DE102017011193A1 - Layer arrangement with a metal layer in the window area - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention is directed to a layer arrangement for use in a value document and to the value document per se. Furthermore, the invention relates to a system arrangement for providing the value document or the layer arrangement. A method is proposed which provides the layer arrangement or the system arrangement and a computer program product with control commands which implement the method or operate the system arrangement during its execution.

Description

The present invention is directed to a layer arrangement for use in a value document and to the value document per se. Furthermore, the invention relates to a system arrangement for providing the value document or the layer arrangement. A method is proposed which provides the layer arrangement or the system arrangement and a computer program product with control commands which implement the method or operate the system arrangement during its execution.

Different security features are known with which it is intended to ensure that a value document can not be made unauthorized. For example, ID cards, driver's license cards, credit cards or more generally smart cards are known. These have partial security features with which it can be ensured that a value document can be verified in terms of its authenticity.

It happens that the value document is not falsified as a whole, but that an existing, genuine value document is deflected in such a way that only individual data, such. As the name of the cardholder to be changed. Thus, different redundant security features are necessary, which can be arranged for example in a window area. In this case, it is possible, for example, to add the cardholder's image in a window area in addition to an image already present on the value document. It is also possible to deposit a security function within such a window area and thereby to personalize the value document in such a way that an individual security feature is created.

For this purpose, just window areas are suitable for introducing a security feature, since such a window area can always be produced only consuming and thus at least the cost is increased, which must provide a counterfeiter. In particular, such window areas are advantageous in that they can be combined with other security features on value documents.

It is proposed in the prior art to provide multiple layers and to arrange these layers flat so that they can be laminated together. Corresponding security features are therefore introduced surface. Moreover, it is known to omit individual window areas and in this case to provide a metal layer within a window area. This metal layer can then be processed by means of laser personalization or other types of demetallization in such a way that breakthroughs occur that are visible in transmitted light through the value document. Thus, the transmitted light creates an optical effect that is recognizable by a user with the unaided eye.

Generally, there is a need for a variety of security features that can be configured differently. This makes it possible to increase the expense of a counterfeiter in such a way that multiple value documents can not be forged by means of the imitation of a single security feature. Just by the variety of existing security features, the cost of an unauthorized manufacturer is increased and this manufacturer can thus be prevented from forgery. Furthermore, there is a need for security features which, while generally detectable by the unaided eye, remain essentially hidden in their manufacturing process. This, in turn, makes it possible to verify the value document without disclosing how such a value document would be reworked.

It is thus an object of the present invention to propose an improved layered model for use in a value document, which is manufactured according to an alternative layer construction and can act as a security feature. Furthermore, it is an object of the present invention to provide a corresponding value document and a system arrangement for providing the value document or the layer arrangement. Furthermore, a method is to be proposed, which makes it possible to produce the layer arrangement or the document of value and to propose a computer program product, which is designed according to the proposed method.

The object is solved with the features of claim 1. Further advantageous embodiments are specified in the dependent claims.

Accordingly, a layer arrangement is proposed for use in a value document, comprising a first and a second transparent protective layer, wherein at least one opaque core layer is arranged between the first and the second transparent protective layer, wherein a transparent insert is inserted in the at least one opaque core layer, and a metal layer element is arranged with respect to the transparent insert such that at least one surface of the metal layer element is visible from outside the layer arrangement and the metal layer element for personalization is partially removed in such a way that the metal layer element is at least weakened.

The proposed layer arrangement may provide the value document as a whole or only a part thereof. Thus, the layer arrangement can be used as a credit card having other components. Thus, it is advantageous to provide the layer arrangement in the form of a smart card, which has further electronic and electrical components. For example, components such as a microcontroller, a memory and / or an antenna can be provided between the layers. The protective layers are then only to be designed so that they do not affect the function of the electrical or electronic components.

In this case, it is also possible for the layer arrangement to provide only a part of a value document, for example a page of a passbook. Thus, the layer arrangement is provided as a data page which can be incorporated into an existing value document.

