Identification documents, system devices, and methods for manufacturing identification documents

Abstract

An identification document (10) has a carrier element (20) having a surface (30) with a personalized region (PB), wherein a first personalized layer (P1) is integrated into the carrier element at a depth (T) below the surface in the personalized region; a second personalized layer (P2) is located on and / or in the surface (21) of the personalized region; wherein laser additive manufacturing is contained in the second personalized layer and / or in a protective layer (S) disposed above the second personalized layer. The first personalized layer is laser imprinted (LG) by carbonizing the material of the carrier element. The laser additive manufacturing (LA) contains particles that absorb energy from a laser, such as carbon black particles and / or nanoscale metal oxide particles. The sensitization to the laser beam in the carrier element can be weaker than in the second personalized layer and / or the protective layer. The first personalized layer may contain the black portion of a color image, and the second personalized layer may contain the color portion of a color image.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an identification document and a system apparatus and method for protecting a personalized identification document from subsequent tampering attacks. Background Technology

[0002] Identification documents are an essential component of modern society because they allow for the identification of individuals and / or the granting of specific authorization to their owners. For example, identification documents can be cards or data carriers and can be designed as passports, ID cards, driver's licenses, bank cards (such as credit cards or debit cards), tags, and / or admission tickets. Due to the importance of identification documents in daily life, such as in business interactions and access restrictions, their anti-counterfeiting features are particularly important. For this purpose, identification documents can incorporate one or more security features that verify their authenticity and make forgery and / or alteration difficult.

[0003] To link the identity of an organization or person, identification documents can be personalized, for example, with images applied to the surface or introduced or embedded in the depth of the identification document.

[0004] An identity document in the form of a data carrier for multicolor or color image information is known from EP 0 537 484 A1. The identity document consists of a card insert that serves as a background for scattering light and a transparent film disposed on the card insert, on which a color absorption layer is disposed. The transparent film serves as a substrate, and for personalization, optically identifiable information can be written into the substrate by blackening the film material using laser radiation. The color absorption layer can be color-printed by applying or introducing dyes or colored pigments for personalization. In the following text, when referring to dyes, it always refers to colored pigments. To draw a color image on the identity document, the image information to be drawn is first decomposed into bright / dark portions and at least one color value extracted as a color portion. The bright / dark portions are written into the transparent film using a laser beam writer, thereby obtaining more or less darkened areas of a grayscale image. Subsequently, one or more color value extractions of the image information are superimposed as a color image on the grayscale image by applying or introducing the corresponding dye onto or into the color absorption layer.

[0005] What happens is that the identity document is not forged as a whole, but rather the existing genuine identity document is forged, resulting in the alteration of only a single piece of data on the document, such as the image incorporated into the document, or the image of the owner. A known form of attack is called a Face-Morphing-Angriff attack, which aims to generate a facial reference image that is automatically and successfully matched by human experts against more than one person. This attack can be a decisive security vulnerability when the identity document contains an image altered through distortion. Such forged (“distorted”) identity documents can allow more than one person to verify their identity using the person associated with the document. Falsely associating a subject with an identity document in this way can enable numerous illegal activities, such as financial transactions, illegal immigration, human trafficking, and circumventing legal identity blacklists.

[0006] It is conceivable that the aforementioned facial distortion attacks occur on personalized identity documents already linked to the holder's photograph and identity. For facial distortion attacks, image information can be selectively added to an existing photograph, causing the identity document to display a facial reference image that is automatically and successfully matched by a human expert to another person. For example, in identity documents known from EP 0 537 484 A1, additional light / dark information can be written into a transparent film using a laser beam writer to tamper with a grayscale image according to the principles of facial distortion attacks. Correspondingly, color information can be added to a color image superimposed on a grayscale image on the identity document by adding appropriate dyes to the color absorption layer, thus allowing the color image information to be tampered with using the same principles of facial distortion attacks. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The technical problem this invention aims to solve is to provide a tamper-proof identity document and a method for protecting personal identity documents from subsequent tampering, particularly facial distortion attacks. Specifically, by improving tamper-proofness compared to known identity documents, advancements in identity document tampering can be offset. In particular, it is desirable to provide protection for identity documents against the forgery or alteration of image data personalized with laser and / or, for example, inkjet printing techniques, such as by subsequent main portion overprinting and / or subsequent partial laser personalization, for example, for the aforementioned facial distortion attacks; in other words, it would be advantageous for identity documents if the personalized image data can be protected against subsequent forgery (e.g., by distortion), or if such attacks can at least be made difficult.

