Optical security element

Abstract

This invention relates to the field of optical anti-counterfeiting technology and discloses an optical anti-counterfeiting element, including at least one focusing unit. The focusing unit includes a substrate, a focusing element, and an image layer. The substrate includes a first surface and a second surface disposed opposite to each other; the focusing element is disposed on the second surface; the image layer is disposed on the first surface. The central portion of the focusing unit, when projected onto the image layer, forms a first region, and the remaining portion of the focusing unit, when projected onto the image layer, forms a second region. The second region is disposed around the first region. On the image layer, the area outside the projection range of the focusing unit onto the image layer is a third region, which is disposed around the second region. The first region is provided with micro-graphic strokes, and the second and third regions are also provided with supplementary graphic strokes. The sum of the areas of the micro-graphic strokes and supplementary graphic strokes within a focusing unit is a preset area value, reducing the unevenness of the background color of the optical anti-counterfeiting element.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] Optical anti-counterfeiting elements are materials or devices with anti-counterfeiting functions produced using optical technology. Due to their unique visual effects and easy identification, they are widely used in high-security products such as banknotes, credit cards, passports, and securities, as well as other high-value-added products. Microlens array anti-counterfeiting utilizes microlens arrays as sampling tools to sample micro-image arrays, thereby achieving a large depth of field or strong dynamic effects. This technology has become one of the most important technologies in the field of optical anti-counterfeiting.

[0003] like Figure 1 As shown, although the 3D and dynamic effects formed by aperiodic graphics greatly enhance anti-counterfeiting capabilities, the density of micro-graphics varies significantly across different areas. This is because most micro-graphics are currently filled with high-contrast pigments. Therefore, areas with denser micro-graphics, compared to areas with sparser or no micro-graphics, exhibit noticeable unevenness in the existing background color. The visible color imprints could be dynamic patterns or 3D outlines. These visually discernible but unnecessary color imprints affect the intended viewing experience, interfering with the 3D clarity and dynamic effects, and consequently impacting the overall anti-counterfeiting performance. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In view of this, the present invention provides an optical anti-counterfeiting element to solve the problem that the macroscopic color unevenness of existing optical anti-counterfeiting elements causes interference with the presentation of the anti-counterfeiting effect.

[0005] In a first aspect, the present invention provides an optical anti-counterfeiting element, comprising at least one focusing unit, the focusing unit comprising:

[0006] The substrate includes a first surface and a second surface disposed opposite to each other;

[0007] A focusing element is disposed on the second surface;

[0008] An image layer is disposed on the first surface. The central portion of the focusing unit is projected onto the image layer to form a first region. The remaining portion of the focusing unit is projected onto the image layer to form a second region. The second region is disposed around the first region. The area on the image layer outside the projection range of the focusing unit onto the image layer is a third region. The third region is disposed around the second region. The first region is provided with micro-text strokes. The second region and the third region are also provided with supplementary text strokes. The sum of the areas of the micro-text strokes and the supplementary text strokes within a focusing unit is a preset area value.

[0009] Beneficial effects: The focusing unit of the optical anti-counterfeiting element is equipped with a first region, a second region, and a third region. The micro-graphic strokes set in the first region can be magnified through the central part of the focusing unit. Multiple focusing units combined can form an anti-counterfeiting image on a macroscopic level. By setting supplementary graphic strokes in the second and third regions, the micro-graphic strokes and supplementary graphic strokes work together on a macroscopic level to form a background with a uniform color, thereby reducing the generation of visible dynamic changes or three-dimensional outlines. Specifically, the sum of the areas of the micro-graphic strokes and supplementary graphic strokes within a focusing unit is a preset area value, which ensures that the sum of the areas of the micro-graphic strokes and supplementary graphic strokes within different focusing units is basically the same. This results in the micro-graphic strokes and supplementary graphic strokes being evenly distributed on the first surface. By using supplementary graphic strokes to even out the density of the micro-graphic strokes, the unevenness of the background color formed by multiple focusing units on a macroscopic scale is effectively reduced. This effectively eliminates or reduces the visible dynamic change trajectory or three-dimensional outline, reducing its impact on the preset observation effect and improving the overall anti-counterfeiting effect of the optical anti-counterfeiting element.

[0010] In one alternative implementation, a plurality of the supplementary graphic strokes are evenly distributed in the second region and the third region.

[0011] Beneficial effects: The above settings can further homogenize the background color on a macroscopic level and further reduce the visible dynamic changes or three-dimensional outlines.

