Security Element with Oriented Pigment Zones for Parallax Effect

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing devices for protecting documents, such as banknotes, fail to effectively create a dynamic visual motion effect that simulates parallax upon tilting, which is essential for authentication and counterfeiting prevention.

Innovation Solution

A device comprising a substrate with alternating zones of hardened coatings containing oriented pigment particles that imitate different curved surfaces, creating a dynamic visual motion effect by simulating movement in different planes when tilted, achieved through the use of magnetic fields to orient pigment particles in transparent binders.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a single coating with oriented pigment particles is applied to create a visual motion effect, then the device structure remains simple, but the dynamic visual motion effect simulating parallax is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveauthentication securityVSAvoidcoating structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The device divides the coating into multiple distinct zones (first zone with first curved surface orientation, second zone with second curved surface orientation) that can be differentially oriented using magnetic fields. This segmentation allows each zone to contribute differently to the overall visual effect, creating the parallax phenomenon when the document is tilted, thereby enhancing authentication security without requiring overly complex structures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different zones of the coating are given different local qualities through varying pigment particle orientations. The first zone has particles oriented to imitate a first curved surface, while the second zone has particles oriented to imitate a second curved surface. This local differentiation creates the dynamic visual motion effect and parallax illusion, improving authentication reliability while maintaining reasonable device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Reliability

If multiple coatings with different pigment orientations are applied to create dynamic visual motion effect, then the visual security feature is enhanced, but the manufacturing process becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecounterfeiting preventionVSAvoidprinting process

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex mechanical printing processes with magnetic field application. Instead of using multiple printing passes or complex mechanical alignment systems to create differently oriented pigment zones, the invention applies coating material and then uses magnetic fields to orient the pigment particles in different zones to different curved surface orientations. This substitution significantly simplifies the manufacturing process while maintaining enhanced counterfeiting prevention capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If pigment particles are oriented to imitate curved surfaces, then a 3D depth effect is created, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevisual effect authenticityVSAvoidpigment orientation control

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces magnetic fields as an intermediary mechanism to control pigment particle orientation. Rather than relying on complex mechanical alignment or precise printing registration systems, the magnetic field acts as a mediator that naturally orients the pigment particles to imitate curved surfaces. This intermediary approach reduces manufacturing precision requirements while maintaining the authenticity and quality of the 3D depth visual effect.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 device provides a robust security feature that enhances document authentication by creating a convincing 3D depth effect, making it difficult to counterfeit, and can be applied using various printing methods and substrates, including paper and metallic materials.

Implementation Method 1

achieved through the use of magnetic fields to orient pigment particles in transparent binders

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic field: Magnetic Field

Data Source

PatentUS9199502B2Security element displaying a visual motion effect and method for producing same

Publication Date: 2015.12.01 SICPA HOLDING SA

AI summary

Device for the counterfeit protection of a banknote, a document of value or an article. The device includes a substrate (S), and on the substrate (S) a plurality of jointly visible zones of first (1) and of second (2) hardened coatings including oriented pigment particles (P1, P2) in a transparent binder (M1, M2), the first (1) hardened coating having a pigment orientation imitating a first curved surface and the second (2) hardened coating having a pigment orientation imitating a second curved surface different from the first curved surface. The device is characterized in that, along a linear section through the device, at least one zone of the second (2) hardened coating is contiguously located between two zones of the first (1) hardened coating. Method for producing the device, the use of the device, as well as security documents carrying said device.