DE102013218752A1 - Activatable value or security product, method for activating and method for producing the value or security product - Google Patents

Abstract

In order to generate patterns 300 which are embedded in a value or security product, an activatable value or security product 100 is provided which contains a product material comprising color particles 400. The value or security product 100 can be permanently activated by means of electromagnetic radiation L, so that a security feature 200 formed by the color particles 400 becomes visually perceptible.

Description

The present invention relates to value or security products, in particular to an activatable value or security product, in particular a value or security document or security element, furthermore a method for activating the value or security product and a method for producing the value or security product. A value or security document can be, for example, a personal document, in particular an identity card, or a means of payment, in particular a banknote. In principle, packaging for goods is included as value or security products.

In order to prevent, or at least to complicate, counterfeiting, falsification or counterfeiting, security or security documents use security features which serve exclusively to prove the authenticity of the products, regardless of their nature or by their user. Such security features are, for example, mottled fibers, guilloches, the special paper of banknotes and the like. Personalizing, for example, personalizing, security features also contain in coded form or in plain text information about the type of document, the user of this document or a thing to which the document is uniquely assigned. Such information may be a facial image (photograph) of the user, his personal information such as name, birthday, birthplace, signature or a personal identifier such as a membership number. Another security feature that individualizes the document can be, for example, a serial number of the document or the chassis number of a motor vehicle to which the document is assigned.

Personal documents (ID documents), i. Documents associated with a person generally have a face image of the person as well as personal data in plain text or in coded form. In order to make identification of the person as safe as possible, it is advantageous, for example, to color-reproduce the facial image in the form of a photographic replica on the document. Important for the authenticity of this personalization information is that it can not be falsified or falsified. It is therefore advantageous for the production of an ID document if the personal data, including the facial image, are formed not on the surface of the document but in its interior, since it would be necessary for the counterfeiting or falsification in this case to expose the personal data.

In order for a document not yet provided with individualizing information with such a pattern, which constitutes the individualization of the document, to be provided with the document issuing the document, this security feature must be formed inside the documentary material after the document has been produced in the above case. For this purpose, for example, a laser blackening method is known, in which a certain material layer within the document can be blackened by means of laser radiation, so that the body issuing the document can write the desired information with a laser beam into the otherwise finished document. Such a method is for example in EP 0 975 148 A1 described.

Multi-color representations are advantageous over black and white representations. Because these allow for an easier assignment, for example, to a person. On the other hand, their imitation, forgery or falsification is more difficult and more complex than in black and white reproductions.

An individualization of security documents by means of colored markings is for example in DE 10 2007 037 981 A1 specified. For this purpose, starting materials are kept in the interior of the document body to be individualized, which can be excited by means of a localized energy input specifically for the formation of nanoparticles of different shape and / or local concentration. The different color impression and / or their different concentrations affect the color impression. The starting materials may, for example, be nanoparticles whose bandgap energy is greater than the photon energy of visible light due to the size quantization effect. These nanoparticles can then be caused by a targeted energy input to grow together to form larger nanoparticles and thus change their absorption spectrum due to the size quantization effect.

In DE 10 2010 062 021 A1 Furthermore, a security feature for a value and / or security document is provided, which is formed by a first pattern located in one or more first planes and a second pattern located in one or more second planes, wherein the second planes are from a visible side of the document are arranged in front of the first pattern. The first pattern is formed of first picture elements and the second pattern of second picture elements. The second picture elements are arranged in register with the first picture elements. Only over a portion of the first picture elements is a second picture element arranged in each case. The second pattern above the first pattern becomes, for example generated such that a combination of the first and the second picture elements gives a colored representation. This is possible if the first picture elements are selectively switched off by means of the second picture elements.

In WO 2004/045857 A2 For example, a laser marking method is given for food packaging material. A laser-sensitive material and an ink are printed. By irradiating laser radiation, the laser-sensitive material is heated so that the ink is selectively removed or discolored. As a result, labels appear in the irradiated areas. The laser-sensitive material converts the irradiated laser energy into heat. These may be mica particles, which may optionally be coated with metal oxide. The ink can be any common ink. However, it must be suitable to be removed by heat. For example, inks based on nitrocellulose, polyvinyl butyrate, polyurethane, cellulose acetate propionate, polyvinyl chloride and polyamide or water-based inks can be used. For example, the substrate may be provided with a colored layer which is opaque to the laser radiation and which has a contrasting color to the ink applied over it. Removing the ink will reveal the underlying, contrasting layer of color, making the mark you want visible.

Furthermore, the use of optically variable pigments in thermal printing is out DE 602 01 439 T1 known to make valuable or important documents more difficult to copy or imitate, and to enable authentication of genuine documents. For this purpose, a heat transfer medium in the form of a substrate is provided which carries on at least part of a surface a coating of a thermally transferable ink comprising a binder and a plurality of discrete particles of the optically variable pigment dispersed in the binder. The ink can be printed using a conventional thermal transfer printing apparatus.

Furthermore, in EP 1 826 728 A2 a laser-markable security element for securing valuables described. The security element contains a laser markable feature substance with core / shell particles, wherein one of the core and shell materials absorbs the radiation of a marking laser, for example an Nd: YAG laser (1064 nm), and the other does not absorb the radiation. For example, the core may be formed by a luminescent substance having a desired luminescent behavior that is not ablatable while the sheath is ablatable by the laser. For this purpose, the shell may be formed by an infrared absorber. Alternatively, the core can also be ablatable and the shell can not be ablated. The protective cover may for example consist of SiO _x . As examples, printed areas are shown with such feature substances, wherein the luminescent substance luminesces at 1500 nm, but does not absorb the Ablatierstrahlung of the marking laser. In contrast, the IR absorber absorbs the radiation of the marking laser. Due to the irradiation of the laser radiation, the luminescent feature substance is removed in regions in the form of a desired marking (ablated).

With the above-explained methods and structures of value or security documents, only a limited design variation is possible, since, for example, the in EP 1 826 728 A2 described method is based on that a part of the previously applied feature substance is removed again, so that a design is formed from the non-ablated fabric. In particular, there is also a problem that not all dyes can be used with the known methods. Although other methods can be used to form a representation of any colored materials prior to lamination on individual layers of a value or security document. However, after the image is created, the substrate with these colored materials still needs to be laminated to make the value or security document so that the representation is located within the document. However, this approach is logistically disadvantageous, because a personalization of a document with colored materials should preferably be carried out at the issuing office only when the document has already been laminated.

Therefore, it is an object of the present invention is to produce as versatile as possible colored, even multi-colored, markings for a value or security product, wherein the label is located in a lying within the value or security product level. Furthermore, the labeling should be able to be generated only after the production of the otherwise virtually finished value or security product.

The above objects are achieved according to the present invention with the activatable value or security product, with the method for activating the value or security product and with the method for producing the value or security product. The value or security product can be a value or security document or a security element, ie an element which, for example, can be used against counterfeiting, counterfeiting or adulteration protective article, for example, a sticker, label or the like.

Insofar as the term "value or security product" is used in the description and in the claims of the present application, this includes, for example, a passport, identity card, driver's license or another ID card or an access control card, a vehicle registration document, vehicle registration document, visa, check, Means of payment, in particular a banknote, a check, bank, credit or cash card, customer card, health card, chip card, a company card, proof of entitlement, membership card, gift or shopping voucher, bill of lading or other proof of entitlement, tax stamp, postage stamp, ticket, (Spiel -) To identify a token, adhesive label (for example for product protection) or another ID document. Such products are value or security documents. As a product according to the invention is also a security element to understand that has a security feature according to the present invention and that can be permanently connected to an object to be protected, such as a sticker, label or the like. The product may be, for example, a smart card. The security or value document may be in ID 1, ID 2, ID 3, or any other format, such as a booklet form, such as a passport-like item. The value or security product, for example, a laminate of several document layers, which are connected in register with the heat and under increased pressure surface. Alternatively, it can also be a single-layer product. Multi-ply products can also be produced by other means than lamination, for example by extrusion. These products should meet the standardized requirements, for example ISO 10373 . ISO / IEC 7810 . ISO 14443 , The product layers consist, for example, of a carrier material which is suitable for lamination.

The value or security product may be formed from a polymer selected from a group comprising polycarbonate (PC), in particular bisphenol A polycarbonate, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), their derivatives such as glycol modified PET (PETG), polyethylene naphthalate (PCT). PEN), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyvinyl butyral (PVB), polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), polyimide (PI), polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), polystyrene (PS), polyvinylphenol (PVP), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), thermoplastic elastomers (TPE), in particular thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymer (ABS) and derivatives thereof, and / or paper and / or cardboard and / or glass and / or metal and / or ceramic. In addition, the product can also be made of several of these materials. It preferably consists of PC or PC / TPU / PC. The polymers may be either filled or unfilled. In the latter case they are preferably transparent or translucent. If the polymers are filled, they are opaque. The above information relates both to films to be joined together and to liquid formulations applied to a precursor, such as a protective or topcoat. Preferably, the product is made from 3 to 12, preferably 4 to 10 films, wherein the individual films may consist of the same material or of different materials. Overlay layers formed in this way protect a security feature arranged underneath and / or give the document the required abrasion resistance.

