This article discusses new document design possibilities using technological advances in diffractive optically variable devices, laser personalization and antenna manufacturing. These key security features of government documents can be designed simultaneously to create an integrated functionality, which enhances visual recognition and counterfeit detection.
During the document design process some mandatory features such as optically variable devices, laser-engraved images and the electronic components are often introduced as “add-ons” that should not detract from the aesthetic appeal of the pre-printed substrate. This approach can lead to the inclusion of “disconnected” features which are more susceptible to replacement or removal, to create a new counterfeit document. In the case of optically variable devices, if the image portrayed by the feature exhibits no obvious relation to the rest of the document design, the inspector must have prior knowledge of the security elements in order to gain confidence in its authenticity.
Integration by design
New security laminate designs using the KINEGRAM ZERO. ZERO technology provide unique opportunities to combine dynamic images of the diffractive OVD (Optically Variable Device) with the static pre-printed design on the substrate. The use of an open structure of fine metallic lines with brilliant kinematic movement, truly perfect registration and high-resolution enables the creation of images, which are relatively easy to combine with the underlying pre-print and biographic data. Since the combination of features exhibits the complete image, manipulation or removal of any single element becomes more noticeable, even without prior knowledge of the design.
The high resolution, fine-line metallic structures in perfect registration with the diffractive elements, exhibit the optical brilliance of 100% metal combined with the transparency of high-refractive index non-metallic coatings. These are ideal conditions for optimizing the integration of the KINEGRAM with the background document design, so that counterfeit attempts become easier to detect.
In contrast to the conventional approach, the KINEGRAM ZERO.ZERO laminate not only protects the personalized data, but now also completes the document design, as depicted in Fig. 2.
A metallized image of a tree to pair with the pre-printed tree shadow envelopes the secondary image with an overlying lens effect. The flying birds are depicted with Surface Relief structures appearing to protrude from the surface. The metallized header has unmetallized text which appears colorful, deriving the color from the printed header design.
Finally, the right hand side of the metallized header has just the right degree of transparency to allow the pre-printed ID number to become visible, only after tilting the card to a certain angle.
Therefore, we have the choice of completing the document design and then introducing the security features as add-ons, or we can make the security feature an integral part of the document design. Clearly, using the latter approach, the task of the counterfeiter is much more difficult, while the document examiner can gain more trust in the authenticity of a document, even without detailed knowledge of the security features.
Integration during system personalization
A product called KINEGRAM ZERO.ZERO Combi is embedded in the polycarbonate and positioned so as to overlap with the primary photo (Fig. 3). The metallized fine-lines, as well as the metallized crown image, are enclosed in the 6-sided polygon. The remaining KINEGRAM structures are transparent; prepared using non-metallic coatings.
As shown in Fig. 4, when the polycarbonate card is personalized using conventional laser processes, the metallized zones over-lapping the photo area are evaporated due to the laser energy. This results in a loss of the optical structure in the personalized zone.
Integration of electronic components
In typical document designs today, the physical security features are on the outer layers and as such, they are totally divorced from the electronic components, namely the chip and the antenna, which are concealed in the core. However, the antenna could be designed to exhibit a characteristic and customized image, which is specific to that document.
Furthermore, this characteristic image could also be made visible from the outside, through a transparent window in the document, as shown in Fig. 6. In such a case, it becomes a lot more difficult for the counterfeiter to substitute the electronic components.
However, a prerequisite to achieve this design integration is the early involvement of all component providers in the document design process.
KINEGRAM and KINEGRAM ZERO.ZERO are registered trademarks of OVD Kinegram AG.