Printed Security Feature Using Registered Screen Workings
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current security features in documents are becoming increasingly vulnerable to counterfeiting as counterfeiters develop more sophisticated methods, necessitating the creation of advanced security features that are difficult to reproduce and detect.
Innovation Solution
A printed security feature comprising two registered screen workings, where one working is defined by a grid of indicia carrying information and the other by a grid of screen elements, creating a multi-tonal image that conceals the information, making it difficult to counterfeit without specialized equipment and only apparent upon close examination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single printed working is used, then the manufacturing process is simple, but the security feature is easily reproduced by counterfeiters
Solution Approach 1:
The security feature is divided into two separate printed workings that are printed in sequence. The first working contains hidden indicia information, while the second working provides visual image content. This segmentation allows each layer to serve a specific function, making the overall feature more secure while maintaining manageable complexity through systematic design
Solution Approach 2:
The first printed working with hidden indicia is effectively nested within the structure of the second printed working. When viewed from a distance, only the second working's image is visible, while the first working's information is concealed within the same spatial area. This nesting approach maximizes information density and security without significantly increasing the physical footprint
2Reliability
If two registered printed workings are used to create a multi-tonal image, then the security against counterfeiting is enhanced, but the manufacturing precision requirement increases
Solution Approach 1:
Registration marks are printed as part of the first working before the second working is applied. These preliminary registration marks serve as reference points that guide the alignment process for the second working, ensuring accurate registration without requiring complex real-time adjustment mechanisms during manufacturing
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary registration system that mediates between the two printed workings. Registration marks and alignment features act as intermediaries that facilitate precise positioning of the second working relative to the first, reducing the direct precision requirements between the final image elements
3Loss of information
If the indicia information is fully visible, then the information retrieval is easy, but the security feature becomes obvious and less effective
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different visual properties to different regions of the printed feature. The indicia in the first working are designed with specific characteristics (such as fine line weight, small size, or low contrast) that make them invisible or difficult to detect in certain viewing conditions, while remaining accessible when examined closely with appropriate tools or from specific angles
4Reliability
If conventional printing is used, then the manufacturing cost is low, but the image quality and security feature complexity are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The security feature utilizes periodic screening patterns in both printed workings. These periodic halftone or screen patterns are created using standard printing techniques but create complex optical interactions when the two workings are overlaid, generating multi-tonal effects and hidden information that appear sophisticated while being manufactured through routine periodic printing processes
Data Source
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Figure 6(i)~6(a)
AI summary
A printed security feature is provided comprising at least a first and a second printed working. The first printed working is a screened working defined by a grid of screen elements having the form of indicia carrying information, and the second printed working is a screened working in register with the first printed working. The first and second printed workings appear, in combination, as a multi-tonal image, whereby the information carried by the indicia is at least partially concealed by the second printed working. A method of manufacturing a printed security feature is also provided.