Encoded inkjet color shift

Abstract

A data carrier (1) for secure items such as passports comprises a carrier body (2) and at least one security element (3) provided on the carrier body (2). The security element (3) includes at least one image (4) printed on at least one surface structure (5) extending along an elongation direction (E). The image (4) includes at least one primary image (6) and at least one secondary image (7) encoded within the primary image (6). The surface structure (5) is configured to decode the secondary image (7) when the data carrier (1) is viewed under different viewing angles and / or illuminated under different illumination angles, thereby making the secondary image (7) observable.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a data carrier for a secure article according to claim 1, a secure article comprising or consisting of such a data carrier according to claim 13, and a method of manufacturing a data carrier for a secure article according to claim 14.

Background Art

[0002] Data carriers for secure articles such as passports generally contain an image of the document holder or other personalized elements such as other holder data, for example, name, date of birth, etc. These personalized elements are often provided as printing, such as inkjet printing, on the surface of the data carrier. In such cases, the personalized elements may be easily forged by removing and replacing the personalized elements with false data or by partially modifying the personalized elements.

Summary of the Invention

[0003] An object of the present invention is to provide a data carrier for a secure article with improved security against forgery.

[0004] This object is achieved by the data carrier according to claim 1. Specifically, a data carrier for a secure article such as a passport is provided. The data carrier comprises a carrier body and at least one security element provided on the carrier body. The security element includes at least one image printed on at least one surface structure extending along an extending direction. The image includes at least one primary image and at least one secondary image encoded within the primary image. The surface structure is configured to decode the secondary image when the data carrier is viewed under different viewing angles and / or illuminated under different illumination angles, whereby the secondary image becomes observable.

[0005] In other words, the security element is formed by an image printed on the surface structure. For this purpose, it is particularly preferable that the printing is inkjet printing, which is performed on the surface structure using an inkjet printer.

[0006] The image that can be considered as an output image includes at least a primary image and a secondary image, the secondary image being encoded or embedded within the primary image. Thus, the primary image can be considered a source or background image from which the secondary image is hidden. The secondary image becomes visible and observable when the data carrier is viewed under a specific viewing angle and / or illuminated under a specific illumination angle. In particular, in order to decode the secondary image, i.e., to make the secondary image visible or observable to an observer of the data carrier, the data carrier needs to be viewed and / or illuminated under an appropriate viewing angle and / or illumination angle so that the surface structure makes the secondary image visible to the observer. That is, the surface structure serves the purpose of a decoder that decodes, i.e., makes visible or observable the secondary image.

[0007] Therefore, the data carrier preferably provides several possibilities for decoding the secondary image, namely, i) due to the tilt of the data carrier and the viewing angle, ii) based on the illumination of the data carrier and the illumination angle (the surface structure can be considered as blocking light coming in from a specific angle, such as being close to the surface of the data carrier), and iii) based on a combination of i) and ii), which can be considered as a combination of the illumination angle and the viewing angle.

[0008] For example, as will be explained in more detail below, a secondary image can be text or a picture that can be recognized by a human observer and is observable only through a combination of surface structure and illumination angle and / or field of view. This “observation” is understood as the “decoding” of the secondary image by its surface structure.

[0009] The spatial extent of the secondary image is preferably smaller than that of the primary image. In other words, the size of the secondary image is preferably smaller than that of the primary image.

[0010] The primary image is preferably observable when the data carrier is viewed under at least a first and second field of view, and / or illuminated under at least a first and second illumination angle. Furthermore, the secondary image is preferably obscured when the data carrier is viewed under a first field of view and / or illuminated under a first illumination angle, but observable when the data carrier is viewed under a second field of view and / or illuminated under a second illumination angle.

[0011] In other words, the primary image is preferably observable when the data carrier is viewed under the first and second viewing angles, while the secondary image is preferably observable only under one of the viewing angles, but remains hidden or unobservable under the other viewing angle.

[0012] Additionally or alternatively, the primary image is preferably observable when the data carrier is illuminated under the first and second illumination angles, while the secondary image is preferably observable only when the data carrier is illuminated under one of the illumination angles, but remains hidden or unobservable when the data carrier is illuminated under the other illumination angle.

[0013] The first field of view can be one in which the data carrier is viewed vertically, and the second field of view can be one in which the data carrier is viewed obliquely along a direction inclined with respect to the surface of the data carrier.

[0014] It should be noted that the primary and / or secondary images may be observable under further viewing angles and / or illumination angles. For example, the primary image may be observable when the data carrier is viewed under a third viewing angle and / or illuminated under a third illumination angle. Additionally or alternatively, the secondary image may be observable when the data carrier is viewed under a third viewing angle and / or illuminated under a third illumination angle. In practice, the secondary image is preferably configured such that there is at least one viewing angle and / or illumination angle under which the secondary image is obscured.

[0015] Security elements, particularly the primary and / or secondary images, are preferably configured such that the data carrier exhibits different appearances when viewed under different viewing angles and / or illumination angles. The different appearances are preferably different luminescence and / or different color and / or different intensity and / or different brightness and / or different reflectance.

[0016] In particular, the appearance of the primary image is preferably different when the data carrier is viewed under different viewing angles and / or when the data carrier is illuminated under different illumination angles.

[0017] Additionally or alternatively, the appearance of the secondary image is preferably different when the data carrier is viewed under different viewing angles and / or when the data carrier is illuminated under different illumination angles.

[0018] For example, the primary image preferably has a first appearance when viewed under a first viewing angle (illuminated under a first illumination angle) and a second appearance when viewed under a second viewing angle (illuminated under a second illumination angle). The secondary image preferably exhibits such different appearances depending on the viewing angle and / or illumination angle as well, but remains hidden under at least one viewing angle and / or illumination angle.