[0012] In one optional implementation, the preset area value accounts for a proportion of the set area value in the range of [80%, 120%], and the set area value accounts for a proportion of the sum of the areas of the first region, the second region, and the third region in the range of [10%, 80%].

[0013] Beneficial effects: By setting preset area values ​​and set area values, the sum of the areas of micro-text strokes and supplementary text strokes within a focusing unit can be made to be basically the same. Therefore, under macroscopic conditions, the density of micro-text strokes in different areas cannot be distinguished by the naked eye, thus eliminating uneven imprints caused by the different density of micro-text strokes when only micro-text strokes exist.

[0014] In one optional implementation, it further includes at least one graphic area, each graphic area having at least one focusing unit, and the set area value of each focusing unit in the same graphic area being the same.

[0015] Beneficial effects: It can make the background color uniform within the same text and image area, and eliminate non-preset dynamic changes or three-dimensional outlines within the text and image area.

[0016] In one alternative embodiment, the focusing element has at least one reflective layer on the side away from the first surface.

[0017] Beneficial effect: The reflective layer can reflect light, so that the light forming the anti-counterfeiting image on the macroscopic surface can be observed on one side of the first surface.

[0018] In one alternative embodiment, the reflective layer includes at least one of a dielectric layer or a metallic reflective structure layer.

[0019] Beneficial effects: By setting at least one of the dielectric layer and the metal reflective structure layer, a bright single background color or light-changing color can be formed on a macroscopic scale, enhancing the anti-counterfeiting visual effect.

[0020] In one optional embodiment, the focal length range of the focusing element is [10μm, 2000μm].

[0021] Beneficial effects: It can effectively magnify the micro-text and strokes in the first area, making the anti-counterfeiting image presented by the optical anti-counterfeiting element clearer and optimizing the anti-counterfeiting observation effect.

[0022] In one alternative embodiment, the thickness of the substrate ranges from [10 μm to 300 μm].

[0023] Beneficial effects: It can match the focal length range of the above-mentioned focusing element, ensuring that the anti-counterfeiting image formed by the micro-text strokes in the first area magnified by the focusing element is clear.

[0024] In an alternative implementation, an integration region is further included, the integration region being disposed on the image layer or the second surface.

[0025] Beneficial effects: The integrated area enables optical anti-counterfeiting elements to form multiple anti-counterfeiting effects, and the integrated area can work with anti-counterfeiting images to enhance the overall anti-counterfeiting capability of the optical anti-counterfeiting elements.

[0026] In one alternative implementation, the area of ​​the integrated region is [10%, 90%] of the area of ​​the image layer or the area of ​​the second surface.

[0027] Beneficial effects: The integrated area, together with the micro-text and graphic strokes in the first area, forms a macro-image that can create a variety of anti-counterfeiting effects. The area of ​​the integrated area, combined with the graphic and graphic area, ensures that the anti-counterfeiting effects created by the two do not affect each other. Attached Figure Description

[0028] To more clearly illustrate the specific embodiments of the present invention or the technical solutions in the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the specific embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained from these drawings without creative effort.

[0029] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of anti-counterfeiting images for optical anti-counterfeiting elements in existing technology;

[0030] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of an anti-counterfeiting image of an optical anti-counterfeiting element according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0031] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a focusing unit according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0032] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an optical anti-counterfeiting element according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0033] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of another optical anti-counterfeiting element according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0035] 11. First area; 12. Second area; 13. Third area;

[0036] 2. Substrate; 21. First surface; 22. Second surface;

[0037] 3. Focusing element; 31. Reflective layer;

[0038] 4. Micro-image and text strokes;

[0039] 5. Add strokes to the illustrations and text;

[0040] 6. Anti-counterfeiting images;

[0041] 7. Background; Existing background 7';

[0042] 8. Integration area. Detailed Implementation

[0043] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0044] like Figure 1 As shown, although the 3D and dynamic effects formed by aperiodic graphics greatly enhance the anti-counterfeiting capabilities, the density of micro-graphics varies significantly in different areas. Since most micro-graphics are currently filled with high-contrast pigments, areas with denser micro-graphics appear unevenly colored compared to areas with sparser or no micro-graphics. The visible color imprints in these areas could be dynamic patterns or three-dimensional outlines. These visible but unnecessary color imprints affect the intended viewing experience, interfering with the 3D clarity and dynamic effects, and ultimately impacting the overall anti-counterfeiting effect.

