DE102021005814A1 - See-through security element, data carrier and method of manufacture - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a see-through security element (20) for protecting valuables, having a feature area (24) with a luminescent feature on a carrier (22). The feature area has a background print (30) with a visible visible area (32), a luminescence area (34) and a see-through area (40), the see-through area (40) within the background print (30) representing hidden image information. The visual control area (32) and the luminescence area (34) together comprise at least two color areas (36, 38), each of which has a visible color and a luminescence color, with the visible colors and/or the UV or IR Excitation light appearing luminescent colors of the color ranges differ from each other. The see-through area (40) is formed by an area with higher light permeability within the visual surveillance area (32). The visible area (32), the luminescence area (34) and the see-through area (40) are covered by a camouflage print (50) which makes the see-through area (40) within the background print (30) practically unrecognizable when viewed from above, while the see-through area ( 40) is recognizable through its higher transparency and shows the hidden image information.

Description

The invention relates to a see-through security element for protecting valuables, a data carrier with such a security element, and a method for producing such a security element.

Data carriers, such as value or ID documents, but also other valuables, such as branded items, are often provided with security elements for protection, which allow the authenticity of the data carrier to be checked and which at the same time serve as protection against unauthorized reproduction. In this context, see-through security features, such as see-through windows in banknotes, are becoming increasingly attractive.

Security features based on optically variable colors are often provided in see-through windows, the security effect of which is based solely on the limited availability of the special colors, while the complexity of the print is often low and the security feature can therefore be reproduced with a color that is hardly distinguishable for the layperson. It is often not immediately clear to an observer why such a color is applied in the see-through window, since no significantly different appearance can be seen when seen through and when viewed from above.

Proceeding from this, the invention is based on the object of specifying a see-through security element of the type mentioned at the outset with a high degree of protection against counterfeiting and an attractive visual appearance.

This object is solved by the features of the independent claims. Developments of the invention are the subject matter of the dependent claims.

According to the invention, a generic see-through security element contains a feature area present on a carrier and having a luminescence feature.

The feature area has a background print with a visible visible area, a luminescence area and a see-through area, with the see-through area representing hidden image information within the background print.

The visible visible area and the luminescence area together comprise at least two color areas, each of which has a visible color and a luminescence color, the visible colors and/or the luminescence colors of the color areas that appear after excitation with UV or IR excitation light differ from one another.

The see-through area is formed by an area of higher light permeability within the visual control area.

The visual oversight area, the luminescence area and the see-through area are covered by a camouflage print, which makes the see-through area within the background print practically undetectable when viewed from above, while the see-through area is recognizable in see-through due to its higher translucency and shows the hidden image information.

It goes without saying that there can also be more than two color areas, each of which has a visible color and a luminescent color. There can also be additional color areas that are not luminescent, ie only have a visible color, and color areas that only have a luminescence color but no visible color.

In the context of the present description, the term luminescence includes phosphorescence and fluorescence, it being possible for the luminescence to be excited with invisible UV radiation or IR radiation. The luminescent substances (or equivalently luminescent dyes) are preferably transparent in the visible spectral range. A luminescent ink is an ink with a luminescent substance, the luminescent inks used are also preferably transparent in the visible spectral range. The term "luminescent color" refers to the color impression of a luminescent substance after excitation with suitable excitation light. Non-luminescent inks with a visible color are also referred to as body colors. Here, too, the term "visible color" refers to the color impression of the printing ink and not the material printing ink itself.

In an advantageous embodiment, the see-through area is formed by a cut-out area within the visual surveillance area, in particular by a planar cut-out area or by a cut-out line contour. There is then no printing ink of the background print in the cut-out area.

According to another, likewise preferred embodiment, the see-through area is formed by an area provided with a grid of a large number of grid elements within the visual surveillance area, with the grid elements preferably being in the form of points and/or lines.

Contrasting graphic information can advantageously be provided within the grid, preferably graphic information formed from line or surface elements, for example an alphanumeric character string or an image motif in the form of a portrait, an architectural, technical or natural motif, which when viewed through as positive information and/or Negative information can be seen in the grid.

The grid can be non-luminescent. In an advantageous development, however, the raster contains a luminescence dye, and in particular it is provided that the raster shows a luminescent color that matches one of the color areas after excitation.

According to a further advantageous embodiment, it is provided that the see-through area is formed by a flat, semi-transparent area within the visual control area, for example by a translucent printed layer.

The light transmission of the see-through area can be up to 100% in a cut-out area; in the case of a grid or a flat, semi-transparent area, the light transmission is advantageously between 5% and 70%, in particular between 10% and 40%.

The see-through area advantageously shows a portrait, an architectural motif, a technical motif, a natural motif, an alphanumeric character string or a logo as hidden image information. The hidden image information can be formed by the outline of the see-through area alone and/or by elements within a surface area of the see-through area.

The camouflage print is advantageously formed by a filigree pattern of lines and/or dots. The width of the lines and/or dots of the camouflage print, in particular of the filigree pattern of lines and/or dots, advantageously has a size comparable to the characteristic dimension, in particular the width of the lines or dots of a grid of the see-through area, or has a size comparable to the line width a recessed line contour within the visual inspection area. In this case, a comparable size is understood to mean in particular that the respective line or point widths differ by less than 50%. The camouflage effect of the camouflage pattern is particularly effective in this case because the visual impression of the grid elements or the line contour with comparable line and/or dot width sizes is very similar to the visual impression of the camouflage pattern in reflected light and can therefore hardly be distinguished from one another at a cursory glance.