[0019] The primary and secondary images are preferably observable with the naked eye.

[0020] The fact that primary and secondary images are observable with the naked eye means that no additional decoders other than the surface structure are required to observe them. Furthermore, primary and / or secondary images can be configured so that no additional observation equipment, such as a microscope, is required to observe them. In other words, primary and secondary images are preferably observable with the naked eye.

[0021] The security element is preferably self-verifying. That is, the authenticity of the security element can be verified by the security element itself, and the observer only needs to tilt the data carrier to observe it under different viewing angles and / or illuminate it under different illumination angles. No additional elements such as lenses are required.

[0022] At least a portion of the primary image and / or at least a portion of the secondary image may be monochrome or multicolor.

[0023] Additionally or alternatively, at least a portion of the primary image is uncolored and / or white and / or gray. Being uncolored is preferably understood as being white and / or gray so as to be distinguishable from being colored, such as red, blue, yellow, etc.

[0024] Additionally or alternatively, at least a portion of the secondary image is preferably transparent and / or comprises or consists of at least one type of varnish. The varnish is preferably a transparent varnish.

[0025] For this purpose, it is particularly preferable that a transparent secondary image or a portion thereof and / or a varnish such as a transparent varnish are encoded within a primary image or a portion thereof that is uncolored and / or white and / or gray.

[0026] However, it is equally conceivable that a secondary image or a part thereof that is transparent and / or a varnish such as a transparent varnish is encoded within a primary image or a part thereof that is colored.

[0027] At least a part of the primary image preferably includes primary color pixels, and at least a part of the secondary image preferably includes secondary color pixels. These primary color pixels preferably exist when the primary image or a part thereof is colored, as well as when it is uncolored and / or white and / or gray. For example, the primary image can include primary color pixels that are white or gray. Similarly, these secondary color pixels preferably exist when the secondary image or a part thereof is colored, as well as when it is transparent and / or a varnish. For example, the secondary image can include secondary color pixels that are transparent.

[0028] The luminance and / or intensity and / or brightness and / or color and / or reflectance of at least some of the primary color pixels are preferably changed with respect to the luminance and / or intensity and / or brightness and / or color and / or reflectance of adjacent secondary color pixels such that when the data carrier is observed under different viewing angles, for example, in an oblique viewing angle, an appearance difference is generated between the primary color pixels and the secondary color pixels.

[0029] For this purpose, the primary image is modulated according to at least one modulation pattern, and the secondary image is modulated according to the at least one modulation pattern, but preferably shifted by only half a period of the modulation pattern, whereby when the data carrier is viewed under different viewing angles, an appearance difference is generated between the primary color pixels and the secondary color pixels, while the average appearance of the security element remains unchanged, which is particularly preferred.

[0030] In particular, the primary image and the secondary image are preferably provided by corresponding color pixels, and the size of the color pixels is preferably such that when the data carrier is observed at a typical observation distance at which, for example, the data carrier of a passport is typically observed, the individual color pixels are not distinguishable from each other by the observer. Instead, only the average appearance of adjacent color pixels is perceived. Thus, for example, two color pixels of the same color can be modified such that one is made, for example, brighter and the other is made darker by an equal amount to maintain their average brightness, and in this way the appearance remains the same, but the difference between the two color pixels can become visible, for example, due to the interaction between the surface structure and the viewing angle and / or the illumination angle. Similarly, in this same example of two pixels, one of the color pixels can be made slightly more reddish and the other can be made less reddish, the overall appearance being red, the individual appearance of one of the color pixels being more reddish, and the individual appearance of the other color pixel being less reddish, and so on.

[0031] However, it should be noted that when a transparent secondary image (or a part thereof) is embedded in at least a part of the primary image, the said part of the primary image does not necessarily have to be obstructed from view by the transparent part of the secondary image. Instead, the transparent secondary image or a part thereof can be arranged, for example, printed on top of the primary image, and when the data carrier is viewed at different viewing angles and / or illuminated at different illumination angles, only the transparent secondary image or a part thereof can be expected to show a different appearance.

[0032] At this point, it should be noted that the security element may include a colored primary image and a secondary image. Similarly, the security element may include an uncolored and / or white and / or gray primary image and a transparent and / or varnish-type secondary image. Similarly, the security element may include both i) a primary image comprising at least a colored first primary image portion and an uncolored and / or white and / or gray second primary image portion, and ii) a secondary image comprising at least a colored first secondary image portion and a transparent and / or varnish-type second secondary image portion. In the latter case, it is preferable that the second primary image portion constitutes a background such as a white background for the first primary image portion, such as a portrait.

[0033] The surface structure preferably comprises raised portions extending away from the carrier body and / or recessed portions extending toward the carrier body. In at least some areas, the distance between the raised portions and / or the surface area of ​​the raised portions and / or the inclination of the raised portions, and / or the distance between the recessed portions and / or the surface area of ​​the recessed portions and / or the inclination of the recessed portions, preferably remain constant or change with respect to the direction of extension.

[0034] For this purpose, it is particularly preferable that the surface structure comprises ridges, which are formed by alternating depressions and raised portions. In other words, a single ridge is formed by a raised portion followed by a recess, where the raised portion can be considered the left side of the ridge and the recess can be considered the right side of the ridge (or vice versa).

[0035] However, other surface structures, such as binary patterns, can be conceived in a similar manner. For example, a binary pattern can be provided by depressions or ridges extending as alternating horizontal and vertical lines, or, figuratively speaking, the "tops of a castle wall" can be conceived in a similar way.

[0036] The surface structure is preferably associated with a surface pitch. The surface pitch is preferably configured to decode a secondary image encoded within a primary image.

