Optically Variable Security Element With Multi-Level Relief Structures
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optically variable security elements do not effectively enhance security against forgery and visual attractiveness, as they often rely on limited viewing angle-dependent effects that can be reproduced by modern copying machines, and their production is not cost-effective.
Innovation Solution
An optically variable security element with a multicolored reflective surface featuring two relief structures at different height levels and a translucent flat structure, where the color coatings and relief structures create distinct color effects when viewed from the top and bottom sides, with recesses in the coatings allowing specific color combinations only visible from certain angles, enhancing authenticity verification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional optically variable security elements are used, then manufacturing is simple and cost-effective, but counterfeit protection and visual appeal are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The security element is divided into multiple relief structures at different height levels (first relief structure, second relief structure, third relief structure) with different color coatings (first color coating, second color coating, third color coating). Each segment contributes differently to the optical effect when viewed from top or bottom, creating complex visual properties that are difficult to reproduce with simple copying equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces vertical dimensionality by arranging relief structures at different height levels in the z-direction. The first relief structure is at a first height level, the second relief structure is at a second height level, and the third relief structure is at a third height level. This multi-level vertical arrangement creates depth effects and viewing-angle-dependent color changes that cannot be achieved with traditional single-plane security elements.
2Reliability
If multiple color coatings and relief structures are added, then visual appeal and security against forgery are enhanced, but production cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple functional elements are merged into a single integrated security element: relief structures, color coatings, and translucent flat structures are combined in one component. The first relief structure with first color coating, second relief structure with second color coating, and third relief structure with third color coating are all integrated into the same element, allowing authenticity verification through multiple optical effects simultaneously while maintaining a single manufacturing process.
Solution Approach 2:
The security element employs multiple color coatings (first color coating, second color coating, third color coating) with different optical properties. When viewed from the top, different color combinations are visible depending on the viewing angle and which relief structures are in the foreground. This creates dynamic color changes that enhance authenticity verification without requiring complex active components.
3Reliability
If viewing-angle-dependent effects are implemented, then security against copying is improved, but the effects can still be reproduced by modern copying machines
Solution Approach 1:
The security element combines multiple materials with different optical properties: reflective materials for relief structures, translucent materials for flat structures, and various color coatings. This composite construction creates complex light interaction patterns including reflection, refraction, and absorption that vary with viewing angle. The combination of opaque and translucent layers at different heights creates optical effects that are extremely difficult to reproduce with simple copying equipment.
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 provides enhanced security against forgery by displaying different and unique color effects when viewed from opposite sides, making it difficult to reproduce, while being cost-effectively produced, and the narrow angular visibility of certain motifs adds an additional layer of authenticity assurance.
Implementation Method 1
a translucent colored flat structure is arranged on a height step between the two relief structures... the combined color effect of at least the translucent colored flat structure and the lower colored coating becomes visible
Implementation Method 2
the upper colored coating has at least one recess through which, when viewing the security element from above, the lower relief structure with the combined color effect of at least the translucent colored flat structure and the lower colored coating becomes visible
Implementation Method 3
The surface area of the safety element defines a plane and a z-axis perpendicular to it. The safety element features a multicolored reflective surface area containing two relief structures arranged at different heights in the z-direction
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The invention relates to an optically variable security element (14) having an appearance that is visually different from opposite sides (16, 18). According to the invention, the security element (14) comprises a multicolour reflective area (20) containing two relief structures (24, 34) which are arranged at different vertical levels in the z-direction and form an upper relief structure (34), which is closer to the upper side (16) of the security element, and a lower relief structure (24) which is closer to the lower side (18) of the security element. The lower relief structure (24) is provided with a lower colour coating (26), which follows the shape of the relief, and the upper relief structure (34) is provided with an upper colour coating (36) which follows the shape of the relief. In the z-direction, a translucent coloured planar structure (44) is arranged at a vertical level between the two relief structures (24, 34), wherein the two relief structures (24, 34) and the planar structure (44) overlap in an overlap region. In the overlap region, the upper colour coating (36) comprises at least one cut-out (35) in which, when viewed from the upper side, the lower relief structure (24) appears, together with the combined colour effect at least of the translucent coloured planar structure (44) and the lower colour coating (26). In the overlap region, the lower colour coating (26) comprises at least one cut-out (25) in which, when viewed from the lower side, the upper relief structure (34) appears, together with the combined colour effect at least of the translucent coloured planar structure (44) and the upper colour coating (36).