In concrete terms, the line and/or dot width of the camouflage print, in particular of the filigree line and/or dot pattern, is advantageously between 0.005 mm and 0.1 mm, in particular between 0.01 mm and 0.05 mm. The area coverage of the camouflage print, in particular in the form of a delicate line and/or dot pattern, is advantageously between 10% and 90%, in particular between 30% and 60%.

The visible color of the camouflage print advantageously differs from the visible color or colors of the background print, the visible color of the camouflage print being in particular darker than the visible colors of the background print. The camouflage print can, for example, be printed in black, brown or, depending on the color of the background print, also in dark red, dark blue or dark green.

The camouflage print can be non-luminescent. In an advantageous embodiment, however, it is provided that the camouflage print contains a luminescent dye. In particular, the camouflage print advantageously shows a luminescence color that matches one of the color areas after excitation.

In an advantageous embodiment, the camouflage print consists of two or more partial patterns that complement one another. The partial patterns preferably contain different luminescent dyes, the luminescent colors of the different luminescent dyes expediently corresponding to the luminescent colors of the color ranges mentioned.

In a development of the invention, a camouflage print is provided on both opposite sides of the background print. The opposing camouflage prints can be designed identically, in particular identically and congruently. Alternatively, the camouflage imprints can be designed differently and can complement one another, in particular when looked through, to form an overall piece of information and form a look-through register.

In an advantageous variant of the invention, it is provided that the color areas of the visual surveillance area and the luminescence area have the same visible color but different luminescence colors.

In another, likewise advantageous variant of the invention, it is provided that the color areas of the visual supervisory area and the lumi nescence area have the same luminescent color but different visible colors.

The color areas of the visual control area are preferably designed to be opaque. When viewed through, the see-through area can then stand out brightly with high contrast against the dark background of the visual oversight area.

In an advantageous variant of the invention, at least some of the color areas that have both a visible color and a luminescent color are formed by mixing a visible printing ink (body printing ink) with a luminescent substance.

According to a likewise advantageous variant of the invention, at least some of the color areas that have both a visible color and a luminescent color are formed by overprinting a visible ink (body ink) and a luminescent ink. Mixtures of body inks and luminescence inks do not have to be made in this variant. Such mixed inks from body inks and luminescent inks are expensive to produce because the purchased components have to be mixed and the originally well-defined printability properties of the inks change depending on the mixing ratio and an appropriate adjustment has to be made. In addition, the blending changes the hue of the starting body ink, which can lead to difficulty in reproducing a desired hue. In particular, it can be difficult and expensive to obtain mixed printing inks by mixing a body printing ink with different luminescent printing inks that show different luminescent colors with the same visible body color. In addition, mixed printing inks usually have different rheology and printing properties, so that registering several mixed printing inks is problematic.

If body inks and luminescent inks are printed one on top of the other, the luminescent inks are advantageously transparent in the visible spectral range.

In a development of the invention, the background print and/or the camouflage print advantageously have other machine-readable materials, in particular magnetic materials, IR-absorbing materials or IR-reflecting materials.

The background print and the camouflage print are advantageously on the same side of the support. This also applies if the camouflage print consists of several partial patterns or if a camouflage print is provided on opposite sides of the background print.

The see-through security element can in particular be present as a film element (strips or patch) and applied to a target substrate. After application to a target substrate, an external carrier film of the security element can be removed again or remain on the target substrate. The see-through security element can also be produced directly on a target substrate, for example a polymer substrate, with the target substrate forming the said carrier of the security element.

The invention also includes a data carrier with a see-through security element of the type described. Provision can be made in particular for the data carrier to form the said carrier of the see-through security element and for the see-through security element to be arranged in an at least partially transparent area of the data carrier, which is generally referred to below as the translucency area . The data carrier can be formed, for example, by a polymer substrate which is formed on both sides in a window area without opaque white and therefore allows a view through there.

The see-through security element can also close a continuous opening of the data carrier with its carrier, for example a continuous opening of a paper substrate. In particular, the translucency area of the data carrier can even be transparent. In the context of the present description, the term translucency refers to the transmission of light, while the term transparency refers to the transmission of images or views. A translucent but non-transparent area is therefore light-transmitting, but is usually not completely transparent due to volume or surface scattering, so that a see-through security element arranged on such an area cannot be seen from the opposite side with all the fine details, but essentially only with its coarser structures can be seen. In some configurations, the translucent area has the same opacity as the surrounding area and is formed, for example, by a translucent paper area of a bank note, which can be viewed through because of its transparency.

The data carrier can in particular be a document of value, such as a banknote, in particular a paper banknote, a polymer banknote or a foil composite banknote, a share, a bond, a certificate, a voucher, a check, a seal, a tax stamp, a high-quality admission ticket, but also an identification card, such as a credit card, a bank card, a cash payment card, an authorization card, an identity card or a passport personalization page.

