CA2748091A1 - Data carrier having a see-through region - Google Patents
Data carrier having a see-through region Download PDFInfo
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- CA2748091A1 CA2748091A1 CA2748091A CA2748091A CA2748091A1 CA 2748091 A1 CA2748091 A1 CA 2748091A1 CA 2748091 A CA2748091 A CA 2748091A CA 2748091 A CA2748091 A CA 2748091A CA 2748091 A1 CA2748091 A1 CA 2748091A1
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- Prior art keywords
- region
- marking
- motif
- cutting lines
- see
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- 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.)
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Classifications
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- 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
- B42D25/21—Information-bearing cards or sheet-like structures characterised by identification or security features; Manufacture thereof characterised by a particular use or purpose for multiple purposes
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- B42D2035/16—
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- B42D2035/24—
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- B42D2035/36—
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- 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
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B42—BOOKBINDING; ALBUMS; FILES; SPECIAL PRINTED MATTER
- B42D—BOOKS; BOOK COVERS; LOOSE LEAVES; PRINTED MATTER CHARACTERISED BY IDENTIFICATION OR SECURITY FEATURES; PRINTED MATTER OF SPECIAL FORMAT OR STYLE NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; DEVICES FOR USE THEREWITH AND NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; MOVABLE-STRIP WRITING OR READING APPARATUS
- B42D25/00—Information-bearing cards or sheet-like structures characterised by identification or security features; Manufacture thereof
- B42D25/40—Manufacture
- B42D25/405—Marking
- B42D25/41—Marking using electromagnetic radiation
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B42—BOOKBINDING; ALBUMS; FILES; SPECIAL PRINTED MATTER
- B42D—BOOKS; BOOK COVERS; LOOSE LEAVES; PRINTED MATTER CHARACTERISED BY IDENTIFICATION OR SECURITY FEATURES; PRINTED MATTER OF SPECIAL FORMAT OR STYLE NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; DEVICES FOR USE THEREWITH AND NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; MOVABLE-STRIP WRITING OR READING APPARATUS
- B42D25/00—Information-bearing cards or sheet-like structures characterised by identification or security features; Manufacture thereof
- B42D25/40—Manufacture
- B42D25/405—Marking
- B42D25/43—Marking by removal of material
Abstract
The present invention relates to a data carrier, especially a value document, such as a banknote, identification card and the like, having a support (20) in which a see-through region (12) is formed by a line grid composed of a plurality of parallel cutting lines (22), there being arranged within the see-through region (12) a motif region (30) having a visual impression that is changed in reflected light and/or transmitted light and that is developed in the form of a pattern, characters or a code.
Description
Data Carrier Having a See-Through Region The present invention relates to a data carrier, especially a value document, such as a banknote, identification card and the like, having a see-through region, and a method for manufacturing such a data carrier.
For protection, data carriers, such as security, value or identification documents, but also other valuable objects, are often furnished with security features that permit the authenticity of the data carrier to be verified, and that simultaneously serve as protection against unauthorized reproduction.
Here, see-through security features, such as see-through windows in banknotes, are increasingly becoming more attractive. For window production, here, a foil provided with an adhesive layer on one side, for example, is applied to a banknote to close a previously produced through opening in the banknote.
Based on that, it is the object of the present invention to further improve data carriers of the kind cited above with a view to their security against reproduction and their visual appearance.
This object is solved by the data carrier and the manufacturing method having the features of the independent claims. Developments of the present invention are the subject of the dependent claims.
According to the present invention, a generic data carrier, especially a value document, such as a banknote, identification card and the like, includes a support in which a see-through region is formed by a line grid composed of a plurality of parallel cutting lines. Within the see-through region is arranged, according to the present invention, a motif region having a visual impression that is changed in reflected light and/ or transmitted light, and that is developed in the form of a pattern, characters or a code.
In a preferred variant of the present invention, the motif region is formed by a line grid composed of a plurality of parallel cutting lines, such that the cutting lines of the motif region form first cutting lines, and the cutting lines of the see-through region that he outside the motif region form second cutting lines, the first and second cutting lines connecting to each other and exhibiting different cutting widths. Due to the different cutting widths of the first and second cutting lines and the resulting different areal coverage of the support, the motif region is visually perceptible within the surrounding see-through region in transmitted light and/ or reflected light. Here, the width of the first cutting lines can be both larger and smaller than the width of the second cutting lines. Here, the wider cutting lines are especially at least 10%, at least 20%, at least 50% or even more than 100% wider than the narrower cutting lines. In advantageous embodiments, the cutting width of the first and second cutting lines is substantially constant in each case. Here, the formulation "substantially constant" accounts for the fact that, in laser cutting, in practice, even with the same settings, the cutting width can vary slightly and thus cannot be completely constant.
In advantageous embodiments of the present invention, the support is provided in the see-through region with a laser-modifiable marking substance, and at least the cutting lines of the see-through region that lie outside the motif region exhibit an edge region that is modified by the action of laser radiation. If cutting lines are likewise present within the motif region, then also these advantageously exhibit an edge region that is modified by the action of laser radiation. In other embodiments, the motif region is uncut, especially merely provided with marking lines or marking contours, as explained below.
The carrier can especially be provided with a marking substance whose visible color is changeable by the action of laser radiation. The cutting lines of the see-through region that he outside the motif region, and, if applicable, also the cutting lines that are present within the motif region then exhibit a colored edge region.
Alternatively or additionally, the support can be provided with a marking substance whose infrared-absorbing, magnetic, electric or luminescent properties are changeable by the action of laser radiation. The cutting lines of the see-through region that he outside the motif region and, if applicable, also the cutting lines that are present within the motif region then exhibit an edge region having changed infrared-absorbing, magnetic, electric or luminescent properties compared with their surroundings. Such embodiments permit a simple supplementary mechanical authenticity check of the see-through region.
Advantageously, laser-modifiable effect pigments can be used as the marking substance. Such effect pigments, with different properties, especially with respect to their body color, the color change under laser action, the threshold energy and the required laser wavelength, are available to the person of skill in the art. Also effect pigments that, upon laser irradiation, don't change (only) their visible color, but rather their infrared-absorbing, magnetic, electric or luminescent properties, are known to the person of skill in the art. The modification of the effect pigments can be done with laser radiation in the ultraviolet, visible or infrared spectral range, for example with a CO2 laser of a wavelength of 10.6 m.
For protection, data carriers, such as security, value or identification documents, but also other valuable objects, are often furnished with security features that permit the authenticity of the data carrier to be verified, and that simultaneously serve as protection against unauthorized reproduction.
Here, see-through security features, such as see-through windows in banknotes, are increasingly becoming more attractive. For window production, here, a foil provided with an adhesive layer on one side, for example, is applied to a banknote to close a previously produced through opening in the banknote.
Based on that, it is the object of the present invention to further improve data carriers of the kind cited above with a view to their security against reproduction and their visual appearance.
This object is solved by the data carrier and the manufacturing method having the features of the independent claims. Developments of the present invention are the subject of the dependent claims.
According to the present invention, a generic data carrier, especially a value document, such as a banknote, identification card and the like, includes a support in which a see-through region is formed by a line grid composed of a plurality of parallel cutting lines. Within the see-through region is arranged, according to the present invention, a motif region having a visual impression that is changed in reflected light and/ or transmitted light, and that is developed in the form of a pattern, characters or a code.
In a preferred variant of the present invention, the motif region is formed by a line grid composed of a plurality of parallel cutting lines, such that the cutting lines of the motif region form first cutting lines, and the cutting lines of the see-through region that he outside the motif region form second cutting lines, the first and second cutting lines connecting to each other and exhibiting different cutting widths. Due to the different cutting widths of the first and second cutting lines and the resulting different areal coverage of the support, the motif region is visually perceptible within the surrounding see-through region in transmitted light and/ or reflected light. Here, the width of the first cutting lines can be both larger and smaller than the width of the second cutting lines. Here, the wider cutting lines are especially at least 10%, at least 20%, at least 50% or even more than 100% wider than the narrower cutting lines. In advantageous embodiments, the cutting width of the first and second cutting lines is substantially constant in each case. Here, the formulation "substantially constant" accounts for the fact that, in laser cutting, in practice, even with the same settings, the cutting width can vary slightly and thus cannot be completely constant.
