EP1377461B1 - Method for forgery-proof labeling of items, and forgery-proof label - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for forgery-proof labeling of items, such as credit cards, bank notes and the like, comprising the following steps: (a) applying, to a first layer (1) that reflects electromagnetic waves, and inert second layer (3) that is permeable to electromagnetic waves, said second layer having a predetermined thickness, (b) applying, to said second layer (3), a third layer (4) that is formed by metal clusters, and (c) linking the first layer (1) of the label so produced with the item.

Description

The invention relates to a method for counterfeit-proof Marking of objects, such as bank cards, banknotes, Packaging and the like. It also relates to a tamper-proof Mark.

According to the prior art, it is known to prove the Authenticity of check cards or banknotes holograms on it provided. Furthermore, to prove the authenticity of an object magnetic codes on magnetic stripes or fluorescent Markings attached. The well-known markings can be faked relatively easily.

From US 5,611,998 an optochemical sensor is known. It is a chemically reactive on a metal layer Applied to a layer to be detected in contact with a Substance-containing solution changes its volume. On the chemically reactive layer is one of metallic clusters applied layer formed. By binding the to be proved Stoffs changes the distance between the from the Metallic clusters formed layer and the metal layer. At the same time, the absorption of on changes the light emitted by the sensor. The presence of the detected Stoffs causes a color change of the sensor. The known sensor is not suitable for forgery-proof Marking of objects. A color change only occurs an application of the liquid phase to the sensor on. In contact with moisture or liquids it can also come to a reaction which triggers a color signal or changed.

The object of the invention is a method for marking of objects as well as to provide a marking which in a simple and cost effective way a high security against counterfeiting Offer.

This object is achieved by the features of claims 1, 2, 18 and 19 solved. Expedient refinements emerge the features of claims 3 to 17 and 20 to 32nd

a) auf einer elektromagnetische Wellen reflektierenden ersten Schicht eine für elektromagnetische Wellen durchlässige, inerte zweite Schicht mit einer vorgegebenen Dicke aufgebracht wird,

b) eine aus metallischen Clustern gebildete dritte Schicht auf der zweiten Schicht aufgebracht wird und

c) die erste Schicht der solchermaßen hergestellten Markierung mit dem Gegenstand verbunden wird.

According to the invention, a method for the counterfeit-proof marking of objects, such as check cards, banknotes and the like., Provided, wherein

a) an electromagnetic wave-transmitting, inert second layer having a predetermined thickness is applied to a first layer reflecting electromagnetic waves,

b) a third layer formed from metallic clusters is applied to the second layer and

c) the first layer of the marking produced in this way is connected to the object.

With the aforementioned features can be simple and inexpensive Way a tamper-proof permanently visible Marking be made.

a) auf einer elektromagnetische Wellen reflektierenden ersten Schicht eine für elektromagnetische Wellen durchlässige, inerte zweite Schicht mit einer vorgegebenen Dicke aufgebracht wird,

b) die erste Schicht der solchermaßen hergestellten Markierung mit dem Gegenstand verbunden wird und

c) auf einem Substrat eine aus metallischen Clustern gebildete dritte Schicht derart aufgebracht wird, daß sie zur Sichtbarmachung der Markierung in einem vorgegebenen Abstand zur ersten Schicht angeordnet werden kann.

According to another aspect of the invention, a method for counterfeit-proof marking of objects, such as check cards, banknotes and the like., Provided, wherein

a) an electromagnetic wave-transmitting, inert second layer having a predetermined thickness is applied to a first layer reflecting electromagnetic waves,

b) the first layer of the marking produced in this way is connected to the object, and

c) on a substrate, a third layer formed of metallic clusters is applied such that it can be arranged to visualize the mark at a predetermined distance from the first layer.

The further procedural solution allows for easy and cost-effective way of marking an invisible one Object. The marking is particularly forgery-proof. It can be obtained by contacting it with the coating coated according to the invention Substrate be made visible.

The second layer is expediently in both methods structured applied. When structuring it can a structure in the surface in the manner of a pattern or a drawing. It can also be about act a relief-like structure. In this case appears the mark in different colors.

After another design feature is on the third Layer one for electromagnetic waves permeable inert fourth layer applied. The fourth layer serves primarily the protection of the covered layers.

The substrate may be made of electromagnetic waves permeable material, preferably of glass or plastic be prepared.

On the third or fourth layer are expediently first molecules applied to the second layer or to provided second molecules are affine. It can as molecules polymers, silanes or structurally related compounds be used. It is e.g. also conceivable, complementary Use polynucleotide sequences, such as DNA, as molecules. The function of the first and second molecules exists essentially therein, the substrate in a fixed predetermined Distance to adhere to the mark.

