EP0718121A2 - Data carrier and its method of production - Google Patents

Data carrier and its method of production Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0718121A2
EP0718121A2 EP95120144A EP95120144A EP0718121A2 EP 0718121 A2 EP0718121 A2 EP 0718121A2 EP 95120144 A EP95120144 A EP 95120144A EP 95120144 A EP95120144 A EP 95120144A EP 0718121 A2 EP0718121 A2 EP 0718121A2
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
data carrier
information
laser
carrier according
plastic layer
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Granted
Application number
EP95120144A
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German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP0718121B1 (en
EP0718121A3 (en
Inventor
Otto Dr. Bernecker
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Giesecke and Devrient GmbH
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Giesecke and Devrient GmbH
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Publication date
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Publication of EP0718121A2 publication Critical patent/EP0718121A2/en
Publication of EP0718121A3 publication Critical patent/EP0718121A3/xx
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP0718121B1 publication Critical patent/EP0718121B1/en
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Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B42—BOOKBINDING; ALBUMS; FILES; SPECIAL PRINTED MATTER
    • B42D—BOOKS; BOOK COVERS; LOOSE LEAVES; PRINTED MATTER CHARACTERISED BY IDENTIFICATION OR SECURITY FEATURES; PRINTED MATTER OF SPECIAL FORMAT OR STYLE NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; DEVICES FOR USE THEREWITH AND NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; MOVABLE-STRIP WRITING OR READING APPARATUS
    • B42D25/00—Information-bearing cards or sheet-like structures characterised by identification or security features; Manufacture thereof
    • B42D25/40—Manufacture
    • B42D25/405—Marking
    • B42D25/41—Marking using electromagnetic radiation
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B42—BOOKBINDING; ALBUMS; FILES; SPECIAL PRINTED MATTER
    • B42D—BOOKS; BOOK COVERS; LOOSE LEAVES; PRINTED MATTER CHARACTERISED BY IDENTIFICATION OR SECURITY FEATURES; PRINTED MATTER OF SPECIAL FORMAT OR STYLE NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; DEVICES FOR USE THEREWITH AND NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; MOVABLE-STRIP WRITING OR READING APPARATUS
    • B42D25/00—Information-bearing cards or sheet-like structures characterised by identification or security features; Manufacture thereof
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B42—BOOKBINDING; ALBUMS; FILES; SPECIAL PRINTED MATTER
    • B42D—BOOKS; BOOK COVERS; LOOSE LEAVES; PRINTED MATTER CHARACTERISED BY IDENTIFICATION OR SECURITY FEATURES; PRINTED MATTER OF SPECIAL FORMAT OR STYLE NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; DEVICES FOR USE THEREWITH AND NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; MOVABLE-STRIP WRITING OR READING APPARATUS
    • B42D25/00—Information-bearing cards or sheet-like structures characterised by identification or security features; Manufacture thereof
    • B42D25/20—Information-bearing cards or sheet-like structures characterised by identification or security features; Manufacture thereof characterised by a particular use or purpose
    • B42D25/24—Passports
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B42—BOOKBINDING; ALBUMS; FILES; SPECIAL PRINTED MATTER
    • B42D—BOOKS; BOOK COVERS; LOOSE LEAVES; PRINTED MATTER CHARACTERISED BY IDENTIFICATION OR SECURITY FEATURES; PRINTED MATTER OF SPECIAL FORMAT OR STYLE NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; DEVICES FOR USE THEREWITH AND NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; MOVABLE-STRIP WRITING OR READING APPARATUS
    • B42D25/00—Information-bearing cards or sheet-like structures characterised by identification or security features; Manufacture thereof
    • B42D25/30—Identification or security features, e.g. for preventing forgery
    • B42D25/324—Reliefs
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B42—BOOKBINDING; ALBUMS; FILES; SPECIAL PRINTED MATTER
    • B42D—BOOKS; BOOK COVERS; LOOSE LEAVES; PRINTED MATTER CHARACTERISED BY IDENTIFICATION OR SECURITY FEATURES; PRINTED MATTER OF SPECIAL FORMAT OR STYLE NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; DEVICES FOR USE THEREWITH AND NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; MOVABLE-STRIP WRITING OR READING APPARATUS
    • B42D25/00—Information-bearing cards or sheet-like structures characterised by identification or security features; Manufacture thereof
    • B42D25/30—Identification or security features, e.g. for preventing forgery
    • B42D25/333—Watermarks
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B42—BOOKBINDING; ALBUMS; FILES; SPECIAL PRINTED MATTER
    • B42D—BOOKS; BOOK COVERS; LOOSE LEAVES; PRINTED MATTER CHARACTERISED BY IDENTIFICATION OR SECURITY FEATURES; PRINTED MATTER OF SPECIAL FORMAT OR STYLE NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; DEVICES FOR USE THEREWITH AND NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; MOVABLE-STRIP WRITING OR READING APPARATUS
    • B42D25/00—Information-bearing cards or sheet-like structures characterised by identification or security features; Manufacture thereof
    • B42D25/30—Identification or security features, e.g. for preventing forgery
    • B42D25/351—Translucent or partly translucent parts, e.g. windows
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B42—BOOKBINDING; ALBUMS; FILES; SPECIAL PRINTED MATTER
    • B42D—BOOKS; BOOK COVERS; LOOSE LEAVES; PRINTED MATTER CHARACTERISED BY IDENTIFICATION OR SECURITY FEATURES; PRINTED MATTER OF SPECIAL FORMAT OR STYLE NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; DEVICES FOR USE THEREWITH AND NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; MOVABLE-STRIP WRITING OR READING APPARATUS
    • B42D25/00—Information-bearing cards or sheet-like structures characterised by identification or security features; Manufacture thereof
    • B42D25/40—Manufacture
    • B42D25/405—Marking
    • B42D25/425—Marking by deformation, e.g. embossing
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B42—BOOKBINDING; ALBUMS; FILES; SPECIAL PRINTED MATTER
    • B42D—BOOKS; BOOK COVERS; LOOSE LEAVES; PRINTED MATTER CHARACTERISED BY IDENTIFICATION OR SECURITY FEATURES; PRINTED MATTER OF SPECIAL FORMAT OR STYLE NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; DEVICES FOR USE THEREWITH AND NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; MOVABLE-STRIP WRITING OR READING APPARATUS
    • B42D25/00—Information-bearing cards or sheet-like structures characterised by identification or security features; Manufacture thereof
    • B42D25/40—Manufacture
    • B42D25/405—Marking
    • B42D25/43—Marking by removal of material
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B42—BOOKBINDING; ALBUMS; FILES; SPECIAL PRINTED MATTER
    • B42D—BOOKS; BOOK COVERS; LOOSE LEAVES; PRINTED MATTER CHARACTERISED BY IDENTIFICATION OR SECURITY FEATURES; PRINTED MATTER OF SPECIAL FORMAT OR STYLE NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; DEVICES FOR USE THEREWITH AND NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; MOVABLE-STRIP WRITING OR READING APPARATUS
    • B42D25/00—Information-bearing cards or sheet-like structures characterised by identification or security features; Manufacture thereof
    • B42D25/40—Manufacture
    • B42D25/405—Marking
    • B42D25/43—Marking by removal of material
    • B42D25/435—Marking by removal of material using electromagnetic radiation, e.g. laser
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B42—BOOKBINDING; ALBUMS; FILES; SPECIAL PRINTED MATTER
    • B42D—BOOKS; BOOK COVERS; LOOSE LEAVES; PRINTED MATTER CHARACTERISED BY IDENTIFICATION OR SECURITY FEATURES; PRINTED MATTER OF SPECIAL FORMAT OR STYLE NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; DEVICES FOR USE THEREWITH AND NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; MOVABLE-STRIP WRITING OR READING APPARATUS
    • B42D25/00—Information-bearing cards or sheet-like structures characterised by identification or security features; Manufacture thereof
    • B42D25/40—Manufacture
    • B42D25/45—Associating two or more layers
    • B42D2033/24—
    • B42D2035/30—
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
    • Y10T428/00—Stock material or miscellaneous articles
    • Y10T428/24—Structurally defined web or sheet [e.g., overall dimension, etc.]
    • Y10T428/24802—Discontinuous or differential coating, impregnation or bond [e.g., artwork, printing, retouched photograph, etc.]
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
    • Y10T428/00—Stock material or miscellaneous articles
    • Y10T428/24—Structurally defined web or sheet [e.g., overall dimension, etc.]
    • Y10T428/24802—Discontinuous or differential coating, impregnation or bond [e.g., artwork, printing, retouched photograph, etc.]
    • Y10T428/24851—Intermediate layer is discontinuous or differential
    • Y10T428/24868—Translucent outer layer
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
    • Y10T428/00—Stock material or miscellaneous articles
    • Y10T428/24—Structurally defined web or sheet [e.g., overall dimension, etc.]
    • Y10T428/24802—Discontinuous or differential coating, impregnation or bond [e.g., artwork, printing, retouched photograph, etc.]
    • Y10T428/24851—Intermediate layer is discontinuous or differential
    • Y10T428/24868—Translucent outer layer
    • Y10T428/24876—Intermediate layer contains particulate material [e.g., pigment, etc.]
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
    • Y10T428/00—Stock material or miscellaneous articles
    • Y10T428/24—Structurally defined web or sheet [e.g., overall dimension, etc.]
    • Y10T428/24802—Discontinuous or differential coating, impregnation or bond [e.g., artwork, printing, retouched photograph, etc.]
    • Y10T428/24934—Discontinuous or differential coating, impregnation or bond [e.g., artwork, printing, retouched photograph, etc.] including paper layer

