Secure Document Structure with Luminescent Opacity Layer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current secure structures, such as passports, face challenges in providing cost-effective multi-level authentication while maintaining tamper-proofing and preventing counterfeiting, as existing solutions often require expensive electronic devices and lack redundancy in authentication methods.
Innovation Solution
A secure structure is designed with a first layer of modified opacity and a luminescent agent, where light from excitation sources like UV or infrared makes features visible, and the structure is flexible and tamper-proof, using a fibrous material with a secure band and electronic devices for enhanced authentication and evidence of tampering.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If electronic devices (e.g., RFID) are introduced into security structures for higher level authentication, then authentication reliability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the authentication system into multiple independent layers: optical authentication features (watermarks, fluorescent elements) and electronic authentication features (RFID chips). Each layer can function independently, allowing authorities to choose appropriate authentication levels without requiring expensive electronic equipment for all verification scenarios.
Solution Approach 2:
The security structure incorporates multiple authentication mechanisms (optical watermarks, fluorescent regions, electronic RFID tags) within a single document, enabling it to serve multiple authentication purposes. The same document can be verified using simple visual inspection, UV light illumination, or electronic readers depending on the available resources.
2Ease of operation
If visual authentication measures (watermarks, fluorescent ink) are used, then ease of operation is improved, but authentication reliability is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple authentication technologies into a composite security document: traditional watermarks in the paper substrate, fluorescent ink regions visible under UV light, and embedded electronic RFID chips. This composite structure maintains ease of visual inspection while adding layers of reliability that prevent counterfeiting.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the security document have specialized properties: certain areas contain watermarks visible in transmitted light, other regions have fluorescent ink that glows under UV illumination, and specific zones embed electronic chips. This localized distribution of authentication features allows verification through multiple independent channels.
3Use of energy by moving object
If the first layer has reduced thickness in the region of modified opacity, then luminescent light transmission is improved, but tamper resistance is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses regions of modified opacity that appear pale or transparent in normal light but become visible when illuminated by UV light, causing the luminescent agent to glow. This optical property allows the thin region to transmit luminescent light effectively while the region remains concealed from casual observation, maintaining security.
Solution Approach 2:
The region of modified opacity is created during the document manufacturing process, before the document is issued. The reduced thickness and luminescent properties are pre-established, so that any attempt to separate layers or tamper with the document will disrupt this carefully engineered structure and reveal the tampering through loss of the optical effect.
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 solution enables cost-effective, multi-level authentication and tamper-proofing, allowing for visual authentication without expensive equipment, while providing evidence of attempts to separate layers, thus enhancing the security of documents like passports.
Implementation Method 1
a luminescent agent positioned relative to the at least one additional layer and the first layer such that upon excitation of the luminescent agent, light produced by the luminescent agent propagates through the first layer to become observable
Implementation Method 2
The luminescent agent is excitable by at least one of ultraviolet light and infrared light
Data Source
Figure 1A~1C
Figure 2~3C
Figure 4
AI summary
A structure, in particular, a secure document such as a passport is provided. The structure includes a first layer (4) comprising a région of modified opacity (40), at least one additional layer (30; 6; 9) fixed relative to the first layer (4), and a luminescent agent (37) positioned relative to the at least one additional layer and the first layer such that upon excitation of the luminescent agent, light produced by the luminescent agent propagates through the first layer to become observable and render features of the région of modified opacity apparent. The région of modified opacity is not visible in light transmitted from any side of the structure.