Micro-Prism Anti-Counterfeiting Elements for Full-Parallax Images

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current holographic anti-counterfeiting technologies require monochromatic light sources, are risky due to laser use, lack uniqueness, and struggle with multiple pattern reproduction, making them ineffective for secure identification.

Innovation Solution

An optical anti-counterfeiting element with a substrate and micro-prism structure that refracts and reflects light to create full parallax images on both sides, allowing observation of floating and sunken virtual images using white or single-wavelength light sources, and enabling multiple patterns or three-dimensional images.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If diffractive micro-structures are used for optical anti-counterfeiting, then pattern reproduction is achieved, but the technology lacks uniqueness and anti-counterfeiting effectiveness is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepattern reproduction capabilityVSAvoidanti-counterfeiting uniqueness

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The anti-counterfeiting element is divided into multiple independent micro-prisms arranged in specific patterns. Each micro-prism acts as an independent optical unit that can be individually controlled, allowing for complex multi-pattern reproduction while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through modular design

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions of the micro-prism array are designed with varying optical properties, including different refractive indices, prism angles, and orientations. This local differentiation enables multiple distinct patterns to be reproduced simultaneously in different observation directions, enhancing both manufacturing ease and anti-counterfeiting reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Illumination intensity

If monochromatic laser light sources are used for diffractive holography, then single-wavelength light regulation is achieved, but the technology becomes risky due to laser safety concerns

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesingle-wavelength light controlVSAvoidlaser safety risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The optical anti-counterfeiting element is designed to work with broad-spectrum light sources by utilizing the wavelength-dependent refraction characteristics of micro-prisms. Different wavelengths are refracted at different angles, enabling pattern reproduction with white light or other non-laser sources, thereby eliminating laser safety risks while maintaining single-wavelength light regulation capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention replaces expensive and hazardous laser sources with inexpensive, safe, and readily available white light sources. The micro-prism structure acts as a wavelength-selective filter, achieving the desired optical effects without requiring dangerous high-intensity monochromatic light

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Reliability

If conventional holographic technology is used, then optical anti-counterfeiting is achieved, but the field of view is limited and full parallax effect cannot be realized

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoptical anti-counterfeiting effectVSAvoidfield of view and parallax range

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The invention transitions from conventional two-dimensional holographic patterns to three-dimensional micro-prism structures with height, width, and depth components. This dimensional expansion enables light to be refracted in multiple directions simultaneously, creating full parallax effects and significantly widening the observable field of view while maintaining strong anti-counterfeiting properties

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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 enhanced anti-counterfeiting capabilities with safe, reliable, and versatile image reproduction, including full parallax and three-dimensional effects, using easily obtainable light sources and ensuring uniqueness.

Implementation Method 1

Each pixel of a first pattern corresponds to refractive illumination spots of one or more micro-prisms in the first set of the micro-prism

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRefraction: Refraction

Implementation Method 2

a virtual image of the first pattern is observed on the first side and the second side of the optical anti-counterfeiting element

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentUS12350951B2Optical anti-counterfeiting element and anti-counterfeiting product

Publication Date: 2025.07.08 ZHONGCHAO SPECIAL SECURITY TECH

AI summary

Provided are an optical anti-counterfeiting element and an anti-counterfeiting product. The optical anti-counterfeiting element comprises: a substrate, which comprises a first surface and second surface that are opposite one another, and a surface micro-structure layer that is formed on at least part of the first surface of the substrate. At least part of the surface micro-structure layer comprises a first set of at least a micro-prism, and the micro-prism is simultaneously provided with a refractive and a reflective function. Each pixel of a first pattern corresponds to one or more micro-prism refractive illumination spots in the first set of micro-prisms. The described optical anti-counterfeiting element can provide various anti-counterfeiting effects and improve the anti-counterfeiting performance of the anti-counterfeiting element.