Security Element Combining Diffractive and Scattering Structures
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current security elements for securities and security papers lack sufficient protection against counterfeiting, as they rely on single types of features that can be easily replicated or detected using conventional methods.
Innovation Solution
A security element combining diffractive and diffusely scattering structures that create a movement image when viewed from different angles, along with static and viewing angle-independent features, enhancing customization and protection against counterfeiting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If single types of security features are used, then the security element is simple to manufacture, but the protection against counterfeiting is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple types of security features (diffractive structures, micromirrors, beam-optically effective facets, achromatic reflective structures, and diffusely scattering structures) into a single security element. This merging of different feature types creates a composite security system that is difficult to replicate, as each feature type contributes different optical properties and counterfeit detection characteristics, thereby resolving the contradiction between security strength and feature complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The security element utilizes composite structural arrangements combining different material properties and optical characteristics. The diffractive structures, reflective elements, and scattering features are integrated in specific spatial relationships, creating a composite security feature system that leverages the advantages of each component while maintaining overall structural coherence, thus enhancing counterfeiting protection without excessive complexity.
2Reliability
If multiple types of security features are combined, then the protection against counterfeiting is increased, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The security element is divided into distinct functional regions, with each region containing specific types of security features (e.g., diffractive structures in one region, micromirrors in another, scattering features in a third). This segmentation allows for specialized manufacturing processes to be applied to each feature type independently, simplifying the overall manufacturing complexity while maintaining the benefits of multiple security feature combinations.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the security element are designed with locally optimized features tailored to specific security and aesthetic requirements. This local quality approach enables selective application of manufacturing techniques appropriate to each feature type, reducing the need for complex multi-step manufacturing processes while still achieving high-level security through feature diversity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If diffractive and reflective structures are used, then a movement image is created enhancing security, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The security element incorporates dynamic optical effects through the integration of diffractive structures and reflective elements that respond to changes in lighting conditions and viewing angles. The diffractive structures create movement images that shift as light sources move or viewing angles change, while the reflective elements enhance these effects. This dynamic behavior provides adaptability and design customizability without requiring overly complex static structures, as the security features naturally respond to environmental variations.
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 combination of motion and static features significantly increases protection against counterfeiting by providing a high degree of customizability and varied design options, making it difficult for counterfeiters to replicate the security elements effectively.
Implementation Method 1
first structures (3) which first structures (3) reflect a first piece of information into different spatial regions, so that a movement image is created for a viewer when a light source (8) is moved accordingly and/or when a viewing angle is changed
Implementation Method 2
the second structures (5) are formed by diffusely scattering structures
Data Source
AI summary
A security element for securities or security papers has at least one first region having first structures, which first structures reflect a first piece of information into different spatial regions, so that a movement image is created for a viewer with corresponding movement of a light source and/or a change in the viewing angle. When the light source and/or when the viewing angle is changed, a movement of the first piece of information is simultaneously created. The security element is thereby formed with at least one second region having second structures, which second structures reproduce a static and/or viewing angle-independent second piece of information. In addition, a process manufactures a security element.