Data carrier with protection against subsequent laser marking

Abstract

A data carrier (1) includes a card body (2) configured to interact with impact electromagnetic radiation (R) such that a laser mark (M1) having a first appearance (A1) is generated in the card body (2) in the impact region. The data carrier (1) further includes at least one protective element (3) configured to interact with impact electromagnetic radiation (R) such that a laser mark (M2) having a second appearance (A2) is generated in the card body (2), wherein the second appearance (A2) is different from the first appearance (A1).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a data carrier according to claim 1, a secure file including such a data carrier according to claim 13, and a method for generating a data carrier according to claim 15. Existing technology

[0002] Data carriers used in secure documents such as ID cards or passports typically include information about the holder. For example, it is very common to provide the data carrier with the holder's name, nationality, date of birth, or image. Various methods are known for adding or generating this information within the data carrier. Typically, this so-called personalization is performed by selecting a data carrier material sensitive to laser radiation. In this case, information can be simply written into the material of the data carrier by irradiating it with laser radiation, thereby generating a laser mark that constitutes the information. However, the information added by this laser is generally not protected against changes based on subsequent additions to the laser mark. That is, if needed by an imposter, a forger can simply add information, such as a mustache on a person's face. Another example of forgery could be rewriting a lightly laser-engraved image with a darker image corresponding to another person, such as an image of someone with light skin and blond hair. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The purpose of this invention is to provide a data carrier with enhanced protection against counterfeit goods.

[0004] This objective is achieved using a data carrier according to claim 1. Specifically, a data carrier is provided comprising a card body. The card body is configured to interact with impact electromagnetic radiation such that, without a protective element, a laser mark having a first appearance is pre-generated in the impact area within the card body. The data carrier further comprises at least one protective element. The at least one protective element is configured to interact with impact electromagnetic radiation such that a laser mark having a second appearance is generated in the card body, wherein the second appearance differs from the first appearance.

[0005] In other words, the card body comprises a radiation-sensitive material, such that when the card body is irradiated with electromagnetic radiation, a laser mark with a first appearance is generated. Original information such as name, nationality, date, flag, national emblem, image, or photograph can then be written into the data carrier. If a counterfeiter then attempts to manipulate this original information by irradiating the data carrier with electromagnetic radiation, the protective element interacts with the electromagnetic radiation in a manner that generates a laser mark with an appearance different from the original laser mark. Due to this different appearance, the counterfeit becomes obvious. Therefore, the protective element according to the invention provides enhanced protection against counterfeits.

[0006] The card body preferably corresponds to a card body as known in the prior art. Therefore, the card body may comprise one or more layers, wherein at least one layer is configured to interact with electromagnetic radiation in the event of laser marking. Such a layer is referred to herein as a processing layer. Contemplated layers are transparent layers, preferably plastic layers, and particularly preferably thermoplastic layers, such as polycarbonate (PC), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), amorphous polyester (A-PET), copolyester (PET-G), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), or biaxially oriented polyethylene terephthalate (boPET).

[0007] Electromagnetic radiation will cause the irradiated layer at the irradiated location to darken. Darkening is typically based on the carbonization of the material primarily in the transparent layer, which is usually enhanced by laser additives when plastic layers are used in data carriers. This technique is a standard process and is widely used in the plastics industry. Without at least one protective element according to the invention, the darkening will have a precise and / or well-defined shape. In the context of the invention, this precise shape can be understood as a laser mark having a first appearance. However, in the presence of a protective element, it is no longer possible for a counterfeiter to generate a laser mark with this precise and / or well-defined shape. Instead, and as will be explained further in more detail below, an interfering, blurred, or imprecise darkening result is achieved, referred to herein as a laser mark having a second appearance. The card body may include one or more additional layers, such as an opaque layer disposed relative to the direction of extension below at least one of the aforementioned processing layers. The one or more opaque layers may correspond to an opaque plastic layer, such as an opaque polycarbonate layer. Any additional layers as they are known in the prior art are of course equally conceivable.

[0008] The at least one protective element is preferably provided on the card body, and particularly preferably on the top, i.e., the uppermost surface of the card body. Arranging the protective element on the card body, especially on the top of the card body, brings the advantage of simple application. In fact, it can be simply added to the top of a data carrier that already has the original laser markings provided.

