Security element with light scattering element

Abstract

A data carrier (1) for a security article (10) extends along an extension direction (E) and along a transverse direction (T) extending perpendicular to the extension direction (E), and comprises at least one light guide element (2) and at least one security element (3). The light guide element (2) is configured to guide light such that light illuminating the light guide element (2) is guided along the light guide element (2). The light guide element (2) and the security element (3) are arranged such that light guided along the light guide element (2) illuminates the security element (3). The security element (3) comprises or consists of at least one light scattering element (4) configured to scatter light when illuminated with light by the light guide element (2).

Description

Safety element with light scattering element Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a data carrier according to claim 1, a security article comprising or composed of such a data carrier according to claim 14, and a method for producing such a data carrier according to claim 15. Background Technology

[0002] Data carriers used in security products such as smart cards are easily counterfeited. Various types of security elements exist to protect data carriers against counterfeiting. For example, data carriers that provide visual feedback, such as lighting, have been developed. However, many data carriers offer insufficient protection, such as inadequate lighting. Summary of the Invention

[0003] One object of the present invention is to provide a data carrier that provides enhanced anti-counterfeiting security.

[0004] This objective is achieved by a data carrier according to claim 1. Specifically, a data carrier for a safety article is provided, wherein the data carrier extends along an extension direction and along a transverse direction perpendicular to the extension direction. The data carrier includes at least one light guide element and at least one safety element. The light guide element is configured to guide light such that light illuminating the light guide element is guided along the light guide element. The light guide element and the safety element are arranged such that light guided along the light guide element illuminates the safety element. The safety element includes at least one light scattering element or is composed of at least one light scattering element configured to scatter light when illuminated by light from the light guide element.

[0005] In other words, when illuminating a light guide element, the light is preferably guided along the light guide element. The direction in which the light is guided preferably depends on the orientation of the light guide element within the data carrier. For example, as will be explained in more detail below, the light guide element may extend along the lateral direction of the data carrier. In this case, the light guided along the light guide element is preferably also guided along the lateral direction of the data carrier. It should be noted that the light guidance performed by the light guide element can be directional or non-directional. That is, the light guide element is preferably configured to allow light to pass through it and may be, for example, a simple transparent layer, further explained below. In other words, the light guide element can be considered as being configured to allow light to pass through in order to illuminate a safety element. That is, the light guide element is preferably configured to illuminate a safety element, particularly a light scattering element. That is, the light guided along the light guide element preferably illuminates the light scattering element. Therefore, the light guided along the light guide element preferably incident on the light scattering element, thereby illuminating the light scattering element. During illumination, the light scattering element is configured to scatter the incident light. In other words, the light scattering element is configured to generate scattered light.

[0006] The scattered light is preferably detectable, for example, by an observer on the data carrier or by a detection device. Therefore, preferably, the data carrier is configured such that the scattered light can reach the outside of the data carrier. Detectability by an observer means that the observer perceives, in particular, sees, the scattered light. The observer could be a security personnel, etc. Detectability by a detection device means that the scattered light is detected by a physical device such as a camera.

[0007] In any case, the scattered light is preferably used to verify the authenticity of the data carrier. In fact, if the security element emits scattered light when illuminating the light guide element, the presence of the scattered light indicates the authenticity of the data carrier.

[0008] Therefore, it is conceivable that a safety element comprises at least one light-scattering element. In other words, a light-scattering element can provide or form a safety element. In this case, any statements made about the light-scattering element itself also apply to the safety element, and vice versa. However, it is also conceivable that the safety element includes additional components, particularly at least one masking element which will be described in more detail below, and said additional components together with the light-scattering element provide the safety element.

[0009] Safety elements, particularly light scattering elements, preferably include or consist of a printed layer, which is preferably printed on the light guide element, particularly on the surface of the light guide element.

[0010] Safety elements, particularly light-scattering elements, preferably comprise or consist of light-scattering inks and / or light-scattering particles. Additionally or alternatively, safety elements, particularly light-scattering elements, are preferably transparent and / or photochromic.

