Lenticular Security Element With Laser-Aligned Multi-Angle Motifs
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for creating optically variable security elements with lenticular images are either cost-effective but imprecise or difficult to scale industrially, particularly when producing multiple motifs from different directions.
Innovation Solution
A security element featuring a lenticular image with a microlens grid and a radiation-sensitive motif layer, where the motif layer is structured to create transparent areas aligned with microlenses, allowing different motifs to be visible from different angles, and optionally combined with metal or color layers for enhanced security.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If laser engraving methods are used to inscribe motifs through the lenticular grid, then precise registration with the lenses is achieved, but the manufacturing process becomes difficult to implement on an industrial scale and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The motif layer is pre-structured with a grid pattern before laser exposure. This preliminary structuring allows the laser to simply expose through the existing grid lines rather than having to precisely draw each line, dramatically simplifying the laser process while maintaining registration accuracy. The motif layer acts as a pre-prepared template that guides the laser exposure automatically.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses a master grid pattern that can be copied and transferred to multiple motif layers. Once the grid structure is established on one layer, it can be replicated on subsequent layers through alignment and exposure, enabling consistent registration across multiple motifs without requiring complex positioning for each individual exposure.
2Reliability
If multiple different direction-dependent motifs are created using traditional laser methods, then security against forgery is enhanced, but the manufacturing complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The security element is divided into multiple independent motif layers, each containing different motifs visible from different directions. Each layer can be processed independently through the same simplified laser exposure process, allowing multiple security features to be created without proportionally increasing manufacturing complexity. The segmentation into layers enables parallel processing and simplifies the overall manufacturing workflow.
Solution Approach 2:
The same laser exposure process and motif layer structure serve multiple functions: creating different motifs visible from different angles, providing security against forgery, and enabling simple industrial manufacturing. The universal applicability of the process to multiple motifs and layers reduces overall system complexity while maintaining high security.
3Manufacturing precision
If the motif layer is arranged in the focal plane of the lenticular grid, then precise registration is achieved, but the viewing angle range is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The invention moves the motif layer from the focal plane to a position outside the focal plane, utilizing the depth dimension rather than relying solely on in-plane positioning. This out-of-plane arrangement allows the lenticular lenses to still focus light onto the motif layer while expanding the angular range over which the motifs remain in focus, effectively trading precise single-point registration for broader angular acceptance.
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 precise and scalable production of security elements with multiple visible motifs from varied viewing angles, enhancing security against forgery and providing a wide viewing angle range.
Implementation Method 1
the radiation-sensitive motif layer is laser-sensitive and is in particular ablated by laser radiation or converted into a transparent modification
Implementation Method 2
converted into a transparent modification
Implementation Method 3
the refractive effect of the microlenses of the lens grid defines a focal plane
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4(b)
Figure 5(a)~6(b)
AI summary
The invention relates to a security element (12) for safeguarding security papers, value documents and other data carriers (10), comprising a lenticular image which shows at least two different appearances (14A, 14B) from different viewing directions, wherein - the lenticular image contains a lenticular screen (24) consisting of a plurality of microlenses (26) and a radiation-sensitive motif layer (30) arranged at a distance from the lenticular screen (24), - the radiation-sensitive motif layer (30) contains a plurality of transparency areas (40) produced under the effect of radiation, each of which is arranged with precise alignment with respect to the microlenses (26) of the lenticular screen (24), and - the radiation-sensitive motif layer (30) is opaque outside the transparency areas (42) produced under the effect of radiation and is structured in the form of a first motif so that the first motif is visible as first appearance (14A) upon viewing the security element (12) from a first viewing direction through the lenticular screen (24).