Banknote having a banknote substrate and a security element, and method for checking a banknote

Abstract

A banknote (1) having a banknote substrate (2) and a security element (3), the banknote substrate (2) having a first security component (12) and the security element (3) having a second security component (13), with the first security component being designed to emit a first characteristic signal (14) outside of the visible wavelength range of the electromagnetic radiation upon excitation with electromagnetic radiation and the second security component being designed to emit a second characteristic signal (15) outside of the visible wavelength range of the electromagnetic radiation upon excitation with electromagnetic radiation, with the banknote (1) being designed to provide a third characteristic signal (16) by combining the first characteristic signal and the second characteristic signal. The characteristic signals (14, 15, 16) may be in the form of infrared radiation, UV radiation or terahertz radiation. The security element (3) can be a security film element (4, 6) connected to the banknote substrate by way of an adhesive connection (36), or a security thread (5) applied to the banknote substrate (2).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a banknote comprising a banknote substrate and a security element. The banknote substrate has a first security component, and the security element has a second security component. The first security component is configured to emit a first characteristic signal outside the visible wavelength range of electromagnetic radiation when excited by electromagnetic radiation, and the second security component is configured to emit a second characteristic signal, different from the first characteristic signal, outside the visible wavelength range of electromagnetic radiation when excited by electromagnetic radiation.Furthermore, the banknote is designed to emit a third characteristic signal, different from the first and second characteristic signals, by superimposing the first characteristic signal and the second characteristic signal.

[0002] Banknotes with security features are well-known. Banknotes are documents that serve as legal tender in a specific country or currency area, are issued by an authorized institution, and are denominated in a round nominal value of a currency unit. Security features make it more difficult to counterfeit or circulate banknotes without authorization. Security features are usually affixed to the banknote's substrate and take the form of foil security elements, such as holograms, or security threads.

[0003] Security features can be removed from the substrate by counterfeiters and applied to unauthorized substrates. This process is also known as harvesting.

[0004] The counterfeit assembled in this way is often not recognized as such by humans, even though the security element has been applied to a counterfeit substrate.

[0005] Machines are generally unable to detect this counterfeit, as foil strips typically do not contain machine-readable features. Therefore, the area around the foil strip is usually excluded from machine evaluation.

[0006] A system that automatically confirms authenticity when a genuine film is applied to a genuine substrate is not yet known.

[0007] FR 3 086 203 A1 discloses the preamble of claim 1.

[0008] The purpose of the invention is to create a banknote with a security element that is more secure and to create a method by which the banknote can be checked more securely.

[0009] This problem is solved according to the invention by a banknote and a method having the features according to the respective independent claims. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0010] A banknote according to the invention comprises a banknote substrate with a security element. The banknote substrate has, in particular over its entire surface, a first security component, and the security element has, in particular only partially, a second security component. In particular, the first security component is formed only in the banknote substrate. Furthermore, in particular, the second security component is formed only in the security element.The first security component is designed to emit a first characteristic signal outside the visible wavelength range when excited by electromagnetic radiation, particularly radiation outside the visible wavelength range. The second security component is designed to emit a second characteristic signal outside the visible wavelength range when excited by electromagnetic radiation, particularly radiation outside the visible wavelength range. This second characteristic signal is distinct from the first characteristic signal. Furthermore, the banknote is designed to provide a third characteristic signal by combining the first and second characteristic signals.

[0011] The invention is based on the understanding that reliable protection against counterfeiting can be created by the divided arrangement of the security components in the banknote substrate and in the security element, together with the provision, in particular superimposition, of the signals.

[0012] The basic idea is that the two security components work together and only when the joint effect is present, i.e., the third characteristic signal is present because the banknote substrate and the security element are connected as intended and the first and second signals complement each other, in particular overlap, can it be assumed that the banknote is not manipulated.

[0013] The separate, abusive use of the banknote substrate and security element, as is practiced, for example, in harvesting, is thus made significantly more difficult by the banknote according to the invention.

