optical properties, including extinction rate, can be measured by polishing
Analogous to that between two glass substrates with separated polyimide. Finally,
Peel one of the plastic substrates so that one surface is free from the substrate
Can be. The above method has the following advantages. That is, (1) Overall Polara
Dramatic thickness of iser down to 0.25mm due to very thin plastic sheet
Can be reduced to (2) The polarizer has mechanical flexibility. (
3) The manufacturing procedure is simple. (4) Making a larger size polarizer
it can. (5) Cost can be significantly reduced. After polymerization, the resulting circular deviation
Spectral analysis of film-oriented materials was performed by Perkin-Elmer.
run on a Lambda 19 spectrophotometer
. Both transmission and reflection spectra can be obtained using left-handed, right-handed and unpolarized light.
Can beExample 7 In this example, a newly developed short pitch CLC liquid crystal polymer is used to
A zone CLC circularly deflecting film material is made. This material (code name is German
Car's CLM001CC) is a left-handed polarized light with a selective reflection wavelength of 309 nm.
Is reflected. Appropriate amount of photo initiator (such as Ciba-Geigy's IG184)
When mixed, the CLC material can be UV polymerized. Broadband deflection fill
Short pitch polymerizable CLC materials are used to make low molecular weight cross-linked
It is mixed with a non-linkable nematic material E7 (EMI). Broadband polari
The material composition for the CLM0001CC / E7 / IG184 = 0.1 by weight
57 / 0.065 / 0.0047. This mixture is polished polyimide
• Filled into a 20 micron glass cell with a coating. 70 ° C
370 nm to 850 n after being exposed to UV of appropriate intensity for a sufficient time
Broadband CLC polarized reflection that reflects almost 50% of undeflected light up to m
A film is obtained. Similar results were obtained for M15 (Merck), M15, E44,
Mixing other non-crosslinkable nematic liquid crystals such as K15 and K24
Obtained by: After polymerization, the spectral solution of the resulting sample
The analysis was performed by Lambda (Perkin-Elmer).
a) Run on 19 Spectrophotometer. Both transmission and reflection spectra
The better is taken with left-handed, right-handed and unpolarized light.Example 8 This example describes how to make a freestanding broadband CLC circularly polarizing film material.
Is done. The mixture of materials is CLM0001CC / M15 / IG184 = 2 by weight.
/1/0.06. This mixture was mixed with 20 micron with polished polyimide.
Filled into Ron's glass cell. The sample is 0.011 mW / cm²of
Cured at 80 ° C. by intense UV. The resulting film is 37
Reflects from 0 nm to 770 nm. After polymerization and on a glass substrate
While being held, spectral analysis of the resulting circularly polarized film material
Lambda 1 from Perkin-Elmer
Runs on a 9 Spectrophotometer. Both transmission and reflection spectra
Left-handed, right-handed, and taken using unpolarized light. After this, one of the glass substrates
Is mechanically removed. Next, the broadband film was peeled from the remaining glass substrate.
It is. A freestanding broadband polarizing film is obtained. Before and after peeling the film
The film spectrum indicates that the optical properties of this freestanding broadband polarizing film have been altered.
It is not shown.Example 9 In this example, the CLC material used is commercially available from Backer, Germany.
With the left-handed polymerizable polysiloxane CLC (CC4039L)
Non-polymerizable nematics available from EM Industries, Germany
It is a mixture of E7 and a chiral additive R1011. Polymerizable CLC
The material (CC4039L) has a left-handed twisted structure, while
The additive (R1011) has a right-handed twist structure. Material E7 / CC
4039L / R1011 / IG184 has a weight of 1/2 / 0.1 / 0.012.
Present in the mixture in proportions. The IG 184 is a photo initiator.
The mixture is a 20 micron glass with a polished polyimide coating
-Guided into the cell, 0.047 mW / cm at 82 ° C²Cured by UV of intensity
You. In this example, the CLC material (CC4039L) polymerizes, while nematic
(E7) remains in a liquid state even after curing. Not polymerizable, as in other examples
The liquid crystal separation rate is higher than the polysiloxane polymerization rate. After polymerization,
Spectral analysis of the resulting sample was performed by Perkin-Elmer (Perk).
In-Elmer on a Lambda 19 Spectrophotometer
Be executed. Both transmission and reflection spectra are left-handed, right-handed and unpolarized light
Taken with The resulting CLC circularly polarized film is a left-handed circularly polarized
Reflects radiation and covers spectral bandpass from 800nm to 1428nm
Ultra-wide band exceeding 600 nm in the near infrared (IR) region of the electromagnetic spectrum
Provide a bandwidth changing film. In this example, the chiral additive controls the band position.
Used to control the bandpass where different concentrations are available.Example 10 In this example, a cholesteric liquid mixed with a non-crosslinkable nematic liquid crystal
Acrylic resin (acrylic) liquid crystal compound with high order
A zone CLC modified film is produced. CLC conversion of two polymerizable acrylic resins
Compounds CM95 and CM94 (B, Ludwigshafen, Germany)
ASF, Inc.) is used in this example. These compounds are blue and
Reflects right-handed circular deflection at the red wavelength. The blue compound CM95 is
M15 (EMI) and photo initiator IG 184 (
Ciba-Geigy) and CM: M15: IG184 = 2: 1: 0.06 by weight ratio
Are mixed at a rate. This mixture has a polished polyimide coating.
Filled into a 20 micron glass cell that has sufficient UV radiation for a sufficient time
And cured at 35 ° C. The resulting broadband polarizing film has about 31
It reflects right-handed light from 590 nm to 900 nm, which is a 0 nm bandwidth.
Other nematic liquid crystal materials such as E7 are mixed with acrylic resin CLC and converted to UV light.
Upon exposure, the deflection bandwidth can be increased.Alternative methods of polymerizing CLC and liquid crystal materials In most of the above examples, commercially available polymerizable CLC and liquid crystal materials are used to
It has been shown that broadband deflection film structures can be manufactured. However
The manufacturing technique according to the present invention can be used with any cyclic liquid crystal siloxane.
Mesogenic group can be
Into the backbone of siloxane by hydrosilation
Glued and also glued to any other liquid crystal polymer such as acrylic
. Similarly, the nematic liquid crystal materials used in the above examples are all commercially available.
However, in order to realize the present invention, it is not polymerizable at any low molecular weight.
It should be understood that nematic liquid crystal materials can be used. Example 4
As shown in the above, the polymerizable nematic also has its diffusion rate (speed).
Can be used as long as it is higher than the polymerization rate (speed). The nematic used is commercially available from EM Industries, Germany.
Liquid crystal of a single compound such as K15, K24 and M15. German EM
Industries E31, E44 and E7, also from Germany
ZLI-2309 and ZLI * 580 commercially available from EM Industries
0-100 and the like can be used in the practice of the present invention. These liquid crystals
All are in the nematic phase at room temperature, except that K24 is a smectic at room temperature.
Is a smectic phase. These liquid crystals are composed of a polymerizable CLC material and
And at least 700 nm ultra-wide bandwidth when mixed with the photoinitiator
A polarizer is obtained. Finally, the concentration of the liquid crystal material in the polymerizable CLC material
Is less than 1/6 by weight, the resulting bandwidth is
The steep drop indicates that low concentrations of nematic material are one of the limiting factors.
You. Nematics having a high concentration relative to CLC, such as a ratio of 2/3,
Consequently, if the mixture is polymerized at a suitable constant temperature, a high reflectivity results.
Otherwise, if the mixture is cured at an unsuitable high temperature, scattered light will be directed.
You. In the above examples, specific UV cure strengths are foretold, and the broadband and ultra
Provide a wideband polarizer. The rate of polymerization reduces the intensity of the incident UV radiation during cure.
Nematics such as E7 are CC4039L at a ratio of 1/2 at the linking limit.
When used with any CLC material, the resulting polarizer band
The bandwidth changes as the UV intensity increases. For example, 0.047 mW / cm²of
In intensity, the resulting bandwidth is 980 nm. 0.97mW / cm
²At a strength of 92 ° C., when cured at 92 ° C., the resulting bandwidth is 70
0 nm. 7.1 mW / cm at 92 ° C²If cured in
The bandwidth is 280 nm. This obviously involves controlling the intensity of the UV radiation.
This indicates that the bandwidth can be controlled. The preferred embodiment has a CLC helical pitch that is an exponential distribution.
Characterized, but deviates from the exact exponential distribution
It should be understood that this can be tolerated without departing from the invention. Therefore,
Due to impurities in the material, fluctuations in radiant energy and fluctuations in polymerization,
Ideal exponential function to provide liquid crystal distribution over the thickness of the resulting polarizer?
Can deviate. This should only be explained as having non-linearity
I can do it. Deviations from the ideal exponential are obtained when the distribution is exponential.
I don't think it will impact the bandwidth gains that are made.Step B: Symmetric CLC film while controlling its size by CLC microphone
Breaks down into roflakes (ie, microscopic pigments) The second step (step B) of the microflake manufacturing process is CLC
The film is made of CLC microflakes or CLC platelets with microscopic dimensions.
Includes disassembly into units. It should be noted that each broadband CLC
The microflakes are perpendicular to the surface of this broadband CLC microflake.
Cholesteric order around the helical axis, pre-aligned
Having a liquid crystal. Symmetric CLC film mounted on its substrate
When disassembled or in a self-sustaining form, it can be disassembled. This CLC
Several techniques for breaking down films into CLC microflakes are described next.Decompose the CLC film on its substrate Using this technique, the CLC film remains supported on the substrate.
Mechanically broken down into microscopic flakes. US Patent No. 5,364,5
Using any of the techniques described in US Pat.
The film can be disassembled. This US patent is incorporated by reference in this application.
Typically, a CLC film and a substrate on which the CLC film is supported
Are both decomposed. After performing the decomposition operation, the decomposed pigment and the substrate material
Shall be carefully removed from the substrate using the method of dissolving or etching the substrate.
I have to. Generally, this is performed using one of many possible methods.
be able to. For example, CLC film such as salt in water or PVA in water
Substrate material can be dissolved in some type of solution without dissolving
If so, the decomposed pigment is left in solution until the substrate material is completely dissolved
You. Finally, the CLC microflakes are dried and a suitable light transmitting carrier medium.
You are ready to mix with your body. In addition, the substrate (eg, glass) can be etched using a certain type of solvent
When, for example, in the hydrofluoric (HF) salt
In cases such as glass, the decomposed CLC microflakes can
Leave in solvent until removed by etching. After that, CLC My
The substrate remaining after the black flakes are washed with a clean solvent is subjected to CLC.
Remove from microflakes. Finally, CLC microflakes are
Dried to prepare for use in the process. Other methods may be used to remove the substrate from the CLC microflakes.
Can be. For example, glass, salt or other substrates vulnerable to mechanical shock
The broadband CLC film made above is a strong link between the CLC film and the substrate.
Disassembly can be achieved by placing it in an ultrasonic bath. In addition, the present invention
If the CLC film is not brittle, it is widely known in the art.
Of CLC microflakes using the patterning and etching technology
It is still possible to use it to do so. In this case,
Photoresist or etch resist functioning to project black flake areas
Pattern is created and the exposed areas are properly wet or dry etched.
It is removed by etching with a lithography technique. This allows the desired size
And shaped CLC microflakes.Disassemble CLC film without substrate (self-supporting film) Decompose the CLC film of the present invention into microflakes (or platelets)
At the same time, it can be detached from the substrate to provide a self-supporting configuration. this
In some circumstances, the mechanical glitch described in US Pat. No. 5,364,557 is described.
Binding, sonication, photolithography and / or chemical etching techniques
Any technique can be used, including Controlling the size of CLC microflakes Ultra-wideband CLC microphone used to make the super-white coloring medium of the present invention
To make roflakes, the thickness of the CLC microflakes is about 20 microns.
Must be in the range of about 25 microns. Microflake lateral dimension
Must be at least three times as large as its thickness, i.e.
It is at least about 60 to 75 microns. Super white coloring medium
The upper limit of the lateral size of the CLC microflakes used in the preparation is 100
Cannot exceed a micron.Example of CLC microflake configuration according to the present invention So far, in the ultra-wideband, broadband or spectral tuning region of the electromagnetic spectrum
How to make CLC film material with LHCP and RHCP reflection properties
Many different examples have been provided for. With such a film, CLC
Microflakes can be made using the various degradation techniques described above,
Can make It should be noted, however, that the CLC My
Black flakes can be used in a variety of different ways to provide symmetrical deflection selective reflection properties
Can be configured. The configuration of the spectrally tuned microflakes of the present invention
Various embodiments for this are illustrated in FIGS. 2B, 2C, 2D1 and 2D2. Departure
Various embodiments for the construction of bright broadband (or ultra-wideband) microflakes are
3B, 3C, 3D1 and 3D2. Composition of microflakes
Will be described below together with the pitch distribution and the spectral reflection characteristics.First Embodiment of Spectral Tuning CLC Microflake Configuration of the Present Invention FIG. 2B shows a spectrally tuned (narrowband) CLC micros according to the invention.
A first embodiment of a flake is schematically illustrated. The composition of this microflake is
, Specular or non-specular as shown in FIGS. 2A1 and 2A2, respectively.
It can be used to produce the additive primary color coloring media of the present invention having properties.
Wear. As shown, the microflakes have a double-layer laminate structure.
Each layer has the same LHCP or RHCP CLC fill
Each surface is substantially in the visible band of the electromagnetic spectrum.
Have the same circularly polarized reflection characteristics. In FIG. 2B1 (A), an exemplary CLC
The pitch distribution of CLC molecules along the thickness dimension of the microflakes is shown in FIG.
Shown for an embodiment of a stacked microflake configuration. FIG.
First (upper) and top of the spectrum tuned LHCP (or RHCP) CLC film layer
And a second (lower) surface are graphically illustrated. As shown
The reflective properties of these CLC film layers are due to the additive primary color effect in the human visual system.
(Eg, red). In FIG. 2B2, the spectrally tuned LHCP (or
RHCP) The spectral reflection characteristics of the first and second surfaces of the CLC film layer.
A radical comparison is shown. Shown in this graphical plot
As noted, there is significant asymmetry in the spectral reflectance characteristics. FIG. 2B
Have the same spectral reflection characteristics to construct CLC microflakes
The surfaces of a pair of CLC film layers are brought into contact with each other and laminated to create a symmetrical reflection characteristic.
Having a laminated film structure. Then, the laminated CLC film structure is separated.
In other words, the microflakes described above can be formed.Second Embodiment of Spectral Tuning CLC Microflake Configuration of the Present Invention FIG. 2C shows a second example of a spectrally tuned CLC microflake according to the present invention.
An outline of the embodiment is shown. The structure of this microflake is shown in FIG. 2A1 or 2A.
2. The present invention having specular or non-specular reflection characteristics as shown in FIG.
To produce an additive primary color coloring medium. It is shown
As described above, the microflake has a laminated structure composed of two layers, and
The first layer of is made from spectrally tuned (narrow band) RHCPCLC film material
Wherein the second layer is made from a spectrally tuned LHCPCLC film,
Each surface has substantially the same circular deflection over the spectral tuning region of the electromagnetic spectrum
Has reflective characteristics. In FIG. 2C1 (A), an exemplary CLC microflake
The pitch distribution of CLC molecules along the thickness dimension of
A rake configuration is shown for the first embodiment. FIG. 2C2 shows the spectra.
First (upper) and second (lower) of the prepared LHCP and RHCPCLC film layers
The surface is graphically illustrated. As shown, these CLCs
The reflective properties of the film layer are additive primary color effects (eg red) in the human visual system
Cause. FIG. 2C2 shows the spectrally tuned LHCP and RHCPCLC filters.
A graphical comparison of the spectral reflectance properties of the LUM layer is shown. This graph
As shown in the physical plot, the spectrum of these constituent layers
There is significant asymmetry in the vector reflection properties. 2C CLC microflex
In order to construct a laser, a pair of RHCs having substantially the same spectral reflection characteristics
The surfaces of the P and LHCPCLC film layers are brought into contact with each other and
A laminated film structure having radiation characteristics is formed. After that, the laminated CLC film
The structure can be broken down to form the microflakes described above.Third Embodiment of Spectrum-Tuned CLC Microflake of the Present Invention FIG. 2D1 shows a spectrally tuned CLC microflake according to the invention.
An outline of a third embodiment is shown. The configuration of this microflake is shown in FIG.
And 2A2, each having specular or non-specular reflection characteristics.
Can be used to produce the additive primary color coloring media of the present invention. this
The basic advantage of the configuration is that both the LHCP and RHCP of the incident light are completely reflected.
And thus resulting in significantly brighter color effects and / or images.
You. However, this microflake configuration provides both LHCP and RHCP of the incident light.
Cannot be used for 3D stereoscopic imaging applications because one component is reflected
There is a small restriction. As shown in FIG. 2D1, this microflake consists of a double layer
A first CLC layer having a first phase delay surface formed thereon;
Made from a first layer of LHCPCLC film material having a second CL
The C layer has a second phase delay surface formed adjacent to the first phase delay surface.
Made from a second layer of HCPCLC film material. The first and second layers are:
Spectral tuning of the electromagnetic spectrum designed to operate microflakes
It has substantially the same circularly polarized reflection characteristics over the band. Generally, the first and second
The phase delay surfaces each impart a phase delay to the incident electromagnetic radiation, thereby
The wavelength of each of the spectral tuning bands passing through the first and second phase delay surfaces is
Receives a phase delay of π radians. As a result, the LHCP light is converted into the microflake R
Upon entering the HCP layer and passing through its first and second phase delay surfaces, the RHCP polarization
LHC of the microflakes after passing through the phase delay surface
Reflected from the P layer. Similarly, RHCP light is incident on the microflake surface, and
Passing through the first and second phase delay surfaces of the
After passing through the phase retardation surface, it is reflected from the microflake LHCP layer. this
Due to the reflection mechanism, this microflake configuration makes the microflake spectrum
100% reflects all incident light within the tuning band. Generally, the spectral tuning band
Numerous methods to achieve the required π phase delay at each wavelength in the range
Exists. For example, the first and second phase delay surfaces may be
At each wavelength on the vector tuning band, each has a phase of π / 2 radians
Can be designed to provide delay. But in some cases this realization
Examples can be difficult to implement realistically. It is easier to realize than this
In other cases, the first phase retardation surface may be used to tune the microflakes for spectral tuning.
Can be designed to provide π radians on a first region of the band, while
A second phase delay surface is placed over a second region of the microflake spectral tuning band.
Can be designed to give π radians. In any of these embodiments
However, each phase retardation surface can be used to
It is preferably realized by re-orientation. This is 1997
Sageg Faris, filed January 4, filed "
Title: Liquid crystal film structure having phase retardation surface region and method of manufacturing the same
Taught in PCT International Application PCT / US97 / 20091
It is the content that is. This PCT application is incorporated herein by reference. This simultaneous application
Using the phase delay formation technique taught in the
Delay area φ₁And φ₂The pitch of the CLC molecules above is as illustrated in FIG. 2D3.
Approaching infinity, on the other hand, the pitch of CLC molecules on the LHCPCLC film layer
Is substantially constant. To construct the CLC microflakes of FIG.
Table of a pair of LHCPCLC film layers having qualitatively identical spectral reflection properties
The planes are initially phase retarded by φ₁And φ₂Is processed to form
Next, they are brought into contact with each other and laminated as shown in FIG.
A laminated film structure having symmetrical reflection characteristics is formed. Next, the laminated
The CLC film structure can be broken down and spectrally tuned as described above.
Flakes are formed.Fourth Embodiment of Spectrum Tuned CLC Microflake of the Present Invention FIG. 2D2 shows a spectrally tuned CLC microflake according to the present invention.
A schematic of a fourth embodiment is shown. The configuration of this microflake is shown in FIG.
Or has specular or non-specular reflection characteristics as shown in 2A2, respectively.
Can be used to produce the additive primary color coloring media of the present invention. Show
This microflake has a laminated structure consisting of two layers as
Wherein the first CLC layer has an RHCP having a first phase delay surface formed thereon.
The first CLC film material is made of a first layer and the second CLC layer is made of a first phase.
RHCPCLC filter having a second phase delay surface formed adjacent to the delay surface
Made from a second layer of lum material. The first and second layers are in the electromagnetic spectrum.
It has substantially the same circularly polarized reflection characteristics over the spectral tuning band. In general,
The first and second phase delay surfaces each provide a phase delay to the incident electromagnetic radiation;
Thereby, that of the spectral tuning band passing through the first and second phase delay surfaces.
Each wavelength experiences a phase delay of π radians. As a result, the LHCP light
Incident on the RHCP layer of the low flake and passes through its first and second phase delay surfaces
After being converted to RHCP deflection and thus passing through the phase delay surface.
Reflected from the LHCP layer of the rake. Similarly, the RHCP light is applied to the microflake table.
Incident on a surface and passing through its first and second phase delay surfaces, results in LHCP deflection.
Therefore, after passing through the phase retardation surface, the microflakes are deflected from the LHCP layer.
