Laser Marked Security Element Lamellar Structure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current security elements for documents and data carriers, such as identity cards and banknotes, lack sufficient security against forgery and recognition variability, particularly in terms of visual appearance when viewed from different angles.
Innovation Solution
A security element featuring a lamellar structure with parameters like color, width, height, lateral orientation, angle of inclination, and spacing, created using laser-markable transparent or translucent marking layers, which can be arranged on opaque or transparent base layers, allowing for depth-selective marking and parallax effects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional laser marking is used on flat surfaces, then individual identification is achieved, but visual appearance is independent of viewing angle reducing security
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from conventional 2D surface marking to 3D volumetric marking by extending laser-induced lamellar structures into the depth of the marking layer. This dimensional transformation creates angle-dependent optical effects where the marking appearance changes based on viewing angle, thereby enhancing security against forgery while maintaining individual identification capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes angle-dependent color and transparency changes in the marking layer. By controlling the orientation and depth of lamellar structures, the marking exhibits different visual appearances (colors, transparency levels) when viewed from different angles, providing enhanced security features that are difficult to replicate.
2Adaptability or versatility
If laser marking is applied to opaque base layers only, then marking visibility is ensured, but design flexibility and optical effects are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent develops a universal marking system that functions effectively on both opaque and transparent/translucent base layers. The laser marking process and lamellar structure design are adapted to work across different substrate types, enabling diverse optical effects (reflection, transmission, absorption) and providing greater design flexibility without requiring separate manufacturing processes for each base layer type.
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
Enhances security and recognition by providing a visual appearance that changes with viewing angle, offering high security against forgery and allowing for creative design variability while maintaining authenticity.
Implementation Method 1
visually recognizable markings in the form of patterns, letters, numbers or images are introduced into a laser-markable, transparent or translucent marking layer (14, 32, 82, 102) by the action of laser radiation
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a security element (12) for security papers, value documents, and similar. Said security element (12) comprises a laser-markable transparent or translucent marking layer (14) into which visually recognizable marks (16) are introduced in the form of patterns, letters, numbers, or images under the effect of laser radiation. According to the invention, each mark (16) encompasses one lamellar structure (18) that is composed of a plurality of essentially parallel lamellae (14) which extend into the depth of the marking layer (14) and are characterized by the parameters color, width, height, lateral orientation, angle of inclination, and distance.