EP2029372B1 - Security device for confidential information - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a device for securing confidential information mentioned in a document. It also relates to a method of implementing such a device.

A document can make it possible to communicate, in a confidential manner and to a given recipient, information, for example an alphanumeric code. This type of document can be found, for example, in the fields of banking, telecommunications, health, gaming and security. The application of the device of the invention is also envisaged in other areas where circulate information to be read only by a small number of people.

In order to ensure the confidentiality of the information during the circulation of the document between the sender and the recipient, it is known, for example FR-A-2,840,251 , a device where confidential information is covered with a masking print, the information becoming readable by scraping the masking print. Depending on the masking print, it may be possible under some lighting to read the information without scratching the masking print. In addition, excessive scratching can damage the printed information. There is then a risk of misreading or impossible reading of at least some of the information. We also know by WO-A-99/24267 a masking element whose part covering the information is pre-cut and not adherent thereto. Just remove this part to access the information. By partially lifting the masking element at the precut, the information can be read. Moreover, this masking element can be repositioned after reading.

EP-A-1,293,359 describes a film on which information is printed. This film is pasted on a document, at the level of a masking print. The removal of the film, using a tongue, causes defibration of the material constituting the document, in this case paper. With such a device, it is possible to take off the film, read the information, reposition and re-glue the film without the defibration of the paper is visible.

It is these drawbacks that the invention intends to remedy more particularly by proposing a device for securing confidential information where the information can not be replayed after having been read a first time, without any risk of erroneous reading.

For this purpose, the subject of the invention is a document provided with a device for securing confidential information according to claim 1.

The presence of a zone of structural weakness in the document, secured to the masking element, causes an irreversible, non-repairable and non-concealable deterioration of the document when the masking element has been removed for a first reading of the information. .

According to advantageous but not obligatory aspects of the invention, the document may incorporate one or more of the following characteristics according to one of claims 2 to 5.

• la figure 1 est une vue partielle du verso d'un document équipé d'un dispositif de sécurisation d'une information, avant une première lecture,
• la figure 2 est une vue similaire à la figure 1 après une première lecture de l'information,
• la figure 3 est une représentation, en éclaté, des éléments constitutifs du dispositif de sécurisation selon un mode de réalisation, avant leur mise en oeuvre sur un document,
• la figure 4 est une coupe schématique, à plus grande échelle et selon la ligne IV-IV à la figure 3, du dispositif de sécurisation en place sur un document avant une première lecture,
• la figure 5 est une représentation schématique du procédé de mise en oeuvre du dispositif de sécurisation sur un document selon un premier mode de réalisation, et
• la figure 6 est une vue analogue à la figure 3 pour un dispositif conforme à un mode de réalisation de l'invention.

The invention will be better understood and other advantages thereof will appear more clearly on reading the following description of two devices according to the invention and a method of implementation, given solely by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

• the figure 1 is a partial view of the back of a document equipped with a device for securing information, before a first reading,
• the figure 2 is a view similar to the figure 1 after a first reading of the information,
• the figure 3 is an exploded representation of the constituent elements of the security device according to an embodiment, before they are implemented on a document,
• the figure 4 is a schematic section, on a larger scale and along line IV-IV at figure 3 , the security device in place on a document before a first reading,
• the figure 5 is a schematic representation of the method of implementation of the security device on a document according to a first embodiment, and
• the figure 6 is a view similar to the figure 3 for a device according to an embodiment of the invention.

The Figures 1 to 5 illustrate an unclaimed embodiment.

The device for securing information represented in Figures 1 to 5 is applied to a document D. in this case a sheet of paper or cardboard light weight. The term "document" refers to a sheet material, based in particular on cellulose or polymers, of standardized or non-standardized dimensions. Such a document D includes confidential information and, possibly, other non-confidential information. Confidential information is information intended to be read by one or more predefined persons. This information is, for example, an alphanumeric code C to activate a telephony device, a bank card, to have access to a specific place or a database, a website or intranet, to use a device given or any other access and / or use subject to restriction.

The device comprises several elements represented in exploded at the figure 3 . A first label 1 forms a first part of the element forming information medium. This first label 1 is constituted by a sheet of a transparent material, advantageously a matte material. This is for example a polyester label. Alternatively, this element 1 may be non-transparent or tinted. In the example, this first label 1 has a rectangular shape and dimensions close to 25 mm wide and 50 mm long. Alternatively, other dimensions and / or shapes are possible.

This first label 1 is adapted to be positioned on a first face D ₁ of the document D, at a window 3 previously cut in the document D.

