METHOD AND DEVICE FOR PRODUCING A SAFETY DOCUMENT

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a method and a device for producing a security document, in particular a book-like security document.

[0002] DE 101 24 068 A1 discloses a device and a method for automatically positioning and trimming material to be cut from paper materials or paper-like, stackable materials, in particular for three-sided trimming of bound printed products. The described device has two knives that cut orthogonally and out of phase with each other. The knives simultaneously cut through different sections of the material to be cut.

[0003] DE 10 2013 104 745 A1 discloses a method and a corresponding device for producing a security document.

[0004] DE 10 2007 018 450 A1 reveals a laminated security document.

[0005] The problem here is that the die-cutting process described in the printed material is prone to wear and tear and malfunctions. In particular, changing and setting up the cutting tool is time-consuming and expensive. Quality control for documents produced in this way is also complex, as it usually requires visual inspection and readjustment of the cutting tools. Especially with a so-called three-sided cutting tool, the adjustability of the trim is limited. For example, it is only possible to move all cutting edges simultaneously, parallel to the surface of the material being cut.

[0006] The technical problem therefore arises of creating a method and a device for producing a security document that reduces production costs and production time, especially for maintenance, as well as production rejects.

[0007] The solution to the technical problem is achieved by the objects having the features of claims 1 and 11. Further advantageous embodiments of the invention are set out in the dependent claims.

[0008] A basic idea of ​​the invention is to crop an oversized security document by continuously performing a cropping process along a cropping trajectory in time and space, wherein the cropping trajectory is determined in such a way that the document-related spatial position of a document feature in the cropped state of the security document does not deviate from a desired spatial position by more than a predetermined amount.

[0009] A method for producing a security document is proposed. The security document can have a desired format, such as ID1, ID2, or ID3. Preferably, but not necessarily, the security document is a book-like document. A book-like security document can comprise a cover and a book block, with the cover surrounding the book block when the security document is closed. Alternatively, the security document can also be provided as a card.

[0010] The security document is provided in an oversized format. This can mean that at least one dimension, for example, length, width, or height, is larger than the desired target or final dimension in the finished state of the security document. The finished state can refer to a ready-to-use state. Preferably, two dimensions, more preferably the length and width, are larger than the corresponding target dimension. For example, a security document can have an overhang of a predetermined dimension along one or more edge areas in the corresponding spatial direction, for example, along a longitudinal or transverse direction. The overhang can be, for example, 5 mm. In the case of a book-like security document, for example, three edges can each have an overhang, in particular two transverse edges and one longitudinal edge.In this case, the security document can only have no overhang in the area forming the spine of the book. This overhang can also be referred to as bleed. However, with a card-shaped security document, it can, of course, have an overhang along all four edges.

[0011] The security document can be cropped in at least one edge area, in selected but not all edge areas, or in all edge areas. The cropping is performed along a cropping trajectory. The cropping trajectory can, in particular, comprise one or more straight sections. Preferably, the cropping trajectory also comprises at least one or more curved sections, especially arc-shaped sections. These arc-shaped sections can have a predetermined radius, in particular a radius in the range of 1 mm to 5 mm, preferably in the range of 2.5 mm to 4 mm.

[0012] Furthermore, the clipping is carried out continuously along the clipping trajectory, both temporally and spatially. This can mean that the clipping is performed continuously along the clipping trajectory, both temporally and spatially. For example, at a first point in time, the clipping can be performed at a first point or section of the clipping trajectory, and at a subsequent point in time, particularly immediately, the clipping is performed at a spatially adjacent point or section of the clipping trajectory, particularly immediately adjacent. The clipping, which runs continuously along the clipping trajectory, can be carried out, for example, by moving at least one cutting device and / or the security document in such a way that the cutting device is moved along the clipping trajectory, particularly continuously.Thus, the oversized security document and the cutting device can perform a relative movement towards each other, particularly a continuous one, such that the trimming takes place along the trimming trajectory.

[0013] The oversized security document may, in particular, have a rectangular cross-section. The trimmed security document may also have a rectangular cross-section. Preferably, the trimmed security document has a rectangular cross-section with rounded corners.

[0014] As explained in more detail below, cropping that follows the cropping trajectory in time and space, particularly continuous cropping, allows for increased flexibility when cropping oversized security documents. Specifically, the cropping trajectory can be chosen, and the cropping performed, in such a way that each edge area can be cropped independently of the other edge areas. For example, unlike the familiar three-sided crop, the dimension of the section (i.e., the cut-off portion) in one edge area can be chosen independently of the dimension of the section in the remaining edge areas. This also applies, for example, to the orientation of a straight cropping trajectory.

[0015] According to the invention, the cropping trajectory is determined such that the document-related spatial position of a document feature in the cropped state of the security document does not deviate from a desired spatial position by more than a predetermined amount. In particular, the cropping trajectory can be determined such that the document-related spatial position of a reproducible or non-reproducible document feature in the cropped state of the security document does not deviate from a desired spatial position by more than a predetermined amount. Furthermore, the cropping trajectory defines the spatial position of the edges of the cropped security document.

