Anti-counterfeiting feature for a data carrier and data carrier

Abstract

The invention relates to an anti-forgery feature (11) for a data carrier (10), comprising a substrate (15), an encoding image (16) of the anti-forgery feature (11) arranged in or on the substrate (15), wherein a plurality of individual images is contained in the encoding image (16) and wherein the plurality of individual images is arranged with a pitch (T) in one dimension of the anti-forgery feature (11), and a decoder (17) having a grid (17a), wherein the grid pitch of the grid (17a) corresponds to the pitch (T), an integer multiple of the pitch (T) or half of the pitch (T).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an anti-counterfeiting feature for a data carrier and a data carrier having the anti-counterfeiting feature. Background Technology

[0002] Data carriers, such as valuable documents like passports and certificates, ID cards and chip cards like credit cards and bank cards, are increasingly used in the public domain as well as within businesses.

[0003] It has long been known to equip valuable documents or banknotes with lens grids in the form of crystalline lenses. This structure provides optically variable effects to the valuable documents, such as inverted images, and also serves to provide protection against duplication.

[0004] EP 1 322 480 A1 discloses an anti-counterfeiting feature known as Magic ID. This feature is printed using offset printing, followed by the placement of lenses on the feature. This manufacturing process is complex. Furthermore, the image quality of the anti-counterfeiting feature also depends on the printing process. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Therefore, the technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to simplify the manufacturing of anti-counterfeiting features while increasing the application possibilities of anti-counterfeiting features.

[0006] The technical problem is solved by anti-counterfeiting features used in the data carrier or by the data carrier itself.

[0007] The anti-counterfeiting feature for a data carrier according to the present invention includes: a substrate; an coded image (Darstellung, or representation) of the anti-counterfeiting feature arranged in or on the substrate, wherein the coded image contains a plurality of individual images, and wherein the plurality of individual images are arranged at a pitch along the dimension of the anti-counterfeiting feature; and a decoder having a grid, wherein the grid spacing corresponds to the pitch, an integer multiple of the pitch, or half of the pitch.

[0008] The term "half of the pitch" here refers to an equal division such as one-half, one-quarter, one-eighth, etc. The pitch is set in at least one dimension or along at least one dimension. For a line grid, the pitch is set along one dimension of the security feature, such as width or length. For a dot grid, the pitch can be set along two dimensions, such as the width and length of the security feature. An coded image containing multiple individual images is calculated before manufacturing, so that it can subsequently be decoded and observed using an optical decoder adapted for this purpose.

[0009] The basic concept of this invention is to use a grid instead of a lens, the grid acting as a structure for light diffraction or refraction. This optical grid is adapted to the coded image and can achieve optical effects such as flipping an image, i.e., changes between two images, or moving an image, i.e., animation of multiple images.

[0010] The anti-counterfeiting features proposed here therefore have the advantage of producing a flipping effect, moving an image, or decoding without the need for complex lenses. This not only simplifies manufacturing but also enables new applications.

[0011] The grid design can be specified as either a line grid or a dot grid. These two variations allow for the achievement of complex optical effects with a simple construction.

[0012] Furthermore, it can be specified that the decoder is positioned above or below the coded image on the substrate along the line of sight. This increases flexibility in manufacturing and constructing anti-counterfeiting features when the substrate is transparent.

[0013] It can be specified that the decoder has a demetallization structure. The decoder can be constructed, for example, in a metal layer or metal foil by removing the metallization structure from the metal layer or metal foil through processes such as etching or milling. It is also possible to omit the demetallization structure when coating the metal.

[0014] Furthermore, it can be specified that the decoder can also be positioned externally relative to the encoding image, and arranged above the encoding image along the line of sight. This spatial separation of the decoder and the encoding image enables new application scenarios and simplifies manufacturing, as the decoder does not need to be directly fixed to the encoding image. The decoder only needs to be positioned above or below the encoding image during the decoding process, such as when checking a passport.

[0015] The decoder can be defined as a mobile application, in which a grid is adapted to the corresponding encoded image. The grid can, for example, be displayed on the encoded image within the camera's field of view. This allows the encoded image and the decoder's grid to be arranged overlapping, thereby enabling the encoded image to be decoded. The mobile application can have anti-counterfeiting features and can, for example, connect to a central server for data synchronization or verification. Multiple decoders can be set up within the mobile application for different anti-counterfeiting features or files.

[0016] Furthermore, it can be specified that the coded image is displayed on the screen, or the decoder is the screen itself, where the grid corresponds to the screen's line spacing or dot spacing. If the coded image is displayed on the screen, the decoder with the grid can be, for example, fixed or pasted onto the screen in the form of a transparent film. The screen can also be the decoder, where the coded image is displayed on the screen, and the decoder's grid corresponds to the screen's line spacing or dot spacing. The encoded information is then decoded by overlapping the decoder and the coded image.

