US20030203161A1 - Article having optical effects - Google Patents
Article having optical effects Download PDFInfo
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- US20030203161A1 US20030203161A1 US10/437,575 US43757503A US2003203161A1 US 20030203161 A1 US20030203161 A1 US 20030203161A1 US 43757503 A US43757503 A US 43757503A US 2003203161 A1 US2003203161 A1 US 2003203161A1
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- texture
- article
- set forth
- grain
- textured
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- 230000003287 optical effect Effects 0.000 title claims abstract description 25
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 25
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 18
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 claims description 10
- 230000000051 modifying effect Effects 0.000 claims description 8
- 238000004049 embossing Methods 0.000 description 12
- 239000011324 bead Substances 0.000 description 5
- 125000000391 vinyl group Chemical group [H]C([*])=C([H])[H] 0.000 description 4
- 229920002554 vinyl polymer Polymers 0.000 description 4
- 230000004075 alteration Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000010586 diagram Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 2
- 239000000758 substrate Substances 0.000 description 2
- 229920001169 thermoplastic Polymers 0.000 description 2
- 239000004416 thermosoftening plastic Substances 0.000 description 2
- RYGMFSIKBFXOCR-UHFFFAOYSA-N Copper Chemical compound [Cu] RYGMFSIKBFXOCR-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 229920006266 Vinyl film Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 239000011230 binding agent Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000015572 biosynthetic process Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000001427 coherent effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 229910052802 copper Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000010949 copper Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000003247 decreasing effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000009713 electroplating Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000001747 exhibiting effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000004744 fabric Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229910052751 metal Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 238000003786 synthesis reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B44—DECORATIVE ARTS
- B44F—SPECIAL DESIGNS OR PICTURES
- B44F1/00—Designs or pictures characterised by special or unusual light effects
- B44F1/08—Designs or pictures characterised by special or unusual light effects characterised by colour effects
- B44F1/10—Changing, amusing, or secret pictures
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B44—DECORATIVE ARTS
- B44C—PRODUCING DECORATIVE EFFECTS; MOSAICS; TARSIA WORK; PAPERHANGING
- B44C1/00—Processes, not specifically provided for elsewhere, for producing decorative surface effects
- B44C1/22—Removing surface-material, e.g. by engraving, by etching
- B44C1/228—Removing surface-material, e.g. by engraving, by etching by laser radiation
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- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T428/00—Stock material or miscellaneous articles
- Y10T428/24—Structurally defined web or sheet [e.g., overall dimension, etc.]
- Y10T428/24355—Continuous and nonuniform or irregular surface on layer or component [e.g., roofing, etc.]
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T428/00—Stock material or miscellaneous articles
- Y10T428/24—Structurally defined web or sheet [e.g., overall dimension, etc.]
- Y10T428/24802—Discontinuous or differential coating, impregnation or bond [e.g., artwork, printing, retouched photograph, etc.]
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T428/00—Stock material or miscellaneous articles
- Y10T428/24—Structurally defined web or sheet [e.g., overall dimension, etc.]
- Y10T428/24942—Structurally defined web or sheet [e.g., overall dimension, etc.] including components having same physical characteristic in differing degree
Definitions
- the present invention relates to the optical effect art. It finds particular application to an article having variable optical effects based on its viewing angle and a method and system for making such article. It will be appreciated that the present invention can be applied to a variety of articles such as wall paper, signs, logos, designs, vinyl covers or any other article that may contain an optical effect.
- One type of optical effect can be produced on an article by having a relief pattern formed on its surface.
- the relief may be in the form of a geometrical figure, a number, a letter, an ornament, a guilloche, etc., and may be formed for example by stringing together a large number of relatively small optical-diffraction elements.
- Such relief patterns may be achieved by virtue of the fact that diffraction structures can be produced by interferometric superimposition of coherent light beams with different angles of incidence, which are converted by photolithographic means into the surface microprofile.
- Fixed prefabricated optical masks can be used for geometrically defining the areas to be exposed to light.
- Another type of optical effect can be produced using structures exhibiting an optical diffraction effect such as phase diffraction gratings, phase holograms and the like.
