Identification document with transparent window

Abstract

An identification document (1) has a substrate (5) and at least one transparent window (100) provided in the substrate (5). The substrate (5) is formed by a plurality of layers (10, 11) stacked on each other in a stacking direction (X). At least one layer (11) has a transparent base material (60) having a front side (FS) and a back side (BS). Further, the at least one layer (11) has a first opaque ink pattern (61) deposited on the front side (FS) of the transparent base material (60) and / or a second opaque ink pattern (62) deposited on the back side (BS) of the transparent base material (60). All the first and second opaque ink patterns (61, 62) are arranged such that they form, when viewed in the stacking direction (X), a continuous opaque area (70) covered by the opaque ink, and at least one transparent area (80), free of the opaque ink and surrounded by the continuous opaque area (70). The at least one transparent area (80) forms part of the at least one transparent window (100) of the substrate (5).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to identification documents. In particular, the present disclosure relates to identification documents with a transparent window and a method of manufacturing identification documents with a transparent window.Background

[0002] Identification documents are most commonly used to prove identity, to verify age, to access an asset (e.g., secure area, financial account, computing resource, etc.), to evidence driving privileges, to cash a check, and so on.

[0003] For the purposes of this disclosure, identification documents are broadly defined and may include, for example, credit cards, bank cards, phone cards, passports, driver's licenses, network access cards, employee badges, debit cards, security cards, visas, immigration documentation, national ID cards, citizenship cards, social security cards, security badges, certificates, identification cards, voter registration cards, police ID cards, border crossing cards, legal instruments or documentation, security clearance badges and cards, gun permits, gift certificates or cards, labels or product packaging, membership cards or badges, etc. Identification documents may sometimes be interchangeably referred to as "security documents", "ID documents", "credential documents", "security credentials", "photo- IDs", and "photo ID documents".

[0004] Identification documents may have a substrate which is formed by a stack of several layers, of which at least some are opaque layers. Opaque layers include an opaque material which prevents the transmission of light, especially visible light, through it. Therefore, it is not possible to see through an opaque layer with the human eye.

[0005] Identification documents may further have one or more transparent windows. A transparent window is a transparent portion provided in the (otherwise opaque) substrate. By means of a transparent window, it is possible to reveal what is positioned in or behind (underneath) the transparent window. A transparent window may be a "fully transparent window" which extends from one side of the substrate (such as the substrate's front side) to the opposite side of the substrate (such as the substrate's back side), i.e., extends through the entire substrate. Alternatively, the transparent window may be a "semi-transparent window" which extends from the one side of the substrate towards the opposite side of the substrate only partially through the substrate and not through the entire substrate.

[0006] To verify the identity of the identification document's holder, identification documents may be provided with personalized information, also referred to as indicia of identification or identification features of the document holder. Personalized information (indicium of identification) may include the full name, photograph, date of birth, signature of the identification document's holder, or a QR code on which personalized information of the identification document's holder are stored. The identification features may be positioned in the substrate such that they overlap with a transparent window, i.e., that they are visible through the transparent window. The identification feature may be arranged at any position in the fully transparent or the semi-transparent window. For example, in case of a semi-transparent window that extends from the substrate's front side towards the substrate's back side and ends within the substrate, the identification feature may be arranged adjacent to the end portion of the semi-transparent window within the substrate.

[0007] A known method to create a transparent window in a substrate of an identification document is the flowing method. In this method, the opaque layers are cut to create a hole. During lamination, the high temperature and pressure results in the adjacent clear layers flowing in the hole and completely filling it.

[0008] Another known method to create a transparent window in a substrate of an identification document is the punching technique using punching tools. This method includes the step of punching a hole in an opaque layer and the step of punching a transparent patch out of a transparent layer. The transparent patch is then used to refill the hole that was previously punched in the opaque layer. The opaque layer with the transparent patch is then stacked with other layers (transparent layers and / or further opaque layers with a transparent patch) to form a substrate of an identification document. The layers are stacked such that a transparent window is at least partly formed by the one or more transparent patches in the substrate.

[0009] Creating a transparent window on basis of the above-described methods is a very complex, time-consuming and costly process. Further, when using punching tools to create a transparent window, the shape of the transparent window in the substrate is limited by the available shapes of the punching tools.

[0010] The present disclosure is directed, at least in part, to improving or overcoming one or more aspects of prior systems.Summary of the Disclosure

[0011] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, an identification document has a substrate and at least one transparent window provided in the substrate. The substrate is formed by a plurality of layers stacked on each other in a stacking direction. At least one layer of the plurality of layers has a transparent base material having a front side and a back side. The at least one layer further has a first opaque ink pattern deposited on the front side of the transparent base material and / or a second opaque ink pattern deposited on the back side of the transparent base material. All the first and second opaque ink patterns are arranged such that they form, when viewed in the stacking direction, a continuous opaque area covered by the opaque ink, and at least one transparent area, free of the opaque ink and surrounded by the continuous opaque area. The at least one transparent area forms part of the at least one transparent window of the substrate.

[0012] In a second aspect of the present disclosure, a personalized identification document has an identification document according to the first aspect of this disclosure, and an identification feature such as a portrait or signature. The identification feature is at least partly positioned in one of the transparent windows of the substrate such that it is visible through that transparent window.

[0013] In a third aspect of the present disclosure of the present disclosure, a method of manufacturing an identification document includes the step of providing at least one ink coated layer. The step of providing an ink coated layer includes the steps of providing a transparent base material having a front side and a back side, and the step of applying a first opaque ink pattern on the front side of the transparent base material and / or a second opaque ink pattern on the back side of the transparent base material. The method of manufacturing an identification document further includes the step of forming a substrate by stacking multiple layers on each other. The multiple layers include the at least one ink coated layer. All the first and second opaque ink patterns of the at least one ink coated layer are arranged such that they form, when viewed in stacking direction of the substrate, a continuous opaque area covered by the opaque ink, and at least one transparent area formed within the continuous opaque area and not covered by the opaque ink. The at least one transparent area forms part of at least one transparent window provided in the substrate.

[0014] Other features and aspects of the present disclosure will be apparent from the following description and the accompanying drawings.Brief Description of the Drawings

[0015] Fig. 1 is a sectional view of a known identification document. Fig. 2 is a sectional view of an identification document according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. The identification document has two ink coated layers 11. Fig. 3 shows an exploded perspective view (Fig. 3 I) and a top view (Fig. 3 II) of the two ink coated layers 11 of Fig. 2. Fig. 4 is a schematic view of an identification document according to a further exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. The identification document has two ink coated layers 11. Fig. 5 shows an exploded perspective view (Fig. 5 I) and a top view (Fig. 5 II) of the two ink coated layers 11 of Fig. 4. Fig. 6 shows an exploded perspective view (Fig. 6 I) and a top view (Fig. 6 II) of two exemplary ink coated layers 11 according to the present disclosure. Fig. 7 I-VI shows exemplary shapes for the transparent area 80 formed by all the first and second opaque ink patterns of a substrate when viewed in stacking direction. Fig. 8 is a sectional view of an identification document according to a further exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 9 I-III show further exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. The identification documents have one ink coated layer 11. Fig. 10 I-II show further exemplary embodiments of identification documents according to the present disclosure. The identification documents have two ink coated layers. Fig. 11 shows a further exemplary embodiment of an identification document according to the present disclosure. The identification document has a transparent layer positioned between two ink coated layers 11. Fig. 12 shows a further exemplary embodiment of an identification document according to the present disclosure. The identification document has a semi-transparent window 100 and an identification feature 50 visible through the semi-transparent window. Detailed Description

[0016] The following is a detailed description of exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. The exemplary embodiments described herein are intended to teach the principles of the present disclosure, enabling those of ordinary skill in the art to implement and use the present disclosure in many different environments and for many different applications. Therefore, the exemplary embodiments are not intended to be, and should not be considered as, a limiting description of the scope of protection. Rather, the scope of protection shall be defined by the appended claims.

[0017] The present disclosure is based at least in part on the realization that the use of an opaque ink in combination with a transparent base material on which the opaque ink is selectively deposited (applied) may significantly simplify the process of creating a transparent window in a substrate of an identification document. Techniques such punching of a hole in an opaque layer to generate a transparent window are no longer required.

[0018] Further, it has been realized that the use of an opaque ink in combination with a transparent base material on which the opaque ink is selectively deposited may significantly increase the flexibility to form transparent windows in a substrate compared to known methods such as the punching technique. Size or shape limitations as well as limitations in the number of transparent windows as known from punching techniques may be overcome.

[0019] According to the present disclosure, the opaque ink is deposited (applied) on the transparent base material such that the opaque ink forms a pattern on the front side and / or back side of the transparent base material. A pattern formed on the front side of the transparent base material is referred to as "first opaque ink pattern". A pattern formed on the back side of the transparent base material is referred to as "second opaque ink pattern". All patterns of opaque ink are formed (arranged) such that in areas where a transparent window shall be positioned in the substrate, no opaque ink is provided.

[0020] In the context of the present disclosure, a layer including a transparent base material with a front side and a back side and further including a first opaque ink pattern (deposited on the front side of the transparent base material) and / or a second opaque ink pattern (deposited on the back side of the transparent base material) is referred to as an "ink coated layer". Accordingly, an ink coated layer includes a transparent base material provided with opaque ink deposited only on its front side, with opaque ink deposited only on its back side, or with opaque ink deposited on both, its front side and its back side.

[0021] In this disclosure, the meaning of the expression "transparent base material" is that essentially all light of a specific wavelength range is transmitted through the base material (preferably, a transmittance is more than 60%, more preferably more than 80%). In other words, the transparent base material allows the transmission of light of a specific wavelength range through it, i.e., the portions underneath the transparent material are not hidden, but visible (with regard to light of the specific wavelength range). The specific wavelength range may for example be visible light, and / or it may be IR light and / or UV light. The following materials may be used as transparent base material: polycarbonate (PC), PVC, Teslin or TPU. Such materials are well known in the industry.

