A security device includes an image projection system that includes an array of focusing elements (101) and an array of image icon elements (103) disposed relative to each other such that a synthetic image is projected by the image projection system. This synthetic image, along with at least one other image functions as a targeting image. As targeting images (310′, 310″), these images are spatially coordinated such that a reward image (350), which is otherwise at least partially hidden, becomes revealed upon the targeting images having a predetermined transformation. This targeting effect functions as a game that attracts the attention of an end-user of high-valued articles of manufacture to which the security device is attached. The security device allows a viewer to actively interact with the security device by trying to turn on the reward image.
G03H 1/28 - Processes or apparatus specially adapted to produce multiple holograms or to obtain images from them, e.g. multicolour technique superimposed holograms only
2.
Optical device that produces flicker-like optical effects
An optical device that produces flicker-like optical effects is provided. The optical device employs directionally cured image icons. Specifically, the optical device is made up of at least one arrangement of image icons formed from one or more cured pigmented materials, and at least one arrangement of optionally embedded focusing elements positioned to form one or more synthetic images of at least a portion of the arrangement(s) of image icons. Some or all of the pigmented material(s) is cured using collimated light directed through the focusing elements toward the arrangement(s) of image icons at one or more angles relative to a surface of the optical device to form directionally cured image icons. The synthetic image(s) of the directionally cured image icons is viewable at the cure angle(s) and therefore visually appears and disappears, or turns on and off, as the viewing angle of the device moves through the cure angle(s).
G02B 30/27 - Optical systems or apparatus for producing three-dimensional [3D] effects, e.g. stereoscopic images by providing first and second parallax images to an observer’s left and right eyes of the autostereoscopic type involving lenticular arrays
G09F 19/14 - Advertising or display means not otherwise provided for using special optical effects displaying different signs depending upon the view-point of the observer
B44F 1/00 - Designs or pictures characterised by special or unusual light effects
A security device includes an image projection system that includes an array of focusing elements (101) and an array of image icon elements (103) disposed relative to each other such that a synthetic image is projected by the image projection system. This synthetic image, along with at least one other image functions as a targeting image. As targeting images (310′, 310″), these images are spatially coordinated such that a reward image (350), which is otherwise at least partially hidden, becomes revealed upon the targeting images having a predetermined transformation. This targeting effect functions as a game that attracts the attention of an end-user of high-valued articles of manufacture to which the security device is attached. The security device allows a viewer to actively interact with the security device by trying to turn on the reward image.
G03H 1/28 - Processes or apparatus specially adapted to produce multiple holograms or to obtain images from them, e.g. multicolour technique superimposed holograms only
B42D 25/351 - Translucent or partly translucent parts, e.g. windows
4.
Optical device that produces flicker-like optical effects
An optical device that produces flicker-like optical effects is provided. The inventive device employs directionally cured image icons. Specifically, the optical device is made up of at least one arrangement of image icons formed from one or more cured pigmented materials, and at least one arrangement of optionally embedded focusing elements positioned to form one or more synthetic images of at least a portion of the arrangement(s) of image icons. Some or all of the pigmented material(s) is cured using collimated light directed through the focusing elements toward the arrangement(s) of image icons at one or more angles relative to a surface of the optical device to form directionally cured image icons. The synthetic image(s) of the directionally cured image icons is viewable at the cure angle(s) and therefore visually appears and disappears, or turns on and off, as the viewing angle of the device moves through the cure angle(s).
G02B 30/27 - Optical systems or apparatus for producing three-dimensional [3D] effects, e.g. stereoscopic images by providing first and second parallax images to an observer’s left and right eyes of the autostereoscopic type involving lenticular arrays
G09F 19/14 - Advertising or display means not otherwise provided for using special optical effects displaying different signs depending upon the view-point of the observer
A security device includes an image projection system that includes an array of focusing elements (101) and an array of image icon elements (103) disposed relative to each other such that a synthetic image is projected by the image projection system. This synthetic image, along with at least one other image functions as a targeting image. As targeting images (310', 310"), these images are spatially coordinated such that a reward image (350), which is otherwise at least partially hidden, becomes revealed upon the targeting images having a predetermined transformation. This targeting effect functions as a game that attracts the attention of an end-user of high-valued articles of manufacture to which the security device is attached. The security device allows a viewer to actively interact with the security device by trying to turn on the reward image.