[0014] The first characteristic signal and / or the second characteristic signal and / or the third characteristic signal is specifically designed as a spectral signature. That is, the characteristic signals are formed specifically by absorption and / or reflection of selected spectral regions.

[0015] The combination of the first characteristic signal and the second characteristic signal, which leads to the third characteristic signal, is in particular the absorbing spectral range or reflecting spectral range taken together from the first characteristic signal and the second characteristic signal.

[0016] In particular, the first characteristic signal and the second characteristic signal have different forms. The different spectral signatures can then be used, for example, to determine whether the respective characteristic signal is present.

[0017] In another embodiment, the first characteristic signal and the second characteristic signal may be identical. It can then be determined, for example, via the detected intensity value whether the respective characteristic signal is present.

[0018] In particular, the security features are arranged one above the other. This means that a straight line perpendicular to the main surface of the banknote passes through the first security feature and the second security feature.

[0019] The first and second safety components can be arranged complementarily or alternatively, side by side. Furthermore, the first and second safety components can be arranged side by side without overlapping.

[0020] Furthermore, the first safety component and the second safety component can be arranged to overlap at least partially.

[0021] The first security component can be formed over the entire surface or only partially within the banknote substrate.

[0022] The second safety component can be formed over the entire surface or only partially within the safety element.

[0023] Preferably, the security element is designed as a security film element and is bonded to the banknote substrate by an adhesive bond. The security film element comprises a film which, for example, acts as a carrier. The structure of the security film element can be such that it includes at least one adhesive layer, an optically variable layer, a film layer, and / or a color-accepting layer. The second security component can be reliably formed within the security film element.

[0024] Furthermore, it is preferably provided that the security element is designed as a security thread and that the security thread is applied to the banknote substrate. The structure of the security thread can, for example, be multi-layered. The second security component can be reliably formed within the security thread.

[0025] Furthermore, it is preferably provided that the security element has a security varnish and that the second security component is formed, in particular, only within the security varnish. The security varnish can, for example, be designed as a protective varnish applied to an outer surface of the banknote, essentially forming the final or outermost layer. The protective varnish can also be applied to an outer surface of the security element to protect it. If the security element is then fraudulently removed from the banknote substrate, the protective varnish applied to the security element remains on the security element. If, after the fraudulent removal, the second security component is no longer superimposed on the first security component, this can be detected by the missing or falsified third signal.

[0026] Furthermore, according to the invention, the characteristic signals are designed as UV radiation, particularly in the wavelength range of 300 nm to 400 nm. It is advantageous that the UV radiation (UV = ultraviolet) is invisible to the human eye and is therefore a hidden security feature.

[0027] Alternatively, according to the invention, the characteristic signals are designed as terahertz radiation, in particular from 0.3 THz to 6 THz. The characteristic signals are preferably generated by active irradiation with terahertz radiation.

[0028] Furthermore, it is preferably provided that the second security component is integrated into the security element. Integrated means that the second security element is completely enclosed and embedded within the security element. This makes it difficult to separate the second security component from the security element without irreparably damaging the security element. This allows the banknote to be designed more securely.

[0029] Furthermore, it is preferably provided that the banknote substrate has an adhesive layer and that the first security feature is formed within this adhesive layer. The adhesive layer can also be referred to as a primer. The adhesive layer comprises, and in particular consists of, substances that form a strong physical or, more commonly, chemical bond at the interface of immiscible materials. This allows the banknote substrate to be more securely formed with the first security feature. The banknote can also be made more secure by forming the adhesive layer as a thin film, so that it is destroyed or damaged when the security feature is removed. This would also destroy or damage the first security feature, and the banknote substrate could no longer be easily reused by a counterfeiter.

[0030] Preferably, the first security component is formed across the entire surface of the adhesion-providing layer.

[0031] The banknote, especially the banknote substrate, can also be designed without an adhesive layer.