[0009] The at least one protective element can be configured to generate one or more gases upon interaction with electromagnetic radiation. In this case, if a counterfeiter irradiates the data carrier with electromagnetic radiation, the protective element will interact with the irradiated electromagnetic radiation when the gas is generated. The generated gas can cause bubbles, protrusions, intense darkening, obvious color shading, bleeding, blurred or unclear laser markings.

[0010] The at least one protective element can be configured to diffract and / or scatter and / or deflect impact electromagnetic radiation. Therefore, if a forger irradiates the data carrier with electromagnetic radiation, the protective element will interact with the irradiated electromagnetic radiation, for example, causing it to be diffused or partially reflected. As a result, a blurred and imprecise laser marking is achieved.

[0011] The at least one protective element can be configured to absorb electromagnetic radiation, preferably in the ultraviolet and / or infrared regions of the electromagnetic spectrum. When a counterfeiter irradiates the electromagnetic radiation, such a protective element will at least partially block the irradiated electromagnetic radiation. Thus, a blurred and imprecise laser marking is achieved. Additionally or alternatively, the at least one protective element can be configured to exhibit adhesive strength. However, it is also conceivable that the protective element does not exhibit any adhesive strength. For this purpose, it is preferable to provide a combination of a component configured to absorb electromagnetic radiation and a component configured to establish adhesive strength that is lower or even non-existent compared to the adhesive strength established in its surrounding environment. Such a combination results in the previously mentioned bleeding effect. In fact, the bleeding effect is caused by the combination of weak adhesion properties established, for example, between two consecutive layers, and strong absorption properties. Due to the strong absorption properties, increased local heating of the material and the resulting material combustion are achieved. This, in turn, leads to gas formation and blackening, which diffuses (“bleeds”) in areas with weak or no adhesion, thereby making the subsequent laser marking visible. Examples of conceivable chemical compositions are further given below.

[0012] The at least one protective element preferably comprises at least one of laser-active pigment, laser-active additive, and laser-active colorant. Irradiation of these components with electromagnetic radiation produces the aforementioned bubbles or protrusions. These components are commercially available, among which conceivable components include, for example, red UV fluorescent ink with project code 3Z0U13F supplied by Sicpa.

[0013] The data carrier may further include at least one personalized item, such as alphanumeric characters and / or images, and wherein the personalized item includes at least one protective element and ink, preferably inkjet ink.

[0014] In other words, it is conceivable to simply add protective elements, preferably laser-active pigments and / or laser-active additives and / or laser-active colorants, and / or particles configured to diffract and / or scatter and / or deflect impact electromagnetic radiation, to an ink used for inkjet personalization, such as inkjet ink. Such personalization is preferably printed on the top of the card body, i.e., the uppermost surface of the card body. In this case, it is impossible to remove the protective elements (e.g., the active medium) undetectably from the card body surface, because the personalization would be damaged and thus become visible.

[0015] The at least one protective element preferably comprises at least one of wax, a silicon-containing material, a UV absorber such as 2-hydroxyphenyl-s-triazine and its derivatives, an IR absorber, and a thermosetting material, wherein the thermosetting material is preferably a curable thermosetting material, such as a compound comprising a UV-curable [meth]acrylate, an epoxide, and / or a vinyl ether.

[0016] These components are also commercially available. For example, SpectraCARD IRB, MSD4800, and MSC3600 can be used as IR absorbers. Contemplated UV absorbers are based on 2-hydroxyphenyl-s-triazine derivatives known from BASF's Tinuvin® 1600, or hydroxyphenylbenzotriazole UV absorbers such as BASF's Tinuvin® 360, or benzoxazinone-based UV absorbers such as Solvay's Cyasorb® UV-3638F. Particularly preferred is the use of a combination of waxes and one or more siloxane-containing materials on the one hand, and a combination of one or more UV absorbers, IR absorbers, and thermosetting materials on the other hand, to provide the protective element. That is, it is particularly preferred that the protective element be provided as a combination of chemically dissimilar materials. In this case, localized adhesion weaknesses (artificial bonding weaknesses) between layers can be created by introducing chemically dissimilar components. In this context, such adhesion weaknesses can be addressed by providing an external layer based on one or more waxes or silicon-containing materials that exhibit adhesion inhibition effects, wherein the adhesive is based on a UV absorber, an IR absorber, and a thermosetting material, respectively.