[0022] In this disclosure, the meaning of the expression "opaque ink" is that essentially no light of a specific wavelength range is transmitted through the ink (preferably, a transmittance is less than about 40%, more preferably less than about 20%). In other words, the opaque ink prevents the transmission of light of a specific wavelength range through it, i.e., the portions underneath the opaque ink are not visible, but hidden (with regard to light of the specific wavelength range). The specific wavelength range may for example be visible light, and / or it may be IR light and / or UV light. The following materials may be used as opaque ink: UV-curable, solvent-based or water-based inks. The opaque ink may be of any color. The opaque ink may for example be of white color. White color provides a neutral background against which identification features such as a portrait or a signature may be displayed.

[0023] The identification may include only one or more first opaque ink patterns and / or one or more second opaque ink patterns. All the first and second opaque ink patterns are arranged within the substrate (stack of layers) of an identification document such that they form in combination, when viewed in the stacking direction, a continuous opaque area covered by the opaque ink and at least one transparent area.

[0024] "Continuous opaque area" means that all portions forming the opaque area are interconnected with each other. The continuous opaque area may also be referred to as "contiguous" or "connected" opaque area. "Continuous opaque area" does not refer to an area which has multiple opaque portions not interconnected with each other.

[0025] The at least one transparent area is free of the opaque ink (not covered by the opaque ink / without opaque ink) and is surrounded by the continuous opaque area. Being surrounded by the continuous opaque area means that the transparent area adjoins the continuous opaque area along its entire circumference. Being surrounded by the continuous opaque area in this disclosure also includes the case, in which not the entire circumference of the transparent area is adjacent to (adjoins) the continuous opaque area, but some circumferential sections of the transparent area are adjacent to an outer edge of the substrate. Such case may occur, for example, if a rectangular shaped transparent area is arranged in the outermost top right-hand corner of a rectangular shaped front side of a substrate. In this case, the upper and right-hand corners of the rectangular shaped transparent area is not adjacent to the continuous opaque area, but abuts the outer edge of the rectangular shaped front side of the substrate.

[0026] Each of the at least one transparent area may have a rectangular shape, a circular shape, an oval shape, a star shape or basically any other shape. By using an opaque ink in combination with a transparent base material on which the opaque ink is selectively deposited, the flexibility to form a transparent window in a substrate compared to known methods such as the punching technique is significantly increased. Also, it is possible to form sharp features as present for example in a star-shaped transparent area which are difficult to manufacture with the punching technique and are difficult to be maintained during lamination (using the flowing method). The opaque ink may be distributed with well-known printing techniques which allow to basically form any shape. This allows to precisely match the shape of the transparent window to other features such as a portrait positioned in the transparent window. In an exemplary embodiment, the at least one transparent area may not be completely transparent (free of opaque ink) but may have an opaque central section. To give an example: the transparent area may correspond to the letter "D". Opaque ink (such as white ink) is provided inside the letter "D" and forms an opaque central section of the transparent area. Such filled figures are not possible to manufacture with a plotter or punching tool.

[0027] The at least one transparent area forms part of the transparent window of the substrate. The transparent window also includes the portions of the transparent base material that are positioned underneath (above) the transparent area (when viewed in stacking direction). If the stack that forms the substrate has further transparent layers, portions of such transparent layers may be part of the transparent window as well. Accordingly, the transparent window is partly formed by the one or more transparent areas and partly formed by other portions of the substrate such as the portions of the transparent base material that are positioned underneath (above) the transparent area (when viewed in stacking direction)

[0028] For applying (depositing) the opaque ink on the transparent base material (front side and / or back side) standard techniques that are well known in the industry such as ink printing, screen printing, laser printing etc. may be used. Also, for forming a stack of multiple layers the skilled person may use well known processes in the industry.

[0029] According to an exemplary embodiment, the continuous opaque area extends over (covers) the entire area of the substrate when viewed in stacking direction (in top view) except for the at least one transparent area.

[0030] Such embodiment ensures that the transparency of the substrate is limited to the at least one transparent window.

[0031] The plurality of layers forming the substrate may be stacked on each other such that the stack of layers (the substrate) has a shape of a cuboid. The entire area of the substrate when viewed in stacking direction (in top view) in this case corresponds to a rectangular area., i.e., the front side or back side of each layer in top view.

[0032] The transparent area may be of any size. In an exemplary embodiment, the substrate has a transparent area covering 5-60%, preferably 15-55%, more preferably 25-50% of the entire area of the substrate when viewed in stacking direction (in top view).

[0033] According to an exemplary embodiment, the identification document has at least two opaque ink patterns, i.e., at least two first opaque ink patterns, at least two second opaque ink patterns or at least one first and one second opaque ink pattern. The continuous opaque area is covered in some areas by only one of the at least two opaque ink patterns, when viewed in stacking direction. In other words: the at least two opaque ink patterns are arranged to each other such that they cover at least partly different portions of the continuous opaque area when viewed in stacking direction, i.e., the at least two opaque ink patterns are arranged to each other such that they do not overlap at least in some portions of the continuous opaque area when viewed in stacking direction.

[0034] Opaque inks with good adhesion properties may be used to form the opaque ink patterns. However, portions covered with opaque ink may have worse adhesion properties compared to portions without opaque ink. Thus, the adhesion between two layers may be affected, if major portions of the contact area between the two layers are covered with opaque ink. For example, if all of the one or more transparent areas together cover 30% of the entire area of the substrate when viewed in stacking direction (in top view) and only a single opaque ink pattern is used to form the continuous opaque area which covers the entire area of the substrate when viewed in stacking direction (in top view) except for the 30% of the one or more transparent windows, such single opaque ink pattern would cover 70% of the entire area of the substrate in top view. In case the opaque ink has no good adhesion properties, this may lead to delamination issues. To reduce the risk of delamination issues, the opaque ink may be distributed such that it forms multiple opaque ink patterns, i.e., at least two first opaque ink patterns, at least two second opaque ink patterns or at least one first and one second opaque ink pattern. In this case, the multiple opaque ink patterns are arranged such that each of the first and / or second opaque ink patterns has portions (not including the at least one transparent area) in which no opaque ink is deposited, wherein these portions are covered by opaque ink of another first and / or second opaque ink pattern when viewed in stacking direction (i.e., the multiple opaque ink patterns are arranged to each other such that they do not overlap at least in some portions of the continuous opaque area when viewed in stacking direction). The portions in which no opaque ink is deposited may be used to properly adhere the layer to the adjacent layer. This embodiment ensures that an ink coated layer has good adhesion properties.

[0035] To reduce the risk of delamination issues, the following exemplary embodiments 1-4 are given:

[0036] According to exemplary embodiment 1, the substrate has one or more opaque ink patterns and each one of the one or more opaque ink patterns does not cover more than 40% of the entire area of the substrate in top view (stacking direction), i.e., the entire front side or back side of the transparent base material on which the opaque ink pattern is provided. This allows to prevent delamination issues.

[0037] According to exemplary embodiment 2, the substrate has two opaque ink patterns, i.e., either two first or two second or one first and one second opaque ink pattern. The two opaque ink patterns may be provided by one or more ink coated layers. In this case, each of the two opaque ink patterns may be formed such that it covers 40%-60% of the entire continuous opaque area, when viewed in stacking direction. Thus, sufficient portions not covered with opaque ink are provided on the one or more ink coated layers to ensure good adhesion properties. In the exemplary case, in which all of the at least one transparent area together cover 30% of the entire area of the substrate in top view and the entire continuous opaque area covers the remaining 70% of the entire area of the substrate in top view, only 40-60% of this 70% (28-42% of entire area of the substrate in top view) would be covered with each one of the opaque ink patterns.

[0038] According to exemplary embodiment 3, the substrate has three opaque ink patterns (either three first or three second or a combination of first and second opaque ink patterns). The three opaque ink patterns may be provided by two or more ink coated layers. In this case, each of the three opaque ink patterns may be formed such that it covers 20%-40% of the continuous opaque area, when viewed in stacking direction.

[0039] According to exemplary embodiment 4, the substrate has four opaque ink patterns (either four first or four second or a combination of first and second opaque ink patterns). The two opaque ink patterns may be provided by two or more ink coated layers. In this case, each of the four opaque ink patterns may be formed such that it covers 15%-35% of the continuous opaque area, when viewed in stacking direction.

[0040] In an embodiment with multiple opaque ink patterns, the multiple opaque ink patterns may at least partly overlap with one another or may be arranged adjacent to each other. In an exemplary embodiment, the at least two first opaque ink patterns, the at least two second opaque ink patterns or the one first and second opaque ink pattern overlap with each other in an overlap region. The overlap region has a width in the range of 100-400 micrometers, preferably in the range of 200-300 micrometers, when viewed in stacking direction. This dimension of the overlap region ensures that the continuous opaque area is reliably covered by opaque ink. It also ensures that the opaque ink is used in a material-saving manner.

[0041] To evenly distribute the opaque ink and thus to increase the adhesive properties of an ink coated layer, at least one of all the first and second opaque ink patterns may have multiple, non-interconnected portions. The first and second ink patterns may have any shape realizable with known printing techniques. Just to give an example, at least one of all the first and second opaque ink patterns may include a stripe pattern. To further increase the adhesive properties of the ink coated layer, the stripe pattern may include a plurality of stripes, the distance between adjacent stripes being in the range of 50-1000 micrometers. For such a distance between adjacent stripes, the portions between adjacent stripes in which no opaque ink is deposited may be used to properly adhere the ink coated layer to another layer.

[0042] According to an exemplary embodiment, the substrate further has an identification feature portion configured to be provided with an identification feature such as a portrait or signature, wherein the identification feature portion at least partly overlaps with one of the at least one transparent window when viewed in stacking direction.

