Optically Variable Security Element with Nonlinear Embossed Structure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optically variable security elements have a sharply defined tilt effect that occurs only in a narrow viewing angle range, making them less suitable for simple visual checks and vulnerable to forgery due to limited visibility and reproducibility by copying machines.
Innovation Solution
An optically variable structure combining a coating and nonlinear embossed elements with multiple flanks, where the embossed elements are designed to conceal and reveal information based on viewing angles, using geometric shapes like pyramids, frustums, and spherical segments, allowing multiple pieces of information to be visible under different angles, and incorporating tactile features for enhanced security.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a line structure is embossed into the data carrier to create optically variable effect, then forgery protection is improved, but the viewing angle range is limited to a very narrow range
Solution Approach 1:
The embossed structure is divided into multiple flanks (at least three flanks per nonlinear embossed element), each capable of displaying information at different viewing angles. This segmentation allows the security element to present different visual information to viewers from different directions, expanding the effective viewing angle range while maintaining strong forgery protection through the complex three-dimensional structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from traditional two-dimensional flat security elements to three-dimensional nonlinear embossed structures with multiple flanks. This dimensional change enables the security element to display different information based on the viewer's angle, effectively creating a multi-angle optically variable effect that expands the viewing angle range while enhancing security.
2Reliability
If the tilt effect is sharply defined for security, then forgery resistance is improved, but visual checkability becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
Different flanks of the nonlinear embossed elements are designed with different local qualities - each flank can have different orientations, shapes, and associated coating patterns. This allows specific viewing angles to reveal specific information (such as authentication codes, logos, or text), making visual verification easier for authorized personnel while maintaining sharp tilt effects for forgery resistance.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces coating as an intermediary layer that can be selectively applied to different flanks of the embossed structure. This coating layer enhances the visual contrast and information display capability, making it easier to visually verify authenticity while the underlying embossed structure maintains the sharp tilt effect for forgery protection.
3Loss of information
If nonlinear embossed elements with multiple flanks are used, then multiple information pieces become visible at different angles, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the embossed structure and coating into a single integrated security element. The nonlinear embossed elements with multiple flanks are combined with selective coating application, creating a unified structure that displays multiple pieces of information at different angles without requiring separate components. This integration reduces overall system complexity while maintaining high information visibility.
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 a high degree of protection against forgery by creating a complex, visually recognizable effect that changes with viewing angles, making it difficult to imitate and increasing the security of data carriers and products.
Implementation Method 1
the flanks having dimensions permitting the shadowing effect according to the invention. I.e., the flanks must be dimensioned such that for a viewer, who views such a flank, an information lying behind this flank at least partially is concealed.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a security element with an optically variable structure, which has an embossed structure and a coating, wherein the embossed structure and the coating are combined such that at least parts of the coating are completely visible upon perpendicular viewing, but are concealed upon oblique viewing. This embossed structure has nonlinear embossed elements, which are combined with the coating such that when changing the viewing direction different pieces of information become visible.