AGC has been granted a patent for a translucent structure with low haze and sparkle. The structure includes an antiglare layer and a functional layer with an uneven surface that diffusely reflects external light. The structure has specific dimensions and densities for the convex portions, and is suitable for use in image display devices. GlobalData’s report on AGC gives a 360-degree view of the company including its patenting strategy. Buy the report here.
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Translucent structure with low haze and low sparkle
A recently granted patent (Publication Number: US11772356B2) describes a translucent structure that can be used as a display in image display devices. The structure includes a translucent substrate, an antiglare layer, and at least one functional layer.
The antiglare layer is formed on the translucent substrate and has an uneven structure on its surface. The at least one functional layer is then formed on the uneven structure of the antiglare layer, creating the outermost surface of the translucent structure. The uneven structure of the functional layer follows the uneven structure of the antiglare layer, allowing external light to be diffusely reflected by the outermost surface of the structure.
The outermost surface of the translucent structure includes first convex portions, with diameters ranging from 1.000 to 16.000 µm. The density of these first convex portions is from 0.001 to 0.1 units/µm2. Additionally, the structure includes second convex portions within the antiglare layer, with diameters ranging from 0.4 µm and a density of 0.023 to 7.210 units/µm2. The total area of the second convex portions at a height of 0.01 µm is from 0.900 to 90.000% of the entire area of the rectangular region.
The patent also mentions that the average value of the diameters of the first convex portions can range from 1.000 to 12.000 µm, the density of the second convex portions can range from 0.023 to 0.180 unit/µm2, and the total area of the second convex portions can range from 1.000 to 22.400% of the entire area of the rectangular region.
The translucent structure can be entirely curved or partially curved, with a radius of curvature ranging from at most 25,000 mm to 30 to 3,000 mm. The structure can also include a curved part and a flat part.
The patent further mentions that the antiglare layer can be directly formed on the translucent substrate and can be composed mainly of silica with a pencil hardness of at least 5H according to JIS K5600-5-4. The at least one functional layer can include a water/oil-repellent layer, an antireflection layer, or both.
Overall, this patent describes a translucent structure with specific surface characteristics that can be used as a display in image display devices. The structure aims to provide antiglare properties and diffuse reflection of external light.
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GlobalData Patent Analytics tracks bibliographic data, legal events data, point in time patent ownerships, and backward and forward citations from global patenting offices. Textual analysis and official patent classifications are used to group patents into key thematic areas and link them to specific companies across the world’s largest industries.
