EP2771194B1 - Security element - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a security element and to a security document equipped with such a security element, to a method for producing such a security element and to a transfer film having such a security element.

There are security elements for the identification of security documents known, with which one tries to improve the protection against counterfeiting. Some of these security elements use an arrangement of microlenses, such as that in the international patent application WO 2007/087984 A1 described multilayer body. However, the variations of the visual appearance that can be produced under unfavorable lighting conditions are often difficult to recognize and not very noticeable for the "man on the street".

The DE 10 2008 033 716 B3 describes a value or security document with a document body in which a Lichtleitstruktur is formed, which is designed for a light pipe via total reflection in their boundary layers. The light pipe is in this case made possible in a plane which is substantially parallel to an upper side of the document body.

The DE 102005039320 A1 discloses a security element according to the preamble of claim 1.

The invention is based on the object to provide a flexible security element, which shows optical effects that are easily recognizable for everyone and at the same time amazing or surprising and therefore easy to memorize.

The object is achieved by a security element, wherein the security element has a visible side and a rear side opposite thereto, the security element having at least one luminescent layer which can emit or provide light, as well as at least one mask layer which projects from the visible side when the security element is viewed the at least one luminescent layer is arranged, wherein the at least one mask layer has at least one opaque region and at least two transparent openings, and wherein the at least two transparent openings have a significantly higher transmittance than the at least one opaque region with respect to the at least one luminescent layer emitted or provided light, preferably a higher by at least 20%, more preferably at least 50% higher transmittance. The object is further achieved by a security document, in particular a banknote, a security or a paper document, with at least one such security element, wherein the security element can be viewed from its visible side. The object is also achieved by a method for producing a security element, comprising the following steps: providing a flexible multilayer film body with at least one luminescent layer, which can emit or provide light, and at least one mask layer which, when viewing the security element from the visible side before the at least one luminescent layer is arranged; and forming at least two transparent openings in the at least one mask layer such that the at least one mask layer has at least one opaque area and at least two transparent openings, the at least two transparent openings having a significantly higher transmittance than the at least one opaque area with respect to the one has at least one light emitting layer emitted or provided light, preferably at least a 20%, more preferably at least 50% higher transmittance. The object is further achieved by a Transferfolle with at least one security element according to one of claims 1 to 35, wherein the at least one security element is arranged on a carrier foil of the transfer foil and can be detached therefrom.

The particular optical effects, in particular due to the interaction of a self-luminous, i. Thus, light-generating and radiating luminescent layer or light-providing luminescent layer (e.g., a backlit transparent layer) and a mask layer covering the luminescent layer are caused to be used in a security element. These easily recognizable optical effects are clearly visible when the luminescent layer provides light or emits light in an active state, and not or hardly visible when the luminescent layer provides no light or emits no light in an inactive state. One of the challenges, inter alia, is to keep the thickness of such a security element as low as possible in order to enable a practicable arrangement of the security element on or in a security document.

The optical impression of the security element is thus determined by the configuration of the at least one luminescent layer and / or the distribution of the transparent openings of the at least two arrangements and of the at least one opaque area.

Due to the arrangement of the layers, the light relevant to the desired effect preferably passes through the security element substantially in a direction perpendicular to the top of the security element. There is no need for total reflection at any interfaces.

The mask layer allows light, which is provided or emitted by the luminescent layer, to pass significantly better through its transparent openings than through its opaque areas. It is advantageous if the at least one opaque region blocks or at least substantially attenuates light provided or emitted by the at least one luminous layer, preferably has a transmittance of at most 20%, more preferably at most 10% and even more preferably at most 5%, and the at least two transparent openings of the at least one luminescent layer provided or emitted light substantially pass, preferably have a transmittance of at least 50% , Preferably, the opaque areas of the mask layer are completely opaque to light, ie with a transmittance of at most 5%, while the transparent openings allow light to pass through almost unattenuated, ie with a transmittance of at least 70%. The openings are preferably designed as window openings in the mask layer, ie as openings through the mask layer.

The security element is preferably a security element for identifying and increasing the security against forgery of a security document, in particular a banknote, a security, a check, a tax stamp, a postage stamp, a visa, a motor vehicle document, a ticket or a paper document, or of Identification documents (ID documents), in particular a passport or an ID card, an identity card, a driver's license, a bank card, a credit card, an access control card, a health insurance card or a commercial product for increasing the security against forgery and / or for authentication and / or traceability (Track & Trace) of the commercial product or any smart cards and self-adhesive labels.

Preferably, the at least one luminescent layer, which can emit light, is formed as a self-luminous luminescent layer. A self-luminous luminescent layer here represents a luminescent layer, which emits light and, in particular, acts as an energy converter, which converts a primary energy into light energy. In this case, in particular an electric current, heat, a chemical decomposition process or electromagnetic radiation can be used as the primary energy serve, which differs from the wavelength of the emitted light (for example, UV light, infrared light or microwave radiation).

Furthermore, it is also possible for the luminescent layer, which can provide light, to be a layer which conducts light incident on the back to the mask layer. It may also be provided that the light source is not part of the security element and is provided, for example, by a light source of a body on which the security element is laminated, or constitutes an external light source on which the security element is placed or against which the security element in transmitted light is looked at. For this purpose, the luminescent layer preferably has one or more transparent layers, which may also be designed as wave guides or light guides. In the simplest case, the luminescent layer has such a transparent layer, which is directly in contact with the rear side of the security element or below which a continuous recess is provided in the security element. The luminescent layer can be, for example, a layer of a hot stamping foil, for example a protective lacquer or else the replication layer itself. In this case too, it is particularly advantageous if the luminescent layer has one or more luminescent elements. In this case, the luminous elements are formed by regions of the luminous layer which are formed according to the shape of the luminous elements and / or regions of the luminous layer which are provided with light waveguides and which are preferably surrounded by opaque regions of the luminous layer.

It is possible that the at least one luminescent layer has a self-luminous display element which in particular converts electrical energy into light energy. Preferably, the luminescent layer consists of one or more luminous elements, which are each formed as self-luminous display elements. These self-luminous display elements may be an LED, in particular an OLED, or a LEEC, or QLED or backlit LCD (OLED = Light Emitting Electrochemical Cell, QLED = Quantum Dot Light Emitting Device). alternative For example, the self-luminous display elements can be designed on the basis of electroluminescence. These include thick-film or powder electroluminescence, thin-film electroluminescence and single-crystal electroluminescence. In particular, the display elements as electroluminescent film (EL film).

It is possible for one electrode of the display element to serve as the at least one mask layer or an opaque intermediate layer arranged between the at least one luminous layer and the at least one mask layer, which has at least one arrangement of light-permeable openings. As a result, for example, a periodicity in the light source can be generated. Preferably, it is a metal electrode, in particular a metallic reflection layer of an OVD. For example, such a metallic reflection layer consists of aluminum, silver, gold or copper. A periodicity or a raster, in particular a moiré raster or a raster in the form of a revealer pattern, can be realized in different ways in an OLED illuminating the entire surface. One possibility is to incorporate an insulator layer into the OLED, whereby areas of the OLED coated with this insulator layer do not shine and released areas light up. Alternatively, one of the transport layers, in particular the electron or hole transport layer, can also be modified, in particular by irradiation or action of a chemical, so that locally the transport properties are destroyed. This also causes the treated areas to stop glowing.

It is possible that the at least one luminescent layer has a luminescent display element, which can be excited by another light source to shine. The luminescent elements may be fluorescent and / or phosphorescent materials which absorb incident light and re-radiate it in the same or a different wavelength range, with immediate temporal and / or temporal offset. The other light source may be formed as a component of the security element. Alternatively it is an external light source from which the security element is irradiated, such as a UV lamp (UV = ultraviolet).

There are various ways to provide a self-luminous luminescent layer with energy, so that it shines. In one embodiment, the luminescent layer is excited by electrical energy from an energy source for illumination. The luminescent layer thus has a display element which converts electrical energy into light energy. The preferred energy sources of the luminescent layer include, in particular, piezoelectric and photovoltaic current sources, batteries, capacitors, supercapacitors, etc. The energy can also be supplied via a suitable antenna, e.g. an RFID antenna, to be taken from an electric field. Preferably, these energy sources are integrated into the security element or the security document or connected to it via a power line. Alternatively, the power source may be located outside the security element / document, e.g. in an external reader. In the case of an electrical energy source, a galvanic, capacitive or inductive transmission of electrical energy is available for selection. For example, in the case of an external energy source, the security document may be placed in a corresponding local electrical or magnetic or electromagnetic field to enable capacitive and / or inductive, in particular wireless, energy transfer. An example of this is a mobile device, such as a mobile device. a smartphone, with a so-called NFC (Near Field Communication) device.

It is preferable that a light pattern which the mask layer exhibits from the visible side due to its different transmission of light emitted from the at least one luminescent layer when viewing the security element provides a first optical security feature of the security element.

An observer, who views the security element from its visible side, takes in the active state of the luminescent layer, ie when the Luminous layer provides light or emits, in the area of the mask layer, the light pattern formed by the darker opaque areas and lighter transparent openings. Since such a light pattern can be recognized very well even under unfavorable lighting conditions, a reliable and easily verifiable security feature is available with such a security element, which offers protection against counterfeiting, for example, of banknotes or ID cards or commercial products. Through which of the transparent openings of the mask layer light thereby reaches the eye of the observer, with a suitable embodiment of the luminous and / or mask layer depends on the viewing angle at which the observer views the security element. The design of the light pattern is thus dependent on viewing angle.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the at least one opaque region of the at least one mask layer provides a second optical security feature of the security element when viewing the security element from the visible side. The protection against counterfeiting of the security document is therefore not limited solely by the light effects of the light and mask layer, but extended by another security feature that exists independently of the light effects of the light and mask layer.

The opaque region preferably has an OVD and / or a print layer (OVD = Optically Variable Device). Usual OVDs are holograms, particularly reflection holograms, Kinegram ^®, volume holograms, thin-film interference filter, diffractive structures, such as blazed structures linear grating, cross grid, hexagonal grid, asymmetrical or symmetrical grating structures, the diffraction structures zero order, moth-eye structures or anisotropic or isotropic matt structures and optically variable printing inks or inks, so-called OVI ^® (OVI = optically variable inks), the most optically variable pigments and / or dyes, liquid crystal layers, in particular on dark surfaces, photonic crystals, and in particular on dark backgrounds, etc.

It is possible for the at least two transparent openings to be formed as a metal-free region of the OVD or as an unprinted region in the printing layer. The printing layer may e.g. be a part of the printed image of a banknote. In particular, the printing layer can be applied by intaglio printing. The advantage of this technique is that the transparent openings of the mask layer can be made very small due to the very high resolution of several thousand DPI (dots per inch). Thus, the distance between two transparent openings can be very small. Furthermore, printing and security documents commonly used printing methods can be used. In particular, the indirect high pressure (so-called Letterset) offers a high resolution and lower cost of the printing form over the Intaglio printing process.

It is particularly advantageous to use an optical device as the mask layer of such a self-luminous or backlit security element, which provides an independent optical security feature which also acts independently of the luminous layer, for example a security print image with translucent recesses or an OVD whose metallic reflection layer is opaque to light Area of the mask is used and which additionally has transparent areas, can pass through the light of the luminescent layer of the security element. The interaction of the self-luminous or backlit luminescent layer and the optical device serving as a mask layer results synergistically in a multiple optical effect: on the one hand the optical security element acts as such - regardless of whether the luminescent layer emits or provides light; On the other hand, the security element exhibits the special optical effects already mentioned above, which can be caused by the interaction of a self-luminous or backlit luminous layer and a mask layer covering the luminous layer. The optical effect of the optical security element is in particular almost undisturbed visible when the area ratio of the transparent openings the mask layer is low. For example, the area fraction is less than 30% and preferably less than 10%. Such a small proportion of area is additionally advantageous for the image quality of the optical effects that result from the interaction with the self-luminous or backlit luminous layer. On the other hand, the brightness of the effect reduces with decreasing area fraction of the transparent openings. A further disadvantage of the special embodiment of the self-luminous luminescent layer as a display (in particular as a matrix display) is that with such small transparent surface portions of the part of the display, which is superimposed by the mask layer, are hardly or not used for the presentation of information can.