In advantageous embodiments of the present invention, the support is provided in the see-through region with a laser-modifiable marking substance, and at least the cutting lines of the see-through region that lie outside the motif region exhibit an edge region that is modified by the action of laser radiation. If cutting lines are likewise present within the motif region, then also these advantageously exhibit an edge region that is modified by the action of laser radiation. In other embodiments, the motif region is uncut, especially merely provided with marking lines or marking contours, as explained below.
The carrier can especially be provided with a marking substance whose visible color is changeable by the action of laser radiation. The cutting lines of the see-through region that he outside the motif region, and, if applicable, also the cutting lines that are present within the motif region then exhibit a colored edge region.
Alternatively or additionally, the support can be provided with a marking substance whose infrared-absorbing, magnetic, electric or luminescent properties are changeable by the action of laser radiation. The cutting lines of the see-through region that he outside the motif region and, if applicable, also the cutting lines that are present within the motif region then exhibit an edge region having changed infrared-absorbing, magnetic, electric or luminescent properties compared with their surroundings. Such embodiments permit a simple supplementary mechanical authenticity check of the see-through region.
Advantageously, laser-modifiable effect pigments can be used as the marking substance. Such effect pigments, with different properties, especially with respect to their body color, the color change under laser action, the threshold energy and the required laser wavelength, are available to the person of skill in the art. Also effect pigments that, upon laser irradiation, don't change (only) their visible color, but rather their infrared-absorbing, magnetic, electric or luminescent properties, are known to the person of skill in the art. The modification of the effect pigments can be done with laser radiation in the ultraviolet, visible or infrared spectral range, for example with a CO2 laser of a wavelength of 10.6 m.
In a further, likewise advantageous variant of the present invention, a pigment-free laser-modifiable marking substance is used. Also pigment-free marking substances can be applied to the support or introduced into the support volume, for example as intaglio or printing ink. With pigment-free marking substances, a high-transparency coating can be produced into which a permanent and high-contrast marking can be introduced by laser action at high speed. Pigment-free marking substances can be modified by laser radiation in the ultraviolet, visible or infrared spectral range, for example with the 10.6 m radiation of a CO2 laser. Specific, non-limiting examples of pigment-free laser-modifiable marking substances are specified in publications WO 02/101462 Al, US 4,343,885 and EP 0290 750 B1. Especially also the laser-markable compositions specified in publication EP 1 648 969 B1 that are modifiable with a CO2 cutting laser can be used as marking substances.
In a further, likewise advantageous variant of the present invention, the motif region is formed by an uncut region of the support. The motif region is then easily perceptible, especially in transmitted light, as the uncut portion of the support against the background of the screened see-through region.
According to a further advantageous variant of the present invention, the motif region is formed by an uncut region of the support having a marking line grid composed of a plurality of parallel marking lines that connect to the cutting lines outside the motif region. Here, the motif region is easily perceptible in transmitted light as an uncut portion of the support, and is clearly visible also in top view due to the marking lines.
In a further, likewise advantageous variant of the present invention, the motif region is formed by an uncut region of the support. The motif region is then easily perceptible, especially in transmitted light, as the uncut portion of the support against the background of the screened see-through region.
According to a further advantageous variant of the present invention, the motif region is formed by an uncut region of the support having a marking line grid composed of a plurality of parallel marking lines that connect to the cutting lines outside the motif region. Here, the motif region is easily perceptible in transmitted light as an uncut portion of the support, and is clearly visible also in top view due to the marking lines.
In this variant of the present invention, the carrier is preferably provided with a marking substance whose visible color is changeable by the action of laser radiation, such that the marking lines of the motif region are colored.
Alternatively or additionally, the support can also be provided with a marking substance whose infrared-absorbing, magnetic, electric or luminescent properties are changeable by the action of laser radiation, such that the marking lines of the motif region exhibit changed infrared-absorbing, magnetic, electric or luminescent properties compared with their surroundings. Here, too, the above-mentioned substances may be used as marking substances.
In a further advantageous variant of the present invention, the motif region is formed by an uncut region of the support having multiple nested marking contours of decreasing size. Here, the marking contours expediently trace the shape of the motif region, with all details of the outer contour of the motif region, with increasing diminution, no longer having to be depicted. Also in such an embodiment, the motif region having the depicted marking motif is clearly perceptible in reflected light.
As with the preceding variant of the present invention, also in this variant, the support can be provided with a marking substance whose visible color and/or whose infrared-absorbing, magnetic, electric or luminescent properties are changeable by the action of laser radiation, such that the marking contours exhibit appropriately changed properties.
In all embodiments, a through motif opening can be arranged within the motif region in the form of a pattern, characters or a code. In advantageous embodiments, the shape of the motif opening and the shape of the motif region are associated in meaning. Such a meaning association can especially consist in that the motif opening depicts the same motif as the motif region, with it being possible for the spatial position and/or the size of the two depicted motifs to differ. The meaning association can also consist in that the first and second depicted motif each form only motif portions that complement each other to form a complete motif, or in that the first and second depicted motif complement each other to form a coherent complete image.
Also the see-through region itself can, in all embodiments, be developed in the form of a pattern, characters or a code, it being possible for the shape of the see-through region and the shape of the motif region and/or, if applicable, an existing motif opening to be associated in meaning. The shapes of the see-through region, motif region and motif opening can, however, also be chosen to be independent of one another, and each depict independent motifs.
In one development of the present invention, the see-through region exhibits, in addition to the line grid composed of parallel cutting lines, also a marking line grid composed of a plurality of parallel marking lines. Here, the cutting lines and the marking lines can be parallel or include an arbitrary angle. In this development, the motif region is advantageously formed by an uncut region of the support having two marking line grids each composed of a plurality of parallel marking lines, the marking lines of the one marking line grid connecting to the cutting lines outside the motif region, and the marking lines of the other marking line grid connecting to the marking lines outside the motif region.
According to a further advantageous variant of the present invention, the contour of the motif region is provided with a marking contour, especially a colored marking contour, to increase the perceptibility of the motif region in reflected light.
In all embodiments, the cutting lines are preferably executed having a width between 0.05 mm and 1 mm, especially between 0.1 mm and 0.4 mm, and having a spacing (center to center) between 0.05 mm and 1 mm. With a typical spacing of 0.5 mm, the width of the cutting line is preferably between 0.10 and 0.35 mm.
The see-through region of the data carrier is advantageously reinforced by a foil element. The foil element can be developed as a patch or as a strip.
Alternatively, the foil element can also cover the entre surface area of the data carrier. The foil element can be laminated or coextruded onto the support, either only on one surface of the support or on both surfaces, that is, front and/or reverse. Here, the foil element can especially include a line grid that, with the line grid of the see-through region, produces a moire effect, especially in that the period of the line grid of the foil element deviates slightly from the period of the line grid of the see-through region, and/or both line grids are rotated against each other.
In a further embodiment, the foil element is matted. The matting results in the visual impression of the motif region arranged in the see-through region changing more intensely in reflected light and/or transmitted light than without matting. In particular, the motif region is very easily visible in transmitted light, and as good as no longer visible in reflected light. The matting of the foil can be achieved by applying a matting coating. The coating is preferably an ink absorption layer. The ink absorption layer commonly comprises a binder and silica gel as the main components. The silica gel portion is based on the desired intensity of the matting. The more silica gel is included, the more matte the layer becomes.
Alternatively to applying a matting layer, also the foil element itself can be matte. Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) or polypropylene (PP) foil, for example, are used.
In further embodiments, the foil element is provided with a metallic layer at least in the region of the motif region arranged in the see-through region.
The metallic layer is preferably vapor deposited. The thickness of the metallic layer is calculated such that it appears opaque to a viewer in reflected light and at least partially transparent in transmitted light. In reflected light, the viewer can thus not perceive the motif region covered by the metallic layer, but in transmitted light, can perceive it very well. In a metallic layer composed of aluminum, the thickness is preferably between 30 nm and 40 nm.
However, it is also possible to use the screened see-through region without an additional foil element as the security element. The data carrier can especially be a security element, a security paper or a value document.
The present invention also includes a method for manufacturing a data carrier of the kind cited above. Here, a see-through region is formed in the support in that a line grid composed of a plurality of parallel cutting lines is produced by laser cutting, there being produced within the see-through region a motif region having a visual impression that is changed in reflected light and/or transmitted light, and that is developed in the form of a pattern, characters or a code.
Alternatively or additionally, the support can also be provided with a marking substance whose infrared-absorbing, magnetic, electric or luminescent properties are changeable by the action of laser radiation, such that the marking lines of the motif region exhibit changed infrared-absorbing, magnetic, electric or luminescent properties compared with their surroundings. Here, too, the above-mentioned substances may be used as marking substances.
