EP2018277B1 - Security element comprising a laser mark - Google Patents

Security element comprising a laser mark Download PDF

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Publication number
EP2018277B1
EP2018277B1 EP07724621A EP07724621A EP2018277B1 EP 2018277 B1 EP2018277 B1 EP 2018277B1 EP 07724621 A EP07724621 A EP 07724621A EP 07724621 A EP07724621 A EP 07724621A EP 2018277 B1 EP2018277 B1 EP 2018277B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
security element
identifiers
marking layer
layer
laser
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Active
Application number
EP07724621A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP2018277A2 (en
Inventor
Walter DÖRFLER
Michael Bauer
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Giesecke and Devrient GmbH
Original Assignee
Giesecke and Devrient GmbH
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Publication date
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Publication of EP2018277A2 publication Critical patent/EP2018277A2/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP2018277B1 publication Critical patent/EP2018277B1/en
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Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B42—BOOKBINDING; ALBUMS; FILES; SPECIAL PRINTED MATTER
    • B42D—BOOKS; BOOK COVERS; LOOSE LEAVES; PRINTED MATTER CHARACTERISED BY IDENTIFICATION OR SECURITY FEATURES; PRINTED MATTER OF SPECIAL FORMAT OR STYLE NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; DEVICES FOR USE THEREWITH AND NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; MOVABLE-STRIP WRITING OR READING APPARATUS
    • B42D25/00—Information-bearing cards or sheet-like structures characterised by identification or security features; Manufacture thereof
    • B42D25/40—Manufacture
    • B42D25/405—Marking
    • B42D25/43—Marking by removal of material
    • B42D25/435—Marking by removal of material using electromagnetic radiation, e.g. laser
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B42—BOOKBINDING; ALBUMS; FILES; SPECIAL PRINTED MATTER
    • B42D—BOOKS; BOOK COVERS; LOOSE LEAVES; PRINTED MATTER CHARACTERISED BY IDENTIFICATION OR SECURITY FEATURES; PRINTED MATTER OF SPECIAL FORMAT OR STYLE NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; DEVICES FOR USE THEREWITH AND NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; MOVABLE-STRIP WRITING OR READING APPARATUS
    • B42D25/00—Information-bearing cards or sheet-like structures characterised by identification or security features; Manufacture thereof
    • B42D25/40—Manufacture
    • B42D25/405—Marking
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B42—BOOKBINDING; ALBUMS; FILES; SPECIAL PRINTED MATTER
    • B42D—BOOKS; BOOK COVERS; LOOSE LEAVES; PRINTED MATTER CHARACTERISED BY IDENTIFICATION OR SECURITY FEATURES; PRINTED MATTER OF SPECIAL FORMAT OR STYLE NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; DEVICES FOR USE THEREWITH AND NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; MOVABLE-STRIP WRITING OR READING APPARATUS
    • B42D25/00—Information-bearing cards or sheet-like structures characterised by identification or security features; Manufacture thereof
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B42—BOOKBINDING; ALBUMS; FILES; SPECIAL PRINTED MATTER
    • B42D—BOOKS; BOOK COVERS; LOOSE LEAVES; PRINTED MATTER CHARACTERISED BY IDENTIFICATION OR SECURITY FEATURES; PRINTED MATTER OF SPECIAL FORMAT OR STYLE NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; DEVICES FOR USE THEREWITH AND NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; MOVABLE-STRIP WRITING OR READING APPARATUS
    • B42D25/00—Information-bearing cards or sheet-like structures characterised by identification or security features; Manufacture thereof
    • B42D25/20—Information-bearing cards or sheet-like structures characterised by identification or security features; Manufacture thereof characterised by a particular use or purpose
    • B42D25/23—Identity cards
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B42—BOOKBINDING; ALBUMS; FILES; SPECIAL PRINTED MATTER
    • B42D—BOOKS; BOOK COVERS; LOOSE LEAVES; PRINTED MATTER CHARACTERISED BY IDENTIFICATION OR SECURITY FEATURES; PRINTED MATTER OF SPECIAL FORMAT OR STYLE NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; DEVICES FOR USE THEREWITH AND NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; MOVABLE-STRIP WRITING OR READING APPARATUS
    • B42D25/00—Information-bearing cards or sheet-like structures characterised by identification or security features; Manufacture thereof
    • B42D25/20—Information-bearing cards or sheet-like structures characterised by identification or security features; Manufacture thereof characterised by a particular use or purpose
    • B42D25/29—Securities; Bank notes
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B42—BOOKBINDING; ALBUMS; FILES; SPECIAL PRINTED MATTER
    • B42D—BOOKS; BOOK COVERS; LOOSE LEAVES; PRINTED MATTER CHARACTERISED BY IDENTIFICATION OR SECURITY FEATURES; PRINTED MATTER OF SPECIAL FORMAT OR STYLE NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; DEVICES FOR USE THEREWITH AND NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; MOVABLE-STRIP WRITING OR READING APPARATUS
    • B42D25/00—Information-bearing cards or sheet-like structures characterised by identification or security features; Manufacture thereof
    • B42D25/30—Identification or security features, e.g. for preventing forgery
    • B42D25/351—Translucent or partly translucent parts, e.g. windows