[0043] The identification feature portion may for example be made of a material which is laser irradiable. On such material an identification features such as a signature may be laser printed to personalize the identification feature. The identification feature portion is positioned such that is at least partly visible through one of the at least one transparent window.

[0044] Fig. 1 is a sectional view on a known identification document. The identification document 1 includes a substrate 5. The substrate 5 is formed by five layers 9, 10, 15 stacked on each other in a stacking direction X. In this disclosure, the stacking direction is also referred to as the top-bottom direction (valid for all figures of this disclosure). The substrate 5 includes a transparent window 100 (a fully transparent window) extending through the entire substrate 5, i.e., from the top side to the bottom side of the substrate 5. The transparent window 100 is marked with a dashed line.

[0045] When counted from the substrate's top side to the substrate's bottom side, the first and fifth layers (outer layers) are transparent layers 9. The first and fifth layers 9 may for example be a transparent overlay. When counted from the substrate's top side to the substrate's bottom side, the second and fourth layers are transparent layers 10 provided with an identification feature. The identification feature 50 is illustrated in a simplified manner with a black line and may for example be a portrait, a signature, printed artwork (colored artwork of the card without the white color, the white color of the complete design being given by the white colored layer beneath) or the like. When counted from the substrate's top side to the substrate's bottom side, the third layer is an opaque layer 15. The opaque layer 15 may for example be a white PC layer. The opaque layer 15 has a through hole filled with a transparent patch 16. The transparent patch 16 forms part of the transparent window 100 of the substrate 5.

[0046] Fig. 2 is a sectional view on an identification document 1 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. The identification document 1 includes a substrate 5. The substrate 5 is formed by six layers 9, 10, 11 stacked on each other in a stacking direction X. The substrate 5 includes a transparent window 100 (a fully transparent window) extending through the entire substrate 5, i.e., from the top side to the bottom side of the substrate 5. The transparent window 100 is marked with a dashed line. When counted from the substrate's top side to the substrate's bottom side, the first and sixth layers (outer layers) are transparent layers 9, and the second and fifth layers are transparent layers 10 provided with an identification feature 50. The identification feature 50 is illustrated in a simplified manner with a black line and may be a portrait, a signature, printed artwork or the like. When counted from the substrate's top side to the substrate's bottom side, the third and fourth layers are ink coated layers 11. The third layer 11 includes a transparent base material 60 and a first opaque ink pattern 61 deposited on the front side FS of the transparent base material 60. The fourth layer 11 includes a transparent base material 60 and a second opaque ink pattern 62 deposited on the back side BS of the transparent base material 60. The first and second opaque ink patterns 61, 62 are arranged such that they form, when viewed in the stacking direction X, a continuous opaque area 70 covered by the opaque ink, and a transparent area 80. The transparent area 80 is free of the opaque ink. The transparent area 80 forms part of the transparent window 100 of the substrate 5.

[0047] Fig. 3 shows an exploded perspective view (Fig. 3 I) and a top view (Fig. 3 II) of the two ink coated layers 11 shown in Fig. 2. The other layers of Fig. 2 (first, second, fifth, sixth) are not shown in Fig. 3.

[0048] Fig. 3 Iis an exploded perspective view of the two ink coated layers 11 of the identification document 1 shown in Fig. 2. The sectional view shown in Fig. 2 extends along line A-A indicated for the upper ink coated layer 11 in Fig. 3 I. As shown in Fig. 3 I, the upper ink coated layer 11 includes a transparent base material 60 and a first opaque ink pattern 61 deposited on the top side (front side) of the transparent base material 60. The lower ink coated layer 11 includes a transparent base material 60 and a second opaque ink pattern 62 deposited on the bottom side (back side) of the transparent base material 60. Each of the first opaque ink pattern 61 and the second opaque ink pattern 62 is a continuous opaque area having a rectangular shape and a hole within the rectangular shape.

[0049] Fig. 3 II is a top view of the two ink coated layers 11 shown in Fig. 2. The first and second opaque ink patterns 61, 62 are arranged such that they form, when viewed in the stacking direction X, a continuous opaque area 70 covered by the opaque ink, and a transparent area 80. The second opaque ink pattern 62 is not visible as it is fully covered by the first opaque ink pattern 61. The transparent area 80 is free of the opaque ink and is surrounded by the continuous opaque area 70. The transparent area 80 has a rectangular shape. The continuous opaque area 70 covers the entire front side or entire back side of the two ink coated layers 11 when viewed in stacking direction X (in top view) except for the transparent area 80. The entire front side or entire back side of the two ink coated layers 11 corresponds to the entire area 90 of the substrate 5 (the stack of layers) when viewed in stacking direction (in top view).

[0050] Fig. 4 is a sectional view on an identification document 1 according to further exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. The identification document 1 includes a substrate 5. The substrate 5 is formed by six layers 9, 10, 11 stacked on each other in a stacking direction X. The substrate 5 includes a transparent window 100 (a fully transparent window) extending through the entire substrate 5, i.e., from the top side to the bottom side of the substrate 5. The transparent window 100 is marked with a dashed line.

[0051] When counted from the substrate's top side to the substrate's bottom side, the first and sixth layers (outer layers) are transparent layers 9, the second and fifth layers are transparent layers 10 provided with an identification feature, and the third and fourth layers are ink coated layers 11. The third layer 11 includes a transparent base material 60 having a front side FS and a back side BS. The third layer 11 further includes a first opaque ink pattern 61 deposited on the front side FS of the transparent base material 60. The first opaque ink pattern covers only portions (three portions) of the front side FS of the third layer 11. The fourth layer 11 includes a transparent base material 60 having a front side FS and a back side BS. The fourth layer 11 further includes a second opaque ink pattern 62 deposited on the back side BS of the transparent base material 60. The second opaque ink pattern covers only portions (two portions) of the back side BS of the fourth layer 11. The first and second opaque ink patterns 61, 62 are arranged such that they form, when viewed in the stacking direction X, a continuous opaque area 70 covered by the opaque ink, and a transparent area 80. The transparent area 80 is free of the opaque ink.

[0052] Fig. 5 shows an exploded perspective view (Fig. 5 I) and a top view (Fig. 5 II) of the two ink coated layers 11 shown in Fig. 4. The other layers of Fig. 4 (first, second, fifth, sixth) are not shown in Fig. 5.

[0053] Fig. 5 I is an exploded perspective view of the two ink coated layers 11 shown in Fig. 4. The sectional view shown in Fig. 4 extends along line B-B indicated for the upper ink coated layer 11 in Fig. 5 I As shown in Fig. 5 I, the upper ink coated layer 11 includes a transparent base material 60 and a first opaque ink pattern 61 deposited on the top side (front side) of the transparent base material 60. The first opaque ink pattern 61 is a stripe pattern, having three stripes. The lower ink coated layer 11 includes a transparent base material 60 and a second opaque ink pattern 62 deposited on the bottom side (back side) of the transparent base material 60. The second opaque ink pattern 62 is a stripe pattern, having three stripes, wherein one of the stripes is interrupted by a portion free of opaque ink. The portion free of opaque ink corresponds to the transparent area 80 as will be explained in Fig. 5 II.

[0054] Fig. 5 II is a top view of the two ink coated layers 11 shown in Fig. 4. The first and second opaque ink patterns 61, 62 are arranged such that they form, when viewed in the stacking direction X, a continuous opaque area 70 covered by the opaque ink, and a transparent area 80. The first and second opaque ink pattern are arranged such that they are positioned adjacent to one another and such that they cover different portions of the continuous opaque area 70. The transparent area 80 is free of the opaque ink and is surrounded by the continuous opaque area 70. The transparent area 80 has a rectangular shape. The continuous opaque area 70 covers the entire front side or back side of the two ink coated layers 11 when viewed in stacking direction X (in top view) except for the transparent area 80. The entire front side or entire back side of the two ink coated layers 11 corresponds to the entire area 90 of the substrate 5 (the stack of layers) when viewed in stacking direction (in top view).

[0055] Fig. 6 shows an exploded perspective view (Fig. 6 I) and a top view (Fig. 6 II) on two further, exemplary ink coated layers 11 according to the present disclosure. The ink coated layers 11 may be stacked with other layers to form the substrate 5 of an identification document according to the present disclosure, wherein such other layers are not shown.

[0056] Fig. 6 I is an exploded perspective view on two ink coated layers 11. The upper ink coated layer 11 includes a transparent base material 60 and a first opaque ink pattern 61 deposited on the top side (front side) of the transparent base material 60. The first opaque ink pattern 61 has a rectangular shape with a hole and two triangular shapes protruding away from the left side of the rectangular shape. The lower ink coated layer 11 includes a transparent base material 60 and a second opaque ink pattern 62 deposited on the bottom side (back side) of the transparent base material 60. The second opaque ink pattern 62 has two portions which are not interconnected with each other. The right portion has a rectangular shape. The left portion has a rectangular shape having two triangular shapes protruding from the right side of the rectangular shape towards the center of the rectangular shape.

[0057] Fig. 6 II is a top view on the two ink coated layers 11. The first and second opaque ink patterns 61, 62 are arranged such that they form, when viewed in the stacking direction X, a continuous opaque area 70 covered by the opaque ink, and a transparent area 80. The first and second opaque ink pattern are arranged such that they cover different portions of the continuous opaque area 70. The transparent area 80 is free of the opaque ink and is surrounded by the continuous opaque area 70. The transparent area 80 has an oval shape. The continuous opaque area 70 covers the entire front side or back side of the two ink coated layers 11 when viewed in stacking direction X (in top view) except for the transparent area 80. The entire front side or entire back side of the two ink coated layers 11 corresponds to the entire area 90 of the substrate 5 (the stack of layers) when viewed in stacking direction (in top view). The first and second opaque ink pattern 61, 62 overlap with each other in the overlap region 84. The overlap region has a constant width 85. The first opaque ink pattern and the second opaque ink pattern as described in Fig. 6 are to be understood as exemplary patterns to illustrate the flexibility in shaping of the patterns. Any patterns may be combined with each other as long as they together (combined) form a continuous opaque area when viewed in the stacking direction.

