CA2496829C - Data carrier with an optically variable element - Google Patents

Data carrier with an optically variable element Download PDF

Info

Publication number
CA2496829C
CA2496829C CA2496829A CA2496829A CA2496829C CA 2496829 C CA2496829 C CA 2496829C CA 2496829 A CA2496829 A CA 2496829A CA 2496829 A CA2496829 A CA 2496829A CA 2496829 C CA2496829 C CA 2496829C
Authority
CA
Canada
Prior art keywords
data carrier
coating
carrier according
embossed
areas
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.)
Expired - Fee Related
Application number
CA2496829A
Other languages
French (fr)
Other versions
CA2496829A1 (en
Inventor
Roger Adamczyck
Peter Franz
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
Priority date (The priority date 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 date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from DE10243863A external-priority patent/DE10243863A1/en
Application filed by Giesecke and Devrient GmbH filed Critical Giesecke and Devrient GmbH
Publication of CA2496829A1 publication Critical patent/CA2496829A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of CA2496829C publication Critical patent/CA2496829C/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Fee Related legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B42BOOKBINDING; ALBUMS; FILES; SPECIAL PRINTED MATTER
    • B42DBOOKS; 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
    • B42D25/00Information-bearing cards or sheet-like structures characterised by identification or security features; Manufacture thereof
    • B42D25/40Manufacture
    • B42D25/405Marking
    • B42D25/425Marking by deformation, e.g. embossing
    • GPHYSICS
    • G02OPTICS
    • G02BOPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
    • G02B5/00Optical elements other than lenses
    • G02B5/02Diffusing elements; Afocal elements
    • G02B5/0205Diffusing elements; Afocal elements characterised by the diffusing properties
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B42BOOKBINDING; ALBUMS; FILES; SPECIAL PRINTED MATTER
    • B42DBOOKS; 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
    • B42D25/00Information-bearing cards or sheet-like structures characterised by identification or security features; Manufacture thereof
    • B42D25/20Information-bearing cards or sheet-like structures characterised by identification or security features; Manufacture thereof characterised by a particular use or purpose
    • B42D25/29Securities; Bank notes
    • B42D2033/20
    • B42D2035/16
    • B42D2035/20
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B42BOOKBINDING; ALBUMS; FILES; SPECIAL PRINTED MATTER
    • B42DBOOKS; 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
    • B42D25/00Information-bearing cards or sheet-like structures characterised by identification or security features; Manufacture thereof
    • B42D25/30Identification or security features, e.g. for preventing forgery
    • B42D25/324Reliefs

Landscapes

  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Business, Economics & Management (AREA)
  • Accounting & Taxation (AREA)
  • Finance (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Optics & Photonics (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Manufacturing & Machinery (AREA)
  • Printing Methods (AREA)
  • Credit Cards Or The Like (AREA)
  • Optical Recording Or Reproduction (AREA)

Abstract

The invention relates to a data carrier with an optically variable structure having an embossed structure with raised areas and a first coating contrasting with the surface of the data carrier. The embossed structure and the first coating are so combined that at least parts of the coating are completely visible upon perpendicular viewing but concealed upon oblique viewing so that a tilt effect arises upon alternate perpendicular and oblique viewing. The first coating is provided only in certain areas.
Additionally, the optically variable structure has at least in partial areas a second coating likewise contrasting with the data carrier surface and disposed in overlap with the first coating at least in partial areas.

Description

Data carrier with an optically variable element This invention relates to a data carrier with an optically variable structure having an embossed structure with raised areas and a first coating contrasting with the surface of the data carrier, the embossed structure and the coating being so combined that at least parts of the coating are completely visible upon perpendicular viewing but con-cealed upon oblique viewing so that a tilt effect arises upon alternate perpendicular and oblique viewing. The invention further relates to a method for producing such a data carrier.

It has been known for some time to equip data carriers, such as bank notes, pa-pers of value, credit cards or ID cards or the like, with optically variable security ele-ments, in particular optically variable diffraction structures such as holograms. Protec-tion from forgery by holograms is based on the different optical impression of said holograms that occurs upon a change of viewing angle relative to the hologram.
Said optically variable impression cannot be rendered by copying machines since copying machines only render the appearance of the hologram from a certain viewing angle. A
data carrier with such a hologram is known for example from EP 0 440 045 A2.
This print proposes applying the hologram to the data carrier as a prefabricated element or as an embossing in a lacquer layer applied to the data carrier.

However, there are other optically variable security elements that can be pro-vided on a data carrier. Thus, it is known for example from CA 1 019 012 to provide a bank note in a partial area of its surface with a parallel printed line pattern. To produce the optically variable effect, a line structure is additionally embossed into the data car-rier in the area of the printed line pattern so as to form flanks visible only at certain viewing angles. Selectively disposing the printed line pattern on like-oriented flanks of the embossed line structure causes the line pattern to be visible upon oblique viewing of the flanks provided with the lines. Upon oblique viewing of the rear side of the flanks the line pattern is not recognizable.

The antiforgery effect of such embossed optically variable security elements can be improved further if additional visually recognizable effects are produced by selec-tively changing the line pattern or embossed structure. Examples of such additional effects are described in WO 97/17211 and WO 02/20280.

The optically variable effect of the latter known security elements arises funda-mentally from the combination of a print with a blind embossing that is preferably produced by intaglio printing. Blind embossing has the disadvantage that it cannot be integrated into a colored intaglio image but can only be used as an isolated security feature. This is because a relatively great distance between the blind embossing areas and the ink-carrying areas is required to make sure that absolutely no ink gets into the blind embossing depressions when the intaglio printing plate is inked.

