SECURITY DOCUMENT AND METHOD FOR PRODUCING A SECURITY DOCUMENT

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a security document with a carrier element and a method for producing such a security document.

[0002] The carrier element has a surface. This surface has a main layer and a personalization area. A personalization layer is applied to the surface within the personalization area. Security documents are known, for example, as cards or data carriers. A security document can thus be designed, for example, as a bank card, credit card, or identification document. Security documents are personalized, for example, with a photograph applied to the surface. This surface personalization can be achieved, for example, using D2T2 (dye diffusion thermal transfer), thermal transfer printing, or an inkjet system.

[0003] A disadvantage is that personalization fades over time and, in the worst case, becomes unrecognizable. With bank cards, credit cards, and identification documents, attempts are made to protect this personalization with a protective layer, such as varnish or foil. However, using this protective layer involves additional effort and costs. Furthermore, the protective layer can wear down or peel off with regular mechanical stress.

[0004] Document WO 2016 / 153345 A1 concerns a method for providing a printed security feature. Document WO 2006 / 110038 A2 concerns an identification document and an associated manufacturing process.

[0005] WO 2015 / 055813 A1 concerns a procedure for producing an individualized security document with in-depth information.

[0006] The task is to create a security document and to provide a procedure for producing a security document in which superficial personalization is protected more efficiently.

[0007] This task is solved by a security document and a method for producing a security document in accordance with the independent claims.

[0008] A safety document according to the invention is defined in claim 1 and a manufacturing process according to the invention is defined in claim 10.

[0009] In particular, the structural elements are designed as, preferably straight, semicircular beams with an extension at least three times, preferably four times, and in particular five times longer in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the semicircular beams than in the direction of the transverse axis of the semicircular beams. In particular, the personalization layer is applied to the structural elements already created, in particular by lamination.

[0010] The invention is based on the understanding that the personalization layer, due to a defined surface structure or the multitude of raised structural elements and the resulting increased surface area compared to a flat surface, remains more recognizable even after mechanical and / or chemical stress, or is less worn or eroded.

[0011] It was recognized that normal mechanical stress, for example when inserting the security document into a card holder, card reader, or wallet, or when a user handles the security document with their fingers, occurs essentially only in a small area of ​​each raised structural element, relative to the total surface area, due to the presence of numerous raised structural elements. For example, the mechanical stress occurs essentially only in the portion of the respective structural element facing away from the supporting element, such as a ball cap of the respective structural element. However, due to the numerous structural elements, the mechanical stress does not occur essentially between the structural elements, particularly not in the main plane.

[0012] The main plane passes, in particular, through the respective parts of the structural elements that are closest to the support element. Preferably, the main plane runs parallel to the support element or to a longitudinal axis of the support element. The main plane can, for example, also pass through a smooth, i.e., structural element-free, part of the surface of the support element or run parallel and offset from the surface.

[0013] The personalization layer is applied to the structural elements; that is, the personalization layer lies on top of the structural elements. In other words, the structural elements are covered by the personalization layer.

[0014] In particular, the personalization layer is applied to the surface subsequently, i.e., after the structural element(s) have been produced. Preferably, the personalization layer is applied to the already laminated structural elements.

[0015] The multitude of structural elements is designed in such a way that the personalization layer is not, or only minimally, disturbed or impaired, and that the areas where the personalization is primarily removed by abrasion are not, or only slightly, visible to the human eye. Thus, a coherent overall image is formed in the viewer's eye. Due to the axial spacing between the vertical axes of the respective structural elements being less than 180 µm, the structural elements are smaller than the resolving power of the naked human eye.

[0016] The numerous structural elements also reduce the risk of chemical exposure to the personalization. For example, a chemical such as skin oil, which might be transferred to the security document by an external object like a finger, can only attack the personalization layer in the areas directly touched by that external object. A user's finger essentially rests only on the tip of each raised structural element facing away from the carrier element, and not in the spaces between the elements or on the non-tip portions of the element.

[0017] Due to the immediate proximity of the structural elements, the distance between the structural elements is smaller, and it can be more efficiently prevented that an object external to the security document penetrates between the structural elements and damages the personalization layer there.

