Identification Document Optical Security Feature
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current identification documents lack sufficient security features to prevent counterfeiting and manipulation, as existing security features can be easily replicated or altered, and the use of UV-excitable ink is expensive and difficult to obtain.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating an optical security feature with a black component visible in normal light and a colored component only visible under UV light, formed by a combination of integrated engraving and UV-excitable ink, which together create a tamper-proof and forgery-proof image.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing security features are used in identification documents, then the documents can be produced with standard features, but the security against forgery and manipulation is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The security feature is divided into two distinct components: a black component visible under normal light and a colored component visible only under UV light. This segmentation allows each component to serve a specific security function while together they create a highly secure optical marking that is difficult to counterfeit
Solution Approach 2:
Different areas of the optical marking have different properties: the black component provides visible contrast under normal lighting while the colored component provides UV-responsive visibility. This local differentiation of properties enhances security by requiring precise replication of both components with their specific local characteristics
2Reliability
If UV-excitable ink is used to enhance security, then the security against counterfeiting is improved, but the cost and difficulty of obtaining the ink increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the black component (visible under normal light) with the colored component (visible under UV light) into a single integrated optical marking. This merging allows the use of UV-excitable ink to be complemented by a readily visible black component, making the overall security feature more practical while maintaining high security through the required precision of matching both components
3Reliability
If a security feature with multiple components is implemented, then the difficulty of manipulation and forgery increases, but the complexity of producing and verifying the feature increases
Solution Approach 1:
The optical marking is designed and applied as a preliminary security feature during the document production process. The black and colored components are positioned and matched in advance during manufacturing, ensuring their precise alignment is built into the document from the start, which simplifies later verification 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
Significantly enhances security against manipulation and counterfeiting by requiring precise matching of both components and utilizing expensive UV-excitable ink effectively, making forgery and manipulation more difficult.
Implementation Method 1
The colored component is formed by a color that can be excited to luminescence under UV light
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The invention relates to an identification document (10) comprising a substrate (30) and a security feature recognizable from at least one side of the substrate (30) as an optical marking (18), wherein the marking (18) has at least one black component (20) and at least one colored component (22, 24, 26, 28), wherein the black component (20) is visible at least when illuminated with light having a normal spectral distribution, and wherein the colored component (22, 24, 26, 28) is at least partially formed by a color that can be excited to luminescence under UV light and is essentially only visible when illuminated with UV light. The invention further relates to a method for producing an identification document.