3D Color Security Element Using Spectral Encoding

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current security elements for value and security documents lack effective means to distinguish genuine from counterfeit versions, especially under normal lighting conditions, and fail to provide a visually appealing and secure authentication method.

Innovation Solution

A security element with graphic information encoded in different spectral colors, utilizing remission and transmission spectra that create a 3D color effect when viewed with broadband electromagnetic radiation and an optical device with chromatic aberration, allowing for verification using white light and potentially UV light, enhancing protection against counterfeiting.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional security elements are used, then they can be verified under normal lighting conditions, but they lack effective means to distinguish genuine from counterfeit versions and fail to provide visually appealing authentication

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveauthentication effectivenessVSAvoidverification system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies color changes by using spectral color information where different regions of the security element emit or transmit different spectral colors when illuminated by broadband electromagnetic radiation. This creates a 3D color effect that is difficult to replicate and provides reliable authentication while maintaining visual appeal under normal lighting conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #32Color changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces another dimension by adding spectral color information to the traditional 2D graphic information. The security element encodes information not only in spatial arrangement but also in spectral properties, creating a 3D color effect that enhances authentication effectiveness without significantly increasing system complexity.

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

2Reliability

If spectral color encoding is used to create 3D color effect, then protection against counterfeiting is enhanced, but manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecounterfeiting protectionVSAvoidspectral color encoding precision
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by utilizing the spectral properties of materials and structures. Instead of requiring precise control of every physical dimension, the invention leverages inherent spectral characteristics of colorants, fluorescent materials, or transmission properties that can be manufactured with standard precision while still achieving the 3D color effect and enhanced security.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If broadband electromagnetic radiation and optical devices with chromatic aberration are used for verification, then authentication reliability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveverification reliabilityVSAvoidverification device complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by designing a verification system that can function with common optical devices having chromatic aberration, such as magnifying glasses or simple lenses, rather than requiring complex specialized equipment. This multi-functional approach allows the same security feature to be verified by both human observers using simple tools and automated systems, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining high verification reliability.

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 provides robust protection against counterfeiting by creating a 3D color effect that is difficult to replicate, enabling both human and automated verification methods, ensuring the security and aesthetic appeal of the documents.

Implementation Method 1

the first information component and the second information component have different spectral distributions in the remission and/or transmission spectrum in the case of broadband excitation with electromagnetic radiation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRemission spectrum: Reflection

Implementation Method 2

the first information component and the second information component have different spectral distributions in the remission and/or transmission spectrum

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTransmission spectrum: Absorption (EM radiation)

Implementation Method 3

an optical device through which the reflected and/or transmitted radiation is guided during observation and/or image acquisition, which influences spatial propagation of the electromagnetic radiation as a function of wavelength

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectChromatic aberration: Refraction

Implementation Method 4

which influences spatial propagation of the electromagnetic radiation as a function of wavelength

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpatial propagation of electromagnetic radiation as a function of wavelength: Refraction

Data Source

PatentEP2686173B1Security element having a 3D color effect and verification method and verification device for such a security element
Publication Date: 2015.07.15 BUNDESDRUCKEREI GMBH
  • EP2686173B1 patent drawingFigure 1a~1b
  • EP2686173B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3b
  • EP2686173B1 patent drawingFigure 4a~4b

AI summary

The invention relates to security element (2) for causing a 3D color effect, comprising graphical information (3), which comprises at least one first information portion (3-1) and one second information portion (3-2), wherein the first information portion and the second information portion have different spectral distributions in the remission spectrum and/or transmission spectrum for broadband excitation by electromagnetic radiation, wherein the first information portion (3-1) and the second information portion (3-2) are designed in such a way that the respective remission spectrum and/or transmission spectrum thereof is dominated by a spectral distribution of a spectral color. The invention further relates to a method for verifying the security element and a verification device (20).