EP3000614B1 - Optically variable security element having reflective surface area - Google Patents
Optically variable security element having reflective surface area Download PDFInfo
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- EP3000614B1 EP3000614B1 EP15002684.7A EP15002684A EP3000614B1 EP 3000614 B1 EP3000614 B1 EP 3000614B1 EP 15002684 A EP15002684 A EP 15002684A EP 3000614 B1 EP3000614 B1 EP 3000614B1
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Images
Classifications
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B44—DECORATIVE ARTS
- B44F—SPECIAL DESIGNS OR PICTURES
- B44F7/00—Designs imitating three-dimensional effects
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B42—BOOKBINDING; ALBUMS; FILES; SPECIAL PRINTED MATTER
- B42D—BOOKS; BOOK COVERS; LOOSE LEAVES; PRINTED MATTER CHARACTERISED BY IDENTIFICATION OR SECURITY FEATURES; PRINTED MATTER OF SPECIAL FORMAT OR STYLE NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; DEVICES FOR USE THEREWITH AND NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; MOVABLE-STRIP WRITING OR READING APPARATUS
- B42D25/00—Information-bearing cards or sheet-like structures characterised by identification or security features; Manufacture thereof
- B42D25/30—Identification or security features, e.g. for preventing forgery
- B42D25/324—Reliefs
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B42—BOOKBINDING; ALBUMS; FILES; SPECIAL PRINTED MATTER
- B42D—BOOKS; BOOK COVERS; LOOSE LEAVES; PRINTED MATTER CHARACTERISED BY IDENTIFICATION OR SECURITY FEATURES; PRINTED MATTER OF SPECIAL FORMAT OR STYLE NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; DEVICES FOR USE THEREWITH AND NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; MOVABLE-STRIP WRITING OR READING APPARATUS
- B42D25/00—Information-bearing cards or sheet-like structures characterised by identification or security features; Manufacture thereof
- B42D25/30—Identification or security features, e.g. for preventing forgery
- B42D25/328—Diffraction gratings; Holograms
Definitions
- the invention relates to an optically variable security element for safeguarding valuables, having a carrier with a reflective surface area whose extent defines an x-y plane and a z axis perpendicular thereto.
- the invention also relates to a method for producing such a security element as well as a correspondingly equipped data carrier.
- Data carriers such as valuables or identity documents, or other valuables, such as branded articles, are often provided with security elements for the purpose of security, which permit verification of the authenticity of the data carriers and at the same time serve as protection against unauthorized reproduction.
- Security elements with viewing-angle-dependent effects play a special role in the authentication of authenticity since they can not be reproduced even with the most modern copiers.
- the security elements are thereby equipped with optically variable elements that give the viewer a different image impression under different viewing angles and, for example, show a different color or brightness impression and / or another graphic motif depending on the viewing angle.
- a technique widely used in the field of security elements which gives a practically flat film a three-dimensional appearance, are various forms of holography.
- these techniques have some disadvantages for use with security features, in particular banknotes.
- the quality of the three-dimensional representation of a hologram depends strongly on the lighting conditions. Especially with diffuse lighting, the representations of holograms are often difficult to recognize.
- document DE 10 2010 049 831 A1 discloses an optically variable area pattern, which is divided into at least three subregions, each having a plurality of pixel sections, wherein a first and a second of the subregions, when tilted about a first axis and thus viewing angle dependent, present two different views of a first subject such that a viewer sees a three dimensional one Picture impression arises.
- the present invention seeks to provide an optically variable security element of the type mentioned above, which avoids the disadvantages of the prior art, and in particular to provide a security element, despite its flat design, a visually attractive three-dimensional appearance with high attention and Recognition value has.
- the security element despite extremely flat design with a maximum height difference of, for example, only 10 microns produce a clear three-dimensional impression of the subjects shown.
- the special coordination of the orientation of the facets and the diffractive grating pattern formed on the facets allows the dispersion of the light in ground transparent materials, such as glass or diamond, to be reproduced convincingly, as explained in detail below.
- the grating vector of a grating pattern is a vector which is perpendicular to the grating lines and whose magnitude indicates the grating period.
- the reflective pixels preferably each contain two or more equally oriented facets, but it is also possible that a portion of the pixels or all pixels each contain only one facet. At least a part of the pixels and / or the facets is advantageously formed with an outline in the form of a motif, in particular in the form of characters or symbols. The particular outlines may be used as an additional authentication feature that will only be visible under magnification. Furthermore, a microtext may additionally be inscribed in a part of the pixels or facets. The microtext can be written both on the facets or instead of some of the facets on the carrier.
- the facets lying parallel to the xy plane at least one part with a diffractive grid pattern of a plurality of grid lines whose grid vector is substantially parallel to the grid vectors of the grid patterns of adjacent facets.
- This requirement takes account of the fact that the above-mentioned condition on the lattice vector can not be applied to facets lying parallel to the xy plane since the cross product of the unit vector in the z direction then disappears with the normal vector.
- the facets lying parallel to the xy plane are therefore advantageously provided with a grid pattern whose grid vector lies substantially parallel to the grid vectors of the grid patterns of adjacent facets.
- the grating vector of such a facet may be chosen as the average of the grating vectors of the adjacent facets with a valid grating vector.
- the reflective facets are advantageously oriented so that the reflective area can be perceived by a viewer as a curved, in particular continuously curved, surface.
- the reflective area can be perceived as an arched in two spatial directions, in particular continuously curved surface.
- the grating patterns of the reflective facets advantageously produce colored reflections in the first and possibly higher diffraction orders, which are perceptible to a viewer as a dispersion of a transparent material, such as glass or diamond.
- the inclination of the reflective facets against the xy plane preferably has no dominant preferred direction, so that there is no plane perpendicular to the xy plane in which more than 80% of the normal vectors of the reflective facet lie.
- the grid lines of all of the facets provided with a diffractive grid pattern have a grid vector parallel to the cross product of the unit vector in the z direction with the normal vector of the respective facet.
- the diffractive grating patterns advantageously have a grating period between 0.3 ⁇ m and 4 ⁇ m, preferably between 0.6 ⁇ m and 3 ⁇ m.
- all grid patterns of the area area have the same grid period.
- the grating period of individual facets can be chosen differently, whereby the strength of the imitated dispersion can be varied.
- the facets are preferably formed essentially as planar surface elements.
- the wording "substantially” takes into account the fact that in practice production-related can not produce perfectly flat surface elements.
- the facets can also be formed as curved, in particular concave, convex or corrugated surface elements.
- the reflective facets are arranged in a periodic grid and in particular form a sawtooth grid.
- the reflective facets are arranged aperiodically, with a Aperiodic arrangement of the facets is currently preferred, as this unwanted diffraction effects, resulting from a regular arrangements of the facets, can be avoided.
- Another possibility to suppress unwanted diffraction effects is to aperiodically offset the facets in their height above the surface area.
- an aperiodic displacement of the facets there is no simple, regular relationship between the heights of adjacent facets, so that constructive interference of the light reflected at neighboring facets and thus the emergence of a superimposed diffraction pattern are reliably prevented. Details of such aperiodic displacement of the document WO 2012/055506 A1 are removed, the disclosure content of which is included in the present application in this respect.
- the facets advantageously have a dimension of 10 ⁇ m or more, preferably 20 ⁇ m or more, particularly preferably 30 ⁇ m or more, in the direction of the grating vector of the grating pattern.
- the facets advantageously have a dimension between 5 ⁇ m and 30 ⁇ m, preferably between 7.5 ⁇ m and 15 ⁇ m, and the height of the facets is advantageously between 0 and 10 ⁇ m, preferably between 0 and 5 ⁇ m.
- the reflective facets have a metallic coating, a high-index coating, or a coating with a color-shifting layer.
- a part of the facets is formed without a diffractive grid pattern. Due to the proportion of lattice-free facets, the degree of the imitated dispersion can be adjusted.
- the described reflective surface area can be combined with other security features, for example with holograms, in particular true color holograms, with subwavelength gratings or other subwavelength structures, with micromirror arrangements without diffractive gratings, or also with security features based on specific material properties, such as electrical conductivity, magnetic properties, luminescence, fluorescence or the like.
- the other security features may for example be provided in gaps of the reflective surface area and be nested therewith.
- the invention also includes a data carrier with a security element of the type described.
- the data carrier may in particular be a value document, such as a banknote, in particular a paper banknote, a polymer banknote or a film composite banknote, a share, a bond, a certificate, a coupon , a check, a high-quality entrance ticket, but also an ID card, such as a credit card, a bank card, a cash card, an authorization card, an identity card or a pass personalization page.