A first and a second transparent protective layer may also be referred to as a first and a second overlay layer. Such an overlay layer is a transparent layer which is attached to the outer sides of the layer arrangement. Here, a physical action on the individual layers should be avoided and the layer arrangement should be provided more stability overall. In this case, the person skilled in the art recognizes materials which are suitable for providing a transparent protective layer, such as, for example, PVC. In this case, flexible plastics are preferably to be used, which are substantially transparent. Substantially transparent hereby is based on the fact that the value document can provide optical information which should be recognizable through the transparent protective layer or the transparent protective layers. Thus, essentially "transparent" means that a semitransparent protective layer is also to be provided, or a semi-transparent protective layer and a transparent protective layer.

An opaque core layer is also typically present as a plastic layer, which, however, unlike the protective layers is not transparent, so opaque. A core layer according to one aspect of the present invention is a reinforced layer that substantially affects the flexibility of the layer assembly. Generally, however, in the context of the present invention, it is believed that a layer may also be provided as a film. A film is typically provided for a lamination process and is then hot pressed with further films. Thus arise corresponding layers. In the present case, therefore, a film analogous to a layer is to be understood.

In the at least one opaque core layer, a transparent insert is introduced, which can be done such that in the respective opaque core layer, a recess is introduced, which represents a window area. In this window area, a depositor or an insert element is introduced. The insert can generally be made flat, wherein the insert is not configured such that it extends over the complete layer arrangement. Thus, the insert is smaller in its surface than the core layer or the transparent protective layers. The insert can, for example, be designed such that it corresponds in its area to a recess in the opaque core layer.

Generally, a single inserter is provided if a single opaque core layer is provided. However, it is also possible to provide a plurality of opaque core layers, which then each have an insert. Thus, the number of inserts present corresponds to the number of opaque core layers. In this case, however, it is also possible that a plurality of opaque core layers are provided, which all have a single insert, which is introduced through all the opaque core layers.

The proposed transparent insert may be provided by a transparent plastic and may be provided during the manufacturing process of the layer assembly as a film which is inserted into a recess of the respective opaque core film. It is possible that the insert corresponds to the size of the recess or slightly protrudes beyond. Another method, such as the proposed layered model or layering arrangement that can be provided, is a so-called coextrusion. However, hot-pressing, that is to say lamination, is preferably used.

Since the two transparent protective layers preferably represent the respective outer layers of the layer arrangement, at least one opaque core layer can be introduced between these two transparent protective layers, as a so-called sandwich. It is also possible to arrange a plurality of opaque core layers between the two transparent protective layers. Over at least one of the two transparent protective layers can also be arranged a further protective layer, which serves for example to receive a metal layer element. In preferred embodiments, a single opaque core layer is provided or else two opaque core layers. Accordingly, will also provided a single depositors or even two depositors. An insert is placed in a first core layer in the presence of two opaque core layers, and another insert in the second core layer.

A metal layer element can likewise be a surface-configured element, which in its cross section corresponds approximately to the width in a horizontal layer model, such as the width of the transparent insert. Thus, in a side view, the metal layer element is approximately as wide as the transparent insert, wherein, however, the metal layer element is in the form of a film and the insert has, for example, the layer thickness of the opaque core layer. The transparent insert may also extend over a plurality of opaque core layers or a transparent core film. Preferably, the metal layer element is configured as a metal layer, which however does not extend over the entire width of the layer arrangement. Thus, in the present layer structure, the metal layer element is not a complete individual layer, but rather the width of the metal layer element is smaller with respect to the further layers. Thus, therefore, no full-surface layer is provided by means of the metal layer element.

The metal layer element is disposed relative to the transparent insert such that at least one surface of the metal layer element is visible from outside the layer arrangement. Thus, it is thus possible to view through the transparent insert through the metal layer element and thereby perceive a personalization on the metal layer element. In a horizontal view, as shown for example by the figures, it is thus possible to detect the metal layer element from below and / or from above through the transparent protective layers and through the transparent insert at least from one side.