[0011] In other words, the light scattering element may include a light scattering ink. The light scattering ink is preferably a commercially available ink, such as Eptaink LDI. The light scattering ink may be invisible or transparent under natural or artificial light conditions or in the absence of any illumination without a light-guiding element, but may be configured to diffusely scatter light upon illumination. Thus, a light scattering element can be provided that is invisible to the naked eye unless illuminated. It is also conceivable that the light scattering ink consists of at least two immiscible liquids that produce micelles configured to scatter incident light. Other light scattering inks, such as photoluminescent inks, are also conceivable. Additionally or alternatively, it is also conceivable that the light scattering element includes light scattering particles, such as nanoparticles that scatter incident light. Various particles or nanoparticles are conceivable, such as metals, metalloids, or metal oxides, such as gold, silver, or silicon. However, other particles or nanoparticles, such as non-metallic or non-oxide materials, are also conceivable. In particular, the size of the particles is preferably such that they are configured to scatter incident light. Therefore, preferably, the particles are nanoparticles, i.e., having a size in the nanometer range. A photochromic security element preferably comprises or is composed of photochromic ink. That is, the security element can be configured to be sensitive to illumination of a specific wavelength or wavelength region. The light scattering element is preferably configured to guide scattered light, for example, toward the exterior of the data carrier, or, as will be explained in more detail below, toward other components of the security element, such as a masking element. For example, the direction of the scattered light from the light scattering element may be caused by Mie scattering or Rayleigh scattering. When the light scattering element comprises or is composed of photoluminescent ink, the light scattering element is preferably configured to scatter incident light in 360°. The light scattering element can be configured such that it scatters only incident light of a specific wavelength. In other words, depending on the wavelength of the incident light, at least a portion of the incident light is not scattered by the light scattering element, but is, for example, absorbed. Additionally or alternatively, the light scattering element can be configured such that the wavelength of the scattered light scattered by the light scattering element is different from the wavelength of the light incident on the light scattering element. For example, light striking a light scattering element can be green, while the light scattering element scatters red light.

[0012] The light guide element is preferably transparent. Alternatively or alternatively, the light guide element preferably comprises or is composed of at least one polymer, which is preferably a thermoplastic polymer and / or a transparent polymer, such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), or polycarbonate (PC).

[0013] In other words, the optical guiding element particularly preferably comprises a transparent polymer, especially a transparent thermoplastic polymer, or is composed of a transparent polymer, especially a transparent thermoplastic polymer.

[0014] When using light for illumination, the light guide element is preferably configured to guide the light along the lateral direction of the data carrier.

[0015] Light is preferably guided along the light guide element by internal reflection within the light guide element. In practice, light is preferably reflected on the surface of the light guide element, particularly on the top surface and the opposite bottom surface of the light guide element.

[0016] At least some light is preferably reflected by one or more surfaces of the light guide element, particularly the top and / or bottom surfaces of the light guide element, and said reflected light preferably illuminates the light scattering element.

[0017] The optical guiding element is preferably provided as a layer extending in the lateral direction of the data carrier. Alternatively or additionally, security elements, particularly light scattering elements, are preferably provided as layers extending in the lateral direction.

[0018] In other words, the light guiding element can be provided in the form of a layer. The layer preferably defines a top surface and an opposite bottom surface. Furthermore, it is preferable that the layer extends in the lateral direction of the data carrier, wherein light guided along the light guiding element will also be guided in the lateral direction. The layer can be a polymer layer as previously mentioned.

[0019] Security elements, particularly light-scattering elements, can also be in the form of layers. For example, light-scattering inks can be printed in the form of layers. Furthermore, it is preferred that the layered security elements, particularly light-scattering elements, define a top surface and an opposing bottom surface and / or extend along the lateral direction of the data carrier.

[0020] The data carrier preferably includes a transparent area. A security element, particularly a light-scattering element, is preferably arranged at least partially on and / or in said area. Additionally or alternatively, a light-guiding element is preferably arranged at least partially on and / or in said area.

[0021] In other words, the data carrier preferably includes a transparent area. In the card industry, the transparent area is often referred to as a transparent window, which is one or more transparent materials, typically transparent polymers, such as those used in the carrier body.