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a data carrier, such as an identification card, credit card or the like, with at least one plastic layer which has information introduced in certain areas with the aid of a laser, and to a method for its production.
  • the data carriers addressed here are any information carriers with visually readable data, e.g. Business cards or labels etc.
  • the invention relates to identification documents, such as identity cards, chip cards, passports or the like, which, in addition to general information, contain individual, mostly user-related information. This is usually data such as name, birthday, signature and photo of the user. This individual data must be protected against manipulation and counterfeiting.
  • identification documents such as identity cards, chip cards, passports or the like
  • This individual data must be protected against manipulation and counterfeiting.
  • With the increasing spread of high-quality and inexpensive reproduction processes and equipment such as scanners, color copiers or CAD systems, the production of deceptive imitations of real ID cards is becoming easier and easier, so that ever new and technically complex authenticity features have to be developed.
  • hologram-like surface structures have become the primary criterion for authenticity, since they provide a visually striking, optically variable color effect that cannot be reproduced by copiers.
  • the risk of total counterfeiting is very low, since the production of holograms is very expensive and also requires some know-how in technical terms.
  • the hologram structures are therefore very often produced separately as a transfer embossed hologram and transferred to the data carrier in certain areas under the action of heat and pressure.
  • the layer thicknesses of the hologram elements are very small, but with skilful handling it is possible to detach such a layer structure from a real document and transfer it to a fake one.
  • the layer structure consists of a plastic layer of certain opacity, which is composed of an engraving layer, i.e. a color layer of higher opacity is covered.
  • the data to be protected here the photo, can be falsified relatively easily by exchanging the photo, but the practically unchangeable engraving offers a good opportunity to uncover such an attempt at forgery.
  • the invention is therefore based on the object of proposing a data carrier and a method for its production which has an authenticity feature which can neither be manipulated nor copied and can be produced simply and inexpensively on the finished product.
  • the invention is based on the knowledge that the surface properties of a plastic film can be changed by means of an appropriately controlled laser without producing discoloration in the plastic material. This creates areas with different light scattering properties that may not be visually recognizable when viewed in incident light and only become clear when viewed in the glancing angle. So for example, the effects of heat from the laser can roughen smooth surfaces, smooth rough surfaces, tarnish transparent materials, clear materials or clear entire layers.
  • EP 0 372 274 A1 proposes to arrange a transparent, laser-sensitive lacquer layer between the individual color layers in order to be able to compensate for tolerances in the layer thicknesses.
  • part of the lacquer layer is thermally broken down, so that the layer of paint arranged above it is removed in the irradiated area together with the lacquer layer.
  • the data carrier After the data carrier has been labeled, it can be recognized by the Partly removed transparent lacquer layer through the underlying color layer.
  • the material processing by the laser takes place without discoloration of the substrate material or without generating color contrast to the surroundings.
  • a single-layer or multi-layer plastic identification card with a smooth surface is provided in a certain area with a micro-relief in the form of characters, patterns or the like.
  • the laser, its power and the plastic material must be coordinated so that the plastic material is not discolored under the influence of the laser.
  • the microrelief has such a fine structure that it cannot be seen in reflected light and only appears at the glancing angle.
  • the identification card can also be provided with a rough surface structure in a partial area during the lamination process, in that the laminating plates are provided with the negative structure at a corresponding point and thus emboss the relief on the cover film.
  • the security feature is introduced, the irradiated areas are softened by the heat of the laser, so that the relief structure in these areas is lost and the surface of the card is smoothed. This information is also primarily visible under the gloss angle.
  • the externally accessible plastic film of a data carrier is engraved in the form of characters or patterns, i.e. the plastic material is evaporated with the aid of the laser, so that depressions in the form of readable information are created in the plastic material.
  • This type of identification can be used particularly advantageously in the production of passports.
  • at least parts of the personalization data generated in the form of a color contrast and thus easy to read are again provided on the document in the form of a colorless laser engraving.
  • the engraving can be arranged, for example, directly below or above the respective printed or color-contrast lasered information in order to enable a quick comparison of the two information.
  • the engraved information on a separate information carrier.
  • a further data sheet consisting of plastic or laminated with a plastic film
  • the artificial blind film can have any opacity.
  • the engraved information can be read well, especially under the gloss angle.
  • opaque or translucent foils are used, a watermark effect can also be created by providing the plastic foil with a colored layer or plastic foil with higher opacity before the engraving. As a result, the engraving hardly appears in reflected light, but becomes visible when viewed in transmitted light clearly recognizable due to the different translucent areas.
  • Laser engraving has the decisive advantage over the mechanical engraving process that it can be used to produce engravings of consistently high quality, since no wearing parts, such as a stylus, etc., are required. It can also be carried out on the finished passport document.
  • the generation of the authenticity feature according to the invention can very advantageously be integrated into the labeling process of the data carrier, especially if the data carrier is labeled with a color contrasting laser anyway.
  • all user-related data such as photo, name, signature etc.
  • the information to be displayed without color contrast is added to this data set. If certain parts of the original data record are to be provided on the data carrier again in the form of different light-scattering areas, they must be provided with a label which ensures that these data are lasered again with another laser.
  • the same laser for example an Nd: YAG laser
  • Nd: YAG laser for the contrasting laser marking and the colorless laser processing.
  • YAG laser Nd: YAG laser
  • discoloration takes place only from a certain laser power, which becomes stronger as the laser power continues to increase and finally leads to the complete burning of the material.
  • a power-controllable laser it is therefore possible to generate halftone images.
  • the laser beam is adjusted via optics so that its focus is in the volume of the plastic material. If the focal position is moved into the surface area of the material, ie its length is shortened, the material in the irradiated areas is melted and partially decomposed, so that notches occur without changes in the color of the plastic.
  • any other type of laser e.g. CO2 or excimer laser can be used.
  • Which laser is most suitable for processing which substrate material depends largely on the parameters of the decomposition energy of the substrate material, laser power and laser type (e.g. pulsed or continuously operated laser). These parameters must therefore be experimentally optimized for each special application.
  • the invention can be used advantageously not only where a security feature is to be provided for reasons of counterfeit protection.
  • the invention also offers a simple possibility of making data as inconspicuous as possible. For example, manufacturer data that basically disrupt the layout of the document and whose content is only of moderate interest to the general public can be included without complications when personalizing the documents. They hardly appear in the incident light and are in any case easily recognizable under the gloss angle.
  • Fig. Shows a data carrier according to the invention.
  • the ID card shown can be of one or more layers and in any case has an artificial peat layer accessible from the outside.
  • the card 1 has an authenticity feature 2.
  • the area 5 has the first diffuse light-scattering properties due to its surface properties. This area 5 is interrupted by areas 3 which represent legible information or a pattern or the like and which have a different surface quality, such as their surroundings 5. Because of this, the information 3 also has other diffuse light-scattering properties which make it possible to display the information under clearly visible from a certain viewing angle.
  • the data carrier 1 can of course also have further security features or an integrated circuit.
  • Such an identification card can also be contained in a book-shaped passport.
  • the personalization data 4 are preferably introduced with a laser in the form of discoloration of the plastic material.
  • information 3 is also included Introduced using the same or a different laser by changing the original surface condition of the data carrier 1. This can be done in many different ways, as will be explained in more detail below.
  • FIG. 2 shows a variant of the data carrier 1 according to the invention in section, only the plastic layer 6 to be processed being shown. Under this layer 6 there can of course be further plastic or paper layers.
  • the plastic film was provided with a roughened surface area 5 in a first step, e.g. with the help of the laminating plates or simply by embossing a surface structure.
  • This area 5 was then irradiated at certain points 3 with a laser matched to the material. Due to the heat of the laser, the plastic material 6 softens in the areas 3. The soft material loses the embossed structure, the relief areas are equalized and relatively even, smooth areas 3 are created.
  • the surface area 5 of the plastic material 6 has a homogeneously smooth surface, while the information 3 is introduced into the material in the form of a laser engraving. Alternatively, the material can also be melted in the surface area without the material becoming discolored.
  • plastic layer not as a film but as a lacquer layer on a carrier layer.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Manufacturing & Machinery (AREA)
  • Toxicology (AREA)
  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Electromagnetism (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Optics & Photonics (AREA)
  • Credit Cards Or The Like (AREA)
  • Holo Graphy (AREA)
  • Manufacturing Optical Record Carriers (AREA)
  • Financial Or Insurance-Related Operations Such As Payment And Settlement (AREA)
  • Cash Registers Or Receiving Machines (AREA)
  • Peptides Or Proteins (AREA)

