UV Sensitive Ink Security Pattern via Laser Ablation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current security features in identification documents, such as UV fluorescent inks, are limited in color options and can be easily replicated, making them ineffective against unauthorized copying and forgery.
Innovation Solution
A process involving a transparent ablation varnish layer under UV-sensitive ink, where areas of the ink are removed using a laser beam to create a pattern visible only under UV radiation, with the varnish absorbing UV light to create black color in removed areas, resulting in a unique mixed image effect.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If UV fluorescent inks are used for security patterns, then the pattern is visible under UV radiations, but the security feature can be easily replicated by forgers using the same ink and low cost printer
Solution Approach 1:
The security feature is segmented into multiple functional layers: a transparent ablation varnish layer and a UV-sensitive ink layer. This segmentation allows each layer to perform a specific function - the varnish layer provides the base for laser ablation while the ink layer provides the fluorescent security pattern, making replication difficult without both layers and the specific processing equipment
Solution Approach 2:
The conventional inkjet printing method is replaced with laser ablation processing. Instead of directly printing the security pattern with ink, the system uses laser energy to selectively remove material, creating a pattern that requires specialized equipment and cannot be replicated by simple printing processes
2Ease of manufacture
If only one UV ink color is used, then the printing process is simple, but the security feature lacks enhancement and can be easily copied
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the fluorescent properties of UV-sensitive ink that changes appearance under UV radiation. The ink appears invisible or faint under normal light but fluoresces brightly under UV illumination, creating a color change effect that enhances security while maintaining relatively simple printing processes
Solution Approach 2:
The security feature combines transparent ablation varnish material with UV-sensitive fluorescent ink material. This composite structure creates a multi-functional layer that provides both the fluorescent security pattern and the laser ablation capability, enhancing security effectiveness without significantly complicating manufacturing
3Manufacturing precision
If laser beam is used to remove UV sensitive ink, then a pattern visible under UV light is created, but black traces may appear around removed areas under daylight
Solution Approach 1:
A transparent ablation varnish layer is introduced as an intermediary between the substrate and the UV-sensitive ink layer. This intermediary layer absorbs the laser energy and undergoes ablation without causing the ink to burn or produce black traces, thereby protecting the ink while enabling precise pattern creation
Solution Approach 2:
The laser ablation process utilizes controlled energy delivery to selectively remove material. By controlling the laser parameters and using the varnish layer as a buffer, the process achieves precise pattern definition without generating harmful side effects like burning or blackening of the ink
4Manufacturing precision
If UV sensitive ink layer is removed by laser, then the pattern is revealed, but the ink may be burned and produce black traces
Solution Approach 1:
The transparent ablation varnish layer is applied beforehand as a protective cushion between the laser beam and the UV-sensitive ink. This cushion absorbs the laser energy and undergoes ablation first, preventing the laser from directly burning the ink and producing black traces, while still allowing the pattern to be revealed
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 enhances security by creating a pattern that is impossible to reproduce simply, with no visible traces under daylight and a combination of colored and grayscale images under UV light, providing enhanced authenticity verification.
Implementation Method 1
removing parts of the layer of UV sensitive ink(s), by means of a laser beam
Implementation Method 2
a layer of a transparent ablation varnish
Implementation Method 3
the laser beam has interacted with the ablation varnish (13), absorbing the UV radiations with effect of creating black color
Implementation Method 4
UV fluorescent inks... which appears under UV radiations as a colored image and/or text because they fluoresce with visible light when illuminated with UV light
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a process for securing an identification document and to a secure identification document. More particularly, the process uses UV sensitive ink(s) to define a pattern only visible under UV radiations, by printing a first layer of a transparent ablation varnish (13), printing a layer (14) of UV sensitive ink(s) over said first layer of transparent ablation varnish, removing parts of the layer (14) of UV sensitive ink(s), by means of a laser beam, some remaining areas of said UV sensitive ink(s) defining said pattern to be revealed in color under UV radiations, and some areas, where the UV sensitive ink(s) has been removed and the laser beam has interacted with the ablation varnish (13), absorbing the UV radiations with effect of creating black color. Other systems and methods are disclosed.