Security Element Pattern Openings for Easier Counterfeit Verification

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing security elements, such as those on banknotes, are difficult for laypeople to authenticate due to their complexity, requiring specialized tools or expert verification, and lack design flexibility for counterfeiting prevention.

Innovation Solution

A security element is designed with a motif divided into individual sections and an interruption region between them, creating a 'window' or 'keyhole' effect that encourages prolonged viewing and memorization, using optical effects and structures like micromirrors and holograms to enhance authenticity verification.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the motif is made detailed and complex to increase security against counterfeiting, then counterfeit security is improved, but the ease of verification by laypeople deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecounterfeit securityVSAvoidease of verification by laypeople
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The motif is divided into multiple individual motif sections separated by interruption regions. This segmentation creates a window-like effect that simplifies the overall motif structure while maintaining security. The interruption regions act as visual separators that make the motif more recognizable and easier to verify for laypeople, as they can easily identify the segmented pattern rather than being overwhelmed by continuous complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If the motif is made detailed and complex to increase security against counterfeiting, then counterfeit security is improved, but the design freedom deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecounterfeit securityVSAvoiddesign freedom
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

By segmenting the motif into individual sections with interruption regions, the design system gains flexibility. Each motif section can be independently designed, modified, or arranged in different configurations. This allows for diverse motif designs (portraits, landscapes, geometric patterns) while maintaining the secure segmented structure, thus preserving design freedom without compromising security.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Ease of operation

If the motif is divided into individual sections with interruption regions, then ease of verification by laypeople is improved, but the complexity of the security feature increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of verification by laypeopleVSAvoidcomplexity of security feature
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The segmentation into motif sections and interruption regions actually reduces the perceived complexity for verification purposes. While the structure is technically segmented, this creates a simpler visual pattern that is easier to recognize and memorize. The interruption regions provide clear visual boundaries that simplify the verification process for laypeople without requiring them to analyze continuous complex patterns.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP4585423A1Security element with pattern openings and interruption zone
Publication Date: 2025.07.16 HUECK FOLIEN GMBH & CO KG
  • EP4585423A1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP4585423A1 patent drawingFigure 4~5
  • EP4585423A1 patent drawingFigure 6~8

AI summary

The invention relates to a security element (1) for securities, security papers, or security objects, as well as to a security or security paper. The security element (1) comprises a carrier layer (2) and a motif (3) as a security feature. Provision is made for the motif (3) to be divided into several individual motif sections (4), with an interrupted region (5) being arranged between adjacently arranged motif sections (4) in such a way that an observer has the impression that the motif (3) is covered or interrupted by the interrupted region (5).