[0058] Fig. 7 I-VI shows exemplary shapes for the transparent area 80 formed by all the first and second opaque ink patterns of a substrate when viewed in stacking direction. Practically any shape can be realized, as the use of a transparent layer in combination with an opaque ink offers full flexibility in contrast to a punching tool. Fig. 7 I shows an oval-shape, Fig. 7 II shows a rectangular-shape, Fig. 7 III shows, Fig. 7 IV shows a H-shape, Fig. V shows a star-shape and Fig. VI shows a D-shape. In Fig. VI, the transparent area includes the transparent letter D and the opaque filling formed in the center of the letter D.

[0059] Fig. 8 is a sectional view on an identification document 1 according to further exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. The identification document 1 includes a substrate 5. The substrate 5 is formed by six layers 9, 10, 11 stacked on each other in a stacking direction X. The substrate 5 includes a transparent window 100 (a fully transparent window) extending through the entire substrate 5, i.e., from the top side to the bottom side of the substrate 5. The transparent window 100 is marked with a dashed line.

[0060] When counted from the substrate's top side to the substrate's bottom side, the first and sixth layers (outer layers) are transparent layers 9, and the second and fifth layers are transparent layers 10 provided with an identification feature 50. The identification feature 50 is illustrated in a simplified manner with a black line and may be a portrait, a signature, printed artwork or the like. The identification feature 50 provided on the fifth layer 10 is positioned at least partly in the transparent window 100 such that it is (at least partly) visible through the transparent window. When counted from the substrate's top side to the substrate's bottom side, the third and fourth layers are ink coated layers 11. The third layer 11 includes a transparent base material 60 and a first opaque ink pattern 61 deposited on the front side FS of the transparent base material 60. The first opaque ink pattern covers only portions of the front side FS of the third layer 11. The fourth layer 11 includes a transparent base material 60 and a second opaque ink pattern 62 deposited on the back side BS of the transparent base material 60. The second opaque ink pattern covers only portions of the back side BS of the fourth layer 11. The first and second opaque ink patterns 61, 62 are arranged such that they form, when viewed in the stacking direction X, a continuous opaque area 70 covered by the opaque ink, and a transparent area 80. The transparent area 80 is free of the opaque ink. The transparent area 80 forms part of the transparent window 100 of the substrate 5.

[0061] Fig. 9 I-III show further exemplary embodiments of identification documents according to the present disclosure. Each of the embodiments shown in Fig. 9 I-III include one ink coated layer 11 sandwiched between one transparent layer 11 on top and one transparent layer 11 on the bottom. Fig. 9 I-III differ in the number and shape of first respectively second patterns provided on the ink coated layer 11.

[0062] Fig. 9 Ihas a first opaque ink pattern 61 provided on the front side of the transparent base material 60 of the ink coated layer 11. The first opaque ink pattern 61 covers the entire front side except for the region of the transparent window 100.

[0063] Fig. 9 II has a first opaque ink pattern 61 provided on the front side of the transparent base material 60 of the ink coated layer 11 and has a second opaque ink pattern 62 provided on the back side of the transparent base material of the ink coated layer 11. Each of the first opaque ink pattern 61 and the second opaque ink pattern 62 cover the entire front side respectively back side except for the region of the transparent window 100.

[0064] Fig. 9 III has a first opaque ink pattern 61 provided on the front side of the transparent base material 60 of the ink coated layer 11 and has a second opaque ink pattern 62 provided on the back side of the transparent base material of the ink coated layer 11. Each of the first opaque ink pattern 61 and the second opaque ink pattern 62 cover only portions of the front side respectively back side.

[0065] Fig. 10 I-II show further exemplary embodiments of identification documents according to the present disclosure. Each of the embodiments shown in Fig. 10 I-II include two ink coated layers 11 sandwiched between one transparent layer 11 on top and one transparent layer 11 on the bottom. Fig. 10 I-II differ in the number and shape of first respectively second patterns provided on the two ink coated layers 11.

[0066] Fig. 10 Ihas a first opaque ink pattern 61 provided on the front side of the transparent base material 60 of the upper ink coated layer 11. Further, Fig. 10 I has a second opaque ink pattern 62 provided on the back side of the transparent base material 60 of the lower ink coated layer 11. Each of the first opaque ink pattern 61 and the second opaque ink pattern 62 cover only portions of the back side.

[0067] Fig. 10 II has a first opaque ink pattern 61 provided on the front side of the transparent base material 60 of the upper ink coated layer 11. Further, Fig. 10 I has a first opaque ink pattern 61 and a second opaque ink pattern 62 provided on the front side respectively the back side of the transparent base material 60 of the lower ink coated layer 11. All first and second opaque ink patterns cover only portions of the front side respectively the back side.

[0068] Fig. 11 shows a further exemplary embodiment of an identification document according to the present disclosure. The identification document includes two ink coated layers 11. Between the two ink coated layers 11, a transparent layer 9 is arranged. Instead of only one transparent layer 9, multiple transparent layers 9 may be positioned between two ink coated layers 11.

[0069] Fig. 12 shows a further exemplary embodiment of an identification document according to the present disclosure. The identification document 1 includes a substrate 5. The substrate 5 is formed by five layers 9, 11, 15 stacked on each other in a stacking direction X. The substrate 5 includes a transparent window 100 (a semi-transparent window) extending from the top side of the substrate towards the bottom side only over a part of the substrate. The transparent window 100 is marked with a dashed line. When counted from the substrate's top side to the substrate's bottom side, the third layer is an ink coated layer 11 with a first opaque ink pattern 61 and the fourth and fifth layers 15 are opaque layers. On the fourth layer 15, an identification feature 50 is positioned such that it overlaps with the transparent window 100 and is visible through the transparent window 100.

[0070] All features disclosed in the description and / or the claims are intended to be disclosed separately and independently from each other for the purpose of original disclosure as well as for the purpose of restricting the claimed invention independent of the composition of the features in the embodiments and / or the claims. All value ranges or indications of groups of entities disclose every possible intermediate value or intermediate entity for the purpose of original disclosure as well as for the purpose of restricting the claimed invention, in particular as limits of value ranges.List of references

[0071] 1identification document 5substrate 9transparent layer 10transparent layer provided with an identification feature 11transparent layer provided with a first and / or a second opaque ink pattern (ink coated layer) 15opaque layer 16transparent patch 50identification feature 60transparent base material 61first opaque ink pattern 62second opaque ink pattern 70continuous opaque area 80transparent area 84overlap region 85width of overlap region 90entire area of the substrate when viewed in stacking direction (in top view) 100transparent window BSback side FSfront side Xstacking direction

Examples

exemplary embodiment 1

[0036], the substrate has one or more opaque ink patterns and each one of the one or more opaque ink patterns does not cover more than 40% of the entire area of the substrate in top view (stacking direction), i.e., the entire front side or back side of the transparent base material on which the opaque ink pattern is provided. This allows to prevent delamination issues.

exemplary embodiment 2

[0037], the substrate has two opaque ink patterns, i.e., either two first or two second or one first and one second opaque ink pattern. The two opaque ink patterns may be provided by one or more ink coated layers. In this case, each of the two opaque ink patterns may be formed such that it covers 40%-60% of the entire continuous opaque area, when viewed in stacking direction. Thus, sufficient portions not covered with opaque ink are provided on the one or more ink coated layers to ensure good adhesion properties. In the exemplary case, in which all of the at least one transparent area together cover 30% of the entire area of the substrate in top view and the entire continuous opaque area covers the remaining 70% of the entire area of the substrate in top view, only 40-60% of this 70% (28-42% of entire area of the substrate in top view) would be covered with each one of the opaque ink patterns.

exemplary embodiment 3

[0038], the substrate has three opaque ink patterns (either three first or three second or a combination of first and second opaque ink patterns). The three opaque ink patterns may be provided by two or more ink coated layers. In this case, each of the three opaque ink patterns may be formed such that it covers 20%-40% of the continuous opaque area, when viewed in stacking direction.

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to identification documents. In particular, the present disclosure relates to identification documents with a transparent window and a method of manufacturing identification documents with a transparent window.Background

[0002] Identification documents are most commonly used to prove identity, to verify age, to access an asset (e.g., secure area, financial account, computing resource, etc.), to evidence driving privileges, to cash a check, and so on.

[0003] For the purposes of this disclosure, identification documents are broadly defined and may include, for example, credit cards, bank cards, phone cards, passports, driver's licenses, network access cards, employee badges, debit cards, security cards, visas, immigration documentation, national ID cards, citizenship cards, social security cards, security badges, certificates, identification cards, voter registration cards, police ID cards, border crossing cards, legal instruments or documentation, security clearance badges and cards, gun permits, gift certificates or cards, labels or product packaging, membership cards or badges, etc. Identification documents may sometimes be interchangeably referred to as "security documents", "ID documents", "credential documents", "security credentials", "photo- IDs", and "photo ID documents".

[0004] Identification documents may have a substrate which is formed by a stack of several layers, of which at least some are opaque layers. Opaque layers include an opaque material which prevents the transmission of light, especially visible light, through it. Therefore, it is not possible to see through an opaque layer with the human eye.

[0005] Identification documents may further have one or more transparent windows. A transparent window is a transparent portion provided in the (otherwise opaque) substrate. By means of a transparent window, it is possible to reveal what is positioned in or behind (underneath) the transparent window. A transparent window may be a "fully transparent window" which extends from one side of the substrate (such as the substrate's front side) to the opposite side of the substrate (such as the substrate's back side), i.e., extends through the entire substrate. Alternatively, the transparent window may be a "semi-transparent window" which extends from the one side of the substrate towards the opposite side of the substrate only partially through the substrate and not through the entire substrate.

