DE102016015337A1 - Method for controlling and tracking individual banknotes and their precursors during their production - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for controlling and / or tracking a single banknote and a precursor of the banknote in the form of a substrate web or in the form of a single benefit on a banknote sheet during the production process of the banknote, the precursor and the individual benefit. According to the invention, an individual feature the banknote, the precursor or the individual benefit and stored in a database for a possible later query.

Description

The invention relates to a method for controlling and / or tracking a single banknote and a precursor of the banknote in the form of a substrate web or in the form of a single benefit on a banknote sheet during the production process of the banknote, the precursor and the individual benefit.

Out DE 3240217 C2 A method for controlling banknote sheets during their manufacture is known. A banknote sheet is a large-format substrate on which a certain number of so-called benefits are printed in rows and columns. If, in a later method step of the banknote production of the banknote sheets, the benefits are cut along the edges, the individual benefits each yield a banknote.

In the process of DE 3240217 C2 At least some of the operations of banknote printing, quality control, numbering, and cutting of sheet stacks proceed in independent workstations. All banknote forms are provided with a code, all codes are stored in a computer, the codes are automatically read on the banknote sheet and compared with the stored codes. If not, an error signal is generated. Independently of the numbering of the banknote sheets, consecutively numbered codes are applied before or during the passage of the banknote sheets through the first printing unit on the edge of the banknote sheet which is cut off at a later edge trimming. The reading and comparison of these codes with the stored codes pertaining to all banknote sheets of a sheet stack is repeated each time before and / or after a single pass in at least some of the workstations.

With this method known from the prior art, only control and / or tracking during the production of banknote sheets is possible, but not the control and / or tracking of a single banknote or a precursor of the banknote in the form of a substrate web or in the form of a single benefit on a banknote sheet.

The invention is therefore based on the object to provide a method by which the disadvantages of the prior art can be solved.

This object is solved by the features of the independent claim. Further developments of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims.

According to the invention, an individual feature of the banknote, the precursor or the individual benefit is recorded and stored in a database for a possible later query.

According to a preferred embodiment, it is provided that the individual feature of the banknote, the banknote precursor or the individual benefit is applied to the banknote, the banknote forerunner or the individual user during the process of producing the banknote, the banknote precursor or the individual user , In this case, the individual machine-readable feature can be applied by means of a marking method, for example a laser or by means of an imaging method or a printing method, to the banknote, the banknote precursor or the individual user and is identified, for example, by a code consisting of one or more alphanumeric characters, or a code such as a bar code or a 2D code or a different kind of machine-readable code.

The printing methods mentioned are for example high-pressure or digital printing, digital printing such as inkjet, laser printing or thermal printing or intaglio printing.

With the laser, the individual marking on or in the banknote substrate by means of discoloration or decolorization, material removal, foaming of the banknote substrate or perforation or be introduced. The marking can be visible or invisible to humans, but it is definitely machine-readable.

Particularly preferably, the individual feature is applied to the banknote, the precursor of the banknote or the individual benefit as early as possible, in particular immediately after the production of the banknote, the precursor or the banknote sheet. Thus, particularly preferably, the entire production chain of a banknote from the generation of the substrate of the banknote to the packaging of banknote bundles can be tracked and verified completely. Particularly preferred here is the application of the individual markings on the substrate web at the exit of a paper machine. The individual markings are applied to the positions on the substrate web, where later the individual benefits are arranged or positioned.

According to an alternative preferred embodiment, it is provided that the individual feature ("material fingerprint") of the banknote, the precursor of the banknote or of the individual use by a material and / or shape property of the banknote, the precursor of the banknote or the individual benefit is formed. By way of example, the material and / or shape property of the banknote, the precursor of the banknote or of the individual benefit is formed by the individual surface texture, material condition, translucency, geometric dimension of the banknote, the precursor of the banknote or the individual benefit. Furthermore, the individual positioning of individual security elements or security features on and / or in the banknote, the precursor of the banknote or the individual benefit can also be detected, such as, for example, the position or the geometric location of mottled fibers, planchettes, security threads, security strips or watermarks on or in the paper substrate.