[0016] The cropping trajectory is determined such that the relative position between at least one edge of the cropped security document and the document feature and / or at least one other document feature does not deviate from a desired relative position by more than a predetermined amount. The document feature can, in particular, correspond to an image feature. This will be explained in more detail below.

[0017] In this process, at least one document feature can be identified, in particular, but not necessarily, based on an image. Furthermore, the spatial location of the at least one identified document feature in the uncropped state of the security document is determined, in particular, but not necessarily, based on an image.

[0018] The document's spatial orientation in the trimmed state is calculated as a function of the spatial orientation of the trimming trajectory, which defines the spatial orientation of the edges of the trimmed security document. For example, it is possible to calculate the spatial orientation of the document's fixed coordinate system based on the trimming trajectory. The spatial orientation of the document's fixed coordinate system can, in particular, define the location of the origin and the orientation of the axes of this coordinate system. For instance, the origin could be located at a corner or at a geometric center of the trimmed security document. Furthermore, axes could be oriented parallel to the edges of the trimmed security document. A relative spatial orientation can also be determined based on the trimming trajectory.

[0019] A document feature can be a graphic element or a group of graphic elements within the security document. It can also be a security feature. A document feature can also be a property of the document, such as a geometric property. A document feature can also be a border or a property of the border, in particular the geometric shape of the border, of the document. The border can refer to an edge of the document.

[0020] A document feature can be, for example, a letter or a symbol. It can also be text, a hologram, or an embossed marking. A document feature can also be a so-called registration mark. The document feature can be located, in particular, on the passport card side. Specifically, the document feature can be located in a machine-readable zone of the security document, especially the passport card side, and thus be machine-readable.

[0021] A document feature can be a printed, laser-engraved, embossed, or punched document feature.

[0022] The document feature can, in particular, be a reproducible document feature. A reproducible document feature is one that can be mapped into an image by means of an image generation device and is therefore detectable within it. A reproducible document feature can thus also be described as a visible or unobscured document feature, especially one that is visible or unobscured when the security document is closed.

[0023] However, it is also possible that the document characteristic is a document characteristic that cannot be mapped.

[0024] A document-related spatial orientation refers to the spatial position of the uncropped security document (i.e., the oversized security document) within a document-specific coordinate system. A document-related spatial orientation also refers to the spatial position of the cropped security document within a document-specific coordinate system.

[0025] The spatial orientation of a document feature can be determined, for example, as the spatial orientation of a feature-fixed coordinate system. For instance, the origin of this coordinate system could be located at a corner or at a geometric center of the document feature. Furthermore, axes could be oriented parallel to the edges of the document feature.

[0026] The spatial orientation of the document-specific coordinate system of the uncropped security document can also be determined image-based. The spatial orientation can, in particular, define the location of the origin and the orientation of the axes of this coordinate system. For example, the origin of the document-specific coordinate system can be located at a corner or at a geometric center point of the uncropped security document. Furthermore, axes can be oriented parallel to the edges of the uncropped security document.

[0027] Document-related spatial position can also refer to the spatial position of a document feature relative to another document feature. This can also be called relative spatial position. For example, relative spatial position can be the distance of a document feature from another document feature, such as a document edge.

[0028] In this case, the document feature could be, for example, an embossed feature.

[0029] This advantageously results in a further reduction of waste.

[0030] In another embodiment, pruning is carried out by milling. For this purpose, the cutting device can be designed as a milling unit. This advantageously allows for easy maintenance or replacement of the cutting device, since, for example, only a milling head needs to be replaced. This replacement process can be automated.

[0031] Alternatively, pruning can be done by grinding. For this purpose, the pruning can be carried out using a grinding device. The cutting device itself can also be designed as a grinding device.

[0032] Alternatively, pruning can be performed by fluid jet cutting, particularly water jet cutting. In this case, the pruning can be carried out by a fluid jet cutting device. This device can include at least one nozzle head and fluid-technical connecting elements. Furthermore, this device can include a pressure generation unit that provides the required fluid pressure to force the fluid out of the nozzle and deliver the corresponding cutting jet. The pressure generation unit can, of course, supply multiple nozzle heads.

[0033] Alternatively, pruning can be done using a cutting knife or a pruning knife. These can be moved accordingly to carry out the pruning.

[0034] Overall, this results in a space-saving and easy-to-maintain cutting device.

[0035] It is possible for the cutting device to be moved by a suitable positioning device, such as an XY actuator or an XYZ actuator. In this case, the oversized security document, i.e., the material to be cut, can be stationary. Alternatively, at least one cutting device can be stationary, while the oversized security document can be moved by a suitable positioning device. Another alternative is that both the oversized security document and the at least one cutting device can be moved by suitable positioning devices.

