Optically Variable Magnetic Security Threads
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current security threads or stripes used in security documents face challenges in resisting counterfeiting and illegal reproduction, particularly due to the visibility of magnetic codes and the need for additional hiding layers, which can lead to deterioration and thickness issues.
Innovation Solution
The development of security threads or stripes featuring an optically variable layer and a magnetic code made of core-shell pigment particles, where the magnetic code matches the color impression of the optically variable layer at one viewing angle, allowing for joint visibility without the need for additional hiding layers, thus enhancing resistance to counterfeiting and durability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If additional hiding layers are added to conceal magnetic codes, then security against counterfeiting is improved, but thread thickness increases and durability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the magnetic code layer with the optically variable layer into a single integrated layer. This layer simultaneously provides magnetic coding capabilities and optical variability, eliminating the need for separate hiding layers while maintaining both security functions. The integration is achieved by incorporating magnetic particles within the optically variable layer structure, allowing both functions to coexist in one unified component.
Solution Approach 2:
The optically variable layer is designed to serve multiple functions: it provides visual security through color changes at different angles, embeds magnetic coding for machine reading, and eliminates the need for separate hiding layers. This multi-functional design consolidates what would traditionally require multiple separate layers into a single universal layer, reducing overall thread thickness while enhancing security.
2Reliability
If additional hiding layers are added to conceal magnetic codes, then security against counterfeiting is improved, but thread durability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the magnetic code layer with the optically variable layer into a single integrated layer. This layer simultaneously provides magnetic coding capabilities and optical variability, eliminating the need for separate hiding layers while maintaining both security functions. The integration is achieved by incorporating magnetic particles within the optically variable layer structure, allowing both functions to coexist in one unified component.
Solution Approach 2:
The optically variable layer is designed to serve multiple functions: it provides visual security through color changes at different angles, embeds magnetic coding for machine reading, and eliminates the need for separate hiding layers. This multi-functional design consolidates what would traditionally require multiple separate layers into a single universal layer, reducing overall thread thickness while enhancing security.
3Ease of operation
If magnetic codes are made visible for machine reading, then machine authentication is improved, but resistance to counterfeiting deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the magnetic code layer with the optically variable layer into a single integrated layer. This layer simultaneously provides magnetic coding capabilities and optical variability, eliminating the need for separate hiding layers while maintaining both security functions. The integration is achieved by incorporating magnetic particles within the optically variable layer structure, allowing both functions to coexist in one unified component.
Solution Approach 2:
The optically variable layer exhibits color changes when viewed from different angles, providing a visual deterrent to counterfeiting. This optical variability is maintained while the magnetic coding function is preserved within the same layer, allowing machine authentication through magnetic reading while simultaneously providing visual security through color changes that are difficult to replicate.
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 provides high resistance against counterfeiting and illegal reproduction by integrating the magnetic code seamlessly with the optically variable layer, ensuring the security threads or stripes are not easily distinguishable, while maintaining a reduced thickness for easier incorporation into security documents and resisting environmental deterioration.
Implementation Method 1
an optically variable layer imparting a different color impression at different viewing angles and being made of an optically variable composition comprising optically variable pigment particles
Implementation Method 2
a magnetic code made of a magnetic composition comprising pigment particles, said pigment particles comprising a magnetic core surrounded by a layer made of one or more inorganic materials
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to the field of the protection of value documents and value commercial goods against counterfeit and illegal reproduction. In particular, the present invention relates to security threads or stripes to be incorporated into or onto security documents. The security threads or stripes comprise i) an optically variable layer; ii) a magnetic code; and iii) a non-metallized substrate, wherein the magnetic code has a color matching the color impression of the optically variable layer at one viewing angle and wherein the optically variable layer and the magnetic code are jointly visible from one side of the security thread or stripe.