DE102007015934B4 - Document with a security feature, reader and method for reading a security feature - Google Patents

Abstract

Document (100) with a security feature (102) and an optical element (108), wherein the security feature is arranged in front of the optical element, and the optical element for checking the security feature can be switched between at least first and second optical states, the security feature in only one of the first and second states can be checked optically, the optical element absorbing incident radiation in its first state and reflecting incident radiation in its second state.

Description

The invention relates to a document with a security feature, in particular a value or security document, a reading device for such a document and a method for reading a security feature.

Various security features for value or security documents are known from the prior art. This includes optical security features that can be detected visually by a user and / or by machine using an optical sensor.

• - Guillochen: Guillochen werden mit Hilfe von so genanntem Liniendruck auf das Dokument aufgedruckt. Sie bestehen im Allgemeinen aus in verschiedenen Farben übereinander gedruckten Wellen- und Schleifenmustem;
• - Mikro-Schrift: Hierbei handelt es sich um aufgedruckte Schriftzüge in kleinster Schrift. Mit bloßem Auge lässt sich die Mikro-Schrift kaum erkennen. Beispielsweise ist Mikro-Schrift auf den Euro-Banknoten als Bildelement in die Motive eingearbeitet. Mit Hilfe einer Lupe kann die Mikro-Schrift gelesen werden;
• - Metamere Systeme: Aufgrund metamerer Farbgleichheit können unterschiedliche spektrale Zusammensetzungen des Lichts bei Menschen den gleichen Farbeindruck hervorrufen und zum Beispiel mittels Farbfiltern oder variablen Beleuchtungsquellen optisch wahrnehmbar gemacht werden;
• - Aufdrucke mit Fluoreszenz-, Phosphoreszenz- und/oder Up-Conversion-Farben;
• - Aufdrucke mit Infrarot-Farbe: Die Farbe wird nur unter Infrarot-Strahlung für Lesegeräte mit entsprechenden Sensoren detektierbar. Beispielsweise sind Euro-Banknoten mit diesem optischen Sicherheitsmerkmal ausgestattet;
• - Barcodes, insbesondere ein- oder zweidimensionale Barcodes, monochrom oder mehrfarbig;
• - Optisch variable Farben (OVI - Optical Variable Ink): Bei einer optisch variablen Farbe ändert sich der Farbeindruck je nach Betrachtungswinkel, da das Licht an den Pigmenten gebrochen, gestreut oder reflektiert wird;
• - Hologramme und Kinegrame (transparent oder reflektierend);
• - Wasserzeichen;
• - digitale Wasserzeichen, die eine sichtbare und/oder maschinell auslesbare Information tragen;
• - Passerdruck: Verschiedene Muster oder Symbole werden so über- oder aneinander gedruckt, dass sie zusammen ein bestimmtes Bild ergeben. Kleinste Abweichungen im Stand, d.h. so genannte Passerungenauigkeiten, können leicht mit bloßem Auge erkannt werden. Wenn sich die Teilbilder auf verschiedenen Seiten des Dokuments, wie zum Beispiel einer Banknote, befinden, bezeichnet man dieses optische Sicherheitsmerkmal als Durchsichtspasser;
• - Durchsichtsfenster Ein Fenster aus einer transparenten Kunststofffolie ist in dem Dokument eingearbeitet;
• - Melierfasern: Dem Papier des Dokuments werden Fasern beigemischt, die unter UV-Licht in verschiedenen Farben leuchten;
• - Sicherheitsfaden;
• - Mikroperforation.

The optical security features include, for example:

• - Guilloches: Guilloches are printed on the document with the help of so-called line printing. They generally consist of wave and loop patterns printed one on top of the other in different colors;
• - Micro-font: These are printed lettering in the smallest of fonts. The micro-writing can hardly be seen with the naked eye. For example, micro-writing on the euro banknotes is incorporated into the motifs as a picture element. The micro-writing can be read with the aid of a magnifying glass;
• - Metameric systems: Due to metameric color equality, different spectral compositions of light can produce the same color impression in people and can be made optically perceptible, for example by means of color filters or variable lighting sources;
• - Imprints with fluorescent, phosphorescent and / or up-conversion inks;
• - Imprints with infrared color: The color is only detectable under infrared radiation for reading devices with appropriate sensors. For example, euro banknotes are equipped with this optical security feature;
• - Barcodes, in particular one- or two-dimensional barcodes, monochrome or multicolored;
• - Optically variable colors (OVI - Optical Variable Ink): With an optically variable color, the color impression changes depending on the viewing angle, since the light is refracted, scattered or reflected by the pigments;
• - holograms and kinegrams (transparent or reflective);
• - watermarks;
• - digital watermarks that carry visible and / or machine-readable information;
• - Register printing: Different patterns or symbols are printed on top of or on top of each other so that together they result in a specific image. The smallest deviations in the state, ie so-called register inaccuracies, can easily be recognized with the naked eye. If the partial images are on different pages of the document, such as a bank note, this optical security feature is referred to as a see-through register;
• - See-through window A window made of a transparent plastic film is incorporated into the document;
• - Mottled fibers: Fibers are added to the paper of the document, which glow in different colors under UV light;
• - security thread;
• - micro perforation.

From the DE 197 35 293 A1 a valuable and security product with a luminescent element is known. A luminescent element is arranged under a layer designed as an authenticity element in order to be able to carry out a visual or machine optical authenticity check under all lighting conditions. As a result, an authenticity check is also possible in the dark, without the need for a separate light source. With the aid of a light source, the authenticity element can be checked in any case, regardless of the state of the luminescent element.