[0036] The at least one positioning device can therefore move the cutting device and / or the security document in oversized format, in particular with a translational movement. Alternatively or cumulatively, a rotational movement is also possible.

[0037] According to the invention, the spatial orientation of the clipping trajectory is further determined. This spatial orientation can be specified, in particular, in a document-specific coordinate system. The spatial orientation can denote a position and / or orientation of the clipping trajectory. For example, the spatial orientation of the clipping trajectory can be specified by the position of a point, selected points, or all points of the clipping trajectory. The orientation of straight segments of the clipping trajectory can also be set. This orientation can also be specified in the document-specific coordinate system.

[0038] Alternatively or cumulatively, a shape of the circumcision trajectory can be determined. In particular, the shape can be adjusted so that the circumcision trajectory has a desired profile. For example, the shape can be determined such that the circumcision trajectory has one or more straight sections. Furthermore, the shape of the circumcision trajectory can be determined such that it additionally has one or more curved, in particular semicircular, sections. Specifically, any two straight sections can be connected by a curved section.

[0039] In a book-like security document, the clipping trajectory preferably comprises three straight and two curved sections, with one curved section connecting two of the straight sections. In this case, the position and orientation of each straight section can be determined. The shape of the clipping trajectory, namely a straight line, can also be determined for each straight section. Likewise, the position and shape of each of the curved sections can be determined.

[0040] Preferably, the spatial orientation and / or shape of several sections of the clipping trajectory can be determined independently of one another. This means that the spatial orientation and / or shape of one section has no effect on the spatial orientation and / or shape of another section. Furthermore, the clipping can be performed independently for each section.

[0041] The spatial position and / or shape of the clipping trajectory, or its segments, can be set for each document individually. This means that the clipping trajectory can be set independently for each document, especially for security documents that follow each other in the production process and are to be clipped.

[0042] Furthermore, it is advantageous that the trimming can be set section-specifically for each section of the security document to be trimmed. Process steps preceding the trimming in the production of the security document can result in undesirable deviations in the relative positions and / or orientations of features or components of the security document to one another. These undesirable deviations can vary from one security document to another. For example, in one security document, a graphic element on the front, such as an embossing, might not be positioned at the desired distance from the edges, particularly off-center.In another security document, the graphic element on the front may be positioned at the desired distance from the edges, for example, centered, but another feature may exhibit an undesirable deviation from its intended position. For instance, a graphic element on an inside page, particularly a passport card, may have an undesirable distance from the edges of that inside page. In both cases, the document-specific determination of the cropping trajectory, especially sections of the cropping trajectory, allows for cropping to be performed in such a way as to ensure the desired position of the features or graphic elements. This advantageously reduces the amount of waste.

[0043] In a further embodiment, the security document and / or the at least one cutting device are moved to carry out the circumcision. This can be done by one or more positioning devices. This has been explained above. This advantageously results in a reliable and precise execution of the circumcision in time and space along the circumcision trajectory.

[0044] In a further embodiment, at least one image of the security document, in particular the security document in oversized format, is generated. The image can be generated by an image generation device, in particular a camera.

[0045] Furthermore, an image-based determination of the document-related spatial position of at least one document feature is performed, whereby the cropping trajectory is determined depending on the document-related spatial position of the at least one document feature.

[0046] Image-based spatial orientation determination can include the detection of image features and the determination of their properties. Image features can include, for example, depicted structures, such as page margins or edge areas, and depicted graphic elements of the security document or the overhanging section. In particular, image features can correspond to depicted document features. For example, so-called landmarks can be detected. The evaluation of image-based features can be carried out using image processing methods known to those skilled in the art.

[0047] The image-based determination of the spatial position of image features can be performed within an image coordinate system, whereby the spatial position of the corresponding document features can be determined by a transformation from the image coordinate system to a reference coordinate system and / or to the document-specific coordinate system of the uncropped security document. This transformation can be pre-known or determinable. In particular, the transformation can be determined through appropriate calibration. In other words, a document-related spatial position can be determined as a function of an image-related spatial position of the image feature.

[0048] For example, a format for the security document can also be determined based on images.

[0049] Depending on the image-based determination of the document-related spatial position of a document feature, at least one, but preferably several, format criterion(s) can then be evaluated. For example, it can be determined whether the document-related spatial position of a document feature deviates from a target spatial position by no more than a predetermined amount. For instance, it can be evaluated whether the specified distance from at least one edge of the security document deviates from a desired target distance by no more than a predetermined amount.

[0050] The clipping trajectory can then be adjusted so that at least one format criterion, or all format criteria, are met, or the fulfillment of a format criterion is improved. For example, if the distance of a feature from a boundary area is greater than a maximum permissible target distance, the clipping trajectory along this boundary can be chosen so that the distance after clipping is less than or equal to this maximum target distance. If several format criteria exist that would generate different clipping trajectories if evaluated individually, the clipping trajectory can be determined so that all or as many format criteria as possible are met. Alternatively or cumulatively, the different format criteria can be weighted.In this case, the clipping trajectory can be determined in such a way that as many highly weighted format criteria as possible are met.