Fired. This reflection mechanism allows the microflake configuration to
100% reflects all incident light within the spectral tuning band of the peak. In general,
Required π position at each wavelength on the spectrum tuning band of microflakes
There are many ways to achieve the phase delay. For example, the first and second phase delays
Rolled surface at each wavelength on the microflake spectral tuning band
, Each providing a phase delay of π / 2 radians.
However, in some cases, this implementation may be difficult to implement realistically.
You. In another case, which should be easier to implement than this, the first phase delay surface is
Designing to provide π radians on a first region of the spectral tuning band
On the other hand, a second phase-delay surface can be provided on the second region of the spectral tuning band by π
Can be designed to give radians. In any of these embodiments
Phase retardation surface molecularly redirects liquid crystal molecules in the CLC film layer
It is realized by doing. This is a PCT international application filed by the applicant already cited.
This is the content taught in PCT / US97 / 20091. This simultaneous release
Using the phase delay forming technique taught in the pending application,
Phase delay area φ₁And φ₂The pitch of the CLC molecules above is illustrated in Figure 2D4
Approaching infinity, on the other hand, the pitch of CLC molecules on the LHCPCLC film layer
Is substantially constant. Figure 2D5 shows a spectrally tuned RHCPCLC film.
First (ie, upper) and second (ie, lower) surfaces of the layer are illustrated.
You. As shown, the reflective properties of these CLC film layers are
This produces an additive primary (eg, red) effect in the system. FIG. 2D5 shows the spec
Graphical illustration of the spectral reflectance characteristics of tortually tuned LHCP and RHCPCLC film layers
A simple comparison is shown. As shown in this graphical plot,
Significant asymmetries exist in the spectral reflection characteristics of these component layers. 2D2
To construct a CLC microflake, substantially the same spectral reflection characteristics are required.
The surfaces of a pair of RHCPCLC film layers that have
Area φ₁And φ₂And then contacted with each other to form FIG. 2D2
As shown, and having a symmetrical reflection characteristic on the outer surface thereof.
A film structure is formed. Next, the laminated CLC film structure is disassembled and
As described, spectrally tuned CLC microflakes are formed.First Embodiment of Broadband CLC Microflake Configuration of the Present Invention FIG. 3B shows a schematic diagram of a first embodiment of a broadband CLC microflake according to the present invention.
Abbreviations are indicated. The structure of this microflake is shown in FIGS. 3A1 and 3A2.
As shown, the ultra-white and mirror-like coloring media of the present invention were produced.
Can be used to As shown, the microflakes
It has a laminated structure consisting of multiple layers, each layer being the same ultra-wide band (or
, Broadband) made from LHCP or RHCP CLC film material,
The surface has substantially the same circularly polarized reflection characteristics over the visible band of the electromagnetic spectrum.
are doing. Depending on how the component film layers are laminated to each other
, Different pitch distribution characteristics can occur. For example, in FIG.
The pitch distribution of CLC molecules along the thickness dimension of the CLC microflakes is shown in FIG.
B is shown for the first embodiment of the double laminated microflake configuration. FIG.
In B1 (B), the CLC along the thickness dimension of the exemplary CLC microflakes
The pitch distribution of the molecules is similar to that of the second embodiment of the double-stacked microflake configuration of FIG. 3B.
Is shown. FIG. 3B2 shows a broadband LHCP (or RHCP) CLC
The spectral reflection properties of the first (upper) and second (lower) surfaces of the film layer are:
Graphically illustrated. FIG. 3B2 shows a broadband LHCP (or RHC)
P) Graphical representation of the spectral reflection properties of the first and second surfaces of the CLC film layer
A simple comparison is shown. Is shown in this graphical plot
Thus, there is significant asymmetry in the spectral reflection characteristics. The CLC matrix of FIG. 3B
To construct the microflakes, a pair of CLs having the same spectral reflection characteristics
Laminates having symmetrical reflection characteristics by laminating the C film layers in contact with each other
A film structure is formed. Then, disassemble the laminated CLC film structure and
Can be formed.Second Embodiment of Broadband CLC Microflake Configuration of the Present Invention FIG. 3C shows a schematic diagram of a second embodiment of the broadband CLC microflake according to the present invention.
Abbreviations are indicated. The configuration of this microflake is shown in FIG. 3A1 or 3A2.
As shown, a super-white or mirror-like coloring medium according to the invention was produced.
Can be used to build. As shown, this microflake
, A laminated structure consisting of double layers, the first layer of which has an ultra-wide band (or
Broadband) made from RHCPCLC film material, the second layer of which is ultra-wideband (
Or (broadband) LHCPCLC film. Each surface is electromagnetic
It has substantially the same circularly polarized reflection characteristics over the visible band of the spectrum. With ingredients
Depending on how certain film layers are laminated to each other,
Distribution characteristics can occur. For example, in FIG. 3C1 (A), an exemplary CLC
The pitch distribution of CLC molecules along the rake thickness dimension is shown in FIG.
Shown for a first embodiment of a black flake configuration. In FIG. 3C1 (B),
Pitch distribution of CLC molecules along the thickness dimension of an exemplary CLC microflake
Is shown for the second embodiment of the dual laminated microflake configuration of FIG. 3C.
You. FIG. 3C2 shows the first (top) and the second of the broadband RHCPCLC film layer.
The spectral reflection characteristics of the (lower) surface of the are graphically illustrated. FIG.
At C2, the spectral reflection of the broadband tuned LHCP and RHCPCLC film layers
A graphical comparison of the properties is shown. This graphical plot
As can be seen, the spectral reflection characteristics of these component layers
New asymmetries exist. To construct the CLC microflakes of FIG.
A pair of RHCP and LHCPCLC filters having qualitatively identical spectral reflection characteristics
The surface of the film layers are brought into contact with each other and laminated to form a laminated
A lum structure is formed. After that, the laminated CLC film structure is disassembled and
Solid microflakes can be formed.Third Embodiment of Broadband CLC Microflake of the Present Invention FIG. 3D1 shows a third embodiment of a broadband CLC microflake according to the present invention.
An outline is shown. The configuration of this microflake is shown in FIGS. 3A1 and 3A2.
As shown, the ultra-white or mirror-like coloring medium according to the present invention is used.
Can be used to manufacture. The basic advantage of this configuration is that the incident light LHC
Both P and RHCP are fully reflected, thus resulting in a significantly brighter color effect and
And / or creating images. However, this microflake configuration
Is 3D stereoscopic because both the LHCP and RHCP components of the incident light are reflected.
There is a small limitation that it cannot be used in imaging applications. As shown in FIG. 3D1, this microflake consists of a double layer
A first CLC layer having a first phase delay surface formed thereon;
From a first layer of ultra-broadband (or broadband) LHCPCLC film material having
The second ultra-wideband (or broadband) CLC layer is made of a first phase delay surface
LHCPCLC film material having a second phase delay surface formed adjacent to
Made from the second layer. Generally, the first and second phase delay surfaces are each
This imparts a phase delay to the incident electromagnetic radiation, whereby the first and second phase delays
Each wavelength in the visible band that passes through the surface experiences a phase delay of π radians. Conclusion
As a result, the LHCP light is incident on the microflake RHCP layer,
2 passes through the phase delay surface and is converted to RHCP deflection, and thus the phase delay table
After passing through the surface, it is reflected from the microflake LHCP layer. Similarly, RH
CP light is incident on the microflake surface and passes through its first and second phase delay surfaces.
Passing through the phase delay surface, the
Reflected from the flake LHCP layer. By this reflection mechanism, this microphone
The rake configuration reflects 100% of all incident light in the visible band. Generally visible
To achieve the required π phase delay at each wavelength in the band,
Law exists. For example, the first and second phase delay surfaces are respectively
Are designed to give a phase delay of π / 2 radians at each wavelength
be able to. However, in some cases, this implementation is not realistic to perform.
It can be difficult. In other cases, which should be easier to implement, the first place
The phase delay surface may be designed to provide π radians over a first region of the visible band.
On the other hand, the second phase-delay surface is radiated by π radius on the second region of the visible band.
Can be designed to provide Preferably each phase delay surface
By molecularly redirecting the liquid crystal molecules in the CLC film layer
It is preferable to realize it. This is a PCT international application filed by the applicant already cited.
This is the content taught in a certain PCT / US97 / 20091. This simultaneous application
Using the phase delay forming technique taught in the co-pending application, each of the first
And the second phase delay region φ₁And φ₂The pitch of the upper CLC molecule is illustrated in Figure 3D3
Approaching infinity, on the other hand, the C on the LHCPCLC film layer
The pitch of the LC molecules is determined by the applicant's previously cited US patent application Ser. No. 08/739,
Non-linear (exponential) according to the teachings in U.S. Pat. To construct the CLC microflake of FIG. 3D1, substantially the same spectrum
The surfaces of a pair of LHCPCLC film layers having reflective properties are initially
Is the phase delay region φ₁And φ₂Is processed as previously described to form
, Are brought into contact with each other and stacked as shown in FIG.
A laminated film structure having nominal reflection properties is formed. Next, the stacked CL
The C film structure is disassembled to form broadband CLC microflakes as described above.
Is done.Fourth Embodiment of Broadband CLC Microflake of the Present Invention FIG. 3D2 shows a fourth embodiment of a broadband CLC microflake according to the present invention.
An outline is shown. The structure of this microflake is shown in FIG. 3A1 or 3A2.
Produce the ultra-white or mirror-like coloring media of the present invention as shown, respectively.
Can be used to As shown, this microflake
It has a laminated structure consisting of double layers, and the first CLC layer has the first CLC layer formed thereon.
Ultra wide band (or wide band) RHCPCLC film material with one phase delay surface
And a second CLC layer adjacent to the first phase delay surface.
Of a RHCPCLC film material having a second phase delay surface formed by
Made from layers. The first and second layers are substantially above the visible band of the electromagnetic spectrum.
Have the same circularly polarized reflection characteristics. Generally, first and second phase delay surfaces
Each provide a phase delay to the incident electromagnetic radiation, thereby causing the first and second
Each wavelength in the visible band that passes through the phase delay surface has a phase of π radians
Receive delay. As a result, the LHCP light is incident on the microflake RHCP layer.
, Upon passing through its first and second phase delay surfaces, is converted to RHCP deflection,
Is reflected from the microflake LHCP layer after passing through the phase delay surface
You. Similarly, RHCP light is incident on the microflake surface and its first and second
Passing through the phase delay surface results in LHCP deflection and therefore passing through the phase delay surface
After being reflected from the LHCP layer of the microflakes. By this reflection mechanism
This microflake configuration reflects 100% of all incident light within the visible band.
You. Generally, required π phase delay is achieved at each wavelength in the visible band
There are many ways to do this. For example, the first and second phase delay surfaces
At each wavelength in the band, each gives a phase delay of π / 2 radians
Can be designed to be However, in some cases, this implementation
Can be difficult to perform dynamically. Another place that should be easier to implement than this
If so, provide the first phase delay surface with π radians over a first region of the visible band.
The second phase delay surface, on the other hand, is
It can be designed to give π radians over the region. In this preferred embodiment,
In addition, the phase delay surface molecularly redirects the liquid crystal molecules in the CLC film layer.
It is realized by attaching. This is the PCT country by the applicant already cited.
This is the content taught in the international application PCT / US97 / 20091. this
Using the phase delay forming technique taught in the co-pending application,
Phase delay region φ₁And φ₂The pitch of the CLC molecule above is illustrated in FIG. 3D4.
Approaching infinity, on the other hand, CLC molecules on the RHCPCLC film layer
Is a PCT filed on May 9, 1997 by the applicant cited above.
In accordance with the teachings of International Application WO 97/16762,
It is linear (ie, exponential). FIG. 3D5 shows the first (ie, top) of the ultra-wide band RHCPCLC film layer.
And a second (ie, lower) surface is illustrated. FIG. 3D5 shows these
A graphical comparison of the spectral reflectance properties of ultra-wideband CLC film layers is shown
. As shown in this graphical plot, the specs of these component layers
There is significant asymmetry in the torr reflection properties. 3D2 CLC micro frame
A pair of RHCPs having substantially the same spectral reflection characteristics can be constructed.
First, each of the surfaces of the CLC film layer has a phase delay region φ.₁And φ₂Form
3D and then contacted with each other and stacked as shown in FIG. 3D2.
According to the principles of the present invention.
A film structure is formed. Next, the laminated CLC film structure is disassembled and
Broadband CLC microflakes are formed as described.Step C: Optically transparent carrier (host) medium for CLC microflakes
Choose a body The third step of the CLC coloring media manufacturing process (ie, step
C) involves selecting an optical transmission carrier medium that carries the CLC microflakes.
No. In general, the process of selecting a carrier medium involves the refractive index, solubility,
Consideration must be given to viscosity, adhesion to surfaces, resistance to temperature, humidity, mechanical distortion, etc.
Must. Preferably, the nature of the carrier medium is such that the flatness of the CLC microflakes is
Carefully match average size, thickness and optical properties (eg refractive index)
Must be chosen as follows. In particular, the carrier medium must be transparent when cured.
Absent. The carrier medium has a refractive index close to that of the CLC microflakes.
Should have. Carrier media breaks CLC microflakes (eg
For example, it must not dissolve), has resistance to moisture, has a relatively high temperature environment,
For example, it must withstand 90 ° C. Preferably, the carrier medium is cured or
Should be flexible when dried. However, CLC color
When the printing media is printed / drawn on a rigid substrate surface, an inflexible carrier
The rear can be used. Carrier is air cured by temperature curing, light curing or evaporation
Must be cured by drying. After drying, the CLC microflavour
Must remain permanently inside the carrier and be stable with respect to optical properties.
No. The additive primary color coloring medium according to the present invention is perceived by the observer independently of the viewing angle.
In order to provide a very bright color appearance, the colors illustrated in FIGS.
Vector tuned CLC microflakes are applied as illustrated in Figure 2A1
Have no random orientation within the coating or layer of the carrier medium
I have to. In this way, the spectrum from 400 nm to 750 nm in the visible band is obtained.
Incident light having a torque range is scattered (ie, non-specular) within the additive primary band.
Is reflected in an appropriate manner. CLC microflakes in the coating of the carrier medium
To ensure that they have a substantially random or pseudo-random orientation.
The average thickness of the film coating is at least 60 microns (or CLC
Should be the largest linear dimension of the microflakes)
A large viewing angle close to 90 ° from the normal is also guaranteed. See step D for details.
As discussed in detail, the thickness of such a carrier adjusts the viscosity of the carrier medium.
The specs in the applied layer (or coating) of the ultra-white coloring medium.
Automatically substantially run inside the layer where the torque-tuned CLC microflakes are applied
This is achieved by having a dam or pseudo-random orientation. C
To facilitate pseudo-random orientation of LC flakes, a suitable thickness (eg,
For example, a coating of CLC ink or paint having
In between should be applied to the substrate. The size of CLC microflakes is about 60 mm
Less than cron and the thickness of the microflakes is less than about 20 microns,
60 micron thick coating allows some of the microflakes to be transferred to the substrate
To have a substantially random or pseudo-random orientation during the application of
On the other hand, the other microflakes can have any effect on the substrate in the carrier medium.
Overlapping superimposed relationships. The additive primary color coloring medium of the present invention is extremely sensitive to the observer's eyes depending on the viewing angle.
To provide a brighter appearance, the spectrally tuned CLC microflakes
As illustrated in FIG. 2A2, a coating of the applied carrier medium or
It must have a uniform orientation in the layers. In this way, the visible band
Incident light having a spectral component of about 400 nm to about 750 nm of the
Non-scattering (ie, specular) within the additive primary band separately for a range
Reflected. This coloring media coating is fantastic and eye-catching
It is used to produce a color effect depending on the viewing angle. The super-white coloring medium of the present invention is super-white in the observer's eyes independently of the viewing angle.
To provide a color (such as magnesium oxide) color appearance, a broadband CLC
The black flakes of the applied carrier medium are illustrated in FIG. 3A1.
Has a random (or pseudo-random) orientation in the coating or layer
There must be. Thus, the visible band from about 400 nm to about 750 nm
Broadband incident light with spectral components is scattered (ie, non-specular)
Reflected. CLC microflakes wrap within the coating of the carrier medium
The average of the film coating to ensure that it has a random orientation.
The thickness should be at least 60 microns, so that the surface normal
A large viewing angle close to 90 ° is also guaranteed. Additive primary color coloring media coating
As in the case of the carrier, the thickness of such a carrier controls the viscosity of the carrier medium.
Clean and apply the ultra-white coloring medium in the applied layer (or coating).
Automatically substantially random inside the layer where the banded CLC microflakes are applied
Or by having a pseudo-random orientation. CLC
To facilitate this random orientation of the flakes, a suitable thickness (eg,
CLC ink or paint coating having a
Should be applied to the substrate. CLC micro flake size is about 60 micro
Or less, and the thickness of the microflakes is less than about 20 microns.
A micron-thick coating allows some of the microflakes to
It is possible to have a random or pseudo-random orientation during use,
Other microflakes may have any superimposed relationship to the substrate in the carrier medium.
Overlap. The additive primary color coloring medium of the present invention can be mirrored in the observer's eyes independently of the viewing angle.
To provide a textured appearance, the broadband CLC microflakes are illustrated in FIG. 3A2.
As will be appreciated, one may be present in the applied carrier medium coating or layer.
Must have a clear and flat orientation. In this way, about the visible band
Broadband incident light with spectral components from 400 nm to about 750 nm is non-scattering
It is reflected in a targeted (ie, specular) manner. This coloring medium coating
Creates mirror-like surfaces and finishes that are independent of viewing angle.
Can be used to Selecting an appropriate carrier fluid for the CLC inks and paints according to the invention
And J. Michael Adams, “Printing Technology
org (3rd Edition) "(1988, Delmer Publis)
ing, Inc. , Albany, NY).
Can be This book is incorporated herein by reference. Notably, the carrier medium
The body uses a wax material to form a crayon according to the idea of this application
Can be realized by In addition to a suitable carrier, the CLC ink according to the invention and
Paints, in addition to other properties, can be tacky, drying speed, adhesion to substrates,
Alternatively, the selection may be made in consideration of use in a printing method.Step D: Add CLC Microflakes to Selected Carrier Medium and Launch
Create the desired coloring medium of light Fourth step in the manufacturing process of the coloring medium (ie, step D)
Shows the light transmission of CLC microflakes (created in Step B)
In addition to the carrier medium (selected by step C)
Coloring media (ie, like magnesium oxide), mirror-like coloring
Making a coloring medium or an additive primary color coloring medium. Manufacturing process
This step is described in four basic embodiments of the CLC coloring media of the present invention.
Each is described below.For Broadband CLC Microflakes in Super White Coloring Media of the Invention
Determine the threshold concentration Super white characteristics (and not mirror color characteristics) under broadband lighting conditions
Broadband CLC microflakes must be at least
At a threshold concentration is added to the carrier medium. This gives a certain
The color carrier in a distributed carrier medium and microflake size distribution.
Broadband light incident on a surface coated with a polishing medium is non-specular
(Ie, scattered) reflections, thereby allowing the human to be independent of the viewing angle.
In the eyes of the observer (or an image detection system such as a color camera)
Produces a super white or color like magnesium oxide (MO) appearance. this
The threshold concentration was the cubic centimeter (cc) of the liquefied carrier medium.
CLC broadband microflakes in milligrams (mg)
(1) the viscosity of the carrier medium in the applicable temperature range, (2) the coloring medium
(3) the size of the CLC microflakes in the carrier medium, and (
4) A number of parameters including the surface tension of the carrier fluid when applied to a radiation absorbing surface.
Depends on parameters. In the following, the thread for the super-white coloring medium of the present invention will be described.
An iterative process for determining the threshold concentration is described. The first step in the iterative concentration determination process is a broadband CLC microframe
And selecting the light transmissive carrier medium as described above. System
By means of a magic method, the size distribution of the broadband CLC microflakes and
The viscosity at room temperature of the selected carrier medium (eg, fluid) is recorded. next
, A specific amount of the selected broadband CLC microflakes is a specific carrier liquid
And mixed together. When the carrier medium is solid at room temperature (wax
・ In the case of a carrier, etc.), the carrier is added to the broadband CLC microflake.
It is liquefied before being obtained. Next, any other drugs added to the coloring medium
An agent (additive) is added to the carrier medium in a liquid state. And as a result
The resulting coloring medium is a radiation absorbing surface (eg, screen printed or
(By brush strokes), on which a color coating is applied
Is done. Then, it is dried or otherwise cured. next
Broadband circularly polarized light (eg, incandescent)
Lights or other light sources) and illuminate one or more human observers
Observe carefully and compare the resulting color with a normal magnesium oxide paint
Compare with pull. Observers record their perceptions (for example, silver
Or not white enough). Then, returning to the beginning of the iterative process, the designer switches to the carrier medium of choice.