- the structures can be formed on an article by stamping or embossing a thermoplastic substrate by means of an embossing die, using pressure and heat.
- the synthesis of a surface pattern having an optical diffraction effect could also be effected by numerous phase diffraction elements being strung together by repeated embossing in a thermoplastic substrate. This method, however, achieves unsatisfactory results because troublesome beads are produced at the edges of the embossing region between the heated pressure region and the unheated non-pressure area outside the embossing region.
- an original stipple pattern is created from grit or gravel and pieced into a PVC sleeve. This is then electroplated into a copper sleeve and mounted on a cylinder. A vinyl sheet is then embossed with the stipple pattern by pressing the cylinder over the sheet. In order to obtain a long embossed sheet, two or more cylinders are needed. However, each cylinder is made independent of the others and, thus, will have a different pattern due to different electroplating conditions and other variables involved in making the cylinder. Furthermore, a seam is typically visible between regions.
- the present invention provides a new and unique method and system for forming an article having an optical effect which cures the above problems and others.
- a method of forming an article having an optical effect is provided.
- a digital image of a texture is provided.
- the texture in a selected portion of the digital image is then modified to be different that other areas of the texture.
- the digital image is then reproduced into an article where the selected portion has an optical effect different than other portions of the article.
- modifying includes angularly offsetting a direction of the texture in the selected portion.
- an article having an optical effect includes an engraved surface which has a textured grain.
- a shape is defined in the engraved surface where the textured grain within the shape is different that the textured grain on other portions of the engraved surface. The shape is visually distinguishable in the engraved surface at selected viewing angles.
- the textured grain within the shape is in an opposite direction than the textured grain outside the shape.
- the textured grain within the shape appears shadowed while the textured grain outside the shape appears light, thus, the shape is visually distinguishable.
- a system for forming a latent image on a material is provided.
- a scanner digitizes a stipple pattern to obtain a digital stipple pattern.
- An image processor defines an area in the digital stipple pattern by offsetting the stipple pattern within the area.
- a laser engraves the digital stipple pattern on a material where the area exhibits a different optical effect than other portions of the material.
- One advantage of the present invention is that optical effects can be produced on an article without having beads or seams between different regions of an engraved texture. Furthermore, a latent image is produced on a article without using reflective materials or other light diffusing elements.
- Another advantage of the present invention is that an optical effect is produced in a texture by changing the shadow effect within a selected region of the texture. A laser then precisely engraves the texture thus eliminating mechanical embossing techniques.
- Yet another advantage of the present invention is that articles such as wallpaper or signs can be engraved with instructional messages or directions which are visible at certain viewing angles and invisible at other angles. In this manner, the decorative aspect of a wallpaper is not sacrificed.
- FIG. 1 is diagram of a system in accordance with the present invention
- FIG. 2 is a process diagram for forming an article in accordance with the present invention.
- FIG. 3 is an image of an exemplary digitized texture having defined checkered board squares in accordance with the present invention.
- FIG. 4 is a magnified image of the digitized texture of FIG. 3 showing two grain directions.
- a texture 20 is selected that will be the basis of the texture on the article 15 .
- the texture can be formed from scratch or obtained from an outside source.
- a stipple is used as the texture and is in a sheet or skin-like form.
- Other examples include a textured vinyl sheet generated from an embossing roll. It will be appreciated that any stipple sample can be used that has a grain pattern or other surface texture with peaks and valleys.
- a scanner 25 or other digitizing device is used to digitize the texture 20 into a digital image. Since the texture 20 has peaks and valleys, the scanner 25 creates a shadow on one side of the peaks based on the scanning direction. This is caused by the scanning light. For example, if scanning is from left to right, a shadow is formed on the right side of the peaks. The shadow becomes part of the digital image causing the texture to have a leaning effect and a direction. This will be further described with reference to FIG. 3 below.
- An image processor 30 is then used to manipulate and edit the digital image to define selected shapes and objects in the texture that will exhibit an optical effect. This is further described with reference to FIG. 2 below. Any known image/graphics processor can be used such as any sophisticated software program like Adobe Photoshop, Fractal and the like.
