Internal Individualization in Security Paper via Laser Coating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for producing documents of value, such as banknotes, face issues with external damage and non-continuous numbering due to environmental influences and mechanical wear, and fail to enable complex individualization like barcodes or QR codes.
Innovation Solution
A protective layer is applied over the entire surface of security paper, with a coating that can be altered by electromagnetic radiation without contact, allowing for internal individualization that is stable and machine-readable.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If numbering and individualization are applied to the outside of the protective layer, then the information is accessible and machine-readable, but the information is damaged or lost due to environmental influences and mechanical wear
Solution Approach 1:
The patent embeds the coating containing individualization information within the security paper substrate itself, nesting the information-carrying layer inside the protective structure of the banknote. This internal positioning protects the individualization data from external damage while maintaining its functional integrity throughout circulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a specially formulated coating as an intermediary layer within the security paper that can be non-destructively altered by electromagnetic radiation. This coating acts as a mediator between the protective layer and the individualization requirements, enabling stable internal marking without compromising the protective function.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a mechanical numbering mechanism is used to apply individualization, then the numbering is applied to the outside, but complex individualization like barcodes or QR codes is not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical numbering mechanisms with electromagnetic radiation (laser) to alter the coating. This substitution enables complex patterns like barcodes and QR codes to be inscribed non-destructively, providing versatile individualization without the limitations of mechanical stamping or printing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes changes in the physical or chemical properties of the coating material through electromagnetic radiation exposure. By altering parameters such as color, density, or reflectivity of the coating via laser treatment, complex individualization patterns can be created without mechanical contact, enabling barcode and QR code implementation.
3Manufacturing precision
If the security paper is printed completely before lamination, then all printing steps can be applied, but errors lead to rejected banknotes and non-continuous numbering
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the coating to the security paper before lamination and final assembly, preparing the substrate in advance for non-destructive laser individualization. This preliminary preparation allows individualization to be applied after lamination without requiring re-opening or damage to the sealed banknote structure, maintaining continuous numbering even if errors occur.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent separates the individualization step from the printing process by applying the coating independently and then using non-destructive laser alteration afterward. This extraction of the individualization function from the printing sequence allows errors to be identified and corrected without compromising the continuity of numbering across the entire production run.
4Reliability
If individualization is applied internally in the security paper, then the information is protected from external influences, but the information may reduce tactility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the coating and laser alteration only to specific local areas of the security paper where individualization is required, rather than treating the entire surface. This localized approach ensures that tactile properties are maintained in areas where touch sensitivity is important while still providing protected internal individualization in designated zones.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes color or optical property changes in the coating material as the basis for individualization. By selecting coating materials that change color or optical characteristics when exposed to electromagnetic radiation, the patent creates visible or machine-readable individualization that does not significantly impact the tactile feel of the banknote, as the changes occur at a microscopic level within the coating layer.
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 method ensures internal individualization is protected from external influences, enabling complex machine-readable information like barcodes or QR codes to be non-destructively inscribed on the coating, maintaining tactility and visibility, and allowing for continuous numbering.
Implementation Method 1
a coating which is changed in a subsequent step by electromagnetic radiation without contact through the protective layer, so that individual information is written into the coating
Implementation Method 2
the electromagnetic radiation is generated by a laser
Data Source
Figure 1a~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for producing a value document, such as a banknote or the like for example. The value document consists of a security paper (1) with a front face and a rear face, wherein a protection layer (3) is applied onto at least one of said faces. According to the invention, a coating (2) is applied onto the security paper (1) between the protective layer (3) and the security paper (1) face onto which the protective layer (3) is applied, said coating being changed in a contactless manner by means of electromagnetic radiation (5) passing through the protective layer (3) in a subsequent step such that individual information is written into the coating (2).