[0045] The following is combined with Figures 2 to 5 This describes an embodiment of the optical anti-counterfeiting element of the present invention.

[0046] According to an embodiment of the present invention, an optical anti-counterfeiting element is provided, comprising at least one focusing unit, the focusing unit comprising a substrate 2, a focusing element 3, and an image layer. The substrate 2 comprises a first surface 21 and a second surface 22 disposed opposite to each other; the focusing element 3 is disposed on the second surface 22; the image layer is disposed on the first surface 21, the central portion of the focusing unit is projected onto the image layer to form a first region 11, the remaining portion of the focusing unit is projected onto the image layer to form a second region 12, the second region 12 is disposed around the first region 11, and the area of ​​the focusing unit outside the projection range of the image layer is a third region 13, the third region 13 is disposed around the second region 12, the first region 11 and / or the second region 12 and / or the third region 13 are provided with micro-graphic strokes 4, the second region 12 and the third region 13 are also provided with supplementary graphic strokes 5, and the sum of the areas of the micro-graphic strokes 4 and the supplementary graphic strokes 5 within a focusing unit is a preset area value.

[0047] The optical anti-counterfeiting element provided in this embodiment has a first region 11, a second region 12, and a third region 13 within its focusing unit. The micro-graphic strokes 4 within the first region 11 can be magnified through the central portion of the focusing unit. Multiple focusing units combined can macroscopically form an anti-counterfeiting image 6. By providing supplementary graphic strokes 5 within the second region 12 and the third region 13, the micro-graphic strokes 4 and the supplementary graphic strokes 5 work together macroscopically to form a background 7 with a uniform color, thereby reducing the generation of visible dynamic changes or three-dimensional contours. Specifically, the sum of the areas of the micro-graphic strokes 4 and the supplementary graphic strokes 5 within a focusing unit is a preset area value, which ensures that the sum of the areas of the micro-graphic strokes 4 and the supplementary graphic strokes 5 within different focusing units is the same. This results in the micro-graphic strokes 4 and the supplementary graphic strokes 5 being evenly distributed on the first surface 21. By using the supplementary graphic strokes 5 to even out the density of the micro-graphic strokes 4, the unevenness of the background color 7 formed by multiple focusing units on a macroscopic scale is effectively reduced. This effectively eliminates or reduces the visible dynamic change trajectory or three-dimensional outline, reducing its impact on the preset observation effect and improving the overall anti-counterfeiting effect of the optical anti-counterfeiting element.

[0048] It should be noted that the micro-graphic strokes 4 should be set according to the desired effect of the anti-counterfeiting image 6, and the density of the micro-graphic strokes 4 in different focusing units is also set according to the desired effect of the anti-counterfeiting image 6. The preset area value is set according to the desired anti-counterfeiting image 6 and the colored background 7, and it should be ensured that the colored background 7 will not affect the presentation of the anti-counterfeiting image 6 in a macroscopic visual effect; the central region in this embodiment refers to the region that can produce a magnification effect determined by the inherent properties of the focusing element 3. The center of the projection of the central region on the first surface 21 coincides with the center of the first region 11, and the radius of the first region 11 accounts for the range of the overall projection radius of the focusing element 3 on the first surface 21 as [10%, 80%].

[0049] In this embodiment, the preferred ratio of the radius of the first region 11 to the projection radius of the entire focusing element 3 on the first surface 21 is 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, or 80%.

[0050] In one embodiment, the micro-text strokes 4 and the supplementary text strokes 5 each include one or more combinations of micro-printed patterns, surface micro-relief micro-patterns filled with pigments and dyes, line structure micro-patterns, and printed patterns. Through the above structure, the micro-text strokes 4 in the first region 11 can form an anti-counterfeiting image 6 on a macroscopic level, while the micro-text strokes 4 and the supplementary text strokes 5 in the second region 12 and the third region 13 form a colored background 7 on a macroscopic level.

[0051] In one embodiment, a plurality of supplementary graphic strokes 5 are evenly distributed within the second region 12 and the third region 13. This arrangement further homogenizes the color of the background 7 macroscopically and further reduces the visible dynamic changes or three-dimensional outlines.

[0052] It should be noted that the preset spacing value should be set according to the background 7 that needs to be presented macroscopically.

