Document Security Ghost Image Lamination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for securing identity documents, such as laminated cards, are vulnerable to advanced falsification techniques involving the detachment and reattachment of laminates, which allows for modification of the data on the cards.
Innovation Solution
A process that includes printing a bar code in a margin zone of the document, reading it to retrieve personalization information, and then using a thermal printer with a fluorescent pigmented ribbon to print a ghost image on one of the laminates, which is hot rolled onto the document, causing irreversible modifications that prevent falsification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional lamination is used to secure documents, then manufacturing is simple and cost-effective, but security against laminate detachment and falsification is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
A barcode is printed in the margin zone before lamination, and a ghost image is printed on the laminate before hot rolling. These preliminary actions enable subsequent verification and create irreversible links between the document and laminate, preventing falsification while maintaining a relatively simple manufacturing process
Solution Approach 2:
The barcode in the margin zone acts as an intermediary element that links the document content to verification data. The ghost image printed on the laminate serves as a mediator that creates an irreversible connection during hot rolling, enabling security verification without significantly complicating the manufacturing process
2Reliability
If hot rolling with fluorescent ghost image is implemented, then falsification resistance is dramatically improved, but manufacturing complexity and equipment requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The process utilizes parameter changes by printing the ghost image on the laminate before hot rolling at elevated temperatures (typically 100-200°C). The thermal energy causes partial transfer of the fluorescent ink from the laminate to the document, creating an irreversible bond. This parameter change enables high security while using standard hot rolling equipment
Solution Approach 2:
The hot rolling process exploits phase transitions by heating the laminate and document to temperatures that facilitate ink transfer. The thermal energy temporarily alters the physical state of the fluorescent ink, enabling it to migrate from the laminate surface to the document substrate, creating a permanent security feature
3Shape
If margin zone is eliminated after lamination, then document appearance is clean, but barcode verification capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The verification information is copied onto the laminate itself in the form of a ghost image before hot rolling. This creates a redundant copy of the security data on the laminate, allowing the margin zone to be eliminated for aesthetic purposes while the ghost image on the laminate retains the verification capability
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
This method enhances document security by making it impossible to falsify documents through laminate detachment, as the ghost image is partially transferred onto the document, ensuring the integrity of the personalization information.
Implementation Method 1
a printer for printing a ghost image on one of the laminates, characterized in that said printer is a thermal printer using a fluorescent pigmented ribbon under ultraviolet lighting
Implementation Method 2
the laminate(s) are preheated and they are hot rolled with the support
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for enhancing security of documents (1), each of which is provided with a printed medium carrying personalisation information items printed thereon, consisting in laminating said printed medium between two laminates (12, 16) which are at least partially transparent, thereby rendering any falsification of said documents by removing said laminates ineffective, wherein said invention is characterised in that at least one additional personalisation ghost image is printed on at least one laminate.