Security Insert With Infrared-Reflective Blackened Areas
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current security inserts for identification documents lack effective non-destructive verification methods and are vulnerable to forgery, as existing solutions do not adequately prevent unauthorized reproduction and ensure the integrity of the document.
Innovation Solution
A security insert comprising multiple transparent layers with applied paint and lacquer, where one part of the optically recognizable characters is formed by blackening and the other by paint, reflecting visible and infrared light, and includes additional features like UV ink and holograms for enhanced security and verification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If security inserts use visible security features to prevent forgery, then counterfeit protection is improved, but the complexity of the security insert increases
Solution Approach 1:
The security insert is divided into multiple transparent layers, each containing specific security features. The first transparent layer contains blackened areas forming part of the optically recognizable symbols, while the second transparent layer contains additional blackened areas forming other parts of the symbols. This segmentation allows complex security features to be distributed across layers, improving counterfeit protection while managing complexity through modular construction.
Solution Approach 2:
The security insert combines multiple materials with different optical properties: transparent layers (polycarbonate or polyester), blackened areas (carbon-containing additives), and infrared-transparent ink coating. This composite structure creates multiple security features within a single insert, enhancing counterfeit protection without requiring separate components.
2Reliability
If security inserts use invisible security features under UV light, then counterfeit protection is improved, but verification requires special equipment making operation more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The security insert incorporates features that change appearance under different light conditions. The ink coating is transparent to infrared light, allowing infrared light to pass through and reflect off the blackened areas, creating visible verification patterns. Additionally, UV-reactive materials can be included that fluoresce under UV light, providing visible security features without requiring complex verification equipment.
3Measurement precision
If security inserts use multiple layers with different optical properties, then non-destructive verification is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Carbon-containing additives are incorporated into the transparent layers during the material manufacturing stage, before the security insert is assembled. This preliminary action ensures uniform distribution of blackening materials throughout the layers, simplifying the subsequent laser blackening process and ensuring consistent verification results without requiring complex manufacturing steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical assembly processes with automated laser blackening technology. The laser system precisely blackens specific areas of the transparent layers containing carbon additives, eliminating the need for manual application of security features and reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining high verification accuracy.
4Measurement precision
If security inserts use blackened areas that reflect infrared light, then non-destructive verification is improved, but the visible information display becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The security insert adds the infrared dimension to the traditional visible light verification. The blackened areas are designed to reflect both visible and infrared light, allowing the same structural features to serve dual purposes: displaying visible information and providing infrared verification patterns. This dimensional addition enables non-destructive verification without requiring separate visible features.
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 significantly increases protection against forgery and allows for non-destructive verification by altering the visible information when irradiated with different light sources, making it difficult for unauthorized parties to replicate the security insert.
Implementation Method 1
The ink coating is transparent to infrared light. Infrared light is reflected by the first part of the optical symbols
Implementation Method 2
The first and second parts of the optically recognizable symbols are arranged and designed to reflect visible light
Implementation Method 3
At least one of the transparent layers has blackened areas. A beam of laser light is used to create the blackening in at least one of the transparent layers
Implementation Method 4
A beam of laser light is used to create the blackening in at least one of the transparent layers
Implementation Method 5
Document US 2015 028 227 A1 discloses a system for authenticating an object with a security mark. The security mark is printed onto the object using UV-absorbing ink
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2A
AI summary
A security insert with optically recognizable symbols for an identification document comprises a first transparent layer and a second transparent layer. A coating of ink is applied to the first transparent layer. Furthermore, a lacquer layer is applied to the first transparent layer and/or to the coating. The coating is transparent to infrared light. The first and second transparent layers are bonded together. At least one of the transparent layers has blackened areas. The first part of the optically recognizable symbols is formed by the blackened areas in at least one of the layers. The second part of the optically recognizable symbols is formed by the coating. The first and second parts of the optically recognizable symbols are arranged and designed to reflect visible light. Infrared light is reflected by the first part of the optical symbols.When illuminated with visible light, the security inlay displays a complete image formed by the first and second parts of the optically recognizable symbols. When illuminated with infrared light, the security inlay displays a different image, formed by the first part of the optical symbols.