Anti-counterfeiting image elements and anti-counterfeiting products

Abstract

This invention provides an anti-counterfeiting image element and an anti-counterfeiting product, belonging to the field of anti-counterfeiting technology. The anti-counterfeiting image element includes: a light-transmitting substrate layer, comprising a first surface and a second surface opposite to each other; a microstructure layer located on the first surface, the microstructure layer including multiple microstructures, each microstructure including a smooth region and / or a non-smooth region, the pitch angle of the microstructure in the smooth region being smaller than the pitch angle of the microstructure in the non-smooth region; a reflective structure layer located on the microstructure layer, the reflective structure layer covering at least a portion of the non-smooth region; and an anti-counterfeiting image layer, provided with an anti-counterfeiting image, the anti-counterfeiting image layer being located on the reflective structure layer or on the second surface. This invention can achieve the appearance of an anti-counterfeiting image when viewed from the front and dynamic features when viewed from the side, thereby solving the technical problem of existing anti-counterfeiting products being easily counterfeited.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of anti-counterfeiting technology, specifically to an anti-counterfeiting image element and an anti-counterfeiting product. Background Technology

[0002] In the prior art, in order to prevent counterfeiting using scanning and copying methods, data carriers such as banknotes and financial instruments, as well as other valuable items such as brand-name items, are usually equipped with security elements to verify the authenticity of the data carrier and prevent it from being copied without permission.

[0003] Encoding technology is a common anti-counterfeiting technology used in security components. Its purpose is to verify the authenticity of data carriers and prevent unauthorized copying. Communication between the verification terminal and the database is established via a network to verify the authenticity of the data carrier. Currently, to establish a "one item, one code" encoding system for mass-produced products, variable codes need to be created using digital printing or coding equipment. However, these codes are easily recorded by scanning, photographing, etc., and mass-produced using commercial digital printing equipment, thus compromising the "uniqueness" of each code. Therefore, there is an urgent need to propose a technical solution to address the aforementioned technical problems in existing technologies. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide an anti-counterfeiting image element and an anti-counterfeiting product that can display an anti-counterfeiting image when viewed from the front and dynamic features when viewed from the side, thereby solving the technical problem that existing anti-counterfeiting products are easy to counterfeit.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, a first aspect of the present invention provides an anti-counterfeiting image element, comprising: a light-transmitting substrate layer including opposing first and second surfaces; a microstructure layer located on the first surface, the microstructure layer including a plurality of microstructures, each microstructure including a smooth region and / or a non-smooth region, the pitch angle of the microstructure in the smooth region being smaller than the pitch angle of the microstructure in the non-smooth region; a reflective structure layer located on the microstructure layer, the reflective structure layer covering at least a portion of the non-smooth region; and an anti-counterfeiting image layer having an anti-counterfeiting image disposed thereon, the anti-counterfeiting image layer being located on the reflective structure layer or on the second surface.

[0006] In this embodiment of the invention, the material of the light-transmitting substrate layer is selected from at least one of PET plastic, BOPP plastic and PC plastic.

[0007] In this embodiment of the invention, the lateral dimension of the microstructure ranges from 5µm to 100µm.

[0008] In this embodiment of the invention, the lateral dimension of the microstructure ranges from 10µm to 50µm.

[0009] In embodiments of the present invention, the surface of the microstructure layer includes a plane and / or a curved surface.

[0010] In this embodiment of the invention, the microstructure is a spherical cap-shaped curved surface structure.

[0011] In this embodiment of the invention, the microstructure is a diffuse reflection structure.

[0012] In this embodiment of the invention, the anti-counterfeiting image element further includes: a transparent coating layer, which is located on the reflective structure layer, and the anti-counterfeiting image layer is located on the transparent coating layer.

[0013] In this embodiment of the invention, the refractive index of the transparent coating is the same as that of the microstructure, so that light does not reflect or refract when it passes through the junction of the microstructure and the transparent coating.

[0014] In this embodiment of the invention, the maximum pitch angle of the microstructure is greater than 5 degrees.

[0015] In this embodiment of the invention, the maximum pitch angle of the microstructure is greater than 10 degrees.

[0016] In this embodiment of the invention, the pitch angle of the microstructure in the non-flat region is not less than a preset value, and the pitch angle of the microstructure in the flat region is less than the preset value, which is 0.3 times the maximum pitch angle of the microstructure.

[0017] In this embodiment of the invention, the reflective structure layer is a single-layer metal structure.