[0022] That is, the transparent area is preferably arranged at least partially by the carrier body, and particularly provided by the carrier body. Therefore, the data carrier body preferably includes a carrier body. The carrier body preferably comprises or is composed of at least one polymer, which is preferably a thermoplastic polymer and / or a transparent polymer, particularly preferably polyvinyl chloride and / or polyethylene terephthalate and / or recycled polyvinyl chloride (rPVC) and / or recycled polyethylene terephthalate (rPET) and / or polylactic acid (PLA). That is, the carrier body may include or be composed of recycled materials. It is also conceivable that the carrier body comprises or is composed of biologically derived materials. Additionally or alternatively, the carrier body preferably comprises or is composed of one or more layers. If two or more layers are present, when viewed along the extension direction, the layers are preferably arranged on top of each other, and particularly preferably stacked on top of each other. The extension direction can be considered as a vertical direction, and the transverse direction can be considered as a horizontal direction. For this purpose, it is preferred that the carrier body comprises or is composed of one or more layers of one or more polymers. In practice, the carrier body preferably corresponds to a multi-layered structure. The layers of the carrier body are preferably connected to each other by lamination processes as known in the art.

[0023] The light guiding element and / or safety element, particularly the light scattering element, is preferably arranged at least partially on and / or within the carrier body. For example, the light guiding element can be arranged (e.g., embedded) within the carrier body. In particular, the light guiding element can be part of the carrier body. That is, as previously mentioned, the light guiding element can be a polymer layer, and it is conceivable that the polymer layer forms part of the carrier body. In other words, the transparent area can partially or completely include the light guiding element. Similarly, in other words, the light guiding element can partially or completely extend through the transparent area and / or form the transparent area. Likewise, the safety element, particularly the light scattering element, can be arranged, for example, by embedding it within the carrier body, such as by printing light scattering ink onto the light guiding element in the form of a polymer layer forming part of the carrier body. However, it is also conceivable that the light guiding element and / or safety element is at least partially disposed outside the carrier body. For example, the light guiding element can be arranged as an additional layer disposed above the carrier body relative to the direction of extension, and said additional layer is glued or otherwise attached to the carrier body. Similarly, security elements such as light scattering elements can be printed on the light guide element as a separate polymer layer disposed on the outside of the carrier body, thus also being disposed externally. In the card industry, the carrier body is generally referred to as the card body.

[0024] The light guide element is preferably arranged to be illuminated by an external light source disposed outside the data carrier. Additionally or alternatively, the data carrier preferably includes at least one edge region connected to and / or at least partially provided by the light guide element, said edge region being at least partially transparent.

[0025] In other words, the light guide element is preferably arranged inside the data carrier so that it can be illuminated by an external light source from outside the data carrier. In other words, the light guide element can be illuminated from outside the data carrier, thereby generating scattered light through a light scattering element. The external light source can be a flashlight, a mobile phone light, or the like that which allows illumination of the light guide element.

[0026] Preferably, the light guide element is illuminated through at least partially transparent edge regions. That is, the data carrier preferably includes side edges extending along the extension direction, and the number of side edges depends on the shape of the data carrier. For example, if the data carrier has a square or rectangular shape, then the data carrier has four side edges. The term "side edge" thus refers to a surface extending along the extension direction from the top side of the data carrier to the bottom side of the data carrier and providing the thickness of the data carrier. The area of ​​the data carrier including the side edges of the data carrier is understood as the edge region of the data carrier. One or more of the edge regions may be at least partially transparent. That is, when viewed along the extension direction of the data carrier, only a portion of the edge region may be transparent, such as the middle portion of the edge region, wherein the portions above and below the middle portion may be opaque, such as opaque. However, it is also conceivable that not only a portion such as the middle portion is transparent, but the entire edge region is transparent. The transparent edge region is used in any case to allow light from an external light source to enter the data carrier, particularly the light guide element. For this purpose, it is conceivable that the data carrier includes at least one transparent edge region connected to the light guide element. For example, the aforementioned transparent region or transparent window can be arranged in the edge region of the data carrier, or in any other transparent material capable of guiding light from an external light source into the light guide element. Alternatively or additionally, it is also conceivable that the edge region is at least partially provided by the light guide element. For example, the light guide element can be arranged in the data carrier to extend at least partially from the side edge of the data carrier into the data carrier, and wherein the light guide element forms the edge region in the edge region of the data carrier.

[0027] The data carrier preferably also includes at least one internal light source configured as an illumination light guide element. The internal light source is preferably an LED module. Alternatively or additionally, the internal light source is preferably configured to be passively powered, for example, when the data carrier is communicating with a remote device.