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a security element for security papers, documents of value and the like, with a laser-markable transparent or translucent marking layer, in which by the action of laser radiation visually recognizable markings in the form of patterns, letters, numbers or images are introduced.
  • the invention also relates to a security paper and a data carrier with such markings and a production method for a corresponding security element, security paper or a corresponding data carrier.
  • ID cards such as credit cards or identity cards
  • ID cards have long been provided by laser engraving with an individual identification.
  • marking by laser engraving the optical properties of the card material in the form of a desired marking are irreversibly changed by suitable guidance of a laser beam.
  • an identity card with applied information is described, which has on a surface of different colored and stacked layer areas, which are at least partially interrupted by visually recognizable personalization data.
  • the invention has for its object to propose a security element of the type mentioned, the laser-generated Has high anti-counterfeiting markings.
  • the markings should in particular have a viewing angle-dependent visual appearance.
  • the markings of a generic security element each comprise a lamellar structure of a plurality of substantially parallel, extending in the depth of the marking layer lamellae, which are characterized by the parameters color, width, height, lateral orientation, angle of inclination and distance.
  • the marking layer is arranged according to a preferred variant of the invention on an opaque base layer, whose intrinsic color is at least partially recognizable when viewed parallel to the lamellae of a lamellar structure.
  • the marking layer is arranged on a transparent or translucent base layer, so that the security element is at least partially translucent when viewed parallel to the lamellae of a lamellar structure.
  • the security element can then be used, for example, over a transparent area of a data carrier, or it can, under certain viewing directions, open the view to an underlying data carrier.
  • the marking layer can also be arranged between the base layer and an effect color layer, since, as will be explained in more detail below, the identification does not have to start on the surface of the security element, but can also be introduced into a deeper region of the security element by suitable choice of the laser parameters. For this purpose, for example, the wavelength, intensity and focus of the laser radiation are adjusted so that the threshold for a visually detectable change in the laser-loaded material is not exceeded until the desired layer depth.
  • the lamellar structures of different markings differ at least in their lateral orientation in order to achieve a different visual appearance upon rotation of the security element.
  • the lamellar structures of various markings may differ at least in their inclination angle in order to achieve a different visual appearance with a tilting of the security element.
  • the lamellar structures of various markings may also differ in at least one of the parameters color, width, height and distance in order to produce areas with different visual appearance within the security element. These parameter differences can be combined with different tilt angles or different lateral orientations.
  • the lamellar structures of different markings can for example also be offset from each other.
  • the height of at least a portion of the lamellae is less than the layer thickness of the marking layer according to a preferred embodiment of the invention.
  • the height of the slats can be adjusted as desired by controlling the laser energy.
  • the fins may begin at the base layer and reach to a maximum height which is smaller than the layer thickness of the marking layer.
  • the lamellae start at a certain height above the base layer, so that additionally a parallax effect occurs during the movement of the security element.
  • This can be achieved for example by different laser sensitivities in different layer regions of the marking layer or by a partial presensitization of the material of the marking layer.
  • the latter approach even makes it possible to easily introduce parallax images in a homogeneous layer.
  • substantially unrecognizable, presensitized areas are produced in the marking layer by a first laser.
  • the presensitized areas may be formed in particular even in the form of lamellar structures.
  • visually recognizable markings are then produced in the overlap area within the presensitized areas.
  • the lamellae may be formed in the form of straight lines, curved lines, broken lines and / or in the form of lines of varying width.
  • color areas in particular gray areas, are arranged between the lamellae of at least one marking. These color areas change their color or gray value when turning and / or tilting the security element is not.
  • markings of the marking layer together with other markings of the security element provide overall information. The total information is then recognizable only from certain viewing angles.
  • marking layers instead of a single marking layer, it is also possible to provide a plurality of marking layers, each with a layer thickness of between approximately 50 ⁇ m and approximately 300 ⁇ m.
  • the marker layers may also be spaced such that indicia may be generated at different depths of the security element.
  • indicia may be generated at different depths of the security element.
  • a parallax effect likewise arises, since the identical markings precisely overlap one another only from a certain viewing direction, while the markings appear widened or doubled from other viewing directions.
  • the lamellae advantageously have a height of between about 50 ⁇ m and about 150 ⁇ m. Its width is limited downwards by the focus diameter of the laser beam and is preferably between about 20 microns and about 150 microns, more preferably between about 70 microns and about 120 microns.
  • the invention also includes a security paper for the production of security or value documents, such as banknotes, checks, identity cards, certificates or the like, as well as a data carrier, in particular a branded article, a value document or the like.
  • the security paper or the data carrier has a laser-markable transparent or translucent marking layer, into which visually recognizable markings in the form of patterns, letters, numbers or images are introduced by the action of laser radiation.
  • the markings each comprise a lamellar structure of a plurality of substantially parallel lamellae extending into the depth of the marking layer, which are characterized by the parameters color, width, height, lateral orientation, angle of inclination and distance:
  • the security paper or the data carrier can be either equipped with a security element of the type described above or even be provided with such markings. Also in the latter case, the markings are advantageously formed in the manner already described in more detail above.
  • the invention further includes a method for producing a security element, security paper or data carrier with a laser-markable transparent or translucent marking layer, in which markings in the form of patterns, letters, numbers or images are introduced into the marking layer by the action of laser radiation.
  • the markings are each formed with a lamellar structure of a plurality of substantially parallel, extending into the depth of the marking layer lamellae, which are characterized by the parameters color, width, height, lateral orientation, angle of inclination and distance.
  • An infrared laser in the wavelength range from 0.8 ⁇ m to 3 ⁇ m in particular a Nd: YAG laser, or a related laser, such as a Nd: glass laser, an Nd: YVO 4 -lase or the like, is preferably used for identification. used.
  • the markings with pulsed laser radiation for example, with a power between 3 W and 150 W, preferably between 3 W and 50 W, introduced.
  • the lamellar structures according to the invention can be made very fine and can be generated very precisely by the high accuracy of the beam guidance.
  • the freedom of the beam guidance allows a high variability of the producible markings, which give the designer a great deal of creative freedom.
  • the markings can also be retrofitted and deep-set selectively by already existing layers in a security element, security paper or a data carrier.
  • the material for the laser-markable marking layer and the laser radiation used for the marking are optimally matched to one another.
  • those skilled laser-markable plastics such. Polyethylene (PE), polycarbonate (PC), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), polypropylene (PP), polyamide (PA).
  • the plastic may also be monoaxially or biaxially stretched. The stretching of the plastic leads inter alia to the fact that it receives polarizing properties that can be used as another security feature.
  • the tools required for exploiting these properties, such as polarization filters, are known to the person skilled in the art.
  • the marking layer and laser radiation very well absorbing additives such.
  • TiO 2 or infrared absorber to bring in the markers at low beam intensity can.
  • FIG. 1 schematically shows an identification card 10, which typically contains a portrait of the cardholder and other data not shown in the figure.
  • the identification card 10 is provided for authenticity assurance with a security element 12 according to the invention with a Venetian blind image, which shows a different visual appearance depending on the viewing direction of the viewer.
  • the security element 12 to a transparent marking layer 14, in which at least one visually recognizable label 16 is introduced in the form of patterns, letters, numbers or images by the action of laser radiation.
  • the marking 16 has a lamellar structure 18 of a multiplicity of lamellae 20 extending substantially parallel and extending into the depth of the marking layer 14, which is characterized in particular by the parameters color, width, height, lateral orientation, angle of inclination and spacing of the lamellae 20 ,
  • the slats 20 in the embodiment of Fig. 2 a width of about 100 microns, a distance of about 120 microns, an inclination angle of about 50 ° and a height of about 150 microns.
  • only one lamellar structure is provided in the security element, and the lamellae 20 of the lamellar structure 18 have a uniform lateral orientation, as for example in the plan view of FIG Fig. 3 recognizable.
  • the transparent marking layer 14 is arranged on an opaque base layer 22, the intrinsic color of which differs markedly from the color of the lamellae.
  • the base layer 22 may be formed by a white opaque card foil from which the lamellae 20 contrast in contrast to the laser-induced blackening of the marking layer 14.
  • the security element 12 is now viewed from a viewing direction 24 parallel to the lamellae 20, the white inherent color of the base layer 22 between the black lamellae 20 can be clearly seen. From this line of sight, the white and black areas alternate in rapid succession, giving the viewer the impression of a uniformly gray surface whose brightness depends on the selected ratio of slat width to slat spacing.
  • the inclined slats 20 obstruct the view of the base layer 22, as in the case of a venetian blind, so that the viewer only recognizes a uniformly black area.
  • the environment 28 of the marking 16 may be formed in a gray tone that corresponds to the gray tone of the marking 16 at a certain viewing angle, so that the marking 16 is not recognizable from this viewing angle.
  • the image information of the label 16 can be made to appear or disappear.
  • the security element 30 contains a marking layer 32 with a first lamellar structure 34 characterized by a first parameter set and a second lamellar structure 36 characterized by a second parameter set.
  • the first and second lamellar structures 34 and 36 differ in at least one of their characteristic parameters so as to produce a different visual appearance from different viewing directions.
  • the base layer 38 of the security element as in the embodiment of the Fig. 2 , opaque or transparent or translucent.
  • the security element 30 is partially transparent in viewing directions parallel to one of the lamellar structures 34, 36. This can for example be exploited for a transmitted light effect, or even only to make visible through the security element 30 an underlying disk.
  • At least the lateral orientation of the inclined blades 42 and 44 differs so that the visual appearance of the inscribed marking changes as the security element 40 rotates. For example, if the observer looks at the security element from the viewing direction 46, he looks in parallel to the inclined lamellae 42 and thus in partial areas onto the base layer arranged below the marking layer. The interior of the label "10" thus appears with a first brightness in a first Colour. This first image impression can be selected, in particular, by the color of the base layer, the color, the width and the spacing of the lamellae 42 as desired.
  • the inclined louvers 44 shade the base layer for the viewer from the viewing direction 46, so that the environment of the designation "10" appears with a second brightness in a second color, this second image impression being given essentially only by the color of the louvers 44 ,
  • the situation reverses.
  • the viewer now looks parallel to the fins 44 and thus partially on the base layer, while the fins 42 obstruct the view of the base layer.
  • the appearance of the security element 40 thus changes in rotation in a predetermined manner.
  • the security element 50 of Fig. 5 (b) contains two lamellar structures whose lamellae 52, 54 have the same lateral orientation, but include different angles of inclination with the surface normal.
  • the security element 50 thus represents a tilting image whose visual appearance changes when tilted about a tilt axis parallel to the slats.
  • the fins 52 can have an inclination angle of + 30 °
  • the fins 54 have an inclination angle of -40 ° to the surface normal.
  • the observer looks at the security element from the direction of observation 56, he is looking parallel to the lamellae 52 inclined towards him and thus in partial areas to the base layer below the marking layer.
  • the interior of the label "10" thus appears with a first brightness in a first color.
  • this first image impression can be reflected by the color of the base layer, the color, the width and the distance the fins 52 can be selected as desired.
  • the slats 54 inclined away from the viewer shade the base layer for the viewer from this viewing direction so that the environment of the marking "10" appears with a second brightness in a second color, wherein the second image impression essentially only results from the color of the slats 54 given is.
  • the situation is reversed, since the viewer is now looking parallel to the lamellae 54 and thus partially to the base layer, while the fins 52 obstruct the view of the base layer.
  • the appearance of the security element 50 thus changes in tilting in a predetermined manner.
  • Fig. 7 shows a security element 70 with different height slats.
  • the higher fins 72 require smaller tilt angles than the lower fins 74 in order to shade the base layer 76.
  • the different height of the slats can be adjusted by an appropriate control of the laser energy at will.
  • Fig. 7 also illustrates a further advantage of the blinds according to the invention.
  • the wavelength and intensity of the laser radiation can be selected and adapted to the properties of existing layers, such as a applied pressure layer 78, are tuned so that the lamellae, such as the lamellae 72 and 74, can be introduced through these layers into deeper layers of the security element, without removing the existing layers.
  • the markings according to the invention can therefore also be used for the subsequent personalization or individualization of security elements or data carriers.
  • infrared radiation of a pulsed Nd: YAG laser with a power between 3 W and 50 W can be used.
  • the blackening of the marking layer may also be effected through an effect layer, as in Fig. 8 illustrated.
  • the marking layer 82 of the security element 80 is disposed between a base layer 86 and an effect color layer 88.
  • the effect ink layer 88 may include, for example, optically variable interference pigments, thermal dyes, or the like.
  • the wavelength, intensity and focus of the laser radiation are selected so that the marking layer 82 is provided with lamellae 84 without destroying the effect color layer 88.
  • both the viewing angle-dependent marking and the optically variable effect of the effect color layer are present.
  • the laser marking 92 in other subregions 94 can also be designed such that the effect color layer 88 is destroyed locally, so that there is no longer any optically variable effect.
  • a parallax image is introduced into the marking layer 102, in which the Blackening 104 are located at a certain height h above the base layer 106.
  • a parallax effect occurs due to the movement of the blackening 104 against the background of the spaced-apart base layer 106.
  • This particular identification is produced according to the invention in that the material of the marking layer 102 is presensitized by a first laser irradiation from a specific irradiation direction.
  • the presensitized areas used in the Fig. 9 are denoted by the reference numeral 108, are themselves visually unrecognizable, but the threshold for generating a visible laser mark is reduced in them.
  • the presensitized regions advantageously include a tilt angle of about 30 ° to about 50 ° with the surface normal.
  • the material of the marking layer 102 is now blackened in the overlap areas with the presensitized areas 108.
  • a suitably set laser intensity can be ensured that the material is not visually changed in the non-presensitized areas by the second laser.
  • the first and second lasering can take place simultaneously, so that a higher laser intensity prevails in the overlap area of the laser beams than outside.
  • the laser intensities are chosen so that they are individually not enough to blacken the material, the higher laser intensity However, in the overlap area above the Schwärzungsschwelle.
  • the second laser can be done in time but also after the first laser.
  • the first laser reduces the blackening threshold of the material in the presensitized areas, which change itself is not visually discernible.
  • the laser intensity is now chosen to be above the blackening threshold of the presensitized material but below the blackening threshold of the unmodified material. This also achieves the desired effect.
  • the lamellae of the markings can be formed in all described embodiments straight and with a constant width.
  • Fig. 10 (a) shows a plan view of such a lamellar structure with straight blades 110 and constant width b.
  • the achievable width of the slats is given down by the focus diameter of the laser used for marking.
  • the focus diameter is typically between 20 ⁇ m and 150 ⁇ m, preferably between 70 ⁇ m and 120 ⁇ m, so that corresponding fin widths b result.
  • lamellar structures can be used which form curved lines in the plane of the marking layer.
  • Fig. 10 (b) and Fig. 10 (c) schematically show embodiments of lamellar structures with lamellae 112 , 114 with a changing width. When viewed parallel to the slats thereby changes the visible portion of the base layer, so that the brightness impression varies along the slats. It is understood that this change in real embodiments, other than in the schematic representation of Fig. 10 (b) and Fig. 10 (c) , compared to the spacing of adjacent lamellae, typically takes place on a much larger length scale.
  • the shutter images according to the invention can also represent a halftone image under certain viewing angles.
  • the different shades of gray of a halftone image can be generated by lamellar structures 116, 118, 120 having parallel lamellae with different pitches between the louvers, as in the left half of FIG Fig. 10 (d) illustrated.
  • different shades of gray can be produced by lamellae of different widths in the lamellar structures 122, 124, as shown on the right in FIG Fig. 10 (d) shown.
  • Any predetermined halftone image can easily be represented with such lamellar structures, for example by assigning a small surface area of the security element to each halftone pixel, and providing this area area with a lamellar structure corresponding to the brightness of the halftone pixel.
  • the halftone image is recognizable from other viewing directions, from which the slats obstruct the view of the base layer, shows only a uniformly colored surface.