[0037] In at least some areas, the primary pitch associated with the primary image is preferably either identical to or different from the surface pitch.

[0038] In at least some areas, the secondary pitch associated with the secondary image is preferably either identical to or different from the surface pitch.

[0039] Therefore, for this purpose, it is preferable that the primary pattern exists within the primary image and that the primary pattern defines the primary pitch.

[0040] Similarly, it is preferable that a secondary pattern exists within the secondary image, and that this secondary pattern defines the secondary pitch.

[0041] The surface pitch of a surface structure can be defined as the distance between consecutive raised portions of the surface structure in the direction of extension, or as the distance between two consecutive depressions in the direction of extension. If the surface structure is a ridge, the surface pitch can be considered as the distance between consecutive ridges in the direction of extension, for example, the distance between peaks of ridges.

[0042] If there is a mismatch between the surface structure and the pitch of the primary and / or secondary image elements, optical effects such as moiré patterns may occur.

[0043] However, it is equally conceivable that the security element could be configured to exhibit optical effects, such as a flip effect, when the pitch matches.

[0044] Therefore, security elements can be configured to exhibit different appearances based on optical effects when observed under different viewing angles and / or illuminated under different illumination angles.

[0045] The primary image and / or secondary image are preferably pictures and / or alphanumeric characters, such as a name, date of birth, country of residence, or emblem.

[0046] The primary and / or secondary images are preferably machine-readable.

[0047] The data carrier may further include at least one marking material configured to interact with incident laser radiation, and the surface structure corresponds to the laser marking produced within the marking material. That is, the surface structure can be produced by irradiating the data carrier, particularly onto the marking material, with laser radiation. However, it is equally conceivable that the surface structure corresponds to embossing. Furthermore, it is conceivable that the surface structure corresponds to printing, preferably inkjet printing.

[0048] The carrier body and / or surface structure may contain or consist of one or more paper-based compounds and / or one or more cardboard-based compounds and / or one or more plastics and / or one or more polymers.

[0049] The polymer is preferably a thermoplastic and / or amorphous polymer, and more preferably polycarbonate and / or polycarbonate blend and / or polycarbonate co-extruded product.

[0050] The carrier body preferably comprises one or more layers of at least one of a paper-based compound, a cardboard-based compound, a plastic, or a polymer. Two or more layers are preferably connected to each other by means generally known in the state of the art. For example, if the carrier body comprises two or more layers containing or consisting of polymers and / or plastics, these layers can be connected to each other via lamination. In this case, the carrier body preferably corresponds to a so-called card body, as generally known in the card industry. However, other types of layers and / or connecting means can also be considered. For example, layers of paper-based compounds can be bonded to each other.

[0051] If the data carrier includes a marking material, it is preferable to provide the marking material to the surface of the carrier body, particularly the upper surface of the carrier body, after the carrier body has been generated. For this purpose, it is also preferable that the marking material be provided as one or more layers. The marking material is particularly preferably polycarbonate or another plastic, preferably containing a laser-sensitive additive. Once the marking material is provided on the carrier body, it is preferable to generate a surface structure within the marking material by irradiating the marking material with laser radiation. In the area where the laser radiation is incident, the marking material preferably discolors around the laser-sensitive additive, and a strong reaction can result in a bubbly structure extending upward from the surface of the data carrier. Such markings are typically black and are generally known as tactile laser markings. It is also possible to achieve whitish tactile markings using several lasers and / or laser settings.

[0052] However, it is equally possible that no such marking material exists. In this case, the surface structure is preferably generated within the carrier body itself by embossing the structure within the carrier body, and more preferably within the upper surface of the carrier body. For example, the structure can be provided on a lamination plate used to stack layers of card bodies, and the structure is embossed within the carrier body, generating a surface structure in the form of embossing. Therefore, it is preferable that the surface structure is an integral component, i.e., formed within the upper surface of the carrier body.

[0053] If the surface structure is a print, such as an inkjet print, the print is preferably printed on the surface of the carrier body as described above.

[0054] The printed surface structure preferably corresponds to the printed three-dimensional profile. The surface structure is particularly preferably inkjet printed according to known inkjet techniques. That is, the surface structure can be produced by different methods, such as intaglio printing or lamination, tactile laser marking, or printing.

[0055] For plastic products, it is preferable that the plastic surface be embossed, for example, by heat, and that pressure be applied to the substrate surface using a structured laminated plate surface. For paper products, it is preferable to use a specific printing process that similarly uses a structured plate and high pressure (not heat), also known as intaglio printing. However, it is equally conceivable to use only a plate and no ink, thereby achieving embossing of the paper surface similar to lamination of a plastic surface.

[0056] The data carrier preferably defines the upper side, and the security elements are provided on the upper data carrier.

[0057] The security element is preferably provided on the top surface, i.e., the outermost surface, of the data carrier. Therefore, it is preferable that the security element be positioned on the data carrier so as to face outwards.

[0058] The upper surface of the data carrier preferably corresponds to the upper surface of the carrier body or to a marking material. In the former case, the surface structure is preferably an integral component of the upper surface of the data carrier. In the latter case, the marking component, and therefore the surface structure, is preferably arranged on the upper surface of the data carrier.

[0059] In another embodiment, a secure article is provided which includes or comprises at least one data carrier as described above. The secure article is preferably an identification card, passport, credit card, smart card, driver's license, data page, etc.

[0060] It should be understood that a data carrier can correspond to a secure item on its own. This is the case when the data carrier is provided, for example, in the form of an identification card. However, it is equally conceivable to introduce or embed a data carrier into a secure item. For example, in the case of a passport, the data carrier can correspond to or be embedded in the pages of the passport.