Modify the concentration of the added broadband CLC microflakes and add
Create a new sample and apply it to the same radiation-absorbing surface, and the resulting
The color effect is compared with a paint sample of magnesium oxide. Typically, the designer
Assuming the carrier fluids have the same viscosity, the resulting coloring
Coating is comparable to magnesium oxide paint samples under broadband lighting conditions
The concentration of the broadband CLC microflakes to produce the desired color effect (
For example, it is necessary to increase). If necessary, the designer must
Adjust (eg, increase) the viscosity of the carrier of the
To maintain a random orientation in the carrier medium with C microflakes applied
You may choose to do so. It should be noted that the applied technology (for example,
(Eg, brush stroke) depends on its concentration in the carrier medium
Therefore, some influence the orientation of CLC microflakes to some extent. There is also
When the application technology is selected and it is not possible to increase the viscosity of the carrier medium
In some cases, designers have developed a broadband CLC microframe with a smaller size distribution.
Choose to use the microflakes so that the microflakes are applied to the surface.
May have a random orientation in a relatively thin carrier medium
sell.For Broadband CLC Microflakes in Mirrored Coloring Media of the Invention
Determine the threshold concentration Mirror-like color characteristics (ultra-white color characteristics under broadband illumination conditions)
In order to make a coloring medium with a non-
Flakes are added to the carrier medium at a concentration below the threshold. to this
Therefore, given a given carrier medium and microflake size distribution,
Broadband incident on a surface coated with this coloring medium
The light in the area reflects specularly, thereby causing the human observer's eyes (or
Image detection systems such as color cameras, etc.)
Let As in the case of the ultra-white coloring media of the present invention, this threshold density
Is the CLC broadband per cubic centimeter (cc) of liquefied carrier medium
Expressed in milligrams (mg) of microflakes, for example, (1) applied temperature
Viscosity of the carrier medium in the temperature range, (2) application method of the coloring medium, (3)
) Size of CLC microflakes in carrier medium, and (4) Radiation absorption table
Depends on a number of parameters, including the surface tension of the carrier fluid when applied to a surface
You. In the following, the threshold densities for the mirrored coloring media of the present invention are determined.
Describe an iterative process for determining The first step in this iterative concentration determination process is the broadband CLC micro
The selection of the rake and the light-transmissive carrier medium as described above. Shi
Broad distribution of broadband CLC microflake size by a method of stemming
And the viscosity at room temperature of the selected carrier medium (eg, fluid) is recorded.
Then, the specific amount of the selected broadband CLC microflakes is determined by the specific carrier
Added to liquids and mixed together. If the carrier medium is solid at room temperature (wa
Carrier), the carrier is a broadband CLC microflake
Liquefied before being added to Next, any other additions to the coloring media
Of the drug (additive) are added to the carrier medium in a liquid state. And the result
The coloring medium obtained as a radiation absorbing surface (for example, screen printing)
Or by brush stroke) and color coating on it
Is formed. It is then dried or otherwise cured. Then the result
A broadband circularly polarized light (eg, incandescent or
Other sources) and one or more human observers
Observe in depth and compare the resulting color with a regular plate mirror. Observation
People record their perceptions (eg, silver is superior or sufficiently white
Or not). Then, returning to the beginning of the iterative process, the designer selects the carrier medium chosen
To correct the concentration of broadband CLC microflakes added to the coloring medium
Create a new sample of and apply it to the same radiation absorbing surface,
Compare the color effect to a mirrored sample (eg, plate). Typically, the design
One assumes that the viscosity of the carrier fluid is the same and assumes that the resulting color
Color effects comparable to mirror plates under broadband illumination conditions with ring coating
The concentration of the broadband CLC microflakes to produce
Need to be added). If necessary, the designer can use the carrier at room temperature during the application.
To reduce the viscosity of the resulting, broadband CLC microflakes were applied
Choosing to maintain a flat or pseudo-flat orientation in the carrier medium
It is possible. Note that the applied technology (eg, brush stroke
) Depending on its concentration in the carrier medium to some extent
Some affect the orientation of the black flakes. In addition, a certain application technology is selected and key
If it is not possible to reduce the viscosity of the carrier medium, the designer
Choose to use broadband CLC microflakes with a small size distribution
A relatively thin carrier, whereby the microflakes are applied to the surface
It may have a substantially flat orientation in the media.Spectral-tuned CLC microphone in non-specularly reflective additive primary color media
Determination of threshold concentration for roflake Image display, including the application of 2D and 3D image displays
When applying the additive primary color coloring medium of the present invention, the specular reflection
As avoided in color images formed from coloring media,
It is often desired to use it. Non-mirror in image display applications
The basic reason for achieving surface reflection is that specular reflection is highly dependent on the viewing angle of the observer
That is to produce a spectrum of color appearance effects. Such color appearance effect
Can impair the display of color image information under broadband lighting conditions.
 The additive primary color coating (and the image formed from it) is non-specular (
In other words, in situations where it is necessary to have reflection characteristics (scattering), a spectrally tuned CLC microphone
Roflake is added to the carrier medium at least at a threshold concentration.
And is important. This allows a given carrier medium and microframe
Coated with this coloring medium in a work size distribution.
Broadband light incident on a rough surface reflects non-specularly, thereby causing humans to
In the eyes of an observer (or an image detection system such as a color camera)
Independent of the viewing angle, providing a pre-specified additive primary appearance. This
The threshold concentration is calculated per cubic centimeter (cc) of the liquefied carrier medium.
Expressed in milligrams (mg) of CLC broadband microflakes of
(1) the viscosity of the carrier medium in the applicable temperature range, and (2) the viscosity of the coloring medium.
Method of application, (3) the size of the CLC microflakes in the carrier medium, and (4)
A) a number of parameters, including the surface tension of the carrier fluid when applied to a radiation absorbing surface;
Depends on meter. Below, non-specular when applied to radiation absorbing surfaces
Determining the threshold density for additive primary color coloring media exhibiting reflective properties
To describe an iterative process. The first step in this iterative concentration determination process is a spectrally tuned CLC mask.
The choice between ichroflake and a light-transmissive carrier medium has already been mentioned.
Including. Spectrum-tuned CLC microframe by systematic method
Size distribution and viscosity of the selected carrier medium (eg, fluid) at room temperature
Is recorded. Next, the specific amount of the selected broadband CLC microflakes is
, Added to a particular carrier liquid and mixed together. Carrier medium is solid at room temperature
(Such as a wax carrier), the carrier is
To be liquefied before being added to the CLC microflakes. Next, coloring
Any other drug (additive) added to the medium will be added to the carrier medium in the liquid state.
Added. And the resulting coloring medium is a radiation absorbing surface
(E.g., by screen printing or brush strokes)
A color coating is formed thereon. And then drying or other methods
Cured. Next, the resulting color coating is coated with circularly polarized light (eg,
For example, from incandescent lamps or other light sources)
Observe carefully and observe the resulting color from different viewing angles.
See if there is a viewing angle dependent color effect. Observers can see their views
Record the perception (eg, whether the perceived color depends on the viewing angle). Then, returning to the beginning of the iterative process, the designer selects the carrier medium chosen
To correct the concentration of broadband CLC microflakes added to the coloring medium
Create a new sample of the sample, apply it to the same radiation absorbing surface,
Judge whether the image shows an angle-dependent color effect. Typically, the designer
Assuming that the carrier fluids have the same viscosity, the resulting coloring
The coating has a single color effect (eg, red
Color, green or blue). If necessary, the designer
The viscosity of the carrier at room temperature, thereby increasing the spectrally tuned CLC
Random or pseudo-random orientation in the carrier medium to which the microflakes have been applied.
You may choose to keep your mind. Note that,
Depending on the application technology (eg, brush stroke), the
Some influence the orientation of CLC microflakes depending on the concentration of
You. In addition, certain application techniques are selected, making it difficult to increase the viscosity of the carrier medium.
Where possible, designers should consider spectral identities with smaller size distributions.
To use a micro CLC micro flake, and thereby
Random or pseudo run in a relatively thin carrier medium with flakes applied to the surface
It may have a dumb orientation.Spectral-tuned CLC microframes in specular additive primary color media
Determine the threshold concentration for the threshold Non-image data such as automatic painting
When the display is applied, the additive primary color coloring medium of the present invention is subjected to specular reflection.
As a result of color coatings formed from such coloring media
It is often desirable to use it to produce. Mirror from color coating
The reason for the desire for surface reflection is that it can be noticeable under broadband (outdoor) lighting conditions.
This is because it causes a visual effect to be applied. In situations where the additive primary color coating should have specular reflection properties,
Toned CLC microflakes are added to a carrier medium below a threshold concentration
This is very important. This allows a given carrier medium and micro-
In the distribution of rake size,
Broadband light incident on a mirrored surface reflects specularly, thereby causing humans to
In the eyes of an observer (or an image detection system such as a color camera)
Provides a pre-specified additive primary appearance that is highly dependent on viewing angle.
This threshold concentration is the cubic centimeter (cc) of the liquefied carrier medium.
Expressed in milligrams (mg) of CLC broadband microflakes per
For example, (1) viscosity of the carrier medium in the applicable temperature range, (2) coloring
Medium application method, (3) size of CLC microflakes in carrier medium, and
And (4) a number including the surface tension of the carrier fluid when applied to the radiation absorbing surface.
Depends on the parameter. The following applies to surfaces such as automobiles, aircraft or ships
Specular reflection characteristics when applied to a radiation absorbing surface, such as
To determine threshold densities for additive primary color coloring media
Describe the iterative process. The first step in this iterative concentration determination process is a spectrally tuned CLC mask.
The choice between ichroflake and a light-transmissive carrier medium has already been mentioned.
Including. Spectrum-tuned CLC microframe by systematic method
Size distribution and viscosity of the selected carrier medium (eg, fluid) at room temperature
Is recorded. Next, the specific amount of the selected broadband CLC microflakes is
, Added to a particular carrier liquid and mixed together. Carrier medium is solid at room temperature
(Such as a wax carrier), the carrier is
To be liquefied before being added to the CLC microflakes. Next, coloring
Any other drug (additive) added to the medium will be added to the carrier medium in the liquid state.
Added. And the resulting coloring medium is a radiation absorbing surface
(E.g., by screen printing or brush strokes)
A color coating is formed thereon. And then drying or other methods
Cured. Next, the resulting color coating is coated with circularly polarized light (eg,
For example, from incandescent lamps or other light sources)
Observe carefully and observe the resulting color from different viewing angles.
See if there is a viewing angle dependent color effect. Observers can see their views
Record perceptions (eg, whether perceived color is slightly dependent on viewing angle, etc.)
). Then, returning to the beginning of the iterative process, the designer selects the carrier medium chosen
To correct the concentration of broadband CLC microflakes added to the coloring medium
Create a new sample of the sample, apply it to the same radiation absorbing surface,
Judge whether the image shows an angle-dependent color effect. Typically, the designer
Assuming that the carrier fluid has the same viscosity, the microflakes are substantially flat or
Have a quasi-flat arrangement, so that under broadband illumination conditions, a single color effect (
(For example, red, green or blue). Designer if necessary
Reduces the viscosity of the carrier at room temperature during application, thereby reducing the spectral
Flat or quasi-flat in carrier medium with tuned CLC microflakes applied
You may choose to keep the orientation. Note that
As in the other cases already discussed, the application technique (eg, brush stroke)
To some extent, depending on its concentration in the carrier medium,
Some affect the direction of the rake. Also, certain applied technologies are selected
If it is not possible to reduce the viscosity of the media, designers will
Choose to use spectrally tuned CLC microflakes with a distribution of noise
The microflakes are applied to a relatively thin carrier applied to the surface.
The media has a flat or quasi-flat orientation in the media, with the majority of microflakes
Substantially in a single plane tangent to the surface to which the medium is applied
May be included.Broadband and spectrally tuned CLC microflakes in selected carrier media
Formula for Mixing: 2D Applications For use in 2D coloring and imaging applications
CLC microflakes in the following ratios when making coloring media for
It is desirable to mix That is, (A) super white, coloring,
For a carefully selected optically transparent carrier medium.
(I) Broadband CLC microframe with left-handed circularly polarized light (LHCP) characteristics
And (ii) Broadband microflakes with right-handed circularly polarized light (RHCP) properties
(B) For mirror-type coloring media, note
Equal percentage of (i) left hand circle for carefully selected optically transparent carrier medium
Broadband CLC microflakes with shaped polarization (LHCP) characteristics and (ii) right
Adds broadband microflakes with hand circular polarization (RHCP) properties
And (C) carefully selected optics for additional primary coloring media
(I) Left handed circularly polarized light (LHCP) for an optically transparent carrier medium
"Spectally tuned" CLC microflakes having properties and (ii)
"Spectally tuned" microphone with right-handed circularly polarized light (RHCP) characteristics
Rakes. These formulas correspond to the ultra-white and / or
Is the circumference from the surface coating formed using the additional primary coloring media.
Guarantee maximum reflection of ambient light.Mix broadband and spectrally tuned CLC microflakes with selected carrier media
Formula for matching: 3D application For use in stereoscopic 3D imaging applications
When making the coloring media (detailed later), the following ratio of CLC
It is desirable to mix the microflakes. That is, (A1) left hand (LH
Type) Carefully selected optically for ultra-white coloring media
Broadband CL with left-handed circularly polarized light (LHCP) characteristics for transparent carrier media
(A2) Right hand (RH type) super white
For coloring media, carefully selected optically transparent carriers
Broadband CLC microframe with right-handed circularly polarized light (RHCP) characteristics
(B1) Left-hand (LH type) mirror-shaped color link
For optical media, for carefully selected optically transparent carrier media
, Only broadband CLC microflakes with left-handed circular polarization (LHCP) characteristics
(B2) Right-hand (RH type) mirror-shaped coloring media
For the optically transparent carrier medium carefully selected,
Adds only broadband CLC microflakes with polarization (RHCP) properties
Note that (C1) LH type additional main coloring media
For a deeply selected optically transparent carrier medium, a left hand circularly polarized light (LHCP)
Add only "spectrally tuned" CLC microflakes with qualities
Note that for (C2) RH type additional primary coloring media
Right handed circularly polarized light (RHCP) for a carefully selected optically transparent carrier medium
Adds only "spectrally tuned" CLC microflakes with properties
It is to be. Using this formula, the coloring media of the present invention can be used.
By using, as a left perspective image component from the image surface,
Polarized spatially multiplexed images for stereoscopic 3D viewing
RH type additional primary and super white color
The right-handed perspective image component of the SMI formed using
, Polarization-encode only with the RHCP light reflected from the image surface. By following the above equation, the CLC microflakes of the present invention can be converted to a suitable key.
2D or 3D printing, drawing by mixing in a carrier medium
, Painting, and other types of imaging applications
CLC ink, paint and crayon materials for use in any of the
Live. One example of a suitable carrier liquid is an optically clear, heat-curable lacquer (
For example, PUL Varnish from Marabu (Germany).
You. Preferably, the CLC coloring media formed by this process is
, Designed for room temperature applications and therefore of any kind
No alignment is required. Apply coloring media to the substrate, and
After curing, the resulting coating is exposed to ambient lighting and room temperature
Remains stable. Optical properties of coloring media made by this method
Can be any suitable coloring media application technology (eg, screen printing
Radiant absorption of this coloring media using
It can be tested by applying it to a receiving substrate (eg, a black background).
Step E: Preparing a substrate (ie, surface) on which the coloring medium is to be applied
And / handling Use the CLC coloring media of the present invention in an "additive primary" color system.
Before using, first identify the substrate (ie surface) to be printed or drawn
It is strongly desired that the ambient light spectrum (from 400 nm to 750 nm)
) Are appropriately represented. Typically this is a flat (
A black (non-shiny) primary color (ie, a black surface) is applied to the substrate using conventional techniques.
Including feeding. Substrates are, for example, virtual paper, glass, metal, plus
Made from a wide variety of materials, including teaks, fabrics, and the like. Ultra-white CLC coloring medium supplied to radiation absorbing substrate and non-specular reflection color
When forming an image or color surface, the broadband CLC microflakes
Suspended in a carrier medium parallel to the substrate surface in an overlapping relationship with the black flakes
And / or randomly or pseudo-randomly suspended in the carrier medium.
Where the liquid crystal molecules within each microflake are
CLC helical axis is oriented perpendicular to the flat surface of the microflake
ing. Identical for broadband CLC microflake configuration in carrier medium
Incident light on any applied CLC coating based on the object is naturally non-specular
(I.e., diffuse) reflections, which cause "super-white" in the human visual system.
Produces magnesium oxide with "color" color response characteristics. Ultra-white CLC coloring medium is supplied to the radiation absorbing substrate and has non-specular reflection color
When forming an image or color surface, the broadband CLC microflakes
Suspended in a carrier medium parallel to the substrate surface that overlaps with the black flakes
And / or randomly or pseudo-randomly in the carrier medium
Will either be suspended. Where the liquid in each microflake
The CLC helix (helical) axis of the crystal molecule is aligned with the flat surface of the microflake.
It is oriented vertically. Of broadband CLC microflakes in a carrier medium
With the help of construction, the input on any applied CLC coating based on the same
The light will naturally undergo non-specular (ie, diffusive) reflections, thereby reducing human vision.
This produces magnesium oxide in the sense tissue, such as a "super white" color response. The mirror-like CLC coloring medium is supplied to the radiation absorbing substrate and the non-specular reflection color
When forming an image or color surface, the broadband CLC microflakes
In a carrier medium parallel to the substrate surface in a substantially flat relationship with the black flakes
Will be suspended, where the CLC of the liquid crystal molecules in each microflake is
The lithal axis is oriented perpendicular to the flat surface of the microflakes.
With the help of the construction of the broadband CLC microflakes in the carrier medium, this broadband CLC
Input on any applied CLC coating based on LC microflakes
The light will naturally undergo specular (ie, non-diffuse) reflections,
Produces a mirror-like color response in the system. Specular reflection CLC coloring medium is supplied to a radiation absorbing substrate and the specular reflection color
When forming an image or color surface, CLC microflakes that are specularly synchronized are
Carrier medium in parallel with the substrate surface in a substantially flat relationship with other microflakes
Will be suspended in the body, where the liquid crystal molecules in each microflake
CLC helical axis is oriented perpendicular to the flat surface of the microflake
ing. With the help of the construction of mirror-tuned CLC microflakes in the carrier medium
Any applied CLC based on this mirror tuned CLC microflake
Incident light on the coating will naturally undergo specular (ie, non-diffuse) reflection,
This allows for highly concentrated red,
Produces a green or blue color response. The non-specular reflection CLC coloring medium is supplied to the radiation absorbing substrate,
-CLC microflakes that are specularly synchronized when forming an image or color surface
Will be suspended in a carrier medium in a pseudo-random relationship, where
Is the CLC helical axis of the liquid crystal molecules in each microflake is the plane of the microflake.
Oriented perpendicular to the flat surface. Mirror-tuned C in carrier medium
With the help of the construction of LC microflakes, this mirror-tuned CLC microflake
The incident light on any applied CLC coating on the basis of
(Diffuse) reflection, which makes it highly independent of viewing angle,
This results in a single color response that is highly concentrated in the sense system.Step F: Apply CLC coloring medium to processed substrate Taking advantage of the outstanding properties of admixtures and color saturation, the red, green, blue and ultra
White CLC inks produce all colors perceived by the human visual system
Is enough. These CLC color inks, paints and crayons are applied to the substrate
Before coating or sequentially when coated on a substrate, alone or with the ultra-white medium of the present invention.
It can be mixed in combination with a body (such as MgO). This CLC
Inks and paints may be substantially any radiation absorbing material having two or three dimensional surface characteristics.
Can be applied to the receiving surface.Mechanism for applying the CLC coloring medium of the present invention Generally, there are two ways to apply the coloring media of the present invention. The first application method is to apply CLC microflakes (ie, pigments) to an optically clear
The CLC ink or paint of the present invention is directly mixed with a carrier medium to form the ink.
Including. Then, apply the CLC ink or paint to the printing screen,
Print on the surface of the board via ink jet printing, gravure printing, brush writing etc.
Or it can be painted. A second printing method first prints or paints the carrier medium on the substrate surface
Including. Then, while the carrier is not cured and has adhesiveness, the CLC
The black flakes are applied on the surface of a substrate carrying a carrier medium. In application
As desired or required, the viscosity of the carrier medium and the concentration of the microflakes
Depending on the degree, the microflakes either rest on the carrier substrate or are
They are diffusely held below the surface to provide reflective or non-reflective properties.
It is.Mechanism for drying / curing the CLC coloring medium of the present invention In general, there are several ways to cure or dry this CLC coloring medium.
You. Hereinafter, three preferred methods will be described. The first drying mechanism is based on evaporation. According to this method, CLC microflakes
Is mixed with a carrier medium containing certain types of solvents and other solvents. CLC color
After the coating medium has been applied (printed or painted) to the substrate, evaporation of the solvent
Begin. Upon complete evaporation of the solvent, the CLC microflakes become optically clear.
