Numerator for printing a document

Abstract

The invention relates to a method (100) for producing a document having a security feature. The document has a substrate. The method (100) comprises a first step (101) in which ink is picked up using a numerator. The numerator has a first number stamp and a second number stamp. The first number stamp has a first planar surface which surrounds a first recess structure. The first recess structure forms a first number. The second number stamp has a second planar surface which surrounds a second recess structure. The second recess structure forms a second number. The first planar surface and the second planar surface are covered with printing ink. The first recess structure and the second recess structure must be kept free from the printing ink. The method (100) comprises a second step (103) in which the first number stamp and the second number stamp are placed on the substrate in order to print a negative of the first number and a negative of the second number on the substrate. The negative of the first number and the negative of the second number form the security feature and are each surrounded by a layer of colour.

Description

[0001] Counter for printing a document

[0002] The present invention relates to a method for producing a document with a security feature and a numbering machine for printing the document with a negative of a number sequence.

[0003] Documents such as banknotes can usually be numbered for registration and tracking purposes. Special machines can be used for this purpose, consisting of several mechanically or electrically controlled numbering units mounted on a numbering cylinder. The numbering units can comprise letterpress printing plates mounted on wheels, which are inked by an inking unit. The ink can then be transferred to the document.

[0004] It is therefore the object of the present invention to create an advantageous concept for printing a document with a security feature, in particular a number sequence.

[0005] This object is achieved by the features of the independent patent claims. Advantageous embodiments are the subject of the figures, the description, and the dependent patent claims.

[0006] According to a first aspect, the invention relates to a method for producing a document with a security feature, the document comprising a substrate, comprising: receiving printing ink by a numberer, the numberer comprising a first number stamp and a second number stamp, the first number stamp having a first flat surface surrounding a first depression structure, the first depression structure forming a first number, the second number stamp having a second flat surface surrounding a second depression structure, the second depression structure forming a second number, the first flat surface and the second flat surface being covered with printing ink, and the first depression structure and the second depression structure being kept free of the printing ink;and applying the first number stamp and the second number stamp to the substrate to print a negative of the first number and a negative of the second number on the substrate, wherein the negative of the first number and the negative of the second number form the security feature and are each surrounded by an ink layer;

[0007] This can prevent or make it more difficult to manipulate the security feature formed by the negatives and surrounded by a layer of color.

[0008] Analogously, in the aspects and embodiments listed above and below, in addition to negatives of the numbers, negatives of other characters, in particular alphanumeric characters such as letters, or, for example, characters according to the Unicode standard, can be used.

[0009] In one embodiment, the respective number can be represented by a number, a letter, or any character, in particular an alphanumeric character. Generally, the respective number can be a character of a typeface.

[0010] According to one embodiment, the substrate comprises one of the following: paper, at least one plastic such as polyethylene and / or polypropylene, in particular biaxially oriented polypropylene (BOPP), natural fibers, in particular cotton or wood. The substrate can further be coated, in particular, with at least one plastic, such as, in particular, polypropylene and / or polyethylene. The substrate can, in particular, be a fiber composite material.

[0011] According to one embodiment, the document is one of the following documents: an identity card, a passport, an access control card, an authorization card, a company card, a tax stamp, a ticket, a birth certificate, a driver's license, a motor vehicle registration document, or a means of payment, for example a banknote or a bank card or a credit card.

[0012] According to one embodiment, the first number stamp and the second number stamp are spaced apart from each other, wherein the method comprises a step of printing the substrate with a color mask to print a gap between the negative of the first number and the negative of the second number with ink. Thus, even with spaced-apart number stamps, the color mask can produce a continuous and gap-free print image. The color can be the printing ink or have the same shade as the printing ink to create a uniform print image.

[0013] According to one embodiment, the color mask forms a masking frame, wherein the masking frame has a first color-free masking window and a second color-free masking window, wherein the first masking window and the first number stamp are aligned with each other, wherein the first number stamp is placed on the substrate in the first masking window, and wherein the second number stamp is placed on the substrate in the second masking window, wherein the masking frame forms the color mask.

[0014] This allows the masking frame to precisely position the number stamps to form the security feature when printing on the substrate. For example, the number stamps can be placed at different distances from each other and / or vertically offset to create a characteristic shape for the security feature when printing on the substrate.

[0015] According to one embodiment, the substrate is printed with the color masking before or after the first numbering stamp and the second numbering stamp are placed on the substrate.