• - auf einem Träger ein Merkmalsbereich mit einem Lumineszenzmerkmal erzeugt wird,
• - der Merkmalsbereich mit einem Untergrunddruck mit einem visuellen Aufsichtsbereich, einem Lumineszenzbereich und einem Durchsichtsbereich gebildet wird, wobei der Durchsichtsbereich innerhalb des Untergrunddrucks eine versteckte Bildinformation darstellt,
• - der visuelle Aufsichtsbereich und der Lumineszenzbereich zusammen mit zumindest zwei Farbbereiche gebildet werden, die jeweils eine sichtbare Farbe und eine Lumineszenzfarbe aufweisen, wobei sich die sichtbaren Farben und/ oder die nach Anregung mit UV- oder IR-Anregungslicht erscheinenden Lumineszenzfarben der Farbbereiche voneinander unterscheiden,
• - der Durchsichtsbereich durch einen Bereich höherer Lichtdurchlässigkeit innerhalb des visuellen Aufsichtsbereichs gebildet wird, und
• - der visuelle Aufsichtsbereich, der Lumineszenzbereich und der Durchsichtsbereich von einem Tarnaufdruck überdeckt werden, der in Aufsicht den Durchsichtsbereich innerhalb des Untergrunddrucks praktisch nicht erkennbar macht, während der Durchsichtsbereich in Durchsicht durch seine höhere Lichtdurchlässigkeit erkennbar ist und die versteckte Bildinformation zeigt.

The invention further includes a method for producing a see-through security element of the type described, in which

• - a feature area with a luminescence feature is produced on a carrier,
• - the feature area is formed with a background print with a visible visible area, a luminescence area and a see-through area, the see-through area representing hidden image information within the background print,
• - the visible visible area and the luminescence area are formed together with at least two color areas, each of which has a visible color and a luminescence color, the visible colors and/or the luminescence colors of the color areas that appear after excitation with UV or IR excitation light differ from one another,
• - the see-through area is formed by an area of higher light transmission within the visual surveillance area, and
• - the visual oversight area, the luminescence area and the see-through area are covered by a camouflage print, which makes the see-through area within the background print practically unrecognizable when viewed from above, while the see-through area is recognizable in see-through due to its higher translucency and shows the hidden image information.

Further exemplary embodiments and advantages of the invention are explained below with reference to the figures, which are not shown to scale and proportions in order to improve clarity.

• 1 eine schematische Darstellung einer Banknote, bei der über einem Transluzenzbereich ein erfindungsgemäßes Durchsichtssicherheitselement angeordnet ist,
• 2 für ein Durchsichtssicherheitselement nach einem Ausführungsbeispiel der Erfindung eine separate Darstellung des Untergrunddrucks in (a) und eine separate Darstellung des Tarnaufdrucks in (b),
• 3 in (a) und (b) das Erscheinungsbild des Durchsichtssicherheitselements der 2 in Aufsicht bzw. Durchsicht,
• 4 das Durchsichtssicherheitselement der 2 und 3 schematisch im Querschnitt,
• 5 eine Abwandlung des Durchsichtssicherheitselements der 2 bis 4 schematisch im Querschnitt,
• 6 bis 9 Durchsichtssicherheitselemente nach weiteren Ausführungsbeispielen der Erfindung schematisch im Querschnitt,
• 10 bis 12 Durchsichtssicherheitselemente nach weiteren Ausführungsbeispielen der Erfindung, bei denen der Untergrunddruck auf beiden Seiten mit einem Tarnaufdruck überdeckt ist, schematisch im Querschnitt, und
• 13 bis 19 schematisch einige vorteilhaften Ausgestaltungen des Durchsichtsbereichs erfindungsgemäßer Durchsichtssicherheitselemente.

Show it:

• 1 a schematic representation of a bank note in which a see-through security element according to the invention is arranged over a translucency area,
• 2 for a see-through security element according to an embodiment of the invention, a separate representation of the background print in (a) and a separate representation of the camouflage print in (b),
• 3 in (a) and (b) the appearance of the see-through security element of FIG 2 in supervision or review,
• 4 the see-through security element 2 and 3 schematic in cross section,
• 5 a modification of the see-through security element of 2 until 4 schematic in cross section,
• 6 until 9 See-through security elements according to further exemplary embodiments of the invention, schematically in cross section,
• 10 until 12 See-through security elements according to further exemplary embodiments of the invention, in which the background print is covered on both sides with a camouflage print, schematically in cross section, and
• 13 until 19 schematically some advantageous configurations of the see-through area of see-through security elements according to the invention.

The invention will now be explained using the example of security elements for banknotes. 1 shows a schematic representation of a bank note 10 in which a see-through security element 14 according to the invention is arranged over a translucency region 12 . The translucency area 12 can represent, for example, an area of a polymer substrate which is formed on both sides without opaque white and therefore allows a view through. The translucency area can, for example, also be a light-transmissive area of a paper substrate or represent a continuous opening in a paper substrate, which is covered with a film that is transparent over this point. The covering film can in particular be formed by the carrier of the see-through security element 14 .