The metal layer element generally serves to individualize or personalize the value document. In the context of the present invention, a personalization is equal to an individualization which is suitable for introducing a specific feature into the metal layer or the metal layer element. In this case, the feature does not have to be value-document-individual, but rather, for example, a customer may want a personalization feature for a number of value documents. Thus, personalization is any information that is introduced into the metal layer. Preferably, this may be an image of a cardholder or even the logo of a bank. However, this is not meant to be limiting but rather provides examples of possible personalization, which may generally include letters, patterns or images.

The personalization itself takes place by means of an at least partial removal and / or oxidation of material from the metal layer or the metal layer element. It is possible that no breakthroughs are incorporated into the metal layer or the metal layer element. Alternatively, breakthroughs can be incorporated into the metal layer. This creates a security element that can not be reworked with little technical effort. According to the prior art, such weakenings have the advantage that they require skill and experience in the parameterization, since the layer thickness of the metal layer element must be analyzed. This results in a particularly forgery-proof security element within the layer arrangement.

According to one aspect of the present invention, two opaque core layers each having a transparent insert are arranged between the first and second transparent protective layers. This has the advantage that the layer arrangement can be varied in such a way that not only a single opaque core film together with inserts is provided, but that, for example, two inserts can be arranged in the register and thus in turn a particularly appealing optical effect occurs. Thus, a depth effect can be produced by means of the different inserts, which in turn makes a first value document distinguishable from a second value document. However, the present invention is not limited to two opaque core layers, but rather, further opaque core layers can be provided, each of which then has an insert.

According to a further aspect of the present invention, a first opaque core layer, together with a first insert, covers a first side of a transparent core film, and a second opaque core layer, together with a second insert, covers a second side of the transparent core film. This has the advantage that centrally in the layer arrangement a core foil can be arranged, which is covered from both sides by means of an opaque core foil and the respective insert. The transparent core film serves as a kind of main foil and gives the layer model a stability which enables the layer arrangement to be flexible on the whole but nevertheless stiff. Thus, the flexural rigidity of the layer arrangement as a whole can be varied by means of the core film. While the proposed layer arrangement is flexible overall, the stiffness can be varied be that the layer arrangement for a passport book is suitable as a document of value, or else is made stiffer and so forms a credit card.

According to a further aspect of the present invention, the transparent insert is introduced into an opaque core layer such that it at least partially surrounds the transparent insert such that a window region is formed in the layer arrangement. This has the advantage that the transparent insert can be introduced, for example, in a form-fitting manner into a recess within the respective opaque core layer. In general, the transparent insert is smaller in its surface than the opaque core film and can thus be introduced into it. Thus, the insert is smaller in its spatial extent than the layer arrangement as a whole or the value document as a whole. The window area is therefore particularly advantageous because the metal layer element remains visible through the window area and thus the personalization or the individualization remains recognizable from outside the layer arrangement.

According to a further aspect of the present invention, the transparent insert and the metal layer element are arranged in the register. This has the advantage that the middle layer element with respect to the transparent insert or the respective transparent insert of each opaque core layer are arranged such that the insert or a depositor form a window through which the metal layer or the metal layer element remains visible. Thus, the metal layer element is protected inside the layer arrangement and yet visible from outside the layer arrangement.

According to a further aspect of the present invention, the metal layer element is designed flat, and an upper side is substantially the same as the upper side of an insert. This has the advantage that the metal layer element has the same area as an insert or has the same surface as an insert. In this case, however, only one side of the metal layer element or of the insert is meant by the surface, that is to say the upper side. In the "essential" means here that the tops can be the same size or only slightly different. A slight deviation, for example, serve to attach the metal layer element to another layer. In this case, it is also possible to introduce the metal layer element into the insert in such a way that the metal layer element does not protrude beyond the sides of the insert.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the metal layer member is disposed on a surface of an insert. This has the advantage that the metal layer element can be placed on a depositor and then laminated into the layer model. Thus, an alternative to conventional arrangements is provided which provide that the metal layer is not disposed outside of an opaque core layer.