The metallic clusters can e.g. made of silver, gold, platinum, Aluminum, copper, tin or indium are produced. The second and / or fourth layer may be one of the following Materials are manufactured: metal oxide, metal nitrite, Metal carbide, in particular of silicon oxide, carbide, nitrite, tin oxide, nitrite, alumina, nitrite or polymer, in particular polycarbonate (PC), polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyurethane (PU), polyimide (PI), polystyrene (PS) or polymethacrylate (PMA). These materials are chemical essentially inert. They are insensitive to moisture. The function of the second layer is essentially in it, a predetermined distance to the third layer and / or permanently provide a predetermined structure.

According to a further embodiment it is provided that at a Distance between the first and the third layer of less than 2 microns, a dye forming the mark visible becomes. The coloring depends on the viewing angle and characteristic. For this purpose, the first layer by means of a Device for generating electromagnetic waves, preferably by means of LASER, fluorescent lamp, LED or xenon lamp, to be irradiated. The marker can with a device for determining the optical properties the electromagnetic reflected from the first layer Waves are identified. It can with the device for Determination of the optical properties of the absorption, preferably measured at different observation angles become. Such a determination of the optical properties allows a high security against counterfeiting.

According to a further embodiment feature is provided that the layers at least partially by means of thin-film technology is / are made. In particular, vacuum coating technologies are used and the like. Into consideration.

According to a further embodiment feature is provided that at least one of the layers of anisotropic material Refractive index is made. Preferably the second layer of an anisotropic refractive index material produced. The material may be e.g. to act liquid crystal polymers, which under both Observation angles, i. Angles to the z-axis, as well as at different angles of rotation, i. angles in the x-y plane, show a characteristic coloring.

According to a further embodiment feature, at least one the layers are made of a material whose optical Properties targeted after applying the layer can be changed. The material may be e.g. to be a photosensitive polymer whose refractive index is changeable by irradiation with a suitable wavelength.

Furthermore, according to the invention, a forgery-proof marking is provided for items such as check cards, banknotes and the like, provided, being on an electromagnetic associated with the object Waves reflective first layer one for Electromagnetic waves permeable, inert second layer is applied with a predetermined thickness, and wherein a third layer formed by metallic clusters on the second layer is applied. - Such a mark is permanently visible; she is very tamper-proof.

In further accordance with the invention is a tamper-proof Marking for items such as check cards, banknotes and the like., provided on one connected to the object, electromagnetic waves reflective first Layer a permeable to electromagnetic waves, inert second layer applied with a predetermined thickness is. - Such a mark is invisible.

A third layer formed of metallic clusters is applied on a substrate so that they Visualization of the marking at a predetermined distance can be arranged to the first layer.

If the surface of the object to be marked already from an electromagnetic wave reflecting material, e.g. Made of a metal, the first layer can be be formed by the object itself.

Because of the further design features of the counterfeit-proof Marking is on the previous versions directed to the method.

Fig. 1   eine schematische Querschnittsansicht einer ersten ständig sichtbaren Markierung,

Fig. 2   eine schematische Querschnittsansicht einer zweiten ständig sichtbaren Markierung,

Fig. 3   eine schematische Querschnittsansicht einer nicht ständig sichtbaren ersten Markierung und eines zur Sichtbarmachung geeigneten Substrats,

Fig. 4   eine schematische Querschnittsansicht einer nicht ständig sichtbaren zweiten Markierung und eines zur Sichtbarmachung geeigneten Substrats,

Fig. 5.   Absorptionsspektren einer Markierung gemäß Fig. 1 unter verschiedenen Beobachtungswinkeln und

Fig. 6   eine quantitative Auswertung der Spektren gemäß Fig. 5 bei verschiedenen Wellenlängen.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the invention will be explained in more detail with reference to the drawings. Show it:

1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a first permanently visible mark,

2 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a second permanently visible marking,

3 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a not always visible first marking and a substrate suitable for visualization,

4 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a not always visible second marking and a substrate suitable for visualization,

Fig. 5. Absorption spectra of a marker of Figure 1 at different observation angles and

6 shows a quantitative evaluation of the spectra according to FIG. 5 at different wavelengths.

In the markings shown in Figs. 1 to 4 is a Electromagnetic wave reflecting first layer with 1 designated. It may be a metal foil, e.g. a Aluminum foil, act. But the first layer 1 can also a layer formed of clusters, which on one Carrier 2 is applied. The carrier 2 may be act the object to be marked. The clusters are suitably made of gold. Likewise it can also in the first shown in Figs. 1 and 3 Layer 1 act around the article, provided its surface from an electromagnetic wave reflecting material is formed.

Applied to the first layer 1 is a chemically inert second layer 3. The second layer 3 has a structure on. The structure is here in the form of a relief, which e.g. designed in the manner of a bar code. The Dikke the second layer is preferably between 20 and 1000 nm. It is applied by means of thin-film technology. For this purpose, e.g. Vacuum coating process.