For the embodiment with a mask layer of metal (eg Al), which has additional optical security features such as diffractive structures, it is possible to produce the transparent openings not by a demetallization, but by providing suitable structures in the region of the transparent openings. These suitable structures must increase the transmission of the metal mask layer by at least 20%, more preferably by at least 90%, and more preferably by at least 200%, compared to the areas around the transparent openings. Examples of the suitable structures are so-called subwavelength gratings with periods below 450 nm, preferably below 400 nm, and depths greater than 100 nm, preferably greater than 200 nm. Such structures for adjusting the transparency of a metal layer are in the WO 2006/024478 A2 described. Alternatively, these suitable structures may have random structures with mean feature size below 450nm. preferably below 400 nm, and depths greater than 100 nm, preferably greater than 200 nm. The advantage of this variant is that no demetallization is necessary, the disadvantage is that the transmission is less in the region of the transparent openings than in the case of demetallised openings.

Preferably, the mask layer and in particular the transparent openings of the mask layer are spaced apart from the luminescent layer by a distance h from one another when viewed perpendicularly to one from the visible side or back of the security element spanned plane. Due to the fact that the mask layer and the luminous layer do not adjoin one another directly, the area of the luminous layer that is visible through the transparent openings of the mask layer changes when the security element is tilted. This makes it possible to achieve interesting optically variable effects, as explained below. The distance h is preferably between 2 μm and 500 μm, more preferably between 10 μm and 100 μm, and even more preferably between 25 μm and 100 μm.

According to a preferred development of the invention, light which leaves the security element through the mask layer at different exit angles provides different optical information in each case. A viewer takes in tilting the security element, i. Changing the viewing position and / or tilting the security element, e.g. horizontally to the left / right or vertically up / down, thus different optical information, e.g. Light pattern, true. Different views at different viewing angles, i. a characteristic "picture change", is a very simple, fast and at the same time effective way to verify the authenticity of a security document.

It is possible for the at least one luminescent layer to have a luminescent element that illuminates the entire surface or that provides it over the entire surface. Furthermore, however, it is advantageous for the luminescent layer to have one or more first zones in which the luminescent layer can emit or provide light and which are preferably each enclosed by a second zone or separated from one another by a second zone in which the luminescent layer emits no light or can provide. Thus, for example, one or more light-emitting or light-providing first zones are formed in front of a non-light-emitting or light-providing background, which is formed by a second zone.

In this case, the luminescent layer preferably has two or more second zones.

For the formation of the one or more first zones, the luminous layer preferably has one or more separate luminous elements or transparent openings. The transparent openings act in backlighting of the luminescent layer as even luminous lighting elements. The two or more separate light-emitting elements each have a radiation area in which the respective light-emitting element can emit or provide light and which respectively forms one of the first zones. The one or more separate light-emitting elements are preferably in each case a self-luminous display element or a luminescent display element or backlit openings.

According to a preferred embodiment, the luminescent layer has a mask layer, which is not provided in the region of the first zone or the first zones and is provided in the region of the second zone or the second zones. The mask layer prevents light from the luminescent layer in the region of the second zone or the second zones from being emitted or provided, in the sense that they block or at least substantially block the light emitted or provided by the luminescent layer in the second zone or the second zones weakens. The mask layer preferably has a transmittance of at most 20%, more preferably at most 10% and even more preferably at most 5% in the region of the second zone, and preferably consists of a metallic layer, preferably an opaque metallic layer. Between this mask layer and the back of the security element, the luminescent layer preferably has a full-surface luminous element or one or more luminous elements, in particular luminescent display elements or luminescent display elements. However, it is also possible for the luminescent layer to be a layer which transmits light incident on the back to the mask layer and thus provides the incident light from the back in the area of the first zones and blocks off in the area of the second zones.

Furthermore, it is also possible for the luminescent layer to have one or more, preferably two or more second zones, in which the luminescent layer can not emit or provide light and which are preferably each enclosed by a first zone or separated from one another. The luminescent layer thus provides one or more second zones in which the luminescent layer can not emit or provide light and which are surrounded by a background in which the luminescent layer can emit or provide light, for example two or more non-luminous second zones, which are surrounded by a luminous background.

Preferably, one or more of the first zones, preferably all of the first zones, have at least one lateral dimension of less than 300 μm, more preferably less than 100 μm, and even more preferably less than 50 μm. By lateral dimension is here understood a dimension in the plane defined by the visible side or rear side of the security element, i. E. For example, understood the width or length of the radiation of a separate light emitting element.

According to a preferred embodiment, the at least one mask layer has two or more transparent openings, which are arranged according to a second grid. Furthermore, the at least one luminous layer has two or more first zones, in which the luminous layer can emit or provide light and which are arranged according to a first grid. Alternatively, it is also possible for the luminescent layer to have two or more second zones, in which the luminescent layer can not emit or provide light, and the two or more second zones are arranged according to the first raster. As already stated above, the two or more first zones or two or more second zones are here preferably each separated or enclosed by a first zone or second zone.

According to a first preferred embodiment, in this case the two or more transparent openings of the second grid may each be in the form of a microimage or an inverted microimage, in particular in the form of a motif, a symbol, one or more numbers, one or more letters and / or one Mikrotextes be formed. Specific examples are denominations of banknotes and issue year of passports or ID cards. In this case, the two or more first zones or the two or more second zones are preferably formed in the form of a sequence of stripes or pixels when viewed perpendicular to a plane defined by the visible side or the back side of the security element. Thus, for example, it is possible for the luminous layer to have two or more luminous elements whose emission regions each have a strip-shaped, rectangular or conical shape, and which thus form a corresponding sequence of one or more first zones which, for example, shape a one-dimensional line grid or a single line has two-dimensional dot or pixel raster.

Furthermore, however, it is also possible that the two or more first zones or the two or more second zones are each formed in the form of a microimage when viewed perpendicular to a plane defined by the visible side or rear side of the security element, in particular in the form of a motif. a symbol, one or more numbers, one or more letters and / or a microtext are formed. In this case, the two or more transparent openings of the second grid preferably have a strip-shaped, rectangular or conical shape.

In this way interesting optical variable effects can be generated. So it is possible, for example, the raster widths of the first grid and the second raster respectively for adjacent first zones and transparent openings or second zones and transparent openings not to choose the same and to choose so that these rulings differ by less than 10% from each other, preferably differ by not more than 2% from each other. Alternatively, it is also possible to arrange the first raster and the second raster rotated against each other between 0.5 ° and 25 ° degrees, but leave the screen rulings of the first raster and the second raster the same or choose them as above cited with respect to adjacent first zones and transparent openings or adjacent second zones and transparent openings by no more than 10%, preferably not more than 2%.

It has been found that with such an orientation and design of the raster, optically variable magnification, distortion and motion effects can be generated which provide interesting security features.

In this case, the first grid and / or the second grid can be formed by a one-dimensional or two-dimensional grid, the grid spacing of the first grid and the second grid preferably being less than 300 μm, in particular less than 80 μm, and more preferably less than in at least one spatial direction 50 microns is selected. In this case, the two or more first zones or the two or more second zones of the first grid and the transparent openings of the second grid are preferably arranged relative to one another in such a way that they overlap at least in regions when viewed perpendicularly to a plane defined by the visible side or rear side of the security element Level. In the case of such an arrangement and design of the grids, the optical effects generated by the individual openings or first zones are mixed for the viewer, as a result of which interesting optically variable effects can be generated.

Furthermore, it is possible for the first raster to be a periodic raster having a first period p ₁ as the raster width and / or the second raster to be a periodic raster having a second period p ₂ as the raster width.

It is thus possible for the at least one luminescent layer to have two or more separate luminous elements which are arranged in a first periodic raster having a first period, and the at least one mask layer has two or more transparent openings which are arranged in a second periodic raster with a first period second period are arranged, wherein the first and second periods are not the same, but similar. This embodiment of the invention is based on a moiré magnification effect, which is also known under the names "shape moire" and "band moiré". The size of the resulting moiré image depends on how strongly the periods of the two screens differ. Preferred image sizes are between 5 mm and 1.5 cm of the smallest dimension, for which the raster periods in particular do not differ from each other by more than 10%, preferably do not deviate from each other by more than 2%. The opaque areas of the mask layer may be used as metallic areas, e.g. a metal layer of a metallized film, or be formed as a print layer. Thus, the transparent openings may be demetallized areas of a metal layer, e.g. a metallized film, or be designed as unprinted, thinner printed or printed with a transparent ink areas of a print layer. The transparent openings preferably form so-called "microimages", i. preferably with the naked eye not resolvable images that are enlarged by the optical interaction with the light-emitting elements. Alternatively, the mask layer may also be inverted. That the "microimages" are in this case opaque and the background of the "microimages" transparent. The term "images" includes all possible information, such as alphanumeric characters, letters, logos, symbols, outlines, pictorial representations, coats of arms, patterns, halftones, etc.

When the area ratio of the transparent openings of the mask layer is large, for example, greater than 50% and preferably greater than 70%, the portion of the Display, which is covered by the mask layer, nevertheless be used to display information by the display. If the optional intermediate layer is present, it must also have a high transmission, for example greater than 50% and preferably greater than 70%, for this case. In this embodiment, it is useful if the display, in the area covered by the mask layer, an image sequence, this sequence between the representation of the information of the display - for example, the face of the owner of an ID card - and the pattern, which with the Mask layer interacts, changes.

If the luminescent layer is inactive, i. no light emits, or provides no light, the "micro images" as enlarged images are not or at least not clearly visible. If the luminescent layer is active, i. Emit light, or provides light, the "micro images" are clearly visible as enlarged images. These magnified images change, move or tilt vertically as the security element is tilted to the left or right, or up or down, or viewed from different perspectives. Compared with known moiré magnification arrangements, there is a difference insofar as they are always visible, whereas in the present development of the invention the "microimages" are only clearly visible as enlarged images if the luminous layer is active or provides light. By "switching" the luminescent layer between on and off or backlit and not backlit thus another optical effect can be generated.

In addition to embodiments in which the first raster and the second raster are a periodic raster and the microimages are identical microimages, it has also been shown below that advantageous morphing and morphing effects generated during tilting or turning can be achieved by the following configurations: To achieve such Effects are proposed, the grid width of the first and / or second grid and / or the rotation of the first and the second grid against each other and / or the shaping of the micro images continuously according to a parameter variation function in at least one spatial direction vary. By changing the raster width of the first and / or second raster and / or changing the rotation of the first and the second raster relative to one another, for example, the magnification (see above) as well as, for example, the direction of movement of the representation resulting from tilting for the viewer be varied. By changing the shape of the microimages according to the parameter variation function, for example, transformation effects and complex motion effects can be generated in combination therewith.

Furthermore, it is also possible that the grid width of the first and / or second grid and / or the rotation of the first and the second grid against each other, and / or the orientation of the first grid and / or the second grid and / or the shape of the Micro images differs in a first area of the security element from the corresponding parameters in a second area of the security element. This also makes it possible to further improve the generation of complex, optically variable effects and thus to further improve the visual appearance and the security against forgery of the security element.

According to a further preferred embodiment, the transparent openings of the second grid and / or the two or more first zones and / or the two or more second zones of the first grid are each varied in their surface area to generate a halftone image. Thus, for example, it is possible that the transparent openings of the second grid or the two or more first zones or the two or more second zones of the first grid each have a strip-shaped shape and the width of the strip-shaped opening or strip-shaped first or second zones locally Generation of a halftone image are varied. This makes it possible, for example, for the observer to see the corresponding halftone image, for example in incident light, when viewing the front or rear side of the security element in a state in which no light is provided or emitted by the luminous layer State in which the luminescent layer provides or emits light, the above-described, generated by the interaction of the mask layer and the luminescent layer security feature is visible. Here, it is also possible that a first such halftone image when viewed from the front side (in incident light), a second, different from it halftone image when viewed from the back (in reflected light) is visible, and when viewed from the visible side in a state where the luminescent layer provides light or emits light, the security feature described by the interaction of the luminescent layer and the mask layer is visible. In this case, for example, the first halftone image is provided by the variation of the transparent apertures of the second screen as described above and the second halftone image by the corresponding variation of the first zones or the second zones of the first screen.

Furthermore, it is also possible, by correspondingly different coloring of the mask layer in the opaque areas arranged between the transparent openings of the second grid, to additionally generate a color image when viewed from the visible side, which preferably only becomes visible when the luminous layer does not provide light or sending out. In this case, such a multicolor image can be further locally varied by the above-described variation of the transparent openings of the second raster, even in its color brightness.

It is possible that the at least one mask layer has at least two arrangements of transparent openings, wherein light emitted by the at least one luminous layer leaves the security element through the at least two arrangements at respectively different exit angles. An array of transparent openings comprises one or more openings. At least two arrangements of transparent openings thus comprise at least two different openings, which differ from one another in terms of their arrangement, ie position, in the mask layer and optionally additionally by their shape. A viewer takes while tilting the Security element thus different optical information, such as light pattern, true: reaches his eye light through openings of a first arrangement, he sees a first optical information. When, at a different viewing angle, his eye reaches light through openings of a second array, he sees second optical information. Different views at different viewing angles, ie a characteristic "picture change", represent a very simple, fast and at the same time effective way of checking the authenticity of a security document. A simple example is a change of image between the denomination number of a banknote eg "50" and a state emblem eg the "Swiss cross".

