Three-dimensional floating images as overt security features

Douglas S. Dunn; Travis L. Potts; Lynn E. Lorimor; James M. Jonza; Robert M. Smithson; Stephen P. Maki

doi:10.1117/12.640539

9 February 2006 Three-dimensional floating images as overt security features

Douglas S. Dunn, Travis L. Potts, Lynn E. Lorimor, James M. Jonza, Robert M. Smithson, Stephen P. Maki

Proceedings Volume 6075, Optical Security and Counterfeit Deterrence Techniques VI; 60750G (2006) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.640539
Event: Electronic Imaging 2006, 2006, San Jose, California, United States

Abstract

3M has developed a proprietary laser process for creating three-dimensional images that appear to float above and/or below the plane of a substrate containing an array of microlenses. During the imaging process the laser records a microscopic image of the desired three-dimensional pattern in the material located at the focal point of each microlens in the array. The images exhibit motion parallax comparable to that seen from holograms and are easily visible in a wide range of ambient lighting conditions. The images are therefore similar, but not identical, to integral images, first proposed in 1908 by Lippmann. The fidelity of these floating images requires maintaining exact registration between the microlens array and the corresponding microimage array. In addition, the use of an ablative laser process for the production of the microimages enables the production of microimage features smaller than the diffraction limit (up to approximately 50,000 dpi). The images are therefore very difficult to simulate, counterfeit, or modify and are highly desirable as an overt security feature. 3M has scaled up the floating image process to produce images in Confirm^TM Retroreflective Security Laminate to authenticate passports and driver's licenses and in retroreflective license plate sheeting as the Ensure^TM Virtual Security Thread to authenticate vehicle registration. This allows addition of features to a secure document that are easily verifiable, using only the human eye, by a large and widely disperse population to create an identity document that is easily identified as genuine.

Citation Download Citation

Douglas S. Dunn, Travis L. Potts, Lynn E. Lorimor, James M. Jonza, Robert M. Smithson, and Stephen P. Maki "Three-dimensional floating images as overt security features", Proc. SPIE 6075, Optical Security and Counterfeit Deterrence Techniques VI, 60750G (9 February 2006); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.640539

ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE

INSTITUTIONAL
Select your institution to access the SPIE Digital Library.

SELECT YOUR INSTITUTION

PERSONAL
Sign in with your SPIE account to access your personal subscriptions or to use specific features such as save to my library, sign up for alerts, save searches, etc.

PERSONAL SIGN IN

No SPIE Account? Create one

PURCHASE THIS CONTENT

SUBSCRIBE TO DIGITAL LIBRARY

50 downloads per 1-year subscription

Members: $195

Non-members: $335 ADD TO CART

25 downloads per 1 - year subscription

Members: $145

Non-members: $250 ADD TO CART

PURCHASE SINGLE ARTICLE

Includes PDF, HTML & Video, when available