[0008] The aforementioned technical problems are solved by the subject matter of the independent claims. Advantageous designs and suitable improvements of the invention are given in the corresponding dependent claims.

[0009] According to a first aspect, the identity document according to the invention has a carrier element having a surface having a personalization region. A first personalization layer is integrated or embedded in the carrier element at a depth below the surface within the personalization region. A second personalization layer is located on and / or within the surface of the personalization region. As an important concept, it is specified that laser-sensitive additive manufacturing (laser additive) is included in the second personalization layer or in a protective layer disposed above the second personalization layer.

[0010] It should be noted that if the laser additive is integrated into the second personalized layer, the protective layer can be omitted, or alternatively, the protective layer still exists, which may contain the laser additive, but does not necessarily contain the laser additive.

[0011] "At a depth below the surface" can in principle mean that the first humanized layer is located directly below the surface and simultaneously below the second humanized layer, where the depth is essentially zero. Preferably, "at a depth below the surface" means that the first humanized layer is integrated or embedded in the interior of the carrier element, spaced apart from the surface and therefore spaced apart from the second humanized layer.

[0012] "On the surface" means that the second humanized layer can, in principle, be arranged on the surface, such that the surface acts as a boundary layer between the carrier element and the second humanized layer. "In the surface" means that the material of the carrier element and / or the material of the surface and / or the second humanized layer can be configured such that components of the second humanized layer can extend from the surface into the depth of the carrier element, or that the second humanized layer can extend, for example, in the region from the surface to the carrier element due to the structuring of the surface. Of course, the second humanized layer can also be designed to be both on the surface and in the surface.

[0013] Preferably, the first humanized layer can present the non-color or black portions of the image or logo, and the second humanized layer can present the color portions of the image or logo. Particularly preferably, the first and second humanized layers can be precisely aligned with each other in an overlapping manner along the normal direction of the surface of the carrier element. This has the advantage that, when viewed from above, i.e., along the normal direction of the surface of the carrier element, they together form a color image with particularly prominent black portions for the human observer, because the black portions, as a true grayscale image or black image, are contributed by the first humanized layer.

[0014] In a particularly preferred implementation, the first and second personalization layers together present a color image or photograph of the face of the holder of the identity document associated with the document's identity.

[0015] Preferably, the first humanized layer is a laser imprint embedded or integrated into the carrier element. "Laser imprint" should be understood herein as "marking by means of a laser," i.e., without the need for material removal. More precisely, the first humanized layer is preferably formed by at least localized carbonization of the material of the carrier element.

[0016] Specifically, the first humanized layer, comprising the black portion of the image or logo, is formed in the material of the carrier element by integrated laser engraving. Here, the black portion is particularly integrated within the carrier element, ensuring that the surface of the carrier element is not mechanically damaged.

[0017] Such laser imprinting integrated into the carrier element can be achieved, in particular, by introducing laser additives (e.g., particles configured to absorb the energy of a laser beam) into the material of the carrier element at least at the location or region of the first personalized layer during the fabrication of the carrier element. The laser additives can, for example, be configured as carbon black particles and / or nanoscale metal oxide particles.

[0018] Preferably, the integrated laser imprint is introduced into the carrier element via a laser. Specifically, the integrated imprint can be based on the so-called LPI (Laser Protected Image) principle. LPI imprinting is particularly precise and very durable. This is advantageous because, with LPI imprinting, at least the outlines or black areas of the color image are designed to be long-term stable, as in this way, the black areas of personalized information are transferred to the interior of the carrier element and are therefore better protected from environmental influences.

[0019] Preferably, the material of the carrier element is at least light-colored, such as white or transparent, in the region of the first personalization layer and in the unprinted, i.e., non-personalized state. Similarly, the material of the carrier element is at least transparent to visible light in the region between the first and second personalization layers.

[0020] For personalized identification documents, laser-sensitive particles in laser additive manufacturing can be heated by a laser. These particles are integrated into, and particularly dispersed within, the material of a carrier element. The laser-added particles release at least a portion of the heat energy absorbed in this process to the surrounding material of the carrier element. The material of the carrier element is preferably chosen, at least in this region, such that the material changes color due to heating, thus darkening, particularly blackening, to allow for the representation of the black portion of an image or logo. Specifically, the material of the carrier element carbonizes in the heated region during the integrated laser engraving process and thus exhibits a deeper, particularly black, color there. The first humanized layer in the form of the integrated engraving black portion is advantageous because it is therefore particularly resistant to aging, weathering, and abrasion. The integrated engraving allows for particularly precise and stable shaping of the black portion. Especially for human counterfeiting, the integrated engraving of the carrier element is difficult to manufacture with sufficient quality, i.e., undetectable as a forgery.

