Method for generating a region on a surface of a substrate suitable for displaying a plurality of images, substrate and corresponding object
Patent Information
- Application Number
- PCT/ES2025/070155
- Authority / Receiving Office
- WO · WO
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-03-21
- Publication Date
- 2026-09-24
Smart Images
Figure ES2025070155_24092026_PF_FP_ABST
Abstract
Description
[0001] DESCRIPTION
[0002] PROCEDURE FOR GENERATING A REGION ON A SUBSTRATE SURFACE SUITABLE FOR DISPLAYING A PLURALITY OF IMAGES, SUBSTRATE AND CORRESPONDING OBJECT
[0003] Technology sector
[0004] The invention relates to a method for generating a region on a substrate surface, more specifically to a method for generating a region suitable for displaying a plurality of images, such that each image is observable by a user from at least one different direction.
[0005] State of the art
[0006] Currently, it is known how to generate regions on the surface of substrates in such a way that the region displays a plurality of images, each observable by a user from at least one different direction.
[0007] This type of technology is already known for various applications, such as in trading cards, where different images are displayed depending on the viewing angle. It is also known for its use as an anti-counterfeiting technique, for example, in banknotes, coins, etc.
[0008] It is known that the process of generating said region comprises the generation of a plurality of reliefs distributed regularly over the surface of the region, where each relief comprises four faces arranged in a substantially pyramidal shape.
[0009] Each face of the plurality of pyramid-shaped reliefs functions as a pixel of an image, so that all faces with the same orientation form a complete image.
[0010] It is known that the faces corresponding to a dark pixel of the corresponding image are altered by changing the inclination of the face, so that the light reflected on these faces does not reach the user directly, so that, by contrast between a brighter face and a darker one to the user's eye, the desired image is eventually composed.
[0011] This has the problem that it complicates the generation of the plurality of reliefs, increasing the cost of generating the region on the surface of the substrate, since it is very difficult to generate such plurality of reliefs due to the complexity of its geometry.
[0012] It is also known that these regions are made by mechanical means, for example, using a punch; however, this has the problem that, for each type of surface (flat, curved, etc.), and / or images to be generated, a new punch must first be generated, that is, the punch used cannot be easily adapted for the generation of another region (with another type of surface and / or other images to be generated), so a significant investment of time and money is required.
[0013] Another problem is that generating the plurality of reliefs directly on the final object, when it is made of plastic or rubber, leads to the generation of many errors, resulting in a defective final finish.
[0014] Likewise, another problem is that using this procedure it is difficult to generate these regions when the substrate surface is curved, having to adapt the punch to the curved geometry, where the curvature of the punch has to be perfect with the substrate surface where this region is to be generated, because otherwise errors may appear or the plurality of reliefs generated may not be homogeneous.
[0015] Therefore, a procedure for generating a region on a substrate surface is needed that is simpler to generate, and therefore has a lower associated cost, and / or has better adaptability in generating the region, more easily obtaining a more homogeneous result, and / or obtaining better scalability of the region for materials such as plastic or rubber.
[0016] Object of the invention
[0017] In order to achieve this objective and solve the technical problems discussed so far, as well as provide additional advantages that may be derived later, the present invention provides a method for generating a region on a substrate surface suitable for displaying a plurality of images, such that each image is observable by a user from at least one different direction, comprising: - establishing a configuration of the region to display the plurality of images, where the region comprises a plurality of reliefs distributed regularly on the surface of the region, where each relief comprises four faces arranged in a substantially pyramidal shape; where each face of the respective reliefs is related to a different image, and where the faces related to the same image have the same orientation;and generating a plurality of reliefs on the substrate region according to the configuration established for the region; wherein the generation of the plurality of reliefs is carried out by means of at least one ultrashort pulse laser and wherein a selective roughness is generated on at least one of the faces of the plurality of reliefs by means of the at least one ultrashort pulse laser according to the configuration established for the region to display the plurality of images.;
[0018] This configuration makes the procedure easily adaptable to the operator's needs, allowing the procedure to be altered depending on the images to be generated and / or the physical characteristics of the substrate, such as material and / or shape of the surface (flat or curved) on which the region is generated, reducing the cost of the procedure compared to the state of the art.