[0016] This means that the security feature can be created in two staggered passes of the substrate through a printing machine or in one pass each through two different printing machines.

[0017] According to one embodiment, the color masking is printed by offset printing or letterset printing.

[0018] This allows the color masking to be precisely transferred to the substrate. According to one embodiment, the printed color masking partially overlaps the respective color layer or is flush with the respective color layer.

[0019] If the printed color mask partially overlaps the respective ink layer (also known as "trapping"), a specific printed image of the security feature can be achieved that contains no unwanted ink-free areas. If the printed color mask is flush with the respective ink layer, a uniform color tone can be achieved in the printed image of the security feature.

[0020] According to one embodiment, the first number stamp and the second number stamp are placed on the substrate simultaneously.

[0021] This allows the negative of the number sequence to be transferred to the substrate in a printed text.

[0022] According to one embodiment, the respective color layer is opaque.

[0023] This allows the security feature to be printed with high contrast and sharpness.

[0024] According to one embodiment, after placing the first number stamp and the second number stamp on the substrate, the second number stamp is replaced by a third number stamp, wherein the third number stamp has a third flat surface surrounding a third recess structure, wherein the third recess structure forms a third number immediately following the second number.

[0025] This allows the security feature to comprise a unique number sequence that can be specifically assigned to a document. An immediately following number or character can be a next or previous number or character of the corresponding number or character alphabet.

[0026] According to one embodiment, the method comprises: receiving printing ink by the numberer, wherein the numberer has the first number stamp and the third number stamp, wherein the first flat surface and the third flat surface are covered with printing ink, and wherein the first depression structure and the third depression structure are kept free of the printing ink; and placing the first number stamp and the third number stamp on a further substrate of a further document to print the negative of the first number and a negative of the third number on the further substrate, wherein the negative of the first number and the negative of the third number form the security feature.

[0027] This can prevent or make it more difficult to tamper with the security feature of the other document, which is formed by the negatives and surrounded by a layer of color.

[0028] According to one embodiment, the numbering machine is controlled by a controller that controls the selection of the respective number stamps. The controller can select the respective number stamps randomly or according to a predetermined sequence.

[0029] According to a second aspect, the invention relates to a numbering machine for printing a document with a negative of a number sequence, having the following features: a first number stamp and a second number stamp, wherein the first number stamp has a first flat surface surrounding a first depression structure, wherein the first depression structure forms a first number, wherein the second number stamp has a second flat surface surrounding a second depression structure, wherein the second depression structure forms a second number, wherein the first flat surface and the second flat surface are coverable with printing ink, and wherein the first depression structure and the second depression structure form a negative form of the number sequence.

[0030] This can prevent or make it more difficult to manipulate the security feature formed by the negatives and surrounded by a layer of color.

[0031] According to one embodiment, the numbering machine is controlled by a controller that controls the selection of the respective number stamps. The controller can select the respective number stamps randomly or according to a predetermined sequence.

[0032] In one embodiment, the controller is part of the numerator.

[0033] According to one embodiment, the first number stamp and the second number stamp are arranged spaced apart from one another.

[0034] This allows the number stamps to be manipulated individually, for example moved or replaced.

[0035] According to one embodiment, the numberer comprises a third number stamp having a third flat surface, wherein the third flat surface surrounds a third recess structure, wherein the third recess structure forms a third number immediately following the second number, and wherein the second number stamp is automatically interchangeable with the third number stamp after a printing operation.

[0036] This allows the numerator to generate a variety of different number sequences specific to a printing process. An immediately following number or character can be a next or previous number or character of the corresponding number or character alphabet.

[0037] According to one embodiment, each number stamp is arranged to be rotatable, wherein the second number stamp and the third number stamp are arranged on a common rotation arrangement, and wherein the second number stamp is interchangeable with the third number stamp by rotation of the rotation arrangement.

[0038] This allows the number stamps to be exchanged efficiently. For example, the rotating device can comprise a plurality of additional number stamps to print the substrate with additional negatives. For example, the numbering machine can comprise a plurality of additional rotating devices, each comprising a plurality of additional number stamps, to exchange additional numbers in the number sequence. The embodiments mentioned for the subject matter of the first aspect are also embodiments for the subject matter of the second aspect.

[0039] The embodiments mentioned for the subject matter of the second aspect are also embodiments for the subject matter of the first aspect.

