EP2095340A1

EP2095340A1 - Security element for protecting documents of value

Info

Publication number: EP2095340A1
Application number: EP07846716A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Jürgen Schützmann; Manfred Heim; Dieter Stein; Friedrich Kretschmar
Original assignee: Giesecke and Devrient GmbH
Current assignee: Giesecke and Devrient GmbH
Priority date: 2006-11-22
Filing date: 2007-11-21
Publication date: 2009-09-02
Also published as: US20100065639A1; DE102006055170A1; WO2008061729A1; US8740094B2

Abstract

The invention relates to a security element for protecting documents of value which comprises magnetic material. Arranged on the security element is an extract from a magnetic code which comprises a plurality of magnetic areas and a plurality of gap areas. The extract from the magnetic code is arranged in a prescribed direction along the security element, for example at right angles to a direction of transport for the security element or document of value through a magnetic sensor. For the length of the magnetic areas and the gap areas in the magnetic code, certain length conditions are prescribed which are chosen on the basis of the magnetic sensor used.

Description

Security element for securing value documents

The invention relates to a security element for securing value documents. Furthermore, the invention relates to a value document and a film material with security element, an ensemble of value documents, a system of value document and magnetic sensor and a method for checking the security element or value document.

For the purposes of the invention, a document of value may be banknotes, but also stocks, certificates, stamps, checks, tickets, tickets, air tickets, identity cards, visa stickers and the like, as well as labels, seals, packaging, security paper or other elements for product assurance. The simplifying term value document therefore always includes documents of the type mentioned below.

It is known, for example, that banknotes have magnetic material that is used to check the authenticity of the banknotes. Such magnetic material is for example part of printing inks and is applied to the banknotes when printing on them. The distribution of the magnetic material generated during printing can be determined to check the authenticity of the banknotes and compared with a specification. Furthermore, it is known that magnetic material can be contained in security elements applied to the banknote. For example, security threads may comprise magnetic material which may be applied either continuously or in the form of a code.

For example, a specific sequence of magnetic and non-magnetic regions, which is characteristic for the security document to be secured, serves for the magnetic coding of a security thread. The so far known codes (eg EP 0407550 Bl) consist of individual bits which either comprise magnetic material or have no magnetic material. The individual bits have a relatively small length along the security thread with only 2 mm. In order to be able to detect every single one of these magnetic bits and thus the coding in the case of a banknote longitudinal transport, magnetic sensors with high spatial resolution are necessary which have measuring tracks with correspondingly narrow track width. However, the use of such magnetic sensors for the automatic detection of a magnetic coding is disadvantageous in that it is associated with considerable economic effort to replace a variety of existing, installed at customers magnetic sensors lower spatial resolution by new, highly spatially resolving magnetic sensors.

The invention is therefore based on the object to improve the protection of value documents by security elements with magnetic encoding, the introduction of security elements with magnetic encoding should be done with less effort than is possible with previous magnetic encodings.

This object is solved by the features of the independent claims. Further developments are the subject of the dependent claims.

In order to solve this problem, the existing magnetic sensors continue to be used to detect the magnetic properties of the security elements of value documents. A further measure is that a magnetic coding is specified for the security elements of the value documents, which can also be clearly detected by magnetic sensors whose measuring tracks have a relatively large track width. The security elements have a magnetic coding for this purpose. tion, which is selected depending on the track width of the magnetic sensor. This magnetic coding is always characteristic of the value document to be protected, for example for the type of value document. For example, in the case of banknotes, the magnetic coding can be chosen to be characteristic for the denomination of the banknote.

The magnetic coding has at least one magnetic area with magnetic material and at least one gap area which contains no magnetic material or which has a lower remanent flux density than the magnetic area. The at least one magnetic region and the at least one gap region are arranged along a predetermined direction, which extends, for example, along a longitudinal direction of the security element. The security element according to the invention has a section of a magnetic coding which is arranged along the security element, for example on or within the security element, and which has approximately the length of the security element. At least one of the gap regions of the magnetic coding has a first length L 1 in the predetermined direction and at least one of the magnetic regions of the magnetic coding has a second length L 2 in the predetermined direction. For Ll and L2, at least one of the following length conditions aj applies, with the parameter s being the track width of the magnetic sensor used for detecting the coding: a) 1.8s ≦ LK 3s and 0 <L2 ≦ s, or b) 1.8s ≦ Ll <3s and 2s <L2, or c) 3.8s ≤ L1 and 0 <L2, or d) 1.8s ≤ LK 3s and 0 <L2 ≤ 2s, or e) 1.8s ≤ LK 3s and 3s <L2 , or f) 3.8s ≤ L1 and 0 <L2, or g) 2.8s ≤ LK 4s and 0 <L2 ≤ s, or h) 2.8s ≤ LK 4s and 2s <L2, or i) 2.8s <LK 4s and 0 <L2 ≤ 2s, or j) 2 , 8s <LK 4s and 3s <L2.

