CA2745416C - Security document - Google Patents
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- CA2745416C CA2745416C CA2745416A CA2745416A CA2745416C CA 2745416 C CA2745416 C CA 2745416C CA 2745416 A CA2745416 A CA 2745416A CA 2745416 A CA2745416 A CA 2745416A CA 2745416 C CA2745416 C CA 2745416C
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- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- banknote
- transparent
- region
- peripheral region
- substantially opaque
- 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
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- 230000002093 peripheral effect Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 20
- 229920000307 polymer substrate Polymers 0.000 claims abstract description 4
- 238000000576 coating method Methods 0.000 claims description 21
- 239000000758 substrate Substances 0.000 claims description 21
- 230000003287 optical effect Effects 0.000 claims description 17
- 230000005540 biological transmission Effects 0.000 claims description 12
- 239000011248 coating agent Substances 0.000 claims description 10
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 claims description 10
- 238000004049 embossing Methods 0.000 claims description 4
- 239000004973 liquid crystal related substance Substances 0.000 claims description 2
- 239000004038 photonic crystal Substances 0.000 claims description 2
- 239000010410 layer Substances 0.000 description 7
- 238000007639 printing Methods 0.000 description 6
- 238000000151 deposition Methods 0.000 description 3
- 229920000642 polymer Polymers 0.000 description 3
- 230000008901 benefit Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000007646 gravure printing Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000001771 impaired effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000000007 visual effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 239000011800 void material Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000013459 approach Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000010276 construction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000008021 deposition Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000001514 detection method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000011888 foil Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000003384 imaging method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000010348 incorporation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000007644 letterpress printing Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000012544 monitoring process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000013618 particulate matter Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000003909 pattern recognition Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000012545 processing Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000007650 screen-printing Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000002356 single layer Substances 0.000 description 1
Classifications
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- D—TEXTILES; PAPER
- D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- D06M—TREATMENT, NOT PROVIDED FOR ELSEWHERE IN CLASS D06, OF FIBRES, THREADS, YARNS, FABRICS, FEATHERS OR FIBROUS GOODS MADE FROM SUCH MATERIALS
- D06M11/00—Treating fibres, threads, yarns, fabrics or fibrous goods made from such materials, with inorganic substances or complexes thereof; Such treatment combined with mechanical treatment, e.g. mercerising
- D06M11/07—Treating fibres, threads, yarns, fabrics or fibrous goods made from such materials, with inorganic substances or complexes thereof; Such treatment combined with mechanical treatment, e.g. mercerising with halogens; with halogen acids or salts thereof; with oxides or oxyacids of halogens or salts thereof
- D06M11/09—Treating fibres, threads, yarns, fabrics or fibrous goods made from such materials, with inorganic substances or complexes thereof; Such treatment combined with mechanical treatment, e.g. mercerising with halogens; with halogen acids or salts thereof; with oxides or oxyacids of halogens or salts thereof with free halogens or interhalogen compounds
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- G—PHYSICS
- G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
- G07D—HANDLING OF COINS OR VALUABLE PAPERS, e.g. TESTING, SORTING BY DENOMINATIONS, COUNTING, DISPENSING, CHANGING OR DEPOSITING
- G07D7/00—Testing specially adapted to determine the identity or genuineness of valuable papers or for segregating those which are unacceptable, e.g. banknotes that are alien to a currency
- G07D7/06—Testing specially adapted to determine the identity or genuineness of valuable papers or for segregating those which are unacceptable, e.g. banknotes that are alien to a currency using wave or particle radiation
- G07D7/12—Visible light, infrared or ultraviolet radiation
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B42—BOOKBINDING; ALBUMS; FILES; SPECIAL PRINTED MATTER
- B42D—BOOKS; BOOK COVERS; LOOSE LEAVES; PRINTED MATTER CHARACTERISED BY IDENTIFICATION OR SECURITY FEATURES; PRINTED MATTER OF SPECIAL FORMAT OR STYLE NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; DEVICES FOR USE THEREWITH AND NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; MOVABLE-STRIP WRITING OR READING APPARATUS
- B42D25/00—Information-bearing cards or sheet-like structures characterised by identification or security features; Manufacture thereof
- B42D25/20—Information-bearing cards or sheet-like structures characterised by identification or security features; Manufacture thereof characterised by a particular use or purpose
- B42D25/29—Securities; Bank notes
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
- G07D—HANDLING OF COINS OR VALUABLE PAPERS, e.g. TESTING, SORTING BY DENOMINATIONS, COUNTING, DISPENSING, CHANGING OR DEPOSITING
- G07D7/00—Testing specially adapted to determine the identity or genuineness of valuable papers or for segregating those which are unacceptable, e.g. banknotes that are alien to a currency
- G07D7/003—Testing specially adapted to determine the identity or genuineness of valuable papers or for segregating those which are unacceptable, e.g. banknotes that are alien to a currency using security elements
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- B42D2033/04—
-
- B42D2033/08—
-
- B42D2033/30—
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- B42D2035/12—
Landscapes
- Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Toxicology (AREA)
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Textile Engineering (AREA)
- Computer Security & Cryptography (AREA)
- Business, Economics & Management (AREA)
- Accounting & Taxation (AREA)
- Finance (AREA)
- Inspection Of Paper Currency And Valuable Securities (AREA)
Abstract
A banknote which is one of a series of banknotes of different denominations, the banknote comprising a polymer substrate (1) having a substantially opaque region (2A-2D) defining or carrying indicia relating to the banknote, and a substantially transparent peripheral region (3A-3D) wherein the substantially opaque central region has a shape unique to the denomination of the banknote.