Abstract

The present invention relates to a security element for security papers, value documents and the like, having a laser-markable transparent or translucent marking layer into which, through the action of laser radiation, visually perceptible identifiers are introduced in the form of patterns, letters, numbers and/or images. The identifiers each comprise a lamellar structure composed of a plurality of substantially parallel lamella that extend into the depth of the marking layer and include the parameters color, width, height, lateral orientation, tilt angle and/or spacing.

Description

Die Erfindung betrifft ein Sicherheitselement für Sicherheitspapiere, Wertdokumente und dergleichen, mit einer lasermarkierbaren transparenten oder transluzenten Markierungsschicht, in die durch Einwirkung von Laserstrahlung visuell erkennbare Kennzeichnungen in Form von Mustern, Buchstaben, Zahlen oder Bildern eingebracht sind. Die Erfindung betrifft auch ein Sicherheitspapier und einen Datenträger mit derartigen Kennzeichnungen sowie ein Herstellungsverfahren für ein entsprechendes Sicherheitselement, Sicherheitspapier oder einen entsprechenden Datenträger.The invention relates to a security element for security papers, documents of value and the like, with a laser-markable transparent or translucent marking layer, in which by the action of laser radiation visually recognizable markings in the form of patterns, letters, numbers or images are introduced. The invention also relates to a security paper and a data carrier with such markings and a production method for a corresponding security element, security paper or a corresponding data carrier.

Ausweiskarten, wie beispielsweise Kreditkarten oder Personalausweise, werden bereits seit längerem mittels Lasergravur mit einer individuellen Kennzeichnung versehen. Bei der Kennzeichnung durch Lasergravur werden durch geeignete Führung eines Laserstrahls die optischen Eigenschaften des Kartenmaterials in Gestalt einer gewünschten Kennzeichnung irreversibel verändert. Beispielsweise ist in der Druckschrift DE 30 48 733 A1 eine Ausweiskarte mit aufgebrachten Informationen beschrieben, die auf einer Oberfläche unterschiedliche farbige und übereinander angeordnete Schichtbereiche aufweist, die zumindest teilweise durch visuell erkennbare Personalisierungsdaten unterbrochen sind.ID cards, such as credit cards or identity cards, have long been provided by laser engraving with an individual identification. When marking by laser engraving, the optical properties of the card material in the form of a desired marking are irreversibly changed by suitable guidance of a laser beam. For example, in the document DE 30 48 733 A1 an identity card with applied information is described, which has on a surface of different colored and stacked layer areas, which are at least partially interrupted by visually recognizable personalization data.

Neben Ausweiskarten werden auch andere fälschungsgefährdete Wertdokumente, wie Banknoten, Aktien, Anleihen, Urkunden, Gutscheine, Schecks, Eintrittskarten, aber auch Sicherheitselemente zum Aufbringen auf derartige Datenträger oft mit lasergenerierten, individualisierenden Kennzeichen, wie etwa einer Seriennummer, versehen.In addition to identity cards, other security documents of value such as banknotes, shares, bonds, certificates, vouchers, checks, tickets, but also security elements for application to such data media are often provided with laser-generated, individualizing features, such as a serial number.

Ausgehend davon liegt der Erfindung die Aufgabe zugrunde, ein Sicherheitselement der eingangs genannten Art vorzuschlagen, das lasergenerierte Kennzeichnungen hoher Fälschungssicherheit aufweist. Zur weiteren Steigerung der Sicherheit und Erkennbarkeit sollen die Kennzeichnungen insbesondere ein betrachtungswinkelabhängiges visuelles Erscheinungsbild aufweisen.Based on this, the invention has for its object to propose a security element of the type mentioned, the laser-generated Has high anti-counterfeiting markings. To further increase the security and recognizability, the markings should in particular have a viewing angle-dependent visual appearance.

Diese Aufgabe wird durch das Sicherheitselement mit den Merkmalen des Hauptanspruchs gelöst. Ein Sicherheitspapier, ein Datenträger sowie ein entsprechendes Herstellungsverfahren sind in den nebengeordneten Ansprüchen angegeben. Weiterbildungen der Erfindung sind Gegenstand der abhängigen Ansprüche.This object is achieved by the security element having the features of the main claim. A security paper, a data carrier and a corresponding manufacturing method are specified in the independent claims. Further developments of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims.

Gemäß der Erfindung umfassen die Kennzeichnungen eines gattungsgemäβen Sicherheitselements jeweils eine Lamellenstruktur aus einer Vielzahl von im Wesentlichen parallel verlaufenden, sich in die Tiefe der Markierungsschicht erstreckenden Lamellen, die durch die Parameter Farbe, Breite, Höhe, laterale Orientierung, Neigungswinkel und Abstand charakterisiert sind.According to the invention, the markings of a generic security element each comprise a lamellar structure of a plurality of substantially parallel, extending in the depth of the marking layer lamellae, which are characterized by the parameters color, width, height, lateral orientation, angle of inclination and distance.

Die Markierungsschicht ist dabei nach einer bevorzugten Erfindungsvariante auf einer opaken Basisschicht angeordnet, deren Eigenfarbe bei Betrachtung parallel zu den Lamellen einer Lamellenstruktur zumindest teilweise erkennbar ist. Nach einer anderen ebenfalls bevorzugten Erfindungsvariante ist die Markierungsschicht auf einer transparenten oder transluzenten Basisschicht angeordnet, so dass das Sicherheitselement bei Betrachtung parallel zu den Lamellen einer Lamellenstruktur zumindest teilweise lichtdurchlässig ist. Das Sicherheitselement kann dann beispielsweise über einem transparenten Bereich eines Datenträgers eingesetzt werden, oder es kann unter bestimmten Betrachtungsrichtungen den Blick auf einen darunterliegenden Datenträger freigeben.The marking layer is arranged according to a preferred variant of the invention on an opaque base layer, whose intrinsic color is at least partially recognizable when viewed parallel to the lamellae of a lamellar structure. According to another likewise preferred variant of the invention, the marking layer is arranged on a transparent or translucent base layer, so that the security element is at least partially translucent when viewed parallel to the lamellae of a lamellar structure. The security element can then be used, for example, over a transparent area of a data carrier, or it can, under certain viewing directions, open the view to an underlying data carrier.

Die Markierungsschicht kann auch zwischen der Basisschicht und einer Effektfarbschicht angeordnet sein, da, wie nachfolgend genauer erläutert wird, die Kennzeichnung nicht an der Oberfläche des Sicherheitselements beginnen muss, sondern durch geeignete Wahl der Laserparameter auch in einen tiefer liegenden Bereich des Sicherheitselements eingebracht sein kann. Dazu werden beispielsweise die Wellenlänge, Intensität und Fokus der Laserstrahlung so eingestellt, dass der Schwellwert für eine visuell erfassbare Veränderung des laserbeaufschlagten Materials erst in der gewünschten Schichttiefe überschritten wird.The marking layer can also be arranged between the base layer and an effect color layer, since, as will be explained in more detail below, the identification does not have to start on the surface of the security element, but can also be introduced into a deeper region of the security element by suitable choice of the laser parameters. For this purpose, for example, the wavelength, intensity and focus of the laser radiation are adjusted so that the threshold for a visually detectable change in the laser-loaded material is not exceeded until the desired layer depth.

In einer vorteilhaften Ausgestaltung unterscheiden sich die Lamellenstrukturen verschiedener Kennzeichnungen zumindest in ihrer lateralen Orientierung, um ein unterschiedliches visuelles Erscheinungsbild bei einer Drehung des Sicherheitselements zu erreichen.In an advantageous embodiment, the lamellar structures of different markings differ at least in their lateral orientation in order to achieve a different visual appearance upon rotation of the security element.

Zusätzlich oder alternativ können sich die Lamellenstrukturen verschiedener Kennzeichnungen zumindest in ihrem Neigungswinkel unterscheiden, um ein unterschiedliches visuelles Erscheinungsbild bei einer Verkippung des Sicherheitselements zu erreichen.Additionally or alternatively, the lamellar structures of various markings may differ at least in their inclination angle in order to achieve a different visual appearance with a tilting of the security element.

