EP1997643B1 - Security document and method for its production - Google Patents

Abstract

The document (1) has a carrier substrate (1a) with which a safety foil element (2) is connected. The foil element comprises two layers, where each layer has a safety identification e.g. half-tone image, which is formed by a group of micro-perforations (4) in the appropriate layer. The safety identification is visually detectable when viewing the document with transmitted light. Information or part of information is formed when viewing the safety identifications with transmitted light. The foil element is covered by an optional lamination with a transparent plastic foil. An independent claim is also included for a method for producing a security document.

Description

The invention relates to a security document having a carrier substrate and at least one security film element connected to the carrier substrate, which has at least two layers, wherein the carrier substrate has a first security marking, which is formed by at least a first group of microperforations in the carrier substrate and when viewing the security document is visually recognizable in transmitted light. The invention further relates to a method for producing such a security document.

Security documents of the above type are out WO 97/18092 A1 especially known for banknotes. In this case, a substrate of the security document made of paper or plastic is provided by means of laser microperforations in the form of round or elongated holes, which are such are dimensioned small that they are seen with the human eye in reflection (in incident light) almost invisible, in transmission (in transmitted light) but are clearly visible. The security document may comprise other known security features, such as a print image, a watermark or a Kinegram ^®, which is known to be applied as a film member having at least two layers.

Another security document in the form of a banknote or a check with a microperforation is in WO 2004/011274 A1 described. The at least partially elongated perforations are introduced into the substrate of the security document by means of laser. The security document may further comprise well-known graphical or textual elements.

WO 95/26274 A1 describes documents of value, which are provided in the region of the carrier substrate by means of laser with fine, punctiform or linear perforations or channels.

DE 93 15 294 U1 describes a perforation of banknotes, which consists of different sized, punched holes, which together form an emblem.

WO 98/19869 A1 describes a security document, in particular a card, with a security feature in the form of a perforation pattern, which shows a halftone image with different brightness levels in transmitted light. The perforation pattern is formed by means of a laser.

JP 2005 001433 A describes a security element for application to a value document. The security element is through a substrate with two formed different hole patterns. The one hole pattern has larger holes that do not penetrate the substrate and provide a grid. The other hole pattern has smaller holes that penetrate the substrate. In this case, a smaller, continuous hole is always arranged relative to a larger hole so that the holes overlap differently depending on the viewing angle of the security element, z. B. let light or block, and thus produce different images. The security element can be composed of two individual layers, each providing one of the hole pattern. However, both layers, viewed perpendicular to the plane of the security element formed therefrom, have the same size.

JP 2004 223 867 A describes a laminate applied to a document of value as a security element. The laminate comprises, in the following arrangement, a first layer having a first hole pattern, a second, translucent layer, and a third layer having a second hole pattern. Similar to the in JP 2005 001433 A described security element while a hole of the third layer is always arranged relative to a hole of the first layer so that the holes overlap differently depending on the viewing angle of the security element, z. B. let light or block, and thus produce different images. However, the layers of the laminate, viewed perpendicular to the plane of the laminate, are the same size.

JP 2006 205674 A describes a security document with a paper carrier and an optically variable element glued onto a partial surface of the paper carrier. After attaching the optically variable element to the paper support, a group of holes is formed that extends across the boundary between the optically variable element and the paperless substrate, ie, in both the optically variable element and the paperless substrate.

This perforation makes it possible to detect an abusive removal or attachment of the optically variable element. Blind holes produced in the paper carrier, as in the section of the Fig. 2 and the Fig. 4 shown, do not form a perforation. On the other hand, the cuts in Fig. 1 . 3 . 5 and 11 congruent arranged perforations in the carrier substrate and the film element.
JP 2006 205674 A also contains no indication to differentiate between perforations forming a first security marking in the carrier substrate and perforations forming a second security marking in the film element in order to form information only by a combination of both security identifications.

The constant improvement of the skills of counterfeiters requires a constant increase in the security measures for security documents.
It is therefore an object of the invention to further increase the security against forgery of security documents.

The object is for the security document with a carrier substrate and at least one, connected to the carrier substrate security film element having at least two layers, wherein the carrier substrate has a first security marking, which is formed by at least a first group of microperforations in the carrier substrate and in a consideration of Security document visually recognizable in transmitted light, solved by having at least one of the at least two layers of the security film element at least a second security marking, which is formed by at least a second group of microperforations in at least one of the at least two layers and visually when viewing the security document in transmitted light can be seen, wherein seen in transmitted light, the first security marking and the second security marking together, so in combination, a Form information or a part of an information, wherein the first group of microperforations and the second group of microperforations perpendicular to the plane of the security document seen are not congruent to each other, and wherein the at least one security film element viewed perpendicular to the plane of the carrier substrate is smaller than the carrier substrate ,

The information or a part of the information is accordingly formed by the first group of microperforations in the carrier substrate in combination with the second group of microperforations in the security film element. If the security document is viewed in transmitted light, the microperforations can be read by the viewer of the security document, but not when the security document is viewed in reflected light. An imitation of the recognizable by transmitted light optical effect on the security document is particularly difficult for a counterfeiter, since not only the carrier substrate must be perforated in the correct position, but positionally accurate to the position of the first group of microperforations in at least one of the at least two layers of security film element the second group Microperforations must be arranged. In addition, the replication of a security film element and a perforation of individual layers of the security film element is difficult. Already a slight positional deviation of the first group of microperforations from the second group of microperforations is immediately recognizable to the untrained human eye in transmitted light and the document can be identified as a counterfeit.

The security film elements are preferably applied with a position tolerance of up to ± 1 mm in the transport direction of the carrier substrate and with a positional tolerance of up to ± 0.5 mm perpendicular to the transport direction (left / right tolerance) on the carrier substrate of a security document.

By using a pattern recognition device that drives the laser used for the micro perforation, microperforations can be generated with a position tolerance of well over ± 1 mm. These possible deviations must be taken into account when selecting a suitable first and second safety drawing, so that the information assembled therefrom is clearly recognizable and correct in position. The lower the process-related expected tolerances, the more complex, visually appealing and difficult to imitate the information can be configured.

