TRUEIMAGE™

Type: Advanced stereographic holographic optical effect — applied as part of holographic foil stripe or patch on polymer banknote windows or paper substrate

Overview

TrueImage™ is a proprietary stereographic holographic effect developed by De La Rue, forming part of their advanced holographic foil capability within the Optical Microstructures portfolio. It is described as one of the latest range of effects that continue to progress the boundaries of classical and direct-write holographic origination methods, alongside Spotlight™ and PureImage™. TrueImage™ is notable for producing a convincing image-based three-dimensional depth effect in which subjects appear to exist in genuine three-dimensional space within the foil — an effect that has never been successfully simulated by counterfeiters.

Technology & Effects

TrueImage™ achieves stereoscopic depth perception through a holographic origination process that captures subjects — such as portraits, objects, or thematic imagery — in full three dimensions. Unlike diffractive structures that suggest depth through optical illusion, TrueImage™ produces a true stereographic image: the subject appears to occupy physical space within or above the plane of the foil as the viewing angle changes, with genuine parallax between left and right perspectives. This is distinct from the floating-plane motion of Spotlight™ or the dynamic pulsing and movement of PureImage™ — TrueImage™'s defining characteristic is photorealistic, image-based volumetric depth rather than motion or colour-shift.

The effect is produced using a combination of classical and direct-write origination methods. This dual-origination approach is central to its security architecture, as each method contributes distinct optical characteristics that must be replicated simultaneously to simulate the feature. De La Rue's own documentation notes that the three-dimensional depth perception achieved by TrueImage™ has never been successfully simulated, with counterfeiters consistently reverting to flat two-dimensional reproductions that are immediately distinguishable from the genuine article.

Form Factors & Application

TrueImage™ is applied as part of a holographic foil stripe or patch — compatible with both De La Rue's Safeguard® polymer substrate within a clear window area and with paper banknotes. It is most commonly deployed within wider holographic stripes that incorporate multiple effects from the Optical Microstructures range, often appearing alongside Depth™ and PureImage™ within the same foil element. The stereographic capture process is fully customisable: portraits, national symbols, fauna, or other thematic elements can be rendered in three dimensions, allowing central banks to integrate TrueImage™ seamlessly into the visual and cultural narrative of the banknote series.

Security Levels

TrueImage™ operates primarily as a Level 1 (public) authentication feature. The photorealistic three-dimensional imagery is immediately striking and highly distinctive to the naked eye — the volumetric depth of a portrait or motif captured by TrueImage™ is a clear and intuitive verification cue that members of the public can recognise without training. The impossibility of re-originating this effect using commercially available holographic equipment or techniques provides robust counterfeit resistance at Level 2 and beyond.

Name

TRUEIMAGE™

Category

Security Feature

Effect Types

Diffractive

Company

De La Rue
Company Website

Product Page

View on Supplier Site

Linked Features

1 security feature