At least one edge of this window 3 is in the vicinity of a zone of structural weakness 30, 31 of the document D. In the example, two parallel edges of the window 3 are located, each, in the vicinity of a zone of structural weakness. These zones are obtained by precutting two strips 30, 31 in the document D. The window 3 has dimensions substantially smaller than those of the label 1, so that at least one and, advantageously, all the edges of the label 1 each cover an edge of the window 3 while overflowing on the document D. The cover width of the document D by the label 1 is sufficient to prevent tearing of the window 3 and / or disconnection of the label 1.

This first label 1 is adapted to cooperate with a second part of the information-forming element constituted by a second label 4. This second label 4 is similar in nature and shape to the first. Alternatively, it is of different nature and / or shape. In all cases, it is transparent and must be adapted to also cover the window 3 while overflowing on the document D. Advantageously, the label 4 is made of a transparent and shiny material, for example polypropylene.

The confidential information C is printed, mirrored, on a face 5 of the first label 1. The information C is printed upside down on the face 5, so as to be read, at the place, from of the face 50 of the label 1, opposite to the face 5. The information C is reported on the label 1 by marking techniques known per se, for example by offset printing, laser printing, inkjet printing or others. The first and second labels 1, 4 constituting the information-forming element are adapted to be arranged on either side of the document D. Indeed, the first label 1 is located on the face D ₁ , for example the front of the document D and the second label 4 is located opposite the other side D ₂ , in this case the back of the document. The information C is therefore readable, at the place, when looking at the back of the document and readable, upside down, when looking at the front of the document.

The unprinted face 50 of the label 1 attached to the front D ₁ of the document D is covered, perennially, by the second label 4. For this, the second label 4 is positioned on the window 3 on the back D ₂ of the document, and secured to the first label 1 with an adhesive.

The second label 4 is equipped with at least one gripping area 2 formed by a tongue 2 formed on one of its edges. Alternatively, the label 4 may be devoid of tab 2.

The label 4 is then covered with a masking element 6 adapted to conceal the information C on the back side D ₂ of the document D. The masking element is formed by a label 6. This third label 6 is shaped and of overall dimensions similar to those of the labels 1 and 4, so as to completely cover them. In a variant, it is adapted to cover only the part where the information C is inscribed, the "empty" part of the labels 1, 4 not being masked. This masking element 6 comprises a scrambling printing 7, or "caviardage", advantageously formed by interleaving numbers and / or letters. This interlacing is a camouflage preventing the information C below from being read directly or transparently, so that the reading attempt is done from the front or the back of the document D. The joint use of labels 1 and 4 transparent, with a jamming impression 7 on the label 6, prevents any reading of the information C by transparency with direct or indirect lighting. The constituent characters of the information are concealed by the redaction 7, with the same luminous contrast as the latter and can not be distinguished from the patterns forming the caviardage 7 by varying the lighting. For that, he It is appropriate that the labels 1 and 4, the information C and the redaction 7 are made in substantially identical colors. On the contrary, the use of different hues between the different elements 1, 4 and 7 and the information C would have induced a difference in contrast between the information C and the elements 1, 4 and 7, which would have made it possible to read information by transparency.

Advantageously, only the portion 60 of the third label 6 which covers the gripping member 2 and which forms a de facto gripping element, is not equipped with masking. This part 60 is advantageously provided with an indication specifying, for example, the use of the masking element 6. This indication may be a color marking, a pictogram or mentioned in full. Alternatively, the label 6 may be provided with several parts 60 forming a plurality of gripping elements.

On top of the masking element 6, a protective element 8 is positioned as a sheet. This sheet protection element is formed by a fourth label 8, in the transparent example, whose dimensions both in width and in length are greater than the dimensions of the masking label 6 and at least equal to the sum of the dimensions. of the window 3 and precut strips 30, 31. This fourth label 8 thus fully covers the upper face 9 of the masking label 6. The fourth label 8 protrudes on either side of the label 6, in order to cover not only the area of the window 3 but also the areas of the zones of structural weakness 30, 31. This protective element 8 is fixed permanently to the third label 6 and the precut strips 30, 31. The protection element 8 thus makes it possible to join together the masking element 6 and the document D.

To produce a document equipped with such a device, the procedure is as illustrated in FIG. figure 5 . From a document D, printed or not, a cut is made substantially corresponding to the dimensions of the window 3. This operation is advantageously carried out continuously, the document D initially being in the form of a paper strip. During this cutting, two zones of structural weakness 30, 31 are also produced. by punching the document in the vicinity of the two longitudinal edges of the window 3.

