Patents Assigned to Visual Physics, LLC
  • Patent number: 8867134
    Abstract: 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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: Visual Physics, LLC
    Inventors: Richard A. Steenblik, Mark J. Hurt, Samuel M. Cape, Gregory R. Jordan
  • Patent number: 8773763
    Abstract: 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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: Visual Physics, LLC
    Inventors: Richard A. Steenblik, Mark J. Hurt, Gregory R. Jordan, Samuel M. Cape
  • Patent number: 8755121
    Abstract: 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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Assignees: Crane & Co., Inc., Crane AB, Visual Physics, LLC
    Inventors: Samuel M. Cape, Jonathan D. Gosnell, Kaj Markkus Helminen, Gregory R. Jordan, Scott K. Palm, Giles D. Prett, Timothy W. Schneider, Anthony J. Zucchero
  • Patent number: 8310760
    Abstract: A film material utilizing a regular two-dimensional array of non-cylindrical lenses to enlarge micro-images, called icons, to form a synthetically magnified image through the united performance of a multiplicity of individual lens/icon image systems. The synthetic magnification micro-optic system includes one or more optical spacers (5), a micro-image formed of a periodic planar array of a plurality of image icons (4) having an axis of symmetry about at least one of its planar axes and positioned on or next to the optical spacer (5), and a periodic planar array of image icon focusing elements (1) having an axis of symmetry about at least one of its planar axes, the axis of symmetry being the same planar axis as that of the micro-image planar array (4). A number of distinctive visual effects, such as three-dimensional and motion effects, can be provided by the present system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: Visual Physics, LLC
    Inventors: Richard A. Steenblik, Mark J. Hurt, Gregory R. Jordan
  • Patent number: 8254030
    Abstract: A film material utilizing a regular two-dimensional array of non-cylindrical lenses to enlarge micro-images, called icons, to form a synthetically magnified image through the united performance of a multiplicity of individual lens/icon image systems. The synthetic magnification micro-optic system includes one or more optical spacers (5), a micro-image formed of a periodic planar array of a plurality of image icons (4) having an axis of symmetry about at least one of its planar axes and positioned on or next to the optical spacer (5), and a periodic planar array of image icon focusing elements (1) having an axis of symmetry about at least one of its planar axes, the axis of symmetry being the same planar axis as that of the micro-image planar array (4). A number of distinctive visual effects, such as three-dimensional and motion effects, can be provided by the present system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: Visual Physics, LLC
    Inventors: Richard A. Steenblik, Mark J. Hurt, Gregory R. Jordan
  • Patent number: 8144399
    Abstract: An 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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Assignee: Visual Physics, LLC
    Inventors: Richard A. Steenblik, Mark J. Hurt, Gregory R. Jordan
  • Patent number: 8120855
    Abstract: A film material utilizing a regular two-dimensional array of non-cylindrical lenses to enlarge micro-images, called icons, to form a synthetically magnified image through the united performance of a multiplicity of individual lens/icon image systems. The synthetic magnification micro-optic system includes one or more optical spacers (5), a micro-image formed of a periodic planar array of a plurality of image icons (4) having an axis of symmetry about at least one of its planar axes and positioned on or next to the optical spacer (5), and a periodic planar array of image icon focusing elements (1) having an axis of symmetry about at least one of its planar axes, the axis of symmetry being the same planar axis as that of the micro-image planar array (4). A number of distinctive visual effects, such as three-dimensional and motion effects, can be provided by the present system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Assignee: Visual Physics, LLC
    Inventors: Richard A. Steenblik, Mark J. Hurt, Gregory R. Jordan
  • Patent number: 8111462
    Abstract: A film material utilizing a regular two-dimensional array of non-cylindrical lenses to enlarge micro-images, called icons, to form a synthetically magnified image through the united performance of a multiplicity of individual lens/icon image systems. The synthetic magnification micro-optic system includes one or more optical spacers (5), a micro-image formed of a periodic planar array of a plurality of image icons (4) having an axis of symmetry about at least one of its planar axes and positioned on or next to the optical spacer (5), and a periodic planar array of image icon focusing elements (1) having an axis of symmetry about at least one of its planar axes, the axis of symmetry being the same planar axis as that of the micro-image planar array (4). A number of distinctive visual effects, such as three-dimensional and motion effects, can be provided by the present system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2012
    Assignee: Visual Physics, LLC
    Inventors: Richard A. Steenblik, Mark J. Hurt, Gregory R. Jordan
  • Patent number: 8077393
    Abstract: A film material utilizing a regular two-dimensional array of non-cylindrical lenses to enlarge micro-images, called icons, to form a synthetically magnified image through the united performance of a multiplicity of individual lens/icon image systems. The synthetic magnification micro-optic system includes one or more optical spacers (5), a micro-image formed of a periodic planar array of a plurality of image icons (4) having an axis of symmetry about at least one of its planar axes and positioned on or next to the optical spacer (5), and a periodic planar array of image icon focusing elements (1) having an axis of symmetry about at least one of its planar axes, the axis of symmetry being the same planar axis as that of the micro-image planar array (4). A number of distinctive visual effects, such as three-dimensional and motion effects, can be provided by the present system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Assignee: Visual Physics, LLC
    Inventors: Richard A. Steenblik, Mark J. Hurt, Gregory R. Jordan
  • Patent number: 8009360
    Abstract: A film material utilizing a regular two-dimensional array of non-cylindrical lenses to enlarge micro-images, called icons, to form a synthetically magnified image through the united performance of a multiplicity of individual lens/icon image systems. The synthetic magnification micro-optic system includes one or more optical spacers (5), a micro-image formed of a periodic planar array of a plurality of image icons (4) having an axis of symmetry about at least one of its planar axes and positioned on or next to the optical spacer (5), and a periodic planar array of image icon focusing elements (1) having an axis of symmetry about at least one of its planar axes, the axis of symmetry being the same planar axis as that of the micro-image planar array (4). A number of distinctive visual effects, such as three-dimensional and motion effects, can be provided by the present system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2011
    Assignee: Visual Physics, LLC
    Inventors: Richard A. Steenblik, Mark J. Hurt, Gregory R. Jordan
  • Publication number: 20110019283
    Abstract: 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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2010
    Publication date: January 27, 2011
    Applicant: Visual Physics, LLC
    Inventors: Richard A. Steenblik, Mark J. Hurt, Gregory R. Jordan, Samuel M. Cape
  • Publication number: 20100308571
    Abstract: 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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2010
    Publication date: December 9, 2010
    Applicant: Visual Physics, LLC
    Inventors: Richard A. Steenblik, Mark J. Hurt, Samuel M. Cape, Gregory R. Jordan
  • Patent number: 7738175
    Abstract: 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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2010
    Assignee: Visual Physics, LLC
    Inventors: Richard A. Steenblik, Mark J. Hurt, Gregory R. Jordan