[0018] In this embodiment of the invention, the reflective structure layer is a multilayer structure composed of metal and / or dielectric.

[0019] In this embodiment of the invention, the reflective structure layer provides dynamic anti-counterfeiting features.

[0020] In this embodiment of the invention, the dynamic anti-counterfeiting features include: changes in the reflective structure layer due to changes in the viewing angle, such as translational movement, rotational movement, image switching, image deformation, and / or image scaling.

[0021] In this embodiment of the invention, at least a portion of the non-smooth region is provided with a secondary structure.

[0022] In this embodiment of the invention, the dynamic anti-counterfeiting feature includes: the color and / or pattern change of the reflective structure layer as the viewing angle changes.

[0023] In this embodiment of the invention, each secondary structure includes periodically occurring micro-units, with a displacement of 0.2 μm to 5 μm between two adjacent micro-units.

[0024] In this embodiment of the invention, the displacement between two adjacent micro-units is 0.2 μm to 1 μm.

[0025] In this embodiment of the invention, the secondary structure is a grating structure.

[0026] In this embodiment of the invention, the anti-counterfeiting image is a static image.

[0027] In this embodiment of the invention, the static image contains encoded information.

[0028] In this embodiment of the invention, the static image is a QR code.

[0029] In this embodiment of the invention, the static image is a fast response code.

[0030] In this embodiment of the invention, the QR code is equipped with optical anti-counterfeiting features.

[0031] In this embodiment of the invention, the anti-counterfeiting image is provided with at least one location detection graphic.

[0032] In this embodiment of the invention, the anti-counterfeiting image is provided with three non-collinear position detection patterns.

[0033] In an embodiment of the present invention, when the anti-counterfeiting image layer is located on the reflective structure layer, the anti-counterfeiting image is obtained when viewed from one side of the second surface and directly facing the second surface.

[0034] In an embodiment of the present invention, when the anti-counterfeiting image layer is located on the second surface, the anti-counterfeiting image is obtained when viewed from one side of the first surface and directly facing the first surface.

[0035] A second aspect of the present invention also provides an anti-counterfeiting product, including the anti-counterfeiting image element of the foregoing embodiments.

[0036] In this embodiment of the invention, the anti-counterfeiting product is a paper banknote, polymer banknote, credit card, bank card, cash card, authorization card, personal ID card or passport.

[0037] The present invention provides an anti-counterfeiting image element comprising: a light-transmitting substrate layer, including a first surface and a second surface opposite to each other; a microstructure layer located on the first surface, the microstructure layer including multiple microstructures, each microstructure including a smooth area and / or a non-smooth area, the pitch angle of the microstructure in the smooth area being smaller than the pitch angle of the microstructure in the non-smooth area; a reflective structure layer located on the microstructure layer, the reflective structure layer covering at least a portion of the non-smooth area; and an anti-counterfeiting image layer, provided with an anti-counterfeiting image, the anti-counterfeiting image layer being located on the reflective structure layer or on the second surface, which can realize that the anti-counterfeiting image appears when viewed from the front and dynamic features appear when viewed from the side, thereby solving the technical problem that existing anti-counterfeiting products are easy to counterfeit.

[0038] Other features and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail in the following detailed description section. Attached Figure Description

[0039] The accompanying drawings are provided to further illustrate embodiments of the present invention and form part of the specification. They are used together with the following detailed description to explain the embodiments of the present invention, but do not constitute a limitation thereof. In the drawings:

[0040] Figure 1 This is a cross-sectional structural diagram of an anti-counterfeiting image element 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0041] Figure 2A This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of an anti-counterfeiting image element 10, which is an example of the present invention, with a spherical crown-shaped curved surface structure and an anti-counterfeiting image layer located on the second surface.

[0042] Figure 2B This is a cross-sectional structural diagram of an anti-counterfeiting image element 20, which is an example of the present invention, with a spherical crown-shaped curved surface structure and an anti-counterfeiting image layer located on a reflective structure layer.

[0043] Figure 2C This is a cross-sectional structural diagram of an anti-counterfeiting image element 30, whose microstructure is a diffuse reflection structure and whose anti-counterfeiting image layer is located on the second surface, as an example of the present invention.

[0044] Figure 2D yes Figure 2A and Figure 2B A partial cross-sectional view of the secondary structure 42 is provided in the anti-counterfeiting image element.

