KR20010013237A - A method of manufacture and of verification of a security paper - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention is concerned with security articles such as cheque guarantee cards, identification cards and the like and such as security paper including bank notes, cheques and the like. The present invention also relates to a method of manufacture of security articles and a method of verifying the authenticity of the security article. The invention comprises a security article having first and second surfaces and a security thread having a first part located between the first and second surfaces and a second part exposed in a window provided in the first surface, and the security thread comprising means providing at least one non-public security feature which enables verification of authenticity of the security article and which is not visually detectable when the security thread is exposed only to electro-magnetic radiation in the visible spectrum, wherein the exposure of the second part of the security thread in the window in the first surface enhances detection of the non- public security feature by providing a readily accessible portion of the security thread, and wherein the whole of the part of the security thread exposed in the window in the first surface has a matt non-reflective appearance and closely matches in colour a portion of the first surface surrounding the window, whereby when the first surface is viewed in reflected light in the visible spectrum the exposed part of the security thread is unobtrusive and does not form a visually striking feature of the appearance of the security article in reflected light in the visible spectrum.

Description

Manufacture and verification method of security paper {A METHOD OF MANUFACTURE AND OF VERIFICATION OF A SECURITY PAPER}

It is well known to use a security line formed of a transparent film provided with a continuous reflective metal layer on banknotes, in which aluminum vacuum deposited on a polyester film is the most common example. Banknotes made of such paper have been in circulation in many countries for many years. British Patents GB-A-1552853 and GB-A-1604463 describe the use of security lines in security paper, wherein the lines are exposed on one side of the security paper at intervals along the length of the line. And the exposed area is referred to as a "window". The original purpose of providing a window was to provide a strong public security characteristic (i.e. a security characteristic that can be easily identified by the general public) that provides a clear contrast in appearance when viewed in reflected light, as seen in transmitted light. Was to create. In transmitted light, the security line appears as a continuous dark line. In contrast, in reflected light, portions of the line that can be seen as windows appear silver. Moreover, the lines exposed by the window provided good protection against photocopying, when the banknotes with the lines exposed by the window were photocopied, the reflective silver surface appearing in the window, which was reflected in the photocopying. This is because it appears black because of the light.

In addition to the original security line design with windows, improved and more complex versions have been created. For example, a line has been presented, which is a stack of two metallized polyester plies incorporating a magnetic material between the lines. Partially demetallized, for example, some lines were created such that in transmitted light, alphanumeric characters could be shown on the lines. Some lines were manufactured to change color with temperature. Some lines were made to have a holographic image. Some lines were made to fluoresce under ultraviolet or infrared light, and some of these lines were made to show alphanumeric characters by non-metalized portions.

In all of the window-exposed line designs created to date, the purpose of combining the window-exposed line with the banknote is to provide a highly reflective image of the area on one side of the banknote, which is very noticeable. It is a public security feature and also prevents photocopying.

The present invention relates to a security article such as a check guarantee card, an identity card, and the like, and a security paper including a bill, a check, and the like. The invention also relates to a method of manufacturing a security article and a method of verifying the authenticity of a security article.

1 is a schematic diagram of a banknote according to one embodiment of the present invention, as seen in reflected light.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of the banknote of FIG. 1 as seen in transmitted light. FIG.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a window on the surface of the banknote of FIGS. 1 and 2, which is not normally seen in the reflected light.

4 is a cross-sectional view of the banknote shown in FIGS. 1, 2, and 3 taken along the line A-A of FIG. 3 in the direction of the arrow.

5 is a detailed view of one embodiment of the present invention, showing one window in a bill.

6 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a first embodiment of a security line that can be used in the banknotes of FIGS. 1 to 4.

7 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a second embodiment of a security line that can be used in the banknotes of FIGS. 1 to 4.

FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of an apparatus used to test the authenticity of the banknotes shown in FIGS. 1 to 4.

Applicants have recognized that strong public perception of a security line exposed by a window may be a problem in some cases. As banknote sizes shrink due to cost, space constraints increase. Banknote printers often want to incorporate complex print designs on the banknote surface, but are limited by the strong reflected light appearance of the security lines exposed by the windows. Often banknotes these days have holograms / foils attached to their surfaces, and designers of banknotes are increasingly hesitant to provide a second reflective element, i.

The present invention provides a security article having a security line having a first portion and a second portion, a first portion located between the first and second surfaces, and a second portion exposed to a window provided on the first surface. The security line provides a means for enabling authenticity of the security article and for providing at least one non-public security feature that is not visually detectable when the security line is exposed only to electromagnetic radiation in the visible spectrum. Wherein the exposure of the second portion of the security line in the window on the first side enhances detection of non-airborne security features by providing an easily accessible portion of the security line and exposes to the window on the first side. The entirety of the part of the secured line has a matte anti-reflective appearance and is closely matched in color with the part of the first face which surrounds the window, whereby the first face is seen in reflected light in the visible spectrum. When exposed, the exposed portion of the security line is unobtrusive and does not form a visually pronounced feature of the appearance of the security article in the reflected light in the visible spectrum.

