Lenticular Security Element With Two-Direction Optical Variability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional lenticular security elements exhibit optical variability in only one direction of tilt, limiting their security and visual appeal.
Innovation Solution
A security element with an array of focussing elements that focus light in a first direction and overlapping image strips, featuring interlaced regions with different optically variable effect generating relief structures, allowing optical variability in two directions of tilt by varying relief structure parameters such as pitch, orientation, and size of the relief structure, and shape of the elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional lenticular security elements are used, then they can display different images at different viewing angles, but they only exhibit optical variability in one direction of tilt
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extends optical variability from one dimension (single tilt direction) to two dimensions by incorporating relief structures with varying orientations. Image strips are assigned different relief structure orientations (e.g., 0° and 90°) to enable optical effects in orthogonal tilt directions, transforming a 1D optical effect into a 2D effect.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the security element are assigned different relief structure properties (orientation, pitch, shape) to achieve localized optical characteristics. Each image strip can have uniquely configured relief structures, allowing tailored optical responses in different areas and directions of the element.
2Reliability
If conventional lenticular security elements are used, then they provide security features, but they are relatively easy to replicate with commonly available means
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs multiple varying parameters in the relief structures including orientation angles, pitch dimensions, and shape configurations. These parameter variations create complex optical interference patterns that are difficult to replicate with standard copying equipment, thereby enhancing security while maintaining manufacturability through controlled parameter sets.
Solution Approach 2:
The security element combines multiple functional layers including image strips with embedded relief structures, overlying lenticular elements, and substrates. This composite structure integrates different optical functions (diffraction, refraction, interference) that work together to create authentication features resistant to counterfeiting.
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
Provides visually striking optical effects with multiple images and enhanced security by enabling optical variability in two directions, making it difficult to replicate accurately.
Implementation Method 1
an array of focussing elements that focus light in a first direction... the focussing elements are adapted to focus light only in the first direction
Implementation Method 2
each of at least a first subset of the image strips of the first set of image strips comprises a first region having a first optically variable effect generating relief structure and a second region having a second optically variable effect generating relief structure such that the appearances of the first and second regions vary differently as the security element is rotated about the first direction
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3A~3B
Figure 4A~4B
AI summary
A security element is provided. The security element comprises an array of focussing elements defining a focussing element plane, each focussing element being adapted to focus light in a first direction, the focussing elements being arranged in a regular array along the first direction. An array of image strips is provided overlapping the array of focussing elements, the array of image strips comprising at least a first set of image strips and a second set of image strips, wherein the first and second sets of image strips are interlaced along the first direction, and wherein the first and second sets of image strips each have a periodicity along the first direction that is substantially the same as, or an integral multiple of, a periodicity of the array of focussing elements. The array of focussing elements and the array of image strips are arranged such that as the security element is rotated about a second direction, the second direction being the direction perpendicular to the first direction and within the focussing element plane, the first set of image strips is displayed via the array of focussing elements at a first viewing angle and the second set of image strips is displayed via the array of focussing elements at a second viewing angle. Each of at least a first subset of the image strips of the first set of image strips comprises a first region having a first optically variable effect generating relief structure and a second region having a second optically variable effect generating relief structure. The first optically variable effect generating relief structure differs from the second optically variable effect generating relief structure in at least one of the pitch of the relief structure, the orientation of the relief structure and the size, shape and/or profile of the elements of the relief structure such that the appearances of the first and second regions vary differently as the security element is rotated about the first direction.