[0017] The substrate can be specified to be transparent. It can also be designed to be partially transparent or opaque, with transparent or partially transparent windows. This allows the anti-counterfeiting features or images to be viewed from two sides, i.e., from the front and back. The decoder can be mounted on one side of the substrate, and the coded image can be mounted on the opposite side. Alternatively, both the decoder and the coded image can be mounted on one side of the substrate.

[0018] Alternatively, the coded image can be specified as a guilloche pattern for anti-counterfeiting. Then, a fine guilloche structure is formed based on the individual images calculated from the coded image.

[0019] It can also be specified that the coded image is a moving image when the anti-counterfeiting feature is flipped. A moving image can be, for example, a flipped image (Kippbild), which flips or changes between two or more images as the coded image moves relative to the viewer's eye. A moving image can also be, for example, the movement between multiple images. These images can be shown movingly in continuous motion. The number of images corresponds to the number of multiple individual images. The coded image or multiple individual images are calculated such that the image is a moving image when the anti-counterfeiting feature is flipped. This can be implemented during data preparation before manufacturing. A moving image can be, for example, a flipped image, which flips or changes between two or more images as the image moves relative to the viewer's eye. A moving image can also be, for example, the movement between multiple images. These images can be shown movingly in continuous motion.

[0020] It can be stipulated that the coded image is a moving image when there is relative movement between the decoder and the coded image. As an alternative to flipping the entire anti-counterfeiting feature, the moving image can also be generated through relative movement, such as translational movement between the decoder and the coded image. The coded image can be arranged, for example, on the visa page of a passport, and the decoder can be located in the data page. When the two pages of the passport overlap, the coded image can be decoded.

[0021] The data carrier according to the invention, such as a valuable document or chip card, includes a carrier on which the aforementioned anti-counterfeiting features are arranged. The data carrier can be completely disposed within an opening. The opening having the data carrier therein can be covered, for example, by one or more transparent films. The data carrier can be a valuable document, such as a banknote, passport, or certificate. Ultimately, the anti-counterfeiting features can be attached to any data carrier, such as a valuable document or chip card. Unless otherwise stated, the above advantages and modifications also apply.

[0022] It can be specified that the decoder is the antenna of the data carrier and is arranged below the encoded image in the transparent area of ​​the data carrier. Since the antenna has both transmitting and / or receiving functions as well as decoding functions, this arrangement structure allows for a thinner construction of the data carrier.

[0023] Furthermore, it can be stipulated that the decoder is placed in a transparent area of ​​the data page of the valuable document, and the encoded image is placed on the paper page of the valuable document. The valuable document could be, for example, a passport or certificate, which has a data page made of one or more plastic materials or plastic layers, and a visa page made of paper. Attached Figure Description

[0024] The invention is described below by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings:

[0025] Figure 1 A top view of a data carrier with anti-counterfeiting features is shown;

[0026] Figure 2 It shows Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the data carrier along line II;

[0027] Figure 3 A schematic diagram illustrating the encoding principle of anti-counterfeiting features is shown.

[0028] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the decoder for anti-counterfeiting features is shown; and

[0029] Figure 5 This diagram illustrates the principle of decoding anti-counterfeiting features. Detailed Implementation

[0030] Figure 1 The schematic diagram shows a top view of data carrier 10. Data carrier 10 is a valuable document and can be a banknote, passport, or certificate, etc. Data carrier 10 can also be a chip card. Figure 1 In the example shown, data carrier 10 is a proof document.

[0031] The data carrier 10 includes an anti-counterfeiting feature 11, for example, in the form of a symbol. The anti-counterfeiting feature 11 is a moving or flipped image. The anti-counterfeiting feature 11 is located at least partially in the opening 10a of the data carrier 10.

[0032] The data carrier 10 contains other personal data 12, such as the holder's first and last name. Additionally, the certificate may contain other data 13, such as date of birth, nationality, issuing authority, and date of issuance.

[0033] Refer to this Figure 2 The basic structure of anti-counterfeiting feature 11 is explained in detail. Figure 2The data carrier 10 is shown along Figure 1 Sectional view of line II.

[0034] The data carrier 10 includes a card body 14 and an anti-counterfeiting feature 11, which is at least partially disposed in the opening 10a of the data carrier 10 or the card body 14. The card body 14 may be transparent or partially transparent within the visible spectrum. Alternatively, the card body 14 may be opaque, in which case a transparent or partially transparent window may be provided in the region below the opening 10a. The anti-counterfeiting feature 11 may be disposed on the card body 14 or constructed as one or more layers of the card body 14. In this case, the opening 10a of the data carrier 10 can be omitted.