Microperforation is a punctiform or linear opening or notch in at least one layer of the security foil element or in the carrier substrate, wherein a diameter or a line width of a microperforation lies in particular in the range of 50 to 450 .mu.m, in particular in the range of 100-200 .mu.m. In any case, the dimensions of a microperforation, depending on the thickness of the layer to be perforated, must be selected such that, in transmitted light, a clearly increased transmission of visible light in the region of the microperforation can be recognized. The outline of a punctiform perforation preferably describes a circle or an ellipse. Such punctiform microperforations are preferably arranged according to a regular two-dimensional grid or on a line. In this case, a laser operated in pulsed operation is preferably used for generating the punctiform or linear openings. The pulse rate and the sampling rate are in this case matched to one another such that line-shaped apertures are formed by punctiform apertures lying next to one another, which are arranged adjacent to one another so closely that the impression of a continuous line-shaped aperture is formed.

It has proven useful if the information formed from the first and second security marking shows a numerical value, a serial number, a text, a symbol, a pattern, a company logo or an image, in particular a halftone image. The information should be quickly and reliably recognizable in transmitted light without aids.

It has proven useful if a longitudinal axis of microperforations of the first group of microperforations is oriented perpendicular to the plane of the carrier substrate in the carrier substrate and / or if a longitudinal axis of microperforations of the first group of microperforations is not aligned perpendicular to the plane of the carrier substrate in the carrier substrate. Depending on the tilt angle, light can thereby penetrate through different microperforations in the carrier substrate of the security document and different representations can be made visible in transmitted light. If microperforations with two or more different angles are formed in the carrier substrate, a first representation and at least a second tilt angle at least one second, preferably different representation in transmitted light can be seen in a first tilt angle of the security document.

Preferably, the dimensions of the microperforations, i. For example, the diameter or the width of a punctiform or linear micro-perforation, chosen smaller than the dimensions of the substrate, in particular selected as the thickness of the substrate. The effect is particularly noticeable when the difference between the thickness of the carrier substrate and the width dimension of the micro-perforation is particularly small, for example, the carrier substrate has a thickness of 1 mm and the micro-perforation has a diameter of 100 microns.

The at least one security film element is preferably arranged on a surface of the carrier substrate. This is at least one Safety film element seen perpendicular to the plane of the carrier substrate smaller dimensioned than the carrier substrate. Preferably, the security film element covers less than 50% of the surface of the carrier element. In this case, a security film element preferably has a thread shape, a strip shape or a sticker shape, which may be formed with a straight-line or pattern-shaped outline. Optionally, the surface of the carrier substrate and the at least one security film element arranged thereon can be covered by lamination with a transparent plastic film.

However, the at least one security film element can also be embedded in the carrier substrate, wherein preferably a part of the security film element is visible at least on one side of the carrier substrate. Again, the security film element is smaller in size than the carrier substrate.

It is preferred if the security film element has at least one opaque layer and the at least one opaque layer has the second group of microperforations. This results in the region of the second group of microperforations in transmitted light, a pronounced light-dark contrast, which can be well recognized by a viewer.

Furthermore, it has proven useful if the security film element next to the opaque layer has at least one further layer which serves to attach the security film element to the carrier substrate, such as an adhesive layer, and / or at least one further layer to protect the security film element from mechanical and / or Chemical impairment serves as a transparent protective layer, and / or at least one further layer which serves as a decorative layer, primer layer and the like.

It has proven useful if the second group of microperforations in the security film element is formed directly on the security document, in particular by means of a laser. A correct position positioning of the first and second safety markings to each other is simplified. Alternatively, it has proven useful if the second group of microperforations prior to the arrangement of the security film element on the security document, in particular by means of laser, chemical etching and the like, is formed. This results in the need to make the arrangement of the security film element in the correct position, so that the information is clearly formed and easily readable. This requires particularly low tolerances in the placement of the security film element on the carrier substrate of the security document.

It has proven useful if the at least one opaque layer of the security film element is formed as a layer of metal, a metal alloy, a pigmented printing ink or a pigmented lacquer. Combinations of several opaque layers of different materials, in particular of metallic layers with lacquer layers, have also proven themselves.

The opaque layer can be made in layer thickness and / or material in such a way that, viewed in reflected light and also transmitted light, it appears opaque to the human eye. However, it is also useful training in which the opaque layer viewed in the incident light opaque, but viewed in transmitted light appears translucent.

Preferably, the security film element has at least one semitransparent and / or colored transparent and / or dielectric layer, wherein the at least one semitransparent and / or colored transparent and / or dielectric layer has the second group of microperforations. Here too, in the region of the second group of microperforations in transmitted light, a light-dark contrast can be achieved which can be well recognized by a viewer.

It has proved to be favorable if the at least one opaque layer and the at least one semitransparent and / or colored transparent and / or dielectric layer are arranged perpendicular to the plane of the security film element, side by side or at least partially overlapping. It is thus possible to form security documents which are particularly hard to imitate, since the readable information can be composed of a wide variety of microperforations with interesting optical effects. It is also possible for an opaque layer and a semitransparent and / or dielectric layer to be part of a thin-film interference layer system with a viewing angle-dependent color change effect. In the area of microperforation, the occurrence of the color change effect is then prevented.

The first group and the second group of microperforations, viewed perpendicular to the plane of the security document, are not arranged congruently to one another or one above the other. Such an arrangement of the first and second group of micro-perforations to each other increases the security against counterfeiting particularly effective, since a high degree of accuracy of positioning the position of the first and second group of microperforations to each other is required. In the region of agreement of the first and second group of microperforations, a particularly bright translucent or even colored spot can be formed in transmitted light.

The first group of microperforations in the carrier substrate of the security document is preferably formed by means of a laser. Preferably, the second group of microperforations is also formed by means of a laser. But also a education microperforations by a method of the group comprising punching, drilling, etching, water jet cutting or electrostatic discharge is possible.

By means of a laser perforation micro-perforations can be formed, which are particularly fine, for example in the range of 50 to 200 microns, which can not be perceived by the human eye when viewing the security document in reflected light. The formation of the finest, only in transmitted light recognizable perforations with various outline shapes is possible, with a targeted perforation of only a single layer of the security film element can be formed in the middle of the film composite without further layers of the security document or security film element are affected.

In combination with the microperforations, macroperforations can furthermore be provided in the carrier substrate and / or the at least one security foil element, the dimensions of which are so large that they can already be seen viewed in reflected light.

