Non-Holographic 3D Optical Security Features
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical security features such as holograms and optically variable inks have become compromised due to widespread imitation, necessitating a new security element that is easily recognizable, difficult to counterfeit, and can be readily verified for authenticity.
Innovation Solution
A master for fabricating optical products that reproduce a 3D image through reflected light, utilizing non-holographic features with gradients and orientations corresponding to a 3D object's surface, allowing for the production of bright, realistic 3D images without iridescence or color change with angle, suitable for security applications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If holograms and optically variable inks are used for security features, then security verification is enabled, but counterfeit susceptibility increases due to widespread imitation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the optical parameters from traditional holographic diffraction to non-holographic reflected light with gradient features. The surface features have varying heights and orientations that reflect light to create 3D images, fundamentally altering the optical mechanism while maintaining security verification capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a master template with precise 3D surface features that can be replicated to produce optical products. The master contains the security feature design, which is then copied onto multiple substrates through manufacturing processes like embossing or molding, enabling large-scale production of authentic security elements
2Illumination intensity
If traditional holographic features are used, then security features are visible, but iridescence and color change with angle occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the diffractive optical components that cause iridescence from traditional holograms. By removing the holographic element and using only reflected light from gradient surface features, the harmful iridescent effect is eliminated while preserving the 3D image visibility
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using diffraction to create images (traditional holography), the patent inverts the approach by using direct reflection from gradient surface features. The surface normals are oriented to reflect incident light toward the viewer, creating 3D images through reflection geometry rather than wave interference
3Object-affected harmful factors
If complex security features are implemented, then counterfeit resistance increases, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a master template in advance that contains all the complex 3D surface feature information. This master is used to replicate the security features onto multiple substrates, performing the complex work once during master creation and then simplifying mass production through copying processes
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex holographic fabrication processes with simpler mechanical replication methods. The 3D surface features can be embossed, molded, or stamped onto substrates using the master template, substituting complex optical fabrication with straightforward mechanical copying processes
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 provides a secure, easily recognizable 3D image that is difficult to counterfeit, maintaining authenticity verification and suitable for large-scale manufacturing, applicable in security documents and consumer goods.
Implementation Method 1
The optical product can be configured, when illuminated, to reproduce by reflected light, a 3D image (e.g., an image that appears three-dimensional) of at least a part of a 3D object
Data Source
AI summary
In certain embodiments, a master for fabricating an optical product is disclosed. For example, the optical product can be configured to be an anti-counterfeit feature such as a patch, a window, or a thread on a banknote. The optical product can be configured, when illuminated, to reproduce by reflected or refracted light, a 3D image of at least a part of a 3D object. The master can include a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface. The second surface can include a plurality of portions. Each portion can correspond to a point on a surface of the 3D object. Each portion can include features corresponding to non-holographic elements on the optical product. A gradient in the features can correlate to an inclination of the surface of the 3D object at the corresponding point. An orientation of the features can correlate to an orientation of the surface of the 3D object at the corresponding point.