[0019] Furthermore, by generating pyramidal reliefs, up to four images can be obtained that are observable by a user from at least one different direction each, improving the usefulness of the procedure as an anti-counterfeiting technique.
[0020] Additionally, because each face of the respective reliefs is related to a different image, and these faces related to the same image have the same orientation, each face related to the same image functions as a pixel of the respective image.
[0021] Furthermore, the generation of selective roughness on at least one of the faces of the plurality of reliefs allows that face to act as a dark pixel in the corresponding image, making it less luminous than the light reflected by a face with the same orientation (i.e., related to the same image) without the roughness. Thus, by contrasting a brighter face with a darker one, the desired image is ultimately created by the user's eye. Therefore, since the dark pixel effect is obtained by means of a rough face, rather than by the pyramidal deformation of the plurality of reliefs (i.e., by modifying the angle of inclination of specific faces), the resulting region is more durable and less fragile.
[0022] Preferably, the plurality of reliefs are generated in low relief or high relief, that is, with geometries that sink or protrude from the surface of the substrate.
[0023] In the event that the plurality of reliefs are generated in relief, it is achieved that if the region is illuminated (for example, by means of a flashlight) a plurality of faces are also illuminated, so that the image (or images) corresponding to said plurality of faces is observable from other directions.
[0024] For example, if the region is illuminated from four different directions, each direction being substantially parallel to the direction of a plurality of different faces (i.e., related to a specific image), it allows the user to observe four different images at the same time from a direction perpendicular to the surface of the region, improving the usefulness of the procedure as an anti-counterfeiting technique, by expanding the number of possible images observable from the region, for example from the same region and depending on the illumination, any one of the four "original" images and / or any combination of these could be observable.
[0025] In the case that the plurality of reliefs are generated in low relief, this effect is also achieved, but to a lesser extent with respect to the plurality of reliefs in high relief, being the contrast between the dark pixels (faces with roughness) and the light pixels (flat faces without roughness).
[0026] In the case that the plurality of reliefs are generated in low relief on a substrate that is an injection mold, said injection mold, when generating said region on an object (such as, for example, caps, shoe soles, watches, containers, etc.), would generate a plurality of reliefs in high relief.
[0027] Preferably, for the generation of roughness, the procedure of the invention comprises a step prior to the generation of the plurality of reliefs where a first roughness is generated on the surface of the region by means of at least one ultrashort pulse laser, obtaining at least one rough face, thereby improving the contrast between the rough faces and the flat faces (i.e., faces without roughness), improving the definition and resolution of the images.
[0028] Additionally or alternatively to the generation of the first roughness, for the generation of the roughness the procedure of the invention comprises generating a second roughness during the generation of the plurality of reliefs by generating grooves on the at least one rough face by means of the at least one ultrashort pulse laser, thereby improving the contrast between the rough faces and the flat faces, improving the definition and resolution of the images.
[0029] Furthermore, by combining the generation of the first roughness and the second roughness, a final roughness of better quality is achieved, further improving the definition and resolution of the images.
[0030] Since the contrast between the dark and light pixels of the corresponding images is achieved through the difference in roughness of the respective faces of the plurality of reliefs, the control and versatility of contrast between these faces is improved, allowing the intensity of the contrast to be modulated by modifying the roughness.
[0031] Preferably, the procedure comprises a step after the generation of the plurality of reliefs where a casting or polishing treatment is carried out by means of at least one ultrashort pulse laser on at least one flat face without roughness of the plurality of reliefs to define a bright finish of the at least one flat face, thereby making the at least one flat face (i.e. without roughness) reflect even more light, improving the contrast between the rough faces and the flat faces, providing a better finish.
