Optically Variable Security Element with Decoupled Kinematic and Chromatic Tilting
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current optically variable security elements with kinematic/stereographic effects based on micromirror structures are costly and limited in color effects, as they rely on time-consuming vacuum vapor deposition processes and have isotropic color-changing coatings that cannot decouple kinematic and chromatic tilting effects effectively.
Innovation Solution
A security element with a reflective surface area containing multiple reflective pixels, each with facets oriented such that more than 80% have a normal vector in the y-z plane, and a diffractive grating pattern with a grating vector parallel to the x-axis, allowing for decoupled kinematic and chromatic tilting effects when tilted about orthogonal axes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If vacuum vapor deposition processes are used to produce color-changing coatings, then color effects can be achieved, but the production becomes time-consuming and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the color-changing function from the micromirror structure itself and implements it separately through a diffractive grating pattern. The micromirrors provide the kinematic effect while the grating pattern provides the chromatic effect, allowing independent optimization of each function and eliminating the need for complex vacuum vapor deposition processes
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines two different optical mechanisms - geometric optics (micromirror reflection) and physical optics (diffraction from grating pattern) - into a single composite security element. This composite approach enables both kinematic and chromatic effects to coexist without requiring expensive vacuum deposition processes
2Adaptability or versatility
If isotropic color-changing coatings are used, then color effects are provided, but the kinematic and chromatic tilting effects cannot be decoupled
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the optical functions by separating the kinematic effect (provided by micromirror orientation) from the chromatic effect (provided by diffractive grating pattern). This segmentation allows independent control and optimization of each effect, enabling complete decoupling of kinematic and chromatic tilting effects
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different optical properties to different parts of the structure: the micromirror surfaces are optimized for kinematic effects with specific orientations, while the grating patterns are optimized for chromatic effects with specific line orientations. This local differentiation enables independent control of each effect
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 optically variable security element with enhanced security against forgery, offering attractive visual appearances and distinct tilting effects that are completely decoupled, resulting in a high level of authenticity verification.
Implementation Method 1
at least some of the facets are provided with a diffractive grating pattern made up of a large number of grating lines, the grating vector of which is parallel to the x-axis
Implementation Method 2
the reflective surface area contains a multiplicity of reflective pixels, each of which has one or more reflective facets oriented in the same way
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~7
AI summary
The invention relates to an optically variable security element (12) for securing valuables, with a carrier having a reflective surface area (20) whose extent defines an xy-plane and a z-axis perpendicular to it.According to the invention, it is provided that: - the reflective surface area (20) contains a plurality of reflective pixels (30), each having one or more identically oriented reflective facets (32), wherein the inclination of each facet (32) to the xy-plane is determined by specifying its normalized normal vector; - the reflective surface area (20) has a preferred direction specified by the x-axis, such that more than 80% of the facets (32) of the surface area (20) have a normal vector lying in the yz-plane; and - at least a part of the facets (32) is provided with a diffractive grid pattern (34) consisting of a plurality of grid lines (36), the grid vector of which is parallel to the x-axis.