Structured Print Film for Confidential Information Security
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing print carriers with confidential information are vulnerable to unauthorized reading due to the potential visibility of the information under specularly reflected light, despite the use of obscuring agents.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a structured print on the film layer with a micro-topography that creates ridges and depressions, along with gloss and hue contrasts, to obscure the information, and using a reagent ink that changes under heat or solvents, combined with a tamper-indicative design that leaves visible evidence of unauthorized access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an obscuring agent is used behind the film layer, then the confidential information is protected from direct viewing, but the information becomes visible under specularly reflected light
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a structured print with varying surface properties (ridges and depressions) to specific areas of the film layer. This creates local variations in light reflection and refraction, causing confidential information to be obscured at certain viewing angles while remaining visible only when viewed directly from above, thus resolving the contradiction between overall protection and angle-specific visibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a third dimension by creating micro-topography (ridges and depressions) on the film layer surface. This dimensional change affects how light interacts with the printed information, causing it to be obscured when viewed from angled positions while remaining readable from a direct overhead view, thereby solving the visibility issue under specular reflection.
2Manufacturing precision
If the film layer is made transparent for printing, then the confidential information can be printed clearly, but the information becomes readable from both sides
Solution Approach 1:
The structured print creates areas with different optical properties - ridges that refract light and depressions that obscure underlying information. This local variation in surface quality ensures that while the transparent film allows clear printing, the structured areas prevent reading from unauthorized angles, thus resolving the contradiction between printability and security.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the transparent film layer with a structured print layer having different refractive indices and surface properties. This composite structure maintains the transparency needed for clear printing while the structured layer's optical properties block views from angled positions, solving the contradiction between clear printing and unauthorized reading prevention.
3Ease of operation
If a separating layer is added between the film and obscuring agent, then the film can be detached for reading, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the separating layer functionality with the existing adhesive layer that bonds the film to the support sheet. By integrating the separation function into the adhesive system rather than adding a distinct separating layer, the patent enables easy detachment for reading while avoiding increased structural 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
Significantly enhances the security of confidential information by making it difficult to read from unauthorized angles and provides visible evidence of tampering, ensuring that the information remains protected until intended for use.
Implementation Method 1
the structured surface creates a micro-topography with ridges (where the structural print is present) and depressions (where the structural print is not present), with parts of the printed confidential information being obscured by ridges at small viewing angles
Implementation Method 2
The gloss contrast results in a reflection pattern in the specularly reflected light, due to the interplay between matt and gloss, in which reflections on the printed confidential information disappear for the eye
Implementation Method 3
a reagent ink which discolours irreversibly under the influence of heat and/or solvents
Implementation Method 4
a reagent ink which discolours irreversibly under the influence of heat and/or solvents
Data Source
Figure 1a~1e
Figure 2a~2d
Figure 3a~3c
AI summary
In a print carrier for the transmission of confidential information (1), comprising a transparent film layer (3), onto the front of which the confidential information (1) can be printed, and a means (U) for rendering the information unrecognizable being provided behind the film layer (3), said means making the detectability of the confidential information (1) on the film layer (3) significantly more difficult, it is provided according to the invention that the film layer (3) on the front carries at least one structured imprint (15) not contributing to the confidential information (1), wherein said imprint improves the effect of the means (U) for rendering the information unrecognizable due to the irregular surface coverage thereof.