Micro-optic security and image presentation system

• US 8,111,462 B2
• Filed: 10/31/2007
• Issued: 02/07/2012
• Est. Priority Date: 11/21/2003
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Visual Physics LLC (Crane Company)
• Original Assignee: Visual Physics LLC (Crane Company)
• Inventors: Steenblik, Richard A., Hurt, Mark J., Jordan, Gregory R.
• Primary Examiner(s): Harrington, Alicia M
• Application Number:
  US11/932,468
• Publication Number:
  US 20080212192A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,560 Days
• Field of Search: 359619-626, 162/140, 428/199, 428/916, 355/33, 355/78, 283/93
• US Class Current: 359/619
• CPC Class Codes: B42D 2033/24 Reliefs or indentations
• CPC Class Codes: B42D 2035/08 Alphanumerical data
• CPC Class Codes: B42D 2035/20 Optical effects
• CPC Class Codes: B42D 2035/44 Miniaturised markings
• CPC Class Codes: B42D 25/00 Information-bearing cards or sheet-like structures characterised by identification or security features; Manufacture thereof printing processes to produce identification or security features B41M3/14
• CPC Class Codes: B42D 25/29 Securities; Bank notes
• CPC Class Codes: B42D 25/324 Reliefs
• CPC Class Codes: B42D 25/342 Moiré effects
• CPC Class Codes: B42D 25/351 Translucent or partly translucent parts, e.g. windows
• CPC Class Codes: B42D 25/36 comprising special materials
• CPC Class Codes: B42D 25/364 Liquid crystals
• CPC Class Codes: B42D 25/369 Magnetised or magnetisable materials
• CPC Class Codes: B42D 25/373 Metallic materials
• CPC Class Codes: B42D 25/378 Special inks
• CPC Class Codes: B42D 25/41 using electromagnetic radiation B42D25/435 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: B44F 1/06 produced by transmitted light, e.g. transparencies, imitations of glass paintings
• CPC Class Codes: B44F 1/10 Changing, amusing, or secret pictures
• CPC Class Codes: D21H 21/44 Latent security elements, i.e. detectable or becoming apparent only by use of special verification or tampering devices or methods
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 27/06 with moving picture effect
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 3/0031 Replication or moulding, e.g. hot embossing, UV-casting, injection moulding
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 3/0043 : Inhomogeneous or irregular arrays, e.g. varying shape, size, height
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 3/0056 : arranged along two different directions in a plane, e.g. honeycomb arrangement of lenses G02B3/0043 takes precedence; miniaturised objectives for electronic devices employing wafer level optics G02B13/0085
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 30/27 : involving lenticular arrays
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 29/49826 : Assembling or joining

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.

Claims

1. A synthetic magnification micro-optic system comprising:

(a) an array of image icons with a substantially regular array spacing between a substantial number of image icons within the image icon array; and

(b) an array of image icon focusing elements disposed a substantially uniform distance from the array of image icons, at least a portion of the image icon focusing elements forming at least one synthetically magnified image of at least a portion of the image icons,

wherein, the relation of at least a portion of the image icons to at least a portion of the focusing elements provides a motion effect for the at least one synthetically magnified image,

wherein, the system has a thickness of less than 50 microns, or image icon focusing elements having an effective base diameter of less than 50 microns, or both.

2. The synthetic magnification micro-optic system of claim 1, wherein the array of focusing elements includes non-cylindrical focusing elements.

3. The synthetic magnification micro-optic system of claim 2, wherein the array of focusing elements includes aspheric focusing elements.

4. The synthetic magnification micro-optic system of claim 2, wherein the array of focusing elements includes focusing elements having an F number of less than or equal to 4.

5. The synthetic magnification micro-optic system of claim 1, wherein the array of focusing elements includes focusing elements having base geometries selected from the group of circular base, hexagonal base, rounded off hexagonal base, square base, rounded off square base, triangular base, and rounded off triangular base.

6. The synthetic magnification micro-optic system of claim 1, wherein the array of focusing elements includes focusing elements having an F number of less than or equal to 4.

7. The synthetic magnification micro-optic system of claim 1, wherein the array of focusing elements includes focusing elements having an effective base diameter ranging from about 10 to about 30 microns.

8. The synthetic magnification micro-optic system of claim 1, wherein the array of focusing elements includes focusing elements having an effective base diameter of less than 30 microns.

9. The synthetic magnification micro-optic system of claim 1, which has a total thickness of less than about 45 microns.

10. The synthetic magnification micro-optic system of claim 1, which has a total thickness ranging from about 10 to about 40 microns.

11. The synthetic magnification micro-optic system of claim 1, wherein the array of focusing elements includes focusing elements having a focal length of less than about 40 microns.

12. The synthetic magnification micro-optic system of claim 1, wherein the array of focusing elements includes focusing elements having a focal length ranging from about 10 to less than about 30 microns.

13. The synthetic magnification micro-optic system of claim 1, wherein the array of image icons includes image icons formed from a printing method selected from the group of ink jet, laserjet, letterpress, flexo, gravure, intaglio, and dye sublimation printing methods.

14. The synthetic magnification micro-optic system of claim 1, wherein the system includes a second array of focusing elements placed a substantially uniform distance from a side of the array of image icons opposite the array of focusing elements.

15. The synthetic magnification micro-optic system of claim 1, wherein the array of focusing elements includes focusing elements selected from the group of refractive, diffractive, reflective, hybrid refractive/diffractive and hybrid refractive/reflective focusing elements, and non-refractive focusing reflectors.

16. The synthetic magnification micro-optic system of claim 1, wherein the array of focusing elements is arranged in a pattern, the array of focusing elements having at least two axes the pattern can be reflected around, rotated around, or both, without changing the geometry of the pattern.

17. The synthetic magnification micro-optic system of claim 1, wherein the array of image icons includes image icons formed from patterns of colorless, colored, tinted, or dyed material.

18. The synthetic magnification micro-optic system of claim 1, wherein the image icons are either positive or negative icons in relation to their background and include image icons that are transparent, translucent, pigmented, fluorescent, phosphorescent, metallized, substantially retroreflective, or display optically variable color.

19. The synthetic magnification micro-optic system of claim 1, wherein the image icons are either positive or negative icons in relation to their background and have a background that is transparent, translucent, pigmented, fluorescent, phosphorescent, metallized, substantially retroreflective, or displays optically variable color.

20. The synthetic magnification micro-optic system of claim 1, wherein the image icons are either positive or negative icons in relation to their background and include image icons formed from printing, microstructures, or evaporated metals.

21. The synthetic magnification micro-optic system of claim 1, wherein the image icons are either positive or negative icons in relation to their background and include image icons formed using one or more materials selected from the group of fluorescent or non-fluorescent pigments and dyes, metal or metallized materials, metal particles, magnetic particles, nuclear magnetic resonance signature materials, lasing particles, organic LED materials, optically variable materials, evaporated metals, thin film interference materials, liquid crystal polymers, optical upconversion materials, optical downconversion materials, dichroic materials, optically active materials, and optically polarizing materials.

22. The synthetic magnification micro-optic system of claim 1, wherein the system is protected by a sealing or obscuring layer, the sealing or obscuring layer being applied to the side of the array of image icons opposite the array of focusing elements, the sealing or obscuring layer having at least a portion that is transparent, translucent, tinted, pigmented, opaque, metallic, magnetic, or optically variable.

23. The synthetic magnification micro-optic system of claim 22, wherein the sealing or obscuring layer includes optical effects.

24. The synthetic magnification micro-optic system of claim 1, wherein the image icons are either positive or negative icons in relation to a background on which they appear.

25. The synthetic magnification micro-optic system of claim 1, wherein the at least one synthetically magnified image further appears to transform from one or more of a form, shape, size or color to another of a form, shape, size or color.

26. The synthetic magnification micro-optic system of claim 1, wherein the at least one synthetically magnified image further appears to be three dimensional.

27. The synthetic magnification micro-optic system of claim 1, wherein the at least one synthetically magnified image appears to have at least one of a plurality of patterns, colors or shapes.

28. The synthetic magnification micro-optic system of claim 1, which further includes one or more optical spacers formed using one or more essentially colorless polymers.

29. The synthetic magnification micro-optic system of claim 28, wherein the one or more essentially colorless polymers is selected from the group of acrylics, cellophane, polymers made from vinylidene chloride, nylon, polycarbonate, polyester, polypropylene, polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate, and polyvinyl.

30. The synthetic magnification micro-optic system of claim 1, wherein the array of image icons includes image icons formed as recesses on or in a surface of a substrate, the recesses optionally filled with a material providing a contrast with the substrate.

31. The synthetic magnification micro-optic system of claim 30, wherein the icon recesses have a recess depth ranging from about 0.5 microns to about 8 microns.

32. The synthetic magnification micro-optic system of claim 1, which is applied to an article or packaging for the article, wherein the article is selected from the group of:

Passports, ID Cards, Driver'"'"'s Licenses, Visas, Birth Certificates, Vital Records, Voter Registration Cards, Voting Ballots, Social Security Cards, Bonds, Food Stamps, Postage Stamps, and Tax Stamps;

Currency, security threads in paper currency, features in polymer currency, and features on paper currency;

Titles, Deeds, Licenses, Diplomas, and Certificates;

Certified Bank Checks, Corporate Checks, Personal Checks, Bank Vouchers, Stock Certificates, Travelers'"'"' Checks, Money Orders, Credit cards, Debit cards, ATM cards, Affinity cards, Prepaid Phone cards, and Gift Cards;

Movie Scripts, Legal Documents, Intellectual Property, Medical Records/Hospital Records, Prescription Forms/Pads, and Secret Recipes;

Fabric and home care goods;

beauty products;

baby and family care products;

health care products;

food and beverage products;

dry goods packaging;

electronic equipment, parts and components;

apparel, sportswear and footwear products;

biotech pharmaceuticals;

aerospace components and parts;

automotive components and parts;

sporting goods;

tobacco products;

software;

compact disks and DVD'"'"'s;

explosives;

novelty items, gift wrap and ribbon;

books and magazines;

school products and office supplies;

business cards;

shipping documentation and packaging;

notebook covers;

book covers;

book marks;

event and transportation tickets;

gambling and gaming products and devices;

home furnishing products;

flooring and wall coverings;

jewelry and watches;

handbags;

art, collectibles and memorabilia;

toys;

point of purchase and merchandising displays; and

product marking and labeling devices applied to a branded product or document for authentication or enhancement, as camouflage, or for asset tracking.