[0061] Any description provided regarding the data carrier itself preferably applies equally to the secure article, and vice versa.

[0062] In another embodiment, a method is provided for manufacturing a data carrier for secure articles such as passports, wherein the data carrier is preferably the data carrier described above. The method includes the steps of i) providing a carrier body and ii) providing at least one security element provided on the carrier body. The security element includes at least one image printed on at least one surface structure extending along the direction of extension. The image includes at least one primary image and at least one secondary image encoded within the primary image. The surface structure is configured such that the data carrier decodes the secondary image when viewed under different viewing angles and / or illuminated under different illumination angles, thereby making the secondary image observable.

[0063] Any description made with respect to the data carrier and secure articles preferably applies equally to the method, and vice versa.

[0064] Security elements are preferably, - The step of providing the original image, - A step of selecting at least a first area of ​​the original image to be assigned to the primary image, and at least a secondary area of ​​the original image to be assigned to the secondary image, wherein the secondary area is preferably located inside the primary area. - A step of modulating the primary area according to at least one modulation pattern, thereby forming a primary image, - A step of modulating a secondary area according to at least one modulation pattern, shifting the modulated secondary area, thereby forming a secondary image, - A step of recombining the primary image and the secondary image to form an image, - Preferably, the image is printed onto the surface structure using an inkjet printer.

[0065] The modulation pattern preferably corresponds to a screen such as a circular screen, a multi-line screen, or an elliptical screen.

[0066] The primary and secondary areas are preferably modulated by changing the luminance and / or intensity and / or brightness and / or color of the primary and secondary areas. It is particularly preferable that the primary and secondary areas are modulated by changing the luminance and / or intensity and / or brightness and / or color of the color pixels assigned to the primary color pixels of the primary image and the color pixels assigned to the secondary color pixels of the secondary image.

[0067] The modulated secondary area is preferably shifted along at least one spatial direction and / or along the extension direction.

[0068] The modulated secondary area is preferably shifted according to the surface pitch of the surface structure. In practice, the modulated secondary area is particularly preferably shifted by half the surface pitch.

[0069] In other words, the primary image within the region of the secondary image is preferably distorted, reshaped, or modified according to the secondary image. This distortion or modification is preferably achieved by shifting the modulated secondary area that provides the secondary image relative to the first area that provides the primary image.

[0070] In other words, the modulation pattern used to modulate the secondary area is preferably shifted to the position of the secondary image.

[0071] For example, a primary image can be formed by dark and bright lines, which are arranged alternately along the surface structure and extension direction. A secondary image can be formed by shifting the order of the dark and bright lines along the extension direction, thereby encoding the secondary image within the primary image. In a sense, the shifted dark and bright lines of the secondary image can be considered as a shift in the dark and bright lines of the primary image with respect to the extension direction.

[0072] In this way, the secondary image is made obscured, or hidden, from the primary image unless the data carrier is observed under a specific field of view and / or illuminated under a specific illumination angle.

[0073] The method preferably further includes the steps of providing on a carrier body at least one marking material configured to interact with incident laser radiation, and generating a surface structure as a laser marking by irradiating the marking material with laser radiation.

[0074] Similarly, the method preferably includes the step of embossing a structure on a laminated plate onto the surface of a carrier body to produce a surface structure as an emboss. The inkjet printing and embossing are preferably produced based on the same data set input to a laminating apparatus comprising an inkjet printer and a laminated plate.

[0075] Similarly, the method preferably includes the step of printing a surface structure onto the surface of a carrier body, particularly by inkjet printing. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0076] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings, which are for illustrative purposes only and not for limiting purposes. [Figure 1] This diagram shows a schematic representation of the manufacturing of a data carrier including a security element, which includes an image printed on a surface structure, according to the present invention. [Figure 2a] A partial perspective view of a surface structure including the printing of another security element according to the present invention is shown under a first viewing angle. [Figure 2b] A partial perspective view of the surface structure, including the printing shown in Figure 2a, is shown under the second viewing angle. [Figure 2c]A partial perspective view of the surface structure, including the printing shown in Figure 2a, is shown under the third viewing angle. [Figure 3a] Figure 2a shows the printout of security elements. [Figure 3b] Figure 2a shows a simulation of the appearance of the security element under the first viewing angle. [Figure 3c] Figure 2a shows a simulation of the appearance of the security element under the second field of view. [Figure 3d] Figure 2a shows a simulation of the appearance of the security element under a third viewing angle. [Figure 4a] A partial perspective view of a surface structure including the printing of another security element according to the present invention is shown under a first viewing angle. [Figure 4b] Figure 4a shows a simulation of the appearance of the security element under the first viewing angle. [Figure 5a] A partial perspective view of the surface structure, including the printing shown in Figure 4a, is shown under the second viewing angle. [Figure 5b] Figure 5a shows a simulation of the appearance of the security element under the second field of view. [Figure 6a] A partial perspective view of the surface structure, including the printing shown in Figure 4a, is shown under the third viewing angle. [Figure 6b] Figure 6a shows a simulation of the appearance of the security element under a third viewing angle. [Figure 7a] Figure 4a shows the printout of security elements. [Figure 7b] Figure 4a shows a simulation of the appearance of the security element under the first viewing angle. [Figure 7c] Figure 4a shows a simulation of the appearance of the security element under the second viewing angle. [Figure 7d] Figure 4a shows a simulation of the appearance of the security element under a third viewing angle. [Figure 8a] A partial perspective view of a surface structure including the printing of another security element according to the present invention is shown under a first viewing angle. [Figure 8b] Figure 8a shows a simulation of the appearance of the security element under the first viewing angle. [Figure 9a] A partial perspective view of the surface structure, including the printing shown in Figure 8a, is shown under the second viewing angle. [Figure 9b] Figure 9a shows a simulation of the appearance of the security element under the second field of view. [Figure 10a] A partial perspective view of the surface structure, including the printing shown in Figure 8a, is shown under the third viewing angle. [Figure 10b] Figure 10a shows a simulation of the appearance of the security element under a third field of view. [Figure 11a] Figure 8a shows the printing of security elements. [Figure 11b] Figure 8a shows a simulation of the appearance of the security element under the first viewing angle. [Figure 11c] Figure 8a shows a simulation of the appearance of the security element under the second viewing angle. [Figure 11d] Figure 8a shows a simulation of the appearance of the security element under a third viewing angle. [Figure 12] This shows a simulation of the appearance of another security element, including an image printed on a surface structure according to the present invention. [Figure 13a] This shows a simulation of the appearance of another security element, including an image printed on a surface structure according to the present invention, under a first viewing angle. [Figure 13b] Figure 13a shows a simulation of the appearance of the security element under the second viewing angle. [Figure 14a] This shows a simulation of the appearance of another security element, including an image printed on a surface structure according to the present invention, under a first viewing angle. [Figure 14b] Figure 14a shows a simulation of the appearance of the security element under the second viewing angle. [Figure 15]This shows a simulation of the appearance of another security element, including an image printed on a surface structure according to the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0077] Various embodiments of the data carrier 1 for secure articles according to the present invention will be discussed here in more detail with reference to the drawings.

