EP1527901B1 - Forgery-proof packaging material with a security feature - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a packaging material with a tamper-proof security feature and an associated decoder element according to the preamble of claim 1.

The forgery-proof packaging is becoming increasingly important, especially in the pharmaceutical industry. Counterfeit-proof packaging contains a guarantee of originality, which enables the customer or a certain group of persons to recognize that the product in question has actually been manufactured and packaged by the desired producer or a trusted third party company.

Counterfeit-secured items such as products (e.g., documents, securities, consumer goods, spare parts, etc.) or their associated packages typically include so-called security features applied to the surface of the item. Preferred security elements are characterized by a variable appearance for the human eye, which is achieved by means of specific measures. Thus, for example, security elements are known which allow different picture elements to be perceived by changing the viewing angle and thus produce the impression of a moving picture. So are well-known forgery-proof packaging and products bsp. provided with holograms on their surface whose image motifs change their appearance when the viewing angle is changed. However, the generation of holograms is associated with a great deal of effort.

Security elements are also known which include an encoded, ie encrypted, image applied to the packaging, in which an image encoded therein is revealed by superposition with a so-called decoder element, ie decoding element. For example, the decoder element includes a number of optical lenses that redirect the underlying pixels of the apparent random pattern to the human eye such that the pixels of the apparent random pattern merge as a meaningful image. The apparent random pattern is matched to the optics of the lens elements used. The production of such coded Images for decryption with a decoder element containing optical lenses requires complex data processing programs. Furthermore, the production of the necessary for decryption lenticular lenses, which are usually cast and must have a high accuracy of fit, technically very expensive.

Security elements are also known which include an apparent random pattern applied to the package and further comprise a decoder element of a transparent article carrying a second apparent random pattern. Covering the area of the two random patterns results in a meaningful image or pattern, whereby the position of the two apparent random patterns must be precisely coordinated with one another. However, the images created in this way are unmoved.

A security feature and an associated decoder element of the type mentioned above is known from US-B-6 317 226.

The use of so-called decoder elements has the advantage that they can be dispensed separately from the packaging to the end user or a control point. They are therefore a kind of key. On the other hand, conventional security elements that incorporate such decoder elements, and which generate moving images when decoded, have the disadvantage that, as already mentioned, they are relatively expensive and expensive to produce.

The invention is therefore based on the object to propose a packaging material with a cost-effective in its production security feature, wherein the security feature comprises at least a part of the surface of the packaging material covering, coded image arrangement and a decoder element for decoding the coded image arrangement by generating an optical effect , The security feature should also be expressed by a high security against counterfeiting.

For the inventive solution of the problem leads a packaging material having the features of claim 1.

The decoder element covers with its lines or bars when superimposing the coded image arrangement on a number of stripe-shaped coded individual images. However, at least one of the coded frames is in register with the window areas between the line or bar grid of the decoder element, so that the visible stripe-shaped picture elements of the at least one coded frame with the line or bar grid of the decoder element to an optical perceptible image, the decoded frame.

By lateral displacement of the decoder element, other previously hidden coded frames are visible or decoded, while the previously visible frames are again covered by the line or bar grid of the decoder element partially or completely and thus are no longer visually perceptible.

The decoder element is preferably made of a transparent plastic film. The decoder element is advantageously an article independent of said packaging material which is sold together or separately from the packaging containing the associated coded image arrangement.

The line grid of the decoder element consists of evenly spaced parallel lines or bars which overdekken, preferably immediately underlying strip-like picture elements. The spaces between the lines or bars form so-called window areas, through which the underlying strip-shaped picture elements are made visible. The said window areas can have the same width as the lines or bars of the grid.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, however, the width of the lines or bars of the grid is a multiple of the width of the intermediate window area. So can bsp. the width of the lines or bars comprise 2 to 20 times, in particular 3 to 10 times, the width of the intermediate window area. The greater the resolution of the image sequence, i. the closer the individual images are nested, the greater is this factor.

However, the window areas as well as the lines or bars of a decoder element preferably always have the same width.

The maximum width extension of the strip-shaped picture elements preferably corresponds to the width of the window areas. However, the maximum width extension of the picture elements can also be greater than the width of the window areas.

If the strip-shaped picture elements of the coded individual image now lie in the window area between the decoder lines, the spaces between the picture elements are covered by the line or bar grid. The eye then adds the visible stripe-shaped pixels to the lines or bars of the decoder element to form a perceptible frame. The stripe-shaped pixels of the remaining frames or neutral areas are then obscured by the line or bar grid of the decoder element.