- the texture image is manipulated, it is stored as a digital image data file 35 that is engraved by a laser 40 onto the article 15 .
- Laser controlling systems are well known in the art and will not be described herein. Briefly, the laser 40 is controlled to engrave the article 15 by using the digital image data file 35 as instructions for forming the texture on the article 15 .
- a texture is first provided 50 and digitized 55 into a digital image of the texture.
- the processor 30 With the processor 30 , one or more areas in the digital image are selected or a mask is created that defines an object shape 60 such as a letter, a phrase, a graphical image, geometric shapes, or any desired shape.
- the texture within the selected area is then modified by angularly offsetting 65 the texture such that it has a different direction than the non-selected areas. This includes, for example, shifting, rotating or inverting the texture in the selected area.
- the selected texture area is inverted or flipped horizontally such that its shadow effect is opposite the shadow effect of the non-selected areas.
- the digital image is used to control a laser to engrave 75 the digital image into a material forming the engraved article 15 .
- the engraved article may be in many different forms such as on unsupported vinyl film or on fabric backed vinyl. Of course, any laser engraveable material can be used.
- the article may be in a single piece, sheets or rolls.
- the optical effect within the selected area can be achieved in other ways by modifying the properties of the texture within a defined shape instead of or in combination with offsetting its direction.
- the digital texture within the selected area can be reduced or enlarged.
- the grey scale levels within the selected area can be increased or decreased which causes the laser to engrave the texture deeper or shallower on the article.
- the selected area is produced with a different texture depth than surrounding areas on the article.
- the texture within the selected area can also be substituted with a different texture grain.
- FIG. 3 an exemplary reproduction of a digitized texture is shown.
- the actual texture is a three dimensional surface with peaks and valleys.
- the white areas in FIG. 3 represent peaks and the dark areas represent shadows that were formed by the scanning process.
- the lines defining squares A 1 , A 2 , A 3 , B 1 , B 2 and B 3 are not part of the digital image but are used to more clearly describe the texture formed by the present invention. In that regard, it can be seen, although not easily, that the texture in squares A 1 , A 2 and A 3 share the same grain direction and shadow effect direction.
- the texture in squares B 1 , B 2 and B 3 share the same grain direction and shadow effect direction but it is different that the direction in squares A 1 , A 2 and A 3 .
- the texture of squares A 1 , A 2 and A 3 represents the original texture created after scanning, while the texture in squares B 1 , B 2 and B 3 represents areas that were selected and inverted.
- the object created in the texture is a checkered board pattern. It will be appreciated that the defined objects are virtually undetectable when viewed directly. In fact, other squares exist outside the outline squares in FIG. 3. Beads or seams between areas are eliminated with the preset process.
- the texture is engraved by the laser 40 as a microfine pattern into the article 15 with depths of about 0.015′′ to 0.018′′. Of course, other depths can be used.
- the checkered board pattern is virtually undetectable when the viewing angle is perpendicular to the article 15 because there are no seams between the squares.
- the checkered board pattern becomes visible due to its lighting and shadow effects caused by the opposite texture directions in the squares.
- Squares A 1 , A 2 and A 3 having their texture in a first direction will appear light while the other squares B 1 , B 2 and B 3 having their texture in an opposite direction will appear shadowed or darker. Reversing the viewing angle also reverses the lighting effect on the squares such that the previous light squares A 1 , A 2 and A 3 now become shadowed and the previous shadowed squares B 1 , B 2 and B 3 become light.
- the digitized texture of FIG. 3 is magnified.
- the arrows indicate a direction of the grain.
- area 80 has its grain leaning toward the right and area 85 has its grain leaning toward the left.
- the grain direction changes from area 80 to area 85 .
- the texture can be reproduced by a laser without seams or beads appearing in the texture.
- area 80 produces a light/shadow effect that is different than a light/shadow effect produced by area 85 .
- each region is visually distinct from each other at certain viewing angles depending on the grain direction.
- the texture will virtually appear uniformed with no apparent distinct regions because no shadow is seen at these angles. In this manner, reflective materials or elements that diffuse light are not required to produce a latent image.