- the reflective facets can be written into a photoresist together with the diffractive grating patterns, for example by means of gray scale lithography, subsequently developed, galvanically formed, embossed and mirrored in a UV varnish.
- the mirror coating can be realized for example by an applied, for example vapor-deposited metal layer. Typically, an aluminum layer with a thickness of, for example, 50 nm is applied. Of course, other metals such as silver, copper, chromium, iron, nickel or alloys thereof may also be used. Also, as an alternative to metals, semiconductors such as silicon, high-index coatings, for example made of ZnS, Al 2 O 3 or TiO 2 , or also color-shifting layers can be applied. The application, in particular vapor deposition can be carried out over the entire surface, but it is also possible to perform a coating only in regions or grid-shaped, so that the security element is partially transparent or translucent.
- FIG. 1 shows a schematic representation of a banknote 10 with an optically variable security element 12 according to the invention in the form of a glued transfer element. It is understood, however, that the invention is not limited to transfer elements and banknotes but can be used in all types of security elements, such as labels on goods and packaging or in the security of documents, ID cards, passports, credit cards, health cards and the like. For banknotes and similar documents, in addition to transfer elements, for example, security threads or security strips may also be considered.
- Fig. 1 shown security element 12 is itself extremely flat with maximum height differences of about 10 microns formed, but conveys the viewer a clear three-dimensional impression of the subjects shown, for example, the brilliant 14 and from the plane of the banknote 10 seemingly arched outstanding value 16.
- the security element 12 therefore has a high value and also a high attention and recognition value.
- the optically variable security element 12 contains a reflective surface area 20 whose extent defines an x-y plane, which here coincides with the surface of the banknote 10.
- the z-axis is perpendicular to the x-y plane, so that the coordinate system formed by the three axes forms a legal system.
- FIG. 2 shows a detail of the reflective surface area 20 with three pixels 30 along a contour line 44 of the curved surface 40 and Fig. 4 shows a perspective view of a single facet 32 with its grid pattern 34.
- 1 and positive z-component determined.
- the azimuth angle of a facet is the angle between the projection of the normal vector n into the xy plane and a predetermined reference direction R (FIG. Fig. 3 ).
- the facets 32 are each oriented such that their normal vector n corresponds to the local normal vector N of the curved surface 40 averaged over the extent of a pixel 30.
- the pixels 30 are formed with a square outline, but they can generally also have other outline shapes, in particular a motif shape, such as characters or symbols.
- the edge length of the pixels 30 is below 300 ⁇ m and is in particular in the range from 20 ⁇ m to 100 ⁇ m.
- Length and width of the facets 32 are above 5 microns to avoid color splits by the facet assembly itself.
- the height of the facets is only between 0 and 10 .mu.m, preferably between 0 and 5 .mu.m, so that the entire reflective area 20 has height differences of at most 10 .mu.m, which are imperceptible to the naked eye.
- the reflective surface area shows 20 essentially the same reflection properties as the three-dimensional surface 40 to be imitated, and therefore produces the pronounced three-dimensional impression of the imitated surface 40 in the viewer despite its small height differences.
- the reflective facets 32 are overall oriented in such a way that the reflective area 20 can be perceived by a viewer as an area 40 that protrudes and / or recesses relative to its actual spatial form.
- the actual spatial form of the reflective surface area 20 is given by the sequence of the inclined facets, in the exemplary embodiment approximately by the regular sawtooth arrangement of the facets 32. Because of the generality of the construction described, the reflective area 20 can be used to generate virtually any three-dimensionally perceptible motifs, such as portraits, representations of objects, animals or plants, or spatial representations of alphanumeric characters, for example the "50" value Fig. 1 ,
- the reflective facets 32 of the surface region 20 are additionally provided with diffractive grating patterns 34, each consisting of a plurality of parallel grid lines 36.
- the orientation of the grating lines 36 is chosen so that the grating vector g of the grating pattern 34, which by definition is perpendicular to the grating lines 36 and whose magnitude indicates the grating period, parallel to the cross product of the unit vector e z in the z direction the normal vector n of the respective facet lies.
- FIG. 3 shows in plan view three pixels 30 each having three facets 32, which along a contour line 44 of the curved surface 40 of Fig. 2 Therefore, they essentially do not differ in the inclination ⁇ of the facets against the xy plane, but only in the azimuth angle A of the facets.
- the projection of the normal vector n into the xy plane, the reference direction R and the azimuth angle A are shown in each case for the pixels 30.
- FIG. 3 also shows the resulting grating vector g and the associated grating lines 36 of the grating pattern 34.
- the grating lines 36 are drawn only in one of the three facets 32 of each of the pixels 30.
- the facets 32 of a pixel 30 are all the same orientation, the other facets of the pixel 30 have the same normal vector n, and thus also the same grating vector g and thus also the same grating pattern 34.
- larger facet heights can be largely avoided, especially in the case of micromirrors with the same mirror slope.
- the lattice-free facet 32 acts as an achromatically reflecting micromirror which reflects incident light without color splitting according to the laws of geometrical optics. If, from a viewing direction lying in the plane spanned by the normal vector and the z-axis, the facet 32 meets the reflection condition "angle of incidence equal to the angle of reflection", the facet appears colorless bright, otherwise dark. Since the reflection condition is exactly fulfilled only for one tilt angle, an abrupt, discrete change in brightness results when tilting the reflective facet perpendicular to the plane mentioned.
- the direction of the 0th diffraction order of the grating pattern occurs instead of the direction of the geometrically directionally reflected light beam.
- the reflection condition "angle of incidence equal to the angle of reflection” is satisfied, the facet appears bright and colorless, though typically with somewhat less brightness than in the lattice-free case described above, because a portion of the light is diffracted in other spatial directions.
- the propagation direction of the diffracted light is in a plane subtended by the lattice vector g and the direction of the 0th order of diffraction.
- the angles ⁇ and ⁇ , respectively, are the angles of the incident or reflected light projected into the plane spanned by the grating vector g and the normal vector n.
- the angle ⁇ is always taken positive, the angle ⁇ positive if it, as usual in the embodiments according to the invention, with respect to the lattice normal on the same side as ⁇ , otherwise negative.
- the angles ⁇ and ⁇ of the grating equation do not change upon tilting of the reflective facet about an axis perpendicular to said plane.
- tilting also gradually changes the angles ⁇ and ⁇ in the grid equation. In the case of such tilting, therefore, a gradual change in color and / or intensity occurs, as a result of which, in particular, the color impression of the facet 32 changes continuously.
- a reflective area 20 consisting of a plurality of facets 32 with different angles of inclination ⁇ and azimuth angles A
- the totality of the facets does not have an excellent tilting axis. Rather, every tilt is at an arbitrary A part of the facets 32 show a discrete intensity change, while another part shows a gradual change in color and / or intensity.
- the colorless and high-intensity reflections in the 0th diffraction order contribute in particular to the impression of a three-dimensional curved surface 40, since they adjust the reflection by the curved surface 40.
- the colored reflections of the first and higher orders of diffraction additionally suggest to the viewer the occurrence of dispersion familiar to him from ground transparent objects.
- the colored reflections of adjacent pixels 30 are not independent of each other, since the orientations of the facets 32 adjacent pixels are not independent of each other, but are just chosen so that the pixels 30 in their entirety just the reflection behavior of reproduce three-dimensional surface 40. With the spatial orientation, therefore, the colored reflections of adjacent pixels 30 are correlated and lead to macroscopically recognizable colored reflections, which, as the inventors have surprisingly found, mimic the occurrence of dispersion in transparent materials.
- the facets lying parallel to the xy plane are therefore advantageously provided with a grid pattern whose grid vector lies substantially parallel to the grid vectors of the grid patterns of adjacent facets.
- the above condition applies to the grating vector g only its direction, but not its magnitude. Rather, can be adjusted by the choice of the grating period, regardless of the previous considerations, the degree of the imitated dispersion. Smaller grating periods lead to a more pronounced spatial fanning of the light into spectral colors and thus to colored reflections of lesser intensity. Thus, after determining the direction of the grating vector, the grating period is selected according to the magnitude of the desired dispersive appearance of the curved surface 40.
- Another way to adjust the degree of mimic dispersion is to form a certain part of the facets without lattice patterns and to reduce the degree of mimic dispersion by the proportion of lattice-free facets.
- the reflective pixels 30 and the reflective facets 32 can, as in Fig. 3 shown, arranged in a regular grid and form, for example, a regular Blazegitter.
