Security Element with Moiré Line Patterns for Public Verification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing security elements with hidden image information require special aids for verification, which can be replicated by counterfeiters, creating a conflict between restricted access to enhance security and public verifiability.
Innovation Solution
A security element featuring fine, holographically generated line patterns overlapping in different image planes, producing moiré effects only recognizable under directed light, allowing hidden information to be clearly visible without special tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If hidden information is incorporated into holograms with readout aids, then security against counterfeiting is improved, but the ability of the general public to verify authenticity deteriorates because readout aids are required
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the readout aid requirement from the verification process by using human vision itself as the detection mechanism. The moiré effect patterns are designed to be directly observable by the human eye under normal lighting conditions, eliminating the need for external readout devices and making verification accessible to the general public while maintaining security.
Solution Approach 2:
The security element performs self-verification through the moiré effect, which automatically reveals hidden information when viewed from different angles or under different lighting conditions. The human observer's natural movement and viewing angle changes trigger the moiré pattern formation, allowing the system to verify its own authenticity without requiring separate verification tools.
2Ease of operation
If hidden information is made visible without special aids, then public verifiability is improved, but security against counterfeiting deteriorates because verification tools become available to potential forgers
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies different visual properties to different regions and viewing conditions. The moiré patterns are designed to be visible only under specific local conditions (directed light, specific viewing angles), while remaining invisible under diffuse lighting. This localized visibility maintains security by requiring specific viewing conditions that are not always present, while still allowing public verification when conditions are met.
Solution Approach 2:
The hidden information's visibility is controlled by changing physical parameters such as lighting direction, viewing angle, and distance. The moiré effect patterns emerge only when specific parameter thresholds are met (e.g., directed light at a certain angle), creating a dynamic verification system where the same structure appears different under varying conditions, thus maintaining security while enabling public verification.
3Reliability
If fine line patterns are arranged in multiple image planes, then the complexity of counterfeiting is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges multiple image planes containing fine line patterns into a single integrated holographic structure. The moiré effect patterns are created by the interaction of lines from different planes, combining the security benefits of multi-plane complexity with a unified device structure that does not require separate components or assembly steps, thus increasing counterfeiting difficulty without proportionally 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
The security element provides high protection against counterfeiting by hiding information under normal lighting conditions and revealing it through pronounced movement effects under directed light, accessible for verification by anyone without requiring special tools.
Implementation Method 1
fine, holographically generated line patterns which are arranged at least partially overlapping one another in image planes of different depths of a hologram of the security element and which essentially only produce moiré effects recognizable when viewed with directed light
Implementation Method 2
holographically generated line patterns which are arranged at least partially overlapping one another in image planes of different depths of a hologram
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3a~3b
AI summary
The security element has a picture element (22) representing open picture information and another picture element producing hidden picture information. The second picture element includes fine line patterns, which are arranged partially overlapping each other in different depth of image planes of the security element. The line patterns produce recognizable Moire effects only during observation with directed light. The Moire effects are not recognizable during the observation with diffused light. Independent claims are also included for the following: (1) a method of manufacturing a security element (2) a security paper for producing a valuable document (3) a data carrier e.g. valuable document, comprising a security element.