It is advantageous if at least one of the at least two layers of the security film element has at least one third security marking, which is formed by a pattern-shaped or partially formed layer of the at least two layers of the at least one security film element. The pattern-shaped or partial design of at least one of the layers of the security film element allows the formation of sequences of numbers, texts, images, photos, symbols, graphic patterns, logos and the like, which have a high recognition value and well visible due to their visible dimensions already in reflected light for a viewer are. The removal of visible areas preferably takes place by means of etching or laser ablation.

The production of microperforations by means of laser technology is relatively expensive, since lasers of very high power are required and the positioning of the laser beam or the document to be provided must be highly accurate. Thus, dot screens of up to 16 x 45 microperforations relative to a security document, such as a banknote, can be formed at a reasonable cost. Banknotes are usually processed in the form of sheets, each sheet comprising approximately 45 banknotes. A simultaneous perforation of several banknotes of a sheet has proven itself, with several lasers are used, in particular ND: YAG laser. The processing of the sheets takes place at a speed of typically 10,000 sheets per hour. The formation of a longer number sequence solely from microperforations, which are generated by a laser, has therefore only been possible to a limited extent due to the lack of resolution. A combination of microperforations with such a third security marking allows a more visually appealing design of long sequences of numbers, photos and the like.

Furthermore, it has proven advantageous if the at least one security film element has at least one fourth security identification in the form of an optically variable element, in particular a hologram, a Kinegram ^®, a diffractive image or pattern, a liquid crystal material, a thin-film interference layer system with blickwinkelabhängigem color change effect, or a diffraction element of zero order. The production of such diffractive elements is in " Optical Document Security, Second Edition, RL by Renesse, ISBN 0-89006-982-4, 1998 , Chapters 14.4.2 and 14.4.3. Optically variable elements are particularly difficult to imitate and require a high technical effort. The counterfeit security one with an optical variable element-equipped security document is greatly improved.

In addition, it has proven useful if the security document has at least a fifth security marking in the form of a security print image or a watermark. The security print image is in particular a haptically detectable intaglio print, a security print of high resolution or the like, which is difficult to imitate. It is particularly preferred if the security printed image is an intaglio print and / or has a material from the group of luminescent, thermochromic, photochromic, magnetic or electrically conductive materials.

It is also preferred if the security printed image, viewed perpendicular to the plane of the security document, overlaps at least partially with the at least one security film element. The security print image can be seen by the viewer in a plane below and / or above the security film element. In this case, partially formed layers of the security film element and the security print image for the viewer can be supplemented to a single representation or partial representation, for example, to a sequence of numbers, an image or a photo. Hereby, one and the same laser can be used for the introduction of the microperforation into the substrate and also for the writing of information which, like printed information, is characterized by areas that are different in color / brightness compared to the background, for example by this laser in different operating ranges (high energy / low energy) is operated.

It is advantageous if a position and / or a shape and / or a visual appearance of the third security marking and / or the fourth Safety marking and / or the fifth safety marking is matched to the information that results from the first and second group of microperforations. By this is meant that a viewer regards the third security tag and / or the fourth security tag and / or the fifth security tag as being directly related to the information or as supplementary information or forming another part of the information.
Such a combination of security features is almost impossible to imitate, so that a security document designed in this way is particularly tamper-proof.

It has proven useful if at least one first security film element is embossed or glued onto the surface of the carrier substrate. For this purpose, in particular sufficiently well-known transfer films in the form of stamping foils with a carrier film and a thin, detachable from the carrier film, non-self-supporting transfer layer used or laminating. The non-self-supporting transfer layer or the self-supporting laminating film, which form the security film element, are permanently attached to the carrier substrate of the security document by means of an adhesive layer, in particular a hot-melt adhesive layer.

Preferably, at least one second security film element is embedded in the carrier substrate of the security document, wherein the second security film element is at least partially visible on at least one side of the carrier substrate. Preferably, the second security film element is thread-shaped or strip-shaped. This can be a conventional security thread, which can be seen in some areas on one side or, in particular, alternately on both sides of the security document is.

Furthermore, it is advantageous if the at least one first security film element and / or the at least one second security film element spans at least one window opening in the carrier substrate. In this case, the security film element must be mechanically stable sufficient to survive the usual bending, bending and tensile stresses of the security document without prejudice.

The carrier substrate is preferably a translucent material, such as paper, plastic film, a laminate of paper and / or plastic films, and the like. But also opaque materials, especially those with a transparent or semi-transparent window opening, have been found to be suitable for the carrier substrate. The at least one security film element is in this case arranged, in particular, at least partially overlapping with the window opening.

The thickness of the security film element is preferably chosen to be much smaller than the thickness of the carrier substrate, in particular smaller by at least 50%, more preferably by at least 90%. Preferably, the security film element is formed so thin that it is not self-supporting. This is the case in particular with security film elements which are applied to the carrier substrate by means of transfer film technology.

The security document is in particular a banknote, a lottery ticket, a ticket, a passport, a passport, a bank card, a chip card, a label or a certificate.

• Bereitstellen eines Trägersubstrats mit mindestens einem Sicherheitsfolienelement und
• Bilden der ersten Gruppe und der zweiten Gruppe von Mikroperforationen mittels eines Lasers,

wobei die erste Gruppe von Mikroperforationen und die zweite Gruppe von Mikroperforationen senkrecht zur Ebene des Sicherheitsdokuments gesehen nicht deckungsgleich zueinander ausgebildet werden, und wobei das mindestens eine Sicherheitsfolienelement senkrecht zur Ebene des Trägersubstrats gesehen kleiner dimensioniert wird als das Trägersubstrat.The object is achieved for the method for producing a security document according to the invention with the following steps:

• Providing a carrier substrate with at least one security film element and
• Forming the first group and the second group of microperforations by means of a laser,

wherein the first group of microperforations and the second group of microperforations viewed perpendicular to the plane of the security document are not formed congruent to each other, and wherein the at least one security foil element is dimensioned smaller than the carrier substrate viewed perpendicular to the plane of the carrier substrate.

In this case, it has proven useful if a longitudinal axis of microperforations of the first group of microperforations perpendicular to the plane of the carrier substrate is formed in the carrier substrate and / or if a longitudinal axis of microperforations of the first group of microperforations is not formed perpendicular to the plane of the carrier substrate in the carrier substrate.

The first group and the second group of microperforations are formed perpendicular to the plane of the security document not congruent to each other.