[0021] The second humanized layer is preferably a colored layer having small colored color particles composed of colored pigments or dyes. However, the second humanized layer may also contain black particles. Preferably, the second humanized layer consists only of colored color particles. "Consisting only of colored color particles" specifically means that the second humanized layer does not contain black particles.

[0022] In the sense of the aforementioned important ideas, laser additive manufacturing can be integrated or dispersed into color particles. This is advantageous because, in this way, tamper-proof protection can be integrated into the identification document while the second personalization layer is being applied. This tamper-proof protection prevents the addition of black portions to the first personalization layer via laser engraving. Such tampering attempts result in simultaneous laser engraving on the second personalization layer. This laser engraving on the second personalization layer can be visible to the naked eye, or even tactilely felt on the surface.

[0023] Alternatively, in the sense of the aforementioned important concept, a protective layer can be placed above the second humanized layer, with laser additive manufacturing also integrated into this protective layer. Therefore, alternatively, the protective layer can be used to achieve the same or even additional tamper-proof protection as described above in conjunction with the second humanized layer.

[0024] The protective layer can be applied comprehensively to the entire surface of the carrier element; this is advantageous because the protective layer can be attached to the carrier element as a closed surface in one step. The protective layer can be applied partially to the surface, but at least comprehensively to the personalized region, i.e., above the second personalized layer; this is advantageous if the application of the protective layer is simultaneous with the row-by-row production of the second personalized layer, or directly (possibly row-by-row or segment-by-segment) using the same means for producing the second personalized layer. Here, it is also possible to partially add laser additives to the protective layer during application, or correspondingly switch between materials with and without laser additives in the protective layer. Similarly, the protective layer can be applied partially above the second personalized layer, where partial application can form structures of symbols, text, or rules; this is advantageous because it produces optical changes that are more easily identifiable to the naked eye, resulting from tampering attacks using lasers. Of particular advantage is that the desired structure, which should be identifiable by subsequent attempts to alter it with the aid of lasers due to the resulting blackening, can be pre-defined by partially coating a protective layer with integrated laser additives or as if the laser additives were partially integrated into the protective layer.

[0025] Preferably, the second humanized layer and the possible protective layer are printed layers. For example, the second humanized layer and / or the possible protective layer can be implemented by digital printing, wherein color transfer to the surface of the carrier element is achieved by means of D2T2 printing, thermal transfer printing, inkjet printing or liquid ink printing and / or re-transfer printing. Alternatively, the protective layer can be disposed on top of the second humanized layer in the form of a thin film or as a paint layer.

[0026] In a particular improvement to identity documents, the sensitization of the laser beam in the carrier element is set weaker in the region of the first personalization layer than in a possible second personalization layer and / or a possible protective layer. This has the advantage of making subsequent laser engraving of the first personalization layer more difficult, and the second personalization layer and / or possible protective layer respond to the energy input through the laser beam earlier than the first personalization layer, thereby further improving tamper resistance against subsequent laser engraving.

[0027] Identification documents can be in the form of cards or data carriers. They can be designed as passports, ID cards, driver's licenses, bank cards (such as credit cards or debit cards), tags, and / or admission tickets. Identification documents can also be formed as a portion of a larger unit, such as a portion of a passport.

[0028] It should be noted that identification documents can also have multiple surfaces, such as a front and a back. In this case, according to the principles described above, the surface can have one or more personalized areas. The personalized areas on the surface can be constructed to be directly adjacent to each other or spaced apart from each other. Preferably, the personalized areas are limited to a sub-region of one of the surfaces, particularly the sub-region where the first personalized layer is located. However, in principle, the personalized areas can also extend to the entire surface.

[0029] The surface of the carrier element in the personalized region can be structured. For this purpose, the surface of the carrier element in the personalized region can be constructed with multiple structural elements that are uniformly aligned with each other and protrude relative to the surface. The structural elements among the multiple structural elements can be constructed directly adjacent to each other. The structural elements can have a axial distance of less than 250 μm between their respective vertical axes, which are normals to the surface. At least one of the multiple structural elements can have at least partially an arcuate profile in a cross-section perpendicular to the surface; the arcuate profile can be formed with a radius of up to 125 μm. At least one of the multiple structural elements can be constructed in an arched shape on the side facing away from the carrier element. At least one of the multiple structural elements can be constructed as a truncated sphere, wherein the cross-section of the truncated sphere faces the carrier element. At least one of the multiple structural elements can be constructed as a semi-circular beam. The structural elements among the multiple structural elements can each have a height from 10 μm to 60 μm. The structural elements among the multiple structural elements can be aligned with each other as a uniform grid.