The invention is therefore based on the problem of proposing a data carrier with an optically variable security element of the abovementioned kind that can be inte-grated into a printed image.

According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a data carrier with an optically variable structure is provided. The optically variable structures has an embossed struc-ture with raised areas and a first coating contrasting with the surface of the data carrier and provided only in certain areas, the embossed structure and the coating are so com-bined that at least parts of the coating are completely visible upon perpendicular view-ing but concealed upon oblique viewing so that a tilt effect arises upon alternate per-pendicular and oblique viewing. The optically variable structure has, at least in partial areas, a second coating disposed in overlap with the first coating at least in partial areas, such that the second coating likewise contrasts with the data carrier surface. At least one of the coatings consists at least partly of translucent inks.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a method for producing a data carrier with an optically variable structure is provided. The optically variable structure has an embossed structure with raised areas and a first coating contrasting with the surface of the data carrier and applied to the data carrier only in certain areas.
The embossed structure and the coating are so combined that at least parts of the coat-ing are completely visible upon perpendicular viewing but concealing upon oblique -2a-viewing so that a tilt effect arises upon alternate perpendicular and oblique viewing.
The method includes applying the first coating to the data carrier only in certain areas and embossing the embossed structure in the data carrier by means of an embossing tool. With the embossing, a second coating is transferred to the data carrier in overlap with the first coating at least in partial areas. Accordingly, a color likewise contrast-ing with the surface of the data carrier is selected for the second coating and the trans-ferring of the second coating to the data carrier is done congruently to at least parts of the raised areas of the embossed structure. At least one of the coatings consists at least partly of translucent inks.

The invention is based on the finding that the optically variable effect of the se-curity element is retained if an ink-carrying embossing is used instead of the blind em-bossing. That is, the optically variable structure has at least in partial areas a second coating likewise contrasting with the data carrier surface and disposed congruent to the raised areas of the embossed structure. The second coating offers the advantage of sta-bilizing the embossed structure without an additional printing operation.

Moreover, the inventive security element has the advantage that it can be inte-grated into an intaglio motif and thus into the representational and color design of the main motif.

Intaglio printing is characterized in that linear depressions are provided in the printing plates to produce a printed image. Areal representations are also produced by closely adjacent engraved lines, the individual engraved lines normally being fractions of a millimeter wide.
For the printing operation the engraved lines of the plate are filled with ink. Sur-plus ink is removed from the plate with the help of a wiping cylinder or doctor blade such that the engraved lines are filled with ink up to the edge. During the printing op-eration the data carrier to be printed, normally paper, is finally pressed onto the plate with high pressure by means of a pressure cylinder having an elastic surface.
The data carrier is thereby pressed into the ink-filled engraved lines of the plate, thus coming in contact with the ink. When the data carrier is detached it pulls the ink out of the de-pressions of the engraved lines. The thus produced printed image has printed lines that vary in ink layer thickness depending on the depth of engraving. The data carrier is pressed into the depressions of the plate so strongly that it not only receives ink from Q the depressions but is also simultaneously embossed.

When translucent inks are used in intaglio printing, light color tones are obtained if a white data carrier is printed with thin ink layers, and darker color tones if printed with thick ink layers. This effect can also be utilized within the scope of the invention to produce different color effects and increase the contrast of the tilt effect. Likewise, it is possible to combine translucent and nontranslucent inks.

The inventive optically variable structure can therefore be integrated into the printing plate of an intaglio motif in a very simple way by providing the embossed structure likewise in the form of depressions in the plate. During the printing operation 0 the depressions belonging to the embossed structure are filled with an ink having for example the same color as the intaglio motif to be printed. This ink layer, which is transferred to the data carrier with the embossing operation, forms the inventive sec-ond coating disposed congruent to the raised areas of the embossed structure.

It is not necessary for the total embossed structure to be inked with this color.
Only partial areas of the embossed structure can also be provided with a color. Alter-natively, it is also possible to provide the embossed structure with different colors or a color flow. Such a color flow can be produced via a color split whereby the printing plate is accordingly inked by means of single color stencils. Preferably, the color of the second coating is integrated into the color design of the intaglio motif.
The color split and a corresponding choice of printing inks employed are used se-lectively here to control the contrast of the optically variable structure.

The color split can also be used to make parts of the optically variable structure machine-readable by adding at least one feature substance, such as a luminescent sub-stance, magnetic substance or electrically conductive substance, to at least one of the inks. Different parts of the optically variable structure can also be provided with dif-ferent feature substances. Alternatively, the total optically variable structure can also be equipped with a uniform machine-readable property.

The optically variable structure can be directly adjacent to the intaglio motif or else be part of the steel intaglio motif.

Since such intaglio motifs are primarily applied in security printing, the inventive data carrier is preferably a paper of value, in particular a bank note. The paper of value can be a security paper made of cotton fibers, a paper containing synthetic fibers and/or chemical pulp, or consist of pure plastic foils. Such a paper of value can also be used advantageously for protecting any products and goods.

The second coating disposed in the area of the embossed structure can moreover have a color contrasting with the first coating and be disposed at least in partial over-lap with the first coating. Further, one of the coatings can have machine-readable properties at least in certain areas. These may be for example magnetic, electrically conductive or luminescent properties. Finally, the data carrier can have a metallic background layer in the area of the optically variable structure.

The embossed structure is preferably executed as a screen structure. It can be tri-angular, but also trapezoidal, sinusoidal, semicircular or another shape.
Preferably, the embossed structure is executed as a line screen with a constant screen ruling.
In some embodiments, however, it can also be expedient to use different screen rulings. For example, the screen ruling can increase continuously in the edge area of the optically variable structure so that the embossed structure quasi tapers out. The same effect can be obtained by a continuous reduction of line width with constant or increasing screen ruling. In this edge area the first coating can be adapted in accordance with the em-bossed structure or be completely lacking.