[0017] The at least one protective element may be provided on the card body in the form of a dotted grid, wherein the dots constituting the grid preferably include varnish and at least one protective element.

[0018] In other words, protective elements can be provided intermittently on the card body and are preferably combined, particularly dispersed in a varnish or ink layer. This contrasts with the full-surface application of protective elements on the card body. The dot grid corresponds to individual droplets arranged adjacent to each other, thus producing regular or irregular patterns. The varnish is preferably a commercially available varnish known in the most advanced technologies, such as inkjet varnish for plastic cards.

[0019] The data carrier may include one or more overlays disposed on the card body, wherein the at least one protective element is provided in and / or on the one or more overlays.

[0020] Therefore, instead of providing protective elements in droplet form, it is equally conceivable to provide protective elements in one or more layers and / or on one or more layers. If this one or more layers are arranged on the card body, especially on the uppermost surface of the card body, this one or more layers are referred to as a cover layer.

[0021] The one or more coatings preferably include at least one of varnish, ink layer, polycarbonate, polyvinyl chloride, and polyester (particularly amorphous polyester and / or copolyester and / or semi-crystalline polyester). These components are also commercially available components known in the prior art.

[0022] The at least one protective element may be provided as an imprint on the surface of one or more cover layers and / or as one or more particles incorporated into one or more cover layers.

[0023] The imprint serves the purpose of diffracting impact electromagnetic radiation, resulting in subsequent laser markings that lack a defined shape but appear blurry or indistinct, as described above. Similarly, in subsequent laser marking events, one or more particles cause diffraction of impact electromagnetic radiation. These one or more particles are preferably nanoparticles, particularly preferably silica and / or titanium dioxide.

[0024] At least one protective element may be provided between at least two successively arranged cover layers in one or more regions, wherein the adhesive force exerted by the at least one protective element on the at least two successively arranged cover layers in the one or more regions is less than the adhesive force exhibited between other regions where no protective element is present between the at least two successively arranged cover layers. Instead of the adhesive force exerted by the protective element being less than the adhesive force exerted by its surrounding environment, it is equally possible that the protective element does not exert any adhesive force at all.

[0025] As mentioned above, the at least one protective element preferably comprises at least one of wax, silicone-containing materials, UV absorbers such as 2-hydroxyphenyl-s-triazine and its derivatives, IR absorbers, and thermosetting materials, wherein the thermosetting material is preferably a curable thermosetting material, such as compounds comprising UV-curable [meth]acrylates, epoxides, and / or vinyl ethers. That is, artificial bonding weaknesses are preferably created between the cover layers.

[0026] The card body surface facing one or more cover layers may include one or more protrusions and recesses. These protrusions and recesses can be considered as anchors that improve the attachment of the cover layer(s) to the card body. The protrusions and recesses may be created during a lamination process performed when the card body is formed. Additionally or alternatively, one or more diffractive elements may be provided in one or more cover layers.

[0027] The diffraction elements are preferably formed in the uppermost surface of the cover layer facing the outside of the data carrier. The provision of the diffraction elements also makes the removal of the protective elements for cloning purposes more obvious. The diffraction elements may correspond to diffraction structures as they are known in the art. For example, when the data carrier is viewed under sunlight or illumination, a diffraction structure that produces rainbow colors or other visual effects can be generated. Additionally or alternatively, one or more visual elements, preferably one or more color images, particularly preferably one or more inkjet color images, may be provided in one or more cover layers. These one or more visual elements preferably include protective elements, such as laser-active media or one or more particles mentioned above.

[0028] It should be noted that a data carrier may include only one protective element or two or more protective elements. The two or more protective elements may be of the same type or different types.

[0029] In another aspect, a secure document is provided, wherein the secure document includes the data carrier as described above. The secure document is preferably an identity card, passport, credit card, banknote, etc. In this respect, it should be understood that the data carrier itself can correspond to the secure document. This is the case, for example, if the data carrier is provided in the form of an identity card. However, it is also conceivable to incorporate or integrate the data carrier into the secure document. For example, in the case of a passport, the data carrier can correspond to a page of the passport within which a card body with one or more protective elements is arranged.