[0035] The anti-counterfeiting feature 11 includes a substrate 15, and the coded image 16 of the anti-counterfeiting feature 11 is formed on or in the substrate 15. The coded image 16 is applied to one side, i.e., the top or front side, of the substrate 15. In the visible spectrum, the substrate 15 may be transparent or partially transparent.

[0036] A decoder 17 with a grid 17a is arranged on the upper or front side of the coded image 16 or the card body 14, and the decoder at least partially covers the anti-counterfeiting feature 11 or the coded image 16.

[0037] The coded image 16 comprises multiple individual images. When observing the anti-counterfeiting feature 11, or when relative movement occurs between the coded image 16 and the decoder 17, these individual images can be seen as separate images or individual figures due to changes in the viewing angle. An individual image could be, for example, a defined and calculated image of a gear, which then rotates together as the viewing angle changes or during relative movement, as if in a short film or continuous loop.

[0038] The coded image 16 and the decoder 17 are optically adapted to each other. Therefore, the coded image 16 or multiple individual images are arranged in the dimension of the anti-counterfeiting feature 11 with a pitch T. Thus, the grid spacing of structures such as the lines of the optical grid 17a of the decoder 17 is equivalent to an integer multiple or half of the pitch T. This also includes grid spacing that is exactly the same as the pitch T. Therefore, the grid spacing can be derived from the pitch T of the coded image 16 by a coefficient, where the value of the coefficient is ..., 1 / 8, 1 / 4, 1 / 2, 1, 2, 4, ... Smaller or larger values ​​in the sequence can also be used as coefficients for the grid spacing.

[0039] The encoded image 16 is calculated before being applied to the substrate 15 such that the image is a moving image when the anti-counterfeiting feature 11 or the data carrier 10 is flipped. The encoded image 16 may be, for example, a Magic ID anti-counterfeiting feature or include a Magic ID anti-counterfeiting feature.

[0040] A moving image can be, for example, a flipped image that flips or changes between two or more images as the encoded image 16 moves relative to the viewer's line of sight. A moving image can also be, for example, the movement between multiple images. These images can be shown movingly in continuous motion.

[0041] The pitch T is a parameter used to calculate the coded image 16. One image can be set for each pitch. Before generating the coded image 16, the number of images is calculated into the coded image 16 within the scope of data preparation.

[0042] The image embedded in the coded image 16 can contain purely graphic images, such as rotating gears, text elements, graphic images, or even personal information. The coded image 16 can include any personal data, such as a signature, date of birth, etc. Furthermore, the coded image 16 can include data about the data carrier 10, such as expiration date, card number, issuing authority information, etc.

[0043] The data carrier 10 may include additional layers, such as one or more protective layers or functional layers equipped with other security elements. The transparency of the data carrier 10 within the area of ​​the anti-counterfeiting feature 11 can be maintained. This allows the anti-counterfeiting feature 11 to be viewed from both the front and back of the data carrier 10.

[0044] Through the calculated interaction between the encoded image 16 or its individual elements and the decoder 17 with grid 17a, the viewer sees the encoded image 16 as an angle depending on the viewing angle when viewing the data carrier 10 from the front or back. If the data carrier 10 with the encoded image 16 is deflected or flipped, movement of the encoded image 16 can be seen, which is produced by the calculated interaction between the encoded image 16 and the decoder 17 with grid 17a.

[0045] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the coded image for anti-counterfeiting features is shown. The coded image 16 contains three elements 18, each representing a gear. Within the coded image, the three elements 18 cannot be identified as gears on their own; they can only be recognized when used in conjunction with a corresponding decoder.

[0046] As can be seen, element 18 has a central annular region 18a. This region 18a is largely unaffected by encoding / decoding, and therefore is also visible or identifiable in the encoded image. In the example described, this region 18a includes the base of a gear that supports the teeth.

[0047] Another region 18b of element 18 is shown here as an outer ring and is not visible or recognizable in the coded image. In this example, region 18b includes gear teeth. It can only be fully recognized when used in conjunction with a corresponding decoder.

[0048] As can be seen, the region 18b representing the teeth of the gear is composed of parallel lines. These lines are arranged corresponding to the pitch T. Multiple individual figures are contained within these parallel lines. In the example of the gear, each individual figure here represents a tooth or a different position of the gear.

[0049] Encoded image 16 can thus also be included in the non-encoded region that does not move in the moving image.