According to another aspect of the present invention, the metal layer member is disposed between a liner and a transparent protective layer. This has the advantage that the metal layer element is in direct contact both with the insert and with a transparent protective layer and thus again an alternative layer arrangement is provided. Hereby, the metal layer element can be easily placed on a depositors or on the transparent protective layer and lamination.

According to a further aspect of the present invention, the metal layer element is arranged in a transparent insert. This has the advantage that the metal layer element can be provided together with the insert, and with the introduction of the insert into the opaque core layer, the metal layer element is simultaneously introduced into the opaque core layer. Thus, it is particularly efficient to carry out the proposed method or to provide the proposed layer arrangement.

According to a further aspect of the present invention, the metal layer element is arranged between a third transparent protective layer and a further protective layer. This has the advantage that a layer structure can be provided by, for example, introducing a further metal layer element in outer layers of the layer arrangement.

According to a further aspect of the present invention, the metal layer element is arranged outside the opaque core layer. This has the advantage that the metal layer element can be introduced into the transparent insert, wherein, however, the metal layer element does not protrude from the insert and is thus arranged contactlessly with respect to the opaque core layer. Thus, the core layer and metal layer element do not touch. Although it is generally possible to arrange the metal layer element in a depositor and to arrange the insert again in the opaque core layer, in this case the metal layer element is arranged outside the opaque core layer in such a way that it is non-contact and thus there is no contact between the metal layer element and the opaque core layer , This in turn provides an alternative to known layer arrangements and makes it possible for the metal layer element particularly Stable insert by means of the insert in the opaque core layer.

The object is also achieved by a value document, comprising the proposed layer arrangement.

The object is further achieved by a system arrangement for providing a layer arrangement for use in a value document, comprising an apparatus for providing a first and a second transparent protective layer, wherein the device is further arranged between the first and the second transparent protective layer at least one opaque core layer to arrange, wherein in the at least one opaque core layer, a transparent insert is introduced and the device is further arranged to arrange a metal layer element with respect to the transparent insert that at least one surface of the metal layer element from outside the layer arrangement is visible and the metal layer element for personalization at least partially by means a further device can be removed in such a way that the metal layer element is at least weakened.

According to one alternative, the metal layer element has no break-through after weakening. In this way, security is further enhanced because attenuation is harder to parametrize compared to breakthrough. If weakened too much, you will get a breakthrough, and if weakened too little, the weakening will not be visible.

According to the invention, it is particularly advantageous that known system arrangements can be reused, which are driven only according to the invention. For example, conventional laminating devices or extruders serve corresponding possibilities, which, however, according to the prior art are not arranged to provide the layer arrangement as proposed herein. Furthermore, the system arrangement is suitable for providing the value document. The corresponding devices can be separate devices, or they can also be used according to the invention by a single device which can create a corresponding layer model.

The object is also achieved by a method which is configured analogously to the system arrangement.

The object is also solved by a computer program product with control instructions which execute the method when executed on a computer.

According to the invention, it is particularly advantageous that the system arrangement is suitable for producing the proposed layer arrangement or the proposed value document. Furthermore, the method is suitable for operating the system arrangement and for providing the layer model or the value document. Thus, the proposed layer arrangement comprises structural features which can be created by means of further structural features of the system arrangement or by method steps of the proposed method. Thus, the method may also operate the system arrangement or the system arrangement may perform the proposed method.

• 1: einen schematischen Schichtenaufbau mit einem transparenten Einleger mit Metallschichtelement gemäß einem Aspekt der vorliegenden Erfindung;
• 2: eine durchgängig transparente Folie im Kern der Schichtenanordnung mit Metallschichtelement und Einleger an den angrenzenden opaken Folien;
• 3: einen Schichtenaufbau mit Fenster und transparentem Einleger, wobei das Metallschichtelement auf einer transparenten Folie außerhalb der Kernschicht auf der Vorderseite oder Rückseite der Karte angeordnet ist;
• 4: einen schematischen Schichtenaufbau, wobei das Metallschichtelement auf einer transparenten Folie außerhalb der Kernschicht auf der Vorderseite oder Rückseite der Karte angeordnet ist;
• 5: einen schematischen Schichtenaufbau, wobei das Metallschichtelement auf einer transparenten Folie außerhalb der Kernschicht auf der Vorderseite oder Rückseite der Karte angebracht ist, gemäß einem weiteren Aspekt der vorliegenden Erfindung; und
• 6: ein schematisches Ablaufdiagramm eines Verfahrens zum Bereitstellen einer Schichtenanordnung gemäß einem Aspekt der vorliegenden Erfindung.