- the surface areas according to the invention are not limited to regular pixel or facet arrangements, but rather even aperiodic pixel or facet arrangements are used, as this unwanted diffraction effects, such as may occur through regular arrangements are avoided.
- FIG. 5 shows an embodiment in which, for ease of illustration, each pixel 30 consists of only one facet 32 and in which the pixels or facets are arranged aperiodically in the xy plane.
- the dimension of the facets in the direction of the grating vector g of the grating pattern 34 is at least 10 ⁇ m, preferably at least 20 ⁇ m, particularly preferably at least 30 ⁇ m.
- the dimension of the facets is in each case between 5 ⁇ m and 30 ⁇ m, preferably between 7.5 ⁇ m and 15 ⁇ m.
- the height of the facets is between 0 and 10 microns, preferably between 0 and 5 microns.
- the boundary lines of the outline of the facets 32 and the pixels 30 are advantageously perpendicular to the grid lines 36 as far as possible. As a result, regardless of the orientation of the facets or pixels, a maximum number of grid lines 36 is available for the diffraction and thus for a brilliant appearance available. Also, larger facet heights can be largely avoided.
- aperiodically offset the facets in their height above the surface area For example, shows Fig. 6 the reflective surface area 50 of a security element 12 in cross section, in which the facets shown in the cutout 52 all have the same inclination, but are offset in aperiodischer, in particular in an irregular manner by a height offset between zero and at least half a wavelength from its regular starting position.
- the path differences between different facets 52-j, 52-k are changed in an irregular manner by a value between zero and at least one entire wavelength.
- the light beams 54-j and 54-k reflected by the different facets 52-j, 52-k are then in a random phase relationship so that the array of facets 52 does not act as a diffractive structure, despite a periodic arrangement of equally aligned facets 52 and therefore no disturbing secondary diffraction effects occur.
- FIG. 7 schematically illustrates the mirror reflexes and the dispersion effect occurring during tilting on the basis of the representation of the value 16 of FIG Fig. 1 .
- the numerical value 16 appears with vaulted numerals 60 clearly protruding from the xy plane of the surface region 20.
- the inner numerical regions appearing white in the figure represent bright mirror reflections 62, which convey to the observer the illusion of a surface curving towards him. This illusion is reinforced by the apparent movement of the mirror reflexes 62 when tilting about one of the tilting axes 70, 72.
- the mirror reflections 62 when tilting about the horizontal tilt axis 70 in the figure move upwards or when tilting in the opposite direction down and behave so as well as the mirror reflections on the imitated three-dimensional surface.
- the mirror reflexes 62 travel to the right about the tilting axis 72 perpendicular in the figure or to the left when tilting in the opposite direction, as in FIG Fig. 7 (c) shown and behave like the mirror reflexes on the imitated three-dimensional surface.
- the grating patterns 34 of the facets 32 in the first and the higher diffraction orders produce colored reflections 64 FIGS. 7 (b) and 7 (c) illustrated, the colored reflections 64 are more pronounced due to the particular orientation of the grid pattern 34 when tilted about the horizontal tilt axis 70 in the vertical areas 66 of the mirror reflexes 62 and are more pronounced when tilted about the vertical tilt axis 72 in the horizontal areas 68 of the mirror reflections 62.
- Such colored reflections 64 usually occur with polished transparent objects and therefore suggest to the viewer the presence of corresponding objects. By the appealing and spectacular visual impact increases the attention and recognition value and thus also the forgery security of the security element 12.
Landscapes
- Diffracting Gratings Or Hologram Optical Elements (AREA)
Description
Die Erfindung betrifft ein optisch variables Sicherheitselement zur Absicherung von Wertgegenständen, mit einem Träger mit einem reflektiven Flächenbereich, dessen Ausdehnung eine x-y-Ebene und eine darauf senkrecht stehende z-Achse definiert. Die Erfindung betrifft auch ein Verfahren zur Herstellung eines solchen Sicherheitselements sowie einen entsprechend ausgestatteten Datenträger.The invention relates to an optically variable security element for safeguarding valuables, having a carrier with a reflective surface area whose extent defines an x-y plane and a z axis perpendicular thereto. The invention also relates to a method for producing such a security element as well as a correspondingly equipped data carrier.
Datenträger, wie etwa Wert- oder Ausweisdokumente, oder andere Wertgegenstände, wie etwa Markenartikel, werden zur Absicherung oft mit Sicherheitselementen versehen, die eine Überprüfung der Echtheit der Datenträger gestatten und die zugleich als Schutz vor unerlaubter Reproduktion dienen.Data carriers, such as valuables or identity documents, or other valuables, such as branded articles, are often provided with security elements for the purpose of security, which permit verification of the authenticity of the data carriers and at the same time serve as protection against unauthorized reproduction.
Eine besondere Rolle bei der Echtheitsabsicherung spielen Sicherheitselemente mit betrachtungswinkelabhängigen Effekten, da diese selbst mit modernsten Kopiergeräten nicht reproduziert werden können. Die Sicherheitselemente werden dabei mit optisch variablen Elementen ausgestattet, die dem Betrachter unter unterschiedlichen Betrachtungswinkeln einen unterschiedlichen Bildeindruck vermitteln und beispielsweise je nach Betrachtungswinkel einen anderen Farb- oder Helligkeitseindruck und/oder ein anderes graphisches Motiv zeigen.Security elements with viewing-angle-dependent effects play a special role in the authentication of authenticity since they can not be reproduced even with the most modern copiers. The security elements are thereby equipped with optically variable elements that give the viewer a different image impression under different viewing angles and, for example, show a different color or brightness impression and / or another graphic motif depending on the viewing angle.
Eine gerade im Bereich von Sicherheitselementen weit verbreitete Technik, die einer praktisch ebenen Folie ein dreidimensionales Erscheinungsbild verleiht, sind diverse Formen der Holographie. Für die Anwendung bei Sicherheitsmerkmalen, insbesondere auf Banknoten, haben diese Techniken jedoch einige Nachteile. Zum einen hängt die Qualität der dreidimensionalen Darstellung eines Hologramms stark von den Beleuchtungsverhältnissen ab. Insbesondere bei diffuser Beleuchtung sind die Darstellungen von Hologrammen oft nur schwer zu erkennen. Darüber hinaus haben Hologramme den Nachteil, dass sie inzwischen im Alltag an vielen Stellen präsent sind und daher ihre besondere Stellung als Echtheitskennzeichen schwindet.A technique widely used in the field of security elements, which gives a practically flat film a three-dimensional appearance, are various forms of holography. However, these techniques have some disadvantages for use with security features, in particular banknotes. On the one hand, the quality of the three-dimensional representation of a hologram depends strongly on the lighting conditions. Especially with diffuse lighting, the representations of holograms are often difficult to recognize. In addition, have holograms the disadvantage that they are now present in everyday life in many places and therefore their special position disappears as a mark of authenticity.
Dokument
Ausgehend davon liegt der Erfindung die Aufgabe zugrunde, ein optisch variables Sicherheitselement der eingangs genannten Art anzugeben, das die Nachteile des Stands der Technik vermeidet, und insbesondere, eine Sicherheitselement zu schaffen, das trotz flacher Ausgestaltung ein visuell attraktives dreidimensionales Erscheinungsbild mit hohem Aufmerksamkeits- und Wiedererkennungswert aufweist.Proceeding from this, the present invention seeks to provide an optically variable security element of the type mentioned above, which avoids the disadvantages of the prior art, and in particular to provide a security element, despite its flat design, a visually attractive three-dimensional appearance with high attention and Recognition value has.
Diese Aufgabe wird durch die Merkmale der unabhängigen Ansprüche gelöst. Weiterbildungen der Erfindung sind Gegenstand der abhängigen Ansprüche.This object is solved by the features of the independent claims. Further developments of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims.
Gemäß der Erfindung ist bei einem gattungsgemäßen Sicherheitselement vorgesehen, dass
- der reflektive Flächenbereich eine Vielzahl von reflektiven Pixeln enthält, die jeweils eine oder mehrere, gleich orientierte reflektive Facetten aufweisen, wobei eine Orientierung jeder Facette relativ zur x-y-Ebene durch die Angabe ihres normalisierten Normalenvektors bestimmt ist,
- die reflektiven Facetten so orientiert sind, dass der reflektive Flächenbereich für einen Betrachter als gegenüber seiner tatsächlichen Raumform vor- und/oder zurückspringende Fläche wahrnehmbar ist, und
- zumindest ein Teil der Facetten mit einem diffraktiven Gittermuster aus einer Vielzahl von Gitterlinien versehen ist, dessen Gittervektor parallel zum Kreuzprodukt des Einheitsvektors in z-Richtung mit dem Normalenvektor der jeweiligen Facette liegt.