[0050] The number of lines can correspond to the desired number of individual images. The pitch T can be defined accordingly as the length or width of the encoded image 16 divided by the desired number of individual images.

[0051] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the decoder 17 for anti-counterfeiting feature 11 is shown.

[0052] The decoder 17 has a grid 17a, wherein the grid spacing of the grid corresponds to the pitch T, an integer multiple of the pitch T, or half of the pitch T.

[0053] The decoder 17 can be positioned above or below the encoded image 16 on the substrate 15 along the line of sight. The decoder 17 can have a demetallized structure or be composed of a demetallized structure.

[0054] Alternatively, the decoder 17 can be constructed externally relative to the encoded image 16 and can be arranged above the encoded image 16 along the line of sight.

[0055] Decoder 17 can be designed as an optical layer, such as a thin film. The decoder can also be a mobile phone or mobile application, where a grid is set in the camera image of the corresponding encoded image 16. Alternatively, decoder 17 can be a screen, where the grid corresponds to the screen's line spacing or dot spacing.

[0056] In summary, it can be determined that the decoder 17 includes a grid 17a, which is derived from the pitch of the encoded image 16, and which has been arranged on the encoded image 16 or can be arranged on the encoded image 16.

[0057] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the decoded image 19 of the anti-counterfeiting feature 11 is shown. The decoded image 19 is generated when the decoder 17 with grid 17a is arranged above or below the encoded image 16.

[0058] The other regions 18b of element 18 of encoded image 16 can now be fully identified. In this example, in conjunction with the corresponding decoder 17, the teeth of the gear can now be fully identified.

[0059] Figure 5 The individual image of coded image 16 is displayed. For anti-counterfeiting feature 11, the deflection movement of anti-counterfeiting feature 11 or the flipping of the head will cause the moving image to rotate, and the gear will rotate in the moving image.

Claims

1. An anti-counterfeiting feature (11) for a data carrier (10), the anti-counterfeiting feature comprising: A substrate (15); an coded image (16) of the anti-counterfeiting feature (11) arranged in or on the substrate, wherein the coded image (16) contains a plurality of individual images, and wherein the plurality of individual images are arranged in a pitch (T) along the dimension of the anti-counterfeiting feature (11); and a decoder (17) having a grid (17a), wherein the grid spacing of the grid (17a) corresponds to the pitch (T), an integer multiple of the pitch (T), or half of the pitch (T), wherein the grid functions as a structure for light diffraction or light refraction, wherein the grid realizes a change between two images or an animation of multiple images as an optical flipping effect, wherein the number of images corresponds to the number of the plurality of individual images.

2. The anti-counterfeiting feature (11) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The grid (17a) is designed as a line grid or a dot grid.

3. The anti-counterfeiting feature (11) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The decoder (17) is arranged on the base (15) above or below the encoded image (16) along the line of sight.

4. The anti-counterfeiting feature (11) according to claim 3, characterized in that, The decoder (17) has a demetallized structure.

5. The anti-counterfeiting feature (11) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The decoder (17) is positioned externally relative to the encoded image (16) and can be arranged above the encoded image (16) along the line of sight.

6. The anti-counterfeiting feature (11) according to claim 5, characterized in that, The decoder (17) is a mobile application in which a grid (17a) is set up in adaptation to the corresponding encoded image (16).

7. The anti-counterfeiting feature (11) according to claim 5, characterized in that, The encoded image (16) is displayed on the screen, or the decoder (17) is the screen, wherein the grid (17a) corresponds to the line spacing or dot spacing of the screen.

8. The anti-counterfeiting feature (11) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The substrate (15) is transparent.

9. The anti-counterfeiting feature (11) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The coded image (16) is an anti-counterfeiting guilloché pattern.

10. The anti-counterfeiting feature (11) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The coded image (16) is a moving image when the anti-counterfeiting feature is flipped.

11. The anti-counterfeiting feature (11) according to claim 5, characterized in that, The encoded image (16) is a moving image when it moves relative to the decoder (17) and the encoded image (16).

12. A data carrier (10) having a carrier, wherein the anti-counterfeiting feature (11) according to any one of claims 1 to 11 is arranged on or in the carrier.

13. The data carrier (10) according to claim 12, characterized in that, The data carrier is a valuable document or a chip card.

14. The data carrier (10) according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that, The decoder (17) is the antenna of the data carrier (10) and is arranged below the encoded image (16) in the transparent area (18b) of the data carrier (10).

15. The data carrier (10) according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that, The decoder (17) is arranged in the transparent area (18b) of the data page of the valuable document, and the encoded image (16) is arranged on the paper page of the valuable document.

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