It is permanently confined within the carrier medium. The second drying mechanism is based on photon polymerization. According to this method, the CLC microflex
The work is mixed with a carrier medium that is polymerized via photons. Photon polymerizable carrier medium
One example of a body is a UV curable epoxy or adhesive, which is UV-curable.
Polymerizes in response to exposure to radiation to form an optically transparent medium in the solid state
You. The third drying mechanism is based on thermal curing. According to this method, the CLC micro frame
The mix is mixed with a carrier medium that is polymerized via thermosetting. Of a thermosettable carrier medium
One example is PUL varnish from Malibu, Germany.
Which is polymerized in response to exposure to IR radiation and optically stops at the solid state.
Form a transparent medium.Coating of a protective / index adjusting layer on the coloring medium of the present invention Optionally, optically transparent protection (or index adjustment (index alignment)
)) Layer is applied over the coating of the CLC ink or paint of the present invention.
Can be. Such protective (or index alignment) coating
Is applied using print, paint, or other application techniques known in the art.
Can be cloth. This is used to create a three-dimensional image for viewing in three dimensions.
When using CLC coloring media, optically transparent index alignment
Is applied to the surface on which the CLC coloring medium is printed.
desirable. The function of the index alignment layer is to “fill” small surface irregularities.
To make them optically smooth. As a result, the surface (
Light scattering medium (where the ringing medium is applied)
Light (a spatially multiplexed image formed from this CLC coloring medium)
(Reflected from the SMI) is depolarized during stereoscopic viewing
Therefore, stereo channel crosstalk is effectively avoided.Application of the CLC coloring medium of the present invention 2D printing and painting The adjusted (aligned) CLC inks and paints of the present invention provide printing, signal,
Can be used for art and decorative arts. These CLC inks contain CLC molecules
Requires no further adjustment to obtain the desired helical shape and at room temperature,
Can be enforced in any way. In CLC ink, adjusted CLC frame
The solution can be a host solution or host, depending on the printing or imaging application.
Suspended in the substrate. In the form of a crayon or pencil, the host substrate may be wax
Alternatively, a material having a viscosity equivalent thereto and being in a solid state at room temperature can be obtained.
This is used by the painter, at which time the painter must
Rub the rake and host substrate onto the black paper. Dispensing host solution from pen
Then, drawing, drawing, drafting, and copying can be performed. Ink, bra
It can be applied by a brush, roller, or spray gun. CLC ink is
It can also be formulated for use in offset printing, in which case the host solution
It is made of hydrophobic material, and in gravure and flexographic printing,
The liquid is dispensed for printing on a plastic or other substrate. C of the present invention
LC microflakes and / or inks can also be used in electrographic copiers and printers,
Can be used as a toner for thermal color printers and inkjet printers
You. According to the present invention, a color image is created, the color image
Saturation and higher brightness than conventional pigment and dye based inks
It is characterized by a color having a degree characteristic. In summary, the image formed on the radiation absorbing substrate
The present invention provides a broadband and spectral
The "tuned" CLC microflakes are circular in a manner that produces a pronounced color effect.
Reflects polarized light. This is achieved using prior art CLC inks and paints.
Cannot be done.Stereoscopic _3-D viewing app for CLC inks and paints of the present invention
Application The coloring medium of the present invention is three-dimensional._3-DViewing
Used to generate a deflection-encoded color composite image to assist in operation.
It is also possible. A pair of such electrically passive circularly polarized glasses
Through, it was pictorially represented as a composite image_3-DObject and / or
The background is a stereoscopically visible and perceived image inside the visual organs of the (human) observer.
The brightness and color characteristics (color depth) of the image are substantially improved. Preferably, each deflection encoded composite image uses a spatial multiplexing technique
Left and right deflection encoded formed in an overlapping manner on the radiation absorbing surface without
It is composed of a perspective image. The present invention
According to the principle, each polarization-encoded perspective image is symmetrically polarized.
/ "Ultra-white" to realize microflakes with reflective properties (magnesium oxide
Color (white similar to MO) and additive primaries (ie, "red", "green" and "blue")
Formed using a cooling medium. This deflection encoding perspective image
The novel coloring media used to form the image
Pay-as-you-go, which can be applied as a thin coating on surface-shaped radiation absorbing surfaces
Paint, ink, crayon, (wax or chalk), toner, or any other
It can be realized in the form of a medium. Reflection-deflection coloring medium of the present invention
By using the body, traditional color donation techniques can be achieved to date.
Color images formed on the radiation-absorbing surface in an unsuccessful manner.
Color depth (eg, thousands of color values). FIG. 8A shows that a hard copy is placed on the radiation absorbing surface 12 (eg,
A system 10 for forming a P-bias encoded composite image 11 is shown. As shown
System, the left and right perspective images I_LAnd I_REach
A perspective image generator 13 which generates the control signals necessary to provide
, In response to the control signal generated by the generator 13, the left hand
(Left rotation) Apply a circularly polarized (LHCP) type coloring medium and apply LHCP
In response to the additive primaries (eg, R_LHCP, G_LHCPAnd B_LHCP)as well as
"Super white" (SW_LHCP) Multiple LHCP-type colorings giving color characteristics
In response to a control signal generated by the media applicator 14A and the generator 13,
A right-handed (right-handed) circularly polarized (RHCP) type coloring medium is applied to the absorbing surface 12,
In response to the RHCP component of the incident light, the additive primary colors (eg, R_RHCP, G_RHCPPassing
And B_RHCP) And "super white" (SW_RHCP) RHCP type that gives color characteristics
And a coloring medium applicator 14B. Generally, an image generator
The function of 13 is the LHCP and RHCP coloring media applicators 14A and 14B.
Are driven sequentially or in parallel, so that the left of the color SMI is
LHCP and RHCP type CLC corresponding to right and right perspective images
A coloring medium is applied to the radiation absorbing surface 12 at a distance (laterally);_3-
DThe stereoscopic disparity (displacement) required for stereoscopic imaging
(As a function of depth). Generally, the coloring media applicators 14A and 14B
, Brush, spray nozzle, toner application / fusing mechanism, etc.
You can also. The coloring media applicator 14A uses a LHC
Is to apply PCLC based coloring media, while color
The ring media applicator 14B has an RHCP CLC-based
Apply learning media. Due to its optical properties, the LHCP CLC
Only LHCP light within the bandwidth specified in advance
While transmitting all other wavelengths of incident light. Also, its optical
RHCP CLC-based coloring media may be pre-designated
Only the RHCP light within the specified bandwidth while reflecting all other incident light.
Transmit wavelength. Any particular CLC-based coloring media of the present invention
The precise reflection / polarization characteristics associated with the radiation-absorbing substrate
Depends on the characteristics. As shown in FIG. 8A, the polarization-encoded composite image of each hardcopy
The left hand (LH) bias of the 3D object or scene as shown by 11A
The optically encoded perspective image and its 3D object or scene shown at 11B
Right-hand (RH) polarization-encoded perspective image. See through
The 3D object represented in the image is either "real" or artificially created.
Can be made. As shown, these polarization encoded CLs
C-based perspective images overlap each other on a radiation absorbing substrate without spatial multiplexing
. The perspective images of LH and RH are used to form these perspective images.
Color media is different for left and right perspective images as described above.
Uniquely polarization-encoded due to the unique addition of reflected / polarized properties
Have been. Specifically, the left perspective image is an LHCP line within a pre-specified bandwidth.
While transmitting only all other wavelengths of incident light. Right perspective
The image reflects only the RHCP light within the pre-specified bandwidth, while
Transmits all other wavelengths of light. In the case of painting or drawing rendered by hand,
The page generator 13 is a human operator, and has an LHCP and RHCP color.
Media applicators 14A and 14B are provided with LHC on the surface of the substrate.
Suitable for applying P and RHCP CLC based coloring media
It can be realized in the form of a pen, brush, pencil, crayon, spray gun
Wear. In such a case, the perspective image I_LAnd I_RThe source of human creativity
You can be born from power. LHCP type and RHCP type CLC
When icroflakes are incorporated into commercially available crayons, LHCP and
And RHCP's image components are
Can draw, and then the viewer can look through the polarizing glasses
You. The resulting painting, when viewed in 2D (without glasses)
It will have a completely different appearance. In the case of offset printing or flexographic printing
, The image generator 13 is a computer-driven offset printer,
Printer, or a flexographic printer, and LH
And RH coloring media applicators are more specific to such devices
This is the ink application means provided in (1). Coloring media applicator 1
4A and 14B also provide a patterned pattern carrying the desired image to be printed.
A cylinder covered by a rate can also be included. Such applications
Then, the perspective image I_LAnd I_RIs, as is well known in the art,
Can be obtained from memory storage device (s) such as VRAM
. For computer generated printing, LHCP and RHCP coloring
Media applicators 14A and 14B are used in pen plotters.
Pen and shaking pen or CLC coated with LHCP or RHCP
The ribbon is melted locally and is based on LHCP or RHCP type CLC ink.
It can be realized in the form of a thermal printing head that emits on the plate 12
it can. Alternatively, the coloring media applicator can be
Can be realized in the form of nozzles as used in printers
. In such an application, the perspective image I_LAnd I_RIn the field
As is well known, memory storage devices such as VRAM (one or
Can be obtained from several). Perspective image polarization-encoded using the coloring media of the present invention
Other methods and apparatus for printing a (1) left and right hand collection of a desired color
Cholesteric liquid crystal (CLC) ink (or pane)
G) applied to the radiation absorbing substrate sequentially or in parallel
(Or paint) discharger, (2) manual paint brush, spray
Gun and / or drawing tool, (3) computer driven pudding
(4) pen plotter and thermal printing head, (5)
Offset printer, gravure printer, flexographic printer, screen printer
US Pat. No. 5,364,557, US Pat. No. 5,457,554.
Any other image generation mechanisms (included in the text by reference),
However, it is not limited to these. FIG. 8A2 shows the fluca generated by the system shown in FIG. 8A1 described above.
Three-dimensional objects and / or graphically appearing in the perspective image encoded with the polarization polarization
1 shows a system for visualizing a background three-dimensionally (stereoscope).
As shown, polarized electrical passive glasses 15 are formed on substrate 12.
Three-dimensional object that appears graphically in the left and right polarization coded perspective images 11A and 11B
Used to visualize objects in three dimensions. In addition, about such glasses
, WO 97/34184, published on September 18, 1997.
It is disclosed in a gazette, and all disclosures in this gazette are referred to in this specification.
. The glasses 15 are circularly polarized light having a very wide bandwidth held in front of the left eye of the viewer.
A filter element (eg, a lens) 16 and an extra band held in front of the viewer's right eye
A circular polarizing filter (for example, a lens) 17 having a wide bandwidth. Circular polarization fill
Elements 16 and 17 are mounted on the head of the viewer in a light-weight manner that can be supported in a conventional manner.
Held in the light frame 18. In the illustrated embodiment, the filter element 1
6 is implemented as an RHCP filter element 16A, which is an electromagnetic spectrum element.
Extremely wide operating characteristics over the visible and ultraviolet (UV) bands
And a narrow bandwidth operating characteristic of the ultraviolet (UV) portion of the electromagnetic spectrum.
Layered onto the LHCP filter element 16B. Filter element 17 is L
Implemented as an HCP filter element 17A, the element 17A of the electromagnetic spectrum
Exhibiting a very broad operating characteristic over the visible and ultraviolet (UV) bands,
RHCP with narrow band operating characteristics in the ultraviolet (UV) portion of the electromagnetic spectrum
It is superposed in a layer form on the filter element 17B. With this filter arrangement, the UV emission
The LHCP and RHCP components of the emitted light are both effected by filter elements 16 and 17.
And only the LHCP component in the visible band reaches the left eye of the viewer,
Only the RHCP component of the band will arrive at the viewer's right eye. Looking at such circularly polarized image components through polarized glasses, a three-dimensional image is obtained.
The image is perceived in the viewer's mind. To explain in more detail,
When functioning as a pair of glasses, non-glasses having LHCP and RHCP components
The polarized light 18 is a polarization coded composite image as shown in FIG. 8A2.
Incident on the surface. The RHCP filter 16 in front of the left eye of the viewer is provided with the RH of the incident light.
It reflects the CP component and passes the LHCP component of the incident light. The incident light is
Intensity-modulated and reflected from left polarization coded perspective image 11A.
You. The LHCP filter 17 in front of the viewer's right eye filters the LHCP component of the incident light.
And passes the RHCP component of the incident light, which is spatially modulated.
And reflected from the right-polarized coded perspective image 11B. Viewer
The left and right perspective images sensed by the eye provide full color and brightness for 3D objects.
Can be perceived as having a three-dimensional depth sensation in perspective
Become. Wideband LHCP-type CLC microphone in stereoscopic visible process
Coloring media using roflake produces bright white light. The white light
, Visualized through the left circular polarizer in front of the viewer's left eye, but in front of the viewer's right eye
It is not visualized via the right circular polarizer. Similarly, a broadband RHCP type
Coloring media using CLC microflakes of
upper-white light). The super-white light is the right eye of the viewer
Visible through the front right circular polarizer, but with the left circular polarizer in front of the viewer's left eye.
It is not visualized via LHCP type CLC my with spectrum changed
Coloring media using black flakes produce red, green, and / or blue light.
And the light is visualized through a left circular polarizer in front of the viewer's left eye,
It is not visualized through the right circular polarizer in front of the right eye. Spectrum changed
The coloring medium using the RHCP type CLC microflakes is red.
, Green and / or blue light, which is the right circle located in front of the viewer's right eye
Visualized through the polarizer, but visible through the left circular polarizer in front of the viewer's left eye
Will not be converted. When functioning as sunglasses, the LHCP and RHCP filter elements 16 and
17 effectively blocks both LHCP and RHCP components of UV wavelengths from the sun.
To block the glare of the visible light portion of the electromagnetic spectrum. The stereoscopic three-dimensional imaging system and method described above can be used to
It has been described in technical detail in various respects. However, the technique of the present invention requires another two-dimensional
Obviously it can be used in color imaging applications as well
This makes it possible for the technical improvements described here to achieve new
Improvements in image brightness and color depth can be enjoyed.Application of the present invention to electrophotographic printing using CLC-based toner The CLC microflakes of the present invention provide additive color mixing on the radiation absorbing layer of paper.
CLC-based toner materials for printing images and super-white images
Can be used to make. Once manufactured, the CLC of the present invention is based on
Toner material is loaded into a typical toner cartridge and disclosed herein.
Typical (or modified) to achieve an electrophotographic printing process according to the principles
) Can be loaded into an electrophotographic printer. The improved electrophotographic printing process of the present invention includes five basic steps. That is, (
1) scanning or focusing a light beam (eg, a laser beam) on the photoconductive surface of the drum
By creating a charge pattern of the image of the image to be printed, (2)
Using any suitable transfer mechanism known in the art, a negative charge pattern is applied to the layer of radiation absorbing print media.
Transfer pattern (3) to the charge pattern transferred on the print medium layer (positively charged
CLC-based toner (by transferring the transferred CLC toner material over the layer)
-CLC based toner on transferred charge pattern image by adsorbing material
(4) CLC-based toner
・ The pattern is fixed by thermally treating it, and (5) CLC adhered thereon
To form a new image with microflakes, based on excess CLC
Cleaning the removed toner material from the layer of the print medium. Two different methods for making the CLC-based toner materials of the present invention are described.
This will be described below. In particular, each of these methods involves (i) a typical electrophotographic printing process and
Image and super-white image on the layer of radiation absorbing medium
Used to make CLC-based toners used for printing
be able to. CLC Filler of the Invention Used to Make CLC Toner Material
Material is the load required by the toner material in a typical electrophotographic printing process.
It is known to include electrical properties.Before crushing, pre-coat both sides of the CLC film material with adhesive material.
Of toner material based on CLC by means of According to this method, any of the above-mentioned CLC film materials can be converted to the CLC of the present invention.
It can be used to produce the foundation toner material. Main differences in manufacturing methods
Prior to breaking the CLC film into microflakes,
Both sides are exposed to heat under conditions that occur in typical electrophotographic printing (during the toner fusing step).
Coating with an adhesive material that melts but is optically transparent (no fogging)
You. The adhesive material used in the CLC micro flake manufacturing method is specifically described below.
Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) that melts around 130 ° C. and about 80 ° C.
Polystyrene that melts at a relatively low temperature of 90 ° C. Preferably, in this manufacturing method
Adhesive coating materials selected must be dry in normal indoor environments
is there. Fig. 4 shows the basics of CLC micro flakes coated with the adhesive material of the present invention.
Configuration is schematically shown. Wideband and ultra-wideband CLC microframes of the invention
The characteristics are stable (do not change) even when the
As with the use of such adhesive materials, the use of CLC toner materials
Considered safe and appropriate under the operating conditions required for typical electrophotographic printing
Can be Once the CLC toner is manufactured in this manner, the typical toner shown in FIG.
Can be filled into the cartridge. After that, CLC toner cartridge
Can be loaded into a typical electrophotographic printing machine as shown in FIG.
Stored with a sheet of printing material (eg paper or plastic material) having a receiving surface
Is done.Based on CLC by mixing CLC micro flakes with adhesive powder
Manufacture of toner materials According to this method of CLC toner production (for additive color mixing and super white coloring)
Dried CLC micro flakes are placed in a typical electrophotographic printer (toner
Thermally meltable under the conditions that occur (during the fusing step) (used with typical toners)
Mixed with an adhesive powder (such as metallic). This CLC micro frame
Adhesive powder used in the method for producing a paste is, for example, a polymer that melts at around 130 ° C.
Vinyl alcohol (PVA) and dissolves at relatively low temperatures of about 80-90 ° C
Can be made from polystyrene. Preferably, the adhesive powder is a normal indoor ring.
In the environment, the dry state is maintained, and the optical characteristics of CLC micro flakes fix the toner
It must be optically transparent when melted so that it does not change later. Figure 5
Basics of electrophotographic toner material consisting of Ming CLC micro flakes and adhesive powder
Configuration is schematically shown. Wideband and ultra-wideband CLC microframes of the invention
The characteristics are stable (do not change) even when the
As with the use of such adhesive powders, CLC toner materials have been used.
Considered safe and appropriate under the operating conditions required for typical electrophotographic printing
Can be Once the CLC toner is manufactured in this manner, the typical toner shown in FIG.
Can be filled into the cartridge. After that, CLC toner cartridge
Can be loaded into a typical electrophotographic printing machine as shown in FIG.
Stored with a sheet of printing material having a receiving surface.Zero Graphic Using CLC Toner Material and Emission Absorbing Print Media of the Invention
Printing method Using this CLC toner of the present application, zero-graphic printing is 2-D and 2-
D is realized in both mono color and full color. In a preferred embodiment of the present application,
Conventional Xerox duplicators or printers use conventional toner in the cartridge CLC
By simply replacing it with toner, it can be used to print that CLC toner.
It is. In another embodiment of the present application, a conventional Xerox duplicator has two toner cartridges.
Three-dimensional using both left-handed and right-handed CLC toners built into the cartridge
Can be converted to a blinker. Copy of 3-D color image, left perspective image
The image is first copied using left-handed CLC toner, then the left perspective image
The right perspective image is copied using the right hand CLC toner at the top of the image. This
The printing process is performed manually during each perspective image printing step.
Performed by exchanging ridges and existing multiple color zero graphs
Change the copier or printer and use three (3) RGB CLC toner carts
An automatic printer or photocopier capable of coordinating the ridge to additive primary colors with left-hand deflection
This is performed by configuring the machine. (3) RGB CLC toner toner
Cartridge has one (1) ultra-white CLC toner for left-handed deflected spear material.
-Cartridge, three (3) RGB for right-handed polarized additive color primary color toner material
CLC toner cartridge and one (1) super white for right hand deflected super white toner material
This is a color CLC toner cartridge.Dokimento security application The above-mentioned xerographic printing process based on CLC is suitable for workplaces, homes, schools and
And various uses in factories. One such application is "document
Security, which prevents unauthorized copying of this or printing
Dokimento is a genuine seal (for example, "Watermark" with selectable deflection)
) Has been applied to indicate that the specific doctrine is CLC-based LHCP (
Or RHCP) ink. There are many ways to accomplish such a goal and one approach is based on CLC.
All printing machines (in one mechanism) using LHCP ink (or toner)
Supply, while all copy machines in the mechanism are CLC-based LHCP
RHC to prevent copying of documents printed with ink (or toner)
A P filter is provided. Instead, the document is RHCP based on CLC
The copier can be printed with ink (or toner) so that
To prevent copying of documents printed with HCP ink (or toner)
The copy machine is equipped with an LHCP filter. This technology is a technology within one
Used to prevent unauthorized copying of printed documents. Other documents
・ Security technology is based on invisible CLC based LHCP (or RHCP)
(Ie, have special reflection characteristics outside the visible band)
Including. The printing operation may include all information on the document or a portion thereof (eg,
Printing with real markings) invisible CLC based ink or toner material
including. Only by eyewear deflection by LHCP (or RHCP) deflection,
Can view the deflection encoded information printed on the document.Other uses for it coloring media The CLC color medium of the present invention comprises a polarizing color filter and a display device.