The specified length conditions a-j or the corresponding codes a-j are tailored to the magnetic sensor used. To distinguish these codes with the aid of the magnetic sensor, each magnetic track is evaluated to the extent that it detects a magnetic signal (high-bit) or no magnetic signal (low-bit) from the security element transported past. From these data it is determined how many adjacent magnetic tracks of the magnetic sensor detect a high bit and how many a low bit. If, for example, a security element is transported past with a coding that satisfies the length condition a, then the number of adjacent high bits is 1 or 2, and the number of adjacent low bits is also 1 or 2. Which of the two possible values actually results depends the length and location of the magnetic and gap regions on the security element and the relative position of the security element to the tracks of the magnetic sensor. From the number of adjacent low bits and the number of adjacent high bits, the respective coding can then be uniquely determined within a group of encodings (a-c or d-f or g-h or i-j).

In practice, it has been found that the lower limit for Ll can each be a few percent below the mathematical minimum value. For example, in the case of the length condition a, one would actually calculate 2s as the minimum value for L1 in order to be sure that at least one to be able to detect richly. In practice, however, slightly shorter gap areas can be identified as a gap with certainty.

In the case of a track width s of the magnetic sensor of 9 mm, for example, the following length conditions are obtained for Ll and L2: a) 16 mm <LK 27 mm and 0 <L2 ≤ 9 mm, or b) 16 mm ≤ Ll <27 mm and 18 mm <L2, or c) 34 mm ≤ L1 and 0 <L2, or d) 16 mm ≤ LK 27 mm and 0 <L2 <18 mm, or e) 16 mm ≤ Ll <27 mm and 27 mm <L2, or f) 34 mm ≤ L1 and 0 <L2, or g) 25 mm ≤ LK 36 mm and 0 <L2 <9 mm, or h) 25 mm <LK 36 mm and 18 mm <L2, or i) 25 mm ≤ LK 36 mm and 0 <L2 <18 mm, or j) 25 mm ≤ LK 36 mm and 27 mm <L2.

In one embodiment, each of the gap areas of the magnetic coding in the predetermined direction has a length that satisfies the length condition (aj) valid for the first length Ll. In addition, each of the magnetic regions of the magnetic coding in the predetermined direction may also have a length that satisfies the length condition applicable to the second length L2. In a specific embodiment, each of the gap regions of the magnetic coding has the first length L1 and / or each of the magnetic regions of the magnetic coding has the second length L2. For example, the magnetic coding of a Periodically repeating arrangement consist of at least one of the gap areas and at least one of the magnetic areas.

Preferably, the magnetic regions in the predetermined direction have a length of more than 2 mm, preferably of at least 3 mm. For example, the gaps and / or the magnetic regions extend over the entire width of the security element. The magnetic regions may have magnetic material throughout in the predetermined direction. Within the magnet areas, however, one or more interruptions may alternatively be arranged which contain no magnetic material or have a lower remanent flux density than the magnet areas. In contrast to the gap areas, these interruptions in the given direction have a length that is less than the track width s, that is, for example, a length of less than 9 mm. If the breaks have a sufficiently short length, they will not be confused with a gap area because the magnetic sensor with track width s will not detect such short breaks as breaks in the magnetic area. If one or more such short interruptions are arranged within a magnetic region, the length of the magnetic region to be set in comparison to the length conditions aj is to be understood in each case as the total length of the magnetic region with interruptions, that is to say including the length of one or more inside the respective magnetic region arranged interruptions.

In order to realize a lower remanent flux density in the gap regions and / or in the interruptions, for example, a lower concentration of the magnetic material can be selected in the gap regions and / or in the interruptions than in the magnetic regions. Alternatively or additionally, it is also possible that in the gap range and / or in the interruptions a smaller layer thickness of the magnetic material, a smaller width of the applied magnetic material or other magnetic material is applied than in the magnetic regions. In the gap regions and / or in the discontinuities, the remanent flux density and / or the concentration of the magnetic material and / or the layer thickness of the magnetic material and / or the width of the applied magnetic material may be less than 50%, in particular less than 10 % of the remanent flux density and / or the concentration of the magnetic material and / or the layer thickness of the magnetic material and / or the width of the applied magnetic material in the magnetic regions. The magnetic material may comprise soft magnetic material, in particular iron powder or spherical iron particles, or hard magnetic material, preferably iron or at least one iron compound, in particular iron oxide.

In a special embodiment, at least one alphanumeric character, symbol or pattern is arranged in at least one of the gaps and / or in at least one of the magnetic regions and / or in at least one of the interruptions. This may include information about the type of security document to be secured, banknotes for example about the denomination, the currency, etc. The alphanumeric character, symbol or pattern may be realized by a recess in a layer of the security element, for example in a non-magnetic area of the security element security element. The security element may be a security thread, but it may also be an applied security strip or a self-supporting element, a patch or a label, which is firmly connected after its manufacture with the object to be secured. The security element can either be created directly on the value document or prepared on a separate substrate. If, for example, it would be difficult to provide the value document directly with the magnetic materials, it may be useful to prepare the structure of the security element at least partially on the separate substrate. The separate substrate on which the security element can be applied preferably has plastic and may be, for example, a film material, in particular a transfer material.