[0053] In one embodiment, the preset area value accounts for a range of [80%, 120%] of the set area value, and the set area value accounts for a range of [10%, 80%] of the sum of the areas of the first region 11, the second region 12, and the third region 13. By setting the preset area value and the set area value, the sum of the areas of the micro-text strokes 4 and the supplementary text strokes 5 within a focusing unit can be made to be substantially the same. Therefore, under macroscopic conditions, the density of the micro-text strokes 4 in different regions cannot be distinguished by the naked eye, thus eliminating the uneven imprint caused by the different density of the micro-text strokes 4 when only micro-text strokes 4 exist.

[0054] In one embodiment, the system further includes at least one graphic area, each graphic area having at least one focusing unit, and the set area values ​​of the focusing units within the same graphic area being the same. By making the set area values ​​of the focusing units within the same graphic area the same, the background color 7 within the same graphic area can be made uniform, thereby eliminating non-preset dynamic change trajectories or three-dimensional outlines within the graphic area.

[0055] It should be noted that the optical anti-counterfeiting element may have multiple graphic areas, and several matching anti-counterfeiting images 6 are set in one graphic area. By making the set area value of each focusing unit in the same graphic area the same, the background 7 color in the graphic area is ensured to be uniform. In other embodiments, the set area value of each focusing unit in all graphic areas may also be the same, so that the background 7 color of the optical anti-counterfeiting element as a whole is consistent, further eliminating non-preset dynamic change trajectories or three-dimensional outlines.

[0056] In this embodiment, the ratio of the preset area value to the set area value is preferably 80%, 90%, 100%, 110%, or 120%; the preferred ratio of the set area value to the sum of the areas of the first region 11, the second region 12, and the third region 13 is 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, or 80%.

[0057] In one embodiment, the focusing element 3 has at least one reflective layer 31 on the side away from the first surface 21. The reflective layer 31 reflects light so that the light that forms the anti-counterfeiting image 6 macroscopically can be observed on the side of the first surface 21. In another embodiment, the focusing element 3 does not have the reflective layer 31, so that the light that forms the anti-counterfeiting image 6 macroscopically can be observed on the side of the second surface 22.

[0058] In one embodiment, the reflective layer 31 includes at least one of a dielectric layer or a metallic reflective structure layer. By providing at least one of a dielectric layer and a metallic reflective structure layer for the reflective layer 31, the anti-counterfeiting image 6 can be clearly observed on one side of the second surface 22. By providing at least one of a dielectric layer and a metallic reflective structure layer, a bright single background color or light-changing color can be formed macroscopically, enhancing the anti-counterfeiting visual effect.

[0059] In one embodiment, the focal length range of the focusing element 3 is [10μm, 2000μm]. This effectively magnifies the micro-graphic strokes 4 within the first region 11, making the anti-counterfeiting image 6 presented by the optical anti-counterfeiting element clearer and optimizing the anti-counterfeiting observation effect.

[0060] In this embodiment, the focal length of the focusing element 3 is preferably 10μm, 15μm, 70μm or 2000μm.

[0061] In one embodiment, the thickness of the substrate 2 ranges from [10 μm to 300 μm]. 。 It can match the focal length range of the aforementioned focusing element 3, ensuring that the anti-counterfeiting image 6 formed by the micro-text strokes 4 in the first region 11 magnified by the focusing element 3 is clear.

[0062] In this embodiment, the thickness of the substrate 1 is preferably 10 μm, 150 μm or 300 μm.

[0063] In one embodiment, an integrated region 8 is further included, which is disposed on the image layer or the second surface 22. The integrated region 8 enables the optical anti-counterfeiting element to form a variety of anti-counterfeiting effects, and the integrated region 8 can cooperate with the anti-counterfeiting image 6 to enhance the overall anti-counterfeiting capability of the optical anti-counterfeiting element.

[0064] In one embodiment, the integrated region 8 includes one or more of the following elements: holographic grating, Fresnel relief grating, subwavelength microstructure unit, reflective blazed grating, printed pattern, coated with ink, fluorescent, magnetic, phosphorescent, selective absorption micro / nano structure, etc.

[0065] In one embodiment, the area of ​​the integrated region 8 accounts for [10% to 90%] of the area of ​​the image layer or the area of ​​the second surface 22. The integrated region 8, together with the micro-text strokes 4 in the first region 11, forms a macroscopic image that can create a variety of anti-counterfeiting effects. The area of ​​the integrated region 8, combined with the text area, ensures that the anti-counterfeiting effects formed by the two do not affect each other.

