Security Film Reflection-Reducing Structure for Banknotes
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional security elements for documents of value, such as banknotes, often exhibit high gloss and directed reflection outside feature areas, which can distract from optically variable security features and make them less detectable.
Innovation Solution
A security element with a layer sequence featuring optically variable security features in designated areas and a reflection-reducing structure, such as a scattering or embossed matt structure, in neutral areas to minimize glare and enhance the visibility of security features.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a film security element is applied over the entire height of a banknote, then the security coverage is improved, but the directed reflection and glare in neutral areas distract from the optically variable security features
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different surface treatments to different regions of the film security element. The neutral areas are provided with a scattering structure (embossed matt structure) that reduces directed reflection, while the feature areas maintain their original smooth surface to preserve the optically variable security features. This local differentiation allows the film to simultaneously provide comprehensive security coverage while minimizing glare in neutral areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The film security element is divided into distinct functional zones: feature areas containing optically variable security features and neutral areas without such features. This segmentation allows the patent to apply different optical properties to each zone - the neutral areas receive the scattering structure to reduce reflection, while the feature areas remain smooth to maintain their security functionality.
2Reliability
If the film surface is kept smooth to maintain optically variable features, then the security features are visible, but high gloss and directed reflection occur in neutral areas
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements different surface qualities in different regions. The neutral areas are provided with a scattering structure that creates a matt finish to reduce directed reflection, while the feature areas maintain a smooth surface quality that preserves the visibility and optical properties of the security features such as holograms and optically variable coatings.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the potentially harmful directed reflection in neutral areas into a beneficial scattering effect by introducing the embossed matt structure. This scattering structure transforms the harmful glint into a diffuse reflection that reduces glare while maintaining the overall appearance quality of the security element.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a scattering structure is applied to the entire surface, then reflection is reduced, but the optically variable effects of feature areas are impaired
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the scattering structure selectively only to the neutral areas of the film security element, while deliberately excluding the feature areas. This local application ensures that reflection is reduced in neutral areas without interfering with the optically variable security features, which require a smooth surface to maintain their visual effects.
Solution Approach 2:
The film is segmented into feature areas and neutral areas, with the scattering structure applied only to the neutral areas. This segmentation approach allows the patent to achieve reflection reduction where needed while preserving the optical properties of the security features in the feature areas.
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 reflection-reducing structure effectively reduces unwanted glare and reflection, drawing attention to the optically variable security features and improving their detectability, thereby enhancing the security and authenticity of documents.
Implementation Method 1
the scattering structure can advantageously be formed by a hillock structure... the scattering structure is preferably in the form of an irregular hillock structure... Also sub-wavelength gratings or stochastic sub-wavelength gratings can also be considered for the reflection-reducing structure
Implementation Method 2
the reflection-reducing structure is formed by an antireflection coating, which is present both in the neutral areas and in the feature areas
Implementation Method 3
the scattering structure can advantageously be formed by a hillock structure... formed by an embossed matt structure
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5a~5b
AI summary
The invention relates to a security element (20) for securing security papers, documents, and the like, having a series of layers in which feature areas (22) and neutral areas (26) are recognizable, wherein the feature areas (22) contains at least one optically variable security feature (44, 46) and no optically variable security features are present in the neutral areas (26), and wherein according to the invention, the security element (20) is provided with a reflexion-reducing structure (50) in the neutral areas (26).