DE102014017535B4 - Identification document with information from thermochromic ink and method for producing an identification document and method for verifying an identification document - Google Patents

Abstract

An identification document comprising an information layer having first and second information that do not overlap each other, wherein the first information is assigned as thermochromic ink of a first kind of the information layer and the second information is assigned as thermochromic ink of a second kind of information layer; thermochromic ink of the first type is visible in a first temperature range and at least partially transparent in a second temperature range, and wherein the thermochromic ink of the second type is at least partially transparent in the first temperature range and visible in the second temperature range.

Description

background

Here, an identification document with information of a thermochromic ink of a first kind and a thermochromic ink of a second kind, and a method of manufacturing such an identification document will be described. Furthermore, a method for verifying such an identification document will be described.

Identification documents are used in various fields and may be, for example, ID cards, smart cards, value and security documents. These documents are provided with security features for security reasons. The security features include information that i.a. to verify the authenticity of the document or verify a person. Security features are provided, for example in the form of watermarks, optically variable colors, holographic portraits, laser engravings or the like. The information contained in the security features can be compared for checking with each other or with external information. Furthermore, it is partially provided that some of the security features can only be read out with the aid of an external checking means.

Furthermore, thermochromic inks can be used as security features to associate security-relevant information with identification documents. Thermochromic inks are temperature-dependent and change their properties depending on a temperature range. For example, when a threshold temperature is exceeded, the color of the thermochromic ink changes, or the ink becomes transparent.

State of the art

The DE 10 2008 011 299 A1 describes a security element having at least one thermochromic ink layer covering a first information, so that the first information is not recognizable. Only with a first type of heat input into the thermochromic ink layer is the first information recognizable. The thermochromic ink layer also covers a second information, so that the second information is not recognizable and only in a second type of heat input is recognizable in the thermochromic ink layer. According to a development described here, the second type of heat input is different from the first type of heat input.

In such a security element, the first information and the second information are covered by the same thermochromic ink layer. As a result, both information without a heat input are not recognizable. In particular, two different heat inputs are required in this security element in order to obtain two pieces of information. Thus, the safety information without heat input, i. at room temperature, not checked and therefore not used as a safety feature.

Further prior art is known from DE 102 43 650 A1 known. This discloses a security element comprising a first material having thermochromic properties and a second material having an optically variable effect.

To meet ever-increasing security requirements, novel security features must be provided, which are alternatives to the already known security features. By providing novel security features, the counterfeit security of identification documents can be increased.

Underlying task

The object is to provide an identification document comprising security features that represents an alternative to known security features of identification documents. It is a further object to specify a method for producing such an identification document and a method for verifying an identification document.

solution

The object is achieved with an identification document according to claim 1 and a method for producing an identification document according to claim 12 and a method for verifying an identification document according to claim 15.

Preferred embodiments will be apparent from the dependent claims 1 to 11, 13 to 14 and 16 to 17.

An identification document which solves the problem comprises an information layer with a first and at least one second information. In this case, the first information is assigned as a thermochromic ink of a first type of information layer. The second information is assigned as a thermochromic ink of a second type of information layer. The information may be printed on the information layer or incorporated in the information layer. The thermochromic ink of the first type is visible in a first temperature range and in a second temperature range at least partially transparent. By contrast, the thermochromic ink of the second type is at least partially transparent in the first temperature range and visible in the second temperature range. That is, when reaching or exceeding or falling below a threshold temperature, the two thermochromic inks each change their optical properties. The two thermochromic inks of the first and second type behave exactly opposite. In other words, the threshold temperature forms the limit temperature between the first and the second temperature range.

Thermochromic inks, which change their optical properties from visible to transparent by heating, are often to be found in the prior art. Examples of such thermochromic inks are known from the aforementioned patent, as well as from the manufacturers Chromatic Technologies, Inc. (CTI) and LCR Hallcrest. Thermochromic inks, which have a substantially opposite optical property, ie a change from transparent to opaque by heat input, are for example in the patent EP 0 462 802 A1 and in the WO 2011134029 A1 described. This describes textiles that are provided with an ink that is visible when the textiles are removed from a dryer and therefore have an elevated temperature. If the textiles cool off again to room temperature, the ink becomes transparent.

Examples of a thermochromic ink of the second kind are shown in U.S.P. US 2004/004069 A1 and in the US 2002/192872 A1 described. Further, in such an identification document, by local heating or cooling, both first and second type thermochromic ink information can be made visible or transparent.

Identification documents may be any type of ID cards, smart cards, securities and security documents, such as debit, credit cards, passports, identity cards, access control cards, etc.

For example, information may be image information, fonts, numbers, encodings, characters, patterns, symbols, binary information, or the like. Thus, completely or partially monochrome patches can also be regarded as information. These can provide binary information, for example, by switching from visible to transparent or vice versa. Preferably, the two information of the information layer may be personalized information.

An advantage of an identification document of the type described herein is that heating or cooling the identification document from a first temperature range to a second temperature range may result in various effects. For example, a viewer may be given the impression that information on the identification document changes position by arranging the same information as a first type thermochromic ink and a second type thermochromic ink at different positions on the identification document. As a result, an optically interesting security feature can be provided. Alternatively, the two thermochromic inks may comprise different information. As a result, for example, two complementary information can be provided, but only one of which is visible if the identification document has the same temperature range everywhere.

