EP3792071B1 - Valuable or security product and method for producing the same - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a valuable or security product, in particular an identity card, and a method for producing it. Such valuable or security documents can be, for example, a personal document, a check card, a non-personalized authorization card, such as a ticket or a means of payment, or a value or security element intended for product security.

Valuable or security products, in particular valuable or security documents, serve to verify the identity of a person or thing or a claim, for example to pay a sum of money or to issue a product or provide a service. To this end, it must be ensured that the product cannot be imitated, counterfeited or falsified or only with considerable effort. The product therefore contains security features that are extremely difficult or even practically impossible to imitate. For example, the product, such as banknotes, is made of a material that is not readily available. Additionally or alternatively, security features can be formed by special colors, for example luminescent or optically variable colors, optical elements such as holograms, tilt images, kinegrams, lens or prism arrays, as well as guilloches, mottled fibers, security threads and others.

Although there are many security features used, many counterfeits of valuable or security products are still successful; especially those in which a portrait affixed to the valuable or security product has subsequently been forged or falsified. This is done by finely, partially or completely painting over the existing portrait, with a thin film subsequently being applied to make the fake - at least largely - invisible to the human eye.

The WO 2017/031414 A1 and the WO 2010/040972 A1 reveal security documents with tactile security features. The EP 2 918 424 A1 discloses a security document with a portrait image whose tactile security feature covers the portrait image. The EP 2 325 022 A1 reveals a security document in which the portrait image is covered by slanted lines.

It is therefore the object of the present invention to provide a forgery-proof valuable or security product and a method for producing it.

The above tasks are achieved with a valuable or security product with the features of claim 1 and a method with the features of claim 6. Advantageous embodiments with useful developments of the invention are specified in the dependent claims.

In particular, the valuable or security product, preferably an identity card, comprises a carrier material and a portrait image attached thereto or formed from one or more printed layers. To secure the portrait image, a tactile security feature formed by a laser and comprising at least one straight line is applied or introduced onto or into at least one of the print layers of the portrait image or into at least one protective layer covering the print layers.

This configuration makes it possible to introduce or attach a so-called "Level 1" security feature to the portrait or facial image of the valuable or security product, which can be easily checked by a person without technical aids.

The valuable or security product can be a valuable or security document or a security element, ie an element that is connected, for example, to an object to be protected against imitation, counterfeiting or falsification, for example a sticker, label or the like. A passport, for example, can be used as a valuable or security product Identity card, a driving license or other ID card or an access control card, a vehicle registration document, a vehicle registration document, a visa, a check, other means of payment, in particular a banknote, a check, a bank card, a credit or cash payment card, a customer card , a health card, a chip card, a company ID card, a proof of authorization, a membership card or another ID document, but it should be ensured that it has a portrait photo or one is attached to it.

Preferably, the valuable or security product is in ID 1, ID 2, ID 3 or in some other format, for example in booklet form, such as a passport-like item. The valuable or security product is generally a laminate made up of several document layers that are precisely connected to one another under the influence of heat and increased pressure. These products should meet standardized requirements, for example ISO 10373, ISO/IEC 7810, ISO 14443.

The product layers preferably consist of a carrier material that is suitable for lamination. However, the valuable or security product can preferably be formed from a polymer which is selected from a group comprising polycarbonate (PC), in particular bisphenol A polycarbonate or a polycarbonate formed with a geminal disubstituted bis (hydroxyphenyl) cycloalkane, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), their derivatives, such as glycol-modified PET (PETG), polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyvinyl butyral (PVB), polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), polyimide (PI), polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), polystyrene (PS) , polyvinylphenol (PVP), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), thermoplastic elastomers (TPE), in particular thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymer (ABS) and their derivatives, and/or paper and/or Cardboard and/or glass and/or metal and/or ceramic. In addition, the product can also be made from several of these materials. It preferably consists of PC, PVC and PET. The polymers can be either filled or unfilled. In the latter case, they are preferably transparent or translucent. If the polymers are filled, they are opaque. The above Information refers to both films to be bonded together and liquid formulations that are applied to a preliminary product, such as a protective or top coat. The product is preferably made from three to twelve, preferably four to ten, films. The films can also carry printed layers. A laminate formed in this way can then be covered on one or both sides with the protective or top coat or with a film. The film can in particular be a volume hologram, a film with a surface hologram (for example a kinegraphic element) or a scratch protection film. Overlay layers formed in this way protect a security feature arranged underneath and/or give the document the required abrasion resistance.

