EP1849915B1 - Support comprising at least one safety element arranged so as to create an optical illusion - Google Patents

Abstract

The safety and/or value document e.g. identity card and passport, comprises a first safety element (3), a second safety element (4) different from the first safety element, a paper, and a degradation motif. Authentication elements that are visible and/or detectable using specific detection device are used as the first safety element. The elements have variable optical effects of interference and/or diffraction, iridescent or liquid crystal effect, magnetic/crystalline coating, magnetic fibers, and tracers detected by magnetic resonance. The safety and/or value document e.g. identity card and passport, comprises a first safety element (3), a second safety element (4) different from the first safety element, a paper, and a degradation motif. Authentication elements that are visible and/or detectable using specific detection device are used as the first safety element. The elements have variable optical effects of interference and/or diffraction, iridescent or liquid crystal effect, magnetic/crystalline coating, magnetic fibers, tracers detected by magnetic resonance and by X-fluorescence, biomarkers, luminescent tracers, fluorescent or phosphorescent, and thermochromic, photochromic, electroluminescent and/or piezochromic compounds and/or which color changes in contact with predetermined chemical or biochemical products, radio frequency identification devices and watermarks arranged to create an optical illusions. The second safety element is arranged to create the optical illusion, a contrast illusion, movement illusion, sparkling illusion, relief illusion, contour illusion, geometrical illusion and color illusion. The second safety element comprises first and second zone of a first color, a third zone of a second color surrounding the first zone, a fourth zone of a third color different from the second zone. The different zones and different colors are selected to create the contrast illusion. The document comprises a set of repetitive motif, preferably degradation squares on a bottom. The second safety element comprises impression or demetallization, and a magnetic ink, an iridescent or fluorescent ink, biological and/or chemical tracer and an information code. Independent claims are included for: (1) a security article; and (2) a product comprises a safety and/or value document.

Description

The present invention relates to securing security and / or value documents, packaging and other media.

The patent US 6,357,799 discloses the use of a material on which is printed a first element and a second element having a sufficient contrast with the first element and the material to be perceived directly by the human eye. The superposition of the second element on the first element, aiming to attract the eye exclusively on the second element and has the effect of the lack of perception of the first element and not a perception error.

The patent application US 2003/0179210 describes a security document that includes a security element that can create an illusion of relief by suggesting to the human eye the appearance of a 3D texture through a 2D texture.

International demand WO 2005/106118 discloses a security article comprising a fibrous substrate and a security device, which includes first and second security elements. When observing the article in transmitted or reflected light, the combination of the two security elements makes it possible to observe different images.

There is a need to benefit from new means of identification and / or authentication of a medium, which may contribute if necessary to the aesthetics thereof.

According to one of its aspects, the subject of the invention is a support according to claim 1.

The invention makes it possible to benefit from a simple means for securing a support.

The invention may, for example, make it possible to lure the potential counterfeiter who may have perceived, for example, a difference in shapes, colors or dimensions when this is not the case.

The invention can also make it possible to create complex patterns that may be difficult to reproduce by amateur fraudsters and that are likely to bring an aesthetic or playfulness.

Optical illusion

The expression "optical illusion" designates in the sense of the invention an error of perception of shapes, colors, dimensions, movements, contrast.

The mechanisms at the origin of optical illusions can arise for example in the retina and / or be the fruit of the work of reconstruction by the visual cortex.

The first security element may be chosen from security elements other than those generating an optical illusion, for example the authentication elements, visible and / or hidden and detectable by means of a specific detection device, for example portable or laboratory, elements with variable optical effect, interferential and / or diffractive, holographic, iridescent or liquid crystal, magnetic or crystalline coatings, magnetic fibers, tracers detectable by magnetic resonance, tracers detectable by X-ray fluorescence, biomarkers, luminescent, fluorescent or phosphorescent tracers, photochromic, thermochromic, electroluminescent and / or piezochromic compounds and / or which change color in contact with one or more predetermined chemical or biochemical products, electronic devices, in particular RFID. The first security element may be a security thread, a foil, a patch, a board, a watermark, a knitted yarn, an ink, tagging marking particles, security fibers and / or their combination.