And filter arrays for other imaging devices. The device is the CL of the present application.
Simply printing the appropriate pattern on an optically transparent substrate using C ink
Created by The CLC colorized medium of the present application is a 3-D stereoscopic image, a 3-D image display,
Broadband, ultra-wideband, spectrally tuned for -D printing and 3-D cameras
Deflection, microphone operator is used. The device may be broadband, ultra-wideband or
Using the spectrally tuned CLC inks of the present application to optically clear substrates
It is created by printing an appropriate pattern. Broadband CLC coloring medium of the present application
The body may have a broadband coating and / or a spectrally tuned CLC of the present application.
Ink is supplied to an optically transparent substrate to create a variable light transfer or glazing configuration
Used to do. Although the best mode of carrying out the present application has been described, modifications of these embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art.
Made easier. All such modifications and alterations are set forth in the claims of the invention.
As such, it is considered within the scope and principles of the present application.

[Brief description of the drawings]

In order that the objects of the invention may be more fully understood, the following best mode of carrying out the invention should be read in connection with the accompanying drawings.

FIGS. 1A1, 1A2, and 1A3 show graphs representing the very narrowband reflection properties of “ideal” (ie, spectrally pure) blue, green, and red CLC-based dyes, respectively. Show. FIG. 1B shows that the "ideal" (ie, spectrally pure) blue, green, and red CLC-based dyes are additively mixed together to produce a white-like color magnesium oxide. 6 is a graph showing a generated spectral reflection characteristic.
FIGS. 1C1, 1C2, and 1C3 illustrate "real" (ie, feasible) red, green,
3 shows graphs representing the reflection properties of a relatively broad spectral band of a blue CLC-based dye, respectively. FIG. 1D shows that the “real” (ie, feasible) red, green, and blue CLC-based dyes are additively mixed together to produce a yellowish white that is significantly different from the magnesium oxide white. 5 is a graph showing a spectral reflection characteristic generated by the above-described operation.

FIG. 2A1 is an “additive-primary” of the present invention consisting of spectrally tuned CLC microflakes suspended in an optically transparent carrier medium provided on a radiation absorbing substrate. FIG. 4 represents a thin “non-spectral reflective” coating of a coloring medium. FIG. 2A2 shows a thin “semi-spectral reflectivity” of an “additive primary” colored medium of the present invention, consisting of spectrally tuned CLC microflakes suspended in a light transmissive carrier medium provided on the surface of a radiation absorbing substrate. FIG. FIG. 2B shows the CLC microflakes of the first embodiment of the present invention suspended within the coating of the “additive primary” colored medium of FIG. 2A1 or FIG. 2A2, showing the bilayer thin structure. Each layer is formed from the same LHCP or RHCP CLC film material, each surface of which has substantially the same circularly polarized reflective properties over the visible band of the electromagnetic spectrum. FIG. 2B1 is a diagram illustrating one possible pitch distribution of cholesteric liquid crystal molecules along the thickness of an exemplary CLC microflake of the first embodiment having the double laminar structure shown in FIG. 2B. is there. FIG. 2B2 shows first and second spectrally tuned LHCP (or RHCP) CLC film layers used to form CLC microflakes suspended in the additive primary color medium shown in FIG. 2B. 5 is a graph for comparing the spectral reflection characteristics of the surface of FIG. FIG. 2C shows a spectrally tuned CLC microflake of a second embodiment of the present invention suspended in a coating of the “additive primary” colored medium of FIG. 2A1 or FIG. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a structure, wherein a first CLC layer has
The second CLC layer is formed from a layer of HCP CLC film material,
Formed from a layer of CLC film material, the first and second surfaces have substantially the same circularly polarized reflective properties over a spectrally tuned band of the electromagnetic spectrum. FIG. 2C1 illustrates one possible cholesteric liquid crystal molecule along the thickness of the first embodiment of the spectrally tuned CLC microflake of the present invention having the double laminar structure shown in FIG. 2C. It is a figure showing a pitch distribution. FIG. 2C2 shows the second of the spectrally tuned RHCP and LHCP CLC film layers used to form the spectrally tuned CLC microflakes suspended in the additive primary color media shown in FIG. 2C. 5 is a graph comparing the spectral reflection characteristics of the first and second surfaces. FIG. 2D1 represents a spectrally tuned CLC microflake of a third embodiment of the present invention suspended within the coating of the “additive primary” colored medium of FIG. 2A1 or FIG. 2A2; FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a structure, wherein a first CLC layer includes:
A first layer of LHCP CLC film material having a first phase delay surface formed thereon is formed from a first layer, and a second CLC layer is formed thereon adjacent to the first phase delay surface. Formed from a second layer of LHCP CLC film material having a phase retardation surface of which the first and second surfaces have substantially the same circularly polarized reflection over a spectrally tuned portion of the electromagnetic spectrum. Has characteristics. FIG. 2D2 represents a spectrally tuned CLC microflake of a fourth embodiment of the present invention suspended in a coating of the “additive primary” colored medium of FIG. 2A1 or FIG. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a structure, wherein a first CLC layer includes:
A first layer of RHCP CLC film material having a first phase delay surface formed thereon is formed from a first layer, and a second CLC layer is formed thereon adjacent to the first phase delay surface. Formed from an RHCP CLC film material having a phase retardation surface having substantially the same circularly polarized reflective properties over a spectrally tuned band of the electromagnetic spectrum. ing. FIG. 2D3 shows a graph characterizing helical pitch change over the visible band of the electromagnetic spectrum. FIG. 2D4 shows a graph illustrating the helical pitch change of liquid crystal molecules along the thickness direction of a second embodiment of a spectrally tuned CLC microflake having the structure shown in FIGS. 2D1 and 2D2. . FIG. 2D5 shows the spectrally tuned C shown in FIGS. 2D1 and 2D2.
Spectrally tuned RH used to form LC microflakes
5 is a graph comparing the reflection characteristics of the first and second surfaces of the CP CLC layer.

FIG. 3A1 is a thin “non-specular reflection” coating of a “super-white” color medium of the present invention that includes super-broadband CLC microflakes suspended in an optical carrier medium applied to a radiation absorbing substrate. Is a schematic display. FIG. 3A2 shows a thin “pseudo-specular reflection” coating of a “mirror-like” coloring medium of the present invention that includes a super-broadband CLC microflake suspended in an optical carrier medium applied to a radiation absorbing substrate. This is a schematic display.
FIG. 3B1 illustrates a double-layer stackup, schematically illustrating the super-wideband CLC microflakes of the first embodiment of the present invention suspended in the “ultra-white” and mirror-like coloring media of FIGS. 3A1 and 3A2. As indicated, each layer is made of the same LHCP or RHCP CLC film material and its outer surface has substantially the same circular deflected reflective properties over the visible band of the electromagnetic spectrum. FIG. 3B1 (A) illustrates one possible pitch distribution of cholesterol liquid crystal molecules through the thickness dimension of a first exemplary super-wide LHCP CLC microflake having the double-layer stack illustrated in FIG. 3B. This is a schematic display. FIG. 3B1 (B) is a schematic representation illustrating the pitch distribution of cholesterol liquid crystal molecules through the thickness dimension of a second exemplary super-wide LHCP CLC microflake having the double layer stack illustrated in FIG. 3B. . FIG. 3B2 produces a “super-white” and “mirror-like” color effect to produce a “super-white” and “mirror-like” coloring media coating illustrated in FIGS. 3A1 and 3A2, respectively. Super wideband R used
4 is a graphic display comparing the spectral reflection characteristics of the first and second surfaces of an HCP CLC film layer. FIG. 3C is a schematic representation of a second embodiment of a super-wideband CLC of the present invention suspended in the “ultra-white” coloring medium of FIG. 3A or 3B illustrating a double-layer stack structure, The layers are made from a layer of super broadband RHCP CLC film material, the second CLC layer is made from a super broadband LHCP CLC film material, and the first and its surface have the same circularly polarized reflective properties over the visible band of the electromagnetic spectrum. Have substantially. FIG. 3C1 (A) is a schematic representation illustrating the pitch distribution of cholesterol liquid crystal molecules along the thickness dimension of a first exemplary super-wide-area CLC microflake having the double-layer stack illustrated in FIG. 2C. . FIG. 3C1 (B) is a schematic representation illustrating the pitch distribution of cholesterol liquid crystal molecules along the thickness dimension of a second exemplary super-wide-area CLC microflake having the double-layer stack illustrated in FIG. 2C. . FIG. 3C2 suspends in the super-white and mirror-like coloring media shown in FIGS. 3A1 and 3A2 to produce the “super-white” and “mirror-like” color effects shown in FIGS. 3A1 and 3A2, respectively. Super Broadband RHCP and LH used to assemble the broadband CLC microflakes
4 is a graphic display comparing the spectral reflection characteristics of the first and second surfaces of the CP CLC film layer. FIG. 3D1 is a schematic representation of a third embodiment of the present invention super-wideband CLC suspended in the “ultra-white” and mirror-like coloring media coating of FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrating a dual-layer stackup structure. The first CLC layer is made from a first layer of LHCP CLC film material having a first phase deceleration surface formed therein, and the second CLC layer is formed of a first CLC layer formed therein. Made from a second layer of LHCP CLC film material having two phase deceleration surfaces, and the first and second surfaces have substantially the same circularly-reflected reflective properties over the visible band of the electromagnetic spectrum. FIG. 3D2 is a schematic representation of a fourth embodiment of the present invention super-wideband CLC suspended in the “ultra-white” and mirror-like coloring media coating of FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrating a dual-layer stackup structure. The first CLC layer is made from a first layer of RHCP CLC film material having a first phase deceleration surface formed therein, and the second CLC layer is formed from a first layer formed therein. Made from a second layer of RHCP CLC film material having two phase deceleration surfaces, and the first and second surfaces have substantially the same circularly-reflected reflective properties over the visible band of the electromagnetic spectrum. FIG. 3D3 is a graphical representation of the liquid crystal molecule helical pitch variation along the thickness dimension of the first embodiment of the super-broadband CLC microflake having the stacked structure shown in FIG. 3D1 or 3D2. FIG. 3D4 is a graphical representation of helical pitch variation of liquid crystal molecules along the thickness dimension of a second embodiment of a super-wideband CLC microflake having the stacked structure shown in FIG. 3D1 or 3D2. FIG. 3D5 shows a super-broadband CLC microflake suspended in the super-white and mirror-like coloring medium illustrated in FIGS. 3A1 and 3A2 to produce “super-white” and “mirror-like” color effects, respectively. 4 is a graphical representation including the reflection properties of the first and second surfaces of the first and second super-wideband CLC layers including the super-wideband CLC microflakes used to assemble them.

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of an adhesively coated CLC microflake made for storage in a CLC toner cartridge that can be used in a conventional electrophotographic printer or copier.

FIG. 5 shows a CLC mixed with an adhesive powder made for storage in a CLC toner cartridge available in a conventional electrophotographic printer or copier.
It is the schematic of a microflake.

FIG. 6 shows a toner of the present invention comprising the CLC toner material of FIGS. 4 and / or 5;
FIG. 3 is a schematic view of a cartridge.

FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of an electrophotographic printer or copier that uses the toner materials of FIGS. 4 and / or 5.

FIG. 8A1 is a partial schematic, cross-sectional view of a system for forming a full-color, deflection-encoded perspective on a radiation absorbing surface, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8A2 is a partial schematic, partial cross-sectional view of a preferred embodiment of a system for a stereoscopic visual 3D object represented in a full color, deflection coded perspective image formed using the apparatus of FIG. 8A. .

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification code FI Theme coat ゛ (Reference) G02F 1/00 G03G 13/00 4J037 G03G 9/09 C09D 11/12 4J038 13/00 13/00 4J039 // C09D 11/12 G02B 5/20 13/00 5/30 G02B 5/20 B41J 3/04 101Y 5/30 G03G 9/08 361 (31) Priority claim number 08 / 898,658 (32) Priority date 1997 July 22, 1997 (July 22, 1997) (33) Priority country United States (US) (81) Designated country EP (AT, BE, CH, CY, DE, DK, ES, FI, FR, GB, GR, IE, IT, LU, MC, NL, PT, SE), OA (BF, BJ, CF, CG, CI, CM, GA, GN, GW, ML, MR, NE, SN, TD, T ), AP (GH, GM, KE, LS, MW, SD, SZ, UG, ZW), EA (AM, AZ, BY, KG, KZ, MD, RU, TJ, TM), AL, AM, AT , AZ, BB, BG, BR, BY, CA, CH, CN, CZ, DE, DK, EE, ES, FI, GB, GE, HU, IS, JP, KE, KG, KP, KR, KZ, LK, LR, LS, LT, LU, LV, MD, MG, MK, MN, MW, MX, NO, NZ, PL, PT, RO, RU, SD, SE, SG, SI, SK, TJ, TM , TR, TT, UA, UG, US, UZ, VNF term (reference) EA012 KA08 KA12 KA15 KA20 MA09 NA19 PA17 PB07 PB08 4J039 AB12 CA06 CA07 EA15 EA16 EA18 EA20 EA21

Claims (262)

[Claims] 1. An additive-primary color effect applied to the surface of a substrate and applied to the visual tissue of a human observer.
s) a coloring medium that produces s), wherein the opaque carrier medium is applicable to a surface having radiation absorbing properties in the visible band of the electromagnetic spectrum; Dispersion of reflective microflakes,
Wherein the reflective microflakes in the dispersion each have an upper surface and a lower surface, wherein the reflective characteristics of the upper surface are substantially the same as those of the lower surface over the visible band of the electromagnetic spectrum. A coloring medium characterized by being substantially identical. 2. The coloring medium of claim 1, wherein the reflective microflakes are made of a cholesteric liquid crystal (CLC) material having spectrally tuned reflective properties over the visible band of the electromagnetic spectrum. Circularly polarized light in the visible band incident on the coating of the medium.
A coloring medium which reflects a polarized light in a mirror-like manner and produces a spectrum of additive primary color effects in the visual tissue of a human observer. 3. The coloring medium of claim 2, wherein each of said reflective microflakes comprises first and second layers of CLC material laminated to one another and said upper surface comprises said first surface. Wherein the additive surface is physically associated with the second layer, and wherein the additive surface is physically associated with the second layer. 4. The coloring medium of claim 3, wherein each of said reflective microflakes has a pitch that varies non-linearly across a thickness of each of said CLC microflakes and has liquid crystal molecules having cholesteric order. A coloring medium characterized by being made from a film material having: 5. A coloring medium according to claim 3, wherein each of said reflective microflakes has a pitch that varies exponentially across the thickness of each of said CLC microflakes and a liquid crystal having a cholesteric order. A coloring medium characterized by being made from a film material having molecules. 6. The coloring medium of claim 3, wherein each of said reflective microflakes is made of a material having liquid crystal molecules having a constant or substantially constant pitch and cholesteric order. A coloring medium. 7. The coloring medium according to claim 1, wherein the light transmitting carrier medium is a light transmitting varnish or a light transmitting wax. 8. The coloring medium according to claim 1, wherein the light-transmissive carrier medium is a thermosetting carrier, a photocurable carrier or an air-dryable carrier. . 9. A coloring medium, applied to the surface of a substrate, for producing super-white color effects in the visual tissue of a human observer, said radiation-absorbing characteristic in the visible band of the electromagnetic spectrum. A light-transmissive carrier medium that can be applied to a surface having, and a reflective microflake floating in the light-transmissive carrier medium,
Reflective microflakes having broadband reflection properties in the visible band of the electromagnetic spectrum and reflecting light in the incident spectrum in the visible band to produce a super-white effect on the coating of the coloring medium; Wherein the reflective microflakes each have an upper surface and a lower surface, the reflective characteristics of the upper surface being substantially identical to the reflective characteristics of the lower surface over the visible band of the electromagnetic spectrum. A coloring medium characterized by the above-mentioned. 10. The coloring medium according to claim 9, wherein the reflective microflakes reflect light in the visible band incident on the coating of the coloring medium in a non-specular manner, and a viewing angle is defined as: A coloring medium characterized by independently producing a super-white effect. 11. The coloring medium of claim 9, wherein each of the reflective microflakes is comprised of first and second layers of CLC material laminated to one another, and wherein the upper surface comprises the first surface. Wherein the additive surface is physically associated with the second layer, and wherein the additive surface is physically associated with the second layer. 12. The coloring medium of claim 9, wherein the reflective microflakes reflect light in the visible band that impinges on a coating of the coloring medium and comprises a layer of normal magnesium oxide (MO). A coloring medium characterized by producing a super-white effect similar to that produced by white paints. 13. The coloring medium of claim 9 wherein each of said reflective microflakes comprises liquid crystal molecules having a cholesteric order with a pitch that varies non-linearly across the thickness of each of said microflakes. A coloring medium characterized by being made from a film material having the coloring medium. 14. The coloring medium of claim 9, wherein each of the reflective microflakes has a cholesteric order with a pitch that varies exponentially across the thickness of each of the microflakes. A coloring medium characterized by being made from a film material having: 15. The coloring medium according to claim 9, wherein the carrier medium is selected from the group consisting of a light-transmissive varnish or a light-transmissive wax. 16. The coloring medium according to claim 9, wherein the carrier medium is a photocurable carrier. 17. The coloring medium according to claim 9, wherein the carrier medium is a thermosetting carrier. 18. The coloring medium according to claim 9, wherein the carrier medium is an air-curable carrier that can be cured by evaporation. 19. The coloring medium according to claim 9, wherein the reflective microflakes are incident circularly polarized electromagnetic radiation in the ultraviolet and / or infrared region of the electromagnetic spectrum.
A coloring medium, which reflects chromatic radiation. 20. The coloring medium of claim 9, wherein the reflective microflakes reflect circularly polarized light in the visible band incident on a coating of the coloring medium in a mirror-like manner and are dependent on a viewing angle. A coloring medium characterized by producing a super-white effect. 21. The coloring medium of claim 9, wherein the reflective microflakes each have an upper surface and a lower surface, and wherein the reflective properties of the upper surface are lower than above the visible band of the electromagnetic spectrum. A coloring medium characterized by having substantially the same reflective properties as a surface. 22. The coloring medium of claim 9, wherein said reflective microflakes reflect incident circularly polarized electromagnetic radiation in the infrared region of the electromagnetic spectrum. 23. The coloring medium of claim 9, wherein the reflective microflakes reflect incident circularly polarized electromagnetic radiation in the ultraviolet region of the electromagnetic spectrum. 24. The coloring medium of claim 9, wherein the reflective microflakes are incident on a left-handed left-handed circular.
(ully polarized = LHCP) A coloring medium characterized by reflecting electromagnetic radiation. 25. The coloring medium of claim 9, wherein the reflective microflakes are incident right-handed circular deflections.