The present invention deviates from the teachings received by providing a line exposed to a window that is not readily apparent public security in reflected light. Since the line exposed to the window is not readily apparent in the reflected light, it does not provide protection against photocopying, which is the basic purpose of the line exposed to the previous window. Non-airborne security properties can be properties for identification by skilled inspectors or cashiers, for example using ultraviolet light.

Preferably the non-public security characteristic is a machine-measurable security characteristic, and the exposure of the second portion of the security line in the window improves the measurement of the machine-measurable security characteristic.

Applicants have recognized that there is an advantage in providing a line exposed to a window even when the line exposed to the window is not intended to provide public security in reflected light. Applicants have recognized that the use of a line exposed to a window is advantageous, for example, in providing machine-readable elements on the surface of a banknote, where the security line is easily accessible to a suitable detector. In the past, where the security line could not be seen in the reflected light, the security lines were fully inserted into the banknote, and machine-readable features were included in the security line. For example, the use of a machine-readable light emitting layer on a magnetic thread is disclosed with respect to the line fully inserted in GB-A-1585533. However, complete insertion of the line means that the inserted line is covered by the fiber, which makes it more difficult for mechanical authentication of the luminescent inclusions to occur. For example, there is a great practical advantage to using a line exposed by a window to provide an area on the surface of a banknote that can be easily accessed by a machine detector.

Preferably, the security article comprises a material that allows transmission of light between the first and second sides, and the security line is visible in such transmitted light.

Thus, the lines of the present invention can appear in the security article as clear, strong and continuous lines immediately in transmitted light.

In an alternative embodiment, the security article also includes a material that allows transmission of light between the first and second sides, but the security line is almost transparent and cannot be easily seen in transmitted light.

Non-airborne security characteristics can be detected by exposing the second exposed portion of the security line to electromagnetic radiation outside the visible spectrum. The detection can be facilitated by a security line that is exposed to non-visible electromagnetic radiation and emits electromagnetic radiation. The emitted radiation may be electromagnetic radiation in the visible region of the electromagnetic spectrum.

Preferably, the surface of the security line exposed to the window has a gloss of 50 units or less, as measured by a Novo-Gloss 60 ° glossmeter. Additionally, or alternatively, a multi-angle novo-gloss glossimeter can be used to measure gloss, in which case the measured gloss is preferably 10 units or less at 20 ° and 50 units or less at 60 °. And, at 75 °, no more than 120 units.

Preferably, the surface of the security line exposed to the window has a specular reflectance of 5.0% or less, as measured by a Shimadzu UV3101-PC spectrophotometer operating in the range of 400-700 nm of electromagnetic radiation. Has

Preferably, the security article of the present invention is a matte coating that obscures the metal in the wire and has a security wire comprising a metallized polymer substrate coated with at least the exposed portion. The matte coating makes the line substantially non-reflective. Preferably, the metalized polymer substrate is opaque.

In one embodiment, the linear matte coating is luminescent and, when exposed to ultraviolet light, provides non-airborne security properties of the security line by emitting measurable light. In this embodiment, the metallized polyester wire has a matte pale yellow coating on its upper surface (on both sides so that the use of the top coating is optional, but in practice, the wire does not have to face in one direction during manufacture). Can be covered with The line provides a machine-readable element on the surface of the banknote that is easily accessible to a suitable detector. The coating is luminescent, and mechanical certification includes exciting the luminescent coating with ultraviolet light of a suitable wavelength and then measuring the emitted light. In principle, such detection may also be possible with an intervening line, but in the absence of an overlying absorbing area of the fiber, the detection of the stimulus into the window in that the intensity of the stimulating light reaching the target and the light emitted from the target are much greater. There is a great practical advantage to the use of exposed lines.

In reflected light, the line with its matte pale yellow coating is relatively unobtrusive, especially when the paper is overprinted. The coating is very closely matched to the color of the banknote paper, and once the banknote is printed, it becomes very difficult to see the window in the paper except at any angle where some specular reflection occurs from the surface of the line.

In one embodiment, the luminescent material in the security line emits light in response to infrared light. For example, the luminescent material provides infrared-stimulated anti-Stokes light emission.

In another embodiment of the invention, the means for providing at least one non-airborne security feature comprises an infrared absorbing material provided in a selected pattern on a security line on at least a second portion of the security line exposed to the window, wherein the selected The pattern is machine detectable when the security article is exposed to infrared light. Preferably, the infrared absorbing material is covered with a layer of infrared transmitting material, the infrared transmitting material having a color that matches the portion of the first side surrounding the window.

In one embodiment, the security line comprises a thermoluminescent material in at least the second exposed portion, which thermoluminescent material provides non-airborne security properties.

