Security Element Luminescent Ink Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing security elements for valuables and identification documents face challenges in providing an attractive appearance with high security against forgery, as luminescent substances can be complex to produce and maintain, and mixed printing inks with different luminescence colors often have varying rheology and printing properties, making them difficult to reproduce consistently.
Innovation Solution
A security element design featuring a first non-luminescent printing ink in a first area, overlaid with transparent luminescent inks that emit different colors under UV or IR light, and a third non-luminescent ink that masks any residual differences in color or gloss, creating a uniform appearance under normal light while revealing distinct luminescence when excited.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If mixed printing inks consisting of body printing inks and luminescent printing inks are used, then different luminescence colors can be achieved, but the production becomes complex and color fidelity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the printing process into separate steps: first applying the body printing ink to create the visible color, then overlaying with transparent luminescent printing inks that emit different colors under UV/IR excitation. This segmentation allows each ink layer to maintain its original properties without mixing complications, achieving multiple luminescence colors while simplifying production and ensuring high color fidelity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If mixed printing inks are used, then different luminescence colors can be achieved, but color fidelity and printing properties deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the body printing ink and luminescent printing inks into distinct layers, the patent preserves the original color tone of the body ink while adding luminescence functionality. The transparent nature of the luminescent inks ensures they do not interfere with the underlying color, achieving high color fidelity and precise color reproduction.
3Adaptability or versatility
If mixed printing inks are used, then different luminescence colors can be achieved, but printing consistency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies body printing ink and luminescent printing inks in separate printing steps, allowing each layer to be printed with consistent, predictable properties. This eliminates the rheological variations that occur when mixing different ink formulations, ensuring stable and repeatable printing results across production batches.
4Shape
If transparent luminescent printing inks are applied over non-luminescent printing ink, then a uniform appearance under visible light is achieved, but residual color differences may be noticeable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a third non-luminescent printing ink with a second color that differs from the first color, applying it in a third area that partially covers the first and/or second area. This creates a masking or deflection effect that distracts the viewer's attention from residual color differences between the luminescent and non-luminescent areas, making the overall appearance more uniform.
5Shape
If a third non-luminescent printing ink is applied to mask differences, then appearance uniformity is improved, but production complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The third non-luminescent printing ink serves as a masking layer that conceals residual color differences between the luminescent and non-luminescent areas. By using a different visible color in this third area, the patent creates a deliberate visual distraction that masks manufacturing imperfections, achieving superior appearance uniformity despite the additional printing step.
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
This design simplifies production, ensures high color fidelity, and distracts from potential differences between luminescent and non-luminescent areas, presenting a unified appearance under visible light while showcasing distinct luminescence under UV or IR illumination, enhancing authenticity verification.
Implementation Method 1
at least two luminescent printing inks that are essentially transparent in the visible spectral range are applied to the printing ink of the first area, which when excited with UV or IR excitation light in at least luminesce in two different luminescence colors
Implementation Method 2
The luminescent printing inks of the second area luminesce with at least two different luminescence colors when excited with UV or IR excitation light
Data Source
Figure 1~2(c)
Figure 3(a)~3(c)
Figure 4~5(c)
AI summary
The invention relates to a security element (20) for securing valuables, which includes a feature area (24) with a luminescent feature. In a first area (30) of the feature area (24), a first non-luminescent printing ink (40) with a visible first color is applied. In a second area (32), which is arranged within and partially covers the first area (30), at least two luminescent printing inks (42A, 42B), which are essentially transparent in the visible spectral range, are applied to the printing ink of the first area and luminescent in two different colors when excited with UV or IR excitation light. In a third area (34), which partially covers the first and/or second area (30, 32), a second non-luminescent printing ink (44) with a visible second color, which differs from the visible first color, is applied.The invention also relates to a data carrier with such a security element, as well as a method for manufacturing such a security element.