[0040] Further advantages and details of the invention are explained in more detail using the exemplary embodiments illustrated in the schematic figures. Herein:

[0041] Fig. 1 is a flowchart illustrating steps of a method according to an embodiment for producing a document with a security feature;

[0042] Fig. 2a is a schematic view of a counter for printing a document;

[0043] Fig. 2b is a schematic view of a substrate of a document with a negative of a number sequence;

[0044] Fig. 2c is a schematic view of a numerator with a third

[0045] number stamp;

[0046] Fig. 2d is a schematic view of another substrate of another

[0047] document with a negative of a number sequence;

[0048] Fig. 3a shows a color mask for printing on a substrate of a document; and

[0049] Fig. 3b shows a first, second and third combined print image of printed color masks and printed negatives of consecutive number sequences.

[0050] In the following description, reference is made to the accompanying figures, which form a part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and structural or logical changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. The following detailed description, therefore, is not to be taken in a limiting sense. Further, it is to be understood that the features of the various embodiments described herein may be combined with one another unless specifically indicated otherwise.

[0051] The aspects and embodiments of the present invention are described with reference to the figures, wherein like reference numerals generally refer to like elements. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of one or more aspects of the present invention.

[0052] Figure 1 shows a flowchart illustrating steps of a method 100 according to one embodiment for producing a document with a security feature. The document has a substrate 225, shown schematically in Figure 2b. The method comprises the use of a numbering machine 200, shown schematically in Figure 2a, for printing the document with a negative of a number sequence, shown schematically in Figure 2c. The method 100 is described in more detail below with reference to Figures 1, 2a, and 2b.

[0053] The method 100 comprises a first step 101 of receiving printing ink by the numbering device 200. The numbering device 200 has a first numbering stamp 201 and a second numbering stamp 203. The first numbering stamp 201 has a first flat surface 211 surrounding a first recessed structure 213. As shown in Figure 2a, the first flat surface 211 can completely surround the first recessed structure 213, in particular also areas enclosed by the first recessed structure 213. The first recessed structure 213 forms a first number of the number sequence.

[0054] The second number stamp 203 has a second flat surface 215 surrounding a second recessed structure 217. As shown in Figure 2a, the second flat surface 215 can completely surround the second recessed structure 217, in particular also areas enclosed by the second recessed structure 217. The second recessed structure 217 forms a second number of the number sequence.

[0055] The first flat surface 211 and the second flat surface 215 are covered with printing ink. The first recessed structure 213 and the second recessed structure 217, which form a negative form of the number sequence, are kept free of printing ink.

[0056] The method 100 further comprises a second step 103 of applying, in particular simultaneously applying, the first number stamp 201 and the second number stamp 203 to the substrate 225 in order to print a first negative 227 of the first number, shown in Figure 2b, and a second negative 229 of the second number onto the substrate 225. The first negative 227 of the first number and the second negative 229 of the second number form the security feature and are each surrounded by an ink layer. The respective ink layer can be opaque.

[0057] As shown in Figure 2a, the first number stamp 201 and the second number stamp 203 can be arranged spaced apart from one another. In addition to the first number stamp 201 and the second number stamp 203, the numbering device 200 can also comprise further number stamps 205-209. Figure 2a shows three additional number stamps 205-209 by way of example; however, the numbering device 200 can also comprise fewer than three or more than three additional number stamps 205-209. The additional number stamps 205-209 can represent additional numbers in the number sequence and / or additional alphanumeric characters, such as letters.

[0058] Figure 2b shows the negative of the number sequence on the substrate 225 of the document. As shown in Figure 2b, the first negative 227 of the first number and the second negative 229 of the second number can be arranged at a distance on the substrate 225. If the numbering machine 200 also includes the additional number stamps 205-209, the negative of the number sequence can include additional negatives 231-235. As shown in Figure 2b, the additional negatives 231-235 can also be arranged at a distance on the substrate 225. Figure 2c shows the numbering machine 200 according to an embodiment with a third number stamp 219 for producing a third negative 237 shown in Figure 2d on a further substrate 226 of a further document.

[0059] After the second step 103 of placing the first number stamp 201 and the second number stamp 203 on the substrate 225, the second number stamp 203 can be replaced, in particular automatically replaced, by the third number stamp 219. The third number stamp 219 can have a third flat surface 221 surrounding a third recessed structure 223. The third recessed structure 223 can form a third number that immediately follows the second number.