The support may comprise a fibrous mass, comprising, for example, natural and / or synthetic fibers, for example cellulosic fibers.

The medium may be a security sheet, in particular a blank sheet of printing of fixed or variable mentions, intended for example for the manufacture of a means of payment or an identity document.

The support may be a security document, for example an identity card or a passport or a valuable document, for example a banknote, a check, a ticket or a coupon.

The support can still be a security article to be integrated into a paper, for example a security thread, a foil, a patch, a board, a fiber, an ink, a varnish.

The second security element can be arranged to create an illusion of contrast.

The second security element may comprise in particular first and second zones of a first color, a third zone of a second color surrounding the first zone, a fourth zone of a third color different from the second color and surrounding the second zone, the different areas and different colors being chosen to create an illusion of contrast, when lighting under visible light, UV or IR, for example. Colors include white, black, and gray.

The second security element may comprise a pattern and around the pattern a gradient, or a set of repeating patterns, for example squares forming a color gradient on a plain background.

The second security element can still be arranged to create an illusion of movement, an illusion of flicker, an illusion of contour, a geometric illusion or an illusion of color.

The second security element may include a watermark or an impression. The watermark can be arranged to create the desired illusion, when observed in reflection or transmissive light.

This illusion is for example an illusion of contrast, relief, contour or a geometric illusion.

This watermark is for example the only element of personalization, identification or authentication of the medium.

The support is for example a paper, a coated or uncoated polymeric film, single or multijet, including bijet.

The invention also relates to a product comprising a support as defined above, this product being for example a valuable document, a means of payment including a ticket, check, gift certificate, coupon, identity document, including passport, visa, driving license, identity card, ticket for an event, including cultural events (a show, a museum, an exhibition) or sports, a transport ticket or a label, a package.

• la figure 1 représente un exemple de support selon l'invention,
• les figures 2, 3 et 9 représentent de manière schématique des exemples de supports selon l'invention sous forme d'articles de sécurité,
• les figures 4 et 5 sont des exemples d'illusion de contraste,
• la figure 6 représente de manière schématique, en perspective, un accessoire pouvant être utilisé en association avec l'élément de sécurité de la figure 4,
• la figure 7 représente en vue de face l'accessoire de la figure 6,
• la figure 8 illustre l'utilisation de l'accessoire de la figure 6,
• les figures 10 et 11 sont d'autres exemples d'illusion de contraste,
• les figures 12 à 14 sont des exemples d'illusion de mouvement,
• les figures 15 à 17 sont des exemples d'illusion de scintillement,
• les figures 18 et 19 sont des exemples d'illusion de relief non couverts par la revendication 1,
• les figures 20 et 21 sont des exemples d'illusion de contour,
• les figures 22 et 23 sont des exemples d'illusion géométrique, et
• la figure 24 vise à illustrer un exemple d'illusion de couleur.

The invention will be better understood on reading the following detailed description, non-limiting examples of implementation thereof, and on examining the appended drawing, in which:

• the figure 1 represents an example of a support according to the invention,
• the Figures 2, 3 and 9 show schematically examples of supports according to the invention in the form of security articles,
• the Figures 4 and 5 are examples of contrast illusion,
• the figure 6 schematically shows, in perspective, an accessory that can be used in combination with the security element of the figure 4 ,
• the figure 7 represents in front view the accessory of the figure 6 ,
• the figure 8 illustrates the use of the accessory of the figure 6 ,
• the Figures 10 and 11 are other examples of contrast illusion,
• the Figures 12 to 14 are examples of illusion of movement,
• the Figures 15 to 17 are examples of glittering illusion,
• the Figures 18 and 19 are examples of relief illusion not covered by claim 1,
• the figures 20 and 21 are examples of contour illusion,
• the Figures 22 and 23 are examples of geometric illusion, and
• the figure 24 aims to illustrate an example of an illusion of color.

We have shown figure 1 a support 1 which is for example a bill, which comprises a sheet material 2 comprising a first security element 3 and a second security element 4, different from the first and arranged so as to create an optical illusion.

The sheet material 2 is for example a paper, but the invention is not limited to a particular material and it may comprise for example a plastic film. The sheet material 2 may have a multilayer structure, if necessary, having several layers laminated together, for example several jets of paper.

