Recessed ID Document Portraits for Abrasion-Resistant Color Security

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing identification documents face challenges in providing durable and secure colored portraits due to limited color range and equipment costs in laser irradiation, and vulnerability to abrasion and counterfeiting in inkjet-printing methods, which create raised areas prone to removal and detection.

Innovation Solution

Inkjet-printed colored images and varnish material are positioned completely within a recess in the substrate, eliminating raised areas and enhancing durability and security by embedding the features within the surface.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If inkjet-printing is used to create a colored image on the surface of the substrate, then broad color range and cost-effectiveness are achieved, but the colored image becomes prone to abrasion and counterfeiting due to raised areas

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecost-effectiveness and color rangeVSAvoiddurability and security

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The colored image and varnish material are nested within a recess formed in the substrate surface, rather than sitting on top of it. This nesting approach allows the inkjet-printed colored image to be protected by embedding it within the substrate structure, eliminating the raised area vulnerability while maintaining the cost-effective inkjet printing method.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The solution transitions from a two-dimensional surface printing approach to a three-dimensional embedded structure by forming a recess in the substrate. This dimensional change allows the colored image to be positioned within the substrate depth, creating a flush or recessed surface that resists abrasion and counterfeiting while maintaining inkjet printing advantages.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Reliability

If laser irradiation is used to create a colored image, then durability is enhanced due to embedding in the substrate, but the color range is limited and equipment cost is high

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovedurabilityVSAvoidequipment cost and color range

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary recess structure that mediates between the inkjet printing process and the substrate surface. This recess allows inkjet-printed material to achieve embedded protection similar to laser irradiation, but using the simpler and more cost-effective inkjet printing technology with broader color capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The solution changes the physical parameter of the substrate surface by creating a recess, which transforms how the colored image interacts with the surface. This parameter change enables inkjet-printed material to achieve the durability characteristics previously only attainable through laser irradiation, while maintaining the advantages of inkjet printing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If a raised area is created to protect the colored image with varnish material, then the colored image is protected, but the raised area is prone to removal by scraping and detection by border control officers

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection of colored imageVSAvoidvulnerability to scraping and detection

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of creating a raised area to protect the colored image, the patent inverts the approach by creating a recess and embedding the colored image within it. This inversion eliminates the protruding surface that is vulnerable to scraping and detection, while still providing protection through the substrate structure and varnish material applied within the recess.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

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 provides a cost-effective, broad color range with enhanced durability and security, reducing the risk of removal or detection, while maintaining the integrity of the identification document.

Implementation Method 1

the colored image is inkjet-printed in the recess

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectInkjet printing:

Implementation Method 2

The reactive layer is modified by laser irradiation to create a colored image

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLaser irradiation: Laser

Implementation Method 3

The reactive layer is modified by laser irradiation to create a colored image which is embedded in the identification document

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotothermal effect:

Data Source

PatentEP4703145A1Identification document with a recess for identification feature and method of manufacturing it

Publication Date: 2026.03.04 TOPPAN SECURITY SAS

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Figure 4~5
Figure 6~7

AI summary

A personalized identification document (1) comprising a substrate (5) and an identification feature (15). The substrate (5) comprises an outer surface portion (35) and a recess (10) formed within the outer surface portion (35). The identification feature (15) comprises an inkjet-printed colored image (16) and a varnish material (17). The inkjet-printed colored image (16) is positioned completely within the recess (10). The varnish material (17) is provided completely within the recess (10) and covers the inkjet-printed colored image (16) to the outside.