33. The synthetic magnification micro-optic system of claim 1, wherein the system comprising the array of image icons and the array of image icon focusing elements has a thickness of less than 50 microns.

34. The synthetic magnification micro-optic system of claim 1, wherein the array of image icon focusing elements includes focusing elements having an effective base diameter ranging from about 15 microns to about 35 microns and a focal length ranging from about 10 microns to less than about 30 microns.

35. The synthetic magnification micro-optic system of claim 1, wherein the image icons are selected from the group of positive image icons and negative image icons.

36. The synthetic magnification micro-optic system of claim 1, wherein the at least one synthetically magnified image is a grayscale or tonal synthetically magnified image.

37. A synthetic magnification micro-optic system comprising,

(a) an array of image icons and

(b) an array of image icon focusing elements, the array of the image icon focusing elements being disposed in relation to the array of the image icons at a distance sufficient for the image icon focusing elements to form at least one synthetically magnified image of at least a portion of the image icons,

the relation of at least a portion of the image icons to at least a portion of the focusing elements providing a motion effect for the at least one synthetically magnified image,

the image icon focusing elements having an effective base diameter of less than 50 microns,

wherein a portion of the image icons and a portion of the focusing elements have a repeat period wherein the ratio of the repeat period of the portion of the image icons to the repeat period of the portion of the focusing elements is greater than 1.

38. A synthetic magnification micro-optic system comprising,

(a) an array of image icons and

(b) an array of image icon focusing elements, the array of the image icon focusing elements being disposed in relation to the array of the image icons at a distance sufficient for the image icon focusing elements to form at least one synthetically magnified image of at least a portion of the image icons,

the relation of at least a portion of the image icons to at least a portion of the focusing elements providing a motion effect for the at least one synthetically magnified image,

the image icon focusing elements having an effective base diameter of less than 50 microns,

wherein a portion of the image icons and a portion of the focusing elements have a repeat period wherein the ratio of the repeat period of the portion of the image icons to the repeat period of the portion of the focusing elements is less than 1.

39. A synthetic magnification micro-optic system comprising,

(a) an array of image icons and

(b) an array of image icon focusing elements, the array of the image icon focusing elements being disposed in relation to the array of the image icons at a distance sufficient for the image icon focusing elements to form at least one synthetically magnified image of at least a portion of the image icons,

the relation of at least a portion of the image icons to at least a portion of the focusing elements providing a motion effect for the at least one synthetically magnified image,

the image icon focusing elements having an effective base diameter of less than 50 microns,

wherein a portion of the image icons and a portion of the focusing elements have a repeat period wherein the ratio of the repeat period of the portion of the image icons to the repeat period of the portion of the focusing elements is axially asymmetric in the planes of the image icons and the focusing elements, the scale ratio being less than 1 in one axis of symmetry and being greater than 1 in another axis of symmetry.

40. A synthetic magnification micro-optic system comprising:

(a) an array of image icons with a substantially regular array spacing between a substantial number of image icons within the image icon array; and

(b) an array of image icon focusing elements disposed a substantially uniform distance from the array of image icons, at least a portion of the image icon focusing elements forming at least one synthetically magnified image of at least a portion of the image icons,

wherein, the relation of at least a portion of the image icons to at least a portion of the focusing elements provides a motion effect for the at least one synthetically magnified image,

wherein, the system has a thickness of less than 50 microns, or image icon focusing elements having an effective base diameter of less than 50 microns, or both,

wherein the at least one synthetically magnified image morphs into at least one other synthetically magnified image as the system is rotated or viewed from different viewpoints.

41. A synthetic magnification micro-optic system comprising:

(a) an array of image icons with a substantially regular array spacing between a substantial number of image icons within the image icon array; and

(b) an array of image icon focusing elements disposed a substantially uniform distance from the array of image icons, at least a portion of the image icon focusing elements forming at least one synthetically magnified image of at least a portion of the image icons,

wherein, the relation of at least a portion of the image icons to at least a portion of the focusing elements provides a motion effect for the at least one synthetically magnified image,

wherein, the system has a thickness of less than 50 microns, or image icon focusing elements having an effective base diameter of less than 50 microns, or both,

wherein the array of image icons includes image icons formed as recesses on or in a surface of a substrate, the recesses optionally filled with a material having a different refractive index than the substrate, which material is selected from the group of pigmented materials, inks, dyes, metals, and magnetic materials.

42. A synthetic magnification micro-optic system comprising,

(a) an array of image icons and

(b) an array of image icon focusing elements, the array of the image icon focusing elements being disposed in relation to the array of the image icons at a distance sufficient for the image icon focusing elements to form at least one synthetically magnified image of at least a portion of the image icons,

the relation of at least a portion of the image icons to at least a portion of the focusing elements providing a motion effect for the at least one synthetically magnified image,

the image icon focusing elements having an effective base diameter of less than 50 microns,

the system having a plurality of layers of image icons at different depths in the system and the focusing elements having differing focal lengths for focusing at the different depths of the plurality of layers of image icons in the system.

43. A synthetic magnification micro-optic system comprising:

(a) an array of image icons with a substantially regular array spacing between a substantial number of image icons within the image icon array; and

(b) an array of image icon focusing elements disposed a substantially uniform distance from the array of image icons, at least a portion of the image icon focusing elements forming at least one synthetically magnified image of at least a portion of the image icons,

wherein, the relation of at least a portion of the image icons to at least a portion of the focusing elements provides a motion effect for the at least one synthetically magnified image,

wherein, the system has a thickness of less than 50 microns, or image icon focusing elements having an effective base diameter of less than 50 microns, or both,

wherein the array of focusing elements includes non-cylindrical focusing elements,

wherein a reflective layer is positioned adjacent to a surface of the array of image icons opposite the array of focusing elements.

44. The synthetic magnification micro-optic system of claim 43, wherein the reflective layer is metallized.

45. A synthetic magnification micro-optic system comprising:

(a) an array of image icons with a substantially regular array spacing between a substantial number of image icons within the image icon array; and

(b) an array of image icon focusing elements disposed a substantially uniform distance from the array of image icons, at least a portion of the image icon focusing elements forming at least one synthetically magnified image of at least a portion of the image icons,

wherein, the relation of at least a portion of the image icons to at least a portion of the focusing elements provides a motion effect for the at least one synthetically magnified image,

wherein, the system has a thickness of less than 50 microns, or image icon focusing elements having an effective base diameter of less than 50 microns, or both,

which includes a tamper indicating material placed over the array of focusing elements.

46. A synthetic magnification micro-optic system comprising,

(a) an array of image icons and

(b) an array of image icon focusing elements, the array of the image icon focusing elements being disposed in relation to the array of the image icons at a distance sufficient for the image icon focusing elements to form at least one synthetically magnified image of at least a portion of the image icons,

the relation of at least a portion of the image icons to at least a portion of the focusing elements providing a motion effect for the at least one synthetically magnified image,

the image icon focusing elements having an effective base diameter of less than 50 microns,

wherein, the system includes a second array of image icon focusing elements placed in relation to a side of the array of image icons opposite the image icon focusing elements, and

wherein, the system has a second array of image icons in between the two arrays of focusing elements.

47. A method of producing a synthetic magnification micro-optic system comprising:

(a) providing an array of image icons with a substantially regular array spacing between a substantial number of image icons within the image icon array;

(b) providing an array of image icon focusing elements; and

(c) disposing the array of image icon focusing elements a substantially uniform distance from the array of image icons, at least a portion of the image icon focusing elements forming at least one synthetically magnified image of at least a portion of the image icons,

wherein, the relation of at least a portion of the image icons to at least a portion of the focusing elements provides a motion effect for the at least one synthetically magnified image,

wherein, the system has a thickness of less than 50 microns, or image icon focusing elements having an effective base diameter of less than 50 microns, or both.

48. The method of claim 47, wherein the array of focusing elements includes focusing elements selected from the group of refractive, diffractive, reflective, hybrid refractive/diffractive and hybrid refractive/reflective focusing elements, and non-refractive focusing reflectors.

49. The method of claim 47, wherein the array of focusing elements is arranged in a pattern, the array of focusing elements having at least two axes the pattern can be reflected around, rotated around, or both, without changing the geometry of the pattern.

50. The method of claim 47, wherein the array of image icons includes image icons formed from patterns of colorless, colored, tinted, or dyed material.

51. The method of claim 47, wherein the image icons are either positive or negative icons in relation to a background on which they appear.

52. The method of claim 47, wherein the image icons are either positive or negative icons in relation to their background and include image icons that are transparent, translucent, pigmented, fluorescent, phosphorescent, metallized, substantially retroreflective, or display optically variable color.

53. The method of claim 47, wherein the image icons are either positive or negative icons in relation to their background and have a background that is transparent, translucent, pigmented, fluorescent, phosphorescent, metallized, substantially retroreflective, or displays optically variable color.

54. The method of claim 47, wherein the image icons are either positive or negative icons in relation to their background and include image icons formed from printing, microstructures, or evaporated metals.

55. The method of claim 47, wherein the at least one synthetically magnified image further appears to transform from one or more of a form, shape, size or color to another of a form, shape, size or color.

