Grid-Shaped Magnetic Coding Elements for Document Security
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing security elements for documents of value lack sufficient security against forgery, as conventional magnetic coding elements can be easily reproduced and do not offer distinct magnetic signals that can be reliably detected.
Innovation Solution
A machine-readable security element with a magnetic coding system featuring grid-shaped magnetic areas formed by parallel grid strips with magnetic anisotropy, allowing for unique magnetization directions and increased security through distinct magnetic signals that cannot be replicated by conventional coding elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional magnetic coding elements are used, then the security element can be manufactured with simple processes, but the security against forgery is insufficient because conventional magnetic areas can be easily reproduced
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic coding element is divided into multiple grid strips arranged in a grid pattern, where each strip contributes to the overall magnetic signal. This segmentation creates a complex magnetic fingerprint that is difficult to reproduce while maintaining manufacturability through systematic production processes.
Solution Approach 2:
Each grid strip is equipped with magnetic material having specific local properties (coercive field strength, remanent magnetization) that vary between strips. This local differentiation creates unique magnetic characteristics for each position in the grid, enhancing security while allowing controlled manufacturing through localized material application.
2Measurement precision
If conventional magnetic areas are used, then the manufacturing process is simple, but the detection reliability is insufficient because the magnetic signals can be easily reproduced by forgers
Solution Approach 1:
The invention varies multiple magnetic parameters simultaneously - coercive field strength, remanent magnetization, and spatial arrangement of magnetic materials across different grid strips. This multi-parameter approach creates complex magnetic signals that are reliable for detection but difficult to replicate, while the systematic variation allows for controlled manufacturing processes.
3Reliability
If magnetic material is applied continuously to security elements, then the manufacturing process is simple, but the security against forgery is reduced because continuous magnetic areas lack distinctive features
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of continuous magnetic material application, the invention segments the magnetic material into discrete grid strips with specific spacing and orientation. This segmentation creates distinctive geometric and magnetic patterns that enhance security while the regular grid structure enables systematic manufacturing through automated processes.
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 grid-shaped magnetic coding elements provide enhanced security against forgery by generating magnetic signals that are distinct from conventional coding elements, allowing for reliable detection and integration into document design, while also offering improved manufacturing control and flexibility in coercive field strength.
Implementation Method 1
These grid strips of the respective magnetic coding element each have a magnetic anisotropy, the preferred magnetic direction of which runs along the grid strip
Implementation Method 2
The magnetic anisotropy can, however, also be achieved or reinforced by other anisotropy effects
Implementation Method 3
a magnetic field that is applied to magnetize the magnetic coding elements at an acute angle to the grid strips of the magnetic coding element leads to a magnetization of the respective magnetic coding element, which has both a magnetization component parallel to the applied magnetic field as well as having a magnetization component perpendicular to the applied magnetic field
Data Source
Figure 1a~1c
Figure 2a~3b
Figure 4~6
AI summary
The invention relates to a security element having a magnetic coding composed of magnetic coding elements. At least one of the magnetic coding elements has a grating-shaped magnetic region, which is formed by a plurality of grating strips, which extend parallel to each other and are made of magnetic material and which each have a magnetic anisotropy. Because of the magnetic anisotropy of the grating strips, the magnetisation direction of the coding element can differ from the direction of the applied magnetic field. Because the resulting magnetic signals that the grating-shaped magnetic regions provide cannot be reproduced by conventional magnetic regions, said coding elements increase the counterfeiting security of the security element.