Abstract

Die Erfindung betrifft einen Datenträger (1), wie eine Ausweiskarte, Kreditkarte oder dergleichen, mit wenigstens einer Kunststoffschicht, die zumindest in einem Teilbereich aufgrund ihrer Oberflächenbeschaffenheit erste diffus lichtstreuende Eigenschaften aufweist. In diesen Bereich werden mittels eines Lasers Informationen (4) in Form von lokalen Änderungen der Oberflächenbeschaffenheit vorgesehen, die zweite diffus lichtstreuende Eigenschaften aufweisen, so daß die Informationen (4) zumindest unter einem bestimmten Betrachtungwinkel lesbar sind, aber keinen farblichen Kontrast zu ihrer Umgebung aufweisen. <IMAGE>The invention relates to a data carrier (1), such as an identification card, credit card or the like, with at least one plastic layer which, due to its surface properties, has first diffuse light-scattering properties in at least one partial area. In this area, information (4) in the form of local changes in the surface properties are provided by means of a laser, which have second diffusely light-scattering properties, so that the information (4) can be read at least from a certain viewing angle, but has no color contrast to its surroundings . <IMAGE>

Description

Die Erfindung betrifft einen Datenträger, wie eine Ausweiskarte, Kreditkarte oder dergleichen, mit wenigstens einer Kunststoffschicht, die in bestimmten Bereichen mit Hilfe eines Lasers eingebrachte Informationen aufweist, sowie ein Verfahren zu dessen Herstellung.The invention relates to a data carrier, such as an identification card, credit card or the like, with at least one plastic layer which has information introduced in certain areas with the aid of a laser, and to a method for its production.

Bei den hier angesprochenen Datenträgern handelt es sich um beliebige Informationsträger mit visuell lesbaren Daten, wie z.B. Visitenkarten oder Etiketten etc. Im speziellen betrifft die Erfindung allerdings Identifikationsdokumente, wie Ausweiskarten, Chipkarten, Pässe oder dergleichen, die neben allgemeinen Informationen, individuelle, meist benutzerbezogene Informationen aufweisen. Hierbei handelt es sich üblicherweise um Daten, wie Name, Geburtstag, Unterschrift und Foto des Benutzers. Diese individuellen Daten müssen gegen Manipulationen und Fälschungen geschützt werden. Mit wachsender Verbreitung von qualitativ hochwertigen und preisgünstigen Reproduktionsverfahren und -gerätan, wie Scannern, Farbkopierern oder CAD-Systemen, wird die Anfertigung täuschender Nachahmungen echter Ausweise immer leichter, so daß immer neue und technisch aufwendigere Echtheitsmerkmale entwickelt werden müssen. In den letzten Jahren haben sich in erster Linie hologrammähnliche Oberflächenstrukturen als Echtheitskriterium durchgesetzt, da sie einen visuell auffälligen, optisch variablen Farbeffekt liefern, der von Kopiergeräten nicht wiedergegeben werden kann. Zudem ist die Gefahr von Totalfälschungen sehr gering, da die Herstellung von Hologrammen sehr teuer ist und auch in technischer Hinsicht einiges Knowhow erfordert.The data carriers addressed here are any information carriers with visually readable data, e.g. Business cards or labels etc. In particular, however, the invention relates to identification documents, such as identity cards, chip cards, passports or the like, which, in addition to general information, contain individual, mostly user-related information. This is usually data such as name, birthday, signature and photo of the user. This individual data must be protected against manipulation and counterfeiting. With the increasing spread of high-quality and inexpensive reproduction processes and equipment such as scanners, color copiers or CAD systems, the production of deceptive imitations of real ID cards is becoming easier and easier, so that ever new and technically complex authenticity features have to be developed. In recent years, hologram-like surface structures have become the primary criterion for authenticity, since they provide a visually striking, optically variable color effect that cannot be reproduced by copiers. In addition, the risk of total counterfeiting is very low, since the production of holograms is very expensive and also requires some know-how in technical terms.

