License Plate Security via Diffractive Film and Moiré Verification

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current license plate security solutions are inadequate in preventing the distribution and misuse of false or unauthorized license plates, lacking effective traceability and verification methods.

Innovation Solution

A secure license plate design incorporating a retroreflective film with a diffractive structure, secure personalization printing, and a method for optical verification, including a QR code and lenticular array, to ensure authenticity and traceability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional license plate designs are used, then manufacturing is simple and cost-effective, but security against false plates and traceability are inadequate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecurity against false platesVSAvoidplate structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The license plate combines multiple materials and structures including retroreflective film with diffractive optical elements, security inks with specific optical properties, and layered construction. This composite approach creates a plate that is inherently difficult to replicate while maintaining manufacturability through established material processing techniques.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies security features selectively to specific regions of the license plate rather than uniformly across the entire plate. The diffractive optical elements, security inks, and holographic elements are positioned in localized areas to provide security verification without requiring the entire plate structure to be complex.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Reliability

If security features are added to license plates, then authenticity verification is improved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveauthenticity verificationVSAvoidmanufacturing process simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The security features are integrated into the license plate manufacturing process at early stages. The diffractive optical elements are incorporated into the retroreflective film during film production, and security inks are applied during the standard printing process, allowing security features to be built-in rather than added as separate post-processing steps.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The retroreflective film serves dual purposes: it provides the necessary retroreflection for nighttime visibility and simultaneously incorporates diffractive optical elements for security verification. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate security components that would increase manufacturing complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Difficulty of detecting and measuring

If verification methods are implemented, then detection of false plates is improved, but verification time and process complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefalse plate detectionVSAvoidverification time
Core Design Contradiction:
Difficulty of detecting and measuringVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The license plate incorporates optical elements that change appearance based on viewing angle and lighting conditions. The diffractive structures create angle-dependent color shifts and the security inks exhibit fluorescent or phosphorescent properties under specific lighting, allowing rapid visual verification without requiring complex equipment or time-consuming procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #32Color changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent includes security features that respond to mechanical stimulation such as tactile elements or elements that change appearance when the plate is moved or tilted. This creates dynamic visual effects that are easy to observe during routine inspections and help quickly identify genuine versus counterfeit plates.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #18Mechanical vibration

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 significantly enhances the security and traceability of license plates, making it difficult to produce or misuse false plates and allows for efficient verification, ensuring the integrity of the registration process.

Implementation Method 1

a retroreflective film (140), in this case secured

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRetroreflection: Retroreflector

Implementation Method 2

a diffractive structure (110), numbered, destructible and partially demetallized

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDiffraction: Diffraction

Data Source

PatentEP3402698B1Registration plate and verification method
Publication Date: 2020.07.08 SURYS
  • EP3402698B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2B
  • EP3402698B1 patent drawingFigure 2C~3
  • EP3402698B1 patent drawingFigure 4~6

AI summary

The invention relates to a registration plate (100) for a motor vehicle, comprising: a retro-reflective film (140) in contact with the support either directly or by means of an adhesive layer (160), said film (140) bearing a registration number (210) printed thereon; and a diffractive structure (110) glued to the film. The registration plate (100) also comprises a transparent acrylic plate (130) in contact with the retro-reflective film either directly or by means of an adhesive layer (150), as well as at least one of the following: a secure customised printed element (200) solidly connected to the retro-reflective film or the diffractive structure; and a set (220) of at least two images solidly connected to the retro-reflective film and having a moiré effect, and a lens array (190) affixed directly above the at least two images.