In another embodiment, the security line comprises a tribological material in at least a second exposed portion, the tribological material providing non-airborne security properties.

In one embodiment, the security article includes first and second luminescent materials having different properties provided on the security line, which together form a means for providing at least one non-airborne security property, wherein The first and second luminescent materials have a similar shape and color when exposed only to visible light.

The first and second luminescent materials may emit light of two different wavelengths and / or these two different materials have different phosphorescent half-lives. These parameters can be measured by the machine.

In one embodiment, the first and second luminescent materials are provided to the security line in a selected pattern.

In another embodiment, the security line comprises a material provided in the security line that reflects infrared light, wherein the infrared reflecting material is present in its exposed portion in the security line, and thus at least one non-airborne security feature. To form means for providing.

Optionally, the means for providing at least one non-airborne security feature may comprise an infrared absorbing material provided in the security line, at least in its exposed portion.

In a further embodiment, the means for providing at least one non-airborne security feature comprises an ultraviolet reflecting material provided in the security line, at least in its exposed portion. Optionally, the means for providing the at least one non-airborne security feature may comprise an ultraviolet absorbing material provided in the security line, at least in its exposed portion.

Preferably, in all embodiments of the security article, a graphic design is added to the first side of the security article, wherein the graphic design extends over the exposed portion of the security line and is adapted to at least partially obscure the exposed portion of the security line. do. The present invention, as one of its advantages, has the fact that it freely increases the space for printing designs, foils, and holograms, for example on the surface of banknotes. Thus, in the past, designers of banknotes had to consider windows in banknotes when making their designs, but now they can regard windows on banknote surfaces as contiguous with banknote surfaces, and the design determines the existence of security lines. Unless the window is completely obscured with ink that interferes with the absorption, excitation, or emission of the radiation required to do so, one can create a graphic design that extends over the window. Once these designs are printed on the bills, then the windows in the bills become more obscure and more difficult to detect. Thus, for example, when the security article is a security paper such as a bill, the graphic design is printed on the first side of the security paper, where the exposed portion of the security line is at least partially overprinted. In this case, the exposed portion of the security line is closely matched in color with the surrounding paper. Optionally, the exposed portion of the security line can be closely matched with the color of the print on the surrounding paper.

In a second aspect, the present invention provides a method of making a security article as described above, in any order,

A method of manufacturing a security article having first and second sides, comprising: forming a window on the first side and exposing to a window, the first portion of the security line existing between the first and second sides, in the security article; Positioning a security line having a second portion of the secure line;

Providing a matte non-reflective surface finish on at least the exposed portion of the security line;

And selecting the color of the exposed portion of the security line to match the color of the portion of the security article surrounding the window.

When the security line comprises a polymer substrate, then selecting the color of the exposed portion includes selecting a painted coating for the substrate, the color coating being the color of the surface of the exposed portion of the security line. It is added to the substrate to provide.

In a third aspect, the present invention provides various methods of authenticity verification of the above-mentioned security article. These methods vary,

Irradiating ultraviolet light to the security article and detecting light emitted by a luminescent substance on the security line;

Irradiating the security article with infrared rays and detecting the reflection of the infrared rays;

Irradiating the security article with infrared rays and detecting the absorption of the infrared rays;

Irradiating the security article with ultraviolet rays and detecting the reflection of the ultraviolet rays;

Irradiating the security article with ultraviolet rays and detecting the absorption of the ultraviolet rays;

Irradiating infrared rays to the security article and detecting light emitted by the luminescent substance;

Irradiating infrared rays to the security article and detecting an absorption pattern of the infrared rays;

Irradiating the security article with ultraviolet rays and measuring the wavelength of light emitted by the first and second luminous substances on the security line (actually, two or more luminous substances may be present on the security line, and authentication is performed for each material May include a measurement of the wavelength of each light emitted by the light;

Irradiating the security article with ultraviolet light and measuring the phosphorescence half-life of the first and second luminescent materials of the security line (in fact, more than one luminescent material may be present on the security line, and the certification is to measure the half-life of each material) May include);

Heating the security article by exposing the security article to infrared and detecting visible light emitted by the thermoluminescent material; And

And applying mechanical force to the security line and detecting visible light emitted by the tribological material.

Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

In Fig. 1, a bill 10 according to the first embodiment of the present invention can be seen. This figure shows the banknote 10 seen in the reflected light. The bill 10 is printed with a graphic design including the number 2,000, two stripes, and the lateral contour of the human head, throughout the surface of the bill shown.

The banknote 10 includes a security line 11 that, when shown in FIG. 2, when the banknote 10 is seen in transmitted light, can be seen as clear, immediately apparent, strong and continuous line.