- articles such as wallpaper, signage, logos, etc. can be formed with latent images which become visible at certain viewing angles and are invisible at other angles.
- the word “exit” and directional arrows can be defined on a wallcovering in accordance with the present invention that does not destroy the decorative aspects of the wallcovering.
- the word “exit” would be unnoticeable at certain viewing angles and noticeable at others.
- Other article uses include translucent sleeves and covers for book binders, folders and the like.
Abstract
A method and system for forming an article having an optical effect is provided. An original texture is obtained which is digitized using a scanner. The scanner causes a shadow effect on the texture based on the scanning direction. The digitized texture is then edited to define a selected shape. The texture within the selected shape is offset such that its direction is changed. The digitized texture is then engraved by a laser onto the surface of an article. The selected shape is then visually distinct from the other areas of the texture at certain viewing angles caused by the difference in their texture direction. With the present invention, lines or seams between areas of the texture are eliminated.
Description
- The present invention relates to the optical effect art. It finds particular application to an article having variable optical effects based on its viewing angle and a method and system for making such article. It will be appreciated that the present invention can be applied to a variety of articles such as wall paper, signs, logos, designs, vinyl covers or any other article that may contain an optical effect.
- One type of optical effect can be produced on an article by having a relief pattern formed on its surface. The relief may be in the form of a geometrical figure, a number, a letter, an ornament, a guilloche, etc., and may be formed for example by stringing together a large number of relatively small optical-diffraction elements. Such relief patterns may be achieved by virtue of the fact that diffraction structures can be produced by interferometric superimposition of coherent light beams with different angles of incidence, which are converted by photolithographic means into the surface microprofile. Fixed prefabricated optical masks can be used for geometrically defining the areas to be exposed to light. If the relief pattern to be produced and its microscopic structure exceed a given degree of graphic and structural complexity, the mask procedure is found to be prohibitively expensive. In addition, optical-diffraction structural elements with an asymmetrical profile, for example sawtooth configurations, cannot be produced by the above-mentioned interferometric method.
- Another type of optical effect can be produced using structures exhibiting an optical diffraction effect such as phase diffraction gratings, phase holograms and the like. The structures can be formed on an article by stamping or embossing a thermoplastic substrate by means of an embossing die, using pressure and heat. The synthesis of a surface pattern having an optical diffraction effect could also be effected by numerous phase diffraction elements being strung together by repeated embossing in a thermoplastic substrate. This method, however, achieves unsatisfactory results because troublesome beads are produced at the edges of the embossing region between the heated pressure region and the unheated non-pressure area outside the embossing region. Beads are also produced between different image objects and adjacent areas on the surface. In addition, the various embossing regions cannot be fitted together without a joint or seam therebetween, as the high thermal mass of metal embossing dies means that, at the edge of a new embossing region, the edge region of the adjacent old embossing region is necessarily erased.
- In other prior embossing techniques, an original stipple pattern is created from grit or gravel and pieced into a PVC sleeve. This is then electroplated into a copper sleeve and mounted on a cylinder. A vinyl sheet is then embossed with the stipple pattern by pressing the cylinder over the sheet. In order to obtain a long embossed sheet, two or more cylinders are needed. However, each cylinder is made independent of the others and, thus, will have a different pattern due to different electroplating conditions and other variables involved in making the cylinder. Furthermore, a seam is typically visible between regions.
- The present invention provides a new and unique method and system for forming an article having an optical effect which cures the above problems and others.
- In accordance with the present invention, a method of forming an article having an optical effect is provided. A digital image of a texture is provided. The texture in a selected portion of the digital image is then modified to be different that other areas of the texture. The digital image is then reproduced into an article where the selected portion has an optical effect different than other portions of the article.
- In accordance with a more limited aspect of the present invention, modifying includes angularly offsetting a direction of the texture in the selected portion.
- In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, an article having an optical effect is provided. The article includes an engraved surface which has a textured grain. A shape is defined in the engraved surface where the textured grain within the shape is different that the textured grain on other portions of the engraved surface. The shape is visually distinguishable in the engraved surface at selected viewing angles.