[0028] In other words, the data carrier may include an internal light source forming part of the data carrier. This internal light source can be provided as a supplement to or alternative to the ability to illuminate the data carrier using an external light source, as described above. The internal light source is preferably an LED module. The internal light source, particularly the LED module, is preferably passively powered. When the data carrier communicates with a remote device such as an RF reader, the internal light source is preferably powered by RFID when using the data carrier. Passive power supply of the internal light source via RFID can be achieved by providing an antenna exhibiting RF performance. That is, the data carrier preferably includes a radio frequency (RF) antenna. The RF antenna is preferably connected to, for example, the internal light source such as the LED module. The antenna is preferably configured to communicate wirelessly, particularly via electromagnetic radiation such as the aforementioned radio waves, with a remote device located away from the data carrier. The antenna is preferably configured to power the internal light source when communicating with the remote device. Therefore, the remote device is preferably configured to emit electromagnetic radiation, specifically radio waves. The remote device is particularly preferably an RF reader known in the art. Other RFID devices are also conceivable and are known in the prior art. For example, the data carrier may include a transponder module exhibiting RF performance, operating as just described. That is, the data carrier preferably lacks an energy source such as a battery to power the light source. However, the data carrier may include an energy source such as a battery to power the internal light source. Furthermore, sources other than RFID sources for illuminating the internal light source are also conceivable. For example, the data carrier may include at least one capacitive sensor connected to the internal light source and powering the internal light source when a finger touches the capacitive sensor for capacitive sensing. The capacitive sensor is preferably a fingerprint sensor module, as known in the art, and this fingerprint sensor module provides fingerprint identification for the data carrier.

[0029] When viewed along the extension direction of the data carrier, the security element, particularly the light scattering element, is preferably arranged to at least partially overlap with the light guiding element.

[0030] In other words, when viewed along the extension direction of the data carrier, the security element, particularly the light scattering element, is preferably arranged above or below the light scattering element. That is, when the extension direction is considered as the vertical direction of the data carrier, the vertical positions of the security element and the light guide element are preferably different from each other. However, relative to the horizontal direction, it is preferable that the horizontal positions of the security element and the light guide element at least partially coincide.

[0031] The light scattering element is preferably disposed directly on the light guide element, particularly on the surface of the light guide element. Alternatively, the light scattering element is preferably disposed at a certain distance from the light guide element relative to the direction of extension.

[0032] Safety elements, particularly light-scattering elements, that are directly disposed on the light guide element are preferably disposed on, for example, printed on the top and / or bottom surfaces of the light guide element. In this case, surface contact is preferably established between the surface of the safety element, particularly the surface of the light-scattering element, and the surface of the light guide element.

[0033] However, it is also conceivable that the security element, particularly the light scattering element, and the light guiding element are arranged separately from each other relative to the extension direction of the data carrier. In this case, it is preferable that one or more transparent components, particularly one or more transparent layers, such as a transparent polymer layer of the carrier body or card body, are arranged between the security element and the light guiding element relative to the extension direction, as further described below.

[0034] The optical guiding element preferably extends partially or completely along the lateral direction of the data carrier. Alternatively or additionally, the security element, particularly the light scattering element, preferably extends partially or completely along the lateral direction of the data carrier.

[0035] In other words, when viewed in the lateral direction, the width of the light guide element can be equal to or less than the width of the data carrier. Similarly, when viewed in the lateral direction, the width of the security element, particularly the width of the light scattering element, can be equal to or less than the width of the data carrier. Furthermore, it is preferable that, when viewed in the lateral direction, the width of the security element, particularly the width of the light scattering element, is equal to or less than the width of the light guide element. In other words, the spatial extent of the light guide element and / or the security element, particularly the light scattering element, can be equal to or less than the width of the data carrier in the lateral direction or the spatial extent of its width.

[0036] The security element preferably includes at least one masking element. Preferably, the masking element at least partially overlaps with the light scattering element relative to its extension direction. The masking element is preferably configured to block a portion of the light scattered by the light scattering element toward the outside of the data carrier. Alternatively or additionally, the masking element preferably at least partially overlaps with the light guiding element relative to its extension direction and is configured to block a portion of the light guided along the light guiding element toward the outside of the data carrier. Alternatively or additionally, the masking element is preferably configured to be at least partially illuminated by the light guiding element and / or the light scattering element.