[0051] By determining the cropping trajectory based on images, a document-specific and flexible setting of the cropping trajectory is advantageously achieved, which in turn reduces the amount of waste after cropping.

[0052] In another embodiment, the cropping trajectory is determined such that a cropped format deviates from a desired format by no more than a predetermined amount. This can mean that the length, width, and / or height of the cropped security document deviates from a target length, width, or height by no more than a predetermined amount. This can therefore serve as a first format criterion.

[0053] In this case, the document feature could be, for example, an embossed feature.

[0054] This advantageously results in a further reduction of waste.

[0055] In a further embodiment, the security document is provided with at least one overhanging layer. An edge area of ​​the overhanging layer can have at least one optical landmark. The overhanging layer can, in particular, be part of the book block section described above. The overhanging layer can, in particular, be provided by at least one page of the book block section. Pages of the book block section can, for example, serve for entering a visa. Preferably, the overhanging layer is provided by a passport-sized page of the book block section. Such a passport-sized page is generally not used for entering a visa. Pages of the book block section can, for example, be made of paper, plastic, or a composite material. After collation, pages of the book block section can be laser-perforated.The term "overhang" can refer to a layer of the security document that is larger than the oversized security document in at least one dimension. The overhang can also be larger than the front and / or back cover in at least one dimension. This means that an edge of the overhang is visually and / or optically detectable even when the oversized, book-like security document is closed. The at least one optical landmark can, for example, be positioned in the edge of the overhang during its production.

[0056] In other words, the overhang has at least one section that extends beyond at least part of at least one edge of the oversized security document. This section can also be referred to as the overhang section. For example, the overhang section might extend 3 mm to 6 mm beyond the edge.

[0057] The overhanging section can extend along the entire side edge. In this case, the overhanging section can be in a strip-like form. Alternatively, the overhanging section can extend only along a portion of the side edge. It can also comprise several subsections, each extending along a portion of the side edge.

[0058] Furthermore, an image of at least the overhanging portion of the overhanging layer is generated. Preferably, an image of the security document in oversized format, including the overhanging portion, is generated.

[0059] In a first alternative, a document-related spatial position of the overhanging section is determined using an image. A document-related spatial position can refer to a spatial position within a document-specific coordinate system of the uncropped security document, i.e., the oversized security document.

[0060] The spatial orientation of the overhang section can be determined, for example, as the spatial orientation of a document feature of the overhang section, a reference point or reference line of the overhang section, or a coordinate system fixed to the overhang section. For example, the origin of this coordinate system can be located at a corner or at a geometric center of the overhang section. Furthermore, axes can be oriented parallel to the edges of the overhang section.

[0061] Document-related spatial orientation can also refer to the spatial position of the overhanging section relative to a document feature, in particular a depicted document feature of the untrimmed security document. This can also be referred to as relative spatial orientation. For example, the relative spatial orientation can be the distance of the section from a document feature, such as an edge of the document.

[0062] The spatial position of an image feature or document feature can denote a position and / or orientation of the feature in or in relation to the corresponding coordinate system(s).

[0063] Furthermore, depending on the document-related spatial position of the overhang section, a document-related spatial position of at least one document feature of the security document that is not depicted is determined.

[0064] The spatial position of a document feature not shown, relative to the overhanging section, may be known in advance. In particular, the spatial position of a document feature not shown within the coordinate system fixed to the overhanging section may be known in advance. Since the document-related spatial position of the overhanging section, and especially of a coordinate system of the overhanging section, is known, the document-related spatial position of the document feature not shown can also be determined.

[0065] A document feature that cannot be imaged by the imaging device and is therefore not detectable within the image. A document feature that cannot be imaged can thus also be described as an invisible or concealed document feature, particularly one that is not visible or concealed when the security document is closed.

[0066] A document feature not shown can, in particular, be a feature located in or on a side of the book block. Preferably, the document feature not shown is a document feature located in or on the overhanging section, but not in the area of ​​the overhanging portion.

[0067] Furthermore, a circumcision trajectory is determined depending on the document-related spatial position of the unrepresented document feature of the security document.

[0068] In a second alternative, a document-related spatial position of a depicted document feature of the overhanging section and a clipping trajectory are determined based on the document-related spatial position of the depicted document feature of the overhanging section.

[0069] Furthermore, a clipping trajectory is determined depending on the spatial position of at least one depicted document feature of the overhanging section in the document-fixed coordinate system of the unclipped security document.

[0070] In the second alternative, image-based determination of the document-related spatial position of the overhanging section is not strictly necessary. However, even in the second alternative, a document-related spatial position of the overhanging section can be determined image-based, whereby, depending on the document-related spatial position of the overhanging section, a document-related spatial position of at least one depicted document feature of the overhanging section and a clipping trajectory are determined depending on the document-related spatial position of the depicted document feature of the overhanging section.