[0078] Specifically, the data carrier 1 according to the present invention comprises a carrier body 2 and at least one security element 3 provided on the carrier body 2, in particular, on the upper side 10 of the data carrier 1 corresponding to the upper surface 13 of the carrier body 2 (see Figure 1). The security element 3 includes at least one image 4 printed on at least one surface structure 5 extending along an extending direction E. The extending direction E extends parallel to the upper side 10 of the data carrier 1, in particular, parallel to a (virtual) plane extending within the upper surface 13 of the carrier body 2. The image 4 includes at least one primary image 6 and at least one secondary image 7 encoded within the primary image 6, and the surface structure 5 is configured to decode the secondary image 7 when the data carrier 1 is viewed under different viewing angles and / or illuminated under different illumination angles. In particular, in order to decode the secondary image 7, that is, to make the secondary image 7 visible or observable to the observer of the data carrier 1, the data carrier 1 needs to be observed and / or illuminated under an appropriate viewing angle and / or illumination angle so that the surface structure 5 makes the secondary image 7 visible to the observer. In other words, the surface structure 5 serves the purpose of a decoder that composites, i.e., makes visible or observable, the secondary image.

[0079] As can be seen from Figure 1, encoding can be generated by providing a source image 11, which in this case is in the form of a portrait. Next, at least a first area of ​​the source image 11 to be assigned to a primary image 6 and at least a secondary area of ​​the source image 11 to be assigned to a secondary image 7, the secondary area being located inside the primary area are selected. The primary area is modulated according to at least one modulation pattern 12, thereby forming the primary image 6. Similarly, the secondary area is modulated according to the modulation pattern 12, and the modulated secondary area is further shifted along the spatial direction corresponding to the extension direction E, thereby forming the secondary image 7. In the illustrated example, the modulation pattern 12 corresponds to a screen of alternating dark and bright lines, and the primary and secondary areas are modulated by changing the brightness or color of the primary and secondary areas according to a given modulation pattern, in this case the screen of alternating lines. Subsequently, the primary image 6 and the secondary image 7 are recomposed to form an image 4, which is then printed onto a surface structure 5, preferably using an inkjet printer. Therefore, the encoding here consists of creating a primary image 6 and a secondary image 7, which are ultimately recomposed, with the primary image 6 in the form of a portrait corresponding to the primary area outside the secondary image 7, and the secondary image 7 being provided by the secondary area in the form of a portrait or text placed inside the primary image, respectively.

[0080] As illustrated in further figures, the primary image 6 is observable when the data carrier 1 is viewed under different viewing angles, while the secondary image 7 is observable only under some of the viewing angles, remaining hidden or unobservable under other viewing angles.

[0081] In particular, Figures 2a to 2c illustrate a surface structure 5 including an image 4 in the form of a print, the surface structure 5 comprising a raised portion 8 extending away from the carrier body 2 and a recessed portion 9 extending toward the carrier body 2. That is, the surface structure 5 here has the shape of a ridge. In the illustrated example, the surface structure 5 is regular, i.e., the distance between the raised portion 8 and the recessed portion 9, as well as the surface area and inclination of the raised portion 8 and the recessed portion 9, remain constant with respect to the extending direction E.

[0082] The surface structure 5 is associated with a surface pitch, which is configured to decode a secondary image 7 encoded within a primary image 6. The surface pitch of the surface structure 5 is defined as the distance between consecutive raised portions 8 of the surface structure 5 with respect to the extending direction E, or the distance between two consecutive recessed portions 9 with respect to the extending direction E. When these raised portions and recessed portions are defined as ridges, the surface pitch can also be considered as the distance between consecutive ridges.

[0083] As can be seen further from these figures, the primary pitch associated with the primary image 6 coincides with the surface pitch. Furthermore, the secondary pitch associated with the secondary image 7 coincides with the surface pitch. The primary pitch here corresponds to the pitch of the modulation pattern present in the primary image; that is, the primary image contains a primary pattern having the form of a line pattern. In this case, the primary pitch can be considered as the distance between consecutive lines with respect to the extending direction E. Similarly, the secondary pitch corresponds to the pitch of the modulation pattern present in the secondary image; that is, the secondary image contains a secondary pattern. In the illustrated example, the secondary pattern also corresponds to a line pattern, and the secondary pitch can be considered as the distance between two consecutive lines with respect to the extending direction E.