- In accordance with a more limited aspect of the present invention, the textured grain within the shape is in an opposite direction than the textured grain outside the shape. When the article is viewed from a first angle, the textured grain within the shape appears shadowed while the textured grain outside the shape appears light, thus, the shape is visually distinguishable.
- In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a system for forming a latent image on a material is provided. A scanner digitizes a stipple pattern to obtain a digital stipple pattern. An image processor defines an area in the digital stipple pattern by offsetting the stipple pattern within the area. A laser engraves the digital stipple pattern on a material where the area exhibits a different optical effect than other portions of the material.
- One advantage of the present invention is that optical effects can be produced on an article without having beads or seams between different regions of an engraved texture. Furthermore, a latent image is produced on a article without using reflective materials or other light diffusing elements.
- Another advantage of the present invention is that an optical effect is produced in a texture by changing the shadow effect within a selected region of the texture. A laser then precisely engraves the texture thus eliminating mechanical embossing techniques.
- Yet another advantage of the present invention is that articles such as wallpaper or signs can be engraved with instructional messages or directions which are visible at certain viewing angles and invisible at other angles. In this manner, the decorative aspect of a wallpaper is not sacrificed.
- Still further advantages of the present invention will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading and understanding the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments.
- The following is a brief description of each drawing used to describe the present invention, and thus, are being presented for illustrative purposes only and should not be limitative of the scope of the present invention, wherein:
- FIG. 1 is diagram of a system in accordance with the present invention;
- FIG. 2 is a process diagram for forming an article in accordance with the present invention;
- FIG. 3 is an image of an exemplary digitized texture having defined checkered board squares in accordance with the present invention; and
- FIG. 4 is a magnified image of the digitized texture of FIG. 3 showing two grain directions.
- With reference to FIG. 1, a
system 10 for forming anarticle 15 having a textured optical effect is shown in accordance with the present invention. Atexture 20 is selected that will be the basis of the texture on thearticle 15. The texture can be formed from scratch or obtained from an outside source. For example, a stipple is used as the texture and is in a sheet or skin-like form. Other examples include a textured vinyl sheet generated from an embossing roll. It will be appreciated that any stipple sample can be used that has a grain pattern or other surface texture with peaks and valleys. - With further reference to FIG. 1, a
scanner 25 or other digitizing device is used to digitize thetexture 20 into a digital image. Since thetexture 20 has peaks and valleys, thescanner 25 creates a shadow on one side of the peaks based on the scanning direction. This is caused by the scanning light. For example, if scanning is from left to right, a shadow is formed on the right side of the peaks. The shadow becomes part of the digital image causing the texture to have a leaning effect and a direction. This will be further described with reference to FIG. 3 below. - An
image processor 30 is then used to manipulate and edit the digital image to define selected shapes and objects in the texture that will exhibit an optical effect. This is further described with reference to FIG. 2 below. Any known image/graphics processor can be used such as any sophisticated software program like Adobe Photoshop, Fractal and the like. Once the texture image is manipulated, it is stored as a digital image data file 35 that is engraved by alaser 40 onto thearticle 15. Laser controlling systems are well known in the art and will not be described herein. Briefly, thelaser 40 is controlled to engrave thearticle 15 by using the digital image data file 35 as instructions for forming the texture on thearticle 15. - With reference to FIG. 2, the process of forming the
article 15 and its optical effect is shown. As mentioned above, a texture is first provided 50 and digitized 55 into a digital image of the texture. With theprocessor 30, one or more areas in the digital image are selected or a mask is created that defines anobject shape 60 such as a letter, a phrase, a graphical image, geometric shapes, or any desired shape. The texture within the selected area is then modified by angularly offsetting 65 the texture such that it has a different direction than the non-selected areas. This includes, for example, shifting, rotating or inverting the texture in the selected area. Preferably, the selected texture area is inverted or flipped horizontally such that its shadow effect is opposite the shadow effect of the non-selected areas. Finally, the digital image is used to control a laser to engrave 75 the digital image into a material forming theengraved article 15. The engraved article may be in many different forms such as on unsupported vinyl film or on fabric backed vinyl. Of course, any laser engraveable material can be used. The article may be in a single piece, sheets or rolls. - Alternately, the optical effect within the selected area can be achieved in other ways by modifying the properties of the texture within a defined shape instead of or in combination with offsetting its direction. For example, the digital texture within the selected area can be reduced or enlarged. Also, the grey scale levels within the selected area can be increased or decreased which causes the laser to engrave the texture deeper or shallower on the article. Thus, the selected area is produced with a different texture depth than surrounding areas on the article. The texture within the selected area can also be substituted with a different texture grain.
