Multilayer Document Marking for Secure Full-Color Personalization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for producing personalized security documents with color images are complex and limited to black and white or grayscale representations, making them susceptible to forgery and lacking aesthetic appeal.
Innovation Solution
A method and device for creating a multilayer laminate with a multicolored marking inside the document body using locally selective energy input, such as laser radiation, to form colored markings that represent data, allowing for high-resolution, personalized designs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a grayscale laser is used to inscribe data, then the data becomes part of the monoblock and is protected against forgery, but the data representation is limited to binary or grayscale without color
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the color information into multiple separate layers (first color layer, second color layer, third color layer) that are stacked in sequence. Each layer contains specific color data (e.g., cyan, magenta, yellow) and is independently inscribed with the personalization data. When viewed together, these segmented layers reconstruct the full-color image, thereby achieving color representation while maintaining the security benefits of laser inscription within the monoblock structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-layer grayscale representation to a multi-layer three-dimensional color representation. By stacking multiple transparent or semi-transparent layers with different color characteristics at different depths within the monoblock, the system adds a dimensional aspect to data storage, enabling full-color personalization while keeping all data securely embedded within the document body.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a color image is printed on a film and inserted as an insert, then color representation is achieved, but the process becomes complex and personalization is only possible before document production
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the color information and the personalization data into a single integrated laser inscription process. Instead of separately printing color images on films and then inserting them, the system directly inscribes color-coded patterns into the multi-layer laminate structure using laser technology. This combines the advantages of color representation with the security and efficiency of direct laser personalization, eliminating the need for separate printing and insertion steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical process of printing and inserting color films with a laser-based inscription process. The laser directly modifies the multi-layer laminate material to create color-coded personalization data, substituting complex mechanical handling and assembly operations with a more precise and integrated optical processing method that achieves both color representation and security in one step.
3Reliability
If personal data is inscribed using laser radiation, then the data becomes protected against forgery, but only black and white or grayscale representations are achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different color characteristics to different regions or layers of the monoblock structure. Each layer is selectively inscribed with specific color information (e.g., cyan in the first layer, magenta in the second, yellow in the third), creating local color variations that collectively form a full-color personalization image. This local differentiation of color properties enables aesthetic appeal while maintaining uniform anti-forgery protection throughout the document.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a composite multi-layer laminate structure where each layer has specific optical and color properties. The combination of transparent, semi-transparent, and opaque layers with different color characteristics (cyan, magenta, yellow) creates a composite material system that can represent full-color images when laser-inscribed. This composite approach enables both aesthetic color representation and secure data embedding within the monoblock.
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 enables secure, aesthetically pleasing, and personalized documents with a wide range of colors, enhancing security and personalization options, while protecting the markings from direct access.
Implementation Method 1
locally selective energy input into the laminate, in particular by means of laser radiation
Implementation Method 2
the multicolored marking representing the data is generated at least partially from the initial marking by means of a locally selective color change of the initial marking caused by the energy input into the initial marking
Data Source
Figure 1(a)~1(d)
Figure 2(a)~2(d)
Figure 3(a)~3(b)
AI summary
Method and apparatus for producing a document body comprising a multilayer laminate, generating a multicolored, data-representing marking within the laminate. The method comprises: - Providing or producing an initial marking in or on an extensive substrate. The initial marking has several colored sub-areas, each forming only a portion of the initial marking, such that the colors of at least two of the sub-areas differ from one another.- Creating the laminate by laminating the base substrate as the first laminate layer with at least one further, planarly extended substrate as each subsequent laminate layer, such that the initial marking is located at least partially within the produced laminate; - Inducing an energy input into the laminate such that it acts locally-selectively in the initial marking, whereby the multicolored marking representing the data is achieved at least partially from the initial marking by means of the locally-selective, color change of the initial marking (1) caused by the energy input into the initial marking.