Book-Like Security Documents With Laser Tamper-Evident Marking

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for producing security features in book-like valuable or security documents do not effectively prevent manipulation and tampering, making them susceptible to counterfeiting.

Innovation Solution

A method involving clamping the book cover and block in a closed arrangement and using a laser beam to introduce security features perpendicularly or tilted into the common side edges, creating a connection that is difficult to tamper with, such as tactile depressions or inscriptions, enhancing material transitions and personalization.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If security features are introduced before the book block is inserted into the book cover, then the security feature production process is simpler, but the document becomes more susceptible to tampering and manipulation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecurity feature production processVSAvoidprotection against tampering
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by clamping the book cover and book block in a closed arrangement BEFORE introducing the security feature. This ensures the document is in its final assembled state during security feature production, preventing later tampering while maintaining process efficiency. The clamping device holds the components in position, allowing the laser to mark the security feature across multiple components simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical security features with laser-based security features. Instead of using physical seals or mechanical attachments that could be removed or transferred, a laser beam introduces permanent security features (such as micro-inscriptions or tactile indentations) that are difficult to replicate or remove without detection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Manufacturing precision

If the book-like document is trimmed to final format before security feature introduction, then the document format is precise, but the security feature cannot protect against format alteration

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedocument format precisionVSAvoidprotection against format alteration
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs the trimming operation before introducing the security feature. By clamping the document in its final trimmed format and then applying the security feature, the laser marking process can incorporate format verification into the security feature itself. Any subsequent format alteration would invalidate the security feature's integrity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If a laser beam is used to introduce security features, then tampering protection is enhanced, but the process requires precise alignment and control

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetampering protectionVSAvoidlaser alignment and control system
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the security feature introduction process into distinct phases: clamping/positioning phase and laser marking phase. The clamping device handles the complex alignment and positioning tasks, while the laser system focuses solely on creating the security feature. This segmentation reduces the overall system complexity by dividing functions between specialized components.

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 method provides robust protection against tampering and counterfeiting by making it evident when attempts are made to alter the document's format, leveraging material variations and personalization for enhanced security.

Implementation Method 1

the at least one security feature is introduced at least into the front or back of the book cover and into at least one inner side of the book block using a laser beam

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLaser heating: Laser

Implementation Method 2

the at least one security feature is introduced at least into the front or back of the book cover and into at least one inner side of the book block using a laser beam that is aligned perpendicularly or tilted to the common side edge

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAblation: Laser Ablation

Data Source

PatentEP3909783B1Book-like valuable and/or security document and method for producing a security feature on a book-like valuable and/or security document
Publication Date: 2025.08.13 BUNDESDRUCKEREI GMBH
  • EP3909783B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3909783B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3909783B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for producing a security feature (36) on a book-like valuable or security document (11), and to a book-like valuable or security document comprising a book cover (12) comprising a front cover (28) and a back cover (29) connected by a spine (27), and a book block (15) comprising at least one inner surface (18) which is connected to and surrounded by the book cover (12), wherein the book cover (12) and the book block (15) have at least one common page margin (33, 34, 35), wherein the book cover (12) and the book block (15) are held in a closed arrangement in a holding device (37) so that at least one common page margin (33, 34, 35) is formed, and wherein the at least one security feature (36) is produced by a laser beam (38) which is perpendicular or tilted to the common page margin (33, 34,35) of the book block (15) and the book cover (12), is aligned at least with the front cover (28) or the back cover (29) of the book cover (12) and is inserted at least into one inner side (18) of the book block (15).