[0037] In this configuration, the security element is preferably provided as a combination of a light-scattering element and a masking element. The masking element is preferably configured to absorb a portion of the light scattered by the light-scattering element and / or guided along the light-guiding element. The masking element is preferably opaque. The masking element can be a printed layer, a metal foil, etc. For example, the masking element can be opaque ink printed on the surface of one of the layers of the aforementioned carrier body. Preferably, the masking element is illuminated using the scattered light from the light-scattering element. In this configuration, the light-scattering element can be used solely for the purpose of an illuminateable element that illuminates a masking element of any shape, wherein the masking element defines the actual shape of the security element. For example, the light-scattering element can be provided as a square layer, and the masking element can define an image of the data carrier's holder. That is, the masking element defining the actual shape of the security element can be patterned to block and allow a predetermined portion of the scattered light from the light-scattering element to pass through, thereby defining an image and / or alphanumeric characters. Alternatively or additionally, the masking element can be used to define the light-scattering element for the purpose of defining, for example, the shape of the security element, such as alphanumeric characters or an image, as further described below. When viewed along the extension direction and from the top side of the data carrier body towards the bottom side of the carrier body, it is preferable that the light scattering element is arranged after the masking element, and the light guiding element is subsequently arranged after the light scattering element. In other words, the light scattering element is preferably arranged between the masking element and the light guiding element relative to the extension direction. Furthermore, it is preferable that the masking element and / or the light scattering element and / or the light guiding element at least partially overlap with respect to the extension direction. That is, these elements are preferably arranged at least partially on top of each other, i.e., at least partially aligned with respect to the extension direction.

[0038] Safety elements, particularly light scattering elements and / or masking elements, preferably have the shape of images and / or alphanumeric characters.

[0039] In other words, the secure element preferably has the shape of an image and / or alphanumeric characters. Non-exhaustive examples of images are portraits or photographs or biometric information such as, for example, the fingerprints of the data carrier holder, the outline of a country, a state coat of arms, a state flag, a signature, or geometric objects (such as lines, circles, etc.). Non-exhaustive examples of alphanumeric characters are dates of birth, names, such as the social security number of the data carrier holder, expiration dates, etc. Where a light-scattering element constitutes the secure element, it is preferred that the light-scattering element has the shape of an image and / or alphanumeric characters. Where the secure element further includes a masking element, it is preferred that the masking element defines the shape in the form of an image and / or alphanumeric characters. The data carrier may include at least one coating, such as a back-reflective coating for increasing the light yield of the data carrier. Additionally or alternatively, the data carrier may include an optical refractive index adapter provided by at least two of its layers, wherein said adapter is also used for the purpose of increasing the light yield of the data carrier.

[0040] On the other hand, a security article is provided that includes at least one data carrier as described above or composed of such data carrier. The security article is preferably a smart card, such as a bank card or identity card, passport, electronic tag, travel ticket, etc.

[0041] Any statements made herein regarding the data carrier itself preferably also apply to the security artifact, and vice versa.

[0042] In this respect, it should be understood that the data carrier itself can correspond to a security artifact. For example, a security artifact can be an identity card, in which the data carrier itself provides, for example, the identity card. However, it is also conceivable to incorporate or integrate the data carrier into a security artifact. For example, a security artifact can be a passport, in which the data carrier is incorporated into the pages of the passport.

[0043] On the other hand, a method for producing a data carrier is provided, the data carrier extending along an extension direction and along a transverse direction perpendicular to the extension direction. The data carrier is preferably a data carrier as described above. The method includes the steps of: i) providing at least one light guiding element, and ii) providing at least one security element. The light guiding element is configured to guide light such that light illuminating the light guiding element is guided along the light guiding element. The light guiding element and the security element are arranged such that light guided along the light guiding element illuminates the security element. The security element includes or consists of at least one light scattering element, the at least one light scattering element being configured to scatter light when illuminated by light from the light guiding element.

[0044] Any interpretations in this document concerning the data carrier itself or security artifacts preferably also apply to the methods of producing the data carrier, and vice versa. Attached Figure Description

[0045] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, which are intended to illustrate the preferred embodiments of the invention and not to limit them. In the drawings,

[0046] Figure 1 shows a cross-sectional view of the data carrier according to the present invention;

[0047] Figure 2a shows a top view of the data carrier according to the invention without illumination;

[0048] Figure 2b shows a top view of the data carrier according to Figure 2a when illuminated;

[0049] Figure 3a shows photographs of the data carrier according to the present invention in the absence of lighting and with lighting conditions;

[0050] Figure 3b shows photographs of the data carrier according to the invention in the absence of lighting and with lighting. Detailed Implementation

[0051] Aspects of the security article 10 including the data carrier 1 according to the present invention will now be illustrated with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0052] Figure 1 depicts a security article 10 consisting of a data carrier 1 extending along an extension direction E and a transverse direction T perpendicular to the extension direction E. The data carrier 1 includes a light guide element 2 and a security element 3.

[0053] The light guide element 2 is configured to guide light such that light illuminating the light guide element 2 is guided along the light guide element (here, along the transverse direction T of the data carrier 1). Furthermore, the light guide element 2 and the safety element 3 are arranged such that light guided along the light guide element 2 illuminates the safety element 3, as shown in Figures 2a to 3b, for example. The safety element 3 includes a light scattering element 4, which is configured to scatter light when illuminated by the light guide element 2.

[0054] In the example shown in Figure 1, the light guide element 2 is provided as a transparent layer extending entirely along the lateral direction T of the data carrier 1. The light scattering element 4 consists of a printed layer printed on the surface 5 of the light guide element 2 and extends partially along the lateral direction T of the data carrier 1. When viewed along the extension direction E of the data carrier 1, the security element 3, in particular the light scattering element 4, is arranged to overlap with the light guide element 2.

[0055] The data carrier 1 includes a transparent region 6, wherein a light scattering element 4 is at least partially disposed on and within the transparent region 6. The transparent region 6 is provided by a carrier body 12, and in particular by transparent layers 13, 14 extending partially along the lateral direction T of the carrier body 12. Indeed, and as shown in FIG1, the data carrier body 1 includes a carrier body 12, which, when viewed along the extension direction E, comprises several layers disposed on top of each other.

[0056] As further shown in Figure 1, the light guide element 2 is arranged to be illuminated by an external light source 7 disposed outside the data carrier 1. In fact, the data carrier 1 includes a transparent edge region 8 provided by the light guide element 2. Therefore, by illuminating the data carrier 1 from the edge region 8, light is allowed to enter and pass through the light guide element 2 to illuminate the safety element 3, and in particular the light scattering element 4.

[0057] In the depicted example, the data carrier 1 also includes an internal light source 9 in the form of an LED module, which is configured to further illuminate the light guide element 2. The LED module 9 is configured to be passively powered, for example, when the data carrier 1 is communicating with a remote device. For this purpose, the data carrier 1 includes an antenna, such as an RFID antenna (not shown), connected to the LED module 9 via a connection element 15 known in the art. When the RFID antenna is communicating with a remote device, particularly an RF reader (not shown), the LED module emits light 9 into the light guide element 2, thereby illuminating the security element 3 via light scattered at the light scattering element 4.

[0058] In the depicted example, the data carrier 1 includes two masking elements 11, which partially overlap with the light guide element 2 relative to the extending direction E. The masking elements 11 are configured to block a portion of the light directed outward along the light guide element 2. Here, the masking elements 11 are made of opaque ink, which is printed on the surfaces of two layers 16, 17 of the carrier body 12 and serves to define the shape of the security element 3.

[0059] When viewed along the extending direction E and from the top side 18 of the data carrier 1 towards the bottom side 19 of the data carrier 1, the light scattering element 4 is arranged after the first masking element 10, the light guiding element 2 is further arranged after the light scattering element 4, and the second masking element 10 is arranged after the light guiding element 2. In other words, the light scattering element 4 and the light guiding element 2 are arranged between the masking elements 10 relative to the extending direction E. However, it is also conceivable that the light scattering element 4 is used to illuminate the masking element 11. Therefore, the masking element 11 can be considered as the so-called illustration known in the art.

[0060] Figures 2a and 2b show photographs of a data carrier 1 according to the present invention, which includes a security element 3 in the form of the alphanumeric characters “THALES”. The security element 3 illuminates when the data carrier 1 is illuminated through the transparent edge region 8 of the light guide element 2.

[0061] Similarly, Figures 3a and 3b depict photographs of the data carrier including the security element 3 in the form of a spherical image. The security element illuminates when the edge region 8 of the light guide element 2 is illuminated.

[0062] In Figures 2a to 3b, the data carrier 1 has been illuminated using an external light source, in particular using the flash of a mobile phone.