- With reference to FIG. 3, an exemplary reproduction of a digitized texture is shown. Of course, the actual texture is a three dimensional surface with peaks and valleys. The white areas in FIG. 3 represent peaks and the dark areas represent shadows that were formed by the scanning process. It will be noted that the lines defining squares A1, A2, A3, B1, B2 and B3 are not part of the digital image but are used to more clearly describe the texture formed by the present invention. In that regard, it can be seen, although not easily, that the texture in squares A1, A2 and A3 share the same grain direction and shadow effect direction. The texture in squares B1, B2 and B3 share the same grain direction and shadow effect direction but it is different that the direction in squares A1, A2 and A3. The texture of squares A1, A2 and A3 represents the original texture created after scanning, while the texture in squares B1, B2 and B3 represents areas that were selected and inverted. In this example, the object created in the texture is a checkered board pattern. It will be appreciated that the defined objects are virtually undetectable when viewed directly. In fact, other squares exist outside the outline squares in FIG. 3. Beads or seams between areas are eliminated with the preset process.
- Once the digitized texture is completed with defined shapes, checkered board in this case, the texture is engraved by the
laser 40 as a microfine pattern into thearticle 15 with depths of about 0.015″ to 0.018″. Of course, other depths can be used. As stated above, the checkered board pattern is virtually undetectable when the viewing angle is perpendicular to thearticle 15 because there are no seams between the squares. However, when viewed from a first side angle, the checkered board pattern becomes visible due to its lighting and shadow effects caused by the opposite texture directions in the squares. Squares A1, A2 and A3 having their texture in a first direction will appear light while the other squares B1, B2 and B3 having their texture in an opposite direction will appear shadowed or darker. Reversing the viewing angle also reverses the lighting effect on the squares such that the previous light squares A1, A2 and A3 now become shadowed and the previous shadowed squares B1, B2 and B3 become light. - With reference to FIG. 4, the digitized texture of FIG. 3 is magnified. The arrows indicate a direction of the grain. In other words,
area 80 has its grain leaning toward the right andarea 85 has its grain leaning toward the left. At joint 90, the grain direction changes fromarea 80 toarea 85. By reversing the grain direction while in digital form, the texture can be reproduced by a laser without seams or beads appearing in the texture. As explained above, by changing the direction or lean of the grain, a different lighting effect is produced. Thus in the present example,area 80 produces a light/shadow effect that is different than a light/shadow effect produced byarea 85. The different effect, therefore, allows each region to be visually distinct from each other at certain viewing angles depending on the grain direction. However, at angles substantially perpendicular to the texture, the texture will virtually appear uniformed with no apparent distinct regions because no shadow is seen at these angles. In this manner, reflective materials or elements that diffuse light are not required to produce a latent image. - With the present invention, articles such as wallpaper, signage, logos, etc. can be formed with latent images which become visible at certain viewing angles and are invisible at other angles. For example, the word “exit” and directional arrows can be defined on a wallcovering in accordance with the present invention that does not destroy the decorative aspects of the wallcovering. The word “exit” would be unnoticeable at certain viewing angles and noticeable at others. Other article uses include translucent sleeves and covers for book binders, folders and the like.
- The invention has been described with reference to the preferred embodiment. Obviously, modifications and alterations will occur to others upon a reading and understanding of this specification. It is intended to include all such modifications and alterations insofar as they come within the scope of the appended claims or the equivalence thereof.
Claims (21)
1. A method of forming an article having an optical effect, the method comprising the steps of:
providing a digital image of a texture;
modifying the texture in a selected portion of the digital image; and
reproducing the digital image on an article, the selected portion having an optical effect different than other portions of the article.
