DE102009050809A1 - Card, particularly credit card, is structured by photoimageable layer, where chip and magnetic strip are provided for storing chip identification information - Google Patents

Abstract

The card (100) is structured by a photoimageable layer (110), where a chip (120) and a magnetic strip (130) are provided for storing chip identification information. An adhesive layer is arranged between the photoimageable layer and a card carrier (150). Independent claims are also included for the following: (1) a method for individualization of a card; and (2) a device for manufacturing a photoimageable card.

Description

The The present invention relates to a card, for example in credit card format, a method of customizing one Card and a device for individualizing a card.

to Individualization of plastic cards, magnetic cards, chip cards and Transponder cards, such as debit cards, credit cards, debit cards, loyalty cards, ID cards or access cards is the application of motif prints widespread. additional freely configurable tactile (tactile) Features on the surface The cards make them more resistant to mixing and increase their attractiveness for the user. Farther can tactile features due to their three-dimensional shape a functional Benefit, as is the case for example with credit cards. Currently, such tactile features are using embossing technology or laser engraving applied. The embossing technique is limited here on standard characters, such as letters and numbers. Individual, complex Motives can not be created in this way. The laser engraving has the advantage of being able to create any motif, but is technically complex, so not on site, z. B. the end user, can be used and comparatively expensive.

It So far there is no cost-effective way for card issuing companies and Institutions a card on-site, for example in a bank branch, for one Customize customers. A customer must first bring a card the respective card issuing company, for example one Financial institution, order, which then a card-producing company commissioned with the production of the card.

The The object of the present invention is therefore to provide a concept the one cheaper Individualization of a card allows.

One A card according to claim 1, a method according to claim 6 and a device solve according to claim 11 This task.

The The present invention provides a card formed by a photoimageable Layer is individualized on the card.

Of the The core idea of the present invention is based on the knowledge that that a card is cheaper can be customized if they are a photo-structurable Layer for customization includes.

One Advantage of the present invention is that by the use of a photoimageable layer on a card a more cost effective Individualization of the card in contrast to known methods, like laser engraving, due to the easy to apply and known Technology of photo-structuring is made possible.

One Another advantage of the present invention is that, in contrast for embossing technology freely designable motifs can be applied to the card.

One Another advantage of the present invention is that the photoimageable Layer, as opposed to motif printing as a tactile feature on the map can be trained. This tactile feature can be, for example the forgery security the card, but also as an identification feature for the visually impaired Serve people.

Farther The present invention provides a device that is formed is a photo-structurable map depending on customization information to structure.

One Another advantage of the present invention is thus that a Device for structuring a photoimageable card compared to the aforementioned Devices for structuring a card, such as laser engraving devices, cheaper is to produce. This cost reduction becomes a production of individualized maps on site.

preferred embodiments The present invention will be described below with reference to FIG the enclosed drawings, closer explained. Show it:

1 an image of a card according to an embodiment of the present invention;

2 a flowchart of a method according to an embodiment of the present invention;

3 a schematic representation of a device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

1 shows a picture of a map 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The map 100 includes a photoimageable layer 110 , The photoimageable layer 110 For example, it may be a dry resist. This dry resist can be UV-sensitive, for example. In particular, after exposure to UV light, either the exposed or unexposed area portions of the dry resist may be removed from the card by a developer, while the respective complementary portions are crosslinked and persist despite developers. The photoimageable layer 110 can be a structuring 140 exhibit, which consists of alphanumeric characters, for example, or be so photostructured that such a relief arises. Other forms are also possible. The map 100 has a card carrier 150 on which the photoimageable layer 110 is arranged. Furthermore, the card can 100 for example, a chip 120 and / or a magnetic stripe 130 for storing chip identification information contained in and / or on the card carrier 150 can be arranged. Of course it is also possible that the card 100 neither a chip 120 another magnetic strip 130 includes. The card carrier 150 can be made of plastic, for example. Of course, the card carrier 150 also be made of a different material.

Although the in 1 shown map 100 only one photoimageable layer 110 In one further embodiment, it is possible for a card to have a plurality of photoimageable layers 110 on each other, for example, to create multi-stage tactile motifs includes. Furthermore, between the card carrier 150 and the photoimageable layer 110 an adhesive layer for locking the photoimageable layer 110 on the card carrier 150 be arranged. Furthermore, for example, over the photo-structured layer 140 be arranged a protective layer for increasing the scratch resistance or the resistance to environmental influences. Furthermore, it is possible that the photoimageable layer 110 is colored or it may be colored on its exposed surface.

The photoimageable layer 110 may for example have a layer thickness of 50 microns to 1 mm, so that the structuring 140 forming a 3-dimensional relief, whereby a feeling of structuring 140 is possible.

