Micro-Optic Anticounterfeiting Elements with Virtual Lens Interlacing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical security features in products like currency and labels face challenges in achieving high-quality anti-counterfeiting effects with limited thickness due to printing resolution limitations, especially when lenses are reduced in size, leading to insufficient space for interlaced image data and fabrication difficulties.
Innovation Solution
The use of virtual lenses formed by combining multiple lenses in a set, with non-sequential interlacing along two axes to distribute image data across the lens set, allowing for higher printing resolution and improved image quality without increasing thickness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If lens size is reduced to decrease thickness, then thickness is reduced, but space for interlaced image data is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple individual lenses into a single integrated lens structure, allowing the image data to be distributed across the entire lens area rather than confined to a single lens aperture. This merging approach enables sufficient space for high-resolution interlaced image data while maintaining reduced overall thickness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the full two-dimensional area of the lens for image data placement, effectively using the lens surface as a dimensional space for storing interlaced image frames. This dimensional approach allows maximum image data capacity within the constrained thickness parameter.
2Measurement precision
If printing resolution is increased to improve image quality, then image quality is improved, but manufacturing difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the image data into multiple interlaced frames that are distributed across different regions of the lens. This segmentation allows the printing process to handle lower individual resolution requirements while achieving high overall image quality through the combination of multiple frames, thereby reducing manufacturing difficulty.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of image data distribution by using interlaced frames across the lens area rather than requiring high resolution in a single location. This parameter change enables acceptable image quality to be achieved with lower printing resolution, making the manufacturing process more feasible.
3Length of stationary object
If lens thickness is reduced to under 25 microns, then thickness requirement is met, but fabrication limitations reduce effective lens diameter
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple lens elements into a single integrated structure, allowing the effective imaging area to be larger than what would be possible with a single thin lens. This combining approach overcomes the fabrication limitations of individual thin lenses while meeting the thickness requirement.
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 high-quality visual effects such as 3D images and animation with reduced thickness, overcoming printing resolution barriers and fabricating optical security elements that are more effective against counterfeiting.
Implementation Method 1
a lens array with a first side and a second planar side opposite the first side. A plurality of lenses are provided or formed on the first side of the lens array
Implementation Method 2
for magnifying moiré micro-optic features and interlaced micro-optic features
Implementation Method 3
an image provided by a full volume pixel map or moiré pattern
Data Source
AI summary
An optical security element to limit counterfeiting. The element includes a lens array with a first side and a second planar side opposite the first side. A plurality of lenses are formed on the first side of the lens array, and an ink layer is provided proximate the second planar side. The ink layer provides an interlaced image, which includes a matrix of frame or image elements under each of a plurality of lens sets or “virtual lenses,” each of which includes at least four lenses arranged in a grouping with an equal or unequal number of lenses on a side (e.g., a 2 by 2 array or a 2 by 3 array). The interlaced element are arranged in non-sequential order in two interlacing axes (e.g., via non-sequential interlacing in both directions) to be distributed throughout an area under the at least four lenses rather than under a single lens.