56. The method of claim 47, wherein the at least one synthetically magnified image further appears to be three dimensional.

57. The method of claim 47, wherein the array of focusing elements includes aspheric focusing elements, and wherein the array of image icons includes image icons formed as recesses on or in a surface of a substrate, the recesses optionally filled with a material having a different refractive index than the substrate, which material is selected from the group of pigmented resins, inks, dyes, metals, and magnetic materials.

58. The method of claim 47, wherein the array of focusing elements includes focusing elements having a base diameter of 35 microns and a focal length of 30 microns.

59. The method of claim 47, which further comprises positioning one or more optical spacers between the array of image icons and the array of focusing elements.

60. The method of claim 59, wherein the one or more optical spacers are formed using one or more essentially colorless polymers.

61. The method of claim 60, wherein the one or more essentially colorless polymers is selected from the group of acrylics, cellophane, polymers made from vinylidene chloride, nylon, polycarbonate, polyester, polypropylene, polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate, and polyvinyl.

62. The method of claim 47, wherein the system comprising the array of image icons and the array of image icon focusing elements has a thickness of less than 50 microns.

63. The method of claim 47, wherein the array of focusing elements includes non-cylindrical focusing elements.

64. The method of claim 47, wherein the array of focusing elements includes aspheric focusing elements.

65. The method of claim 47, wherein the array of focusing elements includes focusing elements having base geometries selected from the group of circular base, hexagonal base, rounded off hexagonal base, square base, rounded off square base, triangular base, and rounded off triangular base.

66. The method of claim 47, wherein the array of focusing elements includes focusing elements having an F number of less than or equal to 4.

67. The method of claim 47, wherein the array of focusing elements includes focusing elements having an F number of less than or equal to 2.

68. The method of claim 47, wherein the array of focusing elements includes focusing elements having an effective base diameter ranging from about 10 to about 30 microns.

69. The method of claim 47, wherein the array of focusing elements includes focusing elements having an effective base diameter of less than 30 microns.

70. The method of claim 47, wherein the arrays are formed into a system having a total thickness of less than about 45 microns.

71. The method of claim 47, wherein the arrays are formed into a system, which has a total thickness ranging from about 10 to about 40 microns.

72. The method of claim 47, wherein the array of focusing elements includes focusing elements having a focal length of less than about 40 microns.

73. The method of claim 47, wherein the array of focusing elements includes focusing elements having a focal length ranging from about 10 to less than about 30 microns.

74. The method of claim 47, wherein the array of image icons includes image icons formed from a printing method selected from the group of ink jet, laserjet, letterpress, flexo, gravure, intaglio, and dye sublimation printing methods.

75. The method of claim 47, wherein the array of image icon focusing elements includes focusing elements having an effective base diameter ranging from about 15 microns to about 35 microns and a focal length ranging from about 10 microns to less than about 30 microns.

104. The synthetic magnification micro-optic system of claim 54, wherein the array of image icon focusing elements includes focusing elements having an effective base diameter ranging from about 15 microns to about 35 microns and a focal length ranging from about 10 microns to less than about 30 microns.

76. A method of making a synthetic magnification optical system, comprising:

(a) providing a layer of material to form one or more optical spacers;

(b) applying a substantially transparent or clear radiation curable resin to upper and lower surfaces of the one or more optical spacers;

(c) forming an array of focusing elements on the upper surface and an array of icons in the form of recesses on the lower surface of the one or more optical spacers, wherein the array of focusing elements is positioned a substantially uniform distance from the array of image icons, at least a portion of the focusing elements forming at least one synthetically magnified image of at least a portion of the image icons, the at least one synthetically magnified image having a motion effect;

(d) curing the substantially transparent or clear resin using a source of radiation;

(e) filling the icon array recesses with a pigmented resin or ink;

(f) optionally removing excess resin or ink from the lower surface of the icon array; and

(g) optionally providing a pigmented or metallic sealing or obscuring coating or layer to cover the surface of the icon array opposite the one or more optical spacers.

77. The method of claim 76, wherein the array of focusing elements includes focusing elements having an effective base diameter of less than 50 microns.

78. A synthetic magnification micro-optic system comprising,

(a) an array of image icons and

(b) an array of image icon focusing elements, the array of the image icon focusing elements being disposed in relation to the array of the image icons at a distance sufficient for the image icon focusing elements to form at least one synthetically magnified image of at least a portion of the image icons,

the relation of at least a portion of the image icons to at least a portion of the focusing elements providing a motion effect for the at least one synthetically magnified image,

the image icon focusing elements having an effective base diameter of less than 50 microns,

wherein the image icon focusing elements include polygonal base multi-zonal focusing elements having polygonal base geometries.

79. A synthetic magnification micro-optic system comprising:

(a) a micro image comprised of an array of image icons; and

(b) an array of image icon focusing elements, the image icon focusing elements including focusing elements either having an effective base diameter of less than 50 microns or being polygonal base multi-zonal focusing elements,

wherein the array of image icon focusing elements is disposed a substantially uniform distance from the array of image icons, at least a portion of the focusing elements forming at least one synthetically magnified image of at least a portion of the image icons, the at least one synthetically magnified image having a motion effect, and

wherein the focusing elements provide an enlarged field of view over the width of an associated image icon so that the peripheral edges of the associated image icon do not drop out of view.

80. A synthetic magnification micro-optic system comprising:

(a) an array of image icons with a substantially regular array spacing between a substantial number of image icons within the image icon array; and

(b) an array of image icon focusing elements disposed a substantially uniform distance from the array of image icons, at least a portion of the image icon focusing elements forming at least one synthetically magnified image of at least a portion of the image icons,

wherein, the relation of at least a portion of the image icons to at least a portion of the focusing elements provides a motion effect for the at least one synthetically magnified image,

wherein, the system has a thickness of less than 50 microns, or image icon focusing elements having an effective base diameter of less than 50 microns, or both,

which further includes one or more optical spacers positioned between the array of image icons and the array of focusing elements.

81. A synthetic magnification micro-optic system comprising:

(a) an array of image icons with a substantially regular array spacing between a substantial number of image icons within the image icon array; and

(b) an array of image icon focusing elements disposed a substantially uniform distance from the array of image icons, at least a portion of the image icon focusing elements forming at least one synthetically magnified image of at least a portion of the image icons,

wherein, the relation of at least a portion of the image icons to at least a portion of the focusing elements provides a motion effect for the at least one synthetically magnified image,

wherein, the system has a thickness of less than 50 microns, or image icon focusing elements having an effective base diameter of less than 50 microns, or both,

wherein the array of image icons includes image icons formed as shaped posts on a surface of a substrate, spaces between the shaped posts optionally filled with a material having a different refractive index than the substrate, which material is selected from the group of pigmented resins, inks, dyes, metals, and magnetic materials.

82. A synthetic magnification micro-optic system comprising:

(a) an array of image icons with a substantially regular array spacing between a substantial number of image icons within the image icon array; and

(b) an array of image icon focusing elements disposed a substantially uniform distance from the array of image icons, at least a portion of the image icon focusing elements forming at least one synthetically magnified image of at least a portion of the image icons,

wherein, the relation of at least a portion of the image icons to at least a portion of the focusing elements provides a motion effect for the at least one synthetically magnified image,

wherein, the system has a thickness of less than 50 microns, or image icon focusing elements having an effective base diameter of less than 50 microns, or both,

wherein the image icons are either positive or negative icons in relation to their background and include image icons formed in a photographic emulsion.

83. A synthetic magnification micro-optic system comprising:

(a) an array of image icons with a substantially regular array spacing between a substantial number of image icons within the image icon array; and

(b) an array of image icon focusing elements disposed a substantially uniform distance from the array of image icons, at least a portion of the image icon focusing elements forming at least one synthetically magnified image of at least a portion of the image icons,

wherein, the relation of at least a portion of the image icons to at least a portion of the focusing elements provides a motion effect for the at least one synthetically magnified image,

wherein, the system has a thickness of less than 50 microns, or image icon focusing elements having an effective base diameter of less than 50 microns, or both,

which has interstitial spaces between the focusing elements, the interstitial spaces optionally being filled.

84. A synthetic magnification micro-optic system comprising,

(a) an array of image icons and

(b) an array of image icon focusing elements, the array of the image icon focusing elements being disposed in relation to the array of the image icons at a distance sufficient for the image icon focusing elements to form at least one synthetically magnified image of at least a portion of the image icons,

the relation of at least a portion of the image icons to at least a portion of the focusing elements providing a motion effect for the at least one synthetically magnified image,

the image icon focusing elements having an effective base diameter of less than 50 microns,

the system including a tamper indicating layer.

85. A synthetic magnification micro-optic system comprising:

(a) a micro image comprised of an array of a plurality of image icons; and

(b) an array of a plurality of image icon focusing elements, the image icon focusing elements including focusing elements either having an effective base diameter of less than 50 microns or being polygonal base multi-zonal focusing elements, wherein the array of image icon focusing elements is disposed in relation to the array of image icons at a distance sufficient for at least a portion of the image icon focusing elements to form at least one synthetically magnified image of at least a portion of the image icons, the at least one synthetically magnified image having a motion effect, and

wherein, upon illumination of the system the synthetically magnified image appears to have a shadow.

86. A synthetic magnification micro-optic system comprising:

(a) an array of image icons with a substantially regular array spacing between a substantial number of image icons within the image icon array; and

(b) an array of image icon focusing elements disposed a substantially uniform distance from the array of image icons, at least a portion of the image icon focusing elements forming at least one synthetically magnified image of at least a portion of the image icons,

wherein, the relation of at least a portion of the image icons to at least a portion of the focusing elements provides a motion effect for the at least one synthetically magnified image,

wherein, the system has a thickness of less than 50 microns, or image icon focusing elements having an effective base diameter of less than 50 microns, or both,

wherein the at least one synthetically magnified image further appears to lie on a spatial plane deeper than the system.

