Anti-counterfeiting features with tilt-dependent visual representations

Abstract

The invention relates to a planar security feature (3) which changes its appearance when tilted within an inclination angle range (11). The security feature comprises microelements (15, 16) which present a main visual object (20) and an additional visual object (22).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a planar security feature having an optically variable visual object, a security element having such a security feature, and an article whose security is provided by the security feature. Background Art

[0002] Portable data carriers, such as valuable documents, especially banknotes, checks, ID documents, or chip cards, but also other valuable items such as brand-name goods, are often equipped with security features for security purposes. These features verify authenticity and simultaneously protect against unauthorized copying. The security features can be present as part of a security element or applied directly to the item to be secured. For example, the security element can be designed as an embedded security thread, an embedded film, or as a transfer element, such as an applied security strip or patch.

[0003] A security feature of the type described in the present invention is known from WO 2019 / 219239 A1. The security feature for valuable documents, such as banknotes, checks, and the like, comprises a structure that presents a primary visual object and an additional visual object, the structure changing its appearance when the security element is tilted within a range of tilt angles. The structure comprises microelements that present the primary visual object and the additional visual object. The microelements present the primary visual object in such a way that it is fully visible in a specific starting tilt position, becomes only partially visible when the tilt position (or tilting posture) changes toward a specific ending tilt position within the range of tilt angles, and is no longer visible at all when the ending tilt position is reached.

[0004] The display of achromatic visual objects based on micromirrors is also known from WO 2019 / 219236 A1.

[0005] In a security element of the type described in the invention, microelements, i.e. microelements designed as micromirrors in the prior art of the type described in the invention, can be arranged in such a way that two visual objects (motiv) are visible only at specific viewing angles on the banknote and one visual object disappears when the banknote is tilted. This transformation of the visual object is achieved, for example, with a micromirror in such a way that the mirror inclination, along a perpendicular line to the tilt axis, has only positive values in one section and only negative values in another section. In the prior art of the type described in the invention, this is also combined with other visual objects having specific motion effects. However, the number of micromirrors available for presenting the visual object in its section and for its corresponding viewing angle range is limited, which can affect the brightness of the visual object. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The object of the present invention is to provide a security element which, in contrast, can be better identified and therefore ultimately has a higher degree of security against forgery.

[0007] The above technical problems are solved by the following technical solutions of the present invention.

[0008] The planar security feature changes its appearance when tilted within a range of tilt angles. The security feature has a structure that presents a primary visual object and an additional visual object, wherein the structure has microelements that present the primary visual object and the additional visual object.

[0009] The microelement presents a main visual object such that the main visual object is visible in a surface area in a specific starting tilt position, and as the tilt position changes toward a specific ending tilt position of the tilt angle range, the size of the surface area in which the main visual object is visible decreases with increasing change in the tilt position. The microelement presents an additional visual object such that the additional visual object moves toward the main visual object as the tilt position changes toward the ending tilt position.

[0010] In this case, the microelement presents at least two parts of the additional visual object in such a way that, when the tilting position is changed, parts of the additional visual object move in different directions towards the main visual object.

[0011] Furthermore, the microelement presents the main visual object such that at least two sections of the edge of the surface area retreat in different directions before the additional visual object moves toward the main visual object (or retreat in different directions from the movement of the additional visual object toward the main visual object).

[0012] As the additional visual object moves toward the two different orientations of the main visual object, the size of the surface on which the main visual object is presented decreases. The overall impression formed for the observer is that the main visual object is simultaneously displaced or erased from two directions by the moving additional visual object.

[0013] The tilt angle range begins with the starting tilt position and ends with the ending tilt position. The primary visual object may no longer be visible at all in the ending tilt position. The effect for the observer is that the primary visual object is completely displaced or erased during tilting. The additional visual object (with its parts) may already be visible in the starting tilt position. Alternatively, however, the additional visual object or at least two parts thereof may only be partially visible starting from the starting tilt position.

[0014] The primary visual object should be visible in a surface area whose size decreases with increasing inclination when the tilt position changes from the starting tilt position to the ending tilt position. At least two segments of the edge of the surface area move simultaneously and in different directions toward the primary visual object or its center, i.e., like the sections. Thus, when the tilt position changes, the movement of the segments follows the movement of the additional visual object.