Further advantageous aspects will be explained in more detail with reference to the attached figures. Show it:

• 1 FIG. 2: shows a schematic layer construction with a transparent insert with metal layer element according to an aspect of the present invention; FIG.
• 2 : a continuous transparent film in the core of the layer arrangement with metal layer element and insert on the adjacent opaque films;
• 3 a layered structure with window and transparent insert, wherein the metal layer element is arranged on a transparent film outside the core layer on the front or back of the card;
• 4 a schematic layer structure, wherein the metal layer member is disposed on a transparent film outside the core layer on the front or back of the card;
• 5 Fig. 12 is a schematic layer construction wherein the metal layer member is mounted on a transparent foil outside the core layer on the front or back side of the card according to another aspect of the present invention; and
• 6 FIG. 3 is a schematic flow diagram of a method of providing a layered structure according to one aspect of the present invention.

1 shows the layer arrangement according to the invention, wherein in the illustration above and below transparent protective layers are arranged. These can be used, for example, as a transparent overlay TO1 and TO2 be designated. In between are two opaque core films or core layers OK1 and OK2 , Between these opaque core sheets is a transparent core sheet TK arranged. Through the opaque core foils OK1 and OK2 as well as through the transparent core foil TK is a depositor e arranged, which is transparent and the metal layer or the metal layer element ME having. As can be seen, the insert forms e a viewing window, as above and below only the transparent overlay TO1 and TO2 are located. Thus, in the present case, the metal layer element ME visible from both sides of the value document. In the present example, it may be, for example, a card, ie a credit card, or generally a value document. According to the invention, a document of value may be a credit card or a smartcard, but also a data page of a passbook.

2 indicates an analogous layer model 1 However, wherein the transparent core film is provided with the metal layer and the transparent core film TK is consistently designed. As also can be seen, there are two depositors E1 . E2 provided, located above and below the transparent core film TK are located. Thus, the inserts are each incorporated in an opaque core film. This is the first depositor E1 in the first opaque core foil OK1 introduced, and the second depositor E2 in the second opaque core foil OK2 ,

3 shows a layer structure or a layer arrangement, wherein the metal layer element outside the opaque core foil OK1 . OK2 is arranged and yet with respect to the transparent insert or the transparent inserts E1 . E2 is arranged such that the metal layer element ME is visible from outside the layer arrangement. As in the present 3 As can be seen, a continuous window area is centered, extending through the transparent overlay TO1 , the depositor E1 , the transparent core film TK , the other depositor E2 and the further transparent overlay layer TO2 extends. Thus, in the present case, the metal layer element ME from both sides of the credit card or the value document.

4 shows a layer structure with only one opaque core foil OK and a single depositor e , Here, the metal layer element is between transparent overlay film TO1 and the depositor e arranged.

5 shows a layer arrangement, wherein in the opaque core layer, a transparent insert e is introduced and the metal layer element ME regarding the transparent insert e is arranged, that the metal layer element is visible from both sides of the layer arrangement.

6 FIG. 12 is a schematic flow diagram of a method for providing a layer arrangement for use in a value document according to the present invention, comprising providing 100 a first and a second transparent protective layer TO1 . TO2 wherein between the first and second transparent protective layers TO1 . TO2 at least one opaque core layer OK . OK1 . OK2 disposed 101 is, wherein in the at least one opaque core layer OK . OK1 . OK2 a transparent insert e . E1 . E2 brought in 102 is, and a metal layer element ME such with respect to the transparent insert e . E1 . E2 disposed 103 is that at least one surface of the metal layer element ME is visible from outside the layer arrangement and the metal layer element ME for personalization, at least partially so 104 is that the metal layer element ME at least weakened.