The map 100 may for example be a debit card, credit card, customer card, transponder card or other card with customization information. The individualization information can be structured 140 or as a tactile motive 140 thus be held on the card by the structured photoimageable layer, with the same information on the chip 120 or the magnetic strip 130 could be arranged. However, it may also be that chip identification information on the chip 120 or identification information on the magnetic stripe 130 the card can only be assigned to one another for authorized persons, such as B. the card terminal operator whose card reader reads the card. The structuring 140 increases the counterfeit security of the card. Furthermore, the structuring allows 140 in contrast to motif prints a better machine readability and a better "readability" especially for visually impaired persons. Of course, the card can 100 and further embodiments further in addition to the structuring 140 include a motif print.

2 shows a flowchart of a method 200 according to an embodiment of the present invention for individualizing a card, such as for generating the card 100 from 1 can be used. The method assumes that a card to be individualized is already provided with the photoimageable layer and can be a first step 210 include receiving customization information. In a second step 220 the patterning of the photoimageable layer takes place on the card depending on the individualization information. Furthermore, the method 200 for example, a third step 230 reading identification information from a memory, such as memory. Electrical or magnetic memory, the card and storing it in association with the customization information after the second step 220 in, for example, a central server.

The procedure 200 will be explained in detail below.

As above is described first a photoimageable layer on a surface of a card applied. Between the photoimageable layer and the card carrier can Furthermore, an adhesive layer can be arranged around the adhesion of the photo-structurable Increase layer on the map. The material of the layer may, for. B. a so-called dry resist (English: "dry movie photo resist ") be. A dry resist will also be referred to as a resist for short designated. Such dry resists are commercially available as roll goods available; The width of the resist film can range from centimeters to several Meters, the thickness of the photoimageable layer can be from a few microns to a few 100 microns. The use of larger layer thicknesses for the photoimageable layer allows here a better feelability the tactile motive of the card. Typically, the dry resist laminated on a protective film (English: "liner") and the role wound up.

The first step 210 received individualization information may be formed, for example, as alphanumeric code. The customization information specifying the structuring of the card. The customization information may, for example, data such. As names, account numbers, but also symbols such as company logos or even photos, his.

For structuring the resist in step 220 For example, an exposure of the resist is used by a masking technique. Although masking techniques could be employed whereby the locations of exposure of the photoimageable layer are defined by a mask, such as an etched and correspondingly disposed metal layer glass plate, whose image is projected onto the photoimageable layer, it is preferred herein for the patterned mask use transparent film on which the structure to be exposed is applied as a lateral distribution of transparent and non-transparent parts using a simple printing technique. The printing can be carried out for example with an inkjet (English: ink-jet) printer. For the ink, a simple black can be selected, or even yellow-red inks that absorb ultraviolet light particularly well. The film can simply be placed on the photoimageable layer, whereupon the exposure takes place.

For the feeder and however, lamination of the mask to the dry resist layer is possible next to this variant - im following variant B - des Printing the mask structure on a transparent film and laminating or hang up this masking foil on the dry resist layer, while the transparent protective film Resist either still remain on the resist or even can be deducted before, can still direct printing of the lateral mask pattern on the protective film of the dry resist or to the photo-structurable layer of the card - in the following variant A -.

The printing of a mask structure on a transparent film (variant B) or on the protective film of the dry resist or on the photoimageable layer of the card (variant A) can be carried out, for example, in a substep of the step 220 of the procedure 200 be executed.

The Printing on the mask structure can be done so fast that it is in a continuous production process are integrated directly can. equipment for one Inkjet printing in a roll-to-roll process is available.

To printing or laminating the masking film onto the dry resist an exposure is made, such. B. by a band Goes through exposure path, where on the tape several cards with different mask patterns can be arranged. Exposure can be performed with ultraviolet (UV) light. Around can not stop the continuous tape transport the exposed area be defined by an open lighting gap, the transverse to the direction over attached to the band. The exposure time for the dry resist thus becomes defined by belt speed and gap width in the direction of travel.

in the Case of variant A is after the exposure, the protective film of Dry-resists detached; at Variant B is the laminated masking film and possibly also the remaining protective film delaminated. Also this detachment of Masks are done in a continuous process.

Further embodiments of the present invention on the use of a mask to determine the to be cured Dispense area of photo-structurable layer of card when the exposure of the photoimageable layer of the card locally performed variably is, for example, by laser direct writing. So, for example the UV light source is designed as a laser instead of a flood light source which depends on the customization information the photoimageable layer the map illuminated. The laser moves its focused light beam over the Card and thus exposes the photoimageable layer of the card only at the locations defined by the individualization information. A mask pressure is thus superfluous.