Further effects can be obtained if the flank angles vary within a line of the em-bossed structure executed as a line screen.

To better bring out the optically variable effects, the embossed structure can be subdivided into partial areas where different partial embossed structures are provided, as described in WO 02/20280.

The partial areas preferably form a two-dimensional matrix having m partial areas in the horizontal direction and n partial areas in the vertical direction, where in, n > 1, preferably m, n > 2. The partial embossed structures in at least two adjoining par-tial areas are disposed mutually offset by a fraction, in particular one third, of the screen ruling.

The first coating is preferably a print likewise formed as a screen structure, whe-reby the individual screen elements can be designed at will. However, a line screen with a constant screen ruling is preferably used. According to a preferred embodiment, said line screen consists of printed lines of any desired color design. The print is done by any desired printing process, such as offset or screen printing. Any desired indirect printing processes, such as indirect letterpress, can also be applied. The methods moreover make it possible to provide the first coating with a color flow, a so-called "rainbow blend."

Printed screen and embossed structure are adjusted to each other, preferably such that the width of the printed screen lines is somewhat smaller than the length of the flanks of the embossed structure lines and that they extend parallel or largely parallel.
Printed screen and embossed structure need not necessarily extend in a straight line, they can instead also be designed in the form of wavy lines, etc. The line widths are between 25 microns and 300 microns, preferably between 55 microns and 150 micro-ns. If the line screen is composed of printed, spaced-apart lines, a ratio of about 1 :1 is preferably selected for the ratio of printed to unprinted areas. If a line width in the order of magnitude of about 100 microns is additionally selected, the lines can virtu-ally no longer be resolved by the eye and a homogeneous color effect arises.
That is, the line screen is visually perceived only as a homogeneous colored surface.
Addition-ally, the lines can be executed thicker in certain areas and thus represent for example a halftone image or another motif. Preferably, the lines only have thickened areas on one side. This likewise leads to stronger contrast. Alternatively, the lines can have gaps to produce an additional visually recognizable pattern. The first coating and/or the em-bossed structure can also be executed so as to repeat the content of other information present on the document of value to make comparison possible.

Quite generally it is to be underlined that the color design of the security element can be adjusted at will by a corresponding color choice of first and second coatings, since the mixture of the two colors is always perceived at least in a top view. Likewise, the information perceptible from different viewing angles can be adjusted by a corre-sponding choice of parameters, such as color, line thickness and line modulation of the first coating and flank angle, flank height and flank modulation of the embossed struc-ture.

Rasterization of the print can be dispensed with if optically variable inks are used, i.e. inks having different optical effects dependent on the angle of vision. These may be high-gloss, e.g. metallic, layers or else inks that change their color effect them-selves in angle-dependent fashion, as is the case for example with liquid crystal pig-ment inks.

However, an inventive optically variable structure with a rasterized first coating can also be additionally underlaid or covered with an optically variable printed image.
This is preferably done with printing inks having interference layer and/or liquid crys-tal pigments. An additional metallic background is also conceivable. The printed im-age can be executed to be positive or negative. The use of liquid crystals additionally provides elevated protection from forgery since the printed image in this case has light-polarizing properties that can be read by machine. This holds in particular when the printed image is composed of partial printed images, with liquid crystals having different polarization properties being used for the partial printed images.
The inventive optically variable structure can be underlaid or covered, not with an additional printed image, but with a foil element, such as a diffraction structure em-bossed into a lacquer layer. Here, any desired layer structures and types of foil ele-ments can be used, such as real holograms, lattice structures, volume holograms that are executed to be transparent, semitransparent or opaque.

According to a preferred embodiment, the inventive optically variable structure consists of a print in the form of a printed line screen, a first color and an embossed structure superimposed on said line screen and likewise executed in linear fashion whose raised areas are provided with a further color contrasting with said first color.
Said second color is preferably produced by means of translucent printing inks that have a certain transparency so that the color of the first coating shines through said color and the viewer thus perceives a mixed color in the superimposed areas.
Espe-cially good effects are achieved if there is a complementary contrast between the first and second colors.

When viewing said optically variable structure perpendicular to the data carrier surface, the viewer ideally recognizes only a uniform color effect. When the data car-rier is tilted or the viewing angle changed, parts of the first and/or second coating are concealed by the embossed structure, so that in certain areas the color effect of the first or second coating or of the mixed color of the two coatings predominates and thus variable color effects arise.

This interplay of colors appears all the more clearly the better-contrasting the colors of the two coatings are. For example, a dark, e.g. black, line screen can be com-bined with a well-contrasting colored intaglio print with translucent inks, such as yel-low or other light color tones. The first coating in the form of a black line screen is preferably printed on here by the offset process.

Alternatively, a further preferably all-over ink layer can be disposed under the first preferably screenlike coating. Said layer serves to stabilize the paper in the area of the security element and permits sharper edges in the area of the embossed structure.
Said layer can be executed as a primer or colored lacquer layer or else contribute addi-tionally to the color design of the security element if said layer has a color contrasting with the first coating. One can use conventional printing inks or else special-effect inks, such as luminescent inks or printing inks containing interference or liquid crystal pigments.