Die Lamellenstrukturen verschiedener Kennzeichnungen können sich auch zumindest in einem der Parameter Farbe, Breite, Höhe und Abstand unterscheiden, um Bereiche mit unterschiedlichem visuellen Erscheinungsbild innerhalb des Sicherheitselements zu erzeugen. Diese Parameterunterschiede lassen sich mit verschiedenen Neigungswinkeln oder verschiedenen lateralen Ausrichtungen kombinieren. Die Lamellenstrukturen verschiedener Kennzeichnungen können beispielsweise auch gegeneinander versetzt sein. Die Höhe zumindest eines Teils der Lamellen ist nach einer bevorzugten Ausgestaltung der Erfindung geringer als die Schichtdicke der Markierungsschicht. Dabei kann die Höhe der Lamellen durch Steuerung der Laserenergie nach Wunsch eingestellt werden. Insbesondere können die Lamellen an der Basisschicht beginnen und bis zu einer Maximalhöhe reichen, die kleiner als die Schichtdicke der Markierungsschicht ist.The lamellar structures of various markings may also differ in at least one of the parameters color, width, height and distance in order to produce areas with different visual appearance within the security element. These parameter differences can be combined with different tilt angles or different lateral orientations. The lamellar structures of different markings can for example also be offset from each other. The height of at least a portion of the lamellae is less than the layer thickness of the marking layer according to a preferred embodiment of the invention. The height of the slats can be adjusted as desired by controlling the laser energy. In particular, the fins may begin at the base layer and reach to a maximum height which is smaller than the layer thickness of the marking layer.

Es ist auch möglich, die Lamellen in einer bestimmten Höhe über der Basisschicht beginnen zu lassen, so dass bei der Bewegung des Sicherheitselements zusätzlich ein Parallaxeneffekt auftritt. Dies kann beispielsweise durch verschiedene Laserempfindlichkeiten in unterschiedlichen Schichtbereichen der Markierungsschicht erreicht werden oder durch eine bereichsweise Vorsensibilisierung des Materials der Markierungsschicht. Letztere Vorgehensweise ermöglicht es sogar, Parallaxenbilder in einfacher Weise in eine homogene Schicht einzubringen. Zu diesem Zweck werden durch eine erste Laserung visuell im Wesentlichen nicht erkennbare, vorsensibilisierte Bereiche in der Markierungsschicht erzeugt. Die vorsensibilisierten Bereiche können dabei insbesondere selbst in Form von Lamellenstrukturen ausgebildet sein. Durch eine zweite Laserung aus einer anderen Bestrahlungsrichtung werden dann im Überschneidungsbereich innerhalb der vorsensibilisierten Bereiche visuell erkennbare Kennzeichnungen erzeugt.It is also possible to let the lamellae start at a certain height above the base layer, so that additionally a parallax effect occurs during the movement of the security element. This can be achieved for example by different laser sensitivities in different layer regions of the marking layer or by a partial presensitization of the material of the marking layer. The latter approach even makes it possible to easily introduce parallax images in a homogeneous layer. For this purpose, substantially unrecognizable, presensitized areas are produced in the marking layer by a first laser. The presensitized areas may be formed in particular even in the form of lamellar structures. By means of a second lasering from another irradiation direction, visually recognizable markings are then produced in the overlap area within the presensitized areas.

In der Ebene der Markierungsschicht können die Lamellen in Form gerader Linien, gekrümmter Linien, unterbrochener Linien und/ oder in Form von Linien mit sich verändernder Breite gebildet sein.In the plane of the marking layer, the lamellae may be formed in the form of straight lines, curved lines, broken lines and / or in the form of lines of varying width.

Gemäß einer weiteren vorteilhaften Ausgestaltung der Erfindung sind zwischen den Lamellen zumindest einer Kennzeichnung Farbbereiche, insbesondere Graubereiche, angeordnet. Diese Farbbereiche ändern ihren Farb- bzw. Grauwert beim Drehen und/oder Kippen des Sicherheitselements nicht.According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, color areas, in particular gray areas, are arranged between the lamellae of at least one marking. These color areas change their color or gray value when turning and / or tilting the security element is not.

Weiter kann vorgesehen sein, dass die Kennzeichnungen der Markierungsschicht zusammen mit anderen Kennzeichnungen des Sicherheitselements, insbesondere mit auf das Sicherheitselement aufgedruckten Kennzeichnungen, eine Gesamtinformation ergeben. Die Gesamtinformation ist dann nur aus bestimmten Betrachtungswinkeln erkennbar.It can further be provided that the markings of the marking layer together with other markings of the security element, in particular with markings printed on the security element, provide overall information. The total information is then recognizable only from certain viewing angles.

Anstelle einer einzigen Markierungsschicht können auch mehrere Markierungsschichten, jeweils mit einer Schichtdicke zwischen etwa 50 µm und etwa 300 µm, vorgesehen sein. Die Markierungsschichten können auch beabstandet sein, so dass Kennzeichnungen in verschiedenen Tiefen des Sicherheitselements erzeugt werden können. Bei zumindest teilweise identischen Kennzeichnungen in verschiedenen Tiefen entsteht ebenfalls ein Parallaxeneffekt, da die identischen Kennzeichnungen nur aus einer bestimmten Betrachtungsrichtung genau übereinanderliegen, während die Kennzeichnungen aus anderen Betrachtungsrichtungen verbreitert oder verdoppelt erscheinen.Instead of a single marking layer, it is also possible to provide a plurality of marking layers, each with a layer thickness of between approximately 50 μm and approximately 300 μm. The marker layers may also be spaced such that indicia may be generated at different depths of the security element. In the case of at least partially identical markings at different depths, a parallax effect likewise arises, since the identical markings precisely overlap one another only from a certain viewing direction, while the markings appear widened or doubled from other viewing directions.

Die Lamellen weisen mit Vorteil eine Höhe zwischen etwa 50 µm und etwa 150 µm auf. Ihre Breite ist nach unten durch den Fokusdurchmesser des Laserstrahls begrenzt und liegt vorzugsweise zwischen etwa 20 µm und etwa 150 µm, besonders bevorzugt zwischen etwa 70 µm und etwa 120 µm.The lamellae advantageously have a height of between about 50 μm and about 150 μm. Its width is limited downwards by the focus diameter of the laser beam and is preferably between about 20 microns and about 150 microns, more preferably between about 70 microns and about 120 microns.

Die Erfindung umfasst auch ein Sicherheitspapier für die Herstellung von Sicherheits- oder Wertdokumenten, wie Banknoten, Schecks, Ausweiskarten, Urkunden oder dergleichen, sowie einen Datenträger, insbesondere einen Markenartikel, ein Wertdokument oder dergleichen. Das Sicherheitspapier bzw. der Datenträger weisen eine lasermarkierbare transparente oder transluzente Markierungsschicht auf, in die durch Einwirkung von Laserstrahlung visuell erkennbare Kennzeichnungen in Form von Mustern, Buchstaben, Zahlen oder Bildern eingebracht sind. Die Kennzeichnungen umfassen jeweils eine Lamellenstruktur aus einer Vielzahl von im Wesentlichen parallel verlaufenden, sich in die Tiefe der Markierungsschicht erstreckenden Lamellen, die durch die Parameter Farbe, Breite, Höhe, laterale Orientierung, Neigungswinkel und Abstand charakterisiert sind:The invention also includes a security paper for the production of security or value documents, such as banknotes, checks, identity cards, certificates or the like, as well as a data carrier, in particular a branded article, a value document or the like. The security paper or the data carrier has a laser-markable transparent or translucent marking layer, into which visually recognizable markings in the form of patterns, letters, numbers or images are introduced by the action of laser radiation. The markings each comprise a lamellar structure of a plurality of substantially parallel lamellae extending into the depth of the marking layer, which are characterized by the parameters color, width, height, lateral orientation, angle of inclination and distance:

Das Sicherheitspapier bzw. der Datenträger kann dazu entweder mit einem Sicherheitselement der oben beschriebenen Art ausgestattet oder selbst mit derartigen Kennzeichnungen versehen sein. Auch in letzterem Fall sind die Kennzeichnungen mit Vorteil in der oben bereits genauer beschriebenen Art und Weise ausgebildet.The security paper or the data carrier can be either equipped with a security element of the type described above or even be provided with such markings. Also in the latter case, the markings are advantageously formed in the manner already described in more detail above.

Die Erfindung umfasst weiter ein Verfahren zum Herstellen eines Sicherheitselements, Sicherheitspapiers oder Datenträgers mit einer lasermarkierbaren transparenten oder transluzenten Markierungsschicht, bei dem in die Markierungsschicht durch Einwirkung von Laserstrahlung visuell erkennbare Kennzeichnungen in Form von Mustern, Buchstaben, Zahlen oder Bildern eingebracht werden. Die Kennzeichnungen werden jeweils mit einer Lamellenstruktur aus einer Vielzahl von im Wesentlichen parallel verlaufenden, sich in die Tiefe der Markierungsschicht erstreckenden Lamellen gebildet, die durch die Parameter Farbe, Breite, Höhe, laterale Orientierung, Neigungswinkel und Abstand charakterisiert sind.The invention further includes a method for producing a security element, security paper or data carrier with a laser-markable transparent or translucent marking layer, in which markings in the form of patterns, letters, numbers or images are introduced into the marking layer by the action of laser radiation. The markings are each formed with a lamellar structure of a plurality of substantially parallel, extending into the depth of the marking layer lamellae, which are characterized by the parameters color, width, height, lateral orientation, angle of inclination and distance.

Zur Kennzeichnung wird vorzugsweise ein Infrarotlaser im Wellenlängenbereich von 0,8 µm bis 3 µm, insbesondere ein Nd:YAG-Laser, oder ein verwandter Laser, wie etwa ein Nd:Glas-Laser, ein Nd:YVO4-Lase oder dergleichen, eingesetzt. Zweckmäßig werden die Kennzeichnungen mit gepulster Laserstrahlung, beispielsweise mit einer Leistung zwischen 3 W und 150 W, vorzugsweise zwischen 3 W und 50 W, eingebracht.An infrared laser in the wavelength range from 0.8 μm to 3 μm, in particular a Nd: YAG laser, or a related laser, such as a Nd: glass laser, an Nd: YVO 4 -lase or the like, is preferably used for identification. used. Suitably, the markings with pulsed laser radiation, for example, with a power between 3 W and 150 W, preferably between 3 W and 50 W, introduced.

