Transparent Security Element With Dual-Side Revealing Pattern
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing security elements for data carriers require complex and error-prone processes to align reflective materials and layers for optimal visibility, leading to increased production defects and costs.
Innovation Solution
A security element with a transparent layer susceptible to printing or laser marking, featuring a security pattern and a revealing element applied at different stages, allowing precise alignment and observation from both sides without reflective materials, using parallel opaque and transparent lines with a specific period.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If reflective materials and layers are used for security element visibility, then visibility and contrast are improved, but alignment complexity and production defects increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes reflective materials from the security element structure entirely. Instead of using reflective coatings on transparent layers, the invention employs opaque lines directly printed or laser-marked on the transparent substrate to create the revealing element, eliminating the need for separate reflective material layers and their associated alignment requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an opaque line pattern as an intermediary element that mediates between the transparent substrate and the viewer. These opaque lines serve as the revealing element that makes the security marking visible without requiring reflective materials, simplifying the structure while maintaining visibility function.
2Illumination intensity
If reflective materials and layers are used for security element visibility, then visibility and contrast are improved, but production costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes reflective materials from the security element structure entirely. Instead of using reflective coatings on transparent layers, the invention employs opaque lines directly printed or laser-marked on the transparent substrate to create the revealing element, eliminating the need for separate reflective material layers and their associated alignment requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces expensive reflective materials with simple opaque lines that can be created through standard printing or laser-marking processes. This substitution uses readily available, cost-effective materials and methods to achieve the same visibility function.
3Illumination intensity
If complex alignment processes are used for reflective materials, then visibility is improved, but production time and defects increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes reflective materials from the security element structure entirely. Instead of using reflective coatings on transparent layers, the invention employs opaque lines directly printed or laser-marked on the transparent substrate to create the revealing element, eliminating the need for separate reflective material layers and their associated alignment requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates the revealing element (opaque lines) directly into the transparent layer during the initial manufacturing process through printing or laser-marking. This preliminary integration eliminates subsequent alignment steps that would be required if reflective materials were applied separately, streamlining production.
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 production by reducing alignment errors and defects, enabling cost-effective personalization with clear visibility of security markings from different angles, and simplifying the manufacturing process.
Implementation Method 1
a security element with a transparent layer susceptible to printing or laser marking
Implementation Method 2
at least partially susceptible to being marked by printing or laser marking
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a security element for a data carrier comprising at least one layer, completely or partially transparent, with a thickness of at least 0.03 mm, wherein the at least one layer of the security element is at least partially susceptible to being marked by printing or laser marking, characterised in that it comprises: - - a security pattern (301), wherein the security pattern (301) is located in such a way that the area of the security pattern (301) at least partially overlaps with the transparent area of the security element, so that the security pattern (301) is at least partially visible from both sides of the security element, wherein the security pattern (301) comprises at least two security markings (A, B), wherein each security marking (A,B) consists of bands arranged in intervals so that the corresponding edges of the bands being a part of a given security marking are at equal distance (P) from each other, and each band being a part of one security marking (301) is adjacent on each side to a band being a part of a different security marking; and/or - a revealing element (401), wherein the location of the revealing element (401) at least partially overlaps with the transparent area of the security element, so that the revealing element is at least partially visible from both sides of the security element, wherein the revealing element (401) comprises a set of parallel opaque lines (411) and transparent lines (412) acting as gaps located between the opaque lines (411), wherein the period (R) of the revealing element (401) is the sum of the width (L) of an opaque line (411) and the width (G) of a transparent line (412); wherein the security pattern (301) and/or the revealing element (401) are applied by means of printing or laser marking, wherein above or below the applied security pattern (301) and/or the revealing element (401), at a distance of at least 0.03 mm, within the same layer or in a different layer of the security element, there is another surface susceptible to being marked by printing or laser marking, wherein the security element, at least in the transparent area, does not comprise reflective material. The invention also relates to a data carrier comprising the security element according to the invention, a method of manufacturing the security element according to the invention and use of the security element according to the invention to manufacture a data carrier.