Security Device Dual Tilt Axis Pattern Contrast

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current security devices for authenticating valuable objects, such as banknotes and passports, face challenges in providing a dynamic and complex visual effect that is difficult to replicate, as they often rely on static or easily imitable features like holograms and luminescent inks, and there is a need for innovative designs that change appearance with tilt angles to enhance security.

Innovation Solution

A security device featuring two overlapping patterns with different tilt axes, where one region exhibits a maximum rate of change in obstruction when tilted about a specific axis, while the other region remains relatively unchanged, creating a distinctive contrast that shifts as the device is tilted, and this effect can be enhanced by varying the pattern direction and lateral offset across regions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a venetian blind device with two overlapping patterns is used, then the device provides a dark/light switching effect that is difficult to photocopy, but the visual impact is relatively low and may be overlooked during quick evaluation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecurity against photocopyingVSAvoidvisual impact
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by creating different visual effects in different regions of the device. Specifically, it uses a first region with a first tilt axis and a second region with a second tilt axis that is not parallel to the first. This allows each region to exhibit maximum rate of change in obstruction at different tilt angles, creating locally optimized visual impacts that collectively enhance overall security while maintaining aesthetic appeal.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamics by configuring the patterns to exhibit different behaviors at different tilt angles. The first region exhibits maximum rate of change in obstruction when tilted about the first tilt axis, while the second region exhibits maximum rate of change when tilted about the second tilt axis. This dynamic, angle-dependent behavior creates a complex visual effect that is both secure and visually striking.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If multiple regions with different tilt axes are implemented, then the visual effect becomes more complex and secure against counterfeiting, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecurity against counterfeitingVSAvoidpattern configuration
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies segmentation by dividing the device into multiple distinct regions, each with its own tilt axis configuration. The first region is configured with a first tilt axis while the second region is configured with a second tilt axis that is not parallel to the first. This segmentation allows each region to be optimized independently for security while maintaining overall device functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 device provides a dynamic and complex visual effect that is highly secure, as the changing contrast between regions when tilted makes it difficult to counterfeit, offering a strong visual impact and enhanced authentication capabilities.

Implementation Method 1

the first and second patterns in combination obstructing the passage of light transmitted to a viewer through the device to a varying degree depending on the viewing position

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight obstruction: Absorption (EM radiation)

Implementation Method 2

two overlapping, pattern of elements spaced by a transparent layer

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight transmission: Refraction

Data Source

PatentEP3530479B1Security devices
Publication Date: 2021.03.31 DE LA RUE INTERNATIONAL LTD
  • EP3530479B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2(c)
  • EP3530479B1 patent drawingFigure 3(a)~3(c)
  • EP3530479B1 patent drawingFigure 3(d)(i)~3(f)

AI summary

A security device is provided comprising a first pattern of elements (P1) and a reflective surface (159) spaced by a transparent layer (1), the first patterns of elements obstructing the passage of light reflected to a viewer by the device to a varying degree depending on the viewing position, wherein the first pattern of elements is configured to define at least two regions of the device (154, 155), of which a first region exhibits a maximum rate of change in the degree of obstruction with tilt angle when the device is tilted relative to the viewer about a first tilt axis, and a second region exhibits a maximum rate of change in the degree of obstruction with tilt angle when the device is tilted relative to the viewer about a second tilt axis which is not parallel to the first tilt axis.