[0071] For example, the document-related spatial position of the overhanging section and / or the document-related spatial position of at least one non-represented document feature of the security document can be determined depending on at least one representable feature of the overhanging section. The representable feature can, in particular, be located on the overhanging section.

[0072] In particular, the overhanging section of the overhang layer can have at least one optical landmark, the optical landmark being the imageable feature. An optical landmark can be a symbol that is easily, quickly, and reliably detectable in an image. For example, an optical landmark can be or include a registration mark, a line, a square, a circular element, a 2D or 3D barcode, a target element, two squares adjoining at a corner, or a die-cut. The optical landmark can be laser-etched, printed, or die-cut.

[0073] The overhanging section of the overhanging layer can also have an identification feature that enables the identification of the security document. Such an identification feature can, for example, be in the form of a barcode. The identification feature can also form a visual landmark.

[0074] The at least one optical landmark and / or identification feature can, for example, be placed on, in or on the overhang layer during its production.

[0075] The relative position and / or orientation of document features not shown, relative to the at least one optical landmark, may be known in advance. In particular, the overhang position may have been created such that the relative positions and / or orientations lie within a predetermined range.

[0076] Since the non-imageable document features, in particular document features of the overhang position, cannot be optically, especially camera-based, detected in a closed state of the book-like security document, the optical detection of at least one optical landmark thus makes it possible to determine the document-related spatial position of the non-imaged feature.

[0077] For example, a document feature that cannot be represented visually might be a signature area. The spatial position of the signature area relative to the representable feature of the overhang position may be known beforehand. By optically capturing this feature, the document-related spatial position of the signature area can then be determined, even if the signature area cannot be directly visually captured.

[0078] In the case described above, the cropping trajectory can then be determined such that the signature area, e.g. located inside the security document, has a desired distance from the edge of the cropped security document.

[0079] Naturally, this method is also applicable to non-book-like security documents, such as card-format security documents. In this case, the overhanging layer can be an inner layer of the card body, for example, a hologram layer and / or a so-called inlay layer and / or a personalized lamination layer.

[0080] In another embodiment, the circumcision trajectory has at least one semicircular section. This has already been explained previously. This advantageously fulfills the requirements for producing the security document.

[0081] In another embodiment, the security document is provided as a book-like security document. In particular, the book-like security document is provided in an oversized format in a closed state.

[0082] Furthermore, a device for producing a security document is proposed. Using this device, a method for producing the security document according to one of the embodiments described in this disclosure can be carried out. Thus, the proposed device is designed such that such a method can be carried out using the device.

[0083] The device comprises at least one cutting device and at least one holding device for the security document. The security document may be arranged on, attached to, or within the holding device. Furthermore, the cutting device is movable. Alternatively or cumulatively, the at least one holding device is movable. The device may include corresponding positioning devices for this purpose.

[0084] Furthermore, the security document can be trimmed in at least one edge area using the cutting device, with the trimming taking place along a trimming trajectory.

[0085] Furthermore, the pruning can be carried out continuously along the pruning trajectory, both temporally and spatially. This can mean that the pruning can be carried out by moving the at least one cutting device, in particular continuously, along the pruning trajectory. This in turn includes the case where the cutting device and the holding device perform a relative movement to each other such that the at least one cutting device is moved along the pruning trajectory.

[0086] Furthermore, the cropping trajectory can be determined such that the document-related spatial position of a document feature in the cropped state of the security document does not deviate from a desired spatial position by more than a predetermined amount. Specifically, the cropping trajectory can be determined such that the document-related spatial position of a reproducible or non-reproducible document feature in the cropped state of the security document does not deviate from a desired spatial position by more than a predetermined amount. The cropping trajectory also defines the spatial position of the edges of the cropped security document.

[0087] Furthermore, the device may include at least one control device for controlling the movement of the cutting device and / or the holding device.

[0088] This advantageously results in a device for document-specific and flexible trimming of an oversized security document, thereby reducing the amount of rejects in the production of security documents.

[0089] In a further embodiment, the device comprises at least one image acquisition device and at least one evaluation device. The image acquisition device and the at least one evaluation device can be connected via signal and / or data transmission. Furthermore, an image of the security document can be generated by means of the image acquisition device. Additionally, the evaluation device can determine the document-related spatial position of at least one document feature, whereby the cropping trajectory can be determined depending on the document-related spatial position of the at least one document feature.

[0090] For example, the evaluation unit can perform an image-based evaluation of a format criterion, and a cropping trajectory can be determined based on this evaluation. This was explained previously. Depending on the cropping trajectory determined in this way, the control unit described above can then control the positioning unit(s) of the cutting unit and / or the holding unit such that the cutting unit is moved along the cropping trajectory.

