Security Mark Testing via Contrast Field Correction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing test procedures for security markings on packaging, particularly those used in deposit systems, face challenges in accurately determining the authenticity of security fields due to dependencies on lighting intensity, distance, and angle, which can lead to false readings.
Innovation Solution
A test procedure that corrects for differences in light intensity reflected by the security field in two different wavelength ranges by using the intensity of the light reflected by the contrast field in the first wavelength range to adjust the differential value, allowing for accurate comparison without referencing the environment or reference fields.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the intensity of light reflected by the security field is measured directly in two different wavelength ranges, then the authentication can be performed, but the measurement precision deteriorates due to dependencies on lighting intensity, distance, and angle
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a contrast field as an intermediary reference element that is illuminated by the same light source and viewed under the same conditions as the security field. By measuring the reflected light intensity from this contrast field and using it as a reference, the system compensates for variations in lighting intensity, distance, and angle, thereby improving measurement precision without sacrificing authentication reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the measurement approach from absolute intensity measurement to relative intensity comparison. By forming a ratio or difference between the security field intensity and the contrast field intensity, the system transforms the measurement parameters to eliminate dependencies on external lighting conditions, thus improving measurement precision while maintaining authentication accuracy
2Measurement precision
If the testing method references the surroundings or reference fields to determine security field authenticity, then the measurement precision improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the security field and contrast field into a single integrated security marking structure on the packaging. This merging allows both fields to be illuminated and measured simultaneously under identical conditions, improving measurement precision while simplifying the testing procedure by eliminating the need for separate reference measurements or additional environmental references
Solution Approach 2:
The contrast field within the security marking serves as a self-contained reference that automatically compensates for lighting variations. The system uses its own internal reference (the contrast field) rather than requiring external reference standards or complex environmental calibration, thereby improving measurement precision without increasing device complexity
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 the accuracy of security field authentication by minimizing the impact of lighting conditions and environmental factors, thereby improving the reliability of deposit system operations.
Implementation Method 1
The ink used to print the safety field(s) has higher absorption in the first wavelength range than in the second
Implementation Method 2
the intensity of the reflected light in the second wavelength range is always greater than the intensity of the reflected light in the first wavelength range
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a test method for testing a security marking comprising at least one contrast field with a comparatively high reflectivity in a first and a second wavelength range, and a security field that exhibits different reflection properties in the first wavelength range than in the second wavelength range. In the test method, the intensity of the light reflected by the contrast field when illuminated with light in the first wavelength range (in which the security field strongly absorbs) is used to correct a difference value derived from the difference between the two different intensities of the light reflected by the security field in the two different wavelength ranges.