Data Carrier Surface Structure for Angle-Dependent Image Decoding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Data carriers for secure articles like passports face issues with security elements being easily tampered or altered, as existing print-based security features lack effective counterfeit protection due to inadequate decoding mechanisms and image quality under varying viewing and illumination angles.
Innovation Solution
A data carrier with a surface structure comprising primary and secondary surface elements, where the primary elements reflect or block light, and secondary elements decode the secondary image under different viewing and illumination angles, enhancing security by making the secondary image observable only under specific conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the height of the surface structure is increased to improve decoding effectiveness, then the decoding capability is improved, but the image quality deteriorates due to ink flow
Solution Approach 1:
The surface structure is divided into two distinct types of elements: primary surface structure elements that provide a relatively flat printing surface for good image quality, and secondary surface structure elements with greater height for effective decoding. This segmentation allows each element type to optimize its function without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the surface structure are assigned different heights and functions: primary elements with smaller height for printing quality, and secondary elements with larger height for decoding. This local differentiation of properties resolves the contradiction between image quality and decoding effectiveness.
2Manufacturing precision
If the height of the surface structure is decreased to improve image quality, then the printing surface becomes flatter, but the decoding capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The surface structure is divided into two distinct types of elements: primary surface structure elements that provide a relatively flat printing surface for good image quality, and secondary surface structure elements with greater height for effective decoding. This segmentation allows each element type to optimize its function without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the surface structure are assigned different heights and functions: primary elements with smaller height for printing quality, and secondary elements with larger height for decoding. This local differentiation of properties resolves the contradiction between image quality and decoding effectiveness.
3Device complexity
If a single surface structure is used for both printing and decoding, then the device complexity is reduced, but the image quality and decoding effectiveness cannot be simultaneously optimized
Solution Approach 1:
The surface structure is divided into two distinct types of elements: primary surface structure elements that provide a relatively flat printing surface for good image quality, and secondary surface structure elements with greater height for effective decoding. This segmentation allows each element type to optimize its function without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the surface structure are assigned different heights and functions: primary elements with smaller height for printing quality, and secondary elements with larger height for decoding. This local differentiation of properties resolves the contradiction between image quality and decoding effectiveness.
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 solution provides enhanced security against forgery by ensuring the secondary image is unobservable under normal viewing and illumination, yet decodable under controlled angles, improving both image quality and decoding effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
the primary surface structure elements are configured to reflect light such, that the secondary image is decoded when the data carrier is viewed under different viewing angles and illuminated under different illumination angles
Implementation Method 2
the primary surface structure elements are configured to at least partially block impinging light such, that the primary surface structure elements participate in the decoding of the secondary image when the data carrier is illuminated under different illumination angles
Data Source
Figure 1~4
Figure 5~7
Figure 8~10
AI summary
A data carrier (1) for a secure article comprises a carrier body (2), and at least one security element (3) being provided on the carrier body (2). The security element (3) comprises at least one image (4) and at least one surface structure (5). The image (4) comprises at least one primary image (6) and at least one secondary image (7) being encoded in the primary image (6). The surface structure (5) comprises at least primary surface structure elements (8) and secondary surface structure elements (9). The image (4) is at least partially printed onto the primary surface structure elements (8). At least the secondary surface structure elements (9) are configured to decode the secondary image (7) when the data carrier (1) is viewed under different viewing angles (α) and/or illuminated under different illumination angles (β), whereby the secondary image (7) becomes observable.