To The exposure is in a development step of the non-networked Part of the resists removed. Previously, a curing can be done by temperature feed agitated have been. For example, undergoes a roll-to-roll process the tape is a wet-chemical bath in which the exposed resist layer is developed; d. H. dependent The type of resist layer will be either the exposed one or the other the unexposed surface parts disbanded and from the surface rinsed.

The structure is now applied to the surface, in other words the photoimageable layer of the card is structured. The structure consists of the photoimageable material or of the exposed or unexposed parts of the photoimageable layer which have remained on the card. The layer structure can now be further refined or hardened. These include, for example, an additional UV exposure or a thermal hard. Was for the method described here 200 a thick resist is selected, so that a well-tactile relief structure or tactile motif has been realized on the surface.

The exposure and curing of the photoimageable layer of the card can thus be a further sub-step of the step 220 of the procedure 200 represent.

Furthermore, the durability of the applied resist structure can be increased by applying one or more additional layers which improve the scratch resistance or also the resistance to environmental influences (oxygen, moisture). If such additional layers consist of initially liquid or soft materials, then the underlying relief structure of the resist layer will continue to be felt even after application of the additional layers.

Also The printed relief structure can be printed on in a simple way become; for example, to a desired color of the structure achieve or an additional Apply motif print on the card.

Further possibilities for improvement of the procedure 200 relate to the adhesive strength of the resist layer on the underlying surface. The adhesion can be improved, for example, with a plasma activation as a pretreatment step. The application of an adhesive layer (epoxy resin, acrylate) between the surface and the dry resist can also be carried out in order to increase the adhesive strength of the layer structure to be produced.

The Procedure is especially for suitable roll-to-roll production; it can be just as well on individual substrates (English: "sheets") realize. It plays It does not matter if the substrate is flexible or rather stiff is.

Also can be a bigger thickness the resist structure by laminating a thin resist several times be generated.

to further cost reduction, it may be advantageous to the photo-resist only in some areas, or a narrow strip, on the processed Apply substrate or the card.

If the card has a memory such. As a chip or a magnetic stripe includes, in the third step 230 of the procedure 200 , Identification information is read from the memory of the card and stored in association with the customization information, for example, on a hard disk of a computer.

Furthermore, the application of another photoimageable layer on the card and the step 220 be repeated one or more times.

An advantage of the process 200 is that the photoimageable layer itself is used as a pattern-forming material, ie no additional layer has to be applied in order to achieve a tactile motif. A further advantage is that the mask technique is realized, for example, with a laser printer or an ink jet printer in a very inexpensive printing process compared to other known mask techniques. For example, if the mask pattern is printed directly on the protective film (protective liner) of the dry resist, no additional material for the mask (other than the toner or the ink) is required at all. If the mask is printed on a transparent film, this can be done on very inexpensive materials, such as PET film. Another advantage is that the mask structure is generated from a digitized data format or alphanumeric code and is thus freely selectable. Furthermore, the method 200 ideal for continuous processes with foil tapes.

3 shows an image of a device 300 according to an embodiment of the present invention for individualizing a card. The device 300 includes a structurizer 310 , Furthermore, the device 300 for example, an individualization information receiver 320 include. The structurator 310 the device 300 may, for example, a mask printer 330 , a funnel 340 and a hardener 350 include.

The customization information receiver 320 This may, for example, be a computer, receives individualization information and transmits it to the structurer 310 ,

The mask printer 330 This may be, for example, an ink jet printer or a laser printer, printing a mask either on a transparent film or directly on a photoimageable layer of the card, based on the customization information.

The funnel 340 For example, the photoimageable layer of the card can be exposed to UV light. The photoimageable layer is that of the mask printer 330 printed mask structure comprises on its surface, and exposed only those parts of the photo-structurable layer which are not covered by the mask structure. Furthermore, the gelator 340 remove the mask pattern and the exposed portions or unexposed portions of the photoimageable layer to form a pattern of the photoimageable layer of the card.

The hardener 350 serves to cure the structured photoimageable layer of the card. This can be done for example by thermal curing or additional UV exposure.

In summary, it can be said that the additive method proposed here has the advantage of being able to produce individual, tactile motifs for cards inexpensively on site with little outlay NEN. The method is based on the known from printed circuit board production, photographic technology for interconnect structuring. The motifs (photo masks) can be designed directly on site, for example in a bank branch, and produced, for example, with an inkjet or laser printer. The structured and cured photoresist or dry resist or the photopatternable layer of the card itself forms the tactile coating on the card surface.