[0045] Figure 3A , Figure 3B , Figure 3C yes Figure 2A and Figure 2B The diagram illustrates the visual effects of the anti-counterfeiting image elements under three different viewing angles. Detailed Implementation

[0046] The specific embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are for illustration and explanation only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.

[0047] like Figure 1 As shown, an embodiment of the present invention provides an anti-counterfeiting image element 100, including: a light-transmitting substrate layer 110, a microstructure layer 130, a reflective structure layer 150, and an anti-counterfeiting image layer (not shown in the figure).

[0048] The light-transmitting substrate layer 110 includes, for example, opposing first and second surfaces. The material of the light-transmitting substrate layer 110 is selected from at least one of PET plastic, BOPP plastic and PC plastic, but the embodiments of the present invention are not limited thereto.

[0049] Microstructure layer 130, for example, is located on the first surface (e.g. Figure 1 On the upper surface of the microstructure layer 130, for example, multiple microstructures (not shown in the figure) are included. Each microstructure includes, for example, a smooth region and / or a non-smooth region. The pitch angle of the microstructure in the smooth region is, for example, smaller than the pitch angle of the microstructure in the non-smooth region. The pitch angle mentioned in this embodiment of the invention is, for example, the angle formed by a point on the surface of the microstructure relative to the first surface. Specifically, if the surface at and near a point on the microstructure is curved, then the pitch angle at that point on the surface of the microstructure is the angle formed by the tangent plane at that point relative to the first surface. If the surface at and near a point on the microstructure is planar, then the pitch angle at that point on the surface of the microstructure is the angle formed by the planar plane at that point relative to the first surface.

[0050] A reflective structural layer 150 is located, for example, on the microstructure layer 130, and the reflective structural layer 150 covers at least a portion of the non-smooth areas. Smooth areas, for example, are not provided with any reflective structural layer 150, and further, the surface of the microstructure layer 130 not covered by the reflective structural layer 150 is filled, for example, by applying an adhesive layer. This is achieved by providing a reflective structural layer 150 on the non-smooth areas and not providing any reflective structural layer 150 on the smooth areas.

[0051] The anti-counterfeiting image layer contains an anti-counterfeiting image, which may be located, for example, on the reflective structure layer (i.e., on one side of the first surface) or on the second surface (e.g., on the second surface). Figure 1 The anti-counterfeiting image is located on the lower surface of the first surface, i.e., on one side of the second surface. Thus, the anti-counterfeiting image on the first surface can be observed on the second surface, or vice versa. Taking the anti-counterfeiting image layer located on the second surface (i.e., on one side of the second surface) as an example, when viewed from the first surface and directly opposite it, the anti-counterfeiting image on the second surface can be seen through the smooth area of ​​the non-reflective structural layer 150. However, when viewed from the first surface and at a large angle relative to it, the reflective structural layer 150 blocks the smooth area of ​​the non-reflective structural layer 150, so only the reflective structural layer 150 is visible, and the anti-counterfeiting image on the second surface is essentially invisible, thus achieving the concealment of the anti-counterfeiting image. Similarly, when the anti-counterfeiting image layer is located on one side of the first surface, the appearance and concealment of the anti-counterfeiting image can be observed from the second surface.

[0052] Specifically, the lateral dimensions of the microstructure range from, for example, 5 μm to 100 μm. Furthermore, the lateral dimensions of the microstructure range from, for example, 10 μm to 50 μm.

[0053] Specifically, the surface of the microstructure layer 130 includes, for example, planes and / or curved surfaces. The microstructure may be, for example, a spherical cap-shaped curved surface structure, the surface of which is composed of curved surfaces. The microstructures may also form a periodically distributed array of microstructures. The microstructure may be, for example, a diffuse reflection structure, the surface of which is composed of planes and / or curved surfaces. This can be obtained, for example, by sequentially rearranging multiple parts obtained from cutting a spherical cap-shaped curved surface structure, or by combining multiple planes. The diffuse reflection structure is used to produce a diffuse reflection effect on incoming light.

[0054] The anti-counterfeiting image element 100 may also include, for example, a transparent coating (not shown), which is located, for example, on the reflective structure layer 150. In this case, the anti-counterfeiting image layer is disposed, for example, on the transparent coating rather than on the second surface. The transparent coating may be pre-coated onto the reflective structure layer 150 to make it smooth, and then the anti-counterfeiting image may be created on the transparent coating. The refractive index of the transparent coating may be the same as that of the microstructure, for example, so that light does not reflect or refract when passing through the interface between the microstructure and the transparent coating.