Thus two strips 30, 31, parallel and pre-cut, are formed in the vicinity of these longitudinal edges. In a variant not shown, the width of the strips 30, 31 and / or their position and / or their number are different. The zones 30, 31 may also be in other forms than pre-cut strips for example in the form of pre-cut circles arranged next to each other. These zones 30, 31 may, in another embodiment, be limited to precut lines. The zones 30, 31 may alternatively be made by lines or strips of lesser thickness formed in the material constituting the document D.

Then, in a second step, one positions on the window 3, the first label 1. The dimensions of the label 1 are sufficient for it completely covers the window 3 and overflows on all sides on the side D ₁ of D. The pre-cut strips 30, 31 are not covered by the label 1. The label 1 is permanently fixed to the document D with an adhesive 10, represented diagrammatically in FIG. figure 4 . It is a strong, permanent, UV-resistant and transparent adhesive. A face 5 of the label 1 is intended to be printed with the confidential information C. This face 5 is positioned so as to be oriented towards the face D ₁ of the document D. In other words, a face 50 of bonding of the label 1 is oriented towards the back D ₂ of the document, a face 5 of the label 1, which must be printed, being oriented towards the front D ₁ of the document.

The following step is performed after turning the document so as to bring the back D ₂ of the document D in the visible position.

The second label 4 is then permanently bonded with a strong adhesive 10 ', for example of the same type as the adhesive 10, on the face 5 of the first label 1 from the back of the document D. This label 4 also covers the window 3 overflowing on the document D but without covering the precut strips 30, 31. The adhesives 10 and 10 'meet in the window 3 and solidarize the labels 1 and 4 through this window. In all cases, the adhesive 10 'used to secure the label 4 to the document D and to the label 1 must allow an easy and undeformed reading of the information C. The bonding is adapted so that it is not it is not possible to separate the two labels 1, 4 fixed on either side of the window 3. Thus, the label 1 is permanently fixed to the document D at the level of the window 3. In a variant, the label 1 may have several pre-cut regions, so as to break into small pieces that can not be repositioned during a removal attempt.

The next step makes it possible to set up the masking label 6 of the information. This label has, advantageously, the same shape and the same dimensions as those of the label 4. In all cases, it must at least hide the information C. The label 6 is advantageously formed of a transparent sheet material . Masking 7 itself, or redaction, is advantageously printed before the introduction of the label 6 on the label 4. As a variant, illustrated in FIG. figure 5 , printing of the redaction 7 is performed after the introduction of the label 6.

The masking label 6 is releasably positioned. For this, use a so-called fugitive glue 11, shown in FIG. figure 4 , which is available between the labels 4 and 6. This glue 11 has the particularity of polymerizing under the action of ultraviolet rays. This adhesive 11 is a low adhesion adhesive so as to allow easy removal of the label 6.

When the glue 11 is polymerized, the labels 4, 6 previously attached are secured while remaining easily separable. After separation, the glued faces of the labels 4 and 6 dry quickly and then become non-adhesive. In other words, this glue 11 makes it possible to glue and take off once two objects between them, without the possibility of gluing the objects.

Such glue 11 makes it easy to remove the label 6, by pulling on the part 60, to access the information C by reading directly through the label 4 and the window 3. A replacement of the label 6 on the label 4 after a first reading is no longer possible, the adhesive 11 is no longer effective.

On the upper face 9 of this masking label 6 is positioned, in a next step, a protective sheet member consisting of a label 8. This fourth label 8 has dimensions such that it completely covers, at least, the label 6 and strips 30, 31 precut. This label 8 is stuck on the label and on the strips 30, 31 in a long-lasting manner with a strong adhesive 12, for example of the same type as the adhesives 10 and 10 ', so as to induce tearing of the strips 30, 31 precut simultaneously with the removal of the label 6. In other words, the label 6 is secured to the strips 30 and 31 through the label 8 which, when the label is removed, tear strips 30 and 31 of document D. The label 8 is made of a tear-resistant material, for example polypropylene. It may, alternatively, be non-transparent and / or provided with an informative or advertising marking.

Before a step, known per se, cutting and packaging D documents and equipped with the security device, it is possible, if necessary, to perform a pressing of documents. This pressing makes it possible to improve the cohesion between the different labels 1, 4, 6 and 8 by expelling the air bubbles and by pressing the adhesives 10, 10 ', 11 and 12 between the labels During this pressing, the adhesives 10 , 10 ', in the example of the same type, mix and occupy all the available volume between the labels 1 and 4.