Finally, additional information can also be incorporated by designing the em-bossed structure and/or first coating accordingly. For example, the raised areas of the embossed structure can have different heights. If the embossed structure is produced by intaglio printing, this means that the engraving depths for the embossed structure are selected differently. The areas of lower engraving depth are filled with less ink in the printing or embossing operation and produce areas with a lighter color tone if translucent inks are used. In this way the inventive second coating can be used to pro-duce additional information visually recognizable at all viewing angles. Due to the different embossing heights, however, a change of viewing angle yields additional op-tically variable effects that are caused by the relative position of the first and second coatings as well as the embossed structure and the interplay thereof.

The additional information can also be emphasized by an unembossed edge con-tour, as already described in WO 02/20280. Alternatively, the edge contour can also be provided with the second coating and the embossed structure according to the inven-tion.

As mentioned above several times, the inventive optically variable security ele-k 0- is preferably produced in two printing operations. In a first printing operation, preferably by the offset process or an indirect printing process, the first coating is printed on the data carrier. In the second printing operation, which is preferably done by intaglio according to the invention, the embossed structure and the second coating are finally transferred to the data carrier simultaneously.

Similar optical effects can be achieved if the two coatings are printed on in regis-ter to each other by offset and/or screen printing and this printed area is then provided with a blind embossing likewise in register. All embodiments described within the scope of the invention can be produced in this way. According to a special embodi-ment, for example, a line screen in a first color can be applied and at least partly in overlap therewith a second coating of translucent inks all over. In a last step, the total printed area is provided with a blind embossing in the form of a line screen in register.

However, it is also possible to use the reverse order, providing first the embossed structure and second coating on the data carrier and then the first coating.

Further embodiments and advantages of the invention will be explained with ref-erence to the figures, in which:

Fig. 1 shows an inventive data carrier, Fig. 2 shows a section along A - A in Fig. 1, Fig. 3 shows a schematic representation of the relative position between the first and second coatings of the inventive security element in a first embodiment, Fig. 4 shows a schematic representation of the relative position between the first and second coatings of the inventive security element according to a second embodi-ment, Fig. 5 shows a schematic representation of the relative position of the first and second coatings of the inventive security element according to a third embodiment, the embossed structure having raised areas of different heights, Fig. 6 shows an inventive embossing mold in cross section for producing the em-bossed structure with additional information, Fig. 7. shows a further embodiment of the inventive embossing mold, Fig. 8 shows a further variant of the inventive security element, Fig. 9 shows a further variant of the inventive security element, Fig. 10 shows a special embodiment of the inventive security element wherein the embossed structure is present in the form of a matrix, Fig. 1 I shows a special embodiment of the embossed structure of the inventive security element.
Fig. 1 shows inventive data carrier I with optically variable structure 2.
Optically variable structure 2 is a security feature that can be checked without aids and is used optionally alongside further security features for checking the authenticity of the data carrier. The further security features may be for example a security thread, watermark or the like. As preferred within the scope of the invention, optically variable structure 2 is disposed in the area of intaglio motif 3 of document of value 1. The geometrical and color design of optically variable security element 2 can be adapted to intaglio motif 3. Depending on the execution of intaglio motif 3, optically variable structure 2 can also be integrated completely into said intaglio motif.

However, the inventive security element can alternatively be disposed at any other place on document of value 1.

It is especially advantageous to use inventive optically variable structure 2 in bank notes, as well as other papers of value such as shares, checks or the like. Labels or other elements for product protection can also be provided with such an optically variable structure.

Optically variable structure 2 consists according to the shown embodiment of a first coating in the form of a print contrasting with the surface of the data carrier as well as an embossed structure and a second coating that likewise contrasts in color with the data carrier surface and is disposed congruent to the raised areas of the em-bossed structure. The various elements of optically variable structure 2 are combined with each other such that at least partial areas of the first coating are completely visible upon perpendicular viewing but concealed upon oblique viewing.

This principle is made clear by the section along A - A shown in Fig. 2. First coating 4 consists of line screen 4, in the case shown here, and embossed structure 5 is also designed in the form of a line screen structure. Second ink layer 6 is disposed congruent to embossed structure 5, thus completely covering first coating 4.
Upon per-pendicular viewing from viewing direction A, the viewer ideally recognizes only a colored surface whose color largely corresponds to the mixed color of first coating 4 and second coating 6. Upon oblique viewing from viewing direction B, the viewer is faced by the flank of embossed structure 5 that coincides with the printed lines of - I I -printed screen 4. The viewer therefore perceives from viewing direction B an almost uniform colored print in the color of the mixed color from first coating 4 and second coating 6. In viewing direction C the viewer is faced by the flanks of embossed struc-ture 5 that coincide with the particular gap of line screen 4, so that from this direction the viewer perceives a likewise uniformly colored surface in the color of second coat-ing 6.

Embossed structure 5 and second coating 6 are preferably transferred to docu-ment of value 1 by the intaglio printing plate. This has the advantage that the security element can be produced simultaneously with intaglio motif 3 in one operation.
For this purpose, both the negative of desired embossed structure 5 and the intaglio motif 0 are engraved into the printing plate. During the printing operation the printing plate is filled with ink and then data carrier material 1 is pressed into the engraved areas of the plate and lastingly deformed. The high contact pressure causes embossing 5 to also be noticeable on the back of data carrier material 1.

The printing plate, can be inked with a uniform color for the printing operation so that second coating 6 and intaglio motif 3 have the same color. Different colors can also be used, however.

Since translucent inks are preferably used for second coating 6, the viewer can recognize the mixed color of the two colors in the overlap area between first and sec-AN and coatings 4, 6.

Embossed structure 5 shown in Fig. 2 consists of directly adjoining triangular profiles when viewed in cross section. However, the triangular profiles can also be slightly spaced apart. The relative position of first coating 4 and second coating 6 or embossed structure 5 can also vary, as made clear by Figs. 3 to 5. Here, only the em-bossed profile and the relative position of coatings 4, 6 are shown.