As used in the specification and claims of the present application, the term "security feature" is to be understood according to the present invention, the impression acting on a viewer, which is generated by a pattern. The security feature can be manufactured as part of a value or security document or a separate product (security element). The latter can be glued to the document, for example. The security feature will generally only occupy part of the surface of the document.

As used in the specification and claims of the present application, the term "pattern" is to be understood as meaning a somewhat distributed distribution of elements which impart an optical impression to the human eye, preferably in a two-dimensional arrangement on one or more surfaces provide a self-contained representation, such as an image, picture element, character, in particular an alphanumeric character, a symbol, crests, a line, formula or the like. For the purposes of the present invention is to be understood as a pattern in one color, including black, white and / or gray, appearing non-structured area or a multi-color surface. This area can contain information, for example, by its color and therefore form an identification. The visual impression mediating elements are perceptible by contrasting surface areas, the contrast by different hues, brightness or different surface textures (gloss, roughness or the like) is generated.

As far as the term "pattern element" is used in the description and in the claims of the present application, this is to be understood as an element / element of a pattern ( Pixels), wherein the pattern elements can be separated from each other or merge seamlessly into one another. A pattern element serves as the smallest structural element for forming the pattern, with all pattern elements forming the pattern. The patterning material may be either transparent, translucent or opaque. Furthermore, it may have a certain brightness (absorption, remission), ie it may, for example, have blackening, gray tinting or whitening, and / or it may have a (spectral) coloring and, in turn, a certain brightness. The pattern elements may have a circular (dot-shaped), rectangular, square, hexagonal or other shape and a size / diameter of, for example, 1 to 100 μm. Pattern elements can be the smallest elements of a perceptible representation to which one of the color values or color tones can be assigned in a multicolor color space (for example in the CMYK color space or additive RGB color space).

Insofar as the terms "raster" and "rasterized" are used in this description and in the claims, this is to be understood as a decomposition of an image into individual pattern elements, which are typically arranged regularly, for example in lines or in another regular arrangement , The pattern elements may be arranged, for example, in a honeycomb arrangement or in a row arrangement with pattern elements offset from one another or not offset from one another.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, the above-mentioned object is achieved by the activatable value or security product containing a color material containing product material. These color particles are designed to produce no visually perceptible feature prior to the activation of the value or security product. The value or security product can be activated by means of electromagnetic radiation in that a security feature formed by the color particles is permanently visually perceptible. Optical perceptibility is understood to mean that the security feature becomes visually perceptible either when illuminated with light in the visible spectral range or under other conditions, for example, by illuminating light in a different spectral range than in the visible spectral range or by generating an electric field. Thus, initially no visually perceptible feature is present before the value or security product is activated. The visually recognizable feature is then developed with activation. Activation leads to a permanent (permanent) rather than temporary change in the nature of the paint particles and / or the surrounding material. The color particles or the product material surrounding the color particles produce the desired visual impression after activation, for example in the form of an individualizing marking.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, the above-mentioned object is achieved by the method for activating the value or security product, which contains at least one color material having product material. The color particles do not cause a visually perceptible feature before activation of the value or security product. The method comprises activating the value or security product by irradiation with electromagnetic radiation so that a security feature formed by the color particles is permanently visually perceptible by the electromagnetic radiation.

• (a) Bereitstellen mindestens einer Produktlage sowie von Farbpartikeln, wobei die Farbpartikel dazu ausgebildet sind, deren optisch wahrnehmbare Beschaffenheit durch Aktivierung mit elektromagnetischer Strahlung bleibend zu verändern;
• (b) Aufbringen der Farbpartikel auf mindestens eine Oberfläche mindestens einer der mindestens einen Produktlage und/oder Einbringen der Farbpartikel in mindestens eine der mindestens einen Produktlage; sowie
• (c) Aktivieren des Wert- oder Sicherheitsproduktes durch Bestrahlen mittels der elektromagnetischen Strahlung, sodass die optisch wahrnehmbare Beschaffenheit der Farbpartikel bleibend verändert wird.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, the above-mentioned object is achieved by the method according to the invention for producing a value or security product. This process comprises the following process steps:

• (A) providing at least one product layer and color particles, wherein the color particles are adapted to permanently change their optically perceptible nature by activation with electromagnetic radiation;
• (b) applying the colorant particles to at least one surface of at least one of the at least one product layer and / or introducing the colorant particles into at least one of the at least one product layer; such as
• (C) activation of the value or security product by irradiation by means of the electromagnetic radiation, so that the visually perceptible nature of the color particles is permanently changed.

Optionally, in a further process step carried out after process step (c), unaltered color particles, ie color particles which are not involved in the pattern formation, can be fixed if they should not be stable over the long term (fixing the activated value or security product). As a result, the once formed pattern is stabilized against further change. The fixation can be effected for example by irradiation of the value or security product by means of electromagnetic radiation having a different photon energy (wavelength) than the electromagnetic radiation used for the activation, without the previously produced visually perceptible color impression is changed. For this purpose, for example, the matrix in which the color particles are located are chemically changed in such a way that colorant can no longer escape from the unaltered color particles. A possibility of chemical change is to chemically crosslink the matrix. For this purpose, the matrix contains chemical compounds which can be crosslinked.

The value or security product is activated, creating a visually perceptible contrast between first digits of the asset or security product where the asset or security product was activated, and second instances where the asset or security product was not activated. For this purpose, the non-activated sites of the value or security product in a variant show no visually perceptible feature. Alternatively, the security feature in another variant prior to activation may have a uniform, areal optically recognizable coloration, which can be achieved by uniform surface application of the at least one product layer with the color particles. The activation then changes the visual impression locally, so that the pattern becomes perceptible according to the invention. For the activation electromagnetic radiation is used. This allows for localized activation of the value or security product so that, due to the contrast, any pattern, including characters, images, logos, symbols, codes, and other identifiers, arises. This contrast may consist in the fact that initially there is no optically perceptible feature and a color is exposed by the activation or that a contrast arises between a first color at non-activated sites and a second color at activated sites. The contrast is formed by the fact that the electromagnetic radiation can be applied in a spatially resolved manner in order to carry out the activation at different points. The contrast can be caused by different hues or color brightness. Furthermore, electromagnetic radiation is also advantageous for this because it contains information about its energy (wavelength, modulation frequency, focal plane) that can be used to address specific color particles and to control the activation specifically therefor. For example, colorants in a color particle may initially be imperceptible or only slightly perceptible. By activating, for example, colorant can be released into / from the color particles. This release is visible to the human eye. Alternatively, the color particles can also be activated in other ways, for example by disrupting existing interference-generating mirror planes in the color particles.

Since the color particles can be applied to a product layer or introduced into the product layer with a suitable technique, for example in an unstructured, for example flat, color doping without the target pattern already having to be formed, a blank (precursor) of the value can first be formed. or security product that does not yet contain the desired target pattern, but already the unstructured color doping. In principle, the color doping can extend over the entire area or only over part of the document. This blank can be produced, for example, by laminating a plurality of product layers, so that the blank already contains the non-structured color doping. The electromagnetic radiation required for activation is then irradiated in a spatially resolved manner into the blank, wherein the color particles are activated or changed within the unstructured color doping at the desired locations, so that they give the intended visual impression. This is also possible according to the invention when the color particles are arranged in the value or security product on the inside, since the electromagnetic radiation used for the activation penetrates the outer product layers, at least if they are transparent or at least translucent at least for one wavelength or in one spectral range are. However, these outer electromagnetic radiation product layers that are not used for activation may be opaque. Thus, the security feature formed is particularly safe against forgery or falsification.

A further advantage over conventional methods and constructions is also that for the color activation according to the present invention colorants can be used with dyes which are arranged in a color space, as in conventional printing processes, for example in ink jet printing (inkjet), for example in CMYK. color space.

Through the activation, at least one colorant provided by the color particles can become perceptible to form the optically recognizable security feature. The at least one colorant, for example, can not be perceived before activation and can be perceived by the activation by means of the electromagnetic radiation. Alternatively, the colorant may be visually perceptible prior to activation, and activation may change its appearance, forming a contrast between activated and non-activated sites. For example, the at least one colorant can be released by the activation, so that the desired optically perceptible feature is formed. Alternatively, the color particles may also change their optically perceptible nature, for example by forming the color by diffraction or interference and altering the diffraction or interference forming structural properties of the color particles upon activation.

The at least one colorant may preferably be located within the color particles, more preferably within a core of the color particles (core / shell or core / shell color particles) surrounded by a shell. To release the at least one colorant, the color particles can be damaged or destroyed in any way. For example, the color particles can be subjected to thermal energy, so that the color particles melt or at least melt their shell. Alternatively or additionally, the color particles can also burst. Furthermore, the shell of the color particles can also be selectively removed (deburring, uncovering), for example by thermal removal of the shell or by chemical dissolution or dissolution of the shell.