[0032] Preferably, the configuration established for the pyramidal shape of the plurality of reliefs includes not generating a pyramid vertex, thus achieving a cleaner and more differentiated finish between the faces of the plurality of reliefs. This is because if the same pyramidal relief includes a vertex, the rough face could contaminate the luminosity of the neighboring flat faces, decreasing the definition of the respective images.Preferably, during the generation of the plurality of reliefs, a separation is left between reliefs, so that, in the case of using said substrate as an injection mold, when using it to generate an object, in such a way that said object comprises a region with a plurality of reliefs, by means of injection of a material, for example plastic, it is possible to facilitate the filling of the reliefs by the material that fills the injection mold, obtaining a better definition of said region of the object and facilitating the subsequent demolding of the object.
[0033] As mentioned, the present invention also relates to a substrate comprising a surface with a region generated according to the procedure mentioned above for use as an injection mold.
[0034] Also included in the present invention is an object with a region on a surface suitable for displaying a plurality of images obtainable by injecting a material into the aforementioned substrate.
[0035] In this way, by using the substrate as an injection mold, better adaptability is achieved in generating the region on the substrate surface, whether curved or not, more easily obtaining a more homogeneous result.
[0036] Likewise, if the object is made of plastic or rubber, the use of an injection mold allows for better results.
[0037] Description of the figures
[0038] Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a region, according to an example of an embodiment of the present invention, where the plurality of reliefs are generated in low relief.
[0039] Figure 2 shows a more detailed perspective view of the plurality of reliefs in Figure 1.
[0040] Figure 3 shows a perspective view of a region, according to an example embodiment of the present invention, where the plurality of reliefs are in relief. Figure 4 shows a more detailed perspective view of the plurality of reliefs in Figure 3.
[0041] Figure 5 shows a plan view of a region according to an example embodiment of the present invention.
[0042] Figure 6 shows a perspective view of a region, according to an example embodiment of the present invention, where the region is curved.
[0043] Figure 7 shows a more detailed perspective view of the plurality of reliefs in Figure 6.
[0044] Detailed description of the invention
[0045] As can be seen in Figure 1, the present invention deals with the generation of a region (1) on a substrate surface suitable for displaying a plurality of images, such that each image is observable by a user from at least one different direction.
[0046] Specifically, the procedure involves generating a plurality of reliefs (2) in the region (1), as can be seen in figures 1 to 7.
[0047] For better visualization of the different reliefs (2) from different angles, the reliefs (2) are distributed regularly over the surface of the region (1), either in columns and rows parallel to each other (as can be seen in figure 5) or in a staggered pattern, that is, in rows parallel to each other, but in such a way that each relief (2) of a row corresponds to the gap between the corresponding reliefs (2) of the next row.
[0048] Each of the reliefs (2) of the plurality of reliefs (2) comprises four faces (3) arranged in a substantially pyramidal shape, where each face (3) of the respective reliefs (2) is related to a different image and where the faces (3) related to the same image have the same orientation, such that if a user observes said region (1) from a direction parallel to the direction of one of the faces (3), all the faces (3) related to the same image (which have the same orientation) are observable from that direction. This allows each face (3) of the plurality of reliefs (2) to function as a pixel of its corresponding image, so that by contrast between a brighter face (3) and a darker one to the user's eye, the desired image is composed.
[0049] To achieve this contrast, the plurality of faces (3) comprises rough faces (3.1) that function as a dark pixel of the corresponding image and flat faces (3.2), i.e., faces without roughness, that function as a light pixel of the corresponding image.
[0050] It should be noted that, although in the figures the rough faces (3.1) appear with grooves in said rough faces (3.1), it is not ruled out that the roughness is obtained by other means, as will be mentioned later.
[0051] Therefore, these rough surfaces (3.1) have a matte finish, that is, with less shine or reflecting less light, compared to the flat surfaces (3.2), so this contrast ends up composing the desired image.
[0052] Additionally, if it is desired to accentuate this contrast, the flat faces (3.2) can have a glossy finish, which makes the flat faces (3.2) reflect even more light, improving the contrast between the rough faces (3.1) and the flat faces (3.2), providing a better finish.
[0053] In one embodiment of the invention, the plurality of reliefs (2) are generated in low relief, as can be seen in figures 1 and 2. This allows the user to primarily view any one of the "original" images. Likewise, if the substrate where the region (1) is generated is an injection mold, generating said region (1) on an object (such as, for example, caps, shoe soles, watches, containers, etc.) would generate a plurality of reliefs (2) in high relief.