It is possible that the light exiting the security element through the at least two arrays, each at different exit angles, forms an image sequence consisting of two or more images, each of these images being at a different exit angle. With an image sequence, e.g. shows a galloping horse, film-like very memorable optical information can be transmitted. Moving images in conjunction with self-illuminating, switchable, or light-providing light elements, which may even emit or provide colored light, create a stunning visual effect on security documents that provides an effective and easily memorable way to verify the authenticity of a security document

It is preferred for the at least one luminescent layer to have two or more separate luminous elements arranged in pattern-like fashion and for the transparent openings of the at least two arrangements to be matched to this pattern. Here, each, contributing to the optical effect, the luminous element is assigned in each case at least one opening through which light emitted by the luminous element leaves the security element in each case at an associated exit angle. By matching the lighting elements to the openings, an interaction of different openings of an arrangement can be achieved. Under a Thus, not only does a viewer reach light through a transparent opening, but a multitude of transparent openings. This in turn opens up the possibility, by a clever arrangement and spatial distribution of the openings, of forming rasterized images in the form of a digital raster graphics whose pixels, ie picture elements, are formed by the individual openings. In a typical arrangement for forming an image change, two openings of the mask layer are arranged symmetrically at a layer spacing h above an associated luminous element of the luminous layer.

It is preferred that the at least one luminescent layer and the at least one mask layer are arranged parallel to one another. In this case, it is easier to maintain mutual register accuracy than if the at least one luminescent layer and the at least one mask layer are at an acute angle to each other.

It is possible that at least partially between the at least one luminescent layer and the at least one mask layer at least one opaque intermediate layer is arranged, which has at least one arrangement of translucent openings. "Cross talk" in connection with the security element is understood to be the phenomenon that light of a second light element passes through transparent openings of the mask layer to the viewer, which are associated with a first light element, ie an unwanted transmission of light through a transparent opening of the mask layer. This problem occurs especially when the distance between the luminescent layer and the mask layer becomes relatively large. If now an intermediate layer is inserted between the luminescent layer and the mask layer, then the translucent openings of the intermediate layer act as a kind of second luminescent layer, but now with a reduced distance to the mask layer. As a result of the reduced distance, the problem of "cross talk" can be reduced or avoided.

Another advantage of an intermediate layer is that a luminescent layer radiating or providing light over the entire surface, e.g. a large-area LED or a transparent, diffused and backlit foil, in a simple way into a grid of separate light elements, i. Pixel, can be transformed (LED = Light Emitting Diode).

Preferably, the intermediate layer is closely matched to the mask layer, e.g. in a common manufacturing process, and in the form of a layer composite / laminate used together for the production of the security element. The arrangement of the translucent openings of the intermediate layer can be matched to the luminescent layer or be independent of it. Such an intermediate layer can be produced, for example, in register with the mask layer, by making both layers by printing on the front and back of a film. It is also conceivable to control, in a production method, the angular and / or positionally accurate arrangement of the mask layer and intermediate layer or luminescent layer relative to one another via an image recognition, which evaluates the optical effect in the case of backlighting or switched on luminescent layer.

A register-accurate or register-accurate arrangement of two layers relative to one another here means a coordinated arrangement of the two layers relative to one another, in particular in the form of a positionally accurate arrangement of the two layers relative to each other. In particular, such an arrangement of two layers to each other is achieved in that when applying a layer, the exact position of the other layer is detected, for example, detected by register marks, and the position of this other layer, in particular their position in one of the front. or back side of the security element or the security document spanned plane in the application of the layer is taken into account. In this way, in particular, it can be achieved that openings of the layer are arranged with exact position relative to one another, in particular when viewed in a vertical plane to the front or back of the security element or security document spanned plane covered.

It is possible for light-scattering or luminescent elements to be arranged in the translucent openings of the intermediate layer, which scatter light incident from the luminous layer in the direction of the mask layer or emit it again under luminescence. The light-scattering elements may be e.g. Made of matt, transparent materials that diffuse incident light diffusely. The luminescent elements may be fluorescent and / or phosphorescent materials which absorb incident light and re-radiate it in the same or a different wavelength range, with immediate temporal and / or temporal offset. Such luminescent elements can not only be excited by a luminescent layer located behind the visible side. Alternatively, it is also conceivable that the luminescent elements from the visible side, i. E. to excite through the mask layer.

It is possible for the at least one luminescent layer to have two or more separate luminous elements, wherein these luminous elements and the at least one transparent opening of the mask layer, viewed perpendicular to the plane of the foil body, have a rectangular shape. Preferably, this rectangular shape is a rectangle with length m and width n, wherein the ratio m / n is greater than or equal to 2. Furthermore, it is advantageous if the outline of the lighting elements is identical to that of the openings; then, when the security element is tilted about the longitudinal axis of the lighting elements or openings, the light from the lighting element completely fills the associated opening in the mask layer, without any unlighted portions remaining. Alternatively, the transparent opening of the mask layer, viewed perpendicular to the plane of the film body, may have a square or circular shape with the edge length or diameter m. Again, it is advantageous if the outline of the lighting elements is identical to that of the openings.

It is possible for the at least one luminescent layer to have two or more separate luminous elements, wherein the gap between adjacent luminous elements is considerably greater than the width of the luminous elements. Preferably, a distance between adjacent lighting elements is about 5 times larger, preferably about 10 times larger than the width of the lighting elements. In this case, an unambiguous assignment of openings of the mask layer to a single luminous element of the luminous layer is possible.

It is possible for the at least one luminescent layer to have two or more luminous elements which emit light in at least two different colors. The use of different light colors allows additional impressive visual effects, in addition to a light-dark pattern of light given by the mask layer. For example, a viewer may perceive different colors in addition to a picture change at different viewing angles. If a matrix of individual luminous elements is used, which can be controlled pixel-like as single picture elements, preferably analogous to pixels in image sensors and screens in the form of areas of one basic color (RGB = red, green and blue), depending on the control of the luminous elements different colored Images are generated. For example, it would be possible with such a luminescent layer with a suitable mask layer to achieve a picture change from a true color picture to a false color picture. For such color changes, it is important that the mask layer is not only aligned in register with the pixels of the display, but that additionally the openings in the mask layer are aligned with the correct color pixels.

The security element is preferably a security element for identifying and increasing the security against forgery of a security document, in particular a banknote, a security, a check, a tax stamp, a postage stamp, a visa, a motor vehicle document, a ticket or a paper document, or of Identification documents (ID documents), in particular a passport or an ID card, identity card, driver's license, bank card, credit card, access control card, health insurance card or commercial product to increase the security against forgery and / or for authentication and / or traceability (track & trace) of the commercial product or any smart cards and adhesive labels. According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the security document has a thickness of at most 2000 .mu.m and preferably of at most 1000 .mu.m and more preferably of at most 500 .mu.m. In this case, there is a particularly practicable overall thickness of the security document and the security element arranged thereon. For example, ID1 cards have a thickness of 0.762 mm (exactly 0.03 inches) with a tolerance of ± 0.08mm according to ISO 7810. Limiting the overall thickness is particularly important in security documents that are subject to machine handling, such as banknotes in ATMs or money counting and sorting machines, as well as ID cards in standard readers. Here too great a total thickness of the security document would affect the handling. Particularly for banknotes, it is particularly preferred if the security document has a thickness in the range from 20 to 200 μm and further from 50 to 200 μm, in this case preferably in the range from 50 to 140 μm and further from 85 to 140 μm, in particular from approximately 100 has μm.

The at least one security element can be strip-shaped or in the form of a label on the security document or can be arranged as a strip or as a label within a particularly partially transparent layer laminate.

Furthermore, it is advantageous if the security document is printed after application of the at least one security element with at least one opaque printing ink and / or at least one opaque color coat. In a Embodiment only areas of the security element are covered with it.

The stiffness of the composite of security document and security element in the region of a piezoelectric energy source is to be adjusted so that the impressed force and the mechanical stress caused thereby distributed to other areas of the energy source, in particular to the entire region of the energy source, to bend the layer to produce a sufficiently high voltage for switching the luminescent layer of piezoelectric material. The rigidity can generally be influenced and / or brought into the required range before or after application of the security element to the security document by targeted regional application of opaque printing ink and / or an opaque color coat and / or application of further, even full-surface transparent layers.

The at least one security element can be arranged on the security document or embedded in it. On a surface of the security document, the at least one security element is preferably applied by embossing using a transfer film or laminating film. An introduction within the security document preferably takes place already during the production of the security document. Thus, in the case of a security document made of paper, the at least one security element can already be introduced into the paper during papermaking. In the case of banknotes, the security element can also be generated only during the integration into the banknote. For example, this can be done by hot embossing a KINEGRAM® patch with a demetallization in the arrangement of the transparent openings of the mask layer, wherein on the other side of the banknote an exactly matching intaglio print is applied. In the region of the security element, this pressure has transparent openings which, in interaction with the transparent openings of the opposite mask layer, produce the desired optical effect in transmitted light. For ID documents, this can be Security element laminated in a layer composite of the security document or applied to the surface of the security document.

Further, it is also possible that the security element as such already forms a security document, which is, for example, a banknote, a security, a paper document, an identification card, in particular a passport or an ID or bank card. The security element can in this case also be constructed of different sub-elements, which are laminated together during the manufacturing process. It is thus possible, for example, that the at least one mask layer is formed by a flexible, multilayer film body which is applied as a laminating film or transfer layer of a transfer film to the luminescent layer of the security element. Optionally, transparent intermediate layers may also be present between the luminescent layer and the multilayered foil body. Furthermore, it is also possible that the masking layer and the luminescent layer are embedded between different layers of the security element.

Fig. 1

eine Draufsicht eines Sicherheitsdokuments mit einem auf einer Seite des Sicherheitsdokuments angeordneten Sicherheitselement;

Fig. 2

einen Schnitt des Sicherheitsdokuments von Fig. 1;

Fig. 3a

einen Schnitt eines Sicherheitselements;

Fig. 3b

eine Draufsicht des Sicherheitselements von Fig. 3a;

Fig. 4

einen Schnitt eines Sicherheitselements;

Fig. 5

optische Effekte des Sicherheitselements von Fig. 3;

Fig. 6

einen Schnitt eines weiteren Sicherheitselements;

Fig. 7

eine Draufsicht des Sicherheitselements von Fig. 6, sowie mit diesem Sicherheitselement erzielbare optische Effekte;

Fig. 8

einen Schnitt eines Sicherheitselements zur Realisierung einer Bildfolge;

Fig. 9

optische Effekte des Sicherheitselements von Fig. 8;

Fig. 10

eine Leuchtschicht in Form einer Pixelmatrix;

Fig. 11

eine Draufsicht auf ein Ausführungsbeispiel einer Leuchtschicht und einer darauf abgestimmten Maskenschicht;

Fig. 12

eine Seitenansicht von verschiedenen Anordnungen von Leuchtschicht und Maskenschicht zur Erläuterung von "cross-talk";

Fig. 13

eine Draufsicht auf verschiedene Anordnungen von Leuchtschicht und Maskenschicht zur Erläuterung der Winkelausrichtung;

Fig. 14

eine Seitenansicht von verschiedenen Anordnungen von Leuchtschicht und Maskenschicht zur Erläuterung des Winkelabstands;

Fig. 15

Seiten- und Draufsicht auf eine Anordnung von Leuchtschicht und Maskenschicht zur Realisierung eines stereoskopischen Bilds;

Fig. 16

zwei berechnete Halbbilder eines Würfels;

Fig. 17

eine Anordnung zur Realisierung von Anaglyphenbildern;

Fig. 18

eine weitere Anordnung von Leuchtschicht und Maskenschicht zur Realisierung eines stereoskopischen Bilds;

Fig. 19a

eine Leuchtschicht und Maskenschicht zur Realisierung einer Moirévergrößerung;

Fig. 19b

eine Anordnung zur Realisierung einer Moirévergrößerung;

Fig. 20

optische Effekte einer Moirévergrößerung;

Fig. 21a

eine schematische Draufsicht auf ein Sicherheitsdokument;

Fig. 21b

eine schematische Schnittdarstellung eines Ausschnitts des Sicherheitsdokuments nach Fig. 21a;

Fig. 21c

eine schematische, vergrößerte Draufsicht auf eine Maskenschicht;

Fig. 21d

eine schematische, vergrößerte Draufsicht auf eine Maskenschicht;

Fig. 21e

eine schematische Schnittdarstellung eines Sicherheitsdokuments mit einem Sicherheitselement;

Fig. 21f und Fig. 21g

Fotos der von dem Sicherheitselement nach Fig. 21e bereitgestellten optischen Effekte;

Fig. 22

eine Zwischenschicht;

Fig. 23

eine weitere Zwischenschicht;

Fig. 24

einen Schnitt eines Sicherheitselements mit einer LEEC;

Fig. 25

einen Schnitt eines Sicherheitselements mit einer fluoreszierenden Zwischenschicht, welche durch ein in das Sicherheitselement integriertes OLED beleuchtet wird;

Fig. 26

einen Schnitt eines Sicherheitselements mit einer fluoreszierenden Zwischenschicht, welche durch eine externe Lampe beleuchtet wird;

Fig. 27a

einen Schnitt eines Sicherheitselements, bei der die Leuchtschicht und die Maskenschicht in einer Schicht kombiniert sind;

Fig. 27b

eine Schnittdarstellung eines Ausschnitts eines Sicherheitsdokuments mit einem Sicherheitselement;

Fig. 27c und Fig. 27d

Fotos des optischen Effekts des Sicherheitselements nach Fig. 27b;

Fig. 28

eine Anordnung zur Herstellung eines Sicherheitselements;

Fig. 29

einen Schnitt des Sicherheitselements, welches mit der in Fig. 29 gezeigten Anordnung hergestellt wurde;

Fig. 30

einen Schnitt einer Transferfolie; und

Fig. 31

ein Schema zum Betrachtungsabstand.