Figur 1a

ein erstes Sicherheitsdokument in der Draufsicht,

Figur 1b

das erste Sicherheitsdokument gemäß Figur 1 a im Querschnitt A - A',

Figur 2a

ein nicht erfindungsgemäßes zweites Sicherheitsdokument in der Draufsicht,

Figur 2b

das nicht erfindungsgemäße zweite Sicherheitsdokument gemäß Figur 2a im Querschnitt B - B',

Figur 3a

ein drittes Sicherheitsdokument in der Draufsicht,

Figur 3b

das dritte Sicherheitsdokument gemäß Figur 3a im Querschnitt C - C',

Figur 4a

ein viertes Sicherheitsdokument in der Draufsicht,

Figur 4b

das vierte Sicherheitsdokument gemäß Figur 4a im Querschnitt D - D',

Figur 5a

ein nicht erfindungsgemäßes fünftes Sicherheitsdokument in der Draufsicht,

Figur 5b

das nicht erfindungsgemäße fünfte Sicherheitsdokument gemäß Figur 5a im Querschnitt E - E',

Figur 6a

ein sechstes Sicherheitsdokument in der Draufsicht,

Figur 6b

das sechste Sicherheitsdokument gemäß Figur 6a im Querschnitt F - F',

Figur 7a

ein siebtes Sicherheitsdokument in der Draufsicht,

Figur 7b

das siebente Sicherheitsdokument gemäß Figur 7a im Querschnitt H - H',

Figur 8a

ein achtes Sicherheitsdokument in der Draufsicht,

Figur 8b

das achte Sicherheitsdokument gemäß Figur 8a im Querschnitt K - K',

Figur 9

ein neuntes Sicherheitsdokument in der Draufsicht, und

Figur 10

ein nicht erfindungsgemäßes weiteres Sicherheitsdokument im Querschnitt.

The FIGS. 1a to 9 intended to exemplify the security document according to the invention. So shows:

FIG. 1a

a first security document in plan view,

FIG. 1b

the first security document according to FIG. 1 a in cross section A - A ',

FIG. 2a

a non-inventive second security document in plan view,

FIG. 2b

the non-inventive second security document according to FIG. 2a in cross section B - B ',

FIG. 3a

a third security document in plan view,

FIG. 3b

the third security document according to FIG. 3a in cross-section C - C ',

FIG. 4a

a fourth security document in plan view,

FIG. 4b

the fourth security document according to FIG. 4a in cross section D - D ',

FIG. 5a

a fifth security document not according to the invention in plan view,

FIG. 5b

the fifth security document not according to the invention FIG. 5a in cross section E - E ',

FIG. 6a

a sixth security document in plan view,

FIG. 6b

the sixth security document according to FIG. 6a in cross section F - F ',

Figure 7a

a seventh security document in plan view,

FIG. 7b

the seventh security document according to Figure 7a in cross section H - H ',

FIG. 8a

an eighth security document in plan view,

FIG. 8b

the eighth security document according to FIG. 8a in cross section K - K ',

FIG. 9

a ninth security document in plan view, and

FIG. 10

a non-inventive further security document in cross section.

FIG. 1a shows a first security document 1 in plan view, which has a carrier substrate 1a made of paper and a security film element 2 applied thereto. The security film element 2 has two layers 2a, 2b (see FIG. 1 b) , wherein the layer 2a is formed as a hot-melt adhesive layer and the layer 2b as a layer of metal which appears opaque in incident light. The trained as a hot-melt adhesive layer 2a is used to attach the security film element 2 on the carrier substrate 1 a. The carrier substrate 1a has a first security marking, which is formed by a first group of microperforations 3 in the carrier substrate 1a. When the security document 1 is viewed in transmitted light, the first security marking is recognizable visually, ie with the unaided human eye, while the first security marking is not (or hardly) visible in incident light.

Seen in transmitted light, the layer 2b made of metal is so transparent that the overlapping microperforations of the first group of microperforations 3 (under good lighting conditions) are clearly visible. The metal layer 2b of the security film element 2 has a second one Safety marking, which is formed by a second group of microperforations 4 in the layer 2b. The second security marking is also visible when viewing the security document 1 in transmitted light (and only then) visually, ie with the unaided human eye, while the second security marking is not visible in incident light. In this case, seen in the transmitted light form the first safety marking and the second safety marking together information, here in the form of the numerical value "100". In this case, the first digit "1" of the numerical value "100" is formed only from microperforations of the first group of microperforations 3. The second digit "0" of the numerical value "100" is composed of microperforations of the first group of microperforations 3 and of microperforations of the second group of microperforations 4. The last digit "0" of the numerical value "100" is formed only of microperforations of the second group of microperforations 4. The intensity of the light detectable in transmitted light in the region of the first group of microperforations 3 can also be achieved in the region of the second group of microperforations 4 via a specific selection of the diameter or the width of the microperforations 4 of the second group, so that the information in the region of "1" and the second "0" seen in the transmitted light appears bright. The positionally accurate positioning of the first group of microperforations 3 in the carrier substrate 1a and the second group of microperforations 4 on the security film element 2, so that the information is formed in the form of the numerical value "100", is difficult to imitate and therefore particularly tamper-proof.

FIG. 1b shows the security document 1 FIG. 1a in cross-section A - A '. It can be seen that the first group of microperforations 3 is arranged in the carrier substrate 1 a such that a part of the microperforations overlaps with the security film element 2.

FIG. 2a shows a non-inventive second security document 1 in plan view, which has a carrier substrate 1a made of paper and a security film element 2 applied thereto. The security film element 2 has two layers 2a, 2b (see FIG. 2b ), wherein the layer 2a is formed as a hot-melt adhesive layer and the layer 2b made of aluminum. Seen in transmitted light, the layer 2b made of aluminum is opaque, the layer 2b has a not shown separately diffractive relief structure, which forms an optically variable effect in the form of a hologram or a Kinegram ^® s. The trained as a hot-melt adhesive layer 2a is used to attach the security film element 2 on the carrier substrate 1 a. The carrier substrate 1a has a first security marking, which is formed by a first group of microperforations 3 in the carrier substrate 1a. When viewing the security document 1 in transmitted light, the first security marking is visible visually, ie with the unaided human eye, recognizable while the first security marking is not visible in incident light. The aluminum-formed layer 2b of the security film element 2 has a second security marking, which is formed by a second group of microperforations 4 in the layer 2b. The second security marking is also visible when viewing the security document 1 in transmitted light, ie with the unaided human eye, while the second security marking is not visible in incident light. The microperforations all have an oval shape, wherein the length dimension a of the oval is in the range of 100 to 200 microns and the width dimension b of the oval is in the range of 100 to 130 microns.