Description
SECURITY DOCUMENT
The invention relates to security documents, such as banknotes, and methods for processing those documents.
A variety of devices have been proposed in the past to help visually impaired users in the recognition of security documents, particularly banknotes. For example, blind people must rely upon their sense of touch to determine the nature and validity of a document, such as through the sensing of a Braille feature.
Tactile features to assist visually-impaired users in the recognition of security documents have been described in the prior art EP1159139 describes security documents, particularly banknotes bearing durable embossings that may be perceived by the sense of touch. The invention disclosed therein seeks to overcome a particular problem that arises in providing tactile indicia, notably the very high rate at which such features are damaged through handling both by the general public and by cash sorting machines employed by banks and other such institutions.
US2004008871 describes security documents bearing tactually-perceptible alphanumeric characters. The applicant describes a number of ways in which tactile perceptibility might be introduced, including embossing; tactile ink features;. the application of textured coatings containing, for example, particulate matter;
overlays;
and the application of characters having contrasting thermal conductivity or coefficient of friction to that of the substrate.
Similarly, US2006119096 discloses security documents provided with a variety of tactile features including raised or recessed characters; perforations;
areas of contrasting roughness, hardness, elasticity, coefficient of friction, thermal conductivity or stickiness.
FR-A-2925924 describes a security document such as a banknote including a bright watermark and a security structure having a semi-reflecting zone superimposed on the watermark.
WO 2009/062229 published on 22 May 2009 (after the priority date of the present application) describes a security document having transparent edge windows whose shape varies with different denominations of banknotes.
In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention, we provide a banknote which is one of a series of banknotes of different denominations, the
The invention relates to security documents, such as banknotes, and methods for processing those documents.
A variety of devices have been proposed in the past to help visually impaired users in the recognition of security documents, particularly banknotes. For example, blind people must rely upon their sense of touch to determine the nature and validity of a document, such as through the sensing of a Braille feature.
Tactile features to assist visually-impaired users in the recognition of security documents have been described in the prior art EP1159139 describes security documents, particularly banknotes bearing durable embossings that may be perceived by the sense of touch. The invention disclosed therein seeks to overcome a particular problem that arises in providing tactile indicia, notably the very high rate at which such features are damaged through handling both by the general public and by cash sorting machines employed by banks and other such institutions.
US2004008871 describes security documents bearing tactually-perceptible alphanumeric characters. The applicant describes a number of ways in which tactile perceptibility might be introduced, including embossing; tactile ink features;. the application of textured coatings containing, for example, particulate matter;
overlays;
and the application of characters having contrasting thermal conductivity or coefficient of friction to that of the substrate.
Similarly, US2006119096 discloses security documents provided with a variety of tactile features including raised or recessed characters; perforations;
areas of contrasting roughness, hardness, elasticity, coefficient of friction, thermal conductivity or stickiness.
FR-A-2925924 describes a security document such as a banknote including a bright watermark and a security structure having a semi-reflecting zone superimposed on the watermark.
WO 2009/062229 published on 22 May 2009 (after the priority date of the present application) describes a security document having transparent edge windows whose shape varies with different denominations of banknotes.
In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention, we provide a banknote which is one of a series of banknotes of different denominations, the
2 banknote comprising a polymer substrate having a substantially opaque region defining or carrying indicia relating to the banknote, and a substantially transparent peripheral region wherein the substantially opaque central region has a shape unique to the denomination of the banknote.
We have appreciated that with partially sighted users, it is possible to take advantage of the fact that they have some viewing capability by providing a substantially opaque secure banknote with a substantially transparent peripheral region. Such a banknote would offer excellent contrast between the transparent and opaque regions provided thereupon enabling partially-sighted users to perceive the distinctive shape of the opaque region silhouetted against the light background visible through the transparent periphery. Such partially sighted users will be able to perceive the edge of the banknote and thus identify the transparent region.