[0030] In another aspect, a method for generating a data carrier, preferably a data carrier as described above, is provided. The method includes the steps of: i) providing a card body, and ii) providing at least one protective element. The card body is configured to interact with impact electromagnetic radiation such that, in the absence of the protective element, a laser mark having a first appearance is pre-generated in the impact area within the card body. The at least one protective element is configured to interact with the impact electromagnetic radiation such that a laser mark having a second appearance is generated in the card body, wherein the second appearance differs from the first appearance.

[0031] In use, in the first step, the originator (such as a passport control authority or bank) preferably generates a laser mark with a first appearance on the card body, i.e., the original laser mark. In a subsequent second step, one or more protective elements, as described above, are added to the card body. Because the protective elements alter the appearance of any further laser manipulation, subsequent laser marks by counterfeiters become readily apparent.

[0032] Specifically, the at least one protective element can be added to at least one of varnish, ink layer, polycarbonate, polyvinyl chloride, and polyester (especially amorphous polyester and / or copolyester and / or semi-crystalline polyester) to form a mixture, and said mixture is applied to the card body. Additionally or alternatively, at least one of varnish, ink layer, polycarbonate, polyvinyl chloride, and polyester (especially amorphous polyester and / or copolyester and / or semi-crystalline polyester) is applied to the card body to form one or more cover layers, and wherein at least one protective element is formed as an imprint in the surface of one or more cover layers, and / or wherein at least one of varnish, ink layer, polycarbonate, polyvinyl chloride, and polyester (especially amorphous polyester and / or copolyester and / or semi-crystalline polyester) can be applied to the card body to form two or more cover layers, and wherein at least one protective element is provided in a segment between at least two successively arranged cover layers. Attached Figure Description

[0033] Preferred embodiments of the invention are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, which are for illustrative purposes only and not for limiting the invention. In the drawings,

[0034] Figure 1a A plan view is shown regarding the data carrier, which includes the original laser markings in image form;

[0035] Figure 1b A plan view is shown of a data carrier including the original laser marker in image form and the counterfeit laser marker in the form of glasses;

[0036] Figure 1c A plan view is shown of a data carrier comprising an original laser mark in image form, at least one protective element, and a counterfeit laser mark in the form of eyeglasses;

[0037] Figure 1d A plan view is shown regarding a data carrier comprising an original laser mark in image form, at least one protective element according to another embodiment, and a counterfeit laser mark in the form of eyeglasses;

[0038] Figure 2 An exploded cross-sectional view is shown passing through a data carrier including the original laser markings and protective elements during an attempted forgery;

[0039] Figure 3 An exploded cross-sectional view is shown passing through a data carrier according to another embodiment, including the original laser markings and a protective element according to another embodiment, during an attempt to forge.

[0040] Figure 4An exploded cross-sectional view is shown passing through a data carrier according to another embodiment, including the original laser markings and a protective element according to another embodiment, during an attempt to forge.

[0041] Figure 5 A plan view of the data carrier surface, including protective elements in the form of a dotted grid, is shown.

[0042] Description of preferred embodiments

[0043] Figures 1a to 1d The effects of the present invention should be illustrated. That is, Figure 1a A data carrier 1 comprising a card body 2 having a laser mark M1 in the form of an image is depicted. The image M1 corresponds here to a photograph that can be provided in a security document such as a passport or identity card. The data carrier 1 corresponds to the original, i.e., the genuine data carrier 1. In the absence of one or more protective elements 3 according to the invention, a counterfeiter can manipulate the laser mark M1 in the form of an image by adding additional elements. This situation occurs in… Figure 1b The image depicts a counterfeiter adding an additional laser mark M2 in the form of glasses. Since the original laser mark M1 and the counterfeit laser mark M2 have the same appearance A1, A2, and a clearly defined structure, there is a high risk that the counterfeit will go undetected. However, in the presence of at least one protective element 3 according to the invention, the counterfeit laser mark M2 will be easily identifiable as a counterfeit laser mark because it has an appearance A2 that differs from the original laser mark M1, see [reference needed]. Figure 1c and Figure 1d That is, separately, including according to Figure 1c Counterfeit data carrier 1 of protective element 3 causes bubbling, protrusion, blurring and unclear effects, and includes according to Figure 1d The counterfeiting of the data carrier 1 of the protective element 3 resulted in a laser mark M2 with a "bleed-in" appearance A2. Regarding Figures 2 to 4 The components that cause these effects are explained in more detail.

