Micro-Optic Security Element for Higher Forgery Resistance

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing security elements are vulnerable to unauthorized reproduction due to their complexity in manufacturing processes, necessitating enhanced forgery resistance.

Innovation Solution

A security element with a carrier featuring a motif region comprising a first micro-optic representation arrangement presenting different images in viewing angle-dependent fashion and a second micro-optic representation arrangement simulating a bulged reflective surface, requiring distinct manufacturing processes for each, thus increasing forgery resistance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a single micro-optic representation arrangement is used, then the manufacturing process is simpler, but the forgery resistance is lower

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveforgery resistanceVSAvoidmanufacturing process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The security element is divided into two distinct motif parts (first and second motif parts), each containing a different micro-optic representation arrangement. This segmentation allows each part to be manufactured using optimized processes while collectively providing enhanced forgery resistance that neither part could achieve alone.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines two different micro-optic representation arrangements (e.g., holographic elements and diffractive elements, or embossed and non-embossed structures) into a single composite security element. This composite structure integrates multiple manufacturing techniques, creating a security feature that is difficult to forge while maintaining visual coherence as a unified motif.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Ease of manufacture

If two different micro-optic representation arrangements are used, then the optical attractiveness and recognition value increase, but the manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoptical attractivenessVSAvoidmanufacturing process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Two micro-optic representation arrangements that would normally require separate manufacturing processes are merged into a single integrated security element with a unified motif design. The first and second motif parts are positioned adjacent to each other and work together to create a cohesive visual representation, enhancing optical attractiveness while consolidating manufacturing steps.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The security element is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it provides authentication through different micro-optic arrangements, creates visual appeal through varied optical effects, and maintains a unified aesthetic appearance. The motif region serves as both a decorative element and a security feature, combining multiple functions in a single structure.

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

3Ease of operation

If the two motif parts are arranged contiguously, then the user perceives a single unified motif, but the positioning precision requirement increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser perceptionVSAvoidpositioning precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The first and second motif parts are arranged in a nested or interlocking configuration where they fit together to form a complete motif. This nesting approach ensures proper alignment and creates a unified visual appearance, as the boundaries between the two parts are minimized and integrated into the overall design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes spatial arrangement in multiple dimensions to position the first and second motif parts relative to each other. By carefully controlling the spatial relationship and orientation of the two parts, the design achieves a unified visual appearance while accommodating the precision requirements through three-dimensional positioning strategies.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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 security element provides high optical attractiveness and recognition value, making it difficult for forgers to replicate, as they must master both manufacturing processes and position the motifs accurately, enhancing authenticity verification.

Implementation Method 1

a first micro-optic representation arrangement which presents at least two different images in viewing angle-dependent fashion as a first motif part

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectViewing angle-dependent image presentation: Refraction

Implementation Method 2

a micro-optic representation arrangement in the form of a moire magnification arrangement

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMoire magnification: Moiré Effect

Implementation Method 3

a second micro-optic representation arrangement which presents a reflective surface as a second motif part, which surface appears bulged relative to the actual macroscopic spatial form of the second micro-optic representation arrangement

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectReflective surface simulation: Reflection

Data Source

PatentUS12472763B2Security element as well as value document having such a security element
Publication Date: 2025.11.18 GIESECKE & DEVRIENT CURRENCY TECHNOLOGY GMBH
  • US12472763B2 patent drawing
  • US12472763B2 patent drawing
  • US12472763B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A security element for a security paper, value document or the like, having a carrier which has a motif region that includes a visually perceptible motif with a first and a second motif part, wherein the motif region includes a first micro-optic representation arrangement which presents at least two different images in viewing angle-dependent fashion as a first motif part, and a second micro-optic representation arrangement which presents a reflective surface as a second motif part, which surface appears bulged relative to the actual macroscopic spatial form of the second micro-optic representation arrangement.