Laser Marked Data Carrier Security Element
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current data carriers, such as security and identity documents, lack effective security features that prevent imitation and enhance visual authenticity, particularly in transitioning from reflected to transmitted light.
Innovation Solution
A data carrier with a substrate and security element, where a first marking part is created by laser radiation as an opening in the substrate and a second marking part is formed by modifying the security element, resulting in a different visual impression in transmitted light compared to reflected light, with the modification area aligning perfectly with the opening, enhancing security and authenticity verification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional security features are used, then the data carrier has basic security protection, but the visual appearance does not change noticeably when transitioning from reflected to transmitted light
Solution Approach 1:
The marking is divided into two distinct parts: a first marking part formed by openings in the substrate, and a second marking part formed by modification areas in the security element. This segmentation allows each part to contribute differently to the visual appearance in reflected versus transmitted light, creating the desired noticeable change when transitioning between lighting conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the marking have different optical properties tailored to their specific function. The first marking part (openings in substrate) is optimized for transmitted light visibility, while the second marking part (modification areas in security element) provides complementary visual characteristics. This local differentiation ensures that the marking appears differently under reflected versus transmitted light conditions.
2Ease of operation
If a marking is visible in reflected light, then the user can easily check authenticity, but the marking may not provide sufficient additional security when viewed in transmitted light
Solution Approach 1:
The marking is divided into two distinct parts: a first marking part formed by openings in the substrate, and a second marking part formed by modification areas in the security element. This segmentation allows each part to contribute differently to the visual appearance in reflected versus transmitted light, creating the desired noticeable change when transitioning between lighting conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The marking exhibits asymmetric visual characteristics between reflected and transmitted light conditions. In reflected light, the marking has one appearance optimized for ease of viewing, while in transmitted light, the combination of the first and second marking parts creates a different, complementary appearance that enhances security verification. This asymmetry prevents simple reproduction and improves authenticity checking.
3Ease of manufacture
If the marking is formed only in the substrate or only in the security element, then the production process is simpler, but the security against imitation is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The marking combines elements from both the substrate (first marking part with openings) and the security element (second marking part with modification areas). This merging of components from different layers creates a composite security feature that is more difficult to replicate than markings formed in a single element, while still being producible through integrated manufacturing processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The marking utilizes composite structure combining the substrate material and security element material. The first marking part in the substrate and the second marking part in the security element work together as a composite security feature, leveraging the different properties of each material layer to enhance overall security against imitation.
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 solution provides a noticeable change in visual appearance when switching from reflected to transmitted light, making invisible markings visible and enhancing the overall security and authenticity verification of the data carrier, while also offering machine-readable features for further authentication.
Implementation Method 1
the marking with a first marking part is formed by at least one opening in the substrate produced by the action of laser radiation
Implementation Method 2
the marking with a second marking part is formed in the security element by a modification area in which the visual appearance of the security element is modified by the action of the laser radiation
Implementation Method 3
the irreversible change can consist, for example, in a local conversion of a transparent area into an opaque area
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4b
Figure 4c~4d
AI summary
The invention relates to a data carrier, in particular a valuable document, such as a banknote, identity card and the like, having a substrate (12) and a security element (14) connected to the substrate (12), wherein the data carrier contains a marking (30) produced by the action of laser radiation, which marking has an optical impression which is changed in transmitted light with respect to reflected light. According to the invention, provision is made for the marking (30) with a first marking part to be formed by at least one opening (32) in the substrate (12) produced by the action of laser radiation, and with a second marking part in the security element (14) to be formed by a modification region (40), in which the optical appearance of the security element (14) is modified by the action of the laser radiation, and wherein the modification region (40) of the second marking part is in register with the opening (32) of the first marking part.