Synthetic Image Depth Animation for Clear Viewing-Angle Shifts

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing synthetic-image devices struggle to provide animations that are easy to comprehend and compare to expected animation behaviors, particularly in security documents, due to complex reference behaviors and physical limitations in depth.

Innovation Solution

The method and device provide a focusing element array and an image layer that utilizes at least three different depths. The method and device provide a method for manufacturing a synthetic image device that utilizes at a respective focusing element array and an image layer that utilizes at a respective focusing element array and an image layer that utilizes at least three different depths. The method and device provide a synthetic image device which enables a viewing-angle dependent animation of perceived stereoscopic depth.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If multiple abruptly changing synthetic images are provided to create animation, then animation effect is achieved, but the animation becomes difficult to comprehend and compare to reference behavior

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveanimation effectVSAvoidcomprehensibility of animation
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the synthetic image change gradually rather than abruptly. The image objects are designed to transform continuously as the viewing direction changes, creating a smooth animation effect that is easier to comprehend. This resolves the contradiction by maintaining the animation effect while improving comprehensibility through continuous transformation rather than discrete jumps.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes parameter changes by varying the perceived depth of image objects as a function of viewing direction. By continuously changing the depth parameter rather than switching between fixed depth states, the animation becomes smoother and more natural, resolving the contradiction between achieving animation effect and maintaining comprehensibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of manufacture

If the synthetic image device is made thin and flat, then manufacturing is simplified, but depth perception becomes unnatural and difficult to comprehend

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice simplicityVSAvoiddepth perception naturalness
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent resolves this contradiction by adding a perceived depth dimension through optical manipulation. While the physical device remains thin and flat for easy manufacturing, the image objects are designed to appear at different depths along the viewing direction, creating a three-dimensional visual effect that enhances naturalness and comprehensibility without compromising device simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Ease of operation

If the number of successively changing images is increased to improve smoothness, then animation smoothness improves, but geometrical resolution requirements become unachievable

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveanimation smoothnessVSAvoidgeometrical resolution
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent resolves this contradiction by implementing continuous dynamic transformation of image objects rather than using discrete sequential images. This approach achieves smooth animation without requiring a large number of distinct image elements, thereby avoiding the need for unachievable geometrical resolution while maintaining animation smoothness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses a single set of image objects that transform continuously rather than requiring multiple copies of images at different states. This reduces the complexity and resolution requirements compared to providing numerous discrete image slices, resolving the contradiction between smoothness and manufacturable resolution.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

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 allows for a clear and unambiguous viewing-angle dependent animation of perceived stereoscopic depth, making it suitable for security documents by ensuring the animation is easy to comprehend and compare to a reference behavior.

Implementation Method 1

A typical synthetic-image device presents an array of small focusing elements and image objects created in different planes of a thin foil. The focusing element may be different kinds of lenses, apertures or reflectors.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRefraction: Refraction

Implementation Method 2

The focusing element may be different kinds of lenses, apertures or reflectors. An image layer is provided with image objects. The image layer is provided relative to the array of focusing elements such that when the device is viewed from different angles, different parts of the image objects are enlarged by the focusing elements

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFocusing: Focusing

Implementation Method 3

The synthetic image appears to float above the surface or appears to be present below the surface. Such an effect is supported by providing a synthetic image that changes according to parallax properties of an image being present above or below the surface.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectParallax: Parallax

Data Source

PatentEP4323199B1Synthetic images with animation of perceived depth
Publication Date: 2025.12.17 ROLLING OPTIKS AB
  • EP4323199B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1C
  • EP4323199B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4323199B1 patent drawingFigure 3A

AI summary

A method for manufacturing a synthetic image device comprises providing (S10) of a focusing element array. An image layer is arranged (S20) in a vicinity of a focal distance of focusing elements, whereby a synthetic image composed of enlarged portions of the image layer becomes perceivable for a viewer. Theimage layer comprises an array of image cells, each associated with a respective focusing element. The step of arranging (S20) the image layer comprises creation (S22) of a respective image object within each respective one of said image cells. The image objects are such that an animation becomes perceivable, comprising a series of synthetic images perceivable in-series as the viewing direction changes. The image objects are such that each one of the synthetic images of the series is perceivable at a respective perceivable depth,changing between the synthetic images of the series of synthetic images.