When viewed in reflected light, the see-through security element 14 shows a first appearance in a feature region 16 in the visible spectral region, for example a homogeneous single-color surface of any shape. When viewed in reflected light under UV illumination, the appearance changes and the see-through security element 14 shows a second, multicolored appearance in which different partial areas of the feature area light up with different luminescence colors.

The multicolored appearance under UV light can be checked visually, for example with a UV lamp at a point of sale, but is also suitable in particular for mechanical authentication, for example in a bank note processing machine.

When viewed in transmitted light, the see-through security element 14 shows a further, third appearance, in which information that is camouflaged when viewed in reflected light and is therefore initially hidden becomes visible to a viewer in the feature region 16 .

The construction and formation of the various appearances of a see-through security element 20 according to an embodiment of the invention will now be described with reference to FIG 2 until 4 explained in more detail.

The see-through security element 20 comprises a transparent carrier film 22 and a feature area 24 applied to a surface of the carrier film 22. The feature area 24 contains a background print 30, which in 2(a) shown separately and which is formed from two opaque color areas 36,38. The color areas 36, 38 appear in the visible spectral range with a uniform color, for example red, but luminesce with different colors after excitation with UV excitation light, for example orange (color area 36) and green (color area 38).

The luminescence of the color areas 36, 38 is based in the embodiment of 2 until 4 on the admixture of two different luminescent substances that are transparent in the visible spectral range to a visually visible printing ink (body printing ink). Since the mixed printing inks used therefore have both a visible color and a luminescent color, the colored areas 36, 38 simultaneously form the visible visible area 32 and a luminescent area 34 of the see-through security element. The color areas 36, 38 and the visual surveillance area 32 can each be formed in the form of any motif.

In the exemplary embodiment shown, the see-through area is formed by a flat recess 40 in the visible area 32 (and thus simultaneously in the luminescence area 34), which is designed in the form of the “G+D” logo and represents the image information to be hidden. The recess 40 can be contiguous as in the exemplary embodiment, but can also be made in several parts, for example in the form of the denomination “10” of the bank note with two non-contiguous recess parts for digits of the denomination.

The visual surveillance area 32, the luminescence area 34 and the see-through area 40 of the see-through security element 20 are overprinted with a camouflage print 50, which is shown in 2 B) is shown separately. The camouflage print 50 is formed by a filigree, complex line pattern 52 which is applied to the background print 30 in a further color, for example dark red or brown. The filigree, complex line pattern 52 diverts the viewer's attention from the background jerk and thus camouflages the presence of the see-through area 40 in incident light. This is in 3(a) 12, which schematically shows the appearance of the see-through security element 20 in reflected light.

However, when viewing the security element in transmitted light, the cut-out see-through area 40 clearly appears as a light area in the form of the "G+D" logo in front of the dark background of the opaque visual surveillance area 32, as in 3(b) illustrated.

Due to the large difference in brightness between the visual surveillance area 32 and the see-through area 40, the camouflage imprint 50 does not develop any camouflage effect in transmitted light. In the opaque visual surveillance area 32, the camouflage print 50 cannot be seen in transmitted light, so the line pattern 52 is in 3(b) within the visual surveillance area 32 only in dashed lines to indicate its position. In the transparent see-through area 40, the filigree line pattern 52 of the camouflage print 50 is outshined by the background light and does not impair the appearance of the “G+D” logo.

The see-through security element 20 poses a high hurdle to counterfeiting, since its appearance in incident light in the visible spectral range, the multicolored motif after UV excitation, and also the visibility of the hidden information in transmitted light would have to be correctly reproduced for a re-enactment. Due to the luminescence feature, the see-through security element 20 can be checked for authenticity not only visually, but also by machine. The combination of features described gives the see-through security element 20 a high degree of visual attractiveness and, because it is two-sided, makes it usable as an attractive window element.

In addition, the see-through security element 20 with its see-through effect and its machine-testable luminescence feature provides two security features in the same area, thus allowing a large-area configuration of the two features despite the limited space available on a bank note.

5 shows a modification of the see-through security element of FIG 2 until 4 . In the case of the see-through security element 60 shown in cross-section, the color areas 36, 38 are not formed by mixed printing colors from a body printing color and a luminescent substance, but are not formed by a congruent overprint of one luminescent printing ink 62 with two different luminescent printing inks 66, 68 which are transparent in the visible spectral range. The non-luminescent printing ink 62 forms a visual surveillance area 32, the transparent luminescent printing inks 66, 68 a luminescent area 34 of the background print.

The non-luminescent printing ink 62 appears approximately in the visible spectral range with red color, the luminescent printing ink 66 luminesces orange after excitation and the luminescent printing ink 68 luminesces green, so that the background print 30 of the see-through security element 60 produces the same visual impression as the background print of the see-through security element 20 without mixing of body inks and luminescent inks must be produced with their disadvantages described above.

The see-through area is in the embodiment 5 formed by gaps 40 in the visual surveillance area 32, which at the same time represent gaps in the congruent luminescence area 34. The camouflage imprint 50 covers both the visible surveillance area 32 and the luminescence area 34, so that the see-through security element 60 results in a visual impression as in FIG 3 shown generated.