[0015] The characteristic of the additional visual object is that, as it tilts across the tilt angle range, it moves in different directions toward the main visual object and simultaneously reduces the size of the surface area in which the main visual object is visible. This characteristic can be understood as a motion effect centered on the visual object, because the movement is centered on the visual object, that is, toward the visual object, preferably toward the center of the visual object. The impression thus formed goes beyond a simple transformation of the two visual objects, that is, for example, the impression is that the additional visual object has squeezed out or erased the main visual object. This effect is achieved, for example, by the main visual object being completely visible in a specific starting tilt position. If the tilt position changes toward a specific ending tilt position, that is, within the tilt angle range, the main visual object is only partially visible, for example, only a portion of the main visual object is visible, until the main visual object is no longer visible in the ending tilt position. Therefore, the surface area in which the main visual object is presented is visually reduced by the simultaneous movement of the additional visual object during the tilting process. The reduction is achieved in such a way that the edge of the surface area has at least two sections, which are respectively set back from the additional visual object moving toward the main visual object. This is done for the at least two segments simultaneously and in different directions of the part of the additional visual object, ie the two segments move in different directions.

[0016] It should be noted that the following description will not always be repeated: the microelement represents the main visual object or the additional visual object, i.e., a representation correspondingly configured for the description of the main visual object and / or the additional visual object. At least two parts of the additional visual object are adjacent to at least two segments of the edge of the surface area, and the at least two segments simultaneously recede in different directions before the additional visual object moves toward the main visual object. It will also not be repeated that the movement of (two, three, or more, or...) parts of the additional visual object toward the main visual object is associated with a corresponding reduction in the surface area of the main visual object or a receding segment.

[0017] In one embodiment, the size and / or shape of the portion of the additional visual object that moves in different directions remains constant when the tilt position changes. This allows particularly constant portions of the additional visual object to simply slide when the tilt position changes, for example, two strips moving in opposite directions with a fixed shape and size. However, a constant shape with a changing size, such as a strip that grows in size, or a constant shape with a changing shape, such as a transition from an elongated ellipse to a strip of the same area, is also conceivable.

[0018] In a particularly preferred design, the size and / or shape of the parts of the additional visual object that move in different directions can change with the tilt position. The use together with the unchanged parts of the additional visual object is conceivable. Therefore, for example, in addition to two constant strips in opposite directions, two strips that move perpendicularly thereto and are also in opposite directions can also be presented. The main visual object is initially surrounded by strips in each of the four spatial directions. With increasing tilt, all four strips move toward the center of the main visual object. If two strips remain unchanged, the lengths of the other two strips and the movement of the constant strips are reduced accordingly, so that the overlap of the four strips can be avoided in particular. The direction of movement does not have to be completely opposite. Similarly, it is conceivable that the size of all four (or more) parts of the additional visual object arranged around the main visual object, or their length for the strips, is reduced in the same way. Three parts arranged symmetrically around the main visual object, such as strips, ellipses or similar parts, have three different directions of movement, for example, arranged at 120 degrees to each other, which are other design solutions for the additional visual object of movement. These three strips will move toward each other and toward the main visual object. The length of the strip (and therefore its area) decreases with increasing tilt position.

[0019] With increasing tilt, the size of the surface area in which the additional visual object is visible can be increased or decreased in particular. This size can preferably be increased or decreased to the same extent as the surface area of the main visual object is reduced. For three, four or more sliding parts of the additional visual object, which become smaller in one direction (for example, as a strip on its length), the size of the surface area of the additional visual object is reduced. To the same extent as the surface area of the main visual object is reduced, the size of the surface area of the additional visual object is also reduced. However, in other designs, the size of the part can also be increased. For example, when the two parts of the additional visual object, initially two strips or an equilateral triangle away from the edge of the main visual object, remain fixed in position, the edge of the part close to the main visual object moves towards the main visual object. The size of the two parts of the additional visual object increases, and in particular, the degree of increase is the same as the degree of reduction of the surface area of the main visual object. Therefore, when tilted, for example, two narrow strips are turned into two wide rectangles. For the observer, the impression of a curtain closed before the main visual object can be produced in particular. Two elongated isosceles triangles (with their unchanged long sides facing the main visual object) are formed from two equilateral triangles (with one side facing the main visual object, for example).

[0020] In a preferred embodiment, as the tilt position within the tilt angle range increases, the portion of the primary visual object that is presented (and therefore visible to the observer) decreases. The observer has the impression that the additional visual object increasingly covers or obscures the primary visual object (on two or more sides). Alternatively, as the tilt position within the tilt angle range increases, the primary visual object can be presented in a smaller and smaller size. For the observer, the additional visual object creates the impression that it is displacing or compressing the primary visual object in an obscuring manner (on two or more sides).

[0021] In some designs, the center of the main visual object is fixed in position and / or at least two parts of the additional visual object are moved toward the center of the main visual object. Visual objects that are displayed in three dimensions without movement (or suspended above or below the structural plane) are also fixed in position in this sense; their appearance only adapts to the changing viewing angle when tilted.

[0022] Because the visual object-centered movement effect of the additional visual object preferably ends in the center—that is, when the two segments are completely aligned or moving toward each other—only two microstructure elements need to be separated for each partial surface of the structure. The security element achieves exceptional brightness because a large number of microstructure elements can be used in the structure to display the constantly changing main visual object. This significantly improves light intensity. Furthermore, the main visual object is at least partially visible at all tilt angles within the tilt angle range. This allows the main visual object to be designed to be very bright and easier to identify.