Furthermore, the use of a substantially transparent region prevents the generation of a "simple" counterfeit arising from the increasing popularity of colour photocopiers and other imaging systems and the improving technical quality of colour photocopies. In addition the clear transparent region provides a feature that is easily verifiable by the general public. The present invention thus provides a feature that is at once difficult to reproduce whilst also providing tactility and a high visual contrast for recognition by visually impaired users.
High visual contrast in security documents has been provided in the past by the incorporation of transparent features into an otherwise opaque substrate.
However, it has not been recognized in the past that transparent features could be used not only for security purposes but also to assist the partially sighted.
W08300659 describes a polymer banknote formed from a transparent substrate comprising an opacifying coating on both sides of the substrate. The opacifying coating is omitted in localised regions on both sides of the substrate to form a transparent region.
W00039391 describes a method of making a transparent aperture in a paper substrate. This is achieved by blinding one or more selected areas of a porous support surface, depositing a first layer of paper fibres onto the porous support surface around the blinded areas, bringing an impermeable elongate security thread to lie in contact with the blinded areas of the support surface such that at least the edges of the elongate security thread overlie the deposited layer, and depositing a further layer of paper fibres over the first layer and the
We have appreciated that with partially sighted users, it is possible to take advantage of the fact that they have some viewing capability by providing a substantially opaque secure banknote with a substantially transparent peripheral region. Such a banknote would offer excellent contrast between the transparent and opaque regions provided thereupon enabling partially-sighted users to perceive the distinctive shape of the opaque region silhouetted against the light background visible through the transparent periphery. Such partially sighted users will be able to perceive the edge of the banknote and thus identify the transparent region.
Furthermore, the use of a substantially transparent region prevents the generation of a "simple" counterfeit arising from the increasing popularity of colour photocopiers and other imaging systems and the improving technical quality of colour photocopies. In addition the clear transparent region provides a feature that is easily verifiable by the general public. The present invention thus provides a feature that is at once difficult to reproduce whilst also providing tactility and a high visual contrast for recognition by visually impaired users.
High visual contrast in security documents has been provided in the past by the incorporation of transparent features into an otherwise opaque substrate.
However, it has not been recognized in the past that transparent features could be used not only for security purposes but also to assist the partially sighted.
W08300659 describes a polymer banknote formed from a transparent substrate comprising an opacifying coating on both sides of the substrate. The opacifying coating is omitted in localised regions on both sides of the substrate to form a transparent region.
W00039391 describes a method of making a transparent aperture in a paper substrate. This is achieved by blinding one or more selected areas of a porous support surface, depositing a first layer of paper fibres onto the porous support surface around the blinded areas, bringing an impermeable elongate security thread to lie in contact with the blinded areas of the support surface such that at least the edges of the elongate security thread overlie the deposited layer, and depositing a further layer of paper fibres over the first layer and the
3 impermeable strip to securely embed the edges of the elongate security thread within the paper. The blinded areas are impermeable, which substantially prevents the deposition of fibres thereon before the elongate security thread is laid thereover.
Thus, substantially no paper fibres are deposited on one side of the elongate security thread in a central region between edges of the elongate security thread to thereby expose a continuous area of the elongate security thread at a first surface of the paper. Additionally a plurality of discrete translucent or transparent windows is formed in a second surface of the paper in which the elongate security thread is exposed.
An alternative method for forming a transparent region in a paper document is to apply a transparent film in the form of a patch or a strip over a hole formed in the document either during- or post manufacture of the substrate. Such approaches have been described within the prior art for example EP723501, EP724519 and W003054297.
Another example of banknote incorporating transparent windows is the commemorative 5 polymer banknote issued on 21 December 1999 by Northern Bank of Northern Ireland.
In preferred constructions, the substantially transparent peripheral region extends fully around the periphery of the banknote. However, in some cases, the substantially transparent peripheral region may only extend substantially fully around the periphery of the banknote, in other words having some small breaks defined by opaque portions.
For the purpose of the current invention a transparent region is defined as one whose optical density when measured on a transmission densitometer, with an aperture area equivalent to that of a circle with a 1 mm diameter, is preferably less than 0.3, more preferably less than 0.2 and even more preferably less than 0.1. A
suitable transmission densitometer is the MacBeth TD932.
The contrasting opaque region typically has an optical density when measured on a transmission densitometer, with an aperture area equivalent to that of a circle with a 1 mm diameter, preferably greater than 0.4, more preferably greater than 0.5 and even more preferably greater than 0.6. A suitable transmission densitometer is the MacBeth TD932.