[0084] Security element 3, in particular, the primary image 6 and secondary image 7, are configured such that the data carrier 1 exhibits different appearances when viewed under different viewing angles and / or illumination angles. These different appearances can be different luminescence, different colors, different intensities, different brightness, different reflectivity, etc.

[0085] Specifically, the primary image 6 includes primary color pixels, and the secondary image 7 includes secondary color pixels. The primary image 6 is modulated according to modulation pattern 12. The secondary image is also modulated according to the same modulation pattern 12, but the modulation pattern 12 is shifted, for example, by half a period. As a result, when the data carrier 1 is viewed under different viewing angles, for example, oblique viewing, a difference in appearance occurs between the primary color pixels and the secondary color pixels, while the average appearance of the security element 3 remains unchanged. In other words, the security element exhibits an average appearance because, for example, the original image 11 is modulated such that every other line becomes brighter while other lines become darker. As a result, the local appearance of the security element is, on average, the same as the original picture.

[0086] These different appearances will now be discussed in more detail in relation to Figures 2a to 15.

[0087] Specifically, Figures 2a and 2c show different views of the surface structure 5 as seen under different viewing angles. The surface structure 5 includes an image 4 in the form of a two-color print, where color A is placed only on the raised areas 8 and color B is placed only on the recessed areas 9. That is, the print 4 includes alternating light gray lines and dark gray lines arranged alternately along the extending direction E. Under the first viewing angle depicted in Figure 2a, the raised areas 8 and recessed areas 9 of the surface structure 5, and consequently both color A and color B, are visible. Under the second viewing angle depicted in Figure 2b, the surface structure 5 faces the observer so that only color B is visible. Under the third viewing angle depicted in Figure 2c, the surface structure 5 faces the observer so that only color A is visible.

[0088] With respect to Figures 3a and 3b, we consider the appearance associated with such security element 3, namely, the image 4 of alternating light gray and dark gray lines printed on the surface structure 5, as depicted in Figures 2a to 2c.

[0089] In other words, the print 4 printed on the surface structure 5 corresponds to alternating light gray lines and dark gray lines (see Figure 3a). Figures 3b to 3d show the simulated appearance of the security element 3 including the print 4. That is, when the security element 3 is observed under a first viewing angle, as depicted in Figure 3b, the recesses 9 and raised parts 8 of the surface structure 5, and therefore the light gray lines and dark gray lines, are observable. Under a second viewing angle, as depicted in Figure 3c, only the recesses 9, and therefore only the dark gray lines, are observable to the observer. Under a third viewing angle, as depicted in Figure 3d, only the raised parts 8, and therefore only the light gray lines, are observable to the observer. Since the observer is observing the security element 3 at a distance where the individual lines cannot be distinguished from one another, when the security element is viewed under the second and third viewing angles, an overall dark gray image 4 and an overall light gray image 4 are observable to the observer, respectively.

[0090] Figures 4a to 6b illustrate this effect for a different image, i.e., another print 4. In reality, this print 4 does not contain regularly alternating colors as in Figures 3a to 3d, but some of the color lines are shifted along the extension direction E. In the depicted example, the same color, in this case dark gray, is placed on a recess 9 adjacent to or near a raised area 8. Therefore, depending on the viewing angle of the data carrier 1, either all dark gray lines and just two light gray lines are observable (Figure 5a), or all light gray lines and just two dark gray lines are observable (Figure 6a).

[0091] As is evident from Figures 4b, 5b, and 6b, the shift of the color lines is preferably present only within the area of ​​print 4. For example, looking at Figure 4b, it can be seen that there are regularly alternating lines that are still alternating but are somehow obstructed by the shifted lines. The latter lines constitute the primary area, and therefore the primary image 6, and the shifted lines constitute the secondary area, and therefore the secondary image 7. Here, the secondary image 7 has the shape of text, and in the depicted partial figure, a portion of the text, namely "ALE", is visible. Under the first viewing angle, the colors on both sides of the ridge constituting the surface structure 5, and therefore both sides of the secondary image 7, are visible (see Figure 4b). Under the second viewing angle depicted in Figure 5b, only the colors printed on one side of the ridge are visible. Under the third viewing angle depicted in Figure 6b, only the colors printed on the other side of the ridge are visible. As a result, secondary image 7 appears differently depending on the viewing angle; specifically, it appears as a light gray color as depicted in Figure 5b, while it appears as a dark gray color in Figure 6b.

[0092] Figures 4a to 6b only show partial views of the print form, image 4, and surface structure 5. Therefore, the overall appearance of print 4 will be considered here with reference to Figures 7a to 7d. In reality, the entire print 4, including the primary image 6 and secondary image 7, is visible in Figure 7a. From this, it can be seen that the entire print 4 corresponds to alternating light gray and dark gray lines, with some of the lines shifted along the extension direction E. In other words, the order of some of the alternating lines is locally altered in their position within image 4, where they form alphanumeric text and constitute secondary image 7. The area outside of this secondary image 7 constitutes the primary image 6. Under the first viewing angle shown in Figure 7b, the recessed area 9 and the raised area 8, i.e., the left and right ridges, are observable, respectively. Thus, both color A and color B, i.e., light gray and dark gray, are visible. Under the second viewing angle depicted in Figure 7c, color B, or dark gray, is visible except in the positions where the order of the lines has been changed, and the alphanumeric text appears in color A, or light gray. Under the third viewing angle, the colors appear inverted compared to the second viewing angle, the alphanumeric text appears in color B, or dark gray, and here the primary image forming the background of the alphanumeric text appears in color A, or light gray.