- the reflective area includes a plurality of reflective pixels each having one or more equally oriented reflective facets, wherein an orientation of each facet relative to the xy plane is determined by the indication of its normalized normal vector;
- the reflective facets are oriented in such a way that the reflective surface area is perceptible to a viewer as an area that protrudes and / or recesses relative to its actual spatial form, and
- at least a part of the facets is provided with a diffractive grating pattern of a plurality of grating lines whose grating vector is parallel to the cross product of the unit vector in the z-direction with the normal vector of the respective facet.
Durch diese Maßnahmen kann das Sicherheitselement trotz außerordentlich flacher Gestaltung mit einer maximalen Höhendifferenz von beispielsweise nur 10 µm einen deutlichen dreidimensionalen Eindruck der dargestellten Motive erzeugen. Darüber hinaus kann durch die besondere Abstimmung der Orientierung der Facetten und der auf den Facetten ausgebildeten diffraktiven Gittermuster die Dispersion des Lichts bei geschliffenen transparenten Materialien, wie Glas oder Diamant, überzeugend nachgebildet werden, wie weiter unten im Detail erläutert.By these measures, the security element despite extremely flat design with a maximum height difference of, for example, only 10 microns produce a clear three-dimensional impression of the subjects shown. In addition, the special coordination of the orientation of the facets and the diffractive grating pattern formed on the facets allows the dispersion of the light in ground transparent materials, such as glass or diamond, to be reproduced convincingly, as explained in detail below.
Der Gittervektor eines Gittermusters ist dabei wie üblich ein Vektor, der senkrecht auf den Gitterlinien steht und dessen Betrag die Gitterperiode angibt.As usual, the grating vector of a grating pattern is a vector which is perpendicular to the grating lines and whose magnitude indicates the grating period.
Die reflektiven Pixel enthalten vorzugsweise jeweils zwei oder mehr gleich orientierte Facetten, es ist jedoch auch möglich, dass ein Teil der Pixel oder alle Pixel jeweils nur eine Facette enthalten. Zumindest ein Teil der Pixel und/oder der Facetten ist vorteilhaft mit einem Umriss in Form eines Motivs, insbesondere in Form von Zeichen oder Symbolen ausgebildet. Die besonderen Umrisse können als zusätzliches Echtheitsmerkmal verwendet werden, das nur unter Vergrößerung sichtbar wird. Weiter kann in einen Teil der Pixel oder Facetten zusätzlich ein Mikrotext eingeschrieben sein. Der Mikrotext kann dabei sowohl auf die Facetten geschrieben sein oder auch anstelle einiger der Facetten auf dem Träger vorliegen.The reflective pixels preferably each contain two or more equally oriented facets, but it is also possible that a portion of the pixels or all pixels each contain only one facet. At least a part of the pixels and / or the facets is advantageously formed with an outline in the form of a motif, in particular in the form of characters or symbols. The particular outlines may be used as an additional authentication feature that will only be visible under magnification. Furthermore, a microtext may additionally be inscribed in a part of the pixels or facets. The microtext can be written both on the facets or instead of some of the facets on the carrier.
In einer zweckmäßigen Weiterbildung der Erfindung ist von den parallel zur x-y-Ebene liegenden Facetten zumindest ein Teil mit einem diffraktiven Gittermuster aus einer Vielzahl von Gitterlinien versehen, dessen Gittervektor im Wesentlichen parallel zu den Gittervektoren der Gittermuster angrenzender Facetten liegt. Diese Forderung trägt der Tatsache Rechnung, dass die oben genannte Bedingung an den Gittervektor bei parallel zur x-y-Ebene liegenden Facetten nicht angewandt werden kann, da das Kreuzprodukt des Einheitsvektors in z-Richtung mit dem Normalenvektor dann verschwindet. Um einen gleichmäßigen Dispersionseindruck zu erhalten, werden die parallel zur x-y-Ebene liegenden Facetten daher vorteilhaft mit einem Gittermuster versehen, dessen Gittervektor im Wesentlichen parallel zu den Gittervektoren der Gittermuster angrenzender Facetten liegt. Beispielsweise kann der Gittervektor einer solchen Facette als Mittelwert der Gittervektoren der angrenzenden Facetten mit einem gültigen Gittervektor gewählt werden.In an expedient development of the invention, of the facets lying parallel to the xy plane at least one part with a diffractive grid pattern of a plurality of grid lines whose grid vector is substantially parallel to the grid vectors of the grid patterns of adjacent facets. This requirement takes account of the fact that the above-mentioned condition on the lattice vector can not be applied to facets lying parallel to the xy plane since the cross product of the unit vector in the z direction then disappears with the normal vector. In order to obtain a uniform dispersion impression, the facets lying parallel to the xy plane are therefore advantageously provided with a grid pattern whose grid vector lies substantially parallel to the grid vectors of the grid patterns of adjacent facets. For example, the grating vector of such a facet may be chosen as the average of the grating vectors of the adjacent facets with a valid grating vector.
Die reflektiven Facetten sind mit Vorteil so orientiert, dass der reflektive Flächenbereich für einen Betrachter als gewölbte, insbesondere kontinuierlich gewölbte Fläche wahrnehmbar ist. Mit besonderem Vorteil ist der reflektive Flächenbereich als eine in zwei Raumrichtungen gewölbte, insbesondere kontinuierlich gewölbte Fläche wahrnehmbar.The reflective facets are advantageously oriented so that the reflective area can be perceived by a viewer as a curved, in particular continuously curved, surface. With particular advantage, the reflective area can be perceived as an arched in two spatial directions, in particular continuously curved surface.
Die Gittermuster der reflektiven Facetten erzeugen mit Vorteil in der ersten und gegebenenfalls den höheren Beugungsordnungen farbige Reflexionen, die für einen Betrachter als Dispersion eines transparenten Materials, wie Glas oder Diamant wahrnehmbar ist.The grating patterns of the reflective facets advantageously produce colored reflections in the first and possibly higher diffraction orders, which are perceptible to a viewer as a dispersion of a transparent material, such as glass or diamond.
Die Neigung der reflektiven Facetten gegen die x-y-Ebene weist vorzugsweise keine dominante Vorzugsrichtung auf, so dass es also keine auf der x-y-Ebene senkrecht stehende Ebene gibt, in der mehr als 80% der Normalenvektoren der reflektiven Facette liegen.The inclination of the reflective facets against the xy plane preferably has no dominant preferred direction, so that there is no plane perpendicular to the xy plane in which more than 80% of the normal vectors of the reflective facet lie.
In einer bevorzugten Ausgestaltung weisen die Gitterlinien von allen der mit einem diffraktiven Gittermuster versehenen Facetten einen Gittervektor parallel zum Kreuzprodukt des Einheitsvektors in z-Richtung mit dem Normalenvektor der jeweiligen Facette auf. Die diffraktiven Gittermuster weisen mit Vorteil eine Gitterperiode zwischen 0,3 µm und 4 µm, vorzugsweise zwischen 0,6 µm und 3 µm auf.In a preferred embodiment, the grid lines of all of the facets provided with a diffractive grid pattern have a grid vector parallel to the cross product of the unit vector in the z direction with the normal vector of the respective facet. The diffractive grating patterns advantageously have a grating period between 0.3 μm and 4 μm, preferably between 0.6 μm and 3 μm.
In einer vorteilhaften Erfindungsvariante weisen alle Gittermuster des Flächenbereichs dieselbe Gitterperiode auf. Alternativ kann auch die Gitterperiode einzelner Facetten abweichend gewählt werden, wodurch die Stärke der imitierten Dispersion variiert werden kann.In an advantageous variant of the invention, all grid patterns of the area area have the same grid period. Alternatively, the grating period of individual facets can be chosen differently, whereby the strength of the imitated dispersion can be varied.