The security element, such as a security thread, can be applied in endless form on a carrier material of the transfer material. The security element is attached to a security document to be secured by means of an adhesive layer which is applied either to the value document or to the topmost layer of the transfer material. Preferably, a hot melt adhesive is used for this purpose. In order to define the outline shape of the security element, either an adhesive layer can be provided only in the areas to be transferred or the adhesive is activated only in the areas to be transferred. After the transfer, the carrier material of the transfer material is removed and only the security element remains on the security document to be secured.

The value document onto or into which the security element is placed or inserted can be a product packaging or at least part of a product packaging or a security document, for example a banknote, or security paper, for example for banknotes. Of course, other valuables that require insurance, are provided with the security element according to the invention.

The magnetic coding is characteristic in each case for the type of value document to be recorded. Magnetic coding can therefore be used to automatically detect and uniquely distinguish different types of value documents. An inventive ensemble of value documents has value documents of several types. For banknotes, the type of value documents that can be automatically recorded, for example, the denomination and / or currency of the

To be banknotes. Within the same type, several value documents each have at least one security element with the same magnetic coding. The security elements of the value documents of the same type may or may not be identical. Only the length condition or coding of the security elements of value documents of the same type to be fulfilled is the same.

A first ensemble according to the invention includes at least one value document of a first type, which has at least one first security element according to the invention, which is arranged, for example, on or in the value document. The first security element has at least one section of a first magnetic coding, which is arranged along the first security element. The gap and magnetic regions of the first magnetic coding are selected such that the first length L 1 of the first magnetic coding and the second length L 2 of the first magnetic coding satisfy a first of the above-mentioned length conditions a or b or c. The first ensemble according to the invention also includes at least one value document of a second type, which has at least one second security element according to the invention, which For example, it is arranged on or in the value document. The second security element has at least one section of a second magnetic coding, which is arranged along the second security element. The gap and magnetic regions of the second magnetic coding are selected such that the first length L 1 of the second magnetic coding and the second length L 2 of the second magnetic encoding satisfy a second one of the above-mentioned length conditions a or b or c, that of the first Length condition is different. Furthermore, the first ensemble according to the invention may include at least one value document of a third type, which has at least a third security element according to the invention, which is arranged, for example, on or in the value document. The third security element has at least one section of a third magnetic coding, which is arranged along the third security element. The gap and magnetic regions of the third magnetic encoding are selected such that the first length L 1 of the third magnetic encoding and the second length L 2 of the third magnetic encoding satisfy a third one of the above length conditions a or b or c derived from the first and second the second length condition is different.

A second ensemble according to the invention, which is to be understood as an alternative to the first ensemble according to the invention, includes at least one value document of a fourth type, which has at least a fourth security element according to the invention, which is arranged, for example, on or in the value document. The fourth security element has at least one section of a fourth magnetic coding, which is arranged along the fourth security element. The gap and magnetic regions of the fourth magnetic coding are selected so that the first length Ll of the fourth magnetic coding and the second length L2 of the fourth magnetic encoding a fourth of the above length conditions d or e or f meet. The second ensemble according to the invention also includes at least one value document of a fifth type which has at least one fifth security element according to the invention, which is arranged, for example, on or in the value document. The fifth security element has at least one section of a fifth magnetic coding, which is arranged along the fifth security element. The gap and magnetic regions of the fifth magnetic coding are chosen such that the first length L 1 of the fifth magnetic coding and the second length L 2 of the fifth magnetic coding satisfy a fifth of the above-mentioned length conditions d or e or f, that of the fourth Length condition is different. Furthermore, the second ensemble according to the invention may include at least one value document of a sixth type which has at least one sixth security element according to the invention, which is arranged, for example, on or in the value document. The sixth security element has at least one section of a sixth magnetic coding, which is arranged along the sixth security element. The gap and magnetic regions of the sixth magnetic encoding are selected such that the first length Ll of the sixth magnetic encoding and the second length L2 of the sixth magnetic encoding satisfy a sixth of the above-mentioned length conditions d or e or f that are different from the fourth and fourth the fifth length condition is different.

A third ensemble according to the invention, which is to be understood as an alternative to the first and second ensembles according to the invention, includes at least one value document of a seventh type which has at least one seventh security element according to the invention, which is arranged, for example, on or in the value document. The seventh security element has at least a section of a seventh magnetic coding, which is arranged along the seventh security element. The gap and magnetic regions of the seventh magnetic encoding are selected so that the first length Ll of the seventh magnetic encoding and the second length L2 of the seventh magnetic encoding satisfy a seventh of the above length conditions g or h. The third ensemble according to the invention also includes at least one value document of the eighth type, which has at least one eighth security element according to the invention, which is arranged, for example, on or in the value document. The eighth security element has at least one section of an eighth magnetic coding, which is arranged along the eighth security element. The gap and magnetic regions of the eighth magnetic encoding are selected such that the first length Ll of the eighth magnetic encoding and the second length L2 of the eighth magnetic encoding satisfy an eighth of the above length conditions g or h different from the seventh length condition is.