Such a security feature represents a unique position over known security features. A novel security feature also has the advantage that it is more secure against forgery than known security features.

In a variant it can be provided that the information layer is transparent, and that the identification document comprises an additional substrate layer, which is preferably opaque. The information layer can at least partially cover the substrate layer in this variant. In this case, the two layers can be formed substantially congruent. The substrate layer may further comprise two optical information. The optical information of the substrate layer may be provided on a surface facing the information layer. Furthermore, the information of the substrate layer can each be at least partially covered by the first or second information made of thermochromic ink of the information layer. This can result in the fact that the optical information of the substrate layer are only fully visible in each case if the respective overlapping information of thermochromic ink is transparent.

The optical information of the substrate layer may either supplement the information layer information or be independent of it. In the case of a complementary embodiment, in each case information of the information layer can be designed to belong together with information of the substrate layer. It can be provided that the information is designed such that two related information is visible at any time, regardless of the respective temperature range of the identification document. Assuming that Identification document has the same temperature range everywhere. In such an embodiment, therefore, the information of the information layer which is visible in the first temperature range can belong together with the information of the substrate layer which is visible in the first temperature range. Accordingly, in this case, the information of the information layer which is transparent in the first temperature range can belong together with the information of the substrate layer concealed in the first temperature range.

An advantage of this variant is that, despite an optical effect or an optical change due to a change in the temperature range, relevant, coherent information can be displayed at any time.

The information of the substrate layer may alternatively also be identical in content to the information from thermochromic ink.

The two optical information of the substrate layer can be assigned to this substrate layer by material application or material removal by laser engraving. Depending on the design of the information layer, a laser engraving can be carried out before or after the connection of the information and substrate layer. In addition, a substrate layer may be provided, in which a color change is caused by means of the laser beam. Alternatively, the optical information of the substrate layer can also be assigned in the form of non-thermochromic ink, preferably in the form of an ink-jet printing layer. Printed information has the advantage that color information can be easily generated.

The information of the information layer and / or the optical information of the substrate layer may each represent an image, preferably a color image. The information may represent different or at least partially the same images. Which and how many of the information of the two layers represent the same images can be varied as desired

In particular, the information of the information layer can each represent a person face image in color and the information of the substrate layer in each case a person face image in gray scale. It can be the same face image of a person. As a result, for a viewer when changing the temperature range, the impression can arise that one person's face image loses the color while the other person's face image is filled with color. For this, however, a congruent arrangement of a person face image of the information layer and a personal face image of the substrate layer is required.

In one development, the identification document may comprise a protective layer which at least partially covers the information layer on a surface facing away from the substrate layer. The protective layer can at least partially comprise nanoscale fillers, which increase the thermal conductivity of the protective layer. Preferably, low-dose carbon nanotubes with thermally conductive microscopic additives may be provided in the protective layer.

In addition, the protective layer may be connected to the information layer in such a way that detaching the protective layer from the information layer or separating the two layers at least partially destroys the information from thermochromic ink. Thereby, it can be prevented that the information of the information layer is unauthorizedly manipulated after application of the protective layer. Thus, deception attempts can be effectively counteracted.

The first and second information of the information layer may be assigned to the information layer so as not to overlap each other. This can enhance the previously described impression of a change in position of the information by changing the temperature range. Accordingly, any information of a substrate layer which is at least partially covered by the information layer information may also be arranged in a non-overlapping manner in this variant.

The first temperature range may include at least the room temperature. Furthermore, the first temperature range may include at least a range between 0 ° C and 35 ° C. Preferably, the first temperature range may include a range between 15 ° C and 25 ° C. However, the first temperature range may include a range above or below 50 ° C. According to a variant, the second temperature range may be above the first temperature range. Alternatively, the second temperature range may be below the first temperature range.

Depending on whether the second temperature range is above or below the first temperature range, the identification document may be heated or cooled to change the transparency and visibility of the information layer information. For example, the identification document can be adapted to climatic conditions, areas of application or other external influencing factors. Thus, for example, for countries with a high average annual temperature, an identification document may be provided in which the second temperature range below the first temperature range, while for countries with a lower average annual temperature, an identification document can be provided, the second temperature range is above the first temperature range. The choice of the range of the first temperature range can also be adapted to such conditions, areas of application and influencing factors.

In a development, the identification document may comprise an antenna carrier layer which has an antenna arrangement with antenna conductor tracks. In addition, the antenna carrier layer may also have a chip which is connected to two antenna ends of the antenna arrangement. The chip may further comprise a memory with information that may be associated with the information of the information layer and / or the substrate layer. When the identification document is checked, the information stored on the chip can be read out, for example, and compared with the information of the information and / or substrate layer.

According to a variant, the identification document may comprise a metal foil which is designed to store heat in the identification document. Thereby, heat introduced into the identification document can be stored longer in the document, thereby maintaining longer the change of the optical characteristics (visibility) of the thermochromic inks. The metal foil may be provided in the form of an additional layer or may be incorporated in a layer of the identification document. Furthermore, the metal foil may be provided in sections in a region which is arranged substantially congruent with the information from thermochromic ink. A heat storage and / or maintenance of a temperature range may be particularly relevant for these areas.