In Fig. 3 the triangular profiles of embossed structure 5 are spaced apart, which is indicated by connection bars 7. First coating 4 is disposed on one of the flanks of em-bossed structure 5 below second coating 6, as shown in Fig. 2. Connection bars 7 are coating-free, however, so that the data carrier surface is visible in this area.

Fig. 4 shows a variant in which first coating 4 completely covers connection bars 7 and part of the flanks of embossed structure 5. In this example, second coating 6 covers first coating 4 only partly, so that first coating 4 is also visible in partial areas.

Fig. 5 shows a further embodiment in which the relative position of embossed structure 5, first coating 4 and second coating 6 corresponds to the embodiment al-ready shown in Fig. 3. However, the raised areas of embossed structure 5 have differ-ent heights in this example. If embossed structure 5 and coating 6 are produced by ink-carrying intaglio printing, this means that more ink is transferred in the areas of the embossed structure with the higher raised areas. Due to the higher ink layer thickness in area 8 of embossing 5, partial areas 8 of embossing 5 appear in a darker color tone than partial areas 9 of embossing 5. In this way, additional information can be pro-duced in the optically variable element.

However, such visually recognizable additional information can also be produced in other ways. If translucent printing inks are used, the additional information can also be represented by a higher ink layer thickness in certain areas of the printed image.

Fig. 6 shows in cross section printing plate 30 for producing such additional in-formation. First printed image 31 is engraved into plate 30 with depth t1.
Second printed image 32, which is superimposed on first printed image 31, is engraved into plate 30 with depth t2. Since the engraving for second printed image 32 is deeper than the engraving for first printed image 31, more ink is transferred in the area of printed image 32. When translucent printing inks are used, a darker color effect therefore re-sults in the area of printed image 32, and printed image 32 is recognizable against lighter printed image 31. According to this example, the two printed images 31, 32 form the second coating that is transferred to the document of value simultaneously with the embossed structure in the printing operation.

Fig. 7 shows a further variant for producing additional information in the second coating. It again shows printing plate 30, into which a line with width b is milled. Said line is composed of different areas 33, 34 that differ in their depth and flank steepness.
In the finished printed image said line shows different color effects along its length since the inking is different in areas 33, 34.

AMENDED SHEET

If the line depth is too great, paper tears might occur during the embossing opera-tion. To therefore permit the same line width to be retained, it might therefore be nec-essary to make the line just as wide but less deep. If a milling tool is used for produc-ing the printing plate, it might therefore be necessary to produce the line by means of a narrower engraving tool that nevertheless produces the width of the desired engraved line by corresponding guidance of the milling tool.

Fig. 8 shows a further embodiment of the inventive optically variable structure.
In this example, the first coating consists of two crosswise disposed line screens 10, 11 that can also be designed in different colors. In the shown example, the lines of printed screen 11 are disposed on one of the flanks of embossed structure 5. This association emerges from the profile sketches at the lower edge of Fig. 8, which shows a detail of embossed structure 5 and coating 6 in cross section.

Fig. 9 shows an embodiment of the inventive optically variable structure in which the first coating consists of one-sided screen 40. Said screen starts at straight baseline 41. Opposite line 42 of the screen element is of irregular design and can vary from screen element to screen element. This particular screen can be used to represent very well-contrasting halftone images. As explained above with reference to Fig. 8, said screen elements 40 preferably come to lie on the flanks of embossed structure 5 and are covered by second coating 6.

Fig. 10 shows a top view of the basic structure of inventive optically variable structure 2. It consists of the first coating in the form of line screen 4 with a constant screen ruling, the line screen consisting of spaced-apart printed lines.
Embossed struc-ture 5 is disposed in overlap with print 4, being indicated only by the dash-lined frame for clarity's sake. Shown embossed structure 5 is subdivided into six partial areas 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55 where partial embossed structures are disposed, being omitted from the drawing as mentioned above. The second coating, which is disposed congruent to the raised areas of the partial embossed structures, is not shown either.
Partial areas 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55 are directly adjacent here and form a two-dimensional matrix. De-pending on the embodiment, said matrix can have n partial areas in the vertical direc-tion and m partial areas in the horizontal direction, where n, m > 1, preferably n, in > 2.

In the shown example, n - 3 and m - 2. A second coating, which is likewise omitted from the drawing, is disposed congruent to the raised areas of embossed structure 5 in this example as well.

The relative position of the partial embossed structures and line screen 4 varies within embossed structure 5 from partial area to partial area, so that partial areas 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55 differ in their color, color tone or brightness and are thus visually recognizable as contrasting partial areas. Upon a change of viewing angle, the color and light/dark impressions of the partial areas vary. This impression is strengthened by superimposed second coating 6.

Fig. 11 schematically shows a further special embodiment of embossed structure 5. It is composed of partial areas 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55 where different partial em-bossed structures 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25 are disposed. The sloping lines in Fig. 11 indi-cate the course and arrangement of particular partial embossed structure 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25. The shown lines mark the valleys of the embossed structure, as is made clear by the sketch in the left area under embossed structure 5, which shows partial em-bossed structure 23 in cross section. For clarity's sake, the zeniths of partial embossed structures 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25 have not been shown with lines in the figures.

