Printed Image Design for Security Features Using Mirrored Blocks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing security features struggle to produce distinctive effects that are difficult to reproduce, making them vulnerable to counterfeiting. The interactions between printed images and micro-optical elements are complex, and reverse-engineering these interactions is challenging, allowing for potential forgery.
Innovation Solution
A method for designing a printed image for security features involves receiving an original image, selecting sections, generating blocks by mirroring pixels in both x and y directions, and assigning these blocks to locations within the printed image. This method corrects for 'frame skip' and introduces a rotation angle to create distinctive cyclical effects, enhancing the security feature's authenticity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the printed image is tilted beyond a threshold angle, then the security feature produces distinctive effects, but frame skip occurs causing visual discontinuity
Solution Approach 1:
The original image is divided into multiple sections, each of which is mirrored independently in both x and y directions to create separate blocks. This segmentation allows each block to be positioned strategically to correct frame skip artifacts while maintaining overall image coherence across tilt angles.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces asymmetry by mirroring image sections in specific directions and rotating blocks by different angles. This asymmetric arrangement creates distinctive cyclical effects that vary with tilt angle while correcting the symmetric frame skip problem that occurs in conventional security features.
2Reliability
If more effects are combined in the printed image, then counterfeiting becomes more difficult, but the design complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates periodic cyclical effects by arranging mirrored blocks that repeat patterns at specific intervals and rotations. These periodic structures produce distinctive visual effects that change predictably with tilt angle, making them difficult to counterfeit while maintaining systematic design control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent systematically varies multiple parameters including block rotation angles, section sizes, and mirroring directions to create complex combined effects. By controlling these parameters methodically, the design achieves high counterfeiting resistance without unmanageable complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for designing a first layer of a printed image in a security feature is provided. The security feature comprising an array of optical elements overlaying the printed image, the method comprising: receiving an original image, the original image comprising rows of pixels extending in an x direction and columns of pixels extending in a y direction; selecting a first section of the original image; generating a first block by combining the pixels of the first section with pixels of the first section mirrored in both the x and y directions; and assigning to the first block a location within the first layer of the printed image, the location corresponding to the location of the first section within the original image. A method for producing a printed image, a printed image, a security feature, a security document, and non-transitory computer readable medium are also provided.