Optically Variable Security Element With Reflective-Transmissive Motifs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optically variable security elements lack an attractive appearance and sufficient counterfeit protection, and do not provide multiple, independently verifiable pieces of information.
Innovation Solution
An optically variable security element with a partially reflective and partially transmissive feature region, featuring relief structures at different heights with distinct reflection-enhancing coatings, and a multicolored, translucent layer that creates different reflection and transmission motifs visible from different angles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing optically variable security elements are used, then basic security function is provided, but the appearance is not attractive and counterfeit protection is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The feature region is segmented into multiple partial regions (first partial region with first relief structure and first reflection-enhancing coating, second partial region with second relief structure and second reflection-enhancing coating, and transmission region). Each partial region contains relief structures at different heights with distinct reflection-enhancing coatings, creating multiple independently verifiable information layers that enhance counterfeit protection while maintaining a manageable structural complexity through systematic division.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces vertical dimensionality by arranging relief structures at different heights in the z-direction. The first and second relief structures are positioned at different heights, creating depth variation that produces different reflection motifs visible from different viewing directions. This multi-dimensional structure significantly enhances security features and visual appeal without proportionally increasing manufacturing complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple verification methods are implemented, then authentication capability is enhanced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The security element is designed with multi-functionality by incorporating both reflection-enhancing coatings for reflective verification and a translucent multicolored layer for transmission verification. The same feature region serves multiple purposes: the first and second partial regions provide reflection motifs visible from different angles, while the transmission region allows light transmission to reveal additional motifs. This universal design enables multiple verification methods within a single integrated structure, enhancing authentication capability without requiring separate components for each verification type.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple verification functions into a single integrated feature region. The reflective verification (through first and second reflection-enhancing coatings) and transmission verification (through translucent multicolored layer) are combined in one continuous structure. The relief structures and coatings are integrated such that the same physical features serve both reflection and transmission verification purposes, reducing overall device complexity while providing multiple independent verification methods.
3Reliability
If reflection-enhancing coatings are applied to enhance security, then counterfeit protection is improved, but the visual appeal and optical variability are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by using different reflection-enhancing coatings in different partial regions. The first partial region has a first reflection-enhancing coating with specific optical properties, while the second partial region has a second reflection-enhancing coating with different optical properties. Each coating is optimized for its specific location to maintain both high counterfeit protection and visual appeal. The transmission region uses a translucent multicolored layer that provides enhanced visual attractiveness while maintaining security functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates color changes through the use of different reflection-enhancing coatings in the first and second partial regions, and a translucent multicolored layer in the transmission region. These color variations create optically variable effects that enhance visual appeal and make counterfeit detection more effective. The color changes are integrated with the relief structures to provide both aesthetic value and security functionality simultaneously.
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 security element provides an attractive appearance with high counterfeit protection, allowing multiple, independently verifiable information through distinct reflection and transmission motifs, enhancing authentication verification.
Implementation Method 1
The first and second partial regions reflect incident light differently. The first and second reflection motifs are visible to different degrees depending on the viewing direction.
Implementation Method 2
The transmission region forms a transmission motif visible in transmission, which is multicolored and appears in transmission with two or more bright colors.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3(a)~3(b)
Figure 8
AI summary
The invention relates to an optically variable security element (20) for protecting items of value, the surface area of which element defines a z axis perpendicular thereto, said element comprising a partially reflective and partially transmissive feature region (24). The feature region (24) contains a first sub-region (52) having a first reflection-enhancing coating (36), which first sub-region forms a first reflection motif (80) that is visible in reflection, and said feature region also contains a second sub-region (54) having a second reflection-enhancing coating (46), which second sub-region forms a second reflection motif (82) that is visible in reflection. The first and second sub-regions (50, 52) reflect incident light differently, the first and second reflection motifs (80, 82) having different visibility depending on a viewing direction (62, 64). The feature region (24) also contains a transmission region (56) in which the first and/or second reflection-enhancing coating (36, 46) is omitted and which forms a transmission motif (84) that is visible in transmission, multi-coloured, and appears with two or more chromatic colours in transmission.