Security Element with Fluorescent Zones and Focusing Means
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current anti-counterfeit features on banknotes, such as UV features, have become easier to reproduce with advancements in digital imaging and inkjet technology, leading to a loss of confidence in the authenticity of banknotes, and existing solutions are either complex or difficult for the public to use effectively.
Innovation Solution
A security element comprising a reflecting layer with an array of focusing means overlaid with pre-printed fluorescent zones, which changes fluorescence and color based on the angle of incidence of UV light, providing a dynamic and varying image that is difficult to reproduce and easy to use, enhancing user confidence by encouraging closer examination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If simple UV fluorescent features are used on banknotes, then they are easy to use and understand by the public, but they have become easy to reproduce with digital imaging and inkjet technology
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by creating a UV feature that changes its appearance dynamically based on the angle of illumination. The fluorescent image rotates or changes configuration when viewed from different angles under UV light, transforming a static, easily replicable feature into a dynamic one that requires specialized optical elements to reproduce, thereby maintaining public ease of use while significantly improving anti-counterfeit security.
2Reliability
If complex anti-counterfeit features are incorporated, then security against counterfeiting is improved, but the features become difficult for the public to use and understand
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes color changes under UV illumination to create a visually striking and easily recognizable security feature. The fluorescent zones emit light in specific colors when exposed to UV, and the rotating or changing configuration of these colored zones provides an intuitive visual indicator of authenticity that is both secure and simple for the public to verify.
3Ease of manufacture
If traditional UV fluorescent features are used, then they provide static images, but these static images are easy to reproduce with modern printing technology
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the fluorescent image into multiple zones that can rotate or change configuration independently under UV light. This segmentation transforms a single static image into multiple dynamic elements whose relative positions change with illumination angle, creating a security feature that is simple to manufacture but extremely difficult to replicate without the underlying optical mechanism.
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 security element increases the likelihood of detecting counterfeits by providing a simple, yet secure, feature that changes appearance with angle, thereby improving user confidence and reducing counterfeiting risks, while being resistant to reproduction without expensive equipment.
Implementation Method 1
whereby, when the security element is illuminated by UV light, the security element will vary between a state of fluorescence and non-fluorescence according to the angle of incidence of the UV light
Implementation Method 2
a reflecting layer having an array of focusing means
Implementation Method 3
a reflecting layer having an array of focusing means
Data Source
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AI summary
A security element (10) for incorporation into value documents (30). The security element comprising a reflecting layer (11) having an array of focusing means that is overlaid with a layer (12) having at least two pre-printed fluorescent zones of differing colour (12a, 12b). When the security element (10) is illuminated by UV light, the colour of fluorescence of the security element will vary according to the angle of incidence of the UV light. By altering the shape of the reflecting layer the device can produce secondary images that appear either above or below the plane of the device.