Seen in transmitted light form the first security marking and the second security marking together information in the form of a regular dot matrix. In this case, the first column of the dot matrix is formed only from microperforations of the first group of microperforations 3. The second column of the dot matrix is formed from microperforations of the first group of microperforations 3 and microperforations of the second group of microperforations 4, which are arranged congruently one above the other (see FIG. 2b ). The last column of the dot matrix is formed only of microperforations of the second group of microperforations 4. The positionally accurate positioning of the first group of microperforations 3 in the carrier substrate 1a and the second group of microperforations 4 on the security film element 2, so that the information is formed in the form of the regular dot matrix is difficult to imitate and therefore particularly tamper-proof. The layer 2b made of aluminum can also be partially removed in this way, so that a third security marking in the form of a lettering, symbol, pattern or the like already appears in reflected light. A partial removal of reflective layers of security film elements is well known in the field of security technology.

In this case, it is also possible for one or more or all of the microperforations, ie also microperforations, which only penetrate the carrier substrate, which penetrate the metal layer and the carrier substrate and penetrate only the metal layer, to follow with the same laser or several coaxially operating lasers of the same type the application of the film element are made on the substrate. The parameters of the laser, for example the energy density and the pulse length, are chosen differently here for the different types of microperforations in order to generate the different microperforations.

FIG. 2b shows the security document 1 FIG. 2a in cross section B - B '. It can be seen that the first group of microperforations 3 in the carrier substrate 1 a is arranged such that a part of the microperforations with microperforations in the security film element 2 overlaps directly.

FIG. 3a shows a third security document 1 in plan view, which has a carrier substrate 1 a of translucent plastic and a safety film element 2 applied thereto. The security film element 2 has two layers 2a, 2b (see FIG. 3b ), wherein the layer 2a is formed as a hot-melt adhesive layer and the layer 2b made of metal. Seen in transmitted light, the layer 2b is opaque. The layer 2b has a fourth security identification in the form of an optically variable element which is formed by a diffractive relief structure 5, which shows an optically variable effect in the form of a Kinegram ^® s. The layer 2a designed as a hot-melt adhesive layer serves for fastening the security-foil element 2 to the carrier substrate 1a. The carrier substrate 1a has a first security marking, which is formed by a first group of microperforations 3 in the carrier substrate 1a. When viewing the security document 1 in transmitted light, the first security marking is recognizable visually, ie with the unaided human eye, while the first security marking is not visible in incident light. The metal-formed layer 2b of the security film element 2 has a second security marking, which is formed by a second group of microperforations 4 in the layer 2b. The second security marking is also visible when viewing the security document 1 in transmitted light, ie with the unaided human eye, while the second security marking is not visible in incident light. The first safety marking and the second safety marking together form a transmitted light Information, here in the form of the numerical value "100". In this case, the first digit "1" of the numerical value "100" is formed only from microperforations of the first group of microperforations 3. The second digit "0" of the numerical value "100" is formed from microperforations of the second group of microperforations 4. The last digit "0" of the numerical value "100" is also formed from microperforations of the second group of microperforations 4. The positionally accurate positioning of the first group of microperforations 3 in the carrier substrate 1a and the second group of microperforations 4 on the security film element 2, so that the information is formed in the form of the numerical value "100", is difficult to imitate and therefore particularly tamper-proof.

FIG. 3b shows the security document 1 FIG. 3a in cross section C - C '. It can be seen that the first group of microperforations 3 is arranged in the carrier substrate 1a next to the security film element 2 containing the second group of microperforations 4. If, in this case, the microperforations have been introduced by means of a laser after application of the film element to the carrier substrate, as has been described above, then the groups of microperforations are arranged in register with each other with high accuracy.

FIG. 4a shows a fourth security document 1 in plan view, in addition to those already in the FIGS. 1 a and 1 b features shown (see related description) has a fifth security marking in the form of a security print image 6. The security print image 6 shows the numerical value "100" printed in filigree lines, which is positioned in coordination with the information formed by the first and the second security marking and thus forms a further part of the information. The information "100" is thus composed of the first safety marking in the form of the first group of microperforations 3 in the carrier substrate 1a and the second Security marking in the form of the second group of microperforations 4 in the layer 2b of the security film element 2 and the security printed image 6. An imitation of the information, which is formed by this combination of safety markings, while positioning in the correct position to each other, is particularly difficult.

FIG. 4b shows the security document 1 FIG. 4a in cross-section D - D '.

FIG. 5a shows a non-inventive fifth security document 1 in plan view, which has a carrier substrate 1a made of paper and a safety film element 2 applied thereto. The security film element 2 has three layers 2a, 2b, 2c (see FIG. 5b ), wherein the layer 2a is formed as a hot-melt adhesive layer, the layer 2b made of aluminum and the layer 2c as a colorless transparent lacquer layer. Seen in transmitted light, the layer 2b made of aluminum is translucent. The layer 2b has a not separately shown here diffractive relief structure forming a fourth security identification in the form of a hologram or a Kinegram ^® s. The trained as a hot-melt adhesive layer 2a is used to attach the security film element 2 on the carrier substrate 1 a. The carrier substrate 1a has a first security marking, which is formed by a first group of microperforations 3 in the carrier substrate 1a. When viewing the security document 1 in transmitted light, the first security marking is visible visually, ie with the unaided human eye, recognizable while the first security marking is not visible in incident light. The aluminum-formed layer 2b of the security film element 2 has a second security marking, which is formed by a second group of microperforations 4, 4a in the layer 2b. Furthermore, it is also possible that the microperforations in contrast to those in Fig. 5b shown only in the layer 2b, ie in the metal layer, are formed and the layers surrounding this layer, for example, the layers 2a and 2c, are not or only slightly perforated. Studies have shown that this can be achieved by a suitable adjustment of the operating parameters of the laser. In this way it can be achieved that the laser beam perforates the metal layer (for example by evaporation and / or pointwise melting) and thus generates a microperforation in the metal layer, but that the overlying plastic layer (s) remain essentially intact and thus no longer at the irradiated point Microperforation is formed in these layers. As a result, the plastic layer arranged above the metal layer remains largely intact and can thus continue to function as a protective layer for the underlying layers.