A security device includes an image projection system that includes an array of focusing elements (101) and an array of image icon elements (103) disposed relative to each other such that a synthetic image is projected by the image projection system. This synthetic image, along with at least one other image functions as a targeting image. As targeting images (310', 310"), these images are spatially coordinated such that a reward image (350), which is otherwise at least partially hidden, becomes revealed upon the targeting images having a predetermined transformation. This targeting effect functions as a game that attracts the attention of an end-user of high-valued articles of manufacture to which the security device is attached. The security device allows a viewer to actively interact with the security device by trying to turn on the reward image.
G03H 1/26 - Processes or apparatus specially adapted to produce multiple holograms or to obtain images from them, e.g. multicolour technique
G03H 1/28 - Processes or apparatus specially adapted to produce multiple holograms or to obtain images from them, e.g. multicolour technique superimposed holograms only
A security device includes an array of image icon elements and an array of image icon focusing elements, wherein the array of image icon elements and the array of image icon focusing elements are disposed relative to each other such that the security device projects a synthetic image along a viewing angle and wherein the security device is configured to physically degrade when exposed to temperatures above an anti-harvesting temperature, the anti-harvesting temperature being lower than a harvesting temperature of a coupling between the security device and a substrate.
An improved form of optical security device for use in the protection of documents and articles of value from counterfeit and to verify authenticity is provided. The inventive device, which is made up of an optionally embedded array of icon focusing elements, at least one grayscale in-plane image, and a plurality of coextensive control patterns of icons contained on or within the in-plane image, each control pattern being mapped to areas of the grayscale in-plane image having a range of grayscale levels, provides enhanced design capability, improved visual impact, and greater resistance to manufacturing variations.
A process for transferring microstructures to a flexible or rigid final substrate that offers advantages in both speed and precision is provided. The inventive process involves subjecting a transfer film in a continuous roll-to-roll process to the following operations: either forming microstructures on, or transferring microstructures to a surface of the transfer film; and then transferring the microstructures from the transfer film onto a surface of the final substrate. The microstructures are single or multi-layer structures that are made up of: voids in a substantially planar surface, the voids optionally filled or coated with another material; raised areas in a substantially planar surface; or combinations thereof.
B32B 37/12 - Methods or apparatus for laminating, e.g. by curing or by ultrasonic bonding characterised by using adhesives
B32B 37/24 - Methods or apparatus for laminating, e.g. by curing or by ultrasonic bonding characterised by the properties of the layers with at least one layer not being coherent before laminating, e.g. made up from granular material sprinkled onto a substrate
B32B 38/10 - Removing layers, or parts of layers, mechanically or chemically
The application provides a security feature comprising an anti-harvesting element which deforms the security feature upon harvesting or attempts to harvest the security feature.
The application provides a security feature comprising an anti-harvesting element which deforms the security feature upon harvesting or attempts to harvest the security feature.
An improved polymeric sheet material for use in making polymeric security documents such as banknotes is provided. The inventive polymeric sheet material has one or more integrated and/or applied optical security devices. Polymeric security documents made using these improved polymeric sheet materials are also provided.
