Abstract: A retroreflective article including a binder layer and a plurality of retroreflective elements. Each retroreflective element includes a transparent microsphere partially embedded in the binder layer. At least some of the retroreflective elements include a reflective layer that is a locally-laminated reflective layer that is embedded between the transparent microsphere and the binder layer. At least some of the locally-laminated reflective layers may be localized reflective layers.

Abstract: Systems, assemblies, and methods for detecting changes in polarization states are described. Example systems may include a light receiving unit including a sensor and a receiving polarizer. The sensor is configured to sense light from a polarized light source deflected through the receiving polarizer by a light directing article. The sensor is configured to generate a signal indicative a received polarization state of light deflected by the light directing articles. Such systems may be coupled to vehicles and may be useful for sensor-detectable signs, indicia, and markings to facilitate automated or assisted vehicular transport.

Abstract: In general, techniques are described for a personal protective equipment (PPE) management system (PPEMS) that uses images of optical patterns embodied on articles of personal protective equipment (PPEs) to identify safety conditions that correspond to usage of the PPEs. In one example, an article of personal protective equipment (PPE) includes a first optical pattern embodied on a surface of the article of PPE; a second optical pattern embodied on the surface of the article of PPE, wherein a spatial relation between the first optical pattern and the second optical pattern is indicative of an operational status of the article of PPE.

Abstract: Optical articles including a spatially defined arrangement of a plurality of data rich retroreflective elements, wherein the plurality of retroreflective elements comprise retroreflective elements having at least two different retroreflective properties and at least two different optical contrasts with respect to a background substrate when observed within an ultraviolet spectrum, a visible spectrum, a near-infrared spectrum, or a combination thereof.

Abstract: The disclosed patterned wavelength-selective material and process for making the patterned wavelength-selective material uses patterned applied adhesive and a structurally weak wavelength-selective material that includes portions that contact the adhesive and break to remain in contact with the adhesive. In one embodiment, the wavelength-selective material comprises an array of sections with cuts at least partially through a wavelength-selective film at each section secured to the adhesive. In another embodiment, the wavelength-selective film comprises a transfer stack of layers.

Abstract: Retroreflecting articles are described. In particular, retroreflecting articles including a quarter wave retarder and a retroreflecting layer are described. The retarder is rotationally invariant and the retroreflecting layer is non-depolarizing. Such articles may be useful for sensor-detectable signs, labels, and garments.

Abstract: An exposed-lens retroreflective article including a binder layer and a plurality of retroreflective elements. Each retroreflective element includes a transparent microsphere partially embedded in the binder layer. At least some of the retroreflective elements comprise at least one color layer comprising a bi-layer structure.

Abstract: There is provided adhesive compositions comprising a styrenic block copolymer and at least one tackifier, where the at least one tackifier contains non-carbon hetero-atom functionality, and where the adhesive composition is wash durable when bonded to a substrate. There is also provided articles made using these adhesives.

Abstract: There is provided retroreflective articles comprising a binder layer comprising an adhesive composition comprising at least one tackifier and at least one elastomer selected from at least one of natural rubbers and synthetic rubbers, and a layer of optical elements at least partially embedded in a major surface of the binder layer. There are also provided articles of clothing using the presently disclosed retroreflective articles and methods for preparing the retroreflective articles.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a retroreflective article. The retroreflective article includes a retroreflective layer including a number of cube corner elements that collectively form a structured surface that is opposite a major surface, and a conformal wavelength-selective radiation absorbing coating layer adjacent to the structured surface. The present disclosure also provides a method of making a retroreflective article. The method includes obtaining a retroreflective layer, and forming a conformal wavelength-selective radiation absorbing coating layer on the retroreflective layer by applying a first material having a first binding group to the structured surface, and applying a second material having a second binding group to the first material.