The sheet material 2 may comprise fibers, especially cellulosic fibers.

In the example of the figure 1 , the first security element 3 has been represented in the form of a security thread, but this example is in no way limiting.

The first security element 3 may be chosen inter alia for example from optically variable, magnetic, electronic, fluorescent devices, chemical and / or biological tracers, as mentioned above.

We have shown figure 2 a security article 5 in band, which comprises security elements 4 repeating for example at regular intervals.

The article 5 is for example a security thread or a foil, and may comprise a plastic film, for example of the transparent PET type, with repeated or not printed patterns, printed in positive or negative, with a black ink for example.

We have shown figure 3 another security article 6 which is in the form of a patch applicable by cold transfer or hot and which comprises a security element 4 created by metallization or printing.

We have shown figure 9 a security article 7, which is in the form of a board and which comprises a security element 4.

The articles 5, 6 or 7 comprise, in accordance with the invention, other security elements such as, for example, fluorescent inks, optically variable effects, micro-prints, partial demetallizations, electronic devices, chemical tracers, magnetic and / or biological, this list is not limiting.

The safety elements 4 can still, if necessary, be made at least partially by a partial demetallization and / or perforation, when the nature of the support or security article lends itself to it.

In the case of a fibrous support 1, the security element 4 may be a watermark, possibly halftone, the image creating the optical illusion can for example appear when the support 1 is observed in transmission or reflection.

A screened watermark is disclosed in EP 1 122 360-A1 .

As well in the case of a support 1 as a security article 5, 6, or 7, the security element or elements 4 may be chosen for example so as to create an illusion of contrast.

Illusion of contrast

The contrast of brightness is a disturbing element in the reading of the colors. The eye adapts to the average light intensity of a scene. In a very bright environment, the pupil closes to regulate the flow of light and in the dark the pupil opens more. The same color can be perceived darker on a light background than on a dark background.

The image represented in figure 5 comprises a pattern 10 which is made with a single shade on a background 11 having a gradient. The latter influences the hue of the pattern perceived by the eye, which leaves the observer to think that the pattern does not have a uniform color.

We have shown figure 4 another example of illusion of contrast.

The image has two zones 12 and 13 of a first color, a third zone 14 of a second color surrounding the first zone 12 and a third zone 15 of a third color surrounding the second zone 13.

The color zones may be produced by screen printing with inks with interference effects, such as those based on mica-titanium type IRIODIN ^® marketed by Merck.

The zone 14 may be of green color (for example of IRIODIN 231 type, 'Rutile Fine Green'), the zone 15 of gold color (for example of IRIODIN 201 'Rutile Fine Gold' type), the zones 12 and 13 of red color (eg type IRIODIN 211, 'Rutile Fine Red').

Due to the color differences of the third and fourth zones 14 and 15, the first and second zones 12 and 13 appear in a color that is not the same.

In the example of the figure 4 the first zone 12 may appear brighter than the second zone 13, while they are of the same color. To highlight it, an accessory 17 such as the one shown in Figures 6 and 7 can be used. The accessory 17 comprises two openings 18 and 19 of shape adapted to that of the first and second zones 12 and 13, so that when the accessory 17 is arranged to mask the third and fourth zones 14 and 15, the first and second second zones 12 and 13 are observed through the openings 18 and 19.

The accessory 17 may comprise between the openings 18 and 19 an intermediate zone 20 which has the same color as the zones 12 and 13.

Thus, when the accessory 17 is placed in front of the image of the figure 4 the intermediate portion 20 allows the observer to see that the first and second zones 12 and 13 are of the same color, as illustrated in FIG. figure 8 .

We have shown figure 10 another example of a contrast illusion, comprising a pattern 10 in the form, for example, of alphanumeric characters printed with the same color, on a gradient background 11.

In a preferred embodiment, the degraded bottom 11 is created by partial or total demetallization in the thickness of a metallized aluminum foil. The alpha-numeric metallized markings present on the foil are of the same color as the most metallized zone of the gradient (zone of maximum thickness of metal). Because of the gradient background 11, the inscriptions 10 then appear lighter or darker relative to each other while they are identical in color.