In the see-through security element 70 of the embodiment of FIG 6 the transparent luminescent inks 76, 78 of the luminescent area 34 are not applied congruently to the non-luminescent ink 62 of the visual surveillance area 32. Rather, the luminescence printing inks 76, 78 form their own luminescence pattern, so that the previously monochromatic, openly visible motif of the visual surveillance area 32 does not simply appear multicolored under UV illumination, but a separate, multicolored luminescence pattern appears.

In this embodiment, too, the see-through area 40 is formed by gaps in the visual surveillance area 32 . Since the luminescence printing inks 76, 78 are transparent in the visible spectral range, the appearance of the security element 70 in transmitted light is not influenced by the shape and position of the luminescence region 34.

The presence of the see-through area 40 is also in the embodiment of FIG 6 camouflaged by a camouflage imprint 50 in the form of a filigree, complex line pattern 52 which covers the visual surveillance area 32, the luminescence area 34 and the see-through area 40.

In comparison with the configurations of 4 and 5 has the see-through security element 70 of 6 a larger number of color areas of different types: in addition to color areas that appear red in visible light and luminesce orange (areas where the first luminescent ink 76 overlaps the non-luminescent ink 62) and color areas that appear red in visible light and luminesce green ( Areas in which the second luminescent ink 78 overlaps the non-luminescent ink 62), the background print 30 also contains color areas that appear red in visible light but are not luminescent (areas in which the ink 62 is not covered by a luminescent color), as well as color areas , which have no color effect in the visible, but luminesce orange or green (areas with luminescent color 76 or 78 without underlying, non-luminescent ink).

7 shows as a further embodiment a see-through security element 80, which is similar to the see-through security element of FIG 4 is constructed, in which, however, the two opaque color areas 36, 38 show different colors, for example red and blue, in visible light, and after excitation with UV excitation light luminesce with the same color, for example orange. The luminescence of the color areas 36, 38 is based on the admixture of the same luminescent substance, which is transparent in the visible spectral range, to two differently colored body printing inks.

Otherwise, the functionality of the element corresponds to the see-through security element 4 , so that reference can be made to the description there. The see-through security element 80 also poses a high hurdle to counterfeiting, since both its multicolored appearance in reflected light in visible light and the monochrome motif after UV excitation, as well as the hidden information becoming visible in transmitted light, would have to be correctly reproduced in order to be reproduced, and that See-through security element can be checked for authenticity not only visually, but also by machine.

When modifying the 8th For example, the color areas 36, 38 of the see-through security element 90 are not formed by mixed inks, but are formed by a congruent overprint of two non-luminescent inks 92, 94 with a luminescent ink 96 that is transparent in the visible spectral range. The non-luminescent printing inks 92, 94 form a visible area 32, the transparent luminescent printing ink 96 a luminescent area 34 of the background print 30. The same visual impression can be created with the see-through security element 90 as with the see-through security element of 7 be generated without having to produce mixtures of body inks and luminescent inks with their disadvantages described above.

When designing the 9 the see-through security element 100 has a visual surveillance area 32 which is formed by two non-luminescent printing inks 102, 104 of different visible colors, for example red and blue. The visual surveillance area 32 is overprinted by a luminescence area 34, which is formed by two different luminescence printing inks 106, 108, which luminesce with different colors, for example orange and green, after excitation with UV excitation light.

The areas printed with the luminescent inks 106 and 108 can be congruent with the areas printed by the non-luminescent inks 102 and 104, respectively, so that, for example, the visually red color area luminesces orange after excitation and the visually blue color area luminesces green after excitation. As in 9 However, as illustrated, the luminescent inks 106, 108 of the luminescent area 34 may form their own luminescent pattern that differs from the overtly visible pattern formed by the non-luminescent inks 102, 104 of the visual inspection area 32.

Since the see-through security elements according to the invention can be viewed from both sides, it can be advantageous to cover the background print, i.e. the visual surveillance area, the luminescence area and the see-through area, on both sides with a camouflage print and thereby ensure that a camouflage effect can be achieved from both opposite viewing directions entry.

10 shows a see-through security element 110 that is similar to the see-through security element of FIG 4 and 7 is constructed and has a background print 30 with two opaque color areas 36, 38, which are each formed by a mixed printing ink of a body printing color and a luminescent substance, so that the color areas 36, 38 simultaneously form both the visible visible area 32 and the luminescent area 34.

The see-through region of the see-through security element 110 is formed by a cutout 40 in the visible surveillance region 32 and thus in the luminescence region 34 at the same time. The background print 30 is covered on both sides by a camouflage print 50 or 50', which is formed by a filigree, complex line pattern 52 or 52'. The opposite camouflage prints 50, 50' can be identical and congruent, but also, as in 10 be trained differently. In the latter case, the camouflage imprints 50, 50' can add up to an overall information when viewed through and thus form a see-through register as a further authenticity mark.

In the background pressure 30 can as in 4 be provided that the color areas 36, 38 appear in visible light with a uniform color, but luminesce with different colors after excitation with UV excitation light. It can also be like 7 be provided that the color areas 36, 38 show two different colors in visible light, but luminesce with the same color when excited with UV excitation light. Finally, another possibility is that the color areas 36, 38 show different colors both in visible light and after excitation with UV excitation light.