[0054] Likewise, in another embodiment of the present invention, the plurality of reliefs (2) are in relief, as can be seen in figures 3 and 4, so that when the region (1) is illuminated, a plurality of faces (3) of the plurality of reliefs (2) are also illuminated, so that the image(s) corresponding to said plurality of faces (3) can be observed from other directions.
[0055] As can be seen in figures 6 and 7, region (1) can be generated on curved surfaces, and this procedure can be used on all types of substrate surfaces.
[0056] Likewise, in the case that region (1) is made on a curved surface, to ensure that the corresponding images are observable from different directions, the respective faces (3) related to an image could have orientations (direction perpendicular to the surface of face (3)) parallel to each other.
[0057] That is, the plurality of pyramidal reliefs (2) would be generated preferably in such a way that the “base” of each pyramidal relief (2) (which would be substantially quadrangular) is located on a plane substantially parallel to the planes where the bases of the rest of the pyramidal reliefs (2) are located respectively, as can be seen in figure 7.
[0058] As can be seen in the figures, it is considered that each relief (2) of the plurality of reliefs (2) with a substantially pyramidal shape does not include a pyramid vertex, thus achieving a cleaner and more differentiated finish between the faces (3) of the plurality of reliefs (2).
[0059] Furthermore, it is envisaged that the plurality of reliefs (2) includes a separation (4) between the reliefs (2). In this way, if the substrate comprising region (1) is used as an injection mold, when used to generate an object by injection of a material, for example plastic (such that said object comprises a region (1) with a plurality of reliefs (2)), it is possible to facilitate the filling of the plurality of reliefs (2) by the material that fills the injection mold, obtaining a better definition of said region (1) of the object and facilitating the subsequent demolding of the object.
[0060] Therefore, the procedure for generating the region (1) on the substrate surface comprises, firstly, establishing a configuration of the region (1) to display the plurality of images, for example, by means of a 3D computer program.
[0061] Subsequently, the plurality of reliefs (2) is generated on the region (1) of the substrate according to the configuration established by means of at least one ultrashort pulse laser, for example, the data obtained from said 3D computer program is used to configure the parameters of the ultrashort pulse laser to generate said region (1) on the surface of the substrate by means of another computer program.
[0062] An ultrashort pulse laser is a laser that emits ultrashort light pulses, generally on the order of femtoseconds to picoseconds, which allows the procedure to be adapted to the needs of the operator, allowing the procedure to be altered depending on the images to be generated and / or the physical characteristics of the substrate, such as material and / or shape of the surface (flat or curved) in which the region is generated (1).
[0063] For the generation of pyramid-shaped reliefs (2) on the region (1) of the substrate, the ultrashort pulse laser removes material from the region (1) in layers, for example, 1 pm thick, until the plurality of reliefs (2) is generated, whether they are low relief or high relief.
[0064] In a preferred embodiment, each pyramidal relief (2) comprises a substantially quadrangular base with sides of between 0.10 and 0.30 mm, preferably 0.20 mm, and / or a height of between 30 and 130 pm from its base to the upper section, preferably 78 pm (preferably each pyramidal relief (2) does not include its apex, as can be seen in the figures), and / or where the faces (3) of the reliefs (2) are inclined at approximately 45° with respect to the base of the relief (2). Furthermore, the separation (4) between reliefs (2) is preferably approximately 30 pm from the respective bases of adjacent reliefs (2). However, the generation of substantially pyramidal reliefs (2) with other configurations is not excluded.
[0065] For the generation of a selective roughness on the corresponding faces (3) of the plurality of reliefs (2) the procedure comprises a step prior to the generation of the plurality of reliefs (2) where a first roughness is generated on the surface of the region (1) by means of the ultrashort pulse laser where the faces with roughness (3.1) will be found.
