Security Element Single-Facet Pixel Resolution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current security elements for securities and security papers face limitations in resolution and security against forgery due to the need for multiple facets per pixel, which restricts the display of high-resolution three-dimensional motifs.
Innovation Solution
A security element with more than half of its pixels featuring only one optically effective structure, allowing for smaller pixel sizes and higher resolution, utilizing embossed or diffractive structures that can be achromatic and covered by an optical effect layer, including a thin-film element with absorber and spacer layers, and potentially reflective or color-shifting features.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If multiple facets per pixel are used, then the security element provides sufficient optical effect, but the resolution of the displayed image is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the pixel structure into two distinct types: single-facet pixels and multi-facet pixels. This segmentation allows the system to achieve high resolution in most areas using single-facet pixels while maintaining sufficient optical effects in specific areas using multi-facet pixels, thereby resolving the contradiction between resolution and optical effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different facet configurations to different regions of the security element. Single-facet pixels are used in regions where high resolution is prioritized, while multi-facet pixels are used in regions where strong optical effects are more important. This local differentiation allows the system to optimize both resolution and optical effectiveness in their respective areas.
2Reliability
If multiple facets per pixel are used, then the optical effect is sufficient, but the counterfeit protection is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the pixel population into single-facet and multi-facet types, the patent creates a more complex overall structure that is harder to counterfeit. The predominance of single-facet pixels (more than half) provides a baseline complexity, while the presence of multi-facet pixels adds additional layers of complexity for authentication purposes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces asymmetry in the pixel structure by having predominantly single-facet pixels rather than uniform multi-facet pixels. This asymmetric distribution creates unique authentication characteristics that are more difficult to replicate, thereby enhancing counterfeit protection while maintaining manufacturing feasibility.
3Area of stationary object
If single-facet pixels are used, then the pixel size can be very small, but the optical effect may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the pixel population to include both single-facet and multi-facet pixels. Single-facet pixels provide small size for high resolution, while multi-facet pixels compensate for reduced optical effects by providing enhanced light interaction in specific regions, thereby balancing size and optical effectiveness across the entire security element.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the advantages of both single-facet and multi-facet pixel types into a unified security element. The combination allows the system to achieve both small pixel sizes (from single-facet pixels) and strong optical effects (from multi-facet pixels) simultaneously, resolving the contradiction between size and optical effectiveness.
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 approach enhances security against forgery by enabling high-resolution, three-dimensional motif display with increased difficulty in replication, as the structures are only visible under specific angles or require optical aids, and the achromatic appearance adds to the security features.
Implementation Method 1
the optically effective structures can be designed as diffractive structures
Implementation Method 2
the optical effect layer is designed as a thin-film element and has at least one absorber layer
Implementation Method 3
the optically effective structures are reflective structures
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The invention relates to a security element (1) in particular for securities, security papers or security items, such as banknotes, identity cards, credit cards, wherein the security element (1) has at least one area (2) comprising pixels with optically effective structures (3), wherein more than half of the pixels of the at least one area each have only a single optically effective structure (3).