In a further advantageous variant of the present invention, the motif region is formed by an uncut region of the support having multiple nested marking contours of decreasing size. Here, the marking contours expediently trace the shape of the motif region, with all details of the outer contour of the motif region, with increasing diminution, no longer having to be depicted. Also in such an embodiment, the motif region having the depicted marking motif is clearly perceptible in reflected light.
As with the preceding variant of the present invention, also in this variant, the support can be provided with a marking substance whose visible color and/or whose infrared-absorbing, magnetic, electric or luminescent properties are changeable by the action of laser radiation, such that the marking contours exhibit appropriately changed properties.
In all embodiments, a through motif opening can be arranged within the motif region in the form of a pattern, characters or a code. In advantageous embodiments, the shape of the motif opening and the shape of the motif region are associated in meaning. Such a meaning association can especially consist in that the motif opening depicts the same motif as the motif region, with it being possible for the spatial position and/or the size of the two depicted motifs to differ. The meaning association can also consist in that the first and second depicted motif each form only motif portions that complement each other to form a complete motif, or in that the first and second depicted motif complement each other to form a coherent complete image.
Also the see-through region itself can, in all embodiments, be developed in the form of a pattern, characters or a code, it being possible for the shape of the see-through region and the shape of the motif region and/or, if applicable, an existing motif opening to be associated in meaning. The shapes of the see-through region, motif region and motif opening can, however, also be chosen to be independent of one another, and each depict independent motifs.
In one development of the present invention, the see-through region exhibits, in addition to the line grid composed of parallel cutting lines, also a marking line grid composed of a plurality of parallel marking lines. Here, the cutting lines and the marking lines can be parallel or include an arbitrary angle. In this development, the motif region is advantageously formed by an uncut region of the support having two marking line grids each composed of a plurality of parallel marking lines, the marking lines of the one marking line grid connecting to the cutting lines outside the motif region, and the marking lines of the other marking line grid connecting to the marking lines outside the motif region.
According to a further advantageous variant of the present invention, the contour of the motif region is provided with a marking contour, especially a colored marking contour, to increase the perceptibility of the motif region in reflected light.
In all embodiments, the cutting lines are preferably executed having a width between 0.05 mm and 1 mm, especially between 0.1 mm and 0.4 mm, and having a spacing (center to center) between 0.05 mm and 1 mm. With a typical spacing of 0.5 mm, the width of the cutting line is preferably between 0.10 and 0.35 mm.
The see-through region of the data carrier is advantageously reinforced by a foil element. The foil element can be developed as a patch or as a strip.
Alternatively, the foil element can also cover the entre surface area of the data carrier. The foil element can be laminated or coextruded onto the support, either only on one surface of the support or on both surfaces, that is, front and/or reverse. Here, the foil element can especially include a line grid that, with the line grid of the see-through region, produces a moire effect, especially in that the period of the line grid of the foil element deviates slightly from the period of the line grid of the see-through region, and/or both line grids are rotated against each other.
In a further embodiment, the foil element is matted. The matting results in the visual impression of the motif region arranged in the see-through region changing more intensely in reflected light and/or transmitted light than without matting. In particular, the motif region is very easily visible in transmitted light, and as good as no longer visible in reflected light. The matting of the foil can be achieved by applying a matting coating. The coating is preferably an ink absorption layer. The ink absorption layer commonly comprises a binder and silica gel as the main components. The silica gel portion is based on the desired intensity of the matting. The more silica gel is included, the more matte the layer becomes.
Alternatively to applying a matting layer, also the foil element itself can be matte. Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) or polypropylene (PP) foil, for example, are used.
In further embodiments, the foil element is provided with a metallic layer at least in the region of the motif region arranged in the see-through region.
The metallic layer is preferably vapor deposited. The thickness of the metallic layer is calculated such that it appears opaque to a viewer in reflected light and at least partially transparent in transmitted light. In reflected light, the viewer can thus not perceive the motif region covered by the metallic layer, but in transmitted light, can perceive it very well. In a metallic layer composed of aluminum, the thickness is preferably between 30 nm and 40 nm.
However, it is also possible to use the screened see-through region without an additional foil element as the security element. The data carrier can especially be a security element, a security paper or a value document.
The present invention also includes a method for manufacturing a data carrier of the kind cited above. Here, a see-through region is formed in the support in that a line grid composed of a plurality of parallel cutting lines is produced by laser cutting, there being produced within the see-through region a motif region having a visual impression that is changed in reflected light and/or transmitted light, and that is developed in the form of a pattern, characters or a code.
The motif region of the data carrier is preferably formed by a line grid composed of first parallel cutting lines that are produced by the same cutting laser beam as the second cutting lines of the see-through region that lie outside the motif region. Here, the first and second cutting lines are produced having different cutting widths by a variation in the laser parameters, especially in the laser power and/or the cutting speed.
In advantageous embodiments, before the laser cutting, the support is provided in the see-through region with a laser-modifiable marking substance such that the cutting lines that lie outside the motif region are modified in their edge region by the action of laser radiation. If cutting lines are present within the motif region, then also said cutting lines are advantageously modified in their edge region by the action of laser radiation.
To provide the support with a marking substance, in an advantageous variant of the present invention, the support is coated on its surface with the marking substance, for example through a printing process. According to another, likewise advantageous variant of the present invention, the marking substance is introduced into the volume of the support. Different methods are available for this depending on the support material. If the support is formed from paper, the marking substance can advantageously be added to the paper pulp already at sheet formation. A further advantageous possibility consists in introducing the marking substance into the volume of the paper substrate in an immersion bath, or impregnating the paper substrate with the marking substance in a size press. If the support is formed from a plastic foil, the marking substance can likewise be introduced into the volume of the foil already at the manufacture of the foil or subsequently through an impregnation step.
In advantageous embodiments, before the laser cutting, the support is provided in the see-through region with a laser-modifiable marking substance such that the cutting lines that lie outside the motif region are modified in their edge region by the action of laser radiation. If cutting lines are present within the motif region, then also said cutting lines are advantageously modified in their edge region by the action of laser radiation.
To provide the support with a marking substance, in an advantageous variant of the present invention, the support is coated on its surface with the marking substance, for example through a printing process. According to another, likewise advantageous variant of the present invention, the marking substance is introduced into the volume of the support. Different methods are available for this depending on the support material. If the support is formed from paper, the marking substance can advantageously be added to the paper pulp already at sheet formation. A further advantageous possibility consists in introducing the marking substance into the volume of the paper substrate in an immersion bath, or impregnating the paper substrate with the marking substance in a size press. If the support is formed from a plastic foil, the marking substance can likewise be introduced into the volume of the foil already at the manufacture of the foil or subsequently through an impregnation step.
In an advantageous method variant, the motif region is formed by an uncut region of the support. In particular, the motif region can be formed by an uncut region of the support having a marking line grid having parallel marking lines that are produced by the same laser beam as the cutting lines of the see-through region that lie outside the motif region. Here, the cutting lines that lie outside the motif region and the marking lines of the motif region are produced by a variation in the laser parameters, especially in the laser power and/or the cutting speed.
According to a further advantageous variant of the present invention, the motif region is formed by an uncut region of the support having multiple nested marking contours of decreasing size.
Generally, very thin paper webs are created upon producing the line grid from the plurality of parallel cutting lines. Surprisingly, however, it was found that the paper webs are, in any case, so stable that they hold up to one foil application of the see-through region. After the foil application of the see-through region, the paper webs are stabilized by the foil. The see-through regions according to the present invention are thus suitable particularly for security elements or value documents having foil elements or a foil composite document. In some cases, the paper webs are even so stable that they can be used also without a stabilizing foil.
Further exemplary embodiments and advantages of the present invention are explained below by reference to the drawings, in which a depiction to scale and proportion was omitted in order to improve their clarity.
Shown are:
According to a further advantageous variant of the present invention, the motif region is formed by an uncut region of the support having multiple nested marking contours of decreasing size.
Generally, very thin paper webs are created upon producing the line grid from the plurality of parallel cutting lines. Surprisingly, however, it was found that the paper webs are, in any case, so stable that they hold up to one foil application of the see-through region. After the foil application of the see-through region, the paper webs are stabilized by the foil. The see-through regions according to the present invention are thus suitable particularly for security elements or value documents having foil elements or a foil composite document. In some cases, the paper webs are even so stable that they can be used also without a stabilizing foil.