Andererseits fuhrt gerade dieser Umstand dazu, daß für bestimmte Produkte, inbesondere wenn sie in kleinen Stückzahlen hergestellt werden, ein derartiger Aufwand wirtschaftlich gesehen nicht gerechtfertigt ist.On the other hand, it is precisely this fact that, for certain products, especially if they are produced in small quantities, such an expense is not economically justified.

Sehr häufig werden daher die Hologrammstrukturen separat als Transfer-Prägehologramm hergestellt und unter Hitze- und Druckeinwirkung in bestimmten Bereichen auf den Datenträger übertragen. Die Schichtstärken der Hologrammelemente sind zwar sehr gering, aber dennoch ist es bei geschickter Handhabung möglich, eine solche Schichtstruktur von einem echten Dokument abzulösen und auf ein gefälschtes zu übertragen.The hologram structures are therefore very often produced separately as a transfer embossed hologram and transferred to the data carrier in certain areas under the action of heat and pressure. The layer thicknesses of the hologram elements are very small, but with skilful handling it is possible to detach such a layer structure from a real document and transfer it to a fake one.

Im Zusammenhang mit Pässen ist ein Echtheitsmerkmal bekannt geworden (EP 0 523 304 A1), das diesen Nachteil nicht aufweist und zudem einen durch Kopiergeräte nicht reproduzierbaren visuellen Effekt erzeugt. Hier wird in den Paß neben der üblichen mit wenigstens einer Kunststoffolie laminierten Datenseite eine weitere Kunststoffolie vorgesehen, in die zumindest in einem Teilbereich eine Farbschicht eingebettet ist. Das Foto des Paßinhabers, welches auf die Datenseite aufgeklebt wird, dient als Vorlage für eine mechanische Gravur in der Farbschicht, so daß die Bildinformation im fertigen Paß zweimal vorhanden ist, einmal als belichteter Film, sprich als normales Foto, und einmal in Form einer Gravur.An authenticity feature has become known in connection with passports (EP 0 523 304 A1), which does not have this disadvantage and, moreover, produces a visual effect which cannot be reproduced by copying machines. Here, in addition to the usual data page laminated with at least one plastic film, a further plastic film is provided in the passport, in which a color layer is embedded at least in a partial area. The photo of the passport holder, which is stuck on the data page, serves as a template for a mechanical engraving in the color layer, so that the image information is available twice in the finished passport, once as an exposed film, i.e. as a normal photo, and once in the form of an engraving .

Aus der EP 0 518 363 A1 ist eine ähnliche Vorgehensweise bekannt mit dem einzigen Unterschied, daß die Bildinformation hier in einen speziellen Schichtaufbau graviert wird, so daß das Bild im Auflicht kaum, im Durchlicht dagegen sehr gut sichtbar ist. Im einfachsten Fall besteht der Schichtaufbau aus einer Kunststoffschicht bestimmter Opazität, die von einer Gravurschicht, d.h. einer Farbschicht höherer Opazität abgedeckt wird.A similar procedure is known from EP 0 518 363 A1 with the only difference that the image information is engraved here in a special layer structure, so that the image is hardly visible in incident light, but very well visible in transmitted light. In the simplest case, the layer structure consists of a plastic layer of certain opacity, which is composed of an engraving layer, i.e. a color layer of higher opacity is covered.

Die zu schützenden Daten, hier das Foto, können zwar relativ einfach durch Austauschen des Fotos gefälscht werden, die praktisch nicht veränderbare Gravur bietet jedoch eine gute Möglichkeit, einen derartigen Fälschungsversuch aufzudecken.The data to be protected, here the photo, can be falsified relatively easily by exchanging the photo, but the practically unchangeable engraving offers a good opportunity to uncover such an attempt at forgery.

Das Herstellungsverfahren für einen derartigen Paß wird durch die zusätzliche Gravur allerdings sehr aufwendig, da vor dem Binden des Passes das einzuklebende Originalfoto pixelweise abgetastet und direkt auf elektronischem Weg in eine Bewegung des Gravierstichels umgesetzt werden muß. Im Anschluß an den Graviervorgang muß eine feste Zuordnung zwischen Originalfoto, gravierter Paßseite und möglicherweise weiteren individualisierten Datenseiten gewährleistet werden, bis der Paß schließlich fertiggebunden ist.The manufacturing process for such a passport is very complex due to the additional engraving, since before the passport is bound, the original photo to be glued must be scanned pixel by pixel and converted directly into an electronic movement of the engraving stylus. After the engraving process, a firm assignment between the original photo, the engraved passport page and possibly other individualized data pages must be guaranteed until the passport is finally bound.

Darüber hinaus müssen für dieses Verfahren sehr feine Stichel verwendet werden, um eine ausreichende Bildqualität gewährleisten zu können. Diese unterliegen jedoch einem hohen Verschleiß. Zudem verläuft dieser Abnutzungsprozeß kontinuierlich, so daß dieses Verfahren keine gleichbleibend hohe Gravurqualität liefert.In addition, very fine styluses must be used for this process in order to ensure adequate image quality. However, these are subject to high wear. In addition, this wear process is continuous, so that this process does not deliver a consistently high engraving quality.

Der Erfindung liegt daher die Aufgabe zugrunde, einen Datenträger sowie ein Verfahren zu seiner Herstellung vorzuschlagen, der ein Echtheitsmerkmal aufweist, das weder manipulierbar noch kopierbar ist, und am fertigen Produkt einfach und kostengünstig hergestellt werden kann.The invention is therefore based on the object of proposing a data carrier and a method for its production which has an authenticity feature which can neither be manipulated nor copied and can be produced simply and inexpensively on the finished product.

Diese Aufgabe wird durch die Merkmale der unabhängigen Ansprüche gelöst. Weiterbildungen sind Gegenstand der Unteransprüche.This object is solved by the features of the independent claims. Further training is the subject of the subclaims.

Die Erfindung beruht auf der Erkenntnis, daß die Oberflächenbeschaffenheit einer Kunststoffolie mittels eines entsprechend gesteuerten Lasers verändert werden kann, ohne Verfärbungen im Kunststoffmaterial zu erzeugen. Dadurch entstehen Bereiche mit unterschiedlichen Lichtstreu-Eigenschaften, die bei Betrachtung im Auflicht unter Umständen visuell nicht zu erkennen sind und erst bei Betrachtung im Glanzwinkel deutlich hervortreten. So können durch die Hitzeeinwirkung des Lasers beispielsweise glatte Oberflächen aufgerauht, rauhe Oberflächen geglättet, transparente Materialien getrübt, trübe Materialien geklärt oder ganze Schichtbereiche abgetragen werden.The invention is based on the knowledge that the surface properties of a plastic film can be changed by means of an appropriately controlled laser without producing discoloration in the plastic material. This creates areas with different light scattering properties that may not be visually recognizable when viewed in incident light and only become clear when viewed in the glancing angle. So For example, the effects of heat from the laser can roughen smooth surfaces, smooth rough surfaces, tarnish transparent materials, clear materials or clear entire layers.