2. The method as set forth in claim 1 wherein the modifying includes angularly offsetting the texture in the selected portion of the digital image.
3. The method as set forth in claim 2 wherein the angularly offsetting includes changing a direction of the texture in the selected portion.
4. The method as set forth in claim 2 wherein the angularly offsetting includes inverting the texture in the selected portion of the digital image.
5. The method as set forth in claim 1 wherein the reproducing includes engraving the digital image into the article.
6. The method as set forth in claim 1 wherein the providing includes digitizing a textured pattern to generate the digital image of the texture.
7. The method as set forth in claim 6 wherein the digitizing includes scanning the textured pattern where the scanning creates a shadow in the textured pattern, the shadow being part of the texture in the digital image.
8. The method as set forth in claim 7 wherein the modifying includes changing a direction of both the texture and the shadow in the selected portion.
9. The method as set forth in claim 1 wherein the reproducing includes leaning the texture on the article in a first direction and leaning the texture within the selected portion in a second direction.
10. The method as set forth in claim 1 wherein the modifying includes changing a size of the texture in the selected portion of the digital image.
11. The method as set forth in claim 1 wherein the digital image of the texture includes a grey scale value, the modifying including changing the grey scale value of the texture within the selected portion.
12. An article having an optical effect comprising:
an engraved surface in the article, the engraved surface having a textured grain; and
a shape defined in the engraved surface where the textured grain within the shape is different that the textured grain on other portions of the engraved surface, the shape being visually distinguishable in the engraved surface at selected viewing angles.
13. The article as set forth in claim 12 wherein the textured grain within the shape is angularly offset from the textured grain of the engraved surface.
14. The article as set forth in claim 13 wherein the textured grain within the shape is in an opposite direction than the textured grain outside the shape such that when the article is viewed from a first angle, the textured grain within the shape appears shadowed while the textured grain outside the shape appears light, and when viewed at a second angle opposite from the first angle, the textured grain within the shape appears light while the textured grain outside the shape appears shadowed.
15. The article as set forth in claim 12 wherein the engraved surface is formed by a laser.
16. The article as set forth in claim 12 wherein the textured grain is leaning in a first direction creating a first shadow effect and the textured grain within the shape is leaning in a second direction different than the first direction creating a second shadow effect different that the first shadow effect.
17. The article as set forth in claim 12 wherein the textured grain within the shape is different in size from the textured grain of the engraved surface.
18. The article as set forth in claim 12 wherein the textured grain within the shape includes a different texture than the textured grain of the engraved surface.
19. A system for forming a latent image on a material comprising:
a scanner for digitizing a stipple pattern to obtain a digital stipple pattern;
an image processor for defining an area in the digital stipple pattern by modifying properties of the stipple pattern within the area; and
a laser for engraving the digital stipple pattern on a material where the area exhibits a different optical effect that other portions of the material.
20. The system as set forth in claim 19 wherein the stipple pattern includes a grain and the laser engraves the digital stipple pattern by leaning the grain in a first direction and leaning the grain within the defined area in a second direction different from the first direction based on the modified properties of the stipple pattern.
