Optically Variable Security Element With Nested Relief Structures
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optically variable security elements lack sufficient counterfeit security, as they can be reproduced using state-of-the-art copiers, and do not provide a robust mechanism to protect machine-readable features from mechanical, physical, and chemical influences.
Innovation Solution
The security element features a reflective areal region with two relief structures at different height levels, each coated with a reflection-increasing coating. The higher-lying structure displays a first optically variable effect in a first color, while the lower-lying structure, visible through the higher-lying coating, displays a second optically variable effect in a second color. Additionally, the security element includes a machine-readable authenticating feature integrated in the layer structure, providing enhanced durability and protection against counterfeiting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If optically variable security elements are used to prevent counterfeiting, then authenticity verification is improved, but they can still be reproduced with state-of-the-art copiers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a z-axis dimension by stacking multiple relief structures at different height levels. This vertical stacking creates multiple appearances that are perceptible from different viewing directions, making the security element impossible to reproduce with conventional 2D copiers. The higher-lying relief structure displays a first optically variable effect while the lower-lying structure displays a second optically variable effect, creating a multi-dimensional security feature.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements nested structures where relief structures are arranged at different height levels within the same security element. The higher-lying relief structure is positioned above the lower-lying relief structure, creating a nested configuration where both structures coexist in a compact vertical arrangement. This nesting allows multiple security features to be integrated in a small space while maintaining their individual optical effects.
2Ease of operation
If machine-readable feature substances are placed on the surface for easy reading, then machine readability is improved, but they are vulnerable to mechanical, physical, and chemical influences
Solution Approach 1:
The machine-readable feature substance is nested within the interior layers of the security element, specifically within the relief structures. This interior positioning protects the feature substance from mechanical abrasion, physical damage, and chemical degradation while still allowing machine reading through the optically transparent or translucent relief structures and reflection-increasing coatings.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses optically transparent or translucent relief structures and reflection-increasing coatings as intermediaries that allow machine-readable signals to pass through to reading devices while simultaneously protecting the feature substance from environmental hazards. These intermediary layers enable both protection and readability functions to coexist.
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 security element achieves increased counterfeit security by displaying distinct optically variable effects from different viewing directions, while the integrated machine-readable feature provides a robust, durable, and protected code that is resistant to mechanical, physical, and chemical influences.
Implementation Method 1
each of which is furnished with a reflection-increasing coating that follows the course of the relief
Implementation Method 2
optically variable elements that, from different viewing angles, convey to the viewer a different image impression and for example display a different color or brightness impression
Implementation Method 3
optically variable effects, for example movement effects, pump effects, depth effects and flip effects that are realized with the aid of holograms, microlenses or micromirrors
Data Source
AI summary
An optically variable security element is provided for securing valuable articles, whose areal expanse defines a z-axis perpendicular thereto, having a reflective areal region that displays at least two appearances that are perceptible from different viewing directions. The reflective areal region includes two relief structures arranged at different height levels in the z-direction and form a lower-lying and a higher-lying relief structure, each of which is furnished with a reflection-increasing coating that follows the course of the relief. The higher-lying relief structure displays a first optically variable effect in a first color, and the lower-lying relief structure is visible through the higher-lying reflection-increasing coating itself, or through grid spaces or gaps in the higher-lying reflection-increasing coating and displays a second optically variable effect in a second, different color. The security element is furnished in an interior layer provided contiguously or in some regions, with at least one machine-readable feature substance.