G03H 1/02 - Holographic processes or apparatus using light, infrared, or ultraviolet waves for obtaining holograms or for obtaining an image from themDetails peculiar thereto Details
G03H 1/00 - Holographic processes or apparatus using light, infrared, or ultraviolet waves for obtaining holograms or for obtaining an image from themDetails peculiar thereto
B41F 11/02 - Rotary presses or machines having forme cylinders carrying a plurality of printing surfaces, or for performing letterpress, lithographic, or intaglio processes selectively or in combination for securities
B42D 25/47 - Associating two or more layers using chemicals or adhesives using adhesives
B42D 25/46 - Associating two or more layers using pressure
A single layer image projection system that Is made up of an arrangement of optionally reflective arcuate elements having an upper arcuate surface, a lower surface, and an arcuate area bounded by the upper arcuate and lower surfaces, and an optionally reflective pattern of image relief microstructures disposed on or within at least some of the upper arcuate surfaces of the arcuate elements, is provided. The arrangement of optionally reflective arcuate elements and the optionally reflective pattern of image relief microstructures are in a single layer and interact to project one or more images. For an upper arcuate surface with convex surface curvature, the image relief microstructures extend downwardly from this surface terminating within the arcuate area, and for an upper arcuate surface with concave surface curvature, the image relief microstructures extend upwardly from this surface terminating within an area defined by the curvature of the upper arcuate surface. Transmission of light through the system, reflection of light from the system, or a combination thereof forms one or more images.
An optical device that produces flicker-like optical effects is provided. The inventive device employs directionally cured image icons. Specifically, the optical device is made up of at least one arrangement of image icons formed from one or more cured pigmented materials, and at least one arrangement of optionally embedded focusing elements positioned to form one or more synthetic images of at least a portion of the arrangement(s) of image icons. Some or all of the pigmented material(s) is cured using collimated light directed through the focusing elements toward the arrangement(s) of image icons at one or more angles relative to a surface of the optical device to form directionally cured image icons. The synthetic image(s) of the directionally cured image icons is viewable at the cure angle(s) and therefore visually appears and disappears, or turns on and off, as the viewing angle of the device moves through the cure angle(s). The inventive optical device may be used in conjunction with laser engraving allowing for, in at least one embodiment, superior laser engraving through the optical device.
G09F 19/14 - Advertising or display means not otherwise provided for using special optical effects displaying different signs depending upon the view-point of the observer
A single layer image projection system that Is made up of an arrangement of optionally reflective arcuate elements having an upper arcuate surface, a lower surface, and an arcuate area bounded by the upper arcuate and lower surfaces, and an optionally reflective pattern of image relief microstructures disposed on or within at least some of the upper arcuate surfaces of the arcuate elements, is provided. The arrangement of optionally reflective arcuate elements and the optionally reflective pattern of image relief microstructures are in a single layer and interact to project one or more images. For an upper arcuate surface with convex surface curvature, the image relief microstructures extend downwardly from this surface terminating within the arcuate area, and for an upper arcuate surface with concave surface curvature, the image relief microstructures extend upwardly from this surface terminating within an area defined by the curvature of the upper arcuate surface. Transmission of light through the system, reflection of light from the system, or a combination thereof forms one or more images.
A fast and reliable single or dual transfer process is provided. Unlike prior art foil transfer techniques, which rely on the very fragile nature of the transferred pattern and/or shape to obtain a clean break at the die edge, the present invention is directed toward relatively non-tearable or tear resistant materials that can be difficult or impossible to effectively transfer using these known foil transfer techniques. This problem is addressed by precision cutting, for example, patches in the relatively non-tearable or tear resistant material positioned on a carrier substrate and in one exemplary embodiment transferring areas surrounding the cut patches to a sacrificial carrier substrate. The resulting sharply defined, precision cut patches left on the carrier substrate may then be transferred to objects to be protected such as banknotes.
A fast and reliable single or dual transfer process is provided. Unlike prior art foil transfer techniques, which rely on the very fragile nature of the transferred pattern and/or shape to obtain a clean break at the die edge, the present invention is directed toward relatively non-tearable or tear resistant materials that can be difficult or impossible to effectively transfer using these known foil transfer techniques. This problem is addressed by precision cutting, for example, patches in the relatively non-tearable or tear resistant material positioned on a carrier substrate and in one exemplary embodiment transferring areas surrounding the cut patches to a sacrificial carrier substrate. The resulting sharply defined, precision cut patches left on the carrier substrate may then be transferred to objects to be protected such as banknotes.
