Data Carrier Feature Region Laser-Modified Curved Lines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current data carriers, such as banknotes and ID cards, lack effective security features against imitation and provide limited visual differentiation, making them vulnerable to unauthorized reproduction and alteration.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a feature area with a family of curved and/or diverging intersection lines, where the cutting lines have varying widths and are modified by laser radiation to create visually and machine-detectable markings, including changes in color, infrared-absorbing, magnetic, or luminescent properties, enhancing security and authenticity verification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional security features are used, then manufacturing is simple, but security against imitation is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The feature area is segmented into multiple families of curves with different properties (straight vs. curved, different spacings, different orientations). This segmentation creates complex visual patterns that are difficult to replicate while maintaining a systematic production approach through automated laser processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs asymmetric curve families with varying spacings, curvatures, and orientations. The first family has straight parallel lines while the second family has curved lines with different spacing characteristics. This asymmetry creates unique visual signatures that enhance security against counterfeiting.
2Reliability
If more security features are added, then authenticity verification is improved, but visual appearance becomes cluttered
Solution Approach 1:
Different regions of the feature area have different curve family characteristics. The first family provides a baseline pattern while the second family adds security differentiation in specific zones. This local variation in curve properties allows multiple security features to coexist without creating uniform visual clutter throughout the entire feature area.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from straight parallel lines in the first family to curved lines in the second family. This curvature variation creates visually distinct patterns that enhance authenticity verification while maintaining aesthetic appeal. The curved lines naturally draw the eye and create more engaging visual patterns compared to simple straight lines.
3Measurement precision
If laser modification is applied to create detectable markings, then machine detection capability is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical marking methods with laser-based modification. The laser can precisely modify the substrate material to create machine-detectable features without requiring physical contact or complex mechanical tooling. This substitution enables high-precision markings while simplifying the manufacturing setup and reducing mechanical complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The laser modification process changes physical parameters of the substrate (such as refractive index, absorption characteristics, or surface topology) to create detectable markings. By controlling laser parameters like power, pulse duration, and scanning speed, the manufacturing process can precisely adjust the detection characteristics without changing the overall manufacturing workflow significantly.
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 significantly improves the security and authenticity verification of data carriers by creating unique visual and machine-detectable features that are difficult to replicate, providing enhanced protection against counterfeiting and unauthorized alteration.
Implementation Method 1
at least the cutting lines of the feature area lying outside the marking have an edge region modified by the action of laser radiation
Implementation Method 2
through openings are introduced into the carrier by the action of laser radiation, and the laser-modifiable marking material is modified in the immediate vicinity of the openings by the action of laser radiation
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3a~3b
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The invention relates to a data carrier, more particularly a valuable document, such as a banknote, identity card and the like, comprising a substrate (20), in which a feature region (12) is formed by a set of curves made from a plurality of curved and/or diverging sectional lines (22), wherein a visually detectable and/or machine-detectable identification (30) in the form of a pattern, of characters or of a coding is arranged within the feature region (12).