As far as the term pattern is mentioned in the description and in the claims of the present application, it is to be understood as a somehow designed distribution of visible and/or elements conveying a tactile impression on one or more surfaces. These elements preferably result in a self-contained representation, for example a line, a set of lines, a line pattern, an image element, or an alphanumeric character, a symbol, a coat of arms, a line, a formula or the like.

When designing the value or security product with a set of straight lines forming the tactile security feature to secure the portrait image, it is possible that the straight lines can extend from portrait edge to portrait edge, but also beyond. The mutual distance or the predefined positions of the intersection points of the straight lines can represent a further security feature that increases the security against counterfeiting of the valuable or security product.

Furthermore, counterfeiting can be prevented by a predetermined position of the lines on the portrait or by a predetermined position of the lines with respect to the edge of the portrait. In this context, it is therefore possible for at least two of the lines to run parallel to one another at an angle of 15 degrees to 75 degrees with respect to a portrait image edge. A tilt of 45 degrees with respect to the edge of the portrait is preferred.

It is advantageous if the lines form a line grid. This line grid is formed from a plurality of straight lines that cross each other. The position of the intersection points or crossing points in relation to at least one of the portrait edges can also be predetermined. It is also possible for the line grid to be formed with lines aligned at an angle with respect to a portrait image edge. The line grid can also be aligned from 15 degrees to 75 degrees with respect to the edge of the portrait. Preferably it is tilted at 45 degrees relative to the portrait edges.

According to the invention, energy input from the laser into the at least one printing layer is dimensioned such that color pigments of the at least one printing layer evaporate or are removed locally, in particular without smoke. The valuable or security product is formed with at least one, preferably several, cavities in the printing layer with higher energy input by the laser.

A possible laser, for example, is a CO ₂ laser, although excimer lasers and fiber lasers can also be used. These lasers are characterized by their positive property of being operated in a very wide range of possible powers, so that a desired energy input into the irradiated material can be specified or freely selected. Using a pulsed laser mode, high but short-term bursts of energy can be introduced into the material so that it is removed without burning and leaving behind traces of smoke.

In this context, it is alternatively or additionally possible according to the invention for an energy input of the laser into the at least one protective layer covering the printing layer to be dimensioned such that the protective layer is evaporated or removed locally, in particular without smoke. In such a case, the valuable or security product is formed with at least one, preferably with several cavities in the protective layer.

1. A) Bereitstellen eines Trägermaterials,
2. B) Anbringen einer oder mehrere Druckschichten (140a) und Ausbildung eines Portraitbilds (110),
3. C) Herausbilden eines Sicherheitsmerkmals (500) in zumindest eine der Druckschichten (140a) des Portraitbilds (110) mittels eines Lasers, und/oder
4. D) Herausbilden eines Sicherheitsmerkmals (500) in zumindest eine die Druckschichten (140a) des Portraitbilds (110) bedeckende Schutzschicht (150) mittels des Lasers.

Cavities are created through evaporation or erosion. The cavities can have holes, depressions, cavities, channels, pores, recesses, Cavities and the like can be formed. According to the invention, the cavities have a size in the micrometer range, ie the clear width/thickness of the cavities is in the range from 10 µm to 500 µm, preferably in the range from 100 µm to 300. The depth of the cavities is in a range of 1 µm to 500 µm. The process for producing a valuable or security product is characterized by the steps:

1. A) providing a carrier material,
2. B) applying one or more printing layers (140a) and forming a portrait image (110),
3. C) forming a security feature (500) in at least one of the print layers (140a) of the portrait image (110) using a laser, and/or
4. D) forming a security feature (500) in at least one protective layer (150) covering the print layers (140a) of the portrait image (110) using the laser.

The advantages mentioned in connection with the valuable or security product also apply to the method according to the invention.

According to the invention, an energy input from the laser is dimensioned such that during step C) color pigments of the at least one printing layer evaporate or are removed locally, in particular without smoke.

Alternatively or additionally, it makes sense according to the invention if an energy input from the laser is dimensioned such that during step D) the protective layer is evaporated or removed locally, in particular without smoke.

A method not covered by the invention provides that an energy input from the laser is dimensioned such that the at least one print layer is locally foamed during step C).

A method not covered by the invention provides that an energy input from the laser is dimensioned such that during step D) the at least one protective layer covering the printing layer is locally foamed. The lasered structures become more clearly visible as lines or areas that appear white due to the large number of reflections and refractions in the individual bubbles.

