Security Element with Moving Image Motif and Optical Effect Layer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current security elements for papers of value, such as banknotes and identification cards, lack sufficient protection against forgery, as they rely on static designs that can be easily replicated, making them vulnerable to counterfeiting.
Innovation Solution
A security element featuring a first region with structures that create a moving image motif and an optical effect layer, which combines with the moving image to produce a dynamic visual effect when viewed from different angles or under varying light sources, incorporating color-shifting pigments, metallic pigments, and fluorescent materials to enhance authenticity verification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If static designs are used in security elements, then manufacturing is simple and cost-effective, but protection against forgery is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by transforming static security designs into dynamic ones. The security element incorporates structures that reflect image motifs differently from various viewing angles, creating a moving image effect that changes as the observer moves. This dynamic visual effect significantly enhances forgery protection while maintaining reasonable manufacturing complexity through structured design approaches.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements color changes by incorporating optical effect layers with color-shifting pigments, interference pigments, and liquid crystal pigments. These materials cause the security element to display different colors and optical effects from different angles, creating a dynamic visual experience that is difficult to replicate and provides enhanced security verification.
2Reliability
If multiple optical effect layers and materials are integrated, then authentication security is enhanced, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the merging principle by integrating multiple optical effect layers (interference pigments, liquid crystal layers, color-shifting pigments) into a single security element structure. These layers are combined in a stratified arrangement where each layer contributes a specific optical effect, creating a composite security feature that enhances authentication while being manufactured as an integrated unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes composite materials by combining different types of pigments and optical effect materials within the security element. The composite structure includes interference pigments with specific refractive indices, liquid crystal materials, and color-shifting materials, each contributing unique optical properties that together create a highly secure authentication feature.
3Reliability
If complex optical structures are used, then visual inspection authentication is enhanced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the security element into distinct functional regions: a first region containing structures that reflect image motifs and create moving images, and a second region containing optical effect layers with various pigments and materials. This segmented approach allows each region to perform its specific authentication function while maintaining an organized and manageable overall structure.
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 integration of moving image motifs with optical effects provides a high level of protection against forgery, allowing for quick and secure authentication without aids, enhancing the overall design variety and security of the element.
Implementation Method 1
the optical effect layer contains color-shifting pigments, in particular interference pigments
Implementation Method 2
the optical effect layer may comprise at least one liquid crystal layer, in particular a cholesteric liquid crystal layer
Implementation Method 3
when the light source is moved and/or when the viewing angle is changed, a color-shifting effect occurs in the optical effect layer
Implementation Method 4
the structures reflect an image motif in different spatial regions, such that a moving image is produced for an observer when a light source is moved correspondingly and/or when a viewing angle is changed
Implementation Method 5
the color-shifting pigments comprise at least one absorber layer, at least one spacer layer made of a dielectric material and at least one reflection layer
Implementation Method 6
pigments with a color-shifting thin-layer-structure
Implementation Method 7
the security element contains a layer with fluorescent pigments and/or fluorescent substances additionally to the optical effect layer
Data Source
AI summary
A security element with increased protection against forgery includes at least one first region with structures that reflect an image motif in different spatial regions, such that a moving image is produced for an observer when a light source is moved correspondingly and/or when the viewing angle is changed. When the light source is moved and/or the viewing angle is changed, a movement of the image motif occurs at the same time. Furthermore, an optical effect layer is provided which defines a second region. The structures are covered by the optical effect layer over their entire surface or partially.