[0018] In particular, the numerous structural elements are designed as lens structures, knob structures, cam structures, nipple structures, or stud structures. Furthermore, each structural element among the numerous structural elements has a dome-shaped surface facing away from the supporting element.

[0019] The security document is designed in the form of a card or data carrier. Specifically, the security document is also designed as a bank card, credit card, or identification document.

[0020] The personalization layer is designed specifically as a long-lasting, colored personalization. For example, the personalization layer can be a photograph, such as of a human face.

[0021] The security document can also have multiple surfaces, such as a front and a back. Each surface can have multiple personalization areas. These personalization areas can, for example, be directly adjacent to each other or spaced apart.

[0022] The personalization area is preferably limited to a sub-area of ​​the surface, in particular the sub-area in which the personalization layer is located. In a less preferred embodiment, however, the personalization area can also extend to the entire surface.

[0023] Preferably, the structural elements are made of the same material as the carrier element. In particular, the carrier element is made of metal or, preferably, plastic, and the structural elements are subsequently applied to the carrier element, for example, by gluing, or are created during the manufacturing of the carrier element, for example, by milling or by using a mold. In particular, the structural elements are not created by embossing on the carrier. The structural elements are therefore distinct from embossed elements, such as those applied to banknotes.

[0024] With an axial spacing of less than 150 µm, especially 130 µm, the structural elements are almost or not at all visible to the human eye without (magnifying) visual aids and are therefore not disturbing.

[0025] Preferably, at least one structural element of the plurality of structural elements has at least a partially arc-shaped contour in cross-section perpendicular to the main plane. Preferably, the majority, and in particular the entirety, of the structural elements of the plurality of structural elements have the arc-shaped contour in cross-section perpendicular to the main plane. The arc-shaped contour allows a large portion of the surface to be captured from an externally arranged observation point without obscuring any areas, as would be the case, for example, with a rectangular, and in particular square, contour. This allows for better capture of the personalization layer.

[0026] Furthermore, it is preferably provided that at least one structural element of the plurality of structural elements has a dome-shaped surface on the side facing away from the support element. The dome-shaped design minimizes contact with an object that wears down the personalization layer, particularly if the object has a flat surface, since then essentially only the tip or the area of ​​the structural element parallel to the main plane comes into contact with the object that wears down the personalization layer.

[0027] It is further preferably provided that at least one structural element of the plurality of structural elements is designed as a spherical segment, in particular as a hemisphere, and that the cross-sectional surface of the spherical segment faces the support element and is arranged, in particular, in the main plane. The shape of the spherical segment is advantageous because only a relatively small part of the structural element is exposed to normal mechanical stress, while at the same time allowing for a pleasant tactile experience. In addition, the respective structural element is designed to be so blunt or rounded that injury, for example to a fingertip, is avoided.

[0028] It is further preferably provided that at least one structural element of the plurality of structural elements is designed as a semicircular beam, and in particular that the flat main surface of the semicircular beam is arranged in the main plane. In particular, several structural elements of the plurality of structural elements are each designed as semicircular beams. In particular, grooves are formed between the individual semicircular beams. The grooves run in particular in the main plane or, in particular, at least parallel to the main plane. The design as a semicircular beam is advantageous because the personalization layer is thereby subjected to less mechanical stress.

[0029] Preferably, the semicircular bars extend over the entire length or width of the personalization area. Furthermore, the semicircular bars are preferably straight. Even more preferably, the semicircular bars are continuous along their longitudinal axis; that is, each row or column, depending on whether the semicircular bars are oriented horizontally, vertically, or diagonally to the viewer, contains only one semicircular bar, which extends over the entire length.

[0030] Each of the semicircular beams can then, for example, have a length of up to several cm along the longitudinal axis, for example 0.5 cm to 20 cm, preferably 1 cm to 10 cm, in particular 2 cm to 5 cm.

[0031] Preferably, the semicircular beams are at least more than three times longer than wide in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the semicircular beams, and in particular more than four times longer than wide in the direction of the transverse axis of the semicircular beams.

[0032] The semicircular beams are preferably arranged directly next to each other in the direction of the transverse axes of the semicircular beams, i.e. without gaps.