Preferably, the ratio of the optical density of the substantially transparent peripheral region to the optical density of the substantially opaque central region is no more than 0.6.
Thus, substantially no paper fibres are deposited on one side of the elongate security thread in a central region between edges of the elongate security thread to thereby expose a continuous area of the elongate security thread at a first surface of the paper. Additionally a plurality of discrete translucent or transparent windows is formed in a second surface of the paper in which the elongate security thread is exposed.
An alternative method for forming a transparent region in a paper document is to apply a transparent film in the form of a patch or a strip over a hole formed in the document either during- or post manufacture of the substrate. Such approaches have been described within the prior art for example EP723501, EP724519 and W003054297.
Another example of banknote incorporating transparent windows is the commemorative 5 polymer banknote issued on 21 December 1999 by Northern Bank of Northern Ireland.
In preferred constructions, the substantially transparent peripheral region extends fully around the periphery of the banknote. However, in some cases, the substantially transparent peripheral region may only extend substantially fully around the periphery of the banknote, in other words having some small breaks defined by opaque portions.
For the purpose of the current invention a transparent region is defined as one whose optical density when measured on a transmission densitometer, with an aperture area equivalent to that of a circle with a 1 mm diameter, is preferably less than 0.3, more preferably less than 0.2 and even more preferably less than 0.1. A
suitable transmission densitometer is the MacBeth TD932.
The contrasting opaque region typically has an optical density when measured on a transmission densitometer, with an aperture area equivalent to that of a circle with a 1 mm diameter, preferably greater than 0.4, more preferably greater than 0.5 and even more preferably greater than 0.6. A suitable transmission densitometer is the MacBeth TD932.
Preferably, the ratio of the optical density of the substantially transparent peripheral region to the optical density of the substantially opaque central region is no more than 0.6.
4 Additional indicia such as micro-text, fine lined filigree patterns, metallised or demetallised indicia, embossings and other similar indicia may be applied to the transparent area of the banknote, provided that there is no significant reduction in the optical contrast between the transparent and opaque regions. In the same manner semi-transparent or transparent optically variable devices may be applied to the transparent area of the banknote for example liquid crystal films or coatings, photonic crystal films or coatings and iridescent coatings.
Furthermore, additional opaque features including those produced by printing, the application of foils or transfers including those bearing optically variable interference or diffractive structures; and other known security indicia bearing substrates may be applied to either the opaque or transparent regions. In the latter case, the additional opaque feature will be perceived by a partially-sighted user as an additional island of high contrast between the transparent and opaque regions of the banknote.
Additional security features known in the art such as optically-variable interference or diffractive structures may be incorporated into the banknote such that they may be viewed through the said window area.
We have also realized that it is possible to utilize transparent regions in banknotes to assist banknote sorters to distinguish between banknotes of different denominations. Thus, in accordance with a second aspect of the present invention, a method of operating a banknote sorter to distinguish between banknotes of different denominations, wherein each banknote is one of a series of banknotes of different denominations each including at least one substantially transparent region, the shape and/or location of the transparent region being unique to the denomination of the banknote, the method comprising operating the banknote sorter to detect a transparent region in a banknote being processed, to determine the shape and/or location of the detected transparent region, and to use the detected shape and/or location to identify the denomination of the banknote.
Conventional banknote sorters typically use information such as the size of the banknote to determine its denomination but this, of course, is not helpful in countries where banknotes all have the same size, such as the US. In those countries, typically pattern recognition is used to detect denomination related indicia on the banknotes. However, in this aspect of the invention, it is possible not only to
Furthermore, additional opaque features including those produced by printing, the application of foils or transfers including those bearing optically variable interference or diffractive structures; and other known security indicia bearing substrates may be applied to either the opaque or transparent regions. In the latter case, the additional opaque feature will be perceived by a partially-sighted user as an additional island of high contrast between the transparent and opaque regions of the banknote.
Additional security features known in the art such as optically-variable interference or diffractive structures may be incorporated into the banknote such that they may be viewed through the said window area.
We have also realized that it is possible to utilize transparent regions in banknotes to assist banknote sorters to distinguish between banknotes of different denominations. Thus, in accordance with a second aspect of the present invention, a method of operating a banknote sorter to distinguish between banknotes of different denominations, wherein each banknote is one of a series of banknotes of different denominations each including at least one substantially transparent region, the shape and/or location of the transparent region being unique to the denomination of the banknote, the method comprising operating the banknote sorter to detect a transparent region in a banknote being processed, to determine the shape and/or location of the detected transparent region, and to use the detected shape and/or location to identify the denomination of the banknote.