[0091] In a further embodiment, the holding device for the security document comprises a first and a second holding plate, wherein the security document can be arranged between the first and the second holding plate. In particular, the security document can be clamped between the first and the second holding plate.

[0092] Furthermore, the first and / or subsequent retaining plate has a trimming slot. The trimming slot can be a through-opening, particularly an elongated one, in the respective retaining plate. The dimensions of the trimming slot can be chosen such that trimming trajectories with a variety of different spatial orientations and / or different shapes can be used for trimming.

[0093] Alternatively, the first and / or subsequent retaining plate may be undersized. This means that the first and subsequent retaining plate is smaller in at least one, two, or all dimensions than the corresponding dimension of the security document in its trimmed or oversized state.

[0094] This advantageously results in a stable arrangement of the security document during the trimming process, whereby either a cutting device or the holding plates, or both the cutting device and the holding plates, can be moved during the trimming process.

[0095] Furthermore, the retaining plates can also be used to exert a pressing force on the security document. Additionally, the retaining plates can be used to fix the security document in place.

[0096] The invention is explained in more detail using an exemplary embodiment. The figures show: Fig. 1 a schematic top view of a security document, Fig. 2 a schematic block diagram of a device according to the invention and Fig. 3 a schematic flow diagram of a method according to the invention.

[0097] In the following, identical reference symbols denote elements with the same or similar technical characteristics.

[0098] Fig. 1 Figure 1 shows a schematic top view of a security document 1, which can be a book-like security document 1. The security document 1 is oversized. The uncropped security document 1 in the oversized format is shown by solid lines. The security document 1 to be produced in the cropped format, which can be, for example, an ID3 format, is shown by a dashed line.

[0099] The oversized security document 1 has a first longitudinal margin 2a, which forms a spine. The security document 1 is shown here in its closed state. Furthermore, the oversized security document 1 has another longitudinal margin 2b, a first transverse margin 3a, and another transverse margin 3b. The distance between margins 2a, 2b, 3a, 3b and the corresponding margins in the final format can also be referred to as the overhang or bleed of the oversized security document 1.

[0100] It is further shown that the security document 1 has a graphic element 5 on a front side 4, which may be designed as gold embossing, for example.

[0101] It is further shown that the security document 1 in oversized format has an overhang 6, wherein a margin 7 of the overhang 6 has optically detectable landmarks 8. This margin 7 can also be referred to as the overhang section. The overhang 6 here refers to a page or double page of a book block not shown, which is enclosed by the book cover when closed. The margin 7 of the overhang 6 projects beyond a page edge, in this case beyond the first transverse margin 3a, of the security document 1 in oversized format or the cover part in oversized format when closed. Thus, the optically detectable landmarks 8 are detected by an image capture device 9 when the security document 1 in oversized format is closed (see Fig. 2 ) detectable.

[0102] In Fig. 1 The figure shows that the optically detectable landmarks consist of two squares of the same size with parallel edges, intersecting at exactly one corner, which can be designated as the reference point of the optical landmark 8. The optically detectable landmarks 8 have a predetermined distance and a predetermined orientation (relative) to other features (not shown) of the overhang 6.

[0103] The overhanging layer 6 can, for example, be designed as a laminated plastic passport card which, in addition to the optically detectable landmarks 8, has a passport photo that is not optically detectable when closed, a signature field that is also not optically detectable, as well as other (graphic) elements and security features. These (security) features can have a predetermined distance and a predetermined orientation (relative to) the optically detectable landmarks 8 or a connecting line between the reference points of the optical landmarks 8.

[0104] An exemplary document-proof coordinate system with a longitudinal axis x and a transverse axis y is shown, where arrows symbolize a longitudinal and a transverse direction. The document-proof coordinate system can have an origin located at a geometric center point of the oversized security document 1. Thus, the position and orientation of the optically detectable landmarks 8 can be determined within the document-proof coordinate system. The orientation can, for example, be determined as the orientation of a connecting line between the reference points of the optically detectable landmarks 8. This, in turn, makes it possible to determine the position and orientation of the further described features and security features of the overhang 6, which are not optically detectable when closed, within the document-proof coordinate system.

[0105] Furthermore, the position and orientation of graphic element 5 within the document-specific coordinate system can be determined. A position can, for example, be the geometric center of graphic element 5 or a point with predefined properties. An orientation can, for example, be the orientation between two characteristic points of graphic element 5 or the orientation of a page margin of graphic element 5.

[0106] Furthermore, the position and orientation of the side margins 2a, 2b, 3a, 3b of the oversized security document can be determined in the document-fixed coordinate system.

[0107] The in Fig. 1 The security document 1 shown can be viewed using an image capture device 9 (see Fig. 2 ) are optically detected. A control and evaluation unit 10 (see Fig. 2 The system can then perform an image-based evaluation of format criteria. Depending on the result of this evaluation, a cropping trajectory 11 can be determined, which defines the edges of the cropped security document 1. The cropping trajectory 11 can, in particular, comprise three straight sections 12a, 12b, and 12c, wherein a first straight section 12a and a second straight section 12b are connected by a first curved section 13a. The second straight section 12b and a third straight section 12c are connected by a second curved section 13b. The curved sections 13a and 13b can have a predetermined radius.