Die erfindungsgemäßen Lamellenstrukturen können sehr fein ausgebildet sein und durch die hohe Genauigkeit der Strahlführung sehr präzise erzeugt werden. Die Freiheit der Strahlführung ermöglicht eine hohe Variabilität der erzeugbaren Kennzeichnungen, die dem Designer einen großen Gestaltungsspielraum verleihen. Wie erläutert, können die Kennzeichnungen auch nachträglich und durch bereits bestehende Schichten tiefenselektiv in ein Sicherheitselement, Sicherheitspapier oder einen Datenträger eingebracht werden.The lamellar structures according to the invention can be made very fine and can be generated very precisely by the high accuracy of the beam guidance. The freedom of the beam guidance allows a high variability of the producible markings, which give the designer a great deal of creative freedom. As explained, the markings can also be retrofitted and deep-set selectively by already existing layers in a security element, security paper or a data carrier.

Es versteht sich von selbst, dass das Material für die lasermarkierbare Markierungsschicht und die für die Markierung eingesetzte Laserstrahlung optimal aufeinander abgestimmt sind. Beispielsweise sind dem Fachmann geeignete lasermarkierbare Kunststoffe, wie z. B. Polyethylen (PE), Polycarbonat (PC), Polyethylenterephthalat (PET), Polybutylenterephthalat (PBT), Polyethylennaphthalat (PEN), Polypropylen (PP), Polyamid (PA), bekannt. Der Kunststoff kann ferner monoaxial oder biaxial gereckt sein. Die Reckung des Kunststoffs führt unter anderem dazu, dass er polarisierende Eigenschaften erhält, die als weiteres Sicherheitsmerkmal genutzt werden können. Die zur Ausnutzung dieser Eigenschaften erforderlichen Hilfsmittel, wie Polarisationsfilter, sind dem Fachmann bekannt.It goes without saying that the material for the laser-markable marking layer and the laser radiation used for the marking are optimally matched to one another. For example, those skilled laser-markable plastics such. Polyethylene (PE), polycarbonate (PC), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), polypropylene (PP), polyamide (PA). The plastic may also be monoaxially or biaxially stretched. The stretching of the plastic leads inter alia to the fact that it receives polarizing properties that can be used as another security feature. The tools required for exploiting these properties, such as polarization filters, are known to the person skilled in the art.

Darüber hinaus kann die Markierungsschicht auch Laserstrahlung sehr gut absorbierende Zusatzstoffe, wie z. B. TiO2 oder Infrarot-Absorber, enthalten, um die Markierungen bei geringer Strahlintensität einbringen zu können. Weitere Ausführungsbeispiele sowie Vorteile der Erfindung werden nachfolgend anhand der Figuren erläutert, bei deren Darstellung auf eine maßstabs- und proportionsgetreue Wiedergabe verzichtet wurde, um die Anschaulichkeit zu erhöhen.In addition, the marking layer and laser radiation very well absorbing additives such. As TiO 2 or infrared absorber, to bring in the markers at low beam intensity can. Further exemplary embodiments and advantages of the invention are explained below with reference to the figures, in the representation of which a representation true to scale and proportion has been dispensed with in order to increase the clarity.

Es zeigen:

Fig. 1
eine schematische Darstellung einer Ausweiskarte mit einem Sicherheitselement mit Jalousiebild nach einem Ausführungsbeispiel der Erfindung,
Fig. 2
das Sicherheitselement der Fig.1 im Querschnitt,
Fig. 3
eine Aufsicht auf das Sicherheitselement der Fig.1,
Fig. 4
ein Sicherheitselement nach einem anderen Ausfüh- rungsbeispiel der Erfindung im Querschnitt,
Fig. 5
in (a) und (b) zwei Beispiele für Sicherheitselemente mit zwei unterschiedlichen Lamellenstrukturen in Aufsicht,
Fig. 6 bis Fig. 8
Sicherheitselemente nach weiteren Ausführungsbeispie- len der Erfindung im Querschnitt,
Fig. 9
ein erfindungsgemäßes Sicherheitselement, bei dem als Kennzeichnung ein Parallaxenbild in die Markierungs- schicht eingebracht ist, und
Fig.10
in (a) bis (d) Aufsichten auf verschiedene erfindungs- gemäße Lamellenstrukturen.
Show it:
Fig. 1
a schematic representation of an identity card with a security element with blind image according to an embodiment of the invention,
Fig. 2
the security element of Fig.1 in cross section,
Fig. 3
a view of the security element of Fig.1 .
Fig. 4
a security element according to another embodiment of the invention in cross-section,
Fig. 5
in (a) and (b) two examples of security elements with two different lamellar structures in supervision,
Fig. 6 to Fig. 8
Security elements according to further embodiments of the invention in cross-section,
Fig. 9
a security element according to the invention, in which a parallax image is introduced into the marking layer as identification, and
Figure 10
in (a) to (d), top views of various lamellar structures according to the invention.

Die Erfindung wird nun am Beispiel einer Ausweiskarte erläutert. Fig. 1 zeigt dazu schematisch eine Ausweiskarte 10, die typischerweise ein Portrait des Karteninhabers sowie weitere in der Figur nicht dargestellte Daten enthält. Darüber hinaus ist die Ausweiskarte 10 zur Echtheitsabsicherung mit einem erfindungsgemäßen Sicherheitselement 12 mit einem Jalousiebild versehen, welches abhängig von der Blickrichtung des Betrachters ein unterschiedliches visuelles Erscheinungsbild zeigt.The invention will now be explained using the example of an identity card. Fig. 1 schematically shows an identification card 10, which typically contains a portrait of the cardholder and other data not shown in the figure. In addition, the identification card 10 is provided for authenticity assurance with a security element 12 according to the invention with a Venetian blind image, which shows a different visual appearance depending on the viewing direction of the viewer.

Wie in Zusammenschau der Querschnittsdarstellung der Fig. 2 und der Aufsicht der Fig. 3 deutlich wird, weist das Sicherheitselement 12 dazu eine transparente Markierungsschicht 14 auf, in die durch die Einwirkung von Laserstrahlung zumindest eine visuell erkennbare Kennzeichnung 16 in Form von Mustern, Buchstaben, Zahlen oder Bildern eingebracht ist.As in synopsis of the cross sectional representation of Fig. 2 and the supervision of Fig. 3 becomes clear, the security element 12 to a transparent marking layer 14, in which at least one visually recognizable label 16 is introduced in the form of patterns, letters, numbers or images by the action of laser radiation.

Die Kennzeichnung 16 weist eine Lamellenstruktur 18 aus einer Vielzahl von im Wesentlichen parallel verlaufenden und sich in die Tiefe der Markierungsschicht 14 erstreckenden Lamellen 20 auf, die insbesondere durch die Parameter Farbe, Breite, Höhe, laterale Orientierung, Neigungswinkel und Abstand der Lamellen 20 charakterisiert ist. Beispielsweise weisen die Lamellen 20 im Ausführungsbeispiel der Fig. 2 eine Breite von etwa 100 µm, einen Abstand von etwa 120 µm, einen Neigungswinkel von etwa 50° und eine Höhe von etwa 150 µm auf. Im einfachsten Fall ist in dem Sicherheitselement nur eine Lamellenstruktur vorgesehen, und die Lamellen 20 der Lamellenstruktur 18 weisen eine einheitliche laterale Orientierung auf, wie beispielsweise in der Aufsicht der Fig. 3 erkennbar.The marking 16 has a lamellar structure 18 of a multiplicity of lamellae 20 extending substantially parallel and extending into the depth of the marking layer 14, which is characterized in particular by the parameters color, width, height, lateral orientation, angle of inclination and spacing of the lamellae 20 , For example, the slats 20 in the embodiment of Fig. 2 a width of about 100 microns, a distance of about 120 microns, an inclination angle of about 50 ° and a height of about 150 microns. In the simplest case, only one lamellar structure is provided in the security element, and the lamellae 20 of the lamellar structure 18 have a uniform lateral orientation, as for example in the plan view of FIG Fig. 3 recognizable.

Die transparente Markierungsschicht 14 ist auf einer opaken Basisschicht 22 angeordnet, deren Eigenfarbe sich von der Farbe der Lamellen deutlich unterscheidet. Beispielsweise kann die Basisschicht 22 durch eine weiße opake Kartenfolie gebildet sein, von der sich die Lamellen 20 als laserinduzierte Schwärzungen der Markierungsschicht 14 kontrastierend abheben.The transparent marking layer 14 is arranged on an opaque base layer 22, the intrinsic color of which differs markedly from the color of the lamellae. For example, the base layer 22 may be formed by a white opaque card foil from which the lamellae 20 contrast in contrast to the laser-induced blackening of the marking layer 14.

Wird das Sicherheitselement 12 nun aus einer Blickrichtung 24 parallel zu den Lamellen 20 betrachtet, so ist die weiße Eigenfarbe der Basisschicht 22 zwischen den schwarzen Lamellen 20 gut zu erkennen. Aus dieser Blickrichtung wechseln sich die weißen und schwarzen Bereiche in rascher Folge ab, so dass für den Betrachter der Eindruck einer einheitlich grauen Fläche entsteht, deren Helligkeit vom gewählten Verhältnis von Lamellenbreite zu Lamellenabstand abhängt.If the security element 12 is now viewed from a viewing direction 24 parallel to the lamellae 20, the white inherent color of the base layer 22 between the black lamellae 20 can be clearly seen. From this line of sight, the white and black areas alternate in rapid succession, giving the viewer the impression of a uniformly gray surface whose brightness depends on the selected ratio of slat width to slat spacing.

