Hidden Label Data Carrier with Integrated Light Source

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional portable data carriers with identifiers require external aids for verification, limiting their visibility and design flexibility, and making them harder to recognize and verify.

Innovation Solution

A portable data carrier with a multi-layer structure featuring an optical layer between the identifier and the internal light source, which distributes light evenly across the surface, allowing the identifier to be visible without external aids and only when illuminated, enabling free surface design.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If an identifier is provided on the data carrier surface, then the identifier can be verified, but external aids are required and surface design freedom is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveidentifier verificationVSAvoidverification convenience
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The data carrier performs self-verification by containing an integrated light source that illuminates the identifier without requiring external aids. The identifier layer with its geometric pattern becomes self-sufficient for verification purposes, eliminating dependence on external UV lights or other verification devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The verification function is merged into the data carrier structure itself by integrating the light source and identifier layer within the card. The identifier layer combines both the identification information and the verification mechanism (geometric pattern visible under illumination) into a single integrated component.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Reliability

If an identifier is provided on the data carrier surface, then the identifier can be verified, but surface design freedom is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveidentifier verificationVSAvoidsurface design freedom
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The identifier layer is implemented as a localized geometric pattern within a specific region of the data carrier, allowing the rest of the surface to maintain full design freedom. The pattern consists of geometric shapes arranged in a specific configuration that can be verified without restricting overall surface aesthetics or functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Ease of operation

If a light source is placed inside the data carrier, then external aids are not needed for verification, but uniform illumination of the identifier is difficult to achieve

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveverification convenienceVSAvoidillumination uniformity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSIllumination intensity

Solution Approach 1:

An optical layer is introduced as an intermediary between the light source and the identifier layer. This optical layer distributes and diffuses the light from the internal source to achieve uniform illumination across the identifier pattern, eliminating hot spots and ensuring consistent visibility of the geometric shapes for verification.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 identifier can be easily recognized under various lighting conditions without external aids, and the surface design remains flexible, with the optical layer ensuring uniform illumination and potential angle-dependent visibility, enhancing security and usability.

Implementation Method 1

an optical layer is arranged between the identifier and the light source, which is set up to distribute light from the light source evenly over at least part of the surface of the license plate

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight scattering: Scattering

Implementation Method 2

The optical layer is, for example, what is known as a diffuser film, which has a light-scattering effect

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDiffusion: Diffusion

Implementation Method 3

Fluorescent pigments have the beneficial property of changing the wavelength of light, making the license plate appear brighter to a viewer

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFluorescence: Fluorescence

Data Source

PatentEP3021262B1Data carrier with a hidden label
Publication Date: 2019.12.11 GIESECKE & DEVRIENT EPAYMENTS GMBH
  • EP3021262B1 patent drawingFigure 1

AI summary

The present invention discloses a portable data carrier with a multi-layered structure, which has a feature 18, wherein the data carrier has inside a light source 22 which is arranged under the feature 18, so that the feature 18 is only visible from the outside when illuminated by the light source 22.