Conventional banknote sorters typically use information such as the size of the banknote to determine its denomination but this, of course, is not helpful in countries where banknotes all have the same size, such as the US. In those countries, typically pattern recognition is used to detect denomination related indicia on the banknotes. However, in this aspect of the invention, it is possible not only to
5 PCT/GB2009/002859 use transparent windows or other peripheral regions to provide security features and/or benefits to the partially sighted, but also to enable banknote sorters to sort the banknotes according to denomination. The detection of the opaque and transparent regions can be achieved very easily by monitoring variations in intensity 5 of light transmitted through the banknotes as they pass a suitable detector.
It will be recognized that the inventive concept can be applied more widely than banknotes. Thus in accordance with a third aspect of the present invention, we provide a security document comprising a polymer substrate having a substantially opaque region defining or carrying indicia relating to the document, and a substantially transparent peripheral region. Examples of security documents include vouchers, tickets, gift tokens and the like. The shape of the opaque region can define the value of the security document.
Some examples of banknotes according to the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:-Figures 1 a-1 d illustrate schematically a first series of banknotes of different denominations;
Figures 2a-2d are views similar to Figures 1 a-1 d but of a second example;
Figure 3 illustrates a third example of a banknote according to the invention;
Figure 4 illustrates a fourth example of a banknote according to the invention; and, Figures 5a and 5b illustrate cross-sections through two further examples of banknotes according to the invention.
Figure 1 shows examples of a series of secure documents, for example, banknotes of increasing monetary value, according to examples of the current invention in plan-view in transmitted light as they would be viewed by a user or banknote sorting machine. In this example, each secure document or banknote comprises a transparent polymeric substrate 1 onto which is applied an opaque coating in a region 2A-2D. The opaque regions 2A-2D need not be disposed centrally upon the security document 1, nor do they need to be regular, symmetrical nor bounded by straight lines, i.e. polygonal. However, rotationally symmetric designs are to be preferred for their compatibility with cash handling systems. In the present example, the five denomination is represented by an oval printed region 2A;
the ten denomination by a rectangle 2B; the twenty denomination by a hexagon 3C;
and the fifty denomination by a parallelogram 2D. Each opaque region is fully
It will be recognized that the inventive concept can be applied more widely than banknotes. Thus in accordance with a third aspect of the present invention, we provide a security document comprising a polymer substrate having a substantially opaque region defining or carrying indicia relating to the document, and a substantially transparent peripheral region. Examples of security documents include vouchers, tickets, gift tokens and the like. The shape of the opaque region can define the value of the security document.
Some examples of banknotes according to the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:-Figures 1 a-1 d illustrate schematically a first series of banknotes of different denominations;
Figures 2a-2d are views similar to Figures 1 a-1 d but of a second example;
Figure 3 illustrates a third example of a banknote according to the invention;
Figure 4 illustrates a fourth example of a banknote according to the invention; and, Figures 5a and 5b illustrate cross-sections through two further examples of banknotes according to the invention.
Figure 1 shows examples of a series of secure documents, for example, banknotes of increasing monetary value, according to examples of the current invention in plan-view in transmitted light as they would be viewed by a user or banknote sorting machine. In this example, each secure document or banknote comprises a transparent polymeric substrate 1 onto which is applied an opaque coating in a region 2A-2D. The opaque regions 2A-2D need not be disposed centrally upon the security document 1, nor do they need to be regular, symmetrical nor bounded by straight lines, i.e. polygonal. However, rotationally symmetric designs are to be preferred for their compatibility with cash handling systems. In the present example, the five denomination is represented by an oval printed region 2A;
the ten denomination by a rectangle 2B; the twenty denomination by a hexagon 3C;
and the fifty denomination by a parallelogram 2D. Each opaque region is fully
6 surrounded by a transparent region 3A-3D. Each opaque region typically has an optical density when measured on a transmission densitometer, with an aperture area equivalent to that of a circle with a 1 mm diameter, preferably greater than 0.4, more preferably greater than 0.5 and even more preferably greater than 0.6.
Each transparent region 3A-3D typically has an optical density when measured on a transmission densitometer, with an aperture area equivalent to that of a circle with a I mm diameter, preferably less than 0.3, more preferably less than 0.2 and even more preferably less than 0.1. The high contrast obtained between the printed opaque and transparent regions of documents prepared according to the present teaching is readily apparent and is typically no more than 0.6.
In order to identify the denomination of one of these banknotes, it can be held up to a light so that light is transmitted through the transparent region of the banknote and the distinctive shape of the opaque region will be readily recognized even by a partially sighted person.