Die Laserbeschriftung mit ihren vielschichtigen Vorteilen gehört seit langem zur gängigen Praxis bei der Personalisierung von Identitätsdokumenten (DE 29 07 004 C2, DE 30 48 736 A1, DE 31 51 407 C1). Da eines der vorherrschenden Probleme auf diesem Gebiet die fälschungssichere Aufbringung von personenbezogenen Daten ist, wurde diese Technik jedoch ausschließlich unter dem Gesichtspunkt diskutiert und weiterentwickelt, deutlich lesbare, zu ihrer Umgebung kontrastierende Informationen in Form von Materialverfärbungen zu erzeugen.Laser marking with its multi-layered advantages has long been standard practice in personalizing identity documents (DE 29 07 004 C2, DE 30 48 736 A1, DE 31 51 407 C1). Since one of the predominant problems in this area is the tamper-proof application of personal data, this technique has been discussed and developed exclusively from the point of view of producing clearly legible information that contrasts with its surroundings in the form of material discoloration.

Aber auch das Abtragen von Farbschichten mit Hilfe eines Lasers wurde in diesem Zusammenhang bereits diskutiert. Die DE 30 48 733 A1 beispielsweise beschreibt eine Ausweiskarte, die mit mehreren Schichten unterschiedlicher Farbe versehen ist. Die Personalisierung erfolgt durch selektiven Schichtabtrag, so daß die unter der obersten Farbschicht befindlichen Farbschichten sichtbar werden und aufgrund ihres Kontrasts zu den anderen Farbschichten die Informationen lesbar machen. Da bei diesen Verfahren allerdings mehrere Abtragungsvorgänge notwendig sind, um eine vollständige Abtragung der einzelnen Schichten zu erreichen, wird in der EP 0 372 274 A1 vorgeschlagen, zwischen den einzelnen Farbschichten eine transparente, lasersensibilisierte Lackschicht anzuordnen, um Toleranzen in den Schichtdicken abfangen zu können. Bei der Beaufschlagung mit Laserlicht wird ein Teil der Lackschicht thermisch abgebaut, so daß in dem bestrahlten Bereich zusammen mit der Lackschicht die darüber angeordnete Farbschicht entfernt wird. Nach der Beschriftung des Datenträgers erkennt man durch die zum Teil abgetragene transparente Lackschicht hindurch die darunterliegende Farbschicht.The removal of layers of paint using a laser has also already been discussed in this context. DE 30 48 733 A1, for example, describes an identification card that is provided with several layers of different colors. The personalization is carried out by selective layer removal, so that the color layers located under the uppermost color layer become visible and, because of their contrast with the other color layers, make the information legible. However, since several removal processes are necessary in these methods in order to achieve complete removal of the individual layers, EP 0 372 274 A1 proposes to arrange a transparent, laser-sensitive lacquer layer between the individual color layers in order to be able to compensate for tolerances in the layer thicknesses. When laser light is applied, part of the lacquer layer is thermally broken down, so that the layer of paint arranged above it is removed in the irradiated area together with the lacquer layer. After the data carrier has been labeled, it can be recognized by the Partly removed transparent lacquer layer through the underlying color layer.

Im Gegensatz hierzu ist es ein wesentliches Merkmal der Erfindung, daß die Materialbearbeitung durch den Laser ohne Verfärbung des Substratmaterials bzw. ohne farbliche Kontrasterzeugung zur Umgebung erfolgt.In contrast to this, it is an essential feature of the invention that the material processing by the laser takes place without discoloration of the substrate material or without generating color contrast to the surroundings.

Gemäß einer bevorzugten Ausführungsform wird eine ein- oder mehrschichtige Kunststoffausweiskarte mit glatter Oberfläche in einem bestimmten Bereich mit einem Mikrorelief in Form von Zeichen, Mustern oder dergleichen versehen. Der Laser, seine Leistung sowie das Kunststoffmaterial müssen hierbei so aufeinander abgestimmt sein, daß das Kunststoffmaterial unter der Einwirkung des Lasers nicht verfärbt wird. Das Mikrorelief weist eine so feine Struktur auf, daß es im Auflicht nicht zu erkennen ist und erst unter dem Glanzwinkel in Erscheinung tritt.According to a preferred embodiment, a single-layer or multi-layer plastic identification card with a smooth surface is provided in a certain area with a micro-relief in the form of characters, patterns or the like. The laser, its power and the plastic material must be coordinated so that the plastic material is not discolored under the influence of the laser. The microrelief has such a fine structure that it cannot be seen in reflected light and only appears at the glancing angle.

Umgekehrt kann die Ausweiskarte auch während des Laminiervorgangs in einem Teilbereich mit einer rauhen Oberflächenstruktur versehen werden, indem die Laminierplatten an entsprechender Stelle mit der Negativstruktur versehen werden und somit der Deckfolie das Relief aufprägen. Bei der Einbringung des Sicherheitsmerkmals werden die bestrahlten Bereiche durch die Hitzeeinwirkung des Lasers erweicht, so daß die Reliefstruktur in diesen Bereichen verlorengeht und die Oberfläche der Karte geglättet wird. Auch diese Informationen sind vornehmlich unter dem Glanzwinkel sichtbar.Conversely, the identification card can also be provided with a rough surface structure in a partial area during the lamination process, in that the laminating plates are provided with the negative structure at a corresponding point and thus emboss the relief on the cover film. When the security feature is introduced, the irradiated areas are softened by the heat of the laser, so that the relief structure in these areas is lost and the surface of the card is smoothed. This information is also primarily visible under the gloss angle.

Diese Unterschiede im optischen Streuverhalten können mit den üblicherweise in Reproduktionsgeräten verwendeten Beleuchtungsverfahren nicht erkannt werden. In aller Regel sind solche Effekte mit diesen Verfahren auch nicht nachstellbar.These differences in the optical scattering behavior cannot be recognized with the lighting methods usually used in reproduction devices. As a rule, such effects cannot be reproduced with these methods.

Gemäß einer weiteren Ausführungsform wird die von außen zugängliche Kunststoffolie eines Datenträgers in Form von Zeichen oder Mustern graviert, d.h. das Kunststoffmaterial wird mit Hilfe des Lasers verdampft, so daß Vertiefungen in Form von lesbaren Informationen im Kunststoffmaterial entstehen.According to a further embodiment, the externally accessible plastic film of a data carrier is engraved in the form of characters or patterns, i.e. the plastic material is evaporated with the aid of the laser, so that depressions in the form of readable information are created in the plastic material.