(colorly polarized = RHCP) A coloring medium characterized by reflecting electromagnetic radiation. 26. The coloring medium of claim 9, wherein said reflective microflakes reflect incident unpolarized electromagnetic radiation. 27. A cholesteric liquid crystal (CLC) coloring medium applied to the surface of a substrate and producing a super-white effect in the visual tissue of a human observer, having radiative absorption properties in the visible band of the electromagnetic spectrum. A light-transmissive carrier medium that can be applied to a surface; and CLC microflakes suspended in the light-transmissive carrier medium, wherein the CLC microflakes have a broad band in the visible band of the electromagnetic spectrum. A CLC coloring medium having reflective properties and made of a CLC material that reflects circularly polarized light in the visible band incident on the coating of the CLC coloring medium to produce a super-white effect. . 28. The CLC coloring medium of claim 27, wherein the CLC microflakes reflect non-specularly circularly polarized light within the visible band incident on a coating of the CLC coloring medium, and have a viewing angle. A CLC coloring medium characterized by producing a super-white effect independently of the above. 29. The CLC coloring medium of claim 27, wherein the CLC microflakes each have an upper surface and a lower surface, and wherein the reflective properties of the upper surface are lower than above the visible band of the electromagnetic spectrum. A CLC coloring medium having substantially the same reflective properties as a surface. 30. The CLC coloring medium of claim 29, wherein each of said CLC microflakes is comprised of first and second layers of CLC material laminated to one another, said upper surface being said first surface. CLC coloring medium, wherein the additive surface is physically associated with the second layer and the additive surface is physically associated with the second layer. 31. The CLC coloring medium according to claim 27, wherein the CLC microflakes reflect circularly polarized light in the visible band incident on a coating of the CLC coloring medium, and comprise a normal magnesium oxide (MO). CLC coloring media characterized by producing a super-white effect similar to that produced by the white paints of (1). 32. The CLC coloring medium of claim 27, wherein each of the CLC microflakes has a pitch that varies non-linearly across the thickness of each of the CLC microflakes and has cholesteric order. A CLC coloring medium characterized by being made from a film material having: 33. The CLC coloring medium of claim 28, wherein each of the CLC microflakes has a pitch that varies exponentially across the thickness of each of the CLC microflakes and a liquid crystal having cholesteric order. A CLC coloring medium, which is made from a film material having molecules. 34. The CLC coloring medium according to claim 27, wherein the carrier medium is selected from the group consisting of a light transmitting varnish or a light transmitting wax. . 35. The CLC coloring medium according to claim 27, wherein the carrier medium is a photocurable carrier. 36. The CLC coloring medium according to claim 27, wherein the carrier medium is a thermosetting carrier. 37. The CLC coloring medium according to claim 27, wherein the carrier medium is an air-curable carrier curable by evaporation. 38. The CLC color medium of claim 27, wherein the CLC microflakes reflect incident circularly polarized electromagnetic radiation in the ultraviolet and / or infrared regions of the electromagnetic spectrum. Ring medium. 39. The CLC coloring medium according to claim 27, wherein the CLC microflakes reflect circularly polarized light in the visible band incident on the coating of the CLC coloring medium in a mirror-like manner, and have a viewing angle. A CLC coloring medium dependent on producing a super-white effect. 40. The CLC coloring medium of claim 27, wherein the CLC microflakes each have an upper surface and a lower surface, and wherein a reflection characteristic of the upper surface is lower than above the visible band of the electromagnetic spectrum. A CLC coloring medium having substantially the same reflective properties as a surface. 41. The CLC coloring medium of claim 40, wherein each of said CLC microflakes is comprised of first and second layers of CLC material laminated to one another, said upper surface being said first surface. CLC coloring medium, wherein the additive surface is physically associated with the second layer and the additive surface is physically associated with the second layer. 42. The CLC coloring medium according to claim 27, wherein the CLC microflakes reflect circularly polarized light in the visible band incident on a coating of the CLC coloring medium, and include a normal magnesium oxide (MO). CLC coloring media characterized by producing a super-white effect similar to that produced by the white paints of (1). 43. The CLC coloring medium of claim 27, wherein each of said CLC microflakes has a pitch that varies non-linearly across the thickness of each of said CLC microflakes and has cholesteric order liquid crystal molecules. A CLC coloring medium characterized by being made from a film material having: 44. The CLC coloring medium of claim 27, wherein each of said CLC microflakes has a pitch that varies exponentially across a thickness of each of said CLC microflakes and a liquid crystal having cholesteric order. A CLC coloring medium, which is made from a film material having molecules. 45. The CLC coloring medium according to claim 27, wherein the carrier medium is selected from the group consisting of a light transmitting varnish or a light transmitting wax. . 46. The CLC coloring medium of claim 27, wherein said microflakes reflect incident circularly polarized electromagnetic radiation in the infrared region of the electromagnetic spectrum. 47. The CLC coloring medium of claim 27, wherein the microflakes reflect incident circularly polarized electromagnetic radiation in the ultraviolet region of the electromagnetic spectrum. 48. The CLC coloring medium of claim 27, wherein the microflakes reflect incident LHCP electromagnetic radiation.
C coloring medium. 49. The CLC coloring medium of claim 27, wherein said microflakes reflect incident RHCP electromagnetic radiation.
C coloring medium. 50. The CLC coloring medium of claim 27, wherein said microflakes reflect incident unpolarized electromagnetic radiation.
Coloring medium. 51. A cholesteric liquid crystal (CLC) coloring medium which is applied to the surface of a substrate and produces an additive primary color effect which is predetermined independently of the viewing angle, and which has a radiation absorption characteristic in the visible band of the electromagnetic spectrum. A light-transmissive carrier medium applicable to a surface having; and CLC microflakes suspended in the light-transmissive carrier medium, wherein the CLC microflakes are in a visible band of the electromagnetic spectrum. Circularly polarized light in the visible band which has spectrally tuned reflection characteristics and is incident on the coating of this CLC coloring medium is reflected non-specularly into the visual tissue of a human observer independent of the viewing angle and is an additive primary color. A CLC coloring medium, characterized in that it is made from a CLC material that produces an effect. 52. The CLC coloring medium of claim 51, wherein the CLC microflakes each have an upper surface and a lower surface, and wherein the reflective properties of the upper surface are lower than above the visible band of the electromagnetic spectrum. A CLC coloring medium having substantially the same reflective properties as a surface. 53. The CLC coloring medium of claim 52, wherein each of the CLC microflakes is comprised of first and second layers of CLC material laminated to one another, and wherein the upper surface comprises the first surface. CLC coloring medium, wherein the additive surface is physically associated with the second layer and the additive surface is physically associated with the second layer. 54. The CLC coloring medium of claim 51, wherein each of the CLC microflakes has a pitch that varies non-linearly across a thickness of each of the CLC microflakes and has cholesteric order liquid crystal molecules. A CLC coloring medium characterized by being made from a film material having: 55. The CLC coloring medium of claim 51, wherein each of the CLC microflakes has a pitch that varies exponentially across the thickness of each of the CLC microflakes and a liquid crystal having cholesteric order. A CLC coloring medium, which is made from a film material having molecules. 56. The CLC coloring medium of claim 51, wherein each of the CLC microflakes is made from a film material having cholesteric ordered liquid crystal molecules having a constant or substantially constant pitch. A CLC coloring medium. 57. The CLC coloring medium according to claim 51, wherein the carrier medium is a light transmitting varnish or a light transmitting wax. 58. The CLC coloring medium according to claim 51, wherein the carrier medium is a thermosetting carrier, a photocurable carrier or an air-dryable carrier medium. . 59. The CLC coloring medium according to claim 51, wherein the predetermined additive primary color effect is red, green or blue.
LC coloring medium. 60. The CLC coloring medium according to claim 51, wherein the pre-specified additive primary color effect is any color composed of any combination of the additive primary colors red, green or blue. Characteristic CLC coloring medium. 61. A cholesteric liquid crystal (CLC) coloring medium applied to the surface of a substrate and producing an additive primary color effect dependent on the viewing angle, wherein the cholesteric liquid crystal (CLC) coloring medium has a radiation absorbing property in the visible band of the electromagnetic spectrum. A light transmissive carrier medium capable of dispersing CLC microflakes suspended in the light transmissive carrier medium;
Wherein the CLC microflakes each have an upper surface and a lower surface, wherein a reflection characteristic of the upper surface is substantially identical to a reflection characteristic of the lower surface over a visible band of the electromagnetic spectrum. Each of the CLC microflakes is made from a CLC material having spectrally tuned reflective properties over the visible band of the electromagnetic spectrum, and mirrors circularly polarized light within the visible band incident on the coating of the CLC coloring medium. A CLC coloring medium, characterized in that it is shaped like a reflection and produces a spectrum of additive primary color effects in the visual tissue of a human observer. 62. The CLC coloring medium of claim 61, wherein each of said CLC microflakes comprises first and second layers of CLC material laminated to one another, said upper surface being said first surface. CLC coloring medium, wherein the additive surface is physically associated with the second layer and the additive surface is physically associated with the second layer. 63. The CLC coloring medium of claim 61, wherein each of said CLC microflakes has a pitch that varies non-linearly across a thickness of each of said CLC microflakes and has cholesteric order liquid crystal molecules. A CLC coloring medium characterized by being made from a film material having: 64. The CLC coloring medium of claim 61, wherein each of the CLC microflakes has a pitch that varies exponentially across a thickness of each of the CLC microflakes and a liquid crystal having cholesteric order. A CLC coloring medium, which is made from a film material having molecules. 65. The CLC coloring medium of claim 61, wherein each of the CLC microflakes is made from a material having liquid crystal molecules having a constant or substantially constant pitch and having cholesteric order. A CLC coloring medium. 66. The CLC coloring medium according to claim 61, wherein the carrier medium is a light transmitting varnish or a light transmitting wax. 67. The CLC coloring medium according to claim 61, wherein the carrier medium is a thermosetting carrier, a photocurable carrier or an air-dryable carrier curable by evaporation. CLC coloring medium. 68. A cholesteric liquid crystal (C) applied to the surface of the substrate and producing color effects in the visual tissue of a human observer.
LC) a coloring medium, which is applicable to a surface having radiation absorbing properties in the visible band of the electromagnetic spectrum, a CLC microflake suspended in said light transmitting carrier medium; And the variance of
Wherein the CLC microflakes in the dispersion each have an upper surface and a lower surface, wherein the reflection characteristics of the upper surface are substantially equal to the reflection characteristics of the lower surface over the visible band of the electromagnetic spectrum. A CLC coloring medium, which is the same as described above. 69. The CLC coloring medium of claim 68, wherein the CLC microflakes are made of a CLC material having spectrally tuned reflective properties over the visible band of the electromagnetic spectrum, and wherein the CLC coloring medium is coated. Circularly pol within the visible band incident on the
A CLC coloring medium characterized in that it reflects mirrored light (mirrorized light) to produce a spectrum of additive primary color effects in the visual tissue of a human observer. 70. The CLC coloring medium of claim 69, wherein each of said CLC microflakes is comprised of first and second layers of CLC material laminated to one another, said upper surface being said first surface. CLC coloring medium, wherein the additive surface is physically associated with the second layer and the additive surface is physically associated with the second layer. 71. The CLC coloring medium of claim 69, wherein each of said CLC microflakes has a pitch that varies non-linearly across the thickness of each of said CLC microflakes and has cholesteric order liquid crystal molecules. A CLC coloring medium characterized by being made from a film material having: 72. The CLC coloring medium of claim 69, wherein each of said CLC microflakes has a pitch that varies exponentially across the thickness of each of said CLC microflakes and a liquid crystal having cholesteric order. A CLC coloring medium, which is made from a film material having molecules. 73. The CLC coloring medium according to claim 69, wherein the light transmitting carrier medium is a light transmitting varnish or a light transmitting wax. 74. The CLC coloring medium of claim 69, wherein each of the CLC microflakes is made of a material having liquid crystal molecules having a constant or substantially constant pitch and having cholesteric order. A CLC coloring medium. 75. The CLC coloring medium according to claim 69, wherein the light-transmissive carrier medium is a thermosetting carrier, a photocurable carrier or an air-dryable carrier. Ring medium. 76. The CLC coloring medium of claim 69, wherein the CLC microflakes are made of a CLC material having broadband reflection properties over the visible band of the electromagnetic spectrum, and wherein the CLC microflakes have a coating on the CLC coloring medium. CL reflecting the circularly polarized light in the visible band incident on the human eye in a mirror-like manner to produce a super-white effect independent of the viewing angle in the visual tissue of a human observer.
C coloring medium. 77. The CLC coloring medium of claim 69, wherein each of said CLC microflakes is comprised of first and second layers of CLC material laminated to one another, said upper surface being said first surface. CLC coloring medium, wherein the additive surface is physically associated with the second layer and the additive surface is physically associated with the second layer. 78. The CLC coloring medium of claim 69, wherein each of said CLC microflakes comprises liquid crystal molecules having a cholesteric order with a pitch that varies non-linearly across the thickness of each of said microflakes. A CLC coloring medium characterized by being made from a film material comprising: 79. The CLC coloring medium of claim 69, wherein each of said CLC microflakes has a pitch that varies exponentially across a thickness of each of said microflakes and has cholesteric order liquid crystal molecules. A CLC coloring medium characterized by being made from a film material having: 80. The CLC coloring medium according to claim 69, wherein the light transmitting carrier medium is a light transmitting varnish or a light transmitting wax. 81. The CLC coloring medium according to claim 69, wherein the light-transmissive carrier medium is a thermosetting carrier, a photocurable carrier or an air-dryable carrier medium. Coloring medium. 82. The CLC coloring medium of claim 69, wherein each of the CLC microflakes is made from a film material having cholesteric ordered liquid crystal molecules having a constant or substantially constant pitch. A CLC coloring medium. 83. A cholesteric liquid crystal (CLC) coloring media system for producing a palette of color effects, including super white and / or additive primary color effects, on a radiation absorbing substrate, wherein the CLC coloring media comprises: A) a source of an ultra-white CLC coloring medium, wherein the light-transmitting carrier medium is applicable to a surface having radiation absorbing properties in the visible band of the electromagnetic spectrum; Wherein the CLC microflakes have broadband reflection characteristics in the visible band of the electromagnetic spectrum and have circular polarization in the visible band incident on a coating of the CLC coloring medium. Super white, made from CLC material that reflects light and creates a super white effect in the visual tissue of a human observer A source of an LC coloring medium; and (B) a plurality of sources of an additive primary CLC coloring medium, each applied to a surface of the substrate to produce a pre-specified additive primary color effect. A light-transmissive carrier medium, and CLC microflakes suspended in the light-transmissive carrier medium, wherein the CLC microflakes have spectrally tuned reflection characteristics over the visible band of the electromagnetic spectrum. Made from a CLC material that reflects circularly polarized light in the visible band incident on the coating of the CLC coloring medium to produce a pre-specified additive primary color effect in the visual tissue of a human observer. A plurality of sources of additive primary color CLC coloring media. . 84. The CLC coloring media system of claim 83, wherein the CLC microflakes in the source of ultra-white CLC coloring media each have an upper surface and a lower surface, and the upper surface reflects. A CLC coloring media system, wherein the properties are substantially the same as the reflection properties of the lower surface over the visible band of the electromagnetic spectrum. 85. The CLC coloring media system of claim 84, wherein each of said CLC microflakes in a source of said ultra-white CLC coloring media is a first and a second of a CLC material laminated to one another. The upper surface is physically associated with the first layer, and the lower surface is the second surface.
CLC coloring media system, wherein the CLC coloring media system is physically associated with a layer of CLC. 86. The CLC coloring media system of claim 83, wherein each of said CLC microflakes in said source of ultra-white CLC coloring media is within said visible band incident on a coating of said CLC coloring media. CLC coloring medium system, which reflects non-specularly circularly polarized light to produce an ultra-white effect comparable to that produced by ordinary magnesium oxide (MO) white paint. 87. The CLC coloring media system of claim 83, wherein each of said CLC microflakes in a source of said ultra-white CLC coloring medium varies non-linearly across a thickness of each of said CLC microflakes. A CLC coloring media system made of a film material having liquid crystal molecules having a cholesteric order with a variable pitch. 88. The CLC coloring media system of claim 83, wherein each of said CLC microflakes in a source of said ultra-white CLC coloring media is exponentially over a respective thickness of said CLC microflakes. A CLC coloring media system made from a film material having liquid crystal molecules having a variable pitch and cholesteric order. 89. The CLC coloring media system of claim 83, wherein the carrier medium in the source of the ultra-white CLC coloring medium comprises:
A CLC coloring medium system, which is a light transmissive varnish or a light transmissive wax. 90. The CLC coloring media system of claim 83, wherein the carrier medium in a source of the ultra-white CLC coloring medium comprises:
A CLC coloring medium system, which is a thermosetting carrier, a photocurable carrier or an air-dryable carrier medium. 91. The CLC coloring media system of claim 83, wherein the microflakes reflect incident circularly polarized electromagnetic radiation in the infrared region of the electromagnetic spectrum. 92. A CLC coloring media system according to claim 83, wherein said microflakes reflect incident circularly polarized electromagnetic radiation in the ultraviolet region of the electromagnetic spectrum. 93. The CLC coloring media system of claim 83, wherein the CL at each source of the additive primary CLC coloring media.
A CLC, wherein each of the C microflakes has an upper surface and a lower surface, wherein a reflection characteristic of the upper surface is substantially identical to a reflection characteristic of the lower surface in a visible band of the electromagnetic spectrum. Coloring media system. 94. The CLC coloring media system of claim 93, wherein said CL at each source of said additive primary CLC coloring media.
Each of the C microflakes is a first and a second of the CLC material stacked on top of each other.
Wherein the upper surface is physically associated with the first layer and the lower surface is physically associated with the second layer. 95. The CLC coloring media system of claim 83, wherein said CL at each source of said additive primary CLC coloring media.
CLC coloring characterized in that each of the C microflakes is made from a film material having liquid crystal molecules having a cholesteric order with a pitch that varies non-linearly across the thickness of each of the CLC microflakes. Media system. 96. The CLC coloring media system of claim 83, wherein said CL at each source of said additive primary CLC coloring media.
A CLC color, wherein each of the C microflakes is made of a film material having liquid crystal molecules having a cholesteric order with a pitch that varies exponentially across the thickness of each of the CLC microflakes. Ring media system. 97. The CLC coloring media system of claim 83, wherein each of said CLC microflakes is made from a material having cholesteric ordered liquid crystal molecules having a constant or substantially constant pitch. A CLC coloring medium system, comprising: 98. The CLC coloring media system of claim 83, wherein said predetermined additive primary color effect originating from a respective source of said additive primary CLC coloring media is red, green or blue. Characteristic CL
C coloring media system. 99. The CLC coloring media system of claim 83, wherein the super white effect resulting from a source of the super white CLC coloring medium is:
A CLC coloring media system characterized by being comparable to that produced by conventional magnesium oxide (MO) white paint. 100. A color image structure that produces, independent of the viewing angle, an image characterized by one or more pre-specified additive primary color effects provided to an observer, comprising: A surface having radiation-absorbing properties over a band, and one or more coatings of an additive primary coloring medium applied to the surface, each of the coatings of the additive primary coloring medium comprising:
A light transmissive carrier medium that can be adhered to the surface, and reflective microflakes suspended in the light transmissive carrier medium, wherein each of the coatings of the additive primary color coloring medium comprises:
It is made of a material that has spectrally tuned reflection properties in the visible band of the electromagnetic spectrum, reflects non-specular light in the visible band incident on the coating of the coloring medium, and provides a human observer. Producing a spectrum of one or more pre-specified additive primary color effects in visual tissue independent of viewing angle, wherein each of the coatings of the additive primary coloring medium has an upper surface and a lower surface; A color image structure, wherein the reflective properties of a surface are substantially identical to the reflective properties of the lower surface over the visible band of the electromagnetic spectrum. 101. The color image structure of claim 100, wherein each of said reflective microflakes in each of said coatings of said additive primary coloring medium is formed by a cholesteric liquid crystal material, an interference film material and a holographic film material. A color image structure characterized by being made from a material selected from the group consisting of: 102. The color image structure of claim 100, wherein each of said reflective microflakes in each of said coatings of said additive primary color media is a first and second of a CLC material laminated to one another. A color image structure comprising a layer, wherein the upper surface is physically associated with the first layer and the lower surface is physically associated with the second layer. 103. The color image structure of claim 100, wherein each of said CLC microflakes in each of said coatings of said additive primary coloring medium is substantially constant over a respective thickness of said CLC microflakes. A color image structure made of a film material having liquid crystal molecules having cholesteric order with pitch. 104. The CLC coloring medium according to claim 100, wherein:
Each of the CLC microflakes in each of the coatings of the additive primary coloring medium is made from a film material having cholesteric ordered liquid crystal molecules having a substantially constant pitch over a respective thickness of the CLC microflakes. A CLC coloring medium, which is characterized in that: 105. The color image structure of claim 100, wherein said carrier medium in each of said additive primary color medium coatings is a light transmissive varnish or light transmissive wax. Color image structure. 106. The color image structure of claim 100, wherein said carrier medium in each of said additive primary color medium coatings is a thermoset carrier, a photocurable carrier, or air curable by evaporation. A color image structure characterized by being a dry carrier. 107. The color image structure of claim 100, wherein the size of the reflective microflakes in each of the coatings of the additive primary color media is in the range of about 5 to about 10 microns. Color image structure. 108. The color image structure of claim 100, wherein the thickness of said carrier medium in each of said additive primary color medium coatings is at least 5 microns. 109. The color image structure of claim 100, wherein said pre-specified additive primary effects resulting from respective coatings of said additive primary CLC coloring medium are red, green, blue or a mixture of these colors. A color image structure, characterized in that: 110. An image structure for producing a super-white effect, comprising: a surface having radiation absorbing properties in the visible band of the electromagnetic spectrum; and a super-white coloring applied to said surface to form at least a portion of said image. One or more coatings of a medium, wherein each of the coatings of the ultra-white coloring medium comprises: a light-transmissive carrier medium adhereable to the surface; and a suspension in the light-transparent carrier medium. And wherein each of the coatings of the ultra-white coloring medium is made of a material having broadband reflection properties in the visible band of the electromagnetic spectrum;
Reflecting the light in the visible band incident on the coloring medium coating to produce a super-white effect in the visual tissue of a human observer, wherein each of the additive primary color medium coatings has an upper surface and An image structure having a lower surface, wherein a reflection characteristic of the upper surface is substantially identical to a reflection characteristic of the lower surface over a visible band of the electromagnetic spectrum. 111. The image structure of claim 110, wherein each of said CLC microflakes in each of said coatings of said additive primary coloring medium is comprised of a cholesteric liquid crystal material, an interference film material and a holographic film material. An image structure characterized by being made from a material selected from a group. 112. The image structure of claim 110, wherein the super-white effect resulting from the super-white CLC coloring medium is a normal magnesium oxide (MO
) An image structure characterized by being comparable to that produced by the white paint. 113. The image structure of claim 110, wherein each of the reflective microflakes in the source of the ultra-white coloring medium is an ultra-wide band CLC material. 114. The image structure of claim 110, wherein each of said reflective microflakes in each of said super-white coloring medium coatings comprises a first and second layer of CLC material laminated to one another. An image structure, wherein the upper surface is physically associated with the first layer and the lower surface is physically associated with the second layer. 115. The image structure of claim 110, wherein each of the reflective microflakes in each of the coatings of the ultra-white CLC coloring medium varies non-linearly over a respective thickness of the reflective microflakes. An image structure characterized by being made of a film material having liquid crystal molecules having a cholesteric order with a variable pitch. 116. The image structure of claim 110, wherein each of the reflective microflakes in each of the coatings of the ultra-white CLC coloring medium is exponentially over a respective thickness of the reflective microflakes. An image structure characterized by being made from a film material having liquid crystal molecules having a variable pitch and cholesteric order. 117. The color image structure of claim 110, wherein said carrier medium in each of said super white coloring medium coatings is a light transmissive varnish or a light transmissive wax. Image structure. 118. The image structure of claim 110, wherein the carrier medium in each of the ultra-white coloring medium coatings is a thermosetting carrier, a photo-curing carrier, or an air-dryable carrier. An image structure characterized by: 119. The image structure of claim 110, wherein the size of the reflective microflakes in each of the coatings of the ultra-white coloring medium is at least about 60 microns and each of the coatings of the ultra-white coloring medium. The image structure of claim 1, wherein said reflective microflakes have a thickness of at least about 60 microns. 120. The image structure of claim 110, wherein the reflective microflakes in each of the super-white coloring medium coatings mirror light within the visible band incident on the coloring medium coatings. An image structure characterized by causing a super-white effect in the visual tissue of a human observer depending on the viewing angle. 121. The image structure of claim 110, wherein the reflective microflakes in each of the coatings of the super-white coloring medium direct non-specular light within the visible band incident on the coating of the coloring medium. An image structure characterized in that it reflects in a shape and produces a super-white effect in the visual tissue of a human observer independently of the viewing angle. Claim 122 123. The image structure of claim 110, wherein said reflective microflakes in each of said super-white coloring medium coatings reflect left-handed or right-handed circularly polarized light in the visible band. Image structure. 124. The image structure of claim 110, wherein the reflective microflakes in one coating of the ultra-white coloring medium reflect left-handed circularly polarized light in the visible band, and wherein the ultra-white coloring medium is The reflective microflakes in another coating of claim 1 wherein said reflective microflakes reflect right-handed circularly polarized light in the visible band. 125. A color image structure for producing a full-color image characterized by an additive primary color effect of red, green and blue and a super-white effect provided to an observer, comprising: (A) visible light in the electromagnetic spectrum; (B) one or more coatings of an additive primary color CLC coloring medium applied to said surface and forming at least a portion of said color image, said coatings comprising: Comprises a light-transmissive carrier medium that can be adhered to the surface, and CLC microflakes suspended in the light-transmissive carrier medium, wherein the CLC microflakes in each of the coatings of the additive primary CLC coloring medium. CLC microflakes have spectrally tuned reflection characteristics in the visible band of the electromagnetic spectrum Made from a CLC material that reflects circularly polarized light in the visible band incident on the coating of the CLC coloring medium to produce red, green and blue additive primary color effects in the visual tissue of a human observer. One or more coatings of an additive primary CLC coloring medium, and (C) one or more coatings of an ultra-white CLC coloring medium applied to the surface, each coating comprising: A light-transmissive carrier medium that can be adhered to a surface; and CLC microflakes suspended in the light-transmissive carrier medium, wherein the CLC microflakes in each of the coatings of the ultra-white CLC coloring medium are: Have a broadband reflection characteristic in the visible band of the electromagnetic spectrum, and One or more of a super-white CLC coloring medium made of a CLC material that reflects light in the visible band incident on the optic and produces a super-white effect in the visual tissue of a human observer. A color image structure comprising: a coating; 126. The color image structure of claim 125, wherein said CL in each of said additive primary color CLC coloring media coatings.