Figure 2 shows a further embodiment of the current invention where the documents have the same main opaque regions 2A-2D as in Figure 1 but additionally the 5 denomination document has two opaque islands 4A within the transparent periphery 2A (Figure 2a), and the 10, 20 and 50 denomination documents have a transparent window area 5B-5D wholly enclosed within the opaque region of the document as with conventional polymeric banknotes.
Figures 3 and 4 show similar documents but where the transparent periphery comprises micro-text 6 (Figure 3 not shown to scale) and fine line detail 7 (Figure 4 not shown to scale) respectively.
The opaque regions 2A-2D can be in the form of a coating applied by any conventional printing process, but typically this is a gravure printing process. The opaque coating may comprise a single layer applied to one side of the transparent substrate 1 or one or more layers (10A,10B Figure 5a; 11A-11D Figure 5b) applied to both sides of the transparent substrate. The opaque coating is omitted in one or more regions of the document to provide a transparent periphery and, optionally, additional transparent areas of the secure document.
Figure 5 illustrates examples of the documents in cross-section. Figure 5a illustrates an example where the transparent periphery 3 (corresponding to 3A-3D in Figure 1) is formed by omitting the opaque pigmented coatings in that region and thus fully exposing the transparent polymeric substrate. In a further example, illustrated in Figure 5b, the transparent periphery 3 only has one layer 11B
of
Each transparent region 3A-3D typically has an optical density when measured on a transmission densitometer, with an aperture area equivalent to that of a circle with a I mm diameter, preferably less than 0.3, more preferably less than 0.2 and even more preferably less than 0.1. The high contrast obtained between the printed opaque and transparent regions of documents prepared according to the present teaching is readily apparent and is typically no more than 0.6.
In order to identify the denomination of one of these banknotes, it can be held up to a light so that light is transmitted through the transparent region of the banknote and the distinctive shape of the opaque region will be readily recognized even by a partially sighted person.
Figure 2 shows a further embodiment of the current invention where the documents have the same main opaque regions 2A-2D as in Figure 1 but additionally the 5 denomination document has two opaque islands 4A within the transparent periphery 2A (Figure 2a), and the 10, 20 and 50 denomination documents have a transparent window area 5B-5D wholly enclosed within the opaque region of the document as with conventional polymeric banknotes.
Figures 3 and 4 show similar documents but where the transparent periphery comprises micro-text 6 (Figure 3 not shown to scale) and fine line detail 7 (Figure 4 not shown to scale) respectively.
The opaque regions 2A-2D can be in the form of a coating applied by any conventional printing process, but typically this is a gravure printing process. The opaque coating may comprise a single layer applied to one side of the transparent substrate 1 or one or more layers (10A,10B Figure 5a; 11A-11D Figure 5b) applied to both sides of the transparent substrate. The opaque coating is omitted in one or more regions of the document to provide a transparent periphery and, optionally, additional transparent areas of the secure document.
Figure 5 illustrates examples of the documents in cross-section. Figure 5a illustrates an example where the transparent periphery 3 (corresponding to 3A-3D in Figure 1) is formed by omitting the opaque pigmented coatings in that region and thus fully exposing the transparent polymeric substrate. In a further example, illustrated in Figure 5b, the transparent periphery 3 only has one layer 11B
of
7 pigmented coating while the remainder of the document has four layers. The coating in the transparent periphery must be sufficiently light transmitting that the optical density of the region does not exceed 0.3.
The opaque coating of the secure document, such as a banknote, then undergoes further standard security printing processes including one or more of the following; wet or dry lithographic printing, intaglio printing, letterpress printing, flexographic printing, screen-printing, and/or gravure printing.
A transparent periphery or other transparent window also enables the transparent region to be easily detected by transmitted light detectors on cash handling equipment. I n some detector systems however it may be difficult to differentiate between the edge of the document and the transparent periphery and the detector may inaccurately interpret the transparent periphery as the edge of a document having an incorrect length. This problem may simply be overcome by programming the detector to recognise the length of the opaque region rather than the length of the full document. Alternatively, unlike a void, the polymeric substrate forming the periphery will reflect a fraction of the incident light and this reflected light could be detected by a second detector to confirm that this is part of the document and not an edge. A similar method for determining the presence of enclosed transparent regions in polymer banknotes is described in US20030043365.
In a further embodiment, to avoid confusion with the edge of the note, the transparent periphery can be provided with an optical structure which provides a scattering or diffusing screen. This will reduce the level of transmitted light below that observed for a fully transparent substrate or a void, but the level of transmitted light will still be such that a significant portion of light can pass through the screen and activate the detectors.