Diese Art der Kennzeichnung läßt sich insbesondere vorteilhaft bei der Herstellung von Pässen einsetzen. In diesem Fall werden zumindest Teile der in Form eines farblichen Kontrasts erzeugten und damit gut lesbaren Personalisierungsdaten nochmals in Form einer farblosen Lasergravur auf dem Dokument vorgesehen. Die Gravur kann hierbei beispielsweise direkt unter oder über der jeweiligen gedruckten oder farblich kontrastierend gelaserten Information angeordnet sein, um einen schnellen Vergleich der beiden Informationen zu ermöglichen.This type of identification can be used particularly advantageously in the production of passports. In this case, at least parts of the personalization data generated in the form of a color contrast and thus easy to read are again provided on the document in the form of a colorless laser engraving. The engraving can be arranged, for example, directly below or above the respective printed or color-contrast lasered information in order to enable a quick comparison of the two information.

Es ist aber ebenso denkbar, die gravierte Information auf einem separaten Informationsträger anzuordnen. Dies bietet sich insbesondere bei buchförmigen Pässen an, die ohnehin mehrere Datenblätter enthalten. So kann neben dem auf übliche Weise laserbeschrifteten Datenblatt ein weiteres aus Kunststoff bestehendes oder mit einer Kunststoffolie laminiertes Datenblatt vorgesehen werden, in welches zumindest Teile des benutzerbezogenen Datensatzes, z.B. das Foto des Inhabers, durch Materialabtrag mit einem Laser eingraviert werden. Die Kunststorfolie kann in diesem Fall eine beliebige Opazität aufweisen. Ist sie transparent, so können die gravierten Informationen vornehmlich unter dem Glanzwinkel gut gelesen werden. Bei der Verwendung opaker oder transluzenter Folien kann auch ein Wasserzeicheneffekt erzeugt werden, indem die Kunststoffolie vor der Gravur mit einer Farbschicht oder Kunststoffolie höherer Opazität versehen wird. Dadurch tritt die Gravur im Auflicht kaum in Erscheinung, wird jedoch bei Betrachtung im Durchlicht aufgrund der unterschiedlich lichtdurchlässigen Bereiche deutlich erkennbar.However, it is also conceivable to arrange the engraved information on a separate information carrier. This is particularly useful for book-shaped passports that contain several data sheets anyway. Thus, in addition to the laser-labeled data sheet in the usual way, a further data sheet consisting of plastic or laminated with a plastic film can be provided, into which at least parts of the user-related data record, for example the photo of the owner, are engraved with a laser by material removal. In this case, the artificial blind film can have any opacity. If it is transparent, the engraved information can be read well, especially under the gloss angle. If opaque or translucent foils are used, a watermark effect can also be created by providing the plastic foil with a colored layer or plastic foil with higher opacity before the engraving. As a result, the engraving hardly appears in reflected light, but becomes visible when viewed in transmitted light clearly recognizable due to the different translucent areas.

Die Lasergravur hat gegenüber dem mechanischen Gravierverfahren den entscheidenden Vorteil, daß mit ihr Gravuren von gleichbleibend hoher Qualität erzeugt werden können, da keine Verschleißteile, wie ein Stichel etc., benötigt werden. Ferner kann sie am fertigen Paßdokument durchgeführt werden.Laser engraving has the decisive advantage over the mechanical engraving process that it can be used to produce engravings of consistently high quality, since no wearing parts, such as a stylus, etc., are required. It can also be carried out on the finished passport document.

Die Erzeugung des erfindungsgemäßen Echtheitsmerkmals kann sehr vorteilhaft in den Beschriftungsprozeß des Datenträgers integriert werden, insbesondere wenn der Datenträger ohnehin mit einem Laser farblich kontrastierend beschriftet wird. Bei der Beschriftung von Identitätsdokumenten werden üblicherweise alle benutzerbezogenen Daten, wie Foto, Name, Unterschrift etc. zu einem einzigen digitalen Datensatz verknüpft, der schließlich zur Steuerung der einzelnen eingesetzten Informationsausgabevorrichtungen, wie Laserdrucker, Tintenstrahldrucker oder Laserstrahl etc. verwendet wird. Im Rahmen der Erfindung werden zu diesem Datensatz die ohne Farbkontrast darzustellenden Informationen hinzugefügt. Sollen bestimmte Teile des ursprünglichen Datensatzes nochmals in Form von unterschiedlich lichtstreuenden Bereichen auf dem Datenträger vorgesehen werden, so müssen sie mit einer Kennzeichnung versehen werden, die für eine nochmalige Laserung dieser Daten mit einem anderen Laser sorgt.The generation of the authenticity feature according to the invention can very advantageously be integrated into the labeling process of the data carrier, especially if the data carrier is labeled with a color contrasting laser anyway. When labeling identity documents, all user-related data, such as photo, name, signature etc., are usually linked to form a single digital data record, which is ultimately used to control the individual information output devices used, such as laser printers, inkjet printers or laser beams, etc. Within the scope of the invention, the information to be displayed without color contrast is added to this data set. If certain parts of the original data record are to be provided on the data carrier again in the form of different light-scattering areas, they must be provided with a label which ensures that these data are lasered again with another laser.

Unter Umständen ist es auch denkbar, für die kontrastierende Laserbeschriftung und die farblose Laserbearbeitung ein und denselben Laser, z.B. einen Nd:YAG-Laser, zu benutzen. Aus dem Bereich der kontrastierenden Laserbeschriftung ist bekannt, daß erst ab einer bestimmten Laserleistung eine Verfärbung stattfindet, die bei weiter steigender Laserleistung stärker wird und schließlich zum vollständigen Verbrennen des Materials führt. Mit Hilfe eines leistungssteuerbaren Lasers ist es daher möglich, Halbtonbilder zu erzeugen. Der Laserstrahl wird hierbei über Optiken so eingestellt, daß sein Fokus im Volumen des Kunststoffmaterials liegt. Wird die Fokuslage in den Oberflächenbereich des Materials verlegt, d.h. seine Länge verkürzt, so wird das Material in den bestrahlten Bereichen aufgeschmolzen und zum Teil zersetzt, so daß Einkerbungen ohne farbliche Veränderungen des Kunststoffes entstehen.Under certain circumstances it is also conceivable to use one and the same laser, for example an Nd: YAG laser, for the contrasting laser marking and the colorless laser processing. It is known from the field of contrasting laser marking that discoloration takes place only from a certain laser power, which becomes stronger as the laser power continues to increase and finally leads to the complete burning of the material. With the aid of a power-controllable laser, it is therefore possible to generate halftone images. The laser beam is adjusted via optics so that its focus is in the volume of the plastic material. If the focal position is moved into the surface area of the material, ie its length is shortened, the material in the irradiated areas is melted and partially decomposed, so that notches occur without changes in the color of the plastic.

Es können jedoch auch beliebige andere Lasertypen, wie z.B. CO₂- oder Excimer-Laser verwendet werden. Welcher Laser für die Bearbeitung welchen Substratmaterials am geeignetsten ist, hängt stark von den Parametern Zersetzungsenergie des Substratmaterials, Laserleistung und Lasertyp (z.B. gepulst bzw. kontinuierlich betriebener Laser) ab. Diese Parameter müssen daher für jeden speziellen Anwendungsfall experimentell optimiert werden.However, any other type of laser, e.g. CO₂ or excimer laser can be used. Which laser is most suitable for processing which substrate material depends largely on the parameters of the decomposition energy of the substrate material, laser power and laser type (e.g. pulsed or continuously operated laser). These parameters must therefore be experimentally optimized for each special application.