The information layer of the identification document can be provided with a transparent and / or thermally conductive lacquer or adhesive at least in the respective region of the information of theremochromic ink. Due to its thermal conductivity, this varnish or adhesive can positively influence the effect of changing its optical properties (transparency or visibility). At the same time, the varnish can serve to protect the information from thermochromic ink, since during delamination parts of the underlying thermochromic ink are also removed or adhere to the varnish.

The identification document may include additional layers in addition to the information layer. A substrate layer, a protective layer, an antenna carrier layer and a metal foil layer have already been mentioned. Furthermore, the identification document may have a compensation layer, an offset printing layer and / or another intermediate layer. The aforementioned layers can be varied in any order, number and combination.

The identification document may essentially comprise layers of one or more of the following materials: paper, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyethylene (PE), polyethylene terephthalate (PET) or glycol-modified polyethylene terephthalate (PETG), polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymer (ABS ), Polyvinyl butyral (PVB), polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), polyimide (PI), polyvinyl alcohol (PVC), polystyrene (PS), polyvinylphenol (PVP), polypropylene (PP), polycarbonate (PC) or their derivatives.

A method for producing an identification document of a type described above may comprise the following steps:

An information layer of an identification document may be assigned a first information of a thermochromic ink of a first type, wherein the thermochromic ink of the first type is visible in a first temperature range and transparent in a second temperature range. The assignment may be a printing of the information layer. In a further step, a second information of thermochromic ink can be assigned to a second type of information layer, wherein the thermochromic ink of the second type is transparent in the first temperature range and visible in the second temperature range. Also, the assignment of the thermochromic ink of the second kind can be realized by printing the information layer. Alternatively, the assignment of the thermochromic ink in the above-mentioned steps may each be realized by introducing the ink into the information layer, respectively.

Furthermore, the information layer of the identification document can be connected to a substrate layer. In this case, the information layer may be transparent while the substrate layer is opaque. The information layer can be connected by means of an adhesive or adhesive bond to the substrate layer and thereby arranged substantially congruent with the substrate layer.

Furthermore, optical information can be assigned to the substrate layer. This optical information can be assigned to the substrate layer by means of material application or material removal by laser engraving. The can optical information is preferably arranged on a surface of the substrate layer, which is oriented in the direction of the information layer connected to the substrate layer. The optical information can also be assigned to the substrate layer in such a way that, after the information layer has been connected to the substrate layer, it is arranged in regions which are at least partially covered by the associated information of the information layer. By such an arrangement of the optical information of the substrate layer, the effects and security features described above can be realized.

The information layer can be connected to an antenna support layer. This includes embodiments of cards which have at least one information layer and at least one substrate layer, which can also be connected to one another via further layers.

In this case, the antenna carrier layer may comprise an antenna arrangement and a chip. The antenna arrangement can preferably be connected to the chip via two antenna ends. In addition, the chip may include a memory with information that can be read from the chip for verifying the identification document. The information layer can be connected by means of an adhesive or adhesive directly or via further layers (such as the substrate layer) to the antenna support layer.

For verifying an identification document of the kind previously described, a method may include the steps of:

A first region of an information layer of an identification document may be locally heated or cooled to a first threshold temperature. In this case, the first region of the information layer may comprise, at least in sections, information of thermochromic ink of a first type. The first threshold temperature may correspond to the threshold temperature of the first type thermochromic ink which changes its optical properties. The thermochromic ink of the first type may be visible before reaching the first threshold temperature and become transparent upon reaching the first threshold temperature. Thereby, upon an above-mentioned local heating or cooling, optical information covered by the thermochromic ink of the first kind can be seen.

Furthermore, a second region of the information layer of the identification document can be locally heated or cooled to a second threshold temperature. In this case, the second region of the information layer can be spaced from the first region. The second region of the information layer may comprise, at least in sections, information from a thermochromic ink of a second type. The second threshold temperature may correspond to the threshold temperature of the second type thermochromic ink which changes its optical properties. The thermochromic ink of the second type may be transparent before reaching the second threshold temperature and become visible upon reaching the second threshold temperature. Thus, by locally heating or cooling the second area, information of thermochromic ink which was not previously visible can be seen.

The information that has become visible as a result of the local heating or cooling of the two areas can then be adjusted. In this case, the information that has become visible can be compared with one another and / or with the information that is visible before heating or cooling.

Furthermore, at least one information that has become visible can for example be matched by a viewer / a real person or a computer.

The at least one piece of information can be matched with other information of the previously described steps and / or with information from another real person, a comparison object or a database information.

The first threshold temperature may correspond to the second threshold temperature. Alternatively, however, the first threshold temperature and the second threshold temperature may be different.

The first threshold temperature may form the threshold temperature between a first temperature range and a second temperature range. In this case, the first temperature range may include at least the room temperature. Furthermore, the first temperature range may include at least a range between 0 ° C and 35 ° C. Preferably, the first temperature range may include a range between 15 ° C and 25 ° C. However, the first temperature range may include a range above or below 50 ° C. According to a variant, the second temperature range may be above the first temperature range. Alternatively, the second temperature range may be below the first temperature range.

