Achromatic Grid Fields for 3D Relief Security
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current grating images used for security purposes lack advanced optical effects and forgery security, with existing holographic diffraction structures primarily providing optically variable color impressions without image representation and limited variability in appearance.
Innovation Solution
A grating image design featuring randomly varying lattice field parameters such as orientation, spacing, and profiling, produced using electron beam lithography, which creates a relief or lens-like three-dimensional impression, enhancing visual effects and forgery security through precise control of scattering parameters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If holographic diffraction structures are used to create optically variable color impressions, then security features are enhanced, but the structures lack image representation capability and advanced optical effects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines holographic diffraction gratings with achromatic matte structures in a single security element. The holographic grating fields create optically variable color impressions while the achromatic grid fields with randomly varying parameters create scattering effects and three-dimensional impressions, merging multiple optical effects into one integrated structure that provides both color variation and advanced visual effects
Solution Approach 2:
The security element uses a composite structure combining diffractive elements (holographic gratings) and scattering elements (achromatic matte structures with random parameter variations). This composite approach allows the element to exhibit both interference-based color effects and scattering-based matte effects with three-dimensional impressions, enhancing both security and visual versatility
2Ease of manufacture
If uniform grating patterns are used across the entire surface, then production is simplified, but the visual appearance lacks variability and three-dimensional impression
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different grating patterns to different regions of the security element. Holographic grating fields with uniform patterns are used in certain areas for color effects, while achromatic grid fields with randomly varying parameters (orientation, spacing, profiling) are used in other areas to create three-dimensional impressions. This local differentiation allows each region to optimize its visual function while maintaining overall manufacturability
Solution Approach 2:
The achromatic grid fields incorporate random variations in grating parameters including orientation, spacing, and profiling. These parameter changes create scattering effects that produce three-dimensional and lens-like visual impressions, transforming the appearance from flat and uniform to dynamic and depth-rich while remaining compatible with standard fabrication processes
3Ease of manufacture
If scattering effects are used to create matte appearance, then color is eliminated, but the structures do not produce image representation
Solution Approach 1:
The security element is segmented into distinct functional regions: holographic grating fields that provide optically variable color impressions and image representation, and achromatic matte grid fields that provide scattering effects and three-dimensional impressions. This segmentation allows each region to specialize in its intended function without compromising the other, maintaining both image capability and matte effect
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The design achieves a strong relief or lens-like three-dimensional visual impression, with adjustable intensity across different motif areas, making it difficult to counterfeit due to its complex optical effects and high-security features.
Implementation Method 1
exhibit no diffractive effects upon viewing, but rather scattering effects, and have a matte appearance
Implementation Method 2
produced using electron beam lithography
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5a~5b
AI summary
The invention relates to a grid image having two or more achromatic grid fields (22, 24) including a visual appearance image dependant on the viewing angle, each field containing a grid pattern composed of a plurality of straight dashed grid lines (26) influencing an electromagnetic radiation. According to the invention, the grid fields (22, 24) are arranged in the shape of a predetermined motif (20), - the grid patterns are characterized by the grid pattern parameters of orientation, distance and profiling of the grid lines (26), - in the grid fields (22, 24) at least one of the grid pattern parameters of orientation, distance and profiling varies randomly with a predetermined distribution across the surface of the grid field such that the grid fields (22, 24) are characterized by the grid field parameters of median orientation, orientation variance, median distance, distance variance, profiling and profiling variance of the gridlines (26), and- within the predetermined motif (20) at least the grid field parameter of median orientation from grid field (22, 24) to grid field (22, 24) discretely changes.