[0023] The main visual object and the additional visual object can be collectively referred to as the overall visual object of the security feature. The surface area presenting the overall visual object corresponds at least to the original surface area of the main visual object and can be composed of the original surface areas of the main visual object and the additional visual object.

[0024] In at least one tilt position within the tilt angle range, the different directions of movement of the (two) parts of the additional visual object are advantageously at an angle of more than 90 degrees (up to 180 degrees) to each other, preferably at an angle of more than 120 degrees (up to 180 degrees) to each other. It is further preferred that the directions of movement are at an angle of (170 to) 180 degrees to each other, i.e. in opposite directions.

[0025] The directions of movement of at least two parts of the additional visual object can remain constant within the tilt angle range, i.e., they can constantly have one of the angles. Alternatively, the angles can change within the tilt angle range with increasing tilt. In particular, the angle between the directions of movement can increase or decrease. The change can be as small as or based on one of the angles, or as large as or based on 180 degrees. For example, the additional visual object can displace the main visual object, like a door with two leaves (open or closed).

[0026] As mentioned above, the additional visual object comprises at least two parts. In preferred embodiments, there are exactly two, exactly three, exactly four, or more parts that move in correspondingly different directions toward the main visual object. The angle specifications mentioned apply to two of the parts, in particular, only one pair of the parts (or two pairs of parts with different directions of movement, respectively). The number of sections of the edge that need to be set back corresponds to the number of parts of the additional visual object.

[0027] The parts of the additional visual object can be spaced apart from each other or not. When tilting or changing the tilt position, the distance can change or remain unchanged. Thus, for example, four independent strips can move towards each other in opposite directions, especially in pairs, when tilting, and either remain independent, i.e. spaced apart, or are connected to form a (continuously shrinking) frame around the main visual object, i.e. form not spaced apart parts. The not spaced apart parts of the additional visual object, such as parts of a rectangular or elliptical frame or a circular ring, can have visible border lines between the parts, or (in the case of no border lines between the parts) can be identified as differently moving parts of the additional visual object for the observer. Preferably, within the tilt angle range, the additional visual object includes spaced apart parts in at least one tilt position, most tilt positions or each tilt position. In addition or alternatively, within the tilt angle range, the additional visual object includes not spaced apart parts in at least one tilt position, most tilt positions or each tilt position.

[0028] It is particularly advantageous if the parts of the additional visual object are formed by separate strips which move in opposite directions or in increasingly opposite directions with increasing tilt, wherein in particular the strips are still spaced apart from one another in the final tilted position. It has also been mentioned that the additional visual object can completely surround the main visual object with its parts, preferably in an annular manner, in particular in the form of a circular ring, in the form of a frame, in particular as a rectangular frame, or in the shape of an eyelid.

[0029] In a special embodiment, the additional visual object has a detail structure that changes with tilt and / or allows the movement of the part to be recognized. For example, only the pattern, subdivisions or three-dimensionality of the additional visual object, such as an appearance that arches out from the structural plane, can be used as a detail structure. The detail structure can be adjusted so that the movement of the additional visual object can be recognized by the observer. Alternatively or in addition, the detail structure can also change independently of the movement of the additional visual object towards the main visual object. Thus, the detail structure in a part of constant size and shape can, when tilted, for example, move as a pattern in a direction different from the part itself or change as an arch.

[0030] The main visual object preferably remains essentially unchanged for tilts perpendicular to the tilt from the starting tilt position to the ending tilt position. This also improves perception. Therefore, rotationally symmetrical main visual objects or main visual objects with a circular outline are particularly preferred, as such elements appear particularly well when tiltable in all directions.

[0031] Visual objects that display a three-dimensional effect are particularly safe because they are more difficult to copy. Thus, the main visual object and / or the additional visual object can be presented to the observer in a three-dimensional manner or in a plane different from the structural plane, in particular suspended above or below the structural plane. Preferably, the additional visual object is presented suspended in a plane that is above the plane in which the main visual object is presented. Basic structures for presenting a main visual object or a moving additional visual object, optionally with a three-dimensional effect, are well known per se and are disclosed, for example, only in WO 2011 / 066990 A2, WO 2015 / 078572 A1, or WO 2016 / 180522 A1.

[0032] The structure is typically a micromirror structure having a plurality of directionally reflective, preferably oblique, and flat (or non-diffractive) micromirrors. The structure comprises, in particular, an embossed layer, preferably a hardened embossing lacquer layer, in particular a UV-hardening embossing lacquer layer, which is provided with a reflection-enhancing coating.