[0006] To verify the identity of the identification document's holder, identification documents may be provided with personalized information, also referred to as indicia of identification or identification features of the document holder. Personalized information (indicium of identification) may include the full name, photograph, date of birth, signature of the identification document's holder, or a QR code on which personalized information of the identification document's holder are stored. The identification features may be positioned in the substrate such that they overlap with a transparent window, i.e., that they are visible through the transparent window. The identification feature may be arranged at any position in the fully transparent or the semi-transparent window. For example, in case of a semi-transparent window that extends from the substrate's front side towards the substrate's back side and ends within the substrate, the identification feature may be arranged adjacent to the end portion of the semi-transparent window within the substrate.

[0007] A known method to create a transparent window in a substrate of an identification document is the flowing method. In this method, the opaque layers are cut to create a hole. During lamination, the high temperature and pressure results in the adjacent clear layers flowing in the hole and completely filling it.

[0008] Another known method to create a transparent window in a substrate of an identification document is the punching technique using punching tools. This method includes the step of punching a hole in an opaque layer and the step of punching a transparent patch out of a transparent layer. The transparent patch is then used to refill the hole that was previously punched in the opaque layer. The opaque layer with the transparent patch is then stacked with other layers (transparent layers and / or further opaque layers with a transparent patch) to form a substrate of an identification document. The layers are stacked such that a transparent window is at least partly formed by the one or more transparent patches in the substrate.

[0009] Creating a transparent window on basis of the above-described methods is a very complex, time-consuming and costly process. Further, when using punching tools to create a transparent window, the shape of the transparent window in the substrate is limited by the available shapes of the punching tools.

[0010] The present disclosure is directed, at least in part, to improving or overcoming one or more aspects of prior systems.Summary of the Disclosure

[0011] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, an identification document has a substrate and at least one transparent window provided in the substrate. The substrate is formed by a plurality of layers stacked on each other in a stacking direction. At least one layer of the plurality of layers has a transparent base material having a front side and a back side. The at least one layer further has a first opaque ink pattern deposited on the front side of the transparent base material and / or a second opaque ink pattern deposited on the back side of the transparent base material. All the first and second opaque ink patterns are arranged such that they form, when viewed in the stacking direction, a continuous opaque area covered by the opaque ink, and at least one transparent area, free of the opaque ink and surrounded by the continuous opaque area. The at least one transparent area forms part of the at least one transparent window of the substrate.

[0012] In a second aspect of the present disclosure, a personalized identification document has an identification document according to the first aspect of this disclosure, and an identification feature such as a portrait or signature. The identification feature is at least partly positioned in one of the transparent windows of the substrate such that it is visible through that transparent window.

[0013] In a third aspect of the present disclosure of the present disclosure, a method of manufacturing an identification document includes the step of providing at least one ink coated layer. The step of providing an ink coated layer includes the steps of providing a transparent base material having a front side and a back side, and the step of applying a first opaque ink pattern on the front side of the transparent base material and / or a second opaque ink pattern on the back side of the transparent base material. The method of manufacturing an identification document further includes the step of forming a substrate by stacking multiple layers on each other. The multiple layers include the at least one ink coated layer. All the first and second opaque ink patterns of the at least one ink coated layer are arranged such that they form, when viewed in stacking direction of the substrate, a continuous opaque area covered by the opaque ink, and at least one transparent area formed within the continuous opaque area and not covered by the opaque ink. The at least one transparent area forms part of at least one transparent window provided in the substrate.

[0014] Other features and aspects of the present disclosure will be apparent from the following description and the accompanying drawings.Brief Description of the Drawings

[0015] Fig. 1 is a sectional view of a known identification document. Fig. 2 is a sectional view of an identification document according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. The identification document has two ink coated layers 11. Fig. 3 shows an exploded perspective view (Fig. 3 I) and a top view (Fig. 3 II) of the two ink coated layers 11 of Fig. 2. Fig. 4 is a schematic view of an identification document according to a further exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. The identification document has two ink coated layers 11. Fig. 5 shows an exploded perspective view (Fig. 5 I) and a top view (Fig. 5 II) of the two ink coated layers 11 of Fig. 4. Fig. 6 shows an exploded perspective view (Fig. 6 I) and a top view (Fig. 6 II) of two exemplary ink coated layers 11 according to the present disclosure. Fig. 7 I-VI shows exemplary shapes for the transparent area 80 formed by all the first and second opaque ink patterns of a substrate when viewed in stacking direction. Fig. 8 is a sectional view of an identification document according to a further exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 9 I-III show further exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. The identification documents have one ink coated layer 11. Fig. 10 I-II show further exemplary embodiments of identification documents according to the present disclosure. The identification documents have two ink coated layers. Fig. 11 shows a further exemplary embodiment of an identification document according to the present disclosure. The identification document has a transparent layer positioned between two ink coated layers 11. Fig. 12 shows a further exemplary embodiment of an identification document according to the present disclosure. The identification document has a semi-transparent window 100 and an identification feature 50 visible through the semi-transparent window. Detailed Description

[0016] The following is a detailed description of exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. The exemplary embodiments described herein are intended to teach the principles of the present disclosure, enabling those of ordinary skill in the art to implement and use the present disclosure in many different environments and for many different applications. Therefore, the exemplary embodiments are not intended to be, and should not be considered as, a limiting description of the scope of protection. Rather, the scope of protection shall be defined by the appended claims.

[0017] The present disclosure is based at least in part on the realization that the use of an opaque ink in combination with a transparent base material on which the opaque ink is selectively deposited (applied) may significantly simplify the process of creating a transparent window in a substrate of an identification document. Techniques such punching of a hole in an opaque layer to generate a transparent window are no longer required.

[0018] Further, it has been realized that the use of an opaque ink in combination with a transparent base material on which the opaque ink is selectively deposited may significantly increase the flexibility to form transparent windows in a substrate compared to known methods such as the punching technique. Size or shape limitations as well as limitations in the number of transparent windows as known from punching techniques may be overcome.

[0019] According to the present disclosure, the opaque ink is deposited (applied) on the transparent base material such that the opaque ink forms a pattern on the front side and / or back side of the transparent base material. A pattern formed on the front side of the transparent base material is referred to as "first opaque ink pattern". A pattern formed on the back side of the transparent base material is referred to as "second opaque ink pattern". All patterns of opaque ink are formed (arranged) such that in areas where a transparent window shall be positioned in the substrate, no opaque ink is provided.

[0020] In the context of the present disclosure, a layer including a transparent base material with a front side and a back side and further including a first opaque ink pattern (deposited on the front side of the transparent base material) and / or a second opaque ink pattern (deposited on the back side of the transparent base material) is referred to as an "ink coated layer". Accordingly, an ink coated layer includes a transparent base material provided with opaque ink deposited only on its front side, with opaque ink deposited only on its back side, or with opaque ink deposited on both, its front side and its back side.

[0021] In this disclosure, the meaning of the expression "transparent base material" is that essentially all light of a specific wavelength range is transmitted through the base material (preferably, a transmittance is more than 60%, more preferably more than 80%). In other words, the transparent base material allows the transmission of light of a specific wavelength range through it, i.e., the portions underneath the transparent material are not hidden, but visible (with regard to light of the specific wavelength range). The specific wavelength range may for example be visible light, and / or it may be IR light and / or UV light. The following materials may be used as transparent base material: polycarbonate (PC), PVC, Teslin or TPU. Such materials are well known in the industry.

[0022] In this disclosure, the meaning of the expression "opaque ink" is that essentially no light of a specific wavelength range is transmitted through the ink (preferably, a transmittance is less than about 40%, more preferably less than about 20%). In other words, the opaque ink prevents the transmission of light of a specific wavelength range through it, i.e., the portions underneath the opaque ink are not visible, but hidden (with regard to light of the specific wavelength range). The specific wavelength range may for example be visible light, and / or it may be IR light and / or UV light. The following materials may be used as opaque ink: UV-curable, solvent-based or water-based inks. The opaque ink may be of any color. The opaque ink may for example be of white color. White color provides a neutral background against which identification features such as a portrait or a signature may be displayed.

[0023] The identification may include only one or more first opaque ink patterns and / or one or more second opaque ink patterns. All the first and second opaque ink patterns are arranged within the substrate (stack of layers) of an identification document such that they form in combination, when viewed in the stacking direction, a continuous opaque area covered by the opaque ink and at least one transparent area.

[0024] "Continuous opaque area" means that all portions forming the opaque area are interconnected with each other. The continuous opaque area may also be referred to as "contiguous" or "connected" opaque area. "Continuous opaque area" does not refer to an area which has multiple opaque portions not interconnected with each other.

[0025] The at least one transparent area is free of the opaque ink (not covered by the opaque ink / without opaque ink) and is surrounded by the continuous opaque area. Being surrounded by the continuous opaque area means that the transparent area adjoins the continuous opaque area along its entire circumference. Being surrounded by the continuous opaque area in this disclosure also includes the case, in which not the entire circumference of the transparent area is adjacent to (adjoins) the continuous opaque area, but some circumferential sections of the transparent area are adjacent to an outer edge of the substrate. Such case may occur, for example, if a rectangular shaped transparent area is arranged in the outermost top right-hand corner of a rectangular shaped front side of a substrate. In this case, the upper and right-hand corners of the rectangular shaped transparent area is not adjacent to the continuous opaque area, but abuts the outer edge of the rectangular shaped front side of the substrate.