[0032] Furthermore, it is preferably provided that the first security component is formed superficially on the reverse side of the banknote substrate facing away from the security element. In particular, it is provided that the first security component is formed on the banknote substrate by means of a backside line. The backside line allows the first security component to be easily applied to the banknote substrate. The first signal can then penetrate the banknote substrate and superimpose itself on the second signal on the other side of the banknote substrate.

[0033] Furthermore, it is preferably provided that the first security component is, in particular completely, embedded in the banknote substrate. Preferably, the first security component is formed as a separate layer of the banknote substrate, for example in addition to a cotton layer or polymer layer.

[0034] Furthermore, it is preferably provided that the first security component is only partially formed on and / or in the banknote substrate. By being partially formed on and / or in the banknote substrate, the first security component can be more easily bonded to the banknote substrate. Moreover, the first security component can be attached to the banknote substrate in such a way that it detaches if the banknote is tampered with or the security element is removed. This makes the banknote more secure.

[0035] Furthermore, it is preferably provided that the banknote has an additional security component which, when excited by electromagnetic radiation, is designed to emit an additional characteristic signal, wherein the banknote is designed to emit the third characteristic signal by superimposing the first characteristic signal, the second characteristic signal, and the additional characteristic signal. The additional security component further enhances the security of the banknote. The additional characteristic signal is preferably emitted in the infrared spectral range.

[0036] The invention also relates to a method. In the method according to the invention, a banknote is tested with a banknote substrate and a security element. The banknote substrate has a first security component, and the security element has a second security component. In particular, the first security component is formed only in the banknote substrate. Furthermore, in particular, the second security component is formed only in the security element. The following steps are carried out: Excitation of the first security component with electromagnetic radiation, in particular with infrared radiation, and as a consequence, emission of a first characteristic signal outside the visible wavelength range of electromagnetic radiation, in particular within the infrared wavelength range; excitation of the second security component with electromagnetic radiation, in particular with infrared radiation, and as a consequence, emission of a second characteristic signal outside the visible wavelength range of electromagnetic radiation, in particular within the infrared wavelength range; reception of a third characteristic signal, which is formed by combining, in particular superposition, the first characteristic signal and the second characteristic signal, in particular within the infrared wavelength range, by a banknote-external verification device;and checking the banknote based on the received third characteristic signal.

[0037] Preferably, the safety components are excited by radiation outside the visible wavelength range, in particular by infrared radiation.

[0038] Additionally, it may also be provided that the safety components are excited with several different frequency bands outside the visible wavelength range, especially in the infrared wavelength range.

[0039] The preferred embodiments and their advantages presented with reference to the banknote according to the invention apply accordingly to the method according to the invention for testing a banknote and vice versa.

[0040] Further features of the invention can be found in the claims, the figures and the description of the figures.

[0041] Exemplary embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail below with reference to schematic drawings.

[0042] This shows: Fig. 1 a schematic representation of an embodiment of a banknote according to the invention with a banknote substrate and a security element, wherein the banknote substrate has a first security component and the security element has a second security component; Fig. 2 a schematic representation of a further embodiment of the banknote, wherein the banknote substrate has an adhesive layer and the first security component is formed in the adhesive layer; Fig. 3 a schematic detail representation of an embodiment of the security element; Fig. 4 a schematic detail representation of an embodiment of the banknote substrate and the security element; Fig. 5 a schematic detail representation of a further embodiment of the banknote substrate and the security element; Fig.6. A schematic detail view of a further embodiment of the banknote substrate and the security element; Fig. 7. A schematic sectional view of an embodiment of the banknote; and Fig. 8. A schematic representation of a further embodiment of the banknote.

[0043] In the figures, identical or functionally equivalent elements are given the same reference symbols.

[0044] Fig. 1 Figure 1 schematically shows an embodiment of a banknote 1. The banknote 1 has a banknote substrate 2 and at least one security element 3.

[0045] According to the exemplary embodiment, the banknote substrate 2 is designed as a cotton substrate. Alternatively, the banknote substrate 2 can also be designed as a polymer substrate.

