Grating Image With Non-Smooth Field Edges for Anti-Counterfeit Security

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing holographic diffraction structures in security documents lack advanced optical effects and are vulnerable to counterfeiting, necessitating improved security features that enhance authenticity and deter forgery.

Innovation Solution

A grid image comprising multiple adjacent grating fields with non-smooth-edged outlines and randomized grating line parameters, creating a diffuse visual appearance and enhanced security through electron beam lithography, combined with reflective or high-refractive-index materials and color-shifting thin-film structures.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional holographic diffraction structures are used, then security authentication is provided, but the structures lack advanced optical effects and are vulnerable to counterfeiting

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecurity authenticationVSAvoidoptical effects
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The grating image is divided into multiple adjacent grating fields (first, second, third, and fourth grating fields) with different orientations and visual appearances. Each grating field contains dashed grating lines with specific orientations that create different visual effects when viewed from different angles, providing both security authentication and advanced optical effects through segmented design

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions of the grating image are assigned different local properties: the first and second grating fields have grating lines oriented in a first direction, while the third and fourth grating fields have grating lines oriented in a second direction perpendicular to the first. This local differentiation creates diverse optical effects while maintaining overall security functionality

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Ease of manufacture

If smooth-edged grating fields are used, then manufacturing is simpler, but the security against counterfeiting is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegrating field productionVSAvoidsecurity against counterfeiting
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The grating fields are designed with non-smooth-edged outlines featuring asymmetric patterns including protrusions and recesses at the boundaries between adjacent grating fields. These asymmetric edge features are difficult to replicate and provide enhanced security against counterfeiting while maintaining manufacturability through precise fabrication processes

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple grating fields with different orientations are used, then visual appearance and optical effects are enhanced, but the complexity of the grating image increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevisual appearanceVSAvoidgrating image structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The complex visual effects are extracted and achieved through the interaction of light with the specifically oriented dashed grating lines in different grating fields. The dashed line patterns and their orientations are designed to create apparent motion and visual changes when viewed from different angles, providing enhanced visual appearance without requiring physically complex structures

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The grating image utilizes the angular dimension by arranging grating fields with different orientations (first direction and second perpendicular direction). This creates the illusion of motion and changes in visual appearance as the viewing angle changes, adding a dimensional aspect to the security feature without increasing physical complexity

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 solution provides a secure, visually appealing grid image with a diffuse pumping effect, resistant to counterfeiting and suitable for automated production, offering improved security and efficiency in manufacturing.

Implementation Method 1

each grating pattern has a preferred direction that defines a viewing angle from which the respective grating pattern is visually recognizable

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDiffraction: Diffraction

Implementation Method 2

A contour area between two grid fields that has tapered projections and tapered indentations is referred to as sawn... upon observation, exhibit scattering effects rather than diffractive effects and have a matte appearance

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectScattering: Scattering

Data Source

PatentEP2633347B2Grating image having mutually adjoining grating fields
Publication Date: 2025.09.24 GIESECKE & DEVRIENT CURRENCY TECHNOLOGY GMBH
  • EP2633347B2 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2633347B2 patent drawingFigure 3a~3b
  • EP2633347B2 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

The invention relates to a grating image (40) having a multiplicity of mutually adjoining grating fields (G0, G1, G2) having a diffuse, viewing-angle-dependent visual appearance, wherein each grating field (G0, G1, G2) is filled within its contour with a grating pattern (M0, M1, M2) composed of a multiplicity of straight ruled grating lines, wherein each grating pattern (M0, M1, M2) has a preferred direction that defines a viewing angle from which the respective grating pattern (M0, M1, M2) is visually discernible. According to the invention, in this case at least two mutually adjoining grating fields (G1, G2) have in each case a non-smooth-edged contour (34) along their common contour region.