Lenticular 3D Image Formation with Laser-Corrected Sub-Pixels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for forming 3D images in identity documents face challenges in achieving high color saturation and uniformity due to limitations in printing techniques, leading to quality issues such as interruptions in pixel rows and misalignments, which compromise the security and visual quality of the images.
Innovation Solution
A method using a lenticular structure with a carrier layer and convergent lenses, where sub-pixels of different colors are arranged and customized through laser engraving to form grayscale levels, allowing for the creation of 3D images that are secure, high in resolution, and resistant to falsification, by compensating for positional errors through visual inspection and laser customization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If conventional printing methods are used to form color sub-pixels, then the manufacturing process is simple, but the color saturation and uniformity are limited due to interruptions in pixel rows and irregular outlines
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical printing methods with a laser-based system that uses optical focusing through a lenticular array to write grayscale levels directly onto the carrier layer. This substitution eliminates the limitations of offset printing, achieving continuous rectilinear rows of sub-pixels with high color saturation and uniformity while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through automated laser processing
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs visual inspection and laser customization in sequence, where the inspection results directly guide the laser writing process. The same optical train is used for both detection and customization, allowing the system to self-adjust and compensate for positioning inaccuracies without external intervention, thereby improving both color uniformity and manufacturing efficiency
2Productivity
If conventional printing methods are used to form sub-pixels, then production is faster, but positioning accuracy is limited due to inaccuracy of printing machines
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where an image-capturing apparatus performs visual inspection of the lenticular structure to detect the actual positions of sub-pixels. This inspection data is used to guide the laser customization process, allowing real-time compensation for positioning inaccuracies. The feedback loop enables high positioning accuracy while maintaining production speed through automated correction
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs visual inspection before laser customization to identify the actual positions of sub-pixels and calculate the required grayscale levels for compensation. This preliminary action allows the laser writing process to proceed with pre-calculated parameters that account for positioning variations, ensuring high accuracy without slowing down production
3Manufacturing precision
If laser customization is performed to compensate for positioning errors, then image quality improves, but the manufacturing process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the same optical train for both visual inspection and laser customization, allowing a single system to perform multiple functions. The image-capturing apparatus and laser device share common optical components, reducing overall system complexity while enabling high-precision image formation through the integrated inspection-customization workflow
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the visual inspection and laser customization processes into a unified manufacturing workflow. The inspection results directly inform the laser writing parameters, combining what could be separate complex processes into an integrated system that achieves high image quality without proportionally increasing complexity
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 approach enables the production of high-quality, secure 3D images with improved color saturation and uniformity, reducing the need for precise positional registration of lenses and sub-pixels, thus simplifying the manufacturing process and enhancing the reliability of the 3D image formation.
Implementation Method 1
a laser device configured to project the laser radiation in the customizing step c) in each viewing direction adopted by the image-capturing apparatus in the positioning step a1)
Implementation Method 2
customizing the sub-pixel arrangement by engraving, by means of a laser device, the grayscale levels determined in b) on the carrier layer facing the sub-pixels by focus of the laser radiation through the lenticular array
Implementation Method 3
a lenticular array comprising convergent lenses placed facing the sub-pixel arrangement
Data Source
AI summary
The aim of the invention is to form a 3D image using a lenticular structure comprising: a carrier layer comprising an arrangement of color sub-pixels and a lenticular array comprising convergent lenses facing the sub-pixels. A method of the invention comprises: performing visual inspection of the lenticular structure, during which sub-pixels viewable through the lenses are detected for a plurality of viewing directions; determining, based on the color of the sub-pixels detected for each viewing direction, grayscale levels required to reveal M images viewable through the lenticular array in the M viewing directions, respectively; and customizing the sub-pixel arrangement, during which the grayscale levels are engraved facing the sub-pixels in the carrier layer by focus of laser radiation through the lenses.