According to a development, the first threshold temperature may be above the first temperature range, while the second threshold temperature may be above the first temperature range Threshold temperature is below the first temperature range.

Further, for verification, information may be read from the identification document stored on a chip of the identification document. This information can then be matched with at least one of the information layer and / or the substrate layer information. For example, the information stored on the chip may correspond to the information that becomes visible through the local heating or cooling of the two areas. Alternatively, the information mentioned can also be complementary and thus also serve as a security feature.

list of figures

• 1 eine Draufsicht auf ein Identifikationsdokument gemäß einer ersten Ausführungsform in einem ersten Temperaturbereich zeigt,
• 2 eine Draufsicht auf das Identifikationsdokument der ersten Ausführungsform in einem zweiten Temperaturbereich zeigt,
• 3 eine Draufsicht auf ein Identifikationsdokument gemäß einer zweiten Ausführungsform in dem ersten Temperaturbereich zeigt,
• 4 eine Draufsicht auf das Identifikationsdokument gemäß der zweiten Ausführungsform in dem zweiten Temperaturbereich zeigt,
• 5 eine Draufsicht auf ein Identifikationsdokument gemäß einer dritten Ausführungsform in dem ersten Temperaturbereich zeigt,
• 6 eine Draufsicht auf das Identifikationsdokument gemäß der dritten Ausführungsform in dem zweiten Temperaturbereich zeigt,
• 7 eine erste Variante eines Schichtaufbaus des Identifikationsdokuments gemäß der ersten Ausführungsform in dem ersten Temperaturbereich zeigt,
• 8 den Schichtaufbau gemäß 7 in dem zweiten Temperaturbereich zeigt,
• 9 eine zweite Variante eines Schichtaufbaus des Identifikationsdokuments gemäß der ersten Ausführungsform in dem ersten Temperaturbereich zeigt,
• 10 eine dritte Variante eines Schichtaufbaus des Identifikationsdokuments der ersten Ausführungsform in dem ersten Temperaturbereich zeigt,
• 11 eine vierte Variante eines Schichtaufbaus des Identifikationsdokuments gemäß der ersten Ausführungsform in dem ersten Temperaturbereich zeigt,
• 12 eine erste Variante eines Schichtaufbaus des Identifikationsdokuments gemäß der zweiten Ausführungsform in dem ersten Temperaturbereich zeigt,
• 13 eine zweite Variante eines Schichtaufbaus des Identifikationsdokuments gemäß der zweiten Ausführungsform in dem ersten Temperaturbereich zeigt,
• 14 eine dritte Variante eines Schichtaufbaus des Identifikationsdokuments gemäß der zweiten Ausführungsform in dem ersten Temperaturbereich zeigt,
• 15 ein Verfahren zum Verifizieren eines Identifikationsdokuments zeigt.

Possible embodiments will now be explained in more detail with reference to the attached schematic drawings, of which:

• 1 shows a plan view of an identification document according to a first embodiment in a first temperature range,
• 2 shows a plan view of the identification document of the first embodiment in a second temperature range,
• 3 shows a plan view of an identification document according to a second embodiment in the first temperature range,
• 4 shows a plan view of the identification document according to the second embodiment in the second temperature range,
• 5 shows a plan view of an identification document according to a third embodiment in the first temperature range,
• 6 shows a plan view of the identification document according to the third embodiment in the second temperature range,
• 7 shows a first variant of a layer structure of the identification document according to the first embodiment in the first temperature range,
• 8th the layer structure according to 7 in the second temperature range shows
• 9 shows a second variant of a layer structure of the identification document according to the first embodiment in the first temperature range,
• 10 shows a third variant of a layer construction of the identification document of the first embodiment in the first temperature range,
• 11 shows a fourth variant of a layer construction of the identification document according to the first embodiment in the first temperature range,
• 12 shows a first variant of a layer structure of the identification document according to the second embodiment in the first temperature range,
• 13 shows a second variant of a layer construction of the identification document according to the second embodiment in the first temperature range,
• 14 shows a third variant of a layer structure of the identification document according to the second embodiment in the first temperature range,
• 15 a method for verifying an identification document shows.

Detailed description of the drawings

1 shows an identification document 10 according to a first embodiment in a first temperature range.

The first temperature range corresponds to the 1 to 14 the room temperature.

The identification document 10 has a surface with a rectangular shape.

The identification document 10 includes an in 1 shown information layer 12 , The information layer 12 are a first piece of information 14 of a thermochromic ink of a first kind and a second information 16 from a thermochromic ink of a second kind associated. Due to the characteristics of the two thermochromic inks are the two information 14 . 16 visible or transparent in different temperature ranges.

In the in 1 The first information from the thermochromic ink of the first type shown (hatched shown), while the information 16 from the thermochromic ink of the second kind transparent and thus not visible to a viewer. The two information 14 . 16 In the embodiment shown represent graphical information in the form of a face. In this case, the first information corresponds 14 content of the second information 16 ,

Out 1 is not apparent if the information layer 12 the surface of the identification document 10 forms or even more transparent layers or coatings over the information layer 12 , in the direction of an observer, are arranged. Also goes out 1 not clear whether the information layer itself is transparent or opaque. The same applies to the following 2 to 6 , On possible variants of a layer structure becomes later in connection with the 7 to 17 received. However, it should generally be noted that the various layers may be basically transparent or opaque.