The see-through security element 110 is arranged in particular over a translucency region 114 of a banknote 112 and can then be viewed both from the direction of the banknote front 112-V and through the translucency region 114 from the direction of the banknote back 112-R. In the exemplary embodiment, the see-through security element 110 is applied directly to the translucency area and was printed there, for example, directly or transferred by a transfer method. In this case, the banknote 112 forms the carrier of the see-through security element 110.

However, the see-through security element 110 can also have its own carrier, in particular its own carrier film, and be applied to the bank note 112 together with this. The latter is particularly advantageous when the see-through security element closes a continuous opening, for example in a paper substrate, and is not only applied to a transparent but material window area of a data carrier.

Depending on the specific formation of the color areas 36, 38, the reflected light impression of the see-through security element 110 in visible light differs from the reflected light impression after UV excitation. In all variants, however, the presence of the see-through area 40 is camouflaged by the camouflage prints 50, 50' when viewed in reflected light, both when viewed from the front and from the rear.

The cut-out see-through region 40 is in transmitted light both when viewed from the front and also clearly visible when viewed from the rear as a bright area against the dark background of the visual surveillance area 32 .

Also the 11 and 12 12 show see-through security elements arranged over a translucency region 114 of a banknote 112. When designing the 11 the see-through security element 120 has a visual surveillance area 32, which is formed by two non-luminescent ink areas 122, 124 with a visible color. The visual top-view area 32 is overprinted by a luminescence area 34, which is formed by two luminescence ink areas 126, 128, which luminesce with a luminescence color after excitation with UV excitation light.

The non-luminescent printing ink areas 122, 124 of the visual surveillance area 32 can show the same visible color or different visible colors, with the same printing ink being able to be used for the two printing ink areas 122, 124 in the case of the same color impression.

The luminescence printing color areas 126, 128 of the luminescence area 34 can also show the same luminescence color or different luminescence colors after excitation. In the case of the same color impression, the same luminescent ink can be used for the two luminescent ink areas 126, 128. However, it goes without saying that at least one of the two areas 32, 34 is multicolored.

The luminescent ink areas 126 and 128 may be registered with the non-luminescent ink areas 122 and 124, respectively, or the luminescent ink areas 126,128 may form a distinct luminescent pattern that is distinct from the overtly visible pattern formed by the non-luminescent ink areas 122,124.

12 shows a modification of the design of the 11 , in which the background print of the see-through security element 130 contains an upper luminescence area 34 and a lower luminescence area 34′, which are arranged on both sides of the visual surveillance area 32 with the non-luminescent ink areas 122,124. The upper luminescent area 34 is formed by the luminescent ink areas 126, 128, the lower luminescent area 34' by two further luminescent ink areas 136, 138, which luminesce with a luminescent color after excitation with UV excitation light. In the visible spectral range, all luminescent ink ranges are transparent.

Also in the design of 12 the non-luminescent ink areas 122, 124 of the visual oversight area 32 may show the same visible color or different visible colors. The luminescence printing color areas 126, 128 or 136, 138 can also show the same luminescence color or different luminescence colors after excitation. The luminescent ink areas 126,128 or 136,138 can be congruent with the non-luminescent ink areas 122,124, but the two luminescent ink areas can also each form their own luminescent pattern that differs from the overtly visible pattern formed by the non-luminescent ink areas 122,124.

In a specific embodiment, the non-luminescent ink areas 122, 124 may be opaque and printed in the same visible color, such as blue. The luminescent ink areas 126,128 or 136,138 are arranged congruently with the non-luminescent ink areas 122,124, so that when viewed from the front 112-V only the luminescent ink areas 126,128 and when viewed from the rear 112-R only the luminescent ink areas 136, 138 are visible. The luminescent ink areas 126,128 luminesce with two first, different colors, for example orange and green, and the luminescent ink areas 136,138 with two second, different colors, for example yellow and red.

When viewed in reflected light, the monochromatic blue motif of the printed color areas 122, 124 is then visible on both sides in visible light, and the presence of the see-through area 40 is camouflaged by the camouflage pattern 50 or 50'. When viewed under UV light, the previously monochromatic motif appears unchanged in shape, but luminesces in two colors, namely orange and green on the front and yellow and red on the back. So the same motif appears in one of three depending on the viewing conditions different colors (blue, orange/green and yellow/red).

In transparency is as with 10 the see-through area 40 left out in the visual supervision area 32 is clearly visible both when viewed from the front and when viewed from the rear as a bright area against the dark background of the visual supervision area 32 .

The exemplary embodiments described so far contain for the sake of simplicity one or two different non-luminescent inks in the visible area and one or two different luminescent inks in the luminescent area. It goes without saying, however, that in practice a larger number of non-luminescent printing inks and luminescent printing inks can also be used in order to produce a background print that is multicolored in the visible and/or in luminescence. For example, three non-luminescent basic printing colors and/or three luminescent basic printing colors can be used in order to produce a multiplicity of color impressions in the visible and/or in luminescence through subtractive or additive color mixing.