The coded image arrangement and the decoder element may be matched to each other such that said optical effect occurs by rotation or lateral relative movement of the decoder element with respect to the image arrangement. The optical effect is achieved by a relative to the image arrangement rectilinear, lateral relative movement of the decoder element. The effect of a moving image is achieved in particular with a uniform displacement of the decoder element via the image arrangement.

The coded image arrangement is such that it forms a uniform ornamental structure. The ornament-like image arrangement is achieved by partially or completely overlapping or interleaving the coded individual images, in particular numbers, letters, words or characters. The ornamental impression is further enhanced by the repetition of the frames by the coded image arrangement extending over its longitudinal direction, i. in the direction of movement of the decoder element, repetitive, ornament-like pattern results.

The coded image arrangement is constructed from a multiple stringing together of a single primitive. Depending on the desired total length of the coded image arrangement, the basic element can be arranged n-fold seamlessly on the packaging material. The decoded image sequence repeats itself with continuous shifting of the decoder element according to the number of composite basic elements.

The basic element in turn contains the necessary coded individual images. The individual images are arranged in the basic element in such a way that, by joining the basic elements to form a coded image arrangement, a seamless sequence of the individual images is produced using the decoder element. Since the individual images are interlaced, the various individual images in the basic element are not necessarily completely displayed. Rather, for example, a subarea of certain individual images can be arranged on the left edge region and the supplementary, remaining subregion of the associated individual image on the right edge region of the basic element.

Due to the constant repetition of the basic element, the coded image arrangement receives a regular ornamental structure. The external observer recognizes in such an ornamental structure an ornamental element, whereby the real purpose of a security feature remains hidden.

The coded image arrangement produced by stringing together a repetitive basic element can be endlessly printed on the packaging material in the machine direction, ie in the running direction of the packaging material. As a result, the coded image arrangement can be applied, for example, by means of a cost-effective scattering pressure, in which only two degrees of freedom have to be specified for determining the printing position. The coded However, image arrangement can also be effected by register printing, in which four degrees of freedom are required, and in which the printed image bsp. can be synchronized with the position of blisters.

The frames may represent letters, numbers, words or combinations thereof, as well as characters or images. The individual images are encoded in such a way and compiled into an image arrangement that they appear using the decoder element as a representation of a letter, word, number, character or image sequence that migrates over the direction of displacement of the decoder element. The representation generated by the decoder element can also be a moving, but continuously repeating sequence of letters, words, numbers, characters or images. Combinations of the aforementioned elements are also conceivable.

Further, the moving letter, numbers, word or string may be subject to changing shades. The changing shading can be expressed by changing the gray scale values.

The image arrangement is preferably a black-and-white representation, i. the stripe-shaped picture elements are preferably black, while the spaces between the picture elements are white. However, the gaps may also assume the background color of the packaging material. The line or bar grid of the decoder element is expediently also black in this case.

It is also advantageous that between the color of the image arrangement and the spaces between as large a difference in color, brightness and / or color saturation, so that the greatest possible contrast between pixels and spaces is caused.

However, the coded image arrangement or the picture elements can also be colored and, if appropriate, complemented by targeted coloration the optical effect by additional color effects.

The line or bar grid of the decoder element and the strip-shaped picture elements of the coded individual images advantageously always have the same color. Furthermore, the spaces between the picture elements and the areas adjacent to the strip-shaped picture elements at the top and bottom advantageously have the same color.

In a development of the invention, means can be provided which serve to align and guide the decoder element over the coded image arrangement and thereby permit precise guidance of the decoder element via the image arrangement on the packaging material and thus enable optimum reproduction of the optical effect.

The security feature is expediently generated by means of a data processing device using correspondingly suitable software. For this purpose, the image data are preferably displayed on a screen for the purpose of processing and further processing.

In a first step, uncoded individual images present in electronic form are generated in accordance with the specification. The individual images can be created electronically by means of a graphics program or read in by means of an optical scanner from an analogue original, digitized and processed into an electronic form. Further image processing steps can follow this procedure.

The line or bar grid of the associated decoder element is also created by means of data processing device in electronic form.

The frames are encoded in a further step based on the decoder bar raster, i. converted into strip-shaped, spaced-apart picture elements. This is preferably done by deleting or hiding also strip-shaped intermediate areas between the remaining pixels of the original frame.