In the following the invention will be explained with reference to several embodiments with the aid of the accompanying drawings. It shows schematically and not to scale:

Fig. 1

a plan view of a security document with a arranged on one side of the security document security element;

Fig. 2

a section of the security document of Fig. 1 ;

Fig. 3a

a section of a security element;

Fig. 3b

a plan view of the security element of Fig. 3a ;

Fig. 4

a section of a security element;

Fig. 5

optical effects of the security element of Fig. 3 ;

Fig. 6

a section of another security element;

Fig. 7

a plan view of the security element of Fig. 6 , as well as with this security element achievable optical effects;

Fig. 8

a section of a security element for the realization of a sequence of images;

Fig. 9

optical effects of the security element of Fig. 8 ;

Fig. 10

a luminescent layer in the form of a pixel matrix;

Fig. 11

a plan view of an embodiment of a luminescent layer and a matching mask layer;

Fig. 12

a side view of different arrangements of luminescent layer and mask layer to illustrate "cross-talk";

Fig. 13

a plan view of various arrangements of the luminescent layer and mask layer for explaining the angular orientation;

Fig. 14

a side view of various arrangements of the luminescent layer and mask layer for explaining the angular distance;

Fig. 15

Side and top view of an arrangement of luminescent layer and mask layer for the realization of a stereoscopic image;

Fig. 16

two calculated fields of a cube;

Fig. 17

an arrangement for the realization of anaglyph images;

Fig. 18

another arrangement of luminescent layer and mask layer for the realization of a stereoscopic image;

Fig. 19a

a luminescent layer and mask layer for realizing a moire magnification;

Fig. 19b

an arrangement for realizing a Moirévergrößerung;

Fig. 20

optical effects of a moire magnification;

Fig. 21a

a schematic plan view of a security document;

Fig. 21b

a schematic sectional view of a section of the security document according to Fig. 21a ;

Fig. 21c

a schematic, enlarged plan view of a mask layer;

Fig. 21d

a schematic, enlarged plan view of a mask layer;

Fig. 21e

a schematic sectional view of a security document with a security element;

Fig. 21f and Fig. 21g

Photos of the security element Fig. 21e provided optical effects;

Fig. 22

an intermediate layer;

Fig. 23

another intermediate layer;

Fig. 24

a section of a security element with a LEEC;

Fig. 25

a section of a security element with a fluorescent intermediate layer, which is illuminated by an integrated into the security element OLED;

Fig. 26

a section of a security element with a fluorescent interlayer, which is illuminated by an external lamp;

Fig. 27a

a section of a security element in which the luminescent layer and the mask layer are combined in one layer;

Fig. 27b

a sectional view of a section of a security document with a security element;

Fig. 27c and Fig. 27d

Photos of the optical effect of the security element Fig. 27b ;

Fig. 28

an arrangement for producing a security element;

Fig. 29

a section of the security element, which with the in Fig. 29 shown arrangement has been produced;

Fig. 30

a section of a transfer film; and

Fig. 31

a scheme for viewing distance.

Fig. 1 shows a security document 100, on the view page, a security element 1, which is to make a forgery of the security document 100, is attached. The security element 1 comprises a mask layer 4 with transparent openings 41, 42 in the form of capital letters "I" and "S" and a luminescent layer 2 arranged between the mask layer 4 and the security document 100. The luminescent layer has a direction perpendicular to the xy plane rectangular outline, with the longer sides running in γ-direction.

Fig. 2 shows a section through the security element 1 along in Fig. 1 indicated line II-II. The security element 1 is formed by a flexible multi-layered film body, which is fixed with its underside 12 on one side of the security document 100, for example glued by means of an adhesive layer, and with its visible side 11 to a viewer 3 of Security element 1 points. The film body 1 comprises the luminescent layer 2, which can generate and emit light 20, and the mask layer 4, which completely covers the luminescent layer 2. The luminescent layer 2 and the mask layer 4 are spaced apart here at a distance h. The mask layer 4 comprises opaque areas 5 and transparent openings 41, 42. The observer 3, looking vertically from above onto the security element 1, can not perceive light which is emitted by the luminous layer 2, since this is viewed in the vertical direction of viewing, in FIG Fig. 2 indicated by a dot-dash line, is blocked by the middle opaque region 5 of the mask layer.

The distance h in this case is the distance between the underside of the mask layer 4 and the upper side of the luminescent layer 2, in particular the first zones of the luminescent layer, in which this light radiates or provides.

Only when the observer 3 pivots his viewing direction in the mathematically positive direction through the angle θ ₁ about the γ-axis, ie to the left in the drawing, does light pass through the transparent openings 41 in the form of the capital letter "I". The observer 3 perceives the luminous capital letter "I" in this viewing direction θ ₁ . When the observer 3 pivots his viewing direction in the mathematically negative direction through the angle θ ₂ about the γ axis, ie to the right in the drawing, light passes through the transparent openings 42 in the form of the capital letter "S". The viewer 3 thus perceives the luminous capital letter "S".

Depending on the viewing direction, a viewer 3 thus perceives either no information, first or second information. This embodiment of the invention thus provides the visual effect of the so-called "image flip".

Fig. 3a shows a section through a security element 1, which has a luminescent layer 2, formed of a plurality of periodic luminous elements 21 and parallel thereto at a distance h, a mask layer 4, which two various arrangements 41 and 42 of holes. In this case, each light-emitting element 21 is associated with an opening of each of the two arrangements 41 and 42, respectively. The light-emitting elements 21 are, for example, elongate LEDs whose longitudinal axis runs perpendicular to the plane of the drawing. The openings 41, 42 are likewise elongate openings with a rectangular outline whose longitudinal axis runs parallel to that of the lighting elements 21.

A plan view of the visible side of the security element 1 of Fig. 3a is in Fig. 3b shown, wherein the non-visible through the mask layer 4 light elements 21 are indicated by dashed lines. A lighting element 21 is laterally offset each associated with an opening of the arrangement 41, 42, so that a viewer 3 perceives the security element 1 perpendicular to the plane of the security element no light, but from a first angle light through the first arrangement 41 of the openings to the Eye of the beholder arrives. In a viewing direction pivoted in the opposite direction, light passes through the second array 42 of apertures to the viewer 3. For example, the first array 41 of apertures may be formed such that the light pattern indicates the viewer 3 capital letter A, while light passing through the openings of the second arrangement 42 reaches the observer 3, the observer 3 displays the capital letter B.

For example, the transparent openings may comprise demetalized areas in a metallized security element having conventional optically variable effects in reflection, e.g. Hologram, Kinegram® etc, be.

The transparent openings may alternatively contain suitable structures which, even without demetallization, have a significantly higher transmission than structures designed for reflection. These suitable structures must increase the transmission of the metal masking layer by at least 20%, preferably by at least 90%, and more preferably by at least 200%, compared to the areas around the transparent openings. Examples for the suitable structures are so-called sub-wavelength gratings with periods below 450nm, preferably below 400nm, and depths greater than 100nm, preferably greater than 200nm. FIG. 4 shows an exemplary schematic side view of a mask layer 4, which has in the openings 41 as sub-wavelength structures as described above formed relief structures 411. The pitch of the transparent openings 41 is p. Between the openings 41, the mask layer 4 has relief structures 412, which generate optically variable effects in reflection, but at the same time do not increase or only insignificantly increase the transmission through the metal layer. By way of example, the relief structure 412 has sinusoidal gratings, mirror surfaces and / or blazed gratings whose spatial frequency is preferably between 100 and 2000 lines / mm.

Fig. 5a shows a plan view of the security element 1 of Fig. 3 when the luminescent layer 2 is inactive, ie does not emit or provide light. In this case, the information that is present in the form of the openings of the mask layer 4 in the security element is not visible, so to speak "borrowed". Only a conventional reflection hologram 30, which partially covers the luminescent layer 2 and represents the letters "OK" as a security feature, is visible. A metallic reflection layer of the reflection hologram 30 serves as a mask layer 4 of the security element 1.

Fig. 5b to 5d show optical effects of the security element when the luminescent layer 2 is active, ie emits or provides light. Fig. 5b shows the optical effect of the security element 1 when viewed perpendicularly the plane of the security element 1. In this case, ie when viewed vertically, the light emitted from the luminescent layer 2 towards the viewer is blocked by opaque areas of the mask layer 4, so that the viewer does not perceive light in the area of the mask layer 4. The observer only perceives light in the region of the luminous layer 2 which is not covered by the mask layer 4. In addition, the reflection hologram 30 partially covering the luminescent layer 2 is visible.

Fig. 5c and 5d show the optical effect of the security element 1 when viewed obliquely the plane of the security element 1. In these cases, the information that is present in the form of the openings 41, 42 of the mask layer 4 in the security element 1, visible. In addition, with suitable illumination, the reflection hologram 30, which partially covers the luminescent layer 2, is visible. Fig. 5c shows the visual effect of the security element 1 when viewed from the left: the letter "A" is visible. Fig. 5d shows the optical effect of the security element 1 when viewed from the right: the letter "B" is visible. When the viewing angle changes, different information appears, in this example either A or B, since light beams having different exit angles are respectively transmitted through the mask layer 4. Even in very darkened rooms this letter flip / picture change is easily recognizable.

The colors in which the information appears are determined by the luminescent layer 2, but may be changed by colored, fluorescent, phosphorescent and other layers that can cause a change in a light color and lie between the luminescent layer 2 and the viewer.

Fig. 6 shows a section through another security element 1. The section corresponds essentially to the in FIG. 3 shown section, however, are in FIG. 6 the openings 41, 42 of different lengths, as in Fig. 7 shown. The first arrangement 41 of openings comprises in the in 7a ) shown portion of the luminous element a total of three openings, which are arranged on the left side of the lighting elements 21. The second arrangement 42 of openings comprises in this section a total of five short openings, which are each arranged on the right side of the lighting elements 21. If a viewer looks at the security element in a first angular position A, as in FIG FIG. 6 represented by the light, which passes through the long openings 41 from the light-emitting element 21 to the viewer, it appears to him a square as in FIG. 7b shown. On the other hand, if the viewer looks from an angular position B, as in

FIG. 6 Thus, the light passing from the light elements 21 through the short openings 42 to the eye of the observer forms a continuous, narrow band, as in FIG FIG. 7c shown. When changing between positions A and B, a viewer accordingly perceives a change between the two images 7b and 7c. This requires a phase shift of the apertures of the second image compared to the apertures of the first image. If the luminous elements 21 are formed multicolored, each of the two different, different images can be displayed in a separate color, for example as a green square and a yellow stripe. When the security element 1 is viewed perpendicular to the plane of the security element 1, the observer does not perceive any light from the luminous elements 21. In this case, the security element 1 appears to him dark, or merely perceives a security feature that is placed on the opaque areas of the mask layer 4. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the illustrated images, ie the square and the solid stripe, represent only two arbitrary examples. Other possibilities for images are, for example, texts, logos or images whose resolution depends on the grid of the luminous elements 21 and the openings 41, 42.

Fig. 8 shows a section through a security element 1 for the realization of a sequence of images. A sequence of images is created completely analogously to an image change: instead of a change between two images A and B, a sequence of several images A, B, C, D and E is realized, which are perceivable successively when the security element is tilted from left to right, like in FIG. 8 shown around the longitudinal axis of the lighting elements 21st

Fig. 8 shows a luminescent layer 2 with separate luminous elements 21, over which a mask layer 4 is arranged at a vertical distance h, which has five arrangements 41 to 45 of openings. Over a single light-emitting element 21, in each case one opening of each arrangement 41 to 45 is arranged in a symmetrical arrangement. Since only every other luminous element 21 of the luminous layer 2 is activated or provides light, neighboring active ones have Luminous elements 21 a lateral distance of 2 xp, where, for example p = 200 microns. The openings are respectively structured, ie formed either opaque or transparent, that the entirety of the openings of an array 41 to 45 generates the desired light image. If the openings, as in Fig. 8 are shown, in the form of capital letters A to E, a viewer 3 sees the light 20 of each luminous element 21 from left to right as each security element 1 is tilted through each successive opening 41-45, with a different luminous image from each viewing angle he is perceived. If the observer 3 tilts the security element 1 in the opposite direction, the images E to A appear in succession, ie in the reverse order. The number of images that can be displayed in such an image sequence and the complexity of each individual image are limited by the resolution of the mask layer 4 and the geometry of the combination of the luminous layer 2 and the mask layer 4.

Fig. 9 shows a security document 100, on which a luminescent layer 2 is partially covered by a reflection hologram 30, wherein a metallic reflection layer of the reflection hologram 30 simultaneously serves as a mask layer 4 for the security element 1. In the lower part of FIG. 9 is the image sequence, as already in Fig. 8 has been shown in a top view of the security document 100. The result is a sequence of capital letters A to E.

Fig. 10 shows a light-emitting luminescent layer in the form of a pixel matrix consisting of individual pixels 21, which emit red, green or blue light, respectively. The matrix consists of lines in the x-direction and columns in the y-direction. Each pixel 21 has a dimension of 0.045 mm in the x direction and 0.194 mm in the y direction in this example. The pixels are arranged in a periodic grid with a period of 0.07 mm in the x-direction and 0.210 mm in the y-direction. The color sequence within a line is red (= R), green (= G), blue (= B), while in a column only one color at a time occurs. Preferably, the individual pixels 21 are designed as LEDs, for example as an OLED.

The registration of the pixel matrix to the mask layer can also be done by software. In this case, it is measured at which combination of luminous pixels the desired effect with the mask layer is optimal. Alternatively, the display may display a sequence of combinations of luminous pixels, with the aim that one of the combinations is as close to optimum as possible.

Another possible embodiment of a luminescent layer in the form of a pixel matrix is a matrix arrangement of 128 × 128 pixels (RGB) with overall dimensions of the matrix of 33.8 mm × 33.8 mm.

Another possible embodiment of a luminescent layer is a whole-area OLED. Such OLEDs can, for example, illuminate over the whole area to 10 mm × 10 mm. Common shades of OLEDs are currently green, red or white.

It is possible for a mask layer to be arranged in the form of a film over one of the above-described luminescent layers, wherein the distance between the luminescent layer and the mask layer may be approximately 0.7 mm. A smaller distance is for most applications but more advantageous as later with reference to Fig. 22 will be explained in more detail.

Fig. 11 shows an embodiment of a luminescent layer 2 ( Fig. 11a ) and a mask layer 4 ( Fig. 11b) with which colored images can be created. With such a structure of the luminescent layer 2 and mask layer 4, it is even possible to produce various optical effects for different colors. FIG. 11a shows a plan view of a matrix consisting of pixels 21, which are divided into rows in the x-direction and columns in the y-direction. The distances and dimensions correspond to those in FIG. 10 represented matrix. The individual pixels are controlled in such a way that in a row only pixels of a single Color light radiate, ie in the top line only the red pixels 21 R light up in the underlying line only green pixels 21G light up, in the line below only blue pixels 21 B light up and in the bottom line, at the beginning of a new cycle, again only red pixels 21 R light up. In the FIG. 11b The mask layer shown has a different arrangement of openings for each of the colors R, G and B, ie for the red pixels 21 R the arrangements 41 and 42, for the green pixels 21 G the arrangements 43 and 44 and for the blue pixels the arrangements 45 and 46.

Since an opening for each pixel or group of pixels can be formed completely independently of the other openings, a different effect can be generated for each light color R, G and B. In this way, an observer perceives an effect resulting from the interaction of the red light elements 21 R with the "red" openings 41, 42 when the red pixels 21 R associated with these openings 41 and 42 are activated. A completely different optical effect occurs when the blue pixels 21B are activated, etc. In this way it is possible, e.g. to produce "color fast" 3-D images. In this type of embodiment of the luminescent layer and the mask layer, an alignment in the x and y direction is necessary, so that the correct openings 41 to 46 come to lie above the corresponding luminous elements 21.

Fig. 12a illustrates a problem referred to as "cross-talk" in that light emitted or provided by two adjacent light-emitting elements 21a and 21b passes through the same openings 41 and 42 to a viewer 3. Looking at the FIG. 12a exactly, it can be seen that in the angular position A of the observer receives light from the first light-emitting element 21 a, which passes through the opening 41 to the viewer, which is associated with the first light-emitting element 21 a. In the case of an only slightly changed angular position B, the observer 2 receives light from the neighboring luminous element 21b, which passes through the opening 42 to the observer 3, which is likewise assigned to the first luminous element 21a. The fact that light of the second lighting element 21b by the first lighting element 21 a associated opening 42 passes is referred to by the technical term "cross-talk". One solution to this problem is in FIG. 12b shown. The solution is that the distance between the light elements is increased. This can be achieved, for example, by activating only every second or every third row of luminous elements 21. At the in FIG. 12b As shown, the light-emitting element 21b has been deactivated, so that no cross-talk can occur between the two adjacent light-emitting elements 21a and 21b. Although it is indicated that a cross-talk between the two luminous elements 21 a and 21 c may occur because light from the luminous element 21 c can pass through the opening 42, which is associated with the first luminous element 21 a, however, in this case the cross -talk only at a significantly larger change in the viewing angle, ie when changing the viewing angle of the position A to the position B. Such a large change in the viewing angle is not unintentional, so that the risk of unwanted cross-talks is not given here As an alternative to increasing the spacing of the luminous elements, the distance or the period of the transparent openings can also be increased. This also has the effect of reducing the cross-talk.

Fig. 13 illustrates a problem with angular alignment. FIG. 13a shows a plan view of a luminescent layer consisting of a grid of separate light-emitting elements 21, which are arranged uniformly in rows and columns. The dimensions and dimensions of the individual lighting elements 21 correspond to those of FIG. 10 , FIG. 13b shows a plan view of a mask layer 4 with an array of line-shaped openings 41, which are arranged in a grid with a distance of 0.210 mm. The luminescent layer 2 thus consists of light-imitating lines 21 with a pitch of 210 microns and the mask layer consists of linear window openings, also with a pitch of 210 microns. A security element is formed in which the mask layer 4 is arranged above the luminescent layer 2. If the luminescent layer 2 and the mask layer 4 are aligned correctly with each other, ie, so that a maximum Transmission results, the openings 41 of the mask layer 4 are completely parallel to the extending in the y-direction columns of the luminescent layer 2. Further, the lateral position, ie the positioning of the mask layer 4 upwards and downwards as to the left and to the right, in the Plane level aligned with the center columns 21 of the luminescent layer 2, as in FIG. 13c shown. If the angular orientation of the mask layer 4 differs only slightly from the correct position with respect to the luminescent layer 2, only a small amount of light passes through the mask layer, as in FIG FIG. 13d shown. When producing a security element according to the invention, it is therefore necessary to align the mask layer 4 with the luminescent layer 2, both laterally and with respect to the angle. Preferably, the angular orientation of the mask layer 4 with respect to the luminescent layer 2 is better than 0.5 °, in particular better than 0.1 °.

For producing such security elements, e.g. for ID cards, it may therefore be advantageous to perform an active positioning during the manufacturing process. It is conceivable to control, in a production method, the angular and / or positionally accurate arrangement of the mask layer 4 and intermediate layer 6 or luminous layer 2 relative to one another via an image recognition which evaluates the optical effect in the case of backlighting or switched-on luminous layer. It is also possible to provide mask layers with built-in alignment marks in the production in order to simplify the angular and lateral register accuracy of the mask layer with respect to the single luminous elements of the luminescent layer.

Fig. 14 illustrates a problem regarding the angular separation of images. Figure 14a shows a section of a security element 1 comprising a luminescent layer 2 with individual luminous elements 21 arranged at a lateral distance p and a mask layer arranged above them with a first 41 and a second 42 arrangement of openings, so that light from a luminous element 21 is at two predetermined angular positions A and B through the openings 41, 42 through to the eye a viewer 3 can get. The angle θ, which indicates the exit angle of the light from a luminous element 21 through an associated opening 41, 42, is in addition to the lateral distance s, the openings 41, 42 associated with the luminous element 21 also from the vertical distance h between the mask layer and the Luminous layer 2 determined. For a security element 1 with the exemplary dimensions p = 200 μm, h = 200 μm and s = 120 μm, the angle θ = arctan (60 μm / 200 μm) = 16.7 °. For the two images A and B thus results in a total angular distance of about 34 °, which represents a practicable angular distance. However, if the cover layer of the luminescent layer 2 is considerably thicker, ie if the vertical distance h assumes substantially greater values, the situation changes.

FIG. 14b shows such an arrangement in which the vertical distance h with respect to the in Figure 14a shown embodiment is considerably larger. If h = 600 μm, for example, the exit angle changes to the following value: β = arctan (60 μm / 600 μm) = 5.7 °. This means that for large vertical distances h between the luminescent layer 2 and the mask layer 4, the angle β becomes relatively small and not ergonomic. For large distances of the luminous elements 21 from the window openings 41, 42, it is advantageous to use only every second row of luminous elements 21, or even only every third or fourth row. Usually, the ratio s / h, ie the quotient of the lateral distance s and the vertical distance h in the range of 1/5 to 10. Preferably, the ratio s / h in the range of 1/3 to 4. In addition, this problem be substantially improved when the mask layer 4 is simultaneously an electrode of the luminescent layer 2, a configuration which will be explained in more detail below. In such an embodiment, the distance between the luminescent layer 2 and the mask layer 4 is significantly less than that in FIG FIG. 14b shown embodiment.

Fig. 15 shows in the upper part of a section of a mask layer 4, which is viewed by a viewer with a left eye 3l and a right eye 3r. In the direction behind the mask layer is a luminous layer 2 with separate luminous elements 21R, 21B, each radiating or providing either red light R or blue light B. These luminous elements 21 R, 21 B may be formed, for example, as an LED pixel. The solid lines 31 indicate the limits of the field of vision of the eyes 3l, 3r. For the observer 3, two cylindrical objects O1, 02 seem to float in the direction of observation in front of the mask layer 4. The first object O1 is red, closer to the observer 3l, 3r and smaller than the other, blue object 02, which hovers in the viewing direction to the right of the first object O1. The observer 3l, 3r has the impression of a 3D image. This stereoscopic image is effected by an embodiment of the mask layer 4, in which the observer's left eye 3l receives information other than his right eye 3r. The dashed or solid lines 20 indicate the course of light beams of red or blue light, which passes from the light-emitting elements 21 R, 21 B through the mask layer 4 to the eyes 31, 3r of the observer.

Fig. 15 shows in the lower part of a plan view of the mask layer 4, wherein for ease of illustration, each associated with an eye 3l, 3r arrangement of openings 411, 42l and 41 r, 42r is shown in a separate partial image. The top plan view Bl of the mask layer 4 shows the position of the openings 41l, 42l which allow light intended for the left eye 31 to pass to the left eye 3l. The lower plan view Br of the mask layer 4 shows the position of the openings 41 r, 42 r, which allow light intended for the right eye 3 r to pass to the right eye 3 l. The two narrower openings 41l, 41r allow red light R from red luminous elements to reach the observer, the two wider openings 42l, 42r blue light B from luminous elements illuminating blue. The position of the openings 41l, 42l and 41 r, 42r on the mask layer 4 in the lower part of Fig. 15 is obtained by the intersections of the light beams 20 with the cut mask layer 4 shown in the upper part of Fig. 15 vertically in the lower part of the Fig. 15 be transmitted. These transmission lines - solid or dashed - are given without reference numerals.

In the mask layer 4, the openings 41l, 42l, 41r, 42r are thus matched with different luminous elements of a luminescent layer 2 arranged in the viewing direction behind the mask layer 4 in such a way that the left eye 3l has the partial image identified as B1 and the right eye 3r the one marked Br Subscreen appears. By superimposing both partial images Bl, Br, which are perceived by one of the two eyes 3l and 3r respectively, in the brain of a viewer, the observer has the impression of a 3-dimensional arrangement of the two objects O1 and 02. A viewing distance becomes similar the normal reading distance, so about 20 to 40 cm, assumed.

The arrangements for displaying 3-dimensional, i. stereoscopic images, is basically analogous to the realization of an image flip ("image flip").

The classic way to generate stereo images is to use a special two-eyed stereoscopic camera. However, it is easier to model an object in the computer and calculate the two fields perceived by the left and right eyes. This procedure is schematic in FIG. 16 shown by a cube with dimensions of 20 mm x 20 mm is shown. It is assumed that the left and right eyes are 80 mm apart, and that the eyes are 300 mm away from the cube and are raised 60 mm vertically above the center of the cube. FIG. 16 shows the two fields, which were calculated under these geometric conditions using the software Mathematica ^® .

A common method, the two pictures, as in FIG. 16 The two fields generated by the red and green luminous elements 21 R, 21 G are presented superimposed, wherein the left image is colored red R and the right green G is colored, as in FIG. 17 shown. For such a stereoscopic view you need a special pair of glasses, the left glass colored red and the right glass is dyed green.

Since you can not see a red image through a red-colored glass and vice versa, each eye 31, 3r only one field at a time, so that you can generate a stereoscopic impression. This method works very well on computer monitors. There are several possible combinations, e.g. red / green or green / red or red / cyan or blue / red etc.

To generate such a stereoscopic image with a security element according to an embodiment of the present invention, the two partial images are transferred in raster fashion to the mask layer 4, for example by demetallizing an OVD whose metallic reflection layer serves as mask layer 4. In this way, the mask layer 4 receives openings at those points which allow light from the luminous elements 21 to reach the left eye 3l or the right eye 3r of a viewer, so that the respective stereoscopic field can be perceived by the observer, as shown schematically in FIG FIG. 18 shown. This procedure is analogous to the calculations needed for an anaglyph image. In this case, the window openings 41 of the mask layer 4 determine the pixels that are each seen by an eye 31, 3r. The same challenges remain as for example cross-talk or resolution etc. for this variant as well as for the variants explained above, whereby the possible solutions are similar.

Fig. 19a illustrates the construction of a security element for realizing a moiré magnification effect, which is also known by the technical terms "shape moire" or "band moire".
According to one embodiment of the present invention, a moiré magnification arrangement is realized with the following structure: Here, a revealing layer formed by a luminescent layer 2 with linear first zones 211, in which the luminescent layer 2 can emit or provide light, is formed below a base layer through a mask layer 4 with periodically arranged and identical openings 41 of a particular shape. The first zones 211 are here separated from each other by one or more second zones 212, in which the luminescent layer can not emit or provide light. The first zones 211 are preferably each formed by one or more light-emitting elements. So shows Fig. 19a a corresponding representation in which the first zones 211 are each formed by a line-shaped light-emitting element 21, whose emission area has a linear shape, and which forms one of the first zones 211.

FIG. 19a shows the serving as an emitter layer luminescent layer 2 and the mask layer 4 arranged above, wherein the openings 41 of the mask layer 4 each show the letter combination OK. The term "above" is to be understood as the usual convention in the direction of observation. The mask layer 4 is located in the viewing direction above, ie in front of the luminous layer 2. In the lower part of FIG. 19a the resulting visual impression is isolated: The form OK appears enlarged to a viewer, and depending on the viewing direction, an apparent movement of the form OK in the vertical direction (indicated by the arrows) results.

Fig. 19b shows the geometric arrangement of in FIG. 19a The two layers 2 and 4 are separated from each other by a vertical distance h, the period p _{e of} the grid according to which the first zones 211 and the luminous elements 21 of the luminous layer 2 are arranged. is typically in the range of 10 to 500 microns, preferably 50 to 300 microns, for example p _e = 0.21 mm. The raster according to which the apertures ("images") 41 of the mask layer 4 are arranged has a period p _l of 0.22 mm. A viewer 3 of the security element 1 then perceives enlarged images of the openings 41, which are tilted down in comparison to the original openings 41, with a size p _m of about 5 mm: $$p_m=-\frac{p_i\cdot p_e}{p_i-p_e}=-\frac{0.22\mathit{mm}\cdot 0.21\mathit{mm}}{0.22\mathit{mm}-0.21\mathit{mm}}=-4.6\mathit{mm}$$

Fig. 19b shows the openings 41 in black to simplify the geometric representation of the luminescent layer 2 and mask layer 4. It is clear that in reality, in the preferred embodiment, the openings 41 are transparent and surrounded by opaque areas.

Furthermore, it is also possible that in the mask layer 4, the in Fig. 19b in black color areas are opaque and the surrounding areas are transparent and form the openings 41.
If the luminous elements 21 of the luminous layer 2 are not active or provide no light, a viewer 3 does not perceive the images 41. Only when the luminescent layer 2 is activated and emits or provides light does the observer 3 see the word "OK". This image is formed by the light rays that leave the light-emitting elements 21 in the angular direction to the eye of the observer 3 and are transmitted through the micro-images 41. When the security element 1 is tilted from left to right about an axis along the longitudinal axis of the light emitting elements 21, light beams having different angles are transmitted through the micro images 41, and the formed enlarged image appears to move, as in FIG FIG. 19a indicated below.

Fig. 20 schematically shows optical effects of a Moirévergrößerung, with the already in connection with the FIGS. 19a and 19b explained security element 1 are possible. Fig. 20a shows a view of a security document 100, such as an ID card on which the security element 1 is applied. In Fig. 20a the luminescent layer is inactive, ie no light is emitted or provided. In this case, the information that is present in the form of the openings of the mask layer in the security element 1, not visible, virtually "hidden". This information is preferably in the form of microimages, which when illuminated by the luminescent layer can be enlarged due to the Moire Magnifier effect.

Fig. 20b to 20d show optical effects of the security element 1 when the luminescent layer is active, ie emits or provides light. In these cases, the information that is present in the form of the openings of the mask layer in the security element, visible.

Fig. 20c shows the optical effect of the security element when viewed perpendicularly the plane of the security element 1 from above. Fig. 20c shows the optical effect of the security element 1, when viewed from the left, and Fig. 20d shows the optical effect of the security element 1, when viewed from the right: with a change in the viewing angle, the information seems to move, since light beams with different exit angles are respectively transmitted through the mask layer.

Further, it is also possible that the security element has an inverse construction to that of the figures Fig. 19a and Fig. 19b has explained structure. Thus, it is possible that the mask layer 4 forms the revealing layer and has, for example, a sequence of linear openings in the mask layer 4, and the luminescent layer 2 forms the base layer. For example, it is possible for the luminescent layer 2 to have a multiplicity of first zones in which the luminescent layer can emit or provide light and which are each shaped in the form of a microimage. For example, it is possible that these first zones according to the openings 41 of the mask layer 4 after Fig. 19a are formed and surrounded by a second zone of the luminescent layer, in which the luminescent layer does not emit light or can emit or provide no light. Further, it is for example possible that the openings in the mask layer, the linear shape of the lighting elements 21 according to Fig. 19 and thus the openings in the mask layer according to the in Fig. 19a shown sequence of first zones 211 are formed and arranged, which is based on the figures FIGS. 19a to 20d explained effect in an analogous manner.

Fig. 21a and Fig. 21b show a security document 100 with a security element 1, which has such a structure: The security element 1 has a substrate 7, which is provided on its one side with the mask layer 4 and on the other side with a luminescent layer 2. The mask layer 4 in this case has a plurality of openings 41, which as in Fig. 21 a shown have a line or strip-shaped shape and are arranged according to a periodic grid. Further, a luminescent layer 2 is provided, which has a plurality of first zones, in which the luminescent layer 2 can emit or provide light and which are each formed in the form of a microimage. The first zones are also preferably arranged according to a periodic grid, for example, arranged according to a periodic one-dimensional grid. The periods of the grids preferably correspond to the preceding with reference to the figures Fig. 19a and Fig. 19b explained relationships.

The mask layer 4 is in the embodiment after Fig. 21 a and Fig. 21b preferably formed by a printing layer, which is printed for example by intaglio printing, offset printing, gravure printing or screen printing.

If the security document 100 is formed, for example, by a banknote or an ID document, then this banknote is preferably formed such that the carrier substrate of the banknote or ID card has a transparent window which is overprinted on the one side with the mask layer 4. On the back of this transparent window, the luminescent layer 2 is then applied, for example applied in the form of a laminating film or the transfer layer of a transfer film.

If the security document is an ID card, the light-emitting elements are preferably arranged between two layers, of which the front is transparent. Above the light-emitting elements, a print which forms the mask layer is then preferably applied, preferably applied to the upper surface of the card body.

The security document 100 is preferably a polymer banknote, which has as a carrier substrate a transparent plastic film, for example a BOPP film with a layer thickness between 70 and 150 μm. This carrier substrate then preferably forms the substrate 7 of the security element 1. This carrier substrate is then printed on both sides to provide the corresponding design of the banknote. In this printing, a window 101 is recessed, which, for example, the in Fig. 21a has shown strip-shaped shape and extends over the entire width of the bill. On one side of the banknote 101 is then the mask layer 4, as in FIG Fig. 21a shown, preferably applied by printing. On the opposite side of the security document 100 is then applied a film element, for example a laminating film or a transfer layer of a transfer film, which provides the luminescent layer 2 in a region 102 of the security document 100 and, for example, provides another security element in a further region 103, for example a Kinegram® provides. In this case, the mask layer 4 is preferably imprinted before the luminescent layer 2 is applied in order to exclude damage to the luminescent layer 2 as much as possible during the printing process. However, it is also possible first to apply the luminescent layer 2 and only then to print the mask layer 4.

Fig. 21e shows a further example of a security element 1, which is introduced into a window of a security document, in particular a banknote. Both the mask layer 4 and the luminescent layer 2 are applied as a film element, for example a laminating film or a transfer layer of a transfer film. Fig. 21e shows this with reference to a schematic side view of a banknote with a transparent core ie transparent Substrate 7, which optionally, as in Fig. 21e shown, may be provided with a printing layer 104, which may be formed for example by an RGB Intaglio-pressure. Visible light of an external light source, for example a white luminous ceiling lamp, illuminates the security element 1 from the rear side. The light strikes the luminescent layer 2 - eg the protective layer of a Kinegram patch - and passes the light on to the intermediate layer 6 with the transparent openings in the form of moire information. The intermediate layer in this example is a metallized patch with demetallized areas forming the transparent openings. The light partially penetrates the intermediate layer 6, the transparent core of the substrate (in this case a polymer bank note) and the mask layer 4 through the transparent openings, thereby producing the desired effect, eg moiré enlargements and / or movements.

Photos of the optical effect exhibiting incident light or transmitted light viewing of the security element 1 are shown in the figures Fig. 21f and Fig. 21g shown. The figure Fig. 21f shows a photo of the provided by the security element 1 optical effect in incident light observation. It is the optically variable appearance of a Kinegram® patch in reflection to see, which provides a first optical security feature 110. Fig. 21g shows the optical effect of the security element 1 when viewed against a light background. Here, an optically variable effect in the form of a moire magnification of stars is visible, which provides a second optical security feature 120.

Further, it is advantageous to encode in the mask layer 4 still another piece of information. So it is possible, for example, as in Fig. 21c shown, the mask layer 4 only in a patterned area, here in the area of a portrait, and / or the width of the openings 41 of the mask layer 4 and / or the width of the arranged between the openings 41 of the mask layer 4 portions of the mask layer for generating a Halftone to vary, as exemplified in Fig. 21c represents is. Preferably, the mask layer is formed in the form of a line grid, wherein the period and shape of the lines is chosen, for example, such that it interacts with the microimages formed in the luminous layer to generate the effects described above and the line width or line thickness determines the gray value of the image.

Next it is also possible, as in Fig. 21d shown to make the mask layer 4 as a multi-color printing. Fig. 21d shows a corresponding embodiment of such a mask layer. The opaque areas of the mask layer 4 between the openings 41 here have a linear shape, wherein the color of the mask layer 4 along these lines in the color or hue varies, so as in Fig. 21d Generate shown multicolor image. For example, as in Fig. 21d shown, a part of these line-shaped or strip-shaped opaque areas between the openings 41 in a first color or a first hue 43 and a second part in a different second color or hue 44 is formed.

The luminescent layer 2 can, as already above with respect to FIGS. 19a to 20d have executed, a plurality of separate light-emitting elements, the emission area, ie the area in which the respective light emitting elements can emit or provide light, respectively forms one of the first zones, and thus each formed in the form of a microimage. Furthermore, it is also possible that the luminescent layer 2 has a mask layer which is not provided in the region of the first zones and is provided in the region of the second zone or the second zones. Thus, for example, it is possible that the luminescent layer 2 has a metallic layer which is demetallized in the region of the first zones, ie is not provided there, and is provided in the region of the second zones, and thus causes the luminescent layer provided by the luminescent layer radiated light is provided or emitted only in the first zones, but is not provided or transmitted in the second zones. Furthermore, it is also possible that this mask layer the Reflection layer for a security feature provided in the luminescent layer in reflection, for example, a diffractive surface relief, forms and is thus provided by the luminescent layer even an additional, eg diffractive, security feature.

As already stated above, it is possible here for a multiplicity of first zones to be shaped in the form of the microimages and arranged according to a grid, i. upon providing or emitting light through the luminescent layer 2, the microimages appear bright against a dark background. Furthermore, however, it is also possible that the luminescent layer has a plurality of second zones which are each formed in the form of a microimage and are arranged according to the grid. In this case, the photomicrographs appear dark in front of a bright background in providing light through the luminescent layer.

In this case, it is also possible that the luminescent layer 2 is designed such that it provides the light incident on the rear side of the security document in the region of the first zones, so that with appropriate backlighting the above example with reference to the figures Fig. 21a to Fig. 21d explained effect is generated and in reflected light observation generated by the additional structuring of the mask layer optical information, for example, according to Fig. 21a bis- and Fig. 21g generated optical information and / or the optical information provided by the diffractive relief structure of the luminescent layer 2 becomes visible.

In the comments after Fig. 19a to Fig. 21g Embodiments are explained in which the openings of the mask layer and the first and second zones of the luminescent layer are arranged according to a periodic, one-dimensional grid. It is also also possible that the openings 41 of the mask layer 4 and the first and second zones 211 and 212 of the luminescent layer 2 according to a two-dimensional grid, or according to a geometrically transformed grid, for example, wavy or arranged radially symmetrically extending raster. Furthermore, it is also possible that these rasters are not periodic rasters and, for example, the raster width of one or both of these rasters varies in at least one spatial direction and / or the alignment between these rasters is varied. As a result, as already mentioned above, interesting optically variable effects can be generated.

Fig. 22 shows a section of a security element, which has a luminescent layer 2, a mask layer 4 with 2 arrangements 41, 42 of openings and between the luminescent layer 2 and the mask layer 4 arranged intermediate layer 6 with transparent openings 61. The luminescent layer 2 is a full-surface non-pixellated transparent OVD or a full-area OLED, so that the intermediate layer 6 limits the light 20 emitted by the luminescent layer 2 to specific positions 61 that are matched to the mask layer 4. The openings 61 of the intermediate layer 6 form, as it were, a linear arrangement of emitters tuned to the mask layer 4, which in turn emit light 20 by forwarding the light 20 obtained from the luminous layer 2 in the direction of the mask layer 4. By adjusting the vertical distances h between the mask layer 4 and the intermediate layer 6 and H between the intermediate layer 6 and the luminescent layer 2, the exit angles to the viewing positions A and B can be adjusted. Furthermore, the strength of the possible "cross talk" is determined.

Fig. 23 schematically shows an intermediate layer 6 which is arranged between a mask layer 4 and a luminescent layer 2 present as a pixel grid 21. In this context, the interlayer is useful for solving the problem of angular resolution and cross-talk with pixellated luminescent layers. The reason is that the vertical distance h between the intermediate layer 6 and the mask layer 4 can be much smaller than the vertical distance H between the intermediate layer 6 and the luminous layer 2. This is particularly useful when the luminous layer 2 is covered by a thick layer is, for example H = 0.7 mm, so that a large vertical distance between the Luminous layer 2 and the mask layer 4 is present. It may also be useful here if the transparent openings 61 of the intermediate layer 6 have a matt material such that the light which arrives from the luminous layer 2 at the intermediate layer 6 diffuses diffusely.

Fig. 24 shows a section through a security element 1, which has a luminescent layer 2 and a mask layer 4 arranged above, wherein between the luminescent layer 2 and the mask layer 4, an intermediate layer 6 is arranged with an array of transparent openings 61. The mask layer 4 has an arrangement 41 of transparent openings and is realized by a pressure layer or metal layer. The mask layer 4 is applied to a substrate 7, which consists for example of a plastic film. In the present example, the substrate 7 consists of a 23 μm thick PET film. On the opposite side of the substrate 7, the luminescent layer 2 is arranged, which is formed for example as LEEC. The luminescent layer 2 has two electrode layers 22, 23, wherein the electrode layer 22 lying toward the mask layer 4 has openings 61 and thus simultaneously acts as an intermediate layer 6. The electrode layer 22 is formed as a patterned aluminum or gold electrode. The first and second electrode layers 22, 23 preferably have a layer thickness in the range from 1 nm to 500 nm. In this case, the electrode layers 22, 23 may be opaque or at least locally transparent. To form the electrode layers 22, 23, there are metals or metal alloys such as aluminum, silver, gold, chromium, copper or the like, conductive non-metallic inorganic materials such as indium-tin oxide (= ITO) and the like, carbon nanotubes and conductive polymers such as PEDOT, PANI and PEDOT = poly (3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene; PANI = polyaniline) The formation of the electrode layers takes place in particular when forming metallic or non-metallic inorganic electrode layers, preferably by vapor deposition or sputtering or in particular during the formation of polymeric electrode layers by conventional printing processes such as screen printing. high pressure Gravure or a squeegee. But even the use of a transfer film for the use of electrode layers by embossing is possible.

In the present example, in which the electrodes are formed of metal, their layer thickness is chosen so that no or very little light can pass through the electrodes, except through the transparent openings 61. The great advantage of this embodiment is that the distance h between the intermediate layer 6 and the mask layer 4 can be made very small. In addition, it is possible that the two electrode layers, in the areas where there are no transparent openings 61, i. where no light can escape anyway, is formed with an electrical insulator material 24 which electrically separates the two electrode layers 22, 23, e.g. by patterned pressure. As a result, unnecessary heating of the film due to light generation is avoided if the light can not leave the self-luminous luminescent layer 2 anyway. The lateral distance d between the edges of a hole in the upper electrode 22 and the edge of the closest isolator 24 is in the range of 1 .mu.m to 100 .mu.m, preferably between 5 .mu.m and 20 .mu.m.

FIG. 25 shows a further embodiment of a security element, which in addition to a luminescent layer 2 and a mask layer 4 has an intermediate layer 6. Between the intermediate layer 6 and the mask layer 4, the substrate 7 is arranged, which is a substrate that absorbs, for example, blue light, for example, a colored polyethylene film (PET film) having a thickness of 23 microns. The luminescent layer 2 has two electrodes 22, 23, which are formed as ITO or semitransparent Al or Ag electrodes. Alternatively, a conductive polymer such as PEDOT: PSS material can be used (PSS = polystyrene sulfonate). The lower electrode 23 may also consist of an opaque Al or Ag cathode. In this example, the luminescent layer 2 emits blue light which, due to the opaque electrode layer 23, can only be emitted in the direction of the mask layer 4. There it meets the intermediate layer 6, which printed has fluorescent light elements 21, which serve as a kind of transparent openings, since the substrate 7 is impermeable to the blue light emitted by the luminescent layer 2. Only the fluorescent light emitted by the fluorescence elements 61, which is green, can pass through the substrate 7 to the mask layer 4 and leave the security element 1 there above the transparent openings 41.

FIG. 26 shows an embodiment of a security element 1, which from top to bottom, a mask layer 4, a UV-absorbing substrate, such as a PET film has a thickness of 23 microns, a printed fluorescent luminescent layer 2 and a UV-transmissive protective layer 9. The security element 1 is irradiated from the side of the protective layer 9 ago by a UV lamp. The UV light can pass through the protective layer 9 and reach the printed fluorescent luminous elements 21 of the luminous layer 2. There, the UV light is converted into green fluorescent light which can pass through the UV absorbing substrate 7 and reach the openings 41 of the mask layer 4. In contrast, the pure UV light is absorbed by the substrate 7.

Figure 27a shows an example of a security element in which mask layer 4 and luminescent layer 2 coincide in a single layer. A UV lamp 8 illuminates the security element and passes through a UV-transparent layer, for example, a 2 micron thick protective layer 9 to the combined light and mask layer 2.4. This combined luminescent and mask layer 2,4 has through holes which are filled with a fluorescent material. The UV light of the UV lamp excites this material to fluoresce, so that the fluorescent light is emitted from the holes in the respective angular direction of the hole. This fluorescent light can penetrate the light-transmissive substrate 7 unhindered and thus reach an observer.

Fig. 27b shows a further example of a security element 1, which as a luminescent layer 2 a luminescent, in particular fluorescent or Phosphorescent layer, used. Again, as in the example of Fig. 21e both the mask layer 4 and the luminescent layer 2 are applied as a film element, for example a laminating film or a transfer layer of a transfer film, or an optional print layer 104 is applied to the substrate 7. Fig. 27b shows this with reference to a schematic side view of a banknote with a transparent core, ie transparent substrate 7. Light, eg UV light, an external light source 25, for example a UV LED with wavelength 365 nm, illuminates the security element 1 from the visible side. The UV light partially penetrates the mask layer 4, the transparent core of the substrate 7 (in this case a polymer banknote) and an intermediate layer 6, and then stimulates the luminescent layer 2. The luminous layer 2 then emits light in the visible spectral range, for example green light. This radiated light penetrates through the intermediate layer 6 and the mask layer 4 through the transparent openings and thereby produces the desired effect, eg Moire magnifications and / or movements. An optional mirror layer 105 behind the luminescent layer 2 further increases the intensity of the light emitted in the direction of the visible side.
Fig. 27c and Fig. 27d show photos of the optical effects provided by the security element 1. The Figure 27c shows a photo of the security element 1 in incident light view. There is a Reflective Kinegram® patch visible in reflection that provides a first optical security feature 110. Fig. 27c shows a photograph of the optical effect provided by the security element 1 when viewed under illumination with UV light from the visible side. Here, an optically variable effect of a moire magnification of stars is visible, which provides a second optical security feature 120.

Fig. 28 illustrates a manufacturing method of a security element 1 which is arranged on a card core 10, eg a card core of an ID card (ID = identification). One of the difficulties in realizing such a security element is the registration accuracy between the different mask layers or between the mask layer and the luminescent layer. It is it is possible to use an ablation method, for example by means of a laser, in order to produce the mask layers in situ and thus to avoid the register problem. Preferably, the card core is a PCI design, although the method also works with other types of cards (PCI = polycarbonate inlay). Fig. 28 shows a first film 4 and a second film 22, which are arranged one above the other at a distance h on the card core 10. Below these two films, a luminescent layer 2 is arranged, which is thus located between the films and the card core. Preferably, one of the foils is the upper electrode 22, although this foil may also be arranged at a different position above the luminous layer 2. The upper film 4 preferably provides another security element, eg in the form of a reflection hologram or a kinegram. This film 4 may either be on the upper surface of the card itself or in one of the upper layers of the card with a sufficient vertical distance to the lower film 22. One of the two films 4 and 22 is patterned or partially demetallised. The security document in the form of the PCI card is produced and completed until the last step of the personalization. The card 100 is thus ready for the personalization step, which is carried out by means of a high-power laser 13. Experiments have shown that the energy needed to personalize such a PCI card 100 is greater than the energy needed to demetallize a metallized kinegram or metallized film.

As in Fig. 28 As shown, the card 100 is held in a personalization station on a tilting device so that the card can be tilted very precisely to various positions A to E. Alternatively, the card 100 is kept flat and the laser 13 is tilted. The usual text information and person portraits on an ID card are personalized with the laser 13 while the card is kept flat. As usual with ID cards, a local blackening in a laser-sensitive film can be generated by the laser beam.

For the preparation of the mask, a method can be used, which is already from Jan van den Berg in "3-D Lenticular Photo ID" (in Optimal Document Security I, Conference Proceedings, Editor Rudolf L. van Renesse, San Francisco, Jan. 23-25, 2008, pages 337-344 ) has been described. The laser 13 scans the card 100 and uses high energy to ablate material in the upper layer 4 to create the information. The card 100 has between 2 and 7 tilt angles, for which the ablation process is carried out in each case. For each position A to E, the laser 13 carries a different pattern. The great advantage of this method is that the upper mask layer 4 and the lower intermediate layer 6 are written simultaneously, so that there is a perfect register accuracy between the two. The laser is positioned relatively far away from the map, so that the eyes of the observer reflect the desired viewing direction.