[0046] According to the exemplary embodiment, the security element 3 is designed as a foil patch 4, security thread 5 and / or foil strip 6. The banknote 1 can therefore also have several security elements 3.

[0047] The foil patch 4 can be multi-layered and has a patch window area 7.

[0048] The safety thread 5 can be designed as a window safety thread and then, for example, have thread windows 8.

[0049] The foil strip 6 extends, for example, over the entire short side of the rectangular banknote 1. Furthermore, the foil strip 6 may have a strip window area 9.

[0050] The banknote 1 may still have security features such as a watermark 10 and / or a printing element 11.

[0051] The banknote substrate 2 has a first security component 12. The first security component 12 can, for example, be formed completely in the banknote substrate 2 and / or irreversibly on the banknote substrate 2.

[0052] The safety element 3 has a second safety component 13. The second safety component 13 can, for example, be formed entirely within the safety element 3 and / or be attached to the safety element 3 in a manner that is removable only by destruction.

[0053] In particular, the banknote 1 has several first security components 12 and / or several second security components 13.

[0054] The first safety component 12 and the second safety component 13 can be arranged side by side. Preferably, the distance between the safety components 12 and 13 depends on the resolution of a sensor, in particular a multispectral sensor, which detects the first signal 14 and the second signal 15. Preferably, the distance is then smaller than the minimum resolution of the sensor, so that both safety components 12 and 13 can be recorded with the same sensor element or array element of the sensor.

[0055] The first safety component 12 and the second safety component 13 can be arranged next to each other without overlap.

[0056] The first safety component 12 and the second safety component 13 can be arranged at least partially overlapping.

[0057] In particular, the first safety component 12 and the second safety component 13 are arranged one above the other.

[0058] The first safety component 12 emits a first characteristic signal 14 when irradiated with electromagnetic radiation, in particular radiation outside the visible wavelength range.

[0059] The second safety component 13 emits a second characteristic signal 15 when irradiated with electromagnetic radiation, in particular radiation outside the visible wavelength range.

[0060] The first characteristic signal 14 and / or the second characteristic signal 15 is in particular designed as a spectral signature.

[0061] The first safety component 12 and / or the second safety component 13 can, for example, be designed as a color that absorbs at least part of the infrared radiation, in particular.

[0062] For example, the first security component 12 and / or the second security component 13 can absorb one or more frequency ranges in the infrared spectral range, especially between 900 nm and 1400 nm wavelength, and thereby provide an individual spectral signature.

[0063] By combining the first characteristic signal 14 and the second characteristic signal 15, a third characteristic signal 16 is created.

[0064] The third signal 16 is in particular a combination, for example an addition, of the spectral signatures or of a frequency band or several frequency bands of the first characteristic signal 14 and the second characteristic signal 15.

[0065] For example, although this is not claimed, it facilitates understanding of the invention. The combination of the first characteristic signal 14 and the second characteristic signal 15 is as follows. If the first safety component 12 is irradiated, for example, with a wavelength of 900 nm to 1200 nm, the first characteristic signal 14 is generated, in which, for example, the spectral range between 940 nm and 970 nm is essentially absorbed. Thus, essentially only the remaining spectral range between 900 nm and 939 nm and 971 nm and 1200 nm is reflected by the first safety component 12. If the second safety component 13 is also irradiated, for example, with a wavelength of 900 nm to 1200 nm, the second characteristic signal 15 is generated, in which, for example, the spectral range between 970 nm and 1050 nm is essentially absorbed.The second safety component 13 essentially only reflects the remaining spectral range between 900 nm and 969 nm and 1051 nm and 1200 nm.

[0066] The third characteristic signal 16 is therefore, according to this example, characterized by the fact that radiation is provided unrestricted or unabsorbed essentially only in the spectral range from 900 nm to 939 nm and from 1051 nm to 1200 nm. In the remaining ranges, only a weaker intensity of electromagnetic radiation is provided.