[0060] The method 100 may accordingly include a further step of receiving printing ink by the numbering device 200. Here, the numbering device 200 may have the first numbering stamp 201 and the third numbering stamp 219. The first flat surface 211 and the third flat surface 221 may be covered with printing ink, keeping the first recessed structure 213 and the third recessed structure 223 free of the printing ink.

[0061] The method 100 may subsequently include a further step of applying the first number stamp 201 and the third number stamp 219 to the further substrate 226 of the further document to print the first negative 227 of the first number and the third negative 237 of the third number on the further substrate 226. The first negative 227 of the first number and the third negative 237 of the third number may form a security feature of the further document.

[0062] Each number stamp 201-209, 219 can be arranged rotatably. The second number stamp 203 and the third number stamp 219 can be arranged on a common rotary assembly of the numbering machine 200. The second number stamp 203 can then be replaced by the third number stamp 219 by rotating the rotary assembly. Figure 3a shows a color mask 300 for printing on the document substrate. As already described for Figure 2a, the first number stamp 201 and the second number stamp 203 can be spaced apart from each other, creating a gap.

[0063] The method 100 may then include a further step of printing the substrate 225 with the color mask 300 to print the space between the first negative 227 of the first number and the second negative 229 of the second number with color. As shown in Figure 3a, the color mask 300 may form a masking frame 301. The masking frame 301 may have a first ink-free masking window 303 and a second ink-free masking window 305. The first masking window 303 and the first number stamp 201 may be aligned with each other. The first number stamp 203 may be placed on the substrate 225 in the first masking window 303, and the second number stamp 203 may be placed on the substrate 225 in the second masking window 305.

[0064] If the numbering machine 200 also includes the additional number stamps 205-209, the masking frame 301 can also include additional ink-free masking windows 307-311, which can be correspondingly aligned with the additional number stamps 205-209. The additional number stamps 205-209 can be placed on the substrate 225 of the document in the corresponding masking windows 307-311. An analogous procedure applies to the third number stamp 219 for printing the additional substrate 226 of the additional document. The third number stamp 219 can be correspondingly aligned with the second masking window 305 and placed on the substrate 225 in the second masking window 305.

[0065] The masking frame 301 can form the color mask 300. The substrate 225 can be printed with the color mask 300 before or after the first number stamp 201 and the second number stamp 203 are applied. Similarly, the additional substrate 226 can be printed with the color mask 300 before or after the first number stamp 201 and the third number stamp 219 are applied. The color mask 300 can be printed using an offset printing process or a letterpress printing process. If the substrate 225 or the additional substrate 226 only passes through a printing press to print the negative of the number sequence and the color mask 300, then the color mask 300 can preferably be printed before the number stamps 201-209, 219 are applied in order to achieve compatibility with a conventional printing press configuration.

[0066] Figure 3b shows a first, second, and third combined print image 313-317 of printed color masks 300 and printed negatives of consecutive number sequences. As shown in Figure 3b, the printed color mask 300 can partially overlap with the respective color layer or be flush with the respective color layer, so that no gap is created between the numbers of the number sequence. As shown in Figure 3b, the rotation device of the numbering machine 200 can include, in addition to the second rotatable number stamp 203 and the third rotatable number stamp 219, further number stamps for printing additional numbers on additional documents.

[0067] List of reference symbols

[0068] 100 Methods for producing a document with a security feature

[0069] 101 First process step: Picking up printing ink by a counter

[0070] 103 Second process step: Placing the first number stamp and the second number stamp on the substrate