In the exemplary embodiments described so far, the see-through area 40 is formed in each case by a flat cutout in the visual surveillance area 32 . However, the see-through area of see-through security elements according to the invention can also have a different, in particular more complex, appearance. The higher transparency of the see-through area can be achieved, for example, by using semi-transparent printing inks or by screening printing inks. In these cases, too, the see-through area can appear bright against the darker background of the visible over-view area when viewed in transmitted light. At the same time, the camouflage of the see-through area with a camouflage print is usually easier if the see-through area is also covered with print elements. The ones described below 13 until 19 show some advantageous configurations of the see-through area of see-through security elements according to the invention.

13 For the sake of completeness, FIG. The planar recessed area is in the embodiment 13 not connected, but is in two parts in the form of the value number "10" formed by the digits "1" and "0".

In the embodiment of 14 the see-through area 40 is formed by a rasterized print area 142 within the visual surveillance area 32, as in FIG 14(a) shown. As in the detail section of the 14(b) illustrated, a print screen with regularly arranged screen dots 144 is present in the print area 142 . For comparison, the figure shows two sections of an associated camouflage pattern, namely a line pattern 52 and a line/dot pattern 54. As already explained above, the camouflage effect of a camouflage print is most effective when the characteristic dimensions, in particular the line or dot width b ₁ 1 of the raster dots 144 and the line or dot width b ₂ of the lines or dots of the camouflage pattern 52, 54 are of comparable size, since the printing elements of the camouflage imprint then produce practically the same visual impression when viewed from above as the printing elements of the printing area 142.

The raster dots of the print area 142 can have any shape and largely any size. In addition to a regular arrangement, an irregular arrangement of the grid points 144 can also be considered, as in the detailed section of FIG 14(c) shown. In addition to positive rasters with printed raster dots, negative rasters can also be considered, in which the raster dots 146 represent recesses in a full-surface printing area 148, as in 14(d) shown.

The area coverage of the screening in the print area 142 is preferably less than 80%, in particular 30% to 60%. This allows a high contrast of the see-through area in transmitted light to be combined with a good camouflage effect due to the camouflage print.

15 shows a modification of the design of 14 , in which in the print area 142 instead of a grid of dots there is a grid of parallel print lines 150, as in the detailed section of FIG 15(b) shown. In this configuration too, the camouflage effect of a camouflage print is most effective when the line width of the printed lines 150 is of a size comparable to the line or point width of the camouflage pattern. The grid of lines in the print area 142 can also be irregular and the lines of the grid of lines can also be curved or curved.

In the embodiments of 14 and 15 the dot or line grid in the print area 142 can have the same color impression in visible light as the visual see-through area 32 or a sub-area of the visual see-through area 32. A printing ink can be used to print the grid that is also used in the creation of the visual see-through area 32 use comes. The grid can be non-luminescent or luminescent.

The embodiment of 16 illustrates an embodiment in which the print area of the see-through area 40 is not covered with a raster, but with a full-area, glazing print layer 160 . In particular, the print layer 160 has the same color when viewed in plan print on as the visual see-through area 32 or a portion of the visual see-through area 32. The translucent print layer 160 may be non-luminescent or luminescent.

17 shows a further exemplary embodiment of the invention, in which the see-through area 40 has a polygonally bordered print area 142 with a grid 162 in which a two-dimensional opaque imprint 164 in the form of the value number “10” is embedded. When looked through, the value number 164 appears as positive text in front of the bright surroundings of the rasterized print area 142 , which in turn stands out clearly from the dark background of the visible area 32 that is visible.

When designing the 18 the see-through area 40 is merely formed by a narrow, recessed contour 166 encircling the sequence of digits “10” within the visual surveillance area 32 . The line width b ₃ of the contour 166 is advantageously of the same order of magnitude as the line or point width of the camouflage pattern used. Such a recessed contour can also be embedded in a grid or in a printed layer that is semitransparent over the entire surface.

Finally shows the 19 That also complex graphic motifs, such as a portrait, can be arranged in the see-through area 40. For illustration, the see-through area 40 has a polygonal bordered print area 142 with a grid 162 in which a portrait 170 formed from line elements is embedded. The line width of the line elements of the portrait 170 essentially corresponds to the point width of the grid 162 and is advantageously of a comparable size to the line or point width of the camouflage pattern used.

In addition to line-shaped portraits or other motifs formed from line elements, two-dimensional portraits or other two-dimensional motifs can also be embedded in the screened print area of a see-through area 40, in which the motif components are formed by semi-transparent surface elements. The semi-transparent surface elements can be produced, for example, with grids of different grid densities and/or translucent printing inks. In both cases, the see-through area shows a halftone motif with different levels of brightness.

