MACHINE AND METHOD FOR PRINTING SECURE DOCUMENTS IN COLOUR ON A PHOTOSENSITIVE SUBSTRATE

Abstract

This printing machine (1) comprises: - a color image projection device (9), including a display (10) and a color photographic lens (11), said image projection device being configured to display still data and title personalization data on the display and to print said still data and personalization data onto at least one photosensitive color negative film (8), and - means for transferring the image (14) from said photosensitive color negative film (8) to a positive film (3). Reference: Figure 1

Description

Title of the invention: MACHINE AND METHOD FOR PRINTING SECURE TITLES IN COLOR ON A PHOTOSENSITIVE MEDIUM Technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to machines for printing secure documents, in particular identity cards. Previous techniques

[0002] Printing machines which enable the printing of secure documents, for example identity cards, use several technologies, namely: - Laser engraving on a polycarbonate element; - Inkjet scanning printing, or thermal sublimation; or - Shooting an image displayed on a screen or projected by a video projector on a photosensitive medium and transferred to a non-photosensitive medium.

[0003] The technique using laser engraving is limited by the definition of the engravers and only produces black.

[0004] The inkjet or thermal sublimation printing technique is too slow to print color and continuous tone security backgrounds in addition to photos.

[0005] The photographic transfer technique uses black and white negatives.

[0006] These existing solutions are done in two phases.

[0007] During the first phase, a security background is deposited using a conventional printing process, offset or otherwise, in color, composed of lines, strokes, logos, curves, this security background constituting fixed data identical to all the titles to be reproduced, all of these elements not being reproducible by “office” type printing.

[0008] The second phase is a personalization phase implemented, on a title production machine, by laser engraving, by point-by-point scanning or by photographic transfer process of variable data “name, first name, date of birth, photos etc...”

[0009] These solutions, which require the successive printing of fixed data, require the storage of batches of titles in rolls or sheets on which the security background is printed. Statement of the invention

[0010] The invention aims to overcome at least some of the aforementioned drawbacks, including the storage of rolls of pre-printed titles.

[0011] The invention makes it possible in particular to avoid managing the disadvantages linked to the im- bearing produced during offset printing of security funds.

[0012] The invention eliminates the need to transport “sensitive” pre-printed rolls which are the cause of loss or theft.

[0013] In view of the above, the invention relates to a machine for printing color titles comprising:

[0014] - a color image projection device, comprising a display and a color photographic lens, said image projection device being configured to display fixed data and title personalization data on the display and for printing said fixed data and personalization data on at least one photosensitive color negative film, and

[0015] - means for transferring the image of said photo color negative film sensitive to a positive film.

[0016] The present invention consists of reproducing on a photosensitive medium, which will be transferred in the same machine onto a non-photosensitive medium, in a single pass, the entire image, including the fixed data and the variable data of a document, in color, “secure title” type.

[0017] These operations are carried out by taking pictures of the data displayed on a high definition screen, “4K or more” or by projecting onto said photosensitive medium the fixed image of the document to be reproduced, simultaneously comprising the fixed data such as the security background and the variable data such as the personalization of the document.

[0018] Preferably, the image transfer means comprise pressure rollers applying said negative film against the positive film.

[0019] The invention makes it possible to use the machine for any type of title to be manufactured: identity cards, residence permits, driving licenses, and..., without having to manage the stocks of rolls by simply changing the software application, and to propose a high-speed printing machine for secure titles, which is capable of producing from unprinted rolls in a single pass through the machine the fixed data known as “security background” and the variable data, civil status, photos and signature.

[0020] The image projection device, and in particular each image display device, comprises means for backlighting the display. These backlighting means are managed by the machine for the exposure times of the front and back images.

[0021] The management of front and back backlighting replaces the shutters of cameras.

[0022] Color control is done by reading three spots of color Red, Green, Blue displayed in the space between two titles to be produced. This control is done by a “line” camera at each stop between two poses of the machine. Corrections are made automatically, under the control of software embedded in the machine. The camera is positioned after the transfer of the negatives onto the positive.

[0023] An activator temperature management system continuously monitors and regulates bath temperatures during production.

[0024] Advantageously, the printing machine comprises two image projection devices associated respectively with a front color negative film and a back color negative film and the image transfer means apply said front and back negative films on either side of the positive film.

[0025] Advantageously, the machine includes a control system by reading, via a camera, color spots produced on the titles with automatic correction of gammas and brightness.

[0026] The invention uses color negatives on the front and back.

[0027] However, advantageously, the machine is compatible with the use of black and white photosensitive negatives.

[0028] The use of color negatives for printing fixed data, namely the security background, and variable data is made possible by continuous control of the reproduced colors and the temperature of the activator baths.

[0029] According to one embodiment, the machine comprises a roller for winding the positive film and the printing machine further comprises means for unwinding said positive film.