[0030] If the surface of the carrier element in the personalized region has multiple structural elements aligned with each other as a uniform grid, then the second personalized layer in the personalized region having multiple structural elements can at least partially form a tilted image. Advantageously, the non-color or black portions of the tilted image are integrated into the carrier element via the first personalized layer. For example, the tilted image can be constructed as an MLI (multiple laser image) or a CLI (changeable laser image).

[0031] According to a second aspect of the invention, a system apparatus for personalizing a non-personalized identity document comprises: a first means for providing a carrier element having a surface having a personalization region; a second means, particularly a laser beam writer, for generating a first personalization layer in the personalization region at a depth below the surface of the carrier element by means of laser engraving; and a third means, particularly a printing means, for generating a second personalization layer in the personalization region on and / or within the surface of the carrier element. According to an important concept, the means for generating the second personalization layer is specified in the system apparatus as being designed to integrate laser-sensitive additive manufacturing (laser additive manufacturing) into the second personalization layer, and / or being designed to apply a protective layer comprising the laser additive manufacturing over the second personalization layer, either after or in parallel with the generation of the second personalization layer.

[0032] According to a third aspect of the invention, a method for personalizing a non-personalized identity document is provided, the method being designed as a system device. The method includes the following steps: step A, providing a carrier element having a surface having a personalization region; step B, generating a first personalization layer in the personalization region at a depth below the surface of the carrier element by means of laser engraving; step C, generating a second personalization layer in the personalization region on and / or in the surface of the carrier element. According to this important idea, step C in the method is specified to additionally include step C1, wherein laser-sensitive additive (laser additive) is integrated into the second personalization layer, and / or step C2, wherein a protective layer comprising the laser additive is disposed above the second personalization layer.

[0033] It should be noted that the personalization of identification documents is achieved through system devices or methods. The implementation methods and advantages proposed regarding identification documents are correspondingly applicable to system devices and methods, and vice versa; therefore, to avoid duplication, reference is made to each other here.

[0034] Regarding the materials used in the components of identity documents, it should also be noted that: the carrier element is preferably made of plastic. In particular, the carrier element can be single-layered or multi-layered, for example made of PVC (polyvinyl chloride) and / or PET (polyethylene terephthalate) and / or ABS (acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene) and / or polycarbonate. Structural elements (if present) are preferably formed of polycarbonate. This is advantageous because polycarbonate can make the structural elements particularly rigid and resistant to mechanical action. Multiple structural elements can be constructed on the carrier element during its manufacture, for example by injection molding or by welding into uniform, inseparable plastic units under high pressure and at appropriate temperatures, i.e., especially by hot pressing or lamination.

[0035] As a result, identity documents can be more effectively protected from forgery by providing the protection proposed herein against subsequent laser engraving, such as against facial distortion attacks. Known identity documents can be subsequently forged by altering the first personalized layer, which contains image information of the already personalized identity document, through a facial distortion attack by adding additional black portions to the first personalized layer using laser engraving. In embodiments of identity documents with laser additives in a second personalized layer and / or a protective layer disposed on the second personalized layer, as proposed herein, subsequent laser engraving of the first personalized layer results in the second personalized layer and / or the protective layer disposed on the second personalized layer being visibly identifiable by means of laser energy input, and / or the second personalized layer and / or the protective layer disposed on the second personalized layer being etched in a perceptible or tactile manner on the surface of the personalized area. This subsequent forgery is more easily detected than when a known identity document is subsequently engraved using a laser only in the first personalized layer.