[0067] The first security component 12 and the second security component 13 make the banknote 1 more secure, since a change or removal of one of the two security components 12, 13 leads to a change in the third characteristic signal 16 and thus a change can be reliably detected by machine.

[0068] Fig. 2 Figure 1 schematically shows another embodiment of banknote 1. The banknote substrate 2 has an adhesive layer 17.

[0069] The detention mediation layer 17 is specifically designed as a primer.

[0070] According to the exemplary embodiment, the safety element 3 is designed as a safety film element or film strip 6.

[0071] The detention mediation layer 17 has the first security component 12.

[0072] The foil strip 6 has the second security component 13.

[0073] In an overlap area 18, the adhesive layer 17 and the foil strip 6 overlap. As a result, the first security component 12 and the second security component 13 are at least partially superimposed there.

[0074] The third characteristic signal 16 is provided by the first characteristic signal 14 of the first safety component 12 and the second characteristic signal 15 of the second safety component 13, for example by superimposing or adding the first and second characteristic signals 14, 15 or the respective spectral signatures.

[0075] Fig. 3 Figure 1 schematically shows another embodiment with the adhesion promoter layer 17 and the foil strip 6. The foil strip 6 has the second security component 13. The adhesion promoter layer 17 has the first security component 12.

[0076] Furthermore, the foil strip 6 has a demetallized area 19, a metallized area 20 and a hologram 21.

[0077] Fig. 4 Figure 1 schematically shows another embodiment with the adhesive layer 17 and the foil strip 6. The foil strip 6 has the second security component 13. The adhesive layer 17 has the first security component 12.

[0078] The first safety component 12 and the second safety component 13 are also designed to overlap in the overlap area 18, in which the adhesive layer 17 and the foil strip 6 overlap.

[0079] Fig. 5 schematically shows another embodiment with the adhesion-promoting layer 17. The adhesion-promoting layer 17 is structured and multi-part according to the embodiment.

[0080] The detention mediation layer 17 has an optional recess 22.

[0081] Furthermore, the detention mediation layer 17 can provide information 23.

[0082] According to this embodiment, the adhesion-promoting layer 17 can additionally have the second security component 13.

[0083] Furthermore, the first security component 12 and the second security component 13 can also overlap in a primer overlap area 24, i.e. in an area in which a first part of the adhesion mediation layer 17 and a second part of the adhesion mediation layer 17 overlap.

[0084] Fig. 6 Figure 1 schematically shows another embodiment with the safety element 3. The safety element is designed as the foil strip 6, which is structured or multi-part.

[0085] According to the embodiment, the foil strip 6 has at least one partial area which, in addition to the second safety component 13, also has the first safety component 12.

[0086] In a foil overlap area 25, two partial areas of the foil strip 6 overlap.

[0087] Furthermore, the foil strip 6 can have a foil recess 26.

[0088] The foil strip can also contain foil information 27.

[0089] Fig. 7 schematically shows another embodiment of banknote 1 in cross-section.

[0090] The banknote substrate 2 comprises, in particular consists of, a substrate core 28, a substrate coating 29 and the adhesive layer 17.

[0091] The substrate coating 29 is designed in particular as an ink-receiving layer prior to printing. The substrate coating 29 can also include the first safety component 12.

[0092] The substrate core 28 can, for example, be a cotton core or a polymer core.

[0093] Furthermore, the banknote 1 features a front-side printing element 30 and / or a back-side printing element 31. The front-side printing element 30 and / or the back-side printing element 31 can, for example, be designed as a motif and / or a number.

[0094] Additionally or alternatively, the banknote substrate can also have a reverse side stripe 32. The first security component 12 can be formed in the reverse side stripe 32. The reverse side stripe 32 is formed in particular on a reverse side 38 of the banknote 1.

[0095] Banknote 1 may also have a varnish coating 33. The varnish coating 33 may be designed as a protective varnish.