87. A synthetic magnification micro-optic system comprising,

(a) an array of image icons with a substantially regular array spacing between a substantial number of image icons within the image icon array;

and

(b) an array of image icon focusing elements, the array of the image icon focusing elements being disposed in relation to the array of the image icons at a distance sufficient for the image icon focusing elements to form at least one synthetically magnified image of at least a portion of the image icons,

the relation of at least a portion of the image icons to at least a portion of the focusing elements providing a motion effect for the at least one synthetically magnified image,

the image icon focusing elements having an effective base diameter of less than 50 microns,

wherein, the at least one synthetically magnified image further appears to lie on a spatial plane above the system.

88. A synthetic magnification micro-optic system comprising:

(a) an array of image icons with a substantially regular array spacing between a substantial number of image icons within the image icon array; and

(b) an array of image icon focusing elements disposed a substantially uniform distance from the array of image icons, at least a portion of the image icon focusing elements forming at least one synthetically magnified image of at least a portion of the image icons,

wherein, the relation of at least a portion of the image icons to at least a portion of the focusing elements provides a motion effect for the at least one synthetically magnified image,

wherein, the system has a thickness of less than 50 microns, or image icon focusing elements having an effective base diameter of less than 50 microns, or both,

wherein the at least one synthetically magnified image further appears to move between a spatial plane deeper than the system and a spatial plane above the system upon rotation of the system about an axis that intersects the plane of the system.

89. A synthetic magnification micro-optic system comprising

(a) an array of image icons with a substantially regular array spacing between a substantial number of image icons within the image icon array;

and

(b) an array of image icon focusing elements disposed a substantially uniform distance from the array of image icons, at least a portion of the image icon focusing elements forming at least one synthetically magnified image of at least a portion of the image icons,

wherein, when the system is tilted about an axis of the system the at least one synthetically magnified image appears to move, and

wherein, the image icon focusing elements have an effective base diameter of less than 50 microns.

90. The synthetic magnification micro-optic system of claim 89, wherein the system comprising the array of image icons and the array of image icon focusing elements has a thickness of less than 50 microns.

91. The synthetic magnification micro-optic system of claim 89, wherein the array of image icon focusing elements includes focusing elements having an effective base diameter ranging from about 15 microns to about 35 microns and a focal length ranging from about 10 microns to less than about 30 microns.

92. A synthetic magnification micro-optic system comprising:

(a) an array of image icons with a substantially regular array spacing between a substantial number of image icons within the image icon array; and

(b) an array of image icon focusing elements disposed a substantially uniform distance from the array of image icons, at least a portion of the image icon focusing elements forming at least one synthetically magnified image of at least a portion of the image icons,

wherein, the relation of at least a portion of the image icons to at least a portion of the focusing elements provides a motion effect for the at least one synthetically magnified image,

wherein, the system has a thickness of less than 50 microns, or image icon focusing elements having an effective base diameter of less than 50 microns, or both,

wherein the at least one synthetically magnified image further appears to transform from one or more of a form, shape, size or color to another of a form, shape, size or color,

wherein the transformation is produced by scale distortions in either or both the array of image icons and the array of focusing elements.

93. A synthetic magnification micro-optic system comprising,

(a) an array of image icons and

(b) an array of image icon focusing elements, the array of the image icon focusing elements being disposed in relation to the array of the image icons at a distance sufficient for the image icon focusing elements to form at least one synthetically magnified image of at least a portion of the image icons,

the relation of at least a portion of the image icons to at least a portion of the focusing elements providing a motion effect for the at least one synthetically magnified image,

the image icon focusing elements having an effective base diameter of less than 50 microns,

wherein the at least one synthetically magnified image further appears to transform from one or more of a form, shape, size or color to another of a form, shape, size or color, and

wherein the transformation is produced by incorporating spatially varying information in the image icon array.

94. A synthetic magnification micro-optic system comprising:

(a) an array of image icons with a substantially regular array spacing between a substantial number of image icons within the image icon array; and

(b) an array of image icon focusing elements disposed a substantially uniform distance from the array of image icons, at least a portion of the image icon focusing elements forming at least one synthetically magnified image of at least a portion of the image icons,

wherein, the relation of at least a portion of the image icons to at least a portion of the focusing elements provides a motion effect for the at least one synthetically magnified image,

wherein, the system has a thickness of less than 50 microns, or image icon focusing elements having an effective base diameter of less than 50 microns, or both,

wherein the at least one synthetically magnified image appears to have one or more additional effects selected from the group of appearing to lie on a spatial plane deeper than the system, appearing to lie on a spatial plane above the system, appearing to move between a spatial plane deeper than the system and a spatial plane above the system upon rotation of the system about an axis that intersects the plane of the system, appearing to transform from one or more of a form, shape, size or color to another of a form, shape, size or color, and appearing to be three dimensional.

95. The synthetic magnification micro-optic system of claim 94, wherein the effects may or may not have the same color or graphical elements.

96. A synthetic magnification micro-optic system comprising,

(a) an array of image icons and

(b) an array of image icon focusing elements, the array of the image icon focusing elements being disposed in relation to the array of the image icons at a distance sufficient for the image icon focusing elements to form at least one synthetically magnified image of at least a portion of the image icons,

the relation of at least a portion of the image icons to at least a portion of the focusing elements providing a motion effect for the at least one synthetically magnified image,

the image icon focusing elements having an effective base diameter of less than 50 microns,

wherein, the at least one synthetically magnified image appears to have additional effects selected from one or more of appearing to lie on a spatial plane deeper than the system, appearing to lie on a spatial plane above the system, appearing to move between a spatial plane deeper than the system and a spatial plane above the system upon rotation of the system about an axis that intersects the plane of the system, appearing to transform from one or more of a form, shape, size or color to another of a form, shape, size or color, and appearing to be three dimensional, and

wherein, the two or more effects appear on different image planes.

97. A synthetic magnification micro-optic system comprising,

(a) an array of image icons and

(b) an array of image icon focusing elements, the array of the image icon focusing elements being disposed in relation to the array of the image icons at a distance sufficient for the image icon focusing elements to form at least one synthetically magnified image of at least a portion of the image icons,

the relation of at least a portion of the image icons to at least a portion of the focusing elements providing a motion effect for the at least one synthetically magnified image,

the image icon focusing elements having an effective base diameter of less than 50 microns,

wherein, the at least one synthetically magnified image appears to have additional effects selected from one or more of appearing to lie on a spatial plane deeper than the system, appearing to lie on a spatial plane above the system, appearing to move between a spatial plane deeper than the system and a spatial plane above the system upon rotation of the system about an axis that intersects the plane of the system, appearing to transform from one or more of a form, shape, size or color to another of a form, shape, size or color, and appearing to be three dimensional,

wherein, the two or more effects appear on different image planes, and

wherein the different image planes are further different in at least one of form, color, movement direction of the effect, or magnification.

98. A synthetic magnification micro-optic system comprising:

(a) an array of a plurality of image icons; and

(b) an array of a plurality of image icon focusing elements, the image icon focusing elements including focusing elements either having an effective base diameter of less than 50 microns or being polygonal base multi-zonal focusing elements, wherein the plane of the image icon focusing elements is disposed in relation to the plane of the image icons at a distance sufficient for at least a portion of the image icon focusing elements to form at least one synthetically magnified image of at least a portion of the image icons, the at least one synthetically magnified image having a motion effect,

wherein the focusing elements provide vertical blurring of a central focal zone of the focusing elements.

99. A synthetic magnification micro-optic system comprising,

(a) an array of image icons and

(b) an array of image icon focusing elements, the array of the image icon focusing elements being disposed in relation to the array of the image icons at a distance sufficient for the image icon focusing elements to form at least one synthetically magnified image of at least a portion of the image icons,

the relation of at least a portion of the image icons to at least a portion of the focusing elements providing a motion effect for the at least one synthetically magnified image,

the image icon focusing elements having an effective base diameter of less than 50 microns,

the system further including a plurality of arrays having a plurality of image icons spaced a plurality of distances from the array of image icon focusing elements, and wherein the array of image icon focusing elements includes focusing elements having a plurality of focal lengths corresponding to the various spaced distances of the arrays of image icons.

100. A synthetic magnification micro-optic system comprising:

(a) an array of image icons with a substantially regular array spacing between a substantial number of image icons within the image icon array; and

(b) an array of image icon focusing elements disposed a substantially uniform distance from the array of image icons, at least a portion of the image icon focusing elements forming at least one synthetically magnified image of at least a portion of the image icons,

wherein, the relation of at least a portion of the image icons to at least a portion of the focusing elements provides a motion effect for the at least one synthetically magnified image,

wherein, the system has a thickness of less than 50 microns, or image icon focusing elements having an effective base diameter of less than 50 microns, or both,

wherein the array of focusing elements includes aspheric focusing elements, and wherein the array of image icons includes image icons formed as recesses on or in a surface of a substrate, the recesses optionally filled with a material having a different refractive index than the substrate, which material is selected from the group of pigmented materials, inks, dyes, metals, and magnetic materials.

101. A synthetic magnification micro-optic system comprising,

(a) an array of image icons and

(b) an array of image icon focusing elements, the array of the image icon focusing elements being disposed in relation to the array of the image icons at a distance sufficient for the image icon focusing elements to form at least one synthetically magnified image of at least a portion of the image icons,

the relation of at least a portion of the image icons to at least a portion of the focusing elements providing a motion effect for the at least one synthetically magnified image,

the image icon focusing elements having an effective base diameter of less than 50 microns,

wherein the focusing elements include pinhole optics.