The surface of the banknote 10 shown in FIGS. 1, 2, and 3 actually comprises four windows 12, 13, 14, and 15. In these windows, the line 11 is exposed, but between these windows, the line 11 lies between the top face 16 of the bill 10 and the bottom face 17 of the bill 10 (FIG. 4). Reference). In FIG. 4, the security line 11 has four windows 12, 13, 14, and 15, where it can be seen that the security line 11 is exposed.

The security line 11, in one embodiment (see FIG. 5), comprises a polyester substrate 20 metalized with a metal layer 21. Covering the metal layer 21 is a matte pale yellow coating 22. The final outer coating of the clear, colorless adhesive 23 is applied over the top of the matte pale yellow coating, providing constant protection to the line, assisting and facilitating manufacture. A sheath 24 of transparent colorless adhesive 23 is also applied to the lower surface of the security line 11. The matte pale yellow coating 22 is in close harmony with the appearance of the banknote paper 18 surrounding the security line 11. Therefore, it is very difficult to see the part of the security line which can be seen by the windows 12, 13, 14, and 15 except at a certain angle when a constant mirror reflection occurs from the adhesive outer coating of the security line. For this reason, in FIG. 1, the illustration of banknotes 10 shows that windows 12, 13, 14, and 15 cannot be seen in reflected light. The portion of the visible line 11 in the windows 12, 13, 14, and 15 may be more difficult to see when the banknote paper 18 is overprinted in a graphic design as shown in FIG. . Thus, when the security line becomes visible as a dark continuous line, as shown in FIG. 2, the general public generally exists in the security line within the banknote 10 until the banknote 10 is lifted towards the light. The bill is provided with an amazing visual effect in that it will not be recognized.

The security line 11 provides a machine readable element on the surface of the banknote 10, which is exposed by the windows 12, 13, 14, and 15. The security line 11 is easily accessible to the appropriate machine detector in the windows 12, 13, 14, and 15.

In a preferred embodiment, the matte pale yellow coating comprises a luminescent material, and mechanical authentication includes exciting the luminescent coating with ultraviolet light of an appropriate wavelength, and then measuring the emitted light. In principle, such detection is possible even with a fully inserted line, but without the absorbing area of the fiber covered above the security line, the intensity of the stimulating light reaching the target and the intensity of the emitted light from the target are much greater. There is a great practical advantage to using exposed lines as windows.

Essentially, the banknote 10 provides a new way of using the "line exposed to the window" method. In the past, the "line exposed by window" method was used primarily for public authentication purposes, but the line exposed by window is now used primarily for machine authentication purposes, and in the existing "window exposed line" method The effect of disclosure in reflected light, which was considered very important, is deliberately avoided. Since the exposed portion of the security line is matched to the surrounding paper, the banknote of the present invention can freely increase the space on the banknote surface for printing of the design and for the attachment of foils and holograms. The bill simultaneously maximizes the signal that can be obtained from the machine readable layer on or within the security line 11. The banknote 10 also includes having an unexpected effect on the general public in that the security line 11 can be easily recognized in the transmitted light.

In the embodiment described above, the matte coating was applied over the entirety of one surface of the security line 11, but in practice, the matte coating was selectively applied only to the portions that should be exposed to the windows 12, 13, 14, and 15. Can be. In addition, although the coating material 22 shown above is provided only on one side of the polyester substrate 20, in the manufacture of the banknote, the line will be directed to one side before the line is inserted into the paper stock. To eliminate the need, a matte coating may be provided on both sides of the polyester substrate 20, and an adhesive top coat may be provided on both sides.

The manufacture of the banknote 10 is a matte coating with a color that matches the color of the banknote paper, with the additional step that the manufacturing method provides at least a matte non-reflective surface finish on the portion of the security line to be exposed in the final banknote. It will follow the usual steps in making a line banknote exposed to the window except that it includes the step of selecting.

The color of the matte coating is selected to match the color of the surrounding paper, but the color of the coating may be selected to match the color of the ink printed on the area of the paper surrounding the window of the paper.

In the above, the security line 11 is provided with a mechanical measurable parameter by the use of a luminescent material in the matte sheath 22, although other mechanical measurable parameters may be used. For example, an infrared stimulation anti-stock luminescent material may be used in or on a security line at least in portions exposed to windows 12, 13, 14, and 15, and the light emission may be a suitable authentication machine. Can be detected by. Optionally, the sheath 22 may be provided with an infrared reflecting or absorbing material, and the method of authenticating the banknote includes analyzing the reflection / absorption of the infrared rays by the security line in the banknote. Similarly, an ultraviolet reflecting / absorbing material can be used in the security line 11, where the bill 10 is irradiated with ultraviolet light and the reflecting / absorbing properties are monitored for checking the authenticity of the bill. Moreover, a thermoluminescent material can be used in the coating, which will emit light when heated (eg, through exposure to infrared light). It is also possible to use a triboluminescent material and to excite the material by applying a mechanical force.