[0033] Advantageously, at least some of the microelements (or micromirrors) are provided with a color coating that creates a color impression. In an advantageous embodiment, the color coating of the micromirrors is formed by the color of the glazing. Metallizations made of, for example, aluminum, silver, or a copper-aluminum alloy are also conceivable, as are thin-film structures, particularly those with angle-dependent color variations, gold-blue thin films, or silicon-aluminum thin films. The color coating can also be formed by a glazing color with a metallic mirror coating, for example, made of aluminum, applied to the back. The color coating can display a glazing image composed of multiple glazing colors, with a mirror coating, for example, made of aluminum, applied to the back. Luminescent colors, particularly fluorescent colors with metallic mirror coatings, are also conceivable as color coatings. The color coating can also be formed by structural colors, particularly nano- and binary structures embossed on or in the micromirrors. Finally, nanoparticle colors, such as gold-blue particles, various effect pigments, angle-dependent pigments, or super silver, are also conceivable as color coatings. The color coating is preferably applied directly to the micromirrors and follows or follows the path of their relief.

[0034] In a preferred design, the microelements of the main visual object and the additional visual object are nested (or staggered) in the structure. The microelements can be arranged in a regular pattern and nested with each other. However, in the array of microelements, microelements of different shapes and / or sizes and / or intervals are preferably provided. Therefore, unexpected diffraction effects are avoided in particular. The nesting is also preferably implemented irregularly. The nesting can be implemented in particular pseudo-randomly and / or in pixels with m*n micromirrors (with the same or different sizes / shapes of the micromirrors or with fixed, pseudo-random and / or brightness-dependent positioning of one or more microelements of the visual object within the pixel). In addition, the structure can include microelements as a background for the main visual object and / or the additional visual object, in such a way that, for example, the microelements are not reflected in the direction of the observer in any tilted position within the tilt angle range or in the current tilted position.

[0035] This security feature achieves a continuous and simultaneously easily recognizable and understandable concealment of the main visual object during tilting. In addition, a wide range of design possibilities are opened up, which form a very easily recognizable and understandable security feature.

[0036] The anti-counterfeiting feature can be provided in a security element. The security element can include its own carrier layer, such as a plastic film, or have no carrier. The security element is configured to be applied to an article to be provided with security, for example as a security patch or security strip, or to be inserted into an article to be provided with security, for example as a security thread. The article to be provided with security can be a data carrier, in particular a valuable document, such as a banknote, an ID card or a chip card, or a product or its packaging. In order to apply to the article, a plurality of security elements are usually provided successively on an intermediate carrier, and the security elements are detachably connected to the intermediate carrier so as to be transferred to the article.

[0037] Alternatively, the security feature can also be created directly on the object to be secured, such as a data carrier, in particular a valuable document (in particular a banknote), an ID card or a chip card, or a product or its packaging.

[0038] The present invention is described in more detail below based on embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings that also disclose features important to the present invention. These embodiments are for illustration only and are not to be construed as restrictive. For example, the description of an embodiment having multiple elements or components should not be interpreted as meaning that all of these elements or components are necessary for implementation. On the contrary, other embodiments may also include alternative elements and components, fewer elements or components, or additional elements or components. Unless otherwise stated, elements or components of different embodiments may be combined with each other. Modifications and variations described for one of the embodiments may also be applied to other embodiments. To avoid repetition, identical or corresponding elements are indicated by the same reference numerals in different drawings and are not described again. In the drawings: BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0039] Figure 1 shows a top view of the banknote,

[0040] Figure 2 shows a schematic diagram for explaining the tilt angle when observing the security features of a banknote,

[0041] Figure 3 Shown for illustration Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the structure of the surface area of the security feature,

[0042] Figures 4A-4E shows different views of the main visual object and the additional visual object at different tilt angles of the first embodiment of the security feature, and

[0043] Figure 5-8 shows the Figure 1 Schematic diagram of other embodiments of visual object transformation in a security element. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0044] Figure 1A banknote 2, or a pre-circulated version of such a banknote, is shown in a top view. The banknote includes a security element 4 with a security feature 3. The security feature has microstructures on its surface area 5 that display a primary visual object. The appearance of the primary visual object depends on the angle of inclination of the security feature 3 when viewed. The term "inclination" generally refers to the angular change in the relative position of the essentially flat security feature 3 to the direction of observation from which the viewer is viewing the security feature. This relative position can be altered by tilting the security feature when the viewing direction is fixed, or by changing the viewing angle when the security feature is fixed. Combinations are, of course, possible. For simplicity, the following description assumes the tilt of the security feature 3. Not shown in the figure is that, in addition to the security feature 3 shown, the security element 4 typically includes multiple other security features, which may be adjacent to, spaced apart from, or located on the back of the security feature 3. The figures also do not depict other common security features and / or security elements included on banknotes.