The patent application unpublished at the time of filing DE 10 2006 059 865.2 -55 by the same applicant discloses a document with an optical element which is arranged in front of a security feature. The optical element covers the security feature arranged underneath, so that the security feature is not visible to a user as long as the optical element is in its non-transparent state. To check the security feature, the optical element is converted into a transparent state.

In relation to the published prior art, the invention is based on the object of creating an improved document as well as a reading device and a method for such a document.

The objects on which the invention is based are each achieved with the features of the independent patent claims. Preferred embodiments of the invention are specified in the dependent claims.

The invention creates a document with an optical security feature, such as For example, a value or security document, in particular a means of payment, a chip card, an identification document, a proof of authorization, a means of payment or the like. The document can be paper-based and / or plastic-based.

The document according to the invention has a security feature which is arranged in front of an optical element in a direction of incidence of radiation for viewing or machine detection of the security feature. The optical element can be switched between first and second states in which the optical element each has different optical properties. For example, in its first state, the optical element generates a background for the security feature, in front of which the security feature can be optically detected. In contrast, in its second state, for example, the optical element generates a background for the security feature, in front of which the security feature cannot be detected visually and / or by machine.

The fact that it is necessary to bring the optical element into one of its two states in order to check the security feature is provided, since checking the optical security feature of the document presupposes that the user is able to do so, for example with the help of a reader is able to switch the optical element. Furthermore, a document according to the invention can be designed to be particularly forgery-proof, since the document cannot be reproduced either by means of conventional security printing techniques or by digital techniques alone.

According to one embodiment of the invention, one of the states of the optical element is the normal state in which the security feature cannot be optically detected. By coupling in energy, the optical element changes at least temporarily into its other state in which the security feature can be optically detected.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the optical element has a first state in which it acts transmissively and a second state in which it is reflective. The security feature on the back of the document can only be checked when the optical element is in its transmissive state.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the optical element can be switched from its first into its second state and / or from its second into its first state by coupling in energy. Depending on the embodiment of the optical element, the energy can be coupled into the optical element directly, for example by means of an electromagnetic field, so that the latter is brought into its second, essentially transparent state.

The energy can also be coupled in via a separate coupling element, such as a contact-based, contactless or dual-mode interface, in particular a chip card interface or an RF interface. The coupling element can be, for example, an antenna or a coil, for example for inductively coupling in a voltage that switches the optical element into its second, essentially transparent state.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the optical element is bistable, i.e. the optical element remains in its respective state as long as it is not switched. For such a bistable optical element it is therefore necessary that it is switched back from its second, essentially transparent state to its first, essentially non-transparent state after inspection of the optical security feature. This can be done by a corresponding circuit of the document and / or by renewed coupling of energy, for example from an external reading device.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the optical element is semi-bistable. The optical element remains in its first state. After the optical element has been switched to its second state, it remains in this second state for a certain time before it then automatically falls back into the first state. This embodiment has the advantage that only a single switching action is required to put the optical element into its second state for a certain period of time for the inspection of the optical security feature of the document, from which it then automatically returns to the first state without any further switching action falls behind. The first state can be essentially reflective, the second essentially absorbent. In a further embodiment, the first state can be essentially absorbent, the second essentially reflective. In a further embodiment, the first state can be essentially non-transparent and the second essentially transparent, or vice versa.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the optical element includes a bistable rotary element display with rotary elements which act light-absorbing in a first rotary position and are translucent in a second rotary position, so that the optical security feature of the Document is covered when the rotating elements are in their first rotating positions.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the optical element includes a bistable rotary element display with rotary elements which act light-absorbing in a first rotary position and are reflective in a second rotary position, so that the optical security feature of the document is not recognizable when the rotary elements are in their first rotary positions are located.

According to one embodiment, the optical element includes an electrophoretic or electrochromic display device.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the optical element contains an electrostatic wetting element, i.e. a so-called electrowetting indicator.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the optical element contains a liquid crystal display device, in particular with cholesteric or nematic liquid crystal materials.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the optical element contains a flexible display, such as is available, for example, from the company Citala (http://www.citala.com).

According to one embodiment of the invention, the optical element includes a microelectromechanical system (MEMS), such as a microshutter array such as is available, for example, from Flixel Ltd (www.flixel.com).

According to one embodiment of the invention, the optical element contains a display device based on ferroelectric materials.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the optical element contains a display device based on organic light-emitting diodes.

The display device which forms the optical element can contain, for example, matrix-shaped display elements. However, the display elements do not necessarily have to be controlled individually, rather a collective control of the display elements is sufficient to put them in the first, essentially non-transparent state or the second, essentially transparent state.

The display device which forms the optical element can contain, for example, matrix-shaped display elements. However, the display elements do not necessarily have to be activated individually, rather collective activation of the display elements is sufficient to put them in the first, essentially non-reflective state or the second, essentially reflective state.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the optical security feature of the document is a guilloche, micro-writing, a metameric system, an imprint with fluorescent, phosphorescent and / or up-conversion color, an imprint with infrared color, Optically variable colors (OVI - Optical Variable Ink), a hologram or kinegram (transparent or reflective), a watermark, register print, a see-through window, part of a see-through passport, a transmission hologram, a holographic filter that selectively selects wavelengths from the spectrum of visible light or other transmissive elements, mottled fibers, a security thread and / or a microperforations.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the security feature contains information that can be read out optically. For example, the security feature is a digital watermark or a one- or two-dimensional barcode. The watermark or the barcode can be printed on the document.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the security feature is formed by an optical data memory, in particular a holographic data memory, in particular based on plastic.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the security feature stores biometric data, such as face data, fingerprint data and / or iris scan data. For example, the document is a machine-readable travel document (Machine Readable Travel Document - MRTD), in particular according to an ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization) standard. The biometric data can be the biometric data of the wearer of the MRTD.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the security feature stores data that can be used in the context of what is known as basic access control. For example, the document has a machine-readable zone (MRZ) in which optically readable data is stored. This data, a cipher of this data or a hash value of this data can be stored in the security feature.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the document contains an integrated electronic circuit for controlling the optical element in order to transfer it from its first to the to transfer the second state and / or from its second to its first state, and, if necessary, to transfer it from its state in which a check of the security feature is possible back to its normal state after optical access to the security feature has taken place.

The integrated electronic circuit can have an interface or be connected to an interface via which the energy for operating the integrated electronic circuit and for controlling the optical element is coupled in contactlessly or with contacts. In particular, the interface can be a chip card or RF interface.

In a further aspect, the invention relates to a reading device for a document according to the invention. The reading device has means for initiating the switching of the optical element between the first and second states in order to enable optical access to the security feature of the document.

In a further aspect, the invention relates to a method for reading a security feature of a document according to the invention.

• 1 ein Blockdiagramm einer Ausführungsform eines erfindungsgemäßen Dokuments,
• 2 ein Blockdiagramm einer weiteren Ausführungsform eines erfindungsgemäßen Dokuments,
• 3 ein Blockdiagramm einer weiteren Ausführungsform eines erfindungsgemäßen Dokuments und eines erfindungsgemäßen Lesegeräts,
• 4 einen Querschnitt einer weiteren Ausführungsform eines erfindungsgemäßen Dokuments, wenn sich das optische Element in seinem ersten Zustand befindet,
• 5 die Ausführungsform der 4, wenn sich das optische Element in seinem zweiten Zustand befindet,
• 6 einen Querschnitt einer weiteren Ausführungsformen eines erfindungsgemäßen Dokuments, wobei das Sicherheitsmerkmal ein Linienmuster aufweist, und zwar wenn sich das optische Element in seinem ersten Zustand befindet,
• 7 die Ausführungsform der 6, wenn sich das optische Element in seinem zweiten Zustand befindet,
• 8 einen Querschnitt einer weiteren Ausführungsform eines erfindungsgemäßen Dokuments, wobei das Sicherheitsmerkmal als Volumen-Hologramm ausgebildet ist, und sich das optische Element in seinem ersten Zustand befindet,
• 9 die Ausführungsform der 8, wobei sich das optische Element in seinem zweiten Zustand befindet,
• 10 einen Querschnitt einer weiteren Ausführungsform eines erfindungsgemäßen Dokuments, wobei sich das optische Element in seinem ersten Zustand befindet,
• 11 die Ausführungsform der 10, wobei sich das optische Element in seinem zweiten Zustand befindet,
• 12 einen Querschnitt einer weiteren Ausführungsform eines erfindungsgemäßen Dokuments, wobei sich das optische Element in seinem ersten Zustand befindet,
• 13 die Ausführungsform der 12, wobei sich das optische Element in seinem zweiten Zustand befindet,
• 14 einen Querschnitt einer weiteren Ausführungsform eines erfindungsgemäßen Dokuments, wobei sich das optische Element in seinem ersten Zustand befindet,
• 14b einen Querschnitt einer weiteren Ausführungsform eines erfindungsgemäßen Dokuments, wobei sich das optische Element in seinem ersten Zustand befindet,
• 15 die Ausführungsform der 14, wobei sich das optische Element in seinem zweiten Zustand befindet,
• 15b die Ausführungsform der 14b wobei sich das optische Element in seinem zweiten Zustand befindet,
• 16 ein Blockdiagramm einer weiteren Ausführungsform eines erfindungsgemäßen Dokuments und einer Ausführungsform eines erfindungsgemäßen Lesegeräts,
• 17 ein Flussdiagramm einer Ausführungsform eines erfindungsgemäßen Verfahrens.

In the following, embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail with reference to the drawings. Show it:

• 1 a block diagram of an embodiment of a document according to the invention,
• 2 a block diagram of a further embodiment of a document according to the invention,
• 3 a block diagram of a further embodiment of a document according to the invention and a reader according to the invention,
• 4th a cross section of a further embodiment of a document according to the invention when the optical element is in its first state,
• 5 the embodiment of the 4th when the optical element is in its second state,
• 6th a cross section of a further embodiment of a document according to the invention, wherein the security feature has a line pattern, specifically when the optical element is in its first state,
• 7th the embodiment of the 6th when the optical element is in its second state,
• 8th a cross section of a further embodiment of a document according to the invention, wherein the security feature is designed as a volume hologram, and the optical element is in its first state,
• 9 the embodiment of the 8th , the optical element being in its second state,
• 10 a cross section of a further embodiment of a document according to the invention, wherein the optical element is in its first state,
• 11 the embodiment of the 10 , the optical element being in its second state,
• 12th a cross section of a further embodiment of a document according to the invention, wherein the optical element is in its first state,
• 13th the embodiment of the 12th , the optical element being in its second state,
• 14th a cross section of a further embodiment of a document according to the invention, wherein the optical element is in its first state,
• 14b a cross section of a further embodiment of a document according to the invention, wherein the optical element is in its first state,
• 15th the embodiment of the 14th , the optical element being in its second state,
• 15b the embodiment of the 14b wherein the optical element is in its second state,
• 16 a block diagram of a further embodiment of a document according to the invention and an embodiment of a reader according to the invention,
• 17th a flow chart of an embodiment of a method according to the invention.

In the following description of the figures, elements of the various embodiments that correspond to one another are identified by the same reference symbols.

The 1 shows an embodiment of a document according to the invention 100 in a schematic sectional view. The document 100 has a security feature 102 , which can be any optical security feature known from the prior art. The Security feature 102 is on the document 100 arranged or it is in the body of the document 100 embedded so it's from the back 104 of the document 100 is not visible. The backside 104 of the document can also be made transparent, so that the security feature 102 - depending on the condition of the optical element 108 - from the back 104 is visible. This is particularly advantageous when it is the security feature 102 a see-through register, part of a see-through register, a transmission hologram, a holographic filter that selectively allows wavelengths from the spectrum of visible light to pass through, a see-through window or another transmissive element.

Behind the security feature 102 is in the body of the document 100 the optical element 108 is arranged. The optical element 108 can be switched between at least two different states in which the optical element 108 each has different optical properties. The optical element is used for example 108 to generate different backgrounds for the security feature 102 , in front of which the security feature 102 is optically detectable or optically not detectable. The optical element 108 For example, in its first state it has an absorbing effect on the incident radiation, while in its second state it is reflective.

The reader 112 can be designed as an energy source from which energy is fed into the optical element 108 is coupled in to switch this. If it is the optical element 108 If a semi-bistable optical element is involved, a single energy pulse can be sufficient for the optical element 108 to transfer to a certain state for a certain period of time, from which it then automatically returns after this period. Is it the optical element 108 on the other hand, if it is a bistable optical element, a further energy pulse may be required to restore the optical element to its original state.

Furthermore, the optical element 108 also be designed so that a constant coupling of energy is required to the optical element 108 to keep in a certain state. If the supply of energy is interrupted, the optical element falls 108 in such an embodiment, it immediately returns to its original state.

For example, the optical element 108 be designed as a bistable rotating element display or as a bistable electrophoretic display, such as those from WO 03/009059A1 is known per se. For a semi-bistable embodiment, the optical element contains 108 a display device with, for example, an electrochromic display. For an embodiment in which the constant supply of energy is required to the optical element 108 in its second state, this can include an LCD display.

For example, the optical element includes 108 electrically or magnetically charged rotating elements. By emitting a corresponding electromagnetic field from the reader 102 the rotating elements can be moved so that the optical element 108 is switchable between its first and second states. In such an embodiment, the energy is coupled in directly into the optical element 108 .

The 2 shows an alternative embodiment of a document according to the invention 100 with a coupling element 114 for coupling energy to control the optical element 108 . The coupling element 114 can be designed as a contact-based, contactless or dual-mode interface, in particular as a chip card interface or RF interface. For example, it can be the coupling element 114 be an antenna or a coil, for example inductively coupling in a voltage through which the optical element 108 is placed in its second state.

For example, the coupling element 114 with one line 116 with the optical element 108 connected to control this and, if necessary, to supply it with energy. Such an arrangement offers the advantage of a particular security against manipulation, since it cannot be removed from the document in a non-destructive manner 100 removed and inserted into another document body. This is especially the case when the line 116 runs within the body of the document. The document body of the document 100 can be paper-based and / or plastic-based, for example in the form of a paper-based travel document or a chip card.

The 3 shows an embodiment of a reading device according to the invention 112 . The reader 112 has an energy source 118 for coupling energy into the coupling element 114 , for example via a contact or contactless interface. The reader 112 also has a radiation source 120 to generate a reading beam 122 for visual checking of the security feature 102 of the document 100 .

The reader has for the optical detection of the security feature 112 one or more optical sensors, such as the optical sensors 124 and 126 . The optical sensor 124 is regarding the document 100 on the same side as the radiation source 120 arranged so that he is used to detect the security feature 102 and optionally from the optical element 108 due to the reading beam 122 reflected radiation 128 is trained. The optical sensor is against it 126 opposite the back 104 of the document 100 arranged to the transmitted radiation 130 to detect, ie that portion of the reading beam that is from the security feature 102 and the optical element 108 has been transmitted. In the reader 112 can be a recording area 132 to receive the document 100 be formed, as in the 3 shown.

The optical sensors are shown symbolically. In particular, it is possible to arrange several sensors in order to detect patterns that are reflected over a large area, such as those originating from so-called “diffractive area codes”. Furthermore, the sensors can be aligned using further optical aids such as beam splitters, for example, in such a way that they also point in the direction of the radiation source 120 can detect reflected light.

The reader 112 has a processor 119 for executing program instructions 121 and 123 for controlling the various components of the reader 112 or for the evaluation of the optical sensor 124 and / or from the optical sensor 126 delivered signals. Furthermore, the processor 119 an interface 125 of the reader 112 control, which can be a user interface and / or a network interface. Via the interface 125 can use the data obtained on the basis of the evaluation and / or other data from the document 100 read data are output.

4th shows a cross section of an embodiment of a document according to the invention 100 . The document has a carrier 134 , which can be plastic and / or paper-based and which can contain further security features, imprints or the like. On the carrier 134 is the optical element 108 arranged. The 4th shows the optical element 108 in its first state, in which it is absorbent.

Above the optical element 108 can add another layer 136 be arranged on which the optical security feature 102 is located. Typically the document 100 another one above the security feature 102 lying protective layer 138 exhibit.

In the embodiment considered here, the security feature is 102 designed so that it has a reflective effect for radiation of a certain spectral range, such as green light, whereas it has a transmissive effect for other spectral components in the visible range, in particular red and blue light. For example, the security feature 102 be designed as a volume hologram.

The 4th shows by way of example the red component 122 ', the green component 122 "and the blue component 122'"'of the reading beam 122 . The red component 122 'and the blue component 122''' transmit through the security feature 102 as the security feature 102 is transmissive in these spectral ranges, and are of the optical element 108 absorbed. In contrast, the green component 122 ″ of the security feature 102 reflected, so the reflected radiation 128 from the through the security feature 102 reflected portion of the green component 122 "consists. This reflected radiation 128 generated at the user 110 (see the 1 and 2 ) accordingly a green color impression, ie the .

The 5 shows the document 100 after the optical element 108 has been switched to its other state. While the optical element 108 in his in the 4th The first state shown creates a black background, it creates it in the 5 The second state shown has a white or a reflective (specular) background. The optical element works in this state 108 as a reflector.

This has the consequence that those parts of the reading beam 122 by the security feature 102 not reflected, but transmitted, scattered or reflected by the optical element, so that the result is the entire reading beam 122 can emerge from the document or be reflected directly. The scattered radiation in the direction of 128 is no longer composed only of the green spectral range but experiences a clear color shift due to the additional red and blue components, so that the security feature 102 is not or hardly perceptible. The reflected radiation 128 in this case is composed of the reflected red, green and blue components 122 ', 122 "and 122"' of the reading beam 122 together. This results in a total of z. B. an approximately white color impression of the at the user 110 so that the security feature 102 is imperceptible.

The embodiment of the document 100 of the 4th and 5 is particularly advantageous if it is the security feature 102 is a volume reflection hologram. This is because the visibility of a volume reflection hologram is significantly improved if it is located on a dark background. For example, full-color holograms are a suitable choice the properties of the holographic recording medium with, for example, a material thickness of approx. 10 μm and a refractive index modulation between 10 ^-3 and 10 ^-2 only with great difficulty on a white background, but very clearly visible against a black background. In the embodiment of 4th and 5 it is therefore possible to improve the contrast for the security feature embodied as a volume hologram 102 create when the optical element 108 is in its absorbing, ie black, state.

The optical element 108 can be designed so that it can be switched between two different colors. For example, the optical element 108 be designed so that it is black in its first state in order to have a black background for viewing the security feature 102 to accomplish. In its second state, the optical element has 108 on the other hand, a color which is roughly the same as the color in which the security feature is used 102 an incident reading beam 122 reflects or scatters. In this case the structure of the security feature is for the user 110 not visible because that of the optical element 108 created background has the same color as the security feature 102 when the optical element is in its second state.

The security feature 102 can also be designed as an active radiation source that generates radiation of a certain color itself. In this case too, the optical element can then 108 be designed so that it has a different color than that of the security feature in its first state 102 has, for example black, and in its second state essentially the same color as the security feature 102 Radiation emits. This embodiment has the advantage that a reading beam 122 is not absolutely necessary.

For example, it can be the security feature 102 be a luminescent mark. The luminescent marking emits radiation with a certain color. The optical element 108 is then black in its first state, for example, and in its second state has a color that is approximately the color in which the security feature 102 Radiation emitted equals.

For example, it can be the security feature 102 be a luminescent mark. The luminescent marking emits radiation with a certain color. The optical element 108 if it is then black in its first state, for example, it emits light in its second state, which is the security feature 102 stimulates the emission of radiation.

In a further embodiment with a luminescent security feature 102 this light emits with a color impression which corresponds to the color impression of the first switching state of the optical element 108 corresponds to. In the second switching state, the optical element 108 however, a different color impression so that it can be perceived.

In a third embodiment with a luminescent security feature 102 this light emits with a color impression which corresponds to the color impression of the first switching state of the optical element 108 corresponds to. In the second switching state, the optical element emits 108 however, light with a different color impression, particularly preferably with a contrasting or complementary color, so that the security feature 102 can be easily verified.

The optical element 108 be preferably designed as an active radiation source. For example, the optical element is not luminescent in its first state, that is to say for example black. The optical element is in its second state 108 on the other hand luminescent, which is due to the luminescence of the optical element 108 emitted radiation that of the security feature 102 is similar or identical to this. The same effect can be achieved by using an organic light-emitting diode or an organic light-emitting diode display as the optical element 108 to reach.

The security feature 102 can consist of an imprint, the color of which matches the color of the optical element 108 is metameric when the optical element is in its second state. In this second state, which is preferably the normal state of the optical element 108 is, the printed motif of the security feature 102 can only be observed under certain exposure conditions. For verification of the security feature 102 , especially for machine verification, is the optical element 108 briefly switched from its second state to its first state, in which it assumes a contrasting color, preferably black or white.

According to a further embodiment, it is the security feature 102 a print in a color that reflects linearly polarized light of a first polarization direction. The optical element 108 is then designed so that it reflects linearly polarized light of a second polarization direction, the second polarization direction being rotated by 90 ° with respect to the first polarization direction. The component of the Reading beam 122 , which lies in the first polarization direction, is therefore of the security feature 102 reflected, whereas the component of the reading beam 122 , which lies in the second polarization direction, from the optical element 108 is reflected.

In one embodiment there is the security feature 102 from an imprint of one color. The optical element 108 switches between a state in which the optical element has the same color as the security feature 102 has, and a second state, which has a color with the same color impression (metameric color). In further embodiments, the optical element 108 between the color of the security feature 102 and a contrasting color or, in another form, switch between a metameric color and a contrasting color. A contrasting color is any color which enables the security feature to be detected optically, particularly preferably without the aid of technical means.

As a result, it becomes the reading beam 122 total of the document 100 reflected. In this switching state of the optical element 108 , in which it reflects linearly polarized light in the second polarization direction, the security feature 102 can only be detected with the help of a polarization filter. For verification of the security feature 102 , in particular for machine verification, the optical element 108 be switched to a contrasting color, preferably black or white. Alternatively, the optical element 108 also be designed so that it reflects linearly polarized light of the first polarization direction in its other state. In the latter case, only the component of the reading beam is then used 122 of the document 100 reflected, which lies in the first polarization direction. The security feature 102 can then also be recorded without a polarization filter.

In a further embodiment of the invention, it is the security feature 102 an imprint in a color that absorbs visible light but not infrared light. The visible components of the reading beam 122 are therefore of the security feature 102 absorbed, whereas the infrared component of the reading beam 122 is not absorbed, but transmitted, so that the infrared component of the reading beam is below the security feature 102 arranged optical element 108 can reach. The optical element 108 is designed here so that it absorbs infrared light in one state and does not absorb infrared light in its other state, but rather, for example, reflects or transmits it. Depending on the switching status of the optical element 108 can therefore from the reader 102 a signal in the infrared range can be detected or not.

In a further embodiment of the invention, it is the security feature 102 a non-full-surface print in a color that absorbs light from a non-visible part of the spectrum, such as infrared light, but allows visible light to pass through. Also such a security feature 102 can with the help of the optical element 108 be checked if this has one state in which it absorbs infrared light and another state in which it does not absorb infrared light, i.e., for example, reflects or transmits. In this embodiment, the optical element 108 have identical, similar or different properties in its two states in the visible range of light.

The 6th shows an embodiment of a document according to the invention 100 with a security feature 102 that has a structure, such as a line pattern. The 6th shows the lines as an example 140 , 142 and 144 of the security feature 102 .

The reading beam 122 is not perpendicular in the embodiment considered here, as in the embodiment of FIG 4th and 5 , but at an angle to the document 100 directed, as in the 6th shown. Where the reading beam 122 on one of the lines of the security feature 102 hits, becomes a spectral component of the reading beam 122 whereas other spectral components of the reading beam are reflected 122 be let through.

As in the embodiment of 4th and 5 , this is in the 6th shown by way of example for the green component 122 ". The red component 122 'of the reading beam 122 so the security feature happens 102 , regardless of whether the red component 122 'is on one of the lines of the security feature 102 hits or not. The red component 122 'thus reaches the optical element 108 . In the in the 6th shown state of the optical element 108 this has an absorbing effect, so that the red component 122 'of the reading beam 122 completely from the document 100 is absorbed. The same applies to the other spectral components of the reading beam 122 , in particular for the blue component 122 '''and also the green component 122''insofar as this does not point to one of the lines of the security feature 102 hits.

There where the green component 122 "of the reading beam 122 hits one of the lines, for example the line 140 , the reflected radiation results 128 . Because of the reflected radiation 128 results in the user 110 the impression of a line pattern 146 , that is, an illustration of the lines 140 , 142 , 144 , ... of the security feature 102 .

This exemplary embodiment also works when the line pattern is designed to be normally reflective, that is to say not to be wavelength-selective. In the event of of the absorbent switched security element 108 the line pattern can be seen in high contrast, in the case of the security element switched to reflective 108 this contrast disappears.

The 7th shows the document 100 the embodiment of the 6th when the optical element 108 is in its other state in which it is reflective. Those on the lines of the security feature 102 Transmitted spectral components, that is to say in particular the red component 122 'and the blue component 122''' are then of the optical element 108 not absorbed, but reflected, resulting in a changed line pattern 148 which results from an overlay of the line pattern 146 with lines generated by the red and blue components 112 'and 112''' 150 consists. The lines 150 are approximately magenta in color due to the fading out of the green components 122 ″.

The layer 136 can be about 100 µm high, for example, so that for viewing at 45 °, printing with lines ≤ 200 µm wide and a density of about 2.5 lines per millimeter or less can be selected. Alternatively, the layer can be about 250 µm high, for example, in which case printing with lines ≤ 500 µm wide can be selected. Instead of a reflector, the optical element 108 in his in the 7th also form a white area. In this case, the lines would be magenta 150 can be seen in lower brightness from any angle; however, the perception as an alternating line pattern is also retained in this embodiment.

The above with reference to the embodiment of 4th and 5 The embodiment variants described, for example with regard to different directions of polarization, luminescence and infrared radiation components, can be used in the embodiment of 6th and 7th can be used analogously.

The 8th shows an embodiment of the document 100 where the security feature 102 is designed as a volume hologram. The volume hologram is designed in such a way that the emerging observation beam can be observed at a different angle than that to be expected according to the classic reflection condition. For example, if the reading beam 122 at an angle of incidence of approx. 45 ° on one in the 8th image point shown as an example 152 of the volume hologram of the security feature 102 hits, the reflected radiation results 128 at an observation angle of 0 °, ie the image point 153 . The optical element 108 works in his in the 8th state shown absorbing. That is, the red and blue components 122 'and 122''' of the reading beam 122 from the optical element 108 be absorbed.

The 9 shows the document 100 in the embodiment of 8th after the optical element 108 has been switched to its other state in which it is reflective. In this state, the red and blue components 122 'and 122''' of the reading beam become 122 from the optical element 108 not absorbed but reflected, the angle of reflection being equal to the angle of incidence, as in FIG 9 shown. The superimposition of the red and blue components 122 'and 122''' results in an additional magenta-colored point 154 from the pixel 152 of the volume hologram.

The 10 and 11 show an embodiment of the document 100 , the optical element 108 between an absorbent state, as in the 10 shown and a transparent state as in the 11 shown is switchable. Depending on the embodiment of the security feature 102 can the reading beam 122 through the security feature 102 can be changed or remain unchanged. For example, the reading beam consists only of a green component 122 ″, for which the other layers of the structure of the document, that is, the protective layer 138 , the layer 136 and the carrier 134 , are transparent. In the in the 10 shown state of the optical element 108 can use the security feature 102 cannot be checked because the reading beam is completely absorbed. On the other hand, in the 11 shown state of the optical element 108 at least part of the reading beam is transmitted, so that a corresponding transmission image 156 results.

With the security feature 102 it can be a see-through register, a part of a see-through register, a transmission hologram, a holographic filter that selectively allows wavelengths from the spectrum of visible light to pass, a see-through window or another transmissive element or the like.

The 12th and 13th show a further embodiment of the document according to the invention 100 . In this embodiment, the optical element is between that shown in FIG 12th absorbent state shown and that in the 13th transparent state shown switchable. Like in the 12th is obtained in the absorbing state of the optical element 108 analogous to the embodiment of 4th a single one , whereas in the transparent state of the optical element 108 an additional obtained due to the superimposition of the red and blue components considered here as an example 122 'and 122'"'because of the reflection of the green component 122" on the security feature 102 appears magenta. The security feature 102 can be designed as a hologram in the embodiment considered here.

The 14th and 15th show an embodiment of the document according to the invention with a reflector 160 . With the security feature 102 it can be a transmission hologram. The optical element 108 can here between that in the 14th non-transparent state shown and the one in the 15th can be switched to the transparent state shown. Only when the optical element 108 is in its transparent state, you get a , like in the 15th shown.

Only when the optical element 108 is in its transparent state, the part of the beam diffracted by the transmission hologram passes 122 , ie a beam 122b the optical element 108 and hits the reflector 160 so that you can get the receives. The same applies to the part of the beam that is not diffracted 122 , ie, ray 122a.

By the reflector 160 it can be a reflective metal surface. This can be used as part of the optical element 108 be designed, for example as a back electrode of the optical element 108 forming display element. When the optical element 108 can be switched between a reflective and an absorbing state, no additional reflector is required in this embodiment.

According to a further embodiment of the invention, there is the security feature 102 from a Fourier hologram. A Fourier hologram has the property of being able to project an image when irradiated with suitable light of a suitable wavelength and an appropriate angle of incidence. This image can be, for example, a data page, a logo or the like. Laser irradiation of classic display holograms can produce the same effect. 14b and 15b show this feature accordingly.

The possibilities of using Fourier or display holograms instead of pure holographic mirrors or similar diffractive structures apply analogously to all of the preceding exemplary embodiments.

The 16 shows a further embodiment of a document according to the invention 100 and a reader according to the invention 112 . The embodiment considered here is the document 100 a travel document such as an electronic passport. The document 100 has a so-called machine-readable zone (MRZ) 164. The coupling element 114 is designed here as an RF chip. This is used to execute program instructions 166 for the implementation of a cryptographic protocol and program instructions 168 for controlling the optical element 108 . Data can also be stored in the RF chip 170 be stored, such as sensitive or sensitive data, in particular biometric data of the carrier of the document 100 .

The processor 119 of the reader 112 serves here to execute program instructions 172 who have the the reader 112 implement relevant steps of the cryptographic protocol. The energy source 118 of the reader 112 is designed here as an RF interface to connect to the RF chip of the document 100 to communicate. In addition to the optical sensor 124 can the reader 112 another optical sensor 174 have, for example, to record the MRZ 164 or other optically machine-readable data.

In the case of the program instructions 166 and 172 implemented cryptographic protocol, it can be, for example, a protocol for performing a Basic Access Control (BAC). For this purpose, the RF chip is designed in such a way that only after the BAC has been successfully carried out with the aid of the program instructions 168 the optical element 108 is controlled so that the security feature 102 from the reader 112 can be checked.

For example, the MRZ 164 is thus first of all using the optical sensor 174 detected. The reader generates from the data recorded in this way 112 a key with which it encrypts a random number sent by the RF chip and transmits the cipher to the RF chip using the RF interface. The RF chip checks this cipher for agreement with the expected value. If the cipher matches the expected value, the BAC is considered to have been passed successfully.

The 17th shows a corresponding flow chart. In step 200, a BAC protocol is carried out between the reader and the document. After the BAC protocol has been successfully terminated, the RF chip emits a switching signal to the optical element of the document so that it is put into a state in which the security feature of the document can be checked. In step 204, the data stored in the security feature are read out by the reading device and in step 206 it is checked for agreement with the data recorded from the MRZ of the document for carrying out the BAC protocol. If there is no match, the reading device emits an error message in step 208; in the opposite case, the reading device accesses the data stored in the document in step 210 in order to read them out via RF (cf. those in the memory 170 in the embodiment of 16 stored data).

In the case of more sensitive data that is in 102 are stored, it is also possible, in addition to the successful BAC, to also require a successful Extended Access Control (EAC), during which the terminal is authorized to access the security feature 102 identifies stored data.