For example, in a hot stamping foil with a metal layer of aluminum with a layer thickness of 40 nm, in particular ND: YAG lasers are used (with a wavelength of 1.06 μm) in order to perforate the metal layer. A perforation of only the metal layer and without affecting further, the metal layer enclosing layers is possible with the following laser parameters: pulse rate : 40 kHz Laser beam diameter : 40 μm Drive current strength : 18-20 a

To make a label of a carrier substrate by means of the same laser, about twice the amount of energy is necessary.

The second group of microperforations 4, 4a on the one hand forms a continuous, thin line with the outline of the numerical value "1" and also a dot matrix. The second security marking is at one Viewing the security document 1 in transmitted light visually, ie with the unaided human eye, recognizable, while the second security marking is not visible in incident light.

In this case, seen in transmitted light form the first security marking and the second security marking together information in the form of a "1" with an outline within which a dot matrix is located.
The positionally accurate positioning of the first group of microperforations 3 in the carrier substrate 1a and the second group of microperforations 4, 4a on the security film element 2 is difficult to imitate and therefore particularly tamper-proof. The layer 2b of aluminum is further partially removed in such a way that already in reflected light shows a third security marking in the form of a shiny metallic pentagon and twice the words "PATTERN".

FIG. 5b shows the security document 1 FIG. 5a in cross section E - E '. The first group of microperforations 3 in the carrier substrate 1a is arranged such that they are located within the line of the second group of microperforations 4, 4a and immediately above the dot matrix.

FIG. 6a shows a sixth security document 1 in plan view, which has a carrier substrate 1a made of paper and a security film element 2 applied thereto. The security film element 2 has three layers 2a, 2b, 2d (see FIG. 6b ), wherein the layer 2a is formed as a hot-melt adhesive layer, the layer 2b as an opaque layer of metal and the layer 2d as a semitransparent dielectric layer of ZnS. Furthermore, it is also possible that the (semi-) transparent dielectric layer, ie the layer 2d, is not provided next to the metallic layer, ie the layer 2b, but the dielectric layer is provided below or above the metallic layer and the metallic one layer at least partially superimposed. The trained as a hot-melt adhesive layer 2a is used to attach the security film element 2 on the carrier substrate 1 a. The carrier substrate 1a has a first security marking, which is formed by a first group of microperforations 3 in the carrier substrate 1a. When viewing the security document 1 in transmitted light, the first security marking is recognizable visually, ie with the unaided human eye, while the first security marking is not visible in incident light.

Seen in transmitted light, the layer 2b of metal is opaque. The metal-formed layer 2b of the security film element 2 has a second security marking, which is formed by a second group of microperforations 4 in the layer 2b. The second security marking is also visual when viewing the security document 1 in transmitted light, i. with the unarmed human eye, recognizable, while the second safety marking is not visible in incident light. The dielectric layer 2d of the security film element 2 has a further second security marking, which is formed by a further second group of microperforations 4 'in the layer 2d. The further second security marking is also visual when viewing the security document 1 in transmitted light, i. with the unarmed human eye, recognizable, while the further second safety marking is not visible in incident light.

Preferably, the further second group of microperforations 4 'is not only formed in the layer 2d, but superimposed by a first group of microperforations in the carrier substrate 1a. As a result, the contrast of the security feature in transmitted light is further increased.

In this case, seen in transmitted light form the first security marking, the second security marking and the other second security marking together information, here in the form of the numerical value "100". In this case, the first digit "1" of the numerical value "100" is formed only from microperforations of the further second group of microperforations 4 '. The second digit "0" of the number value "100" is composed of microperforations of the first group of microperforations 3 and of microperforations of the further second group of microperforations 4 '. The last digit "0" of the numerical value "100" is formed only of microperforations of the second group of microperforations 4. The positionally accurate positioning of the first group of microperforations 3 in the carrier substrate 1a, the further second group of microperforations 4 'and the second group of microperforations 4 on the security film element 2, so that the information is formed in the form of the numerical value "100", is difficult to imitate and therefore particularly forgery-proof. The dielectric layer 2d of the security film element 2 is further removed in the regions 7 for forming a third security marking, so that the number "1" and a star are formed in the incident light visible.

The third security marking formed by the area 7 is visible here in incident light. In the exemplary embodiment in which the layers 2d or 2b have a diffractive surface relief molded or in a layer adjoining this layer such a surface relief is formed, which for example generates a Kinegram®, the third security marking becomes the "inactivity" of the Kinegram® in the area 7 visible to the viewer.

FIG. 6b shows the security document 1 FIG. 6a in cross section F - F '. It can be seen that the first group of microperforations 3 is arranged in the carrier substrate 1a below the security film element 2.

Figure 7a shows a seventh security document 1 in plan view, which has a carrier substrate 1a made of paper and a security film element 2 applied thereto. The security film element 2 has three layers 2a, 2b, 2d (see FIG. 7b ), wherein the layer 2a as a hot-melt adhesive layer, the layer 2b as an opaque layer of metal and the layer 2d is formed as a transparent dielectric layer of a high refractive index material, for example ZnO, TiO ₂ or ZnS. The trained as a hot-melt adhesive layer 2a is used to attach the security film element 2 on the carrier substrate 1 a. The carrier substrate 1a has a first security marking, which is formed by a first group of microperforations 3 in the carrier substrate 1a. When viewing the security document 1 in transmitted light, the first security marking is recognizable visually, ie with the unaided human eye, while the first security marking is not visible in incident light.

Seen in transmitted light, the metal layer 2b is opaque to light and has a second security marking, which is formed by a second group of microperforations 4a (linear) in the layer 2b. The second security marking is also visible when viewing the security document 1 in transmitted light, ie with the unaided human eye, while the second security marking is not visible in incident light. The dielectric layer 2d of the security film element 2 has a further second security marking, which is formed by a further second group of microperforations 4a and microperforations 4b in the layer 2d. Preferably, the microperforations 4b are included here Microperforations in the carrier substrate 1 a superimposed. If the microperforations 4b pass through the dielectric layer 2b, which is an HRI layer (HRI = High Refraction Index), and microperforations 3 pass through the carrier substrate 1b in register, they are particularly good in transmitted light but not in reflected light visible, and personalize in incident light the optically variable element generated by the diffractive relief structure 5a, 5b described below.