[0044] In other words, Figures 2 to 4In each case, a data carrier 1 comprising a card body 2 is depicted. The card body 2 further comprises several layers 13, 14, and 15, stacked on top of each other. For this purpose, layers 13, 14, and 15 correspond to layers known in the state-of-the-art. Furthermore, at least one of these layers—here, the top layer 13 of the card body 2—comprises a material configured to interact with electromagnetic radiation to generate a laser mark. This layer 13 is therefore referred to as a processing layer. In this example, the processing layer 13 is made of a transparent polycarbonate film. Below the processing layer 13, a layer 14 made of an opaque polycarbonate film is arranged. Below the opaque film 14, again a transparent layer 15 made of polycarbonate film is arranged. Thus, the card body 2 depicted in these embodiments consists of three layers 13, 14, and 15 arranged sequentially along the extension direction E, wherein the uppermost layer 13 constitutes the processing layer. Figures 2 to 4 The data carriers 1 differ from one another, especially in terms of their protective elements 3. In these examples, after the data carrier 1 has been provided with its original laser mark M1 having a first appearance A1, the protective element 3 has been added to the data carrier 1.

[0045] according to Figure 2 The data carrier 1 includes a cover layer 4a disposed on its uppermost surface 8, here on the top surface 8 of the processing layer 13. The cover layer 4a is made of at least one of varnish, ink layer, polycarbonate, polyvinyl chloride, and polyester, and includes a protective element 3 in the form of an imprint 5a in its top surface 8. The imprint 5a is typically made using a patterned embossing mold, the pattern having a grating on a dimensional scale to influence impact radiation R, and the imprint 5a is configured to diffract, scatter, and deflect impact electromagnetic radiation R in the case of subsequent simulating laser marking. Because this diffraction, scattering, deflection, etc., it is no longer possible to generate a laser mark with the same appearance as the original laser mark. Instead, a blurry and unclear laser mark, such as M2 glasses, is generated; Figure 1c A2 is depicted in the figure. The overlay 4a additionally includes a visual element 10 in the form of an original inkjet color image. If a counterfeiter attempts to remove the protective element 3 by removing the overlay 4a, the visual element 10 will be destroyed, thus making the counterfeiting attempt obvious. Another element that makes the removal of the protective element 3 obvious is, for example, providing a diffraction element in the overlay 4a, wherein the diffraction element causes a light diffraction visual effect indicating the presence of the protective element 3. The diffraction visual effect is generally within the wavelength of visible light, and the protective element is within the wavelength of the impact radiation R. They may be partially within the same wavelength range. Typically, they are located on the surface in an alternating manner.

[0046] according to Figure 3The data carrier 1 includes a cover layer 4a disposed on the uppermost surface 8 of the data carrier 1, which is again on the top surface 8 of the processing layer 13. The cover layer 4a is made of at least one of varnish, ink layer, polycarbonate, polyvinyl chloride, and polyester, and includes a protective element 3 provided within the cover layer 4a. The protective element 3 may correspond to a laser-active medium and / or a perturbing medium of an impact beam that perturbs electromagnetic radiation R. The laser-active medium according to the former case is configured to generate one or more gases upon interaction with electromagnetic radiation R, and corresponds to at least one of laser-active pigment, laser-active additive, and laser-active colorant. Thus, if a counterfeiter irradiates electromagnetic radiation R in an attempt to counterfeit, the laser-active medium generates gas, which causes bubbles and protrusions in the data carrier 1. The laser-active medium may be incorporated into the material constituting the cover layer 4a. However, it is also conceivable to add the laser-active medium to another component introduced into the data carrier 1, such as to the inkjet ink used to generate the visual element 10 constituting the inkjet color image. According to the latter case, the perturbing medium is configured to diffract and / or scatter and / or deflect impact electromagnetic radiation R, and corresponds to one or more particles, preferably nanoparticles incorporated into the overlay 4a, such as silica and / or titanium dioxide nanoparticles. In the event of an attempt to counterfeit, the irradiated electromagnetic radiation R will be perturbed by the particles, thereby preventing the generation of well-defined or clear laser markings. Instead, blurry and unclear laser markings are produced. To enhance the attachment of the overlay to the card body 2 of the data carrier 1, the surface 8 of the card body 2 facing the overlay 4a—here, the top surface 8 of the processing layer 13—comprises several protrusions and recesses 9a, 9b. This irregular surface structure enhances the adhesive force established between the overlay 4a and the processing layer 13. Furthermore, if the overlay 4a includes a visual element 10 made of ink, as is the case here, the surface structures 9a, 9b also serve as ink anchoring, as they enhance the attachment of the ink to the surface 8 of the processing layer 13. It should be noted that such an irregular surface structure can also exist according to Figure 2 or Figure 4 In data carrier 1.