[0026] Each of the at least one transparent area may have a rectangular shape, a circular shape, an oval shape, a star shape or basically any other shape. By using an opaque ink in combination with a transparent base material on which the opaque ink is selectively deposited, the flexibility to form a transparent window in a substrate compared to known methods such as the punching technique is significantly increased. Also, it is possible to form sharp features as present for example in a star-shaped transparent area which are difficult to manufacture with the punching technique and are difficult to be maintained during lamination (using the flowing method). The opaque ink may be distributed with well-known printing techniques which allow to basically form any shape. This allows to precisely match the shape of the transparent window to other features such as a portrait positioned in the transparent window. In an exemplary embodiment, the at least one transparent area may not be completely transparent (free of opaque ink) but may have an opaque central section. To give an example: the transparent area may correspond to the letter "D". Opaque ink (such as white ink) is provided inside the letter "D" and forms an opaque central section of the transparent area. Such filled figures are not possible to manufacture with a plotter or punching tool.

[0027] The at least one transparent area forms part of the transparent window of the substrate. The transparent window also includes the portions of the transparent base material that are positioned underneath (above) the transparent area (when viewed in stacking direction). If the stack that forms the substrate has further transparent layers, portions of such transparent layers may be part of the transparent window as well. Accordingly, the transparent window is partly formed by the one or more transparent areas and partly formed by other portions of the substrate such as the portions of the transparent base material that are positioned underneath (above) the transparent area (when viewed in stacking direction)

[0028] For applying (depositing) the opaque ink on the transparent base material (front side and / or back side) standard techniques that are well known in the industry such as ink printing, screen printing, laser printing etc. may be used. Also, for forming a stack of multiple layers the skilled person may use well known processes in the industry.

[0029] According to an exemplary embodiment, the continuous opaque area extends over (covers) the entire area of the substrate when viewed in stacking direction (in top view) except for the at least one transparent area.

[0030] Such embodiment ensures that the transparency of the substrate is limited to the at least one transparent window.

[0031] The plurality of layers forming the substrate may be stacked on each other such that the stack of layers (the substrate) has a shape of a cuboid. The entire area of the substrate when viewed in stacking direction (in top view) in this case corresponds to a rectangular area., i.e., the front side or back side of each layer in top view.

[0032] The transparent area may be of any size. In an exemplary embodiment, the substrate has a transparent area covering 5-60%, preferably 15-55%, more preferably 25-50% of the entire area of the substrate when viewed in stacking direction (in top view).

[0033] According to an exemplary embodiment, the identification document has at least two opaque ink patterns, i.e., at least two first opaque ink patterns, at least two second opaque ink patterns or at least one first and one second opaque ink pattern. The continuous opaque area is covered in some areas by only one of the at least two opaque ink patterns, when viewed in stacking direction. In other words: the at least two opaque ink patterns are arranged to each other such that they cover at least partly different portions of the continuous opaque area when viewed in stacking direction, i.e., the at least two opaque ink patterns are arranged to each other such that they do not overlap at least in some portions of the continuous opaque area when viewed in stacking direction.

[0034] Opaque inks with good adhesion properties may be used to form the opaque ink patterns. However, portions covered with opaque ink may have worse adhesion properties compared to portions without opaque ink. Thus, the adhesion between two layers may be affected, if major portions of the contact area between the two layers are covered with opaque ink. For example, if all of the one or more transparent areas together cover 30% of the entire area of the substrate when viewed in stacking direction (in top view) and only a single opaque ink pattern is used to form the continuous opaque area which covers the entire area of the substrate when viewed in stacking direction (in top view) except for the 30% of the one or more transparent windows, such single opaque ink pattern would cover 70% of the entire area of the substrate in top view. In case the opaque ink has no good adhesion properties, this may lead to delamination issues. To reduce the risk of delamination issues, the opaque ink may be distributed such that it forms multiple opaque ink patterns, i.e., at least two first opaque ink patterns, at least two second opaque ink patterns or at least one first and one second opaque ink pattern. In this case, the multiple opaque ink patterns are arranged such that each of the first and / or second opaque ink patterns has portions (not including the at least one transparent area) in which no opaque ink is deposited, wherein these portions are covered by opaque ink of another first and / or second opaque ink pattern when viewed in stacking direction (i.e., the multiple opaque ink patterns are arranged to each other such that they do not overlap at least in some portions of the continuous opaque area when viewed in stacking direction). The portions in which no opaque ink is deposited may be used to properly adhere the layer to the adjacent layer. This embodiment ensures that an ink coated layer has good adhesion properties.

[0035] To reduce the risk of delamination issues, the following exemplary embodiments 1-4 are given:

[0036] According to exemplary embodiment 1, the substrate has one or more opaque ink patterns and each one of the one or more opaque ink patterns does not cover more than 40% of the entire area of the substrate in top view (stacking direction), i.e., the entire front side or back side of the transparent base material on which the opaque ink pattern is provided. This allows to prevent delamination issues.

[0037] According to exemplary embodiment 2, the substrate has two opaque ink patterns, i.e., either two first or two second or one first and one second opaque ink pattern. The two opaque ink patterns may be provided by one or more ink coated layers. In this case, each of the two opaque ink patterns may be formed such that it covers 40%-60% of the entire continuous opaque area, when viewed in stacking direction. Thus, sufficient portions not covered with opaque ink are provided on the one or more ink coated layers to ensure good adhesion properties. In the exemplary case, in which all of the at least one transparent area together cover 30% of the entire area of the substrate in top view and the entire continuous opaque area covers the remaining 70% of the entire area of the substrate in top view, only 40-60% of this 70% (28-42% of entire area of the substrate in top view) would be covered with each one of the opaque ink patterns.

[0038] According to exemplary embodiment 3, the substrate has three opaque ink patterns (either three first or three second or a combination of first and second opaque ink patterns). The three opaque ink patterns may be provided by two or more ink coated layers. In this case, each of the three opaque ink patterns may be formed such that it covers 20%-40% of the continuous opaque area, when viewed in stacking direction.

[0039] According to exemplary embodiment 4, the substrate has four opaque ink patterns (either four first or four second or a combination of first and second opaque ink patterns). The two opaque ink patterns may be provided by two or more ink coated layers. In this case, each of the four opaque ink patterns may be formed such that it covers 15%-35% of the continuous opaque area, when viewed in stacking direction.

[0040] In an embodiment with multiple opaque ink patterns, the multiple opaque ink patterns may at least partly overlap with one another or may be arranged adjacent to each other. In an exemplary embodiment, the at least two first opaque ink patterns, the at least two second opaque ink patterns or the one first and second opaque ink pattern overlap with each other in an overlap region. The overlap region has a width in the range of 100-400 micrometers, preferably in the range of 200-300 micrometers, when viewed in stacking direction. This dimension of the overlap region ensures that the continuous opaque area is reliably covered by opaque ink. It also ensures that the opaque ink is used in a material-saving manner.

[0041] To evenly distribute the opaque ink and thus to increase the adhesive properties of an ink coated layer, at least one of all the first and second opaque ink patterns may have multiple, non-interconnected portions. The first and second ink patterns may have any shape realizable with known printing techniques. Just to give an example, at least one of all the first and second opaque ink patterns may include a stripe pattern. To further increase the adhesive properties of the ink coated layer, the stripe pattern may include a plurality of stripes, the distance between adjacent stripes being in the range of 50-1000 micrometers. For such a distance between adjacent stripes, the portions between adjacent stripes in which no opaque ink is deposited may be used to properly adhere the ink coated layer to another layer.

[0042] According to an exemplary embodiment, the substrate further has an identification feature portion configured to be provided with an identification feature such as a portrait or signature, wherein the identification feature portion at least partly overlaps with one of the at least one transparent window when viewed in stacking direction.

[0043] The identification feature portion may for example be made of a material which is laser irradiable. On such material an identification features such as a signature may be laser printed to personalize the identification feature. The identification feature portion is positioned such that is at least partly visible through one of the at least one transparent window.

[0044] Fig. 1 is a sectional view on a known identification document. The identification document 1 includes a substrate 5. The substrate 5 is formed by five layers 9, 10, 15 stacked on each other in a stacking direction X. In this disclosure, the stacking direction is also referred to as the top-bottom direction (valid for all figures of this disclosure). The substrate 5 includes a transparent window 100 (a fully transparent window) extending through the entire substrate 5, i.e., from the top side to the bottom side of the substrate 5. The transparent window 100 is marked with a dashed line.

[0045] When counted from the substrate's top side to the substrate's bottom side, the first and fifth layers (outer layers) are transparent layers 9. The first and fifth layers 9 may for example be a transparent overlay. When counted from the substrate's top side to the substrate's bottom side, the second and fourth layers are transparent layers 10 provided with an identification feature. The identification feature 50 is illustrated in a simplified manner with a black line and may for example be a portrait, a signature, printed artwork (colored artwork of the card without the white color, the white color of the complete design being given by the white colored layer beneath) or the like. When counted from the substrate's top side to the substrate's bottom side, the third layer is an opaque layer 15. The opaque layer 15 may for example be a white PC layer. The opaque layer 15 has a through hole filled with a transparent patch 16. The transparent patch 16 forms part of the transparent window 100 of the substrate 5.

[0046] Fig. 2 is a sectional view on an identification document 1 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. The identification document 1 includes a substrate 5. The substrate 5 is formed by six layers 9, 10, 11 stacked on each other in a stacking direction X. The substrate 5 includes a transparent window 100 (a fully transparent window) extending through the entire substrate 5, i.e., from the top side to the bottom side of the substrate 5. The transparent window 100 is marked with a dashed line. When counted from the substrate's top side to the substrate's bottom side, the first and sixth layers (outer layers) are transparent layers 9, and the second and fifth layers are transparent layers 10 provided with an identification feature 50. The identification feature 50 is illustrated in a simplified manner with a black line and may be a portrait, a signature, printed artwork or the like. When counted from the substrate's top side to the substrate's bottom side, the third and fourth layers are ink coated layers 11. The third layer 11 includes a transparent base material 60 and a first opaque ink pattern 61 deposited on the front side FS of the transparent base material 60. The fourth layer 11 includes a transparent base material 60 and a second opaque ink pattern 62 deposited on the back side BS of the transparent base material 60. The first and second opaque ink patterns 61, 62 are arranged such that they form, when viewed in the stacking direction X, a continuous opaque area 70 covered by the opaque ink, and a transparent area 80. The transparent area 80 is free of the opaque ink. The transparent area 80 forms part of the transparent window 100 of the substrate 5.