Further exemplary embodiments and advantages of the present invention are explained below by reference to the drawings, in which a depiction to scale and proportion was omitted in order to improve their clarity.
Shown are:
Fig. 1 a schematic diagram of a banknote having a see-through region according to the present invention, Fig. 2 a detailed top view of the see-through region in fig. 1, Fig. 3 in (a), a sketch to explain the change in the cutting width for cutting laser beams having different maximum powers, and in (b), to explain the change in the cutting width due to a change in the cutting speed when the maximum laser power is constant, Fig. 4 a top view of a see-through region according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, Fig. 5 a top view of a see-through region according to a further exemplary embodiment of the present invention, Fig. 6 a detailed cutout of fig. 5 at the transition of the motif region and the see-through region, Fig. 7 schematically, the spatial energy distribution of a cutting laser beam to explain the creation of the edge effect, Fig. 8 a top view of a see-through region according to a further exemplary embodiment of the present invention, Fig. 9 a top view of a see-through region according to yet a further exemplary embodiment of the present invention, Fig. 10 a detailed cutout of fig. 9 at the transition of the motif region and the see-through region, Fig. 11 to 14 top views of see-through regions according to further exemplary embodiments of the present invention, and Fig. 15 a detailed cutout of fig. 14 at the transition from the motif region and the see-through region.
The invention will now be explained using a banknote as an example. For this, figures 1 and 2 show a schematic diagram of a banknote 10 that exhibits, shown in greater detail in fig. 2, a see-through region 12 according to the present invention. For stabilization, the see-through region 12 on the banknote 10 can be reinforced with a transparent foil element, which is not shown.
With reference to the top view in fig. 2, the see-through region 12 is formed by a line grid composed of a plurality of parallel cutting lines 22 that were cut in the banknote paper 20 by the action of laser radiation. In the exemplary embodiment, the line grid of the cutting lines 22 exhibits a period length of 0.5 mm at a cutting width of the cutting lines 22 of 0.15 mm, such that the areal coverage of the line grid is 30%. The see-through region is thus perceptible both in top view and when looked through.
The see-through region 12 is developed in the form of a geometric pattern, for example of the oval depicted in fig. 2. The contour of the see-through region is indicated in the figure by the border 24 drawn in with dotted lines, and serves merely to graphically illustrate the shape formed.
The invention will now be explained using a banknote as an example. For this, figures 1 and 2 show a schematic diagram of a banknote 10 that exhibits, shown in greater detail in fig. 2, a see-through region 12 according to the present invention. For stabilization, the see-through region 12 on the banknote 10 can be reinforced with a transparent foil element, which is not shown.
With reference to the top view in fig. 2, the see-through region 12 is formed by a line grid composed of a plurality of parallel cutting lines 22 that were cut in the banknote paper 20 by the action of laser radiation. In the exemplary embodiment, the line grid of the cutting lines 22 exhibits a period length of 0.5 mm at a cutting width of the cutting lines 22 of 0.15 mm, such that the areal coverage of the line grid is 30%. The see-through region is thus perceptible both in top view and when looked through.
The see-through region 12 is developed in the form of a geometric pattern, for example of the oval depicted in fig. 2. The contour of the see-through region is indicated in the figure by the border 24 drawn in with dotted lines, and serves merely to graphically illustrate the shape formed.
Within the see-through region 12 is arranged a motif region 30 that, compared with the surrounding see-through region 12, exhibits a changed visual impression in reflected light and/or transmitted light and, because of this, is perceptible for the viewer. The motif region 30 is generally developed in the form of a pattern, characters or a code and, in the exemplary embodiment, has the shape of a maple leaf. Also the contour 34 of the motif region 30, drawn in with dotted lines, serves merely to graphically illustrate the shape of the motif region 30 and does not necessarily correspond to an actually existing contour on the banknote.
Even if the see-through region and the motif region in this and the following described exemplary embodiments are depicted, by way of example, in the shape of an oval or a maple leaf, these special shapes serve merely to clearly depict the different exemplary embodiments and are by no means to be understood as limiting.
In the exemplary embodiment in fig. 2, also the motif region 30 itself is formed by a line grid composed of a plurality of parallel cutting lines 32 that connect, in perfect register, to the cutting lines 22 of the see-through region 12 that he outside the motif region 30. However, the cutting lines 32 of the motif region 30 are developed having a cutting width of 0.3 mm and are thus substantially wider than the cutting lines 22 present outside the motif region.
Due to the lower areal coverage of the paper in the motif region 30, the "maple leaf" motif formed by it is, depending on the lighting conditions and the background, clearly perceptible in reflected light and/or transmitted light. It is understood that also other numerical values than those named by way of example may be used for the period lengths and cutting widths. For example, for a period length of 0.5 mm, the cutting width of the cutting lines 22 outside the motif region 30 can be between 0.10 mm and 0.20 mm, and the cutting width of the cutting lines 22 within the motif region 30 between 0.25 mm and 0.35 mm. For larger or smaller period lengths, the cutting widths can be increased or decreased accordingly.
The perfect registration of the cutting lines 22, 32 of different widths is ensured by producing the cutting lines 22, 32 by laser cutting with the same cutting laser beam in the same operation. The different cutting widths are produced by a variation in the laser parameters, especially in the laser power and/or the cutting speed, in the cutting process.
For illustration, the substantially Gaussian spatial distribution of the power W of a cutting laser beam is shown in fig. 3(a). At a constant cutting speed and high maximum power (distribution 40), the energy input of the laser radiation into the paper exceeds the threshold energy required to cut the paper 20 in a wide cutting region 42. For a distribution 44 with a lower maximum power, in contrast, the threshold energy required to cut the paper is exceeded only in a narrower cutting region 46, such that a smaller cutting width results. In this way, at a constant cutting speed, due to the practically instantaneously possible variation in the laser power, the cutting 20 width of the laser beam can be varied as desired along the laser beam path.
With reference to fig. 2, in this way, cutting lines 22, 32 that are connected to each other can be produced in one operation as through, and thus perfectly registered, cutting lines. For this, at the transition from the see-through region 12 (cutting lines 22) to the motif region 30 (cutting lines 32), the laser power and thus the cutting width is increased, and at the transition from the motif region 30 (cutting lines 32) to the see-through region 12 (cutting lines 22), the laser power and thus the cutting width is decreased again.
Even if the see-through region and the motif region in this and the following described exemplary embodiments are depicted, by way of example, in the shape of an oval or a maple leaf, these special shapes serve merely to clearly depict the different exemplary embodiments and are by no means to be understood as limiting.
In the exemplary embodiment in fig. 2, also the motif region 30 itself is formed by a line grid composed of a plurality of parallel cutting lines 32 that connect, in perfect register, to the cutting lines 22 of the see-through region 12 that he outside the motif region 30. However, the cutting lines 32 of the motif region 30 are developed having a cutting width of 0.3 mm and are thus substantially wider than the cutting lines 22 present outside the motif region.
Due to the lower areal coverage of the paper in the motif region 30, the "maple leaf" motif formed by it is, depending on the lighting conditions and the background, clearly perceptible in reflected light and/or transmitted light. It is understood that also other numerical values than those named by way of example may be used for the period lengths and cutting widths. For example, for a period length of 0.5 mm, the cutting width of the cutting lines 22 outside the motif region 30 can be between 0.10 mm and 0.20 mm, and the cutting width of the cutting lines 22 within the motif region 30 between 0.25 mm and 0.35 mm. For larger or smaller period lengths, the cutting widths can be increased or decreased accordingly.
The perfect registration of the cutting lines 22, 32 of different widths is ensured by producing the cutting lines 22, 32 by laser cutting with the same cutting laser beam in the same operation. The different cutting widths are produced by a variation in the laser parameters, especially in the laser power and/or the cutting speed, in the cutting process.
For illustration, the substantially Gaussian spatial distribution of the power W of a cutting laser beam is shown in fig. 3(a). At a constant cutting speed and high maximum power (distribution 40), the energy input of the laser radiation into the paper exceeds the threshold energy required to cut the paper 20 in a wide cutting region 42. For a distribution 44 with a lower maximum power, in contrast, the threshold energy required to cut the paper is exceeded only in a narrower cutting region 46, such that a smaller cutting width results. In this way, at a constant cutting speed, due to the practically instantaneously possible variation in the laser power, the cutting 20 width of the laser beam can be varied as desired along the laser beam path.
