Security Strip with Layered Window Patterns

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current security documents with embedded security threads are only partially visible from the surface, making it difficult for casual users to authenticate and allowing unauthorized reproduction.

Innovation Solution

A security strip integrated into the document's structure, featuring a transparent or translucent support with three distinct layers, including an opaque intermediate layer with partially coated regions, providing different optical renderings and patterns visible from both sides, creating a stencil effect that enhances authentication and complicates reproduction.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the security thread is incorporated into the mass of the paper in embedded form, then the integration is complete and the document structure is strengthened, but the thread is only partially visible from the surface making authentication difficult for casual users

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveauthentication easeVSAvoidthread structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The security thread is divided into multiple distinct layers (first layer with first pattern, second intermediate layer with second pattern, third layer with third pattern) that can be independently designed and manufactured. Each layer contains specific security features that contribute to overall authentication, allowing the complex authentication system to be built from manageable segments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The security thread transitions from a simple two-dimensional flat structure to a three-dimensional multi-layered construction with varying opacities and patterns. The intermediate layer with different optical rendering creates depth and complexity, enabling multiple authentication methods (visual inspection, transmission viewing, reflection viewing) from a single structured element.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Ease of operation

If the security thread is made visible by reflection in the form of windows, then casual user authentication is facilitated, but the thread is only partially visible and the manufacture can be replicated by unauthorized persons

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveauthentication easeVSAvoidcounterfeiting resistance
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The security thread employs a composite structure combining multiple materials with different optical properties: transparent or translucent support material, opaque first layer material, translucent or transparent intermediate layer material, and opaque third layer material. This composite construction creates complex optical effects including reflection, transmission, and absorption that are difficult to replicate with simple materials.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions of the security thread have specialized local properties: the first layer has first pattern characteristics, the intermediate layer has second pattern with different optical rendering, and the third layer has third pattern. Each local region contributes specific authentication features, and the combination creates a holistic security system that is more than the sum of its parts.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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

Facilitates easier authentication by casual users and increases the complexity of reproduction, making it harder for fraudsters to manufacture the strip.

Implementation Method 1

The second intermediate layer is opaque and comprises at least two regions at least partially devoid of coating

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight absorption/opacity: Absorption (EM radiation)

Implementation Method 2

comprising a transparent or translucent support material, covered, on one or the other of its opposite faces, with at least three distinct and superposed layers of coating

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight transmission: Refraction

Implementation Method 3

The windows are visible by reflection, while the submerged parts are only visible by transmission

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight reflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentEP3137313B2Security strip and security document incorporating said strip
Publication Date: 2023.03.29 OBERTHUR FIDUCIAIRE SAS
  • EP3137313B2 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3137313B2 patent drawingFigure 3~4C
  • EP3137313B2 patent drawingFigure 5A~6C

AI summary

The invention especially relates to a strip intended to be incorporated into a security document, this strip emerging onto the surface of said document in the form of windows, and comprising a transparent or translucent carrier material (4) covered, on one or the other of its opposite faces, with at least three separate and superposed coating layers (51, 52, 53), characterized in that it especially comprises an intermediate second layer (52) that has an optical rendering different from that of the first and third layers (51, 53); the intermediate second layer (52) being opaque and containing at least two regions (520) that are at least partially devoid of coating, these two regions (520) respectively having different outlines; the first (51) and third (53) coating layers form at least one pattern, one portion of the pattern in the first layer (51) being visible through one of said two regions that are at least partially devoid of coating, whereas at least one portion of the pattern in the third layer (53) is visible through the other of said two regions that are at least partially devoid of coating, said patterns being different from each other.