The further second security marking is also visible when viewing the security document 1 in transmitted light, ie with the unarmed human eye, while the further second security marking is not visible in incident light.
The first safety marking, the second safety marking and the further second safety marking together form information in transmitted light, here in the form of the numerical value "500". In this case, the first digit "5" of the numerical value "500" is formed from microperforations of the first group of microperforations 3, the second group of microperforations 4a and the further second group of microperforations 4b. The second digit "0" of the numerical value "500" is composed of microperforations of the first group of microperforations 3 and of microperforations of the further second group of microperforations 4b. The last digit "0" of the numerical value "500" is formed from microperforations of the first group of microperforations 3, the second group of microperforations 4a and the further second group of microperforations 4b. The positionally accurate positioning of the first group of microperforations 3 in the carrier substrate 1a, the further second group of microperforations 4b and the second group of microperforations 4a on the security film element 2, so that seen in transmitted light information in the form of the number "500" is formed, is difficult imitable and therefore particularly forgery-proof. The layer 2b of metal of the Security film element 2 is provided with a fourth security marking which shows an optically variable element, in this case a hologram, in incident light. The hologram is generated by a diffractive relief structure 5a in the region of the metallic layer 2b. The dielectric layer 2d of the security film element 2 is provided with a further fourth security identification marking, in this case a Kinegram ^® shows an optically variable element, in the incident light. The Kinegram ^® is produced by a diffractive relief structure in the region 5b of the dielectric layer 2D.

FIG. 7b shows the security document 1 Figure 7a in cross section F - F '. It can be seen that the first group of microperforations 3 is arranged in the carrier substrate 1a below the security film element 2.

FIG. 8a shows an eighth security document 1, similar to FIG. 3a , in the top view. The carrier substrate 1a is formed of an opaque material. In cross section K -K 'according to FIG. 8b It can be seen that the carrier substrate 1 a has a window opening 1 b, which is closed by means of the security film element 2. Thus, viewed in transmitted light, the first group of microperforations 3 next to the second group of microperforations 4 can be seen, which together form the information in the form of the numerical value "100".

FIG. 9 shows in plan view a ninth security document 1 with a carrier substrate 1a made of paper, a safety film element 2 impressed thereon with an optically variable element, a security print image 6, a first group of microperforations 3 in the carrier substrate 1a and a second group of microperforations 4 in the security film element. The microperforations 3, 4 supplement the image information of the security print image 6 Features overlap and are combined so that imitation can be realized only with great effort.

It can easily be seen that, within the scope of the invention, a multiplicity of security documents can be formed by a combination of first to fifth security identifications, which have a high security against counterfeiting and at the same time have an appealing visual appearance.

The following is based on Fig. 10 a further non-inventive embodiment of a security document explained.

Fig. 10 shows a security document 50, which is an identity card in the form of a card. The security document 50 has a carrier substrate 52, a security film element 53 and a protective layer 51.

The carrier substrate 52 is made of a material or contains substances which change their optical properties upon irradiation by means of a laser and thus darken, for example, when laser irradiation with an energy density P1, show a color change or assume a certain predetermined (body) color. The carrier substrate 52 consists for example of polycarbonate or PVC and has a thickness in the range of 100 to 750 .mu.m, in particular of 500 microns.

On a portion of the support substrate 52 is, as in Fig. 10 shown, the film element 53 applied. The film element 53 is the transfer layer of a transfer film, in particular the transfer layer of a hot stamping film which has a replication lacquer layer 54, a metallic layer 55 and an adhesive layer 56. In the replicating lacquer layer 54 is a diffractive Molded surface relief, which for example generates a Kinegram®. The metal layer 55 is provided only partially and in pattern form on the film element 53, for example in the form of a pattern or a figurative representation.

Furthermore, it is also possible that the film element 53 is formed by a laminating film, which is formed in the form of a patch or a strip.

The carrier substrate 52 and the film element 53 are both covered by the protective layer 51, which consists of a transparent plastic material, preferably of polycarbonate. The protective layer 51 is in this case made relatively thick and preferably has a thickness in the range of 20 to 200 .mu.m, in particular of 100 .mu.m. Furthermore, it is also possible for a protective layer to be provided on the side of the carrier substrate 52 opposite the film element 53 as well. The protective layer 51 and the possible further protective layer are hereby laminated to the carrier substrate 52, preferably in a lamination process, to the card-shaped security document 50.

In the fabrication of the security document 50, information is first written into the carrier substrate 52 by the laser at an energy density approximately equal to the energy density P1 specified above. This information represents a security feature 61. This information is, for example, the name, personal data and a photograph of the owner of the security document 50. The energy density P1 is here selected such that it is in a range between an energy density P11 and P12 when the material of the support substrate 52 shows a scale of different gray levels when irradiated. With the same laser or with a second laser, which is performed in register with the first laser, are then with an energy density P2, a first group of microperforations 62 are introduced into the carrier substrate 52. The energy density P2 is chosen so that the laser only perforates the carrier substrate 52, for example by evaporation or selective melting.

In addition, a second group of microperforations 64 in the metal layer 55 of the foil element 53 are produced by means of the laser. For this purpose, the laser irradiation takes place with an energy density P3, in which only the metal layer 55 is perforated, but not the surrounding layers are perforated. Furthermore, microperforations 63 are then introduced, which perforate both the metal layer 55 and the carrier substrate 52. The laser irradiation takes place here with an energy density P4, which is chosen such that both the metal layer 55 and the carrier substrate 52 are perforated. The microperforations 63 are thus composed of a first group of microperforations in the film element 2 in register with a second group of microperforations in the carrier substrate 52.

By means of this procedure, it is possible to realize the above-clarified different security elements in register with one another and in register with a (color) design (optionally) printed on the carrier substrate in a security document. The optically variable security element provided by the diffractive structures can be further cost-effectively individualized by this method and offers a high degree of protection against counterfeiting and counterfeiting of the security document.