With reference to fig. 2, in this way, cutting lines 22, 32 that are connected to each other can be produced in one operation as through, and thus perfectly registered, cutting lines. For this, at the transition from the see-through region 12 (cutting lines 22) to the motif region 30 (cutting lines 32), the laser power and thus the cutting width is increased, and at the transition from the motif region 30 (cutting lines 32) to the see-through region 12 (cutting lines 22), the laser power and thus the cutting width is decreased again.
Fig. 3(b) illustrates the change in the cutting width due to a change in the cutting speed at constant maximum laser power (distribution 50). At a high cutting speed, the laser radiation acts only relatively briefly on the paper, such that the energy input into the paper is low. Accordingly, the threshold energy required to cut the paper is exceeded only in a narrow cutting region 52 with high laser power. At a lower cutting speed, in contrast, the laser radiation acts on the paper longer, such that a higher energy input into the paper results. Accordingly, a wider cutting region 54 results in that the threshold energy required to cut the paper is exceeded.
With reference to fig. 2, the cutting lines 22, 32 that are connected to each other can thus also be produced in one operation as through, and thus perfectly registered, cutting lines, in that the cutting speed is decreased at the transition from the see-through region 12 (cutting lines 22) to the motif region 30 (cutting lines 32), and thus the cutting width increased, and in that, at the transition from the motif region 30 (cutting lines 32) to the see-through region 12 (cutting lines 22), the cutting speed is increased again and the cutting width thus decreased.
For the sake of simplicity, the effects of the change in the laser parameters power and cutting speed are each explained separately in fig. 3. However, it is understood that both parameters can also be changed together and simultaneously in order to have a larger variation width available.
Fig. 4 shows a further exemplary embodiment of a see-through region 60 designed according to the present invention, in which the parallel cutting lines 22 that lie outside the motif region 64 were produced, as with fig. 2, by laser cutting. Unlike the embodiment in fig. 2, within the motif region 64, the laser power of the cutting laser was reduced below the cutting threshold of the paper 20, such that no cutting lines were produced there. In this way, the motif region 64 remains as an uncut piece of paper and is clearly perceptible against the background of the screened see-through region 60, especially in transmitted light.
In the exemplary embodiment in fig. 5, the see-through region 70 and the motif region 80 are, as in fig. 2, each formed by a line grid composed of a plurality of parallel cutting lines 72 and 82, the cutting lines 72, 82 connecting to each other and the cutting width of the cutting lines 72 outside the motif region 80 being chosen, through suitable variation of the laser parameters, to be smaller than the cutting width of the cutting lines 82 within the motif region 80.
In addition, both the cutting lines 72 and the cutting lines 82 are each surrounded on both sides by a perfectly registered colored edge 74 and 84, as depicted in greater detail in the detailed cutout in fig. 6, which shows the transition of a cutting line 72 to a cutting line 82 at the edge 86 of the motif region 80.
To produce such a colored edge 74, 84 that is perfectly registered with the cutting lines, before the laser cutting, the banknote paper 20 was provided with certain surroundings of the see-through region 70 to be produced with laser-modifiable effect pigments that, upon action of laser radiation, display a desired color change, for example from colorless to red.
The principle of the simultaneously and perfectly registered production of the cutting lines 72, 82 and of the colored edges 74, 84 is illustrated in fig. 7, where, in turn, the spatial power or energy distribution 55 of the cutting laser beam is shown schematically. In an inner region, the cutting region 56, the laser energy exceeds the threshold energy El required to cut the paper 20. In fig. 7, the reaction energy of the effect pigments is indicated by E2, upon the exceedance of which the desired color change occurs. As directly evident from the drawing, in an outer region of the laser beam profile, the marking region 58, the laser energy is between the reaction energy E2 required for the color change and the energy El required for cutting, such that, in the marking region 58, a color change is induced in the effect pigments, but the support is not cut.
The banknote paper 20 that is provided with the laser-modifiable effect pigments is thus cut by the laser beam 55 in a central region 72 or 82 that corresponds to the cutting region 56 in fig. 7, and additionally colored in an edge region 74, 84, in perfect register with the cutting line 72 or 82. Here, the width of the colored edge region 74, 84 corresponds to the width of the marking region 58 and depends on the beam profile, the reaction energy of the effect pigments used, and the material properties of the paper. Outside the cutting region 56 and the marking region 58, the laser energy is below the reaction threshold of the effect pigments, such that the paper is not changed there.
The laser-modifiable effect pigments can be applied to, for example imprinted on, the banknote paper 20, or can be introduced into the volume of the banknote paper 20. This can occur already at paper manufacture by adding the effect pigments to the paper pulp at sheet formation, or also subsequently in an immersion bath or by an impregnation in the size press.
Also curtain coating and spreading methods may be used.
Instead of the effect pigments mentioned by way of example, also a pigment-free laser-modifiable marking substance can be used. Also such pigment-free marking substances can be imprinted on the respective support or introduced into the volume of the support, for example as intaglio or printing ink. Non-pigmented laser-modifiable coatings can exhibit a very high transparency in the unmarked state. By the action of laser radiation, for example a CO2 laser at 10.6 m, it is possible to produce permanent and high-contrast edge markings at high speed.
In addition to the modification of the effect pigments or of the pigment-free marking substance by the laser radiation itself, also a modification of the effect pigments by the heat produced in laser beam cutting may be used. In this way, the modified edge region of the cutting lines can even be larger than the beam dimension.
To make the contour 86 of the motif region 80 better perceptible in reflected light, the outer contour 88 of the motif region 80 can be marked with the aid of the laser radiation, as shown in fig. 8. To produce the outer contour 88, the laser parameters are set such that the laser energy is below the cutting threshold of the paper across the entire beam diameter, but in an inner region, is still above the reaction threshold of the effect pigments. This can be achieved, for example, through the choice of a laser energy E between El and E2 in fig. 7, or also through an adjustment of the cutting speed. The color effect of the outer contour 88 can also be designed such that the effect pigments or the pigment-free marking substance in the center of the line is ablated and the underlying layer or the paper surface emerges.
Fig. 9 shows a further exemplary embodiment of a see-through region 90 according to the present invention, in which the parallel cutting lines 92 that lie outside the motif region 100, as in fig. 5, were produced by laser cutting a banknote paper 20 provided with a marking substance, together with a registered colored edge 94. Unlike the embodiment in fig. 5, the laser parameters of the cutting laser were varied at the transition to the motif region 100 in such a way that the energy input into the paper is below the cutting threshold of the paper 20, but still above the reaction threshold of the marking substance. In this way, the laser beam no longer produces, within the motif region 100, cutting lines having a colored edge, but rather only colored marking lines 102 that connect to the cutting lines 92 and are in perfect register therewith.
The appearance of the cutting lines 92 having a colored edge 94 and the connected marking lines 102 in the region of the contour 106 of the motif region is depicted again in greater detail in the detailed cutout in fig. 10.
Such a registered transition from colored marking lines to colored-edged cutting lines is visually attractive, easy to detect and, moreover, poses for a counterfeiter a technical obstacle that is difficult to overcome. In this embodiment, too, the outer contour of the motif region 100 can additionally be marked with laser radiation, as already explained in connection with fig.
8.
In the variant, shown in fig. 11, of the embodiment in fig. 9, a further region 110 is provided within the motif region 100 in that the marking lines 102 transition again into colored-edged cutting lines 92, 94. Here, the shape of the further region 110 can be associated in meaning with the shape of the motif region 100 and depict, for example, the same motif as shown by way of example in fig. 11. Such an embodiment can also be considered a see-through region having a ring-shaped motif region 112.
It is understood that, along the laser beam path, in a see-through region, also multiple transitions can be provided between marking lines 102 and colored-edged cutting lines 92, 94. Such embodiments can generally be considered a see-through region having a motif region that is not necessarily connected or convex, so for example consists of multiple non-connected sub-regions having holes. Also in such embodiments, the contour of the motif region or its sub-regions can be marked with laser radiation, as already explained for fig. 8.
The further exemplary embodiment in fig. 12 shows a see-through region 120 according to the present invention, in which the parallel cutting lines 122 that he outside the motif region 130, as in fig. 5, were produced by laser cutting a banknote paper 20, having a registered colored edge 124, provided with a marking substance. In the motif region 130, the cutting lines 122, 124 were interrupted such that the motif region 130 forms an uncut paper region within the see-through region 120.