Die Facetten sind bevorzugt im Wesentlichen als ebene Flächenelemente ausgebildet. Die Formulierung "im Wesentlichen" trägt dabei der Tatsache Rechnung, dass sich in der Praxis herstellungsbedingt keine perfekt ebenen Flächenelemente erzeugen lassen. Alternativ können die Facetten auch als gekrümmte, insbesondere konkave, konvexe oder gewellte Flächenelemente ausgebildet sein. Allgemein lässt sich eine Facette durch die Angabe der Facettenfläche h(x,y) beschreiben, wobei eine ebene Facette eine Facettenfläche der Form
In einer zweckmäßigen Ausgestaltung sind die reflektiven Facetten in einem periodischen Raster angeordnet und bilden insbesondere ein Sägezahngitter. Alternativ sind die reflektiven Facetten aperiodisch angeordnet, wobei eine aperiodische Anordnung der Facetten derzeit bevorzugt ist, da dadurch unerwünschte Beugungseffekte, die von einer regelmäßige Anordnungen der Facetten herrühren, vermieden werden können.In an expedient embodiment, the reflective facets are arranged in a periodic grid and in particular form a sawtooth grid. Alternatively, the reflective facets are arranged aperiodically, with a Aperiodic arrangement of the facets is currently preferred, as this unwanted diffraction effects, resulting from a regular arrangements of the facets, can be avoided.
Eine weitere Möglichkeit, unerwünschte Beugungseffekte zu unterdrücken, besteht darin, die Facetten in ihrer Höhe über dem Flächenbereich aperiodisch gegeneinander zu versetzen. Bei einer aperiodischen Versetzung der Facetten gibt es keinen einfachen, regelmäßigen Zusammenhang zwischen den Höhen benachbarter Facetten, so dass eine konstruktive Interferenz des an benachbarten Facetten reflektierten Lichts und damit das Entstehen eines überlagerten Beugungsmusters zuverlässig verhindert werden. Einzelheiten einer solchen aperiodischen Versetzung können der Druckschrift
Die Facetten weisen mit Vorteil in der Richtung des Gittervektors des Gittermusters eine Abmessung von 10 µm oder mehr, bevorzugt von 20 µm oder mehr, besonders bevorzugt von 30 µm oder mehr, auf. In der auf dem Gittervektor senkrecht stehenden Richtung weisen die Facetten mit Vorteil eine Abmessung zwischen 5 µm und 30 µm, bevorzugt zwischen 7,5 µm und 15 µm auf, und die Höhe der Facetten liegt vorteilhaft zwischen 0 und 10 µm, vorzugsweise zwischen 0 und 5 µm.The facets advantageously have a dimension of 10 μm or more, preferably 20 μm or more, particularly preferably 30 μm or more, in the direction of the grating vector of the grating pattern. In the direction perpendicular to the grating vector, the facets advantageously have a dimension between 5 μm and 30 μm, preferably between 7.5 μm and 15 μm, and the height of the facets is advantageously between 0 and 10 μm, preferably between 0 and 5 μm.
Die reflektiven Facetten weisen in vorteilhaften Gestaltungen eine metallische Beschichtung, eine hochbrechende Beschichtung, oder eine Beschichtung mit einer farbkippenden Schicht auf.In advantageous embodiments, the reflective facets have a metallic coating, a high-index coating, or a coating with a color-shifting layer.
In einer vorteilhaften Ausgestaltung der Erfindung ist ein Teil der Facetten ohne diffraktives Gittermuster ausgebildet. Durch den Anteil der gitterfreien Facetten kann der Grad der imitierten Dispersion eingestellt werden.In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, a part of the facets is formed without a diffractive grid pattern. Due to the proportion of lattice-free facets, the degree of the imitated dispersion can be adjusted.
Der beschriebene reflektive Flächenbereich kann mit anderen Sicherheitsmerkmalen kombiniert werden, beispielsweise mit Hologrammen, insbesondere Echtfarbenhologrammen, mit Subwellenlängengittern oder anderen Subwellenlängenstrukturen, mit Mikrospiegelanordnungen ohne diffraktive Gitter, oder auch mit Sicherheitsmerkmalen, die auf speziellen Materialeigenschaften, wie elektrischer Leitfähigkeit, magnetischen Eigenschaften, Lumineszenz, Fluoreszenz oder dergleichen basieren. Die anderen Sicherheitsmerkmale können beispielsweise in Lücken des reflektiven Flächenbereichs vorgesehen und mit diesem verschachtelt sein.The described reflective surface area can be combined with other security features, for example with holograms, in particular true color holograms, with subwavelength gratings or other subwavelength structures, with micromirror arrangements without diffractive gratings, or also with security features based on specific material properties, such as electrical conductivity, magnetic properties, luminescence, fluorescence or the like. The other security features may for example be provided in gaps of the reflective surface area and be nested therewith.
Schließlich sei bemerkt, dass die angegebene Bedingung, dass der Gittervektor parallel zum Kreuzprodukt des Einheitsvektors in z-Richtung mit dem Normalenvektor der jeweiligen Facette liegt, für reale Strukturen natürlich nicht mathematisch exakt erfüllt sein muss oder kann, sondern dass es sich für den Fachmann versteht, dass kleine, beispielsweise fabrikationstechnische unvermeidliche Abweichungen von den mathematisch exakten Bedingungen die beschriebenen Effekte und die Funktionsweise der Sicherheitselemente nicht beeinträchtigen.Finally, it should be noted that the specified condition that the grid vector is parallel to the cross product of the unit vector in the z direction with the normal vector of the respective facet, for real structures, of course, must not be mathematically exactly met or can, but that it understands the expert in that small, for example production-related, unavoidable deviations from the mathematically exact conditions do not impair the described effects and the functioning of the security elements.
Die Erfindung enthält auch einen Datenträger mit einem Sicherheitselement der beschriebenen Art. Bei dem Datenträger kann es sich insbesondere um ein Wertdokument, wie eine Banknote, insbesondere eine Papierbanknote, eine Polymerbanknote oder eine Folienverbundbanknote, um eine Aktie, eine Anleihe, eine Urkunde, einen Gutschein, einen Scheck, eine hochwertige Eintrittskarte, aber auch um eine Ausweiskarte, wie etwa eine Kreditkarte, eine Bankkarte, eine Barzahlungskarte, eine Berechtigungskarte, einen Personalausweis oder eine Passpersonalisierungsseite handeln.The invention also includes a data carrier with a security element of the type described. The data carrier may in particular be a value document, such as a banknote, in particular a paper banknote, a polymer banknote or a film composite banknote, a share, a bond, a certificate, a coupon , a check, a high-quality entrance ticket, but also an ID card, such as a credit card, a bank card, a cash card, an authorization card, an identity card or a pass personalization page.
Die Erfindung enthält weiter ein Verfahren zur Herstellung eines optisch variablen Sicherheitselements der oben beschriebenen Art, bei dem
- ein Träger bereitgestellt und mit einem reflektiven Flächenbereich versehen wird, dessen Ausdehnung eine x-y-Ebene und eine darauf senkrecht stehende z-Achse definiert,
- wobei der reflektive Flächenbereich mit einer Vielzahl von reflektiven Pixeln ausgebildet wird, die jeweils eine oder mehrere, gleich orientierte reflektive Facetten aufweisen, wobei eine Orientierung jeder Facette relativ zur x-y-Ebene durch die Angabe ihres normalisierten Normalenvektors bestimmt ist,
- die reflektiven Facetten so orientiert werden, dass der reflektive Flächenbereich für einen Betrachter als gegenüber seiner tatsächlichen Raumform vor- und/oder zurückspringende Fläche wahrnehmbar ist, und
- zumindest ein Teil der Facetten mit einem diffraktiven Gittermuster aus einer Vielzahl von Gitterlinien versehen wird, dessen Gittervektor parallel zum Kreuzprodukt des Einheitsvektors in z-Richtung mit dem Normalenvektor der jeweiligen Facette liegt.
- a support is provided and provided with a reflective surface area, the extent of which defines an xy plane and a z axis perpendicular thereto,
- wherein the reflective area is formed with a plurality of reflective pixels, each having one or more similarly oriented reflective facets, an orientation of each facet relative to the xy plane being determined by the indication of its normalized normal vector,
- the reflective facets are oriented such that the reflective surface area is perceptible to an observer as an area that protrudes and / or recesses relative to its actual spatial form, and
- at least a part of the facets is provided with a diffractive grid pattern of a plurality of grid lines whose grid vector is parallel to the cross product of the unit vector in the z direction with the normal vector of the respective facet.
