Guilloche Pattern Security Feature with Machine-Readable Coded Information
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current security features in value documents, such as guilloche patterns, are either easily visible to the naked eye or difficult to reproduce accurately, and existing machine-readable codes are complex and unreliable for mechanical reading.
Innovation Solution
A security feature is designed using a guilloche pattern where the gap between lines is too small to be resolved by the human eye, allowing encoded information to be hidden, and mechanical devices can detect and read this information using a Morse code or barcode algorithm, enabling easy machine readability while being challenging to copy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional security features like guilloche patterns are used, then they are visible to the naked eye and can be reproduced with conventional techniques, but they provide insufficient security against counterfeiting
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the guilloche pattern lines into segments with varying properties. Specific line segments are modified to create encoded information sequences by altering line characteristics (such as spacing, width, or presence/absence) in controlled ways that are imperceptible to the human eye but detectable by machines.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality changes to specific portions of the guilloche pattern. While the overall pattern maintains its aesthetic and traditional appearance, localized modifications are introduced in certain line segments to encode information. These local variations in line properties create the security feature without compromising the visual integrity of the entire pattern.
2Ease of operation
If machine-readable codes are added to security documents, then they enable easy machine reading, but they become visible and recognizable to the human eye
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the machine-readable code functionality with the traditional guilloche pattern design. Instead of adding a separate visible barcode or machine-readable element, the encoding is integrated directly into the pattern lines themselves. The same line structures that form the aesthetic pattern also carry the encoded information, combining security, aesthetics, and machine readability into a single unified feature.
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional printing techniques are used for security features, then they are easy to reproduce, but they provide insufficient security against counterfeiting
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs parameter changes in the line characteristics of the guilloche pattern to encode information. By varying parameters such as line spacing, line width, or the presence/absence of lines in specific positions, the patent creates encoded sequences that are extremely difficult to replicate accurately. Conventional copying methods cannot reproduce these subtle parameter variations, providing high copy resistance while still using standard printing techniques.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a valuable document and/or security document (1), comprising at least one line (3), for example in the form of a guilloche pattern, wherein the line has a line width (b), wherein the line (3) is divided at least in a sub-area (4), such that an intermediate space (Z) having a width (bz) is created, wherein a first piece of information is coded in the intermediate space (Z) and wherein the intermediate space (Z) is not visible to the naked eye.