List of reference symbols

100

document

102

Security feature

104

back

106

front

108

optical element

110

user

111

Illustration

112

Reader

114

Coupling element

116

management

118

Energy source

119

processor

120

Radiation source

121

Program instructions

122

Reading beam

123

Program instructions

124

optical sensor

125

interface

126

interface

128

reflected radiation

130

transmitted radiation

132

Recording area

134

carrier

136

layer

138

Protective layer

140

Lines

142

Lines

144

Lines

146

Line pattern

148

Line pattern

150

Lines

152

Pixels

153

Point

154

Point

156

Transmission image

158

Illustration

160

reflector

162

Illustration

165

MAR

166

Program instructions

168

Program instructions

170

Data

172

Program instructions

174

optical sensor

Claims (33)

Document (100) with a security feature (102) and an optical element (108), wherein the security feature is arranged in front of the optical element, and the optical element for checking the security feature can be switched between at least first and second optical states, the security feature in only one of the first and second states can be checked optically, the optical element absorbing incident radiation in its first state and reflecting incident radiation in its second state. Document after Claim 1 , wherein the optical element can be switched between its first and second states by coupling in energy. Document after Claim 2 , wherein the optical element is designed to couple the energy. Document after Claim 2 , with a coupling element (114) for coupling in the energy, the optical element being controllable by the coupling element. Document after Claim 2 , with a contact-based, a contactless or a dual-mode interface (114), in particular a chip card interface or an RF interface, for coupling the energy. Document according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the optical element is bistable. Document according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the optical element is semi-bistable. Document according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the optical element is an electrophoretic, electrochromic, electrostatic, rotating element, electro-wetting, ferroelectric and / or liquid crystal display device, in particular with cholesteric or nematic liquid-crystalline materials, a microelectromechanical system (MEMS), such as a microshutter array, and / or a display device based on ferroelectric materials or interferometric modulators, an organic light-emitting diode or an organic light-emitting diode display. Document after Claim 8 , wherein the display device has a plurality of display elements, each of which puts a partial area of the optical element in the first or second state, the display device being designed for collective control of the display elements in order to switch them as a whole to the first or the second state. Document according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the security feature is a hologram, in particular a volume hologram, reflection hologram, transmission hologram, Fourier hologram, display hologram, a luminescent marking, a reflector for reflecting polarized light , an absorber for the absorption of light of a certain spectral range, a guilloche, micro-writing, a metameric system, an imprint with fluorescence, phosphorescence and / or up-conversion color, an imprint with infrared color, optically variable colors (OVI - Optical Variable Ink), Kinegram (transparent or reflective), a watermark, barcode, register printing, a see-through window, mottled fibers, a security thread and / or a micro-perforation. Document according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the security feature carries optically readable and / or optically cognitively detectable data. Document after Claim 11 , wherein the security feature is designed as an optical data memory, in particular as a holographic data memory. Document after Claim 11 or 12th , the data being biometric and / or biographical data. Document according to one of the preceding claims, comprising an integrated electronic circuit (114) for switching the optical element. Document according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the security feature is designed for reflection in a first spectral range (122 ") and for transmission in a second spectral range (122 ', 122' ''), and wherein the optical element is designed such that it in its first state absorbs at least in the second spectral range and in its second state has a reflective effect at least in the second spectral range. Document after one of the Claim 1 to 14th wherein the security feature is designed for reflection, scattering or generation of radiation in a first spectral range, and wherein the optical element in its second state is designed for reflection in the first spectral range. Document according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the security feature is a marking that is luminescent in a first spectral range, the optical element being non-luminescent in its first state and luminescent in its second state in the first spectral range. Document according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the security feature has a first color, and wherein the optical element in its first state has a second color which is different from the first color, and wherein the optical element has a third color in its second state that is metameric with the first color. Document according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the security feature is designed to reflect linearly polarized radiation of a first polarization direction, and wherein the optical element is designed such that it reflects linearly polarized light of a second polarization direction only in its second state, the second polarization direction is perpendicular to the first direction of polarization. Document according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the security feature has a structure. Document according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the optical element is designed in its first state to reflect radiation and in its second state to transmit radiation. Document according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the security feature is designed so that it is only in the first or the second State of the optical element is visually perceptible. Document according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the optical element has a display device which can act reflective, directionally reflective, diffusely scattering and / or transmissive. Document according to one of the preceding claims, with an integrated electronic circuit (114) for carrying out a cryptographic protocol and for controlling the optical element when a condition of the cryptographic protocol is met. Document after Claim 24 , with an optically readable zone (164) which contains optically readable data, the security feature being designed as an optical memory in which the data, a cipher of the data, a check digit of the data or a hash value of the data is stored. Document after Claim 24 or 25th , with an electronic memory (170) for storing electronically readable data, external access to the electronically readable data by an external reading device (112) from the integrated electronic circuit only being made possible if the cryptographic protocol has been carried out successfully. Document according to one of the preceding Claims 24 to 26th , wherein the cryptographic protocol is designed to carry out a basic access control and / or an extended access control. Document according to one of the preceding claims, wherein it is a value or security document, in particular a travel or identity document, a chip card, a proof of authorization, a means of payment or the like. Reading device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, having means (118, 172) for initiating the switching of the optical element (108) between the first and the second state in order to enable optical access to the security feature of the document. Reader after Claim 29 , with an optical sensor (124) for the automatic detection of the security feature. Reader after Claim 29 or 30th , with means (172) for carrying out a cryptographic protocol and with means (120, 124) for acquiring data from the security feature, the data being used for carrying out the cryptographic protocol. Reader after Claim 29 , 30th or 31 , which is a reading device for a value or security document, in particular a machine-readable travel or identification document, a chip card, a credential or the like. Method for reading a security feature of a document (100) according to one of the preceding Claims 1 to 28 with the following steps: coupling of energy into the document in order to switch the optical element between the first and the second state, with incident radiation being absorbed by the optical element in its first state and with incident radiation being absorbed by the optical element in its second state is reflected, - optical detection of the security feature.

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