Overlapping IR Security Inks for Single-Method Authentication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current security articles, such as banknotes, require multiple security features to prevent forgery, but combining IR active inks with other inks complicates authentication, necessitating different measurement methods.
Innovation Solution
A security article with a substrate coated by a first IR luminescent ink and a second non-luminescent IR absorbing ink, where the inks overlap, allowing for dual security features to be identified using a single measurement method by measuring the emission spectrum above the overlap area, as the emission spectrum of the first ink and absorption spectrum of the second ink overlap in the IR range.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If IR active inks are combined with other security inks on different areas of the security article, then the level of protection against forgery is improved, but different measurement methods are required for authentication
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines IR luminescent ink and non-luminescent IR absorbing ink in an overlapping configuration on the same security article. This merging of multiple security ink types into a single integrated system allows both security features to be detected using a single measurement method, resolving the contradiction between improved forgery protection and reduced measurement complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The security article is designed to provide multiple security features (IR luminescence and IR absorption) that can both be evaluated through a universal measurement approach. The overlapping ink configuration enables a single measurement system to detect both the luminescent and absorbing properties, achieving multi-functionality without requiring separate measurement methods
2Reliability
If multiple security features are applied to enhance security, then the level of protection against forgery is improved, but the authentication process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple security features are merged into an overlapping ink configuration where IR luminescent ink and non-luminescent IR absorbing ink are applied in overlapping areas. This integration allows authentication systems to evaluate both security features simultaneously through a single measurement process, maintaining high security while simplifying operation
Solution Approach 2:
The security article uses a composite ink system combining luminescent and non-luminescent IR-active materials in overlapping layers. This composite approach creates multiple detectable security features within a unified structure that can be assessed through one authentication measurement, improving ease of operation while maintaining reliability
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
This approach enhances protection against forgery while simplifying authentication, allowing for reliable identification of both security features with a single measurement, providing a high level of security without the need for multiple measurement methods.
Implementation Method 1
the first ink includes at least one IR luminescent dye and/or at least one IR luminescent pigment
Implementation Method 2
the second ink includes at least one preferably non-luminescent IR absorbing pigment and/or at least one preferably non-luminescent IR absorbing dye
Data Source
AI summary
A security system, such as a banknote, comprises: i) a substrate, ii) a first ink, which is applied on at least a part of at least one surface of the substrate, wherein the first ink includes at least one IR luminescent dye and/or at least one IR luminescent pigment, and iii) a second non-luminescent ink, which is applied on at least a part of at least one surface of the substrate onto which the first ink is/are applied, wherein the second ink includes at least one non-luminescent IR absorbing pigment and/or a least one non-luminescent IR absorbing dye, wherein the first ink and the second ink at least partially overlap on the at least one surface of the substrate, wherein the second ink is applied in the overlapping area onto the first ink, and wherein the emission spectrum of the first ink and the absorption spectrum of the second ink at least partially overlap.