In both of these approaches, there is an advantage to having the security line 11 exposed in the window, which covers the area of the security line 11 and thus the fibers of the banknote 10 which obstruct the detection process. Because it does not exist. Moreover, using a matte layer, a much higher concentration of luminescent material, infrared reflecting / absorbing material, ultraviolet reflecting ///, than is acceptable in the coating on the line if the line is traditionally highly reflective / gloss in appearance. It allows the use of absorbing materials, thermoluminescent materials and / or tribological materials (eg inorganic dyes).

Applicants have, in one embodiment, considered printing the infrared absorbing material in at least a characteristic pattern on a portion of the security line 11. In FIG. 6, the polyester substrate 20 is metallized, covered with a metal layer 21, and then covered with an infrared absorbing material 30 printed with a characteristic pattern, for example alphanumeric characters. . The infrared absorbing material 30 is then covered with a covering overcoat 31 made of a visible color infrared transmitting material that closely matches the color of the printing on the paper or the surrounding bill paper. Finally, the infrared transmissive material is covered with two coatings 23 and 24 made of a clear colorless adhesive for protection purposes. The infrared absorbing material may be printed, for example, within the number 2,000, and in FIG. 7 an image of the portion of the bill showing the window 12 can be seen, in which the exposed portion of the security line 11 is numbered. It is printed with an infrared absorbing material within 2,000, and then the image shown in FIG. 7 can be obtained by using a suitable infrared detection device.

In other embodiments, the security line has a similar appearance / color in visible light, but emits light of different wavelengths, and / or is excited by excitation light of different wavelengths, and / or different phosphorescence half-lives. The branches can be printed in a characteristic pattern by using two or more inorganic luminescent materials. The appearance / color of the luminescent material in visible light will be chosen to match the portion of the bill surrounding the window. The material may be printed in a pattern showing alphanumeric characters, for example the number 2,000, as shown in FIG. The light emission pattern is mechanically detectable but may also be observed by a human observer.

In FIG. 8, a schematic diagram showing an apparatus for use in the method of authenticating a banknote 10 can be seen. The irradiator 40 is used to irradiate the bill 10 by, for example, ultraviolet or infrared light, the detector 41 then emits light from the surface of the bill 10 and / or ultraviolet and / or infrared light. It is detected whether it is reflected from the surface of the banknote 10. The detector 41 is then subjected to light emission characteristics of the material in the security line of the banknote 10, infrared or ultraviolet reflection characteristics of the security line of the banknote 10, and / or infrared or ultraviolet absorption characteristics of the security line of the banknote 10. To make a decision.

While all of the above embodiments describe the use of the present invention with respect to the bill 10, the bill 10 is only one example of a security article to which the present invention may be applied. For example, the present invention can be used for credit and cash cards, where a security line (for the purposes of this specification and claims, the term is commonly used for cards, as opposed to banknotes, "security strips"). will be interpreted as including a " strip "), typically having a portion exposed to one surface, and partially inserted into the plastic material. The term "secure article" may also include any kind of secure paper, such as checks, traveler's checks, bond documents, mortgage documents, in addition to standard banknotes used as currency.

The exposed portion of the security line 11 may have a color that matches the color of the surrounding material of the security article (eg, paper, plastic) or the color of printing on the portion of the surface of the security article surrounding the exposed portion.

An example of a security article incorporating the present invention will now be given as follows:

Example 1

One roll of polyester was vacuum-metalized with aluminum to a metal thickness of about 30 nm. Inorganic phosphorus dispersed in the organic binder, for example copper-doped zinc sulfide (copper: zinc sulfide ratio, in a ratio of 15% by weight phosphorus: binder, is 50 to 100 parts / million Was coated on both sides of the metallized polyester to a dry coating thickness of 5 microns. Another organic protective coating and / or adhesive layer was applied on one or both sides of the phosphorus coated metallized film. The film is then mechanically shrunk by known means to form a security line, typically in the width range of 0.5-4.0 mm. The security line is then bonded to the bill paper by the known technique described in EP-A-0059056 to form a security line exposed by the window. The paper is then printed, cut and issued as banknotes.

The coating, in daylight, has a pale yellow color, which closely matches the color of the paper to which the lines are joined. The line, and the coated film from which the line is cut, has a matte appearance. The matte appearance of the coated film is characterized by one of several techniques as follows.

(Iii) The gloss of the coated film was measured on a statistical Novo-Gloss 60 ° glossmeter with an upper limit of 1000 gloss units (theoretical full mirror). The coated film had a gloss measure of 31 units; This is compared to a vacuum-metalized film with the same adhesive coating, measured in 497 gloss units on the same device.

(Ii) Gloss of the same film was measured on a multi-angle Novo-Gloss glossmeter at 20 °, 60 °, 75 ° angles. The measurements are as shown in the table below.