[0036] Other features of the invention will be derived from the claims, drawings, and description thereof. Attached Figure Description

[0037] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the schematic accompanying drawings. In the drawings:

[0038] Figure 1 A perspective view of an embodiment of an identification document according to the present invention is shown;

[0039] Figure 2 It shows Figure 1 An exploded three-dimensional view of an identity document along a spatial axis, used to illustrate the first and second personalization layers within the personalization area;

[0040] Figure 3 A first embodiment is shown. Figure 1 ID documents from Figure 1 A lateral cross-sectional view observed from section AA;

[0041] Figure 4 A second embodiment is shown. Figure 1 ID documents from Figure 1 A lateral cross-sectional view observed from section AA;

[0042] Figure 5 A third embodiment is shown. Figure 1 ID documents from Figure 1 A lateral cross-sectional view observed from section AA;

[0043] Figure 6A perspective view of an embodiment of an identity document according to the present invention is shown, the identity document having an optically visible structure that is the result of an attempt to tamper with the document by means of subsequent laser engraving;

[0044] Figure 7 A simplified schematic diagram of a system apparatus for personalizing information documents and preventing subsequent laser engraving according to the present invention is shown;

[0045] Figure 8 A schematic flowchart illustrating one of the steps of a method for personalizing an information document and preventing subsequent laser engraving according to the present invention is shown.

[0046] In the accompanying drawings, identical or functionally identical elements have the same reference numerals. Detailed Implementation

[0047] Figure 1 A perspective view of an embodiment of the identity document 10 according to the present invention is shown. Figure 1 The section line AA is drawn, which defines the area used for illustration. Figures 3 to 5 Side sectional view of different embodiments of document 10.

[0048] According to the embodiment shown, the identification document 10 is designed as a card, such as an ID card, driver's license, bank card, or admission ticket, without listing specific application possibilities.

[0049] The identification document 10 has a carrier element 20. The carrier element 20 is made of, for example, plastic. The carrier element 20 can be constructed in a single layer or multiple layers. The materials can be different, similar, or the same.

[0050] The carrier element 20 has a surface 30, which, according to this embodiment, is the front 31 of the card. The carrier element 20 may also have multiple surfaces, such as a front 31 and a back 33. Surface 30 has a main plane 35 and a personalized area PB. According to this embodiment, the main plane 35 is defined by the surface 30 located outside the personalized area PB. The personalized area PB extends only partially on the surface 30. However, as an alternative, the personalized area PB may extend entirely over the entire surface 30. In the embodiment explained herein, the personalized area PB presents a color photograph FF of the ID holder's face in the case of a personalized ID document 10.

[0051] Figure 2 This shows the decomposition along the direction of the spatial axis RA. Figure 1 A three-dimensional diagram of ID card 10 is used to illustrate the personalized region PB with a first personalized layer P1 and a second personalized layer P2.

[0052] In the embodiment shown here, the personalized area PB of the personalized identity document 10 displays a color photograph FF showing the face of the holder of the identity document 10; by personalizing the identity document and associating it with the holder's biometrics, the holder can be identified by matching the color photograph FF in the personalized area PB in the case of a frontal match.

[0053] The first personalization layer P1 preferably contains the non-color portion, i.e., the black portion, of the color photograph FF, while the second personalization layer P2 contains the color portion or color separation of the color photograph FF. However, the black portion may also be included in the second personalization layer P2. Preferably, the black portion is introduced into the material of the carrier element 20 of the ID card 10 by means of integrated laser engraving LG (especially as LIP-laser image protection), and the color portion is applied to the surface 30 of the ID card 10 in the personalization area PB, for example by means of inkjet printing technology or by lamination transfer film. The second personalization layer P2 preferably only has colored color particles FP applied. Therefore, the non-color black portion, which is reserved compared to the colored color particles FP, is not applied to the surface 30, but is integrated or embedded in the carrier element 20 by means of LIP.

[0054] The first humanized layer P1, formed in the carrier element 30 by means of LIP, is located at a depth T relative to the surface 30, particularly the front side 31, of the carrier element 20, and is therefore spaced apart from the second humanized layer P2 and the surface 30. Preferably, the material of the carrier element is made transparent to visible light at least in the region between the first and second humanized layers P1 and P2.

[0055] By combining two different methods to generate a common optical mark in the personalized area PB in the form of a color photograph FF, which carries the holder's optical biometrics, the optical mark thus appears to represent the corresponding security feature, making counterfeiting of the ID document 10 particularly difficult. This combination of the black and white portions is called CLIP ID (color laser image protection ID).

[0056] Figures 3 to 5 Using ID document 10 respectively Figure 1 The cross-sectional view AA, defined in the middle, non-finally illustrates different embodiments of the structural construction of the identity document 10 according to the invention. Figures 3 to 5 In all three embodiments, the first humanized layer P1 is located at a depth T relative to the surface 30 of the carrier element 20.