In a first embodiment variant of the above alternatives according to the invention, colored particles contain, for example, a liquid dye or a (liquid) ink (dye preparation) in its interior (core). The particles may burst due to direct or indirect exposure to electromagnetic radiation on the paint particles. For this purpose, the electromagnetic radiation in the core and / or in the shell of the color particles can be absorbed. The dye or ink then exits or diffuses as the color particles burst into the surrounding product material and thereby stains it. While the dye or ink material in this case is imperceptible before bursting of the color particles or at most produces a barely perceptible uniform discoloration of the product material, by diffusing the dye or the ink into the product material a visually easily discernible local discoloration of the Product material that is visible to the human eye, especially because it forms a visual contrast to the surrounding material. As a result, locally colored spots form in the product material.

In a second embodiment of the above alternatives according to the invention, the particles or the core of core / shell color particles can be formed by at least one (solid) pigment (grain) or by another solid colored particulate material, for example a solid dye. In the case of pigment materials, colorant particles including the pigment of the core may be melted by the action of electromagnetic radiation. In addition, together with the core, the shell can be melted or otherwise destroyed or damaged, or only the core melts. The molten pigment material penetrates into the surrounding product material. Other solid material may, for example, diffuse into the surrounding product material. This step is supported by the thermal influence of activation. The product material is colored locally by penetration or diffusion. Before activation, the color particles are not or practically imperceptible. Only by the irradiation of the electromagnetic radiation and the melting or sublimation of the pigment or other solid colorant material is the material recognizable by the staining of the product material as a colored local spot.

In a third embodiment of the above alternatives according to the invention, it is also possible exclusively to damage or destroy the shell of core / shell color particles without disturbing the core. The shell may be damaged or destroyed by thermal or chemical means or otherwise. Even if the core is formed by a (solid) pigment or other solid colorant material, such as a solid dye, which is not disturbed by the activation itself, removal of the shell will alter the visual impression at the activated site in the product material , For a coated with a shell pigment or other solid colorant in the form of microgranules is initially invisible or white. The removal of the shell produces the inherent color of the pigment or other colorant. In the case of (solid) pigment or other solid colorant materials that form the core, the visual impression is changed because these materials are then no longer surrounded by the shell but are exposed.

In a fourth embodiment of the above alternatives according to the invention, the core of the core / shell particles may also be formed by a porous material containing in the pores a coloring liquid or melt of a solid colorant. Upon activation, the coloring material exits the pores and colors the surrounding product material. As a result, the optically perceivable impression is produced at the activated location of the product material. In a further embodiment of this variant, the color particles are formed exclusively by porous particles without a surrounding shell. A solid colorant contained in the pores of these color particles escapes upon activation by melting or being dissolved by means of chemical solvents.

In order to be able to carry out the activation, in a further development of the present invention, the core and / or the sheath are preferred for absorbing at least part of the electromagnetic radiation in at least one spectral range, in particular in the visible and / or infrared and / or UV spectral range , educated. That is, the electromagnetic photon energy used for the activation is absorbed in the core and / or in the shell or in additional particles. A thermal effect on the color particles takes place preferably directly by direct irradiation of electromagnetic energy to the color particles by the electromagnetic radiation in the shell or in a region adjacent to the shell, for example, in the core, is absorbed. As a result of the irradiation, the shell is heated and melts or tears, ie the color particles are revealed.

In yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the core and / or the shell may contain at least one sensitizer which absorbs the electromagnetic radiation. As a result, the absorption of the color particles can advantageously be tuned specifically to the irradiated electromagnetic radiation, without having to make special demands on the materials of the core and the shell of the color particles with regard to their spectral sensitivity. For this purpose, the shell or the adjacent region may contain, for example, IR-absorbing dyes which are transparent, for example in the visible spectral range. Furthermore, for example, colorant particles with different sensitizing agents that absorb electromagnetic radiation at different photon energies can be provided so that these differently sensitized colorant particles can be activated with electromagnetic radiation having different photon energy. The sensitizer (s) may be in the sheath and / or in the core. For example, the sensitizer (s) in the dye or in the ink or pigment or other solid colorant may be in the core and / or in another component of the color particle.

In yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the core contains liquid dye or (liquid) ink. Or the core is formed by liquid dye or (liquid) ink. For example, the core may be formed solely by the liquid dye or the ink.

Accordingly, the color particles of the value or security product according to the invention are formed in a preferred embodiment of the present invention by a core and a core surrounding the shell. For their preparation, the at least one colorant to be included in the core is presented in droplet form (liquid dye, ink) or in the form of solid particles of a pigment or other solid colorant in a dispersion and coated with a shell material, for example with TiO ₂ or with metal, for example Al, or with a colored polymer.

For producing such colorant particles, the liquid dye or the ink is dispersed, for example, in a liquid in which it is insoluble, so that minute droplets are formed, or solid particles are dispersed in a liquid to form a suspension. These droplets or solid particles can be stabilized, for example, by means of suitable wetting agents or emulsifiers. A process for producing coated particles to form core / shell particles, for example with colorants, is disclosed in U.S. Pat EP 0 505 648 A1 whose disclosure content is fully incorporated into the present application. Thereafter, a hydrophobic material is coated with a resin by first providing an organic phase formed by a mixture of one or more hydrophobic liquids and / or hydrophobic solids with a self-dispersing resin, and then adding an aqueous phase to this mixture is added so that the resin forms therein a dispersion with particle sizes of up to 0.1 microns and the hydrophobic liquid and / or the hydrophobic solid encased. If a solid is to be coated, this is first converted to the desired particle size, for example by grinding. In one example, a solid dye (cyanine blue) is dispersed with a resin (polyurethane resin having terminal isocyanate groups) in a hydrophobic liquid (methyl ethyl ketone). An aqueous solution of an amine is then mixed with this dispersion and heated. Removal of the hydrophobic liquid produces an aqueous dispersion of coated color particles. A method for encapsulation with TiO ₂ is described in the dissertation by Holger Strohm from Würzburg, "Liquid phase deposition of titanium dioxide onto polymer latex templates", Bayerische Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg, 2005. The disclosure of this document is hereby incorporated in full in the present application. According to this publication, latex particles are first functionalized with polyelectrolytes. Subsequently, TiO ₂ particles are deposited thereon by bringing the latex particles into contact with a solution of (NH ₄ ) ₂ [TiF ₆ ] and H ₃ BO ₃ / HCl. To produce purely inorganic hollow spheres, the latex particles are then removed, either by calcination of the TiO ₂ layers in an air atmosphere or chemically by dissolving the template core with toluene. In this way, so-called nano-containers are generated, which have already been described for a number of applications, for example for transporters of medical active substances, for self-healing processes of materials and the like. Furthermore, manufacturing methods are also of Skirtach et al., "Laser-Induced Release of Encapsulated Materials Inside Living Cells", Angew. Chem. Int. Ed., 2006, 45, 4612-4617 and Angelatos et al., "Light Responsive Polyelectrolyte / Gold Nanoparticle Microcapsules", J. Phys. Chem. B, 2005, 109, 3071-3076 specified. Therefore, these documents are also fully incorporated in the disclosure of the present application.

Alternatively, porous particles may also be loaded (soaked) with a liquid dye or with an ink by incorporating the liquid dye or ink or a molten colorant into the pores of these particles. Or porous or non-porous particles may be coated with the liquid dye or the ink or molten colorant. The particles are then sheathed.

Alternatively, the loaded porous particles can be used without wrapping for the purposes of the invention. These porous particles are therefore not core / shell particles. The liquid dye or ink or molten colorant either remains liquid in the color particles or solidifies in the core. In the latter case, he / she / it is liquid by the thermal activation (melts) or is dissolved by means of a solvent.

Suitable porous particles are inorganic materials such as, for example, zeolites or organic materials, such as polyurethane-based microfoams, or porous nanoparticles or inorganic micro-containers. Furthermore, porous materials can be produced by spray pyrolysis. This is on M. Hampden-Smith, T. Kodas, S. Haubrich, M. Oljaca, R. Einhorn, D. Williams, "Novel Particulate Production Processes to Create Unique Security Materials," in: Proc. SPIE 6075, Optical Security and Counterfeit Deterrence Techniques VI, 60750K (February 09, 2006); doi: 10.1117 / 12.641883 directed. Therefore, the disclosure of this publication in its entirety, at least with respect to the production method described therein, is included in the present application.

Further production methods for core / shell particles (including hollow glass particles) are in DG Shchukin, H. Möhwald, "Self-Repairing Coatings Containing Active Nanoreservoirs", in: www.smalljournal.com (small), 2007, 3, No. 6, 926-943, Wiley-VCH Verlag, Weinheim specified. Therefore, the disclosure of this publication in its entirety, at least with regard to the production methods described therein, is included in the present application.

As the liquid dye or ink, any dye or ink which gives the desired visual impression can be used. Inks typically contain one or more dyes, solvents, optionally binders and other additives. In the present case, luminescent substances are to be understood as liquid dyes or dyes contained in an ink. For example, so-called diffusion dyes may be used, for example, Macrolex ^® dyes (trade name of Lanxxess), which are formed by organic dyes. Usable inks are for example also in DE 10 2007 059 747 A1 specified. Therefore, the disclosure of this application is fully incorporated into the present application.

In yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the core contains one or more pigment grains or particles of another solid colorant, for example a solid dye. Or the core is formed by one or more pigmentary grains or particles of another solid colorant. For this purpose, for example, a microgranulate can be used, which is then coated with a shell. For example, a micro-granule of ground PC can be used, which is soaked in a dye solution. Furthermore, for this purpose, for example, OVI pigments can be used in which the optically perceptible feature is caused by the interference layers contained therein. By a slight disturbance of these layers, an optical impression produced thereby can already be changed.

The color particles are preferably of the nanometer or micrometer or sub-micron size, i. in the case of a substantially spherical or cubic or cuboidal particle whose diameter or main diagonal in the micrometer range, preferably in the range of 0.05 to 500 microns, more preferably from 0.1 to 100 microns, and most preferably from 0.5 up to 50 μm. However, the color particles may also have platelet or needle shape. Also in this case, its thickness or needle diameter is in the micrometer range, preferably in the range of 0.05 to 500 microns, more preferably from 0.1 to 100 microns and most preferably from 0.5 to 50 microns. The size dimension in longitudinal extension, i. parallel to the platelet plane or needle length, is preferably 0.5 .mu.m to 500 .mu.m, preferably 1 to 100 .mu.m and most preferably 5 to 50 .mu.m.

As an alternative to a direct (direct) change in the color particles, for example by means of electromagnetic radiation, they can also be indirectly (indirectly) influenced (destroyed, damaged), for example by means of chemical or thermal influencing of the color particles of other particles in the product material.

For this purpose, in a further preferred development of the present invention, the product material further comprises at least one chemical substance, for example a solvent-containing capsules, ie it contains these capsules or makes them available in a different manner. These solvent capsules are preferred formed to release the at least one solvent upon activation with the electromagnetic radiation by the irradiated electromagnetic radiation is absorbed by the solvent capsules. Therefore, the at least one solvent is suitable to at least be able to dissolve the color particles, so that the shell is damaged or destroyed and the at least one colorant is released. The solvent is in particular designed to dissolve or dissolve the shell of the color particles.

Alternatively, the color particles can also be indirectly (indirectly) influenced by thermal transfer of the energy radiated by electromagnetic radiation, in that the electromagnetic radiation strikes particles which are different from the color particles and absorb the electromagnetic radiation, for example in the infrared range, and heat thereby. The heated particles then transfer this thermal energy to the paint particles, which are thereby destroyed, damaged or otherwise affected. For example, this metal particles can be used, which are in close proximity to the color particles in the product material, touching them, for example.

In yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the color particles are dispersed in a liquid in order to apply them in a two-dimensional arrangement to a product layer. This liquid may be the one in which the colored particles are produced, or a different liquid is used, into which the colored particles are introduced / dispersed after their preparation. The type of liquid is essentially determined by the type of application or introduction. If the color particles are applied to the product layer by means of ink-jet printing, for example by printing a dispersion of the color particles, the liquid must be formed with the properties required for this purpose and with the composition required for this purpose. Information about the composition of such liquids are for example in DE 10 2007 059 747 A1 the content of which is hereby incorporated in full in the present application in every case to the extent of this compositional information. In particular, the liquid can be a PC-based binder based on a geminally disubstituted di (hydroxyphenyl) cycloalkane (see DE 10 2007 059 747 A1 ) contain.

The color particles can be introduced into or applied to a product layer, for example, before the product layer is further processed into a valuable or security product, in particular by collating several product layers and subsequent lamination.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the color particles are embedded in the product material, so that the optically perceptible feature causing material within the product material, in particular in a plane in the interior of the product material, is arranged. For this purpose, a substrate of the value or security product, for example a polymer layer (foil), including the color particles is produced, for example by extrusion. For example, an extruded film can be produced which contains color particles of one type or the color particles of several, for example three, types. Furthermore, coextruded multilayer, for example, three-ply, films can be produced, each with a color particle type. Alternatively, the color particles can also be applied to at least one surface of the product layers, with the product layers prepared in this way then being joined to other product layers, for example laminated, so that the color particles are located in an inner plane of the valuable or security product.

In another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the color particles are located in cavities within the value or security product. These cavities may be pores, channels, holes, depressions, recesses or the like. These cavities can be formed in a product material by laser irradiation, such as UV radiation, which decomposes / ablates the product material, such as a polymer. For this purpose, for example, UV radiation can be used, which decomposes the product material. Suitable lasers for this purpose are, for example, excimer lasers. The cavities preferably completely penetrate a product layer. Alternatively, they may also be formed by blind holes (depressions).

In a further development of the present invention, the color particles are covered by an opaque porous film or layer. Paint emerging from the treated color particles penetrates through the pores / channels of the porous film on its surface, which faces an observer, and thus becomes visible.

In a further preferred development of the present invention, at least two product layers are provided. These are then stacked in a further process step after the application of the color particles on at least one surface of at least one of the at least two product layers and / or introduction of the color particles in at least one of the at least two product layers and bonded together by lamination.

Accordingly, the color particles are preferably within the value or Security product, most preferably in a plane within the value or security product. As a result, imitation, forgery or falsification of the value or security product is made much more difficult.

The product material is preferably formed from a polymer. The product material is particularly preferably formed by PC, in particular based on bisphenol A or based on a geminally disubstituted di (hydroxyphenyl) cycloalkane. Alternatively, the product material may also be formed by PET or other polymeric material.

In yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the materials of the color particle dispersion and the value or security product are chemically compatible with each other. This means that they are chemically similar or identical. As a result, a delamination of the value or security product is prevented in the field of color doping. The binders of a color particle dispersion and the product material of the product layer onto or into which the color particles are applied or preferably and also preferably the product material of further product layers adjacent to this product layer are chemically / materially identical or similar to one another. Particularly preferred is the value or security product or at least the aforementioned product layers are formed from a product material which consists at least partially of or contains PC, and the color particle dispersion preferably contains a PC binder. More preferably, the value or security product is formed from at least two product layers, of which at least one consists of PC or contains PC, and the color particles are on or in this at least one PC product layer from or containing a dispersion containing PC as a binder. Most preferably, the value or security product is formed from at least two product layers, of which preferably at least one consists of PC or contains PC, and the color particle dispersion contains a PC based on a geminally disubstituted di (hydroxyphenyl) cycloalkane (see DE 10 2007 059 747 A1 ).

In yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the color particles are pixelated, i. in a grid, applied to a product layer, for example by the color particles are contained in a color particle dispersion before it is collected and laminated together with other polymer films and laminated, and this dispersion screened applied to the product layer. Each pixel forms a pattern element. The grid can contain several types of color particles, for example color particles with different colorants in each case, so that different colors can be produced, for example with colorants in primary colors such as the CMYK color space, including a black component and possibly also a gray component, and / or with different colors Sensitizers that enable activation with electromagnetic radiation with different photon energies. As a result, for example, color particles with different colorants, for example in each case one base color, can be specifically excited and activated with electromagnetic radiation, each with a specific energy. Alternatively, a pattern to be formed can also be created by pixelated activation. Alternatively, the patterns may also be formed by seamlessly merging color structures.

The color particle dispersion can be applied to the product layer by means of any desired application technique suitable for this purpose. For applying the color particles to a product layer, a printing method is preferably used, for example a planographic printing method, such as the offset printing method, or a through-printing method, such as the screen printing method. Alternatively, another application method, for example a doctor blade, roller coating, injection molding, casting, transfer printing or dispensing method can also be used. In principle, it is also possible to use a digital printing method, for example a transfer printing method, in particular a non-impact printing method and more particularly an ink-jet printing method.

After application of the color particles to the product layer, this is further processed with further product layers to form the activatable value or security product according to the invention. For this purpose, a conventional lamination method can be used. Alternatively, the value or security product can be prepared by extruding the corresponding polymer material together with color particles. In these methods, the color particles are preferably arranged inside in the value or security product and remain there completely or at least largely integrated invisibly until they are activated.

In principle, it is of course also possible that the color particles are applied to one or both outer sides of the product only after the production of the value or security product and then activated.

For the activation of the value or safety product, the electromagnetic radiation is directed to the location of the product at which a coloring is to be produced. For this purpose, any electromagnetic radiation source can be used, such as conventional thermal radiators, such as filament lamps, discharge lamps and diode lasers. In a preferred Embodiment of the present invention is the electromagnetic radiation laser radiation. Basically, laser radiation sources are preferred because it allows the points of the value or security product to be activated to be irradiated locally in a very simple and targeted manner. For example, an IR radiation emitting laser such as Nd: YAG (fundamental wavelength or frequency multiplied: 1064 nm, 532 nm, 355 nm, 266 nm) or a CO ₂ laser (10.6 μm) can be used. For radiation emission in the visible spectral range, gas lasers, for example argon and krypton ion lasers, or diode lasers can be used. Excimer lasers (for example F ₂ : 157 nm, ArF: 193 nm, KrF: 248 nm, XeCl: 308 nm, XeF 351 nm) can be used in the UV spectral range.