Reference List

10

bank note

12

translucency area

14

see-through security element

16

feature area

20

see-through security element

22

carrier film

24

feature area

30

background pressure

32

visual inspection area

34,34'

luminescent area

36.38

color ranges

40

see-through area

50.50'

camouflage print

52, 52'

filigree line pattern

54

camouflage pattern

60

see-through security element

62

non-luminescent ink

66.68

luminescent inks

70

see-through security element

76.78

luminescent inks

80

see-through security element

90

see-through security element

92, 94

non-luminescent inks

96

luminescent ink

100

see-through security element

102,104

non-luminescent inks

106,108

luminescent inks

110

see-through security element

112

bank note

112-V

Banknote obverse

112-R

banknote reverse side

114

translucency area

120

see-through security element

122,124

non-luminescent ink areas

126,128

Luminescent print color areas

136,138

Luminescent print color areas

140

flat recessed area

142

print area

144

grid dots

146

grid dots

148

full print area

150

pressure lines

160

full-surface, glazing print layer

162

screening

164

flat opaque print

166

recessed contour

170

Portrait made of line elements

Claims (21)

See-through security element for protecting valuables, with a feature area present on a carrier with a luminescent feature, in which - the feature area has a background print with a visible visible area, a luminescence area and a see-through area, the see-through area representing hidden image information within the background print, - the visible visible area and the luminescence area together comprise at least two color areas, each of which has a visible color and a luminescence color, the visible colors and/or the luminescence colors of the color areas that appear after excitation with UV or IR excitation light differ from one another, - the see-through area is formed by an area of higher light transmission within the visual surveillance area, and - the visual oversight area, the luminescence area and the see-through area are covered by a camouflage print, which makes the see-through area within the background print practically unrecognizable when viewed from above, while the see-through area is recognizable in see-through due to its higher translucency and shows the hidden image information. see-through security element claim 1 , characterized in that the see-through area is formed by a recessed area within the visual surveillance area, in particular by a planar recessed area or by a recessed line contour. see-through security element claim 1 , characterized in that the see-through area is formed by an area provided with a grid of a large number of grid elements within the visual surveillance area, the grid elements preferably being in the form of points and/or lines. see-through security element claim 3 , characterized in that within the grid there is provided contrasting graphic information, preferably graphic information formed from line or surface elements, for example an alphanumeric character string or an image motif in the form of a portrait, an architectural, technical or natural motif, which when viewed through as positive information and/or negative information can be seen in the screening. see-through security element claim 3 or 4 , characterized in that the raster contains a luminescent dye, in particular that the raster shows a luminescent color that matches one of the color ranges after excitation. see-through security element claim 1 , characterized in that the see-through area is formed by a flat, semi-transparent area within the visual control area, in particular by a translucent printed layer. See-through security element according to at least one of Claims 1 until 6 , characterized in that the see-through area shows a portrait, an architectural motif, a technical motif, a natural motif, an alphanumeric character string or a logo as hidden image information. See-through security element according to at least one of Claims 1 until 7 , characterized in that the camouflage print is formed by a filigree pattern of lines and/or dots. see-through security element claim 8 , characterized in that the line and/or point width of the camouflage print has a size comparable to the characteristic dimension, in particular the line or point width of a grid of the see-through area, or that the line and/or point width of the camouflage print has a size comparable to the Has line width of a recessed line contour. See-through security element according to at least one of Claims 1 until 9 , characterized in that the camouflage print contains a luminescence dye, in particular that the camouflage print shows a luminescence color that matches one of the color areas after excitation. See-through security element according to at least one of Claims 1 until 10 , characterized in that the camouflage print consists of two or more complementary partial patterns, preferably that the sub-patterns contain different luminescent dyes. See-through security element according to at least one of Claims 1 until 11 , characterized in that a camouflage print is provided on both opposite sides of the background print, preferably that the camouflage prints on the opposite sides complement each other to form an overall information. See-through security element according to at least one of Claims 1 until 12 , characterized in that the color areas of the visual control area and the luminescence area have the same visible color but different luminescence colors. See-through security element according to at least one of Claims 1 until 12 , characterized in that the color areas of the visual control area and the luminescence area have the same luminescence color but different visible colors. See-through security element according to at least one of Claims 1 until 14 , characterized in that the color areas of the visual surveillance area are opaque. See-through security element according to at least one of Claims 1 until 15 , characterized in that at least some of the color areas, which have both a visible color and a luminescent color, are formed by a mixture of a visible printing ink with a luminescent substance. See-through security element according to at least one of Claims 1 until 16 , characterized in that at least some of the color areas that have both a visible color and a luminescent color are formed by overprinting a visible ink and a luminescent ink. See-through security element according to at least one of Claims 1 until 17 , characterized in that the background print and/or the camouflage print contains other machine-readable materials, in particular magnetic materials, IR-absorbing materials or IR-reflecting materials. Data carrier with a see-through security element according to one of Claims 1 until 18 . disk after claim 19 , characterized in that the data carrier forms said carrier of the see-through security element and the see-through security element is arranged in an at least partially translucent area of the data carrier, or that the see-through security element with its carrier closes a continuous opening of the data carrier. Method for producing a see-through security element according to one of Claims 1 until 18 , in which - a feature area with a luminescence feature is produced on a carrier, - the feature area is formed with a background print with a visible area of supervision, a luminescence area and a see-through area, with the see-through area representing hidden image information within the background print, - the visual supervision area and the luminescence area is formed together with at least two color areas, each of which has a visible color and a luminescence color, the visible colors and/or the luminescence colors of the color areas that appear after excitation with UV or IR excitation light differ from one another, - the see-through area by a Area of higher light permeability is formed within the visual surveillance area, and - the visual surveillance area, the luminescent area and the see-through area are covered by a camouflage print, which makes the see-through area within the background print practically unrecognizable when viewed from above, while the see-through area is recognizable in see-through due to its higher light permeability is and shows the hidden image information.

Images