Aus anderen Blickrichtungen, wie etwa der Blickrichtung 26, versperren die geneigten Lamellen 20 wie bei einer Jalousie den Blick auf die Basisschicht 22, so dass der Betrachter nur eine einheitlich schwarze Fläche erkennt.From other viewing directions, such as the viewing direction 26, the inclined slats 20 obstruct the view of the base layer 22, as in the case of a venetian blind, so that the viewer only recognizes a uniformly black area.

Das Umfeld 28 der Kennzeichnung 16 kann in einem Grauton ausgebildet sein, der dem Grauton der Kennzeichnung 16 unter einem bestimmten Betrachtungswinkel entspricht, so dass die Kennzeichnung 16 aus diesem Betrachtungswinkel nicht erkennbar ist. Durch Kippen des Sicherheitselements 12 kann die Bildinformation der Kennzeichnung 16 zum Erscheinen bzw. zum Verschwinden gebracht werden.The environment 28 of the marking 16 may be formed in a gray tone that corresponds to the gray tone of the marking 16 at a certain viewing angle, so that the marking 16 is not recognizable from this viewing angle. By tilting the security element 12, the image information of the label 16 can be made to appear or disappear.

Nach dieser Erläuterung des Grundprinzips der Erfindung werden in den nachfolgenden Figuren nun komplexere Ausführungsbeispiele mit mehreren Lamellenstrukturen und/oder mit zusätzlichen Elementen beschrieben:After this explanation of the basic principle of the invention, more complex embodiments with several lamellar structures and / or with additional elements will now be described in the following figures:

Wie im Querschnitt der Fig. 4 gezeigt, enthält das Sicherheitselement 30 nach einem anderen Ausführungsbeispiel der Erfindung eine Markierungsschicht 32 mit einer ersten Lamellenstruktur 34, die durch einen ersten Parametersatz charakterisiert ist, und einer zweiten Lamellenstruktur 36, die durch einen zweiten Parametersatz charakterisiert ist. Die erste und zweite Lamellenstruktur 34 bzw. 36 unterscheiden sich dabei in zumindest einem ihrer charakteristischen Parameter, um so ein unterschiedliches visuelles Erscheinungsbild aus verschiedenen Blickrichtungen zu erzeugen.As in the cross section of Fig. 4 2, the security element 30 according to another exemplary embodiment of the invention contains a marking layer 32 with a first lamellar structure 34 characterized by a first parameter set and a second lamellar structure 36 characterized by a second parameter set. The first and second lamellar structures 34 and 36 differ in at least one of their characteristic parameters so as to produce a different visual appearance from different viewing directions.

Die Basisschicht 38 des Sicherheitselements kann, wie bei dem Ausführungsbeispiel der Fig. 2, opak oder auch transparent oder transluzent sein. In letzterem Fall ist das Sicherheitselement 30 in Blickrichtungen parallel zu einer der Lamellenstrukturen 34, 36 teilweise durchsichtig. Dies kann beispielsweise für einen Durchlichteffekt ausgenutzt werden, oder auch nur, um durch das Sicherheitselement 30 einen darunterliegenden Datenträger sichtbar zu machen.The base layer 38 of the security element, as in the embodiment of the Fig. 2 , opaque or transparent or translucent. In the latter case, the security element 30 is partially transparent in viewing directions parallel to one of the lamellar structures 34, 36. This can for example be exploited for a transmitted light effect, or even only to make visible through the security element 30 an underlying disk.

Zwei Beispiele für Sicherheitselemente mit jeweils zwei unterschiedlichen Lamellenstrukturen sind in den Aufsichten der Figuren 5(a) und 5(b) dargestellt.Two examples of safety elements, each with two different lamellar structures are in the supervision of the FIGS. 5 (a) and 5 (b) shown.

Bei dem Sicherheitselement 40 der Fig. 5(a) unterscheidet sich zumindest die laterale Orientierung der geneigten Lamellen 42 und 44, so dass sich das visuelle Erscheinungsbild der eingeschriebenen Kennzeichnung beim Drehen des Sicherheitselements 40 verändert. Blickt der Betrachter beispielsweise aus der Betrachtungsrichtung 46 auf das Sicherheitselement, so blickt er parallel zu den geneigten Lamellen 42 und damit in Teilbereichen auf die unter der Markierungsschicht angeordnete Basisschicht. Das Innere der Kennzeichnung "10" erscheint damit mit einer ersten Helligkeit in einer ersten Farbe. Dieser erste Bildeindruck kann insbesondere durch die Farbe der Basisschicht, die Farbe, die Breite und den Abstand der Lamellen 42 nach Wunsch gewählt werden. Die geneigten Lamellen 44 schatten aus der Blickrichtung 46 die Basisschicht für den Betrachter ab, so dass das Umfeld der Kennzeichnung "10" mit einer zweiten Helligkeit in einer zweiten Farbe erscheint, wobei dieser zweite Bildeindruck im Wesentlichen nur durch die Farbe der Lamellen 44 gegeben ist.In the security element 40 of the Fig. 5 (a) At least the lateral orientation of the inclined blades 42 and 44 differs so that the visual appearance of the inscribed marking changes as the security element 40 rotates. For example, if the observer looks at the security element from the viewing direction 46, he looks in parallel to the inclined lamellae 42 and thus in partial areas onto the base layer arranged below the marking layer. The interior of the label "10" thus appears with a first brightness in a first Colour. This first image impression can be selected, in particular, by the color of the base layer, the color, the width and the spacing of the lamellae 42 as desired. The inclined louvers 44 shade the base layer for the viewer from the viewing direction 46, so that the environment of the designation "10" appears with a second brightness in a second color, this second image impression being given essentially only by the color of the louvers 44 ,

Aus der Betrachtungsrichtung 48 gesehen kehrt sich die Situation um. Der Betrachter blickt nun parallel zu den Lamellen 44 und damit teilweise auf die Basisschicht, während die Lamellen 42 den Blick auf die Basisschicht versperren. Das Erscheinungsbild des Sicherheitselements 40 ändert sich so beim Drehen in vorbestimmter Weise.As seen from viewing direction 48, the situation reverses. The viewer now looks parallel to the fins 44 and thus partially on the base layer, while the fins 42 obstruct the view of the base layer. The appearance of the security element 40 thus changes in rotation in a predetermined manner.

Das Sicherheitselement 50 der Fig. 5(b) enthält zwei Lamellenstrukturen, deren Lamellen 52, 54 dieselbe laterale Orientierung aufweisen, jedoch unterschiedliche Neigungswinkel mit der Oberflächennormalen einschließen. Das Sicherheitselement 50 stellt dadurch ein Kippbild dar, dessen visuelles Erscheinungsbild sich bei Verkippung um eine Kippachse parallel zu den Lamellen ändert. Beispielsweise können die Lamellen 52 einen Neigungswinkel von +30°, die Lamellen 54 einen Neigungswinkel von -40° zur Oberflächennormalen aufweisen.The security element 50 of Fig. 5 (b) contains two lamellar structures whose lamellae 52, 54 have the same lateral orientation, but include different angles of inclination with the surface normal. The security element 50 thus represents a tilting image whose visual appearance changes when tilted about a tilt axis parallel to the slats. For example, the fins 52 can have an inclination angle of + 30 °, the fins 54 have an inclination angle of -40 ° to the surface normal.

Blickt der Betrachter aus der Betrachtungsrichtung 56 auf das Sicherheitselement, so blickt er parallel zu den zu ihm geneigten Lamellen 52 und damit in Teilbereichen auf die unter der Markierungsschicht liegende Basisschicht. Das Innere der Kennzeichnung "10" erscheint somit mit einer ersten Helligkeit in einer ersten Farbe. Dieser erste Bildeindruck kann insbesondere wieder durch die Farbe der Basisschicht, die Farbe, die Breite und den Abstand der Lamellen 52 nach Wunsch gewählt werden. Die vom Betrachter weggeneigten Lamellen 54 schatten aus dieser Blickrichtung die Basisschicht dagegen für den Betrachter ab, so dass das Umfeld der Kennzeichnung "10" mit einer zweiten Helligkeit in einer zweiten Farbe erscheint, wobei der zweite Bildeindruck im Wesentlichen nur durch die Farbe der Lamellen 54 gegeben ist.If the observer looks at the security element from the direction of observation 56, he is looking parallel to the lamellae 52 inclined towards him and thus in partial areas to the base layer below the marking layer. The interior of the label "10" thus appears with a first brightness in a first color. In particular, this first image impression can be reflected by the color of the base layer, the color, the width and the distance the fins 52 can be selected as desired. On the other hand, the slats 54 inclined away from the viewer shade the base layer for the viewer from this viewing direction so that the environment of the marking "10" appears with a second brightness in a second color, wherein the second image impression essentially only results from the color of the slats 54 given is.

Aus der Betrachtungsrichtung 58 gesehen kehrt sich die Situation um, da der Betrachter nun parallel zu den Lamellen 54 und damit teilweise auf die Basisschicht blickt, während die Lamellen 52 den Blick auf die Basisschicht versperren. Das Erscheinungsbild des Sicherheitselements 50 ändert sich so beim Kippen in vorbestimmter Weise.Viewed from the viewing direction 58, the situation is reversed, since the viewer is now looking parallel to the lamellae 54 and thus partially to the base layer, while the fins 52 obstruct the view of the base layer. The appearance of the security element 50 thus changes in tilting in a predetermined manner.

Bei dem Sicherheitselement 60 der Fig. 6 sind zwischen den Lamellen 62 einer Kennzeichnung Graubereiche 64 angeordnet, die unabhängig von der Drehung oder Verkippung des Sicherheitselements 60 ihren Grauwert beibehalten. Derartige Graubereiche, oder allgemeiner auch beliebige Farbbereiche, können mit allen beschriebenen Lamellenstrukturen kombiniert werden.In the security element 60 of Fig. 6 are arranged between the slats 62 of a marking gray areas 64, which maintain their gray value regardless of the rotation or tilting of the security element 60. Such gray areas, or more generally also any color ranges, can be combined with all described lamellar structures.