21. The system as set forth in claim 19 wherein the scanner includes a means for creating a shadow in the stipple pattern, the shadow being part of the digital stipple pattern.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US10/437,575 US20030203161A1 (en) | 2000-06-27 | 2003-05-14 | Article having optical effects |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US09/604,134 US6589628B1 (en) | 2000-06-27 | 2000-06-27 | Article having optical effects |
US10/437,575 US20030203161A1 (en) | 2000-06-27 | 2003-05-14 | Article having optical effects |
Related Parent Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US09/604,134 Division US6589628B1 (en) | 2000-06-27 | 2000-06-27 | Article having optical effects |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20030203161A1 true US20030203161A1 (en) | 2003-10-30 |
Family
ID=24418305
Family Applications (2)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US09/604,134 Expired - Fee Related US6589628B1 (en) | 2000-06-27 | 2000-06-27 | Article having optical effects |
US10/437,575 Abandoned US20030203161A1 (en) | 2000-06-27 | 2003-05-14 | Article having optical effects |
Family Applications Before (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US09/604,134 Expired - Fee Related US6589628B1 (en) | 2000-06-27 | 2000-06-27 | Article having optical effects |
Country Status (2)
Country | Link |
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US (2) | US6589628B1 (en) |
EP (1) | EP1167075A3 (en) |
Cited By (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20070292662A1 (en) * | 2005-06-17 | 2007-12-20 | Johnson Steve M | Three-dimensional exterior camouflage article and method |
US20140104686A1 (en) * | 2011-06-23 | 2014-04-17 | Toyo Seikan Group Holdings, Ltd. | Structure, structure-forming method, and structure-forming device |
Families Citing this family (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
DE10219217B3 (en) * | 2002-04-29 | 2004-02-12 | Creative-Line Gmbh | Object with picture built up from lines, e.g. for decoration, has line pattern eroded into main surface |
DE10345080A1 (en) * | 2003-09-26 | 2005-05-12 | Peguform Gmbh | Method and device for layer-removing 3-dimensional material processing |
DE10345087A1 (en) * | 2003-09-26 | 2005-05-19 | Peguform Gmbh & Co. Kg | Process for layer-removing 3-dimensional material processing |
CN104760441A (en) * | 2015-03-30 | 2015-07-08 | 广东欣丰科技有限公司 | Laser printed wallpaper and processing method thereof |
Citations (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US1454563A (en) * | 1922-09-25 | 1923-05-08 | Ferdinand C Roberts | Transparent sign |
US4621923A (en) * | 1984-09-21 | 1986-11-11 | Oberview Pty. Ltd. | Production of prints |
US4847596A (en) * | 1986-10-10 | 1989-07-11 | Ispra Israel Product Research Company Ltd. | Wallpaper comprising an optical fibre |
Family Cites Families (6)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US3506779A (en) * | 1967-04-03 | 1970-04-14 | Bell Telephone Labor Inc | Laser beam typesetter |
CH664030A5 (en) | 1984-07-06 | 1988-01-29 | Landis & Gyr Ag | METHOD FOR GENERATING A MACROSCOPIC SURFACE PATTERN WITH A MICROSCOPIC STRUCTURE, IN PARTICULAR A STRUCTURALLY EFFECTIVE STRUCTURE. |
DE4030493A1 (en) * | 1990-09-26 | 1992-04-02 | Gao Ges Automation Org | MULTI-LAYERED DATA CARRIER AND METHOD FOR THE PRODUCTION THEREOF |
EP0710183B2 (en) * | 1993-06-08 | 2007-03-28 | Securency Pty. Ltd. | Embossing of banknotes or the like with security devices |
DE4446368A1 (en) | 1994-12-23 | 1996-06-27 | Giesecke & Devrient Gmbh | Data carrier with an optically variable element |
KR0167860B1 (en) | 1995-10-23 | 1999-01-15 | 히로세 준고 | Continuous sheet having optical functions |
-
2000
- 2000-06-27 US US09/604,134 patent/US6589628B1/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
-
2001
- 2001-06-27 EP EP01305576A patent/EP1167075A3/en not_active Withdrawn
-
2003
- 2003-05-14 US US10/437,575 patent/US20030203161A1/en not_active Abandoned
Patent Citations (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US1454563A (en) * | 1922-09-25 | 1923-05-08 | Ferdinand C Roberts | Transparent sign |
US4621923A (en) * | 1984-09-21 | 1986-11-11 | Oberview Pty. Ltd. | Production of prints |
US4847596A (en) * | 1986-10-10 | 1989-07-11 | Ispra Israel Product Research Company Ltd. | Wallpaper comprising an optical fibre |
Cited By (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20070292662A1 (en) * | 2005-06-17 | 2007-12-20 | Johnson Steve M | Three-dimensional exterior camouflage article and method |
US20140104686A1 (en) * | 2011-06-23 | 2014-04-17 | Toyo Seikan Group Holdings, Ltd. | Structure, structure-forming method, and structure-forming device |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
EP1167075A2 (en) | 2002-01-02 |
EP1167075A3 (en) | 2004-01-21 |
US6589628B1 (en) | 2003-07-08 |
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Legal Events
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Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |