DE102007045137B3 - Security document with a validity feature and method for its production and device for verification - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a security document, a method for the production and a device for checking the validity of the security document, wherein at least two different colors are applied to the security document at least in one region (7) that is visible from a lateral surface, said colors exhibiting different concentration gradients (1,2) along a marked direction (3) in said region (7), wherein the at least two different colors are fluorescent colors, wherein the concentration gradients (1, 2) are selected such that when exciting the fluorescence, an area (9) of a marked color is perceivable and the at least two colors have different life spans, wherein the concentration gradients (1, 2) and the dimensions of the region (7) along the marked direction (3) are selected such that after production with a predetermined validity duration, a perceivable shift of the area (9) of the marked color impression takes place.

Description

The The invention relates to a security document comprising a document body in at least in an area that faces from a side is visible, at least two different colors are applied, along an excellent direction in the area from each other deviant concentration gradients wherein the at least two different colors are fluorescent colors are. The invention further relates to a process for the preparation Such documents and a device for testing such security documents with respect to a feature encoded therein.

security documents are documents that have so-called security features that a falsification or duplicating over complicate a simple copying. Security documents are u. a. as personal documents, such as passports, identity cards, identity cards, as driving licenses, but also as value documents, for example banknotes, credit cards, Bank cards, vignettes, tax stamps, postage stamps, lottery tickets or other products of value printing, for example labels, packaging imprints especially in the pharmaceutical and food industries.

modern Security documents have a variety of different ones Security features on. Particularly preferred are security documents, the one document body which preferably consists of several layers to form a monolithic one composite body is laminated. The different layers are preferably made of plastics, can however, other layers, for example of paper, include, which are easier to print than plastic layers.

From the US 3,836,754 A It is known to print color gradients of different colors on security documents, which are referred to as rainbow or iris. There is described, for example, an embodiment in which a strip of successive colors is arranged like a rainbow, of which one, two or three of these colors have significance with respect to coding of a ticket identification feature. Individual different colors is thus assigned a meaning here.

From the EP 0 318 717 A2 Documents with forgery-proof surface relief are known. The documents and data, patterns, etc. applied thereto, which are in the form of a surface relief, in particular in the form of embossed characters, are provided in the region of the surface relief with luminescent substance, which can be visually and also mechanically tested. As luminescent substances, for example, fluorescent dyes can be used which comprise pigments which can be excited in an optically excited state and emit electromagnetic radiation in the infrared, visible or ultraviolet spectral region during a de-excitation, ie during a transition to an energetically lower state.

From the EP 0 149 542 A2 Security documents are known, which include a security feature rainbow pressure, which is executed in one embodiment by means of fluorescent colors.

at some applications it is desirable that a security document is provided with a validity period. This means that the security document only in a given Time period valid should be. Common is, for example, an end date in an alphanumeric encoding printed on the security document. Likewise, such Effective date otherwise, for example in a bar code, or in one encoded in the security document integrated electronic chip be. Especially in a visual inspection by people is made, has a control of a validity date as error prone exposed, as different date components (day, month, Year, time, etc.) combined.

Furthermore are alphanumeric codes printed on a security document in relation to relatively easy to counterfeit to other security features.

Of the Invention is therefore the technical object of a security document and a method for its production and a device for checking the To create a security document which is opposite to a forgery improved validity which is preferably visually easy to check.

The Technical object is achieved by a security document with the features of claim 1 and a method with the features of claim 14 and a device with the features of claim 31 solved.

Of the Invention is based on the idea, at least two different Fluorescence colors over an area with different concentration courses so to bring up a noticeable gradient (a rainbow or an iris). This means that a concentration ratio of at least two different colors over changed the area along the excellent direction. The concentration curves and a consequent concentration ratio are chosen that an area of an excellent color impression caused by color addition the fluorescence of the at least two different colors arises, is perceptible. As an excellent color impression can be a color impression resulting from the color addition of the fluorescent colors chosen become. The at least two colors are selected so that they have different lifetimes. This can be done in one case the life for example be given by the light fastness, So by the stability towards irradiation. In another case, the life can be determined by the stability across from given the environment, for example, the life can be through Oxidation be limited by means of atmospheric oxygen. In another For example, the lifetime may be due to an internal reaction be given. Since the concentration ratio curve is not constant is, d. H. the concentration ratio along the excellent Direction dependent from the place along the excellent direction changes leads a different aging the at least two different colors that the area, which causes an excellent color impression and below Also referred to as area excellent color impression is itself shifts laterally in the area over time. The dimensions of the area as well as the concentration gradients are chosen so that after production of the security document in a predetermined period of validity a noticeable shift in the area of excellent color perception is noticeable is. In particular, a security document is thus proposed, at least one Area covered by a side surface is visible from, at least two different colors are applied, along an excellent direction in the area from each other deviant concentration gradients have, so that a concentration ratio of at least two different Colors over depending on the area changing from a place along the excellent direction, taking the two different colors are fluorescent colors. The concentration courses are chosen so that upon excitation of fluorescence, an excellent Color impression causing, limited area is perceptible and the at least two colors have different lifetimes, the concentration gradients and the dimensions of the area along the excellent direction so chosen are that after a production in a given period of validity a noticeable shift of the excellent color impression causing area. A shift of an area, which causes an excellent color impression, can be simple Be perceived way. According to the invention, a device for Check of validity proposed a security document, which is an excitation source for exciting a fluorescence of the two different colors, wherein at least one comparison color gradient, the aging state of the security document at a lapse of the predetermined validity period represents characterizing information in a memory for one Comparison with a fluorescence excitation of the two colors of the Security document are stored perceptible color gradient. Depending on which position the area is excellent Color impression in proportion is located to the position of the area in the comparison color gradient, can decide whether the validity of the security document has expired or not. The currently determined position can thus be easily compared with the stored position. The memory may be any medium on which a comparison color gradient characterizing information can be stored. In contrast to an expiration date coded in alphanumeric characters is the in the Location of the area excellent color impression coded validity period much more difficult to imitate or distort.

at a preferred embodiment are the at least two different colors chosen so that in a color addition of the fluorescent colors of a human Viewer a white one Tint is perceived. The excellent color impression is thus preferably a white one Color impression. A white one Color impression differs particularly clearly from other mixed colors, that occur in a gradient. This applies regardless of that persons a white If necessary, perceive the color differently: one of them white The color is reddish and another perceives it as bluish.

by virtue of different lives of at least two different ones Colors changes at a position in the area where the colors are applied are, a relationship the two color components over time. The ratio changes in favor of this the color, the longer one Life has. The place where a concentration ratio occurs which causes the excellent color impression, thus wanders with time. Thus, the area shifts excellent Color impression with time.

Around excellent visibility of the shift of the area excellent Color impression also with small documents, for example in the ID 1 Card size (85.6 mm × 54 mm), is in a particularly preferred embodiment The invention provides that the area along the excellent Direction over the entire extent of the document extends, in particular in parallel a longer one Edge of a substantially rectangular document. Preferably thus extends the area in which the different colors are applied, along a longitudinal direction of a substantially rectangular, card-shaped trained document. Is the length parallel to the excellent Direction runs over the the concentration gradients dependent from the position along the excellent direction (and thus also a concentration ratio changes), as long as possible, so is one resulting shift in a given time interval also extraordinary big. This facilitates perception of the shift. A Displacement distance per unit time is greater, so that it is easier to perceive.

at larger documents, for example in ID 2 (105 mm × 74 mm) or ID 3 format (125 mm × 88 mm) as well as large ones Labels can be the area where the at least two colors are applied will be different, even in terms of size and / or orientation chosen become. Especially for portrait documents created in portrait format An attachment along the short document side is advantageous.

At the Creating the security document is in a preferred embodiment provided that several different color compositions produced, the different proportions of at least two different colors included and in adjacent areas be applied to a roll of a printing press, wherein the Color compositions about more rolls on a printing plate and from this on a layer of the document body become. A stripe-wise application allowed in as narrow a strip as possible the application of the colors in concentration gradients that occur along a Direction that is parallel to a Drehachsrichtung the rollers change.

When Printing methods can the methods of high, low, low and high pressure known to those skilled in the art as well as other application techniques known to those skilled in the art. The printed image produced may be any known to the person skilled in the art Design act, in particular a solid surface, a grid, a halftone image or a line structure.

Around one possible continuous color transition to reach, d. H. continuous concentration gradients of different colors manufacture is provided in a preferred embodiment that at least one of the further rollers is a Verreiberwalze, the performs an axial oscillating movement to a mixing of the adjacently applied color compositions via a lateral trituration to reach.

When it has proven particularly advantageous to apply the color compositions to make the area so that the concentration of the a color of at least two colors over the area a monotone decreasing (increasing), preferably steady, function. This means that the concentration of one color along the excellent Direction monotonically decreases (increases), preferably steadily. Especially an embodiment is preferred in applying the paint compositions to the area is made so that the concentration of the one color over the Area along the excellent direction a linear decreasing (increasing) function is. This can be achieved simply by a difference of the proportions contained in the colorant compositions for neighboring is chosen constant on the roller applied color compositions. Preferably, at one edge of the roller (ductor) becomes a coloring composition applied, which has a maximum proportion of one color (minimum Share, especially one color does not) contains. At the opposite End of a color composition is preferably applied, the a minimum color content of one color, especially none at all Share (a maximum proportion of color) contains. For the color compositions, which are applied in between, the proportion of one takes Color in equal steps (off).

Bringing the colors with color compositions, as just described, in a printing process, wherein at least one of the other rollers, a Verreiberwalze, performs an axial movement and thus leads to a lateral trituration, we obtain a preferred embodiment, wherein the Concentration course of a color over the area along the excellent direction decreases linearly (increases). This ensures that an area of excellent color is visible on the security document at all times and that it shifts steadily over time. A particularly advantageous embodiment has been found in which the concentration profile of a different color of the at least two Colors across the area along the excellent direction increases linearly (decreases). This means that the concentration profiles of the two different colors are each formed linearly but with slopes of opposite sign.

There a shift of the area of excellent color impression in dependence is an exponential dependence of a time, is a lifetime at least one of the colors, the color with the shorter life, adapted to a given validity period to choose. Especially preferred is the shorter one Lifespan of at least two colors chosen so d. H. a color with one corresponding lifetime selected, those in the order of magnitude the specified validity period lies. Desirable it is that the feature which a position of the area is excellent Color impression in dependence indicates by time, be approximated by a linear function may or at least not excessive deviations of a linear function in the time domain, which in the Magnitude of the period of validity lies. An embodiment of the invention is particularly preferred the shorter life the two different colors of the order of the given period of validity is less than or less, more preferably up to a factor of 8 smaller is the default validity period and most preferably about half up to a quarter of the validity period equivalent. Other embodiments provide that lifetimes by more than an order of magnitude distinguish and in particular one of the at least two colors one Has lifespan that tends towards infinity.

Become the concentration gradients each chosen so that they are linear between 100% and 0% or 0% and 100% for the respective which vary at least two colors, so can about the absolute ratios the at least two colors to each other a position along the excellent direction can be set in the area where the area of excellent color impression at the time of manufacture security document. Especially preferred become the absolute relationships chosen so that the area along the excellent direction through the area excellent color impression in two sub-areas along the divided into excellent direction, of which the larger area preferably 66% to 90%, most preferably about 80% of the total extent of the area along the excellent direction. The concentration curves are preferably designed so that with an onset of aging At least two different colors make the area excellent Color impression in the area shifts so that the initially larger sub-area gets smaller.

Around an improved color impression of the excellent color impression to achieve, especially when it comes to a white color impression is in one embodiment the invention provides that a third color over the Area is applied, which has a concentration course, a similar Behavior like a concentration course of one of the two colors has, and the one similar Life as one of the two colors has. Such embodiment also includes a use of a mixed color, which is a uniform Lifetime for has both components of the mixed color. At another one embodiment it is envisaged that the third color is applied over its entire area in the area. It turns out that also other colors can be used.

are for the desired period of validity to find any suitable fluorescent colors that provide adequate Have lifespan and above out to each other the color mixture complementary are a white one To cause color impression is in another embodiment provided that the third color is applied in the area which has a concentration course extending along a vertical direction to the excellent direction changed. In In such case, the area becomes excellent color impression rather punctiform be educated and with time both along the excellent Direction as well as perpendicular thereto, d. H. in the result along one curved line, move.

Around a review of Easily perform aging of the security document can, Preferably, a time scale is plotted along a curve, along the area which gives the excellent color impression shifts, preferably marked on the time scale a validity limit is. The curve will be a straight line if two colors are used become, whose concentration courses linear and opposite along the excellent direction run. Only in the case that a third color is used, their concentration course perpendicular to the excellent color runs, the time scale will run along a curved curve.

In order to facilitate reading of the aging of the security document without a checking device, in a preferred embodiment it is provided that at least one comparison color gradient, which results at the time of an end of the validity period, with long-lasting colors next to the area on the sides surface is printed. In a further development, a plurality of comparison color gradients with long-lasting colors may be printed next to the area that indicate different aging states of the security document. With an excitation of the fluorescence, the color gradient triggered by the fluorescence can thus be compared with the comparison color progressions printed from durable colors. This is a reliable detection of whether a period of validity of the document has expired or not feasible.

at an embodiment is a control card with printed comparison color gradients to verify the Security document used such that a control person visually with the security document under appropriate lighting considered.

at an embodiment The invention provides that the memory of the device for testing a security document with the at least one comparison color gradient surface printed with durable colors.