In the marker shown in Figs. 1 and 2 is on the second layer 3 one made of metallic clusters third layer 4 applied. The third layer 4 in turn is superimposed by a fourth layer 5. The fourth Layer 5 protects the underlying layers from damage. The fourth layer 5 may as well as the second Layer 3 of a chemically inert and optically transparent Material, e.g. a metal oxide, nitrite, carbide or Be prepared polymer.

The markings shown in Figs. 3 and 4 are only then visible when brought into contact with a substrate 6 on whose surface those from metallic clusters formed third layer 4 is applied. The third Layer 4 may be formed with one of first molecules be superimposed fifth layer 7. The fifth layer is 7 expediently formed from molecules which are added to the material are affine from which the second layer 3 made is. In a contact of the fifth layer 7 with the second Layer 3 thus comes to a specific adhesion. It can also be that the second layer 3 with another Fifth layer 7 is covered. In this case, the Fifth layers 7 are each formed of molecules that are related to each other have an affinity. It can be biopolymers act, which are complementary to each other. The fifth layer 7 can also be made of other polymers, silanes and / or structurally related compounds be.

The substrate 6 is made of a transparent material, e.g. out Glass or plastic, made.

The function of the marker is as follows:

When irradiating light from a light source, such as a LASER, a fluorescent tube or a xenon lamp a mark shown in Figs. 1 and 2 becomes this light the first layer 1 reflected. Through an interaction of the reflected light with the out of the metallic clusters formed third layer 4 is a part of the irradiated Absorbed light. The reflected light has a characteristic spectrum. The mark appears coloured. The dependent on the irradiation or observation angle Coloring serves as a forgery proof for the Authenticity of the mark.

The mark shown in Figs. 3 and 4 is merely the optically transparent formed second layer 3 on the electromagnetically reflective first layer 1 applied. The second layer 3 can be made of chemically inert materials, such as silicon oxide, carbide, nitrite, tin oxide or nitrite or of aluminum oxide or nitrite. The mark is not visible at first.

When applying the provided with the third layer 4 optically transparent substrate 6 may interact between the light reflected at the first layer 1 and the third layer. In turn, it creates one Color effect by, preferably made of glass Substrate 6, is observable.

To make sure that for a generation of color effect required predetermined distance between the first 1 and the third layer 4 adjusts, the third Layer 4 to be covered with a fifth layer 7. At the Contact of the fifth layer 7 with the second layer 3 adheres the substrate 6 at the mark. It turns a given Distance between the third layer 4 and the first Layer 1 on.

Regarding to be respected for the generation of the interactions Parameter is referred to US 5,611,998, WO 98/48275 and WO 99/47702.

The spectra shown in FIG. 5 of a marking according to FIG. 1 were measured by means of a UV / VIS spectrometer Lambda 25 of Perkin Elmer measured using a reflective insert. From Fig. 5 it can be seen that the longer wavelength peak with increasing viewing angle to shorter wavelengths shifts. Furthermore, a fixed peak is observed which is due to the silver clusters.

In Fig. 6 is a quantitative evaluation of the spectra according to Fig. 5 each shown at two different wavelengths. At the considered wavelengths is dependent on the Observation angle observed a change in absorption. The Absorption pattern is characteristic of the authenticity of the Mark.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

first shift

2

carrier

3

second layer

4

third layer

5

fourth shift

6

substratum

7

fifth shift

Claims (32)

1. Method for the forgery-proof labelling of objects, such as check guarantee cards, bank notes, packaging etc., wherein

   a) an inert second layer (3) with a predetermined thickness, which is transmissive for electromagnetic waves, is applied upon a first layer (1) which reflects electromagnetic waves,

   b) a third layer (4), formed from metallic clusters, is applied upon the second layer (3) and

   c) the first layer (1) of the label produced in this way is connected to the object.
2. Method for the forgery-proof labelling of objects, such as check guarantee cards, bank notes, packaging etc., wherein

   a) an inert second layer (3) with a predetermined thickness, which is transmissive for electromagnetic waves, is applied upon a first layer (1) which reflects electromagnetic waves,

   b) the first layer (1) of the label produced in this way is connected upon the object and