A fourth ensemble according to the invention, which is to be understood as an alternative to the first, second and third ensembles according to the invention, includes at least one value document of a ninth type which has at least one ninth security element according to the invention, which is arranged, for example, on or in the value document. The ninth security element has at least a section of a ninth magnetic coding, which is arranged along the ninth security element. The gap and magnetic regions of the ninth magnetic encoding are selected such that the first length Ll of the ninth magnetic encoding and the second length L2 of the ninth magnetic encoding satisfy a ninth of the above length conditions i or j. The fourth ensemble according to the invention also includes at least one A value document of a tenth type, which has at least one tenth security element according to the invention, which is arranged, for example, on or in the value document. The tenth security element has at least a section of a tenth magnetic coding, which is arranged along the tenth security element. The void and magnetic regions of the tenth magnetic encoding are selected so that the first length Ll of the tenth magnetic encoding and the second length L2 of the tenth magnetic encoding satisfy one tenth of the above length conditions i or j other than the ninth length condition.

For each of the ensembles according to the invention, other value documents can also be included which have at least one security element with magnetic properties which has no section of one of the magnetic codes a-j, but which has magnetic material in the predetermined direction. Interruptions which are shorter than the track width s of the magnetic sensor in the predetermined direction can also be arranged within the continuous magnetic material.

The value documents of the ensembles according to the invention are, for example, banknotes or security paper for banknotes. The type of value documents may be the denomination and / or the currency of the banknotes. The ensemble according to the invention may, for example, have banknotes of several denominations belonging to one currency.

In order to be able to detect security elements with the magnetic coding according to the invention, besides the value documents which are equipped with security elements according to the invention, sensors for checking tion of coding according to the invention required. Both belong together and form a system according to the invention. The system according to the invention has at least one magnetic sensor which has a plurality of measuring tracks which each have a track width s perpendicular to the transport direction. The system also has at least one value document according to the invention, which is transported past the magnetic sensor along a transport direction, wherein the document of value has at least one security element according to the invention with at least one detail of at least one magnetic coding, of which at least one magnetic and at least one gap region at least one satisfies the above length conditions aj.

In order to test a value document which has at least one security element according to the invention, the value document is transported past a magnetic sensor for measuring the magnetic properties of the security element and the magnetic signals of the security element according to the invention are recorded with the aid of the magnetic sensor. A magnetic coding is determined from the magnetic signals of the transported security element. In order to determine the magnetic coding, it is determined for the individual magnetic tracks of the magnetic sensor whether or not they detect a magnetic signal generated by the security element conveyed past. Furthermore, it is determined how many adjacent magnetic tracks of the magnetic sensor detect magnetic signals and how many do not detect magnetic signals. Subsequently, the number of adjacent magnetic tracks which detect magnetic signals and the number of adjacent magnetic tracks which do not detect a magnetic signal within a group of encodings (ac or df or gh or ij) uniquely determines the respective coding. The value document is attached to the Magnetic sensor transversely to the longitudinal direction of the security element, in particular perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the security element, transported past.

Further advantages and embodiments of the invention will be explained in more detail with reference to FIGS. The invention will be explained in more detail using the example of a banknote. However, it is obvious that the invention can be readily used for the above-mentioned value documents.

Show it:

FIG. 1 shows a schematically illustrated arrangement of a magnetic sensor and a bank note transported past the magnetic sensor with a security element according to the invention (magnetic and gap regions not shown),

2a shows three exemplary security elements 2a, 2b, 2c, each having a section of a coding of gaps (hatched) and magnetic areas (black), for each of which one of the length conditions a, b, c applies,

FIG. 2b shows three exemplary security elements 2d, 2e, 2f, each of which has a section of a coding of gaps (hatched) and magnetic areas (black), for each of which one of the length conditions d, e, f applies,

2c two exemplary security elements 2g, 2h, each having a section of a coding of gaps (hatched) and magnetic areas (black), for each of which one of the length conditions g, h applies, FIG. 2d two exemplary security elements 2i, 2j, each of which has a section of a coding of gaps (hatched) and magnetic areas (black), for each of which one of the length conditions i, j applies,

FIG. 2e shows an exemplary security element 2e 'which has a section of a coding of gaps (hatched) and magnetic areas (black) for which the length condition e applies, and which has interruptions of the magnetic areas as well as signs and symbols,

Figure 3a-c an exemplary embodiment of a banknote with the

Security element 2b (FIG. 3a) as well as exemplary embodiments of the security element along the line A-A in FIG

Cross section (Fig. 3b, 3c).

FIG. 1 schematically shows a detail of a device for checking banknotes for their magnetic properties. Banknotes 1 or security elements 2 to be checked are transported through the device by a transport system (not shown) along the transport direction shown by the arrow in FIG. In the example shown, a banknote 1 is transported past in the longitudinal transport on a, for example, inductive or magnetoresistive functioning, magnetic sensor 10. In this case, the security element 2, with his

Longitudinal direction is arranged approximately perpendicular to the transport direction of the banknote 1, tested for its magnetic properties. The security element 2 is, for example, a security thread that is partially inserted into the bank Notensubstrat is embedded and occurs only at windows 7 on the surface or is visible on the surface.

