Optically Variable Surface Pattern for 3D Security
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optically variable surface patterns, such as three-dimensional holograms, are becoming less effective as security features due to widespread use outside the security sector and limitations in providing a realistic three-dimensional image that maintains parallax when rotated.
Innovation Solution
An optically variable surface pattern that uses reflective and refractive facets, arranged in a manner to provide multiple views with horizontal and vertical parallax, allowing for a realistic three-dimensional image impression when viewed from different angles, and incorporating halftone representation for enhanced brightness levels and color effects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If three-dimensional holograms are used to generate a three-dimensional image, then a three-dimensional effect is achieved, but the security value dwindles due to widespread use outside security area and loss of vertical parallax
Solution Approach 1:
The surface pattern is divided into multiple partial areas (first, second, third, fourth partial areas), each containing pixel sections that display different views of the motif. This segmentation allows the creation of multiple distinct images from different viewing angles, enhancing security while maintaining three-dimensional effects.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from traditional two-dimensional holographic displays to a multi-dimensional surface pattern that incorporates vertical parallax by arranging pixel sections at different vertical positions. This creates realistic three-dimensional image impressions that maintain parallax when rotated, addressing the limitation of conventional holograms.
2Shape
If traditional holographic techniques are used, then a three-dimensional effect is achieved, but vertical parallax is lost and the three-dimensional effect must be bought at the expense of vertical parallax
Solution Approach 1:
The invention restores vertical parallax by arranging pixel sections corresponding to different vertical positions in the motif at different vertical locations on the surface. This allows viewers to perceive genuine three-dimensional depth information when tilting the surface, maintaining both the three-dimensional effect and vertical parallax simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the surface pattern are assigned different local qualities - specific pixel sections are designed to reflect or refract light in particular directions to create specific views of the motif. This local differentiation enables the reconstruction of vertical parallax information across the surface.
3Reliability
If the surface pattern is designed to be reflective, then security against counterfeiting is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces complex mechanical or chemical security features with optically-based reflective and refractive surface patterns. These optical structures can be manufactured using standard micro-optical techniques, reducing manufacturing precision requirements while maintaining high security value through the complexity of the optical effects.
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 surface pattern provides a highly attractive and secure three-dimensional image with improved resistance to counterfeiting, maintaining a realistic impression even when rotated and offering multiple brightness levels and color representations, making it difficult to replicate.
Implementation Method 1
Such reflective facets essentially reflect incident light according to the laws of ray optics
Implementation Method 2
the facets can also be embossed into a transparent medium that has a refractive index that deviates from its surroundings, so that the facets now act as small prisms instead of mirrors and refract incident light in transmission in an associated viewing direction
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4A~4D
Figure 4E
AI summary
The invention relates to an optically variable surface pattern which is divided into at least three sub-areas (8-11) having respectively several pixel sections (4-7). A first and a second sub-area reproduce two different perspectives of a first pattern when pivoting about a first axis and dependent on the viewing angle, and a third sub-area reproduces another perspective of the first pattern or another perspective of a second pattern when pivoting about a second axis which is not parallel to the first axis, whereby the first and second sub-areas reproduce the two different perspectives such that a three-dimensional image impression is produced for the observer.