[0033] The semicircular beams can also be described as bars which are rounded on the side facing away from the supporting element, especially in the transverse direction, i.e. have a curved surface, especially continuously or uniformly.

[0034] It is further preferably provided that the arc-shaped contour has a radius of at most 150 µm, preferably 80 µm, and particularly 60 µm. Due to the radius, the height difference of the personalization layer, i.e., the distance between the main plane and the point of the respective structural element furthest from the main plane, is so small that the personalization layer does not appear disrupted by the structural elements or appears only matte, for example, when visible to the human eye or a camera. The center point of the radius, or the origin of the radius, can lie on the main plane or be offset from it, particularly towards the interior of the carrier element, i.e., opposite the surface. The height of the structural element is thus smaller than if the center point were located on the main plane.

[0035] Alternatively, it may also be provided that at least one structural element of the multitude of structural elements is designed as a spherical layer and that the base circle of the spherical layer faces the support element and is arranged in particular in the main plane.

[0036] It is further preferably provided that the personalization layer is at least partially designed as a reversible image. The reversible image displays changing information depending on the viewing angle of the personalization layer. In particular, the reversible image has at least two different images. The images are preferably designed such that a first image is visible if a second image is obscured by the multitude of structural elements, and vice versa. The first image is applied, in particular, to a first surface of the respective structural elements, and the second image is applied, in particular, to a second surface of the respective structural elements, with the first surface being substantially opposite the second surface.

[0037] The structural elements also make it easy to apply a flip image. The structural elements can therefore be used in other advantageous ways.

[0038] The optical image can also be at least partially integrated into the support element, in particular the achromatic or black portion of the optical image. For example, the optical image can therefore be designed as an MLI (multiple laser image) or CLI (changeable laser image).

[0039] It is further preferably provided that the structural elements of the plurality of structural elements each have a height relative to the main plane of 10 µm to 60 µm, preferably 20 µm to 50 µm, and particularly 30 µm to 40 µm. The corresponding height, which is determined particularly perpendicular to the main plane, further reduces or inhibits the undesirable erosion of the personalization layer. It has been found that the structural elements with the corresponding height and the aforementioned values ​​are perceived as not or only slightly disruptive, and that a camera also has no or only minor difficulties in detecting them.

[0040] Furthermore, it is preferably provided that the structural elements of the multitude of structural elements are aligned with each other in a uniform grid. This uniform grid results in a more homogeneous personalization layer and a more pleasant viewing experience. Automatic processing of an image captured by the personalization layer can also be more accurate if the structural elements are arranged in a uniform grid. This automatic processing could, for example, include object recognition.

[0041] According to the invention, the personalization layer is applied using only colored color particles.

[0042] Colorful particles do not mean black particles. Using an LPI (Laser Protected Image) method, at least the outline of a color photo can be made more stable over the long term, since a black component of the personalization layer is embedded within the substrate. However, even here, the colorful component of the personalization layer disappears over time due to mechanical abrasion and / or detachment of the color layer by chemical influences. Therefore, it is advantageous if only the colorful particles are applied to the surface and the black particles are integrated into the substrate.

[0043] According to the invention, each structural element of the plurality of structural elements is at least partially, and in particular completely, transparent.

[0044] Due to its transparent design, color introduced into the carrier element beneath the structural element, particularly between the structural element and the main layer, can be seen through the structural element from outside the security document. If the carrier element is manufactured layer by layer with the structural elements, the outermost layer(s) of the carrier element can be transparent. At least one layer(s) inside the layered carrier element are preferably opaque.

[0045] According to the invention, each structural element of the plurality of structural elements is also designed as an optical lens, in particular as a converging lens.

[0046] In optics, a lens is a transparent component that deflects light by refraction at its surface. Generally, lenses have two refracting surfaces, at least one of which is convex or concave. Lenses that focus parallel light (at least to the focal point) are called converging lenses. The lens allows light incident on the personalization area to be concentrated, enabling, for example, colored information or a part of the personalization within the carrier element to be illuminated more intensely than if this information were illuminated without a converging lens. A further advantage is that the information appears three-dimensional through the lens.