All partial embossed structures 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25 have same screen ruling a.
However, pairs of adjoining partial embossed structures 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25 are mu-g tually offset. In the shown example, the offset is preferably a fraction l/x of screen ruling a. Preferably, a pair of adjacent partial embossed structures is mutually offset by one third of screen ruling a. The first coating has been omitted in Fig. 11 for clarity's sake. Since the arrangement of the partial embossed structures and congruently dis-posed second coating varies from partial area to partial area, however, the relative po-sition between the first coating and particular partial embossed screen 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25 also varies accordingly. This produces frequently changing light/dark contrasts and changing color effects that visually stand out clearly and are well recognizable. If the offset is selected for example so that the partial embossed structures recur within embossed structure 5, a plurality of partial areas show the same appearance from one viewing angle. However, partial embossed structures 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25 of inven-tive embossed structure 5 need not be fundamentally offset by a fraction of screen rul-ing a. Any other offset is equally conceivable. Also, not all partial embossed structures 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25 need be mutually offset. In some circumstances it is sufficient if only two of partial areas 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55 are provided with mutually offset par-tial embossed structures 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25. The latter also need not necessarily be directly adjacent. Likewise, single partial areas 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55 can be provided with partial embossed structures 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25 with different screen ruling a.
The extending direction of single partial embossed structures 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25 can also vary with respect to the extending direction of adjacent partial embossed struc-tures 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25. For example, partial embossed structure 20 can be dis-posed at an angle of 90 to partial embossed structure 21.

In the shown examples, the first coating was always applied first and then em-bossing 5 or second coating 6. Alternatively, it is of course also possible to first apply the embossed structure and the second coating and then print the first coating on the second coating.

Claims (38)

claims
1. A data carrier with an optically variable structure having an embossed struc-ture with raised areas and a first coating contrasting with the surface of the data carrier and provided only in certain areas, the embossed structure and the coating being so combined that at least parts of the coating are completely visible upon perpendicular viewing but concealed upon oblique viewing so that a tilt effect arises upon alternate perpendicular and oblique viewing, and the optically variable structure having at least in partial areas a second coating disposed in overlap with the first coating at least in partial areas, characterized in that the second coating likewise contrasts with the data carrier surface and that at least one of the coatings consists at least partly of translucent inks.
2. A data carrier according to claim 1, characterized in that the second coating is disposed congruent to at least parts of the raised areas of the embossed structure.
3. A data carrier according to claim 2, characterized in that the data carrier has an intaglio motif.
4. A data carrier according to claim 3, characterized in that at least parts of the embossed structure are disposed in the area of the intaglio motif.
5. A data carrier according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that the second coat-ing has the same color as the intaglio motif.
6. A data carrier according to any one of claims 3 to 5, characterized in that the second coating is part of the intaglio motif.
7. A data carrier according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the second coating has a color contrasting with the first coating.
8. A data carrier according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the color used for the first coating has a complementary contrast with the color of the second coating.
9. A data carrier according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the optically variable structure has a metallic background layer.
10. A data carrier according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the first and/or second coating has machine-readable properties at least in certain areas.
11. A data carrier according to claim 10, characterized in that the first and/or second coating has magnetic, electrically conductive or luminescent properties.
12. A data carrier according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the optically variable structure is superimposed or underlaid with an additional transparent optically variable layer or a foil element.
13. A data carrier according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that one of the coatings is of multicolor design.
14. A data carrier according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that the first coating is a printed screen structure.
15. A data carrier according to any one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that the screen structure is a line screen with a constant screen ruling.
16. A data carrier according to claim 15, characterized in that the line screen con-sists of colored, spaced-apart lines or colored, directly adjoining lines.
17. A data carrier according to any one of claims 1 to 16, characterized in that the line screen has thickened areas at least in certain areas.
18. A data carrier according to claim 17, characterized in that the line screen has the thickened areas only on one side.
19. A data carrier according to claim 17 or 18, characterized in that the line screen represents a halftone image.
20. A data carrier according to any one of claims 1 to 19, characterized in that the embossed structure is an embossed screen structure.
21. A data carrier according to any one of claims 1 to 20, characterized in that the embossed structure is executed as a line screen with a constant screen ruling.
22. A data carrier according to any one of claims 1 to 20, characterized in that the embossed structure has a varying screen ruling in certain areas.
23. A data carrier according to any one of claims 1 to 22, characterized in that the embossed structure and the second coating are executed as colored intaglio prints.
24. A data carrier according to any one of claims 1 to 23, characterized in that the first coating is a dark line screen and the second coating is present in the form of a light, colored line screen.
25. A data carrier according to any one of claims 1 to 24, characterized in that the embossed structure has raised areas of different height.
26. A data carrier according to any one of claims 1 to 25, characterized in that the embossed structure and the first coating have the same screen ruling.
27. A data carrier according to any one of claims 1 to 26, characterized in that the embossed structure is subdivided into partial areas where different partial embossed structures are provided.
28. A data carrier according to claim 27, characterized in that the partial areas form a two-dimensional matrix having m partial areas in the horizontal direction and n partial areas in the vertical direction, where m, n >= 1, preferably m, n >= 2.
29. A data carrier according to claim 27 or 28, characterized in that the partial embossed structures in at least two adjoining partial areas are disposed offset by a frac-tion, in particular one third, of the screen ruling.
30. A data carrier according to any one of claims 27 to 29, characterized in that at least the partial embossed structures of one partial area have an unembossed edge con-tour.
31. A data carrier according to any one of claims 1 to 30, characterized in that the data carrier is a paper of value, in particular a bank note.
32. A method for producing a data carrier with an optically variable structure having an embossed structure with raised areas and a first coating contrasting with the surface of the data carrier and applied to the data carrier only in certain areas, the em-bossed structure and the coating being so combined that at least parts of the coating are completely visible upon perpendicular viewing but concealed upon oblique viewing so that a tilt effect arises upon alternate perpendicular and oblique viewing, comprising the following steps:

- applying the first coating to the data carrier only in certain areas, - embossing the embossed structure in the data carrier by means of an embossing tool, characterized in that with the embossing a second coating is transferred to the data carrier in overlap with the first coating at least in partial areas, whereby a color likewise contrasting with the surface of the data carrier is se-lected for the second coating, the transferring of the second coating to the data carrier is done congruently to at least parts of the raised areas of the embossed structure, and that at least one of the coatings consists at least partly of translu-cent inks.
33. A method according to claim 32, characterized in that the data carrier is pro-vided with an intaglio motif and at least parts of the embossed structure are disposed in the area of the intaglio motif.
34. A method according to claim 32 or 33, characterized in that the first coating is produced by the offset process.
35. A method according to any one of claims 32 to 34, characterized in that the first coating is produced as a line screen.
36. A method according to any one of claims 32 to 35, characterized in that the embossed structure and the second coating are produced by ink-carrying intaglio print-ing.
37. A method according to claim 36, characterized in that the second coating is executed as a color split.
38. A method according to any one of claims 32 to 37, characterized in that the first coating is applied first, and in a second step the embossed structure and the second coating are transferred simultaneously.
CA2496829A 2002-08-13 2003-08-11 Data carrier with an optically variable element Expired - Fee Related CA2496829C (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (5)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DE10237642.5 2002-08-13
DE10237642 2002-08-13
DE10243863.3 2002-09-20
DE10243863A DE10243863A1 (en) 2002-08-13 2002-09-20 Data carrier, e.g. a banknote, with at least a security marking area to prevent counterfeiting in the form of an optically variable embossed structure with optically varying coatings arranged over the embossed area
PCT/EP2003/008891 WO2004022355A2 (en) 2002-08-13 2003-08-11 Data carrier comprising an optically variable structure

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
CA2496829A1 CA2496829A1 (en) 2004-03-18
CA2496829C true CA2496829C (en) 2011-06-28

Family

ID=31979449

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
CA2496829A Expired - Fee Related CA2496829C (en) 2002-08-13 2003-08-11 Data carrier with an optically variable element

Country Status (11)

Country Link
EP (1) EP1534535B1 (en)
JP (1) JP4587809B2 (en)
CN (1) CN100540329C (en)
AU (1) AU2003253402B2 (en)
BR (1) BR0313312A (en)
CA (1) CA2496829C (en)
MX (1) MXPA05001528A (en)
PL (1) PL208259B1 (en)
RU (1) RU2327576C2 (en)
WO (1) WO2004022355A2 (en)
ZA (1) ZA200501004B (en)

Families Citing this family (41)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US8867134B2 (en) 2003-11-21 2014-10-21 Visual Physics, Llc Optical system demonstrating improved resistance to optically degrading external effects
DE102005011612A1 (en) 2004-08-13 2006-02-23 Giesecke & Devrient Gmbh Data carrier with an optically variable structure
EP2450735B1 (en) * 2005-05-18 2018-02-21 Visual Physics, LLC Image presentation and micro-optic security system
DE102005025095A1 (en) 2005-06-01 2006-12-07 Giesecke & Devrient Gmbh Data carrier and method for its production
DE102006006501A1 (en) * 2006-02-13 2007-08-16 Giesecke & Devrient Gmbh Security element with an optically variable structure
DE102006050290A1 (en) * 2006-10-23 2008-04-30 Giesecke & Devrient Gmbh Security element for product safety of data carrier, particularly bank note, has optical variable structure, which has embossed structure and is combined with coating contrastive to surface of data carrier
DE102007007914A1 (en) * 2007-02-14 2008-08-21 Giesecke & Devrient Gmbh Embossing lacquer for micro-optical safety elements
DE102007035161A1 (en) * 2007-07-25 2009-01-29 Giesecke & Devrient Gmbh Security element with several optically variable structures
DE102008009296A1 (en) * 2008-02-15 2009-08-20 Giesecke & Devrient Gmbh Security element and method for its production
DE102008031325A1 (en) * 2008-07-02 2010-01-07 Giesecke & Devrient Gmbh Security element and method for its production
GB2479777B (en) * 2010-04-22 2015-12-09 Nautilus Gb Ltd Embossed visual feature
JP5552646B2 (en) * 2010-04-23 2014-07-16 独立行政法人 国立印刷局 Latent image pattern former
RU2440248C1 (en) * 2010-08-03 2012-01-20 Федеральное Государственное Унитарное Предприятие "Гознак" (Фгуп "Гознак") Data medium with optically variable structure (versions)
DE102010047948A1 (en) 2010-10-08 2012-04-12 Giesecke & Devrient Gmbh Method for checking an optical security feature of a value document
FR2967089B1 (en) 2010-11-10 2021-05-21 Oberthur Technologies OPTICALLY VARIABLE SECURITY COMPONENT FOR A VALUE DOCUMENT
MY159709A (en) 2011-01-28 2017-01-13 Crane & Co Inc A laser marked device
DE102011016050A1 (en) * 2011-04-04 2012-10-04 Schreiner Group Gmbh & Co. Kg Optically variable security feature
ES2652034T3 (en) 2011-08-19 2018-01-31 Visual Physics, Llc Optionally transferable optical system of reduced thickness
DE102011114410A1 (en) 2011-09-26 2013-03-28 Giesecke & Devrient Gmbh A method of checking the manufacturing quality of an optical security feature of a value document
DE102011121566A1 (en) 2011-12-20 2013-06-20 Giesecke & Devrient Gmbh Method for assisting user during authenticity verification of banknote, involves showing banknote containing superimposed image representation on screen of data-processing system based on identified denomination of banknote
EP4282665A1 (en) 2012-08-17 2023-11-29 Visual Physics, LLC A process for transferring microstructures to a final substrate
GB201222813D0 (en) * 2012-12-18 2013-01-30 Rue De Int Ltd Security device
MX356366B (en) 2013-03-15 2018-05-25 Visual Physics Llc Optical security device.
US9873281B2 (en) 2013-06-13 2018-01-23 Visual Physics, Llc Single layer image projection film
CN103895374B (en) * 2013-11-01 2016-09-14 中钞油墨有限公司 There is anti-counterfeiting pattern of light structure changes and preparation method thereof
EP4235637A3 (en) 2014-03-27 2023-12-06 Visual Physics, LLC An optical device that produces flicker-like optical effects
US10766292B2 (en) 2014-03-27 2020-09-08 Crane & Co., Inc. Optical device that provides flicker-like optical effects
AT515670B1 (en) * 2014-06-23 2015-11-15 Hueck Folien Gmbh Security element with modified color-shift effect
EP3287295A1 (en) 2014-07-17 2018-02-28 Visual Physics, LLC An improved polymeric sheet material for use in making polymeric security documents such as bank notes
BR112017005319A2 (en) 2014-09-16 2017-12-12 Crane Security Tech Inc "safe lens layer".
DE102014018512A1 (en) * 2014-12-12 2016-06-16 Giesecke & Devrient Gmbh Optically variable security element
AU2016219187B2 (en) 2015-02-11 2019-10-10 Crane & Co., Inc. Method for the surface application of a security device to a substrate
DE102015011918A1 (en) 2015-09-11 2017-03-16 Giesecke & Devrient Gmbh Devices and methods for producing a security element with an optically variable structure
DE102015014039A1 (en) 2015-10-30 2017-05-04 Giesecke & Devrient Gmbh Security element with an optically variable structure
JP6394633B2 (en) * 2016-03-22 2018-09-26 カシオ計算機株式会社 Structure manufacturing method
JP2017227837A (en) * 2016-06-24 2017-12-28 凸版印刷株式会社 Display body
EP3501161B1 (en) * 2016-08-16 2020-04-29 Corning Incorporated Methods and apparatus for providing improved visual and optionally tactile features on a substrate
ES2922024T3 (en) 2017-02-10 2022-09-06 Crane & Co Inc Optical machine-readable security device
JP6879271B2 (en) * 2018-07-20 2021-06-02 大日本印刷株式会社 Security medium
FR3105088B1 (en) * 2019-12-20 2021-12-24 Oberthur Fiduciaire Sas Optical structure with relief effect
JP7242964B2 (en) * 2020-03-11 2023-03-20 ケーニッヒ ウント バウアー アー・ゲー Security element, security document with security element and apparatus and method for manufacturing security element