102. A synthetic magnification micro-optic system comprising:

(a) an array of image icons; and

(b) an array of image icon focusing elements, the array of the image icon focusing elements being disposed in relation to the array of the image icons at a distance sufficient for the image icon focusing elements to form at least one synthetically magnified image of at least a portion of the image icons,

providing a motion effect for the at least one synthetically magnified image,

wherein the focusing elements have an F number selected to reduce vertical binocular disparity for motion applications.

103. The synthetic magnification micro-optic system of claim 102, wherein the array of image icon focusing elements includes focusing elements having an effective base diameter of less than 50 microns.

105. A synthetic magnification micro-optic system comprising:

(a) an array of image icons; and

(b) an array of image icon focusing elements, the array of the image icon focusing elements being disposed in relation to the array of the image icons at a distance sufficient for the image icon focusing elements to form at least one synthetically magnified image of at least a portion of the image icons,

providing a motion effect for the at least one synthetically magnified image,

wherein the focusing elements have an F number selected to reduce vertical binocular disparity for motion applications,

wherein the F number is less than 1.

106. A synthetic magnification micro-optic system comprising:

(a) an array of image icons with a substantially regular array spacing between a substantial number of image icons within the image icon array; and

(b) an array of image icon focusing elements disposed a substantially uniform distance from the array of image icons, at least a portion of the image icon focusing elements forming at least one synthetically magnified image of at least a portion of the image icons,

wherein, the relation of at least a portion of the image icons to at least a portion of the focusing elements provides a motion effect for the at least one synthetically magnified image,

wherein, the system has a thickness of less than 50 microns, or image icon focusing elements having an effective base diameter of less than 50 microns, or both,

wherein the array of focusing elements includes focusing elements having a base diameter of 35 microns and a focal length of 30 microns.

107. The method of claim 106, wherein the image icons are either positive or negative icons in relation to their background and include image icons formed using one or more materials selected from the group of fluorescent or non-fluorescent pigments and dyes, metal or metallized materials, metal particles, magnetic particles, nuclear magnetic resonance signature materials, lasing particles, organic LED materials, optically variable materials, evaporated metals, thin film interference materials, liquid crystal polymers, optical upconversion materials, optical downconversion materials, dichroic materials, optically active materials, and optically polarizing materials.

108. A synthetic magnification micro-optic system comprising,

(a) an array of image icons and

(b) an array of image icon focusing elements, the array of the image icon focusing elements being disposed in relation to the array of the image icons at a distance sufficient for the image icon focusing elements to form at least one synthetically magnified image of at least a portion of the image icons,

the relation of at least a portion of the image icons to at least a portion of the focusing elements providing a motion effect for the at least one synthetically magnified image,

the image icon focusing elements having an effective base diameter of less than 50 microns,

the system further including a surface layer that must be removed for the synthetic image to be viewed.

109. A synthetic magnification micro-optic system comprising:

(a) an array of image icons with a substantially regular array spacing between a substantial number of image icons within the image icon array; and

(b) an array of image icon focusing elements disposed a substantially uniform distance from the array of image icons, at least a portion of the image icon focusing elements forming at least one synthetically magnified image of at least a portion of the image icons,

wherein, the relation of at least a portion of the image icons to at least a portion of the focusing elements provides a motion effect for the at least one synthetically magnified image,

wherein, the system has a thickness of less than 50 microns, or image icon focusing elements having an effective base diameter of less than 50 microns, or both,

which further includes one or more optical spacers positioned between the array of image icons and the array of image icon focusing elements, the one or more optical spacers having a thickness ranging from about 8 microns to about 25 microns.

110. A method comprising,

(a) providing an array of image icons;

(b) providing an array of image icon focusing elements; and

(c) disposing the array of image icon focusing elements in relation to the array of image icons at a distance sufficient for the image icon focusing elements to form at least one synthetically magnified image of at least a portion of the image icons,

wherein, the relation of at least a portion of the image icons to at least a portion of the focusing elements providing a motion effect for the at least one synthetically magnified image,

wherein, the image icon focusing elements having an effective base diameter of less than 50 microns,

wherein the image icon focusing elements include polygonal base multi-zonal focusing elements having polygonal base geometries.

111. A method comprising,

(a) providing an array of image icons;

(b) providing an array of image icon focusing elements; and

(c) disposing the array of image icon focusing elements in relation to the array of image icons at a distance sufficient for the image icon focusing elements to form at least one synthetically magnified image of at least a portion of the image icons,

wherein, the relation of at least a portion of the image icons to at least a portion of the focusing elements providing a motion effect for the at least one synthetically magnified image,

wherein, the image icon focusing elements having an effective base diameter of less than 50 microns,

wherein the focusing elements provide an enlarged field of view over the width of the image icons correlated with the focusing elements so that the peripheral edges of the correlated image icons do not drop out of view.

112. A method of producing a synthetic magnification micro-optic system comprising:

(a) providing an array of image icons with a substantially regular array spacing between a substantial number of image icons within the image icon array;

(b) providing an array of image icon focusing elements; and

(c) disposing the array of image icon focusing elements a substantially uniform distance from the array of image icons, at least a portion of the image icon focusing elements forming at least one synthetically magnified image of at least a portion of the image icons,

wherein, the relation of at least a portion of the image icons to at least a portion of the focusing elements provides a motion effect for the at least one synthetically magnified image,

wherein, the system has a thickness of less than 50 microns, or image icon focusing elements having an effective base diameter of less than 50 microns, or both,

wherein the system further includes one or more optical spacers positioned between the array of image icons and the array of focusing elements.

113. A method of producing a synthetic magnification micro-optic system comprising:

(a) providing an array of image icons with a substantially regular array spacing between a substantial number of image icons within the image icon array;

(b) providing an array of image icon focusing elements; and

(c) disposing the array of image icon focusing elements a substantially uniform distance from the array of image icons, at least a portion of the image icon focusing elements forming at least one synthetically magnified image of at least a portion of the image icons,

wherein, the relation of at least a portion of the image icons to at least a portion of the focusing elements provides a motion effect for the at least one synthetically magnified image,

wherein, the system has a thickness of less than 50 microns, or image icon focusing elements having an effective base diameter of less than 50 microns, or both,

wherein the array of image icons includes image icons formed as shaped posts on a surface of a substrate, the spaces between the shaped posts optionally filled with a material having a different refractive index than the substrate, which material is selected from the group of pigmented resins, inks, dyes, metals, and magnetic materials.

114. A method of producing a synthetic magnification micro-optic system comprising:

(a) providing an array of image icons with a substantially regular array spacing between a substantial number of image icons within the image icon array;

(b) providing an array of image icon focusing elements; and

(c) disposing the array of image icon focusing elements a substantially uniform distance from the array of image icons, at least a portion of the image icon focusing elements forming at least one synthetically magnified image of at least a portion of the image icons,

wherein, the relation of at least a portion of the image icons to at least a portion of the focusing elements provides a motion effect for the at least one synthetically magnified image,

wherein, the system has a thickness of less than 50 microns, or image icon focusing elements having an effective base diameter of less than 50 microns, or both,

wherein the image icons are either positive or negative icons in relation to their background and include image icons formed in a photographic emulsion.

115. A method of producing a synthetic magnification micro-optic system comprising:

(a) providing an array of image icons with a substantially regular array spacing between a substantial number of image icons within the image icon array;

(b) providing an array of image icon focusing elements; and

(c) disposing the array of image icon focusing elements a substantially uniform distance from the array of image icons, at least a portion of the image icon focusing elements forming at least one synthetically magnified image of at least a portion of the image icons,

wherein, the relation of at least a portion of the image icons to at least a portion of the focusing elements provides a motion effect for the at least one synthetically magnified image,

wherein, the system has a thickness of less than 50 microns, or image icon focusing elements having an effective base diameter of less than 50 microns, or both,

wherein the array of focusing elements includes non-cylindrical focusing elements,

wherein a reflective layer is positioned adjacent to a surface of the array of image icons opposite the array of focusing elements.

116. The method of claim 115, wherein the reflective layer is metallized.

117. A method of producing a synthetic magnification micro-optic system comprising:

(a) providing an array of image icons with a substantially regular array spacing between a substantial number of image icons within the image icon array;

(b) providing an array of image icon focusing elements; and

(c) disposing the array of image icon focusing elements a substantially uniform distance from the array of image icons, at least a portion of the image icon focusing elements forming at least one synthetically magnified image of at least a portion of the image icons,

wherein, the relation of at least a portion of the image icons to at least a portion of the focusing elements provides a motion effect for the at least one synthetically magnified image,

wherein, the system has a thickness of less than 50 microns, or image icon focusing elements having an effective base diameter of less than 50 microns, or both,

wherein the system is protected by a sealing or obscuring layer, the sealing or obscuring layer being applied to the side of the array of image icons opposite the array of focusing elements, the sealing or obscuring layer having at least a portion that is transparent, translucent, tinted, pigmented, opaque, metallic, magnetic, or optically variable.

118. A method comprising,

(a) providing an array of image icons;

(b) providing an array of image icon focusing elements; and

(c) disposing the array of image icon focusing elements in relation to the array of image icons at a distance sufficient for the image icon focusing elements to form at least one synthetically magnified image of at least a portion of the image icons,

wherein, the relation of at least a portion of the image icons to at least a portion of the focusing elements providing a motion effect for the at least one synthetically magnified image,

wherein, the image icon focusing elements having an effective base diameter of less than 50 microns,

wherein, the system is protected by a sealing layer, the sealing layer being applied to the side of the array of image icons opposite the array of focusing elements, the sealing layer having at least a portion that is transparent, translucent, tinted, pigmented, opaque, metallic, magnetic, or optically variable, and

wherein the sealing layer includes optical effects.

