Security Element with Magnetic Pigments and Perforated See-Through Motifs

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current security elements for data carriers, such as banknotes and documents, lack enhanced protection against forgery, particularly in visual effects that depend on viewing angle, which can be reproduced by modern copiers.

Innovation Solution

A security element with a first dynamic motif created by magnetically oriented magnetic pigments and a second dynamic motif formed by a see-through area with perforations, providing increased recognition value and counterfeit security through coordinated movement effects in incident and transmitted light.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If magnetically alignable effect pigments are used to create visual effects that depend on viewing angle, then the security element provides protection against forgery, but modern copiers can still reproduce these effects

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotection against forgeryVSAvoidreproducibility by copiers
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The security element is divided into two distinct motifs: a first motif created by magnetically oriented effect pigments and a second motif created by see-through areas with perforations. This segmentation creates multiple layers of security features that work together to prevent forgery while maintaining visual appeal.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines two different security mechanisms (magnetic pigments and perforated see-through areas) into a single security element. The coordination of movement effects between the first and second motifs creates a composite security feature that is difficult to reproduce, as it requires simultaneously replicating both the magnetic alignment effect and the perforation pattern.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Reliability

If a see-through area with perforations is added to create a second dynamic motif, then recognition value and counterfeit security are increased, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecounterfeit securityVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The see-through areas with perforations serve multiple functions: they create the second dynamic motif, provide see-through effects in both incident and transmitted light, and coordinate their movement with the first motif to enhance overall security. This multi-functionality justifies the increased structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a new dimension of security by adding see-through effects in transmitted light to the traditional reflective effect of magnetic pigments. This dimensional addition creates a more complex security feature that requires viewing from different angles and lighting conditions, thereby increasing counterfeit security.

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

3Adaptability or versatility

If the first motif reflects multiple different image motifs to create a tilting or moving image, then the security element provides dynamic visual effects, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedynamic visual effectsVSAvoidalignment precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent utilizes changes in viewing angle and lighting conditions as parameters to create dynamic visual effects. The magnetic pigments and perforations are designed to respond to these parameter changes, creating tilting or moving images without requiring complex active mechanisms, thereby managing manufacturing precision requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The first motif is designed to reflect two or more different image motifs in different spatial areas, creating asymmetric visual effects that change with viewing angle. This asymmetry enhances the dynamic visual impact while the coordination with the symmetric second motif (perforations) provides a balancing structural element.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

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 first and second motifs enhances the security element's authenticity verification and protection against unauthorized reproduction by creating complex, coordinated movement effects that are difficult to replicate.

Implementation Method 1

an ink layer with magnetically oriented magnetic pigments being applied to at least one side of the substrate

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic orientation: Magnetism

Implementation Method 2

the see-through area being formed by at least one perforation... which shows a second dynamic movement effect

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight transmission: Light

Data Source

PatentEP3074237B1Method for producing a security element comprising magnetically alignable magnetic pigments
Publication Date: 2018.04.18 GIESECKE & DEVRIENT CURRENCY TECHNOLOGY GMBH
  • EP3074237B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2b

AI summary

The invention relates to a security element for security papers, valuable documents and other data carriers which consists of a substrate having a front side and a rear side, wherein a color layer comprising magnetically aligned magnetic pigments is applied to at least one side of the substrate, said pigments forming a first motif in the form of patterns, characters or a coding, wherein the first motif exhibits a first dynamic movement effect when the security element is tilted, wherein the first dynamic motif is combined with a second motif, wherein the second motif is applied to at least one side of the substrate. The invention furthermore relates to a method for producing a corresponding security element. According to the invention, the second motif is formed by a see-through region in the security element, wherein the see-through region is formed by at least one perforation. A perforation is a region with a reduced thickness of the substrate or complete removal of the substrate. A perforation is thus a partial material removal of the substrate or else a hole in the substrate. In this case, a motif region having a visual impression that is altered in reflected light and/or transmitted light is arranged within the see-through region, said motif region exhibiting a second dynamic movement effect.