Substrate Embossed Grooves Hidden Image Decoder
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for creating hidden images on substrates require a separate independent optical decoder, which increases production and maintenance costs and makes it inconvenient to verify authenticity, as the decoder must always be present and is prone to loss or damage.
Innovation Solution
A substrate with embossed grooves and deposited material is designed such that the hidden image is visible at different angles, eliminating the need for a separate optical decoder by using a fixed positional relationship between the grooves and lines of material, with deviations that provide distinct visual effects when viewed from different angles, ensuring subtlety and refinement in the image.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a separate independent optical decoder is used to view hidden images, then the hidden image can be revealed, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the hidden image and optical decoder functions into a single integrated substrate. The substrate itself contains the embossed grooves and deposited material that form the hidden image, eliminating the need for a separate optical decoder. The viewing angle dependency is built into the substrate structure, merging what were previously separate components into one unified element.
Solution Approach 2:
The substrate serves its own dual function as both the carrier and the decoding mechanism. By incorporating the optical decoding features directly into the substrate through embossed grooves and deposited material with specific positional relationships, the substrate becomes self-sufficient for authenticity verification without requiring external optical decoders.
2Reliability
If a separate optical decoder is provided, then hidden images can be viewed, but production and maintenance costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the hidden image formation and optical decoding capabilities into a single substrate manufacturing process. The embossed grooves and deposited material are applied directly to the substrate during its production, eliminating the need for separate optical decoder components and reducing both production and maintenance costs.
3Device complexity
If embossed grooves and deposited material are used to create hidden images, then no separate optical decoder is needed, but the image lacks subtlety and refinement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different characteristics to different regions of the substrate. In the background region, the embossed grooves and deposited material are positioned with precise fixed relationships to create uniform visual effects. In the image region, controlled deviations from this fixed positional relationship are introduced to create the hidden image, allowing the image to emerge with subtlety and refinement while maintaining the overall simplicity of the substrate structure.
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 allows for the creation of subtle and refined hidden images that change with viewing angle, enhancing authenticity verification without the need for a separate optical decoder, reducing costs and improving convenience, while maintaining security through varying tones and contrasts.
Implementation Method 1
The grooves and lines of material are positioned relative to one another such that the hidden image only becomes visible, or more readily visible, when the substrate is viewed at an angle away from perpendicular to the substrate
Data Source
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AI summary
A substrate, comprises a plurality of substantially equally spaced embossed grooves and a line of material provided in the vicinity of at least one of the embossed grooves. In a first region of the substrate, the line of material has a fixed positional relationship with at least one of the embossed grooves to provide a first visual effect when the substrate is viewed from a first angle, and a second visual effect when the substrate viewed from a second angle. In a second region of the substrate, there is a deviation in the fixed positional relationship between the line of material and the at least one of the plurality of embossed grooves to provide a third visual effect in the second region when the substrate is viewed from the first angle and a fourth visual effect when the substrate is viewed from the second angle.