[0045] Figure 2 The tilting about the tilting axis 6 is shown. The tilting axis 6 lies in particular in the plane of the security feature 3 and therefore also in the plane of the banknote 2. The tilting observed here takes place within a tilt angle range 11 from a starting tilting position 8 to an end tilting position 10. The starting tilting position 8 is connected to a first region 13, and a second region 14 is provided after the end tilting position 10, as will be explained below.

[0046] like Figure 3 Schematically, the surface area 5 of the security feature 3 has a plurality of first microelements 15 and second microelements 16, which are arranged in a nested manner, for example, with a first pattern 17 (first microelements 15) and a second pattern 18 (second microelements 16). Such an arrangement and design of microelements is known in the prior art, for example from WO 2019 / 219239 Al, which has microelements in the form of tilted micromirrors, in particular flat micromirrors or concave micromirrors. However, diffractive, directionally reflective microelements can also be used. The microelements 15, 16 ensure that the main visual object 20 (see Figure 4A ) and additional visual objects 22 (see Figure 4E Here, the first micro-component 15 presents the main visual object 20 and the second micro-component 16 presents the additional visual object 22.

[0047] Figure 3First, a regular array of microelements 15, 16 is shown only as an example of a nested arrangement, and the microelements are also regularly nested in each other. However, it is preferred to arrange microelements of different shapes and / or sizes and / or spacings in the array of microelements. This avoids unexpected diffraction effects in particular. The nesting is also preferably more complex than shown in the accompanying drawings. Preferably, the nesting is also implemented irregularly. In particular, the nesting can be implemented pseudo-randomly and / or in pixels with m*n micromirrors (with the same or different sizes / shapes of the micromirrors or with a fixed, pseudo-random and / or brightness-dependent positioning of one or more microelements of the visual object within the pixel). The accompanying drawings also do not show the positions of the microelements in the array or of the microelements used as the background of the visual object, which are used as the background of the visual object, for example, by not reflecting in the direction of the observer at all or not reflecting in the direction of the observer at the tilt angle. Nesting in segments or surface areas allows different visual objects to be displayed successively (or simultaneously) in the segments according to the tilt angle.

[0048] Preferably, the surface area 5 comprises only directionally reflective microelements of exactly two visual objects, whereby the main visual object 20 and the additional visual object 22 are presented very brightly.

[0049] If now in Figure 2 In the first region 13 of the tilting position 8, ie before the start of the tilting position 8, in one embodiment only the main visual object 20 is visible at first (see Figure 4A ), as long as the tilt 12 is located in the first area 13, the main visual object is presented by the first micro-element 15. Figure 4A The main visual object 20 is shown as a ring. Alternatively, for tilt angles in the first region 13, the additional visual object 22 can also be seen (cf. Figure 4B The additional visual object 22 can be stationary or move away from the main visual object 20 for the tilt angle in the first region 13. The additional visual object 22 is presented to the observer via the second micro-element 16.

[0050] A general note that applies to all figures is that although visual objects in the figures appear dark against a light background, they appear bright to the viewer (because of reflections towards the viewer), while the background appears darker (because of no reflections towards the viewer).

[0051] If the tilted position 12 is moved out of the first region 13, the additional visual object 22 moves from the initial tilted position 8 in two different directions 26a, 26b toward the main visual object 20. In this embodiment, the additional visual object 22 comprises two parts 22a, 22b. In this example, the two parts 22a, 22b of the additional visual object are formed by elongated strips. The movement directions 26a, 26b are at an angle of 180 degrees to each other, i.e., they point in opposite directions toward the main visual object 20. Figure 4B As shown, the main visual object 20 occupies a surface area 25 which is delimited by a border 24. The border 24 has two sections 24a, 24b.

[0052] like Figures 4B to 4D As shown, when tilting through the tilting area 11, the additional visual object 22 moves in two directions 26a, 26b toward the main visual object 20, and at the same time, the surface area 25 of the main visual object 20 becomes smaller. The main visual object 20 disappears because it is only present within this surface area 25. The two segments 24a, 24b of the edge 24 of the surface area 25 move toward each other along opposite movement directions 26a, 26b. Therefore, when tilting from the starting tilting position 8 to the ending tilting position 10, the segments 24a, 24b follow the movement of the parts 22a, 22b of the additional visual object 22. The movement of the parts 22a, 22b is directed toward the center of the main visual object 20. The movement along the directions 26a, 26b is centered on the visual object. The disappearance of the main visual object 20 corresponds in area and direction to the movement of the two parts of the additional visual object. To the observer, the two moving parts of the additional visual object squeeze out the main visual object.

[0053] The main visual object 20 disappears with increasing tilt until it is no longer visible at all, as in Figure 4E As shown in . The sections of the boundary 24 of the surface area already meet in the center of the initially visible main visual object 20. The same applies to the parts 22a, 22b of the additional visual object 22. The two parts 22a, 22b of the additional visual object can be as shown in Figure 4E As shown in , they are presented as independent parts separated from each other, or as additional visual objects without separation.

