Optically Variable Embossed Security Element with Grid Coating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current security elements for protecting documents from counterfeiting lack a striking and cost-effective optically variable effect that is difficult to replicate using conventional reproduction methods.
Innovation Solution
A security element with an optically variable embossed structure featuring cells with non-parallel surfaces, a coating with a grid of lines, dots, or symbols, and varying orientation and position of these elements to create a tilting and movement effect, enhancing the visibility of motifs depending on the viewing angle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional reproduction devices are used to create security elements, then production cost is reduced, but the optically variable effect and protection against counterfeiting is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The embossed structure is divided into a large number of individual cells arranged in a pattern, where each cell contains surface elements that can be independently positioned and oriented. This segmentation allows for complex optical effects to be achieved through relatively simple individual cell structures that can be manufactured cost-effectively.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention varies the position, orientation, and shape of surface elements within each cell to create different optical effects. By changing these geometric parameters across the embossed structure, complex optically variable motifs are generated without requiring complex manufacturing processes.
2Reliability
If a single embossed structure is used, then production is simplified, but the visual effect is less striking
Solution Approach 1:
The invention combines an embossed structure with an overlay printed directly on top of it, creating a composite security feature. The overlay contains additional surface elements that interact with the embossed cells to produce enhanced optical effects, including motif tilting and movement effects that are difficult to counterfeit.
Solution Approach 2:
The overlay adds a second dimensional layer to the embossed structure, creating a multi-layered optical system. This additional dimension allows for more complex visual effects to be achieved without significantly increasing manufacturing complexity, as the overlay can be applied in a separate printing step.
3Reliability
If grid elements are positioned uniformly on cells, then manufacturing is easier, but the movement effect is less noticeable
Solution Approach 1:
The invention implements location-dependent variation of grid element properties, where the position, orientation, and shape of overlay elements are specifically tailored to match the underlying embossed cell structure at each location. This local optimization creates strong movement effects when the security element is tilted, while the variation can be achieved through standard printing techniques.
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 a more striking and cost-optimized protection against counterfeiting by creating a dynamic visual effect that is difficult to replicate, ensuring the authenticity of documents.
Implementation Method 1
The cells have a surface which is not aligned parallel to the base plane of the security element... Depending on the viewing angle, the motif is visible or not visible to the viewer
Implementation Method 2
The embossed structure is also provided with a coating that includes at least one imprint in the form of a grid with grid elements... the tilting effect of the first motif is supplemented by a movement effect
Data Source
Figure 1~3a
Figure 3b~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The invention relates to a security element, wherein the security element has an optically variable embossed structure, which has a multiplicity of cells that are arranged in a pattern. The cells (34) have at least one area element (3, 4, 12, 12') that is not aligned parallel to a base plane of the security element. A group of area elements (3, 4, 12, 12') that display a motif (I) with a motif tilting effect, that is to say display or do not display the motif (I) depending on the viewing angle, is provided. The embossed structure is provided with a coating, which comprises an overprint in the form of a grid (30) with grid elements. The overprint forms a second motif that can be seen by the viewer. At least one of the parameters, the position of the grid element (32) on the cell (34), the orientation of the grid element (32) on the cell (36) and the shape of the grid element (32), varies location-dependently over the extent of the embossed structure, and so the motif tilting effect of the first motif (I) is supplemented by a movement effect of the second motif.