2 shows the information layer 12 of the identification document 10 the first embodiment in a second temperature range. The second temperature range should be shown in the 1 to 14 lie above the first temperature range. In this second temperature range is now the first information 14 transparent from the first-kind thematic ink while the information 16 from the thermochromic ink of the second kind is visible to a viewer (shown hatched).

Starting from the in 1 illustrated identification document 10 in the first temperature range, has heating of the identification document 10 to the second temperature range ( 2 ) for the viewer the visual effect that the information displayed their position on the information layer 12 replaced. In fact, however, when the temperature range changes, second information becomes 16 visible, which was previously not visible to the viewer, while a piece of information 14 that was previously visible, becomes transparent through the change.

In the other embodiments described below, the same reference numerals as in the first embodiment described above are used for the same or equivalent components, but the reference numerals are provided with an imaginary number per version. The components, which are not described again in the other embodiments, are similar in their design and function to the corresponding components of the first embodiment according to FIGS 1 and 2 ,

3 shows an identification document 110 according to a second embodiment in the first temperature range. The identification document 110 also includes an information layer 112 , The information layer 112 is transparent according to the embodiment shown, so that through the information layer 112 an underlying substrate layer 118 is visible.

The information layer 112 are also in the second embodiment, a first information 114 of thermochromic ink of a first type and a second information (not shown here) of thermochromic ink assigned to a second type. The first information 114 is visible (hatched) due to the characteristics of the first type thermochromic ink in the first temperature range shown. In contrast, the thermochromic ink of the second kind and thus the second information of the information layer 112 transparent in this first temperature range and thus not visible.

In addition to information from thermochromic ink of the information layer 112 is in 3 also an optical information 120 the substrate layer 118 shown. This optical information 120 is in the embodiment shown by means of material removal by a laser engraving in the substrate layer 118 brought in. Alternatively, the optical information may be applied as printed information to the substrate layer, for example in the form of an ink jet printing layer. Here is the information 120 in an area on the substrate layer 118 Arranged by a section of the information layer 112 in which the second information (not shown) of thermochromic ink of the second kind is disposed. Because the second information of the information layer 112 is not visible in the first temperature range, is the optical information 120 the substrate layer 118 visible to a viewer.

Thus recognizes a viewer of the identification document 110 in the first temperature range, a first information 114 of thermochromic ink of the first kind and a lasered optical information 120 the substrate layer 118 ,

4 shows the identification document 110 of the second embodiment in the second temperature range.

In the second temperature range, the second information is due to the respective properties of the two thermochromic inks 116 made of thermochromic ink of the second kind and the first information (not shown) of thermochromic ink of the first kind transparent. This obscures the second information 116 the information layer 112 in the second temperature range, the first optical information (not shown) of the substrate layer 118 , On the other hand, the transparency of the first information of thermochromic tinter of the first kind gives an underlying second optical information 122 the substrate layer 118 free. The second optical information 122 is also by means of material removal by a laser engraving in the substrate layer 118 brought in.

The lasered optical information 120 . 122 the substrate layer 118 are visible according to their properties, regardless of the temperature range. However, due to their arrangement, they are on the substrate layer 118 , each with an information 114 . 116 from thermochromic ink the information layer 112 covered. Due to the respective characteristics of the thermochromic inks of the first and second types, only one of the thermochromic ink information is visible in each of the first and second temperature ranges. This has the consequence that only one of the two optical information 120 . 122 the substrate layer 118 is visible in each of the two temperature ranges.

In the embodiment shown, the information is thermochromic ink 114 and 116 same in content. In addition, the optical information 120 and 122 the substrate layer 118 identical in content. However, the contents of thermochromic ink differ in content from the lasered information of the substrate layer 118 ,

Due to the content of the information 114 . 116 . 120 and 122 and the particular arrangement of the information results for a viewer of the identification document 110 when heating or when changing from the first to the second temperature range, the impression that two content-wise different information shown change position. In fact, however, the information becomes 116 visible from the thermochromic ink of the second kind when changing to the second temperature range, while the information 114 becomes transparent from the thermochromic ink of the first kind. This simultaneously becomes visual information 120 which was previously visible, overlaid, while previously concealed information 122 becomes visible.

5 shows an identification document 210 according to a third embodiment. The identification document 210 includes an information layer 212 with a first information 214 thermochromic ink of a first type and a second information 216 from thermochromic ink of a second kind. The properties of the two thermochromic inks are similar to those of the 1 to 4 described thermochromic inks. Accordingly, in the in 5 shown first temperature range, the first information 214 visible while the second information 216 is transparent. The information layer 212 is in turn transparent, leaving an underlying substrate layer 218 through the information layer 212 is visible.

In contrast to the identification document 110 The second embodiment has the substrate layer 218 of the identification document 210 of the third embodiment in the area under the second information 216 the information layer 212 no optical information on.

By heating the identification document 210 to a second temperature range ( 6 ) becomes the second information 216 visible from thermochromic ink of the second kind. At the same time, the first information (in 6 not shown) made of thermochromic ink of the first kind transparent.