[0093] Figures 8a to 10a show different views of the surface structure 5 under different viewing angles, where the printing 4 on the surface structure 5, again in this case, is alternating but contains lines of different brightness levels. Some of the lines are shifted or swapped, again in this case. Therefore, under the first viewing angle depicted in Figures 8a and 8b, both light and dark lines are visible. Under the second viewing angle depicted in Figures 9a and 9b, only the lines printed on one side of the ridge are visible. Under the third viewing angle depicted in Figures 10a and 10b, only the lines printed on the other side of the ridge of the surface structure are visible. As a result, the secondary images 7 appear different, specifically with a brighter appearance and a darker appearance (compare Figures 9b and 10b).

[0094] Figures 11a to 11d show simulated images 4 of the print form printed on a surface structure 5 as described in Figures 8a to 10a, where print 4 corresponds to the original image of the portrait form modulated according to a modulation pattern of alternating light gray and dark gray lines, a portion of which is shifted. In other words, Figure 11a depicts image 4 consisting of alternating light gray and dark gray lines added to the original image of the portrait form. This shift also corresponds to the order of the alternating lines being locally modified at positions within the portrait to form alphanumeric text 7. Under the first viewing angle depicted in Figure 11b, the observer sees the raised and recessed areas 9 of the surface structure 5 and consequently sees the average of the alternating light and dark lines, and therefore sees the portrait 4 without the alphanumeric text 7. In other words, the alphanumeric text, which is the secondary image 7, is encoded within the primary image 6. Under the second viewing angle depicted in Figure 11c, the portrait 6 is visible in a dark appearance, except for the position where the order of the alternating lines is changed, while the secondary image 7 in the form of alphanumeric text appears in a brighter appearance. Under the third viewing angle depicted in Figure 11d, the colors are inverted compared to the second viewing angle, and the secondary image 7 in the form of alphanumeric text appears in a darker appearance, while the rest of the image appears in a brighter appearance.

[0095] Figures 12 to 15 show simulated diagrams of security element 3, including image 4 in the form of printing printed on a surface structure as described above. However, these examples differ from the previous examples in that the secondary image 7 is a transparent print, in particular an encoded clear varnish print, printed on the primary image 6. In the depicted examples, the primary image 6 includes a first primary image portion in the form of a colored portrait 6a and a second primary image portion in the form of an uncolored white image background 6b.

[0096] In other words, the secondary image is a varnish printed with a pattern such as encoded droplets, as described above for secondary images in the form of visible ink. The encoding effect similarly depends on the surface structure, as well as the viewing angle and / or illumination angle, but differs in that the change in appearance is a change in reflectivity, and this change in reflectivity preferably occurs from one color pixel to another. As in the example above, the surface structure preferably hides the color pixels printed behind the surface structure when the data carrier is viewed under a particular viewing angle / illumination angle.

[0097] In particular, Figure 12 illustrates a secondary image 7 in the form of a transparent varnish printed on a white background 6b of portrait 6a. This effect is very noticeable and appears when the data carrier 1 is tilted and light reflects off the surface of the data carrier 1.

[0098] Figures 13a and 13b depict a security element 4 in which a secondary image 7 in the form of varnish is printed on the background 6b of the primary image, and on the colored portrait 6a of the primary image. Due to the transparency of the varnish 7, the colored primary image 6a, i.e., the visible portrait, is not obstructed. Figure 13a depicts the security element 4 as observed under a 90-degree viewing angle, and Figure 13b depicts the security element 4 as observed under an inclined viewing angle.

[0099] Figures 14a and 14b illustrate combinations that include both a colored secondary image portion 7a and a transparent secondary image portion 7b, where the encoded secondary image 7 is encoded within a first primary image portion 6a in the form of a portrait and within a second primary image portion 6b in the form of a white background. Figure 14a illustrates the security element 4 as observed under a vertical viewing angle, and Figure 14b illustrates the security element 4 as observed under an inclined viewing angle.

[0100] Figure 15 illustrates that varnish printing offers yet another possibility. Instead of a lamination process, the surface structure 5 to be decoded can be printed with varnish itself, for example, on a mirror surface document of the data carrier. This process simply involves first printing horizontal lines with the correct pitch and sufficient height for the composite using varnish, thereby generating the surface structure 5. After this, an encoded secondary image 7, such as an alphanumeric text picture, is printed on top of a primary image 6, such as a portrait, as in the example described above. That is, Figure 15 illustrates an embodiment in which the surface structure 5, the primary image 6 in the form of a colored portrait 6a with a white background 6b, and the secondary image 7 in the form of a varnish background are all generated via inkjet printing.

[0101] At this point, it should be noted that the aforementioned varnish printing technology can also be used on paper products, either by intaglio embossing or by inkjet embossing.

[0102] The above-mentioned provision of transparent and / or varnished secondary elements that can be provided by varnish printing technology brings additional advantages.

[0103] - Enables new visual appearances for security elements: for example, optically variable light reflection instead of color changes; - Enables a color shift effect on uncolored areas of the primary image, such as white areas; - Enables color shift effects on unencoded primary images; - Enables a combination of color shift and varnish printing techniques for primary images; - Enables inkjet color shifting on mirrored documents.

[0104] [Table 1]

Claims

1. A data carrier (1) for secure items such as passports, - Carrier body (2) and, - At least one security element (3) provided on the carrier body (2), The security element (3) comprises at least one security element (3) including at least one image (4) printed on at least one surface structure (5) extending along the extending direction (E), The aforementioned image (4) includes at least one primary image (6) and at least one secondary image (7) encoded within the primary image (6), The data carrier (1) is characterized in that the surface structure (5) is configured to decode the secondary image (7) when the data carrier (1) is viewed under different viewing angles and / or illuminated under different illumination angles, thereby making the secondary image (7) observable.

