Coin Edge Luminescent Security Feature

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing coin authentication methods are complex, prone to mechanical stress, and not suitable for high-speed processing, making them vulnerable to counterfeiting and difficult to verify.

Innovation Solution

A disc-shaped coin with luminescent substances embedded in indentations on its edge, which can be excited to emit electromagnetic radiation for detection, providing a secure and easily verifiable authentication feature.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If luminescent substances are applied on the surface of coins, then authentication can be performed, but the layers are exposed to mechanical stress and can be damaged or abraded

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveauthentication reliabilityVSAvoidmechanical resistance
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The luminescent substance is embedded within a depression in the coin edge, placing the authentication feature inside the coin structure rather than on the surface. This nesting protects the luminescent material from mechanical stress and abrasion while maintaining its authentication function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The depression is specifically located at the edge of the coin, creating a localized protective structure. The luminescent substance is confined to this specific region, allowing authentication while protecting the material from general mechanical stress that affects the rest of the coin surface.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Measurement precision

If traditional coin authentication methods are used, then coin properties can be checked, but the processes are complex and not suitable for high-speed processing

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

Solution Approach 1:

The luminescent substance changes its optical properties when excited, emitting light at a different wavelength than the excitation source. This optical change provides a clear, easily detectable authentication signal that can be processed rapidly by detectors, enabling high-speed verification without complex analysis.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #32Color changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention replaces complex mechanical or chemical authentication methods with an optical detection system. By using luminescence properties that can be detected through electromagnetic radiation, the system achieves accurate authentication at high speeds without complex mechanical processing.

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

3Ease of manufacture

If simple coin designs are used, then manufacturing is easier, but they are vulnerable to counterfeiting through analysis of basic properties

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing simplicityVSAvoidanti-counterfeiting capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The authentication feature is segmented into discrete depressions containing luminescent substance, located specifically at the coin edge. This segmentation creates a unique security feature that is easy to manufacture (simple depression formation and material application) but difficult to counterfeit, as the luminescent properties and precise placement are hard to replicate.

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 luminescent security feature enhances protection against mechanical stress and environmental influences, allowing for simple and rapid production and authentication of coins, significantly improving the speed and reliability of verification processes.

Implementation Method 1

at least one depression containing at least one luminescent substance is provided in the edge of the coin body

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLuminescence: Luminescence

Implementation Method 2

the particles being able to convert light from one wavelength to another

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFluorescence: Fluorescence

Data Source

PatentEP2896020B1Coin and methods for testing and producing a coin
Publication Date: 2020.11.11 GIESECKE & DEVRIENT CURRENCY TECHNOLOGY GMBH
  • EP2896020B1 patent drawingFigure 1~5
  • EP2896020B1 patent drawingFigure 6~8

AI summary

The invention relates to a coin with a disc-shaped coin body (1), which has a rim (4). To provide the coin with an additional security feature that is protected as far as possible from stresses and/or environmental influences, the rim (4) of the coin body (1) is provided with at least one recess (5), in which there is at least one luminescent substance (6). The invention also relates to a method for testing such a coin and a method for producing such a coin.