Telecentric Imaging for Optical Effect Layer Particle Orientation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for determining the distribution and orientation of platelet-shaped pigment particles in security documents are tedious and destructive, relying heavily on electron-microscopic examination, which is time-consuming and destroys the sample.
Innovation Solution
A non-destructive method using a telecentric lens-and-camera assembly to image and process the distribution and orientation of platelet-shaped pigment particles under collimated light, allowing for efficient and accurate characterization of the particles' orientation over an extended region.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If electron-microscopic examination is used to determine particle distribution and orientation, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical electron-microscopic examination system with an optical imaging system using a telecentric lens and camera. This substitution maintains measurement capability while dramatically reducing examination time and eliminating the need for complex sample preparation and destructive cutting procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates an optical copy or image of the particle distribution and orientation using telecentric photography. Instead of physically examining and destroying the original sample through electron microscopy, the system captures representative images that preserve all measurement information while allowing the original security document to remain intact for further use.
2Measurement precision
If electron-microscopic examination is used to determine particle distribution and orientation, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The complex mechanical and procedural requirements of electron microscopy are replaced with a simple optical imaging system. The telecentric lens and camera setup eliminates the need for specialized sample preparation, vacuum environments, and complex imaging procedures, making the examination process straightforward and accessible.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical imaging system is designed to work directly with the security document in its normal state without requiring specialized preparation. The telecentric setup automatically provides the necessary optical conditions for accurate particle orientation measurement, eliminating the need for operator expertise in complex sample preparation techniques.
3Measurement precision
If electron-microscopic examination is used to determine particle distribution and orientation, then measurement precision is improved, but the sample is destroyed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates optical copies or images of the particle distribution and orientation characteristics without physically altering or destroying the original security document. The telecentric imaging system captures sufficient information for accurate analysis while leaving the document intact and fully functional for its intended security purposes.
Solution Approach 2:
The destructive mechanical cutting and mounting procedures required for electron microscopy are replaced with non-contact optical imaging. This substitution eliminates all harmful physical interactions with the sample, allowing repeated examinations of the same security document without degradation.
4Ease of operation
If traditional imaging methods are used to examine particle distribution, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies telecentric imaging, which provides uniform magnification and eliminates perspective distortion across the entire field of view. This local quality control ensures that particle orientation measurements are equally accurate at all positions in the image, maintaining high measurement precision while keeping the imaging procedure simple and straightforward.
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
Enables efficient and accurate determination of platelet-shaped pigment particle distribution and orientation without damaging the security document, providing quantitative information on particle distribution and orientation across the optical effect layer.
Implementation Method 1
taking at least one image, under illumination of said extended region of the optical effect layer with collimated light incident from at least one first direction, of reflected light of said extended region of the optical effect layer from at least one second direction
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosure relates to a method and a device for determining the distribution and orientation of platelet-shaped pigment particles over an extended region of an optical effect layer (OEL). The method includes a) taking at least one image, under illumination of said extended region of the optical effect layer with collimated light incident from at least one first direction, of reflected light of said extended region of the optical effect layer from at least one second direction, using a telecentric lens-and-camera assembly having the optical axis of the telecentric lens oriented along said second direction, and b) processing the at least one image of said extended region to extract quantitative particle distribution and orientation information. The device includes a) a collimated light source for illuminating an extended region of the optical effect layer with collimated light from at least one first direction, and b) a telecentric lens-and-camera assembly for collecting the light reflected from said extended region of the optical effect layer into at least one second direction.