Multilayer Body with Microlens and Opaque Micro-pattern for Anti-Counterfeiting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical security elements lack innovative and easily recognizable optical effects that are both memorable and difficult to imitate, particularly in terms of producing surprising and engaging visual experiences when used in security documents like banknotes and passports.
Innovation Solution
A multi-layer body with specific partial regions that are opaque and others that are transparent, featuring microlenses that create varying optical effects such as floating images, movement, and contrasting views from different angles, utilizing microlenses and micropatterns arranged in a way that produces unique and dynamic visual experiences.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If microlenses are used to generate optical effects in security elements, then the security feature becomes more difficult to counterfeit, but the optical effects may become complex and difficult to recognize
Solution Approach 1:
The multilayer body is divided into distinct layers (first layer with microlenses, second layer with micro-pattern, third layer with micropatterns) and sub-regions (first sub-regions that are opaque, second sub-regions that are transparent). This segmentation allows each layer to contribute a specific optical function, creating recognizable effects while maintaining anti-counterfeiting capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the multilayer body have different optical properties - first sub-regions are opaque while second sub-regions are transparent. This local differentiation creates specific optical effects in different areas, making the security feature both recognizable and difficult to imitate
2Reliability
If multiple layers are used to create dynamic optical effects, then the security feature becomes more memorable and striking, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent anticipates manufacturing tolerances by designing the multilayer body to accommodate variations in layer thickness and alignment. The optical effects remain recognizable even when manufacturing precision varies, cushioning against the potential degradation of security features
Solution Approach 2:
The patent allows for variations in optical parameters such as layer thickness and microlens focal length while maintaining the essential optical effects. This flexibility in parameters enables manufacturing tolerance without sacrificing the striking and memorable optical effects
3Reliability
If transparent and opaque sub-regions are combined, then the optical effects become more striking with images appearing to float or move, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines transparent and opaque sub-regions within the same layer and integrates multiple layers with different optical properties. This merging creates the striking effect of images appearing to float or move while maintaining a structured and manageable device architecture
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates optical effects that appear three-dimensional (images floating or moving) by manipulating light through multiple layers in the vertical dimension. This use of dimensional manipulation produces striking visual effects without requiring complex lateral structures
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
The multi-layer body generates striking and memorable optical effects, making it difficult to imitate and enhancing security features by creating the illusion of images floating or moving within the surface, while maintaining functionality despite manufacturing tolerances and varying production conditions.
Implementation Method 1
The microlenses formed in one of the first layers constitute an optical imaging system suitable for magnifying the micro-patterns
Implementation Method 2
Each microlens selects one pixel of the micro-pattern. The microlenses achieve this effect with very high light intensity
Implementation Method 3
first, which appear opaque to the human observer (due to absorption or reflection of the incident light)
Implementation Method 4
first, which appear opaque to the human observer (due to absorption or reflection of the incident light)
Implementation Method 5
second, which appear transparent to the human observer (transmitting light)
Implementation Method 6
US 2002/0012447 A1 describes a method and a device in which, among other things, microlens arrangements superimposed on geometric structures generate characteristic moiré patterns
Data Source
Figure 1~2c
Figure 3a~3b
Figure 4a~5
AI summary
A multilayer body for viewing a front face and rear face with light passing through is described, with the multilayer body (1) comprising one or more transparent first layers (10) and a second layer (14) with a micropattern of opaque first subareas and transparent second subareas. One of the first layers (10) has a surface profile on its surface facing away from the second layer (14), which surface profile forms an arrangement of a multiplicity of first microlenses (12). The thickness of this first layer (1) or of this first layer (1) and one or more further first layers (1) arranged between this first layer (1) and the second layer (14) corresponds approximately to the focal length of the first microlenses.