Fig. 29 1 shows the card 100, which has been completely personalized after the production step, with one having the arrangements 41 of openings in the mask layer 4 and the arrangement 61 of openings in the intermediate layer 6, which is simultaneously the upper electrode layer 22 of the luminescent layer 2. This method can be used to generate 3D Photo IDs with image flip, etc., which can only be seen when the Luminous Layer 2 is active. It is important to note that personalization and customization can be realized just as easily as any other image, as this is only a matter of software control.

Fig. 30 shows a transfer sheet 200. It has proven useful if the formed as a film body security element 1 is provided in the form of a transfer film 200 so that an application of the security element 1 can be done on a security document 100 by means of embossing. Such a transfer film 200 has at least one film body 1 to be transferred, wherein the at least one film body 1 is arranged on a carrier film 201 of the transfer film 200 and can be detached therefrom.

The transfer foil 200 has the following structure from top to bottom: a carrier foil 201, an outer protective layer 9, which is preferably formed as a transparent protective lacquer layer and whose upper side forms the visible side 11 of the security element 1, a mask layer 4, e.g. in the form of an OVD, a substrate 7, e.g. 0.2 mm thick, a luminescent layer 2, a lower protective layer 9, and an adhesive layer 14, the underside of which forms the underside 11 of the security element 1. The transfer film 200 is oriented relative to a security document 100 to be marked in such a way that the adhesive layer 14 faces the security document 100 and the carrier film 201 points away from the security document 100. The film body 1 can be fixed to the security document 100 by means of the adhesive layer 14, in particular in the form of a cold or hot adhesive. Between the carrier film 201 and the film body 1, a release layer can additionally be arranged which facilitates detachment of the film body 1 after embossing from the carrier film 201 of the transfer film 20. However, this detachment function can also be taken over by another layer, e.g. as in the present example of the upper protective layer. 9

Fig. 31 shows a scheme for viewing distance z. A viewer whose eye pair 3l, 3r has an eye relief e, viewed vertically from above a security element 1, which has a mask layer 4 with two arrangements 41,42 of transparent openings and a viewing direction at a distance h behind the mask layer 4 arranged luminous layer 2, formed of individual luminous elements 21 in the form of pixels. The luminous elements 21 are arranged in a grid with a period p (= "pitch"). A light-emitting element 21 is assigned in each case one opening of each arrangement 41, 42 of openings, wherein the observer, depending on the light exit through one of the two openings 41 and 42, perceives different images ("image flip"). The eyes 3l, 3r are located at a viewing distance z from the mask layer 4.

The relationship between the distance h between the mask layer 4 and the luminous layer 2, the viewing distance z, the pixel pitch p and the eye distance e is described by the following formula: $$\mathrm{H}=\mathrm{z}•\left(\mathrm{p}/\left(\mathrm{e}+\mathrm{p}\right)\right)$$

If p = 0.1 mm is used for the pixel spacing and e = 65 mm for the eye relief, the distance h between luminescent layer 2 and mask layer 4 is h = 300 μm for a typical viewing distance of ID documents of z = 200 mm , This can be realized for ID documents. Smaller pixels with correspondingly smaller periods p allow even smaller values for h.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

security element

2

luminous layer

3

observer

3l

left eye

3r

right eye

4

mask layer

5

opaque area of 4

6

interlayer

7

substratum

8th

UV lamp

9

protective layer

10

card core

11

Main page

12

bottom

13

laser

14

adhesive layer

20

light

21

lighting elements

22, 23

electrode

24

insulation material

25

light source

30

reflection hologram

31

field of view

41, 42

Arrangement of openings in FIG. 4

411, 412

relief structure

43, 44

colour

61

Arrangement of openings in FIG. 6

100

The security document

101

window

102, 103

Area

104

print layer

105

mirror layer

110, 120

optical security feature

200

transfer film

201

support film

211

first zone

212

second zone

A, B, C, D, E

viewing position

bl

left picture

br

right picture

d

lateral distance

e

Pupillary distance

H

vertical distance (height)

O1, O2

object

p

lateral distance (pitch)

p _e

first period (e = emitter)

p _i

second period (i = image)

R, G, B

red, green, blue

s

lateral spacing

z

viewing distance

θ ₁ , θ ₂

exit angle

Claims (15)

1. Security element (1),
   wherein the security element (1) has a visible side and a rear side opposite this, wherein the security element comprises at least one luminous layer (2) which is formed as a self-luminous luminous layer and which is able to emit light (20), as well as at least one masking layer (4) which, during observation of the security element (1) from the visible side, is arranged in front of the at least one luminous layer (2), wherein the at least one masking layer (4) has at least one opaque region (5), characterised in that the at least one masking layer(4) has at least two transparent openings (41, 42),
   and
   the at least two transparent openings (41, 42) possess a substantially higher transmittance than the at least one opaque region (5) with respect to the light (20) emitted by at least one luminous layer (2), preferably a transmittance that is at least 20 % higher, particularly preferably a transmittance that is at least 50 % higher,
   and
   light (20) which leaves the security element (1) through the masking layer (2) under different exit angles (θ₁, θ₂) provides respective different optical information.
2. Security element (1) according to claim 1,
   characterised in that
   a light pattern provides a first optical security feature of the security element, said light pattern being shown by the masking layer (4) due to its different transmittance of the light emitted by the at least one luminous layer (2) during observation of the security element (1) from the visible side.
3. Security element (1) according to claim 1 or 2,
   characterised in that
   the at least one opaque region (5) of the at least one masking layer (4), which is preferably formed as an OVD and/or a printed layer, wherein the at least two transparent openings (41, 42) are preferably formed as a non-metal region of the OVD or as an unprinted region in the printed layer, provide a second optical security feature of the security element (1) during observation of the security element (1) from the visible side.
4. Security element (1) according to one of the preceding claims,
   characterised in that
   at least one masking layer (4) has two or more transparent openings (41, 42), which are arranged according to a second grid, and the at least one luminous layer (2) has two or more first zones (211) in which the luminous layer (2) can emit light and which are preferably each enclosed, or separated from one another, by a second zone in which the luminous layer (2) can emit no light, or the at least one luminous layer (2) has two or more second zones (212) in which the luminous layer (2) can emit no light and which are preferably each enclosed, or separated from one another, by a first zone (211) in which the luminous layer (2) can emit light, wherein the first zones (211) or the second zones (212) are arranged according to a first grid, wherein in particular
   the two or more transparent openings (41, 42) of the second grid are each shaped in the form of a micro-image, in particular shaped in the form of a motif, a symbol, one or more numbers, one or more letters and/or a micro-text, and
   wherein, in particular,
   the two or more first zones (211) or the two or more second zones (212) are shaped in the form of a sequence of strips or pixels, when observed perpendicularly to a plane spanned by the visible side or the rear side of the security element.
5. Security element (1) according to claim 4,
   characterised in that,
   the two or more first zones (211) or the two or more second zones (212) are each shaped in the form of a micro-image, when observed perpendicularly to a plane spanned by the visible side or the rear side of the security element, in particular are shaped in the form of a motif, a symbol, one or more numbers, one or more letters and/or a micro-text.
6. Security element (1) according to one of claims 4 or 5,
   characterised in that
   the at least one luminous layer (2) has two or more separate luminous elements (21) which each have a radiation region in which the respective luminous element can emit light, and which each form one of the first zones, and/or
   the luminous layer (2) has a masking zone which is not provided in the region of the first zone (211) or the first zones (211) and is provided in the region of the second zone (212) or the second zones (212).
7. Security element (1) according to one of claims 4 to 6,
   characterised in that
   the transparent openings (41, 42) of the second grid or the two or more first zones (211) or the two or more second zones (212) of the first grid each possess a strip-like design and the width of the strip-like openings or the strip-like first or second zones is varied for the generation of a halftone image, and/or the transparent openings (41, 42) or the two or more first or second zones (211, 212) are shaped in the form of identical micro-images, or two or more of the micro-images, according to which the transparent openings (41, 42) or the first or second zones (211, 212) are shaped, differ from one another, and/or
   the grid widths of the first grid and the second grid are each not the same for adjacent first zones (211) and transparent openings (41, 42) or second zones (212) and transparent openings (41, 42) and differ from one another by less than 10 %, in particular differ from one another by no more than 2 %, and/or the first grid and the second grid are arranged with rotation relative to each other by between 0.5 and 25 degrees and the grid width of the first grid and the grid width of the second grid for adjacent first zones (211) and transparent openings (41, 42) or second zones (212) and transparent openings (41, 42) preferably differ from one another by less than 10 %, in particular differ from one another by no more than 2 %.
8. Security element (1) according to one of claims 4 to 7,
   characterised in that
   the grid width of the first and/or second grid and/or the rotation of the first and the second grid in relation to one another and/or the design of the micro-images are continuously varied according to a parameter variation function in at least one spatial direction, and/or
   the grid width of the first or second grid, the rotation of the first and the second grid in relation to one another, or the design of the micro-images, differs in a first region of the security element from a second region of the security element.
9. Security element (1) according to one of the preceding claims,
   characterised in that
   the at least one luminous layer (2) has two or more separate luminous elements (21) which are arranged in a first periodic grid having a first period (p_e), and the at least one masking layer (4) has two or more transparent openings (41, 42) which are arranged in a second periodic grid with a second period (p_i), wherein the first and second periods (p_e, p_i) are not the same, but are similar, wherein the first and second periods in particular do not deviate from one another by more than 10 %, preferably do not deviate from one another by more than 2 %.
10. Security element (1) according to one of the preceding claims,
    characterised in that
    the at least one masking layer (4) has at least two arrangements (41, 42) of transparent openings, wherein light (20) emitted from the at least one luminous layer (2) leaves the security element (1) through the at least two arrangements (41, 42) under different exit angles (θ₁, θ₂) respectively, wherein, in particular, the light which leaves the security element (1) through the at least two arrangements (41, 42) under different exit angles (θ₁, θ₂) respectively forms an image sequence consisting of two or more images, wherein each one of these images is present at a different exit angle (θ₁, θ₂), and/or wherein
    the at least one luminous layer (2) has two or more separate luminous elements (21) arranged in a patterned manner and the transparent openings of the at least two arrangements (41, 42) are formed according to this pattern, wherein each luminous element (21) is assigned at least one opening, through which light (20) emitted by the luminous element (21) leaves the security element (1) under an assigned respective exit angle (θ₁, θ₂).
11. Security element (1) according to one of the preceding
    claims,
    characterised in that
    at least one opaque intermediate layer (6) is arranged at least in part between the at least one luminous layer (2) and the at least one masking layer (4), said intermediate layer having at least one arrangement (61) of translucent openings, wherein, in particular, light-scattering or luminescent elements are arranged in the translucent openings of the intermediate layer (6), which scatter incident light from the luminous layer (2) in the direction of the masking layer (4) or
    radiate again under luminescence.
12. security element (1) according to one of the preceding
    claims,
    characterised in that
    the at least one luminous layer (2) has two or more separate luminous elements (21), wherein these luminous elements (21) and the at least one transparent opening (41, 42) of the masking layer have a rectangular shape, seen perpendicularly to the plane of the film body, and/or
    wherein a distance between adjacent luminous elements (21) is approximately 5 times larger, preferably approximately 10 times larger, than a width of the luminous elements (21),
    and/or wherein the
    at least one luminous layer (2) has two or more luminous elements (21) which emit light in at least two different colours.
13. Security element (1) according to one of the preceding claims,
    characterised in that,
    the at least one luminous layer (2) has at least one self-luminous display element which in particular can convert electrical energy into light energy and in particular is formed from an LED, wherein in particular an electrode of the display element serves as the at least one masking layer or an opaque intermediate layer (6) arranged between the at least one luminous layer (2) and the at least one masking layer (4), said intermediate layer having at least one arrangement (61) of translucent openings.
14. security document (100), in particular a bank note, a security paper or a paper document, having at least one security element (1) according to one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the security element (1) can be observed from its visible side (11).
15. method for the manufacture of a security element (1)
    according to one of claims 1 to 14, with the following steps:

    providing a flexible multilayer film body having at least one luminous layer (2) which can emit light (20), as well as at least one masking layer (4) which, during observation of the security element (1) from the visible side, is arranged in front of the at least one luminous layer (2); and

    forming at least two transparent openings (41, 42) in the at least one masking layer (4), such that the at least one masking layer (4) has at least one opaque region (5) and at least two transparent openings (41, 42), wherein the at least two transparent openings (41, 42) possess a substantially higher transmittance than the at least one opaque region (5) with respect to light (20) emitted by the at least one luminous layer (2),preferably a transmittance that is at least 20 % higher.

Images