Optical Security Structure Using Angular Image Reconstruction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hologram-based security features struggle to provide enhanced security and authentication in a small area while being easily recognizable, leading to complex and costly solutions that are difficult to produce and view.
Innovation Solution
An optical security device with a recorded or encoded optically variable image that requires multiple viewing angles and illumination angles to reconstruct the complete image, allowing it to be larger than the optical structure, ensuring enhanced security and ease of recognition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a hologram is incorporated into a small area strip or stripe, then the security device can be applied to various items, but the image size is limited and complex solutions are required to enhance security
Solution Approach 1:
The complete image is divided into multiple portions that are recorded in different regions of the optical structure. Each portion can only be viewed in its entirety from specific viewing angles and illumination angles. By requiring the viewer to move through multiple angles to reconstruct the complete image, security is enhanced without requiring a larger optical structure area.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces angular dimensions (viewing angles and illumination angles) as additional degrees of freedom. Instead of increasing the area of the optical structure, the complete image is distributed across angular space. The image portions are arranged such that they can only be assembled into the complete image when viewed from the correct sequence of angles, effectively using angular dimensions to solve the area limitation problem.
2Reliability
If multiple viewing angles and illumination angles are required for complete image reconstruction, then security is enhanced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The optical structure is segmented into multiple regions, each containing a portion of the complete image. Each region is optimized to display its specific image portion at specific angles. This segmentation allows the use of simpler optical elements in each region rather than requiring a complex overall structure that would need to handle all angles simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the optical structure have different optical properties optimized for their specific function. Each region is designed with local quality tailored to display its specific image portion at its designated viewing and illumination angles. This localized optimization reduces the need for complex uniform structures across the entire device.
3Length of stationary object
If the image size is made larger than the optical structure, then the image is more recognizable, but the recording and encoding becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses angular dimensions to achieve image magnification. The reconstructed image appears larger than the optical structure because it is distributed across angular space rather than being physically expanded. The image portions are recorded at different angles and reconstructed to form a larger apparent image size, avoiding the need for physically large optical structures while maintaining ease of manufacturing.
Solution Approach 2:
The large reconstructed image is created by assembling multiple smaller image portions that are recorded separately in the optical structure. Each portion is recorded using standard techniques, but when viewed from the correct angles, they form a complete large-scale image. This segmentation approach makes the recording process more manageable while achieving the desired large image size.
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 cost-effective, easy-to-apply security feature that enhances authentication and identification capabilities by requiring multiple angles for complete image reconstruction, making it more secure and less prone to counterfeiting.
Implementation Method 1
an optical structure in which there is recorded or encoded a representation of the optically variable image in the form of a plurality of portions of the complete image to be reconstructed
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2(a)~2(f)
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AI summary
An optical security device (1) comprising a recorded or encoded representation of an optically variable image (40), the image (40) being reconstructable and viewable for security, authentication or identification purposes, the device (1) comprising: an optical structure (30) in which there is recorded or encoded a representation of the optically variable image (40) in the form of a plurality of discrete portions (e.g. 50) of the complete image (40) to be reconstructed, wherein the respective said plurality of portions (e.g. 50) of the optically variable image (40) can, when reconstructed, only be viewed in their totality by viewing the said image (40) at or over a plurality of different viewing angles or angle ranges (70) relative to the optical structure (30) and/or at or over a plurality of different angles or range of angles of illumination of the optical structure (10), and wherein the size, in at least one dimension, direction, axis or plane, of the complete image (40), when reconstructed, is greater than the corresponding size, in the same, or the respective same, dimension, direction, axis or plane, of a part of the optical structure (30) having the said plurality of portions (e.g. 50) of the image (40) collectively recorded or encoded therein.