Family Cites Families (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
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
DE4002979A1 (en) * 1990-02-01 1991-08-08 Gao Ges Automation Org Banknote with optically variable security elements - are transformed and pressed onto smooth surface to form hologram or relief pattern
JP2615401B2 (en) * 1992-06-04 1997-05-28 大蔵省印刷局長 Anti-counterfeit latent image pattern forming body and method of manufacturing the same
DE19541064A1 (en) * 1995-11-03 1997-05-07 Giesecke & Devrient Gmbh Data carrier with an optically variable element
US5722693A (en) * 1996-10-03 1998-03-03 Wicker; Kenneth M. Embossed document protection methods and products
GB9710818D0 (en) * 1997-05-27 1997-07-23 Applied Holographics Optically variable devices
DE10044465A1 (en) * 2000-09-08 2002-03-21 Giesecke & Devrient Gmbh Data carrier with an optically variable element

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
AU2003253402A1 (en) 2004-03-29
ZA200501004B (en) 2005-08-31
CN100540329C (en) 2009-09-16
BR0313312A (en) 2005-06-14
JP4587809B2 (en) 2010-11-24
EP1534535B1 (en) 2010-06-09
AU2003253402B2 (en) 2007-08-23
RU2327576C2 (en) 2008-06-27
CA2496829A1 (en) 2004-03-18
JP2005535485A (en) 2005-11-24
RU2005107319A (en) 2006-08-10
MXPA05001528A (en) 2005-04-11
PL208259B1 (en) 2011-04-29
CN1671562A (en) 2005-09-21
WO2004022355A2 (en) 2004-03-18
PL373561A1 (en) 2005-09-05
EP1534535A2 (en) 2005-06-01
WO2004022355A3 (en) 2004-08-26
AU2003253402B8 (en) 2004-03-29

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
CA2496829C (en) Data carrier with an optically variable element
US7630954B2 (en) Data carrier comprising an optically variable element
CA2421101C (en) Data support with an optically variable element
CA2421501C (en) Data carrier, method for the production thereof and gravure printing plate
RU2176190C2 (en) Information carrier having member possessing optically variable properties, method for producing the carrier, protection member possessing optically variable properties
AU2016352074B2 (en) Methods of manufacturing image element arrays for security devices
RU2564608C2 (en) Method of production of counterfeit-proof papers, scratch-off printing machine and counterfeit-proof paper
CA2473879C (en) Document of value
CA2395964C (en) Data carrier with a printed security element and gravure production method thereof
US7357077B2 (en) Data carrier, method for the production thereof and gravure printing plate
CA2627902A1 (en) Security element and method for the production thereof
EP1345166A1 (en) Security element for data carrier
CA2594780C (en) Data carrier having a halftone image
CA2238743C (en) Data carrier with optically variable colour
ZA200403846B (en) Valuable document

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
EEER Examination request
MKLA Lapsed

Effective date: 20140812