Authentication systems, devices, and methods are provided, which may use a scanner configured to capture an image of an authentication pattern in a predetermined target area; and a hologram generator configured to project a holographic target onto free space in the target area. Moreover, there may be provided a controller configured to process the image and output a determination of whether the authentication pattern meets a predetermined criterion.

An apparatus for hologram interaction is disclosed. A method and system also perform the functions of the apparatus. The apparatus includes an identification module that identifies a first hologram being projected within a space. The first hologram is projected by a first system. The apparatus includes a projection module that projects a second hologram within the space. The second hologram projected by a second system. The apparatus includes a detection module that detects movement and position of the first hologram and an interaction module that controls position and movement of the second hologram to dynamically interact with the first hologram. The first hologram dynamically interacting with the second hologram includes reactions of the second hologram in response to the detected movement and the position of the first hologram.

Processes and systems are described that can produce images including both three dimensional holographic images and two dimensional variable data, which can provide personalized security features in a document. A photosensitive film can be pressed against a first reflective optical device. A laser beam can be directed through a selected first area of the photosensitive film onto the first reflective optical device to produce a three dimensional holographic image in the photosensitive film. A previously masked second area of the photosensitive film can be pressed against a second reflective optical device. The laser beam can project an image constructed by a spatial light modulator and can be directed through the second area of the photosensitive film onto the second reflective optical device to produce a two dimensional image in the second area. During the process, the web tension of the photosensitive film is controlled.

We describe methods of mass-producing full color, 3D holograms, potentially incorporating a personalized image, which are particularly suitable for security purposes. Broadly speaking in embodiments a method generates, electronically, an interlaced image comprising a set of different views of a 3D object from different angles. This is projected onto a diffusing screen using coherent light and mapped from the screen into an angularly encoded object beam using a lenticular array. The different views in the angularly encoded object beam are then recorded simultaneously into holographic film using a reference beam.

An apparatus for hologram interaction is disclosed. A method and system also perform the functions of the apparatus. The apparatus includes an identification module that identifies a first hologram being projected within a space. The first hologram is projected by a first system. The apparatus includes a projection module that projects a second hologram within the space. The second hologram projected by a second system. The apparatus includes a detection module that detects movement and position of the first hologram and an interaction module that controls position and movement of the second hologram to dynamically interact with the first hologram. The first hologram dynamically interacting with the second hologram includes reactions of the second hologram in response to the detected movement and the position of the first hologram.

Hybrid white-light viewable holograms and methods for making them. The holograms are hybrid reflection holograms made using the diffractive structures or gratings of a holographic object such as a transmission hologram or holographic optical element (HOE). The wavefronts of the diffractive structures are converted into a reflection hologram by scanning them with a coherent light source having a profiled narrow beam. The hybrid reflection hologram can exhibit display parameters including the multiple colors, solidity, and color stability of white light reflection holograms, the diffractive color shifting of a white light transmission hologram, three dimensional imaging and a wide variety of dynamic changes. Different areas or images with each of these effects can be combined in a single hologram. These hybrid reflection holograms are ideal for security and forgery prevention applications.