Layered Tactile Security Element for Visual and Touch Recognition
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing security elements for visually impaired or blind individuals are limited in functionality, as they primarily rely on tactile features that degrade over time and lack visual recognition, and existing solutions do not effectively combine tactile and visual detection methods.
Innovation Solution
A security element with a first optically detectable layer and a second tactilely detectable layer, where the second layer is smaller in lateral area but similar in height, ensuring tactile perception while the base layer provides visual detection, and incorporating varying dimensions and additional machine/optically detectable features for enhanced recognition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If a tactile structure is embossed into the substrate, then tactile detectability is improved, but visual recognizability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The security element is segmented into two distinct functional layers: a first printing element for visual detection and a second printing element for tactile detection. This segmentation allows each layer to optimize its specific function without compromising the other, resolving the contradiction between tactile detectability and visual recognizability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a single-plane tactile embossing solution to a multi-layered structure where the second printing element is positioned on top of the first printing element. This dimensional change allows tactile features to be added without removing or compromising visual features, as both exist in different spatial layers.
2Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If tactile features are made sharp-edged and textured for clear perception, then tactile clarity is improved, but durability deteriorates due to height loss during circulation
Solution Approach 1:
The first printing element serves as a protective base layer that cushions and protects the second printing element during circulation. This beforehand cushioning prevents the second element from losing height or becoming damaged, maintaining tactile clarity throughout the security element's lifecycle.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses a composite structure combining two printing elements with different functional properties. The first element provides a durable base while the second element provides sharp tactile features. This composite approach allows the tactile features to maintain their clarity without sacrificing durability, as the two layers work together complementarily.
3Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If the second printing element covers the entire first printing element, then tactile coverage is improved, but visual detectability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The second printing element is designed with local quality - it is positioned specifically on the first printing element but does not cover the entire surface. This localized placement allows tactile information to be provided where needed while preserving the visual appearance of the first printing element, resolving the contradiction between tactile coverage and visual detectability.
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
Security element for a valuable item, wherein the security element consists of a substrate onto which a tactilely detectable structure is printed. According to the invention, the tactilely detectable structure consists of a first optically detectable printed element (1) in the form of a layer of ink, which is at least partially printed onto the substrate of the security element, and a second tactilely detectable printed element (2) in the form of a layer of ink, wherein the second printed element is arranged on the first printed element and only partially covers the first printed element.The first printing element forms a visually identifiable base on which the second printing element is arranged, resulting in a printing element consisting of a base formed by the first printing element, the base supporting the second printing element, which in turn is arranged on the base, such that an observer visually perceives almost exclusively the first printing element and tactilely perceives almost exclusively the second printing element. The invention further relates to a printing tool for producing such a security element.