Fig. 1

eine schematische isometrische Darstellung eines Wert- oder Sicherheitsprodukts in Form einer Identitätskarte;

Fig. 2

eine schematische Schnittansicht der Identitätskarte entlang der Linie I-I; und

Fig. 3a

ein mittels Laser hergestelltes Sicherheitsmerkmal, ausgebildet in der Druckschicht, in einer Schnittansicht;

Fig. 3b

ein mittels Laser hergestelltes weiteres Sicherheitsmerkmal, ausgebildet an der Druckschicht, in einer Schnittansicht;

Fig. 3c

ein mittels Laser hergestelltes weiteres Sicherheitsmerkmal, ausgebildet in der Schutzschicht, in einer Schnittansicht;

Fig. 3d

ein mittels Laser hergestelltes weiteres Sicherheitsmerkmal, ausgebildet an der Schutzschicht, in einer Schnittansicht;

Fig. 3e

ein mittels Laser hergestelltes weiteres Sicherheitsmerkmal, ausgebildet sowohl in der Druckschicht als auch in der Schutzschicht, in einer Schnittansicht; und

Fig. 3f

ein mittels Laser hergestelltes weiteres Sicherheitsmerkmal, ausgebildet sowohl in der Druckschicht als auch in der Schutzschicht, in einer Schnittansicht;

The present invention is explained in more detail below with reference to figures, whereby the examples shown are merely exemplary in nature and do not represent any limitation with regard to the scope of the invention described. They show in detail:

Fig. 1

a schematic isometric representation of a valuable or security product in the form of an identity card;

Fig. 2

a schematic sectional view of the identity card along line II; and

Fig. 3a

a laser-made security feature formed in the print layer in a sectional view;

Fig. 3b

a further security feature produced by laser, formed on the print layer, in a sectional view;

Fig. 3c

a further security feature produced by laser, formed in the protective layer, in a sectional view;

Fig. 3d

a further security feature produced by laser, formed on the protective layer, in a sectional view;

Fig. 3e

a further security feature produced by laser, formed in both the printing layer and the protective layer, in a sectional view; and

Fig. 3f

a further security feature produced by laser, formed in both the printing layer and the protective layer, in a sectional view;

In Figure 1 a valuable or security product 100 provided with a security feature 500 is shown. The valuable or security document 100 can be a personal document, such as a passport, an identity card, an access card or the like, a check card or a banknote or another document. All of the following examples are described using such a map as representative of other types of documents.

In the Figures 1 and 2 the valuable or security product 100 is shown in the form of an identity card, which has been assembled, for example, as a laminate from several internal polymer layers 140. For example, the polymer layers can consist of PC and/or PET. The individual layers can be unfilled or filled with fillers. In the latter case they are opaque, otherwise transparent. The layers can preferably be connected to one another in such a way that they form a monolithic block which is virtually impossible to split.

In Figure 2 For illustrative purposes only, the individual layers that were still visible before lamination are shown. The interfaces are no longer visible in the finished laminate. The outer layers 150 of the card may be formed as a final plastic protective film or may consist of a protective varnish applied to the card after lamination. The plastic protective film or protective varnish is transparent so that the information underneath is visible from the outside. In particular, one or more print layers 140a, for example of a portrait image 110, remain visible is preferably arranged immediately next to or behind the outer layer 150.

The valuable or security product 100 has a top 101 and a bottom 102. On the top 101 there is the facial or portrait image 110 of the card holder as well as data fields, namely, for example, a first data field 120 and a second data field 130 with card and holder data in plain text. D. The data in the first and second data fields 120, 130 are produced by printing layers that lie on an outer layer of the document but immediately below the outer protective layer 150.

It can be seen that a security feature 500 is assigned to the portrait image 110 to secure it, which in the present case forms a pattern in the form of a line grid comprising a set of straight lines. The lines of the line grid run inclined at an angle of 45 degrees with respect to the portrait image edges of the portrait image 110. Other angles of inclination for the straight lines of the grid are possible. It can be seen that the straight lines also extend beyond the portrait image edges of the portrait image 110 and form projections with a preferably predetermined length. The length of these projections can be determined depending on other parameters, for example parameters or data from the data fields 120, 130.

In a first variant, this security feature 500 is applied or introduced into at least one of the print layers 140a of the portrait image 110 by means of a laser. It can be done before laminating the in Figure 2 The composite shown can be attached or, if the laser is focused appropriately, only subsequently. Alternatively or additionally, in a further variant, there is the possibility that the security feature 500 is incorporated into the protective layer 150 covering the printing layers 140a.

