Applications of electro-optic displays

Patent metadata

Field	Value
Publication number	US-2019187533-A1
Application number	US-201816224896-A
Country	US
Kind code	A1
Filing date	Dec 19, 2018
Priority date	Dec 19, 2017
Publication date	Jun 20, 2019
Grant date	—

Abstract

An image is formed on an architectural surface by applying to the surface, in order: a rear electrode layer; a light-transmissive front electrode layer; a photoconductive layer disposed between the front and rear electrode layers; and an electro-optic layer disposed between the front and rear electrode layers. A potential difference is applied between the front and rear electrode layers and the front electrode layer is imagewise exposed to radiation which causes a change in the conductivity of the photoconductive layer, thereby causing an imagewise change in the optical state of the electro-optic layer. Films for application to architectural surfaces are also provided.

First claim

1 . A method of forming an image on an architectural surface, the method comprising:
applying to the architectural surface, in order:
a rear electrode layer;
a light-transmissive front electrode layer;
a photoconductive layer disposed between the front and rear electrode layers; and
an electro-optic layer disposed between the front and rear electrode layers;
applying a potential difference between the front and rear electrode layers; and imagewise exposing the front electrode layer to radiation effective to cause a change in the conductivity of the photoconductive layer, thereby causing an imagewise change in the optical state of the electro-optic layer.

2 . A method according to claim 1 wherein the photoconductive layer is disposed between the electro-optic layer and the rear electrode layer.

3 . A method according to claim 1 wherein the imagewise exposure is effected by projecting an image on to the architectural surface using a projector.

4 . A method according to claim 1 wherein the imagewise exposure is effected by providing a plurality of light emitters adjacent the architectural surface and moving the light from the light emitters across the architectural surface.

5 . A method according to claim 1 wherein the layers applied to the architectural surface further comprise at least one of:
(a) an adhesive layer between the front electrode layer and the electro-optic layer;
(b) an adhesive layer between the electro-optic layer and the rear electrode layer; and
(c) a protective layer on the opposed side of the front electrode layer from the electro-optic layer.

6 . A method according to claim 1 wherein the electro-optic layer is an electrophoretic layer.

7 . A method according to claim 1 wherein the layers applied to the architectural surface further comprise an intumescent coating on the opposed side of the front electrode layer from the electro-optic layer.

8 . A method according to claim 7 wherein the intumescent coating comprises a layer of an intumescent material and at least one moisture barrier in contact with at least one surface of the layer of intumescent material, the intumescent material comprising an amine or amide containing compound.

9 . A film for application to an architectural surface, the film comprising, in order:
a light-transmissive colored front electrode layer; an electro-optic layer; a rear electrode layer; and an adhesive layer, the film being provided with at least one front connecting means for connecting the front electrode layer to a first conductor placed on the architectural surface and/or the front electrode layer of an adjacent film, and also being provided with at least one rear connecting means for connecting the rear electrode layer to a second conductor placed on the architectural surface and/or the rear electrode layer of an adjacent film.

10 . A film according to claim 9 further comprising a release sheet covering the surface of the adhesive layer remote from the rear electrode layer.

11 . A film according to claim 9 wherein the light-transmissive colored front electrode layer comprises a conductive layer adjacent the electro-optic layer and a colored layer on the opposed side of the conductive layer from the electro-optic layer.

12 . A film according to claim 9 wherein the front and rear connecting means have the form of extensions of the front and rear electrode layers extending laterally beyond one or both lateral edges of the film.

13 . A film according to claim 9 further comprising at least one of:
(a) an adhesive layer between the front electrode layer and the electro-optic layer;
(b) an adhesive layer between the electro-optic layer and the rear electrode layer; and
(c) a protective layer on the opposed side of the front electrode layer from the electro-optic layer.

14 . A film according to claim 9 wherein the electro-optic layer is an electrophoretic layer.

15 . A film according to claim 9 further comprising an intumescent coating on the opposed side of the front electrode layer from the electro-optic layer.

16 . A film according to claim 15 wherein the intumescent coating comprises a layer of an intumescent material and at least one moisture barrier in contact with at least one surface of the layer of intumescent material, the intumescent material comprising an amine or amide containing compound.

17 . A method of coating an architectural surface, the method comprising:
providing a film according to claim 10 ; removing the release sheet from the film; and applying the film, less the release sheet, to the architectural surface.

18 . An architectural surface provided with spaced first and second conductors, and a plurality of pieces of a film according to claim 9 adhered to the architectural surface, with the front connecting means of each of the plurality of pieces electrically connected to the first conductor and the rear connecting means of each of the plurality of pieces electrically connected to the second conductor.

Assignees

• E Ink Corp

Inventors

• Anseth Jay William
• Paolini Jr Richard J
• Telfer Stephen J
• Kann Yelena
• Blaine Thomas S
• Murari Nishit

Classifications

• G03B21/56

  Projection screens · CPC title

• G02F1/167 Primary

  by electrophoresis · CPC title

• G02F1/0126 Primary

  Opto-optical modulation, i.e. control of one light beam by another light beam, not otherwise provided for in this subclass · CPC title

• G02F1/1676

  Electrodes · CPC title

• G02F2201/50

  Protective arrangements · CPC title