Security Sheet Concealing Region Laser Marking
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current security sheets are vulnerable to tampering as personal data, embedded within the laminate structure, can be altered by forgers without being easily detectable, as it is typically hidden beneath the surface and difficult to verify.
Innovation Solution
A method of manufacturing a security sheet with a plastic substrate that includes opposing outer surfaces and concealing regions, where a laser markable region is used to create hidden data elements accessible only in transmitted light, making it difficult for forgers to tamper with the data without being detected, and allowing easy verification by inspectors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If personal data is embedded within the laminate structure beneath the surface, then the security sheet is more durable and resistant to delamination, but the personal data becomes vulnerable to tampering by forgers who can abrade the material to access and alter the data
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by pre-concealing the personal data within opaque concealing regions that block visual access to the data. This preventive measure stops forgers from simply abrading the surface to read or alter data, as the concealing regions must be removed first, which would be detectable. The concealing regions act as a preliminary barrier that counteracts the forger's potential action of surface abrasion.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements the nested doll principle by embedding the personal data within the laminate structure and then nesting concealing regions over the data. The data element is positioned between first and second concealing regions that extend between opposing outer surfaces, creating a nested configuration where the concealing regions surround and protect the data from external access while maintaining the layered laminate structure.
2Stability of the object's composition
If personal data is located beneath the surfaces of the security sheet, then the security sheet maintains its structural integrity, but the data becomes difficult to verify and detect for inspectors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies color changes by using concealing regions with specific optical properties that block reflected light from reaching the data, making the data invisible from the front surface. However, when light is transmitted through the security sheet from the back, the data becomes visible because the concealing regions do not block transmitted light in the same manner. This optical property change based on light direction enables both structural integrity and verifiability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dimensionality change by transitioning the data verification from a two-dimensional surface inspection to a three-dimensional volumetric inspection. The data is embedded within the thickness of the security sheet between concealing regions, and verification requires viewing the data through transmitted light from the opposite surface, effectively adding the dimension of light transmission path length and changing the inspection methodology from surface-level to depth-aware verification.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If concealing regions are added to hide data elements from reflected light, then tampering difficulty increases, but the device complexity and manufacturing process become more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing the concealing regions to serve multiple functions simultaneously: they conceal the data from reflected light viewing, provide structural layers for the laminate, and create detectable features when removed or altered. The concealing regions are not merely additive complexity but multi-functional elements that perform concealment, structural support, and tamper-detection functions in a single integrated component.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by adjusting the optical parameters of the concealing regions to achieve the desired concealment effect. The concealing regions are designed with specific optical density and thickness parameters that block reflected light while allowing the laser marking process to work through them. These parameter optimizations enable the concealing regions to provide effective concealment without requiring excessive thickness or complexity in the laminate structure.
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 enhances security and counterfeit protection by concealing data elements from view in reflected light, requiring removal of plastic sections to access, increasing tampering difficulty and detection likelihood, while allowing easy visibility in transmitted light for verification.
Implementation Method 1
directing a laser radiation from the first outer surface, through the first concealing region and onto the laser markable region to form at least one data element in the laser markable region
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a method of manufacturing a security sheet (45) comprising a plastic substrate (20). The plastic substrate comprises opposing first and second outer surfaces (21, 22), a first concealing region (25) extending between the first and second outer surfaces and a laser markable region (29) at least partially located between the first concealing region and the second outer surface. Laser radiation (36) is directed from the first outer surface, through the first concealing region and onto the laser markable region to form at least one data element (40) in the laser markable region such that the at least one data element is hidden from view by the first concealing region when the first outer surface is viewed by the naked eye in reflected light.