B42D 25/21 - Information-bearing cards or sheet-like structures characterised by identification or security featuresManufacture thereof characterised by a particular use or purpose for multiple purposes
B32B 37/00 - Methods or apparatus for laminating, e.g. by curing or by ultrasonic bonding
B32B 38/00 - Ancillary operations in connection with laminating processes
18.
SINGLE OR DUAL TRANSFER PROCESS FOR PREPARING AND TRANSFERING SHARPLY DEFINED SINGLE ELEMENTS TO OBJECTS TO BE PROTECTED
A fast and reliable single or dual transfer process is provided. Unlike prior art foil transfer techniques, which rely on the very fragile nature of the transferred pattern and/or shape to obtain a clean break at the die edge, the present invention is directed toward relatively non-tearable or tear resistant materials that can be difficult or impossible to effectively transfer using these known foil transfer techniques. This problem is addressed by precision cutting, for example, patches in the relatively non-tearable or tear resistant material positioned on a carrier substrate and in one exemplary embodiment transferring areas surrounding the cut patches to a sacrificial carrier substrate. The resulting sharply defined, precision cut patches left on the carrier substrate may then be transferred to objects to be protected such as banknotes.
A single layer image projection system that is made up of an arrangement of optionally reflective arcuate elements having an upper arcuate surface, a lower surface, and an arcuate area bounded by the upper arcuate and lower surfaces, and an optionally reflective pattern of image relief microstructures disposed on or within at least some of the upper arcuate surfaces of the arcuate elements, is provided. The arrangement of optionally reflective arcuate elements and the optionally reflective pattern of image relief microstructures are in a single layer and interact to project one or more images. For an upper arcuate surface with convex surface curvature, the image relief microstructures extend downwardly from this surface terminating within the arcuate area, and for an upper arcuate surface with concave surface curvature, the image relief microstructures extend upwardly from this surface terminating within an area defined by the curvature of the upper arcuate surface. Transmission of light through the system, reflection of light from the system or a combination thereof forms one or more images.
An improved polymeric sheet material for use in making polymeric security documents such as banknotes is provided. The inventive polymeric sheet material has one or more integrated and/or applied optical security devices. Polymeric security documents made using these improved polymeric sheet materials are also provided.
An improved polymeric sheet material for use in making polymeric security documents such as banknotes is provided. The inventive polymeric sheet material has one or more integrated and/or applied optical security devices. Polymeric security documents made using these improved polymeric sheet materials are also provided.
An improved polymeric sheet material for use in making polymeric security documents such as banknotes is provided. The inventive polymeric sheet material has one or more integrated and/or applied optical security devices. Polymeric security documents made using these improved polymeric sheet materials are also provided.
An improved polymeric sheet material for use in making polymeric security documents such as banknotes is provided. The inventive polymeric sheet material has one or more integrated and/or applied optical security devices. Polymeric security documents made using these improved polymeric sheet materials are also provided.
B29C 65/54 - Applying the adhesive between pre-assembled parts
B32B 3/16 - Layered products comprising a layer with external or internal discontinuities or unevennesses, or a layer of non-planar shapeLayered products comprising a layer having particular features of form characterised by a discontinuous layer, i.e. apertured or formed of separate pieces of material characterised by a face layer formed of separate pieces of material secured to a flexible backing
An improved polymeric sheet material for use in making polymeric security documents such as banknotes is provided. The inventive polymeric sheet material has one or more integrated and/or applied optical security devices. Polymeric security documents made using these improved polymeric sheet materials are also provided.