[0047] The invention also relates to a method. In this method, a security document with a wear-resistant personalization layer is produced. The following steps are performed: a) Providing a carrier element with a surface and a principal plane; b) Defining a personalization area of ​​the surface with a plurality of uniformly aligned, immediately adjacent, and raised structural elements with respect to the principal plane, and in particular laminated structural elements with an axial spacing between the vertical axes of the respective structural elements of less than 250 µm; c) Applying the personalization layer to the surface in the personalization area, in particular to the structural elements;and d) providing the security document with the carrier element and the applied personalization layer, wherein the personalization layer is applied only with colored color particles without black color particles and a corresponding black component is introduced into the interior of the carrier element, and wherein each structural element of the plurality of structural elements is at least partially transparent and designed as an optical lens.

[0048] The support element is made of plastic. In particular, the support element can be single-layered or multi-layered, for example made of PVC (polyvinyl chloride) and / or PET (polyethylene terephthalate) and / or ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) and / or polycarbonate.

[0049] The structural elements are primarily made of polycarbonate. Polycarbonate allows the structural elements to be made particularly hard and resistant to mechanical stress.

[0050] The multitude of structural elements are formed on the carrier element itself during its manufacture, for example by injection molding or by welding under high pressure at appropriate temperature to form a homogeneous, inseparable plastic unit, i.e., in particular by lamination.

[0051] The personalization layer is applied to the substrate, for example, by digital printing, in particular inkjet printing or liquid ink printing.

[0052] In particular, it is intended that the multitude of raised structural elements, especially before step b), will be formed by lamination on the support element.

[0053] The respective components of the security document according to the invention are produced by the method. The preferred embodiments and their advantages presented with reference to the respective method according to the invention apply accordingly to the security document according to the invention.

[0054] Further features of the invention can be found in the claims, the figures and the description of the figures.

[0055] Exemplary embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail below with reference to schematic drawings.

[0056] This shows: Fig. 1 is a schematic representation of an embodiment of a security document according to the invention with a plurality of structural elements, wherein the structural elements are designed as semicircular beams; Fig. 2 is a schematic representation of a further embodiment of the security document, wherein the structural elements are designed as hemispheres; Fig. 3 is a schematic sectional view perpendicular to a main plane of the security document of a further embodiment of the security document, wherein a surface of a support element of the security element is formed outside a personalization area in the main plane; and Fig. 4 is a further schematic sectional view perpendicular to the main plane of a further embodiment of the security document, wherein the surface outside the personalization area is formed parallel to the main plane.

[0057] In the figures, identical or functionally equivalent elements are given the same reference symbols.

[0058] Fig. 1 Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of a security document 1 according to the invention. In the exemplary embodiment, the security document 1 is designed as a card, for example, as an identity card. The security document 1 has a carrier element 2. The carrier element 2 is, for example, made of plastic. The carrier element 2 can, for example, be single-layered or multi-layered.

[0059] The carrier element 2 has a surface 3, which, according to the exemplary embodiment, is the front side of the card. The carrier element 2 can also have multiple surfaces, for example, a front and a back side.

[0060] The surface 3 has a main plane 4 and a personalization area 5. According to the exemplary embodiment, the main plane 4 extends into the area of ​​the surface 3 which is located outside the personalization area 5.

[0061] The personalization area 5 has a personalization layer 6. According to the exemplary embodiment, the personalization layer is a color photograph showing a human face. However, the personalization layer 6 can also be designed as a diverse individual print or diverse individual inscription. In particular, the personalization layer 6 is characterized by the fact that it is applied to the surface 3 of the carrier element 2 for a long period of time, preferably for at least several months, in particular for at least one year or even up to ten years.

[0062] The support element 2 is formed with a plurality of structural elements 7 in the personalization area 5. The structural elements of the plurality of structural elements 7, also referred to simply as structural elements 7, are formed in a raised form with respect to the main plane 4, in particular such that they project away from the support element 2 or are directed away from it. In addition, the structural elements of the plurality of structural elements 7 are arranged uniformly according to the exemplary embodiment.

[0063] According to the embodiment of Fig. 1 The structural elements of the multitude of structural elements 7 exhibit at least a partially arc-shaped contour 8 in cross-section perpendicular to the main plane 4.