Abstract: The disclosed patterned wavelength-selective material and process for making the patterned wavelength-selective material uses selectively located barriers to the adhesive regions. A structurally weak wavelength-selective material includes portions that contact the adhesive regions and break to remain in contact with the adhesive. The wavelength-selective material does not contact the adhesive regions covered by the barrier and is removed leaving a wavelength-selective film in a pattern at the adhesive regions.

Abstract: In some examples, an optically active article includes a retroreflective substrate; and at least one security element disposed at the retroreflective substrate; an article message disposed at the retroreflective substrate, and wherein the at least one security element comprises validation information that is detectable outside a visible light spectrum, and wherein a combination of the article message and the validation information of the at least one security element indicates whether the optically active article is counterfeit.

Abstract: Wavelength-selective films are visibly apparent under the selective wavelength. Wavelength-selective films typically reflect off axis the selected wavelength and therefore can provide high-contrast against a background when applied in a pattern on a substrate. However, it is difficult to apply unique patterned embedded images from film. Disclosed is a cost-effective method and construction of a patterned wavelength-selective image to a substrate. In the disclosed wavelength-selective image, wavelength-selective film particles are applied to an adhesive pattern to create the wavelength-selective image.

Abstract: Modified adhesive layers are prepared by contacting an adhesive layer to a modified microstructured release liner. The modified release liner has a release layer surface with a set of microstructured depressions and a discontinuous pattern of ink material located on the surface of the release layer. A portion of the discontinuous pattern of ink material overlaps with and is located within some of the depressions. The ink material comprises a non-adhesive but adhesively transferrable material, or an adhesive material. Upon removal of the adhesive from the release liner, the ink material transfers to the adhesive surface.

Abstract: The disclosure describes an example vehicle assistance system including a light sensor, a pixelated filter array adjacent the light sensor, and a full-field optically-selective element adjacent the pixelated filter array. The optically-selective element is configured to selectively direct an optical component of light incident on the optically-selective element across the pixelated filter array to the light sensor.

Abstract: The disclosed structured retroreflective article includes a symbol aligned with raised regions of the structured retroreflective article through an orientation mark which aligns the symbol to the raised region. In one embodiment, the retroreflective article comprises a substrate comprising a background surface and a raised region, a retroreflective film comprising a first symbol and an orientation mark, wherein the retroreflective film is applied to the substrate and the orientation mark aligns the first symbol to the raised region.

Abstract: Provided herein are retroreflective colored article having a predetermined pattern of beaded and unbeaded regions and at least one polymeric color layer (130) covering at least a portion of the beaded and unbeaded regions, a reflector layer (140) covering the colour layer, and a carrier (150). Also disclosed are methods for making the articles.

Abstract: The disclosed light directing article has an optical element and a conformal retarder with predefined thickness that contours with the optical element. In one aspect, the light directing article is a retroreflective article, which further comprises a phase reversing optical reflector.

Abstract: Described herein is an article having a microsphere layer comprising a monolayer of microspheres, the monolayer of microspheres comprising a first area substantially free of microspheres and a second area comprising a plurality of randomly-distributed microspheres, wherein the monolayer of microspheres comprises a predetermined pattern, the predetermined pattern comprises at least one of (i) a plurality of the first areas, (ii) a plurality of the second areas, and (iii) combinations thereof; and (b) a bead bonding layer disposed on the microsphere layer, wherein the plurality of microspheres are partially embedded in a first major surface of the bead bonding layer, wherein the article has a retroreflectivity (Ra) of less than 5.0 candelas/lux/square meter. Also disclosed herein are transfer carriers and methods of making the articles and transfer carriers.

Abstract: In general, techniques are described for a personal protective equipment (PPE) management system (PPEMS) that uses images of optical patterns embodied on articles of personal protective equipment (PPEs) to identify safety conditions that correspond to usage of the PPEs. In one example, an article of personal protective equipment (PPE) includes a first optical pattern embodied on a surface of the article of PPE; a second optical pattern embodied on the surface of the article of PPE, wherein a spatial relation between the first optical pattern and the second optical pattern is indicative of an operational status of the article of PPE.