Security Article 7 of the figure 9 is for example paper-based and has a shape which is rectangular in the example considered, but which could be other. The security element 4 is for example invisible except in UV fluorescence, and may comprise two central areas 4.1 invisible except fluorescence, for example the same color blue under UV light, and outer zones 4.2 and 4.3 of different colors, for example respectively yellow and red under UV. Under UV light, the difference in color of zones 4.3 and 4.2 gives the perception that the central zones 4.1 are of different colors, according to the same principle of optical illusion as what was described in reference to the figure 4 . Such a board is intended to be integrated with the fibrous mass of a paper, for example.

We have shown figure 11 yet another example of contrast illusion, comprising a set of repetitive patterns 22 identical to rotations, such as for example squares, made with gradients, so as to create halo effects 23.

The images of figures 2 , 4, 5 and 9 are for example made by printing in order to constitute the security element 4.

The images of figures 3 , 10 and 11 are for example made by metallization and demetallization, combined or not with an impression.

The security element or elements 4 can still be arranged so as to create an illusion of movement.

Motion illusion

The human eye gets tired very quickly when it is forced to fix an object. Imaginary motion effects can arise as persistent images clash with those displaced by eye movement.

Periodic structures in at least two colors can make it possible to force the eye to perpetual motion and the persistence of the images then causes a vibration or motion effect at the level of the image observed.

We have shown figure 12 an image to create an illusion of movement in peripheral vision. If you fix a wheel, it stops rotating but not the one that is on the periphery of it. The wheels are for example made with four areas of different color and clarity, and the illusory movement tends to occur from a black region to an adjacent dark region of higher clarity such as blue or from a white region to a dark one. adjacent region colored but of lesser clarity such as yellow.

Representatives Figures 13 and 14 other examples of periodic structures that can generate an illusion of movement.

The images of Figures 13 to 15 can be for example made by means of a watermark.

The security element (s) 4 may further be arranged to create an illusion of flicker.

In the case of Optical Variable Devices (OVDs) or Optical Variable Ink (OVI) classically used in security or value documents, it is essential to tilt the substrate or move the head to change the viewing angle so to observe the visual effect. In the case of the present invention, the effect of movement is obtained directly, without having to move the head or the substrate.

Representatives Figures 15 to 17 examples of images to obtain such an illusion.

In the image of the figure 15 , the background comprises a succession of repeating patterns and a central disc has been formed using the same patterns but oriented differently. The eye has difficulty in establishing the contours of the central disc and induces a flickering impression of this disc.

The image of the figure 16 is for example performed by printing on a security thread, a foil or a patch.

The images of Figures 16 and 17 can still be made by demetallization, different shades of gray being for example obtained by more or less pronounced demetallization.

The image of the figure 17 can still, for example, be obtained by means of a watermark.

The security element or elements 4 can still be arranged to create an illusion of relief.

Embossed illusion (not covered by claim 1)

Representatives Figures 18 and 19 images imparting an illusion of relief.

In these figures, a variation of relief is simulated thanks to variations of the clarity, as the eye could perceive them while observing a real relief.

In the example of the figure 18 , the eye perceives an illusion of hump and hollow and in the example of the figure 19 a feeling of waves.

Watermarks, foils or security threads can be created to recreate the relief illusions of Figures 18 and 19 .

The security element or elements 4 can still be arranged to create an illusion of contour.

Illusion of contour

It can be for example an illusion of Hermann related to the retinal permanence.

In the example of the figure 20 a grid 40 is made between squares 41 of the same color and gray points, which do not actually exist, can be observed at the intersections of the rows and columns of the grid. If we look fixedly at an intersection, it remains white because it uses the cells of the fovea that make less corrections to the environment.

In the example of the figure 21 , the image also comprises a grid 45 formed between squares 46 with white dots 48 at the intersections.

This image creates the illusion of black dots at certain intersections.

The security element or elements 4 can still be arranged to create a geometric illusion.

Geometric illusion

Some geometric illusions are the fact of the treatment of the image by the brain.

In the pictures of Figures 22 and 23 , the brain interprets the image by giving the illusion of curved lines while these are parallel. This illusion is linked to a secondary graphic.

Watermarks can be created to create the illusions of Figures 22 and 23 .