[0064] The arc-shaped contour 8 has a radius 9, which, according to the exemplary embodiment, is particularly up to 70 µm. According to the exemplary embodiment, a center point 25 of the radius 9, or origin point of the radius 9, lies in the principal plane 4.

[0065] In an embodiment not shown, the center point 25 of the radius 9 can also be arranged offset from the main plane 4, in particular in the direction of the interior of the support element 2, i.e. opposite to the surface 3.

[0066] In particular, the structural elements of the multitude of structural elements 7 are according to Fig. 1 Each is designed as a semicircular beam 10. A flat main surface 11 of the respective semicircular beam 10 is arranged in the main plane 4.

[0067] According to the embodiment of Fig. 2 The structural elements of the plurality of structural elements 7 are each designed as a spherical segment 12. A cross-sectional surface 13 of each spherical segment 12 faces the support element 2. Furthermore, the cross-sectional surface 13 is arranged in the main plane 4.

[0068] The structural elements of the multitude of structural elements 7 are both according to Fig. 1 as well as according to Fig. 2 evenly arranged.

[0069] Fig. 3 und Fig. 4 show a cross-sectional view of the structural elements of the multitude of structural elements 7 perpendicular to the main plane 4, as they are both in the case of the semicircular beams 10 according to Fig. 1 as well as in the case of the spherical segments 12 according to Fig. 2 may be the case.

[0070] Furthermore, each structural element of the plurality of structural elements 7 has a height 14 with respect to the principal plane 4. The height 14 lies specifically between 10 µm and 60 µm.

[0071] Each structural element of the plurality of structural elements 7 has a vertical axis 15. According to the exemplary embodiment, the vertical axis 15 is perpendicular to the main plane 4. Furthermore, the vertical axis 15 runs, in particular, through the point of the respective structural element 7 furthest from the main plane 4 and / or from the support element 2. The structural elements 7 are configured with an axial spacing 16 between the vertical axes 15 of the structural elements 7 of less than 180 µm, preferably less than 150 µm, more preferably less than 130 µm, and in particular less than 100 µm. Preferably, the axial spacing 16 is at least 50 µm, more preferably 80 µm, and in particular 100 µm.

[0072] The structural elements of the plurality of structural elements 7 are arranged directly adjacent to one another, i.e., the distance between the structural elements 7 is essentially zero. Preferably, the structural elements 7 are arranged directly adjacent to one another in two dimensions, particularly parallel to the main plane. However, the structural elements 7 can also be directly adjacent to one another in only one dimension, as is the case in Fig. 2 shown.

[0073] The structural elements of the multitude of structural elements 7 are aligned in particular as a uniform grid 17 to each other.

[0074] The personalization layer 6 is preferably applied only with colored color particles 18. In comparison to the colored color particles 18, the remaining achromatic color particles 19, in particular the black color particles, are preferably not applied to the surface 3, but rather integrated or embedded in the carrier element 2.

[0075] Personalization area 5 extends only partially over surface 3. Alternatively, personalization area 5 can also extend completely over the entire surface 3.

[0076] The main plane 4 is arranged in particular in the plane of the main surface 11 or the intersection surface 13.

[0077] The basic idea of ​​security document 1 is to create personalization layer 6, which on the one hand allows the use of standard inkjet inks with less good adhesion to surface 3 or to the substrate (card surface or document surface), but also allows polycore inks with very good adhesion to the substrate and at the same time can demonstrate a high stability of the personalization or personalization layer 6 against mechanical and / or chemical influences.

[0078] The security document 1 and a method for producing the security document 1 can increase the long-term durability of cards and identity documents with external personalization or personalization layer 6.

[0079] Furthermore, the security document 1 can be made more forgery-proof by means of the numerous structural elements 7. Known security documents are often forged by overwriting an original personalization layer with a new personalization layer. In the embodiment of security document 1 with the structural elements 7, overwriting the existing personalization layer 6 causes the structural elements 7 to at least partially melt or be at least partially compressed. Such a forgery can then be detected more easily than if a known security document is simply overwritten.