Die Erfindung ist jedoch nicht nur überall dort vorteilhaft einsetzbar, wo aus Gründen des Fälschungsschutzes ein Sicherheitsmerkmal vorgesehen werden soll. Die Erfindung bietet auch eine einfache Möglichkeit, Daten möglichst unauffällig zu gestalten. Beispielsweise Herstellerdaten, die im Grunde das Layout des Dokumentes stören und deren Inhalt nur von mäßigem Interesse für die Allgemeinheit ist, können im Rahmen der Personalisierung der Dokumente komplikationsfrei mit eingebracht werden. Sie treten im Auflicht kaum in Erscheinung und sind in jedem Fall unter dem Glanzwinkel gut erkennbar.However, the invention can be used advantageously not only where a security feature is to be provided for reasons of counterfeit protection. The invention also offers a simple possibility of making data as inconspicuous as possible. For example, manufacturer data that basically disrupt the layout of the document and whose content is only of moderate interest to the general public can be included without complications when personalizing the documents. They hardly appear in the incident light and are in any case easily recognizable under the gloss angle.

Weitere Ausführungsformen sowie Vorteile der Erfindung werden im folgenden anhand der Figuren erläutert.Further embodiments and advantages of the invention are explained below with reference to the figures.

Die Figuren zeigen:

Fig. 1
einen Datenträger gemäß der Erfindung,
Fig. 2
eine Ausführungsform des erfindungsgemäßen Sicherheitsmerkmals,
Fig. 3
eine weitere Ausführungsform des erfindungsgemäßen Sicherheitsmerkmals.
The figures show:
Fig. 1
a data carrier according to the invention,
Fig. 2
one embodiment of the security feature according to the invention,
Fig. 3
a further embodiment of the security feature according to the invention.

Fig. zeigt einen Datenträger gemäß der Erfindung. Die dargestellte Ausweiskarte kann ein- oder mehrschichtig ausgeführt sein und weist in jedem Fall eine von außen zugängliche Kunststorfschicht auf. Neben den üblichen farblich kontrastierend dargestellten Informationen 4 bezüglich der herausgebenden Behörde sowie des Benutzers, weist die Karte 1 ein Echtheitsmerkmal 2 auf. Der Bereich 5 besitzt aufgrund seiner Oberflächenbeschaffenheit erste diffus lichtstreuende Eigenschaften. Dieser Bereich 5 ist unterbrochen von Bereichen 3, die eine lesbare Information oder ein Muster oder dergleichen darstellen und eine andere Oberflächenbeschaffenheit aufweisen, wie ihre Umgebung 5. Aufgrund dessen weisen die Informationen 3 auch andere diffus lichtstreuende Eigenschaften auf, die es ermöglichen, die Informationen unter einem bestimmten Betrachtungswinkel deutlich zu erkennen.Fig. Shows a data carrier according to the invention. The ID card shown can be of one or more layers and in any case has an artificial peat layer accessible from the outside. In addition to the usual color-contrasting information 4 regarding the issuing authority and the user, the card 1 has an authenticity feature 2. The area 5 has the first diffuse light-scattering properties due to its surface properties. This area 5 is interrupted by areas 3 which represent legible information or a pattern or the like and which have a different surface quality, such as their surroundings 5. Because of this, the information 3 also has other diffuse light-scattering properties which make it possible to display the information under clearly visible from a certain viewing angle.

Der Datenträger 1 kann selbstverständlich noch weitere Sicherheitsmerkmale oder auch einen integrierten Schaltkreis aufweisen. Ebenso kann eine derartige Ausweiskarte in einem buchförmigen Paß enthalten sein.The data carrier 1 can of course also have further security features or an integrated circuit. Such an identification card can also be contained in a book-shaped passport.

Die Personalisierungsdaten 4 werden vorzugsweise mit einem Laser in Form von Verfärbungen des Kunststoffmaterials eingebracht. Im Zuge der Personalisierung des Datenträgers werden zusätzlich die Informationen 3 mit Hilfe desselben oder eines anderen Lasers eingebracht, indem die ursprüngliche Oberflächenbeschaffenheit des Datenträgers 1 verändert wird. Dies kann auf unterschiedlichste Weise geschehen, wie im folgenden näher erläutert wird.The personalization data 4 are preferably introduced with a laser in the form of discoloration of the plastic material. In the course of personalizing the data carrier, information 3 is also included Introduced using the same or a different laser by changing the original surface condition of the data carrier 1. This can be done in many different ways, as will be explained in more detail below.

Fig. 2 zeigt eine Variante des erfindungsgemäßen Datenträgers 1 im Schnitt, wobei lediglich die zu bearbeitende Kunststoffschicht 6 gezeigt wird. Unter dieser Schicht 6 können sich selbstverständlich weitere Kunststoff- oder Papierschichten befinden.FIG. 2 shows a variant of the data carrier 1 according to the invention in section, only the plastic layer 6 to be processed being shown. Under this layer 6 there can of course be further plastic or paper layers.

Bei dem dargestellten Beispiel wurde die Kunststoffolie in einem ersten Schritt mit einem aufgerauhten Flächenbereich 5 versehen, z.B. mit Hilfe der Laminierplatten oder durch einfaches Einprägen einer Oberflächenstruktur. Anschließend wurde dieser Bereich 5 an bestimmten Stellen 3 mit einem auf das Material abgestimmten Laser bestrahlt. Durch die Hitzeeinwirkung des Lasers erweicht das Kunststoffmaterial 6 in den Bereichen 3. Das weiche Material verliert die aufgeprägte Struktur, die Reliefbereiche gleichen sich aus und es entstehen relativ gleichmäßige glatte Bereiche 3.In the example shown, the plastic film was provided with a roughened surface area 5 in a first step, e.g. with the help of the laminating plates or simply by embossing a surface structure. This area 5 was then irradiated at certain points 3 with a laser matched to the material. Due to the heat of the laser, the plastic material 6 softens in the areas 3. The soft material loses the embossed structure, the relief areas are equalized and relatively even, smooth areas 3 are created.

In Fig. 3 ist eine weitere Ausführungsform des erfindungsgemäßen Datenträgers 1 dargestellt. Hier weist der Oberflächenbereich 5 des Kunststoffmaterials 6 eine homogen glatte Oberfläche auf, während die Informationen 3 in Form einer Lasergravur in das Material eingebracht sind. Alternativ kann das Material auch im Oberflächenbereich aufgeschmolzen werden, ohne daß eine Verfärbung des Materials eintritt.3 shows a further embodiment of the data carrier 1 according to the invention. Here, the surface area 5 of the plastic material 6 has a homogeneously smooth surface, while the information 3 is introduced into the material in the form of a laser engraving. Alternatively, the material can also be melted in the surface area without the material becoming discolored.

Ebenso ist es möglich, die Kunststoffschicht nicht als Folie, sondern als Lackschicht auf einer Trägerschicht auszugestalten.It is also possible to design the plastic layer not as a film but as a lacquer layer on a carrier layer.