An improved form of optical security device for use in the protection of documents and articles of value from counterfeit and to verify authenticity is provided. The inventive device, which is made up of an optionally embedded array of icon focusing elements, at least one grayscale in-plane image, and a plurality of coextensive control patterns of icons contained on or within the in-plane image, each control pattern being mapped to areas of the grayscale in-plane image having a range of grayscale levels, provides enhanced design capability, improved visual impact, and greater resistance to manufacturing variations.
An optical device that produces flicker-like optical effects is provided. The inventive device employs directionally cured image icons. Specifically, the optical device is made up of at least one arrangement of image icons formed from one or more cured pigmented materials, and at least one arrangement of optionally embedded focusing elements positioned to form one or more synthetic images of at least a portion of the arrangement(s) of image icons. Some or all of the pigmented material(s) is cured using collimated light directed through the focusing elements toward the arrangement(s) of image icons at one or more angles relative to a surface of the optical device to form directionally cured image icons. The synthetic image(s) of the directionally cured image icons is viewable at the cure angle(s) and therefore visually appears and disappears, or turns on and off, as the viewing angle of the device moves through the cure angle(s). The inventive optical device may be used in conjunction with laser engraving allowing for, in at least one embodiment, superior laser engraving through the optical device.
B41J 2/435 - Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed characterised by selective application of radiation to a printing material or impression-transfer material
An optical device that produces flicker-like optical effects is provided. The inventive device employs directionally cured image icons. Specifically, the optical device is made up of at least one arrangement of image icons formed from one or more cured pigmented materials, and at least one arrangement of optionally embedded focusing elements positioned to form one or more synthetic images of at least a portion of the arrangement(s) of image icons. Some or all of the pigmented material(s) is cured using collimated light directed through the focusing elements toward the arrangement(s) of image icons at one or more angles relative to a surface of the optical device to form directionally cured image icons. The synthetic image(s) of the directionally cured image icons is viewable at the cure angle(s) and therefore visually appears and disappears, or turns on and off, as the viewing angle of the device moves through the cure angle(s). The inventive optical device may be used in conjunction with laser engraving allowing for, in at least one embodiment, superior laser engraving through the optical device.
G09F 19/14 - Advertising or display means not otherwise provided for using special optical effects displaying different signs depending upon the view-point of the observer
28.
Process for transferring microstructures to a final substrate
A process and a transfer film for transferring microstructures to a flexible or rigid final substrate that offers advantages in both speed and precision is provided. The inventive process involves subjecting a transfer film in a continuous roll-to-roll process to the following operations: either forming microstructures on, or transferring microstructures to a surface of the transfer film; and then transferring the microstructures from the transfer film onto a surface of the final substrate. The microstructures are single or multi-layer structures that are made up of: voids in a substantially planar surface, the voids optionally filled or coated with another material; raised areas in a substantially planar surface; or combinations thereof.
B32B 37/12 - Methods or apparatus for laminating, e.g. by curing or by ultrasonic bonding characterised by using adhesives
B32B 37/24 - Methods or apparatus for laminating, e.g. by curing or by ultrasonic bonding characterised by the properties of the layers with at least one layer not being coherent before laminating, e.g. made up from granular material sprinkled onto a substrate
B32B 38/10 - Removing layers, or parts of layers, mechanically or chemically
A security device for projecting a collection of synthetic images as well as a computer-implemented method for producing such a security device are provided. The synthetic images may represent different viewpoints of a target object or image that change from one viewpoint image to another viewpoint image as the location of the observer changes relative to the device. The nature of each synthetic image can, however, be completely arbitrary, much like the images that are provided by a display device such as a television or computer monitor. In an exemplary embodiment, a special symmetry is used to generate the synthetic images, which allows the device to be manufactured without regard for registration.
