Laser-Personalized Security Matrix with Modified Element Shapes

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current security devices using laser-personalizable matrices for color images lack effective mechanisms to securely link the matrix and image to the wearer, making them vulnerable to counterfeiting and origin verification.

Innovation Solution

A security device with a matrix comprising a color layer and a laser-sensitive blocking layer, where the shape of elements is modified to overlap with other colors, creating a detectable pattern that links the matrix to its issuer, and a personalization method that customizes pixels based on the effective color of the image, encoding attributes of the wearer.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a matrix is used for color image personalization without modified elements, then the manufacturing process is simple, but the security against counterfeiting is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecurity against counterfeitingVSAvoidmatrix structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces asymmetric modifications to specific color elements in the matrix, where certain elements encroach on adjacent elements of different colors. This creates an asymmetric pattern that is difficult to replicate and serves as a security feature, while the overall matrix structure remains relatively simple for manufacturing

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

Solution Approach 2:

The security feature is implemented through local modifications to specific elements rather than changing the entire matrix structure. Only certain elements are modified to encroach on neighboring elements, creating localized security patterns that maintain overall manufacturing simplicity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Measurement precision

If elements are modified to encroach on other colors for security, then the origin verification is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveorigin verification accuracyVSAvoidelement shape control precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements partial modifications where elements encroach on adjacent elements to a limited extent (less than the full element size). This partial encroachment is sufficient to create detectable security patterns while maintaining manageable manufacturing precision requirements

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Solution Approach 2:

The security feature is achieved by changing the geometric parameters of specific elements (their shapes and positions) rather than changing the entire matrix. This allows for controlled modifications that improve verification accuracy while keeping manufacturing precision requirements within feasible limits

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If modifications are made to encode wearer attributes, then the personalization capability is enhanced, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepersonalization capabilityVSAvoidpersonalization process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The modified matrix structure serves multiple functions: it provides security features through the encroachment patterns and simultaneously enables personalization by encoding wearer attributes. The same structural modifications that create security verification capabilities also create the framework for attribute encoding, reducing the need for separate personalization mechanisms

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 enhances the security of the device by creating a difficult-to-modify pattern that guarantees the origin of the matrix and image, while allowing encoding of attributes, making counterfeiting more detectable and the device more secure.

Implementation Method 1

at least one laser-sensitive occulting layer

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLaser absorption: Absorption (EM radiation)

Data Source

PatentEP3365183B1Security device for a matrix able to be personalised by means of a laser in order to produce a colour image
Publication Date: 2020.01.29 IDEMIA FRANCE SAS
  • EP3365183B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3365183B1 patent drawingFigure 3~5
  • EP3365183B1 patent drawingFigure 6~8

AI summary

A security device comprising a matrix (1) able to be personalised by means of a laser in order to produce a colour image (5), comprising a colour layer (2) comprising elements, each having a unique basic colour, and at least one laser-sensitive obscuring layer (3), where the shape of at least one element is modified.