[0080] According to Fig. 3 The structural elements 7, or the multitude of structural elements 7, are each formed as the spherical segment 12, and the main plane 4 runs at least partially in the surface 3 of the support element 2 outside the personalization area 5. According to Fig. 4 The structural elements 7, or the multitude of structural elements 7, are each formed as the semicircular beam 10. The main plane 4 runs at least partially, in particular parallel, offset to the surface 3 of the support element 2 outside the personalization area 5. However, it is also possible that the formation of the structural elements of Fig. 3 with the surface 3 outside the personalization area 5 of Fig. 4 is combined and that the formation of the structural elements of Fig. 4 with the surface 3 outside the personalization area 5 of Fig. 3 is combined.

[0081] According to a further embodiment, the personalization layer 6 is designed as a flip image 20. The flip image 20 displays changing information depending on the viewing angle of the personalization layer 6. The flip image 20 has, in particular, at least two different images 21, 22. The images 21, 22 are preferably designed such that a first image 21 is visible if a second image 22 is obscured by the plurality of structural elements 7, and vice versa. The first image 21 is, in particular, applied to a first side surface 23 of the respective structural elements 7, and the second image 22 is, in particular, applied to a second side surface 24 of the respective structural elements 7, wherein the first side surface 23 is arranged substantially opposite the second side surface 24.

Claims

1. A security document (1) having a carrier element (2) that comprises a surface (3) having a main plane (4) and a personalization region (5), a personalization layer (6) being applied to the surface (3) in the personalization region (5), the surface (3) of the carrier element (2) being formed having, in the personalization region (5), a plurality of structural elements (7) that are oriented uniformly and that are elevated with respect to the main plane (4), the structural elements (7) being formed having an axis spacing (16) of less than 250 µm between vertical axes (15) of the respective structural elements (7), the personalization layer (6) lying above the structural elements (7), such that the structural elements (7) are overlaid by the personalization layer (6), characterized in that the structural elements of the plurality of structural elements (7) are formed to be immediately adjacent to each other, in that the personalization layer (6) is applied only with colored ink particles without black ink particles and an associated black component is introduced into the interior of the carrier element (2), and in that a respective structural element of the plurality of structural elements (7) is at least partially transparent and formed as an optical lens.

2. The security document (1) according to claim 1, at least one structural element of the plurality of structural elements (7) at least partially comprising, in cross section perpendicular to the main plane (4), an arcuate contour (8).

3. The security document (1) according to claim 2, the arcuate contour (8) being formed having a radius (9) of at most 125 µm.

4. The security document (1) according to one of the preceding claims, at least one structural element of the plurality of structural elements (7) being formed to be dome shaped on the side facing away from the carrier element (2).

5. The security document (1) according to one of the preceding claims, at least one structural element of the plurality of structural elements (7) being formed as a spherical segment (12) and the interface (13) of the spherical segment (12) facing the carrier element (2).

6. The security document (1) according to one of claims 1 to 3, at least one structural element of the plurality of structural elements (7) being formed as a semicircular bar (10).

7. The security document (1) according to one of the preceding claims, the personalization layer being at least partially formed as a tilt image.

8. The security document (1) according to one of the preceding claims, the structural elements of the plurality of structural elements (7) each comprising a height (14) of 10 µm to 60 µm with respect to the main plane.

9. The security document (1) according to one of the preceding claims, the structural elements of the plurality of structural elements (7) being oriented as a uniform grid (17).

10. A method for manufacturing a security document (1) having a wear-protected personalization layer (6), having the following steps: a) providing a carrier element (2) having a surface (3) and a main plane (4); b) specifying a personalization region (5) of the surface (3) having a plurality of structural elements (7) that are oriented uniformly, immediately adjacent to each other and elevated with respect to the main plane (4) having an axis spacing (16) of less than 250 µm between vertical axes (15) of the respective structural elements (7); c) applying the personalization layer (6) to the surface (3) having the elevated structural elements (7) in the personalization region (5); and d) providing the security document (1) having the carrier element (2) and the applied personalization layer (6), the personalization layer (6) being applied only with colored ink particles without black ink particles and an associated black component being introduced into the interior of the carrier element (2), and a respective structural element of the plurality of structural elements (7) being at least partially transparent and formed as an optical lens.

11. The method according to claim 10, the plurality of elevated structural elements (7) being formed by lamination to the carrier element (2).