[0055] The maximum pitch angle of the microstructure is, for example, greater than 5 degrees. More specifically, the maximum pitch angle of the microstructure is, for example, greater than 10 degrees. Microstructures in flat areas have smaller pitch angles, for example, less than a preset value, while microstructures in non-flat areas have larger pitch angles, for example, greater than or equal to the preset value. This ensures that the pitch angles of microstructures in flat areas are all smaller than those in non-flat areas. Further, the preset value is, for example, set to 0.3 times the maximum pitch angle of the microstructure. For example, if the maximum pitch angle of the microstructure is 45 degrees, then the preset value is set to 0.3 times the maximum pitch angle of the microstructure, which is 13.5 degrees. Areas with pitch angles greater than or equal to 13.5 degrees are considered part of the non-flat areas, and areas with pitch angles less than 13.5 degrees are considered part of the flat areas. If the maximum pitch angle of the microstructure is 10 degrees, then the preset value is set to 3 degrees, and so on. Further details are omitted here.

[0056] The reflective structure layer 150 may be, for example, a single-layer metal structure or a multilayer structure composed of metal and / or dielectric. The reflective structure layer 150 may be, for example, a metal coating deposited by physical vapor deposition. The metal itself can reflect light. When the reflective structure layer 150 is a multilayer structure, the multilayer structure has at least two different refractive indices to produce a reflective effect when light shines on the surface of the multilayer structure. Further, the reflective structure layer 150 may provide, for example, dynamic anti-counterfeiting features, including, for example, translational motion, rotational motion, image switching, image distortion, and / or image scaling changes in the reflective structure layer 150 as the viewing angle changes. The reflective structure layer 150 may also employ, for example, a three-layer interference coating of "metal / dielectric / metal".

[0057] At least a portion of the non-smooth region is provided with a secondary structure (not shown in the figure). The reflective structure layer 150 provides, for example, dynamic anti-counterfeiting features, which include, for example, changes in color and / or pattern of the reflective structure layer 150 as the viewing angle changes. The secondary structure is, for example, a grating structure. The scale of the secondary structure is preferably at least one order of magnitude smaller than that of the microstructure. The secondary structure may be regularly, for example, periodically or uniformly distributed on the microstructure, or it may be randomly distributed on the microstructure. The number of secondary structures distributed on each microstructure may be the same or different. Each secondary structure includes, for example, periodically occurring micro-units, with the displacement between two adjacent micro-units, for example, between 0.2 μm and 5 μm, specifically, for example, between 0.2 μm and 1 μm, or it may be directly set to 0.4 μm. The micro-units are, for example, zigzag structures, with cross-sections of zigzag structures, for example, triangles, trapezoids, or rectangles. Of course, the embodiments of the present invention are not limited to this, and each secondary structure may also include non-periodic occurring micro-units. The secondary structure combines with the reflective structure layer 150 to produce color, which can be adjusted through the parameters of the secondary structure. Therefore, when viewed from one side of the first surface at a large angle relative to the first surface, the reflective structure layer 150 appears colored. By designing the distribution of the secondary structure in areas with large tilt angles, colored patterns can be formed. The appearance of these patterns depends on the viewing angle and can change with variations in the viewing angle. Thus, the colored patterns can form a dynamic anti-counterfeiting feature.

[0058] Furthermore, the anti-counterfeiting image layer can be created through methods such as coating and printing. The anti-counterfeiting image can be a static image, for example. Static images are formed through methods such as digital printing, printing, and laser coding. Static images do not change from multiple angles, which is beneficial for information storage and presentation, and digital printing easily achieves the goal of "one image per item." Static images may contain coded information. Specifically, static images can be one-dimensional or two-dimensional codes, such as Quick Response Codes (QR Codes). One-dimensional codes can use EAN, Code 39, Interleaved Code 25, UPC, Code 128, Code 93, ISBN, Codabar, etc. Two-dimensional codes can use PDF417, QR Code, Code 49, Code 16K, Code One, DataMatrix, Maxi Code, etc. These codes can be identified using handheld barcode readers, industrial assembly line barcode readers, smartphones, and other mobile terminals, and the identified coded data can be transmitted to a database for entry and comparison. Furthermore, QR codes can also be equipped with optical anti-counterfeiting features, for example.

[0059] Furthermore, the anti-counterfeiting image may include at least one position detection pattern. Even further, the anti-counterfeiting image may include three non-collinear position detection patterns.