In 6 is also an optical information 222 the substrate layer 218 shown on the substrate layer 218 is disposed in an area that is below the area of the information layer 212 lies in which the first information 214 is arranged.

The optical information 222 the substrate layer 218 is by means of material removal by laser engraving in the substrate layer 218 brought in. In contrast to the second embodiment described above, the optical information is similar 222 content of the first information 214 as well as the second information 216 made of thermochromic ink of the information layer 212 , In particular, the information shows 214 and 216 from thermochromic ink a colored person face image, while the optical information 222 the substrate layer 218 shows the same person face image in grayscale.

This results for a viewer the effect that the first information 214 of thermochromic ink of the first type loses its color in the transition from the first temperature range to the second temperature range. At the same time the picture appears in exactly the same color representation at another position on the identification document 210 , However, the actual effect here as well is that when the temperature range changes from the first to the second temperature range, the thermochromic ink of the first type becomes transparent while the thermochromic ink of the second type becomes visible.

At this point it should be mentioned that an embodiment with two optical information in the substrate layer, similar to the second embodiment, is possible.

7 shows a first variant of a layer structure of the identification document 10 according to the first embodiment in the first temperature range. The identification document 10 includes in this variant the information layer 12 with a first information 14 of thermochromic ink of a first kind and a second information 16 from a thermochromic ink of a second kind. As already explained above, the first information is 14 visible in the first temperature range (shown hatched) while the second information 16 is transparent in the first temperature range.

Next to the information layer 12 includes the identification document 10 an upper one protective layer 30 and a lower protective layer 32 , The upper protective layer 30 is in this layer structure of the first embodiment of a surface of the information layer 12 assigned, on which the first and second information is arranged. For the first and second information to be visible to the viewer, the upper protective layer is 30 transparent. The lower protective layer 32 is one of the information 14 . 16 assigned to the remote surface of the information layer. The lower protective layer 32 can be made transparent or opaque depending on the intended use.

8th shows the layer structure according to 7 in a second temperature range. In this temperature range is now the second information 16 visible while the first information 14 is transparent.

In the following figures, the respective variants of the layer structure are each shown only in the first temperature range. The effects resulting from the change of the first temperature range into the second temperature range were related to the 1 to 6 explained.

9 shows a second variant for a layer structure of the identification document 10 according to the first embodiment. Since the second variant for a layer structure of the identification document 10 the first variant for a layer structure according to the 7 and 8th similar, only the differences between the two variants are discussed here.

In addition to the previously described layers and information, the in 9 shown second variant additionally an antenna carrier layer 34 , The antenna carrier layer 34 is between the information layer 12 and the lower protective layer 32 arranged. The antenna carrier layer 34 comprises an antenna arrangement with antenna conductor tracks 36a to 36f as well as a chip 38 , The antenna arrangement 36 is with the chip 38 connected (not shown). The chip 38 includes a memory with security-related information that is used to verify the identification document 10 can be read out. The antenna arrangement 36 and the chip 38 are in the variant shown on one of the information layer 12 facing surface of the antenna support layer 34 placed.

Furthermore, the layer structure of the second variant comprises a compensation layer 40 , The compensation layer 40 is in turn between the information layer 12 and the antenna carrier layer 34 arranged. In this case, the compensation layer 40 a recess 42 on, which is essentially the width of the chip 38 equivalent. In addition, the thickness of the compensation layer corresponds 40 in about the thickness of the chip 38 , The compensation layer 40 is so between the information layer 12 and the antenna carrier layer 34 arranged that the chip 38 when connecting the layers in the recess 42 intervenes. With the help of such an arrangement and formation of the compensation layer 40 can bumps in the layer structure due to the size of the chip 28 be avoided.

10 shows a third variant for a layer structure of the identification document 10 the first embodiment in the first temperature range. The third variant is in turn similar to the previously described variants of 7 to 9 , For this reason, only differences of the third variant compared to the previous variants will be discussed below.

In contrast to the layer structure of the second variant, the layer structure comprises the third variant of the identification document 10 additionally an upper offset printing layer 44 and a lower offset printing layer 46 , The upper offset printing layer 44 is between the upper protective layer 30 and the information layer 12 arranged. The lower offset printing layer 46 is between the lower protective layer 32 and the antenna carrier layer 34 arranged.

The offset printing layers 44 and 46 may be provided with further information that complements or is independent of the information layer information.

11 shows a fourth variant for a layer structure of the identification document 10 according to the first embodiment in the first temperature range. The in 11 The layer structure shown is similar to that in FIG 10 shown layer structure of the third variant. For this reason, in the following, in turn, only the differences of the layer structure of the fourth variant compared to the previous layer structure of the third variant will be discussed.