An optionally transferable optical system with a reduced thickness is provided. The inventive optical system is basically made up of a synthetic image presentation system in which one or more arrangements of structured image icons are substantially in contact with, but not completely embedded within, one or more arrangements of focusing elements. The focusing element and image icon arrangements cooperate to form at least one synthetic image. By way of the subject invention, the requirement for an optical spacer to provide the necessary focal distance between the focusing elements and their associated image icon(s) is removed. As a result, overall system thicknesses are reduced, suitability as a surface-applied authentication system is enabled, and tamper resistance is improved.
B29D 11/00 - Producing optical elements, e.g. lenses or prisms
G02B 30/27 - Optical systems or apparatus for producing three-dimensional [3D] effects, e.g. stereoscopic images by providing first and second parallax images to an observer’s left and right eyes of the autostereoscopic type involving lenticular arrays
An improved form of optical security device for use in the protection of documents and articles of value from counterfeit and to verify authenticity is provided. The inventive device, which is made up of an optionally embedded array of icon focusing elements, at least one grayscale in-plane image, and a plurality of coextensive control patterns of icons contained on or within the in-plane image, each control pattern being mapped to areas of the grayscale in-plane image having a range of grayscale levels, provides enhanced design capability, improved visual impact, and greater resistance to manufacturing variations.
An improved form of optical security device for use in the protection of documents and articles of value from counterfeit and to verify authenticity is provided. The inventive device, which is made up of an optionally embedded array of icon focusing elements, at least one grayscale in-plane image, and a plurality of coextensive control patterns of icons contained on or within the in-plane image, each control pattern being mapped to areas of the grayscale in-plane image having a range of grayscale levels, provides enhanced design capability, improved visual impact, and greater resistance to manufacturing variations.
A process and a transfer film for transferring microstructures to a flexible or rigid final substrate that offers advantages in both speed and precision is provided. The inventive process involves subjecting a transfer film in a continuous roll-to-roll process to the following operations: either forming microstructures on, or transferring microstructures to a surface of the transfer film; and then transferring the microstructures from the transfer film onto a surface of the final substrate. The microstructures are single or multi-layer structures that are made up of: voids in a substantially planar surface, the voids optionally filled or coated with another material; raised areas in a substantially planar surface; or combinations thereof.
A process and a transfer film for transferring microstructures to a flexible or rigid final substrate that offers advantages in both speed and precision is provided. The inventive process involves subjecting a transfer film in a continuous roll-to-roll process to the following operations: either forming microstructures on, or transferring microstructures to a surface of the transfer film; and then transferring the microstructures from the transfer film onto a surface of the final substrate. The microstructures are single or multi-layer structures that are made up of: voids in a substantially planar surface, the voids optionally filled or coated with another material; raised areas in a substantially planar surface; or combinations thereof.
A micro-optic material that demonstrates improved abrasion resistance while continuing to provide optimal optical performance is provided. An outermost layer of the micro-optic material is prepared from a formulation utilizing an effective amount of one or more nanocomposites {e.g., a silica-polymer nanocomposite, an alumina-polymer nanocomposite). The inventive material, which offers easily recognized dynamic optical effects, is suitable for use in high wear end-use applications, such as rigid ID cards, which have heightened performance requirements.
C03C 1/00 - Ingredients generally applicable to manufacture of glasses, glazes or vitreous enamels
C09D 133/06 - Homopolymers or copolymers of esters of esters containing only carbon, hydrogen and oxygen, the oxygen atom being present only as part of the carboxyl radical
A security device for projecting a collection of synthetic images as well as a computer-implemented method for producing such a security device are provided. The synthetic images may represent different viewpoints of a target object or image that change from one viewpoint image to another viewpoint image as the location of the observer changes relative to the device. The nature of each synthetic image can, however, be completely arbitrary, much like the images that are provided by a display device such as a television or computer monitor. In an exemplary embodiment, a special symmetry is used to generate the synthetic images, which allows the device to be manufactured without regard for registration.
