Optical Anti-Counterfeiting Element With Hollowed Transmission Zones
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical anti-counterfeiting technologies face limitations in achieving high precision hollowed-out areas for integrating holography and non-diffraction anti-counterfeiting features with multi-layer interference optically variable effects, leading to weakened optical effects when these features are combined.
Innovation Solution
An optical anti-counterfeiting element with an undulating structure layer featuring distinct microstructures in different areas, where one area has a small specific volume and another has a large specific volume, combined with selective removal of the reflecting layer in the high-specific-volume area, allowing for precise positioning and independent optical effects in each area.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional anti-counterfeiting technologies (holograms, inks, tags) are used, then brand identification is possible, but they are easily copied and do not provide sufficient security
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional optical verification methods with X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy, using X-ray excitation to induce fluorescence signals from embedded elements. This substitution provides superior security through material-specific spectral fingerprints while maintaining verification efficiency through automated spectral analysis systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the verification parameter from visual/optical properties to elemental spectral characteristics. By measuring fluorescence intensities at specific wavelengths corresponding to different elements (e.g., Fe, Ni, Cu), the system achieves higher reliability since elemental composition cannot be easily replicated, while the complexity is managed through standardized spectral measurement protocols.
2Reliability
If multiple conventional anti-counterfeiting features are combined, then security is improved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the anti-counterfeiting feature into discrete elemental components embedded in different layers of the product. Each element serves as an independent security feature with identifiable spectral characteristics. This segmentation allows for controlled manufacturing where elements are added systematically during production, simplifying the manufacturing process compared to integrating multiple conventional features.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses composite material structures with specific elemental compositions embedded in product layers. The fluorescence signal arises from the composite of different elements (e.g., metal particles in polymer matrices), providing enhanced security through unique material signatures while maintaining ease of manufacture through standard material processing techniques.
3Measurement precision
If X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy is used for verification, then high security and accuracy are achieved, but the verification device becomes complex and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential information needed for verification - the fluorescence intensity ratios at specific elemental wavelengths. By focusing measurement on these key spectral parameters rather than analyzing the entire spectrum, the system achieves high measurement precision while reducing device complexity and data processing requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention utilizes the characteristic fluorescence emission wavelengths (analogous to color in optical domain) of different elements as identification markers. Each element emits at specific wavelengths when excited by X-rays, creating a spectral fingerprint that enables precise elemental identification. This approach simplifies device design by using wavelength-specific detection rather than full-spectrum analysis.
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 high-precision, zero-error positioning of optical anti-counterfeiting elements with enhanced dynamic effects, ensuring clear transmission imaging and precise alignment of holographic and non-diffraction features, while maintaining strong interference optically variable effects.
Implementation Method 1
irradiating the object with X-rays and detecting fluorescent signals from the object
Data Source
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AI summary
An optical anti-counterfeiting element and manufacturing methods of the optical anti-counterfeiting element are provided. The optical anti-counterfeiting element includes an undulating structure layer (2) provided with a first area (A), a second area (B) and a third area (C); the first area (A) has a first microstructure; the second area (B) has a second microstructure; the third area (C) is an unstructured flat area; a specific volume of the second microstructure is greater than a specific volume of the first microstructure; the first area (A) and the third area (C) are respectively provided with a reflecting layer (31), a dielectric layer (32) and an absorbing layer (33) which are overlapped, and the second area (B) is not provided with a reflecting layer; and a surface appearance of one side, far away from the undulating structure layer, of the dielectric layer of the first area (A) is obviously different from a surface appearance of the undulating structure layer. During reflection observation from one side of the optical anti-counterfeiting element, the first area has no or weak interference optically variable effect, the third area has an obvious interference optically variable effect, and during perspective observation, the second area has a hollowing effect.