Transparent ID Window Structure Without Punching Tools

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Solution Overview

Problem

Creating transparent windows in identification documents is a complex, time-consuming, and costly process, and methods like punching tools limit the shape and number of windows, leading to potential delamination issues.

Innovation Solution

Using opaque ink patterns on a transparent base material to form continuous opaque areas and transparent areas within the substrate, allowing for flexible and precise shaping of transparent windows without the need for punching tools, and enhancing adhesion properties through multiple ink patterns.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If punching tools are used to create transparent windows, then the windows can be formed in the substrate, but the shape and number of windows are limited and delamination issues occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflexibility in shaping transparent windowsVSAvoiddelamination resistance

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the punching tool step entirely from the manufacturing process. Instead of mechanically punching holes through layers, the invention uses a transparent layer with selectively deposited opaque ink patterns that define window areas by exclusion, thereby eliminating the delamination risk associated with mechanical punching while enabling unlimited shape flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

Rather than creating transparent windows by removing material (punching), the invention inverts the approach by using opaque ink patterns on a transparent layer to define window boundaries. The transparent areas are created by excluding ink deposition, reversing the conventional logic of material removal and enabling shape flexibility without mechanical stress.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Productivity

If punching tools are used to create transparent windows, then windows can be formed, but the process becomes complex and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing speedVSAvoidprocess complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical punching system with a printing/deposition system. Instead of using physical punching tools that require complex alignment and force application, the invention uses opaque ink patterns deposited on a transparent layer, simplifying the process to a single-step deposition operation that can be performed at lower temperatures without mechanical stress.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The transparent layer with opaque ink patterns is prepared in advance as a self-contained unit before being integrated into the substrate stack. This preliminary preparation of the window-defining layer separates the window creation process from the substrate assembly process, enabling parallel manufacturing and reducing overall process complexity and time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Ease of manufacture

If punching tools are used to create transparent windows, then windows can be formed, but costly equipment and tools are required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing costVSAvoiddesign flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the fundamental parameter of window creation from mechanical removal to selective deposition. By using opaque ink patterns with variable opacity and coverage, the system can control window appearance, size, and shape through deposition parameters rather than requiring specialized punching tooling, reducing equipment costs while increasing design versatility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 simplifies the creation of transparent windows, increases flexibility in design, and reduces delamination risks, enabling precise alignment with identification features like portraits or signatures.

Implementation Method 1

a first opaque ink pattern deposited on the front side of the transparent base material and/or a second opaque ink pattern deposited on the back side of the transparent base material

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDeposition: Deposition (physical)

Data Source

PatentEP4686579A1Identification document with transparent window

Publication Date: 2026.02.04 TOPPAN SECURITY SAS

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Figure 3I~3II
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AI summary

An identification document (1) has a substrate (5) and at least one transparent window (100) provided in the substrate (5). The substrate (5) is formed by a plurality of layers (10, 11) stacked on each other in a stacking direction (X). At least one layer (11) has a transparent base material (60) having a front side (FS) and a back side (BS). Further, the at least one layer (11) has a first opaque ink pattern (61) deposited on the front side (FS) of the transparent base material (60) and/or a second opaque ink pattern (62) deposited on the back side (BS) of the transparent base material (60). All the first and second opaque ink patterns (61, 62) are arranged such that they form, when viewed in the stacking direction (X), a continuous opaque area (70) covered by the opaque ink, and at least one transparent area (80), free of the opaque ink and surrounded by the continuous opaque area (70). The at least one transparent area (80) forms part of the at least one transparent window (100) of the substrate (5).