Colorshift Security Element for Tamper-Resistant Document Personalization

The patent combines inkjet printing with laser marking technology to create a hybrid security feature. The inkjet print provides color personalization while the laser-marked surface structure (elevations and depressions) embedded in the polycarbonate substrate provides security. The two technologies are merged so that the inkjet print is applied over the laser-created surface structure, creating an integrated security feature that is difficult to remove or tamper with.

The patent creates a composite security structure by combining different materials and techniques: inkjet ink deposited on a polycarbonate substrate with laser-marked surface structures. The surface structure itself is a composite of modified polycarbonate material creating elevations and depressions, which when combined with the inkjet print layer, forms a multi-layer composite security feature that leverages the properties of each component.

The patent merges laser marking technology (which provides security and gray scale capability) with inkjet printing technology (which provides full color capability). The laser creates the secure surface structure and gray scale background, while the inkjet printer adds color information on top, combining the security advantages of laser marking with the color capabilities of inkjet printing.

The patent makes the document personalization system multi-functional by integrating two technologies: laser marking for security and gray scale imaging, and inkjet printing for color personalization. This universal approach allows the same document to achieve both security requirements and color photograph requirements that previously required separate systems.