Multi-layer Security Document with Layer-specific Pixel Structures

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing security and value documents have low security against manipulation due to printed information being close to the surface and not forming a monolithic connection with the card blank, making them susceptible to forgery and manipulation.

Innovation Solution

Introducing image information into multiple layers of the document, where pixels in each layer have distinct shapes, sizes, arrangements, and numbers, creating a unique characteristic for each layer that can be authenticated using a detection device, analysis device, and testing device to determine the document's authenticity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Illumination intensity

If printed information is placed close to the surface for visibility, then the image is clearly visible, but the security against manipulation decreases because the protective layer does not form a monolithic connection

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage visibilityVSAvoidsecurity against manipulation
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a third dimension by embedding pixels into the bulk material of the card blank rather than placing them on the surface. This allows the image to be visible while forming a monolithic connection throughout the material depth, preventing manipulation while maintaining visibility.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The pixel structure is nested within the card blank material itself, with the protective layer surrounding and integrating the pixel. This nesting creates a monolithic connection where the pixel and protective layer form a unified structure that resists manipulation while maintaining image visibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Reliability

If a protective layer is applied over printed information, then protection against manipulation is improved, but the connection between protective layer and card blank becomes detachable and removable

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotection against manipulationVSAvoidmonolithic connection
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the protective layer with the card blank material by integrating the pixel structure into the bulk material. This combination creates a monolithic connection where the protective layer and card blank form a unified, non-detachable structure that maintains stability while providing protection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Ease of manufacture

If image information is printed on the surface, then the document is easy to produce, but subsequent manipulation of the printed matter becomes possible

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprinting process simplicityVSAvoidsusceptibility to forgery
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from surface-level printing to bulk-material embedding by placing pixels within the card blank's material structure. This dimensional change maintains ease of digital printing while eliminating susceptibility to forgery by making manipulation of the printed matter difficult.

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

Data Source

PatentEP2259929B1Document comprising a security print made from pixels composed of varied image points
Publication Date: 2018.06.27 BUNDESDRUCKEREI GMBH
  • EP2259929B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2259929B1 patent drawingFigure 3a~7
  • EP2259929B1 patent drawingFigure 8

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for producing a document (1). In said method, a) image data is introduced into a plurality of layers (5, 7, 9) of the document such that the combined image data creates a whole image; b) at least in a first layer (5) and a second layer (7), the image data is formed from pixels (40, 80) which each have one or more image points; c) in order to introduce a feature that is characteristic of the first layer (5) into the document (1): in the first layer (5), image points have a shape and/or size that is/are characteristic of the first layer (5) and is/are different from the shape and/or size of the image points in the second layer (7), and/or at least one pixel (80) in the first layer (5) is composed of image points that have a different shape, size, arrangement, and/or number than all the pixels (40) in the second layer (7).