Optically Variable Security Element With Self-Similar Submotifs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optically variable security elements are difficult to authenticate without aids, and their forgery is challenging to detect, especially when substructures are line-like, making it hard for observers to assess authenticity.
Innovation Solution
An optically variable security element with a main motif and submotifs of the same shape, visible at different observation angles, providing distinct optical impressions that facilitate easy authentication by matching the main motif in submotifs, enhancing security and authenticity verification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If line-like substructures are used in existing security elements, then manufacturing is simplified, but authenticity assessment by observers becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the security element into multiple discrete submotifs, each with a specific shape (circle, square, triangle, etc.), arranged in patterns within the main motif. This segmentation transforms indistinct line-like structures into individually recognizable shaped elements that observers can easily identify and assess for authenticity while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through standardized component replication
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs different chromatic colors in the color coating of submotifs to create visually distinct and easily identifiable elements. The use of color variation enhances the observer's ability to distinguish individual submotifs and verify authenticity, while the coloring process remains compatible with standard manufacturing techniques
2Reliability
If complex substructures are used to improve authenticity verification, then security against forgery is enhanced, but ease of authentication by observers without aids is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the security element into discrete, regularly shaped submotifs (circles, squares, triangles, polygons) with consistent geometric properties, the patent creates a system that is both secure and easily verifiable. The regular shapes provide inherent security through precise replication requirements while remaining simple for observers to identify and count, thus enhancing both reliability and ease of authentication simultaneously
Solution Approach 2:
The patent varies parameters such as the number of submotifs, their arrangement patterns, and chromatic colors to enhance security against forgery. These parameter variations maintain the simple geometric shapes that are easy to observe, allowing complex security features to be implemented without compromising the ease of authentication by observers without aids
3Adaptability or versatility
If submotifs with different shapes are used, then design versatility is increased, but consistency and reliability of authentication are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the design into a limited set of standardized geometric shapes (circle, square, triangle, polygon) that are repeated throughout the security element. This segmentation approach provides sufficient design versatility through different combinations and arrangements of these standard shapes while maintaining authentication consistency, as observers can reliably identify each shape type without confusion
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by assigning specific geometric shapes to specific submotif positions within the main motif, creating a unique pattern arrangement. This allows design versatility through varied local configurations while maintaining overall authentication consistency, as the regular geometric nature of each submotif remains recognizable and verifiable
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 security element allows for easy and reliable authentication by observers without aids, offering improved security against forgery through varying optical impressions based on observation angles, suitable for applications like banknotes and identification cards.
Implementation Method 1
Different optical impressions result for an observer in this case as a function of an observation angle
Implementation Method 2
refractive relief structures
Data Source
AI summary
An optically variable security element contains a motif region, and has a main motif shape that is visible to a viewer in the motif region at at least a first viewing angle. The optically variable main motif includes substructures that are visible to the viewer. The substructures are sub-motifs that are visible to the viewer and have a sub-motif shape. The sub-motifs have the same sub-motif shape, and the sub-motif shape corresponds to the main motif shape.