Lenticular Security Device Laser Etched Color Patterns

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing security devices with lenticular arrays can either produce color patterns suitable for mass production but not customizable, or customizable monochrome patterns, lacking the ability to produce color patterns during the personalization phase.

Innovation Solution

A method involving a lenticular array and an image layer with a matrix of pixels, where each pixel comprises sub-pixels that can be selectively activated or deactivated by laser engraving to form multiple color patterns, allowing for color pattern production during the personalization phase without interference.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If pre-printed color patterns are used in mass production, then manufacturing efficiency and color quality are improved, but customization capability is lost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing efficiencyVSAvoidcustomization capability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The image layer is divided into a matrix of pixels, each pixel comprising multiple sub-pixels that can be independently controlled. This segmentation allows selective activation of individual sub-pixels to create customized color patterns while maintaining the overall structure needed for mass production efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system transitions from static pre-printed patterns to dynamic, programmatically controllable pixel arrays. The sub-pixels can be selectively activated or deactivated through laser engraving control, enabling both mass production of standard patterns and customization of individual patterns as needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If laser engraving is used for pattern production, then customization capability is improved, but manufacturing efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecustomization capabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The image layer with its pixel matrix structure is prepared in advance during mass production, with all sub-pixels ready for selective activation. This preliminary preparation allows rapid customization later without requiring time-consuming manual operations, as the laser can directly address specific sub-pixels based on customization requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If monochrome laser engraving is used, then customization during final phase is enabled, but color pattern production capability is lost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepersonalization capabilityVSAvoidcolor pattern production
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Different sub-pixels within the same pixel matrix are assigned different color properties (e.g., red, green, blue sub-pixels). By selectively activating specific sub-pixels with different color characteristics, the system can produce full-color patterns through local quality variation while using a single monochrome laser engraving process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The invention uses an image layer where pixels are composed of multiple sub-pixels with different color properties. By selectively activating or deactivating specific sub-pixels through laser engraving, the system can produce various color patterns and color animations without requiring multiple lasers or complex color printing processes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #32Color changes

4Ease of operation

If multiple separate patterns are produced through rotation, then viewing direction selectivity is achieved, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveviewing direction selectivityVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple patterns that would traditionally require separate manufacturing processes and assembly steps are merged into a single pixel matrix structure. All patterns are contained within the same image layer, with each pattern corresponding to specific sub-pixel activation states, eliminating the need for multiple separate components and reducing manufacturing complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

Enables the production of multiple color patterns on a security device during the final manufacturing phase, facilitating customization and enhancing security features with color-based animations.

Implementation Method 1

laser engraving in the image layer of the first color pattern, along its associated axis of vision

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLaser: Laser

Implementation Method 2

each pixel comprising a plurality of sub-pixels, each sub-pixel comprising a color elementary color and being capable of being selectively activated or deactivated by means of a laser

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLaser ablation: Laser Ablation

Implementation Method 3

a lenticular array, also called lenticular sheet, is composed of elementary lenses with the same optical characteristics, the lenticules

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRefraction: Refraction

Data Source

PatentEP3233517B1Security device with a lens array comprising several etched colour patterns
Publication Date: 2021.08.04 IDEMIA FRANCE SAS
  • EP3233517B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2

AI summary

A method for producing a security device (1) comprising a first colour pattern (A) visible along an associated viewing axis (Δα) and at least one second colour pattern (B) visible along an associated viewing axis (Δβ), comprising the following steps: - assembling an image layer (4) suitable for forming at least one colour pattern (A, B) by laser etching, on a support (3), - laser etching the first colour pattern (A) in the image layer (4), along the associated viewing axis (Δα) of same, in such a way that it can be seen through a lens array (7), - for each of said at least one second colour pattern (B), laser etching said at least one second colour pattern (A) in the image layer (4), along the associated viewing axis (Δβ) of same, in such a way that it can be seen through a lens array (7). A security device (1) obtained by said method.