B42D 15/00 - Printed matter of special format or style not otherwise provided for
B42D 15/10 - Identity, credit, cheque or like information-bearing cards (record carriers, e.g. credit or identity cards, for use with machines and with at least a part designed to carry digital markings G06K 19/00)
G02B 27/06 - Viewing or reading apparatus with moving-picture effect
An optionally transferable optical system with a reduced thickness is provided. The inventive optical system is basically made up of a synthetic image presentation system in which one or more arrangements of structured image icons are substantially in contact with, but not completely embedded within, one or more arrangements of focusing elements. The focusing element and image icon arrangements cooperate to form at least one synthetic image. By way of the subject invention, the requirement for an optical spacer to provide the necessary focal distance between the focusing elements and their associated image icon(s) is removed. As a result, overall system thicknesses are reduced, suitability as a surface-applied authentication system is enabled, and tamper resistance is improved.
An optionally transferable optical system with a reduced thickness is provided. The inventive optical system is basically made up of a synthetic image presentation system in which one or more arrangements of structured image icons are substantially in contact with, but not completely embedded within, one or more arrangements of focusing elements. The focusing element and image icon arrangements cooperate to form at least one synthetic image. By way of the subject invention, the requirement for an optical spacer to provide the necessary focal distance between the focusing elements and their associated image icon(s) is removed. As a result, overall system thicknesses are reduced, suitability as a surface-applied authentication system is enabled, and tamper resistance is improved.
An optical film material suitable for use in low curl or curl free optical film-to-paper laminates is provided. The inventive optical film material includes a light-transmitting polymeric optical spacer or carrier film that has a linear coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) of less than about 25 x 10-6 mm/mm-°C over the temperature range of from about 70 to about 160°C, or that is hygroscopic {e.g., has an ambient moisture absorption, measured as a percentage moisture content, similar to paper), or both. Also provided is an optical film-to-paper laminate {e.g., a micro-optic film-to-passport paper laminate) that demonstrates a reduction in (or elimination of) curl. The inventive laminate exhibits a maximum out-of-plane deformation of less than about 10%.
G02B 1/04 - Optical elements characterised by the material of which they are madeOptical coatings for optical elements made of organic materials, e.g. plastics
B42D 15/10 - Identity, credit, cheque or like information-bearing cards (record carriers, e.g. credit or identity cards, for use with machines and with at least a part designed to carry digital markings G06K 19/00)
An optical device projecting one or more synthetically magnified images that has been laser marked with one or more static two dimensional (2D) images is provided. The static 2D image(s) laser marked on or within this device and the synthetically magnified image(s) projected by this device help determine the authenticity of a document (e.g., passport data page) or product that employs it. Several embodiments of the inventive device also offer increased resistance to tampering or alteration and wear.
B42D 15/00 - Printed matter of special format or style not otherwise provided for
B42D 15/10 - Identity, credit, cheque or like information-bearing cards (record carriers, e.g. credit or identity cards, for use with machines and with at least a part designed to carry digital markings G06K 19/00)
B41M 5/382 - Contact transfer or sublimation processes
G07D 7/00 - Testing specially adapted to determine the identity or genuineness of valuable papers or for segregating those which are unacceptable, e.g. banknotes that are alien to a currency
An optical device projecting one or more synthetically magnified images that has been laser marked with one or more static two dimensional (2D) images is provided. The static 2D image(s) laser marked on or within this device and the synthetically magnified image(s) projected by this device help determine the authenticity of a document (e.g., passport data page) or product that employs it. Several embodiments of the inventive device also offer increased resistance to tampering or alteration and wear.
A system for projecting one or more synthetic optical images, which demonstrates improved resistance to optically degrading external effects, is provided. The inventive system serves to lock the focal length of the focusing elements in place. In other words, no other transparent materials or layers brought into contact with the inventive system will serve to materially alter the focal length or the optical acuity of synthetic images formed by the system.