The C microflakes reflect non-specular light within the visible band incident on the coating of the CLC coloring medium in a non-specular manner, creating a red, green and blue additive primary effect in the visual tissue of a human observer. The CW in each of the coatings of the ultra-white CLC coloring medium, occurring independently of the viewing angle;
The LC microflakes reflect non-specular light in the visible band incident on the coating of the CLC coloring medium in a non-specular manner, providing a super-white effect effect independent of viewing angle in the visual tissue of a human observer. A color image structure characterized in that 127. The color image structure of claim 125, wherein the CLC microflakes in each of the coatings of the additive primary coloring medium each have an upper surface and a lower surface, and wherein the reflective properties of the upper surface. Is substantially the same as the reflection characteristics of the lower surface over the visible band of the electromagnetic spectrum. 128. The color image structure of claim 125, wherein each of said CLC microflakes in each of said additive primary colorant media coatings comprises a first and second layer of CLC material laminated to one another. Wherein the upper surface is physically associated with the first layer and the lower surface is physically associated with the second layer. 129. The color image structure of claim 125, wherein each of said CLC microflakes in each of said coatings of said additive primary coloring medium varies non-linearly across a respective thickness of said CLC microflakes. A color image structure made of a film material having liquid crystal molecules having pitch and cholesteric order. 130. The color image structure of claim 125, wherein each of said CLC microflakes in each of said coatings of said additive primary coloring medium varies exponentially across a respective thickness of said CLC microflakes. A color image structure made of a film material having liquid crystal molecules having a cholesteric order with a variable pitch. 131. The color image structure of claim 125, wherein said carrier medium in each of said additive primary color medium coatings is a light transmissive varnish or a light transmissive wax. Color image structure. 132. The color image structure of claim 125, wherein said carrier medium in each of said additive primary color medium coatings is a thermosetting carrier or a photocurable carrier. Color image structure. 133. The color image structure of claim 125, wherein said carrier medium in each of said additive primary color medium coatings is in the range of about 5 to about 10 microns. Construction. 134. The color image structure of claim 125, wherein the CLC microflakes in each of the coatings of the additive primary coloring medium each have an upper surface and a lower surface, and wherein the reflective properties of the upper surface. Is substantially the same as the reflection characteristics of the lower surface over the visible band of the electromagnetic spectrum. 135. The color image structure of claim 125, wherein said super-white effect produced by said super-white coloring medium is comparable to that produced by a conventional magnesium oxide (MO) white paint. Color
Image structure. 136. The color image structure of claim 125, wherein said CLC microflakes in said source of ultra-white CLC coloring medium each have an upper surface and a lower surface, and wherein said upper surface has a reflective characteristic. Is substantially the same as the reflection characteristics of the lower surface over the visible band of the electromagnetic spectrum. 137. The color image structure of claim 125, wherein said CLC in each of said super white CLC coloring media coatings.
Each of the microflakes is comprised of first and second layers of CLC material stacked on one another, wherein the upper surface is physically associated with the first layer and the lower surface is the second layer. A color image structure characterized by being physically related to 138. The color image structure of claim 125, wherein said CLC in each of said super white CLC coloring media coatings.
A color image structure wherein each of the microflakes is made from a film material having liquid crystal molecules having a cholesteric order with a pitch that varies non-linearly across the thickness of each of the CLC microflakes. . 139. The color image structure of claim 125, wherein said CLC in each of said super white CLC coloring media coatings.
A color image wherein each of the microflakes is made from a film material having liquid crystal molecules having a cholesteric order with a pitch that varies exponentially across the thickness of each of the CLC microflakes. Construction. 140. The color image structure of claim 125, wherein said carrier medium in each of said super white CLC coloring medium coatings is a light transmissive varnish or light transmissive wax. Color image structure. 141. The color image structure of claim 125, wherein said carrier medium in each of said super white CLC coloring medium coatings is a thermoset carrier. 142. The color image structure of claim 125, wherein said carrier medium in each of said super white coloring medium coatings is a photocurable carrier. 143. The image structure of claim 125, wherein the CLC microflakes in each of the coatings of the ultra-white CLC coloring medium reflect left-handed or right-handed circularly polarized light in the visible band. Image structure. 144. The image structure of claim 125, wherein the CLC microflakes in each of the coatings of the additive primary CLC coloring medium reflect left-handed or right-handed circularly polarized light in the visible band. Image structure. 145. The image structure of claim 125, wherein the CLC microflakes in one coating of the ultra-white CLC coloring medium reflect left-handed circularly polarized light in the visible band and the ultra-white CLC coloring. An image structure wherein the CLC microflakes in another coating of the medium reflect right-handed circularly polarized light in the visible band. 146. The image structure of claim 125, wherein the CLC microflakes in one coating of the additive primary CLC coloring medium reflect left-handed circularly polarized light in the visible band and the additive primary CLC coloring. An image structure wherein the CLC microflakes in another coating of the medium reflect right-handed circularly polarized light in the visible band. 147. A coloring medium applied to the surface of the substrate to produce color effects in the visual tissue of a human observer, said surface having radiation absorbing properties in the visible band of the electromagnetic spectrum. A light-transmissive carrier medium that can be applied; and a dispersion of reflective microflakes floating in the light-transmissive carrier medium;
Wherein the reflective microflakes in the dispersion each have an upper surface and a lower surface, wherein the reflective characteristics of the upper surface are substantially the same as those of the lower surface over the visible band of the electromagnetic spectrum. A coloring medium characterized by being substantially identical. 148. The coloring medium of claim 147, wherein the reflective microflakes are made of a material having spectrally tuned reflective properties over the visible band of the electromagnetic spectrum, and wherein the reflective microflakes have a coating on the coloring medium. A coloring medium, which reflects the incident light in the visible band in a mirror-like manner and produces a spectrum of the additive primary color effect in the visual tissue of a human observer. 149. The coloring medium of claim 147, wherein each of said reflective microflakes is comprised of first and second layers of material laminated to one another, said upper surface being said first surface. A coloring medium physically associated with a layer, wherein the lower surface is physically associated with the second layer. 150. The coloring medium of claim 147, wherein each of the reflective microflakes has a pitch that varies non-linearly across a thickness of each of the reflective microflakes and a liquid crystal having a cholesteric order. A coloring medium characterized by being made from a film material having molecules. 151. The coloring medium of claim 147, wherein each of the reflective microflakes has a cholesteric order with a pitch that varies exponentially across the thickness of each of the reflective microflakes. A coloring medium characterized by being made from a film material having liquid crystal molecules. 152. The coloring medium according to claim 147, wherein said light transmitting carrier medium is a light transmitting varnish or a light transmitting wax. 153. The coloring medium of claim 147, wherein each of said reflective microflakes is made from a material having liquid crystal molecules having a constant or substantially constant pitch and having cholesteric order. A coloring medium. 154. The coloring medium of claim 147, wherein said light transmissive carrier medium is a thermosetting carrier, a photocurable carrier, or an air-dryable carrier. . 155. The coloring medium of claim 147, wherein the reflective microflakes are made of a material that has broadband reflection properties over the visible band of the electromagnetic spectrum and are incident on a coating of the coloring medium. A coloring medium that reflects circularly polarized light within the visible band in a mirror-like manner and produces a super-white effect in the visual tissue of a human observer independently of the viewing angle. 156. The coloring medium of claim 147, wherein each of said reflective microflakes is comprised of first and second layers of material laminated to one another, said upper surface being said first surface. A coloring medium physically associated with a layer, wherein the lower surface is physically associated with the second layer. 157. The coloring medium of claim 147, wherein each of said reflective microflakes comprises liquid crystal molecules having a cholesteric order with a pitch that varies non-linearly across the thickness of each of said microflakes. A coloring medium characterized by being made from a film material having the coloring medium. 158. The coloring medium of claim 147, wherein each of said reflective microflakes has a cholesteric order with a pitch that varies exponentially across a thickness of each of said reflective microflakes. A coloring medium characterized by being made from a film material having liquid crystal molecules. 159. The coloring medium according to claim 147, wherein said light transmitting carrier medium is a light transmitting varnish or a light transmitting wax. 160. The coloring medium according to claim 147, wherein said light transmissive carrier medium is a thermosetting carrier, a photocurable carrier or an air-dryable carrier. . 161. The coloring medium of claim 147, wherein each of said reflective microflakes is made from a material having liquid crystal molecules having a constant or substantially constant pitch and having cholesteric order. A coloring medium. 162. A coloring media coating applied to a surface of a substrate having radiation absorbing properties over at least a portion of the visible band of the electromagnetic spectrum to produce a color effect in the visual tissue of a human observer, Comprising a dispersion of reflective microflakes suspended in the coloring medium coating, wherein the reflective microflakes in the dispersion each have an upper surface and a lower surface, wherein the reflective properties of the upper surface are A coloring medium coating, wherein the reflective properties of the lower surface are substantially the same over the visible band of the electromagnetic spectrum. 163. The coloring medium coating of claim 162, further comprising a light transmissive carrier medium applicable to said surface. 164. The coloring medium coating of claim 162, wherein the reflective microflakes are made of a material having spectrally tuned reflective properties over the visible band of the electromagnetic spectrum. A specular reflection of light in the visible band incident on the human eye to produce a spectrum of additive primary color effects in the visual tissue of a human observer. 165. The coloring media coating of claim 162, wherein each of the reflective microflakes is a first of a mutually laminated material.
And a second layer, wherein the upper surface is physically associated with the first layer and the lower surface is physically associated with the second layer. 166. The coloring media coating of claim 162, wherein each of the reflective microflakes has a cholesteric order with a pitch that varies non-linearly across a thickness of each of the reflective microflakes. A coloring medium coating characterized by being made from a film material having liquid crystal molecules. 167. The coloring medium coating of claim 162, wherein each of the reflective microflakes has a cholesteric order with a pitch that varies exponentially across a thickness of each of the reflective microflakes. A coloring medium coating made from a film material having liquid crystal molecules. 168. The coloring medium coating of claim 162, wherein said light transmissive carrier medium is a light transmissive varnish or a light transmissive wax. 169. The coloring medium coating of claim 162, wherein each of the reflective microflakes is made from a material having liquid crystal molecules having a constant or substantially constant pitch and having cholesteric order. And a coloring medium coating. 170. The coloring medium coating of claim 162, wherein the light transmissive carrier medium is a thermosetting carrier, a photocurable carrier, or an air-dryable carrier. Medium coating. 171. The coloring media coating of claim 162, wherein the reflective microflakes are made of a material having broadband reflection properties in the visible band of the electromagnetic spectrum, A coloring medium coating, which reflects the incident circularly polarized light in the visible band in a mirror-like manner and produces a super-white effect in the visual tissue of a human observer independent of the viewing angle. 172. The coloring medium coating of claim 162, wherein each of the reflective microflakes comprises a first of a mutually laminated material.
And a second layer, wherein the upper surface is physically associated with the first layer and the lower surface is physically associated with the second layer. 173. The coloring medium coating of claim 162, wherein each of the reflective microflakes has a pitch that varies non-linearly across a thickness of each of the microflakes and has liquid crystal molecules having cholesteric order. A coloring medium coating made from a film material having: 174. The coloring medium coating of claim 162, wherein each of the reflective microflakes has a pitch that varies exponentially over a thickness of each of the reflective microflakes and has a cholesteric order. A coloring medium coating made from a film material having liquid crystal molecules. 175. The coloring medium coating of claim 162, wherein said light transmissive carrier medium is a light transmissive varnish or a light transmissive wax. 176. The coloring medium coating of claim 162, wherein the light transmissive carrier medium is a thermosetting carrier, a photocurable carrier, or an air-dryable carrier. Medium coating. 177. The coloring medium coating of claim 162, wherein each of the reflective microflakes is made from a material having liquid crystal molecules with a constant or substantially constant pitch and cholesteric order. And a coloring medium coating. 178. A CLC-based image used in xerographically printing images on the surface of a substrate having radiation absorbing properties and capable of producing a color effect in the visual tissue of a human observer. A toner comprising a dispersion of reflective microflakes, each of said reflective microflakes being made from a cholesteric liquid crystal material having light reflective properties over at least a portion of the visible band, and A CLC-based toner that is electrostatically attracted to a charge pattern formed on the substrate. 179. The CLC-based toner of claim 178, wherein each of the reflective microflakes in the dispersion has an upper surface and a lower surface, and wherein the reflective properties of the upper surface are in the visible band of the electromagnetic spectrum. A CLC-based toner, wherein the toner has substantially the same reflective properties as the lower surface. 180. The CLC-based toner of claim 178, wherein the reflective microflakes have spectrally tuned reflective properties over the visible band of the electromagnetic spectrum, and are incident on a coating of the CLC toner. A CLC-based toner that reflects light in the visible band in a mirror-like manner, producing a spectrum of additive primary color effects in the visual tissue of a human observer. 181. The CLC-based toner of claim 178, wherein each of the reflective microflakes comprises a first and a second of a mutually laminated material.
Wherein the upper surface is physically associated with the first layer and the lower surface is physically associated with the second layer. 182. The CLC-based toner of claim 178, wherein each of the reflective microflakes has a cholesteric order with a pitch that varies non-linearly across the thickness of each of the reflective microflakes. A CLC-based toner made from a film material having liquid crystal molecules. 183. The CLC-based toner of claim 178, wherein each of the reflective microflakes has a cholesteric order with a pitch that varies exponentially across a thickness of each of the reflective microflakes. CLC characterized by being made from a film material having liquid crystal molecules having
Base toner. 184. The CLC-based toner of claim 178, wherein each of the reflective microflakes is made from a material having liquid crystal molecules having a constant or substantially constant pitch and having cholesteric order. A CLC-based toner. 185. The CLC-based toner of claim 178, wherein the reflective microflakes are made of a material that has broadband reflection properties in the visible band of the electromagnetic spectrum, and wherein the reflective microflakes are coated on the CLC-based toner coating. A CLC-based toner that reflects circularly polarized light in the visible band incident on the human eye in a mirror-like manner and produces a super-white effect independent of the viewing angle in the visual tissue of a human observer. 186. The CLC-based toner of claim 178, wherein each of the reflective microflakes comprises a layer of an adhesive that permanently adheres the reflective microflakes to the substrate. CLC-based toner. 187. The CLC-based toner of claim 178, wherein the reflective microflakes are mixed with the dispersion of the reflective microflakes and permanently attach the reflective microflakes to the substrate during an image-fixing step of the xerographic process. A CLC-based toner, further comprising an adhesive material for chemically bonding. 188. A xerographic printing press comprising a toner cartridge containing the CLC-based toner of claim 178. 189. A xerographic print image formed using the CLC-based toner of claim 178. 190. A toner cartridge for use in a xerographic printing press, comprising the CLC-based toner of claim 178. 191. A deflection-encoded composite image for stereoscopically viewing a graphically represented 3D object, the system comprising: a substrate having radiation absorbing properties; and a system formed on the radiation absorbing substrate. (I) each made of a left-handed circularly polarized (LHCP) material having left-handed circularly-reflected reflection properties over a preselected band of the electromagnetic spectrum; A spectrally tuned microflake that produces an additive primary color effect in the visual tissue of an observer; and (ii) a human-made LHCP material having left-handed circularly-reflected reflective properties over a substantial region of the visible band of the electromagnetic spectrum. A broadband microflake that produces an ultra-white effect in the observer's visual tissue, and a left perspective image comprising A right perspective image formed on the substrate, wherein each of the right perspective images has right hand circular reflection characteristics over a pre-selected band of the electromagnetic spectrum. (RHCP) materials and spectrally tuned microflakes that produce an additive primary color effect in the visual tissue of a human observer; and (ii) right-handed circularly reflective properties over a substantial region of the visible band of the electromagnetic spectrum. And a right perspective image, comprising: a wide-band microflake made of RHCP material having a super-white effect in the visual tissue of a human observer; and a right perspective image comprising: Composite image. 192. The deflection-encoded composite image of claim 191, wherein each of the spectrally tuned microflakes has an upper surface and a lower surface, and wherein the deflection and reflection characteristics of the spectrally tuned microflakes are A deflection-encoded composite image, wherein the composite image is substantially identical on the upper and lower surfaces. 193. The deflection-encoded composite image of claim 191, wherein each of the broadband microflakes has an upper surface and a lower surface, and wherein the deflection and reflection characteristics of the broadband microflakes are greater than the upper surface. And the deflection-encoded composite image being substantially identical on the lower surface. 194. The deflection-encoded composite image of claim 191, wherein the spectrally tuned microflakes are made from a material selected from the group consisting of a CLC material, an interference film material, and a holographic film material. Wherein said broadband microflakes are made from a material selected from the group consisting of CLC materials, interference film materials and holographic film materials. 195. The deflection-encoded composite image of claim 191, wherein each of the spectrally tuned microflakes has a C stacked on each other.