[0057] exist Figure 3In the illustrated embodiment, laser-sensitive additive (laser additive) LA is integrated or dispersed into color particles used to form the second humanized layer P2. Through this measure, the second humanized layer P2, produced by printing technology, particularly inkjet printing technology (e.g., liquid ink printing with drop-on-demand (DoD)), is sensitized to energy input via laser. The laser additive LA may, for example, contain carbon black particles or nanoscale metal oxide particles that, when the particle density is appropriately set, do not impair the optical properties of the second humanized layer P2 for visible light, but absorb sufficient energy when irradiated with a laser to cause corresponding carbonization of the second humanized layer, and possibly on the surface 30 of the adjacent carrier element 20. As a result, subsequent attempts to add black portions using a laser on the first humanized layer P1 by means of laser etching LG can induce corresponding laser etching LG on the second humanized layer P2. Therefore, such attempts at tampering, such as those targeting facial distortion attacks, become significantly more difficult, if not completely thwarted.

[0058] exist Figure 4 and Figure 5 In, with Figure 3 Compared to the previous embodiment, the carrier element 20 has multiple structural elements SE constructed in the personalized region PB. The structural elements SE (hereinafter simply referred to as structural elements SE) among the multiple structural elements SE are... Figure 4 The structure is constructed to protrude from the main plane 35, and they are in Figure 5 The structure is essentially closed relative to the principal plane 35. That is to say, in Figure 4 In this embodiment, the structural element SE is located on the main plane 35 of the carrier element 20, while Figure 5 In this embodiment, the structural element SE is arranged on a plane that is located inside the carrier element 20 relative to the main plane 35 of the carrier element 20. This ensures that the structural element SE does not protrude relative to the carrier element 20.

[0059] exist Figure 4 and Figure 5 In particular, the structural element SE in the embodiments is configured such that the structural element is oriented away from the carrier element 20 relative to the carrier element 20, preferably along the spatial axis RA. Figure 2 Orientation of ) . According to Figure 4 and Figure 5 The structural elements SE in the embodiment are arranged uniformly and have at least a partially arcuate profile in a cross section perpendicular to the main plane 35.

[0060] Figure 4 and Figure 5The advantage of the ID card 10 is that the structural element SE allows for the use of standard inkjet inks with poor adhesion to the surface 30, but also allows the use of polycore inks with excellent adhesion to the substrate, for the second personalization layer P2, while simultaneously achieving high stability of the second personalization layer P2 against mechanical and / or chemical influences. The long-term stability of the externally located second personalization layer P2 can be improved through the ID card 10 and the method for personalizing the personalization area PB with the ID card 10 having the structural element SE.

[0061] Specifically, the personalized region PB in Figure 4 and Figure 5 The characteristic of this is that the second humanized layer P2 is introduced onto or into the surface 30 of the carrier element 20 for a long period of time, preferably for at least several months. In particular, at least one year or even up to ten years.

[0062] exist Figure 4 In this embodiment, a second humanized layer P2 is first applied to the structural element SE. A protective layer S in the form of a paint layer LS is also applied to the second humanized layer P2, the paint layer being doped with laser additive LA or laser additive LA dispersed in the material of the paint layer. Therefore, it is possible to achieve [the desired effect]. Figure 3 The same protection as the first humanized layer P1 is used to prevent subsequent laser imprinting.

[0063] In other words, with Figure 3 Compared to the previous embodiment, Figure 4 In this embodiment, the second personalization layer P2 does not contain the laser additive LA, but only an additional protective layer S. However, it is understood in principle that the laser additive LA is integrated into both the second personalization layer P2 and the protective layer S. This additional embodiment is not shown in the accompanying drawings.

[0064] exist Figure 5 In one embodiment, a second humanized layer P2 is first applied or pressed into a recessed structural element SE disposed in the surface 30 of the carrier element 20. Then, a protective layer S in the form of a thin film F is further applied over the second humanized layer P2, the thin film being doped with laser additive LA or the laser additive LA being dispersed in the material of the thin film. As a result, this allows for the integration with... Figure 3 and Figure 4 The same protection for the first humanized layer P1 for subsequent laser imprinting is provided in the described embodiments. Figure 5 In this embodiment, a protective layer S in the form of a thin film F is applied evenly to the entire surface 30 of the carrier element 20. This is advantageous when it is desired that the identification document 10 has a uniformly closed surface.

[0065] It is important to note that, also in Figure 3 and Figure 4 In the embodiments shown, a protective layer S can be arranged that is fully or partially restricted to the personalized region PB, and the protective layer S may or may not include laser additive LA.