119. A method comprising,

(a) providing an array of image icons;

(b) providing an array of image icon focusing elements; and

(c) disposing the array of image icon focusing elements in relation to the array of image icons at a distance sufficient for the image icon focusing elements to form at least one synthetically magnified image of at least a portion of the image icons,

wherein, the relation of at least a portion of the image icons to at least a portion of the focusing elements providing a motion effect for the at least one synthetically magnified image,

wherein, the image icon focusing elements having an effective base diameter of less than 50 microns,

which further comprises placing a tamper indicating layer over the array of focusing elements.

120. A method comprising,

(a) providing an array of image icons;

(b) providing an array of image icon focusing elements; and

(c) disposing the array of image icon focusing elements in relation to the array of image icons at a distance sufficient for the image icon focusing elements to form at least one synthetically magnified image of at least a portion of the image icons,

wherein, the relation of at least a portion of the image icons to at least a portion of the focusing elements providing a motion effect for the at least one synthetically magnified image,

wherein, the image icon focusing elements having an effective base diameter of less than 50 microns,

wherein upon illumination of the at least one system the synthetic image appears to have a shadow.

121. A method of producing a synthetic magnification micro-optic system comprising:

(a) providing an array of image icons with a substantially regular array spacing between a substantial number of image icons within the image icon array;

(b) providing an array of image icon focusing elements; and

(c) disposing the array of image icon focusing elements a substantially uniform distance from the array of image icons, at least a portion of the image icon focusing elements forming at least one synthetically magnified image of at least a portion of the image icons,

wherein, the relation of at least a portion of the image icons to at least a portion of the focusing elements provides a motion effect for the at least one synthetically magnified image,

wherein, the system has a thickness of less than 50 microns, or image icon focusing elements having an effective base diameter of less than 50 microns, or both,

wherein the at least one synthetically magnified image further appears to lie on a spatial plane deeper than the system.

122. A method of producing a synthetic magnification micro-optic system comprising:

(a) providing an array of image icons with a substantially regular array spacing between a substantial number of image icons within the image icon array;

(b) providing an array of image icon focusing elements; and

(c) disposing the array of image icon focusing elements a substantially uniform distance from the array of image icons, at least a portion of the image icon focusing elements forming at least one synthetically magnified image of at least a portion of the image icons,

wherein, the relation of at least a portion of the image icons to at least a portion of the focusing elements provides a motion effect for the at least one synthetically magnified image,

wherein, the system has a thickness of less than 50 microns, or image icon focusing elements having an effective base diameter of less than 50 microns, or both,

wherein the at least one synthetically magnified image further appears to lie on a spatial plane above the system.

123. A method of producing a synthetic magnification micro-optic system comprising:

(a) providing an array of image icons with a substantially regular array spacing between a substantial number of image icons within the image icon array;

(b) providing an array of image icon focusing elements; and

(c) disposing the array of image icon focusing elements a substantially uniform distance from the array of image icons, at least a portion of the image icon focusing elements forming at least one synthetically magnified image of at least a portion of the image icons,

wherein, the relation of at least a portion of the image icons to at least a portion of the focusing elements provides a motion effect for the at least one synthetically magnified image,

wherein, the system has a thickness of less than 50 microns, or image icon focusing elements having an effective base diameter of less than 50 microns, or both,

wherein the at least one synthetically magnified image further appears to move between a spatial plane deeper than the system and a spatial plane above the system upon rotation of the system about an axis that intersects the plane of the system.

124. A method of producing a synthetic magnification micro-optic system comprising:

(a) providing an array of image icons with a substantially regular array spacing between a substantial number of image icons within the image icon array;

(b) providing an array of image icon focusing elements; and

(c) disposing the array of image icon focusing elements a substantially uniform distance from the array of image icons, at least a portion of the image icon focusing elements forming at least one synthetically magnified image of at least a portion of the image icons,

wherein, the relation of at least a portion of the image icons to at least a portion of the focusing elements provides a motion effect for the at least one synthetically magnified image,

wherein, the system has a thickness of less than 50 microns, or image icon focusing elements having an effective base diameter of less than 50 microns, or both,

wherein when the system is tilted about an axis substantially parallel to the plane of the system the at least one synthetically magnified image appears to move in a direction substantially parallel to the tilt axis.

125. A method of producing a synthetic magnification micro-optic system comprising:

(a) providing an array of image icons with a substantially regular array spacing between a substantial number of image icons within the image icon array;

(b) providing an array of image icon focusing elements; and

(c) disposing the array of image icon focusing elements a substantially uniform distance from the array of image icons, at least a portion of the image icon focusing elements forming at least one synthetically magnified image of at least a portion of the image icons,

wherein the relation of at least a portion of the image icons to at least a portion of the focusing elements provides a motion effect for the at least one synthetically magnified image,

wherein the system has a thickness of less than 50 microns, or image icon focusing elements having an effective base diameter of less than 50 microns, or both,

wherein the at least one synthetically magnified image further appears to transform from one or more of a form, shape, size or color to another of a form, shape, size or color,

wherein the transformation is produced by scale distortions in either or both the array of image icons and the array of focusing elements.

126. A method comprising,

(a) providing an array of image icons;

(b) providing an array of image icon focusing elements; and

(c) disposing the array of image icon focusing elements in relation to the array of image icons at a distance sufficient for the image icon focusing elements to form at least one synthetically magnified image of at least a portion of the image icons,

wherein, the relation of at least a portion of the image icons to at least a portion of the focusing elements providing a motion effect for the at least one synthetically magnified image,

wherein, the image icon focusing elements having an effective base diameter of less than 50 microns,

wherein the at least one synthetically magnified image further appears to transform from one or more of a form, shape, size or color to another of a form, shape, size or color,

wherein the transformation is produced by incorporating spatially varying information in the image icon array.

127. A method of producing a synthetic magnification micro-optic system comprising:

(a) providing an array of image icons with a substantially regular array spacing between a substantial number of image icons within the image icon array;

(b) providing an array of image icon focusing elements; and

(c) disposing the array of image icon focusing elements a substantially uniform distance from the array of image icons, at least a portion of the image icon focusing elements forming at least one synthetically magnified image of at least a portion of the image icons,

wherein the relation of at least a portion of the image icons to at least a portion of the focusing elements provides a motion effect for the at least one synthetically magnified image,

wherein the system has a thickness of less than 50 microns, or image icon focusing elements having an effective base diameter of less than 50 microns, or both,

wherein the at least one synthetically magnified image appears to have one or more additional effects selected from the group of appearing to lie on a spatial plane deeper than the system, appearing to lie on a spatial plane above the system, appearing to move between a spatial plane deeper than the system and a spatial plane above the system upon rotation of the system about an axis that intersects the plane of the system, appearing to transform from one or more of a form, shape, size or color to another of a form, shape, size or color, and appearing to be three dimensional.

128. The method of claim 127, wherein the effects may or may not have the same color or graphical elements.

129. A method comprising,

(a) providing an array of image icons;

(b) providing an array of image icon focusing elements; and

(c) disposing the array of image icon focusing elements in relation to the array of image icons at a distance sufficient for the image icon focusing elements to form at least one synthetically magnified image of at least a portion of the image icons,

wherein, the relation of at least a portion of the image icons to at least a portion of the focusing elements providing a motion effect for the at least one synthetically magnified image,

wherein, the image icon focusing elements having an effective base diameter of less than 50 microns,

wherein, the at least one synthetically magnified image appears to have one or more additional effects selected from the group of appearing to lie on a spatial plane deeper than the system, appearing to lie on a spatial plane above the system, appearing to move between a spatial plane deeper than the system and a spatial plane above the system upon rotation of the system about an axis that intersects the plane of the system, appearing to transform from one or more of a form, shape, size or color to another of a form, shape, size or color, and appearing to be three dimensional, and

wherein the two or more effects appear on different image planes.

130. A method comprising,

(a) providing an array of image icons;

(b) providing an array of image icon focusing elements; and

(c) disposing the array of image icon focusing elements in relation to the array of image icons at a distance sufficient for the image icon focusing elements to form at least one synthetically magnified image of at least a portion of the image icons,

wherein, the relation of at least a portion of the image icons to at least a portion of the focusing elements providing a motion effect for the at least one synthetically magnified image,

wherein, the image icon focusing elements having an effective base diameter of less than 50 microns,

wherein, the at least one synthetically magnified image appears to have one or more additional effects selected from the group of appearing to lie on a spatial plane deeper than the system, appearing to lie on a spatial plane above the system, appearing to move between a spatial plane deeper than the system and a spatial plane above the system upon rotation of the system about an axis that intersects the plane of the system, appearing to transform from one or more of a form, shape, size or color to another of a form, shape, size or color, and appearing to be three dimensional,

wherein the two or more effects appear on different image planes, and

wherein, the different image planes are further different in at least one of form, color, movement direction of the effect, or magnification.

131. A method of producing a synthetic magnification micro-optic system comprising:

(a) providing an array of image icons with a substantially regular array spacing between a substantial number of image icons within the image icon array;

(b) providing an array of image icon focusing elements; and

(c) disposing the array of image icon focusing elements a substantially uniform distance from the array of image icons, at least a portion of the image icon focusing elements forming at least one synthetically magnified image of at least a portion of the image icons,

wherein the relation of at least a portion of the image icons to at least a portion of the focusing elements provides a motion effect for the at least one synthetically magnified image,

wherein the system has a thickness of less than 50 microns, or image icon focusing elements having an effective base diameter of less than 50 microns, or both,

wherein the at least one synthetically magnified image appears to have at least one of a plurality of patterns, colors or shapes.