Zur Herstellung eines erfindungsgemäßen Sicherheitselements können die reflektiven Facetten zusammen mit den diffraktiven Gittermustern beispielsweise mittels Graustufenlithographie in einen Fotolack geschrieben, anschließend entwickelt, galvanisch abgeformt, in einen UV-Lack geprägt und verspiegelt werden. Die Verspiegelung kann beispielsweise durch eine aufgebrachte, beispielsweise aufgedampfte Metallschicht verwirklicht werden. Typischerweise wird dabei eine Aluminiumschicht mit einer Stärke von beispielsweise 50 nm aufgebracht. Natürlich können auch andere Metalle, wie etwa Silber, Kupfer, Chrom, Eisen, Nickel oder Legierungen davon verwendet werden. Auch können alternativ zu Metallen Halbleiter wie etwa Silizium, hochbrechende Beschichtungen, beispielsweise aus ZnS, Al2O3 oder TiO2, oder auch farbkippende Schichten aufgebracht werden. Das Aufbringen, insbesondere Bedampfen kann vollflächig erfolgen, es ist jedoch auch möglich, eine nur bereichsweise bzw. rasterförmige Beschichtung durchzuführen, so dass das Sicherheitselement teilweise transparent bzw. transluzent ist.To produce a security element according to the invention, the reflective facets can be written into a photoresist together with the diffractive grating patterns, for example by means of gray scale lithography, subsequently developed, galvanically formed, embossed and mirrored in a UV varnish. The mirror coating can be realized for example by an applied, for example vapor-deposited metal layer. Typically, an aluminum layer with a thickness of, for example, 50 nm is applied. Of course, other metals such as silver, copper, chromium, iron, nickel or alloys thereof may also be used. Also, as an alternative to metals, semiconductors such as silicon, high-index coatings, for example made of ZnS, Al 2 O 3 or TiO 2 , or also color-shifting layers can be applied. The application, in particular vapor deposition can be carried out over the entire surface, but it is also possible to perform a coating only in regions or grid-shaped, so that the security element is partially transparent or translucent.
Weitere Ausführungsbeispiele sowie Vorteile der Erfindung werden nachfolgend anhand der Figuren erläutert, bei deren Darstellung auf eine maßstabs- und proportionsgetreue Wiedergabe verzichtet wurde, um die Anschaulichkeit zu erhöhen.Further exemplary embodiments and advantages of the invention are explained below with reference to the figures, in the representation of which a representation true to scale and proportion has been dispensed with in order to increase the clarity.
Es zeigen:
- Fig. 1
- eine schematische Darstellung einer Banknote mit einem erfindungsgemäßen optisch variablen Sicherheitselement in Form eines aufgeklebten Transferelements,
- Fig. 2
- illustriert das Zustandekommen des dreidimensionalen Erscheinungsbilds des Sicherheitselements der
Fig. 1 ,
- Fig. 3
- einen Detailausschnitt des reflektiven Flächenbereichs mit drei Pixeln entlang einer Höhenlinie der in
Fig. 2 gezeigten gewölbten Fläche, - Fig. 4
- eine perspektivische Ansicht einer einzelnen Facette mit ihrem Gittermuster,
- Fig. 5
- einen Ausschnitt eines reflektiven Flächenbereichs eines erfindungsgemäßen Sicherheitselements, bei dem jedes Pixel aus nur einer Facette besteht und bei dem die Pixel bzw. Facetten aperiodisch in der x-y-Ebene angeordnet sind,
- Fig. 6
- den reflektiven Flächenbereich eines Sicherheitselements nach einem weiteren Ausführungsbeispiel der Erfindung im Querschnitt, und
- Fig. 7
- in (a) bis (c) die Spiegelreflexe und die beim Kippen auftretende Dispersionswirkung anhand der Darstellung der Wertzahl "50" der
Fig. 1 , wobei (a) eine Aufsicht ohne Darstellung der Dispersionswirkung, und (b) und (c) einerseits die Bewegung der farblosen und lichtstarken Reflexionen in 0-ter Beugungsordnung und andererseits das Auftreten farbiger Reflexionen beim Kippen des Sicherheitselements zeigen.
- Fig. 1
- a schematic representation of a banknote with an optically variable security element according to the invention in the form of a glued transfer element,
- Fig. 2
- illustrates the realization of the three-dimensional appearance of the security element of
Fig. 1 .
- Fig. 3
- a detail of the reflective area with three pixels along a contour line of
Fig. 2 shown curved surface, - Fig. 4
- a perspective view of a single facet with its grid pattern,
- Fig. 5
- a section of a reflective surface area of a security element according to the invention, in which each pixel consists of only one facet and in which the pixels or facets are arranged aperiodically in the xy plane,
- Fig. 6
- the reflective surface area of a security element according to a further embodiment of the invention in cross section, and
- Fig. 7
- in (a) to (c) the mirror reflections and the dispersion effect occurring during tilting on the basis of the representation of the value "50" of
Fig. 1 in which (a) shows a plan view without representation of the dispersion effect, and (b) and (c) on the one hand the movement of the colorless and bright reflections in the 0th diffraction order and on the other hand the appearance of colored reflections on tilting of the security element.
Die Erfindung wird nun am Beispiel von Sicherheitselementen für Banknoten erläutert.
Das in
Das optisch variable Sicherheitselement 12 enthält einen reflektiven Flächenbereich 20, dessen Ausdehnung eine x-y-Ebene definiert, die hier mit der Oberfläche der Banknote 10 zusammenfällt. Die z-Achse steht senkrecht auf der x-y-Ebene, so dass das durch die drei Achsen gebildete Koordinatensystem ein Rechtssystem bildet.The optically
Der Aufbau erfindungsgemäßer Sicherheitselemente und das Zustandekommen der dreidimensionalen Darstellung mit imitierter Dispersion wird nun mit Bezug auf die
Zurückkommend zunächst auf die Darstellung der
Dabei ist die Orientierung jeder Facette 32 durch die Neigung der Facette gegen die x-y-Ebene und einen Azimutwinkel oder auch durch die Angabe ihres normalisierten Normalenvektors n = (nx, ny, nz) mit |n| = 1 und positiver z-Komponente bestimmt. Der Azimutwinkel einer Facette ist dabei der Winkel zwischen der Projektion des Normalenvektors n in die x-y-Ebene und einer vorbestimmten Referenzrichtung R (
Im Ausführungsbeispiel sind die Pixel 30 mit quadratischem Umriss ausgebildet, sie können im Allgemeinen aber auch andere Umrissformen, insbesondere eine Motivform, wie etwa Zeichen oder Symbole aufweisen. Die Kantenlänge der Pixel 30 liegt unterhalb von 300 µm und liegt insbesondere im Bereich von 20 µm bis 100 µm. Länge und Breite der Facetten 32 liegen oberhalb vom 5 µm, um Farbaufspaltungen durch die Facettenanordnung selbst zu vermeiden. Die Höhe der Facetten liegt nur zwischen 0 und 10 µm, vorzugsweise zwischen 0 und 5 µm, so dass der gesamte reflektive Flächenbereich 20 Höhenunterschiede von maximal 10 µm aufweist, welche mit bloßem Auge nicht wahrnehmbar sind.In the exemplary embodiment, the
Da die geometrische Reflexionsbedingung "Einfallswinkel gleich Ausfallswinkel" für die Reflexion von gerichtetem Licht 42 nur von der lokalen Orientierung des Normalenvektors der reflektierenden Fläche 40, 20 abhängt und die Pixel 30 zudem sehr klein sind und damit selbst nicht in Erscheinung treten, zeigt der reflektierende Flächenbereich 20 im Wesentlichen dieselben Reflexionseigenschaften wie die zu imitierende dreidimensionale Fläche 40 und erzeugt daher beim Betrachter trotz seiner geringen Höhendifferenzen den ausgeprägt dreidimensionalen Eindruck der imitierten Fläche 40.Since the geometric reflection condition "angle of incidence equals angle of reflection" for the reflection of directed light 42 depends only on the local orientation of the normal vector of the
Die reflektiven Facetten 32 sind insgesamt so orientiert, dass der reflektive Flächenbereich 20 für einen Betrachter als gegenüber seiner tatsächlichen Raumform vor- und/oder zurückspringende Fläche 40 wahrnehmbar ist. Die tatsächlichen Raumform des reflektiven Flächenbereichs 20 ist durch die Abfolge der geneigten Facetten, im Ausführungsbeispiel etwa durch die regelmäßige sägezahnartige Anordnung der Facetten 32 gegeben. Wegen der Allgemeinheit der beschriebenen Konstruktion lassen sich mit dem reflektiven Flächenbereich 20 praktisch beliebige dreidimensional wahrnehmbare Motive erzeugen, wie etwa Portraits, Darstellungen von Gegenständen, Tieren oder Pflanzen, oder räumliche Darstellungen alphanumerischer Zeichen, beispielsweise die hervorgewölbte Wertzahl "50" der
