Dynamic Micromotif Security Element Verification

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing security elements, such as those used in data carriers like banknotes and chip cards, face challenges in providing robust anti-counterfeiting features that are easy to perceive and verify, particularly due to the complexity of manufacturing processes and the need for precise alignment of microlens arrays, which can be difficult to implement effectively.

Innovation Solution

A security arrangement that incorporates a dynamic micromotif grid on the security element and a lenticular grid as a verification means, allowing for rotation to change the size and orientation of the motif visible to the observer, creating a dynamic authenticity feature that is not visible without the verification means, and can be easily produced using existing printing methods.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If microlens arrays are used for verification, then verification capability is improved, but manufacturing complexity and alignment precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveverification capabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses intaglio printing plates to create relief structures that are optical copies or analogues of microlens functionality. Instead of manufacturing actual microlens arrays with precise optical surfaces, the invention creates printed relief patterns that replicate the visual verification effect when viewed under appropriate lighting, thereby avoiding complex microlens manufacturing while maintaining verification capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical/optical system of microlens arrays with a printing-based system. Intaglio printing plates create relief structures through mechanical pressing, substituting the need for precision optical manufacturing with a more accessible printing process that achieves similar verification results through differential light reflection and shadow effects

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

2Reliability

If microlens arrays are used for verification, then verification capability is improved, but alignment precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveverification capabilityVSAvoidalignment precision
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The printing plate creates a copy of the verification pattern directly in its relief structure, eliminating the need for separate alignment between microlens arrays and security features. The intaglio printing process inherently captures the spatial relationships of the verification pattern in the relief structure itself

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary element - the intaglio printing plate - that mediates between the security feature and the verification process. The printing plate's relief structure serves as the intermediate verification element that doesn't require precise alignment with other components, as the verification effect is generated by the plate's own three-dimensional structure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If dynamic micromotif grids are used, then security against counterfeiting is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecurity against counterfeitingVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates dynamic verification effects through the interaction of fixed relief structures with variable viewing conditions. The intaglio printing plate's three-dimensional relief patterns produce changing visual appearances as light angles and viewing positions vary, achieving dynamic verification behavior through static mechanical structures

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes optical effects that produce apparent color and brightness changes in the relief structures under different lighting conditions. The differential reflection and shadowing from the intaglio relief patterns create visual variations that enhance security verification without requiring actual color-changing materials or complex manufacturing processes

Inventive Principle:
Principle #32Color changes

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 solution enhances the authenticity verification process by providing a dynamic motif that changes with rotation, offering improved security against counterfeiting while simplifying the manufacturing and alignment processes, and allowing for self-verification without the need for precise initial alignment.

Implementation Method 1

a lenticular grid (3) arranged at an angle alpha of between 0° and 10° relative to the micromotif grid, wherein the micromotif grid and the lenticular grid have substantially the same grid spacing

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRefraction: Refraction

Implementation Method 2

When the microlens arrangement is viewed through the microlens arrangement, one or more magnified versions of the microimages are produced for the viewer in the areas where the two arrangements are substantially in register

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMoiré effect: Moiré Effect

Data Source

PatentEP2338150B1Security arrangement
Publication Date: 2021.03.17 GIESECKE & DEVRIENT CURRENCY TECHNOLOGY GMBH
  • EP2338150B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2b
  • EP2338150B1 patent drawingFigure 3a~3f
  • EP2338150B1 patent drawingFigure 4a~4c

AI summary

A security arrangement comprises a security element (2), having in at least one first partial region a first micromotif grid, and a verification means (3) that is arranged in the direction of view of an observer in front of the security element for verifying the security element. A first motif that cannot be detected on the security element (2) is made detectable for an observer, wherein the first motif grid is designed such that the first motif is a dynamic motif, the size of which can be varied by rotating the verification means (3) between a first and a second angular alignment relative to the security element (2).