[0108] The circumcision trajectory 11 here refers to a trajectory along which the security document 1 and a cutting device 11 are moved relative to each other to carry out the circumcision.

[0109] The clipping trajectory 11 can be determined such that one, several, or all of the following format criteria are met. In particular, the spatial position and shape of the clipping trajectory 11 in the document-fixed coordinate system can be chosen such that a) the format of the cropped security document 1 corresponds to a desired final format or does not deviate from this final format by more than a permissible amount, b) the relative position and orientation of the graphic element 5 to the page margins of the cropped security document 1 corresponds to a desired relative position or orientation or does not deviate from it by more than a predetermined desired amount, c) the relative position and orientation of at least one non-optically detectable feature of the overhang position 6 to the page margins of the cropped security document 1 corresponds to a desired relative position or orientation or does not deviate from it by more than a predetermined amount.

[0110] If not all format criteria can be fully met, they can be weighted. For example, fulfilling the first format criterion (a) can be weighted more heavily than fulfilling the second format criterion (b). However, it must be ensured that all format criteria are still partially met within permissible tolerances.

[0111] The spatial position of the circumcision trajectory 11 can be determined in a document-fixed coordinate system. This spatial position can, in particular, define the spatial position of sections 12a, 12b, 12c, 13a, and 13b. For example, the spatial position of the straight sections 12a, 12b, and 12c can be determined as the position of their endpoints and the orientation of the straight line between them. The position of the curved sections 13a and 13b can be determined as the position of their midpoint and the position of their endpoints. The orientation of the curved section 13a and 13b can be determined as the radius of the curved section.

[0112] In Fig. 2 Figure 14 shows a schematic block diagram of a device 14 according to the invention for producing a security document 1. The device 14 comprises an image acquisition device 9, a control and evaluation device 10, and a cutting device 11. The device 14 further comprises a holding device 15 for the security document 1. Fig. 2 The figure shows that the holding device 15 comprises a first holding plate 16a and a further holding plate 16b, which have a subformat compared to the security document 1, wherein the security document 1 is clamped between the first and the further holding plate 16a, 16b.

[0113] Prior to the trimming process, an image of the security document 1 in its closed state is generated using the image capture device 9. For this purpose, the security document 1 can be positioned within a capture area 17 of the image capture device 9. This can be done using a transport device (not shown). The security document 1 can also be transported from the capture area to the holding device 15 using this transport device.

[0114] Using the image capture device 9, an image of the security document 1 is generated, which is then evaluated by the control and evaluation device 10. In particular, the format criteria described above can be evaluated, whereby a spatial orientation and a shape of a clipping trajectory 11 are determined depending on the result of this evaluation. Depending on the clipping trajectory 11 or its properties, the control and evaluation device 10 can control the cutting device 11. In the Fig. 2 In the illustrated embodiment, the cutting device 11 is movable, for example along three spatial directions of a Cartesian coordinate system. The safety document 1 is fixed in place during the trimming process.

[0115] The cutting device 11 can be moved such that it is moved along the pruning trajectory 11. The pruning is carried out by moving the at least one cutting device along the entire pruning trajectory 11. The pruning is performed continuously along this pruning trajectory 11, both temporally and spatially.

[0116] The cutting device 11 can, for example, be designed as a waterjet cutting device. Alternatively, the cutting device 11 can be designed as a milling or grinding device.

[0117] Fig. 3 Figure 1 shows a schematic flowchart of a method according to the invention. In a first step S1, a security document 1 is provided in oversized format and with an overhang 6 (see Figure 1). Fig. 1 ).

[0118] In a second step S2, the security document 1 in oversized format is placed in a capture area 17 of an image capture device 9 (see Fig. 2 ). In this process, an image, in particular a two-dimensional image, of security document 1 is generated in oversized format.

[0119] In a third step S3, an image-based evaluation of one or more format criteria is performed, whereby a clipping trajectory 11 is determined depending on the result. In particular, the spatial position and shape of the clipping trajectory 11 are determined.

[0120] In a fourth step S4, the security document 1 becomes a holding device 15 (see Fig. 2 ) transported and fixedly arranged by means of the holding device 15.

