Banknote Security Element Signal Combining for Counterfeit Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing banknotes lack secure authentication methods that can reliably detect counterfeit attempts, as security features can be harvested and applied to unauthorized substrates, undetectable by machines and often not recognized by humans.

Innovation Solution

A banknote design incorporating a first security component in the substrate and a second security component in the security element, emitting distinct electromagnetic signals outside the visible wavelength range, with a combined third signal generated by superimposing the first and second signals, enhancing security through a divided arrangement and signal combination.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Illumination intensity

If transparent window panes are used in the substrate, then light transmission is improved, but susceptibility to counterfeit copying is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelight transmissionVSAvoidcounterfeit resistance
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The substrate is constructed as a composite material system combining transparent window panes with security elements (magnetic strips, holographic foils, color-changing inks, raised printing). This allows the substrate to maintain light transmission properties while incorporating multiple anti-counterfeiting layers that prevent simple copying, thus resolving the contradiction between transparency and counterfeit resistance

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions of the substrate have different properties: transparent window panes in some areas for light transmission, while other areas contain security elements with specific magnetic, optical, or tactile properties. This localized differentiation allows simultaneous achievement of transparency where needed and security where critical

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Reliability

If multiple security elements are incorporated in the substrate, then counterfeit resistance is improved, but device complexity is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecounterfeit resistanceVSAvoidsubstrate structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple security elements (magnetic strips, holographic foils, color-changing inks, raised printing) are merged into a single integrated substrate structure. Rather than separate components, all security features are combined in one banknote substrate, reducing system complexity while maintaining high counterfeit resistance through the synergistic effect of multiple security mechanisms

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Measurement precision

If a substrate with transparent window panes and security elements is used, then identification accuracy is improved, but processing speed is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveidentification accuracyVSAvoidprocessing speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The verification process is segmented into multiple independent detection channels (magnetic field detection, optical detection, tactile verification) that can operate simultaneously. This allows comprehensive identification of all security elements without requiring sequential processing, thereby maintaining high identification accuracy while improving processing speed

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The combined security components significantly deter counterfeiting by ensuring the integrity of the banknote, as altering or removing either component changes the third signal, detectable by machines, thus providing enhanced security.

Implementation Method 1

Banknote (100) having a substrate (110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160, 170, 180, 190, 200) and a security element (210)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic field interaction: Magnetic Field

Data Source

PatentEP4370351B1Banknote having a banknote substrate and a security element, and method for checking a banknote
Publication Date: 2026.04.29 GIESECKE & DEVRIENT CURRENCY TECHNOLOGY GMBH
  • EP4370351B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4370351B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP4370351B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

A banknote (1) having a banknote substrate (2) and a security element (3), the banknote substrate (2) having a first security component (12) and the security element (3) having a second security component (13), with the first security component being designed to emit a first characteristic signal (14) outside of the visible wavelength range of the electromagnetic radiation upon excitation with electromagnetic radiation and the second security component being designed to emit a second characteristic signal (15) outside of the visible wavelength range of the electromagnetic radiation upon excitation with electromagnetic radiation, with the banknote (1) being designed to provide a third characteristic signal (16) by combining the first characteristic signal and the second characteristic signal. The characteristic signals (14, 15, 16) may be in the form of infrared radiation, UV radiation or terahertz radiation. The security element (3) can be a security film element (4, 6) connected to the banknote substrate by way of an adhesive connection (36), or a security thread (5) applied to the banknote substrate (2).