Das Ausführungsbeispiel der Fig. 7 zeigt ein Sicherheitselement 70 mit unterschiedlich hohen Lamellen. Die höheren Lamellen 72 benötigen dabei kleinere Kippwinkel als die niedrigeren Lamellen 74, um die Basisschicht 76 abzuschatten. Die unterschiedliche Höhe der Lamellen kann durch eine entsprechende Steuerung der Laserenergie nach Belieben eingestellt werden.The embodiment of Fig. 7 shows a security element 70 with different height slats. The higher fins 72 require smaller tilt angles than the lower fins 74 in order to shade the base layer 76. The different height of the slats can be adjusted by an appropriate control of the laser energy at will.

Fig. 7 illustriert auch einen weiteren Vorteil der erfindungsgemäßen Jalousiebilder. Die Wellenlänge und Intensität der Laserstrahlung kann nämlich so gewählt und auf die Eigenschaften bestehender Schichten, wie etwa einer aufgebrachten Druckschicht 78, abgestimmt werden, dass die Lamellen, wie etwa die Lamellen 72 und 74, durch diese Schichten hindurch in tiefere Lagen des Sicherheitselements eingebracht werden können, ohne die bestehenden Schichten abzutragen. Die erfindungsgemäßen Kennzeichnungen können daher auch für die nachträgliche Personalisierung bzw. Individualisierung von Sicherheitselementen oder Datenträgern zum Einsatz kommen. Für die Laserbeaufschlagung kann beispielsweise Infrarotstrahlung eines gepulst betriebenen Nd:YAG-Lasers mit einer Leistung zwischen 3 W und 50 W verwendet werden. Fig. 7 also illustrates a further advantage of the blinds according to the invention. Namely, the wavelength and intensity of the laser radiation can be selected and adapted to the properties of existing layers, such as a applied pressure layer 78, are tuned so that the lamellae, such as the lamellae 72 and 74, can be introduced through these layers into deeper layers of the security element, without removing the existing layers. The markings according to the invention can therefore also be used for the subsequent personalization or individualization of security elements or data carriers. For the laser application, for example, infrared radiation of a pulsed Nd: YAG laser with a power between 3 W and 50 W can be used.

Die Schwärzung der Markierungsschicht kann auch durch eine Effektschicht hindurch erfolgen, wie in Fig. 8 illustriert. Bei dem Ausführungsbeispiel der Fig. 8 ist die Markierungsschicht 82 des Sicherheitselements 80 zwischen einer Basisschicht 86 und einer Effektfarbschicht 88 angeordnet. Die Effektfarbschicht 88 kann beispielsweise optisch variable Interferenzpigmente, Thermofarben oder dergleichen enthalten.The blackening of the marking layer may also be effected through an effect layer, as in Fig. 8 illustrated. In the embodiment of the Fig. 8 For example, the marking layer 82 of the security element 80 is disposed between a base layer 86 and an effect color layer 88. The effect ink layer 88 may include, for example, optically variable interference pigments, thermal dyes, or the like.

Bei der Beaufschlagung des Teilbereichs 90 werden Wellenlänge, Intensität und Fokus der Laserstrahlung so gewählt, dass die Markierungsschicht 82 ohne Zerstörung der Effektfarbschicht 88 mit Lamellen 84 versehen wird. In dem so markierten Teilbereich 90 liegt dann sowohl die betrachtungswinkelabhängige Kennzeichnung als auch der optisch variable Effekt der Effektfarbschicht vor. Selbstverständlich kann die Lasermarkierung 92 in anderen Teilbereichen 94 auch so ausgeführt werden, dass die Effektfarbschicht 88 lokal zerstört wird, so dass dort kein optisch variabler Effekt mehr erkennbar ist.When the partial region 90 is acted on, the wavelength, intensity and focus of the laser radiation are selected so that the marking layer 82 is provided with lamellae 84 without destroying the effect color layer 88. In the section 90 marked in this way, both the viewing angle-dependent marking and the optically variable effect of the effect color layer are present. Of course, the laser marking 92 in other subregions 94 can also be designed such that the effect color layer 88 is destroyed locally, so that there is no longer any optically variable effect.

Bei dem Ausführungsbeispiel 100 der Fig. 9 ist als Kennzeichnung ein Parallaxenbild in die Markierungsschicht 102 eingebracht, bei dem sich die Schwärzungen 104 in einer gewissen Höhe h über der Basisschicht 106 befinden. Beim Bewegen des Sicherheitselements tritt daher zusätzlich zu dem beschriebenen Kipp- oder Dreheffekt ein Parallaxeneffekt durch die Bewegung der Schwärzungen 104 vor dem Hintergrund der beabstandeten Basisschicht 106 auf.In the embodiment 100 of the Fig. 9 As a marking, a parallax image is introduced into the marking layer 102, in which the Blackening 104 are located at a certain height h above the base layer 106. When moving the security element, therefore, in addition to the described tilting or rotating effect, a parallax effect occurs due to the movement of the blackening 104 against the background of the spaced-apart base layer 106.

Diese besondere Kennzeichnung wird erfindungsgemäß dadurch erzeugt, dass das Material der Markierungsschicht 102 durch eine erste Laserung aus einer bestimmten Bestrahlungsrichtung vorsensibilisiert wird. Die vorsensibilisierten Bereiche, die in der Fig. 9 mit dem Bezugszeichen 108 gekennzeichnet sind, sind selbst visuell nicht erkennbar, die Schwelle zur Erzeugung einer sichtbaren Lasermarkierung ist in ihnen jedoch reduziert. Die vorsensibilisierten Bereiche schließen mit Vorteil einen Kippwinkel von etwa 30° bis etwa 50° mit der Oberflächennormalen ein.This particular identification is produced according to the invention in that the material of the marking layer 102 is presensitized by a first laser irradiation from a specific irradiation direction. The presensitized areas used in the Fig. 9 are denoted by the reference numeral 108, are themselves visually unrecognizable, but the threshold for generating a visible laser mark is reduced in them. The presensitized regions advantageously include a tilt angle of about 30 ° to about 50 ° with the surface normal.

Durch eine zweite Laserung 110 aus einer unterschiedlichen, zweiten Bestrahlungsrichtung wird das Material der Markierungsschicht 102 nun in den Überschneidungsgebieten mit den vorsensibilisierten Bereichen 108 geschwärzt. Durch eine geeignet eingestellte Laserintensität kann dabei sichergestellt werden, dass das Material in den nicht vorsensibilisierten Bereichen durch die zweite Laserung visuell nicht verändert wird. Insgesamt entsteht so eine Lamellenstruktur 104, deren vertikale Position innerhalb der Markierungsschicht durch die relative Position der beiden Laserungen weitgehend beliebig gewählt werden kann.By a second laser 110 from a different, second irradiation direction, the material of the marking layer 102 is now blackened in the overlap areas with the presensitized areas 108. By a suitably set laser intensity can be ensured that the material is not visually changed in the non-presensitized areas by the second laser. Overall, this results in a lamellar structure 104 whose vertical position within the marking layer can be selected largely as desired by the relative position of the two laser treatments.

Die erste und zweite Laserung kann gleichzeitig erfolgen, so dass im Überschneidungsbereich der Laserstrahlen eine höhere Laserintensität vorherrscht als außerhalb. Die Laserintensitäten werden dabei so gewählt, dass sie einzeln nicht zur Schwärzung des Materials ausreichen, die höhere Laserintensität im Überschneidungsbereich jedoch oberhalb der Schwärzungsschwelle liegt.The first and second lasering can take place simultaneously, so that a higher laser intensity prevails in the overlap area of the laser beams than outside. The laser intensities are chosen so that they are individually not enough to blacken the material, the higher laser intensity However, in the overlap area above the Schwärzungsschwelle.

Die zweite Laserung kann zeitlich aber auch nach der ersten Laserung erfolgen. In diesem Fall wird, ohne dass die genauen Vorgänge im Material für die Erfindung von Bedeutung wären, durch die erste Laserung die Schwärzungsschwelle des Materials in den vorsensibilisierten Bereichen reduziert, wobei diese Veränderung selbst visuell nicht erkennbar ist. Für die zweite Laserung wird die Laserintensität nun so gewählt, dass sie oberhalb der Schwärzungsschwelle des vorsensibilisierten Materials, aber unterhalb der Schwärzungsschwelle des nicht modifizierten Materials liegt. Auch dadurch wird der gewünschte Effekt erreicht.The second laser can be done in time but also after the first laser. In this case, without the precise operations in the material being of importance to the invention, the first laser reduces the blackening threshold of the material in the presensitized areas, which change itself is not visually discernible. For the second laser, the laser intensity is now chosen to be above the blackening threshold of the presensitized material but below the blackening threshold of the unmodified material. This also achieves the desired effect.

Die Lamellen der Kennzeichnungen können in allen beschriebenen Ausführungsbeispielen gerade und mit konstanter Breite ausgebildet sein. Fig. 10(a) zeigt eine Aufsicht auf eine derartige Lamellenstruktur mit geraden Lamellen 110 und konstanter Breite b. Die erreichbare Breite der Lamellen ist nach unten durch den Fokusdurchmesser des zur Kennzeichnung verwendeten Lasers gegeben. Der Fokusdurchmesser liegt typischerweise zwischen 20 µm und 150 µm, vorzugsweise zwischen 70 µm und 120 µm, so dass sich entsprechende Lamellenbreiten b ergeben. In gleicher Weise können Lamellenstrukturen verwendet werden, die in der Ebene der Markierungsschicht gekrümmte Linien bilden.The lamellae of the markings can be formed in all described embodiments straight and with a constant width. Fig. 10 (a) shows a plan view of such a lamellar structure with straight blades 110 and constant width b. The achievable width of the slats is given down by the focus diameter of the laser used for marking. The focus diameter is typically between 20 μm and 150 μm, preferably between 70 μm and 120 μm, so that corresponding fin widths b result. In the same way, lamellar structures can be used which form curved lines in the plane of the marking layer.