132. A method comprising,

(a) providing an array of image icons;

(b) providing an array of image icon focusing elements; and

(c) disposing the array of image icon focusing elements in relation to the array of image icons at a distance sufficient for the image icon focusing elements to form at least one synthetically magnified image of at least a portion of the image icons,

wherein, the relation of at least a portion of the image icons to at least a portion of the focusing elements providing a motion effect for the at least one synthetically magnified image,

wherein, the image icon focusing elements having an effective base diameter of less than 50 microns,

the system further including a plurality of arrays having a plurality of image icons spaced a plurality of distances from the array of image icon focusing elements, and wherein the array of image icon focusing elements includes focusing elements having a plurality of focal lengths corresponding to the various spaced distances of the arrays of image icons.

133. A method of producing a synthetic magnification micro-optic system comprising the steps of:

(a) providing an array of image icons;

(b) providing an array of image icon focusing elements, and

(c) disposing the array of image icon focusing elements in relation to the array of image icons at a distance sufficient for at least a portion of the image icon focusing elements to form at least one synthetically magnified image of at least a portion of the image icons, providing a motion effect for the at least one synthetically magnified image,

wherein, the focusing elements have an F number selected to reduce vertical binocular disparity.

134. The method of claim 133, wherein the F number is less than 1.

135. The method of claim 133, wherein the array of image icon focusing elements includes focusing elements having an effective base diameter of less than 50 microns.

136. The method of claim 133, wherein the array of image icon focusing elements includes focusing elements having an effective base diameter ranging from about 15 microns to about 35 microns and a focal length ranging from about 10 microns to less than about 30 microns.

137. A method comprising;

(a) providing an array of image icons;

(b) providing an array of image icon focusing elements; and

(c) disposing the array of image icon focusing elements in relation to the array of image icons at a distance sufficient for at least a portion of the image icon focusing elements to form at least one synthetically magnified image of at least a portion of the image icons,

wherein, at least a portion of the image icons are arranged in relation to at least a portion of the focusing elements in a manner such that the at least one synthetically magnified image appears to move,

wherein, the array of image icon focusing elements includes focusing elements having an effective base diameter of less than 50 microns,

wherein, the method further includes placing a surface layer on the array of focusing elements that must be removed for the at least one synthetically magnified image to be viewed.

138. A method of producing a synthetic magnification micro-optic system comprising:

(a) providing an array of image icons with a substantially regular array spacing between a substantial number of image icons within the image icon array;

(b) providing an array of image icon focusing elements; and

(c) disposing the array of image icon focusing elements a substantially uniform distance from the array of image icons, at least a portion of the image icon focusing elements forming at least one synthetically magnified image of at least a portion of the image icons,

wherein the relation of at least a portion of the image icons to at least a portion of the focusing elements provides a motion effect for the at least one synthetically magnified image,

wherein the system has a thickness of less than 50 microns, or image icon focusing elements having an effective base diameter of less than 50 microns, or both,

wherein the array of image icons includes image icons formed as recesses on or in a surface of a substrate, the recesses optionally filled with a material providing a contrast with the substrate.

139. The method of claim 138, wherein the icon recesses have a recess depth ranging from about 0.5 microns to about 8 microns.

140. A method of producing a synthetic magnification micro-optic system comprising:

(a) providing an array of image icons with a substantially regular array spacing between a substantial number of image icons within the image icon array;

(b) providing an array of image icon focusing elements; and

(c) disposing the array of image icon focusing elements a substantially uniform distance from the array of image icons, at least a portion of the image icon focusing elements forming at least one synthetically magnified image of at least a portion of the image icons,

wherein, the relation of at least a portion of the image icons to at least a portion of the focusing elements provides a motion effect for the at least one synthetically magnified image,

wherein, the system has a thickness of less than 50 microns, or image icon focusing elements having an effective base diameter of less than 50 microns, or both,

wherein the at least one synthetically magnified image morphs into at least one other synthetically magnified image as the system is rotated or viewed from different viewpoints.

141. A method of producing a synthetic magnification micro-optic system comprising:

(a) providing an array of image icons with a substantially regular array spacing between a substantial number of image icons within the image icon array;

(b) providing an array of image icon focusing elements; and

(c) disposing the array of image icon focusing elements a substantially uniform distance from the array of image icons, at least a portion of the image icon focusing elements forming at least one synthetically magnified image of at least a portion of the image icons,

wherein the relation of at least a portion of the image icons to at least a portion of the focusing elements provides a motion effect for the at least one synthetically magnified image,

wherein the system has a thickness of less than 50 microns, or image icon focusing elements having an effective base diameter of less than 50 microns, or both,

wherein the array of image icons includes image icons formed as recesses on or in a surface of a substrate, the recesses optionally filled with a material having a different refractive index than the substrate, which material is selected from the group of pigmented resins, inks, dyes, metals, and magnetic materials.

142. A method comprising;

(a) providing an array of image icons;

(b) providing an array of image icon focusing elements; and

(c) disposing the array of image icon focusing elements in relation to the array of image icons at a distance sufficient for at least a portion of the image icon focusing elements to form at least one synthetically magnified image of at least a portion of the image icons,

wherein, at least a portion of the image icons are arranged in relation to at least a portion of the focusing elements in a manner such that the at least one synthetically magnified image appears to move,

wherein, the array of image icon focusing elements includes focusing elements having an effective base diameter of less than 50 microns,

wherein, the method further comprises providing a plurality of layers of image icons at different depths in the system, the focusing elements having differing focal lengths for focusing at the different depths of the plurality of layers of image icons in the system.

143. A method of producing a synthetic magnification micro-optic system comprising:

(a) providing an array of image icons with a substantially regular array spacing between a substantial number of image icons within the image icon array;

(b) providing an array of image icon focusing elements; and

(c) disposing the array of image icon focusing elements a substantially uniform distance from the array of image icons, at least a portion of the image icon focusing elements forming at least one synthetically magnified image of at least a portion of the image icons,

wherein the relation of at least a portion of the image icons to at least a portion of the focusing elements provides a motion effect for the at least one synthetically magnified image,

wherein the system has a thickness of less than 50 microns, or image icon focusing elements having an effective base diameter of less than 50 microns, or both,

wherein the array of focusing elements includes non-cylindrical focusing elements,

wherein the method further comprises positioning a reflective layer adjacent to a surface of the array of image icons opposite the array of focusing elements.

144. A method comprising,

(a) providing an array of image icons;

(b) providing an array of image icon focusing elements; and

(c) disposing the array of image icon focusing elements in relation to the array of image icons at a distance sufficient for the image icon focusing elements to form at least one synthetically magnified image of at least a portion of the image icons,

wherein, the relation of at least a portion of the image icons to at least a portion of the focusing elements providing a motion effect for the at least one synthetically magnified image,

wherein, the image icon focusing elements having an effective base diameter of less than 50 microns,

the method further comprising placing a transparent tamper indicating material over the focusing elements.

145. A method of producing a synthetic magnification micro-optic system comprising:

(a) providing an array of image icons with a substantially regular array spacing between a substantial number of image icons within the image icon array;

(b) providing an array of image icon focusing elements; and

(c) disposing the array of image icon focusing elements a substantially uniform distance from the array of image icons, at least a portion of the image icon focusing elements forming at least one synthetically magnified image of at least a portion of the image icons,

wherein the relation of at least a portion of the image icons to at least a portion of the focusing elements provides a motion effect for the at least one synthetically magnified image,

wherein the system has a thickness of less than 50 microns, or image icon focusing elements having an effective base diameter of less than 50 microns, or both,

wherein the method further comprises placing a second array of focusing elements a substantially uniform distance from a side of the array of image icons opposite the array of focusing elements.

146. The method of claim 145, wherein the method further comprises placing a second array of image icons in between the two arrays of focusing elements.

147. A method of producing a synthetic magnification micro-optic system comprising:

(a) providing an array of image icons with a substantially regular array spacing between a substantial number of image icons within the image icon array;

(b) providing an array of image icon focusing elements; and

(c) disposing the array of image icon focusing elements a substantially uniform distance from the array of image icons, at least a portion of the image icon focusing elements forming at least one synthetically magnified image of at least a portion of the image icons,

wherein the relation of at least a portion of the image icons to at least a portion of the focusing elements provides a motion effect for the at least one synthetically magnified image,

wherein the system has a thickness of less than 50 microns, or image icon focusing elements having an effective base diameter of less than 50 microns, or both,

wherein the method further comprises providing interstitial spaces between the focusing elements, the interstitial spaces optionally being filled.

148. A method of producing a synthetic magnification micro-optic system comprising:

(a) providing an array of image icons with a substantially regular array spacing between a substantial number of image icons within the image icon array;

(b) providing an array of image icon focusing elements; and

(c) disposing the array of image icon focusing elements a substantially uniform distance from the array of image icons, at least a portion of the image icon focusing elements forming at least one synthetically magnified image of at least a portion of the image icons,

wherein the relation of at least a portion of the image icons to at least a portion of the focusing elements provides a motion effect for the at least one synthetically magnified image,

wherein the system has a thickness of less than 50 microns, or image icon focusing elements having an effective base diameter of less than 50 microns, or both,

wherein the synthetic magnification micro-optic system forms a second synthetically magnified image exhibiting a different optical effect than the at least one synthetically magnified image.

149. The method of claim 148, wherein the optical effect of the second synthetically magnified image is different in one or more of form, color, direction of movement or magnification.

150. A synthetic magnification micro-optic system comprising,

(a) an array of image icons and

(b) an array of image icon focusing elements, the array of the image icon focusing elements being disposed in relation to the array of the image icons at a distance sufficient for the image icon focusing elements to form at least one synthetically magnified image of at least a portion of the image icons,

the relation of at least a portion of the image icons to at least a portion of the focusing elements providing a motion effect for the at least one synthetically magnified image,

the image icon focusing elements having an effective base diameter of less than 50 microns,

wherein the synthetic magnification micro-optic system forms a second synthetically magnified image exhibiting a different optical motion effect.