Claims (26)

1. Security document (1) comprising a carrier substrate (1a) and at least one security film element (2) which is connected to the carrier substrate (1a) and which has at least two layers (2a, 2b), wherein the carrier substrate (1a) has a first security identification, which is formed by at least one first group of microperforations (3) in the carrier substrate (1a) and is visually discernible when the security document (1) is viewed in transmitted light, wherein at least one of the at least two layers (2a, 2b) of the security film element (2) has at least one second security identification, which is formed by at least one second group of microperforations (4) in at least one of the at least two layers (2a, 2b) and is visually discernible when the security document (1) is viewed in transmitted light, therein, as seen in transmitted light, the first security identification and the second security identification together form an information item or a part of an information item, and therein the first group of microperforations (3) and the second group of microperforations (4), as seen perpendicular to the plane of the security document (1), are not arranged congruently with respect to one another,
   characterized
   in that the at least one security film element (2), as seen perpendicular to the plane of the carrier substrate (1a), is provided with smaller dimensions than the carrier substrate (1a).
2. Security document according to Claim 1,
   characterized
   in that the information item shows a numerical value, a serial number, a text, a symbol, a pattern, a company logo or an image, in particular a continuous-tone image.
3. Security document according to Claim 1 or 2,
   characterized
   in that a longitudinal axis of microperforations of the first group of microperforations (3) is oriented perpendicularly to the plane of the carrier substrate (1a) in the carrier substrate (1a).
4. Security document according to any of Claims 1 to 3,
   characterized
   in that a longitudinal axis of microperforations of the first group of microperforations (3) is oriented nonperpendicularly to the plane of the carrier substrate (1a) in the carrier substrate (1a).
5. Security document according to any of Claims 1 to 4,
   characterized
   in that the at least one security film element (2) is arranged on a surface of the carrier substrate (1a), wherein the surface and the at least one security film element arranged thereon are optionally covered by lamination with a transparent plastic film.
6. Security document according to any of Claims 1 to 4,
   characterized
   in that the at least one security film element (2) is embedded into the carrier substrate (1a).
7. Security document according to any of Claims 1 to 6,
   characterized
   in that the at least one security film element (2) has at least one opaque layer, and in that the at least one opaque layer has the second group of microperforations (4).
8. Security document according to Claim 7,
   characterized
   in that the at least one opaque layer is embodied as a layer composed of metal, a metal alloy, a pigmented printing ink or a pigmented lacquer.
9. Security document according to any of Claims 1 to 8,
   characterized
   in that the at least one security film element (2) has at least one semitransparent and/or coloured-transparent and/or dielectric layer, and in that the at least one semitransparent and/or coloured-transparent and/or dielectric layer has the second group of microperforations (4).
10. Security document according to Claim 9,
    characterized
    in that the at least one opaque layer and the at least one semitransparent and/or coloured-transparent and/or dielectric layer, as seen perpendicular to the plane of the security film element (2), are arranged alongside one another or at least partly in overlapping fashion.
11. Security document according to any of Claims 1 to 10,
    characterized
    in that the first group of microperforations (3) and the second group of microperforations (4) are formed in each case by means of a laser.
12. Security document according to any of Claims 1 to 11,
    characterized
    in that at least one of the at least two layers (2a, 2b) of the security film element (2) has at least one third security identification, which is formed by a layer - formed in patterned fashion or partially - of the at least two layers (2a, 2b) of the at least one security film element (2).
13. Security document according to any of Claims 1 to 12,
    characterized
    in that the at least one security film element (2) has at least one fourth security identification in the form of an optically variable element, in particular a hologram, a Kinegram^®, a diffractive image or pattern, a liquid crystal material, a thin-film interference layer system having a viewing-angle-dependent colour change effect or a zeroth-order diffraction element.
14. Security document according to any of Claims 1 to 13,
    characterized
    in that the security document (1) has at least one fifth security identification in the form of a security printed image (6) and/or a watermark.
15. Security document according to Claim 14,
    characterized
    in that the security printed image (6), as seen perpendicular to the plane of the security document (1), at least partly overlaps the at least one security film element (2).
16. Security document according to either of Claims 14 and 15,
    characterized
    in that the security printed image (6) is an intaglio print and/or a material from the group of luminescent, thermochromic, photochromic, magnetic or electrically conductive materials.
17. Security document according to any of Claims 12 to 16,
    characterized
    in that a position and/or a form and/or a visual appearance of the third security identification and/or of the fourth security identification and/or of the fifth security identification are/is coordinated with the information item resulting from the first and second groups of microperforations.
18. Security document according to Claim 17,
    characterized
    in that the third security identification and/or the fourth security identification and/or the fifth security identification form(s) a further part of the information item.
19. Security document according to Claim 5 or Claim 5 in combination with any of Claims 6 to 18,
    characterized
    in that at least one first security film element (2) is embossed or adhesively bonded onto the surface of the carrier substrate (1a).
20. Security document according to Claim 6 or Claim 6 in combination with any of Claims 7 to 19,
    characterized
    in that at least one second security film element is embedded into the carrier substrate (1a), wherein the second security film element is visible at least in regions at least on one side of the carrier substrate (1a).
21. Security document according to either of Claims 19 and 20,
    characterized
    in that the at least one first security film element (2) and/or the at least second security film element span(s) at least one window opening (1b) in the carrier substrate (1a).
22. Security document according to either of Claims 20 and 21,
    characterized
    in that the second security film element is embodied in thread- or strip-type fashion.
23. Security document according to any of Claims 1 to 22,
    characterized
    in that the security element is embodied as a banknote, a lottery ticket, a ticket, an identity card, a passport, a bank card, a smart card, a label or a certificate.
24. Method for producing a security document according to any of Claims 1 to 23 comprising the following steps:

    - providing a carrier substrate (1a) with at least one security film element (2), and

    - forming the first group of microperforations (39) and the second group of microperforations (4) by means of a laser,

    wherein the first group of microperforations (3) and the second group of microperforations (4), as seen perpendicular to the plane of the security document (1), are not formed congruently with respect to one another,
    characterized
    in that the at least one security film element (2), as seen perpendicular to the plane of the carrier substrate (1a), is provided with smaller dimensions than the carrier substrate (1a).
25. Method according to Claim 24,
    characterized
    in that a longitudinal axis of microperforations of the first group of microperforations (3) is formed perpendicularly to the plane of the carrier substrate (1a) in the carrier substrate (1a).
26. Method according to Claim 24 or 25,
    characterized
    in that a longitudinal axis of microperforations of the first group of microperforations (3) is formed nonperpendicularly to the plane of the carrier substrate (1a) in the carrier substrate (1a).

Images