[0063] List of reference numerals

[0064]

Claims

1. A data carrier (1) for a security article (10), the data carrier (1) extending along an extension direction (E) and along a transverse direction (T) perpendicular to the extension direction (E), and comprising: -At least one optical guide element (2); and at least one safety element (3), wherein the light guide element (2) is configured to guide light such that light illuminating the light guide element (2) is guided along the light guide element (2), wherein the light guide element (2) and the safety element (3) are arranged such that light guided along the light guide element (2) illuminates the safety element (3), and wherein the safety element (3) includes at least one light scattering element (4) or is composed of the at least one light scattering element, the at least one light scattering element being configured to scatter light when illuminated by light from the light guide element (2).

2. The data carrier (1) according to claim 1, wherein the security element (3), in particular the light scattering element (4), comprises or is composed of the printed layer, the printed layer preferably being printed on the light guide element (2), particularly on the surface (5) of the light guide element (2).

3. The data carrier (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the security element (3), in particular the light scattering element (4), comprises or is composed of light scattering ink and / or light scattering particles, and / or wherein the security element (3), in particular the light scattering element (4), is transparent and / or photochromic.

4. The data carrier (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the light guide element (2) is transparent, and / or wherein the light guide element (2) comprises or is composed of at least one polymer, wherein the at least one polymer is preferably a thermoplastic polymer and / or a transparent polymer, such as PET, PVC or PC.

5. The data carrier (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the light guiding element (2) is provided as a layer extending along the lateral direction (T) of the data carrier (1), and / or wherein the security element (3), in particular the light scattering element (4), is provided as a layer extending along the lateral direction (T).

6. The data carrier (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the data carrier (1) includes a transparent region (6), and wherein the security element (3), in particular the light scattering element (4), is at least partially disposed on the transparent region (6) and / or in the transparent region, and / or wherein the light guiding element (2) is at least partially disposed on the transparent region (6) and / or in the transparent region.

7. The data carrier (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the light guide element (2) is arranged to be illuminated by an external light source (7) disposed outside the data carrier (1), and / or wherein the data carrier (1) includes at least one edge region (8) connected to and / or at least partially provided by the light guide element, the edge region (8) being at least partially transparent.

8. The data carrier (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, the data carrier further comprising at least one internal light source (9) configured to illuminate the light guide element (2), wherein the internal light source (9) is preferably an LED module, and / or wherein the internal light source (9) is preferably configured to be passively powered, for example, when the data carrier (1) is communicating with a remote device.

9. The data carrier (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the security element (3), in particular the light scattering element (4), is arranged to at least partially overlap with the light guiding element (2) when viewed along the extension direction (E) of the data carrier (1).

10. The data carrier (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the light scattering element (4) is disposed directly on the light guide element (2), particularly on the surface of the light guide element (2), or wherein the light scattering element (4) is disposed at a distance from the light guide element (2) relative to the extension direction (E).

11. The data carrier (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the light guiding element (2) extends partially or completely along the lateral direction (T) of the data carrier (1), and / or wherein the security element (3), in particular the light scattering element (4), extends partially or completely along the lateral direction (T) of the data carrier (1).

12. The data carrier (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the security element (3) comprises at least one masking element (11), wherein the masking element (11) overlaps at least partially with the light scattering element (4) and / or the light guiding element (2) relative to the extension direction (E), and wherein the masking element is configured to block at least a portion of light scattered by the light scattering element (4) or guided along the light guiding element (2) toward the outside of the data carrier (1), and / or is configured to be illuminated at least partially by at least one of the light guiding element (2) or the light scattering element (4).

13. The data carrier (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the security element (3), in particular the light scattering element (4) and / or the masking element (11) has the shape of an image and / or alphanumeric characters.

14. A security article (10) comprising or consisting of at least one data carrier (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the security article (10) is preferably a smart card, such as a bank card or identity card, passport, electronic tag, travel ticket, etc.

15. A method for producing a data carrier (1), the data carrier extending along an extension direction (E) and along a transverse direction (T) perpendicular to the extension direction (E), preferably a data carrier (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the method comprises the following steps: - Provide at least one light guide element (2); and - Provide at least one safety element (3), wherein the light guide element (2) is configured to guide light such that light illuminating the light guide element (2) is guided along the light guide element (2), wherein the light guide element (2) and the safety element (3) are arranged such that light guided along the light guide element (2) illuminates the safety element (3), and wherein the safety element (3) includes at least one light scattering element (4) or is composed of the at least one light scattering element, the at least one light scattering element being configured to scatter light when illuminated by light from the light guide element (2).

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