[0030] In one embodiment, the unwinding means comprise tensioning elements for guiding and keeping said films taut.

[0031] The machine may further comprise means for controlling the means for unwinding said positive film as a function of visual markers pre-printed on the positive film.

[0032] Advantageously, the display comprises a monitor with a resolution greater than or substantially equal to three thousand eight hundred and forty pixels by two thousand one hundred and sixty pixels.

[0033] Preferably, the machine comprises a reel for rewinding said negative film.

[0034] The invention also relates to a method comprising the following steps:

[0035] - in a darkroom, substantially simultaneous unwinding of positive and negative until a visual mark is detected on the positive film,

[0036] - in darkroom, display of fixed data (4) and variables of the secure title on the displays of an image projection device and projection via a color photographic lens of said image projection device of the image of said displays onto color negative films,

[0037] - in darkroom, pressing of negative films against the positive film until transfer an image from negative films to positive film,

[0038] - detachment of negative film from positive film. Brief description of the drawings

[0039] The invention will be better understood from a detailed study of an embodiment taken as a non-limiting example and illustrated by the appended drawings, in which:

[0040] [Fig-1] represents a printing machine according to the invention;

[0041] [Fig.2] represents a portion of a film film comprising printed fixed and variable data;

[0042] [Fig.3] represents the steps of implementation of the printing machine of [Fig.l]. Detailed description

[0043] [Fig.l] illustrates a printing machine 1 designed to produce continuous tone printing of secure documents 2, in particular identity cards, at a rate of at least eight hundred cards per hour, at a high speed.

[0044] The machine 1 is designed to receive a positive film 3 which may include a positioning spot 20 ([Fig.2]) if the positive film is equipped with an internal chip. Without an internal chip, the positive film is unprinted. Thus, the printing machine is intended to print the fixed data and the variable data of secure titles from an unprinted positive film and deliver as output a printed film comprising all the fixed and personalization data of the titles.

[0045] The machine 1 comprises a roller 5 for winding the positive film 3 and means 6 for unwinding said positive film 3, comprising in particular a motor 7 for driving the roll of positive film 5 in rotation.

[0046] The machine 1 also receives at least one photosensitive color negative film 8. Unlike the positive film 3, the negative film 8 is photosensitive.

[0047] The machine 1 further comprises an image projection device 9, comprising a display 10 and a color photographic lens 11.

[0048] The projector 9 makes it possible to emit an image 12, in color, from the display 10 onto the photosensitive negative film 8 via the lens 11 so as to produce a photographic color print of this image 12 on said film 8.

[0049] This results in continuous tone printing and not scanning, which prevents certain risks of falsification of titles.

[0050] The printing aims in particular to fix by photosensitivity fixed data 4 and the variable data 13 of the holder of the title 2 on the color negative 8, before transferring these data onto the positive film 3.

[0051] The variable data 13 includes, for example, an identity photograph and civil status data of the holder.

[0052] Advantageously, the display 10 comprises a high-resolution monitor, for example for example a “UHD-4K” type screen (for “ultra-high definition”), in particular with a resolution greater than or substantially equal to three thousand eight hundred and forty pixels by two thousand one hundred and sixty pixels, in order to produce particularly detailed prints.

[0053] Furthermore, the image projection device 9 may comprise backlighting means 14 for the display 10 and backlighting adjustment means, which makes it possible to act on the brightness.

[0054] The color control is carried out at each stop between two poses by a camera 23 reading three spots Red, Green, Blue 24 displayed on the image of the titles to be produced. This camera is placed at the output of the machine. Correction software acts on the gamma and on the brightness of the image displayed on the display 10.

[0055] The display 10 is capable of turning on and off at a high frequency and a large number of times, which makes it possible to avoid the use of a specific mechanical shutter, in particular a diaphragm shutter, which is particularly expensive and fragile at high usage frequencies.

[0056] The machine 1 further comprises means for transferring the image from the negative film to the positive film 14.

[0057] For example, the image transfer means 14 comprise pressure rollers 15 between which the films are clamped so as to apply the negative film 8 against the positive film 3.

[0058] Thus, thanks to the pressure rollers 15, the unwinding of the positive film 3 allows both that it receives an impression from the negative film 8 on which it is applied by the pressure rollers 15, and at the same time that the positive film 3 causes the unwinding of the negative film 8 to which it is locally joined by pressure.

[0059] The negative film 8 can be wound onto a unwinding roller 16 to facilitate its unwinding.

[0060] The machine 1 may further comprise rewind reels 17 for the negative films 8 to facilitate disposal.

[0061] Advantageously, the printing machine 1 comprises two identical image projection devices 9, each being associated respectively with a front color negative film and a back color negative film. The positive film 3 is then interposed between the front 18 and back 19 negative films so that the image transfer means 14 apply said negative films 18, 19 on either side of the positive film 3 to form a title 2 printed on its two sides.