The magnetic sensor 10 has a plurality of measuring tracks 8, which each have a track width s perpendicular to the transport direction of the banknote. In the example shown, the magnetic sensor 10 has ten measuring tracks 8 whose track width s is 9 mm in each case. At the individual measuring tracks 8 of the magnetic sensor 10, when the banknote 1 is transported past, in each case a magnetic signal is detected which indicates the magnetic properties of the security element 2 in the detection range of the respective measuring track. The magnetic signals are transmitted by the magnetic sensor 10 to an evaluation device 9, which further processes and evaluates the magnetic signals of the individual measuring tracks. For evaluation, the magnetic coding is determined from the number of adjacent magnetic tracks with or without magnetic signals, of which the security element has a section. The information about the result of the evaluation of each individual banknote 1 is then stored and forwarded for further processing.

FIG. 2 a shows three exemplary security elements 2 a, 2 b, 2 c, each of which has a section of a respective one of the magnetic codes a, b, c. In this exemplary embodiment, one of the three length conditions a, b, c applies for each magnetic and gap region of the magnetic codes a, b, c. The security element 2a with the magnetic coding a has, for example, a periodic arrangement of gaps (hatched) and magnetic areas (black), the period in this case consisting of a gap area of a first length L1 (with l, 8s≤L2 <3s) and a magnetic region of a second length L2 (where 0 <L2≤s). Of the coding a 4 periods are shown by way of example, of the codes b and c each 2 periods. The security element 2a has a section of the coding a which, depending on the selected extent of the security element 2a and depending on the choice of the lengths L1 and L2 in the context of the length condition a, contains one or more periods of the coding a. This also applies correspondingly to the security element 2b with the coding b and the security element 2c with the coding c and to all the codes listed below.

On the two edges of the security elements 2a, 2b, 2c, which are seen in the longitudinal direction, are generally cut-off gaps or magnetic areas of the respective coding, that is, not completely in or on the respective security element existing gap or magnetic areas. However, the edge of the security elements 2a, 2b, 2c may coincide coincidentally with the edge of a gap or magnetic area. For a better comparison of lengths, the sections of the codes a, b, c for the security elements 2a, 2b, 2c are chosen by way of example such that this is shown on the left edge (section line of the security elements with the dashed line I) of the security elements 2a, 2b, 2c Case is. The security elements 2a, 2b, 2c are by no means limited to this special case. On the right side, the end of the security elements 2a, 2b, 2c is marked by the dashed line II. In the illustrated example, all three security elements 2a, 2b, 2c are the same length. However, it is equally possible to choose security elements 2a, 2b, 2c with different lengths. At the right edge, the security elements 2a and 2c each have a cut-off gap area and the security element 2b has a cut-off magnetic area.

With the codes a, b, c is shown in Figure 2a, a group of codes that can be clearly distinguished from each other. The lengths of the magnetic and gap regions of the codes a, b, c are in this Example chosen so that the double period length of the coding a with the period lengths of Kodieningen b and c match. For manufacturing reasons, it is particularly advantageous to select the periods within a group of magnetic encodings so that an integer multiple of the period length of a coding in each case coincides with an integer multiple of the period lengths of the other encodings.

The following table shows the assignments between the codes a, b, c and the length conditions a, b, c associated therewith and the number of adjacent high bits accessible by means of the magnetic sensor and the number of adjacent low bits:

From the number of adjacent low bits and the number of adjacent high bits, the coding a, b or c can thus be clearly determined.

FIG. 2b shows three further security elements 2d, 2e, 2f. Of the coding d belonging to the security element 2d, there are 3 periods, of the codings e, f belonging to the security element 2e, 2f respectively 2 periods are shown. Analogous to the codes a, b, c, the codings d, e, f each have a periodic arrangement of gap (hatched) and magnetic areas (black), wherein the period for each coding d, e, f from a gap area of a first length L1 (fulfilling one of the length conditions d, e or f) and a magnetic range of a second length L2 (which satisfies the same length condition d, e or f as Ll). For the case shown by way of example, that the edges of the security elements 2d, 2e, 2f are selected on the lines I and II, the security elements 2d, 2e, 2f each have a complete gap area at the left edge. At the right edge, the security elements 2d and 2e each have a cut-off magnetic area and the security element 2f has a cut-off gap area. With the codings d, e, f, an alternative group of codings is shown in FIG. 2b, which can be clearly distinguished from one another. The lengths of the magnetic and gap regions of the codes d, e, f are chosen in this example so that the double period length of the coding d coincides with the period lengths of the codes e and f.

For the alternative group of codes d, e, f the following assignments result:

From the number of adjacent low bits and the number of adjacent high bits, the coding d, e or f can thus be clearly determined.

FIG. 2c shows two further security elements 2g, 2h. Of the coding g belonging to the security element 2g, there are 3 periods, of the coding h belonging to the security element 2h, 2 periods are shown. The codings g, h each have a periodic arrangement of gaps (hatched) and magnetic areas (black), the pitches For each encoding g, h consists of a gap region of a first length Ll (which satisfies one of the length condition g or h) and a magnetic region of a second length L2 (which satisfies the same length condition g or h as Ll). For the case shown by way of example, that the edges of the security elements 2g, 2h are selected on the lines I and II, the security elements 2g, 2h each have a complete gap area on the left edge. At the right edge, the security element 2g has a cut-off gap area and the security element 2h has a cut-off magnetic area. With the encodings g, h, another alternative group of encodings is shown in FIG. 2c, which can be clearly distinguished from one another. The period lengths of the codes g, h are different in this example.