Particularly preferably, the individual feature is readable by means of a mechanical method, wherein it can be detected by means of a corresponding sensor. For example, the individual feature has optically detectable, luminescent as well as fluorescent or phosphorescent, infrared-detectable, magnetic, electrically conductive and / or by electromagnetic fields readable features such as electrical circuits or RFID transponder.

It is also possible to combine two or more markings or machine-readable fields (so-called double correlated signature). For example, a substrate fingerprint region, such as, for example, the positions of mottled fibers, is still detected on the paper machine and later read during the fabrication of the substrate or in the printing house and applied to the substrate in the form of an additional coding.

It is also possible for an already individually marked security thread to be introduced into the paper web in register. The marking of the security thread can take place either during the production of the security thread, only immediately on the paper machine during insertion or shortly after insertion by means of laser or digital printing.

According to a preferred embodiment it is provided that the database for a possible later query in an electronic data processing system such as a computer or a computer network is stored. All generated and recorded data are recorded in a database system so that they can be read by a user with appropriate access rights irrespective of location and time.

With the method according to the invention a sequential code extension is possible. In this case, the future paper sheets are clearly marked on the paper machine, for example, with the string "MTS1234", and the marking detected by machine. Below, for example, in the printing of the disk or single-use code, for example in the form of the string "B7", and a serial number of the individual banknote, for example, the string "BN9876", supplemented. The result is an entire code that uniquely and completely covers all materials and production steps, in this example the string "MTS1234B7BN9876".

Alternatively, a first code may be inserted into the substrate on the paper machine with an E-type watermark indicating the position of the banknote sheet on the wire of the paper machine, for example the string "C3". This marking is then provided in a further step, for example at the final group of the paper machine or later, with a utility-specific marking (for example by means of laser ablation, inkjet, etc.), for example with the character sequence "1234", so that overall in this example String "C3-1234" results.

A custom watermark is also possible, for example, by imprinting the future benefits during or after papermaking by individual local change in paper thickness. Such embossing can be done, for example, by an individual dandy-like watermark, in which by means of an individually adjustable embossing die (similar to a numbering) the still moist paper substrate is embossed immediately after the papermaking.

According to a further preferred embodiment, it is provided that the individual feature and the index, which is printed, for example, in a final printing step on the freshly printed bill, are linked together. Most preferably, the information content of individual feature and citation is the same, i. For example, both show the same alphanumeric text. There is thus a linkage of the early "Erstcodierung" with the final "Endcodierung" after printing the bill, both codes are logically linked or have the same information content.

• - Erhöhung der Sicherheit: eine lückenlose Verfolgbarkeit der hochsicheren Bestandteile einer Banknote (wie beispielsweise Sicherheitsfaden, Sicherheitsfolie, Papierbahn, Papierbogen, bedruckter Bogen, einzelne Note) ist gewährleistet und kann zu jedem Zeitpunkt geprüft werden. Es können auch Makulatur bzw. Ausschussmaterial (Papierbögen oder einzelne Banknoten) erfasst und dokumentiert werden.
• - Erhöhung der Transparenz: eine lückenlose, dynamische, Online-Verfolgung des Produktionsfortschrittes erlaubt eine bessere Planung für die jeweils nächsten Bearbeitungs- bzw. Prozessschritte.
• - Erhöhung der Qualitätssicherung: die einfache, rasche, lückenlose Nachverfolgbarkeit erlaubt online an jedem Ort und zu jeder Zeit einen kompletten Überblick der Herstellungskette (welcher Lieferant, Hersteller, welches Material, etc.).

The complete track-and-trace of a single banknote and a banknote precursor in the form of a substrate web or in the form of a single benefit on a banknote sheet during the process of making the banknote, the precursor and the individual benefit, among others, provides the following advantages:

• - Increased security: complete traceability of the high-security components of a banknote (such as security thread, security foil, paper web, paper sheet, printed sheet, single note) is guaranteed and can be checked at any time. It can also waste and scrap material (paper sheets or individual banknotes) are recorded and documented.
• - Increased transparency: seamless, dynamic, online tracking of production progress allows better planning for the next processing or process steps.
• - Increased quality assurance: the simple, rapid, complete traceability allows online at any place and at any time a complete overview of the production chain (which supplier, manufacturer, which material, etc.).

