Optically Variable Security Device with Relief Image
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current security components for valuable documents, such as banknotes and identity cards, are difficult to reproduce and counterfeit due to their complexity, but there is a need for even more challenging-to-reproduce components that provide enhanced security through optical effects and relief images that change appearance with different observation configurations.
Innovation Solution
A security device featuring a support with first and second zones producing distinct optical effects, where an image in relief is configured to reveal one graphic element while concealing another, using light variations to scramble or reveal security information based on observation configuration, combining optical effects with relief to create a play of shadows, colors, or diffraction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple printing techniques and optical effects are combined to create complex security components, then the difficulty of counterfeiting increases, but the manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple optical effects (holographic elements, diffractive structures, color-shifting materials) and printing techniques (intaglio, offset, letterpress) into a single integrated security component. This merging creates a multi-layered security feature that is difficult to counterfeit while maintaining manufacturability through coordinated processing steps
Solution Approach 2:
The security component utilizes composite structures combining different materials with distinct optical properties - holographic foils, diffractive gratings, color-shifting inks, and relief structures. These composite materials provide enhanced security characteristics that are difficult to replicate with single-material systems
2Ease of operation
If security features are made easily identifiable to the naked eye, then verification becomes simpler, but the features become easier to reproduce and counterfeit
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates color-shifting materials and optical variables that change appearance based on viewing angle, lighting conditions, or orientation. These dynamic color changes provide easily observable verification features that are extremely difficult to replicate with static reproduction methods
Solution Approach 2:
The security component incorporates dynamic optical effects including holographic animations, diffractive rainbow effects, and color-shifting properties that change with observation configuration. These dynamic characteristics provide simple visual verification while resisting counterfeiting attempts
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional printing equipment is used to produce security components, then manufacturing becomes easier, but the components become easier to reproduce with consumer equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The security component is divided into distinct functional layers and zones, each produced by specialized printing or optical techniques. This segmentation allows standard equipment to produce individual layers while the combination of layers creates anti-counterfeiting properties that consumer equipment cannot 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 enhances the difficulty of counterfeiting by ensuring that information is partially revealed or hidden depending on the observation configuration, providing a complex and secure authentication mechanism that is challenging to replicate.
Implementation Method 1
at least one of the effects is generated by a diffractive grating... The diffracting grating produces at least one first characteristic rainbow appearance... and at least one second characteristic coloured appearance
Implementation Method 2
the image acts in synergy with the optical effects generated to produce a play of shadow and light, or even of colors, by concentrating, diffusing or diffracting the light coming from a light source
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2C
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
This security device comprises a security component (16) which comprises at least first (Z1) and second (Z2) zones that respectively produce first and second optical effects that each have at least two characteristic aspects in different observation configurations of the component (16). More precisely, the device comprises an image (18) which is at least partially in relief and is obtained by deformation of said component (16) and of said backing (10) to which said component (16) is affixed, this image (18) comprising at least a first and a second graphic element (20; 22) and extending at least partially in the two zones (Z1, Z2), and at least said first (20) and second (22) graphic elements of the image (18) are respectively revealed in the first (Z1) and second (Z2) zones by the appearance of at least one of the two aspects of the first and second optical effects, respectively.