For the further group of the codes g, h, the following assignments result:

From the number of adjacent low bits and the number of adjacent high bits, the coding g or h can thus be clearly determined.

FIG. 2d shows two further security elements 2i, 2j. Of the codings i, j associated with the security elements 2i, 2j, 2 periods are shown in each case. The codes i, j each have a periodic arrangement of gaps (hatched) and magnetic areas (black), the period for each coding i, j consisting of a gap area of a first length Ll (satisfying one of the length condition i or j) ) and a magnetic range of a second length L2 (which satisfies the same length condition i or j as Ll). For the case shown by way of example, that the edges of the security elements 2i, 2j are selected on the lines I and II, the security elements 2i, 2j each have a complete gap area on the left edge. At the right edge, the security element 2i has a cut-off magnet area and the security element 2j has a complete gap area. With the codings i, j, a further alternative group of codings is shown in FIG. 2d, which can be clearly distinguished from one another. The period lengths of the codes i, j are different in this example.

For the further group of the codes i, j the following assignments result:

From the number of adjacent low bits and the number of adjacent high bits, the coding i or] can be clearly determined.

A special embodiment of a security element with the coding e is shown with the security element 2e 'in Figure 2e. The magnetic region 3, in which an interrupt 11 is arranged, and the gap region 4 form an exemplary period for the encoding e. The magnetic region 3 in this example has a length L2 of about 3.4 s, the gap region 4 has a length Ll of about 2.25 s and the interruptions 11 have a length of about 0.65s. Within the gap areas 4 and the interruptions 11, numbers, letters and symbols are indicated. which contains information about the value document having the security element 2e '. The elements mentioned can be formed for example by recesses in the layer 4, which is realized for example as an opaque metal layer.

FIG. 3 a shows an embodiment of a banknote 1, which by way of example has a security element 2 b. Along its longitudinal direction, the security element has a section of a coding with two magnetic areas 3 and two gap areas 4. The security element 2b is at least partially embedded in the substrate of the banknote 1, so that the security element 2, the z. B. is a window security thread is visible only in windows 7. However, the security element 2 b can also be completely embedded in the substrate of the banknote 1. In both cases, magnetic signals can be detected.

A few preferred embodiments will be explained in more detail with reference to FIGS. 3b-c, which show the banknote 1 in cross section along the dot-dash line A - A in order to clarify the structure of the security element 2b. According to FIG. 3b, a security element 2b having a layer of magnetic regions 3 and gap regions 4 is inserted or applied in or onto the paper or plastic substrate of the banknote 1.

In the figures of the present application, the security element according to the invention is shown only schematically. Essential in the case of the security element according to the invention is the number, arrangement and length of the magnet and gap regions along the security element. In order to show the magnetic and gap regions of the security element according to the invention more clearly, the representation of further layers of the security element according to the invention has therefore been omitted in the figures. The Actual realization of the layer structure can be carried out according to the production method known from the prior art. For example, it is known from WO92 / 11142 Al to construct a security thread of several layers. In this case, for example, beams of magnetic material can be applied to a metal layer, cf. Figures 2 and 3 of this publication. The magnetic material can also be arranged within the layer structure, cf. the cross sections through the security threads of Figures 5 to 8 of this publication. The layer structure of the security element according to the invention can be realized, for example, in the manner described in WO 92/11142 A1.

In certain embodiments, e.g. Security elements that are exposed to a strong mechanical or chemical stress in use, it is advisable to cover the layer of magnetic areas 3 and gaps 4 areas with a protective layer 6. The protective layer 6 may be a film or a protective lacquer layer laminated over the security element 2b. The protective lacquer layer can be applied over the entire surface or in partial areas. For this, e.g. UV varnishes, hybrid varnishes, oil-based varnishes or dispersion varnishes of one or two-component type are used. The protective lacquer layer is preferably printed, e.g. by flexo printing or offset printing.

The security element 2b can also be arranged on a plastic film 5, which can be applied to the banknote 1 or introduced into the banknote 1, cf. Figure 3c. The plastic film 5, on which a layer of magnetic regions 3 and gap regions 4 is arranged, may for example be glued to the banknote 1. To protect the layer of magnetic regions 3 and gap regions 4, these can be covered with a protective layer 6. By way of derogation, in and / or on the plastics 5, a layer of magnetic areas 3 and gap areas 4 are applied, to which an adhesive layer (not shown) is finally applied, with which the security element 2 b is fastened on the banknote 1. In this case, it is possible to dispense with an additional protective layer, since a protective cover of the security element is formed by the plastic film 5. Compared to the representation in FIG. 3c, a reverse sequence of the security element 2b and the plastic film 5 then results.

In all cases described above, instead of the security element 2 b, the adhesive can also be applied to the banknote 1 in order to fix the security element 2 b on the banknote 1. As described above, the security element 2 b can be produced directly on the banknote 1 or made available as a separate security element 2 b and fixed on the banknote 1. But it can also be provided to provide a separate security element 2b, whose structure is only completed, z. B. is provided with a protective layer after the security element 2 has been attached to the banknote 1.