[0062] As illustrated in [Fig.2], visual marks 20 may be printed and spaced regularly on the positive film 3.

[0063] The machine 1 may further comprise means 21 for controlling the means 6 for unwinding said positive film 3 as a function of the deposit spots 20 on the positive film. 3. The unwinding of film 3, and consequently of films 8, is carried out step by step, sequentially, the unwinding being interrupted at each printing phase of the negative films. 8.

[0064] The unwinding means 6 may further comprise tensioning elements 22 making it possible to tension the films while guiding them, such as smooth rollers or rolling bearings.

[0065] For example, the control means 21 comprise visual sensors of the markers 20 and a computer coupled to the sensors to control the unfolding of the films 3, 18, 19.

[0066] If the positive film 3 does not have pre-printed spots 20, the prints are obtained by counting the steps of the drive motor 7 of the positive film 3.

[0067] The control means 21 can also be coupled to the image projection devices 9 to turn the display 10 on and off for each title print 2.

[0068] [Fig.3] illustrates an example of implementation of the secure title printing machine 1.

[0069] This implementation begins with a step E1 by which the positive films 3 and negative films 18, 19 are unwound substantially simultaneously until one of the marks 20 provided on the positive film 3 is detected or by counting the steps of the positive drive motor 3 if the marks 20 are not pre-printed.

[0070] Step E1 continues with a step E2 during which the fixed data 4, or security background, and the variable data 13 for each secure title 2 are simultaneously displayed on the display 10 of the image projection device 9 and, substantially simultaneously, the image is projected onto the film 8 via the photographic lens 11 of the image projection device 9. The printing process continues first with a step E3 during which the negative film 8 is pressed against the positive film 3 by means of the transfer means 14, until an image of the negative film 8 is transferred onto the positive film 3, then with a step E4, during which the negative film 8 is detached from the positive film 3. It is also possible at the same time to rewind the negative film 8 onto its rewinding reel 17.

[0071] Steps E1, E2 and E3 are carried out in conditions of reduced darkness, for example in a dark room.

[0072] In addition, step E4 may include steps of laminating and cutting the positive by punch so as to obtain a standard format title 2, and continue with a new step E1 for a new printing of secure title 2.

[0073] It is thus possible to produce a large number of successive prints of secure titles 2, and this at high frequency and in high quality with a machine which limits the costs for its implementation.

Claims

Claims

1. A machine for printing secure titles (1) in color comprising - a color image projection device (9), comprising a display (10) and a color photographic lens (11), said image projection device being configured to display fixed data and personalization data of the titles on the display and for printing said fixed data and personalization data on at least one photosensitive color negative film (8), and - image transfer means (14) from said photosensitive color negative film (8) to a positive film (3).

2. Printing machine (1) according to claim 1, wherein the image transfer means (14) comprise pressure rollers (15) applying said negative film (8) against the positive film (3).

3. Printing machine (1) according to one of claims 1 and 2, in which the image projection device (9) comprises backlighting means (14) for the display (10).

4. Printing machine 1 according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising two image projection devices (9) associated respectively with a front color negative film (18) and a back color negative film (19) and in which the image transfer means (14) apply said front (18) and back (19) negative films on either side of the positive film (3).

5. Printing machine (1) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising a control system by reading, via a camera (23), color spots (24) produced on the titles with automatic correction of gammas and brightness.

6. Printing machine (1) according to one of the preceding claims, said machine being adapted to be compatible with the use of black and white photosensitive negatives.

7. Printing machine (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a roller (16) for winding the positive film (3) and unwinding means (6) for said positive film (3).

8. Printing machine (1) according to claim 7, wherein the unwinding means comprise tensioning elements (22) for guiding and keeping said films taut.

9. Printing machine (1) according to claims 7 and 8, further comprising control means (21) for the unwinding means (6)

10.

11.

12. said positive film (3) according to visual markers (20) pre-printed on the positive film (3). Printing machine according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the display (10) comprises a monitor with a resolution greater than or substantially equal to three thousand eight hundred and forty pixels by two thousand one hundred and sixty pixels. Printing machine (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a rewind reel (17) for said negative film (8). Method for printing a secure title for the implementation of a machine according to any one of claims 1 to 11, comprising the following steps: - in a dark room, substantially simultaneous unwinding of the positive (3) and negative (8) films until a visual mark (20) is detected on the positive film (3), - in a dark room, display of the fixed (4) and variable (13) data of the secure title (2) on the displays of an image projection device (9) and projection via a color photographic lens (11) of said image projection device (9) of the image of said displays (10) onto the color negative films (18, 19), - in the darkroom, pressing the negative films (18,19) against the positive film (3) until an image is transferred from the negative films (18,19) onto the positive film (3), - detachment of the negative film layers (18,19) from the positive film (3).

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