Multi-layer Security Document with Nested Anti-forgery Elements

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing security and valuable documents can be forged by removing and reapplying security elements without destruction, allowing unauthorized use on other documents.

Innovation Solution

The document features personalized graphic information distributed across multiple layers using different imaging technologies, with security elements integrated within the layer structure, making removal or manipulation difficult as it destroys the overall information.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a security element is applied directly on the passport photo in a single printed layer, then the security element is easily accessible and can be removed and reapplied, but the document is vulnerable to forgery and the security element can be reused on forged documents

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecurity protectionVSAvoidaccessibility of security element
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from a two-dimensional single-layer structure to a three-dimensional multi-layer structure. The security element is positioned in a different spatial plane (between layers 5 and 6) rather than directly on the surface, making it inaccessible for removal while maintaining its protective function. This dimensional change resolves the contradiction by making the security element both protective and inaccessible.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The security element is nested within the multi-layer document structure, specifically between layers 5 and 6. This nesting integrates the security element into the document's internal architecture rather than placing it on the external surface, preventing removal while maintaining security functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Reliability

If the overall graphic information is distributed across multiple layers using different imaging technologies, then manipulation becomes more difficult, but the document structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotection against forgeryVSAvoidlayer structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The overall graphic information is segmented into multiple partial information items (first, second, and further partial information) distributed across different layers (layers 5 and 6). Each layer contains a portion of the complete information, and removing any layer destroys the overall graphic information. This segmentation provides anti-forgery protection while managing complexity through systematic distribution.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different layers contain different types of partial information with distinct local qualities - some layers may contain laser-engraved information, others color-printed information, and others structurally encoded information. This local differentiation enhances security while organizing complexity through functional specialization of each layer.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentEP2244887B1Security and/or value document
Publication Date: 2013.11.20 BUNDESDRUCKEREI GMBH
  • EP2244887B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2244887B1 patent drawingFigure 2~4
  • EP2244887B1 patent drawingFigure 5~7

AI summary

The invention relates to a security and/or value document (1) comprising personalized comprehensive graphic data (2) composed of at least two pieces of partial graphic data (3, 4) that overlap in a direction (R) perpendicular to a main area (H) of the security and/or value document and complement each other to form the comprehensive graphic data, the partial data being represented using identical or different imaging technologies and being copied onto the same or different layers (5, 6) of the security and/or value document. One or more security elements (7) are arranged at least in one subarea of the comprehensive graphic data, above, below, and/or between the layers in a direction (R) perpendicular to a main area of the security and/or value document. The surface of the security and/or value document is formed by a protective layer (8) without a security element.