For the detection of the magnetic coding according to the invention, other measuring geometries are suitable in addition to the implementation described here, in which the measuring tracks 8 of the magnetic sensor 10 are arranged approximately perpendicular to the transport direction of the banknote 1. For example, the measuring tracks of the magnetic sensor can also be arranged at an angle to the transport direction of the bank notes, for example at an angle of approximately 45 ° thereto.

In an alternative realization, the measuring tracks of the magnetic sensor may instead also be approximately parallel to the transport direction of the banknotes 1 be arranged. To detect the coding, in this case the magnetic signals of the magnetic track (s) in whose detection area the security element is transported past must be detected at a temporal resolution corresponding to the transport speed of the banknote.

Claims

Patent claims

1. security element (2, 2a-2j, 2e ') for securing value documents (1) and for detection by a magnetic sensor (10) having a plurality of measuring tracks (8) each having a track width s, with at least a section of at least one magnetic coding (aj) which is arranged along the security element (2, 2a-2j, 2e ') and which has approximately the length of the security element (2, 2a-2j, 2e'), wherein the magnetic coding GH) magnetic regions (3 ) containing magnetic material and having gap regions (4) which contain no magnetic material or which have a lower remanent flux density than the magnetic regions (3), the magnetic regions (3) and the gap regions (4) along a predetermined direction are arranged, characterized in that at least one of the gap regions (4) in the predetermined direction has a first length Ll and at least one of the magnetic regions (3) in the predetermined direction, a second Lä at least one of the following length conditions (aj) holds for Ll and L2: a) 1.8s <LK 3s and 0 <L2 <s, or b) 1.8s ≤ LK 3s and 2s <L2, or c ) 3.8s <Ll and 0 <L2, or d) 1.8s <LK 3s and 0 <L2 <2s, or e) 1.8s <LK 3s and 3s <L2, or f) 3.8s ≤ Ll and 0 <L2, or g) 2.8s <LK 4s and 0 <L2 <s, or h) 2.8s <LK 4s and 2s <L2, or i) 2.8s <LK 4s and 0 <L2 ≤ 2s, or j) 2.8s <LK 4s and 3s <L2.

2. security element (2, 2a-2j, 2e ') for securing value documents (1) with at least one section of at least one magnetic coding (aj) which is arranged along the security element (2, 2a-2j, 2e') and which has approximately the length of the security element (2, 2a-2j, 2e '), the magnetic coding (aj) having magnetic areas (3) containing magnetic material and gap areas (4) containing no magnetic material or which have a lower remanent flux density than the magnetic regions (3), wherein the magnetic regions (3) and the gap regions (4) are arranged along a predetermined direction, characterized in that at least one of the gap regions (4) in the predetermined direction a first Length Ll and at least one of the magnetic regions (3) in the predetermined direction has a second length L2, wherein for Ll and L2 at least one of the following length conditions (aj) applies: a) 16 mm <Ll < 27 mm and 0 <L2 ≤ 9 mm, or b) 16 mm ≤ LK 27 mm and 18 mm <L2, or c) 34 mm ≤ Ll and 0 <L2, or d) 16 mm ≤ LK 27 mm and 0 <L2 ≤ 18 mm, or e) 16 mm <LK 27 mm and 27 mm <L2, or f) 34 mm ≤ Ll and 0 <L2, or g) 25 mm ≤ LK 36 mm and 0 <L2 ≤ 9 mm, or h ) 25 mm ≤ LK 36 mm and 18 mm <L2, or i) 25 mm ≤ LK 36 mm and 0 <L2 ≤ 18 mm, or j) 25 mm <LK 36 mm and 27 mm <L2.

3. Security element (2, 2a-2j, 2e ') according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that each of the gap areas (4) of the magnetic coding in the predetermined direction a

Length, which satisfies the applicable for the first length Ll length condition (a- j) according to claim 1 and / or according to claim 2.

4. Security element (2, 2a-2j, 2e ') according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that each of the magnetic regions (3) of the magnetic coding in the predetermined direction has a length that the for the second length L2 valid length condition (aj) according to claim 1 and / or complies with claim 2.

5. Security element (2, 2a-2j, 2e ') according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that each of the gap regions (4) of the magnetic coding in the predetermined direction have the first length Ll.

6. security element (2, 2a-2j, 2e ') according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that each of the magnetic regions (3) of the magnetic coding in the predetermined direction have the second length L2.

7. Security element (2, 2a-2j, 2e ') according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the magnetic coding (aj) consists of a periodically repeating arrangement of at least one of the gap regions (4) and at least one of the magnetic regions (3) exists.

8. security element (2, 2a-2j, 2e ') according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that all magnetic regions (3) of the magnetic coding in the predetermined direction has a length of more than 2 mm, preferably of at least 3 mm exhibit.

9. security element (2, 2a-2j, 2e ') according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the predetermined direction along a longitudinal direction of the security element (2, 2a-2j, 2e') runs.

10. security element (2, 2a-2j, 2e ') according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the magnetic regions (3) and / or the gap regions (4) over the entire width of the security element (2, 2a-2j, 2e ').

11. security element (2, 2a-2j, 2e ') according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the magnetic regions (3) in the predetermined direction continuously magnetic material aufwei- sen.