The invention thus makes it possible, in particular, to track the production status or progress report of a single banknote online and dynamically (comparable to parcel delivery), ie. where is the banknote (or the thread, the paper web, the sheet of paper) at any given time and in what condition is it at the moment (fabrication step in papermaking, printing, transport, etc.).

With the invention, it is also particularly preferably possible to check or track a correspondingly equipped banknote in the later circulation, that is to say in particular after the banknote has been issued by a central bank. For this purpose, the individual feature can be detected, for example, with a special reader or the camera and a corresponding app of a smartphone, and queried from the database more information on the corresponding banknote, such as the date of manufacture, the place of manufacture or production processes. This has the particular advantage that a quality control is possible at any time during banknotes circulation by comparing the original state of the banknote with the current status in circulation and drawing conclusions, for example, on the durability of various production methods or materials.

The substrate of a banknote particularly preferably consists of paper made of cotton fibers or of other natural fibers or of synthetic fibers or of a mixture of natural and synthetic fibers, or of at least one plastic film. Further preferably, the substrate consists of a combination of at least two superimposed and interconnected different substrates, a so-called hybrid. In this case, the substrate consists, for example, of a combination of plastic film-paper-plastic film, i. a paper substrate is covered on either side by a plastic film, or a combination of paper plastic film paper, i. a substrate made of a plastic film is covered on each side by paper.

The substrate may also consist of a pure plastic film, the plastic film after production being provided in a first fabrication step, preferably on a roll or already cut into sheets, with various full-surface or area-wise materials, such as e.g. an opaque white layer, machine readable security elements, optically variable security elements, ink accepting layer, printed watermark imitating elements, etc.

Information on the weight of the substrate used are, for example, in the Scriptures DE 102 43 653 A9 specified, the statements of which are fully incorporated in this application in this regard. The font DE 102 43 653 A9 in particular, that the paper layer usually has a weight of 50 g / m ² to 120 g / m ² , preferably from 80 g / m ² to 90 g / m ² . Of course, depending on the application, any other suitable weight can be used.

An individual feature in the sense of this invention is a pattern-shaped and mechanically and possibly also visually perceptible information. This can for example form an alphanumeric string of numbers and / or letters, a graphic image, an image, a text or other characters. Particularly preferably, the information consists of positive or / and negative motives. In the case of a positive motif, in this case a motif element is itself applied to the substrate, whereas in the case of a negative motif the area surrounding the motif element is applied to the substrate. For example, a positive subject is a letter printed in dark color on the light substrate. A negative motif is, for example, a surface applied in a dark color to the substrate, which has an unprinted area in the form of a letter within the area.

The individual features may be visible or recognizable and / or translucent and / or transparent and / or invisible or not recognizable in the wavelength range of electromagnetic radiation to be examined.

It is understood that the above-mentioned and those to be explained below Characteristics can be used not only in the specified combinations, but also in other combinations, without departing from the scope of the present invention, insofar as this is covered by the scope of the claims.

The advantages of the invention will be explained with reference to the following examples and additional figures. The described individual features and embodiments described below are inventive in their own right, but are also inventive in combination. The examples illustrate preferred embodiments, to which, however, the invention should not be limited in any way.

• 1 Verfahrensschritte des Standes der Technik zur Herstellung von Banknotensubstrat und Banknotenbogen,
• 2 Verfahrensschritte des Standes der Technik zur Herstellung von Banknoten aus Banknotenbogen.

In detail, show schematically:

• 1 Prior art method steps for making banknote substrate and banknote sheet,
• 2 Process steps of the prior art for the production of banknotes from banknote sheets.

