Security Element With Dynamic UV-Visible Contrast Motif
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current security elements for data carriers, such as banknotes and identification documents, lack sufficient protection against forgery and authenticity verification simplicity.
Innovation Solution
A security element featuring microscopic individual elements with varying light-medium-dark contrasts under different illumination conditions, utilizing fluorescent materials that change visibility between visible light and UV light, creating a dynamic macroscopic motif when viewed under varying UV light exposure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional fluorescent security elements (fibers, planchettes, threads) are used, then security features are provided, but the level of security against forgery is insufficient and authenticity verification is complex
Solution Approach 1:
The security element is divided into multiple microscopic individual elements (at least three adjacent areas) that together form a macroscopic motif. Each microscopic element contains different luminescent materials that respond differently to UV light, creating segmented functional zones within a unified structure that simplifies verification while enhancing security
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs luminescent materials that change their optical properties under UV illumination. Different adjacent areas contain materials with different luminescence characteristics (fluorescent, phosphorescent, non-luminescent), creating dynamic visual changes when exposed to UV light that are easy to observe but difficult to replicate, thereby simplifying authentication while improving anti-forgery security
2Reliability
If multiple luminescent materials with different properties are used in adjacent areas, then dynamic visual effects under UV light are achieved, but the manufacturing process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The manufacturing process is segmented into distinct steps for applying different luminescent materials to adjacent areas. This segmentation allows each material type to be applied using optimized techniques while maintaining precise spatial control, reducing overall manufacturing complexity despite the multi-material requirement
Solution Approach 2:
Different luminescent materials are applied to specific adjacent areas based on their local functional requirements. Each area is tailored with materials that provide the desired luminescence characteristics for that specific zone, allowing optimized local manufacturing while maintaining overall production efficiency
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
Enhances security against forgery by providing a dynamic, visually distinguishable pattern that can be easily authenticated using UV light, offering improved protection and verification simplicity.
Implementation Method 1
a luminescent material, in particular a fluorescent material, which is invisible when illuminated with visible light and which, when illuminated with ultraviolet light, shows a bright visible color
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a security element for a data carrier, in particular a valuable document, comprising a carrier substrate, the front side of which comprises a macroscopic motif composed of a multiplicity of microscopic individual elements, wherein: the microscopic individual elements each contain at least three neighbouring regions generated by printing, which regions are designed in such a way that the observer perceives a so-called first bright-medium-dark contrast within each individual element under first observation conditions, a substantially uniform brightness within each individual element under second observation conditions and a so-called second bright-medium-dark contrast within each individual element under third observation conditions, which second bright-medium-dark contrast is inverted compared to the first bright-medium-dark contrast; and the microscopic individual elements cause a dynamic impression of the macroscopic motif for the observer in the case of an oscillating change between the first and the third observation conditions and the first, second and third observation conditions are defined as follows: first observation conditions: observation under illumination with visible light; second observation conditions: observation under illumination with a combination of visible light and ultraviolet light with substantially the same proportions; third observation conditions: observation under illumination with ultraviolet light.