Plasmon Structure Display for Micro-Image Recognition

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Solution Overview

Problem

Micro-images displayed by bitmap patterns with multiple values can be falsely recognized due to dust or stains overlapping with the image, causing observers to mistakenly identify them as part of the image.

Innovation Solution

A display body with a first display part that uses surface plasmons to change irradiation light into transmitted light of a specific color, allowing observers to distinguish the displayed information by its color difference from other parts.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If a micro-image corresponding to a bitmap pattern having two or more values is displayed using height differences, then information can be encoded in the micro-image, but dust or stains overlapping with the image can be falsely recognized as part of the image

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinformation encoding capabilityVSAvoidfalse recognition of information
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies color changes by encoding information in the micro-image using color differences rather than height differences. The bitmap pattern represents multiple values through different colors (e.g., transparent, colored, or different shades), allowing observers to distinguish information-bearing regions from dust or stains based on color rather than height, thereby eliminating false recognition while preserving information encoding capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #32Color changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the physical parameter used for encoding from height (three-dimensional relief) to color (optical property). This parameter change transforms the micro-image from a tactile/height-based display to a color-based display, enabling observers to differentiate between intentional color variations representing data and random color variations from contaminants like dust or stains

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If color is used to display information in the micro-image, then false recognition can be reduced, but the manufacturing process becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefalse recognition of informationVSAvoidmanufacturing process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the color display function with the existing micro-image structure by integrating colored regions directly into the bitmap pattern design. Rather than adding separate coloring mechanisms, the invention combines information encoding and color presentation in a single manufacturing step, reducing overall complexity while achieving reliable color-based information display

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies local quality by assigning different colors to specific regions of the micro-image corresponding to different bitmap values. Each region is locally optimized with appropriate color properties (transparent, colored, or shaded) to represent specific data values, enabling color-based information encoding without requiring complex global manufacturing processes

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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

This solution effectively reduces false recognition of information by observers, as the distinct color of the transmitted light makes it easier to differentiate the information-bearing parts from other areas.

Implementation Method 1

a plasmon structure which includes an interface between a metal layer and a dielectric layer that transmits light, excites surface plasmons in the interface to change irradiation light with which the interface is irradiated to transmitted light having a color different from that of the irradiation light

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSurface plasmons:

Data Source

PatentEP3450196B2Display body and observing method for display body
Publication Date: 2025.05.21 TOPPAN HOLDINGS INC
  • EP3450196B2 patent drawingFigure 1A~2
  • EP3450196B2 patent drawingFigure 3~5
  • EP3450196B2 patent drawingFigure 6~8

AI summary

A display body includes a first display part, which displays first information, and a second display part, which displays second information of a larger display size than the first information. The second display part includes the entire first display part as a part of the second display part. The first display part has a plasmon structure. The plasmon structure includes an interface between a metal layer and a dielectric layer, which transmits light, and is configured so that surface plasmons are excited in the interface to change irradiation light with which the interface is irradiated to transmitted light having a color different from that of the irradiation light. The first information is displayed with the transmitted light.