The opaque coating of the secure document, such as a banknote, then undergoes further standard security printing processes including one or more of the following; wet or dry lithographic printing, intaglio printing, letterpress printing, flexographic printing, screen-printing, and/or gravure printing.
A transparent periphery or other transparent window also enables the transparent region to be easily detected by transmitted light detectors on cash handling equipment. I n some detector systems however it may be difficult to differentiate between the edge of the document and the transparent periphery and the detector may inaccurately interpret the transparent periphery as the edge of a document having an incorrect length. This problem may simply be overcome by programming the detector to recognise the length of the opaque region rather than the length of the full document. Alternatively, unlike a void, the polymeric substrate forming the periphery will reflect a fraction of the incident light and this reflected light could be detected by a second detector to confirm that this is part of the document and not an edge. A similar method for determining the presence of enclosed transparent regions in polymer banknotes is described in US20030043365.
In a further embodiment, to avoid confusion with the edge of the note, the transparent periphery can be provided with an optical structure which provides a scattering or diffusing screen. This will reduce the level of transmitted light below that observed for a fully transparent substrate or a void, but the level of transmitted light will still be such that a significant portion of light can pass through the screen and activate the detectors.
Claims (24)
1. A banknote which is one of a series of banknotes of different denominations, the banknote comprising a substrate having a substantially opaque region defining or carrying indicia relating to the banknote, wherein the substrate is a polymer substrate in that the substrate has a substantially transparent peripheral region wherein the substantially opaque central region has a shape unique to the denomination of the banknote; and wherein an optical density of the peripheral region when measured on a transmission densitometer, with an aperture area equivalent to that of a circle with a 1 mm diameter, is less than 0.3.
2. The banknote according to claim 1, wherein the optical density of the peripheral region when measured on the transmission densitometer, with the aperture area equivalent to that of the circle with the 1 mm diameter, is less than 0.2.
3. The banknote according to claim 1, wherein the optical density of the peripheral region when measured on the transmission densitometer, with the aperture area equivalent to that of the circle with the 1 mm diameter, is less than 0.1.
4. The banknote according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the substantially opaque central region has a regular geometric shape.
5. The banknote according to claim 4, wherein the regular geometric shape is one of a regular polygon including a square, hexagon or parallelogram, a circle or oval.
6. The banknote according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the substantially transparent peripheral region extends fully along at least one edge of the banknote.
7. The banknote according to claim 6, wherein the substantially transparent peripheral region extends around the periphery of the banknote.
8. The banknote according to claim 7, wherein the substantially transparent peripheral region extends fully around the periphery of the banknote.
9. The banknote according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the substantially opaque region is located centrally of the banknote.
10. The banknote according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the optical density of the substantially opaque region when measured on a transmission densitometer, with an aperture area equivalent to that of a circle with a 1 mm diameter, is greater than 0.4.
11. The banknote according to claim 10, wherein the optical density of the substantially opaque region when measured on the transmission densitometer, with the aperture area equivalent to that of the circle with the 1 mm diameter, is greater than 0.5.
12. The banknote according to claim 10, wherein the optical density of the substantially opaque region when measured on the transmission densitometer, with the aperture area equivalent to that of the circle with the 1 mm diameter, is greater than 0.6.
13. The banknote according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the ratio of the optical density of the substantially transparent peripheral region to the optical density of the substantially opaque region is no more than 0.6.
14. The banknote according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the substantially transparent peripheral region includes one or more security features.
15. The banknote according to claim 14, wherein the one or more security features comprise indicia or semi-transparent or transparent optically variable devices.
16. The banknote according to claim 15, wherein the indicia comprise micro-text, fine lined filigree patterns, metallised or demetallised indicia, or embossings.
17. The banknote according to claim 15, wherein the semi-transparent or transparent optically variable devices comprise liquid crystal films or coatings, photonic crystal films or coatings, or iridescent coatings.
18. The banknote according to any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein the substantially transparent peripheral region includes one or more substantially opaque features.
19. The banknote according to any one of claims 1 to 18, wherein the substantially opaque region includes one or more transparent regions.
20. The banknote according to claim 19, wherein the one or more transparent regions include one or more security features.
21. The banknote according to any one of claims 1 to 20, wherein the substantially opaque region is formed by one or more coatings on the substrate, and wherein the substantially transparent peripheral region has no coatings provided on the substrate.
22. The document according to any one of claims 1 to 20, wherein the substantially opaque region is formed by two or more coatings on the substrate, and wherein the substantially transparent peripheral region includes one coating on the substrate.
23. A series of banknotes of different denominations, each banknote being constructed according to any one of claims 1 to 22, wherein the substantially opaque region of each banknote has a shape unique to the denomination of the banknote.