A system for projecting one or more synthetic optical images, which demonstrates improved resistance to optically degrading external effects, is provided. The inventive system serves to lock the focal length of the focusing elements in place. In other words, no other transparent materials or layers brought into contact with the inventive system will serve to materially alter the focal length or the optical acuity of synthetic images formed by the system.
G02B 27/18 - Optical systems or apparatus not provided for by any of the groups , for optical projection, e.g. combination of mirror and condenser and objective
G02B 30/27 - Optical systems or apparatus for producing three-dimensional [3D] effects, e.g. stereoscopic images by providing first and second parallax images to an observer’s left and right eyes of the autostereoscopic type involving lenticular arrays
A tamper indicating optical security device that operates to produce one or more synthetic images is provided. Any attempt to detach (e.g., forcibly remove) this device from an underlying base material will cause one or more layers of the security device to separate or delaminate, rending the device partially or totally inoperable. The inventive device is contemplated for use with, among other things, currency or banknotes, secure documents such as bonds, checks, travelers checks, identification cards, lottery tickets, passports, postage stamps, and stock certificates, as well as non-secure documents such as stationery items and labels. The inventive device is also contemplated for use with consumer goods as well as bags or packaging used with consumer goods.
A tamper indicating optical security device that operates to produce one or more synthetic images is provided. Any attempt to detach (e.g., forcibly remove) this device from an underlying base material will cause one or more layers of the security device to separate or delaminate, rending the device partially or totally inoperable. The inventive device is contemplated for use with, among other things, currency or banknotes, secure documents such as bonds, checks, travelers checks, identification cards, lottery tickets, passports, postage stamps, and stock certificates, as well as non-secure documents such as stationery items and labels. The inventive device is also contemplated for use with consumer goods as well as bags or packaging used with consumer goods.
A security device having at least one durable tactile marking (16) in the form of one or more relief structures is provided. The one or more relief structures are selected from the group of elastically deformable relief structures, relatively compression-resistant relief structures, and combinations thereof. Also provided is a fibrous or non-fibrous sheet material (10) with at least one durable tactile marking, which is suitable for use in making secure and non-secure documents or labels. The tactile marking (s) is applied directly to a surface of the sheet material, or is provided by way of the above-described security device (s), which is mounted on a surface of the sheet material and/or at least partially embedded therein. The durable tactile marking (s) serves to provide a visually challenged person with information concerning the type and/or value of the secure or non-secure document or label.
A synthetic micro-optic system and security device is disclosed including an in-plane image formed of an array or pattern of image icons and an array of focusing elements, the system producing at least two different synthetic images whereby one synthetic image operates to modulate or control the extent of the appearance of another synthetic image. In an exemplary form, the array of image icons forms an in-plane synthetic image, while the interaction of the array of focusing elements with the array of image icons forms a separate synthetically magnified image that serves to control the field of view of the in-plane image and, thus, serves to modulate or control the extent of appearance of the in-plane image. The appearance of the in-plane image, thus, visually appears and disappears, or turn on and off, depending upon the viewing angle of the system.
Am image presentation system employing microstructured icon elements to form an image. In one form a synthetic optical image system is provided that includes an array of focusing elements, and an image system that includes or is formed from an array or pattern of microstructured icon elements, such as those described below, wherein the microstructured icon elements are designed to collectively form an image or certain desired information, and wherein the array of focusing elements and the image system cooperate, for example through optical coupling, to form a synthetic optical image which image may optionally be magnified. In another form an image presentation system is provided that includes or is formed from an array or pattern of microstructured icon elements, such as those described below, wherein the microstructured icon elements are designed to collectively form an image or certain selected information, and wherein the image system is designed to stand alone and be the image viewed or the information read by use of a magnifying device, such as a magnifying glass or microscope, that is provided separately from the image system.
G02B 30/27 - Optical systems or apparatus for producing three-dimensional [3D] effects, e.g. stereoscopic images by providing first and second parallax images to an observer’s left and right eyes of the autostereoscopic type involving lenticular arrays