Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: An optical security device suitable for securing or authenticating high security or high value articles of manufacture when affixed thereto, is provided. The inventive security device produces optically variable effects when viewed from varying points of view and is made up of a microstructured layer having image icon elements that have at least one pigmented material. The microstructured layer is arranged relative to an arrangement of focusing elements such that at least portions of the image icon elements are observable through at least portions of the arrangement of focusing elements, thereby providing at least one synthetic image that demonstrates a color-transition effect as points of view from which the optical security device is viewed are changed.

Abstract: An optical security device suitable for securing or authenticating high security or high value articles of manufacture when affixed thereto, is provided. The inventive security device produces optically variable effects when viewed from varying points of view and is made up of a microstructured layer having image icon elements that have at least one pigmented material. The microstructured layer is arranged relative to an arrangement of focusing elements such that at least portions of the image icon elements are observable through at least portions of the arrangement of focusing elements, thereby providing at least one synthetic image that demonstrates a color-transition effect as points of view from which the optical security device is viewed are changed.

Abstract: 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).

Abstract: 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).

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: An optical security device suitable for securing or authenticating high security or high value articles of manufacture when affixed thereto, is provided. The inventive security device produces optically variable effects when viewed from varying points of view and is made up of a microstructured layer having image icon elements that have at least one pigmented material. The microstructured layer is arranged relative to an arrangement of focusing elements such that at least portions of the image icon elements are observable through at least portions of the arrangement of focusing elements, thereby providing at least one synthetic image that demonstrates a color-transition effect as points of view from which the optical security device is viewed are changed.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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).

Abstract: 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.

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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

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.