[0066] Regarding all implementations with a protective layer S, it should be noted that the protective layer S is, in principle, a thin film F ( Figure 5 ) applied or in the form of a paint layer LS ( Figure 3 It can be applied using a suitable printing technique, such as inkjet printing or liquid ink printing using drop-on-demand (DoD). A less preferred option is a protective layer S as a combination of a thin film F and a varnish layer LS.

[0067] The following is added to the advantageous improvement of the above embodiment with protective layer S. The protective layer S, in the form of a thin film F or a varnish LS, can subsequently be applied, at least partially or completely, to a second personalized layer P2 containing personalized image data, at least in the personalized region PB. Partial application can be structured, for example, in the form of an image, logo, text, or regular pattern, wherein laser additive LA is preferably uniformly integrated into the protective layer S. The prominence of the structured protective layer S is advantageous because subsequent laser imprinting of the first personalized layer P1 results in the structure of the protective layer S becoming visually clear, and thus tampering is more easily identifiable by the naked eye. This is, for example, in… Figure 6 As shown in the image.

[0068] Figure 6 A perspective view of an embodiment of an identity document 10 according to the present invention is shown, the identity document 10 having a visually visible structure ST, which is the result of a subsequent tampering attempt to etch the first humanized layer P1 using laser engraving. Figure 6 In one embodiment, the protective layer S, equipped with integrated laser additive manufacturing, is applied to the personalized area PB of the identity document 10 in the form of regular horizontal stripes, for example, by inkjet printing technology; this is by no means limiting. Such a structured protective layer S darkens due to subsequent laser engraving attempts on the first personalized layer P1 and can be identified as an optically recognizable structure ST. Therefore, the color photograph FF in the personalized area PB clearly shows the tampering attempt by means of the optically recognizable structure ST in the form of horizontal stripes, as illustrated by example.

[0069] It should be noted that in embodiments without a protective layer S, laser additive LA can also be selectively added when applying color particles for the second humanized layer P2, so that laser beam sensitization in the second humanized layer P2 can also be achieved.

[0070] Finally, it should be noted that the sensitization of the material in the region of the first humanized layer P1 to the laser beam can be arranged to be weaker than in the case of the second humanized layer P2 and / or the possible protective layer S. This has the advantage that it further makes subsequent laser imprinting of the first humanized layer more difficult, and the second humanized layer P2 and / or the possible protective layer S respond to the energy input through the laser beam earlier than the first humanized layer P1, thereby further improving tamper resistance to subsequent laser imprinting.

[0071] Figure 7 A simplified schematic diagram of a system apparatus for personalizing and preventing subsequent laser engraving of an information document according to the present invention is shown. The system apparatus 40 for personalizing the identity document 10 is, in principle, equipped with known system components, such as those related to CLIP ID technology mentioned elsewhere.

[0072] First, the system device 40 has a first device V1 for providing a non-personalized identity document 10 having a carrier element 20 having a surface 30 having a personalization area PB for personalization. To personalize the identity document 10, the system device 40 has a second device V2, such as a laser beam writer. The second device V2 is designed to generate a first personalization layer P1 in the personalization area PB at a depth T below the surface 30 in the carrier element 20 by means of laser engraving LG. Also for personalization of the identity document 10, the system device 40 has a third device V3, such as an inkjet printing device for liquid ink printing via DoD, for generating a second personalization layer P2 in the personalization area PB on and / or in the surface 30 of the carrier element 20.

[0073] To improve the tamper-proof nature of the identity document 10, the third device V3 for generating the second humanized layer P2 is additionally designed to integrate laser additive LA into the second humanized layer P2, and / or, after or in parallel with the generation of the second humanized layer P2, apply a protective layer S containing the laser additive over the second humanized layer P2. It should be understood that the system device 40 can be configured according to the above embodiments such that the presence of the laser additive in the second humanized layer P2 and / or the protective layer S is structured.

[0074] In conjunction with system device 40, it should also be noted that the generation of the first humanized layer P1, the second humanized layer P2, and the possible protective layer S can, in principle, be performed sequentially. However, it is also possible that the first humanized layer P1 and the second humanized layer P2 can be generated in parallel, but staggered in time, either segmentally or line by line; this means that the second device V2 first imprints one of the multiple lines of the first humanized layer P1, and then (i.e., staggered in time), the third device V3 applies the corresponding line of the second humanized layer P2 over the already generated line of the first humanized layer P1, while the second device V2 has already generated another line or more of the first humanized layer P1. Accordingly, the application of the protective layer (if present) can be performed temporally with reference to the second humanized layer P2.