[0060] Another embodiment of the present invention provides an anti-counterfeiting product, which includes the anti-counterfeiting image element of any of the foregoing embodiments of the present invention. The forms of the anti-counterfeiting product include, but are not limited to, banknotes such as paper banknotes and polymer banknotes, and identification cards such as credit cards, bank cards, cash cards, authorization cards, personal ID cards, and passports. The anti-counterfeiting image element is disposed, for example, in a localized area of ​​the anti-counterfeiting product. Of course, the present invention is not limited to this, and it can be disposed in other suitable locations as needed, which will not be listed here.

[0061] The anti-counterfeiting image elements of this invention are illustrated below with several specific examples:

[0062] Figure 2AThis is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of an anti-counterfeiting image element 10 with a spherical crown-shaped curved surface structure and an anti-counterfeiting image layer located on the second surface. It is merely an example of one scenario where the microstructure is a spherical crown-shaped curved surface and the anti-counterfeiting image layer is located on the second surface; the invention is not limited to this. In this embodiment, 11 is a transparent PET substrate with a thickness of 15µm to 30µm. An array 12 composed of spherical crown-shaped curved surface structures is formed on the upper surface of 11, with the lateral dimension of each curved surface structure ranging from 30µm to 50µm. The array 12 is prepared by laser direct writing and formed on the first surface, such as the upper surface, of the substrate 11 by UV imprinting or other methods. The maximum pitch angle of the array 12 can be designed, for example, to be 20 degrees. No reflective structure layer is present in the relatively flat region 14 of the array 12, for example, a region with a pitch angle of 0 to 8 degrees. A reflective structure layer is present in the relatively steep region 13, for example, a region with a pitch angle of 8 to 20 degrees. The reflective structure layer is, for example, a 30nm thick Al layer. The second surface of the substrate 11, such as the lower surface, has an anti-counterfeiting image. This anti-counterfeiting image may be, for example, a black-and-white coded image with a black area 15 and a white area 16. When an observer 171 is directly facing the substrate 11, the anti-counterfeiting image on the second surface can be observed along direction 17. However, when the observer 181 is at a larger angle to the substrate 11, only area 13 can be seen along direction 18. The reflective structural layer on area 13 partially or completely obscures the flat, translucent area 14, thus making it impossible to observe the anti-counterfeiting image on the second surface, or only a portion of the anti-counterfeiting image can be observed.

[0063] The reflective structure layer of array 12 can be achieved by vacuum evaporation of reflective material. After evaporation, the reflective material in the relatively flat area 14 of array 12 is removed by laser ablation. Alternatively, volatile material can be printed in contact with the relatively flat area of ​​array 12, and then reflective material can be evaporated. During the evaporation process, the volatile substance prevents the adhesion of the reflective material, thus forming area 14 without a reflective structure layer.

[0064] Figure 2BThis is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of an anti-counterfeiting image element 20 with a spherical crown-shaped curved surface structure and an anti-counterfeiting image layer located on a reflective structure layer. It is merely an example of one scenario where the microstructure is a spherical crown-shaped curved surface and the anti-counterfeiting image layer is located on a reflective structure layer; the invention is not limited to this. 21 is a transparent PET substrate with a thickness of 15µm to 30µm. An array 22 composed of spherical crown-shaped curved surface structures is formed on the upper surface of the substrate 21, with the lateral dimension of each curved surface structure ranging from 30µm to 50µm. The array 22 is prepared by laser direct writing and formed on the first surface, such as the upper surface, of the substrate 21 by UV imprinting or other methods. The maximum pitch angle of the array 22 can be designed, for example, to be 20 degrees. In the relatively flat region 24 of the array 22, where the pitch angle is 0 to 8 degrees, there is no reflective structure layer, while in the relatively steep region 25, where the pitch angle is 8 to 20 degrees, there is a reflective structure layer. The reflective structure layer is, for example, a 30nm thick Al layer. A transparent adhesive layer 23 is coated on the upper surface of array 22. The transparent adhesive layer 23 fills in the array 22. The refractive index of the transparent adhesive layer 23 is the same as or very close to the refractive index of array 22, so that light does not reflect or refract at the interface between array 22 and transparent adhesive layer 23. An anti-counterfeiting image is present on the upper surface of transparent adhesive layer 23. This anti-counterfeiting image is, for example, a black and white coded image with a black area 26 and a white area 27. When an observer 281 is facing the substrate 21 from the second surface side along direction 28, the black area 26 and the white area 27 of the anti-counterfeiting image can be observed. However, when the observer 291 is at a larger angle to the substrate 21 and observes along direction 29, only area 25 can be seen. The reflective structure layer on area 25 blocks part or all of the flat, light-transmitting area 24, so the anti-counterfeiting image on the second surface cannot be observed at all or only a part of the anti-counterfeiting image can be observed.