1 schematically shows method steps of the prior art for the production of banknote substrate and banknote sheets. In a paper machine, the paper substrate is produced, wherein one or more security threads are introduced into the substrate in the paper machine. The paper substrate formed in the paper machine is wound onto a roll and wrapped in the rewinder and cut in the slitter into several narrower rolls, which typically have the width of the later banknotes. In the "Film application" step, the rolls are wrapped and security strips or hologram strips are applied to the paper web. In the "assembly" step, security features are applied to the paper web, for example optically variable security elements by printing techniques or by transfer application or lamination or screen-printed iriodin strips. The sequence of application of security elements by pressure, transfer, laminating, etc. may vary. The sheet cutter cuts the paper web into banknote sheets. Subsequently, the banknote sheets are stacked and packaged.

These banknotes will then, as in 2 shown, further processed. Here, the banknote sheets are first printed with an offset printing, then applied in the step "film application" security films or security strips on the banknote sheet, then applied further printing elements in screen printing, intaglio or intaglio and then in high pressure the digit. Finally, the front and back of the banknote sheets are optionally painted for protection from environmental influences and mechanical damage and / or provided with a protective film (sheet lamination) and the banknote sheets cut into individual banknotes and these finally (not shown) stacked and packaged. The order of the application and printing steps can vary.

1 illustrates the process steps of the prior art, as they are performed in particular in a paper mill. The following process steps, which are described in 2 are illustrated, process steps of the prior art, as they are carried out in particular in a banknote printing. The order of the above-described method steps within 1 and 2 as well as between 1 and 2 However, it is partially changeable or exchangeable. For example, the process steps offset printing, screen printing and Intaglio and film applications can be interchanged or even partially omitted or performed simultaneously.

For all steps 1 and 2 According to the invention, individual features can be applied to the substrate, read out and stored in the database. In this case, particularly preferably, additional data can be stored and assigned to the corresponding benefit, such as machine data, quality data of the substrate (thickness, width, moisture, mass, optical density, composition, etc.), company names, responsible production manager / machine operator, environmental conditions (Temperature, humidity, etc.), time, date and place of processing.

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

• DE 3240217 C2 [0002, 0003]
• DE 10243653 A9 [0026]

Claims (10)

Method for controlling and / or tracking a single banknote and a precursor of the banknote in the form of a substrate web or in the form of a single benefit on a banknote sheet during the production process of the banknote, the precursor and the individual benefit, characterized in that an individual feature of the banknote , the precursor or the individual benefit and is stored in a database for possible later retrieval. Method according to Claim 1 characterized in that the individual feature of the banknote, the banknote precursor or the individual benefit is applied to the banknote, banknote precursor or individual benefit during the process of making the banknote, the banknote precursor or the individual benefit. Method according to Claim 2 , characterized in that the individual feature is already applied to the banknote, the precursor of the banknote or the individual benefit immediately after the production of the banknote, the precursor or the banknote sheet. Method according to Claim 2 or 3 , characterized in that the individual feature is applied by means of a laser or by means of a printing process or another imaging method to the banknote, the banknote precursor or the individual benefit. Method according to one of Claims 2 to 4 , characterized in that the individual feature is formed by a digit consisting of one or more alphanumeric characters, or a code such as a bar code or a 2D code or a different type of machine-readable code. Method according to Claim 1 , characterized in that the individual feature of the bill, the precursor of the bill or the individual benefit is formed by a material and / or shape characteristic of the bill, the precursor of the bill or the individual benefit. Method according to Claim 6 , characterized in that the material and / or shape characteristic of the banknote, the precursor of the banknote or the individual benefit is formed by the individual surface texture, material quality, translucency, geometric dimension of the banknote, the precursor of the banknote or the individual benefit and / or the individual positioning of individual security elements or security features on and / or in the banknote, the precursor of the banknote or the individual use. Method according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the individual feature can be read out by means of a mechanical method and is detected by means of a corresponding sensor. Method according to Claim 8 , characterized in that the individual feature has optically detectable, luminescent, magnetic, infrared, electrically conductive and / or by means of electromagnetic fields readable features. Method according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the database for a possible later query in an electronic data processing system such as a computer or a computer network is stored.

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