The applied structure or the tactile motif, for example the following information: a personal name, personal information, a individual photo, a logo, a barcode or even a geometric one Structure for an additional security feature on the surface. About that In addition, this method is also suitable for the production of tactile Structures such as Braille and in particular also palpable Images.

method according to the present Invention can to all aspects and functionalities of the inventive devices added become.

Even though some aspects related to a device are described It goes without saying that these aspects are also a description represent the appropriate procedure, so that a block or a device of a device as a corresponding method step or as a feature of a process step is to be understood. Likewise, aspects related to or as a method step, also a description a corresponding block or detail or feature of a corresponding one Device dar.

ever According to certain implementation requirements, embodiments of the invention be implemented in hardware or in software. The implementation can be done using a digital storage medium, for example a floppy disk, a DVD, a Blu-ray Disc, a CD, a ROM, a PROM, an EPROM, an EEPROM or a FLASH memory, a hard disk or other magnetic or optical Memory performed which stores electronically readable control signals, which interact with a programmable computer system in such a way can or cooperate to perform the respective procedure. Therefore, the digital storage medium can be computer readable. Some embodiments according to the invention So include a disk, which has electronically readable control signals capable of are to interact with a programmable computer system so that one of the methods described herein is performed.

Generally can embodiments the present invention as a computer program product with a Program code can be implemented with the program code going there is effective to perform any of the procedures when the computer program product runs on a computer. Of the For example, program code may also be on a machine-readable carrier be saved.

Other embodiments include the computer program for performing any of the methods described herein Method, wherein the computer program is on a machine-readable carrier is stored.

With In other words, an embodiment the method according to the invention thus a computer program containing program code for performing a the method described herein, when the computer program runs on a computer. Another embodiment the inventive method is thus a data carrier (or a digital storage medium or a computer-readable medium), on which the computer program for performing any of the herein described Procedure is recorded.

One another embodiment the method according to the invention is thus a data stream or a sequence of signals, the or the computer program for performing any of the herein described Represents or represent process. The data stream or the sequence of signals can or can be configured, for example, via a data communication link, for example about the internet to be transferred.

One another embodiment comprises a processing device, for example a computer or a programmable logic device configured thereto or adapted to perform any of the methods described herein.

One another embodiment includes a computer on which the computer program for performing a the method described herein is installed.

In some embodiments, a programmable logic device (eg, a field programmable gate array, an FPGA) may be used to perform some or all of the functionality of the methods described herein. In some embodiments, a field programmable gate array may cooperate with a microprocessor to generate one of To carry out the method described herein. In general, in some embodiments, the methods are performed by any hardware device. This may be a universal hardware such as a computer processor (CPU) or hardware specific to the process, such as an ASIC.

The Embodiments described above merely provide an illustration of the principles of the present invention It is understood that modifications and variations the arrangements and details described herein to others skilled in the art be clear. Therefore, it is intended that the invention only by the scope of the following claims and not by the specific details given by the description and the explanation the embodiments presented herein were limited be.

Claims (12)

Map through a structured photoimageable layer ( 110 ) on the map ( 100 ) is individualized. A card according to claim 1, wherein the card ( 100 ) a chip ( 120 ) and / or a magnetic strip ( 130 ) for storing a chip identification information. A card according to any one of claims 1 or 2, further comprising an adhesive layer interposed between the photopatternable layer (14). 110 ) and a card carrier material ( 150 ) is arranged to increase the adhesion of the photopatternable layer ( 110 ) on the card carrier material ( 150 ) increase. A card according to any one of claims 1 to 3, comprising a protective layer formed on the photopatternable layer ( 110 ) is arranged to increase the scratch resistance and / or the resistance to environmental influences. A card according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the photoimageable layer ( 110 ) has a layer thickness of at least 50 microns. Method of individualizing a card with: structuring ( 220 ) of a photoimageable layer on the card, depending on customization information. Method according to claim 6, further comprising the step of:  Reading and saving a chip identification information from a memory of the card in association with the individualization information. Method according to one of claims 6 or 7, in which the structuring ( 220 ) comprises the step of printing a mask pattern on a transparent film or on the photoimageable layer of the card or on a protective layer of the photoimageable layer of the card, depending on the individualization information. Method according to one of Claims 6 to 8, in which the structuring ( 220 ) further comprises the step of exposing and curing the photoimageable layer of the card. Method according to one of claims 6 or 7, in which the structuring ( 220 ) comprises the step of: locally varying exposure of the photoimageable layer of the card, by moving a light beam across the card, depending on the individualization information. Device designed to be a photoimageable Card, depending to structure of customization information. Computer program with a program code for carrying out the The method of claim 6 when the program is run on a computer.