Opposite the in 10 shown layer structure, the layer structure of the fourth variant, no compensation layer. Nevertheless, bumps due to the size of the chip 38 to avoid this is at least partially in the antenna carrier layer 34 brought in. For this purpose, the antenna carrier layer 34 a recess 48 that depends on the dimensions of the chip 38 is adjusted. The antenna arrangement is also corresponding 36 at least partially into the antenna support layer 34 brought in. The recesses for the chip 38 and the antenna arrangement 36 are formed such that from the antenna support layer 34 remote surfaces of the antenna assembly 36 and the chip 38 lie in a common horizontal plane. Through such training, the information layer 12 without compensation layer with the antenna carrier layer 34 be connected without causing any unevenness within the layer. Alternatively, the recesses of the antenna support layer 34 be designed such that the antenna arrangement 36 as well as the chip 38 as far as are introduced into the antenna carrier layer, that the aforementioned surfaces with the information layer 12 facing surface of the antenna support layer 34 to lock.

12 shows a first variant of a layer structure of the identification document 110 according to the second embodiment in the first temperature range. This layer construction is similar to the layer construction according to FIGS 7 and 8th ,

In addition, however, the layer structure shown here has a substrate layer 118 on. The substrate layer 118 is between the information layer 112 and the lower protective layer 132 arranged. The substrate layer 118 are optical information 120 . 122 assigned. These are in the form of material removal by a laser engraving in the substrate layer 118 brought in. Here are the optical information 120 . 122 such in the substrate layer 118 arranged to lie in the layer composite in areas substantially congruent with the information 114 and 116 the information layer 112 made of thermochromic ink.

Because the information layer 112 is transparent in this embodiment, the lasered optical information 120 . 122 visible to an observer whenever the overlying information of thermochromic ink 114 . 116 is transparent. This depends on the properties of the respective thermochromic ink as well as the temperature range in which the identification document 110 located. Is one of the information 114 . 116 of thermochromic ink, however, in a temperature range in which this ink is visible becomes the underlying lasered optical information 120 or 122 is hidden and not visible to a viewer.

This in 12 shown identification document 110 is in the first temperature range, so the information 114 is visible from thermochromic ink of the first kind, while the information 116 made of thermochromic ink of the second kind is transparent. Accordingly, the lasered information 122 the substrate layer 118 covered and invisible to a viewer while the lasered optical information 120 due to the transparency of the information 116 is visible to a viewer.

13 shows a second variant for a layer structure of the identification document 110 according to the second embodiment in the first temperature range. The in 13 The layer structure shown is similar to the layer structure of 12 , which is why only differences are discussed below.

In addition to the in 12 The layer structure shown in the second variant additionally comprises an antenna carrier layer 134 with an antenna arrangement with antenna conductor tracks 136a to 136f and a chip 138 , The antenna carrier layer 134 is between the substrate layer 118 and the lower protective layer 132 arranged. The antenna arrangement 136 and the chip 138 are in the in 9 described manner on the antenna carrier layer 134 arranged. To avoid bumps is therefore also a compensation layer 140 with recess 142 in the layer structure provided between the substrate layer 118 and the antenna carrier layer 134 is arranged.

In addition, the in 13 layer structure shown an upper offset printing layer 144 and a lower offset printing layer 146 , These offset printing layers 144 . 146 can, as regards 10 described, be provided with further printed information.

The upper offset printing layer 144 is in the layer structure between the upper protective layer 130 and the information layer 112 arranged. The lower offset printing layer 146 is adjacent to the lower protective layer 132 in the direction of the information layer 112 arranged.

In the 14 shown third variant for a layer structure of the identification document 110 according to the second embodiment substantially corresponds to in 13 shown layer structure. Therefore, only differences in the two variants shown will be discussed below.

The layer structure according to the third variant dispenses with respect to the layer structure 13 on a compensation layer. Nevertheless, to avoid bumps, the antenna arrangement 136 as well as the chip 138 into the antenna carrier layer 134 brought in. The embodiment of the antenna carrier layer 134 corresponds to the configuration of the antenna carrier layer 34 according to 11 ,

15 shows the steps of a method for verifying an identification document.

First, in a first step S1, a first region of an information layer of an identification document is heated or cooled to a first threshold temperature. In the first area of the information layer, a first information of a thermochromic ink of a first kind is provided. This first information is visible before reaching the first threshold temperature and becomes transparent upon reaching the threshold temperature. As a result, an information covered by the first information becomes visible.

Parallel to the first step S1, a second step S2 is executed. In the second step S2, a second region of the information layer is locally heated or cooled to a second threshold temperature. In the second area of the information layer, a second information of a thermochromic ink of a second kind is provided. This second information is transparent before reaching the second threshold temperature and becomes visible when the second threshold temperature is reached. This will make previously transparent information visible.

After carrying out the first two steps S1, S2, at least one of the information obtained therefrom is adjusted in a third step S3 with further information.

Optionally (shown by dashed lines) a further step S4 may be performed. This provides for reading at least one further piece of information from a chip of the identification document. This step is carried out after the steps S1 and S2. The step S4 results in an additional adjustment S3 and / or the information from the step S4 is used for the adjustment S3.

The above-described embodiments of the identification document as well as the variants of the layer structure described above are only for the better understanding of the structure, the operation and the properties of the proposed solution; they do not restrict the revelation to the exemplary embodiments. The figures are schematic, with essential properties and effects being shown, in part, significantly enlarged in order to clarify the functions, operating principles, technical configurations and features. In this case, every mode of operation, every principle, every technical design and every feature which is / are evident in the figures or in the text can be described with all claims, every feature in the text and in the other figures, other modes of operation, principles, technical designs and features included in or resulting from this disclosure are freely and arbitrarily combined so that all conceivable combinations are attributable to the described solution. There are also combinations between all individual executions in the text, i. in each section of the description, in the claims and also combinations between different variants in the text, in the claims and the figures.

