Patterned Polarizer Optical Security Decryption Without Rotation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current optical security devices rely on polarizers that require precise positioning and rotation for decryption, limiting their versatility and security features, especially when integrated into substrates like banknotes or booklets where rotation is impractical.

Innovation Solution

An optical security system featuring a patterned anisotropic optical element and a patterned polarizer, both encrypted using the same encryption map, allowing the polarizer to be positioned and shifted relative to the element for decryption without rotation, providing additional security levels and flexibility.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a polarizer is used for decryption in conventional optical security devices, then the information can be decrypted, but the polarizer requires precise positioning and rotation which limits versatility and is impractical for substrate integration

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedecryption flexibilityVSAvoidpositioning and rotation requirement
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the decryption function into two separate patterned elements: a patterned anisotropic optical element containing encrypted information and a patterned polarizer containing the decryption key. Both elements are integrated into the substrate, eliminating the need for rotation while maintaining decryption capability through relative positioning only.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from a single polarizer requiring two-dimensional rotation to a patterned polarizer system where decryption is achieved through relative positioning in one dimension (lateral shift). The encryption map creates corresponding patterns in both elements that align when positioned correctly, solving the rotation problem by operating in a different dimensional mode.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Reliability

If part of the information content is shared between the optical element and the polarizer, then high security is achieved, but each design requires a different polarizer which reduces versatility

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecurity levelVSAvoidpolarizer reusability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a universal patterned polarizer that can decrypt multiple different information patterns. The polarizer contains a periodic encryption map pattern that can align with various information patterns through lateral shifting. This allows one polarizer design to serve multiple security applications, greatly enhancing versatility while maintaining high security through the shared key mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of operation

If conventional encryption methods are used with single position polarizers, then decryption is possible, but only one observation mode is available which limits security features

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedecryption capabilityVSAvoidobservation mode variety
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces dynamic observation modes by enabling lateral shifting of the patterned polarizer relative to the patterned anisotropic element. This creates multiple decryption positions (e.g., first position for positive image, second position for negative image), transforming a static single-mode system into a dynamic multi-mode system that offers varied observation perspectives for enhanced security verification.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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

Enables secure decryption and decoding of information with enhanced flexibility, allowing the same polarizer to decrypt different information patterns and offering both positive and negative image appearances by shifting the polarizer, suitable for applications where rotation is not feasible.

Implementation Method 1

an optical element with anisotropic optical properties having information encoded and encrypted in an orientation pattern

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOptical anisotropy: Anisotropy

Implementation Method 2

optical element with patterned anisotropic optical property

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectBirefringence: Birefringence

Implementation Method 3

a patterned polarizer which can be arranged in a first and in a second position on the same side of the optical element such that in both positions the information incorporated in the optical element can be decrypted and decoded

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPolarization: Polarisation

Data Source

PatentEP3298442B1Encrypted optical security device
Publication Date: 2023.04.05 ROLIC TECHNOLOGIES AG
  • EP3298442B1 patent drawingFigure 1a~1b
  • EP3298442B1 patent drawingFigure 2a~2d
  • EP3298442B1 patent drawingFigure 2e~2i

AI summary

The invention relates to an optical security system comprising an optical element with a patterned anisotropic optical property, wherein information is encoded and encrypted in the pattern of the optical element. The system further comprises a patterned polarizer in which the pattern is such that the information stored in the optical element can be decrypted.