Nanostructured Security Element for Subpixel-Free Mixed Colors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing security elements with color-generating nanostructures require sub-pixels to achieve desired colors, complicating the generation of images and increasing production complexity.
Innovation Solution
A security element with color-generating nanostructures that utilize varying vertical extensions of protrusions or recesses within each area to create mixed colors without the need for sub-pixels, allowing for simplified image generation and enhanced color mixing effects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If uniform vertical extensions are used in pixels or subpixels, then the manufacturing process is simpler, but the color mixing effect is insufficient and sub-pixels are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by varying the vertical extension of protrusions or recesses within different areas of the structured layer. Each area has a specific vertical extension range that corresponds to a particular color, allowing different regions to produce different colors through localized structural variations rather than requiring separate sub-pixels for each color component.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the vertical extension parameter of the nanostructures to control color production. By adjusting the vertical extension within specific ranges (e.g., 200-400nm for red, 400-600nm for green, 600-800nm for blue), the structure produces different colors without requiring multiple sub-pixels, thus simplifying the overall structure while maintaining color versatility.
2Adaptability or versatility
If sub-pixels with different heights/depths are interleaved, then color mixing is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the color generation function into a single structured layer by varying the vertical extension of protrusions or recesses across different areas. This eliminates the need for separate sub-pixels for each color component, combining multiple color generation capabilities into one unified structure that reduces overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the vertical dimension (height/depth) of the nanostructures as an additional degree of freedom to control color. Instead of using multiple sub-pixels arranged in a 2D grid for color mixing, the invention exploits the 3D vertical extension parameter to encode color information, thereby reducing structural complexity while maintaining color generation capability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If areas with individual vertical extensions are used, then colored images are generated, but the production complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent controls the vertical extension parameter within specific ranges to generate different colors in different areas. By defining clear vertical extension ranges for each color (red: 200-400nm, green: 400-600nm, blue: 600-800nm), the manufacturing process can target these specific parameter ranges to produce desired colors, simplifying production control compared to managing multiple sub-pixel types.
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 solution enables the production of mixed colors through varying vertical extensions, simplifying the manufacturing process and enhancing the 3D effect and covert security features.
Implementation Method 1
a reflector layer arranged on the structured layer, wherein the protrusions or recesses are formed as color-generating nanostructures
Implementation Method 2
the protrusions or recesses are configured as color-generating nanostructures with respect to their dimensions along the base surface, their vertical dimension perpendicular to the base surface and their arrangement on the base surface
Data Source
AI summary
A security element includes a structured layer with a base surface, recesses or protrusions that are recessed or elevated relative to the base surface, and a reflector layer arranged on the structured layer. The recesses or protrusions are designed as color-generating nanostructures based on their dimensions along the base surface, their vertical extension perpendicular to the base surface, and their arrangement on the base surface, which are formed as color-generating nanostructures. The structured layer includes areas in which the vertical extension of the recesses or protrusions varies along a direction according to a function that does not have a constant value so that a mixed color is visible in each of the areas in the top view.