151. The synthetic magnification micro-optic system of claim 150, wherein the optical effect of the second synthetically magnified image is different in one or more of form, color, direction of movement or magnification.

152. A synthetic magnification micro-optic system comprising:

(a) an array of image icons with a substantially regular array spacing between a substantial number of image icons within the image icon array; and

(b) an array of image icon focusing elements disposed a substantially uniform distance from the array of image icons, at least a portion of the image icon focusing elements forming at least one synthetically magnified image of at least a portion of the image icons,

wherein the array of image icons is positioned in relation to the array of image icon focusing elements providing a motion effect for the at least one synthetically magnified image,

wherein the image icons are selected from the group of positive image icons, and negative image icons, and

wherein the synthetic magnification micro-optic system is used on or at least partially within paper or polymer currency.

153. The synthetic magnification micro-optic system of claim 152, wherein the array of focusing elements includes focusing elements having an F number of less than or equal to 2.

154. The synthetic magnification micro-optic system of claim 152, wherein the array of image icon focusing elements includes focusing elements having an effective base diameter of less than 50 microns.

155. A synthetic magnification micro-optic system comprising:

(a) an array of image icons with a substantially regular array spacing between a substantial number of image icons within the image icon array; and

(b) an array of image icon focusing elements disposed a substantially uniform distance from the array of image icons, at least a portion of the image icon focusing elements forming at least one synthetically magnified image of at least a portion of the image icons,

the relation of at least a portion of the image icons to at least a portion of the focusing elements providing a motion effect for the at least one synthetically magnified image,

wherein, the at least one synthetically magnified image appears to move between a spatial plane deeper than the system and a spatial plane above the system upon rotation of the system, and

wherein the synthetic magnification micro-optic system is used on or at least partially within paper or polymer currency.

156. The synthetic magnification micro-optic system of claim 155, wherein the array of image icon focusing elements includes focusing elements having an effective base diameter of less than 50 microns.

157. A synthetic magnification micro-optic system comprising:

(a) an array of image icons; and

(b) an array of image icon focusing elements, the array of the image icon focusing elements being disposed in relation to the array of the image icons at a distance sufficient for at least a portion of the image icon focusing elements to form at least one synthetically magnified image of at least a portion of the image icons, the focusing elements having an effective base diameter of less than 50 microns,

the relation of at least a portion of the image icons to at least a portion of the focusing elements providing a motion effect for the at least one synthetically magnified image, the motion effect being an orthoparallactic motion effect.

158. A synthetic magnification micro-optic system comprising:

(a) an array of image icons;

(b) an array of image icon focusing elements; and

(c) a substrate positioned between the arrays of image icons and focusing elements,

wherein, at least a portion of the image icons are formed as shaped voids or recesses on or in a surface of the substrate, and

wherein, the array of focusing elements is disposed a substantially uniform distance from the array of image icons, at least a portion of the focusing elements forming at least one synthetically magnified image of at least a portion of the image icons, the at least one synthetically magnified image appearing to move.

159. A synthetic magnification micro-optic system comprising:

(a) an array of image icons;

(b) an array of image icon focusing elements; and

(c) a substrate positioned between the arrays of image icons and focusing elements,

wherein, at least a portion of the image icons are formed as shaped posts on a surface of the substrate, and

wherein, the array of focusing elements is disposed a substantially uniform distance from the array of image icons, at least a portion of the focusing elements forming at least one synthetically magnified image of at least a portion of the image icons, the at least one synthetically magnified image appearing to move.

160. A synthetic magnification micro-optic system comprising:

(a) an array of image icons; and

(b) an array of image icon focusing elements, which includes polygonal base multi-zonal focusing elements,

wherein, the array of focusing elements is disposed a substantially uniform distance from the array of image icons, at least a portion of the focusing elements forming at least one synthetically magnified image of at least a portion of the image icons, the at least one synthetically magnified image appearing to move.

161. A synthetic magnification micro-optic system comprising:

(a) an array of image icons, which includes microstructured icon elements having a physical relief formed as shaped voids or recesses, or as shaped posts, or both; and

(b) an array of image icon focusing elements, wherein, the array of focusing elements is disposed a substantially uniform distance from the array of image icons, at least a portion of the focusing elements forming at least one synthetically magnified image of at least a portion of the image icons, the at least one synthetically magnified image appearing to move.

162. A synthetic magnification micro-optic system comprising:

(a) an array of image icons with an array spacing between image icons within at least a portion of the image icon array, the array spacing measured on, or in the direction of, a chosen axis of the image icon array; and

(b) an array of image icon focusing elements with an array spacing between focusing elements within at least a portion of the focusing element array, the array spacing measured on, or in the direction of, an axis of the focusing element array that corresponds to the chosen axis of the image icon array,

wherein the array of image icon focusing elements is disposed a substantially uniform distance from the array of image icons, at least a portion of the focusing elements forming at least one synthetically magnified image of at least a portion of the image icons,

wherein the ratio of (i) the array spacing between image icons within at least a portion of the image icon array to (ii) the array spacing between focusing elements within at least a portion of the focusing element array, is substantially equal to 1, and wherein the chosen axis of image icons and the corresponding axis of the array of focusing elements are angularly misaligned, the at least one synthetically magnified image appearing to move, and

wherein the synthetic magnification micro-optic system is used on or at least partially within paper or polymer currency.

163. A synthetic magnification micro-optic system comprising:

(a) an array of image icons, at least a portion of which is arranged in a pattern, the array having at least one axis the pattern can be reflected around, rotated around, or both, without changing the geometry of the pattern; and

(b) an array of image icon focusing elements, at least a portion of which is arranged in a pattern, the array having at least one axis the pattern can be reflected around, rotated around, or both, without changing the geometry of the pattern,

wherein, the array of focusing elements is disposed a substantially uniform distance from the array of image icons, at least a portion of the focusing elements forming at least one synthetically magnified image of at least a portion of the image icons, the at least one synthetically magnified image appearing to move, and

wherein the synthetic magnification micro-optic system is used on or at least partially within paper or polymer currency.

164. A synthetic magnification micro-optic system, which comprises:

(a) an array of image icons; and

(b) an array of focusing reflectors, the array of focusing reflectors being disposed a substantially uniform distance from the array of image icons and forming at least one synthetically magnified image of at least a portion of the image icons,

wherein, at least a portion of the image icons are arranged in relation to at least a portion of the focusing reflectors in a manner such that the at least one synthetically magnified image appears to move.

165. The synthetic magnification micro-optic system of claim 164, wherein the array of focusing reflectors includes metallized focusing reflectors.

166. A synthetic magnification micro-optic system, which comprises:

(a) an array of focusing elements;

(b) an array of image icons located directly beneath the array of focusing elements; and

(c) a reflective layer located a distance from the array of focusing elements and the array of the image icons,

wherein, light scattered from the array of image icons reflects from the reflective layer, passes through the array of image icons and into the array of focusing elements, which project at least one synthetically magnified image of at least a portion of the image icons, the at least one synthetically magnified image appearing to move.

167. The synthetic magnification micro-optic system of claim 166, wherein the reflective layer is a metallized reflective layer.

168. A synthetic magnification micro-optic system comprising:

(a) an array of image icons;

(b) an array of image icon focusing elements; and

(c) a substrate positioned between the arrays of image icons and focusing elements,

wherein, at least a portion of the image icons are formed as bas-relief surfaces on or in a surface of the substrate,

wherein, the bas-relief surfaces are filled with a pigmented or dyed material, and

wherein, the array of focusing elements is disposed a substantially uniform distance from the array of image icons, at least a portion of the focusing elements forming at least one grayscale or tonal synthetically magnified image of at least a portion of the image icons, the at least one grayscale or tonal synthetically magnified image appearing to move.

169. The synthetic magnification micro-optic system of claim 168, wherein, the system is protected by a sealing layer, the sealing layer being applied to a side of the array of image icons opposite the array of focusing elements, the sealing layer having at least a portion that is transparent, tinted, colored, dyed, pigmented, or opaque.

170. A synthetic magnification micro-optic system comprising:

(a) an array of image icons;

(b) an array of image icon focusing elements; and

(c) a substrate positioned between the arrays of image icons and focusing elements,

wherein, at least a portion of the image icons are formed as bas-relief surfaces on or in a surface of the substrate,

wherein, the bas-relief surfaces are coated with a high refractive index material, and

wherein, the array of focusing elements is disposed a substantially uniform distance from the array of image icons, at least a portion of the focusing elements forming at least one grayscale or tonal synthetically magnified image of at least a portion of the image icons, the at least one grayscale or tonal synthetically magnified image appearing to move.

171. The synthetic magnification micro-optic system of claim 170, wherein, the system is protected by a sealing layer, the sealing layer being applied to a side of the array of image icons opposite the array of focusing elements, the sealing layer filling the bas-relief surfaces and having at least a portion that is transparent, tinted, colored, dyed, pigmented, or opaque.

172. A synthetic magnification micro-optic system comprising:

(a) an array of image icons;

(b) an array of image icon focusing elements; and

(c) a substrate positioned between the arrays of image icons and focusing elements,

wherein, at least a portion of the image icons are formed as bas-relief surfaces on or in a surface of the substrate,

wherein, the array of focusing elements is disposed a substantially uniform distance from the array of image icons, at least a portion of the focusing elements forming at least one grayscale or tonal synthetically magnified image of at least a portion of the image icons, the at least one grayscale or tonal synthetically magnified image appearing to move.

173. The synthetic magnification micro-optic system of claim 172, wherein air, gas, or liquid is contained within the bas-relief surfaces, wherein the system is protected by a sealing layer, the sealing layer being applied to a side of the array of image icons opposite the array of focusing elements, entrapping the air, gas, or liquid within the bas-relief surfaces, the sealing layer having at least a portion that is transparent, tinted, colored, dyed, pigmented, or opaque.