Optically Variable Security Element Nested Relief Structures
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optically variable security elements lack enhanced security against forgery and visual attractiveness, particularly in producing elements with multiple color appearances or effects that are simple and inexpensive to produce.
Innovation Solution
An optically variable security element with a multi-colored reflective surface area featuring two relief structures at different height levels, a translucent colored flat structure between them, and micromirror arrangements, creating distinct color impressions and motifs when viewed from different angles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple optically variable structures are overlapped to create multi-color effects, then security against forgery and visual appeal are improved, but device complexity and production difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements nesting by placing a first optically variable structure on a carrier and a second optically variable structure on top of the first structure. The second structure is positioned such that parts of the first structure remain visible through transparent or translucent areas, creating a nested configuration where multiple optical layers coexist and interact to produce multi-color effects and enhanced security features.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a vertical dimension to the optical structures by stacking them at different heights on the carrier. The first and second optically variable structures are arranged at different vertical positions, allowing light to interact with multiple layers sequentially. This dimensional arrangement enables complex color effects and viewing angle dependencies that cannot be achieved with planar structures alone.
2Reliability
If multiple optically variable structures are overlapped to create multi-color effects, then security against forgery and visual appeal are improved, but production cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the carrier serve multiple functions: it supports both the first and second optically variable structures, provides a base for mounting, and can itself contribute to the optical effects. The single carrier structure replaces what would otherwise require multiple separate substrates, simplifying the manufacturing process and reducing material costs while maintaining the complex multi-layer optical functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple optically variable structures onto a single carrier instead of using separate carriers for each structure. The first and second structures are integrated on the same substrate, allowing for simplified production steps, reduced material usage, and easier quality control, thereby lowering overall production costs while achieving enhanced security effects.
3Illumination intensity
If translucent colored flat structure is added between relief structures, then color effect and visual appeal are improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a translucent colored layer as an intermediary element positioned between the first and second optically variable structures. This intermediate layer modifies the optical interaction between the two structures by filtering and coloring the light passing through it, creating enhanced color effects and visual appeal while maintaining compatibility with the existing relief structure geometry.
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 increased security against forgery by offering binary color and effect changes without overlapping appearances, enhancing visual attractiveness with seamless transitions between motifs and colors, while being cost-effective and simple to produce.
Implementation Method 1
The higher relief structure and/or the lower relief structure are formed by micromirror arrays with directional micromirrors
Implementation Method 2
a translucent colored flat structure is arranged at a height between the two relief structures... the light transmittance of the flat structure is advantageously between 20% and 80%
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3(a)~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The invention relates to an optically variable security element (12) for securing valuable items, the surface extent of which defines a z-axis perpendicular thereto, comprising a multicolour reflective surface area (20), wherein: the multicolour reflective surface area (20) contains two relief structures (24, 34) which are arranged in the z-direction in different vertical levels and form a relief structure lying lower and a relief structure lying higher; the relief structure (24) lying lower is provided with a first colour coating (26) following the relief shape, and the relief structure (34) lying higher is provided with a second colour coating (36) following the relief shape; a light-permeable coloured planar structure (44) is arranged in the z-direction at a vertical level between the two relief structures (24, 34); the two relief structures (24, 34) and the planar structure (44) overlap in an overlapping region; and the second colour coating (36) of the relief structure (34) lying higher comprises at least one recess (54) in the overlapping region, in which recess, when viewing the security element, the relief structure (24) lying lower appears owing to the combined colour effect of the coloured planar structure (4) and the first colour coating (26).