Surface Cavities for Multi-Image Anti-Counterfeiting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for creating images on surfaces, such as coin minting or stamping, are costly and vulnerable to unauthorized reproduction due to ease of production, and current holographic techniques are not viable for mass production.
Innovation Solution
A surface configuration featuring low-relief cavities with multiple facets that change brightness levels as the observer's inclination changes, allowing multiple images to be viewed from different orientations without interfering with each other, produced using laser carving and stamping techniques, making reproduction difficult.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional holographic techniques are used to create images on surfaces, then image quality and anti-counterfeiting capability are improved, but production cost increases and mass production becomes unviable
Solution Approach 1:
The surface is divided into multiple cavities, each cavity containing multiple facets that reflect light to form different images. This segmentation allows the complex holographic effect to be broken down into simpler, stampable cavity structures that can be mass-produced while maintaining anti-counterfeiting capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional holographic optical systems with a mechanical stamping system that creates cavities with specific facet geometries. The optical effects are achieved through the physical geometry of the cavities rather than complex holographic materials or processes, enabling cost-effective mass production
2Ease of manufacture
If grooves with different inclinations are used to generate dual images, then ease of production is improved, but vulnerability to unauthorized reproduction increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each cavity is designed with specific local qualities - particular facet orientations, inclinations, and configurations that are optimized for specific viewing angles and images. This local optimization within each cavity creates a complex overall structure that is easy to manufacture en masse but difficult to replicate authentically
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds vertical dimensionality by creating cavities with multiple facets at different depths and angles, rather than relying solely on surface-level groove inclinations. This three-dimensional cavity structure within each stampable unit provides enhanced anti-reproduction capability while maintaining ease of mass production
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple images are placed on a surface, then information content and versatility are improved, but image interference and viewing clarity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple images are segmented into different cavities, each cavity containing facets that reflect light to form specific images visible from particular viewing angles. This spatial segmentation prevents image interference by directing different images to different observation directions
Solution Approach 2:
The viewing experience is made dynamic - as the observer changes their viewing angle, different sets of facets become visible, revealing different images. This dynamic viewing mechanism ensures that multiple images can coexist on the same surface without interference, as each image is activated only at specific observation angles
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 cost-effective mass production of objects with multiple images that are challenging to replicate, maintaining high image quality and contrast while preventing unauthorized reproduction.
Implementation Method 1
Each facet is associated with either a first light level or a light level different from the first... Each facet of those which determine an image of the cavity serves as a pixel of the image and is capable of showing at least two light levels
Implementation Method 2
carrying out a laser carving process on the surface according to the established configuration
Data Source
Figure 1~2c
Figure 3
Figure 4
AI summary
The present invention relates to an object comprising a region of its surface suitable for showing a plurality of images. Each of these images is observable from a different direction such that upon observing one of the images the other images stop being observable and do not interfere in the viewing of the observed image. The configuration which allows generating the region of surfaces suitable for showing the plurality of images allows for mass production by means of stamping or minting techniques and complicates the reproduction by unauthorized manufacturers. A method which allows obtaining the object having a region suitable for showing a plurality of images is also an object of the present invention.