[0075] Figure 8 A schematic flowchart illustrating the steps of a method for personalizing an information document 10 according to the present invention and preventing subsequent laser engraving is shown.

[0076] The method for personalizing an identity document 10 includes the following steps: Step A, providing an unpersonalized identity document 10 having a carrier element 20 having a surface 30 having a personalization area PB; Step B, generating a first personalization layer P1 in the personalization area PB at a depth T below the surface 30 in the carrier element 20 by means of laser engraving; Step C, generating a second personalization layer P2 in the personalization area PB on and / or in the surface 30 of the carrier element 20.

[0077] To improve the tamper-proof nature of the identity document 10, the method is specified to further include the following steps in step C: step C1, integrating laser additive into the second humanized layer P2; and / or step C2, arranging a protective layer S containing laser additive above the second humanized layer P2.

Claims

1. An identity document (10) having a carrier element (20), said carrier element having a surface (30) with a personalized area, wherein, The first humanized layer is integrated into the carrier element (20) at a depth below the surface (30) in the personalization region; the second humanized layer is located on and / or in the surface (21) of the personalization region; Its features are, Laser additive manufacturing is integrated into the second personalization layer and / or into a protective layer disposed above the second personalization layer. The first personalization layer is defined as a laser imprint embedded or integrated into the carrier element (20), the laser imprint being formed by at least local carbonization of the material of the carrier element (20). The laser additive manufacturing process comprises particles designed to absorb energy from a laser. The first personalization layer presents the non-color or black portions of an image or logo, and the second personalization layer presents the color portions of an image or logo, such that when viewed in the normal direction of the surface of the carrier element, the first and second personalization layers together form a color image with distinct black portions for a human observer.

2. The identity document (10) according to claim 1, wherein, The particles are carbon black particles and / or nanoscale metal oxide particles.

3. The identity document (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The carrier element (20) also includes laser additives in the region of the first personalization layer.

4. The identity document (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The second personalized layer is a color layer with color particles.

5. The identity document (10) according to claim 4, wherein, The laser additive manufacturing process is integrated or dispersed into the color particles.

6. The identity document (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The protective layer is partially or fully disposed above the second personalized layer, and the laser additive is partially or fully integrated into the protective layer.

7. The identity document (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The second personalization layer and the protective layer are printed.

8. The identity document (10) according to claim 7, wherein, The second personalized layer and the protective layer are obtained by printing using D2T2 printing, thermal transfer printing, inkjet printing and / or re-transfer printing.

9. The identity document (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The protective layer is arranged on top of the second personalization layer in the form of a film (F) or as a paint layer.

10. The identity document (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The sensitization of the laser beam in the carrier element (20) is set to be weaker in the region of the first personalization layer than in the second personalization layer and / or in the protective layer.

11. The identity document (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The first personalization layer includes the black portion of the color image, the second personalization layer includes the color portion of the color image, and they are precisely aligned and overlap each other in the direction of the normal to the surface (30) of the carrier element (20).

12. The identity document (10) according to claim 11, wherein, The color image is a color image of the face of the holder of the identity document (10).

13. The identity document (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The identity document (10) is designed as a data carrier.

14. The identity document (10) according to claim 13, wherein, The identification document (10) is designed as a passport, ID card, driver's license, bank card, tag and / or admission ticket.

15. A system apparatus for personalizing an identity document (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 14, comprising: a) A first device for providing a carrier element (20) having a surface (30) having a personalized area; b) A second device for generating a first humanized layer at a depth below the surface (30) of the carrier element (20) in the personalized region by means of laser engraving; c) A third device for generating a second humanized layer on and / or in the surface (30) of the carrier element (20) in the personalized region; The third device for generating the second humanized layer is designed to integrate laser additives into the second humanized layer; and / or is designed to apply a protective layer containing laser additives over the second humanized layer.

16. The system apparatus according to claim 15, wherein, The second device is a laser beam writer, and the third device is a printing device.

17. A method for personalizing an identity document (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 14, comprising the following steps: Step A, providing a carrier element (20) having a surface (30) having a personalized area; Step B, using laser engraving, to create the first humanized layer at a depth below the surface (30) of the carrier element (20) in the personalized region; Step C, in the personalized region, a second personalized layer is generated on and / or in the surface (30) of the carrier element (20); The method includes step C1, in which laser additive is integrated into the second personalization layer; and / or step C2, in which a protective layer containing laser additive is disposed above the second personalization layer.

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