Ink-Receptive Surface Pattern for Multi-Color Image Arrays
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for manufacturing image element arrays for security devices, such as lenticular devices, face limitations in achieving high resolution and multi-color capabilities due to challenges in ink registration and substrate thickness, leading to difficulties in producing complex optically variable effects.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a production tool with a surface pattern of ink-receptive and non-ink-receptive areas allows for the formation of high-resolution, multi-colored image element arrays using standard printing techniques, eliminating the need for precise micro-registration and enabling the creation of complex visual effects by designing the pattern of ink-receptive and non-ink-receptive areas to define the image elements and their interlacing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If standard printing techniques are used to manufacture image element arrays, then manufacturing process simplicity is maintained, but manufacturing precision (image element resolution and multi-color registration) deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The manufacturing process is segmented into two distinct stages: (1) forming the surface pattern with ink-receptive and non-ink-receptive areas at high resolution, and (2) applying multiple colors to the ink-receptive areas. This segmentation allows each stage to be optimized independently, with the surface pattern providing precise geometric definition while standard printing techniques handle color application.
Solution Approach 2:
The surface pattern acts as an intermediary structure between the printing process and the final image element array. It serves as a template that receives multiple colors through standard printing techniques while maintaining precise geometric control, thereby bridging the gap between manufacturing simplicity and manufacturing precision requirements.
2Length of moving object
If the substrate is made thin to meet security device requirements, then device thinness is improved, but manufacturing precision (image element formation accuracy) deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The surface pattern is formed on the substrate before the image element array is fully manufactured. This preliminary action establishes the high-resolution geometric template early in the process, allowing subsequent color application and image formation steps to proceed with standard techniques while maintaining precision through the pre-established pattern guide.
3Device complexity
If multiple colors are applied to form multi-colored image elements, then visual effect complexity is improved, but manufacturing precision (color registration between different inks) deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Different regions of the surface pattern have different properties: ink-receptive areas that accept multiple colors and non-ink-receptive areas that remain blank. This local differentiation allows multiple colors to be applied in specific locations simultaneously, with the surface pattern's geometry ensuring precise registration between different colored inks without requiring complex registration processes.
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
This method enables the production of high-resolution, multi-colored image element arrays that can display complex optically variable effects, such as animation and 3D appearances, without the need for precise micro-registration, enhancing the security and visual impact of security devices.
Implementation Method 1
a surface pattern comprising a plurality of ink-receptive elements and intervening areas which are not ink-receptive to ink
Implementation Method 2
The multi-coloured first image is applied to the ink-receptive elements of the surface pattern
Data Source
Figure 1(a)~1(c)
Figure 2(a)~2(c)
Figure 3
AI summary
A method of manufacturing an image element array for an optically variable security device is disclosed. The method comprises: providing a production tool having a surface pattern of ink-receptive elements spaced by areas which are not ink-receptive, the ink-receptive elements defining the image elements of the desired image element array;applying a multi-coloured first image formed of a plurality of inks to only the ink-receptive elements of the surface pattern and not to the areas in between;and transferring only the portions of the multi-coloured first image corresponding to the image elements of the desired image element array from the production tool to a substrate, by bringing the plurality of inks on the surface pattern into contact with the substrate or with a transfer assembly which then contacts the substrate, whereby an image element array is formed on the substrate. The surface pattern on the production tool is configured such that, when a viewing element array is overlapped with the image element array, each viewing element within a first region of the image element array directs light from a respective one of the image elements or from a respective one of the gaps between the image elements in dependence on the viewing angle, whereby depending on the viewing angle the viewing element array in the first region directs light from either the array of image elements or from the gaps therebetween, such that upon changing the viewing angle, the first image is displayed by the image elements in combination across the first region of the image element array at a first range of viewing angles and not at a second range of viewing angles.