With the irradiation by means of the radiation source, a pattern is formed, which is visually perceptible. This pattern can be "inscribed" into the material of the valuable or security product by means of a focused beam of the radiation source, by successively passing the beam over the surface of the valuable or security product (scanning or writing method). Alternatively, the value or security product can also be activated by surface exposure by irradiating the surface over a large area. To generate the pattern, a mask is used in this case, which transmits radiation only in certain places (mask method). For this purpose, a metal mask with the pattern corresponding openings or a resist can be used, wherein the resist is printed in a printing process in the desired pattern on the value or security product and then the value or security product is exposed through the openings in the resist. Alternatively, the resist may also be photosensitive. A photoresist is first applied over the entire surface of the surface, then exposed and developed, so that free areas arise through which then the value or security product can be activated by means of electromagnetic radiation. The resist or photoresist is finally removed from the value or security product again. Particularly preferred is a controllable mask, for example a spatial light modulator (Space Light Modulator). This allows personalized / individual exposure masks / images to be created.

In order to activate the value or security product with the writing method, an arrangement with one or more laser sources, an imaging optics and a control unit is preferably used. The imaging optics deflects the laser beam or beams so that they are directed to the desired locations of the product layer. For targeted activation of certain areas of the value or security product, the laser radiation is also modulated. The control unit is used to control the imaging optics, whereby both the focusing and deflection of the laser beam and its modulation (intensity) is controlled.

In order to achieve a targeted activation of the points of the value or security product corresponding to pattern elements with the desired color, a very accurate positioning of the energy source is required. For example, since the individual pattern elements are not exactly recognizable in advance in the presence of a matrix of alternating pattern elements of different colors, for example, a recognition can first be made in order to determine the position of the pattern elements relative to one another. For this, the position of at least two pattern elements in the pattern is to be determined. For the adjustment, for example, energy is introduced into at least two pattern elements corresponding points and the color and the position of the activated pattern elements are determined by optical means. By means of these color marks, the identity and the position of all other pattern elements of the pattern can then be determined. From this information, a pattern for the energy input can then be determined, according to which the points corresponding to the pattern elements are converted into colored dots.

For the activation of the value or security documents by means of electromagnetic radiation, it is possible to edit document blanks which, apart from the security feature formed from the color particles, already contain substantially all other security features. Preferably, the pattern is located inside the document blank. On the one hand, this considerably simplifies the manufacturing process because, for example, a personalization of a document, for example an identity card blank, can be carried out at the issuing body without providing significant security measures to ensure that the personalized documents are not transported to the issuing body get lost. In addition, it is ensured by an internal arrangement of the pattern that the pattern can not be easily forged or falsified, because this would additionally be accessed on the inside pattern, which hardly succeed without exposing the pattern.

Instead of introducing color particles into a valuable or security product, these can be applied to at least one of the surfaces of a largely finished value or security product and then coated with a protective lacquer so that they are protected against mechanical damage and against counterfeiting or falsification , Of course, it is also possible to apply the color particles unprotected on one or both outer sides of the value or security product.

In a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, the color particles can initially also be applied to an intermediate carrier and from there, similar to the thermal transfer process, applied to a product layer or to the largely finished value or security product. The thus formed, for example, unstructured color doping can then be activated as described above, so that the desired pattern becomes visually perceptible.

If multiple color particle dispersions are used to produce different types of pattern elements on one surface of a product layer or the security product to form a multicolored pattern, or if multiple patterns are to be formed on different surfaces thereof or different product layers, structures may be used For example, screened color particle dispersion on the intermediate carrier successively formed several times and then each transferred to a product layer.

After the color particle dispersion has been applied to the intermediate carrier in the example screened arrangement, this is brought into contact with the product layer, preferably the intermediate carrier and the product layer are pressed together. For color transfer, either the entire surface of the product layer can be brought into contact with the intermediate carrier simultaneously, or individual parts of the intermediate carrier are brought into contact with corresponding parts of the product layer one after the other. To transfer the color particle dispersion in a rastered arrangement from the intermediate carrier to the product layer, pressure and heat can be exerted on the temporary composite of the intermediate carrier and the product layer.

The color particle dispersion can either be transferred to the intermediate carrier in a step which is completely separate from the transfer to the product position. Or both steps follow each other directly. In the first case, an intermediate carrier is first provided with the color particle dispersion and then transferred to a dried state, wherein a color layer is formed. For example, one or more color particle dispersions may be applied to a tape in separate color patches to form a ribbon. This ink ribbon is then provided for use in a printing device where individual ink layer areas are transferred to the product layer to form a pattern. In the second case, the color particle dispersion is first applied to the intermediate carrier, possibly already in the patterning structuring, in which it is then transferred to the product layer, and immediately after the color particle dispersion is transferred to the product layer, optionally still wet in-wet, optionally also in the same device in which the intermediate carrier has been coated.

In a further preferred development of the present invention, the value or security product provided with the formed pattern or the product layer (s) provided therewith is thermally treated. For this purpose, the value or security product or the product layer is heated by suitable energy supply, for example in a dry oven, so that the leaked colorant further diffused or sublimated into the material of the value or security product or the product layer. As a result, a firmer connection of the colorant is created with the product material.

The patterns can either be applied on one side of a surface of a product layer or on both sides of both surfaces of a product layer or on several product layers intended for a value or security product, either on one side and / or on both sides. The patterns may be formed by respective pattern element matrices on the product layer surfaces.

The pattern element matrices can each be identical. Or different types of matrices can be formed in each case, which differ, for example, in the arrangement and / or in the type of the pattern elements, for example of their color.

Regardless of whether the pattern is screened or not, for example, first elements of a pattern that are red upon introduction of energy on a first surface, second elements of the pattern, green upon introduction of energy, on a second surface, and third elements of the pattern Patterns, which appear blue when introducing energy, are formed on a third surface. At least two of these surfaces may be opposing surfaces of the same product layer. The first pattern formed with the first elements, the second pattern formed with the second elements, and the third pattern formed with the third elements may each be print separations of the same overall pattern, for example, the face image of a person and be formed one above the other in register, so that they give an overall pattern , Each of these print extracts includes partial information of the information stored throughout the print image. Thus, multiple patterns in different spaced apart pattern planes are formed in the value or security document, which are parallel to each other.

In another development, first color particles, which are red when introducing energy, in the volume of a first layer (foil), second color particles, the green when introducing energy, the volume of a second layer and third color particles, which appear blue when introducing energy , be formed in the volume of a third layer. Alternatively, the color particles of different types may also be in a single layer and, for example, be distributed homogeneously therein. Thus, for example, a different color developing laser-capable film would be formed.

If the color particles of different types are located at different levels in the document, by focusing the beam of the electromagnetic radiation on one of the planes, a targeted influencing of the color particles located there can be achieved. For example, by the radiation intensity achieved in the focal plane by the focusing, the color particles in this plane are influenced according to the invention, while color particles in other planes are not influenced. Therefore, the color particles can be selectively addressed not only by selectively adjusting the photon energy of the electromagnetic radiation but also by adjusting the radiation power at the location of the color particles.

In a further preferred development of the present invention, at least two types of color particle dispersions differing in different dyes and / or pigments can be formed in pattern elements in a regular arrangement on a surface of at least one product layer. The pattern elements can be transferred, for example, in a raster arrangement to the product layers, in which pattern elements of different color, for example in the colors of the CMYK color space, are evenly distributed.

In a raster arrangement, areas (pixels) of color particles of different types may alternate in a particular order. For example, a planar, in particular honeycomb, arrangement of such areas can be formed, in which, for example, alternating cyan (C), magenta (M), yellow (Y) and black (K) areas along rows. By activating individual areas in these process variants with their own colors, the desired pattern results. For this purpose, electromagnetic radiation is locally introduced into certain areas at the locations of a specific color predetermined by the pattern in order to obtain the desired color impression, optionally as the result of a color mixing of a plurality of pattern elements each having a specific color.

Alternatively, a pattern representing an information formed by color particles may also be applied to the surface of the product layer. However, according to the invention, this pattern can then only be subsequently made perceptible, since the respective colors do not yet emerge.

The pattern formed with the color particles can cover the surface of the product layer over the entire surface or only partially in a field on the product layer or the entire product layer.

A pattern can form an identification for the value or security product, for example an individualizing, in particular personalizing, identification. For example, the identifier may be indicative of an indication associated with the person associated with the asset or security document, such as an alphanumeric indicia such as the name, address, date of birth or the like in plain text, a reproduction of one or more fingerprints , a facial image, a retina reproduction or the like. Alternatively, the pattern may also be indicative of an article to which the document is associated. Or the pattern may represent an identifier for the document itself, such as the serial number of a banknote or a consecutive numbering of a vehicle registration or the like. If a laser system for activating the value or security product is used according to the invention, in the case of a personalization of the document is a laser personalization, the invention is colored, especially multi-colored, is.