The documents thus produced are provided with the information security device ready to receive the information C. This is printed with a background and / or numbers on the face 5 of the label 1 by the sender. of the document. This printing can be done during a personalized printing of the document or on a document on which other information already appears. In this way, the sender of the document prints confidential information C which is immediately hidden and secured without requiring further processing of the document D carrying this information C. This impression of the information C can also be done, not on an individual D document, but continuously as illustrated in the figure 5 , following the step of setting up the label 8. For this, the document D is returned a second time to be printed. In this case, the operation of cutting and packaging documents is done after this step of printing the information. In any case, as soon as the information C is printed on the face 5 of the label, this information C is concealed by the redaction 7. Alternatively, the information C is printed on the face 5 after the second step that is to say after the introduction of the label 1 on the window 3.The information C remains legible until the introduction of the label 6 masking.

In any case, the printing is done in reverse to be readable from the back of the document.

In the second embodiment illustrated in figure 6 elements similar to those of the first embodiment bear the same references. Only what differentiates this embodiment from the above is described below. The masking element 6 has dimensions greater than those of the window 3. In this case, these dimensions are at least equal to the sum of the dimensions of the window 3 and the pre-cut strips 30 and 31. In other words in this embodiment, the dimensions of the masking element 6 are substantially those previously described for the protective element formed by the label 8.

The face of this masking element facing the window 3 is coated with a strong adhesive at the areas covering the strips 30 and 31. Thus, the masking element is equipped on the same face with an adhesive fugitive 11 at the level of the area covering information C and a strong glue 10 or 10 'at the precut strips 30 and 31. The masking element is fixed to the pre-cut strips perennially. The outer face of the areas of the masking element covering the strips 30 and 31 may be provided with printing, masking or the like. In this way, this masking element during its removal makes it possible, in addition to highlighting the information C, to tear off the pre-cut strips 30 and 31. In other words, the protection element 8 of the previous embodiment is no longer necessary, the masking element 6 being sufficiently strong and having suitable dimensions as well as a Adequate distribution of adhesives of different nature not to require the use of this element.

With such a solution the last step of the method of implementation of the device and of fixing the protective element 8 on the masking element 6 is optional.

In the two embodiments described above, thanks to the connection between the label 6 and the strips 30 and 31, even if we want, by putting glue 10, 10 ', 11 or 12 on the underside of the label 6, reposition it on the label 4, the removal of material in the document D at the strips 30 and 31 around the window 3 immediately reveals that the reading of the information C has already taken place. Indeed, the window 3 is then bordered by two orifices whose shape corresponds globally to that of the strips 30, 31 which have been torn off. The latter can not be put back on the document D without being aware of this repositioning.

Claims (5)

1. A document (D) provided with a security device for confidential information mentioned in this document, this device comprising an element (1, 4) forming a support for said information and fixed on said document, a removable element (6) for masking the information being fixed on said information support forming element (1,4), characterized in that said device comprises :

   - at least one zone of structural weakness (30, 31) made in said document (D), in the vicinity of said information support forming element (1, 4), said zone (30, 31) being fastened to said removable masking element (6),

   - a window (3) precut beforehand in the document (D) and made in the document so that two parallel edges of the window (3) are situated, each, in the vicinity of two zones of structural weakness made by two precut zones (30, 31) in the document,

   said information support forming element comprising at least one first tag (1) on which the information (C) is printed, said tag (1) being affixed (10) to a first face (D₁) of said document, covering the window (3) and protruding from said document (D) an in that said information support forming element comprises a second, transparent, tag (4) covering the window (3) and attached (10') to said first tag (1), on a second face (D₂) of the document (D), opposite the first face (D₁), a removable masking element (6) covering the second tag (4) concealing the information (C) on the verso side (D₂) of the document (D), the masking element (6) having dimensions at least equal to the sum of the dimensions of the window (3) and of a region of the zones of structural weakness (30, 31) at which it is fixed in a perennial manner.
2. The document as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the masking element is produced by a third tag (6) on which is printed a masking pattern (7) covering at least the informational part (C).
3. The document as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said removable masking element (6) is fixed to the second tag (4) covering the information (C) by an adhesive (11) such that said tag (6) is not repositionable after having been unstuck.
4. A method for implementing a security device for confidential information mentioned in a document, characterized in that it comprises steps consisting in:

   - a) making, in a document (D), a window (3) and at least one precut zone (30, 31) of the document (D) in the vicinity of an edge of the window (3);

   - b) fixing (10), on a first face (D₁) of said document and in the vicinity of said window (3), a first information support forming element (1);

   - c) fixing (10') on a second face (D₂) of the document opposite from the first and in the vicinity of said window (3), a second information support forming element (4);

   - d) positioning (11) a removable masking element (6) on the second information support forming element (4) .
5. The method as claimed in claim 4, characterized in that, after one of steps b) or d) or e), the information (C) is printed on a face (5) of the first information support forming element (1, 4).

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