at a development of the inventive device for checking the Security document is provided that the source of excitation regarding an excitation strength is adjustable to an intensity adjust the observed fluorescence to a standard intensity to be able to. Due to the fact that due to the aging of the colors the number of existing ones Color pigments decreases, also takes a fluorescence intensity with the Time off. Therefore, it is advantageous to excite the fluorescence to be able to regulate about this one intensity of the resulting color gradient due to fluorescence to be able to. Immediately after the creation of the security document is only a low level of excitation necessary. The older the document becomes, the higher should the excitation strength be chosen, an almost equally intense color gradient due to fluorescence to watch the two colors. In this case, a correlation is preferred between the regulated excitation intensity and the detected location the area of the excellent color impression carried out since there is a strong connection between the two. In this way the feature becomes even more secure against counterfeiting.

A preferred embodiment of the invention, an automated verification of the security document permitted, provides that a document recording with the excitation source and a detection unit is coupled, which detects the fluorescence, and coupled to the detection unit an evaluation unit which, which determines a position of the area of excellent color impression, and the determined position having a validity period limit position Comparing a given position of the area excellent color impression at the end of a validity period of the security document, and comprises an output unit, which outputs a result of the comparison. Such an embodiment The invention is capable, for example programmatically a security document located in the document recording with regard to a lapse of a validity period to check. in this connection The stored in the memory are the comparison color gradient Characteristic information used, for example, the Validity limit position include.

following the invention with reference to preferred embodiments with reference closer to a drawing explained. Hereby show:

1 a schematic graphical representation of two concentration curves along an excellent direction;

2 a schematic representation of a security document body, according to the Konzentrationsverläufen after 1 corresponds;

3 a printing machine for producing a security document;

4 schematically two graphically plotted color gradients along an excellent direction with a strip-wise printing of a security document;

5 a schematic view of a dependence of a region of an excellent color impression as a function of time;

6a and 6b a graphical representation of two concentration curves for a security document of an exemplary embodiment at different times;

7a and 7b a schematic views of a security document, corresponding to the concentration progressions 6a and 6b ;

8a and 8b schematic views of other security documents; and

9 a schematic representation of an apparatus for checking a security document for aging.

In order to produce a security document with a validity feature, two different colors with different concentration gradients along an excellent direction are to be applied thereto. In 1 are schematic concentration curves 1 . 2 For example, for the colors red and cyan in accordance with an excellent direction 3 , which follows an abscissa of the graphic representation 1 is applied. An ordinate 4 The graphic representation indicates a concentration of the colors or pigments contained therein. The different colors are preferably chosen so that they produce a white color impression with respect to a color addition of a fluorescent light emitted by them with a suitable mixture (a suitable concentration ratio). If, for example, you choose red as the first color, then it assigns the course of concentration that is in 1 with the reference number 1 is shown and shown as a solid line, and as the second color cyan and assigns a concentration course that in 1 is shown by dashed lines and the reference numeral 2 In addition, assuming that a white color impression is produced when as many cyan and red colored pigments produce fluorescent light, one obtains an in 2 highly simplified security document 5 , which is preferably rectangular in shape and a security document laminated from several layers 5 can be. It may also be a painted or unpainted security document ( 5 ) of value and security printing, in particular on a paper, fabric or plastic basis, as well as hybrid or composite materials of these. The security document 5 In other embodiments, for example in the case of a passport, further pages, preferably made of paper, may be bound together to form a booklet. In the illustrated security document 5 extends an area 7 over which the two different colors are applied, in particular imprinted, over an entire side surface of the document 5 , An excellent direction 3 along which the concentration gradients of the two different colors, here cyan and red, change, is parallel to a longitudinal side 8th of the security document 5 aligned.

Upon excitation of the fluorescence of the two different colors is in a center of the document body, based on the excellent direction 3 , an area 9 perceptible, which causes a white color impression, ie an excellent color impression. Adjacent to the area giving the excellent color impression 9 are areas 10 and 11 arranged, which cause a cyan or correspondingly a red-colored color impression. Assuming that the color pigments of the color cyan are shorter-lived than those of the color red, ie have a short life, then disintegrate more cyan color pigments per unit time than red color pigments. A place where the number of cyan and red pigments is the same shifts thus against the excellent direction 3 , ie in the presentation after 2 to the left, leaving the excellent area 9 with an increasing aging of colors shifts to the left. This shift is thus a measure of aging and can be used to validate the security document 5 to check. Falls below a distance 12 of the area of excellent color impression 9 from a shorter left edge 13 of the security document 5 a threshold value, this can be a feature for a lapse of a validity period of the security document 5 be used.

In 3 is shown schematically a printing machine, with the help of a security document after 2 can be produced. A roller (ductor) 22 for color absorption is through several color separators 23 , or chunks called, in the example shown in four equal zones 24 split in the axial direction. In each of the zones 24 becomes the roller 22 supplied one of four different color compositions. The roller 22 supplied ink compositions are about other rollers, the ink rollers 25 . 25 '' and at least one distributor roller 25 ' include, on a printing plate 26 transferred and from this to a layer 27 printed, which is preferably laminated to a security document or is already laminated. The at least one distributor roller 25 ' In addition to a rotational movement about a longitudinal axis 28 an oscillation movement along the longitudinal axis 28 out. This results in a continuously adjustable lateral trituration of the color compositions, so that along the excellent direction 3 on the shift 27 monotonous, continuous and preferably linear concentration gradients of the two different colors that make up the color compositions form.

In 4 are the concentration gradients 1' and 2 ' for red and cyan against the excellent rich tung 3 graphically presented, which would result if no lateral trituration took place. It is assumed that the four color compositions consist of cyan, two parts cyan and one part red, one part cyan and two parts red and only red. With the lateral trituration, the concentration curves then follow 1 , It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that, of course, more colorant compositions than four can be used.

Around an optimal white impression Achieving excellent color impression in the area is at some embodiments provided that in addition a third color, which is also a fluorescent color is over the area is applied. Here, it is preferable for the third color uses a concentration course along the excellent direction, which resembles a concentration course of one of the two different colors. This means that the concentration curve of the third color along the Excellent direction also monotonically increases (decreases), preferably increases linearly (decreases).

Example 1:

A exemplary embodiment uses the colors Red 360F50W Sicpa, Yellow 360F12W Sicpa, Blue 360F14W Sicpa. These colors are used to make four color compositions Z1 to Z4, the yellow, blue and red in the following composition contain. Z1: 100% yellow, 0% blue, 0% red; Z2: 67% yellow, 17% blue, 17% red; Z3: 33% yellow, 33% blue, 33% red; Z4: 0% yellow, 50% blue, 50% red.

As will be explained below, by an appropriate choice of colorant compositions, a location along the preferred direction may be established at which the area, typically a stripe, is provided with an excellent color impression at the time of manufacture. A zero point of the time scale coincides with the production of the security document. A locus x is normalized to an extent of the area along the designated direction. Assuming that the area in which the colors are applied extends over an entire area of the security document, the location x = 0 coincides with one side of the security document and the location x = 1 with an opposite side. The concentration curves n ₁ (x) for the color 1 and n ₂ (x) for the color 2 are each selected as linear such that for color 1 the concentration profile at location x = 0 is zero (n ₁ (0) = 0) and at location x = 1 n _{1 , 0} (n ₁ (1) = n _{1, 0} ). For the color 2 the concentration curve is chosen to be opposite, so that at the location x = 0 n _2.0 pigments are present ((n ₂ (0) = n _2.0 ) and at the location x = 1 no pigments of the color 2 are present (n ₂ (1) = 0). Thus: n 1 (x) = n 1.0 · X (1) n 2 (x) = n 2.0 · (1 - x) (2)

Assuming a mono-exponential decay for the aging of the colors, the following applies:

Where τ _{1 is} the life of the paint 1 and τ ₂ the life of the paint 2 or respectively their color pigments are. The mixing ratio R (x, t) or the concentration ratio of the two colors is given as:

Now give the value R ₀ the mixing ratio at which the excellent color impression z. If, for example, a white color impression is produced, the position x (t) of the area of excellent color impression results as follows:

The parameters R ₀ , τ ₁ and τ ₂ result from the color selection (substance selection), which are suitably adapted to the desired validity period. At the start time t = 0, the "white point" at the coordinate x can be determined via the amounts of substance n _1.0 and n _{2 , 0} used:

Example 2:

If a mixture of the color pigments of 1: 1 gives the excellent color impression (white), then R ₀ = 1, and x (0) = 0.5 for the same amounts of substance n _1.0 = n _{2 , 0} . For the position of the area excellent color impression then applies:

Example 3:

It is again assumed that a mixing ratio R ₀ = 1 causes an excellent color impression (white). However, for the amounts of pigment used (pigment quantities), n _2,0 = 4 * n _1,0 , it follows:

Furthermore, if τ ₁ = 10 · τ ₂ , the color impression results for positions of the area

This dependence is in 5 shown graphically.

It can be clearly seen that the position of the area of excellent color impression in a time range corresponding to three lifetimes of the shorter-lived color moves almost linearly from the position 0.8 to the position 0.2. If the colors are chosen such that the shorter lifetime τ ₂ corresponds, for example, to half of the desired validity period, a validity mark could be applied at the position x = 0.4. If the position of the area of excellent color impression is less than 0.4, the validity of the document has expired.

In 6a are the concentration gradients 1 . 2 for the two different colors at the time of manufacture graphically against the excellent direction 3 applied. The color 1 is by a solid line, the color 2 represented by a dashed line.

In 7a is schematically a corresponding security document 5 shown at the time of manufacture. The area of excellent color impression 9 is located at position 0.8 along the excellent direction. Suppose that the color 1 Red is and the color 2 Cyan, you get a color transition from red to white from the right edge of the security document 5 over a short distance 31 , A color transition from cyan to white, however, takes place over a long distance 32 ,

In 7b is a view of the same card-shaped security document 5 presented at a later date. Between the time of manufacture and the later time, a period of about three lives of the shorter-lived cyan pigments has passed. The area 9 excellent color impression (white) is now at the position x = 0.2. While an intensity of the red color pigments decreased only slightly during this period, the number of cyan pigments has decreased drastically. The corresponding concentration gradients are in 6b shown. After three lifetimes of cyan pigments, the zone has shifted excellent color impression to the position x = 0.2 to the left.

In the document after 7a and 7b is a time scale 33 shown, preferably on the security document 5 is printed. A validity mark 34 indicates the position where the area of excellent color impression is located at the time when the document validity expires. The time scale 33 is preferably arrow-shaped to indicate a direction of displacement of the area of excellent color impression with aging: the time scale may, of course, additionally include alphanumeric labels, pictograms, etc.

The examples described are merely exemplary embodiments of the security documents. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the application of the inks may be on a layer which may be internal to a security document embodied as a lamination body. requirement This is because the outer layers are transparent both in terms of excitation of the fluorescence colors and fluorescence. Furthermore, a described color gradient can be combined as a security feature with other security features known to the person skilled in the art, in particular overprinted or backprinted.

The area 7 may span the entire extent of the document or part of it. Due to the visual verifiability the area should be 7 extend over most of the extension of the document, preferably between 65 and 100% of the size of the document. This can be the area 7 , as in 8a be shown to be rectangular or also have a different geometric figure, for example, be designed as a serpentine or wavy strip, as in 8b is shown.

In 9 is a device for checking a security document 5 in terms of expiration of a period of validity shown schematically. The device comprises a document holder 42 in which a security document 5 can be held. In the document recording, the security document 5 be arranged so that the area in which the colors are applied is reproducibly aligned.

The device 41 includes an excitation source 43 , which preferably emits light in the ultraviolet spectral range. The ultraviolet radiation excites the fluorescence of the security document 5 on applied colors. Adjacent to the documentary 42 In one embodiment, it is a memory 48 arranged, at least partially in the form of a printed with Vergleichfarbverläufen of durable colors area 44 may be formed, wherein the comparison color gradients 49 at different aging times of the security document 5 graphically display observable color gradients. The printed area 44 represents a storage medium, which characteristic information of the comparison color gradients 49 stores. These are relative to the document recording 42 aligned so that the excellent direction of the area over which the fluorescent colors are applied, one in the document recording 42 arranged security document parallel to the Vergleichfarbverläufen 49 is aligned. The perceptible color gradients due to fluorescence can thus be easily compared with these comparison color gradients to derive an aging state and from this a validity of the security document.

Additionally or alternatively, characteristic information of the comparative color gradients may also be digital in a part of the memory 48 be stored, with an evaluation unit 46 is coupled. In such an embodiment, which is intended for automated testing, the device comprises 41 a detection unit 45 , which is formed, for example, as a camera, CCD or the like and is capable of the fluorescent light of the colors of the security document 5 capture. The registration unit 45 is with an evaluation unit 46 coupled, which determines a position of the area excellent color impression and compares the position with a validity period limit position, the predetermined position of the area excellent color impression at the end of a period of validity of the security document 5 indicates. About an output unit 47 a result of the check is issued. The output unit 47 may assume any configuration capable of conveying information. For example, it may be configured as a freely programmable display area on which an age of the security document ascertained on the basis of the determined position 5 is issued. Likewise, the output unit can also be designed with two different light sources having different colors, one of the colors being assigned a meaning "validity period not yet expired" and the other having a meaning "expired validity period".

1, 2

concentration curves

3

excellent direction

4

concentration

5

The security document

7

Area

8th

long side

9

area excellent color impression

10 11

areas

12

distance

13

shorter left edge

21

press

22

roller for color picking

23

color separators

24

zones

25 25 ''

ink rollers

25 '

Verreiberwalze

26

printing plate

27

layer

28

axis

31

short route

32

Long route

33

timescale

34

valid flag

41

contraption

42

document recording

43

excitation source

44

area

45

acquisition unit

46

evaluation

47

output unit

48

Storage

49

Compare gradients

Claims (33)

Security document ( 5 ), in which at least one area ( 7 ), which is visible from one side surface, at least two different colors are applied along an excellent direction ( 3 ) in that area ( 7 ) different concentration gradients ( 1 . 2 ), so that a concentration ratio R (x) of the at least two different colors over the range ( 7 ) depending on a location along the excellent direction ( 3 ), wherein the at least two different colors are fluorescent colors, characterized in that the concentration profiles ( 1 . 2 ) are selected so that upon excitation of fluorescence, an area giving excellent color ( 9 ) is perceptible and the at least two colors have different lifetimes (τ ₁ , τ ₂ ), wherein the concentration profiles ( 1 . 2 ) and the dimensions of the area ( 7 ) along the excellent direction ( 3 ) are selected such that, after production in a given period of validity, a perceptible displacement of the area giving rise to an excellent color impression ( 9 ). Security document ( 5 ) according to claim 1, characterized in that the excellent color impression causing area ( 9 ) causes a white color impression. Security document ( 5 ) according to one of the preceding claims according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the region ( 7 ) along the excellent direction ( 3 ) over a major part of an extent, preferably 65 to 100% of the extent, most preferably the full extent, of the document ( 5 ), in particular parallel to a longer edge of a rectangular document ( 5 ). Security document ( 5 ), characterized in that the course of concentration ( 1 ) of a color of at least two colors one over the area ( 7 ) along the excellent direction ( 3 ) is monotonically decreasing / increasing, preferably continuous, function. Security document ( 5 ) according to claim 3, characterized in that the concentration course ( 1 ) of a color of at least two colors over the range ( 7 ) along the excellent direction ( 3 ) is a linear decreasing / increasing function. Security document ( 5 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the course of concentration ( 2 ) of a different color of the at least two colors over the area ( 7 ) along the excellent direction ( 3 ) is a linear increasing / decreasing function. Security document ( 5 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the lifetimes of one color and the other color of the at least two different colors differ by one order of magnitude. Security document ( 5 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a shorter lifetime of one of the at least two different colors is on the order of the predetermined validity period or less, more preferably less than the predetermined validity period by a factor of 8, most preferably about half up to one quarter of the validity period. Security document ( 5 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a third color over the area ( 7 ) having a concentration course along the excellent direction, which has a similar behavior as the concentration course of the one color or the other color of the at least two colors, and the third color has a lifetime similar to that of the one color or the other color which has at least two colors. Security document ( 5 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the third color over the area ( 7 ) having a concentration course extending along a direction perpendicular to the designated direction (FIG. 3 ) changed. Security document ( 5 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a time scale is plotted along a curve along which the area giving the excellent color impression ( 9 ), at which preferably a validity limit is marked. Security document ( 5 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a comparison color gradient ( 49 ), which results at the end of the validity period, with long-lasting colors next to the area ( 7 ) is printed on the side surface. Procedure for creating a security document ( 5 ), in which at least one area ( 7 ) visible from one side face, at least two different colors are applied along an excellent direction ( 3 ) in that area ( 7 ) different concentration gradients ( 1 . 2 ), so that a concentration ratio R (x) of the at least two different colors over the range ( 7 ) depending on a location along the excellent direction ( 3 ), wherein the at least two different colors are fluorescent colors, characterized in that the at least two different colors with different lifetimes (τ ₁ , τ ₂ ) are selected and the at least two different colors are applied in such a way that concentration profiles ( 1 . 2 ), so that upon excitation of fluorescence of the at least two different colors, an area giving excellent color impression ( 9 ) is perceptible, and wherein the concentration courses ( 1 . 2 ) and the dimensions of the area ( 7 ) along the excellent direction ( 3 ) are selected so that after a production in a given period of validity, a perceptible displacement of the area causing the excellent color impression ( 9 ). A method according to claim 13, characterized in that the at least two colors are chosen so that the excellent color impression causing area ( 9 ) causes a white color impression. Method according to one of claims 13 or 14, characterized in that the dimensions of the area ( 7 ) are chosen so that the area ( 7 ) along its excellent direction ( 3 ) over a major part of an extent, preferably 65 to 100% of the extent, most preferably the full extent, of the document ( 5 ), in particular parallel to a longer edge of a rectangular document ( 5 ). Method according to one of claims 13 to 15, characterized in that a plurality of different color compositions are produced, which contain different proportions of the at least two different colors and in adjacent areas on a roll ( 22 ) are applied to a printing press, wherein the color compositions by further rolls ( 25 . 25 ' . 25 '' ) on a printing plate ( 26 ) and from this to a layer ( 27 ) of the document ( 5 ) be transmitted. Method according to one of claims 13 to 16, characterized in that at least one of the further rollers as a Verreiberwalze ( 25 ' ), which performs an axial oscillating motion to achieve mixing of the adjacently applied ink compositions via lateral rubbing. Method according to one of claims 13 to 17, characterized in that the application of the color compositions to the area ( 7 ) is carried out so that the course of concentration ( 1 ) one Color of at least two colors over the area ( 7 ) along the excellent direction ( 3 ) is a monotonically decreasing / increasing, preferably continuous, function. Method according to one of claims 13 to 18, characterized in that the application of the color compositions to the area ( 7 ) is carried out so that the course of concentration ( 1 ) of a color of at least two colors over the range ( 7 ) along the excellent direction ( 3 ) is a linear decreasing / increasing function. Method according to one of claims 13 to 19, characterized in that the application of the color compositions to the area ( 7 ) is carried out such that the concentration course of a different color of the at least two colors over the range ( 7 ) along the excellent direction ( 3 ) is a linear increasing / decreasing function. Method according to one of claims 13 to 20, characterized characterized in that the at least two different colors so chosen be that the lives of one color and the other Color of at least two different colors by an order of magnitude differ. Method according to one of claims 13 to 21, characterized that the at least two different colors are chosen that a shorter one Lifetime of one of the at least two different colors in the Magnitude the specified validity period is less than or less, more preferably smaller by up to a factor of 8 as the given validity period is, most preferably about half to a quarter of period of validity equivalent. Method according to one of claims 13 to 22, characterized in that a third color over the area ( 7 ) having a concentration course along the excellent direction, which has a similar behavior as the concentration course of the one color or the other color of the at least two colors, and the third color has a lifetime similar to that of the one color or the other color which has at least two colors. Method according to one of claims 13 to 22, characterized in that the third color over the area ( 7 ) having a concentration course extending along a direction perpendicular to the designated direction (FIG. 3 ) changed. Method according to one of claims 13 to 24, characterized in that a time scale is plotted along a curve along which the area giving the excellent color impression ( 9 ), at which preferably a validity limit is marked. Method according to one of claims 13 to 25, characterized in that a comparison color gradient ( 49 ), which results at the end of the validity period, with long-lasting colors next to the area ( 7 ) is printed. Method according to one of claims 13 to 26, characterized in that a layer ( 27 ) with further layers to the document ( 5 ) is laminated. Method according to one of claims 13 to 27, characterized in that the layer ( 27 ) is painted. Contraption ( 41 ) for checking the validity of a security document ( 5 ) according to one of claims 1 to 12, comprising an excitation source ( 43 ) for exciting a fluorescence of the at least two different colors, characterized in that at least one comparison color gradient ( 49 ) representing an aging state of the security document at a lapse of the predetermined validity period, characterizing information in a memory ( 48 ) are stored for comparison with a perceptible upon fluorescence excitation of the at least two colors of the security document color gradient. Contraption ( 41 ) according to claim 29, characterized in that the memory ( 48 ) one with the at least one comparison color gradient ( 49 ) area printed with long-lasting colors ( 44 ). Contraption ( 41 ) according to claim 29 or 30, characterized in that the excitation source ( 43 ) is controllable with respect to an excitation intensity to give an intensity of the observed fluorescence to a Nor to be able to adjust Contraption ( 41 ) according to claim 29 or 31, characterized in that a document recording with the excitation source ( 43 ) and a registration unit ( 45 ), which detects the fluorescence, and with the detection unit ( 45 ) an evaluation unit ( 46 ), which is a position of the area ( 9 ) and compares the determined position with a validity period limit position which a predetermined position of the area ( 9 ) at the end of a validity period of the security document ( 5 ) and an output unit ( 47 ), which outputs a result of the comparison. Contraption ( 41 ) according to claim 32, characterized in that the printed surface ( 44 ) relative to the excitation source ( 43 ) is arranged so that the area ( 7 ) of the security document ( 5 ), on which the two different colors are applied, adjacent to the comparison color gradient ( 49 ) can be arranged while the fluorescence is excited.