[0054] For example, for Figure 2 The tilt angle in the second region 14 can only present the additional visual object 22 (see Figure 4E Alternatively, for an inclination angle of the second region 14 , the additional visual object 22 can also be hidden again or no longer be presented, so that both visual objects 20 , 22 are no longer presented.

[0055] exist Figures 4B to 4EIn the embodiment of the invention, the extension size of the additional visual object 22 is not as large as the extension size of the fully visible main visual object 20. Nevertheless, the main visual object 20 is no longer presented in the area through which the parts 22a, 22b of the additional visual object 22 have run, such as Figure 4E As clearly shown.

[0056] The additional visual object 22 may also have the effect of a curtain for the observer, which curtain moves in front of the main visual object 20 on both sides. This may be similar to Figures 4B-4E This is achieved as shown in the following case, that is, after the parts 22a, 22b of the additional visual object, there is a further strip-shaped or bar-shaped part, which moves like the two parts 22a, 22b. The further part can be distinguished from the two parts 22a, 22b, for example, in terms of its brightness (bright / medium bright), its pattern or its color. In this case, the size of the additional visual object is reduced to the same extent as the size of the surface area 25. As a comparison according to Figure 4E Alternatively to the appearance of FIG, the parts 22a, 22b of the additional visual object can also be joined together again and / or merged in the end tilted position.

[0057] As an alternative to the movement (displacement) of the parts of the additional visual object 22, which remain unchanged in appearance, it is also possible that the parts 22a, 22b change their size during the movement, so that, for example, the edges of the parts 22a, 22b which are farthest from the main visual object remain fixed in position during the movement effect. This strengthens the impression of a blind or curtain moving in front of the main visual object 20. This design solution is Figures 5A-5D Displayed in.

[0058] Figure 5A In the parts 22a, 22b of the additional visual object 22, a detail structure 23 is shown. The detail structure 23 is arranged in a section of the parts 22a, 22b close to the main visual object. Figures 5B to 5DAs shown, the detail structure 23 of the additional visual object 22 also moves in corresponding directions 26a, 26b. The edges of the parts 22a, 22b facing away from the main visual object remain fixed in position, thereby increasing the size of the additional visual object 22 as a whole. The parts 22a, 22b of the additional visual object have (arbitrary) detail structures 23 that make their movement discernible. Therefore, the detail structures 23 can be designed arbitrarily and are shown as triangles only as an example. In addition to shapes, patterns, etc., flat covers (e.g., curved portions that arch out of the base plane, positioned above or below the base plane) can also serve as detail structures. The movement of the parts 22a, 22b of the additional visual object in the directions 26a, 26b, i.e., toward the center of the main visual object, is discernible to the observer at the latest through the detail structure 23. Like a curtain on either side, the moving parts of the additional visual object 22 clearly block the view of the main visual object 20. Due to the movement of the additional visual object, the change in tilt is significantly different from simply lifting up a static additional visual object. Optionally, the section of parts 22a, 22b that is remote from the primary visual object can remain static. Alternatively, the section of parts 22a, 22b that is remote from the primary visual object can be moved in different ways, in particular at a lower speed and / or at a speed that depends on the position (and / or tilt angle). These design solutions can particularly enhance the impression of the curtain.

[0059] Figure 6A and 6B It is shown that the movement of the parts of the additional visual object 22 and the retreat of the boundary 24 are not limited to straight parts. In addition, it can be seen that the simultaneous movement of two or more parts of the additional visual object can be achieved in two or more directions centered on the main visual object. Figure 6A A main visual object 20 is shown, here drawn purely by way of example as a smiley face, which is surrounded by an annular border 24, which is shown here as a circle, for example. In this view, an additional visual object 22 is designed as a circle, for example as an aperture. It surrounds the main visual object 20. The additional visual object 22 may include a plurality of parts 22a, 22b. The detail structure 23 may be present as a border of the parts 22a, 22b, or may be formed as in the example of the embodiment of the invention. Figure 5A When tilting, the additional visual object 22 moves towards the main visual object. The direction(s) 26 of movement(s) of the additional visual object(s) 22 points towards the center of the main visual object.

[0060] Figure 6A and 6BThe main visual object 20 is displayed and disappears with increasing tilt through the tilt region 11 by the additional visual objects moving toward the main visual object in two or more directions 26 centered on the main visual object. The border 24 around the main visual object 20 shrinks accordingly.

