Visually Variable Security Element with Intaglio and Facet Contrast
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optically variable elements for data carriers lack high security against forgery and easy verifiability, as they do not effectively differentiate between optical and tactile perceptions, making them susceptible to unauthorized reproduction.
Innovation Solution
An optically variable element featuring a first partial area produced by intaglio blind embossing, which is both optically and haptically perceptible, and a second partial area with facets that create an 'imaginary surface' with altered reflection behavior, allowing for a high recognition value and easy verification of authenticity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional optically variable elements are used, then the security against forgery is limited, but the verification process is simple
Solution Approach 1:
The security element is divided into two distinct partial areas with different tactile properties: a first partial area with a tactilely detectable impression and a second partial area without such impression. This segmentation allows the verification process to be simplified while maintaining high security, as users can easily distinguish between authentic and forged elements by touching the different areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates preliminary anti-action by designing the second partial area to have no tactilely detectable impression, which pre-empts forgery attempts. Forgers cannot replicate the authentic element because they cannot reproduce the absence of tactile structure in the second area, thus preventing unauthorized reproduction before verification even occurs.
2Reliability
If a single uniform structure is used, then the manufacturing process is simple, but the recognition value and security are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
Different local qualities are applied to different partial areas of the security element. The first partial area has a tactilely detectable impression for authentication, while the second partial area has a smooth surface without tactile structure. This local differentiation enhances recognition value and security while maintaining relatively simple manufacturing processes through techniques like intaglio printing and selective coating application.
3Reliability
If the optical and tactile impressions match, then the verification is straightforward, but the security against forgery is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional approach by creating a partial area where the optical impression suggests a certain surface topology while the tactile impression reveals a different reality. In the second partial area, the optical design creates the appearance of curvature or relief, but the surface is actually smooth to the touch. This inversion confuses potential forgers while providing clear verification for authentic elements.
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 described optically variable element provides a high recognition value and security against forgery by creating a discrepancy between optical and tactile perceptions, making it difficult to replicate, while allowing easy verification of authenticity.
Implementation Method 1
the first partial area is produced by means of intaglio printing, specifically by blind embossing, and is optically perceptible as projecting and/or receding
Implementation Method 2
the orientations of several facets can be changed relative to the orientations for generating the protruding and/or receding perceptible surface such that the protruding and/or receding perceptible surface is still perceptible
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a visually variable element, in particular a security element for a data medium, comprising a substrate (6) that has a section forming a motif and comprising a first sub-region (4), which is produced by means of intaglio printing, and a second sub-region (5), which is not produced by means of intaglio printing, wherein the two sub-regions (4, 5) are visually perceptible as respectively projecting and/or retreating, and wherein the visually perceptible and the haptically perceptible impressions of the first sub-region (4) correspond and the visually perceptible and the haptically perceptible impressions of the second partial area (5) do not correspond.