The coding of the frame is done for example by superimposing the frame with a so-called mask, with those parts of the image, which should be visible, are masked in the sense understanding of image processing. The mask is a line or bar grid corresponding to the decoder element. The image elements of the original image that are not necessary for generating the decrypted image are subsequently hidden. In this way, a coded frame is generated from parallel spaced-apart strip-shaped picture elements. The creation of the coded frame can be done manually on a screen or in the background by an independently operating data processing program as instructed.

In the latter case, the data processing program calculates, after entering certain boundary conditions based on the present in electronic decoder bar raster to be removed or hidden intermediate areas of the frame, and performs the coding of the frame accordingly.

After coding the individual images, these are assembled in their final position relative to one another to form a coded image arrangement. In this case, the individual images may partially or completely overlap one another at a specific offset (offset) such that strip-shaped image elements of a single image intervene in the interspaces of the adjacent individual image.

In a particularly preferred embodiment of the method, the method for producing the coded individual images includes a correction which determines the properties of the printing method by means of which the coded image arrangement and the decoder element are applied to the respective substrates, the properties of the printing inks used and the properties of the printing inks substrates to be printed, such as paper, coated paper or plastics. This is a correction of the dot or line increase in the printing process.

This correction is of central importance since, depending on the printing method used, substrate and printing inks, the width of the strip-shaped picture elements or the lines of the decoder element bsp. by deviating the ink on the substrate surface or by absorbing the ink by the substrate from the original, calculated by means of data processing programs width may vary.

Furthermore, as a rule, the line or bar grid of the decoder element and the coded image arrangement are printed on various substrates, possibly using different printing methods. So is bsp. the line or bar grid of the decoder element is applied to a transparent plastic film, while the coded image arrangement is possibly printed on a Umverpakkung of a cardboard material.

The printing of the coded image arrangement on the packaging material is preferably done by means of a gravure printing method, wherein the correction of the dot or line increase after taking into account the relevant parameters output values for calculating the dimension of the engraving of the printing cylinder or the said dimensions itself provides. The dimensions of the engraving, ie in particular the width and depth of the recesses receiving the printing inks, are in this case designed so that the printing reproduces the desired width of the strip-shaped picture elements or of the lines of the decoder element.

The packaging material according to the invention containing security feature is preferably used for the production of packaging for pharmaceutical products. The packaging can bsp. Primary packaging, e.g. Blister packaging, be. The inventive security feature can also be applied to secondary packaging. Such secondary packaging, which accommodate the primary packaging, bsp. Boxes, in particular folding boxes be.

The packaging material according to the invention can also be used for the production of packaging for food, pet food, cosmetics, semi-luxury foods or consumer goods.

In principle, it is also conceivable to apply the security feature according to the invention to the surface of the products themselves, such as e.g. Spare parts, apply. The inventive security feature can also be applied to documents or securities.

The pharmaceutical products can bsp. as tablets, dragees, powders, pastes or liquids. The associated packaging can bsp. Blister packs for tablets and ampoules, bottles, bags or tubes.

The inventive security feature using a decoder element has the advantage that the applied on the packaging ornamental image arrangement for a non-initiated, external person, ex. an unsuspecting counterfeiter, not immediately recognizable as a security feature, but rather perceived as an ornamental pattern. Furthermore, the creation of the security feature and the application of the security feature to the packaging material is inexpensive. Nevertheless, with the generation of moving pictures, the decoding of the picture arrangement achieves a high-quality and extremely appealing security feature.

The security against forgery is achieved by generating the coded individual images or the decoder elements with high print resolution. This makes it difficult the scanning of the coded image arrangement and the decoder element by means of devices with insufficient image resolution. Furthermore, the counterfeiter is forced to print the security feature on high-quality printing equipment, which increases the effort, and counterfeiting is uninteresting.

Fig. 1a:

ein Grundelement einer codierte Bildanordnung in Ornamentform;

Fig. 1b:

eine codierte Bildanordnung aus einer Mehrzahl von aneinandergereihten Grundelementen nach Fig. 1a;

Fig. 2:

ein Decoder-Element;

Fig. 3a-f:

eine Abfolge von mittels Decoder-Element decodierten Einzelbildern.

In the following the invention will be described by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings. Show it:

Fig. 1a:

a basic element of an encoded image arrangement in ornamental form;

Fig. 1b:

an encoded image arrangement of a plurality of juxtaposed primitives of Fig. 1a;

Fig. 2:

a decoder element;

Fig. 3a-f:

a sequence of decoded by decoder element frames.