[0047] Figure 4 The data carrier 1 depicted includes two covering layers 4a and 4b arranged above each other. The lower covering layer 4a is attached to the uppermost surface 8 of the card body 2, which is the top surface 8 of the processing layer 13, as shown in the figure. Figure 2 The case of data carrier 1. Based on... Figure 4In the data carrier 1, the two cover layers 4a and 4b again comprise at least one of varnish, ink layer, polycarbonate, polyvinyl chloride, and polyester. Furthermore, a protective element 3 is arranged between the two cover layers 4a and 4b. Specifically, the protective element 3 is arranged in sections such that it is present in some regions 6a and 6b between the two cover layers 4a and 4b, but absent in other regions 7a and 7b. In the latter case, the two cover layers 4a and 4b preferably lie directly on top of each other. The adhesive force established between the cover layers 4a and 4b is lower in regions 6a and 6b where the protective element 3 is present compared to regions 7a and 7b where it is absent. It is even conceivable that no adhesive force is established between the cover layers 4a and 4b in regions 6a and 6b where the protective element 3 is present. In this case, the two cover layers 4a and 4b are held together by adhesion applied in regions 7a and 7b where the protective element 3 is absent. Therefore, it can be said that providing a protective element 3 with low or no adhesion results in a weak bond between the covering layers 4a and 4b. In any case, the protective element 3 is further configured to absorb impact electromagnetic radiation R. Due to its strong absorption properties, increased localized heating of the protective element 3 and combustion of the resulting material constituting the protective element 3 are achieved. For example, this so-called "bleeding" can be achieved through, for example... Figure 1d The black stripes depicted indicate its presence. Protective element 3 preferably comprises wax, a silicon-containing compound, and a thermosetting material, mixed with one or more compounds selected from UV absorbers and IR absorbers. Note that the cover layers 4a and 4b—only cover layer 4a in this example—may also include visual elements 10, such as the original inkjet color image, which optionally includes the laser-active medium and / or perturbation particles as described above.

[0048] The data carrier 1 discussed hereinforcingly includes, in each case, a protective element 3 added to or provided within the covering layers 4a, 4b, wherein the covering layers 4a, 4b are layers extending across the entire surface of the card body 2, particularly across the entire top surface 8 of the processing layer 13. However, it is also conceivable that the layers 4a, 4b extend only partially across the surface 8 of the card body 2. Furthermore, instead of being on or within the covering layers 4a, 4b, the protective element 3 may also be provided in a patterned manner, i.e., in a discontinuous manner. For example, the protective element 3, in the form of a laser-active medium and / or agitating particles, may be mixed with a varnish, which is then distributed on the uppermost surface 8 of the card body 2, particularly on the top surface 8 of the processing layer 13, see [reference needed]. Figure 5 .