The value or security product is preferably produced from a polymer layer provided with the color particles, furthermore further polymer layers, on or in which there are no color particles, and optionally outer protective coatings or protective films. The protective coatings or protective films are used for outside protection against damage (scratches) and for enclosing otherwise outside mounted security features in the interior of the product to protect against tampering. Furthermore, on the outside, a diffractive film can be attached. The value or security product can be produced from the document materials, in particular by lamination. In addition to the PC or PET layers, the product may also contain other layers of other materials, for example, from other polymers or paper or cardboard. Typically, the lamination of PC in a hot / cold laminating press is made in a first step at 170 to 200 ° C and a pressure of 50 to 600 N / cm ² and in a second step with cooling to about room temperature and under the same pressure. The lamination of PET takes place at a higher temperature, for example at 220 ° C. The polymer films typically have a thickness of from 25 to 150 μm, preferably from 50 to 100 μm.

The value or security product is preferably made from one or more polymer layers provided with different types of color particles.

The value or security product may have, in addition to the security feature formed by the color particles, at least one further security feature that is either individualizing or not individualizing. Other security features include mottled fibers, guilloches, watermarks, embossed prints, a security thread, microfilm, tilting images, holograms, optically variable pigments, luminescent colors, transmitted light register and the like. Furthermore, the document may also comprise electronic components, for example an RFID circuit with antenna and RFID microchip, electronic display elements, LEDs, touch-sensitive sensors and the like. For example, the electronic components may be hidden between two opaque layers of the document.

The present invention is explained in more detail below with reference to figures, wherein the illustrated examples are merely exemplary in nature and have no limitation as to the scope of the described invention. They show in detail:

1 an inventive value or security document in a schematic isometric view;

2 an arrangement for activating a value or security product according to the invention in a schematic representation;

3 a schematic cross-sectional representation of the effect of electromagnetic radiation on color particles in a value or security product according to the invention in a first embodiment;

4 a schematic representation of color areas generated line by line in a plan view of a value or security document;

5 a schematic representation of screened generated pattern elements in a plan view of a value or security document;

6 a schematic cross-sectional representation of the effect of electromagnetic radiation on color particles in a value or security product according to the invention in a second embodiment;

7 a schematic cross-sectional representation of the effect of electromagnetic radiation on color particles in a value or security product according to the invention in a third embodiment;

8th a schematic cross-sectional representation of the effect of electromagnetic radiation on color particles in a value or security product according to the invention in a fourth embodiment;

9 a schematic cross-sectional representation of process steps for the production of a laminate, including the effect of electromagnetic radiation on paint particles in the laminate, to form a value or security product according to the invention according to a fifth embodiment; (a) applying color particle-containing dispersion to an intermediate carrier; (b) transferring the applied color particle dispersion from the intermediate carrier to a product layer; (c) activating the product layer after lamination;

10 a grid of four types of pattern elements in a schematic plan view in which only two types of pattern elements have been activated.

In the figures, like reference numerals designate elements having the same function or elements.

In the 1 shown embodiment of an identity card 100 Each has a common format for the card, for example, the format ID 1 according to ISO / IEC 7810 , The card may be fabricated as a laminate of multiple polymeric films, which may be PC and / or PET and form individual layers of the card. Some of these layers may be colored opaque with pigments, for example, to hide the card from an internal electronic device. Hereinafter, for the sake of simplicity, it is assumed that the card is formed of a polymer film as a substrate. The card has a front side 101 and a back side (not shown). It may, for example, have a thickness of 800 μm. The card may have several security features, such as a facial image 110 the person to whom the card is associated, and a data field 120 , in which, for example, data of this person are given in plain text, as well as other security features, which are not shown.

Further, the card points 100 a security feature 200 on, which has been activated in accordance with the invention, whereupon the facial image 210 becomes visible. In the present case, a reproduction of the facial image of the holder of the card is reproduced in the form of a pattern as a representative of any differently designed marking. Other representations may be formed by any other pattern.

In the 2 schematically shown laser activating device is suitable in a document blank 100 to create a multicolored pattern of pattern elements. For this purpose, the device has three lasers 2 ' . 2 '' . 2 ''' , three primary mirrors 3 ' . 3 '' . 3 ''' or imaging optics (not shown), a secondary mirror 4 , a control unit 5 and a computer 6 on. The imaging optics can also be in the beam path after the mirror 4 are located.

In the computer 6 For example, input data such as an image file is stored, from which a halftone image can be formed. The halftone image then becomes the raw data for the programming of the control unit 5 generated. The control unit in turn controls the secondary mirror 4 so that the laser beam passes over the surface of the document blank to be activated 100 to be led. Further, the controller also controls the lasers 2 ' . 2 '' . 2 ''' or in each case one of the lasers associated modulator (not shown). With these modulators, the intensity of the laser beams L can be individually modulated. With the data provided by the controller, the device can be controlled to create pattern elements of the pattern in the document blank. To generate the colored pattern elements, the laser beams emanating from the lasers pass through the primary mirrors, then hit the secondary mirror 4 and are distracted by this on the document blank. For example, the laser beams may be passed line by line across the document surface, with the intensity of the beams being tuned by modulation to the desired beam intensity to be formed at a location on the document surface. The laser beams may, for example, be focused on the surface in order to obtain the smallest possible beam diameter. Alternatively, the imaging optics (not shown) may be controlled so that the laser beams are focused in different positions if the color particles are at different locations / depths in the document.

The pattern is activated by activating the document blank 100 by means of the laser 2 ' . 2 '' . 2 ''' generated by the laser beam L in the document blank on color particles, for example, to pattern elements corresponding locations of the document hits. These are damaged or melted or uncovered or even destroyed by the action of the laser beam, so that, for example, colorant contained therein is released and thus becomes perceptible to a viewer. Before activation, the colorant is hidden in the color particles because the shell largely shields the colorant. As a result of the damage or destruction, the colorant escapes to the outside, for example, when it is liquid, such as when the colorant is formed by a liquid dye or a (liquid) ink and a dye contained therein diffuses into the product material or if Although the colorant is formed by a (solid) color particle, but this melts due to the irradiation with the electromagnetic radiation of the laser and thus becomes liquid. In these cases, the liquid colorant penetrates into the surrounding document material and creates a colored spot that is easily perceived by a viewer. The effect of the electromagnetic radiation may also be to promote the diffusion of the colorant in the product material. If a solid colorant remains solid during the damage or destruction of the color particles, its color impression is also changed because it is exposed due to the removal of the shell (pelts).

First embodiment of the invention:

In 3 is the destruction of paint particles 400 according to a first embodiment of the present invention shown schematically:
color particles 400 (shown schematically here: on the left and on the right outside, respectively, a red color particle (A) lying next to it a blue color particle (B) and in the middle a yellow color particle (C)) are in a middle document position 110 coming from an upper document layer 115 and a lower document layer 116 is embedded, and essentially lie in one plane within the document. For this purpose, the color particles have been extruded together with the material of this document layer, resulting in a polymer film in which the color particles are embedded statistically evenly distributed. The polymer film can be formed, for example, from PC based on bisphenol A. The color particles have a core 410 and a shell (or shell) 420 on. The core each contains a liquid dye and the shell envelops it. Alternatively, the core of the colorant particles may be formed by porous solid particles which receive the dye in their pores, for example by zeolite particles. The shell of the color particles may for example be made of a polyurethane or consist of TiO ₂ . The material of the middle document layer can be transparent in a spectral range. Also the upper document layer 115 is transparent in spectral regions of the acting laser radiation. One of the outer layers 115 or 116 is additionally transparent in the visible spectral range. The other outer transparent document layers are formed, for example, from PC. The middle document layer and the two outer document layers are gathered to form a laminate and conventionally bonded into a monolithic block in a conventional hot / cold laminating press using high pressure and high temperature.

This laminate is then with the arrangement according to 2 edited: The laser beam L of the first laser 2 ' becomes due to its wavelength only in the yellow dye of the yellow color particles 400 (C) absorbed. Alternatively, one may be selective to the laser radiation of the first laser 2 ' appealing sensitizer either in the core 410 or in the shell 420 the yellow color particles or both in the core and in the shell. As a result, only the yellow color particles are destroyed by their shell bursts. Then the yellow dye is released, so that it penetrates into the surrounding document material and there a yellow color spot 430 forms. As a result, a yellow spot forms around the destroyed color particle. The color particles of the other types (the red color particles (A) and blue color particles (B)) absorb the laser radiation of the first laser 2 ' not so that they will not be destroyed. Thus, yellow pattern elements are formed. For the corresponding generation of red and blue pattern elements by destroying the red (A) or blue (B) color particles, the other lasers 2 '' . 2 ''' used with other wavelengths whose electromagnetic radiation is absorbed only by the red color particles or only by the blue color particles.

With even distribution of the color particles 400 in the middle document position 110 each color particles are thus exclusively by means of laser radiation at the points of the document 100 destroyed there and produce a locally perceptible color impression, where the associated laser beam L unfolds its effect. The spectral selectivity of the laser activation produces differently colored pattern elements at different points in the document. Of course, the color point resolution of the pattern depends, on the one hand, on the laser beam cross-section in the plane of the document layer in which the color particles are located, and on the other on the diffusion of the exiting colorant into the surrounding document material.

