Security Element with Overlapping Fluorescent Prints
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current security elements for value documents, such as banknotes and identity cards, are vulnerable to counterfeiting due to the increasing availability of fluorescent inks and materials, which can be easily replicated using standard ultraviolet lamps, leading to complexity and cost issues in manufacturing and authentication.
Innovation Solution
A security element with overlapping impressions invisible to visible light but revealed under specific wavelength ranges, utilizing stroboscopic lighting to reveal hidden information, which are printed on the same or opposite faces of a support, allowing for complex and secure authentication without the need for expensive materials or equipment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If fluorescent inks and materials are used for security elements, then authentication can be performed with simple tools, but counterfeiting becomes easier due to availability of these materials
Solution Approach 1:
The security element is divided into multiple independent impressions (first impression with first fluorescent material, second impression with second fluorescent material) that only reveal their true value when combined through overlapping. Each impression alone appears as simple fluorescent patterns, but their superposition creates hidden information that is difficult to counterfeit.
Solution Approach 2:
One fluorescent impression is embedded within or alongside another fluorescent impression on the same support. The impressions are positioned to overlap in specific regions, creating a nested structure where the meaningful information is hidden within the combination of layers rather than in any single layer.
2Reliability
If transparent windows and UV blocking layers are added to create fluorescent patterns, then counterfeiting difficulty increases, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates the need for complex structural elements like transparent windows and UV blocking layers. Instead, it uses only fluorescent materials applied directly to the support in overlapping impressions, simplifying the manufacturing process while maintaining security through the hidden information created by superposition.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the approach from modifying the physical structure of the support (adding windows and blocking layers) to modifying the optical parameters of the ink layers themselves. By using fluorescent materials with different excitation or emission characteristics that reveal hidden information through overlapping, it achieves enhanced security without additional structural complexity.
3Reliability
If multiple fluorescent materials with different colors are used, then authentication complexity increases, but so does the number of materials and manufacturing steps
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple fluorescent impressions are merged onto a single support in overlapping regions. Rather than using multiple separate security elements or complex multi-layer structures, the invention combines multiple fluorescent patterns on one support, where their superposition creates the hidden information. This reduces the quantity of materials and simplifies manufacturing while maintaining high authentication security.
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
Enhances security by rendering counterfeiting futile through the use of inexpensive authentication devices and reduces manufacturing complexity and costs, while providing a secure and recognizable hidden information under specific lighting conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a first print (2) made by means of a first fluorescent material invisible to visible light and revealed under a first range of wavelengths (365 nm) outside the spectrum of visible light, and a second print (3) made by means of a second fluorescent material invisible to visible light and revealed under a second range of wavelengths (254 nm) outside the spectrum of visible light
Implementation Method 2
Hidden information (IC) is revealed under stroboscopic lighting (alternating illumination) under two wavelength ranges which respectively correspond to said first and second wavelength ranges
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The invention relates particularly to a security element comprising a support (1) on which there is at least one print (2; 2'; 2"; 3), including a first print (2) which is invisible to visible light but revealed under a first wavelength range (λ1) outside the visible light spectrum, and a second print (3) which is invisible to visible light but revealed under a second wavelength range (λ2) outside the visible light spectrum, said first and second prints (2, 3) extending in regions which partially cover each other, thereby forming at least one covering region (4), characterised in that it comprises hidden information (IC) formed by said at least one covering region (4), hidden information (IC) revealed under a stroboscopic lighting that alternates lighting under two wavelength ranges corresponding respectively to said first and second wavelength ranges (λ1 and λ2).