Sample Angle Head average gloss Metallized Film With Luminescent Cloth And Adhesive Cloth 20 ° 60 ° 75 ° 5.831.073.0 Adhesive coated metallized film 20 ° 60 ° 75 ° ＞ 199 ＞ 199 ＞ 199

(Iv) Mirror reflectance was measured on a Shimadzu UV3101-PC spectrophotometer. In addition to the luminescent coating on the metallized polyester, the sample comprising the adhesive coating exhibited measurements ranging from 0.8% at 400 nm to 700 nm at 1.6%, with the adhesive-coated metallized polyester at 400 Values in the range from 50% at nm to 58% at 700 nm are shown.

At a wavelength of 366 nm, under stimulation with UV light, the coating gave off green light. Other phosphors may be used, for example, manganese-doped zinc sulfide emitting orange light and silver-doped zinc sulfide emitting blue light.

During subsequent banknote sorting operations, the banknotes are conveyed by means of a transmission path through the detection unit, which includes a UV light source, an optical filter tuned to the emission wavelength of the doped zinc sulfide, and a suitable photodetector. do.

Example 2

A dispersion of magnetic material (gamma iron oxide) in the organic binder was coated to a dry film thickness of 5 μm on a metallized surface of 12 μm thick polyester that was vacuum aluminized. A second ply of vacuum aluminized 12 μm polyester was laminated to the first ply so that both the aluminum layer and the magnetic layer were inside the laminate. A coating of luminescent material comprising copper-doped zinc sulfide in the organic binder was applied to each side of the laminate up to a dry thickness of 5 μm. The film was then adhesive-coated on both sides and treated as described in Example 1. During subsequent banknote sorting operations, the phosphorescence divergence and magnetic content of the security line were measured according to the known art by means of a suitable detector suitable for the sorting machine transmission path.

Example 3

At a rate of 5% by weight, a layer of copper-doped zinc sulfide pigment bonded to the organic binder was coated on a transparent 12 μm polyester to a dry thickness of 2 μm. A layer of transparent adhesive was applied to each side up to a dry thickness of 4 μm, and the film was converted to a security line as described in Example 1. In contrast to the apparatus described in Examples 1 and 2, this line is translucent and, when seen in transmitted light, is not readily apparent in the finished article. In use, the presence of the luminescent coating is determined by the human observer when the luminescent component is excited by a machine, as described in Example 1, or by placing the article under a UV light source or between the UV light and the observer. Can be determined.

Example 4

Same as Example 1, except that two different doped zinc sulfide phosphorus are bonded to the organic binder in equal proportions to form a combined weight of 15% pigment: binder. In use, different phosphors emit light of different wavelengths, which were detected by a photo-detector equipped with a suitable narrowband optical filter tuned to the diverging wavelengths of the two phosphorus.

Example 5

A security line was prepared as described in Example 4 except that phosphors with different half-lives were used in this example. In order to certify banknotes incorporating lines, measurements of the different decay characteristics of the two men were made.

Example 6

Example 1 except that different zinc phosphors were used, having light blue in visible light, selected to match the color of the surrounding ink in the finished banknote made from the paper binding the security line. same.

Example 7

Same as Example 1 except that phosphorus fluoride was used as a luminescent pigment in place of inorganic phosphorus. At this time, a fluorescence detector rather than phosphorescence was used to authenticate banknotes on the fractionating machine transfer system.

Example 8

Lightly colored IR absorbing pigments, such as substituted copper chloride pH halocyanine (PROJECT 900NP, manufactured by Zenca), are bound in the organic binder at a rate of 5% pigment binder, 2 micron Same as Example 3 except that it was used for coating on the transparent polyester to a dry coating thickness of. In use on the banknote sorting machine used, measurement of the IR peak of 890 nm absorption due to the pigment was made, which contrasts sharply with IR transmission of the surrounding area of the security article.

Example 9

Examples except that anti-stock pigments such as sulfur yttrium oxide were combined in the binder at the concentration of 30% pigment: binder in place of zinc sulphide phosphor and applied to a dry coating thickness of 2 microns. Same as 1. To certify the finished banknote, the banknote was placed under a 970 nm IR radiation source that excited the human observer to excite the anti-Stokes compound emitting green light at a wavelength of 540 nm that is discernible.

Example 10

Same as Example 1 except that the thermoluminescent pigment was bonded to the binder in place of zinc sulfide. In use, the security article was heated by an IR source or other heat source, and the thermoluminescent material emitted visible light detected by a photo-detector equipped with a suitable narrowband optical filter.

Example 11

Manganese-doped zinc sulfide (3000 parts / million manganese content) was dispersed in the organic binder in a 30% pigment: binder ratio and coated on one side of the 12 micron metallized polyester film to provide a triboluminescent coating. Formed. The other side of the film was covered with an adhesive and the film was reduced by mechanical means to dimensions suitable for banknote security lines, eg 1-4 mm. Lines were inserted in the paper according to the procedure described in EP0059056, such that the surface of the film coated with phosphorus and binder was exposed to the window area. The paper was then printed, cut and issued as banknotes. The color of the ink in the window area of the banknote was chosen to closely match the color of the phosphorous / binder coating so that the presence of the security line exposed to the window was not easily discerned in the reflected light.

