Optically Variable Security Feature Using Screen Printing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current security features for high-quality products are either expensive to produce or can be easily imitated, leading to economic and image damage for original manufacturers, and pose safety risks when used in critical applications.
Innovation Solution
A printed product with a combined optical security feature that integrates a latent image and optically variable colors, produced using screen printing with raised lines and pigments, providing a strong, cost-effective, and easily verifiable security solution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional security features like holograms are used, then security protection is improved, but production cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two independent security features (latent image and optically variable ink) into a single integrated security element that is applied in one printing process, eliminating the need for separate application steps and reducing overall production cost while maintaining high security protection
Solution Approach 2:
The security feature uses composite material structure combining raised line structures with optically variable pigments in a single ink formulation, creating a multi-functional security element that provides both latent image and color shift effects without requiring multiple material layers or complex assembly
2Ease of operation
If well-known security features like latent image are used, then ease of verification is improved, but susceptibility to counterfeiting increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the latent image feature with optically variable ink in a single security element, creating a composite feature that is easily verifiable through angle-dependent color changes while simultaneously increasing counterfeiting difficulty due to the complexity of reproducing both effects together
Solution Approach 2:
The security feature incorporates optically variable pigments specifically in the raised line structures of the latent image, creating localized optical effects that enhance verification capability while making counterfeiting more difficult due to the precision required to replicate the localized color shifts
3Reliability
If multiple separate security features are applied, then security protection is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies both latent image and optically variable ink effects through a single screen printing process using one integrated ink formulation, eliminating the need for multiple separate application steps, additional material layers, and complex assembly procedures
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 combined security feature enhances the visibility and reliability of the latent image with a tilting effect, making it difficult to counterfeit while maintaining cost-effectiveness and ease of production.
Implementation Method 1
The variations in the perceived color impression are primarily due to interference caused by the special pigments in the printing ink
Implementation Method 2
The difference in brightness results from the different shadows cast by the line structures, which are oriented perpendicular to the angle of the light
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to an open optical security feature which provides for a high level of security and can be produced relatively straightforwardly in a technical production method. The security features of optically variable inks with tilt effect and the properties of a latent image are combined with one another and interwoven. By virtue of the security feature being generated by printing, the security feature can be realized in a cost-effective manner, but nevertheless with a very high level of security being provided. The resulting security feature can readily be verified at any time, by any desired individual, without any additional auxiliary means being required.