Security Element With Overlapping Random Patterns For Authentication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing security elements for products and documents are easily reproducible, lack machine-readability, and cannot distinguish between different products of the same type, failing to provide adequate authentication and tracking capabilities, especially in multi-step production processes.
Innovation Solution
A security element comprising two patterns formed by different materials with discrete elements that are randomly distributed, where one pattern is visible and the other is not, creating a unique third pattern upon overlap, which can be authenticated using image processing and spectral analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional security elements (holograms, luminescent markings) are used, then visual security features are provided, but they are easily reproducible and not machine-readable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter of security feature representation from visual patterns to machine-readable coordinate data. The security element encodes position information as numerical coordinates that can be precisely measured and verified by machines, transforming the authentication process from visual inspection to quantitative verification, thereby increasing reliability and reducing reproducibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces visual inspection mechanisms with automated image processing and coordinate analysis systems. Instead of relying on human visual verification of holograms or luminescent markings, the system uses machines to capture images, extract coordinate data, and authenticate security features, making the process both more reliable and difficult to counterfeit.
2Productivity
If identical security elements are provided on products of the same type, then production efficiency is maintained, but products cannot be distinguished or tracked individually
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by providing each product with a unique security element configuration. While the overall security element type remains consistent across products (maintaining production efficiency), the specific arrangement, position, and coordinate data of discrete elements within each security element are unique to individual products, enabling distinction and tracking without compromising production speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the security element into multiple discrete elements with specific positions and coordinates. This segmentation allows each product to have a unique combination and arrangement of these discrete elements, creating individualized identification codes that enable product tracking while maintaining a standardized overall structure for efficient production.
3Measurement precision
If pre-designed codes (alphanumeric, barcodes, QR codes) are used, then machine readability is achieved, but the information can be easily decoded and predicted by counterfeiters
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adds a spatial dimension to the security code by using the physical positions and coordinates of discrete elements within the security element. Instead of relying solely on encoded information in traditional codes, the authentication verifies both the presence of elements and their precise spatial arrangement, creating a multi-dimensional verification system that is much harder to predict or counterfeit while remaining machine-readable.
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 solution significantly enhances security by making reproduction difficult, provides machine-readable authentication, and allows tracking of products through unique patterns, even in complex production scenarios.
Implementation Method 1
the first fluorescent dye or pigment DYE1 contained in INK1, which upon excitation by electromagnetic radiation falling within an excitation wavelength range λ1a of the first fluorescent dye or pigment DYE1 is capable of emitting electromagnetic radiation in at least one first emission wavelength range λ1e
Implementation Method 2
said first emission wavelength range λ1e of the first fluorescent dye or pigment DYE1 contained in INK1 overlaps with the excitation wavelength range λ2a of the second fluorescent dye or pigment DYE2 contained in INK2, so that upon irradiation with electromagnetic radiation within the excitation wavelength range λ1a of DYE1, DYE2 is excited
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2~3
Figure 4
AI summary
A security element comprising a first and a second pattern formed in or on a substrate is described, the first pattern (105; 205) being formed by discrete elements (105a-105g; 205a- 205c) of a first material that are distributed over a first region (101) of the substrate (100; 200), the second pattern (106; 206) being formed by discrete elements (106a-106i; 206a-206c) of a second material that are distributed over a second region (102) of the substrate (100; 200), said second material being different from said first material, said first and second regions of the substrate overlapping, wherein the discrete elements of at least one of the first and second patterns are distributed randomly, a part of the discrete elements of the first pattern (105; 205) overlap with a part of the discrete elements of said second pattern (106; 206), and the security element is defined by the first pattern (105; 205), the second pattern (106; 206) and a third pattern (107; 207) associated with the overlap of some or all of the discrete elements of said first and second patterns.