Laser-Induced Brightening Additives for Post-Production Security Coding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing security documents lack the ability for subsequent individual colorful coding, as they require all information to be pre-printed in colorful form during production, making subsequent coding impossible.
Innovation Solution
A data carrier with a laminated body containing a color pattern made of differently colored pattern elements and integrated brightening additives that can be locally brightened or whitened by laser interaction, allowing for optical encoding of information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If all information is pre-printed in colorful form during production, then complete information storage is achieved, but subsequent individual coding becomes impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The information storage is segmented into two independent components: a permanently printed background layer containing base information, and a laser-markable foreground layer with brightening additives that enables subsequent individual coding. This segmentation allows the document to be produced with basic information while retaining the capability for later personalization through laser marking.
Solution Approach 2:
The brightening additives are integrated into the substrate layer during the initial lamination process, performing a preliminary action that prepares the document for future laser marking. This preliminary integration of functional materials eliminates the need for separate additive application steps during subsequent coding operations.
2Adaptability or versatility
If brightening additives are integrated into the lamination body, then laser-induced brightening is enabled, but manufacturing process complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The brightening additives are merged with the substrate layer materials during the lamination process, combining multiple functions (structural integrity, information storage, and laser responsiveness) into a single integrated layer. This merging eliminates the need for separate additive application equipment and simplifies the overall manufacturing process.
Solution Approach 2:
The substrate layer is formulated as a composite material containing polymer matrix and dispersed brightening additives (such as titanium dioxide or zinc oxide particles). This composite structure provides both the mechanical properties of the polymer and the optical properties of the additives, enabling laser-induced brightening while maintaining manufacturing compatibility with standard lamination processes.
3Illumination intensity
If color pattern is formed in the interior of the lamination body, then visual appeal is enhanced, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The color pattern is formed in the interior volume of the lamination body rather than on the surface, utilizing the third dimension (depth) for pattern creation. This dimensional transition allows patterns to be embedded within the material structure, providing tolerance to surface variations and reducing the impact of alignment errors on final appearance.
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
Enables individual colorful coding of security documents post-production, enhancing the visual appeal and security features by creating bright and varied color impressions through laser-induced brightening or darkening.
Implementation Method 1
brightening additives which can bring about a local brightening and/or whitening in the interior of the lamination body upon local interaction with laser light
Implementation Method 2
allowing for optical encoding of information through laser-induced brightening or darkening
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
Data storage medium (40) having a laser-marked or laser-markable coloured/colourful security feature, comprising a lamination body (30) formed from a plurality of substrate layers (1, 21-24), one of which comprises a colour pattern (3) constructed from differently coloured pattern elements (4-1, 4-x), in which the colour pattern (3) is formed inside the lamination body (30), wherein brightening additives are integrated in the lamination body (30) and can cause brightening (100) and/or whitening inside the lamination body (30) in the event of interaction with laser light. The invention also relates to a method for producing such a data storage medium (30).