Optically Variable Security Element Parallax Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optically variable security elements struggle to provide brilliant and high-resolution representations with both horizontal and vertical parallax, often resulting in faint or dotted appearances due to the complexity of production and limited resolution.
Innovation Solution
A security element featuring a two-dimensional motif area with reflective, flat facets inclined at specific angles, where the slope components vary based on distance from a default curve, allowing for dynamic movement and depth effects without losing three-dimensional impression when tilted or rotated.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If stereographic methods are used to provide different views for left and right eyes to create three-dimensional representation, then horizontal parallax is achieved, but the representation becomes dim and only clearly visible under strong point light source illumination
Solution Approach 1:
The security element divides the representation area into multiple individually controllable light-emitting elements arranged in rows and columns. Each element can be independently activated to provide horizontal and vertical parallax effects, enabling three-dimensional representation while maintaining brightness through selective activation of discrete segments rather than requiring strong external illumination.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a large number of different views are nested within each other to provide horizontal and vertical parallax, then the surface pattern can be rotated arbitrarily without losing spatial impression, but each view covers only a small portion of the surface resulting in dim and faint appearance
Solution Approach 1:
The security element employs individually controllable light-emitting elements that can be dynamically activated in different patterns to create multiple views. This dynamic control allows the system to maintain bright, clear representations across various rotation angles by selectively illuminating appropriate elements rather than relying on static nested views that distribute light too thinly.
3Shape
If moiré magnification arrangements with microlenses and microimages are used to create three-dimensional depth effect, then horizontal and vertical parallax are achieved, but the manufacturing process becomes comparatively complex requiring two embossing steps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the complex mechanical embossing process required for microlenses and microimages with a light-emitting element array that directly generates three-dimensional depth effects through controlled illumination patterns. This substitution eliminates the need for multiple embossing steps while achieving the same horizontal and vertical parallax effects through electronic or optical control of the light-emitting elements.
4Illumination intensity
If magnetic paints are used with appropriately shaped magnets to produce bright representations with depth effect, then brightness is improved, but the variety of effects and resolution are limited by the availability of suitable magnets
Solution Approach 1:
The security element uses an array of individually controllable light-emitting elements where parameters such as activation patterns, intensity, and timing can be varied to create diverse visual effects including horizontal and vertical parallax, moving images, and three-dimensional representations. This parametric control provides greater versatility and resolution compared to magnetic paints, which are constrained by the fixed geometry of physical magnets.
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 solution enables a brilliant and detailed three-dimensional appearance with horizontal and vertical parallax, maintaining visual impact even when the security element is rotated, offering enhanced security and recognition value.
Implementation Method 1
Each pixel has at least one reflective facet formed in a surface of the carrier, wherein the reflective facet reflects light incident on the surface area along a predetermined direction in a reflection direction determined by its orientation.
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~5(b)
Figure 6(a)~7(b)
AI summary
The invention relates to a visually variable security element (12) which is intended for safeguarding articles of value and, depending on the viewing angle, shows a motif with at least one representation of a curve (16), which from a first viewing angle is visible as a default curve in a middle position within a presentation area (22) and, when the security element (12) is tilted about two different predetermined axes, moves in different directions away from the middle position within the presentation area (22), with a two-dimensional motif area (20), which in the presentation area (22) is provided with a plurality of reflective, planar facets (30), wherein each planar facet (30) is characterized by an angle of inclination with respect to the plane of the two-dimensional motif area (20) that has as inclination components a parallel component (NII) parallel to the default curve in the middle position and a normal component (ΝI) perpendicular to the default curve in the middle position, and wherein a first of the two inclination components is chosen for the planar facets (30) of the presentation area (22) on the basis of the distance of the respective facet (30) from the default curve and a second of the two inclination components is chosen in a predetermined spreading-out region irrespective of the distance of the respective facet (30) from the default curve.