Optically Variable Security Element Relief and Line Grid Interaction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current optically variable security elements for protecting valuables, such as banknotes and documents, are often complex and costly to produce, and existing solutions like holograms place significant technological demands, making them unsuitable for all applications, especially those requiring simplicity and economic viability.
Innovation Solution
An optically variable security element featuring a one- or two-dimensional relief raster with specific raster elements and a point or line grid, where the interaction between the relief and point/line grids creates a movement effect due to a moiré effect, with raster widths differing by less than one-fifth, and a small vertical distance between the grids, allowing for visually appealing movement effects without the need for complex manufacturing processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If holograms and hologram-like designs are used to create optically variable security elements, then visual appeal and security effectiveness are improved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The security element is segmented into two separate grids: a relief grid with three-dimensional structures and a point/line grid with two-dimensional patterns. This segmentation allows each grid to be manufactured independently using simpler processes, avoiding the need for complex holographic manufacturing while maintaining optical variable effects through their interaction.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using complex holographic structures, the patent uses simplified relief and point/line grids that replicate the essential optical variable effect. The relief grid copies the function of holographic elements by providing three-dimensional light interaction, while the point/line grid adds pattern recognition capability, together achieving security effectiveness without holographic manufacturing complexity.
2Reliability
If traditional holographic methods are used, then optically variable effects are achieved, but production cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs inexpensive relief and point/line grid structures that can be manufactured using conventional printing and embossing techniques rather than expensive holographic processes. These simpler structures achieve the required optical variable effect at lower production cost, making the security element economically viable for widespread application.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the structural parameters from complex holographic patterns to simpler relief and point/line grid configurations. By adjusting the spacing, size, and arrangement parameters of these grids, the optical variable effect is maintained while manufacturing complexity and cost are reduced.
3Length of stationary object
If the vertical distance between relief grid and point/line grid is reduced, then the thickness of the security element decreases, but the moiré effect intensity may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The relief grid elements are designed with curved or three-dimensional surfaces that enhance light scattering and moiré effect generation. This curvature compensation allows the moiré effect to remain intense even when the vertical distance between grids is reduced, enabling thin security element design without sacrificing optical effect quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality optimization by varying the spacing and dimensions of relief and point/line grid elements in different regions. This allows the moiré effect to be maintained or enhanced in specific areas even when the overall thickness is reduced, achieving both thinness and effective optical variable security.
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 provides a cost-effective, simple-to-produce security element that exhibits appealing movement effects when tilted, suitable for banknotes and other documents, enhancing security without the high production costs associated with traditional methods.
Implementation Method 1
the interaction of the relief screen and line screen when the security element is tilted creates a movement effect
Implementation Method 2
the raster elements are each formed from at least two relief elements reflecting in different directions
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3(a)~4
Figure 5~7(b)
AI summary
The invention relates to an optically variable security element (20) for protecting objects of value, comprising a one- or two-dimensional relief pattern (30) formed by a plurality of pattern elements (34) and having a first pattern width p below 500 μm in at least one spatial direction, and wherein the pattern elements (34) are each formed by at least two relief elements (36) reflecting in different directions, and comprising at least one dot and/or line pattern (50) arranged vertically above or below the relief pattern (30), and having a second pattern width q in said spatial direction, wherein the second pattern width q only differs slightly from the first pattern width p, in particular by less than a fifth, and/or the first pattern width p and/or the second pattern width q is modulated in a position-dependent manner such that, a movement effect occurs via the cooperation of the relief pattern (30) and the dot and/or line pattern (50) with the tilting of the security element (20), and wherein the vertical distance (h) of the relief pattern (30) and the dot and/or line pattern (50) is less than half the pattern width p.