[0061] Furthermore, the additional visual object 22 or the parts 22a, 22b of the additional visual object change their appearance when tilted. This, for example, simulates the contraction of an iris diaphragm or the blinking of an eyelid. Alternatively, the additional visual object has a constant annular thickness and contracts when tilted. Figure 6A and 6B In the embodiment, due to a dynamic detail structure 23, for example in the form of an adjusting iris diaphragm, the additional visual object 22 changes during the tilting process, e.g. Figure 6A and 6B As shown. The contour of parts of the additional visual element changes. Here, the basic outer shape of the additional visual element, here a ring, preferably remains unchanged. In addition or alternatively, the additional visual element 22 can also have a curvature, the maximum of which is always located in the center of the ring.

[0062] When tilting into the end tilting position, the additional visual object 22 is preferably moved to the former center of the main visual object which is thereby hidden.

[0063] Figure 7 An embodiment is shown which illustrates that the directions of movement 26a, 26b of the parts 22a, 22b of the additional visual object move towards the main visual object 22 and towards each other, without the movements having to be exactly opposite. The directions of movement 26a, 26b can, as in the example shown, be obtuse angles, such as 180+ / -45 degrees, i.e. 135 to 225 degrees (just opposite, corresponding to 180 degrees). For example, for straight strips as parts of the additional visual object, or for straight sections 24a, 24b of the border 24, these parts 22a, 22b can move towards the main visual object 22 and towards each other. In Figure 7 In the , the movement is similar to the clapperboard. Figure 4C Similar tilted state.

[0064] Figure 8 It is shown that the additional visual object 22 and the main visual object 20 do not need to directly connect at the sections 24a, 24b, although such a design is certainly possible. Instead, a gap 34 is preferably present between the main visual object-side boundary 32 of the additional visual object 22 and the oppositely located moving section 24a of the edge. This gap 34 is perceptible to the observer, i.e., has a size of at least 100 μm.

[0065] In an embodiment, in addition to changing the face area 25 in which the primary visual object is visible, the primary visual object 20 may change dynamically with tilt.

[0066] Observe again Figure 2 It is conceivable that a further tilt angle range could be connected to the second area 14, in which the movement runs in exactly the opposite direction. The additional visual object moves outward, and with further tilting, the surface area 25 with the main visual object increases. Then, in this further tilt angle range, another first area is connected. For this purpose, the second area 14 can, for example, be essentially perpendicular to the plane of the security feature. When tilting further beyond the second area 14, the opposite movement is displayed, i.e., for example Figures 4E to 4B However, such a design is disadvantageous due to the lower light intensity, since the number of micromirrors available for each visual object is reduced.

[0067] List of Reference Numerals

[0068] 2 banknotes

[0069] 3 Anti-counterfeiting features

[0070] 4Anti-counterfeiting elements

[0071] 5 sides

[0072] 6 tilt axis

[0073] 8 Start tilt position

[0074] 10 End of tilt position

[0075] 11 Tilt angle range

[0076] 12 tilt positions

[0077] 13 First Area

[0078] 14 Second Area

[0079] 15First Micro Component

[0080] 16 Second micro-component

[0081] 17 The first pattern

[0082] 18 Second Pattern

[0083] 20 Main visual objects

[0084] 22 Additional visual objects

[0085] 23 Detailed structure

[0086] Sections 22a and 22b

[0087] 24 Boundaries

[0088] Sections 24a and 24b

[0089] 25 areas

[0090] 26a, 26b directions

[0091] 32 Boundary

[0092] 34 gap

Claims

1. A planar security feature (3) which changes its appearance when tilted within an inclination angle range (11), and which has a structure presenting a main visual object (20) and an additional visual object (22), wherein: The structure has microelements (15, 16) which present a main visual object (20) and an additional visual object (22), wherein the microelement (15) presents the main visual object (20) in such a way that the main visual object is visible in a surface area (25) in a specific starting tilt position (8), and when the tilt position (12) changes towards a specific ending tilt position (10) within the tilt angle range (11), the size of the surface area (25) in which the main visual object (20) is visible decreases with increasing change in the tilt position (12), and wherein the microelement (16) presents the additional visual object (22) in such a way that, when the tilted position (12) changes towards the end tilted position (10), the additional visual object moves towards the main visual object (20), It is characterized in that The microelement (16) presents at least two parts (22a, 22b) of the additional visual object (22) in such a way that when the tilt position (12) changes, the parts (22a, 22b) of the additional visual object (22) move in different directions (26; 26a, 26b) towards the main visual object (20), and The microelement (15) presents the main visual object (20) in such a way that at least two sections (24a, 24b) of the edge (24) of the surface area (25) recede in different directions (26; 26a, 26b) along the surface before the movement of the additional visual object (22) toward the main visual object (20).

2. The security feature (3) according to claim 1, characterized in that The additional visual object (22) is also visible in the starting tilt position (8), and / or the main visual object (20) is no longer visible in the ending tilt position (10).

3. The security feature (3) according to claim 1, characterized in that As the tilted position (12) changes, the size and / or shape of the portions (22a, 22b) of the additional visual object (22) that move in different directions remain constant.