24. A
method of operating a banknote sorter to distinguish between banknotes of different denominations, wherein each banknote is one of a series of banknotes of different denominations, each banknote being in accordance with any one of claims 1 to 23, the method comprising operating the banknote sorter to detect a transparent region in a banknote being processed, determine the shape and/or location of the detected transparent region, and use the detected shape and/or location to identify the denomination of the banknote.
method of operating a banknote sorter to distinguish between banknotes of different denominations, wherein each banknote is one of a series of banknotes of different denominations, each banknote being in accordance with any one of claims 1 to 23, the method comprising operating the banknote sorter to detect a transparent region in a banknote being processed, determine the shape and/or location of the detected transparent region, and use the detected shape and/or location to identify the denomination of the banknote.
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB0822735.7 | 2008-12-12 | ||
| GBGB0822735.7A GB0822735D0 (en) | 2008-12-12 | 2008-12-12 | Security document |
| PCT/GB2009/002859 WO2010067075A1 (en) | 2008-12-12 | 2009-12-10 | Security document |
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| CA2745416A1 CA2745416A1 (en) | 2010-06-17 |
| CA2745416C true CA2745416C (en) | 2017-03-28 |
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| AU (1) | AU2009326170C1 (en) |
| CA (1) | CA2745416C (en) |
| GB (1) | GB0822735D0 (en) |
| MX (1) | MX2011005736A (en) |
| WO (1) | WO2010067075A1 (en) |
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| GB2514338B (en) | 2013-05-17 | 2020-06-10 | De La Rue Int Ltd | Security documents and methods of manufacture |
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| GB2125337B (en) | 1981-08-24 | 1985-05-01 | Commw Scient Ind Res Org | Improved banknotes and the like |
| AT401365B (en) | 1993-10-11 | 1996-08-26 | Oesterr Nationalbank | SECURITIES |
| DE4334847A1 (en) | 1993-10-13 | 1995-04-20 | Kurz Leonhard Fa | Value document with window |
| EP1049590B2 (en) * | 1998-01-21 | 2011-11-23 | Securency International Pty Ltd | Method of verifying the authenticity of a security document and document for use in such a method |
| GB2338679A (en) * | 1998-06-25 | 1999-12-29 | Rue De Int Ltd | Substrates for security documents |
| GB9828770D0 (en) | 1998-12-29 | 1999-02-17 | Rue De Int Ltd | Security paper |
| CA2263616C (en) | 1999-03-01 | 2002-05-14 | Canadian Bank Note Company, Limited | Durable tactile indicia for banknotes/documents and method of making same |
| GB2379501A (en) | 2001-09-06 | 2003-03-12 | Ncr Int Inc | Media detection and validation system with transmission and reflection optical detectors |
| DE10163381A1 (en) | 2001-12-21 | 2003-07-03 | Giesecke & Devrient Gmbh | Security paper and method and device for its production |
| US20040008871A1 (en) | 2002-07-11 | 2004-01-15 | Smith Daniel Lee | Method for tactually encoding currency, currency-equivalents, and currency-surrogates for the visually-impaired |
| DE10305288B4 (en) | 2003-02-10 | 2005-06-30 | Leonhard Kurz Gmbh & Co. Kg | Security document with at least one security element |
| DE102004044459B4 (en) * | 2004-09-15 | 2009-07-09 | Ovd Kinegram Ag | Security document with transparent windows |
| MX2010005248A (en) | 2007-11-13 | 2010-06-02 | Securency Int Pty Ltd | Banknote with edge windows. |
| FR2925924B1 (en) | 2007-12-28 | 2011-04-29 | Arjowiggins Licensing Sas | SECURITY PAPER |
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- 2009-12-10 MX MX2011005736A patent/MX2011005736A/en active IP Right Grant
- 2009-12-10 CA CA2745416A patent/CA2745416C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 2009-12-10 AU AU2009326170A patent/AU2009326170C1/en not_active Ceased
Also Published As
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|---|---|
| EP2374112B1 (en) | 2013-01-23 |
| EP2374112B2 (en) | 2017-07-12 |
| WO2010067075A1 (en) | 2010-06-17 |
| AU2009326170B2 (en) | 2014-09-25 |
| GB0822735D0 (en) | 2009-01-21 |
| CA2745416A1 (en) | 2010-06-17 |
| AU2009326170A1 (en) | 2011-06-23 |
| EP2374112A1 (en) | 2011-10-12 |
| MX2011005736A (en) | 2011-10-10 |
| AU2009326170C1 (en) | 2017-03-09 |
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| EEER | Examination request |
Effective date: 20141031 |
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| MKLA | Lapsed |
Effective date: 20201210 |