[0065] The reflective structure layer of array 22 can be achieved by vacuum evaporation of reflective material. After evaporation, the reflective material in the relatively flat area 24 of array 22 is removed by laser ablation. Alternatively, volatile materials can be printed in contact with the relatively flat area of ​​array 22, and then reflective material can be evaporated. During the evaporation process, the volatile substances prevent the adhesion of the reflective material, thus forming the area 24 without a reflective structure layer.

[0066] Figure 2C This is a cross-sectional structural diagram of an anti-counterfeiting image element 30 with a diffuse reflection microstructure and an anti-counterfeiting image layer located on a second surface. It is merely an example of one scenario where the microstructure is diffuse reflection and the anti-counterfeiting image layer is located on the second surface; the invention is not limited thereto. 31 is a transparent PET substrate with a thickness of 15 to 30 μm. Multiple diffuse reflection structures 32 with diffuse reflection characteristics are formed on the upper surface of the substrate 31. The diffuse reflection structures 32 can be formed by placing a group of... Figure 2A or Figure 2B The diffuse reflection structure 32 can be achieved by dividing and rearranging an array of spherical curved surface structures, or by randomly generating the azimuth and elevation angles of the diffuse reflection structure 32 using a computer. The lateral dimensions of the diffuse reflection structure 32 range from 10µm to 30µm. These diffuse reflection structures 32 can be prepared as originals using methods such as laser direct writing or electron beam direct writing, and formed on the first surface of the substrate 31, such as the upper surface, using methods such as UV imprinting. The maximum elevation angle of these diffuse reflection structures 32 can be designed, for example, to be 20 degrees, and the elevation angles and positions of these diffuse reflection structures 32 can be designed to be randomly distributed. In the relatively flat region 33 of the diffuse reflection structure 32, where the elevation angle is 0 to 8 degrees, there is no reflective structure layer, while in the relatively steep region 34, where the elevation angle is 8 to 20 degrees, there is a reflective structure layer. This reflective structure layer is selected as a 30nm thick Al layer. The second surface of the substrate 31, such as the lower surface, has an anti-counterfeiting image. This anti-counterfeiting image is a black and white coded image with a black area 35 and a white area 36. When the observer 371 is facing the substrate 31, the image of the second surface can be observed along direction 37. However, when the observer 381 is at a large angle to the substrate 31, only region 34 can be seen along direction 38. The reflective structure layer on region 34 blocks part or all of the flat, light-transmitting region 33, so the anti-counterfeiting image on the second surface cannot be observed at all or only a part of the anti-counterfeiting image can be observed.

[0067] The reflective structure layer of the diffuse reflection structure 32 can be achieved by vacuum evaporation of reflective material. After evaporation, the reflective material in the relatively flat areas of the diffuse reflection structure 32 is removed by laser ablation. Alternatively, volatile materials can be printed in contact with the relatively flat areas of the diffuse reflection structure 32, and then reflective material can be evaporated. During the evaporation process, the volatile substances prevent the adhesion of the reflective material, thus forming a region 33 without a reflective structure layer.

[0068] Of course, as mentioned earlier, similar to the example where the microstructure is a spherical cap-shaped curved surface, the present invention can also use the example where the microstructure is a diffuse reflection structure, i.e. Figure 2C The anti-counterfeiting image is set on a reflective structure layer on one side of the upper surface, and its structure and principle will not be described in detail here.

[0069] Figure 2D yes Figure 2A and Figure 2BA partial cross-sectional view of a secondary structure 42 is shown in the anti-counterfeiting image element. 40 is an array composed of multiple spherical cap-shaped curved surface structures. 41 is a region coated with a reflective structure layer Al, which does not contain any secondary structures. Secondary structures 42 are arranged on the spherical cap-shaped curved surface structures. Each secondary structure 42 is a submicron grating, and each secondary structure 42 includes, for example, periodically occurring micro-units, with the displacement between adjacent micro-units, for example, between 0.2 μm and 5 μm. The micro-units are, for example, serrated structures with a triangular cross-section. The surface of the secondary structure 42 is covered with a reflective structure layer Al. This combination can produce color through the principle of surface plasmon absorption or interference. 43 is a region without the reflective structure layer Al. 43 is located in a region with a small pitch angle, for example, 0 to 8 degrees, i.e., a relatively flat region, while 41 and 42 are located in a region with a large pitch angle, i.e., a relatively steep region, for example, 8 to 20 degrees. When viewed at an angle, the observer will see areas with larger pitch angles. These areas can be designed with at least one color pattern, and the color pattern can be distributed across areas with different pitch angles, corresponding to different viewing angles. Therefore, different color patterns appear at large viewing angles. For example, red patterns appear at 10 to 15 degrees, while blue patterns appear at 15 to 20 degrees.