The one with the three lasers 2 ' . 2 '' . 2 ''' color spots produced in line-by-line across the surface of the document guided laser beams L, for example, in 4 shown pattern 300 form. The lines 310 are arranged horizontally in this case and are perpendicular to each other. Within the lines change color ranges 320 (A, B, C). For example, when writing along the top line from left to right, first the red color particle (A) activating laser beam 2 '' applied, then this laser beam faded out and the blue color particle (B) activating laser beam 2 ''' switched on. Subsequently, the red color particle (A) becomes activating laser beam again 2 '' turned on and the blue color particles (B) activating laser beam 2 ''' switched off again, etc. The same happens in the subsequently written lines. Individual color particles are not shown in this illustration, since their size is significantly smaller than the extent of the color ranges shown.

In 5 is another example of the formation of a multi-colored pattern 300 from different color particles (A, B, C). In this case, pattern elements become corresponding areas in the form of substantially round grid areas 350 each formed with a color, for example with a printing process. These areas are in lines 310 and offset in adjacent lines to each other. As in 4 individual color particles are not shown. The individual areas are initially visually imperceptible, because the color particles are not damaged or destroyed. By the action of corresponding laser radiation L, individual ones of these areas can be activated so that they form colored pattern elements. In the present case, the activation of all the pattern elements is shown.

This in 3 . 4 example shown assumes that within a color range 320 (A, B, C) Color particles of several types are included and optionally activated. Alternatively, as in the case of the embodiment of 5 , in a color range, of course, only color particles of one type are contained in each case. If color particles of several types are contained in a color range, with appropriate activation not only sharply limited color ranges can be generated but also transitions between different colors, which are created by mixing the colors of different types of color particles. This allows taking photographs for a facial image 210 be reproduced faithfully.

The selective destruction or at least damage of the color particles becomes a pattern 300 educated. This pattern can be, for example, the in 1 shown facial image 210 of the document holder in a multicolored representation.

Second embodiment of the invention:

In 6 is a second embodiment of an inventively activated value or security document 100 shown schematically. In this case, the color particles 400 formed by an optically variable colorant (OVI). The visually perceivable color impression is produced by interference layers in the material. The color impression varies with the viewing angle under which a color layer produced by means of these color particles is viewed. For example, there are mica platelets oxide, the thin layer of metal oxide, for example titanium dioxide (TiO ₂₎ or iron (III) (Fe ₂ O ₃₎ (for example, Iriodin ^®, Merck), coated and dispersed in a liquid ink matrix (Farbpartikel- Dispersion) on a surface 111 a document situation 110 are applied so that they are approximately aligned with respect to the platelet plane on the surface.

Such pigment particles 400 for example, on the surface 111 the polymer film 110 , For example, be applied from PC, by these pigment particles are dispersed, for example, in a liquid (OVI: optically variable ink) and the dispersion thus prepared applied to the polymer film, for example, razor, sprayed, poured or printed. The liquid may contain, for example, a binder of PC, for example based on a geminally disubstituted di (hydroxyphenyl) cycloalkane. This binder has a high affinity for the PC of the polymer layer, so that a further polymer layer laminated therewith 115 , also made of PC, solid and indissoluble with the document layer 110 is connectable. The document sheet prepared in this way 110 can then as described above with the other polymer films 115 . 116 be collected and laminated.

The resulting laminate is subjected to its activation a laser treatment. By means of a laser beam L, the color particles are activated by the interference layers of the color particles 400 be easily disturbed. This local perturbation causes a color contrast between untreated surface areas and treated surface area to become visually perceptible.

Third embodiment of the invention:

In 7 a third embodiment is shown schematically. As in the case of the first embodiment ( 3 ) becomes an opaque polymer film 110 from PC for the absorption of color particles 400 prepared. The color particles (A, B, C) are again core / shell particles with one the core 410 forming liquid dye or with an ink, optionally incorporated into a core forming porous particle, or with a core forming pigment. The case 420 may in turn be formed of polyurethane or of TiO ₂ . In order to take up the color particles, the polymer film in this case, however, with the finest continuous holes 150 provided, in which the color particles are added. For example, these holes may be drilled with a laser, such as a UV-emitting laser (eg, excimer laser). The holes may be arranged in a regular surface pattern, such as in rows and in adjacent rows offset from one another. Or the holes are arranged in a pattern forming a marking. For example, the holes may be arranged in the form of the € symbol. The holes can be perpendicular to the surface in the polymer film or at an angle <90 ° to the film surface 111 be introduced into the film. To take the color particles in the holes, they are presented in a color particle dispersion that penetrates into the holes. The solvent of the dispersion is then evaporated so that the color particles, optionally together with a binder, remain.

The thus prepared polymer layer 110 is then with an upper document layer 115 and a lower document layer 116 collected and connected by lamination. As a result, the cavities containing the color particles are closed on both sides. Not shown is that unfilled hole areas can be completely filled when laminating surrounding polymeric material.

As in the case of the first embodiment, the color particles 400 then selectively damaged or destroyed, so that they visually permanently noticeable color spots 430 produce. By means of a laser beam L of the second laser 2 '' In the present case, exclusively red dye-containing colorant particles (A) are destroyed. By means of the first laser 2 ' Only yellow dye-containing colorant particles (C) are destroyed. And by the third laser 2 ''' Only blue dye-containing colorant particles (B) are destroyed. Since the color particles are originally in the holes 150 The color spots are also essentially limited to the hole regions, so that a pattern predefined by the hole arrangement predetermines the arrangement of the colored areas.

Fourth embodiment according to the invention:

In 8th a fourth embodiment according to the present invention is shown. In this case will be colored particles 400 together with capsules 500 which is a solvent for the shell 420 the color particles contained in a polymer film 110 embedded. The color particles may, as in the case of the first embodiment, core / shell particles with the core 410 be forming ink, forming liquid dye or pigment or with another solid colorant. The solvent may be present, for example, in zeolite particles or porous nanoparticles coated with a shell 510 encapsulated in a polycyanoacrylate, or in purely inorganic micro-containers. The thus prepared polymer film is then coated with a transparent protective coating 115 . 116 coated on both sides.

In order to activate laser radiation L is again used, the laser radiation in this case not in the color particles 400 but in the solvent capsules 500 is absorbed. This causes the solvent 520 from the solvent capsules, but the color particles are not affected. The solvent then passes to adjacent color particles and destroys their shells 420 so that the colorant contained therein is released or exposed and corresponding color spots 430 (A, B) forms. So that the solvent capsules can absorb the laser radiation, they contain, for example, in each case a sensitizer in the solvent and / or in its shell and / or in the zeolite material. So that the color particles are selectively activated, the color particles can be arranged with solvent capsules sensitive to respective laser radiation in regions of the document surface assigned to these particles and capsules, so that the solvent capsules of one type (A, B) destroyed by laser treatment only color particles of the corresponding type (A , B) destroy. A preferred alternative to this is to apply the color particles of different types in spatially separated areas (pixelated) or bring. For example, the paint particles and associated solvent capsules may be in respective holes 150 as shown in the third embodiment.

Fifth embodiment according to the invention:

In a fifth embodiment of the present invention are colored particles 400 (A, B, C, D) first on an intermediate carrier 600 and from this to the surface 111 an example transparent polymer film 110 applied ((re-) transfer method).

For this purpose, for example, color particles 400 containing dispersions in a first step, for example, rasterized on the intermediate carrier 600 applied ( 9A ). A dispersant contained in the dispersion and also present on the intermediate carrier is in 9A not shown. For the intermediate carrier, a heat-resistant carrier material in film form, for example made of polyamide or of polyimide or of PET, can preferably be used. On the carrier material, there may also be a release layer on the side of the carrier on which the color particle dispersion is temporarily applied, for example a layer of crosslinked acrylic polymer. The carrier material may be formed, for example, in the form of a sheet or a plate or a band. For applying the color particle dispersions is used in the present case, for example, an ink jet printer 700 , here schematically indicated with four printheads 710 for different colors (A, B, C, D). By way of example, the ink-jet printer can be used to print a matrix of printing ink structures corresponding to pattern elements in a screened manner on the intermediate carrier (see example of FIG 10 ). Alternatively, the support may be printed with a planographic or other coating process. Instead of screening, the intermediate carrier can also be coated flat. The individual colors can be applied in the latter case, for example, in separate color fields. Particularly preferred is the application of a plurality of flat color fields on a tape to form a ribbon.

In the present case, four colorants are selected, namely a red (A), a blue (B), a yellow (C) and a green (D) dye, with which respective color particle dispersions and with these the corresponding pattern element types A, B, C, D are formed. These color particles are dispersed in a color particle formulation containing as binder a PC derivative, preferably based on a geminally disubstituted di (hydroxyphenyl) cycloalkane. In addition, a binder solvent and other additives usually added to printing inks are included.