4. The security feature (3) according to claim 3, characterized in that The parts (22a, 22b) of the additional visual object (22) slide when the tilt position (12) changes.

5. The security feature (3) according to claim 1, characterized in that The size and / or shape of the portions (22a, 22b) of the additional visual object (22) that move in different directions changes with the tilt position (12).

6. The security feature (3) according to claim 1, characterized in that The size of the surface area in which the additional visual object (22) is visible increases or decreases with increasing tilt position (12).

7. The security feature (3) according to claim 1, characterized in that The size of the surface area in which the additional visual object (22) is visible increases or decreases to the same extent as the surface area (25) of the main visual object (20) decreases.

8. The security feature (3) according to claim 1, characterized in that The main visual object (20) fades out with increasing tilt positions (12) within the tilt angle range (11).

9. The security feature (3) according to claim 1, characterized in that The main visual object (20) becomes smaller and smaller with increasing tilt position (12) within the tilt angle range (11).

10. The security feature (3) according to claim 1, characterized in that The center of the main visual object (20) is fixed in position, and / or at least two parts (22a, 22b) of the additional visual object (22) move toward the center of the main visual object (20).

11. The security feature (3) according to claim 1, characterized in that The different movement directions (26a, 26b) of the parts (22a, 22b) of the additional visual object (22) form an angle greater than 90 degrees with respect to one another in the inclined position (12) within the inclined angle range (11).

12. The security feature (3) according to claim 1, characterized in that The different movement directions (26a, 26b) of the parts (22a, 22b) of the additional visual object (22) form an angle of more than 120 degrees with respect to one another in the inclined position (12) within the inclined angle range (11).

13. The security feature (3) according to claim 1, characterized in that The different movement directions (26a, 26b) of the parts (22a, 22b) of the additional visual object (22) are at most opposite in direction, ie at an angle of 180 degrees to each other, in the tilted position (12) within the tilt angle range (11).

14. The security feature (3) according to claim 1, characterized in that The movement direction of at least two parts (22a, 22b) of the additional visual object (22) - is constant within the range of inclination angles (11); or - changes within the inclination angle range (11) with increasing inclination positions (12).

15. The security feature (3) according to claim 14, characterized in that The angle between the directions of movement increases or decreases.

16. The security feature (3) according to claim 1, characterized in that The additional visual object (22) comprises exactly two, exactly three or more than three parts (22a, 22b) moving in different directions toward the main visual object.

17. The security feature (3) according to claim 1, characterized in that Within the tilt angle range (11), the additional visual object (22) comprises mutually spaced portions (22a, 22b) in at least one tilt position (12), in most tilt positions (12), or in each tilt position (12).

18. The security feature (3) according to claim 1, characterized in that Within the tilt angle range (11), the additional visual object (22) comprises portions (22a, 22b) without spaces in at least one tilt position (12), in most of the tilt positions (12), or in each tilt position (12).

19. The security feature (3) according to claim 1, characterized in that The parts (22a, 22b) of the additional visual object (22) are formed by strips which move towards each other in opposite directions or in increasingly opposite directions with increasing tilting position.

20. The security feature (3) according to claim 19, characterized in that The strips are spaced apart from one another in the end inclined position.

21. The security feature (3) according to claim 1, characterized in that The additional visual object (22) surrounds the main visual object (20).

22. The security feature (3) according to claim 1, characterized in that The additional visual object (22) surrounds the main visual object in a circular shape, a frame shape, or in the shape of an eyelid.

23. The security feature (3) according to claim 1, characterized in that The additional visual object (22) has a detail structure (23) which changes with tilt and / or enables a movement of the parts (22a, 22b) to be recognized.

24. The security feature (3) according to claim 1, characterized in that The primary visual object (20) and / or the additional visual object (22) appear three-dimensionally to the observer or in a plane different from the plane of the structure.

25. The security feature (3) according to claim 24, characterized in that The additional visual object is presented in a floating manner in a plane that is above the plane where the main visual object is presented.

26. The security feature (3) according to claim 1, characterized in that The structure is a micromirror structure, the micromirror structure is composed of directionally reflective micromirrors; and / or the structure comprises an embossed layer.

27. The security feature (3) according to claim 26, characterized in that The embossing layer is a hardened embossing lacquer layer which is provided with a reflection-increasing coating.

28. The security feature (3) according to claim 26, characterized in that The micromirrors are tilted and flat.

29. An anti-counterfeiting element (4) for an article requiring security, wherein: The security element comprises a security feature (3) according to one of claims 1 to 20, wherein the security element (4) comprises its own carrier layer or has no carrier and / or the security element (4) is provided detachably on an intermediate carrier.

30. An article (2) having a security element (4) according to claim 29 or a security feature (3) according to one of claims 1 to 28.

31. The article of claim 30, wherein The object is a data carrier.

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