Um über die Imitation der Dreidimensionalität der Fläche 40 hinaus auch die bei geschliffenen transparenten Materialien auftretende Dispersion des Lichts imitieren zu können, sind die reflektiven Facetten 32 des Flächenbereichs 20 zusätzlich mit diffraktiven Gittermustern 34 versehen, die jeweils aus einer Vielzahl paralleler Gitterlinien 36 bestehen. Die Orientierung der Gitterlinien 36 ist im Rahmen der Erfindung dabei gerade so gewählt, dass der Gittervektor g des Gittermusters 34, der definitionsgemäß senkrecht auf den Gitterlinien 36 steht und dessen Betrag die Gitterperiode angibt, parallel zum Kreuzprodukt des Einheitsvektors e z in z-Richtung mit dem Normalenvektor n der jeweiligen Facette liegt.In addition to the imitation of the three-dimensionality of the
Mit ez = (0,0,1) und n = (nx, ny, nz) ist also g || (ez x n) und der Gittervektor jeder Facette kann allgemein als g = (gx, gy, 0) mit der Gitterperiode | g | geschrieben werden. In
Der Detailausschnitt der
Wird zur näheren Erläuterung zunächst nur eine reflektive Facette 32 ohne diffraktives Gittermuster 34 betrachtet, so wirkt die gitterfreie Facette 32 als achromatisch reflektierender Mikrospiegel, der einfallendes Licht ohne Farbaufspaltung nach den Gesetzen der geometrischen Optik reflektiert. Ist aus einer Betrachtungsrichtung, die in der von dem Normalenvektor und der z-Achse aufgespannten Ebene liegt, für die Facette 32 die Reflexionsbedingung "Einfallswinkel gleich Ausfallswinkel" erfüllt, erscheint die Facette farblos hell, ansonsten dunkel. Da die Reflexionsbedingung nur für einen Kippwinkel exakt erfüllt ist, ergibt sich beim Kippen der reflektiven Facette senkrecht zu der genannten Ebene eine abrupte, diskrete Helligkeitsänderung.If only a
Nimmt man nun das diffraktive Gittermuster 34 hinzu, so dass zusätzlich die Beugung des einfallenden Lichts an dem Gittermuster berücksichtigt werden muss, so tritt anstelle der Richtung des geometrisch gerichtet reflektierten Lichtstrahls die Richtung der 0-ten Beugungsordnung des Gittermuster. In der Richtung der 0-ten Beugungsordnung ist die Reflexionsbedingung "Einfallswinkel gleich Ausfallswinkel" erfüllt, die Facette erscheint hell und farblos, wenn auch typischerweise mit etwas geringerer Helligkeit als im oben beschriebenen gitterfreien Fall, da ein Teil des Lichts in andere Raumrichtungen gebeugt wird.If one then adds the diffractive
Bei den Gittermustern 34 liegt die Ausbreitungsrichtung des gebeugten Lichts in einer Ebene, die durch den Gittervektor g und die Richtung der 0-ten Beugungsordnung aufgespannt wird. Innerhalb dieser Ebene wird die Richtung des gebeugten Lichts durch die Gittergleichung
Für die oben genannte Betrachtungsrichtung in der Ebene des Normalenvektors und der z-Achse ändern sich die Winkel α und β der Gittergleichung beim Kippen der reflektive Facette um eine Achse senkrecht zu der genannten Ebene nicht. Bei einer Verkippung um eine andere Achse ändern sich dagegen mit der Verkippung auch die Winkel α und β in der Gittergleichung graduell. Bei einer solchen Verkippung tritt also eine graduelle Farb- und/oder Intensitätsänderung auf, durch die sich insbesondere der Farbeindruck der Facette 32 kontinuierlich verändert.For the above-mentioned viewing direction in the plane of the normal vector and the z-axis, the angles α and β of the grating equation do not change upon tilting of the reflective facet about an axis perpendicular to said plane. On the other hand, with a tilt about another axis, tilting also gradually changes the angles α and β in the grid equation. In the case of such tilting, therefore, a gradual change in color and / or intensity occurs, as a result of which, in particular, the color impression of the
Kehrt man nun zu einem reflektiven Flächenbereich 20 zurück, der aus einer Vielzahl von Facetten 32 mit unterschiedlichen Neigungswinkeln γ und Azimutwinkeln A besteht, so weist die Gesamtheit der Facetten keine ausgezeichnete Kippachse auf. Vielmehr wird bei jeder Verkippung um eine beliebige Achse ein Teil der Facetten 32 eine diskrete Intensitätsänderung zeigen, während ein anderer Teil eine graduelle Farb- und/oder Intensitätsänderung zeigt. Die farblosen und lichtstarken Reflexionen in 0-ter Beugungsordnung tragen dabei besonders zu dem Eindruck einer dreidimensionalen gewölbten Fläche 40 bei, da sie die Spiegelung durch die gewölbte Fläche 40 nachstellen.Returning now to a
Die farbigen Reflexionen der ersten und höheren Beugungsordnungen suggerieren dem Betrachter zusätzlich das Auftreten von Dispersion, welche ihm von geschliffenen transparenten Objekten her vertraut ist. Von besonderer Bedeutung ist dabei, dass die farbigen Reflexionen benachbarter Pixel 30 nicht unabhängig voneinander sind, da auch die Orientierungen der Facetten 32 benachbarte Pixel nicht unabhängig voneinander sind, sondern vielmehr gerade so gewählt sind, dass die Pixel 30 in ihrer Gesamtheit gerade das Reflexionsverhalten der dreidimensionalen Fläche 40 reproduzieren. Mit der räumlichen Orientierung sind daher auch die farbigen Reflexionen benachbarter Pixel 30 korreliert und führen zu makroskopisch erkennbaren farbigen Reflexionen, die, wie die Erfinder überraschend gefunden haben, das Auftreten von Dispersion in transparenten Materialien imitieren.The colored reflections of the first and higher orders of diffraction additionally suggest to the viewer the occurrence of dispersion familiar to him from ground transparent objects. Of particular importance is that the colored reflections of
Die oben genannte Bedingung, nach der der Gittervektor g des Gittermusters parallel zum Kreuzprodukt des Einheitsvektors in z-Richtung ez mit dem Normalenvektor n der jeweiligen Facette liegen soll, kann auf parallel zur x-y-Ebene liegenden Facetten nicht angewandt werden, da das Kreuzprodukt dort gleich Null ist. Wie oben beschrieben werden die parallel zur x-y-Ebene liegenden Facetten daher vorteilhaft mit einem Gittermuster versehen, dessen Gittervektor im Wesentlichen parallel zu den Gittervektoren der Gittermuster angrenzender Facetten liegt.The above-mentioned condition according to which the grating vector g of the grating pattern should lie parallel to the cross product of the unit vector in the z direction e z with the normal vector n of the respective facet can not be applied to facets lying parallel to the xy plane since the cross product is there is equal to zero. As described above, the facets lying parallel to the xy plane are therefore advantageously provided with a grid pattern whose grid vector lies substantially parallel to the grid vectors of the grid patterns of adjacent facets.
Weiter legt die oben genannte Bedingung an den Gittervektor g nur dessen Richtung, nicht aber seinen Betrag fest. Vielmehr kann durch die Wahl der Gitterperiode unabhängig von den bisherigen Überlegungen der Grad der imitierten Dispersion eingestellt werden. Kleinere Gitterperioden führen dabei zu einer stärker ausgeprägten räumlichen Auffächerung des Lichtes nach Spektralfarben und damit zu farbigen Reflexionen von geringerer Intensität. Nach der Festlegung der Richtung des Gittervektors wird die Gitterperiode also gemäß der Stärke des gewünschten dispersiven Erscheinungsbilds der gewölbten Fläche 40 gewählt.Further, the above condition applies to the grating vector g only its direction, but not its magnitude. Rather, can be adjusted by the choice of the grating period, regardless of the previous considerations, the degree of the imitated dispersion. Smaller grating periods lead to a more pronounced spatial fanning of the light into spectral colors and thus to colored reflections of lesser intensity. Thus, after determining the direction of the grating vector, the grating period is selected according to the magnitude of the desired dispersive appearance of the
Eine weitere Möglichkeit, den Grad der imitierten Dispersion einzustellen, besteht darin, einen bestimmten Teil der Facetten ohne Gittermuster auszubilden und durch den Anteil gitterfreier Facetten den Grad der imitierten Dispersion zu reduzieren.Another way to adjust the degree of mimic dispersion is to form a certain part of the facets without lattice patterns and to reduce the degree of mimic dispersion by the proportion of lattice-free facets.