A first and a second layer of LC material, wherein the upper surface is physically associated with the first layer and the lower surface is physically associated with the second layer. Deflection coded composite image. 196. The deflection-encoded composite image of claim 191, wherein the spectrally tuned microflakes in the left and right perspective images are substantially constant over a thickness of each of the spectrally tuned microflakes. Made from film material having cholesteric ordered liquid crystal molecules with pitch, wherein the broadband microflakes in the left and right perspective images are substantially non-linear over the respective thickness of the broadband microflakes. A deflection-encoded composite image characterized by being made from a film material having liquid crystal molecules with pitch and cholesteric order. 197. The deflection-encoded composite image of claim 191, wherein the pre-specified additive primary effect resulting from the left and right perspective images is from red, green, blue, or any combination thereof. A deflection-encoded composite image, characterized in that it is any of the configured colors. 198. The deflection-encoded composite image of claim 191, wherein the super-white effect resulting from the left and right perspective images is white, such as magnesium oxide. Composite image. 199. The deflection-encoded composite image of claim 191, wherein the LHCP lens transmits LHCP light over a substantial region of the visible band with a pair of circularly polarized spectacles; And a RHCP lens for transmitting RHCP light over a specific area. 200. A method of producing a deflection-encoded composite image for stereoscopically viewing a graphically represented 3D object, comprising: (a) removing LHCP-type microflakes having symmetrical deflection and reflection properties. Forming an LHCP-encoded left perspective image on the radiation absorbing substrate using the coloring medium comprising: (b) coloring comprising RHCP-type microflakes having symmetric deflection and reflection properties; Forming an RHCP-encoded right perspective image on the radiation-absorbing substrate using the medium, wherein the deflection-encoded composite image having high luminance and color uniformity characteristics is: Resulting from a high quality stereoscopic view of a graphically represented 3D object. Way. 201. The method of claim 200, wherein step (a) comprises:
A spectrally tuned microflake made from an LHCP type material selected from the group consisting of a CLC material, an interference film material and a holographic film material;
Applying a coloring medium comprising: broadband microflakes made from an LHCP material selected from the group consisting of film materials. 202. The method of claim 200, wherein step (b) comprises:
A spectrally tuned microflake made from a RHCP-type material selected from the group consisting of CLC material, interference film material and holographic film material;
Applying a coloring medium comprising: broadband microflakes made from RHCP material selected from the group consisting of film materials. 203. A computer controlled system for producing a deflection-encoded composite image for stereoscopically viewing a graphically represented 3D object, the microflakes being of the LHCP type having symmetric deflection and reflection properties. A first plurality of computer-controlled applicators for forming an LHCP-encoded left perspective image on a radiation absorbing substrate using a coloring medium comprising: To form a deflection-encoded composite image with high brightness and color uniformity for stereoscopic viewing,
A second plurality of computer controlled applications for forming an RHCP-encoded right perspective image on a radiation absorbing substrate using a coloring medium comprising RHCP-type microflakes having symmetric deflection and reflection properties And a computer-controlled system comprising: 204. The computer controlled system of claim 203, wherein said LHCP type microflakes are LHCP spectrally tuned microflakes each having an upper surface and a lower surface. LHCP spectrally tuned microflakes, wherein the deflection and reflection characteristics of the LHCP broadband microflakes are substantially identical on the upper and lower surfaces; and the LHCP broadband microflakes each have an upper surface and a lower surface. LHCP broadband microflakes, the deflection and reflection characteristics of which are substantially identical on the upper and lower surfaces. 205. The computer controlled system of claim 203, wherein said RHCP type microflakes are RHCP spectrally tuned microflakes each having an upper surface and a lower surface. RHCP spectrally tuned microflakes, wherein the deflection and reflection characteristics of the RHCP broadband microflakes are substantially identical on the upper and lower surfaces; and RHCP broadband microflakes each having an upper surface and a lower surface. RHCP broadband microflakes, the deflection and reflection characteristics of which are substantially identical on said upper and lower surfaces. 206. The computer controlled system of claim 205, wherein the LHCP spectrally tuned microflakes and the LHCP broadband microflakes are each a first and a second of a LHCP-type CLC material laminated together. Wherein the upper surface is physically associated with the first layer, the lower surface is physically associated with the second layer, the RHCP spectrally tuned microflakes and the RHCP broadband microlayer. The flakes are composed of first and second layers of RHCP type CRC material, each stacked on top of one another, wherein the upper surface is physically associated with the first layer and the lower surface is the second layer. A computer controlled system characterized by being physically associated with a layer of the computer. 207. The computer controlled system of claim 205, wherein the LHCP and RHCP spectrally tuned microflakes produce a pre-specified additive primary color effect in the viewer's visual tissue, the LHCP and RHC
A computer controlled system, wherein the P broadband microflakes produce an ultra-white effect in the observer's visual tissue. 208. The computer controlled system of claim 203, wherein the LHCP lens transmits LHCP light over a substantial region of the visible band with a pair of circularly polarized spectacles, and a substantial region of the visible band. A RHCP lens for transmitting RHCP light thereover. 209. A system for producing a deflection encoded composite image for stereoscopically viewing a 3D object represented graphically, a supply means for supplying a sheet of substrate material having radiation absorbing properties, A first image forming means for forming a first perspective image formed on a sheet, the first perspective images comprising: (i) each of which is on a preselected band of the electromagnetic spectrum. A spectrally tuned microflake made from a left-handed circularly polarized (LHCP) material having left-handed circularly-reflective reflection characteristics and producing an additive primary color effect in the visual tissue of a human observer; Man made of LHCP material with left-handed circularly polarized reflective properties over a substantial area of the visible band Second forming wideband microflakes producing ultra white effect in observation's visual organization, a first image forming means including a second perspective image formed on said substrate
Wherein said second perspective images are: (i) right handed circularly polarized light (RHCP) each having right handed circularly polarized reflection characteristics over a preselected band of the electromagnetic spectrum; Spectrally tuned microflakes made of material and producing an additive primary color effect in the visual structure of a human observer; and (ii) having a right-handed circularly reflective characteristic over a substantial region of the visible band of the electromagnetic spectrum. A broadband microflake made of RHCP material and producing an ultra-white effect in the visual tissue of a human observer; and second imaging means comprising: 210. The system of claim 209, wherein each of the spectrally tuned microflakes has an upper surface and a lower surface, the deflection and reflection characteristics of the spectrally tuned microflakes being on the upper and lower surfaces. A system that is substantially the same. 211. The system of claim 209, wherein each of the broadband microflakes has an upper surface and a lower surface, and wherein the deflection and reflection characteristics of the broadband microflakes are substantially on the upper and lower surfaces. A system characterized in that it is identical. 212. The system of claim 209, wherein the spectrally tuned microflakes are a CLC material, an interference film material and a holographic material.
Wherein the broadband microflakes are made from a material selected from the group consisting of CLC materials, interference film materials and holographic film materials. A system characterized in that: 213. The system of claim 209, wherein each of the spectrally tuned microflakes comprises first and second layers of CLC material laminated to one another, and wherein the upper surface comprises the first layer. Wherein the lower surface is physically associated with the second layer. 214. The system of claim 209, wherein the spectrally tuned microflakes in the left and right perspective images have a substantially constant pitch over a thickness of each of the spectrally tuned microflakes. Wherein the broadband microflakes in the left and right perspective images have a substantially non-linear pitch and a cholesteric over the respective thickness of the broadband microflakes. A system characterized by being made from a film material having ordered liquid crystal molecules. 215. The system of claim 209, wherein the predetermined additive primary color effect resulting from the left and right perspective images is any color composed of red, green, blue, or any combination thereof. A system characterized by being one of the following. 216. The system of claim 209, wherein the ultra-white effect resulting from the left and right perspective images is white, such as magnesium oxide. 217. The system of claim 209, wherein an LHCP lens transmits LHCP light over a substantial region of the visible band, together with a pair of circularly polarized spectacles, and RHCP light over a substantial region of the visible band. And a RHCP lens for transmitting light. 218. A method for producing a deflection-encoded composite image, comprising: (a) using a coloring medium comprising LHCP-type microflakes having symmetric deflection and reflection properties, using a radiation absorbing substrate. A step forming an LHCP-encoded left perspective image thereon; and (b) an RHCP on the radiation absorbing substrate using a coloring medium comprising RHCP type microflakes having symmetric deflection and reflection properties. Forming an encoded right perspective image, wherein the polarization-encoded composite image having high luminance and color uniformity characteristics is converted to a high quality stereoscopic representation of the graphically represented 3D object. A method characterized by occurring for a field of view. 219. The method of claim 218, wherein step (a) comprises:
A spectrally tuned microflake made from an LHCP type material selected from the group consisting of a CLC material, an interference film material and a holographic film material;
Applying a coloring medium comprising: broadband microflakes made from an LHCP material selected from the group consisting of film materials. 220. The method of claim 219, wherein step (b) comprises:
A spectrally tuned microflake made from a RHCP-type material selected from the group consisting of CLC material, interference film material and holographic film material;
Applying a coloring medium comprising: broadband microflakes made from RHCP material selected from the group consisting of film materials. 221. A xerographic printing system for printing a color image, comprising: a paper supply means for supplying paper of a radiation absorbing sheet; and a CLC-based toner material having additive primary and ultra-white characteristics. Printing means for printing a color image on the radiation absorbing sheet paper. 222. The xerographic printing system of claim 221, wherein the color image is a deflection-encoded composite image composed of left and right deflection-encoded perspective images. Xerographic printing system. 223. An ink jet printing system, comprising: a paper supply means for supplying radiation absorbing sheet paper; and a CLC-based toner material having additive primary and ultra-white characteristics. And a printing means for printing a color image on the paper. 224. The ink jet printing system of claim 223, wherein the color image is a left and right deflection encoded perspective image.
An ink jet printing system, characterized in that it is a deflection-encoded composite image composed of images. 225. A method for printing a color image, comprising: (a) providing a sheet of radiation-absorbing paper for color printing; and (b) a CLC-based having additive primary and super-white characteristics. Using toner material,
Printing a color image on said sheet of paper. 226. The method of claim 225, wherein step (b) comprises:
(1) Left handed circular deflection (LHC) with spectrally tuned CLC microflakes providing additive primary color characteristics and broadband CLC microflakes providing ultra-white characteristics
P) printing a first perspective image on said sheet using a CLC-based coloring medium; and (2) spectrally tuned CLC microflakes to provide additive primary color characteristics and broadband CLC to provide ultra-white characteristics. Right-handed circular deflection with microflakes (RHC
P) printing a second perspective image on said sheet using a CLC-based coloring medium. 227. An apparatus for stereoscopically viewing a 3D object graphically represented in a deflection-encoded composite image, the LHCP filter element being positionable in front of one eye of an observer, comprising: An LHCP filter element made from a CLC film material having broadband operation over a substantial region of the visible band of the spectrum, and an RHCP filter element positionable in front of the other eye of the observer, comprising: An RHCP filter element made from a CLC film material having broadband operation over a substantial region of the visible band. 228. The apparatus of claim 227, wherein said LHCP and R
An apparatus wherein the HCP filter element is mounted in a frame supportable on the observer's head. 229. A device for blocking the radiation from the sun and stereoscopically viewing a 3D object graphically represented in a deflection-encoded composite image, the device being positionable in front of one of an observer's eyes. A first LHCP filter element made of a CLC film material having ultra-wide band operation in the visible and ultraviolet bands of the electromagnetic spectrum; and a first LHCP filter element laminated to the first LHCP filter element. A first RHCP filter element, wherein the first RHCP filter element is made from a CLC film material having a narrow band operation over the ultraviolet band of the electromagnetic spectrum, and is positionable in front of the other eye of the observer. A second RHCP filter element, a CLC film having ultra-wide band operation in the visible and ultraviolet bands of the electromagnetic spectrum A second RHCP filter element made of a material, and a second LHCP filter element laminated to said second RHCP filter element, said CLC film material having a narrow band operation over the ultraviolet band of the electromagnetic spectrum. And a second LHCP filter element made. 230. The apparatus according to claim 229, wherein the LHCP and R
An apparatus wherein the HCP filter element is mounted in a frame supportable on the observer's head. 231. A reflective film, comprising a material having upper and lower surfaces, wherein the reflective properties of the upper surface are substantially the same as the reflective properties of the lower surface over a predetermined band of the electromagnetic spectrum. A reflective film, characterized in that: 232. The reflective film of claim 231, wherein the material comprises liquid crystal molecules having a cholesteric order along a helical axis extending substantially vertically between the upper and lower surfaces. A reflective film, characterized in that: 233. The reflective film of claim 231, wherein said material comprises first and second layers of CLC material laminated to one another, said upper surface being physically connected to said first layer. Wherein the lower surface is physically associated with the second layer. 234. The reflective film of claim 231, wherein the cholesteric ordered liquid crystal molecules in the material have a pitch that varies non-linearly across the thickness of the material. 235. The reflective film of claim 231, wherein the cholesteric ordered liquid crystal molecules in the material have a pitch that varies exponentially across the thickness of the material. . 236. The reflective film of claim 231, wherein circularly polarized electromagnetic radiation in the infrared region of the electromagnetic spectrum reflects from said upper and lower surfaces according to substantially similar reflection characteristics. the film. 237. The reflective film of claim 231, wherein circularly polarized electromagnetic radiation in the ultraviolet region of the electromagnetic spectrum reflects from said upper and lower surfaces according to substantially similar reflection characteristics. the film. 238. The reflective film of claim 231, wherein circularly polarized electromagnetic radiation in selected regions of the visible band reflects from the upper and lower surfaces according to substantially similar reflection characteristics. Reflective film. 239. The reflective film of claim 231, wherein the reflective properties of the upper surface are substantially the same as the reflective properties of the lower surface over a broad visible region of the electromagnetic spectrum. Film. 240. The reflective film of claim 231, wherein the reflective properties of the upper surface are substantially identical to the reflective properties of the lower surface over a narrow band of the electromagnetic spectrum. Film. 241. The reflective film of claim 231, wherein the reflective properties of the upper surface are substantially identical to the reflective properties of the lower surface on the infrared (IR) region of the electromagnetic spectrum. Reflective film. 242. The reflective film of claim 231, wherein the reflective properties of the upper surface are substantially the same as the reflective properties of the lower surface in the ultraviolet (UV) region of the electromagnetic spectrum. Reflective film. 243. The reflective film of claim 231, wherein said upper surface is physically associated with said first layer and reflects RHCP electromagnetic radiation incident thereon, and said lower surface is said second layer. A reflective film which is physically associated with and reflects RHCP electromagnetic radiation incident thereon. 244. The reflective film of claim 231, wherein the upper surface is physically associated with the first layer and reflects LHCP electromagnetic radiation incident thereon and further has a first π formed thereon. / 2 phase delay surface, wherein the lower surface is physically associated with the second layer and reflects LHCP electromagnetic radiation incident thereon and further has a second π / 2 phase delay formed thereon. A reflective film having a surface. 245. The reflective film of claim 231, wherein the upper surface is physically associated with the first layer and reflects RHCP electromagnetic radiation incident thereon and a first π formed thereon. / 2 phase delay surface, wherein the lower surface is physically associated with the second layer and reflects RHCP electromagnetic radiation incident thereon and further has a second π / 2 phase delay formed thereon. A reflective film having a surface. 246. The reflective film of claim 231 wherein said first film is
And the second layer is made of the same CLC film material, wherein the upper and lower surfaces have substantially similar reflection characteristics over the pre-specified band of the electromagnetic spectrum. 247. A method of producing a reflective film having symmetrical reflective properties over at least a portion of the visible band of the electromagnetic spectrum, comprising: (a) a first of a film material having upper and lower surfaces. Forming a layer of the first layer, wherein a reflection characteristic of the upper surface of the first layer is substantially different from a reflection characteristic of the lower surface of the first layer in a visible band of an electromagnetic spectrum. (B) creating a second layer of film material having upper and lower surfaces, wherein the reflection properties of the upper surface of the second layer are in the visible band of the electromagnetic spectrum. The reflective properties of the lower surface of the first layer are substantially different from the reflective properties of the upper surface of the first layer over the visible band of the electromagnetic spectrum. And substantive (C) bringing the upper surface of the first layer into contact with the upper surface of the second layer, and laminating these layers to each other, the composite film having upper and lower surfaces. Wherein the upper and lower surfaces of the composite film have substantially similar reflective properties over at least a portion of the visible band of the electromagnetic spectrum. how to. 248. The method of claim 247, wherein said reflection characteristic in the visible band of the electromagnetic spectrum of said composite film is ultra-wideband. 249. The method of claim 247, wherein, after step (c), (d) the composite film is provided with reflective microflakes having length and width dimensions ranging from about 5 microns to about 100 microns. The method further comprising the step of: 250. The method of claim 247, wherein said first layer of film material is cholesteric ordered along a helical axis extending substantially vertically between upper and lower surfaces of said first layer. A first dispersion of liquid crystal molecules having
The second layer of film material comprises a second dispersion of liquid crystal molecules having a cholesteric order along a helical axis extending substantially vertically between the upper and lower surfaces of the second layer. A method comprising: 251. The method of claim 247, wherein step (a) comprises:
Creating the first layer such that the upper surface reflects RHCP electromagnetic radiation incident thereon, and step (b) comprises creating the second layer by applying an RHCP to the lower surface incident thereon. Creating a method to reflect the electromagnetic radiation. 252. The method of claim 247, wherein step (a) comprises:
Creating the first layer such that the upper surface reflects LHCP electromagnetic radiation incident thereon, and step (b) comprises creating the second layer by the LHCP having the lower surface incident thereon. Creating a method to reflect the electromagnetic radiation. 253. The method of claim 247, wherein step (a) comprises:
Creating the first layer such that the upper surface reflects RHCP electromagnetic radiation incident thereon and has a first π / 2 phase delay surface formed thereon, and step (b) comprises: , The second layer having the lower surface incident on the RHC.
Creating a second π / 2 phase delay surface that reflects and forms P electromagnetic radiation. 254. The method of claim 247, wherein step (a) comprises:
Creating the first layer such that the upper surface reflects a LHCP electromagnetic radiation incident thereon and has a first π / 2 phase delay surface formed thereon, step (b) comprising: , The second layer having the lower surface incident on the LHC
Creating a second π / 2 phase delay surface that reflects and forms P electromagnetic radiation. 255. An apparatus for producing a reflective film having symmetrical reflective properties over at least a portion of the visible band of the electromagnetic spectrum, comprising: a first layer of film material having upper and lower surfaces; Film layer creating means for creating a second layer of film material having upper and lower surfaces, wherein the reflection properties of the upper surface of the first layer are in the visible band of the electromagnetic spectrum. Wherein the reflection properties of the upper surface of the second layer are substantially different from the reflection properties of the lower surface of the second layer in the visible band of the electromagnetic spectrum. Substantially different, wherein the reflective properties of the upper surface of the first layer are substantially similar to the reflective properties of the upper surface of the second layer over the visible band of the electromagnetic spectrum. Creation means and Film contacting means for contacting the upper surface of said first layer with said upper surface of said second layer and laminating these layers together to create a composite film having upper and lower surfaces, Film contacting means, wherein the upper and lower surfaces of the synthetic film have substantially similar reflective properties over at least a portion of the visible band of the electromagnetic spectrum. 256. The apparatus according to claim 255, wherein said reflection characteristic in the visible band of the electromagnetic spectrum of said synthetic film is ultra-wide band. 257. The apparatus of claim 255, further comprising film splitting means for splitting the composite film into reflective microflakes having length and width dimensions ranging from about 5 microns to about 100 microns. An apparatus characterized in that: 258. The apparatus of claim 255, wherein the first layer of film material is cholesteric ordered along a helical axis extending substantially vertically between upper and lower surfaces of the first layer. A first dispersion of liquid crystal molecules having
The second layer of film material comprises a second dispersion of liquid crystal molecules having a cholesteric order along a helical axis extending substantially vertically between the upper and lower surfaces of the second layer. An apparatus characterized in that: 259. The apparatus of claim 255, wherein the means for creating a film layer comprises: means for creating the first layer such that the upper surface reflects RHCP electromagnetic radiation incident thereon. Means for creating the two layers such that said lower surface reflects RHCP electromagnetic radiation incident thereon. 260. The apparatus of claim 255, wherein the means for creating a film layer comprises: means for creating the first layer such that the upper surface reflects LHCP electromagnetic radiation incident thereon; Means for creating the two layers such that said lower surface reflects LHCP electromagnetic radiation incident thereon. 261. Apparatus according to claim 255, wherein said means for creating a film layer comprises: said first layer comprising a first π / formed thereon wherein said upper surface reflects RHCP electromagnetic radiation incident thereon. Means for creating a two phase retardation surface, and said second layer having a second π / 2 phase retardation surface formed thereon wherein said lower surface reflects RHCP electromagnetic radiation incident thereon. And a means for creating. 262. Apparatus according to claim 255, wherein said means for producing a film layer comprises: said first layer comprising a first π / formed thereon wherein said upper surface reflects LHCP electromagnetic radiation incident thereon. Means for creating a two-phase retarding surface, said second layer having a second π / 2 phase-delay surface formed thereon wherein said lower surface reflects LHCP electromagnetic radiation incident thereon. And a means for creating.