Then, with the laser having a laser energy that is between the reaction threshold of the marking substance and the cutting threshold of the paper 20, the motif region 130 was provided with concentric marking contours 132 whose shape reproduces the contour of the motif region. Here, the concentric marking contours do not necessarily constitute exact, scaled-down copies of the outer contour of the motif region 130, but rather can include, as shown in fig. 12, with decreasing size, expediently ever fewer details of the outer contour.
In all shown embodiments, within the motif region, there can additionally be provided a through motif opening in the form of a pattern, characters or a code. For this, fig. 13 shows, by way of example, a modification of the exemplary embodiment in fig. 2, in which, within the motif region 30, a through motif opening 140 is arranged, here likewise in the form of a maple leaf. The shape of the motif opening 140 can especially, as in fig. 13, be associated in meaning with the shape of the motif region 30 and/or the shape of the see-through region 12.
One exemplary embodiment according to a development of the present invention, which is related to the embodiment described for fig. 9, is depicted in fig. 14 in top view and in fig. 15 in a detailed region at the transition from the motif region and the see-through region.
The exemplary embodiment in figures 14 and 15 includes a see-through region 150 that exhibits, outside the motif region 160, both a cutting line grid composed of parallel cutting lines 152 having a colored edge 154 and a marking line grid composed of parallel marking lines 156 that are parallel to the cutting lines 152 of the cutting line grid. Within the non-cut motif region 160, both the marking lines 156 and the cutting lines 152 transition in perfect register into pure marking lines 162, as already explained for fig. 9.
In the exemplary embodiment shown, both line types 152, 156 of the see-through region are arranged alternatingly, but also other sequences, for example of two cutting lines 152 each and one marking line 156, are conceivable. Since the marking line grid includes no cutting lines, it can also be arranged at an arbitrary angle to the cutting line grid.
With reference to fig. 2, the cutting lines 22, 32 that are connected to each other can thus also be produced in one operation as through, and thus perfectly registered, cutting lines, in that the cutting speed is decreased at the transition from the see-through region 12 (cutting lines 22) to the motif region 30 (cutting lines 32), and thus the cutting width increased, and in that, at the transition from the motif region 30 (cutting lines 32) to the see-through region 12 (cutting lines 22), the cutting speed is increased again and the cutting width thus decreased.
For the sake of simplicity, the effects of the change in the laser parameters power and cutting speed are each explained separately in fig. 3. However, it is understood that both parameters can also be changed together and simultaneously in order to have a larger variation width available.
Fig. 4 shows a further exemplary embodiment of a see-through region 60 designed according to the present invention, in which the parallel cutting lines 22 that lie outside the motif region 64 were produced, as with fig. 2, by laser cutting. Unlike the embodiment in fig. 2, within the motif region 64, the laser power of the cutting laser was reduced below the cutting threshold of the paper 20, such that no cutting lines were produced there. In this way, the motif region 64 remains as an uncut piece of paper and is clearly perceptible against the background of the screened see-through region 60, especially in transmitted light.
In the exemplary embodiment in fig. 5, the see-through region 70 and the motif region 80 are, as in fig. 2, each formed by a line grid composed of a plurality of parallel cutting lines 72 and 82, the cutting lines 72, 82 connecting to each other and the cutting width of the cutting lines 72 outside the motif region 80 being chosen, through suitable variation of the laser parameters, to be smaller than the cutting width of the cutting lines 82 within the motif region 80.
In addition, both the cutting lines 72 and the cutting lines 82 are each surrounded on both sides by a perfectly registered colored edge 74 and 84, as depicted in greater detail in the detailed cutout in fig. 6, which shows the transition of a cutting line 72 to a cutting line 82 at the edge 86 of the motif region 80.
To produce such a colored edge 74, 84 that is perfectly registered with the cutting lines, before the laser cutting, the banknote paper 20 was provided with certain surroundings of the see-through region 70 to be produced with laser-modifiable effect pigments that, upon action of laser radiation, display a desired color change, for example from colorless to red.
The principle of the simultaneously and perfectly registered production of the cutting lines 72, 82 and of the colored edges 74, 84 is illustrated in fig. 7, where, in turn, the spatial power or energy distribution 55 of the cutting laser beam is shown schematically. In an inner region, the cutting region 56, the laser energy exceeds the threshold energy El required to cut the paper 20. In fig. 7, the reaction energy of the effect pigments is indicated by E2, upon the exceedance of which the desired color change occurs. As directly evident from the drawing, in an outer region of the laser beam profile, the marking region 58, the laser energy is between the reaction energy E2 required for the color change and the energy El required for cutting, such that, in the marking region 58, a color change is induced in the effect pigments, but the support is not cut.
The banknote paper 20 that is provided with the laser-modifiable effect pigments is thus cut by the laser beam 55 in a central region 72 or 82 that corresponds to the cutting region 56 in fig. 7, and additionally colored in an edge region 74, 84, in perfect register with the cutting line 72 or 82. Here, the width of the colored edge region 74, 84 corresponds to the width of the marking region 58 and depends on the beam profile, the reaction energy of the effect pigments used, and the material properties of the paper. Outside the cutting region 56 and the marking region 58, the laser energy is below the reaction threshold of the effect pigments, such that the paper is not changed there.
The laser-modifiable effect pigments can be applied to, for example imprinted on, the banknote paper 20, or can be introduced into the volume of the banknote paper 20. This can occur already at paper manufacture by adding the effect pigments to the paper pulp at sheet formation, or also subsequently in an immersion bath or by an impregnation in the size press.
Also curtain coating and spreading methods may be used.
Instead of the effect pigments mentioned by way of example, also a pigment-free laser-modifiable marking substance can be used. Also such pigment-free marking substances can be imprinted on the respective support or introduced into the volume of the support, for example as intaglio or printing ink. Non-pigmented laser-modifiable coatings can exhibit a very high transparency in the unmarked state. By the action of laser radiation, for example a CO2 laser at 10.6 m, it is possible to produce permanent and high-contrast edge markings at high speed.
In addition to the modification of the effect pigments or of the pigment-free marking substance by the laser radiation itself, also a modification of the effect pigments by the heat produced in laser beam cutting may be used. In this way, the modified edge region of the cutting lines can even be larger than the beam dimension.
To make the contour 86 of the motif region 80 better perceptible in reflected light, the outer contour 88 of the motif region 80 can be marked with the aid of the laser radiation, as shown in fig. 8. To produce the outer contour 88, the laser parameters are set such that the laser energy is below the cutting threshold of the paper across the entire beam diameter, but in an inner region, is still above the reaction threshold of the effect pigments. This can be achieved, for example, through the choice of a laser energy E between El and E2 in fig. 7, or also through an adjustment of the cutting speed. The color effect of the outer contour 88 can also be designed such that the effect pigments or the pigment-free marking substance in the center of the line is ablated and the underlying layer or the paper surface emerges.
Fig. 9 shows a further exemplary embodiment of a see-through region 90 according to the present invention, in which the parallel cutting lines 92 that lie outside the motif region 100, as in fig. 5, were produced by laser cutting a banknote paper 20 provided with a marking substance, together with a registered colored edge 94. Unlike the embodiment in fig. 5, the laser parameters of the cutting laser were varied at the transition to the motif region 100 in such a way that the energy input into the paper is below the cutting threshold of the paper 20, but still above the reaction threshold of the marking substance. In this way, the laser beam no longer produces, within the motif region 100, cutting lines having a colored edge, but rather only colored marking lines 102 that connect to the cutting lines 92 and are in perfect register therewith.
The appearance of the cutting lines 92 having a colored edge 94 and the connected marking lines 102 in the region of the contour 106 of the motif region is depicted again in greater detail in the detailed cutout in fig. 10.
Such a registered transition from colored marking lines to colored-edged cutting lines is visually attractive, easy to detect and, moreover, poses for a counterfeiter a technical obstacle that is difficult to overcome. In this embodiment, too, the outer contour of the motif region 100 can additionally be marked with laser radiation, as already explained in connection with fig.
8.
In the variant, shown in fig. 11, of the embodiment in fig. 9, a further region 110 is provided within the motif region 100 in that the marking lines 102 transition again into colored-edged cutting lines 92, 94. Here, the shape of the further region 110 can be associated in meaning with the shape of the motif region 100 and depict, for example, the same motif as shown by way of example in fig. 11. Such an embodiment can also be considered a see-through region having a ring-shaped motif region 112.