FIG. 1b shows an encoded image arrangement 2 comprising a plurality of interlaced, coded individual images, with strip-shaped picture elements 3 of the various individual images being arranged in a nested arrangement. By encoding the frames into an array of stripe-shaped pixels 3 and overlapping each other, the coded image arrangement acquires an ornament-like appearance. The representation underlying the individual images is not recognizable, but only when using a decoder element. 4

Fig. 2 shows an associated decoder element 4 for visualizing the individual images 7a-f. The decoder element consists of a transparent, flexible plastic film and contains a bar screen 5 printed on the plastic film.

3a-f show a sequence of decoded individual images 7a-f, as it becomes perceptible when the encoded image arrangement 2 is superimposed by the decoder element 4 with simultaneous lateral, rectilinear shifting of the decoder element 4. The sequence of decoded pictures reflects different positions of the decoder element 4 over the coded picture arrangement 2. In the present illustration, the decoded individual pictures 7a-f are in the form of three-part sheets in different rotational position.

If the decoder element 4 is guided over the coded image arrangement 2, a three-part sheet which rotates in the running direction of the decoder element 4 becomes visible to the viewer. By a relative movement performed at a constant speed of the decoder element 4 for image arrangement, the decoded individual images 7a-f are perceived as a moving image sequence, ie film.

The rotational movement of the three-part sheet shown in FIGS. 3a-f in six static images by displacing the decoder element 4 is produced by a total displacement of the decoder element 4 of only about one bar width.

The coded image arrangement 2 is composed of an arbitrary repetition of the basic element 1 (FIG. 1 a). That Depending on the desired overall length, the coded image arrangement 2 consists of an n-fold seamless sequencing of primitives 1. As a result, the decoded image sequence is repeated as often as desired with continuous displacement of the decoder element 4.

Due to the constant repetition of the basic element 1, the coded image arrangement 2 also receives a regular, ornamental structure.

The basic element 1 in turn contains the necessary coded individual images, which enable a seamless sequence of the individual images by joining several basic elements together. Since the individual images are interlaced, the various individual images in the basic element 1 are not necessarily completely represented. Rather, for example, a subregion of certain individual images on the left edge region and the supplementary, remaining subregion of the associated individual image can be arranged on the right edge region of the base element 1.

The single images used above in the form of three-part sheets are to be considered as examples. The principle described according to FIGS. 1 to 3 can also be carried out with other suitable single-frame motifs.

Claims (6)

1. Packaging material with a forgery-proof security feature and an associated decoder element (4), in which the security feature includes a coded image arrangement (2) consisting of individual images with strip-shaped image elements which is arranged on the packaging material and can reveal an image or an image sequence when the decoder element (4) is superimposed thereupon, and in which the decoder element (4) is a transparent or translucent film-type article with a line or bar pattern (5) consisting of lines or bars arranged alongside one another in parallel at defined intervals, characterised in that the coded image arrangement (2) on the packaging material consists of a plurality of single basic elements (1) made up of coded interacting identical individual images (7a-f) of differing orientation arranged in a row, the basic elements (1) being repeated in a regular manner in the direction of displacement of the decoder element (4) so that the coded image arrangement (2) forms a regular, ornamental pattern extending in the longitudinal direction of the coded image arrangement (2), the coded individual images (7a-f) being an arrangement of strip-shaped image elements (3) arranged at a distance from one another, the alignment and spacing of which are adapted to the line or bar pattern (5) of the decoder element (4), so that an image sequence which, to the human eye, appears to be moving can be produced when the decoder element (4) is superimposed upon the image arrangement (2) and displaced laterally over the image arrangement (2), in that, depending on the position of the decoder element (4), the coded individual images (7a-f) are covered by the line or bar pattern (5) or are rendered visible by means of the window regions situated between the lines or bars and combine with the line or bar pattern (5) of the decoder element (4) to form the discernible individual images (7a-f) of differing orientation.
2. Packaging material according to claim 1, in which the decoder element (4) consists of a transparent, flexible plastic film.
3. Packaging material according to claim 1 or claim 2, characterised in that the individual images (7a-f) of each basic element (1) represent letters, words, numbers, symbols or a combination of the aforesaid elements.
4. Packaging material according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterised in that the moving image sequence displays changing shading of the individual images (7a-f).
5. Packaging material according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterised in that the coded image arrangement (2) and the line or bar pattern (5) of the decoder element (4) are dark in colour, in particular black, and the intermediate regions are lighter in colour, in particular white, and preferably correspond to the background colour of the packaging material.
6. Use of the packaging material according to one of claims 1 to 5 for the production of primary or secondary packaging for foodstuffs and allied products, cosmetic products, consumer goods and pharmaceutical products.

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