[0047] Fig. 3 shows an exploded perspective view (Fig. 3 I) and a top view (Fig. 3 II) of the two ink coated layers 11 shown in Fig. 2. The other layers of Fig. 2 (first, second, fifth, sixth) are not shown in Fig. 3.

[0048] Fig. 3 Iis an exploded perspective view of the two ink coated layers 11 of the identification document 1 shown in Fig. 2. The sectional view shown in Fig. 2 extends along line A-A indicated for the upper ink coated layer 11 in Fig. 3 I. As shown in Fig. 3 I, the upper ink coated layer 11 includes a transparent base material 60 and a first opaque ink pattern 61 deposited on the top side (front side) of the transparent base material 60. The lower ink coated layer 11 includes a transparent base material 60 and a second opaque ink pattern 62 deposited on the bottom side (back side) of the transparent base material 60. Each of the first opaque ink pattern 61 and the second opaque ink pattern 62 is a continuous opaque area having a rectangular shape and a hole within the rectangular shape.

[0049] Fig. 3 II is a top view of the two ink coated layers 11 shown in Fig. 2. The first and second opaque ink patterns 61, 62 are arranged such that they form, when viewed in the stacking direction X, a continuous opaque area 70 covered by the opaque ink, and a transparent area 80. The second opaque ink pattern 62 is not visible as it is fully covered by the first opaque ink pattern 61. The transparent area 80 is free of the opaque ink and is surrounded by the continuous opaque area 70. The transparent area 80 has a rectangular shape. The continuous opaque area 70 covers the entire front side or entire back side of the two ink coated layers 11 when viewed in stacking direction X (in top view) except for the transparent area 80. The entire front side or entire back side of the two ink coated layers 11 corresponds to the entire area 90 of the substrate 5 (the stack of layers) when viewed in stacking direction (in top view).

[0050] Fig. 4 is a sectional view on an identification document 1 according to further exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. The identification document 1 includes a substrate 5. The substrate 5 is formed by six layers 9, 10, 11 stacked on each other in a stacking direction X. The substrate 5 includes a transparent window 100 (a fully transparent window) extending through the entire substrate 5, i.e., from the top side to the bottom side of the substrate 5. The transparent window 100 is marked with a dashed line.

[0051] When counted from the substrate's top side to the substrate's bottom side, the first and sixth layers (outer layers) are transparent layers 9, the second and fifth layers are transparent layers 10 provided with an identification feature, and the third and fourth layers are ink coated layers 11. The third layer 11 includes a transparent base material 60 having a front side FS and a back side BS. The third layer 11 further includes a first opaque ink pattern 61 deposited on the front side FS of the transparent base material 60. The first opaque ink pattern covers only portions (three portions) of the front side FS of the third layer 11. The fourth layer 11 includes a transparent base material 60 having a front side FS and a back side BS. The fourth layer 11 further includes a second opaque ink pattern 62 deposited on the back side BS of the transparent base material 60. The second opaque ink pattern covers only portions (two portions) of the back side BS of the fourth layer 11. The first and second opaque ink patterns 61, 62 are arranged such that they form, when viewed in the stacking direction X, a continuous opaque area 70 covered by the opaque ink, and a transparent area 80. The transparent area 80 is free of the opaque ink.

[0052] Fig. 5 shows an exploded perspective view (Fig. 5 I) and a top view (Fig. 5 II) of the two ink coated layers 11 shown in Fig. 4. The other layers of Fig. 4 (first, second, fifth, sixth) are not shown in Fig. 5.

[0053] Fig. 5 I is an exploded perspective view of the two ink coated layers 11 shown in Fig. 4. The sectional view shown in Fig. 4 extends along line B-B indicated for the upper ink coated layer 11 in Fig. 5 I As shown in Fig. 5 I, the upper ink coated layer 11 includes a transparent base material 60 and a first opaque ink pattern 61 deposited on the top side (front side) of the transparent base material 60. The first opaque ink pattern 61 is a stripe pattern, having three stripes. The lower ink coated layer 11 includes a transparent base material 60 and a second opaque ink pattern 62 deposited on the bottom side (back side) of the transparent base material 60. The second opaque ink pattern 62 is a stripe pattern, having three stripes, wherein one of the stripes is interrupted by a portion free of opaque ink. The portion free of opaque ink corresponds to the transparent area 80 as will be explained in Fig. 5 II.

[0054] Fig. 5 II is a top view of the two ink coated layers 11 shown in Fig. 4. The first and second opaque ink patterns 61, 62 are arranged such that they form, when viewed in the stacking direction X, a continuous opaque area 70 covered by the opaque ink, and a transparent area 80. The first and second opaque ink pattern are arranged such that they are positioned adjacent to one another and such that they cover different portions of the continuous opaque area 70. The transparent area 80 is free of the opaque ink and is surrounded by the continuous opaque area 70. The transparent area 80 has a rectangular shape. The continuous opaque area 70 covers the entire front side or back side of the two ink coated layers 11 when viewed in stacking direction X (in top view) except for the transparent area 80. The entire front side or entire back side of the two ink coated layers 11 corresponds to the entire area 90 of the substrate 5 (the stack of layers) when viewed in stacking direction (in top view).

[0055] Fig. 6 shows an exploded perspective view (Fig. 6 I) and a top view (Fig. 6 II) on two further, exemplary ink coated layers 11 according to the present disclosure. The ink coated layers 11 may be stacked with other layers to form the substrate 5 of an identification document according to the present disclosure, wherein such other layers are not shown.

[0056] Fig. 6 I is an exploded perspective view on two ink coated layers 11. The upper ink coated layer 11 includes a transparent base material 60 and a first opaque ink pattern 61 deposited on the top side (front side) of the transparent base material 60. The first opaque ink pattern 61 has a rectangular shape with a hole and two triangular shapes protruding away from the left side of the rectangular shape. The lower ink coated layer 11 includes a transparent base material 60 and a second opaque ink pattern 62 deposited on the bottom side (back side) of the transparent base material 60. The second opaque ink pattern 62 has two portions which are not interconnected with each other. The right portion has a rectangular shape. The left portion has a rectangular shape having two triangular shapes protruding from the right side of the rectangular shape towards the center of the rectangular shape.

[0057] Fig. 6 II is a top view on the two ink coated layers 11. The first and second opaque ink patterns 61, 62 are arranged such that they form, when viewed in the stacking direction X, a continuous opaque area 70 covered by the opaque ink, and a transparent area 80. The first and second opaque ink pattern are arranged such that they cover different portions of the continuous opaque area 70. The transparent area 80 is free of the opaque ink and is surrounded by the continuous opaque area 70. The transparent area 80 has an oval shape. The continuous opaque area 70 covers the entire front side or back side of the two ink coated layers 11 when viewed in stacking direction X (in top view) except for the transparent area 80. The entire front side or entire back side of the two ink coated layers 11 corresponds to the entire area 90 of the substrate 5 (the stack of layers) when viewed in stacking direction (in top view). The first and second opaque ink pattern 61, 62 overlap with each other in the overlap region 84. The overlap region has a constant width 85. The first opaque ink pattern and the second opaque ink pattern as described in Fig. 6 are to be understood as exemplary patterns to illustrate the flexibility in shaping of the patterns. Any patterns may be combined with each other as long as they together (combined) form a continuous opaque area when viewed in the stacking direction.

[0058] Fig. 7 I-VI shows exemplary shapes for the transparent area 80 formed by all the first and second opaque ink patterns of a substrate when viewed in stacking direction. Practically any shape can be realized, as the use of a transparent layer in combination with an opaque ink offers full flexibility in contrast to a punching tool. Fig. 7 I shows an oval-shape, Fig. 7 II shows a rectangular-shape, Fig. 7 III shows, Fig. 7 IV shows a H-shape, Fig. V shows a star-shape and Fig. VI shows a D-shape. In Fig. VI, the transparent area includes the transparent letter D and the opaque filling formed in the center of the letter D.

[0059] Fig. 8 is a sectional view on an identification document 1 according to further exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. The identification document 1 includes a substrate 5. The substrate 5 is formed by six layers 9, 10, 11 stacked on each other in a stacking direction X. The substrate 5 includes a transparent window 100 (a fully transparent window) extending through the entire substrate 5, i.e., from the top side to the bottom side of the substrate 5. The transparent window 100 is marked with a dashed line.

[0060] When counted from the substrate's top side to the substrate's bottom side, the first and sixth layers (outer layers) are transparent layers 9, and the second and fifth layers are transparent layers 10 provided with an identification feature 50. The identification feature 50 is illustrated in a simplified manner with a black line and may be a portrait, a signature, printed artwork or the like. The identification feature 50 provided on the fifth layer 10 is positioned at least partly in the transparent window 100 such that it is (at least partly) visible through the transparent window. When counted from the substrate's top side to the substrate's bottom side, the third and fourth layers are ink coated layers 11. The third layer 11 includes a transparent base material 60 and a first opaque ink pattern 61 deposited on the front side FS of the transparent base material 60. The first opaque ink pattern covers only portions of the front side FS of the third layer 11. The fourth layer 11 includes a transparent base material 60 and a second opaque ink pattern 62 deposited on the back side BS of the transparent base material 60. The second opaque ink pattern covers only portions of the back side BS of the fourth layer 11. The first and second opaque ink patterns 61, 62 are arranged such that they form, when viewed in the stacking direction X, a continuous opaque area 70 covered by the opaque ink, and a transparent area 80. The transparent area 80 is free of the opaque ink. The transparent area 80 forms part of the transparent window 100 of the substrate 5.