The details explained above are indeed shown in context; It should be noted, however, that they are independent of each other and can also be freely combined with each other. The ratios of the individual parts and sections thereof to one another and their dimensions and proportions shown in the figures are not restrictive. Rather, individual dimensions and proportions may differ from those shown.

Also, the claims do not limit the disclosure and thus the combination options of all identified features with each other. All features shown are explicitly also disclosed individually or in combination with all other features here.

Claims (17)

An identification document comprising an information layer having first and second information that do not overlap each other, wherein the first information is assigned as thermochromic ink of a first kind of the information layer and the second information is assigned as thermochromic ink of a second kind of information layer; thermochromic ink of the first type is visible in a first temperature range and at least partially transparent in a second temperature range, and wherein the thermochromic ink of the second type is at least partially transparent in the first temperature range and visible in the second temperature range. Identification document after Claim 1 , characterized in that the information layer is transparent, and that the identification document comprises a, preferably opaque, substrate layer, wherein the information layer at least partially covers the substrate layer, wherein the substrate layer comprises two optical information, each at least partially from the first or the second information the information layer are covered, so that the optical information of the substrate layer are only fully visible in each case only if the respective overlapping first or second information is transparent. Identification document after Claim 2 , characterized in that at least one of the two optical information of the substrate layer this substrate layer are assigned by material application or material removal by laser engraving and / or by applying an ink, preferably by ink jet printing. Identification document according to one of Claims 2 or 3 , characterized in that the associated information of the information layer and / or the optical information of the substrate layer each represent an image, preferably a color image. Identification document after Claim 4 , characterized in that the associated information of the information layer in each case a person face image, preferably in color represent, and that the optical information of the substrate layer in each case a person face image, preferably in gray levels represent. Identification document according to one of Claims 2 to 5 , Characterized in that the identification document comprises a protective layer, the surface of the information layer facing away from one of the substrate layer at least partially covered with the protective layer at least partially nanoscale fillers, preferably carbon nanotubes, comprising low dosage with thermally conductive microscopic additives that the thermal conductivity of the protective layer increase. Identification document according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first temperature range comprises a range between 0 ° C and 35 ° C, preferably a range between 15 ° C and 25 ° C, and that the second temperature range is above or below the first temperature range , Identification document according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the identification document comprises an antenna support layer having an antenna and a chip, wherein the antenna has two antenna ends, which are each connected to the chip. Identification document according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the identification document comprises a metal foil which is adapted to store heat in the identification document. Identification document according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the information layer is provided at least in a respective region of the printed information with a transparent and thermally conductive lacquer or adhesive. Identification document according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the identification document essentially comprises layers of one or more of the following materials: paper, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyethylene (PE), polyethylene terephthalate (PET) or glycol-modified polyethylene terephthalate (PETG), polyethylene naphthalate (PEN) , Acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymer (ABS), polyvinyl butyral (PVB), polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), polyimide (PI), polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), polystyrene (PS), polyvinylphenol (PVP), polypropylene (PP), polycarbonate (PC ) or derivatives thereof. A method of producing an identification document comprising the steps of: Assigning first information of a thermochromic ink of a first kind to an information layer of the identification document, wherein the thermochromic ink of the first kind is visible in a first temperature range and transparent in a second temperature range; Assigning a second information of thermochromic ink of a second kind to the information layer, wherein the thermochromic ink of the second kind is transparent in the first temperature range and is visible in the second temperature range, wherein the first and the second information are assigned to the information layer such that these do not overlap each other. Method according to Claim 12 the method comprising the further steps of: • bonding the information layer to a substrate layer; • Assignment of optical information to the substrate layer by means of material application or removal of material by a laser engraving, preferably in areas that are at least partially covered after connecting the information layer with the substrate layer of the associated information of the information layer. Method according to Claim 12 or 13 wherein the method comprises the further step of: • connecting the information layer to an antenna support layer comprising an antenna and a chip. A method for verifying an identification document, comprising the steps of: locally heating or cooling a first region of an information layer of the identification document to a first threshold temperature, wherein the first region of the information layer is at least partially associated with information from thermochromic ink of a first type before reaching the first threshold temperature is visible and becomes transparent upon reaching the first threshold temperature, whereby one of the thermochromic ink of the first kind overlaid optical information becomes visible; Locally heating or cooling a second region of the information layer of the identification document to a second threshold temperature, wherein the second region of the information layer is spaced from the first region and the second region is associated, at least in sections, with information from a thermochromic ink of a second type, before reaching the second threshold temperature is transparent and becomes visible upon reaching the second threshold temperature, whereby information from thermochromic ink of the second kind is visible; • Matching the information that has become visible by performing the two steps described above. Method according to Claim 15 , characterized in that the first threshold temperature corresponds to the second threshold temperature. Method according to Claim 15 or 16 wherein the method comprises the further steps of: • reading out information stored on a chip of the identification document; • Matching the read-out information with at least one of the information of the information layer and / or the substrate layer.

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