Laser marked device
AssigneesVisual Physics, LLC, Crane Co.
InventorsSamuel M. Cape, Jonathan D. Gosnell, Kaj Markkus Helminen, Gregory R. Jordan, Scott K. Palm, Giles D. Prett, Timothy W. Schneider, Anthony J. Zucchero
Life of this patent
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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.
Claims15
A method for laser marking one or more static two dimensional images on or within a device that embodies or comprises an optical film material, wherein the optical film material projects at least one synthetically magnified image, wherein the method comprises:
- identifying one or more layers or interfaces within the optical film material that may be damaged by laser energy, or by heat and gas generated by laser absorption within a laser receptive layer;
- either positioning one or more layers markable by laser energy above the laser sensitive layer or interface, positioning one or more thermal spacer layers and one or more laser markable layers below the optical film material, the one or more thermal spacer layers being located between the optical film material and the one or more laser markable layers, modifying the laser sensitive interface to increase the bond strength and/or thermal resistance of the interface, or replacing the laser sensitive layer with a layer made from a material with a higher bond strength and/or a higher thermal resistance;
- optionally, molding the layers together using heat and pressure to form a device that embodies the optical film material;
- and
- exposing the device to laser energy so as to mark one or more static two dimensional images on or into the one or more laser markable layers.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.