In this case, the person skilled in the art recognizes that the individual method steps can have sub-steps and can also be carried out iteratively and / or in a different order.

Claims (15)

A layer arrangement for use in a value document, comprising: a first and a second transparent protective layer (TO1, TO2), characterized in that between the first and the second transparent protective layer (TO1, TO2) at least one opaque core layer (OK, OK1, OK2) is arranged, wherein in the at least one opaque core layer (OK, OK1, OK2) a transparent insert (E, E1, E2) is introduced; and - a metal layer element (ME) is arranged with respect to the transparent insert (E, E1, E2) such that at least one surface of the metal layer element (ME) is visible from outside the layer arrangement and the metal layer element (ME) is partially removed for personalization. Layer arrangement after Claim 1 , characterized in that between the first and the second transparent protective layer (TO1, TO2) two opaque core layers (OK1, OK2) each having a transparent insert (E1, E2) are arranged. Layer arrangement after Claim 2 , characterized in that a first opaque core layer (OK1) together with a first inserter (E1) covers a first side of a transparent core film (TK) and a second opaque core layer (OK2) together with a second inserter (E2) covers a second side of the transparent core film (TK) covered. Layer arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the transparent insert (E, E1, E2) is introduced in such a way in each case an opaque core layer (OK, OK1, OK2) that this the transparent insert (E, E1, E2) at least partially surrounds such that a window area is formed in the layer arrangement. Layer arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the transparent insert (E, E1, E2) and the metal layer element (ME) are arranged in the register. Layer arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the metal layer element (ME) is designed flat and a top substantially equal to the top of an insert (E, E1, E2). Layer arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the metal layer element (ME) is arranged on a surface of an insert (E, E1, E2). Layer arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the metal layer element (ME) between a depositor (E, E1, E2) and a transparent protective layer (TO1, TO2) is arranged. Layer arrangement according to one of Claims 1 to 6 , characterized in that the metal layer element (ME) in a transparent insert (E, E1, E2) is arranged. Layer arrangement according to one of Claims 1 to 6 , characterized in that the metal layer element (ME) between a third transparent protective layer (TO3) and another protective layer (TO1, TO2) is arranged. Layer arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the metal layer element (ME) outside the opaque core layer (OK, OK1, OK2) is arranged. Security document having the layer arrangement according to one of Claims 1 to 11 , A system arrangement for providing a layer arrangement for use in a value document, comprising: - a device for providing (100) a first and a second transparent protective layer (TO1, TO2), characterized in that the device is further set up - between the first and the second transparent protective layer (TO1, TO2) at least one opaque core layer (OK, OK1, OK2) to be arranged (101), wherein in the at least one opaque core layer (OK, OK1, OK2) a transparent insert (E, E1, E2) introduced (102 ) becomes; and the device is further arranged to arrange (103) a metal layer element (ME) with respect to the transparent insert (E, E1, E2) such that at least one surface of the metal layer element (ME) is visible from outside the layer arrangement and the metal layer element (ME) For personalization, in part by means of a further device ablatable (104) is that the metal layer element (ME) is at least weakened. A method for providing a layer arrangement for use in a value document, comprising: providing (100) a first and a second transparent protective layer (TO1, TO2), characterized in that between the first and the second transparent protective layer (TO1, TO2) at least an opaque core layer (OK, OK1, OK2) is arranged (101), wherein a transparent insert (E, E1, E2) is introduced (102) into the at least one opaque core layer (OK, OK1, OK2); and - a metal layer element (ME) is arranged (103) with respect to the transparent inserter (E, E1, E2) such that at least one surface of the metal layer element (ME) is visible from outside the layer arrangement and the metal layer element (ME) is partially so for personalization is removed (104) that the metal layer element (ME) is at least weakened. Method according to Claim 14 , characterized in that the metal layer element (ME) after weakening has no openings.

Images