Plastic Card Security Feature Using Overt and Covert Print Elements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current plastic cards rely primarily on overt security features that are easily replicable, necessitating the integration of embedded and forensic security features to enhance authenticity verification.
Innovation Solution
A plastic card design incorporating both overt and covert print elements, where the covert element is only visible with a light source, providing a harmonized image that enhances security by requiring specialized equipment for verification, and potentially including embedded or forensic features like optical brighteners for additional authentication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If only overt security features are used in plastic cards, then manufacturing is simple and cost-effective, but security against counterfeiting is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The security feature is divided into two distinct segments: an overt print element visible to the naked eye and a covert print element requiring light source illumination. This segmentation allows the card to provide multiple levels of security verification while maintaining manufacturing simplicity, as each segment can be applied using standard printing techniques on separate card layers
Solution Approach 2:
A transparent window feature is introduced as an intermediary element between the overt and covert print elements. This window serves as a mediator that allows light to pass through to reveal the covert element while maintaining the visibility of the overt element, thereby enabling dual-level verification without complicating the overall card structure
2Reliability
If covert security features requiring specialized equipment are added, then authentication capability is enhanced, but verification difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The authentication process is segmented into two distinct verification methods: visual inspection of the overt element for quick authentication and light-source illumination for detailed verification of the covert element. This segmentation allows users to choose the appropriate verification level based on their needs, balancing authentication capability with verification ease
Solution Approach 2:
The card's transparent window feature enables self-service verification by allowing users to easily illuminate the card with a light source to reveal the covert element. This eliminates the need for complex specialized equipment, as common light sources suffice for verification while still providing enhanced authentication capability
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 combination of overt and covert print elements and embedded security features significantly increases the difficulty of replicating the card, offering enhanced protection against counterfeiting and identity theft, while maintaining cost-effectiveness and simplicity in manufacturing.
Implementation Method 1
a covert print element in the card body. The covert element is only visible with the use of a light source
Implementation Method 2
A window feature is created by integrating a clear insert directly into one layer of the card body
Data Source
AI summary
A plastic card includes a multi-layer card body into which is integrated a window-type security feature. The card body includes a core layer that is laminated between top and bottom opaque print layers. The security feature includes a transparent insert incorporated into the core layer that serves as a light-transmissive card window. Overt and covert print elements are printed onto the top and bottom surfaces, respectively, of top print layer in alignment with the clear insert, with only the overt print element visible in natural light. By contrast, covert print element is only viewable by illuminating the partially light-transmissive top print layer through the insert. Preferably, the overt and covert print elements are tightly nested design elements that render the resulting harmonized image more difficult to replicate by unscrupulous individuals. Additionally, the insert is preferably dosed with a UV brightener to provide a forensic-level of security to the plastic card.