[0049] Reference Symbol List

[0050] 1. Data carrier 12 points

[0051] 2. Card body with 13 layers

[0052] 3 protective elements, 14 layers

[0053] 4a, 4b: 15-layer cover

[0054] 5a, 5b Imprint R Electromagnetic Radiation

[0055] Laser marking of areas M1 in regions 6a and 6b

[0056] Laser marking of areas M2 in 7a and 7b

[0057] 8. Surface A1 First Appearance

[0058] 9a Raised A2 Second Appearance

[0059] 9b Depression E Extension direction

[0060] 10 Visual Elements

[0061] 11-point grid

Claims

1. A data carrier (1), comprising a card body (2), The card body (2) is configured to interact with impact electromagnetic radiation (R), such that, without the protective element (3), a laser mark (M1) having a first appearance (A1) is pre-generated in the impact area within the card body (2). The data carrier (1) further includes at least one protective element (3). Its features are, The at least one protective element (3) is configured to interact with impact electromagnetic radiation (R) such that a laser mark (M2) with a second appearance (A2) is generated in the card body (2), wherein the second appearance (A2) is different from the first appearance (A1). The at least one protective element (3) is configured to absorb electromagnetic radiation (R) in the ultraviolet and / or infrared regions of the electromagnetic spectrum. The at least one protective element (3) is configured to exhibit adhesive force or not exhibit adhesive force. The at least one protective element (3) is provided between at least two successively arranged cover layers (4a, 4b, ...) in one or more regions (6a, 6b, ...), wherein the at least one protective element (3) exerts an adhesive force on the at least two successively arranged cover layers in the one or more regions less than the adhesive force exhibited between other regions (7a, 7b, ...) where no protective element (3) is present between the at least two successively arranged cover layers.

2. The data carrier (1) according to claim 1, wherein the at least one protective element (3) is configured to generate one or more gases when interacting with electromagnetic radiation (R).

3. The data carrier (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the at least one protective element (3) is configured to diffract and / or scatter and / or deflect impact electromagnetic radiation.

4. The data carrier (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the at least one protective element (3) comprises at least one of laser-active pigment, laser-active additive and laser-active colorant.

5. The data carrier (1) according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising at least one personalization item, wherein the personalization item comprises the at least one protective element (3) and ink.

6. The data carrier (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the at least one protective element (3) comprises at least one of wax, silicon-containing material, UV absorber, IR absorber and thermosetting material.

7. The data carrier (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the at least one protective element (3) is provided on the card body (2) in the form of a dot grid (11), wherein the dots (12) constituting the grid include varnish and the at least one protective element (3).

8. The data carrier (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the data carrier (1) comprises one or more overlays (4a, 4b, ...) disposed on the card body (2), and The at least one protective element (3) is provided in and / or on the one or more covering layers (4a, 4b, ...), and The one or more covering layers (4a, 4b, ...) include at least one of varnish, ink layer, polycarbonate, polyvinyl chloride, and polyester.

9. The data carrier (1) according to claim 8, wherein the at least one protective element (3) is provided as an imprint in the surface (5a, 5b, ...) of the one or more cover layers (4a, 4b) and / or as one or more particles incorporated into the one or more cover layers (4a, 4b), the one or more particles being nanoparticles.

10. The data carrier (1) according to claim 8, wherein the surface (8) of the card body (2) facing the one or more overlays (4a, 4b, ...) includes one or more protrusions and recesses (9a, 9b), and / or One or more diffraction elements are provided in one or more capping layers, and / or One or more visual elements (10) are provided in one or more overlay layers (4a, 4b, ...).

11. A secure document comprising a data carrier (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the secure document is one of an identity card, passport, credit card, or banknote.

12. A method for generating a data carrier (1) according to any one of claims 1-10, the method comprising the steps of: - Provide a card body (2); wherein the card body (2) is configured to interact with impact electromagnetic radiation (R) such that, without protective elements, a laser mark (M1) having a first appearance (A1) is generated in the card body (2) in the impact area. - Provide at least one protective element (3); The feature is that the at least one protective element (3) is configured to interact with impact electromagnetic radiation (R) such that a laser mark (M2) with a second appearance (A2) is generated in the card body (2), wherein the second appearance (A2) is different from the first appearance (A1).

13. The method of claim 12, wherein the at least one protective element (3) is added to at least one of varnish, ink layer, polycarbonate, PVC and polyester to form a mixture, and wherein the mixture is applied to the card body (2), and / or At least one of the following is applied to the card body (2): varnish, ink layer, polycarbonate, polyvinyl chloride, and polyester, particularly amorphous polyester and / or copolyester and / or semi-crystalline polyester, to form one or more cover layers (4a, 4b, ...), and wherein the at least one protective element (3) is formed as an imprint in the surface (5a, 5b, ...) of the one or more cover layers (4a, 4b, ...), and / or At least one of varnish, ink layer, polycarbonate, polyvinyl chloride and polyester is applied to the card body (2) to form two or more cover layers (4a, 4b, ...), and wherein the at least one protective element (3) is provided at least partially between at least two successively arranged cover layers (4a, 4b, ...).

Images