These dispersions are made by means of the inkjet printer 700 with the four printheads 710 for each one of the four dispersions on the intermediate carrier 600 printed, wherein structures in the size and with the arrangement of the pattern elements to be formed on the surface of a laminate formed of PC 350 ( 10 ) are formed. The size of the pattern elements is for example 30 microns. For this purpose, all the structures on the intermediate carrier which correspond to the pattern elements to be formed on the PC laminate, ie all four pattern element types A, B, C, D, are produced in a laterally reversed arrangement. For example, a grid is formed, from which a pattern element arrangement, such as in 10 shown, can be generated.

By pressing the with the ink structures (or alternatively a flat Color particle layer) provided surface of the subcarrier 600 on the surface 111 the PC polymer film 110 the structures produced on the surface of the intermediate carrier are transferred to this surface of the PC laminate ( 9B ). The polymer film may be, for example, a laminated PC card. For this purpose, the PC film is pressed against the intermediate carrier. This results in a grid arrangement of the printing ink structures with the four different dispersions on the polymer film surface. If the intermediate carrier is not provided with a screened but with a flat color particle layer, provision may be made for the intermediate carrier to be brought into contact only in regions with the surface of the polymer film in order to form color particle layer regions in some areas. The ink structures are white to gray because of the use of TiO ₂ as the shell material and have no discernible color. A viewer sees a pressure field in which the ink structures lie, because of their small size therefore at most pale gray. After the transfer of the color particles on the polymer film, the intermediate carrier is lifted from this again.

The thus printed PC film or PC card 110 can then be combined with other polymer films, such as PC or PET films, to form a stack, for example with a polymer layer 115 , It is beneficial to the printed surface 111 to arrange the PC film inside the stack, so that the color particles 400 are arranged inside the stack. The stack can then be further processed in a conventional hot / cold lamination process into a laminate which, when completed, forms an activatable value or security document (a document blank). 100 represents. The printing ink structures are retained during lamination, ie the dye does not diffuse out.

In a subsequent method step, the pattern elements are treated with a focused laser beam L ( 9C ). For this purpose, the in 2 used arrangement shown. Again, it is shown that the laser beam is a yellow (C) color particle 400 destroys so that it contains yellow dye and a yellow color stain 430 forms. Other color particles are not damaged by this laser beam. This process step can be directly followed by the process step of transferring the structures to the surface of the PC laminate or can be carried out at a significantly later time step. In the first case, the transmission and the activation can be carried out in the same device, while the two method steps in the second case are typically carried out in separate devices. For example, in this case, a surface coated with the color particles band can be used.

By the successive activation of the color particles 400 (A, B, C, D) in the ink patterns, some pattern elements appear 350 coloured. In 10 the result is shown:
In a first (top) row are type A (red) and type B (blue) ink patterns, and in a second row underneath offset from the first row, type C (yellow) ink patterns, and ink structures of the Type D (green). The further rows down represent repetitions of the first and the second row.

Through targeted activation in an upper pressure range 130 printing ink structures of type B (blue) and in a lower pressure range 140 printed ink structures of type A (red), with red and blue pattern elements, respectively 350 are formed, the pressure field appears 160 blue at the top and red at the bottom. These two stripes represent a pattern 150 which may represent information, such as the encoded value of a patterned document. In the same way, of course, other, in particular more complicated patterns, such as the facial image of a person, by areawise activation of corresponding pattern elements, can be developed. Such a pattern can therefore also be individualizing for a value or security document 100 be.

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• EP 0975148 A1 [0004]
• DE 102007037981 A1 [0006]
• DE 102010062021 A1 [0007]
• WO 2004/045857 A2 [0008]
• DE 60201439 T1 [0009]
• EP 1826728 A2 [0010, 0011]
• EP 0505648 A1 [0037]
• DE 102007059747 A1 [0042, 0048, 0048, 0056]

Cited non-patent literature

• ISO 10373 [0014]
• ISO / IEC 7810 [0014]
• ISO 14443 [0014]
• Skirtach et al., "Laser-Induced Release of Encapsulated Materials Inside Living Cells", Angew. Chem. Int. Ed., 2006, 45, 4612-4617 [0037]
• Angelatos et al., "Light Responsive Polyelectrolyte / Gold Nanoparticle Microcapsules", J. Phys. Chem. B, 2005, 109, 3071-3076 [0037]
• M. Hampden-Smith, T. Kodas, S. Haubrich, M. Oljaca, R. Einhorn, D. Williams, "Novel Particulate Production Processes to Create Unique Security Materials," in: Proc. SPIE 6075, Optical Security and Counterfeit Deterrence Techniques VI, 60750K (February 09, 2006); doi: 10.1117 / 12.641883 [0040]
• DG Shchukin, H. Möhwald, "Self-Repairing Coatings Containing Active Nanoreservoirs", in: www.smalljournal.com (small), 2007, 3, No. 6, 926-943, Wiley-VCH Verlag, Weinheim [0041]
• ISO / IEC 7810 [0097]

Claims (18)

Activatable value or security product ( 100 ) containing a color particle ( 400 ), where the value or security product ( 100 ) by means of electromagnetic radiation (L) is permanently activated by a through the color particles ( 400 ) formed security feature ( 200 ) becomes visually perceptible. Activatable value or security product ( 100 ) according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one of the color particles ( 400 ) provided colorant ( 430 ) becomes perceptible to form an optically recognizable feature. Activatable value or security product ( 100 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the color particles ( 400 ) by a core ( 410 ) and one the core ( 410 ) surrounding envelope ( 420 ) are formed. Activatable value or security product ( 100 ) according to claim 3, characterized in that the core ( 410 ) and / or the envelope ( 420 ) are formed for absorbing at least part of the electromagnetic radiation (L) in the visible and / or infrared and / or UV spectral range. Activatable value or security product ( 100 ) according to one of claims 3 and 4, characterized in that the core ( 410 ) and / or the envelope ( 420 ) contains at least one sensitizer which absorbs the electromagnetic radiation (L). Activatable value or security product ( 100 ) according to one of claims 3 to 5, characterized in that the core ( 410 ) liquid dye or liquid ink ( 430 ) or is formed by this (s). Activatable value or security product ( 100 ) according to one of claims 3 to 5, characterized in that the core ( 410 ) at least one pigment grain or a solid dye ( 430 ) or is formed by this / n. Activatable value or security product ( 100 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the product material also comprises capsules ( 500 ) containing at least one solvent ( 520 ) and which are adapted to the at least one solvent ( 520 ) upon activation with the electromagnetic radiation (L), the at least one solvent ( 520 ) is suitable, the color particles ( 400 ) at least be able to dissolve, so that the at least one colorant ( 430 ) is released. Activatable value or security product ( 100 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the color particles ( 400 ) are embedded in the product material. Activatable value or security product ( 100 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the color particles ( 400 ) in cavities ( 150 ) within the value or security product ( 100 ) are located. Activatable value or security product ( 100 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the value or security product ( 100 ) from at least two product layers formed from product material ( 110 . 115 . 116 ), of which at least one consists of polycarbonate (PC) or polycarbonate (PC), and that the color particles ( 400 ) from a dispersion containing polycarbonate (PC) as a binder onto or into at least one of the product layers comprising polycarbonate (PC) or polycarbonate (PC) ( 110 . 115 . 116 ) are up or introduced. Method for activating a value or security product ( 100 ), the color particle ( 400 ) containing product material, comprising the following method steps: activating the value or security product ( 100 ) by irradiation with electromagnetic radiation (L), so that by the electromagnetic radiation (L) through the color particles ( 400 ) formed security feature ( 200 ) remains visually perceptible. Method for activating a value or security product ( 100 ) according to claim 12, characterized in that at least one by the color particles ( 400 ) provided colorant ( 430 ) becomes perceptible to form an optically recognizable feature. Method for activating a value or security product ( 100 ) according to any one of claims 12 and 13, characterized in that the electromagnetic radiation (L) is laser radiation. Method for activating a value or security product ( 100 ) according to one of claims 12 to 14, characterized in that the value or security product ( 100 ) is irradiated with the electromagnetic radiation (L) spatially resolved. Method for activating a value or security product ( 100 ) according to one of claims 12 to 15, characterized in that the electromagnetic radiation (L) is in the visible and / or infrared and / or UV spectral range. Method for producing a value or security product ( 100 ), comprising the following method steps: (a) providing at least one product layer ( 110 . 115 . 116 ) as well as color particles ( 400 ), whereby the color particles ( 400 ) are designed to permanently change their optically perceptible nature by activation with electromagnetic radiation (L); (b) applying the color particles ( 400 ) on at least one surface ( 111 ) at least one of the at least one product layer ( 110 ) and / or introduction of the color particles ( 400 ) in at least one of the at least one product layer ( 110 ); and (c) activating the value or security product ( 100 ) by irradiation by means of the electromagnetic radiation (L), so that the visually perceptible nature of the color particles ( 400 ) is changed permanently. Method for producing a value or security product ( 100 ) according to claim 17, characterized in that the color particles ( 400 ) at least one colorant ( 430 ) by adding the color particles ( 400 ) are adapted to the at least one colorant ( 430 ) in the activation of the value or security product ( 100 ) by means of electromagnetic radiation (L), and that the at least one colorant ( 430 ) is released upon activation so that the at least one colorant ( 430 ) becomes perceptible to form an optically recognizable feature.

Images