In use, the phosphorous coating was stimulated by mechanical action such as pressing or rubbing its surface with a rigid transparent plastic rod. Phosphorus showed tribological properties and emitted visible light that was discernible to the human eye.

Claims (49)

A security article having a security line having a first side and a second side, and a first portion positioned between the first and second surfaces and a second portion exposed in a window formed on the first surface. The security line, Means for enabling verification of the authenticity of the security article and providing at least one non-air security characteristic that is not visually detectable when the security line is exposed only to electromagnetic radiation in the visible spectrum, Exposure of the second portion of the security line within the window of the first face improves detection of non-air security features by providing an easily accessible portion of the security line, The entirety of the portion of the security line exposed in the window of the first side has a matte non-reflective appearance and is closely matched in color with the portion of the first side surrounding the window, whereby the first side is the visible spectrum And when viewed in reflected light, the exposed portion of the security line is unobtrusive and does not form a visually pronounced characteristic of the appearance of the security article in the reflected light in the visible spectrum. 2. The security article of claim 1 wherein the at least one non-public security characteristic is a machine measurable security characteristic and the exposure of the second portion of the security line in the window enhances detection by the machine measurable security characteristic. 3. A security article as claimed in claim 1 or 2 comprising a material which allows transmission of light between the first and second faces, wherein the security line is visible in such transmitted light. 3. A security article as claimed in claim 1 or 2 comprising a material that allows transmission of light between the first and second sides, the security line being almost transparent and not easily visible in the transmitted light. 5. A security article as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the non-airborne security characteristic is detected by exposing the second exposed portion of the security line to electromagnetic radiation outside the visible spectrum. The article of claim 5, wherein the security line emits electromagnetic radiation when exposed to electromagnetic radiation outside the visible spectrum. 7. The security article of claim 6 wherein the emitted electromagnetic radiation is in the visible region of the electromagnetic spectrum. The surface of the security wire exposed in the window of the first side of the security article has a gloss of 50 units or less when measured by a Novo-Gloss 60 ° glossimeter. Security article characterized by having. The surface of the security wire exposed in the window of the first side of the security article, when measured by a multi-angle novo-gloss glossmeter operating at 20 °, according to claim 1. A security article characterized by having a gloss of 10 units or less. 10. The surface of a security wire as exposed in the window of the first side of the security article, when measured by a multi-angle Novo-Gloss glossimeter operating at 60 °, A security article characterized by having a gloss of 50 units or less. The surface of the security wire exposed in the window of the first side of the security article, when measured by a multi-angle Novo-Gloss glossimeter operating at 75 °, A security article characterized by having a gloss of 120 units or less. The surface of the security wire exposed in the window of the first side of the security article is measured by a Shimatsu UV3101-PC spectrophotometer operating in the range of 400-700 nm. When the security article, characterized in that having a mirror reflectance of 5.0% or less. 13. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the security line comprises a metalized polymer substrate coated with at least an exposed portion thereof, with a matte coating that obscures the metal in the line. Security article. 13. The security article of claim 12 wherein the metallized polymer substrate is opaque. 15. A security article as claimed in claim 13 or 14 wherein the matte coating is luminescent and provides non-airborne security properties of the security line by emitting measurable light when exposed to ultraviolet light. 16. A light emitting material according to any of claims 1 to 15, wherein the security line comprises a luminescent material constituting means for providing at least one non-airborne security characteristic by providing detectable light emission at an exposed portion of the security line. Security article, characterized in that it comprises. The security article of claim 16, wherein the luminescent material emits visible light in response to infrared light. 18. The article of security of claim 17, wherein the luminescent material provides anti-stock luminescence that is stimulated by infrared radiation. 19. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the means for providing at least one non-public security feature is provided in a selected pattern on the security line, on at least a second portion of the security line exposed in the window. And an infrared absorbing material, wherein the selected pattern is machine detectable when the security article is exposed to infrared light. 20. The security article of claim 19, wherein the infrared absorbing material is covered with a layer of infrared transmitting material, wherein the infrared transmitting material has a color that matches the portion of the first side surrounding the window. 21. The security wire of any of claims 1 to 20, wherein the security wire comprises a thermoluminescent material in at least a second portion thereof exposed to the window, wherein the thermoluminescent material has at least one non-airborne security characteristic. Security article, characterized in that for forming a means for providing. 22. The security wire of any of claims 1 to 21 wherein the security wire comprises at least a second portion exposed to the window, the friction light emitting material, wherein the friction light emitting material has at least one non-airborne security characteristic. Security article, characterized in that for forming a means for providing. 23. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein first and second luminescent materials having different properties are provided on the security line, which together form a means for providing at least one non-air security characteristic. And the first and second luminescent materials have a similar appearance and color when exposed only to visible light. The security article of claim 23 wherein the first luminescent material emits light of a first wavelength and the second luminescent material emits light of a second wavelength different from the first wavelength. 