Die reflektiven Pixel 30 bzw. die reflektiven Facetten 32 können, wie in
Eine weitere Möglichkeit, unerwünschte Beugungseffekte durch die Aufteilung des Flächenbereichs in Facetten zu unterdrücken, besteht darin, die Facetten in ihrer Höhe über dem Flächenbereich aperiodisch gegeneinander zu versetzten. Beispielsweise zeigt
Zusätzlich zu dieser Bewegung der Spiegelreflexe 62, die von den farblosen und lichtstarken Reflexionen in 0-ter Beugungsordnung hervorgerufen wird, erzeugen die Gittermuster 34 der Facetten 32 in erster und den höheren Beugungsordnungen farbige Reflexionen 64. Wie in
- 1010
- Banknotebill
- 1212
- Sicherheitselementsecurity element
- 1414
- Brillantmotivbrilliant motive
- 1616
- Wertzahlvalue number
- 2020
- reflektiver Flächenbereichreflective surface area
- 3030
- Pixelpixel
- 3232
- reflektive Facettenreflective facets
- 3434
- diffraktives Gittermusterdiffractive grid pattern
- 3636
- Gitterliniengridlines
- 3838
- Trägercarrier
- 4040
- gewölbte Flächearched area
- 4242
- Reflexion von gerichtetem LichtReflection of directional light
- 4444
- Höhenliniecontour
- 5050
- reflektiver Flächenbereichreflective surface area
- 52, 52-j, 52-k52, 52-j, 52-k
- Facettenfacets
- 54-j, 54-k54-y, 54-k
- reflektierte Lichtstrahlenreflected light rays
- 5050
- reflektiver Flächenbereichreflective surface area
- 52,5452.54
- Teilbereichesubregions
- 6060
- Zifferndigits
- 6262
- Spiegelreflexemirror reflections
- 6464
- farbige Reflexionencolored reflections
- 6666
- senkrechte Bereichevertical areas
- 6868
- waagrechte Bereichehorizontal areas
- 70,7270.72
- Kippachsentilting axes
Claims (18)
- An optically variable security element (12) for securing valuable articles (10), the security element comprising a carrier having a reflective surface region (20) whose dimension defines an x-y plane and a z-axis perpendicular thereto,
wherein- the reflective surface region includes a plurality of reflective pixels (30) that each comprise one or more, identically oriented reflective facets (32), an orientation of each facet relative to the x-y plane being determined by the specification of its normalized normal vector,- the reflective facets are oriented in such a way that the reflective surface region is perceptible for a viewer as a protruding and/or receding surface (40) with respect to its actual spatial form, characterized in that- at least a portion of the facets is provided with a diffractive grating pattern (34) composed of a plurality of grating lines (36) whose grating vector lies parallel to the cross product of the unit vector in the z-direction with the normal vector of the respective facet. - The security element according to claim 1, characterized in that, of the facets that lie parallel to the x-y plane, at least a portion is provided with a diffractive grating pattern composed of a plurality of grating lines whose grating vector lies substantially parallel to the grating vectors of the grating patterns of adjoining facets.
- The security element according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the reflective facets are oriented in such a way that the reflective surface region is perceptible for a viewer as a surface that is vaulted, especially continuously vaulted, preferably is perceptible as a surface that is vaulted, especially continuously vaulted, in two directions in space.
- The security element according to at least one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the grating patterns of the reflective facets produce, in the first and, if applicable, higher diffraction orders, colored reflections that are perceptible for a viewer as a dispersion of a transparent material, such as glass or diamond.
- The security element according to at least one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the incline of the reflective facets against the x-y plane has no dominant preferred direction, especially in that there is no plane perpendicular to the x-y plane in which more than 80% of the normal vectors of the reflective facets lie.
- The security element according to at least one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the diffractive grating patterns have a grating period between 0.3 µm and 4 µm, preferably between 0.6 µm and 3 µm.
- The security element according to at least one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that all grating patterns in the surface region have the same grating period.
- The security element according to at least one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the facets are developed substantially as planar surface elements.
- The security element according to at least one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the reflective facets are arranged in a periodic grid and especially form a sawtooth grating.
- The security element according to at least one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the reflective facets are arranged aperiodically.
- The security element according to at least one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the facets are offset from each other aperiodically in their height above the surface region.
- The security element according to at least one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the facets provided with a grating pattern have, in the direction of the grating vector of the grating pattern, a dimension of 10 µm or more, preferably of 20 µm or more, particularly preferably of 30 µm or more, and/or in that the facets in the direction perpendicular to the grating vector have a dimension between 5 µm and 30 µm, preferably between 7.5 µm and 15 µm and/or in that the height of the facets is between 0 and 10 µm, preferably between 0 and 5 µm.
- The security element according to at least one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the reflective facets comprise a metallic or semiconducting coating, a high-index coating or a coating having a color-shifting layer.
- The security element according to at least one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that a portion of the facets is developed without a diffractive grating pattern.
- The security element according to at least one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that at least a portion of the reflective facets is developed having a contour that, in the direction of the grating vector of the grating pattern, comprises at least one boundary line that lies perpendicular to the grating lines of the grating pattern.
- The security element according to at least one of claims 1 to 15, characterized in that at least one portion of the pixels is developed having a contour in the form of a motif, especially in the form of characters or symbols.
- A data carrier having a security element according to at least one of claims 1 to 16.
- A method for manufacturing an optically variable security element according to one of claims 1 to 16, in which- a carrier is provided and is provided with a reflective surface region whose dimension defines an x-y plane and a z-axis perpendicular thereto,- the reflective surface region being developed having a plurality of reflective pixels that each comprise one or more, identically oriented reflective facets, an orientation of each facet relative to the x-y plane being determined by the specification of its normalized normal vector,- the reflective facets are oriented in such a way that the reflective surface region is perceptible for a viewer as a protruding and/or receding surface with respect to its actual spatial form, and- at least a portion of the facets is provided with a diffractive grating pattern composed of a plurality of grating lines whose grating vector lies parallel to the cross product of the unit vector in the z-direction with the normal vector of the respective facet.
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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DE102014014082.2A DE102014014082A1 (en) | 2014-09-23 | 2014-09-23 | Optically variable security element with reflective surface area |
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EP3000614A1 EP3000614A1 (en) | 2016-03-30 |
EP3000614B1 true EP3000614B1 (en) | 2018-09-12 |
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EP15002684.7A Active EP3000614B1 (en) | 2014-09-23 | 2015-09-16 | Optically variable security element having reflective surface area |
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EP (1) | EP3000614B1 (en) |
DE (1) | DE102014014082A1 (en) |
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Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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AU2017303176B2 (en) | 2016-07-25 | 2022-11-17 | Toppan Printing Co., Ltd. | Display body |
DE102017005050A1 (en) * | 2017-05-26 | 2018-11-29 | Giesecke+Devrient Currency Technology Gmbh | Security element with reflective surface area |
DE102018004052A1 (en) * | 2018-05-18 | 2019-11-21 | Giesecke+Devrient Currency Technology Gmbh | Optically variable security element with reflective surface area |
CN115230363B (en) * | 2021-04-25 | 2024-03-29 | 中钞特种防伪科技有限公司 | Optical anti-counterfeiting element, design method thereof and anti-counterfeiting product |
Family Cites Families (8)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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GB9524862D0 (en) * | 1995-12-06 | 1996-02-07 | The Technology Partnership Plc | Colour diffractive structure |
US7102823B2 (en) * | 2002-01-18 | 2006-09-05 | Ovd Kinegram Ag | Diffractive security element having an integrated optical waveguide |
JP4779792B2 (en) * | 2006-04-27 | 2011-09-28 | 凸版印刷株式会社 | Information recording medium and information recording medium authenticity determination device |
DE102009056934A1 (en) * | 2009-12-04 | 2011-06-09 | Giesecke & Devrient Gmbh | Security element, value document with such a security element and manufacturing method of a security element |
DE102010049600A1 (en) | 2010-10-26 | 2012-01-19 | Giesecke & Devrient Gmbh | Security element with optically variable surface pattern |
DE102010049831A1 (en) * | 2010-10-27 | 2012-05-03 | Giesecke & Devrient Gmbh | Optically variable surface pattern |
DE102011014114B3 (en) * | 2011-03-15 | 2012-05-10 | Ovd Kinegram Ag | Multi-layer body and method for producing a multi-layer body |
AU2013101172B4 (en) * | 2013-09-02 | 2014-04-17 | Innovia Security Pty Ltd | Multichannel optical device |
-
2014
- 2014-09-23 DE DE102014014082.2A patent/DE102014014082A1/en not_active Withdrawn
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- 2015-09-16 EP EP15002684.7A patent/EP3000614B1/en active Active
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