[0121] In a fifth step S5, the circumcision is carried out continuously along the circumcision trajectory by a cutting device 11, both temporally and spatially. The cutting device 11 is guided spatially along the entire circumcision trajectory. Reference symbol list

[0122] 1 Security document 2 First longitudinal edge 2 Second longitudinal edge 3 First transverse edge 3 Second transverse edge 4 Front 5 Graphic element 6 Overhang position 7 Edge area of ​​the overhang position 8 Optically detectable feature 9 Image acquisition device 10 Control and evaluation device 11 Cutting device 12 Straight section 12 Second straight section 12 Third straight section 13 First curved section 13 Second curved section 14 Device 15 Holding device 16 First holding plate 16 Second holding plate 17 Detection area S1 First step S2 Second step S3 Third step S4 Fourth step S5 Fifth step

Claims

1. Method for the production of a security document (1), wherein the security document (1) is provided in an oversize format, wherein the security document (1) is trimmed in at least one edge region, wherein the trimming is carried out along a trimming trajectory (11), wherein the trimming is performed continuously in time and space along the trimming trajectory (11), characterized in that an evaluation device (10) is used to determine a document-related spatial position of at least one document feature in an untrimmed state of the security document (1) in a document-fixed coordinate system of the untrimmed security document (1) in oversize format, with the evaluation device (10) used to determine a spatial position of the trimming trajectory (11) as a function of this document-related spatial position of the at least one document feature in such a way that a relative position between at least one document edge of the trimmed security document (1) and the document feature in the trimmed state of the security document (1) does not deviate by more than a predetermined amount from a desired relative position, wherein the trimming trajectory defines a spatial position of the document edge and the document-related spatial position of the document feature in the trimmed state in a document-fixed coordinate system of the trimmed security document (1) is determined by calculation as a function of the spatial position of the trimming trajectory.

2. Process according to claim 1, characterized in that the trimming is carried out by milling, grinding, a cutting knife, a burin knife or fluid jet cutting.

3. Method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that a spatial position and / or shape of the trimming trajectory (11) is adjustable.

4. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, in order to perform the trimming, the security document (1) and / or at least one trimming device (18) are moved.

5. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one image of the security document (1) is generated, wherein a document-related spatial position of at least one document feature is determined in an image-based manner, the trimming trajectory (11) being determined as a function of the document-related spatial position of the at least one document feature.

6. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the trimming trajectory (11) is determined in such a way that a trimmed format does not deviate from a desired format by more than a predetermined amount.

7. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the security document (1) is provided with at least one protrusion layer (6) wherein at least one image of at least one protrusion section of the protrusion layer (6) is generated, wherein a document-related spatial position of the protrusion section is determined in an image-based manner, wherein a document-related spatial position of at least one non-imaged document feature of the security document (1) is determined as a function of the document-related spatial position of the protrusion section and a trimming trajectory is determined as a function of the document-related spatial position of the non-imaged document feature of the security document (1) and / or wherein a document-related spatial position of an imaged document feature of the protrusion section is determined in an image-based manner and a trimming trajectory is determined as a function of the document-related spatial position of the imaged document feature of the security document (1), wherein the security document (1) is trimmed along the trimming trajectory.

8. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the trimming trajectory (11) has at least one part-circular section.

9. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the security document (1) is provided as a book-like security document.

10. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that an origin of the document-fixed coordinate system of the untrimmed document (1) is at a corner or in a geometric center point of the untrimmed security and an origin of the document-fixed coordinate system of the trimmed security document (1) is at a corner or in a geometric center of the trimmed security document.

11. Device for producing a security document, the device (14) comprising at least one trimming device (18), at least one evaluation device (10) and at least one holding device (15) for the security document (1), wherein the trimming device (18) and / or at least one holding device (15) is movable, wherein the security document (1) can be trimmed in at least one edge region, wherein the trimming takes place along a trimming trajectory (11), wherein the trimming can be carried out continuously in time and space along the trimming trajectory (11), characterized in that the evaluation device (10) is used to determine a document-related spatial position of at least one document feature in a trimmed state of the security document (1) in a document-fixed coordinate system of the untrimmed security document (1) in an oversize format, wherein a spatial position of the trimming trajectory (11) is determined with the evaluation device (10) as a function of this document-related spatial position of the at least one document feature in such a way that a relative position between at least one document edge of the trimmed security document (1) and the document feature in the trimmed state of the security document (1) does not deviate by more than a predetermined amount from a desired relative position, wherein the trimming trajectory defines a spatial position of a document edge and the document-related spatial position of the document feature in the trimmed state in a document-fixed coordinate system of the trimmed security document (1) is determined by calculation as a function of the spatial position of the trimming trajectory.

12. Device according to claim 11, characterized in that the device (14) comprises at least one device (9) for image acquisition, wherein by means of the device (9) for image acquisition, an image of the security document (1) can be generated, wherein by means of the evaluation device (10), a document-related spatial position of at least one document feature is determinable, wherein the trimming trajectory (11) can be determined as a function of the document-related spatial position of the at least one document feature.

13. Device according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that the holding device (15) for the security document comprises a first and a further holding plate (16a, 16b), wherein the security document (1) is held between the first and further holding plate (16a, 16b), wherein the first and / or the further holding plate (16a, 16b) has a trimming slot or wherein the first and / or the further holding plate (16a, 16b) has a sub-format.