   c) a third layer (4), formed from metallic clusters, is applied to a substrate (6) in such a way that it can be arranged at a predetermined distance from the first layer (1) in order to make the label visible.
3. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of the layers (3, 4, 5) is applied in a structured fashion.
4. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein an inert fourth layer (5), which is transmissive for electromagnetic waves, is applied upon the third layer (4).
5. Method according to one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the substrate (6) is made from a material which is transmissive for electromagnetic waves, preferably from glass or plastic.
6. Method according to one of claims 2 to 5, wherein first molecules (7), which are affine with respect to the second layer (3) or with respect to second molecules provided on it, are applied upon the third layer (4) or fourth layer (5).
7. Method according to claim 6, wherein polymers, silanes or structurally related compounds are used as molecules (7).
8. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the metallic clusters are made from silver, gold, platinum, aluminium, copper, tin or indium.
9. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the second layer (3) and/or fourth layer (5) is/are made from one of the following materials: metal oxide, metal nitrite, metal carbide, in particular from silicon oxide, silicon carbide, silicon nitrite, tin oxide, tin nitrite, aluminium oxide, aluminium nitrite or polymer, in particular polycarbonate (PC), polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyurethane (PU), polyimide (PI), polystyrene (PS) or polymethacrylate (PMA).
10. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a coloration forming the label becomes visible at a distance between the first layer (1) and the third layer (4) of less than 2 µm.
11. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the label is illuminated by means of a device for generating electromagnetic waves, preferably by means of a LASER, fluorescent lamp, light-emitting diode or xenon lamp.
12. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the label is identified by a device for determining the optical properties of the electromagnetic waves reflected by the first layer (1), preferably at different observation angles.
13. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the absorption is measured by the device for determining the optical properties.
14. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least some of the layers (1, 3, 4, 5) is/are produced by means of thin-film technology.
15. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of the layers (3, 4, 5) has an anisotropic refractive index.
16. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of the layers is made from a material whose optical properties can be modified after the layer is applied.
17. Method according to one of claims 1 and 3 to 16, wherein the first layer constitutes the surface of the object to be labelled.
18. Forgery-proof label for objects, such as check guarantee cards, bank notes etc., wherein an inert second layer (3) with a predetermined thickness, which is transmissive for electromagnetic waves, is applied upon a first layer (1) which reflects electromagnetic waves and which is connected to the object, and wherein a third layer (4), formed from metallic clusters, is applied upon the second layer (3).
19. Forgery-proof label for objects, such as check guarantee cards, bank notes etc., wherein an inert second layer (3) with a predetermined thickness, which is transmissive for electromagnetic waves, is applied upon a first layer (1) which reflects electromagnetic waves and which is connected to the object, and wherein a third layer (4), formed from metallic clusters, is applied upon a substrate (6) in such a way that it can be arranged at a predetermined distance from the first layer (1) in order to make the label visible.
20. Forgery-proof label according to one of claims 18 or 19, wherein the at least one of the layers (1, 3, 4, 5) has a structure.
21. Forgery-proof label according to one of claims 18 to 20, wherein an inert fourth layer (5), which is transmissive for electromagnetic waves and which covers the third layer (4), is provided.
22. Forgery-proof label according to one of claims 19 to 21, wherein the substrate (6) is made from a material which is transmissive for electromagnetic waves, preferably from glass or plastic.
23. Forgery-proof label according to one of claims 19 to 22, wherein first molecules (7), which are affine with respect to the second layer (3) or with respect to second molecules provided on it, are applied upon the third layer (4) or fourth layer (5).
24. Forgery-proof label according to claim 23, wherein the molecules (7) are made from polymers, silanes or structurally related compounds.
25. Forgery-proof label according to one of claims 18 to 24, wherein the metallic clusters are formed from silver, gold, platinum, aluminium, copper, tin or indium.
26. Forgery-proof label according to one of claims 18 to 25, wherein the second layer (3) and/or fourth layer (5) is/are made from one of the following materials: metal oxide, metal nitrite, metal carbide, in particular from silicon oxide, silicon carbide, silicon nitrite, tin oxide, tin nitrite, aluminium oxide, aluminium nitrite or polymer, in particular polycarbonate (PC), polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyurethane (PU), polyimide (PI), polystyrene (PS) or polymethacrylate (PMA).
27. Forgery-proof label according to one of claims 18 to 26, wherein a uniquely identifiable coloration can be perceived at a distance between the first layer (1) and the third layer (4) of less than 2 µm.
28. Forgery-proof label according to one of claims 18 to 27, wherein a device for generating electromagnetic waves, preferably a LASER, a fluorescent lamp, a light-emitting diode or a xenon lamp, is provided for illuminating the label.
29. Forgery-proof label according to one of claims 18 to 28, wherein a device for determining the optical properties of the electromagnetic waves reflected by the first layer (1) is provided for identifying the label.
30. Forgery-proof label according to one of claims 18 to 29, wherein the absorption can be measured, preferably at different observation angles, by the device for determining the optical properties.
31. Forgery-proof label according to one of claims 18 to 30, wherein the layers (1, 3, 4, 5) is/are produced by means of thin-film technology.
32. Forgery-proof label according to one of claims 18 and 20 to 31, wherein the first layer (1) constitutes the surface of the object to be labelled.

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