It is understood that, along the laser beam path, in a see-through region, also multiple transitions can be provided between marking lines 102 and colored-edged cutting lines 92, 94. Such embodiments can generally be considered a see-through region having a motif region that is not necessarily connected or convex, so for example consists of multiple non-connected sub-regions having holes. Also in such embodiments, the contour of the motif region or its sub-regions can be marked with laser radiation, as already explained for fig. 8.
The further exemplary embodiment in fig. 12 shows a see-through region 120 according to the present invention, in which the parallel cutting lines 122 that he outside the motif region 130, as in fig. 5, were produced by laser cutting a banknote paper 20, having a registered colored edge 124, provided with a marking substance. In the motif region 130, the cutting lines 122, 124 were interrupted such that the motif region 130 forms an uncut paper region within the see-through region 120.
Then, with the laser having a laser energy that is between the reaction threshold of the marking substance and the cutting threshold of the paper 20, the motif region 130 was provided with concentric marking contours 132 whose shape reproduces the contour of the motif region. Here, the concentric marking contours do not necessarily constitute exact, scaled-down copies of the outer contour of the motif region 130, but rather can include, as shown in fig. 12, with decreasing size, expediently ever fewer details of the outer contour.
In all shown embodiments, within the motif region, there can additionally be provided a through motif opening in the form of a pattern, characters or a code. For this, fig. 13 shows, by way of example, a modification of the exemplary embodiment in fig. 2, in which, within the motif region 30, a through motif opening 140 is arranged, here likewise in the form of a maple leaf. The shape of the motif opening 140 can especially, as in fig. 13, be associated in meaning with the shape of the motif region 30 and/or the shape of the see-through region 12.
One exemplary embodiment according to a development of the present invention, which is related to the embodiment described for fig. 9, is depicted in fig. 14 in top view and in fig. 15 in a detailed region at the transition from the motif region and the see-through region.
The exemplary embodiment in figures 14 and 15 includes a see-through region 150 that exhibits, outside the motif region 160, both a cutting line grid composed of parallel cutting lines 152 having a colored edge 154 and a marking line grid composed of parallel marking lines 156 that are parallel to the cutting lines 152 of the cutting line grid. Within the non-cut motif region 160, both the marking lines 156 and the cutting lines 152 transition in perfect register into pure marking lines 162, as already explained for fig. 9.
In the exemplary embodiment shown, both line types 152, 156 of the see-through region are arranged alternatingly, but also other sequences, for example of two cutting lines 152 each and one marking line 156, are conceivable. Since the marking line grid includes no cutting lines, it can also be arranged at an arbitrary angle to the cutting line grid.
Claims (31)
1. A data carrier, especially a value document, such as a banknote, identification card and the like, having a support in which a see-through region is formed by a line grid composed of a plurality of parallel cutting lines, there being arranged within the see-through region a motif region having a visual impression that is changed in reflected light and/or transmitted light and that is developed in the form of a pattern, characters or a code.
2. The data carrier according to claim 1, characterized in that the motif region is formed by a line grid composed of a plurality of parallel cutting lines, such that the cutting lines of the motif region form first cutting lines, and the cutting lines of the see-through region that lie outside the motif region form second cutting lines, the first and second cutting lines connecting to each other and exhibiting different cutting widths.
3. The data carrier according to claim 2, characterized in that the cutting width of the first and second cutting lines is substantially constant in each case.
4. The data carrier according to at least one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the support is provided in the see-through region with a laser-modifiable marking substance, and in that the cutting lines of the see-through region that lie outside the motif region exhibit an edge region that is modified by the action of laser radiation.
5. The data carrier according to claim 4, characterized in that the support is provided with a marking substance whose visible color is changeable by the action of laser radiation, and in that the cutting lines of the see-through region that he outside the motif region exhibit a colored edge region.
6. The data carrier according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that the support is provided with a marking substance whose infrared-absorbing, magnetic, electric or luminescent properties are changeable by the action of laser radiation, and in that the cutting lines of the see-through region that he outside the motif region exhibit an edge region having changed infrared-absorbing, magnetic, electric or luminescent properties compared with its surroundings.
7. The data carrier according to at least one of claims 4 to 6, characterized in that the motif region is formed by a line grid composed of a plurality of parallel cutting lines, such that the cutting lines of the motif region form first cutting lines, and the cutting lines of the see-through region that lie outside the motif region form second cutting lines, the first and second cutting lines connecting to each other, and the first cutting lines and preferably also the second cutting lines exhibiting an edge region that is modified by the action of laser radiation.
8. The data carrier according to at least one of claims 1, 4 to 6, characterized in that the motif region is formed by an uncut region of the support.
9. The data carrier according to at least one of claims 4 to 6, characterized in that the motif region is formed by an uncut region of the support having a marking line grid composed of a plurality of parallel marking lines that connect to the cutting lines outside the motif region.
10. The data carrier according to claim 9, characterized in that the support is provided with a marking substance whose visible color is changeable by the action of laser radiation, and in that the marking lines of the motif region are colored.
11. The data carrier according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that the support is provided with a marking substance whose infrared-absorbing, magnetic, electric or luminescent properties are changeable by the action of laser radiation, and in that the marking lines of the motif region exhibit changed infrared-absorbing, magnetic, electric or luminescent properties compared with their surroundings.
12. The data carrier according to at least one of claims 4 to 6, characterized in that the motif region is formed by an uncut region of the support having multiple nested marking contours of decreasing size.
13. The data carrier according to claim 12, characterized in that the support is provided with a marking substance whose visible color is changeable by the action of laser radiation, and in that the marking contours of the motif region are colored.
14. The data carrier according to at least one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that a through motif opening is arranged within the motif region in the form of a pattern, characters or a code.
15. The data carrier according to at least one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that the see-through region exhibits, in addition to the line grid composed of parallel cutting lines, a marking line grid composed of a plurality of parallel marking lines.
16. The data carrier according to claim 15, characterized in that the motif region is formed by an uncut region of the support having two marking line grids each composed of a plurality of parallel marking lines, of which the marking lines of one marking line grid connect to the cutting lines outside the motif region, and the marking lines of the other marking line grid connect to the marking lines outside the motif region.
17. The data carrier according to at least one of claims 4 to 16, characterized in that the contour of the motif region is provided with a marking contour, especially a colored marking contour.
18. The data carrier according to at least one of claims 1 to 17, characterized in that the cutting lines exhibit a width between 0.05 mm and 1 mm, especially between 0.1 mm and 0.4 mm, and a center-to-center distance between 0.05 mm and 1 mm, especially between 0.3 mm and 0.7 mm.
19. The data carrier according to at least one of claims 1 to 18, characterized in that the see-through region is developed in the form of a pattern, characters or a code.
20. The data carrier according to at least one of claims 1 to 19, characterized in that the see-through region is reinforced by a foil element.
21. The data carrier according to claim 20, characterized in that the foil element includes a line grid that, with the line grid of the see-through region, produces a moire effect.
22. The data carrier according to at least one of claims 1 to 21, characterized in that the data carrier is a security element, a security paper or a value document.
23. A method for manufacturing a data carrier according to one of claims 1 to 22, that exhibits a support into which a see-through region is to be introduced, in which a see-through region is formed in the support in that a line grid composed of a plurality of parallel cutting lines is produced by laser cutting, there being produced within the see-through region a motif region having a visual impression that is changed in reflected light and/or transmitted light and that is developed in the form of a pattern, characters or a code.
24. The method according to claim 23, characterized in that the motif region is formed by a line grid composed of first parallel cutting lines that are produced by the same cutting laser beam as the second cutting lines of the see-through region lying outside the motif region, and in that the first and second cutting lines are produced having different cutting widths by a variation in the laser parameters, especially in the laser power and/or the cutting speed.
25. The method according to claim 23 or 24, characterized in that the support is provided in the see-through region with a laser-modifiable marking substance, such that the cutting lines that lie outside the motif region are modified in their edge region by the action of laser radiation.
26. The method according to claim 24 and 25, characterized in that also the cutting lines that he within the motif region are modified in their edge region by the action of laser radiation.
27. The method according to claim 23 or 25, characterized in that the motif region is formed by an uncut region of the support.
28. The method according to claim 27, characterized in that the motif region is formed by an uncut region of the support having a marking line grid having parallel marking lines that are produced by the same laser beam as the cutting lines of the see-through region that he outside the motif region, and in that the cutting lines that lie outside the motif region and the marking lines of the motif region are produced by a variation in the laser parameters, especially in the laser power and/or the cutting speed.