[0066] Therefore, after the generation of the first roughness on the surface of region (1), the ultrashort pulse laser removes material from region (1) layer by layer, so that the first roughness is replicated in the successive layers, so that when the plurality of reliefs (2) with a substantially pyramidal shape is generated, the faces (3) that are where the first roughness was located will be faces with roughness (3.1). Complementarily, or additionally, to this step prior to the generation of the plurality of reliefs (2) for the generation of the roughness, a second roughness is generated during the generation of the plurality of reliefs (2) by generating grooves on the faces with roughness (3.1) by means of the ultrashort pulse laser, for example, by adding faces (3) with grooves in the 3D computer program, thus marking the faces with roughness (3.1).
[0067] Although this step could be performed with other parameters of the ultrashort pulse laser, a preferred embodiment is to perform this step using the following parameters:
[0068] Power: 45% (of 20 W, which normally comprises an ultrashort pulse laser, although the use of 50 W or 100 W ultrashort pulse lasers is not ruled out); First frequency: 1000 KHz;
[0069] Second frequency: 1000 KHz;
[0070] - Speed: 3000 mm / s;
[0071] Pulse duration: 230 femtoseconds;
[0072] Burst PP: 1;
[0073] Burst PP Mod: 1.
[0074] In addition to the above steps, the procedure may include a step after the generation of the plurality of reliefs (2) where a selective casting treatment, or a selective polishing treatment, is carried out by means of the ultrashort pulse laser on the flat faces (3.2) (without roughness) to define a bright finish on said flat faces (3.2), thereby making said flat faces reflect more light, improving the contrast between the rough faces (3.1) and the flat faces (3.2), providing a better finish.
[0075] As mentioned, the substrate in which this region (1) has been generated, for example with the plurality of reliefs (2) generated in low relief, can be used as an injection mold, for example for injection of a material, for the generation of similar regions (1) in an object.
[0076] Following the example mentioned in the previous section, the object would comprise a region (1) with a plurality of reliefs (2) of over relief, so that said region (1) would show a plurality of images depending on the position of the user.
Claims
CLAIMS 1. A method for generating a region (1) on a substrate surface suitable for displaying a plurality of images, such that each image is observable by a user from at least one distinct direction, comprising: establishing a configuration of the region (1) to display the plurality of images, wherein the region (1) comprises a plurality of reliefs (2) distributed regularly over the surface of the region (1), wherein each relief (2) comprises four faces (3) arranged in a substantially pyramidal shape; wherein each face (3) of the respective reliefs (2) is related to a different image, and wherein the faces (3) related to the same image have the same orientation; and generate a plurality of reliefs (2) on the region (1) of the substrate depending on the configuration established for the region (1); characterized in that the generation of the plurality of reliefs (2) is carried out by means of at least one ultrashort pulse laser and in that a selective roughness is generated on at least one of the faces (3) of the plurality of reliefs (2) by means of the at least one ultrashort pulse laser according to the configuration established for the region (1) to display the plurality of images. 2.- Procedure, according to the previous claim, wherein the plurality of reliefs (2) are generated in low relief or high relief. 3.- Method, according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the generation of roughness comprises a step prior to the generation of the plurality of reliefs (2) where a first roughness is generated on the surface of the region (1) by means of at least one ultrashort pulse laser obtaining at least one rough face (3.1). 4.- Method, according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein for the generation of roughness comprises generating a second roughness during the generation of the plurality of reliefs (2) by generating grooves on the at least one rough face (3.1) by means of at least one ultrashort pulse laser. 5.- A method, according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a step subsequent to the generation of the plurality of reliefs (2) where a casting or polishing treatment is carried out by means of at least one ultrashort pulse laser on at least one flat face (3.2) without roughness of the plurality of reliefs (2) to define a bright finish of the at least one flat face (3.2). 6.- A method, according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the configuration established for the pyramidal shape of the plurality of reliefs (2) comprises not generating a pyramid vertex. 7.- Method, according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein during the generation of the plurality of reliefs (2) a separation (4) is left between reliefs (2). 8.- Substrate, characterized in that it comprises a surface with a region (1) generated according to a procedure according to any one of the preceding claims for use as an injection mold. 9.- Object having a region (1) on a surface suitable for displaying a plurality of images, obtainable by injecting a material into a substrate according to the preceding claim.