[0096] Furthermore, the banknote 1 features the security element 3. The security element 3 can be designed, for example, as a foil patch 4, a security thread 5, or a foil strip 6. The security element can have a multi-layered structure and may, for example, include an optically variable layer 34, a foil layer 35, and / or an adhesive layer 36.

[0097] The security element 3, or one or more layers or elements of the security element, in particular the adhesive layer 36, the optically variable layer 34 and / or the film layer 35, comprises the second security component 13. The second security component 13 can be formed locally, in particular essentially only as a point, or over the entire surface of the security element 3.

[0098] The security element 3 can also have a security coating 33 on its outer surface. The security coating 33 can have the second security component 13.

[0099] Fig. 8 Figure 1 schematically shows another embodiment of banknote 1. Banknote 1 has two printing elements 11 with the first security component 12.

[0100] Additionally or alternatively, the banknote 1 also features a tonal printing element 37. The tonal printing element 37 may include the first security component 12.

[0101] Furthermore, the detention mediation layer 17 can be multi-part. At least one part of the detention mediation layer 17 can have the first security component 12 in addition to the second security component 13.

[0102] A banknote-external testing device 39 is shown schematically as a supplement or alternative.

Claims

1. Banknote (1) comprising a banknote substrate (2) and a security element (3), wherein the banknote substrate (2) has a first security component (12) and the security element (3) has a second security component (13), wherein the first security component (12) is designed, upon excitation with electromagnetic radiation, to emit a first characteristic signal (14) outside the visible wavelength range of the electromagnetic radiation, and the second security component (13) is designed, upon excitation with electromagnetic radiation, to emit a second characteristic signal (15) outside the visible wavelength range of the electromagnetic radiation, wherein the banknote (1) is designed to provide a third characteristic signal (16) by combining the first characteristic signal (14) and the second characteristic signal (15), characterized in that the characteristic signals (14, 15, 16) are designed as UV radiation or as terahertz radiation.

2. Banknote (1) according to Claim 1, wherein the security element (3) is designed as a security film element (4, 6) and is connected to the banknote substrate (2) by an adhesive-bonding connection (36).

3. Banknote (1) according to Claim 1, wherein the security element (3) is designed as a security thread (5) and the security thread (5) is applied to the banknote substrate (2).

4. Banknote (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the security element (3) has a security lacquer (33) and the second security component (13) is formed in the security lacquer (33).

5. Banknote (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the second security component (13) is integrated into the security element (3).

6. Banknote (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the banknote substrate (2) has an adhesion promoting layer (17) and the first security component (12) is formed in the adhesion promoting layer (17).

7. Banknote (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the first security component (12) is superficially formed on the rear side (38) of the banknote substrate (2) facing away from the security element (3).

8. Banknote (1) according to any of Claims 1 to 6, wherein the first security component (12) is formed in a manner embedded in the banknote substrate (2).

9. Banknote (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the first security component (12) is only partially formed on and / or in the banknote substrate (2).

10. Banknote (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the banknote (1) has an additional security component, which is designed, upon excitation with electromagnetic radiation, to emit an additional characteristic signal, wherein the banknote (1) is designed to emit the third characteristic signal (16) by superimposing the first characteristic signal (14), the second characteristic signal (15) and the additional characteristic signal.

11. Method for verifying a banknote (1), comprising a banknote substrate (2) and a security element (3), wherein the banknote substrate (2) has a first security component (12) and the security element (3) has a second security component (13), comprising the following steps: - exciting the first security component (12) with electromagnetic radiation and, as a result, emitting a first characteristic signal (14) outside the visible wavelength range of the electromagnetic radiation; - exciting the second security component (13) with electromagnetic radiation and, as a result, emitting a second characteristic signal (15) outside the visible wavelength range of the electromagnetic radiation; - receiving a third characteristic signal (16), which is formed by combining the first characteristic signal (14) and the second characteristic signal (15), by means of a banknote-external verifying device (39); and - verifying the banknote (1) on the basis of the third characteristic signal (16) received, wherein the characteristic signals (14, 15, 16) are designed as UV radiation or terahertz radiation.

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