Fig.10(b) und Fig. 10(c) zeigen schematisch Ausführungsbeispiele von Lamellenstrukturen mit Lamellen 112 bzw.114 mit einer sich verändernder Breite. Bei Betrachtung parallel zu den Lamellen verändert sich dadurch der sichtbare Anteil der Basisschicht, so dass der Helligkeitseindruck entlang der Lamellen variiert. Es versteht sich, dass diese Änderung in realen Ausführungsbeispielen, anderes als in der schematischen Darstellung der Fig. 10(b) und Fig.10(c), verglichen mit dem Abstand benachbarter Lamellen typischerweise auf einer wesentlich größeren Längenskala stattfindet. Fig. 10 (b) and Fig. 10 (c) schematically show embodiments of lamellar structures with lamellae 112 bzw.114 with a changing width. When viewed parallel to the slats thereby changes the visible portion of the base layer, so that the brightness impression varies along the slats. It is understood that this change in real embodiments, other than in the schematic representation of Fig. 10 (b) and Fig. 10 (c) , compared to the spacing of adjacent lamellae, typically takes place on a much larger length scale.

Durch geeignete Linienformen bzw. geeignet gewählte Abstände der Lamellen können die erfindungsgemäßen Jalousiebilder unter bestimmten Betrachtungswinkeln auch ein Halbtonbild darstellen. Beispielsweise können die verschiedenen Graustufen eines Halbtonbildes durch Lamellenstrukturen 116,118,120 mit parallelen Lamellen mit verschiedenen Abständen zwischen den Lamellen erzeugt werden, wie in der linken Bildhälfte der Fig. 10(d) illustriert. Alternativ oder zusätzlich können unterschiedliche Graustufen durch verschieden breite Lamellen in den Lamellenstrukturen 122,124 erzeugt werden, wie rechts in Fig. 10(d) gezeigt.By suitable line shapes or appropriately selected distances of the slats, the shutter images according to the invention can also represent a halftone image under certain viewing angles. For example, the different shades of gray of a halftone image can be generated by lamellar structures 116, 118, 120 having parallel lamellae with different pitches between the louvers, as in the left half of FIG Fig. 10 (d) illustrated. Alternatively or additionally, different shades of gray can be produced by lamellae of different widths in the lamellar structures 122, 124, as shown on the right in FIG Fig. 10 (d) shown.

Ein beliebiges vorgegebenes Halbtonbild kann leicht mit derartigen Lamellenstrukturen dargestellt werden, indem beispielsweise jedem Halbtonbildpunkt ein kleiner Flächenbereich des Sicherheitselements zugeordnet wird, und dieser Flächenbereich mit einer der Helligkeit des Halbtonbildpunkts entsprechenden Lamellenstruktur versehen wird. Bei Betrachtung aus einer Blickrichtung parallel zu den Lamellen ist dann das Halbtonbild erkennbar, aus anderen Betrachtungsrichtungen, aus denen die Lamellen den Blick auf die Basisschicht versperren, zeigt sich lediglich eine einheitlich gefärbte Fläche. Any predetermined halftone image can easily be represented with such lamellar structures, for example by assigning a small surface area of the security element to each halftone pixel, and providing this area area with a lamellar structure corresponding to the brightness of the halftone pixel. When viewing from a line of sight parallel to the slats then the halftone image is recognizable from other viewing directions, from which the slats obstruct the view of the base layer, shows only a uniformly colored surface.

Claims (15)

  1. A security element for security papers, value documents and the like having a laser-markable transparent or translucent marking layer into which, through the action of laser radiation, visually perceptible identifiers are introduced in the form of patterns, letters, numbers or images, characterized in that the identifiers each exhibit a lamellar structure composed of a plurality of substantially parallel lamella that extend into the depth of the marking layer and that are characterized by the parameters color, width, height, lateral orientation, tilt angle and spacing.
  2. The security element according to claim 1, characterized in that the marking layer is arranged on an opaque base layer whose intrinsic color is at least partially perceptible when viewed parallel to the lamella of a lamellar structure.
  3. The security element according to claim 1, characterized in that the marking layer is arranged on a transparent or translucent base layer such that the security element is at least partially light-transmitting when viewed parallel to the lamella of a lamellar structure.
  4. The security element according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the marking layer is arranged between the base layer and an effect ink layer.
  5. The security element according to at least one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the lamellar structures of different identifiers differ at least in their lateral orientation or in their tilt angle in order to achieve a different visual appearance upon tilting the security element.
  6. The security element according to at least one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the lamellar structures of different identifiers differ in at least one of the parameters color, width, height and spacing to produce regions having a different visual appearance within the security element.
  7. The security element according to at least one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the lamella are formed in the plane of the marking layer in the form of straight lines, curved lines, broken lines and/or lines having a varying width.
  8. The security element according to at least one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that one or more marking layers having a layer thickness of between 50 µm and 300 µm each are provided, in that the lamella exhibit a height between 50 µm and 150 µm and in that the width of the lamella lies between 20 µm and 150 µm, preferably between 70 µm and 120 µm.
  9. A security paper for manufacturing security or value documents, such as banknotes, checks, identification cards, certificates or the like, having a laser-markable transparent or translucent marking layer into which, through the action of laser radiation, visually perceptible identifiers are introduced in the form of patterns, letters, numbers or images, characterized in that the identifiers each exhibit a lamellar structure composed of a plurality of substantially parallel lamella that extend into the depth of the marking layer and that are characterized by the parameters color, width, height, lateral orientation, tilt angle and spacing.
  10. The security paper according to claim 9, characterized in that the identifiers are developed according to one of claims 2 to 8.
  11. The security paper according to claim 9, having a security element according to one of claims 2 to 8.
  12. A data carrier, especially a branded article, value document or the like, having a laser-markable, transparent or translucent marking layer into which, through the action of laser radiation, visually perceptible identifiers are introduced in the form of patterns, letters, numbers or images, characterized in that the identifiers each exhibit a lamellar structure composed of a plurality of substantially parallel lamella that extend into the depth of the marking layer and that are characterized by the parameters color, width, height, lateral orientation, tilt angle and spacing.
  13. The data carrier according to claim 12, characterized in that the identifiers are developed according to one of claims 2 to 8.
  14. The data carrier according to claim 12, having a security element according to one of claims 2 to 8.
  15. A method for manufacturing a security element, security paper or data carrier having a laser-markable transparent or translucent marking layer in which, through the action of laser radiation, visually perceptible identifiers in the form of patterns, letters, numbers or images are introduced into the marking layer, characterized in that the identifiers are each developed having a lamellar structure composed of a plurality of substantially parallel lamella that extend into the depth of the marking layer and that are characterized by the parameters color, width, height, lateral orientation, tilt angle and spacing.
EP07724621A 2006-05-10 2007-04-26 Security element comprising a laser mark Active EP2018277B1 (en)

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DE102006021961A DE102006021961A1 (en) 2006-05-10 2006-05-10 Safety element with laser marking
PCT/EP2007/003691 WO2007128426A2 (en) 2006-05-10 2007-04-26 Security element comprising a laser mark

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EP0219011B1 (en) 1985-10-15 1992-01-08 GAO Gesellschaft für Automation und Organisation mbH Identity card with a visually detectable authenticity feature, and method of making it
DE3840729C2 (en) * 1988-12-02 1997-07-17 Gao Ges Automation Org Multi-layered recording medium and method for labeling a multi-layered recording medium
DE19635761A1 (en) 1996-09-03 1998-03-05 Giesecke & Devrient Gmbh Document with moirE-generating raster structure
DE10008851A1 (en) 2000-02-25 2001-08-30 Giesecke & Devrient Gmbh Manufacturing laser-writeable data media involves applying transparent, optically variable layer then producing marking through optically variable layer by action of laser beam
CH700198B1 (en) 2000-09-13 2010-07-15 Trueb Ag A multi-layer recording medium.
DE10217111A1 (en) * 2002-04-17 2003-11-06 Roehm Gmbh Solid with microstructured surface
DE10237059A1 (en) 2002-08-09 2004-02-26 Giesecke & Devrient Gmbh Valuable data support, e.g. a banknote, has half-tone illustrations or motifs to prevent copying, the grid lines of which have widths that vary on only one side only to improve copying protection
DE10356146A1 (en) * 2003-12-02 2005-06-30 Giesecke & Devrient Gmbh Data carrier and method for its production
DE102006021961A1 (en) 2006-05-10 2007-11-15 Giesecke & Devrient Gmbh Safety element with laser marking
DE102006050047A1 (en) * 2006-10-24 2008-04-30 Giesecke & Devrient Gmbh Transparent security element for security papers, data carrier, particularly valuable documents such as bank note, identification card and for falsification of goods, has transparent substrate and marking layer applied on substrate
EP2332738B1 (en) * 2009-12-10 2012-07-04 Agfa-Gevaert Security document with security feature on edge

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DE502007006460D1 (en) 2011-03-24
DE102006021961A1 (en) 2007-11-15
CA2650882A1 (en) 2007-11-15
US20090127844A1 (en) 2009-05-21
CA2650882C (en) 2015-01-20
RS51966B (en) 2012-02-29
WO2007128426A3 (en) 2008-02-14
WO2007128426A2 (en) 2007-11-15
EP2018277A2 (en) 2009-01-28
ATE497887T1 (en) 2011-02-15
US8528941B2 (en) 2013-09-10
ES2358764T3 (en) 2011-05-13

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