Multi-Depth Ink Printing for Tamper-Resistant Passport Pages
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing passport pages made of paper or fiber-based materials lack effective methods to incorporate information in a tamper-proof manner, especially without laminating them with polymer sheets.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the application of two inks with different characteristics and depths, where one ink sinks into the page while the other remains on the surface, combined with UV curing or other fixing methods, to create secure and tamper-evident features.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If information is printed on passport pages made of paper or fiber-based materials, then information can be incorporated, but the information is vulnerable to tampering without lamination protection
Solution Approach 1:
The invention moves the information from a single surface (2D) into the third dimension by embedding it within the page thickness. The first ink is applied at a first depth and the second ink at a second depth, creating a multi-layered information structure that is resistant to surface-level tampering without requiring additional lamination layers.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the depth parameter of ink application from surface-level (depth = 0) to subsurface embedding (depth > 0). By controlling the depth at which inks are applied and cured, the information becomes embedded within the page material, providing tamper resistance without adding structural complexity through lamination.
2Reliability
If the first ink sinks into the page to a first depth, then tamper resistance is improved, but the manufacturing process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces mechanical embedding methods (such as physical pressure or chemical treatment to force ink into pores) with a curing-based system. The first ink is applied to the surface and then cured in place, creating a hardened, embedded layer without requiring complex mechanical or chemical processing steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention utilizes the phase transition of the first ink from liquid to solid through curing. This phase change allows the ink to be applied as a liquid that can be precisely positioned and then transforms into a solid, embedded structure that is resistant to tampering, simplifying the manufacturing process compared to mechanical embedding methods.
3Reliability
If multiple inks are applied at different depths, then security features are enhanced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the information into multiple depth layers, with the first ink applied at a first depth and the second ink at a second depth. This segmentation allows different types of information to be placed at different depths within the page, creating a multi-layered security structure that can be read differently from the front and back surfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The printing device is designed to apply both the first ink and the second ink using the same basic printing mechanism, but with different depth control parameters. This multi-functional capability allows the single device to create complex, multi-depth information structures without requiring separate printing systems for each depth level.
4Ease of manufacture
If the page is left unlaminated to allow ink penetration, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but information protection is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The invention performs the protective action in advance by embedding the information within the page depth during the printing process itself. The first ink is applied and cured at a subsurface depth before any potential tampering can occur, creating inherent protection without requiring subsequent lamination or protective coating steps.
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 method enhances the security of passport pages by making them tamper-proof without lamination, allowing for visible and UV-visible features that are difficult to counterfeit.
Implementation Method 1
A first ink is applied to a respective page of the passport on a first area and forms a first feature. This first ink is allowed to sink into the page to a first depth.
Implementation Method 2
the first ink is allowed to sink into the page to a first depth
Implementation Method 3
The fixing step may be the step of curing the respective ink for a certain time period by light, in particular UV light or IR light. This curing may in particular initiate an ink polymerization
Data Source
Figure 1a~1e
Figure 2a~2h
Figure 3a~3d
AI summary
The present invention provides a method for printing features on a page (205) of a passport, the method comprising the following steps: - applying a first ink (211) to the page (205) of the passport on a first area (221) in the form of a first feature (111), - allowing the first ink (211) to sink into the page (205) of the passport to a first depth (231), - applying a second ink (212) to the page (205) of the passport on a second area (222) in the form of a second feature (112) at a second depth (232) including a depth of 0 - fixing the first feature (111) in the first area (221) at the first depth (231) and fixing the second feature in the second area (222) at the second depth (231). Further it is provided a device for printing features on a page (205) of a passport.