Movable Mirror Layout for Multi-Position Security Document Marking

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing document processing systems for security documents, such as those incorporating tilt images, are time-consuming and cost-intensive due to the need for frequent conversion and calibration of mirror arrangements when applying multiple security features at different positions.

Innovation Solution

A document processing system with a document carrier device and movable mirror arrangements that allow for the application of different tilt images without removing the document, enabling simultaneous creation of MLI and CLI elements by rotating and positioning the mirror arrangements within the processing area.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If mirror arrangements are converted and calibrated for applying multiple security features at different positions, then the quality and variety of security features are improved, but the processing time and costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveability to apply multiple security featuresVSAvoidprocessing time
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a movable mirror arrangement that can be dynamically repositioned along the document feed direction to apply different security features at various positions without removing the document. The mirror arrangement includes movable mirrors that can be adjusted to different angles and positions, enabling the system to adapt to multiple security feature requirements while maintaining continuous document processing

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The document processing system is designed with a universal mirror arrangement that can perform multiple functions by adjusting its position and orientation. The same mirror arrangement can apply different security features (such as tilt images at various positions) on a single document without requiring separate dedicated mirror systems for each feature, thereby reducing overall processing time

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

2Adaptability or versatility

If mirror arrangements are converted and calibrated for applying multiple security features at different positions, then the variety of security features is improved, but the complexity of the process increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevariety of security featuresVSAvoidcomplexity of mirror conversion and calibration
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system employs a dynamically adjustable mirror arrangement that can be repositioned and reoriented through controlled movement mechanisms. This dynamic capability allows the same physical mirror arrangement to serve multiple purposes by changing its spatial configuration, eliminating the need for multiple fixed mirror arrangements and reducing overall system complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces movement in the document feed direction as an additional dimension for mirror arrangement positioning. By allowing mirrors to move not only in traditional adjustment dimensions but also along the feed direction, the system gains enhanced flexibility to apply security features at various positions without requiring complex lateral reconfiguration mechanisms

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

3Ease of operation

If documents are removed from the processing system to reconfigure mirror arrangements, then the mirror arrangement can be properly adjusted for different positions, but the productivity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemirror arrangement adjustmentVSAvoiddocument processing throughput
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The mirror arrangement is pre-configured with multiple predetermined positions and orientations that correspond to different security feature requirements. The movable mirrors can be quickly switched between these pre-established configurations without requiring complex real-time calculations or manual reconfiguration, enabling rapid adjustment while maintaining high document processing throughput

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system maintains continuous document processing by keeping the mirror arrangement in a ready state with pre-configured positions. Documents can be processed continuously as the mirror arrangement dynamically adjusts between pre-established configurations, eliminating interruptions where documents would need to be removed from the processing system for mirror reconfiguration

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

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

This approach simplifies the processing of security documents by allowing multiple visible elements to be applied at various positions without the need for complex conversion or calibration, reducing time and costs associated with the process.

Implementation Method 1

The processing device (11) has a radiation source (54) which can emit radiation within a processing area (82)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLaser: Laser

Implementation Method 2

The mirror arrangements (21, 22) are each designed to redirect radiation emitted by the radiation source (54)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentEP4279292A1Document processing apparatus
Publication Date: 2023.11.22 MB AUTOMATION GMBH & CO KG
  • EP4279292A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4279292A1 patent drawingFigure 2a~3b
  • EP4279292A1 patent drawingFigure 4a

AI summary

The present invention relates to a device for processing documents (document processing system (10)), in particular security documents. The document processing system (10) according to the invention, in particular for processing security documents, comprises at least one document carrier device (12) with a document holder (121) configured to receive a document (51) to be processed and to transport it along a first spatial direction, and at least one document processing device configured to process the document (51) in a processing area (82a) so that a visible element (551) is created on the document (51).The document processing device comprises a radiation source (54) and at least one first mirror arrangement (21) and at least one second mirror arrangement (22), wherein the mirror arrangements (21, 22) are each configured to direct radiation emitted by the radiation source (54) onto the document (51) at a specific angle and/or from a specific direction to produce a visible element (551). The mirror arrangements (21, 22) are further configured to be moved into the processing area (82a, 82b).