[0070] Of course, as mentioned above, the secondary structure of the embodiments of the present invention is not limited to being set in Figure 2A and Figure 2B As shown in the microstructure, the present invention may also place the secondary structure on the microstructure of any embodiment or example provided in the embodiments of the present invention, and its structure and principle will not be described in detail here.

[0071] Figure 3A , 3B 3C are respectively Figure 2A and Figure 2BThe diagram illustrates the visual effects of the anti-counterfeiting image element under three different viewing angles. Image 51 shows the image observed when the anti-counterfeiting image element is rotated counter-clockwise. Image 56 shows a set of circular rings distributed within the observed image. The position, shape, and size of the rings depend on the angle of counter-clockwise rotation, which can further produce changes such as translation, rotation, image switching, image deformation, and / or image scaling. This transformation forms a dynamic anti-counterfeiting feature, which is a characteristic of the reflective structure layer that appears as the viewing angle changes due to the counter-clockwise rotation of the anti-counterfeiting image element. Image 52 shows the QR code 54 that appears when the anti-counterfeiting image element is viewed from the front. This QR code itself is static, meaning it does not change with the viewing angle. This can be achieved through printing or digital printing processes. The QR code can also have optical anti-counterfeiting features 55, such as holographic diffraction features, microlens array magnified dynamic features, and optical three-dimensional embossing features. 53 is the image observed when the anti-counterfeiting image element is rotated clockwise, and 57 is a set of circular rings distributed on the observed image. The position, shape, and size of the rings depend on the angle of clockwise rotation, which can further produce changes such as translation, rotation, image switching, image deformation, and / or image scaling. This transformation forms a dynamic anti-counterfeiting feature, which is a feature of the reflective structure layer that appears as the observation angle changes due to the counterclockwise rotation of the anti-counterfeiting image element.

[0072] In summary, the anti-counterfeiting image element and anti-counterfeiting product proposed in this embodiment of the invention, wherein the anti-counterfeiting image element comprises: a light-transmitting substrate layer, including a first surface and a second surface opposite to each other; a microstructure layer, located on the first surface, the microstructure layer including multiple microstructures, each microstructure including a smooth area and / or a non-smooth area, the pitch angle of the microstructure in the smooth area being smaller than the pitch angle of the microstructure in the non-smooth area; a reflective structure layer, located on the microstructure layer, the reflective structure layer covering at least a portion of the non-smooth area; and an anti-counterfeiting image layer, provided with an anti-counterfeiting image, the anti-counterfeiting image layer being located on the reflective structure layer or on the second surface, which can realize that the anti-counterfeiting image appears when viewed from the front and dynamic features appear when viewed from the side, thereby solving the technical problem that existing anti-counterfeiting products are easy to counterfeit.

[0073] It should also be noted that the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. Unless otherwise specified, an element defined by the phrase "comprising one..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that includes that element.

[0074] The above are merely embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the invention. Various modifications and variations can be made to the present invention by those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principle of the present invention should be included within the scope of the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. An anti-counterfeiting image element, characterized in that, include: A light-transmitting substrate layer, comprising a first surface and a second surface opposite to each other; A microstructure layer is located on the first surface. The microstructure layer includes a plurality of microstructures, each of which includes a smooth region and a non-smooth region. The pitch angle of the microstructure in the smooth region is smaller than the pitch angle of the microstructure in the non-smooth region. A reflective structure layer is located on the microstructure layer, and the reflective structure layer covers at least a portion of the non-smooth region; as well as An anti-counterfeiting image layer is provided with an anti-counterfeiting image, which is located on the reflective structure layer or on the second surface; The smooth area is used to transmit light; When the anti-counterfeiting image layer is located on the reflective structure layer, the anti-counterfeiting image is obtained when viewed from one side of the second surface and directly facing the second surface. When the anti-counterfeiting image layer is located on the second surface, the anti-counterfeiting image is obtained when viewed from one side of the first surface and directly facing the first surface.