12. security element (2, 2a-2j, 2e ') according to one or more of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that within at least one magnetic region (3) one or more interruptions (11) are arranged, which contain no magnetic material or have a lower remanent flux density than the magnetic regions (3)

13. Security element (2, 2a-2j, 2e ') at least according to claim 12, characterized in that the interruptions (11) in the predetermined direction have a length which is less than 9 mm.

14. Safety element (2, 2a-2j, 2e ') according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the lower remanent th flux density of the gap regions (4) and / or the interruptions (11) by a lower concentration of the magnetic Material and / or by a smaller layer thickness of the magnetic material and / or by another magnetic material and / or by a smaller

Width of the applied magnetic material than in the magnetic regions (3) is achieved.

15. Security element (2, 2a-2j, 2e ') according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the remanent flux density and / or the layer thickness of the magnetic material and / or the concentration of the magnetic material and / or the Width of the applied magnetic material of the gap regions (4) less than 50%, preferably less than 10%, the remanent flux density and / or the layer thickness of the magnetic material and / or the concentration of the magnetic material and / or the width of the applied magnetic material Magnetic areas (3) is.

16. Security element (2, 2a-2j, 2e ') according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that in or on the security element (2, 2a-2j, 2e') at least one alphanumeric character, symbol or pattern is arranged.

17. Security element (2, 2a-2j, 2e ') according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the magnetic material soft magnetic material, in particular iron powder or spherical iron particles, or hard magnetic material, preferably iron or at least one iron compound, in particular iron oxide , having.

18. Security element (2, 2a-2j, 2e ') according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the security element (2, 2a-2j, 2e') is a security thread, a security strip, a patch or a label.

19. Film material with at least one security element (2, 2a-2j, 2e ') according to one or more of claims 1 to 18.

20. Film material according to claim 19, characterized in that the film material is a transfer material.

21. Value document (1) with at least one security element (2, 2a-2j, 2e ') according to one or more of claims 1 to 18.

22. Value document (1) according to claim 21, characterized in that the value document (1) is a product packaging or at least part of a product packaging or a security document, in particular a banknote, and / or has at least one security paper.

23. System with at least one magnetic sensor (10) and with at least one value document (1), which is transported past along a transport direction to the magnetic sensor (10), wherein the magnetic sensor (10) has a plurality of measuring tracks (8) perpendicular to the transport direction each a track width s, wherein the value document (1) has at least one security element (2, 2a-2j, 2e ') with at least one section of at least one magnetic coding (aj) along the security element (2, 2a-2j, 2e ') and which has approximately the length of the security element (2, 2a-2j, 2e'), wherein the magnetic coding (aj) magnetic areas (3) containing magnetic material, and has gap areas (4), the no magnetic material or having a lower remanent flux density than the magnetic region (3), wherein the magnetic regions (3) and the gap regions (4) are arranged along a predetermined direction, characterized in that at least one of the gap regions (4) in the predetermined Direction has a first length Ll and at least one of the magnetic regions (3) in the predetermined direction has a second length L2, wherein for Ll and L2 at least one of the following Längenbed (aj) a) 1.8s ≤ LK 3s and 0 <L2 <s, or b) 1.8s <LK 3s and 2s <L2, or c) 3.8s <Ll and 0 <L2, or d ) 1.8s <LK 3s and 0 <L2 ≤ 2s, or e) 1.8s ≤ LK 3s and 3s <L2, or f) 3.8s ≤ Ll and 0 <L2, or g) 2.8s <LK 4s and 0 <L2 ≦ s, or h) 2.8s ≦ LK 4s and 2s <L2, or i) 2.8s ≦ LK 4s and 0 <L2 ≦ 2s, or j) 2.8s ≦ LK 4s and 3s <L2 ,

24. Method for verifying value documents (1), comprising the steps of: Transporting a value document (1) with at least one security element (2, 2a-2j, 2e ') according to one or more of claims 1 to 18 to a magnetic sensor (10) for measuring magnetic properties of the security element (2, 2a-2j, 2e '), - recording of magnetic signals generated by the transported security element (2, 2a-2j, 2e'), by means of the magnetic sensor (10),

- Determining a magnetic coding (a-j) from the magnetic signals of the security element (2, 2a-2j, 2e ').

25. The method according to claim 31, characterized in that for determining the magnetic coding for the individual magnetic tracks of the magnetic sensor (10) it is determined whether they detect one or more magnetic signals by the transported past security element (2, 2a-2j, 2e ' ) or whether they do not detect a magnetic signal.

26. The method of claim 30 or 31, characterized in that for at least one security element (2, 2a-2j, 2e ') is calculated how many adjacent magnetic tracks of the magnetic sensor (10) detect one or more magnetic signals and how many adjacent magnetic tracks no magnet - Detect signal and from the number of adjacent magnetic tracks that detect one or more magnetic signals, and the number of adjacent magnetic tracks that do not detect a magnetic signal, the magnetic coding (aj) is determined.

27. The method according to one or more of claims 31 to 33, characterized in that the transporting past the value document (1) on the magnetic sensor (10) approximately parallel, oblique or approximately perpendicular to the predetermined direction, in particular approximately parallel, transverse or approximately perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the security element (2, 2a-2j, 2e ') takes place.