The security element or elements 4 can be further arranged to create an illusion of color.

Illusion of color

There are three types of cones in the eye that differ in the color they perceive, being respectively sensitive to blue, green and red.

The colors we see cause a mix of these three sensations.

The retina also has sticks.

Sticks and cones do not have the same sensitivity to light and their distribution is not uniform on the retina.

The eye therefore has an uneven sensitivity to different colors, especially depending on the distance, which allows to create optical illusions.

The security element may for example comprise, as illustrated in FIG. figure 24 adjacent zones 50 and 51 having different colors, for example blue and green. Depending on the distance at which the security element 4 is observed, the eye will no longer distinguish the separation between the zones 50 and 51, but only the green color for example.

The illusion of color can be obtained for example by means of colored boards (or fibrettes).

The invention is not limited to the illustrated optical illusions.

For the other optical illusions that may be used in the invention, reference may be made to Al Seckel's "The Great Book of Optical Illusions" ISBN 1-552976505, "More Optical Illusions" by the same author, "Classical Optical Illusions". "By Gyles Brandreth," The Sciences of Illusions "by Jacques Ninio ISBN 0-8014-3770-9, among others.

The expression "having one" shall be understood as being synonymous with "having at least one", unless the opposite is specified.

Claims (20)

1. Support (1) comprising:

   - a first safety element (3),

   - a second safety element (4), which is different from the first, arranged so as to create at least one geometrical illusion or an illusion of movement, sparkle, outline or colour.
2. Support according to claim 1, the first safety element being selected from elements highlighting falsification, particularly visible and/or detachable elements using a specific detection device, elements with a variable optical, interference and/or diffraction effect, which are iridescent or have liquid crystals, magnetic or crystalline coverings, magnetic fibres, tracers which may be detected by magnetic resonance, tracers which may be detected by X fluorescence, biomarkers, luminescent, fluorescent or phosphorescent tracers, photochromic, thermochromic, electroluminescent and/or piezochromic components and/or which change colour on contact with one or several predetermined chemical or biochemical products, electronic devices, particularly RFID, and watermarks.
3. Support according to one of the previous claims comprising a fibrous base or a polymer film.
4. Support according to the previous claim, comprising cellulose and/or synthetic fibres, particularly paper.
5. Support according to any one of the previous claims, the second safety element (4) being arranged so as to create an illusion of contrast.
6. Support according to the previous claim, the second safety element (4) comprising the first (12) and second (13) areas of a first colour, a third area (14) of a second colour surrounding the first area (12), a fourth area (15) of a third colour, which is different from the second and surrounds the second area (13), the various areas and various colours being selected so as to create an illusion of contrast.
7. Support according to claim 6, comprising a motif (10) and a graduated area around the motif.
8. Support according to claim 6, comprising a set of repetitive motifs (22), particularly squares, with graduated areas, on a plain background.
9. Support according to any of claims 1 to 5, the second safety element (4) being arranged so as to create an illusion of movement.
10. Support according to any one of claims 1 to 5, the second safety element (4) being arranged so as to create an illusion of sparkle.
11. Support according to any one of the previous claims 1 to 5, the second safety element (4) being arranged so as to create an illusion of outline.
12. Support according to one of claims 1 to 5, the second safety element (4) being arranged so as to create a geometric illusion.
13. Support according to any one of claims 1 to 5, the second safety element (4) being arranged so as to create an illusion of colour.
14. Support according to any one of the previous claims, the second safety element (4) comprising a watermark.
15. Support according to any one of the previous claims, the second safety element (4) comprising printing or demetallisation.
16. Support according to any one of the previous claims, the second safety element comprising at least one of magnetic ink, fluorescent or iridescent ink, biological and/or chemical tracer and coded information elements.
17. Support according to any one of the previous claims, being a safety record.
18. Support according to any one of the previous claims, being a safety item incorporating paper.
19. Support according to the previous claim, being a safety thread (5), foil, patch (6), plate (7), fibre, ink or varnish.
20. Product comprising a support according to any one of claims 1 to 19, being a document of value, particularly a means of payment, note, cheque, voucher, coupon, identity document, entry ticket to an event, transport ticket or label or packing.

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