[0061] Fig. 9 I-III show further exemplary embodiments of identification documents according to the present disclosure. Each of the embodiments shown in Fig. 9 I-III include one ink coated layer 11 sandwiched between one transparent layer 11 on top and one transparent layer 11 on the bottom. Fig. 9 I-III differ in the number and shape of first respectively second patterns provided on the ink coated layer 11.

[0062] Fig. 9 Ihas a first opaque ink pattern 61 provided on the front side of the transparent base material 60 of the ink coated layer 11. The first opaque ink pattern 61 covers the entire front side except for the region of the transparent window 100.

[0063] Fig. 9 II has a first opaque ink pattern 61 provided on the front side of the transparent base material 60 of the ink coated layer 11 and has a second opaque ink pattern 62 provided on the back side of the transparent base material of the ink coated layer 11. Each of the first opaque ink pattern 61 and the second opaque ink pattern 62 cover the entire front side respectively back side except for the region of the transparent window 100.

[0064] Fig. 9 III has a first opaque ink pattern 61 provided on the front side of the transparent base material 60 of the ink coated layer 11 and has a second opaque ink pattern 62 provided on the back side of the transparent base material of the ink coated layer 11. Each of the first opaque ink pattern 61 and the second opaque ink pattern 62 cover only portions of the front side respectively back side.

[0065] Fig. 10 I-II show further exemplary embodiments of identification documents according to the present disclosure. Each of the embodiments shown in Fig. 10 I-II include two ink coated layers 11 sandwiched between one transparent layer 11 on top and one transparent layer 11 on the bottom. Fig. 10 I-II differ in the number and shape of first respectively second patterns provided on the two ink coated layers 11.

[0066] Fig. 10 Ihas a first opaque ink pattern 61 provided on the front side of the transparent base material 60 of the upper ink coated layer 11. Further, Fig. 10 I has a second opaque ink pattern 62 provided on the back side of the transparent base material 60 of the lower ink coated layer 11. Each of the first opaque ink pattern 61 and the second opaque ink pattern 62 cover only portions of the back side.

[0067] Fig. 10 II has a first opaque ink pattern 61 provided on the front side of the transparent base material 60 of the upper ink coated layer 11. Further, Fig. 10 I has a first opaque ink pattern 61 and a second opaque ink pattern 62 provided on the front side respectively the back side of the transparent base material 60 of the lower ink coated layer 11. All first and second opaque ink patterns cover only portions of the front side respectively the back side.

[0068] Fig. 11 shows a further exemplary embodiment of an identification document according to the present disclosure. The identification document includes two ink coated layers 11. Between the two ink coated layers 11, a transparent layer 9 is arranged. Instead of only one transparent layer 9, multiple transparent layers 9 may be positioned between two ink coated layers 11.

[0069] Fig. 12 shows a further exemplary embodiment of an identification document according to the present disclosure. The identification document 1 includes a substrate 5. The substrate 5 is formed by five layers 9, 11, 15 stacked on each other in a stacking direction X. The substrate 5 includes a transparent window 100 (a semi-transparent window) extending from the top side of the substrate towards the bottom side only over a part of the substrate. The transparent window 100 is marked with a dashed line. When counted from the substrate's top side to the substrate's bottom side, the third layer is an ink coated layer 11 with a first opaque ink pattern 61 and the fourth and fifth layers 15 are opaque layers. On the fourth layer 15, an identification feature 50 is positioned such that it overlaps with the transparent window 100 and is visible through the transparent window 100.

[0070] All features disclosed in the description and / or the claims are intended to be disclosed separately and independently from each other for the purpose of original disclosure as well as for the purpose of restricting the claimed invention independent of the composition of the features in the embodiments and / or the claims. All value ranges or indications of groups of entities disclose every possible intermediate value or intermediate entity for the purpose of original disclosure as well as for the purpose of restricting the claimed invention, in particular as limits of value ranges.List of references

[0071] 1identification document 5substrate 9transparent layer 10transparent layer provided with an identification feature 11transparent layer provided with a first and / or a second opaque ink pattern (ink coated layer) 15opaque layer 16transparent patch 50identification feature 60transparent base material 61first opaque ink pattern 62second opaque ink pattern 70continuous opaque area 80transparent area 84overlap region 85width of overlap region 90entire area of the substrate when viewed in stacking direction (in top view) 100transparent window BSback side FSfront side Xstacking direction

Examples

exemplary embodiment 1

[0036], the substrate has one or more opaque ink patterns and each one of the one or more opaque ink patterns does not cover more than 40% of the entire area of the substrate in top view (stacking direction), i.e., the entire front side or back side of the transparent base material on which the opaque ink pattern is provided. This allows to prevent delamination issues.

exemplary embodiment 2

[0037], the substrate has two opaque ink patterns, i.e., either two first or two second or one first and one second opaque ink pattern. The two opaque ink patterns may be provided by one or more ink coated layers. In this case, each of the two opaque ink patterns may be formed such that it covers 40%-60% of the entire continuous opaque area, when viewed in stacking direction. Thus, sufficient portions not covered with opaque ink are provided on the one or more ink coated layers to ensure good adhesion properties. In the exemplary case, in which all of the at least one transparent area together cover 30% of the entire area of the substrate in top view and the entire continuous opaque area covers the remaining 70% of the entire area of the substrate in top view, only 40-60% of this 70% (28-42% of entire area of the substrate in top view) would be covered with each one of the opaque ink patterns.

exemplary embodiment 3

[0038], the substrate has three opaque ink patterns (either three first or three second or a combination of first and second opaque ink patterns). The three opaque ink patterns may be provided by two or more ink coated layers. In this case, each of the three opaque ink patterns may be formed such that it covers 20%-40% of the continuous opaque area, when viewed in stacking direction.

Claims

1. An identification document (1) comprising: a substrate (5) formed by a plurality of layers (9, 10, 11) stacked on each other in a stacking direction (X), and at least one transparent window (100) provided in the substrate (5), at least one layer (11) of the plurality of layers (9, 10, 11) comprising: - a transparent base material (60) having a front side (FS) and a back side (BS), and - a first opaque ink pattern (61) deposited on the front side (FS) of the transparent base material (60) and / or a second opaque ink pattern (62) deposited on the back side (BS) of the transparent base material (60), wherein all the first and second opaque ink patterns (61, 62) are arranged such that they form, when viewed in the stacking direction (X), - a continuous opaque area (70) covered by the opaque ink, and - at least one transparent area (80), free of the opaque ink and surrounded by the continuous opaque area (70), the at least one transparent area (80) forming part of the at least one transparent window (100) of the substrate (5).

2. The identification document (1) according to claim 1, wherein the continuous opaque area (70) covers an entire area (90) of the substrate (5) except for the at least one transparent area (80), when viewed in the stacking direction (X).

3. The identification document (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the substrate (5) comprises a transparent area (80) covering 5-60%, preferably 15-55%, more preferably 25-50% of the entire area (90) of the substrate (5), when viewed in stacking direction (X).

4. The identification document (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each of the at least one transparent area (80) has a rectangular shape, a circular shape, an oval shape or a star shape.

5. The identification document (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the opaque ink is white in color.

6. The identification document (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising at least two first opaque ink patterns (61), at least two second opaque ink patterns (62) or at least one first and one second opaque ink pattern (61, 62), wherein the continuous opaque area (70) is covered in some areas by only one of the at least two first opaque ink patterns (61), the at least two second opaque ink patterns (62) or the at least one first and one second opaque ink pattern (61, 62), when viewed in the stacking direction (X).

7. The identification document (1) according to claim 6, wherein the at least two first opaque ink patterns (61), the at least two second opaque ink patterns (62) or the one first and one second opaque ink pattern (61, 62) overlap with each other in an overlap region (84), the overlap region (84) having a width in the range of 100-400 micrometers, preferably in the range of 200-300 micrometers, when viewed in the stacking direction (X).

8. The identification document (1) according to any one of claims 6 to 7, wherein at least one of all the first and second opaque ink patterns (61, 62) comprises multiple, non-interconnected portions.

9. The identification document (1) according to any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein at least one of all the first and second opaque ink patterns (61, 62) comprises a stripe pattern.

10. The identification document (1) according to claim 9, wherein the stripe pattern comprises a plurality of stripes, the distance between adjacent stripes being in the range of 50-1000 micrometers.

11. The identification document (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the substrate (5) further comprises an identification feature portion configured to be provided with an identification feature (50) such as a portrait or signature, wherein the identification feature portion at least partly overlaps with one of the at least one transparent window (100) when viewed in stacking direction.

12. A personalized identification document (1), comprising: an identification document according to any one of the preceding claims, and an identification feature (50) such as a portrait or signature, the identification feature (50) being at least partly positioned in one of the at least transparent windows (100) of the substrate (5) such that it is visible through that transparent window (100).

13. A method of manufacturing an identification document (1), comprising the steps of: providing at least one ink coated layer (11), the step of providing an ink coated layer (11) comprising the steps of: a) providing a transparent base material (60) having a front side (FS) and a back side (BS), and b) applying a first opaque ink pattern (61) on the front side (FS) of the transparent base material (60) and / or a second opaque ink pattern (62) on the back side (BS) of the transparent base material (60), and forming a substrate (5) by stacking multiple layers (9, 10 ,11) on each other, the multiple layers comprising the at least one ink coated layer (11), wherein all the first and second opaque ink patterns (61, 62) of the at least one ink coated layer (11) are arranged such that they form, when viewed in a stacking direction (X) of the substrate (5), a) a continuous opaque area (70) covered by the opaque ink, and b) at least one transparent area (80) formed within the continuous opaque area (70) and not covered by the opaque ink, the at least one transparent area (80) forming part of at least one transparent window (100) provided in the substrate (5).

Images