Claims (18)

Datenträger, wie eine Ausweiskarte, Kreditkarte oder dergleichen mit wenigstens einer Kunststoffschicht, die in bestimmten Bereichen mit Hilfe eines Lasers eingebrachte Informationen aufweist, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß die Kunststoffschicht zumindest in einem Teilbereich aufgrund ihrer Oberflächenbeschaffenheit erste diffus lichtstreuende Eigenschaften aufweist und daß in diesem Bereich erste Informationen in Form von lokalen, mittels eines Lasers erzeugten Änderungen der Oberflächenbeschaffenheit vorgesehen sind, die zweite diffus lichtstreuende Eigenschaften aufweisen, so daß die Informationen zumindest unter einem bestimmten Betrachtungswinkel lesbar sind, aber keinen farblichen Kontrast zu ihrer Umgebung aufweisen.Data carrier, such as an identity card, credit card or the like, with at least one plastic layer which has information introduced in certain areas with the aid of a laser, characterized in that the plastic layer has first diffuse light-scattering properties due to its surface properties in at least one partial area and that first in this area Information is provided in the form of local changes in the surface texture generated by means of a laser, which have second diffusely light-scattering properties, so that the information can be read at least from a certain viewing angle, but has no color contrast to its surroundings. Datenträger nach Anspruch 1, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß die Kunststoffschicht in dem Teilbereich eine rauhe Oberfläche aufweist, in der die Informationen als glatte Flächenbereiche vorliegen.Data carrier according to claim 1, characterized in that the plastic layer in the partial area has a rough surface in which the information is present as smooth surface areas. Datenträger nach Anspruch 1, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß die Kunststoffschicht in dem Teilbereich eine glatte Oberfläche aufweist.Data carrier according to claim 1, characterized in that the plastic layer has a smooth surface in the partial area. Datenträger nach Anspruch 3, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß die Informationen in Form von Verformungen der Kunststoffschicht vorliegen.Data carrier according to claim 3, characterized in that the information is in the form of deformations of the plastic layer. Datenträger nach Anspruch 3, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß die Informationen in Form eines Materialabtrags der Kunststoffschicht vorliegen.Data carrier according to claim 3, characterized in that the information is in the form of material removal from the plastic layer. Datenträger nach Anspruch 5, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß die Kunststoffschicht zumindest in dem Teilbereich mit einer Farbschicht oder Kunststoffolie versehen ist, die im Vergleich zur Kunststoffschicht eine höhere Opazität aufweist, und in der die ersten Informationen kongruent zur Kunststoffschicht vorliegen.A data carrier according to claim 5, characterized in that the plastic layer is provided at least in the partial area with a colored layer or plastic film which, in comparison to the plastic layer has a higher opacity and in which the first information is congruent to the plastic layer. Datenträger nach wenigstens einem der Ansprüche 3 bis 5, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß die Informationen ein Mikrorelief bilden.Data carrier according to at least one of claims 3 to 5, characterized in that the information forms a micro-relief. Datenträger nach wenigstens einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 7, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß der Datenträger zweite lesbare Informationen aufweist, die in Form eines vom Auge auflösbaren Farbkontrasts aufgebracht sind.Data carrier according to at least one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the data carrier has second readable information which is applied in the form of a color contrast which can be resolved by the eye. Datenträger nach wenigstens einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 8, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß der Datenträger eine einschichtige Identitätskarte ist.Data carrier according to at least one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the data carrier is a single-layer identity card. Datenträger nach wenigstens einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 8, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß der Datenträger ein Identitätsdokument in Buchform ist und die zweiten Informationen zumindest teilweise auf einer ersten Datenseite vorliegen.Data carrier according to at least one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the data carrier is an identity document in book form and the second information is at least partially available on a first data page. Datenträger nach Anspruch 10, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß die ersten Informationen ebenfalls auf der ersten Datenseite angeordnet sind.Data carrier according to claim 10, characterized in that the first information is also arranged on the first data page. Datenträger nach Anspruch 10, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß die ersten Informationen auf einer zweiten Datenseite angeordnet sind.Data carrier according to claim 10, characterized in that the first information is arranged on a second data page. Datenträger nach wenigstens einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 12, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß die ersten Informationen zumindest teilweise inhaltsgleich zu den zweiten Informationen sind.Data carrier according to at least one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the first information is at least partially identical in content to the second information. Datenträger nach wenigstens einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 13, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß die Kunststoffschicht eine Lackschicht oder Kunststofffolie ist.Data carrier according to at least one of Claims 1 to 13, characterized in that the plastic layer is a lacquer layer or plastic film. Verfahren zur Herstellung eines Datenträgers nach Anspruch 1, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß die Oberflächenbeschaffenheit der Kunststoffschicht mittels eines Lasers verändert wird, so daß erste Informationen entstehen, die zumindest unter einem bestimmten Betrachtungswinkel lesbar sind, und daß das Kunststoffmaterial und die Laserleistung so aufeinander eingestellt werden, daß die Kunststoffschicht in den mit Laserstrahlung beaufschlagten Bereichen zwar verändert aber nicht verfärbt wird.A method for producing a data carrier according to claim 1, characterized in that the surface quality of the plastic layer is changed by means of a laser, so that first information is produced which can be read at least from a certain viewing angle, and that the plastic material and the laser power are adjusted to one another, that the plastic layer in the areas exposed to laser radiation is changed but not discolored. Verfahren nach Anspruch 15, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß der Laser ein Nd:YAG-, CO₂- oder Excimer-Laser ist.A method according to claim 15, characterized in that the laser is an Nd: YAG, CO₂ or excimer laser. Verfahren nach Anspruch 15 oder 16, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß mit dem gleichen Laser zweite Informationen in Form von Materialverfärbungen oder -verbrennungen aufgebracht werden.Method according to claim 15 or 16, characterized in that second information in the form of material discolorations or burns is applied with the same laser. Verfahren nach wenigstens einem der Ansprüche 15 bis 17, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß die Kunststoffschicht durch die Laserbestrahlung geglättet, aufgeschmolzen oder zum Teil abgetragen wird.Method according to at least one of claims 15 to 17, characterized in that the plastic layer is smoothed, melted or partially removed by the laser radiation.
EP95120144A 1994-12-21 1995-12-20 Data carrier and its method of production Expired - Lifetime EP0718121B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

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DE4445822A DE4445822A1 (en) 1994-12-21 1994-12-21 Data carrier and method for its production
DE4445822 1994-12-21

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EP0718121A2 true EP0718121A2 (en) 1996-06-26
EP0718121A3 EP0718121A3 (en) 1996-07-24
EP0718121B1 EP0718121B1 (en) 1999-06-02

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US (1) US5958528A (en)
EP (1) EP0718121B1 (en)
JP (1) JP3902257B2 (en)
AT (1) ATE180720T1 (en)
DE (2) DE4445822A1 (en)
DK (1) DK0718121T3 (en)
ES (1) ES2131750T3 (en)
ZA (1) ZA9510839B (en)

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Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
EP0718121B1 (en) 1999-06-02
ES2131750T3 (en) 1999-08-01
DE59506095D1 (en) 1999-07-08
ATE180720T1 (en) 1999-06-15
ZA9510839B (en) 1996-06-20
DK0718121T3 (en) 1999-11-15
US5958528A (en) 1999-09-28
JP3902257B2 (en) 2007-04-04
DE4445822A1 (en) 1996-06-27
JPH08248864A (en) 1996-09-27
EP0718121A3 (en) 1996-07-24

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