2. The primary image (6) is observable when the data carrier (1) is viewed under at least a first field of view and a second field of view, and / or when the data carrier (1) is illuminated under at least a first illumination angle and a second illumination angle. The secondary image (7) is obscured when the data carrier (1) is viewed under the first field of view and / or illuminated under the first illumination angle, but is observable when the data carrier (1) is viewed under the second field of view and / or illuminated under the second illumination angle, according to claim 1.

3. The security element (3), in particular the primary image (6) and / or the secondary image (7), is configured such that the data carrier (1) exhibits different appearances when viewed under different viewing angles and / or illumination angles. The data carrier (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the different appearance is preferably at least one of different luminescence, different color, different intensity, different brightness, or different reflectance.

4. At least a portion of the primary image (6) and / or at least a portion of the secondary image is monochromatic or multicolored, and / or The data carrier (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein at least a portion of the primary image is at least one of uncolored, white, or gray, and / or at least a portion of the secondary image is transparent and / or contains or consists of varnish.

5. The data carrier (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein at least a portion of the primary image (6) includes primary color pixels, the secondary image (7) includes secondary color pixels, the primary image is modulated according to at least one modulation pattern (12), and the secondary image is modulated according to at least one modulation pattern (12), but preferably shifted by half a period of the modulation pattern (12), thereby creating a difference in appearance between the primary color pixels and the secondary color pixels when the data carrier (1) is viewed under different viewing angles, while the average appearance of the security element (3) remains unchanged.

6. The primary image (6) and the secondary image (7) are observable with the naked eye, and / or The data carrier (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the security element (3) is self-verifying.

7. The surface structure (5) comprises a raised portion (8) extending away from the carrier body (2), and / or a recessed portion (9) extending toward the carrier body (2), The data carrier (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein, in at least a portion of the region, the distance between the raised portions (8) and / or the surface area of ​​the raised portions (8) and / or the inclination of the raised portions (8), and / or the distance between the recessed portions (9) and / or the surface area of ​​the recessed portions (9) and / or the inclination of the recessed portions (9), preferably remain constant or change with respect to the extending direction (E).

8. The aforementioned surface structure (5) is associated with the surface pitch, The data carrier (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the surface pitch is configured to decode the secondary image (7) encoded within the primary image (6).

9. In at least some areas, the primary pitch associated with the primary image (6) is either identical to or different from the surface pitch, and / or The data carrier (1) according to claim 8, wherein in at least a portion of the region, the secondary pitch associated with the secondary image (7) is either identical to or different from the surface pitch.

10. The primary image (6) and / or the secondary image (7) are - Pictures and / or alphanumeric characters, such as name, date of birth, country of residence, coat of arms, etc. - A data carrier (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein at least one of the following is machine-readable.

11. - The data carrier (1) further comprises at least one marking material configured to interact with incident laser radiation, and the surface structure (5) corresponds to a laser marking generated within the marking material. - The surface structure (5) corresponds to embossing, - The carrier body (2) and / or the surface structure (5) contains or consists of one or more paper-based compounds and / or one or more cardboard-based compounds and / or one or more plastics and / or one or more polymers, or - The data carrier (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the surface structure (5) is compatible with printing, preferably inkjet printing.

12. The aforementioned data carrier (1) defines the upper side (10), The data carrier (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the security element (3) is provided on the upper side (10) of the data carrier (1).

13. A secure article comprising or comprising at least one data carrier (1) as described in any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the secure article is preferably an identification card, passport, credit card, smart card, driver's license, data page, etc.

14. A method for manufacturing a data carrier (1) for secure articles such as passports, wherein the data carrier (1) is preferably the data carrier (1) described in any one of claims 1 to 12, and the method is - The step of providing the carrier body (2), - At least one security element (3) provided on the carrier body (2), The steps include providing at least one security element (3) which includes at least one image (4) printed on at least one surface structure (5) extending along an extending direction (E), The aforementioned image (4) includes at least one primary image (6) and at least one secondary image (7) encoded within the primary image (6), A method characterized in that the surface structure (5) is configured to decode the secondary image (7) when the data carrier (1) is viewed under different viewing angles and / or illuminated under different illumination angles, thereby making the secondary image (7) observable.

15. The aforementioned security element (3) - To provide the original image (11), - Select at least a first area of ​​the original image (11) to be assigned to the primary image (6), and select at least a secondary area of ​​the original image (11) to be assigned to the secondary image (7), wherein the secondary area is preferably located inside the primary area. - The primary area is modulated according to at least one modulation pattern (12), thereby forming the primary image (6), - The secondary area is modulated according to at least one modulation pattern (12), the modulated secondary area is shifted, and the secondary image (7) is formed as a result. - The primary image (6) and the secondary image (7) are recombined to form the image (4), The method according to claim 14, preferably comprising printing the image (4) onto the surface structure (5) using an inkjet printer.

16. The modulation pattern corresponds to a screen, preferably a circular screen, a multi-line screen, or an elliptical screen, and / or The primary area and the secondary area are modulated by changing at least one of the luminance, intensity, brightness, or color of the primary area and the secondary area, preferably by changing at least one of the luminance, intensity, brightness, or color of the color pixels assigned to the primary color pixels of the primary image (6) and the color pixels assigned to the secondary color pixels of the secondary image (7), and / or The modulated secondary area is shifted along at least one spatial direction and / or along the extending direction (E), and / or The method according to claim 15, wherein the modulated secondary area is shifted according to the surface pitch of the surface structure (5), and preferably the modulated secondary area is shifted by half the surface pitch.

Images