Security Device Using Field-Aligned Flake Ink for Kinematic Effects
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optically variable devices intended to be noticed may not be sufficiently dramatic, making them less effective as anti-counterfeiting measures, especially under certain lighting conditions.
Innovation Solution
A security device is created with an image formed on a substrate, featuring two printed regions with the same ink formulation containing field-alignable flakes. One region consists of thin parallel lines or small pixels, while the other region has wider lines or is solid, resulting in visible kinematic dynamic effects only in the latter when the image is tilted or rotated.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If optically variable devices are made with noticeable optical effects, then the anti-counterfeiting effectiveness is improved, but the optical effects may not be sufficiently dramatic under certain lighting conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different line thicknesses to different regions of the printed image. Thicker lines in certain areas provide stronger optical effects and kinematic dynamics, while thinner lines provide subtler effects. This local variation in line thickness allows the security device to have noticeable optical effects in key areas while maintaining overall visual appeal and avoiding excessive drama that might be missed under certain lighting conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates kinematic dynamic effects where the appearance of the printed image changes when tilted or rotated. By using magnetically alignable flakes in the ink, the optical properties of the image dynamically change based on viewing angle, creating an engaging security feature that is difficult to replicate and provides continuous visual interest without being overly dramatic under normal viewing conditions.
2Manufacturing precision
If the same ink formulation is used throughout, then manufacturing consistency is improved, but optical effects may not be sufficiently dramatic in all regions
Solution Approach 1:
While using the same ink formulation throughout the entire printed image, the patent creates local variations in line thickness to achieve different optical effect intensities. This allows manufacturing consistency to be maintained while still providing dramatic optical effects in specific regions where thicker lines are used, and subtler effects where thinner lines are used.
Solution Approach 2:
The printed image is segmented into regions with different line thicknesses. This segmentation allows the same ink to produce varying optical effects in different areas, with thicker lines providing stronger kinematic dynamics and optical variability, while thinner lines providing more subtle effects, thereby maintaining overall consistency while achieving local differentiation.
3Measurement precision
If thin parallel lines or small pixels are used, then detail resolution is improved, but kinematic dynamic effects become less visible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different line thicknesses to different regions based on the required visual effect. In regions where kinematic dynamic effects are most important, thicker lines are used to ensure visibility. In regions where fine detail is most important, thinner lines are used. This local differentiation allows both high detail resolution and visible kinematic effects to coexist in the overall printed image.
Solution Approach 2:
By using magnetically alignable flakes in the ink, the patent creates dynamic optical effects that are most visible in thicker line regions. The kinematic effects provide an engaging visual experience in areas where the lines are thick enough to support the magnetic alignment, while finer details remain sharp in thinner line regions, achieving both resolution and dynamic effect visibility.
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 approach enhances the perceived optical effects and kinematic dynamic effects, creating a discernible printed image with contrasting regions that appear to move or change when tilted, thereby improving the effectiveness of the security device.
Implementation Method 1
a same ink formulation having field alignable flakes therein is applied to the first and second printed regions, wherein particles or flakes in the ink are field aligned so as to produce a visible kinematic dynamic effect
Data Source
AI summary
A security device is disclosed that has an image formed upon a substrate. The image has a first printed region and a second different printed region both printed with a same ink formulation of field alignable flakes. At least one of the printed regions has optically variable effects. One of the first and second printed regions at least partially surrounds the other. The second printed region is formed of thin parallel lines and the first printed region has substantially wider lines than are printed in the second printed region. The area density of the ink in a line in the first group of wider lines is greater than the area density of a line in the second group of narrower lines. A surprising effect of this image is that particles or flakes in the ink are field aligned so as to produce a visible kinematic dynamic effect visible in the first region and not visible in the second region when the image is tilted or rotated.