Data Carrier Lamination for Embedded Anti-Forgery Deformations

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing data carriers for security documents, such as identity cards and passports, are vulnerable to forgery due to security features that can be easily copied, removed, or replaced, and existing methods do not provide adequate protection against counterfeiting.

Innovation Solution

A method of forming a data carrier with a first security feature at the interface between layers, which is replicated during lamination, creating a deformation inside the carrier that is difficult to modify or copy, and allowing for subsequent personalization without interfering with existing embossing or diffractive elements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If surface embossing is used for security features, then the security feature can be provided on the top surface, but the security feature can be copied, removed and/or replaced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecurity feature protectionVSAvoidease of copying and removal
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent moves the security feature from the surface dimension to the internal interface dimension between layers. By forming the security feature at the interface between at least two adjacent layers rather than on the outer surface, the feature becomes embedded within the data carrier structure, making it difficult to remove or copy while maintaining manufacturability through lamination processes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Reliability

If security features are placed on the outer surface, then they are visible and accessible, but they are prone to forgery and modification

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveanti-forgery capabilityVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent embeds the security feature within the layered structure of the data carrier, nesting it between adjacent layers. This nested configuration integrates the security feature into the core structure rather than placing it on the exterior, making the feature both protected from forgery and part of the overall device architecture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Manufacturing precision

If deformation is formed before lamination, then the security feature is replicated inside the carrier, but the process requires precise timing and temperature control

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedeformation replication accuracyVSAvoidprocess control complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the deformation to at least one layer before the lamination step. This preliminary action allows the security feature to be formed and then replicated to adjacent layers during the subsequent lamination process, achieving precise deformation replication while integrating the steps into a manageable sequence.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

4Adaptability or versatility

If the outer surface is kept smooth and intact, then subsequent personalization can be applied, but the security feature must be hidden from view

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepersonalization capabilityVSAvoidsecurity feature visibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent positions the security feature at the internal interface between layers rather than on the outer surface. This dimensional relocation allows the outer surface to remain smooth and intact for subsequent personalization applications, while the security feature remains visible and functional through the layered structure's transparency or at specific viewing angles.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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 method enhances security by making it harder for forgers to replicate or alter the security features, while maintaining compatibility with existing manufacturing techniques and enabling various design possibilities, including overt and covert features.

Implementation Method 1

forming a stacked structure with said first outer layer and said second outer layer, said stacked structure being formed by lamination

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLamination: Lamination

Data Source

PatentEP4578656A1Method for producing data carrier and data carrier produced thereof
Publication Date: 2025.07.02 THALES DIS FRANCE SA
  • EP4578656A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4578656A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4578656A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A method of forming a data carrier for a security document, the method comprising: providing a first outer layer and a second outer layer, forming a first security feature at the interface between at least two adjacent layers, said first security feature comprising a first deformation of surface of one of the layers, forming a stacked structure with said first outer layer and said second outer layer, said stacked structure being formed by lamination, wherein the first deformation of the surface of one of the layer is replicated during lamination such that at least one replicated deformation is formed inside the data carrier at the interface between at least some of the layers.