In Figure 3a the security feature 500 produced by means of the laser is only formed in the print layer 140a. For this purpose, the power of the laser was dimensioned such that the material of the printing layer 140a was removed in a targeted manner and a suitable cavity 502, for example in the form of a line mentioned at the beginning or several such cavities in the form of a pattern, in particular in the form of a grid, is created.

In that not covered by the invention Figure 3b The security feature 500 produced by means of the laser is only formed on the printing layer 140a, in particular foamed, which creates a raised area 504. For this purpose, the material of the printing layer 140a is preferably formed from a thermoplastic.

In Figure 3b the security feature 500 produced by means of the laser is only formed in the protective layer 150. For this purpose, the power of the laser was dimensioned such that a targeted removal of the material of the protective layer 150 took place and a suitable cavity 502, for example in the form of a line mentioned at the beginning, or several such cavities in the form of a pattern, in particular in the form of a grid, is created.

In that not covered by the invention Figure 3b The security feature 500 produced by means of the laser is only formed on the protective layer 150, in particular foamed, which creates a raised area 504. For this purpose, the material of the protective layer 150 is preferably also made of a thermoplastic. When foaming occurs, small bubbles form on the surface of the plastics in which the light is reflected multiple times, making them appear white. This can be used to create patterns that appear white on a transparent plastic, in particular lines or grids.

With a fine, but clearly visible, parallel grid of lines in or above the portrait, even the inexperienced viewer will notice even small irregularities, be it in the form of changes in the line coverage, the straight and unbroken course and the same lengths. This is a so-called “Level 1” feature.

In Figure 3e The security feature 500 produced by means of the laser is shown, which is formed from cavities 502 and raised areas 504 present in the printing layer 140a and in the protective layer 150.

In Figure 3f Another security feature 500 is shown, which is formed from cavities 502 and raised areas 504 present in the printing layer 140a and in the protective layer 150.

REFERENCE SYMBOL LIST

100

Value or security product

101

top substrate surface, top card surface, top side

102

bottom substrate surface, bottom card surface, bottom surface

110

Facial image

120

first data field

125

third data field

140

internal polymer layers

140a

Print layer

150

outer protective layer

500

Security feature (lasered)

502

cavity

504

elevated area

Claims (6)

1. Value or security product (100), in particular identity card, which comprises a carrier material and a portrait image (100) attached thereto and formed from one or more printing layers (140a), whereas in order to secure the portrait image (110), a tactile security feature (500) comprising at least one straight line and formed by means of a laser is applied or introduced into at least one of the printing layers (140a) of the portrait image (110) or into at least one protective layer (150) covering the printing layers (140a), characterized in that an energy input of the laser operated in a pulsed mode into the at least one print layer is dimensioned in such a way that colour pigments of the at least one print layer are vaporized or removed locally without smoke and/or in that an energy input of the laser operated in pulsed mode into the at least one protective layer is dimensioned in such a way that the protective layer is vaporized or removed locally without smoke, and in that the tactile security feature (500) comprising the straight line is formed by at least one cavity having a thickness, which is defined as a clear span, of 10 µm to 500 µm.
2. The value or security product (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that a shear of straight lines forming the tactile security feature (500) is provided to secure the portrait image (110).
3. The value or security product (100) according to claim 2, characterized in that at least two of the lines are parallel to each other at an angle of 15 degrees to 75 degrees with respect to portrait image edge.
4. The value or security product (100) according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the lines form a line grid.
5. The value or security product (100) of claim 4, characterized in that the line grid is formed with lines oriented at an angel with respect to a portrait image edge.
6. A method of producing a value or security product (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized by the steps of:

   A) providing a carrier material,

   B) applying one or more printing layers (140a) and forming a portrait image (110),

   C) forming a tactile security feature (500) comprising at least one straight line in at least one of the printing layers (140a) of the portrait image (110) by means of a laser operated in a pulsed mode to secure the portrait image (110), and/or

   D) forming a tactile security feature (500) comprising at least one straight line into at least on a protective layer (150) covering the printing layers (140a) of the portrait image (110) by means of the laser operated in a pulsed mode for securing the portrait image (110)

   characterized in that an energy input of the laser operated in a pulsed mode is dimensioned in such a way that during step C) colour pigments of the at least one printing layer are locally vaporized or removed without smoke and/or an energy input of the laser operated in a pulsed mode is dimensioned in such a way that during step D) the protective layer is locally vaporized or removed without smoke, and in that the tactile security feature (500) comprising straight line is formed by at least one cavity having a thickness, which is defined as a clear span, of 10 µm to 500 µm.

Images