[0066] In this embodiment, the area of ​​the integrated region 4 is preferably 10%, 45%, or 90% of the area of ​​the image layer 2 or the area of ​​the second surface 12.

[0067] In one embodiment, the optical anti-counterfeiting element does not have a reflective layer 31, and the integrated region 8 is disposed on the second surface 22. When the optical anti-counterfeiting element is observed from the second surface 22 side, the anti-counterfeiting effect formed by the integrated region 8 can be observed. In another embodiment, the focusing element 3 has at least one reflective layer 31 disposed on the side away from the first surface 21, and the integrated region 8 is disposed on the image layer. When the optical anti-counterfeiting element is observed from the first surface 21 side, the anti-counterfeiting effect formed by the integrated region 8 can be observed.

[0068] The basic working principle of the optical anti-counterfeiting element provided in this embodiment is as follows:

[0069] Because the required anti-counterfeiting image 6 varies, the positions of the micro-text strokes 4 forming the anti-counterfeiting image 6 within a text area are also set according to the needs of the anti-counterfeiting image 6. Therefore, the micro-text strokes 4 within a text area will have uneven density. The uneven density of the micro-text strokes 4 will macroscopically form an existing background 7' with uneven color, and will present a dynamic change trajectory or three-dimensional outline that affects the preset observation effect. By setting supplementary text strokes 5 in the second area 12 and the third area 13 where the anti-counterfeiting image 6 cannot be formed macroscopically, the sparse positions of the micro-text strokes 4 can be supplemented. Furthermore, by making the sum of the areas of the micro-text strokes 4 and the supplementary text strokes 5 in each focusing unit equal to a preset area value, the sum of the areas of the micro-text strokes 4 and the supplementary text strokes 5 in each focusing unit can be made basically consistent, thereby making the macroscopically visible background 7 within a text area uniform in color, and thus eliminating the dynamic change trajectory or three-dimensional outline caused by uneven color.

[0070] Although embodiments of the invention have been described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, those skilled in the art can make various modifications and variations without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, and all such modifications and variations fall within the scope defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. An optical anti-counterfeiting element, characterized in that, Includes at least one focusing unit, the focusing unit comprising: The substrate (2) includes a first surface (21) and a second surface (22) disposed opposite to each other; A focusing element (3) is disposed on the second surface (22); An image layer is disposed on the first surface (21). The central part of the focusing unit is projected onto the image layer to form a first region (11). The remaining part of the focusing unit is projected onto the image layer to form a second region (12). The second region (12) is disposed around the first region (11). The area of ​​the focusing unit outside the projection range of the image layer is a third region (13). The third region (13) is disposed around the second region (12). The first region (11) is provided with micro-text strokes (4). The second region (12) and the third region (13) are also provided with supplementary text strokes (5). The sum of the areas of the micro-text strokes (4) and the supplementary text strokes (5) in a focusing unit is a preset area value.

2. The optical anti-counterfeiting element according to claim 1, characterized in that, Several of the supplementary graphic strokes (5) are evenly arranged in the second region (12) and the third region (13).

3. The optical anti-counterfeiting element according to claim 1, characterized in that, The preset area value accounts for a proportion of the set area value in the range of [80%, 120%], and the set area value accounts for a proportion of the sum of the areas of the first region (11), the second region (12) and the third region (13) in the range of [10%, 80%].

4. The optical anti-counterfeiting element according to claim 3, characterized in that, It also includes at least one graphic area, and each graphic area is provided with at least one focusing unit, and the set area value of each focusing unit in the same graphic area is the same.

5. The optical anti-counterfeiting element according to claim 1, characterized in that, The focusing element (3) has at least one reflective layer (31) on the side away from the first surface (21).

6. The optical anti-counterfeiting element according to claim 5, characterized in that, The reflective layer (31) includes at least one of a dielectric layer or a metallic reflective structure layer.

7. The optical anti-counterfeiting element according to claim 1, characterized in that, The focal length range of the focusing element (3) is [10μm, 2000μm].

8. The optical anti-counterfeiting element according to claim 1, characterized in that, The thickness range of the substrate (2) is [10 μm, 300 μm].

9. The optical anti-counterfeiting element according to any one of claims 1-8, characterized in that, It also includes an integration region (8) disposed on the image layer or the second surface (22).

10. The optical anti-counterfeiting element according to claim 9, characterized in that, The area of ​​the integrated region (8) is [10%, 90%] of the area of ​​the image layer or the area of ​​the second surface (22).

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