29. The method according to claim 27, characterized in that the motif region is formed by an uncut region of the support having multiple nested marking contours of decreasing size.
30. The method according to at least one of claims 23 to 29, characterized in that, within the motif region, a through motif opening is produced in the form of a pattern, characters or a code.
31. The method according to at least one of claims 25 to 30, characterized in that the contour of the motif region is provided with a marking contour, especially a colored marking contour.
Applications Claiming Priority (5)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| DE102008064395.5 | 2008-12-22 | ||
| DE102008064395 | 2008-12-22 | ||
| DE102009011424.6 | 2009-03-03 | ||
| DE102009011424A DE102009011424A1 (en) | 2008-12-22 | 2009-03-03 | Disk with transparency |
| PCT/EP2009/008776 WO2010072329A1 (en) | 2008-12-22 | 2009-12-09 | Data media having inspection area |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2748091A1 true CA2748091A1 (en) | 2010-07-01 |
Family
ID=42220970
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA2748091A Abandoned CA2748091A1 (en) | 2008-12-22 | 2009-12-09 | Data carrier having a see-through region |
Country Status (8)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| EP (1) | EP2379339B1 (en) |
| BR (1) | BRPI0918341B1 (en) |
| CA (1) | CA2748091A1 (en) |
| DE (1) | DE102009011424A1 (en) |
| ES (1) | ES2897514T3 (en) |
| RU (1) | RU2508203C2 (en) |
| WO (1) | WO2010072329A1 (en) |
| ZA (1) | ZA201105340B (en) |
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EP3286013B1 (en) | 2015-04-24 | 2019-07-10 | Portals De La Rue Limited | Improvements in security substrates |
Families Citing this family (17)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DE102009048145A1 (en) | 2009-10-02 | 2011-04-07 | Giesecke & Devrient Gmbh | Disk with window |
| DE102010047949A1 (en) | 2010-10-08 | 2012-04-12 | Giesecke & Devrient Gmbh | Disk with cut lines |
| DE102010047950A1 (en) | 2010-10-08 | 2012-04-12 | Giesecke & Devrient Gmbh | Security paper with watermark |
| DE102010053052A1 (en) | 2010-12-01 | 2012-06-06 | Giesecke & Devrient Gmbh | Data carrier with marking |
| DE102013019943A1 (en) | 2013-11-27 | 2015-05-28 | Giesecke & Devrient Gmbh | Safety element with magnetically orientable magnetic pigments and process for its production |
| DE102014016249A1 (en) * | 2014-11-04 | 2016-05-04 | Giesecke & Devrient Gmbh | Data carrier with see-through security element |
| DE102015003785A1 (en) | 2015-03-23 | 2016-09-29 | Giesecke & Devrient Gmbh | Method for producing a window in a paper substrate with a security element |
| DE102015009164A1 (en) † | 2015-07-14 | 2017-01-19 | Giesecke & Devrient Gmbh | Disk with breakthrough area |
| DE102016002120A1 (en) | 2016-02-24 | 2017-08-24 | Giesecke & Devrient Gmbh | Security feature and method for its manufacture |
| DE102016004424A1 (en) | 2016-04-12 | 2017-10-12 | Giesecke+Devrient Currency Technology Gmbh | Laser coating with effect pigments |
| DE102016006929A1 (en) | 2016-06-06 | 2017-12-07 | Giesecke+Devrient Currency Technology Gmbh | Security feature and method for its manufacture |
| DE102016009437A1 (en) | 2016-08-03 | 2018-02-08 | Giesecke+Devrient Currency Technology Gmbh | Security element and method for producing a security element |
| DE102016009512A1 (en) * | 2016-08-04 | 2018-02-08 | Giesecke+Devrient Currency Technology Gmbh | Security element, method for producing a security element and value document with such a security element |
| DE102016014662A1 (en) | 2016-12-09 | 2018-06-14 | Giesecke+Devrient Currency Technology Gmbh | value document |
| DE102016014845A1 (en) | 2016-12-13 | 2018-06-14 | Giesecke+Devrient Currency Technology Gmbh | Laser cutting and laser staining of security documents |
| DE102018005990A1 (en) | 2018-07-27 | 2020-01-30 | Giesecke+Devrient Currency Technology Gmbh | Method for producing a security feature using laser radiation |
| DE102019006255A1 (en) | 2019-09-04 | 2021-03-04 | Giesecke+Devrient Currency Technology Gmbh | Security paper and value document protected against splitting |
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| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US4343885A (en) | 1978-05-09 | 1982-08-10 | Dynachem Corporation | Phototropic photosensitive compositions containing fluoran colorformer |
| JPH0682188B2 (en) | 1987-03-19 | 1994-10-19 | ザイトロニクス，インコーポレイテツド | Film that visualizes UV exposure and UV exposure dose measurement member |
| DE4243987C2 (en) * | 1992-12-23 | 2003-10-09 | Gao Ges Automation Org | ID cards with visually visible authenticity |
| WO1994029119A1 (en) * | 1993-06-08 | 1994-12-22 | Reserve Bank Of Australia | Embossing of banknotes or the like with security devices |
| WO1999051446A1 (en) * | 1998-04-03 | 1999-10-14 | I.D. Tec, S.L. | Multilayer polymer structure and process for producing protection covers for high security identity documents |
| GB0016356D0 (en) * | 2000-07-03 | 2000-08-23 | Optaglio Ltd | Optical structure |
| GB0114266D0 (en) | 2001-06-12 | 2001-08-01 | Ciba Sc Holding Ag | Laser marking method |
| DE10237059A1 (en) * | 2002-08-09 | 2004-02-26 | Giesecke & Devrient Gmbh | Valuable data support, e.g. a banknote, has half-tone illustrations or motifs to prevent copying, the grid lines of which have widths that vary on only one side only to improve copying protection |
| EP1648969B1 (en) | 2003-07-30 | 2008-08-27 | DataLase Ltd | Laser-arkable compositions |
| US7021549B2 (en) * | 2004-06-30 | 2006-04-04 | Illinois Tool Works, Inc. | Laser markable variable data heat transfer label and marking system |
| DE102005039113A1 (en) * | 2005-08-18 | 2007-02-22 | Zintzmeyer, Jörg | Microrefraction |
| DE102005048033B4 (en) * | 2005-10-06 | 2010-01-21 | Bundesdruckerei Gmbh | The security document |
| EP1845496A1 (en) * | 2006-04-12 | 2007-10-17 | Trüb AG | Security element for a data carrier, data carrier comprising such security element, sub-assembly and method for manufacturing a data carrier |
| DE102006052413A1 (en) * | 2006-11-07 | 2008-05-08 | Giesecke & Devrient Gmbh | safety film |
| DE102007009646A1 (en) * | 2007-02-26 | 2008-08-28 | Giesecke & Devrient Gmbh | Holographic grid image for security element of e.g. bank note, has grid fields which are achromatic grid fields, and formed of sub-ranges overlapping with one another, where dimension of sub-ranges lies below resolution limit of naked eye |
-
2009
- 2009-03-03 DE DE102009011424A patent/DE102009011424A1/en not_active Withdrawn
- 2009-12-09 BR BRPI0918341-8A patent/BRPI0918341B1/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 2009-12-09 EP EP09799020.4A patent/EP2379339B1/en active Active
- 2009-12-09 ES ES09799020T patent/ES2897514T3/en active Active
- 2009-12-09 WO PCT/EP2009/008776 patent/WO2010072329A1/en active Application Filing
- 2009-12-09 RU RU2011129698/12A patent/RU2508203C2/en active
- 2009-12-09 CA CA2748091A patent/CA2748091A1/en not_active Abandoned
-
2011
- 2011-07-20 ZA ZA2011/05340A patent/ZA201105340B/en unknown
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EP3286013B1 (en) | 2015-04-24 | 2019-07-10 | Portals De La Rue Limited | Improvements in security substrates |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| BRPI0918341B1 (en) | 2021-03-09 |
| BRPI0918341A2 (en) | 2016-09-06 |
| RU2011129698A (en) | 2013-01-27 |
| EP2379339B1 (en) | 2021-09-08 |
| DE102009011424A1 (en) | 2010-07-01 |
| ZA201105340B (en) | 2012-03-28 |
| RU2508203C2 (en) | 2014-02-27 |
| WO2010072329A1 (en) | 2010-07-01 |
| EP2379339A1 (en) | 2011-10-26 |
| ES2897514T3 (en) | 2022-03-01 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| FZDE | Discontinued |
Effective date: 20151209 |