2. The anti-counterfeiting image element according to claim 1, characterized in that, The material of the light-transmitting substrate layer is selected from at least one of PET plastic, BOPP plastic and PC plastic.

3. The anti-counterfeiting image element according to claim 1, characterized in that, The lateral dimensions of the microstructure range from 5µm to 100µm.

4. The anti-counterfeiting image element according to claim 1, characterized in that, The lateral dimensions of the microstructure range from 10µm to 50µm.

5. The anti-counterfeiting image element according to claim 1, characterized in that, The surface of the microstructure layer includes planes and / or curved surfaces.

6. The anti-counterfeiting image element according to claim 1, characterized in that, The microstructure is a spherical cap-shaped curved surface structure.

7. The anti-counterfeiting image element according to claim 1, characterized in that, The microstructure is a diffuse reflection structure.

8. The anti-counterfeiting image element according to claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: A transparent coating is located on the reflective structure layer, and the anti-counterfeiting image layer is located on the transparent coating.

9. The anti-counterfeiting image element according to claim 8, characterized in that, The refractive index of the transparent coating is the same as that of the microstructure, so that light does not reflect or refract when it passes through the interface between the microstructure and the transparent coating.

10. The anti-counterfeiting image element according to claim 1, characterized in that, The maximum pitch angle of the microstructure is greater than 5 degrees.

11. The anti-counterfeiting image element according to claim 1, characterized in that, The maximum pitch angle of the microstructure is greater than 10 degrees.

12. The anti-counterfeiting image element according to claim 1, characterized in that, The pitch angle of the microstructure in the non-flat region is not less than a preset value, and the pitch angle of the microstructure in the flat region is less than the preset value, wherein the preset value is 0.3 times the maximum value of the pitch angle of the microstructure.

13. The anti-counterfeiting image element according to claim 1, characterized in that, The reflective structure layer is a single-layer metal structure.

14. The anti-counterfeiting image element according to claim 1, characterized in that, The reflective structure layer is a multi-layer structure composed of metal and / or dielectric.

15. The anti-counterfeiting image element according to claim 1, characterized in that, The reflective structure layer provides dynamic anti-counterfeiting features.

16. The anti-counterfeiting image element according to claim 15, characterized in that, The dynamic anti-counterfeiting features include: the translational movement, rotational movement, image switching, image deformation, and / or image scaling of the reflective structure layer as the viewing angle changes.

17. The anti-counterfeiting image element according to claim 15, characterized in that, At least a portion of the non-flat region is provided with a secondary structure.

18. The anti-counterfeiting image element according to claim 17, characterized in that, The dynamic anti-counterfeiting feature includes: the color and / or pattern change of the reflective structure layer as the viewing angle changes.

19. The anti-counterfeiting image element according to claim 17, characterized in that, Each of the secondary structures comprises periodically occurring micro-units, with a displacement of 0.2 μm to 5 μm between two adjacent micro-units.

20. The anti-counterfeiting image element according to claim 19, characterized in that, The displacement between two adjacent micro-units is 0.2 μm to 1 μm.

21. The anti-counterfeiting image element according to claim 17, characterized in that, The secondary structure is a grating structure.

22. The anti-counterfeiting image element according to claim 1, characterized in that, The anti-counterfeiting image is a static image.

23. The anti-counterfeiting image element according to claim 22, characterized in that, The still image contains encoded information.

24. The anti-counterfeiting image element according to claim 23, characterized in that, The static image is a QR code.

25. The anti-counterfeiting image element according to claim 24, characterized in that, The static image is a Fast Response Code.

26. The anti-counterfeiting image element according to claim 24, characterized in that, The QR code is equipped with optical anti-counterfeiting features.

27. The anti-counterfeiting image element according to claim 1, characterized in that, The anti-counterfeiting image is equipped with at least one location detection graphic.

28. The anti-counterfeiting image element according to claim 1, characterized in that, The anti-counterfeiting image is equipped with three non-collinear position detection patterns.

29. An anti-counterfeiting product, characterized in that, Includes the anti-counterfeiting image element according to any one of claims 1 to 28.

30. The anti-counterfeiting product according to claim 29, characterized in that, The anti-counterfeiting products include paper banknotes, polymer banknotes, credit cards, bank cards, cash cards, authorization cards, personal ID cards, or passports.

Images