[0071] 200 Counter

[0072] 201 First number stamp

[0073] 203 Second number stamp

[0074] 205-209 Further number stamps

[0075] 211 First flat surface

[0076] 213 First deepening structure

[0077] 215 Second flat surface

[0078] 217 Second deepening structure

[0079] 219 Third number stamp

[0080] 221 Third flat surface

[0081] 223 Third deepening structure

[0082] 225 Substrate of a document

[0083] 226 Further substrate of another document

[0084] 227 First Negative

[0085] 229 Second Negative

[0086] 231-235 Further negatives

[0087] 237 Third Negative

[0088] 300 Color Masking

[0089] 301 masking frames

[0090] 303 First masking window

[0091] 305 Second masking window

[0092] 307-311 Additional masking windows

[0093] 313 First merged print image

[0094] 315 Second merged print image

[0095] 317 Third merged print image

Claims

PATENT CLAIMS 1. A method (100) for producing a document with a security feature, the document comprising a substrate (225), comprising: Picking up (101) printing ink by a numbering machine (200), the numbering machine (200) having a first numbering stamp (201) and a second numbering stamp (203), the first numbering stamp (201) having a first flat surface (211) surrounding a first depression structure (213), the first depression structure (213) forming a first number, the second numbering stamp (203) having a second flat surface (215) surrounding a second depression structure (217), the second depression structure (217) forming a second number, the first flat surface (211) and the second flat surface (215) being covered with printing ink, and the first depression structure (213) and the second depression structure (217) being kept free of the printing ink; and Placing (103) the first number stamp (201) and the second number stamp (203) on the substrate (225) to print a negative (227) of the first number and a negative (229) of the second number on the substrate (225), wherein the negative (227) of the first number and the negative (229) of the second number form the security feature and are each surrounded by a layer of color.

2. The method (100) of claim 1, wherein the first number stamp (201) and the second number stamp (203) are spaced apart from each other, the method (100) comprising a step of printing the substrate (225) with an ink mask (300) to print a space between the negative (227) of the first number and the negative (229) of the second number with ink.

3. The method (100) according to claim 2, wherein the color mask (300) forms a masking frame (301), wherein the masking frame (301) has a first color-free masking window (303) and a second color-free masking window (305), wherein the first masking window (303) and the first number stamp (201) are aligned with each other, wherein the first number stamp (203) in the first Masking window (303) is placed on the substrate (225), and wherein the second number stamp (203) is placed on the substrate (225) in the second masking window (305), wherein the masking frame (301) forms the color mask (300).

4. The method (100) according to claim 2, wherein the substrate (225) is printed with the color mask (300) before or after the first number stamp (201) and the second number stamp (203) are placed on the substrate (225).

5. The method (100) according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the color masking (300) is printed by means of offset printing or letterset printing.

6. The method (100) of claim 3, 4 or 5, wherein the printed color mask (300) partially overlaps with the respective color layer or is flush with the respective color layer.

7. The method (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first number stamp (201) and the second number stamp (203) are placed on the substrate (225) simultaneously.

8. Method (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the respective color layer is opaque.

9. The method (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein after placing the first number stamp (201) and the second number stamp (203) on the substrate (225), the second number stamp (203) is replaced by a third number stamp (219), wherein the third number stamp (219) has a third flat surface (221) surrounding a third recess structure (223), wherein the third recess structure (223) forms a third number which immediately follows the second number.

10. The method (100) according to claim 9, comprising: receiving printing ink by the numbering device (200), wherein the numbering device (200) comprises the first numbering stamp (201) and the third numbering stamp (219), wherein the first flat surface (211) and the third flat surface (221) are covered with printing ink, and wherein the first recess structure (213) and the third recess structure (223) are kept free of the printing ink; and Placing the first number stamp (201) and the third number stamp (219) on a further substrate (226) of a further document to print the negative (227) of the first number and a negative (237) of the third number on the further substrate (226), wherein the negative (227) of the first number and the negative (237) of the third number form the security feature.

11. A numbering machine (200) for printing a document with a negative of a number sequence, comprising: a first number stamp (201) and a second number stamp (203), wherein the first number stamp (201) has a first flat surface (211) surrounding a first recessed structure (213), wherein the first recessed structure (213) forms a first number, wherein the second number stamp (203) has a second flat surface (215) surrounding a second recessed structure (217), wherein the second recessed structure (217) forms a second number, wherein the first flat surface (211) and the second flat surface (215) are coverable with printing ink, and wherein the first recessed structure (213) and the second recessed structure (217) form a negative form of the number sequence.

12. Numerator (200) according to claim 11, wherein the first number stamp (201) and the second number stamp (203) are arranged spaced apart from one another.

13. A numbering device (200) according to claim 11 or 12, comprising a third number stamp (219) having a third flat surface (221), the third flat surface (221) surrounding a third recessed structure (223), the third recessed structure (223) forming a third number immediately following the second number, and the second number stamp (203) being automatically replaceable by the third number stamp (219) after a printing operation.

14. A numbering machine (200) according to claim 13, wherein each number stamp (201, 203, 219) is arranged to be rotatable, wherein the second number stamp (203) and the third number stamp (219) are arranged on a common rotary assembly, and wherein the second number stamp (203) is interchangeable with the third number stamp (219) by rotating the rotary assembly.

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