UV Coated Security Inlay for Identity Documents
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current security inlays for identity documents lack effective measures to prevent unauthorized reproduction and verification of authenticity without damaging the document.
Innovation Solution
A security inlay comprising a first and second transparent layer with a color coating and blackened sections, where the layers are bonded together, allowing graphical information to be visible under visible light and different information to be revealed under infrared light, enhancing counterfeit protection and verification without damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If laser engraving is used as a security feature, then counterfeit protection is improved, but the document must be irreversibly damaged to expose the feature
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses UV-active materials that change their optical properties under UV irradiation. The graphical information appears invisible under visible light but becomes visible under UV light, providing a security feature that does not require irreversible damage to the document.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the optical parameters of the security feature by using materials that respond to UV irradiation. The feature transitions from an invisible state under visible light to a visible state under UV light, allowing verification without damaging the document.
2Reliability
If multiple transparent plies with printed images and UV-active images are used, then counterfeit protection is improved, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the UV-active graphical information directly with the printed image on the same transparent ply, rather than using separate layers. This merging reduces the number of components while maintaining the security feature.
Solution Approach 2:
The transparent ply serves multiple functions: it carries the printed graphical information, contains the UV-active materials, and provides the security feature. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized layers.
3Reliability
If UV-active images are applied to printed images, then security features become visible under UV light, but the visible light appearance is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The UV-active materials are designed to be invisible or transparent under visible light but become visible under UV light. This color change property allows the security feature to remain hidden from ordinary viewing while becoming detectable under UV irradiation.
Solution Approach 2:
The UV-active materials act as an intermediary that responds to UV irradiation. They mediate between the visible light domain and the UV light domain, allowing the security feature to be invisible under visible light but visible under UV light.
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 significantly increases counterfeit protection and allows for the verification of the security inlay's authenticity by revealing different graphical information under infrared light, making it difficult for unauthorized parties to produce recognizable copies.
Implementation Method 1
The first and the second portion of the optically recognizable characters are arranged and configured to reflect visible light
Implementation Method 2
Infrared light is reflected by the first portion of the optical characters
Data Source
AI summary
A security inlay having optically recognizable characters for an identity document comprises a first transparent layer and a second transparent layer. A color coating is situated on the first transparent layer. Furthermore, a first UV color coating, which reflects at least UV light at least in a first wavelength range, is situated on the first layer and/or on the color coating. The first and second transparent layers are connected to one another. A first portion of the optically recognizable characters is formed by blackened sections in at least one of the layers. A second portion of the optically recognizable characters is formed by the color coating. A third portion of the optically recognizable characters is formed by the UV color coating. The first and the second portions of the optically recognizable characters reflect visible light. The third portion of the optically recognizable characters reflects UV light.