25. The security article of claim 23 or 24 wherein the first luminescent material has a phosphorescent half life of a first period and the second luminescent material has a phosphorescent half life of a second period different from the first period. 26. A security article as claimed in any one of claims 23 to 25 wherein the first and second luminescent materials are provided in a selected pattern on the security line. 27. A security article as claimed in any of claims 23 to 26 having at least three luminescent materials having different properties from each other. 28. The system of any one of claims 1 to 27, wherein the security line comprises a provided material that reflects infrared light, wherein the infrared reflecting material is present in its exposed portion within the security line, and thus at least one A security article, characterized in that it forms a means for providing a non-public security characteristic. 29. The security wire of any of claims 1 to 28, wherein the security wire comprises an infrared absorbing material provided in at least a second exposed portion of the security wire, wherein the infrared absorbing material is at least one non-airborne security. A security article, characterized in that it forms a means for providing a characteristic. 30. A security article as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein said means for providing at least one non-airborne security feature comprises an ultraviolet reflecting material, at least in its exposed portion, in the security line. . 31. A security article as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein said means for providing at least one non-airborne security feature comprises an ultraviolet absorbent material at least in its exposed portion within the security line. . 32. A graphic design according to any one of the preceding claims wherein a graphic design is applied to the first side of the security article, the graphic design extending over an exposed portion of the security line and at least partially obscuring the exposed portion. Security article, characterized in that applied to make. 33. The security article of claim 32 wherein the security article is a security paper, such as a bill, and the graphic design is printed on the first side of the security paper and at least partially overlapped with the exposed portion of the security line. 34. The paper as recited in claim 33, wherein the color of the exposed portion of the security line closely matches the surrounding paper. A paper as claimed in claim 33, wherein the color of the exposed portion of the security line closely matches the color of the printing on the surrounding paper. 37. A method for manufacturing a security article according to any one of claims 1 to 35, in any order: A method of manufacturing a security article having first and second sides, the method comprising: forming a window on the first side, the first portion present in the security article, between the first and second sides, and the exposed portion in the window; Positioning a security line having two parts; Providing a matte non-reflective surface finish on at least the exposed portion of the security line; And Selecting a color of the exposed portion of the security line to match the color of the portion of the security article surrounding the window. 37. The method of claim 36, wherein the security line comprises a polymeric substrate, wherein the step of selecting the color of the exposed portion includes selecting a colored coating for the substrate, wherein the colored coating is an exposed portion of the security line. Method of manufacturing a security article, characterized in that applied to the substrate to provide a color of the surface. In the method of verifying the authenticity of the security article of claim 15, Irradiating ultraviolet light to the security article; And And detecting the light emitted by the luminescent material. In the method of verifying the authenticity of the security article of claim 28, Irradiating infrared light to the security article; And Measuring the reflection of the infrared rays; security method comprising the. In the method of verifying the authenticity of the security article of claim 29, Irradiating infrared light to the security article; And Measuring the absorption of the infrared rays; the authenticity check method of the security article comprising a. In the method of verifying the authenticity of the security article of claim 30, Irradiating ultraviolet light to the security article; And Measuring the reflection of the ultraviolet rays; the authenticity of the security article comprising a. In the method of verifying the authenticity of the security article of claim 31, Irradiating ultraviolet light to the security article; And Measuring the absorption of ultraviolet rays; the authenticity of the security article comprising a. In the method of verifying the authenticity of the security article of claim 18, Irradiating infrared light to the security article; And And detecting the light emitted by the luminescent material. In the method of verifying the authenticity of the security article of claim 19 or 20, Irradiating infrared light to the security article; And Detecting the pattern of infrared absorption; authenticity verification method comprising a. In the method of verifying the authenticity of the security article of claim 24, Irradiating ultraviolet light to the security article; And Measuring the wavelength of the light emitted by the first luminescent material and the wavelength of the light emitted by the second luminescent material. In the method of verifying the authenticity of the security article of claim 25, Irradiating ultraviolet light to the security article; And Measuring the phosphorescence half-life of the first and second luminescent materials. In the method of verifying the authenticity of the security article of claim 21, Heating the security article by exposing the security article to infrared light; And Detecting the visible light emitted by the thermoluminescent material. In the method of verifying authenticity of the security article of claim 22, Applying mechanical force to the security line; And Detecting the light emitted by the tribological material; and authenticity verification method of a security article comprising a. A security article as shown in the accompanying drawings, substantially the same as described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings.