Security documents and methods for manufacturing security documents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a security document (1) having a first security element (2) and a surface structure (3) that overlaps the first security element in an overlapping region (41). The surface structure (3) is configured to alter the light irradiated onto and / or emitted from the security element (2), thereby making optical properties (410, 420) having a defined color difference and / or brightness difference visible in the overlapping region (41) and the comparison region (42) in a first viewing state.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to security documents and a method for manufacturing security documents.

Background Art

[0002] For example, the individualized items of security documents such as passports and other identity documents are known to be protected from forgery by security functions in the form of (haptic) surface structures having optical functions on the coating layer. It is also known to protect individualized items from forgery by a security function in the form of an embedded DOVID (diffractive optical variable image device).

[0003] For example, in the field of identity documents, personal data items such as the photograph and date of birth of the document owner have hitherto been protected from alteration by DOVIDs. DOVIDs can also be used for authenticating the document body. Depending on the type of document (paper data page, polycarbonate data page, etc.), forgers will attempt to change or replace these data. Known techniques in forgery attempts include "surface attacks", "intermediate attacks", and "backside attacks". The DOVIDs placed on personal data exhibit a protective effect particularly against surface attacks such as photo forgery by black printing on the surface.

[0004] In the lamination step of polycarbonate cards, for example, surface structures generated by structured press plates also have the purpose of protecting the aforementioned personal data. These surface structures have the advantage of being able to be implemented at relatively low cost during card manufacturing. However, they also have the drawback of being easily analyzable and replicable by forgers because they are located on the surface.

[0005] To avoid interference between the security features based on the imprinted surface structure and the optical features of DOVID, it is generally avoided to place these two types of security features one above the other. If interference occurs, the ability to identify and inspect one or both of the security features will be reduced, and the anti-counterfeiting effect will be compromised. For example, it becomes difficult for an untrained person to inspect each security feature separately. For instance, if a scattering mat structure is present on the surface, it becomes difficult to identify the diffraction motion effect (fine-ray motion) based on fine lines. Also, the identification of diffraction design elements that show a defined shape expected by the observer, such as emblems / coatl or two-letter codes, becomes difficult or impossible due to overlapping surface structures. However, using two security features adjacent to each other, and more often, spaced apart from each other, makes the work of a counterfeiter easier. This is because, in order to imitate the two security features, the counterfeiter only needs to concentrate on each security feature in turn. [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0006] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide a security document with improved protection against forgery, and a method for manufacturing a security document. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] This objective is achieved by the security document described in claim 1 and the method described in claim 50.

[0008] This security document comprises a first security element having a first optical variability effect in a first region. It also has a surface structure positioned on the first outer surface of the security document. This surface structure is exposed. The security document further has an overlapping region where the surface structure overlaps with the first security element. The security document further has a comparison region where the first security element is present, but the surface structure does not overlap with the first security element. In a first viewing state, a reference optical characteristic having a defined color and / or defined luminance is visible in the comparison region. The surface structure is configured such that, in the first viewing state, the surface structure within the overlapping region causes a change in the light incident on and / or emitted from the first security element. This makes the contrast optical characteristic (defined color and / or defined luminance) generated by the first optical variability effect of the first security element visible within the overlapping region. Here, the contrast optical characteristic differs from the reference optical characteristic by a defined color difference and / or defined luminance difference.

[0009] The method according to the present invention is a method for producing a security document, in particular a security document according to the present invention. This method, in particular in the order described, The steps include providing at least one coating layer, Steps include providing at least one core layer, The steps include providing a first security element having a first optical variable effect, The steps include arranging at least one core layer, at least one coating layer, and a first security element such that the first security element is positioned between at least one coating layer and at least one core layer, The process includes a step of pressing, particularly laminating, at least one coating layer and at least one core layer, wherein a surface structure is imprinted on at least one coating layer, the surface structure is exposed, and so that the security document has an overlapping region where the surface structure overlaps with a first security element and a comparison region where the first security element is present but the surface structure does not overlap with the first security element. In a first viewing state, a reference optical characteristic having a defined color and / or defined luminance is visible in the comparison region. The surface structure is configured such that, in the first viewing state, the surface structure in the overlapping region causes a change in the light incident on the first security element and / or a change in the light emitted from the first security element, so that a contrast optical characteristic having a defined color and / or defined luminance produced by a first optical variability effect of the first security element is visible in the overlapping region, where the contrast optical characteristic differs from the reference optical characteristic by a defined color difference and / or defined luminance difference.

[0010] The present invention provides a security document with enhanced protection against counterfeiting, particularly through a defined interaction between the surface structure and the first security element, which manifests as a defined color difference and / or luminance difference. Therefore, the surface structure and the first security element work together to form a security feature, enabling a complex yet defined, and thus inspectable, color and luminance relationship under specific viewing conditions. Simultaneously, the optical functions of the surface structure and the first security element generate a common image that is easily transmitted, quickly inspected, and difficult to imitate. In particular, counterfeiters must also imitate the defined interaction; simply copying both images (images of the surface structure and the first security element) individually and duplicating them for different viewing conditions is insufficient. Otherwise, the lack of interaction can be identified, even through simple visual inspection. This interaction can be examined based on a defined color difference and / or luminance difference in the first viewing state and is based on both the optical variability effect of the first security element and the changes in light caused by the surface structure, particularly the optical variability effect of the first security element beneath the surface structure (which changes in correspondence with the surface structure). Furthermore, if only the surface structure or the first security element is changed, the common optical image is destroyed.

[0011] A further advantage is that a significantly larger surface area of ​​a security document or individualized item can be protected by a first security element or additional security element exhibiting a corresponding specified color difference and / or luminance difference relative to other surface structures. This certainly increases the surface area of ​​the security document where the corresponding area overlaps with the surface structure. However, due to the specified interaction, these overlapping areas may not have a destructive effect, but rather contribute to improved anti-counterfeiting performance.

[0012] A further advantage is that perfect alignment is achieved between the optical effects of the overlapping and comparison regions, and counterfeit attempts based on other manufacturing methods, which are particularly affected by alignment tolerances, can be identified based on such alignment tolerances.

[0013] Advantageous embodiments of the present invention are described in the dependent claims.

[0014] Security documents are preferably passports, identification cards, driver's licenses, labels or vignettes, or data pages of the aforementioned documents, particularly data pages of accountable documents such as passports.

[0015] "Exposure" specifically refers to a surface structure forming the outermost surface layer of a security document. This is, for example, a tactile surface structure. Tactile surface structures are preferably tactile.

[0016] The first security element comprises, in the first region, one or more layers of at least one relief structure and / or at least one replication layer having at least one relief structure and / or at least one reflective layer. The reflective layer is located on at least one relief structure. It is also possible that at least one relief structure includes a first relief structure present in both the overlapping region and the comparison region, and / or the first relief structure extends at least partially without interruption from the overlapping region to the comparison region. Preferably, the first region is a closed region or is composed of, for example, a plurality of preferably separated subregions having the first relief structure and / or one or more further relief structures.

[0017] Optical variability effects can be selected individually or in combination from, in particular, angle-dependent contrast (especially luminance changes), angle-dependent color changes, angle-dependent motion effects, angle-dependent motif changes, holographic images, kinematic images, three-dimensional images, and stereoscopic images. The viewing angle of the security element, in particular the first security element, can be changed by the user tilting and / or rotating and / or bending the security element. The optical variability effect of the first security element exhibits color difference and / or luminance difference in different viewing states, including the first viewing state. The viewing state in this case is particularly dependent on the viewing angle, which is comprised of one or more of the illumination angle, viewing angle, and rotation angle. For this purpose, a relief structure, such as at least one relief structure, is preferably used. This type of relief structure, such as at least one relief structure, preferably has a series of structures consisting of raised and recessed portions in at least one direction determined by the relevant azimuth angle, and the series of raised portions preferably are continuous with each other with a period P shorter than, for example, the wavelength of visible light. Thus, for example, using the azimuth angle of at least one relief structure, it is possible to pre-define the rotation angle of the field of view in which the first security element projects a predetermined color and / or predetermined brightness to the observer and / or a first outer surface, particularly one having a surface structure. The minimum value of the recess particularly defines the base surface, which is preferably covered by the minimum value of the corresponding relief structure, particularly at least one relief structure. The corresponding relief structure, particularly at least one relief structure, preferably has a relief depth t determined by the distance between the maximum value of the raised portion of the relief structure and the base surface in a direction perpendicular to the base surface. In particular, the term "diffraction grating depth" can also be used instead of "relief depth". Profile shape means, in particular, the shape in a cross-sectional view having a cross section including a normal to the base surface. By selecting these parameters, it is possible to identify a defined color and / or defined brightness, particularly under defined observation conditions, especially under at least the first observation condition.

[0018] Angles, particularly the viewing angle and illumination angle, are preferably measured progressing from the normal of the base plane and / or the plane of a security document, e.g., the first outer surface. The rotation angle is, in particular, an angle measured within the plane of the base plane and / or the plane of a security document, e.g., the first outer surface. For example, the rotation angle is a reference axis extending along the base plane or the plane of a security document, e.g., the first outer surface, starting from the intersection with the normal, and an axis extending along the base plane or the plane of a security document, e.g., the first outer surface, e.g., on the plane of the first outer surface, following the line of sight projected onto the base plane.

[0019] The contrasting optical properties visible in the first viewing state are, in particular, the color and / or brightness produced by the first security element, and thus predetermined by the first optical variability effect. Optionally, the contrasting optical properties and / or reference optical properties may have further color and / or brightness effects, for example, by coloring of a coating layer having a surface structure, and / or by a thin film structure, particularly a Fabry-Perot interference layer structure. The phrase "produced by the first optical variability effect of the first security element" and / or "color and / or brightness produced by the first security element" should preferably be understood to mean that the first optical variability effect of the first security element is produced, i.e., preferably visible to the observer. Thus, the contrasting optical properties are, in particular, the defined color and / or defined brightness produced by the first optical variability effect of the first security element.

[0020] The defined color and / or luminance that form the reference optical characteristics are, in particular, the color and / or luminance produced and / or generated by the first security element, or the background color and / or background luminance. The background color and / or background luminance are produced, in particular, by one or more optically invariant layers positioned in front of, behind and / or inside the first security element when viewed toward the first outer surface. In particular, when the reference optical characteristics are the background color and / or background luminance, the first security element can be transparent in the first viewing state.

[0021] The defined color and / or defined luminance of the reference light characteristics and / or reference light characteristics may include one or more colors, in particular one or more defined wavelength ranges, and / or one or more luminances, in particular one or more defined luminance ranges. These one or more defined colors and / or one or more defined luminances may be present in different zones of the overlapping and / or comparison regions. For example, in a first viewing state, the overlapping region may appear bright and iridescent, while the comparison region may appear dark with various shades of gray. In particular, the presence of a defined color difference and / or luminance difference relative to the comparison region can provide a security feature that is easy to inspect.

[0022] "Light emitted from the first security element" specifically means light that is reflected and / or scattered and / or diffracted by the first security element. This reflected and / or scattered and / or diffracted light is altered, for example, by diffraction and / or refraction and / or scattering and / or reflection at the surface structure, particularly at the boundary between the surface structure and the surrounding air, and as a result, light having different optical properties (e.g., contrasting optical properties) from the overlapping region of the security document is emitted toward the viewer, particularly in the first viewing state.

[0023] Due to the change in "the light incident on the first security element", in particular in the same viewing state, from the first security element, a first optical variable effect can cause light different from that in the comparison region to be emitted from the first security element and be visualized by the viewer.

[0024] In the first viewing state, the contrast light characteristics can be determined, in particular, by the first optical variable effect generated by the incident light, which is changed by the surface structure, in particular by refraction, diffraction, scattering and / or reflection. Alternatively, or in addition, the contrast light characteristics can be determined, in particular, by the light generated by the optical variable effect of the first security element, which exits from the surface structure and is changed by the surface structure, in particular by refraction, diffraction, scattering and / or reflection, during this process.

[0025] The surface structure preferably changes the angle of incidence of the light incident on the first security element, in particular the light incident on the first security element. Preferably, it is changed with respect to the region of the first security element, in particular the comparison region. The comparison region is a region that has the same optical variable effect but does not overlap with the surface structure. Also, the surface structure diffracts the light exiting from the surface, in particular, the surface structure changes the optical effect of the first security element visible to the observer. Thereby, in particular in the first viewing state, an optical effect of the first security element different from that of the comparison region is observed in the overlapping region.

[0026] A change in the light incident on the first security element is, in particular, a change in the angle of incidence of the light incident on the first security element, in relation to the light incident on the first security element, which is preferably not changed by the surface structure. A change in the light radiated from the first security element is, in particular, a change in the angle of emission of the light radiated from the first security element, in particular in relation to the light emerging from the security document at a surface without a surface structure. A change in the light incident on the first security element, in particular the angle of incidence, and / or a change in the light radiated from the first security element, in particular in the divergence angle, occurs in particular in relation to the light incident on the first security element in the comparison area, in particular after entering the security document from the first outer surface without a surface structure and / or the light radiated from the first security element and emerging from the security document from the first outer surface without a surface structure. The change in the light incident on the first security element (angle of incidence) and / or the light radiated from the first security element (angle of emission) is preferably one or more or includes one or more of a change in the angle of emission, in particular an increase in the angle of emission, a decrease in the angle of emission, an expansion of the angle of emission and / or a focusing of the angle of emission, a change in the angle of incidence, in particular an increase and / or a decrease and / or a focusing of the angle of incidence. The angle of incidence particularly refers to the angle of incidence of the light incident on the first security element and entering the security document at the first outer surface, in particular the surface structure. The angle of emission particularly refers to the angle of emission of the light emerging at the first outer surface, preferably the surface structure, and radiated from the first security element.

[0027] Color specifically refers to individual visual (sensory) perceptions caused by light within the range visible to the human eye. This perception is also called color perception or color impression. Human-perceivable colors are located in the electromagnetic spectrum from 380 nm [violet] to 780 nm [crimson], and in the regions below 430 nm and above 690 nm in particular, the relative sensitivity is less than 1% of the maximum sensitivity at 555 nm. Therefore, in the spectral ranges of 380 nm to 430 nm (the region with wavelengths shorter than the light that the human eye can clearly perceive) and 690 nm to 780 nm (the region with wavelengths longer than the light that the human eye can clearly perceive), only very powerful light sources such as ultra-high-brightness LEDs and lasers are discernible. Perceived color arises from the visual stimulus in the color receptor to the color value. Color is not a property of visible light (color stimulus), but a subjective perception of the physical cause of electromagnetic waves. Different color stimuli are produced depending on the spectral color value (different intensities at different wavelengths of light), resulting in different perceived colors due to different color qualities.

[0028] In particular, under the first viewing condition, a specified color difference and / or specified luminance difference occurs.

[0029] In particular, it has been shown that it is advantageous for the defined color difference and / or luminance difference between the contrasting light characteristics and the reference light characteristics to be determined by the total color difference dE (preferably in the CIELAB color space) and to be in the range of 3 to 270, preferably 5 to 270, and more preferably 10 to 270.

[0030] The luminance difference and / or chrominance difference is preferably determined by the total chrominance difference dE in the CIELAB color space. In particular, in the CIELAB system, the color space is represented as a sphere defined by three axes: the luminance L axis, the red-green axis a, and the yellow-blue axis b. Specifically, L=100 corresponds to white, L=0 to black, and L=50 to achromatic point. The total chrominance difference dE is further determined as follows:

number

[0031] It is particularly advantageous that a surface structure exhibiting a colorless and / or achromatic optical effect and / or a colorless and / or achromatic optical image exhibits a color effect and / or brightness difference of the underlying first security element. In particular, a color effect of the first security element that is stable over a relatively wide angular range and / or exhibits a defined, preferably clearly defined, color change is advantageous because the overlapping area with the surface structure can also exhibit this color impression and / or color change and / or contrast change.

[0032] "Visible to the human eye" or "visible" means that something is visible, especially in the wavelength range of 380nm to 780nm, and especially 430nm to 690nm.

[0033] "Transparent" is preferably understood to mean that the transmittance is 70% or more, and especially 90% or more, particularly in the wavelength range of 430nm to 690nm, preferably in the wavelength range visible to the human eye. "Semi-transparent" is preferably understood to mean that the transmittance is in the range of 30% to 70%, particularly in the wavelength range of 430nm to 690nm, preferably in the wavelength range visible to the human eye. "Opaque" is preferably interpreted to mean that the transmittance is less than 30%, and especially less than 10%, particularly in the wavelength range of 430nm to 690nm, preferably in the wavelength range visible to the human eye. "Transmittance" is preferably interpreted to mean the ratio of the amount of light radiated into / or incident on the medium to the amount of light that passes through the medium from the opposite side, and preferably refers to a state in which there is no significant change in the spectral profile of the light. Light that is not transmitted is preferably reflected, scattered and / or absorbed by the medium. For example, a transmittance of 0.9 or 90% of a medium means that 90% of the incident light is perceptible on the opposite side of the medium. In particular, when considering the transmittance of a layer, reflection at the boundary of that layer is ignored.

[0034] With respect to the first optical variability effect or the first security element, "invisible" specifically means a state in which the conditions for direct reflection by the first security element are not met, resulting in the optical variability effect and / or zero-order color effect being invisible or nearly invisible. Alternatively, with respect to the first optical variability effect or the first security element, "invisible" specifically means a state in which the conditions for diffraction or reflection by the first security element are not met, resulting in the optical variability effect and / or first-order and / or higher-order diffraction color effects and / or reflective luminance effects being invisible or nearly invisible. Here, the first security element can be considered transparent. Here, "order" specifically means the order of diffraction.

[0035] The surface structure and the first security element preferably produce a common optical image and / or a common optical variability effect. This is particularly unattainable with either of the two security functions alone and / or distinct from the individual optical effects of the surface structure and the first security element. The common optical image specifically refers to one or more logically consistent motifs.

[0036] Motifs are selected individually or in combination from geometrically designed outlines, graphic representations, icons, geometric shapes, images, symbols, logos, portraits, alphanumeric characters, text, grids, and patterns. "Motif shape" specifically means "having the form of a motif."

[0037] The term "domain" means, in particular, a defined domain extending over the entire security document, as visible in a view perpendicular to the plane of the security document, in particular the first security element, the first outer surface and / or surface structure, in particular the base surface of at least one relief structure or surface structure. The domain, overlap, width, and length are considered in particular in a view perpendicular to the plane stretched by the corresponding layers, where preferably there is a plane where the thickness of the corresponding layers is ignored. The domain extends over the entire security document or system, in particular with the thus defined domain as the base surface. The layers are preferably substantially planar structures. In particular, the layers can be single-layer or multi-layered. "Overlap" and / or "overlapping" means, in particular, that there is at least partial overlap in a view projected perpendicular to the first outer surface and / or a view projected perpendicular to the plane of the first outer surface.

[0038] "Alignment" refers to the positional accuracy of two or more layers, elements, regions, and / or layers relative to each other. Here, the alignment accuracy should be within a predetermined alignment tolerance and should be as close as possible. At the same time, the relative positioning accuracy of multiple laminates, elements, regions, and / or layers is an important characteristic for improving process reliability and / or product quality, as well as for preventing counterfeiting. This alignment accuracy or precise positioning can be achieved, in particular, by alignment marks detectable by sensor means, preferably optical. These alignment marks may be special, independent layers, elements, regions, and / or layers, or they may be part of the layer, element, region, and / or layer being positioned. "Perfect alignment" specifically means that there is no alignment tolerance.

[0039] In one or more additional viewing states, one or more additional colors and / or additional brightness generated by the first security element may be visible.

[0040] The first security element and / or the optical variability effect of the first security element may provide and / or generate one or more of the following colors and / or luminances and / or properties in the overlapping region and / or comparison region: at least a first color and / or a first luminance, which is preferably generated by the optical variability effect and is visible in the overlapping region, particularly in the first viewing state and optionally in the second viewing state, and preferably forms a contrasting optical property; at least a second color and / or a second luminance, which is preferably generated by the optical variability effect and is visible in the comparison region, particularly in the first viewing state, and preferably forms a reference optical property; at least a third color and / or a third luminance, which is preferably generated by the optical variability effect and is visible in the second viewing state, particularly in the comparison region; and transparency in the comparison region, in particular transparency such that a fourth color and / or a fourth luminance, preferably not generated by the optical variability effect, is visible in the comparison region in the first or second viewing state. The fourth color and / or fourth brightness may instead be produced by, for example, one or more decorative layers, for example, one or more printed layers, where the one or more printed layers may be positioned, in particular, below or behind the first security element in the viewing direction.

[0041] Preferably, the first and second viewing states are different from each other. In particular, the reference light characteristics correspond to the first color and / or the first brightness, and the reference light characteristics correspond to the second color and / or the second brightness, and / or the fourth color and / or the fourth brightness.

[0042] Preferably, the security document in the first viewing state exhibits a defined interaction with respect to the second viewing state. For example, this is achieved by the fact that in the first viewing state, contrasting optical properties constitute a defined color and / or defined luminance, which are also present in the second viewing state in at least the comparison region and / or the comparison region and its overlapping region.

[0043] Furthermore, in the third viewing state, it is possible that the optical variability effect of the first security element may not be visible in the overlapping region, particularly if the first security element is transparent or translucent. In other words, in the third viewing state, the light incident on the security document may be altered by the surface structure, and the optical variability effect of the first security element may not be visible. Also, in the third viewing state, the first security element may be transparent or translucent in the comparison region, or the sixth color and / or sixth luminance of the first optical effect may become visible in the comparison region, and may differ particularly from the reference light characteristics and the reference light characteristics, preferably by further defined color difference and / or luminance difference.

[0044] In particular, it is conceivable that the first optical variability effect, which constitutes the contrasting light characteristics in the overlapping region, may be visible in the comparison region in the fourth viewing state.

[0045] The first, second, third, fourth, and fifth colors and / or luminances are preferably distinct colors and / or luminances that do not require each other to be present. Rather, the terms “first,” “second,” “third,” “fourth,” and “fifth” are preferably used simply for distinction. For example, the “third viewing state” does not necessarily require the presence of the “second viewing state.” For example, the “fifth” color does not necessarily require the presence of the “fourth” color.

[0046] The security document preferably has at least one coating layer. The surface structure is preferably formed on the coating layer. The security document may also have at least one core layer. The first security element is preferably applied to at least one core layer or incorporated inside a card containing at least one core layer. This is preferably achieved by applying the first security element to at least one coating layer and / or at least one core layer by lamination and / or a transfer process such as hot stamping or cold stamping. Alternatively, the first security element may be applied to a preferably transparent layer, then placed between at least one coating layer and at least one core layer, and then the layers are joined together. It is preferable that one or more layers of the card core or at least one core layer are made of or contain paper, and / or plastic materials, particularly polycarbonate (PC) and / or polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and / or Teslin, or contain them.

[0047] At least one coating layer and at least one core layer are preferably laminated by lamination press. Here, at least one coating layer and at least one core layer preferably have multiple blanks or security documents, and are particularly likely to be separated into individual security documents in a later process.

[0048] Preferably, at least one core layer, at least one coating layer, and the first security element are arranged such that the first optical effect of the first security element appears in the first region.

[0049] The surface structure is composed of and / or formed by at least one coating layer. To manufacture a security document, the surface structure may be formed on the first outer surface, in particular by a press plate having a structure complementary to the surface structure. In particular, the method for manufacturing a security document is carried out in a lamination press device, in which the surface structure is formed on at least one coating layer using a press plate and a crimping operation is performed. Preferably, during this crimping operation, one or more of the at least one coating layer, the first security element, the individualization layer, and at least one core layer are crimped and / or laminated.

[0050] The security document preferably further includes at least one individualization layer. The individualization layer can be positioned between at least one coating layer and at least one core layer during the manufacturing process and then crimped. From a first outward-facing view, the individualization layer is preferably positioned behind the first security element. The individualization layer is preferably processed using a laser, in particular by blackening to form or be able to form individualized information items on the security document. Blackening is generally produced by laser irradiation with a wavelength of 1064 nm. It is also conceivable that the individualization layer is at least one printed layer or includes at least one printed layer. In particular, at least one printed layer is applied to at least one coating layer and / or at least one core layer before the crimping process, especially before the lamination process. The printed individualization items can also be applied directly to the core layer.

[0051] At least one coating layer is preferably transparent, and in particular, when viewed toward the first outer surface, the optically variable effect of the first security element is visible, and in particular, individualized information items, if already present, are visible.

[0052] Preferably, the first security element is applied by a laminated film or from the transfer layer of a transfer film.

[0053] In particular, at least one relief structure of the first security element can also be imprinted on a surface located within the security document, for example, on the surface of at least one coating layer, at least one core layer, transparent layers, preferably a first transparent layer and / or a second transparent layer, and / or an individualization layer within the security document. At least one reflective layer is preferably applied before or after the at least one relief structure is imprinted on the corresponding surface, particularly in the area where the at least one relief structure is provided before or after.

[0054] The first security element is preferably a diffractive optical variable image device (DOVID), and more particularly preferably transparent or transparent in most of its area, and preferably a DOVID that partially overlaps with the main image and / or portrait and / or further personalized data such as date of birth. "Transparent in most of its area" means, in particular, that at least 60%, preferably 70% or more, and especially 80% or more of the DOVID area is transparent, and preferably only the remaining portion of the DOVID area is translucent and / or opaque. This area is determined in particular by the line of sight projected perpendicularly onto the plane by the security document and / or the first security element. The first security element can take the form of an inlay, i.e., an insert element that is laminated in particular by at least one coating layer and optionally by at least one core layer located on the opposite side of the at least one coating layer and / or further coating layers located on the opposite side of the at least one coating layer during the lamination process. The inlay preferably has at least one carrier film, which is made of or contains polycarbonate in particular. In particular, at least one replica layer and / or at least one reflective layer having at least one relief structure is formed on the carrier film. The security document may also have a first security element covering the entire surface or, in particular, almost the entire surface, wherein the first security element preferably covers 80% or more, more than 90%, of the area of ​​the security document, and in particular preferably covers the area visible toward the first outer surface. The first security element may also cover at least 50% or more of the area of ​​the security document. The first security element particularly has a regional optical effect, i.e., an effect visible to the human eye without the use of a magnifying aid. The optical effect of the first security element is particularly preferably a regional zero-order effect, or preferably a regional color effect due to a Fabry-Perot interference layer structure.

[0055] At least one coating layer is, for example, a security laminate having a first security element, or includes such a laminate. Such a security laminate is attached to a security document, in particular, to form the surface of the security document, for example, a first outer surface. The security laminate may be attached to the security document by a heat-activatable and / or UV-curable adhesive. The security laminate may be a film, for example, named KINEGRAM® Guard or KINEGRAM® TKO. Such security laminates are commonly used to protect personal data, such as the likeness of the document owner, on paper-based documents or data pages. Plastic cards or plastic card pages, in particular, made of or containing polycarbonate (PC), may also be protected by the first security element and surface structure. In this case, the first security element is incorporated into a layered composite including at least one core layer, and then at least one core layer and the first security element can be crimped together with at least one coating layer.

[0056] In any embodiment, the first security element does not include microimages that may become optically variable information items due to a moiré amplification effect (or similar techniques such as conventional "inverted images"), particularly in combination with microlenses placed on the surface. This is because such optically variable motion or inversion effects may distract attention from the defined luminance and / or color difference in the optical effect of the first security element.

[0057] Furthermore, security documents may have additional layers selected individually or in combination from a first transparent layer, particularly a layer made of polycarbonate or polyvinyl chloride; a second transparent layer, particularly a layer made of polycarbonate or polyvinyl chloride; an adhesion-promoting layer; a barrier layer; an adhesive layer; a mask layer; an optical conductor layer; an additional reflective layer; a decorative layer; a color layer; an additional printing layer; and additional security features.

[0058] In particular, a security document may have, in a description order preferably beginning from a first outer surface, one or more of the following: at least one coating layer, one or more first transparent layers, individualization layers, one or more second transparent layers, preferably one or more opaque core layers, one or more third transparent layers, and / or at least one further coating layer. Each layer may have a decorative layer, such as a printed layer and / or a color layer, either partially or entirely.

[0059] The first security element may be applied to a single continuous area or separate areas. In particular, in a view projected perpendicularly onto a plane by the security document, it is preferable that the first security element at least partially overlaps with the personalized data on the personalized layer and / or the personalized area provided for such personalized data.

[0060] In one or more viewing states, the first security element may be transparent or semi-transparent in the overlapping and / or comparison areas.

[0061] Preferably, in the view toward the first outer surface, the first security element is applied to the front of the individualized layer. In the view toward the first outer surface, one or more further security elements, such as UV fluorescent printing or color offset printing, may be present on and / or behind the individualized layer.

[0062] A security document may have one or more designs. Designs that constitute a logically consistent image are preferably each formed by multiple design elements.

[0063] In particular, the first region may form one or more first design elements. The comparison region may also form one or more second design elements. Furthermore, the overlapping region may form one or more third design elements. In addition, the surface structure region may form one or more fourth design elements.

[0064] The entire comparison region, or in particular at least one or more subregions of the comparison region that together form at least one or more second design elements, preferably exhibits contrasting optical properties, preferably over its entire surface, in the first viewing state. The entire overlapping region, or in particular at least one or more subregions of the overlapping region that form at least one third design element, preferably exhibits contrasting optical properties, preferably over an area of ​​at least 1 mm × 1 mm, more preferably at least 2 mm × 2 mm, even more preferably at least 3 mm × 3 mm, and particularly preferably over its entire surface, in the first viewing state.

[0065] The first region may include a plurality of first design elements separated from each other, the comparison region may include a plurality of second design elements separated from each other, the overlapping region may include a plurality of third design elements separated from each other, and / or the surface structure region may include a plurality of fourth design elements separated from each other. Here, “separated from each other” means, in particular, that the design elements can be perceived as separated from each other by the human eye, and / or preferably, that there is at least 0.5 mm, preferably at least 2 mm, more preferably at least 5 mm between each design element, in particular in the field of view projected perpendicularly to a plane by the first outer surface. At least one of the second and / or third design elements may be identical to one or more of the first design elements.

[0066] Typically, the design extent of at least one fourth design element or one or more fourth design elements, i.e., surface structure design elements, and / or a first design element or one or more first design elements, i.e., a first security element, is in the range of 100 μm to 50 mm, preferably 200 μm to 30 mm, and more preferably 300 μm to 20 mm. This range is measured in the field of view projected perpendicularly to a plane, particularly by the first outer surface.

[0067] Preferably, the overlapping region takes the form of one or more first motifs that are preferably visible, particularly fully visible, in the first viewing state, or are composed of such motifs. Alternatively, the first region having the first optical variability effect may take the form of one or more second motifs that are preferably visible, particularly fully visible, in both the overlapping region and the comparison region, particularly in the first viewing state and / or the second viewing state. The one or more first and / or second motifs are of a size particularly visible to the human eye. The one or more second motifs preferably include one or more first motifs and / or together with the one or more first motifs form one or more designs. If the one or more second motifs are visible in the overlapping region and the comparison region in the first viewing state, they exhibit advantageously defined color difference and / or defined luminance difference.

[0068] In particular, an overlapping region consisting of at least one third design element or a plurality of third design elements, and / or a comparison region consisting of at least one second design element or a plurality of second design elements, may have a width of at least 3 mm, preferably at least 6 mm, and more preferably at least 10 mm, in a field of view projected perpendicularly to a plane by the first outer surface.

[0069] One or more first motifs preferably have at least one contour line or outer edge line extending from the comparison region to the overlapping region. Alternatively, or in addition, one or more second motifs may have at least one contour line or outer edge line extending from the comparison region to the overlapping region.

[0070] The width of the overlapping and / or comparison regions applies, in particular, only to the width in the x-direction, the y-direction, or both the x-direction and the y-direction, in a Cartesian coordinate system where the plane formed by the first outer surface is the x-axis and the y-axis.

[0071] At least one relief structure, in particular a first relief structure, may completely fill at least one region that forms a motif. Alternatively, one or more additional relief structures, distinct from the first relief structure, may be placed in one or more further subregions of the first region, where these additional regions form, for example, further motifs and / or designs.

[0072] The surface structure preferably has one or more of the following: a matte finish, microprisms, microlenses, linear ridges, and / or depressions.

[0073] It is conceivable that one or more further overlapping regions, each having one or more of the aforementioned structures, be provided so as to overlap the first security element and / or one or more further security elements. For example, each of the further overlapping regions, or at least multiple overlapping regions, may constitute a different motif and / or be assigned to a different design.

[0074] The comparison region preferably contains the unstructured surface of the first outer surface of the security document. In particular, when the preferably unstructured surface of the security document, for example, the unstructured surface of a coating layer composed of or containing a polymer (particularly shown based on Figures 1d and 1e), is in air, light incident on the security document at an angle α1 follows the law of refraction (n1 * sin α1=n2 * The light is refracted at an angle α'2 within the security document, particularly within the coating layer, according to sin α'2, where n1 and n2 are corresponding refractive indices, in particular, for example, n1 of air and preferably n2 of the polymer forming the first outer surface. The angle of departure of the light that is reflected off the first security element and then exits the security document, particularly within the coating layer, is preferably the same under certain circumstances, for example, in a first viewing state. In particular under certain circumstances, the angle of light emitted from the first security element in the overlapping region within the security document, particularly within the coating layer, is the same as the angle of light that exits the security document, particularly within the coating layer, in the comparison region. In particular under these circumstances, in the comparison region, the angle of incidence α1 of the light incident on the security document, and possibly the angle of departure of the light reflected off the first outer surface, may be the same as the angle of departure of the light that exits the security document (i.e., the same value of α1). In particular in this situation, in the comparison region, light incident on the first security element at angle α'2 has the same angle as light emitted from the first security element within the security document, particularly within the coating layer (and therefore also emitted at α'2), in the comparison region. In particular, the surface structure preferably alters this. In other words, in this situation, the angle preferably changes in the overlapping region. For example, instead of angle α'2, there is angle α2, which preferably corresponds to angle α1. Also, instead of angle α1 of the light emanating from the security document, there is angle α4, in particular angle α4 is greater than or less than angle α1. The angle is preferably measured from a line perpendicular to the plane of the security document and / or the first outer surface, and / or preferably considered as an absolute value.

[0075] Light emanating from the surface structure may be diffused by angle β2 in the range of 0.5° to 45°, preferably 2° to 30°, and particularly preferably 2° to 15°. This diffusion is preferably caused by a mat structure. In particular, the mat structure is configured such that particularly ideally focused light rays incident on the mat structure and particularly ideally diffracted and / or reflected by the first security element are diffused by the mat structure on the surface of the security document by angle β2 in the range of 0.5° to 45°, preferably 2° to 30°, and particularly preferably 2° to 15°. The mat structure refers to a structure having particularly light scattering properties, and preferably having a stochastic mat surface profile. The mat structure is preferably an isotropic scattering mat structure. In particular, the mat structure has an average spacing of randomly or pseudo-randomly varying elements in the range of 1 μm to 100 μm, preferably 5 μm to 50 μm. The element spacing can be understood to mean the spacing of the maximum values, particularly in the roughness profile. The structural depth is, in particular, the interval from the maximum to the minimum value in the roughness profile. The structural depth of the matte structure can also be in the range of 0.5 μm to 20 μm, preferably 1 μm to 10 μm. This makes it possible to increase the scattering efficiency of light diffracted and / or reflected and / or scattered from the first security element to the surface structure and then re-emitted from the security document through the surface.

[0076] The change in light incident on the first security element is, in particular, a change in the angle of incidence of the light incident on the first security element, where light passing through the surface structure has a first angle of incidence α2 with respect to the first security element, and light incident on the security document from outside the surface structure has a second angle of incidence α'2 when incident on the first security element, particularly in the comparison region. The angular difference between the first angle of incidence α2 and the second angle of incidence α'2 is preferably at least 2 degrees, preferably at least 4 degrees, more preferably at least 6 degrees, more preferably at least 8 degrees, and even more preferably at least 12 degrees. Here, the difference is preferably calculated as an absolute value. Such an angular difference advantageously produces a visible luminance difference and / or color difference in the optical effect of the first security element.

[0077] The surface structure preferably has or is composed of microprisms. Angular differences may be caused by the microprisms. In particular, the microprisms are triangular prisms or include triangular prisms. The lateral spread of the microprisms is particularly in the range of 5 μm to 200 μm, preferably in the range of 10 μm to 100 μm. The depth of the microprisms is preferably in the range of 1 μm to 40 μm, preferably in the range of 10 μm to 25 μm. In particular, in the field of view projected perpendicularly to a plane by the first outer surface, the lateral spread of the microprisms is the minimum width in one or all directions within the plane for each individual prism. In the case of all directions, the term "micromirror" is also used. The depth is measured particularly along the direction perpendicular to the plane by the first outer surface.

[0078] The surface structure may have microlenses or be composed of microlenses, particularly those that cause angular differences. Microlenses may also cause scattering or diffusion of emitted light, particularly in optical effects similar to those of a matte structure. The microlenses are particularly cylindrical lenses, preferably convex cylindrical lenses, and / or spherical microlenses, preferably having a square or hexagonal arrangement. The lateral spread and / or diameter of the microlenses is preferably in the range of 20 μm to 400 μm, particularly preferably in the range of 40 μm to 300 μm. The depth of the microlenses is preferably in the range of 5 μm to 40 μm, particularly preferably in the range of 10 μm to 25 μm. In particular, in the field of view projected perpendicularly onto a plane by the first outer surface, the lateral spread is the minimum width in one or all directions within that plane. The diameter, in particular, in the case of spherical microlenses, is preferably the diameter of a circular base surface, which is present in the field of view projected perpendicularly onto a plane by the first outer surface. In particular, for a cross-section extending perpendicular to the first outer surface, the depth is the interval between the minimum and maximum values ​​along a line perpendicular to the first outer surface.

[0079] The surface structure may have or be composed of linear ridges and / or linear depressions. "Linear" specifically means the presence of a linear contour in a view taken from a direction perpendicular to the plane of the first outer surface. This contour is formed, for example, by one or more preferably linear maxima and / or one or more preferably linear minimums, which have and / or form edges in a view taken from a direction perpendicular to the plane of the first outer surface. The linear ridges and / or linear depressions extend, in particular, along a line or a series of lines, and their cross-sectional profile shape is at least partially constant and / or at least partially continuous along the line.

[0080] The lateral extent of the linear ridges and / or depressions runs transversely to the linear direction and is preferably in the range of 10 μm to 300 μm, more preferably in the range of 20 μm to 200 μm. The depth of the linear ridges and / or depressions is typically in the range of 5 μm to 40 μm, preferably in the range of 5 μm to 25 μm.

[0081] Linear ridges and / or recesses may be straight and / or curved. Linear ridges and / or recesses may be partially straight and partially curved. In particular, they can take the form of motifs, preferably alphabetical letters, text, or decorations.

[0082] Surface structures, particularly microlenses and / or microprisms and / or linear ridges and / or linear depressions, alter the angle of light incident on the surface structure. Preferably, in a first viewing state, the light thus altered is directed onto a first security element, and the light is reflected and / or diffracted and / or scattered by the first security element, resulting in an optically variable effect that produces contrasting light properties.

[0083] Linear ridges and / or depressions can cause angular differences.

[0084] At least one relief structure is configured such that a color effect is obtained by zero-order diffraction occurring by the first security element. Preferably, the reference light properties and / or reference light properties are generated by the zero-order color effect of the first security element, particularly the at least one relief structure, especially in the first viewing state.

[0085] At least one relief structure, particularly a first relief structure and / or one or more further relief structures, is preferably a subwavelength diffraction grating for generating a zero-order color effect, where at least one reflective layer is preferably a metallic layer, or includes one. The subwavelength diffraction grating for generating a zero-order color effect preferably has a grating period in the range of 180 nm to 420 nm and a grating depth in the range of 80 nm to 350 nm. The subwavelength diffraction grating for generating a zero-order color effect preferably has an asymmetric profile shape. In particular, the subwavelength diffraction grating for generating a zero-order color effect has a width of at least 0.6 × P, preferably at least 0.7 × P and / or up to 0.4 × P, particularly up to 0.3 × P, where P is the grating period and t is the depth of the relief, and this width is relative to the distance t / 2 from the base plane (i.e., particularly the "full width at half maximum (FWHM)" value), where "x" represents the mathematical operation "multiplication". Here, at least one reflective layer is, or includes, a metal coating, preferably made of aluminum, particularly having a thickness in the range of 5 nm to 200 nm. In particular, the subwavelength diffraction grating for producing the zero-order color effect can have one or more of the following shapes: cruciform, hexagonal, and pseudo-random. Here, shape refers in particular to a viewpoint projected perpendicular to the base plane. Such shapes have the advantage of producing a particularly strong zero-order color effect. Alternatively or additionally, the shape may also be linear.

[0086] The profile shape and / or relief depth t of the subwavelength diffraction grating that produces the zero-order color effect are such that the color appearance of light incident on the first security element at at least a first angle of incidence and directly reflected by or transmitted through at least one reflective layer containing or constituting a metallic layer is changed, in particular by plasmon resonance between the metallic layer and the incident light. Thus, the optical image of the first security element is characterized in particular by a defined (i.e., substantially monochromatic) color impression (e.g., red or gold), which is preferably visible in direct reflection and / or transmission (i.e., particularly under "normal" observation conditions). In particular, the zero-order color impression is stable over a relatively wide tilt angle range (typically at least 10° to 20°). In particular, the first visible state is visible over a tilt angle range including the angle range of 10° to 20°. At high angles (e.g., 30° or more), it is desirable that the hue changes to a second defined and stable hue (e.g., green). This stability to minute inclinations significantly differentiates the resulting color from the so-called iridescent effect of first-order or higher-order diffraction gratings, which often pass through the entire hue of the rainbow during a tilt of only 10°. Furthermore, the iridescent effect of diffraction gratings does not appear in direct reflection, or is not zero-order, but appears at different angles that can be calculated using the diffraction equation. In the case of subwavelength diffraction gratings, particularly those that produce a zero-order color effect, an iridescent effect similar to that of a diffraction grating can preferably occur during tilting, especially at tilts exceeding 50°.

[0087] The surface structure, in a first viewing state, generates a contrast optical property, particularly a first color and / or first luminance, from further optical properties, especially a first color and / or first luminance, generated in the overlapping region by a subwavelength diffraction grating that produces a zero-order color effect, while in the comparison region, the visible reference optical property, particularly a second color and / or second luminance, is generated by the subwavelength diffraction grating that produces a zero-order color effect, or the reference optical property is a fourth color and / or luminance. It is also conceivable that the contrast optical property is the color and / or luminance of the first-order color effect of the subwavelength diffraction grating, particularly the zero-order color effect. The surface structure can, in particular, alter the iridescent effect of the subwavelength diffraction grating during tilting motion, so that the iridescent effect occurs at other tilting angles, particularly in the first viewing state when the security document is tilted. Thus, a first-order color effect may also occur in the overlapping region, and this effect can be used in particular as a contrast optical property. In other words, the reference optical property may constitute a first-order color effect, which may be indicated by the contrast optical property at relatively small tilting angles of the security document.

[0088] At least one relief structure, particularly a first relief structure and / or at least one of one or more further relief structures, is or may constitute a diffraction grating for generating an achromatic emission effect. The diffraction grating for generating the achromatic emission effect is preferably a diffraction grating. The diffraction grating for generating the achromatic emission effect preferably has a grating period of at least 3 μm, more preferably at least 5 μm, and / or less than 50 μm, more preferably less than 20 μm.

[0089] The relief structure that generates the colorless luminescence effect may have one or more reflective microstructures (preferably reflective) such as micromirrors, microfacets, and microprisms. Preferably, the relief structure that generates the colorless luminescence effect has one or more profile shapes from a blaz shape, a rectangle, and a sinusoidal waveform. The components of the relief structure that generates the colorless luminescence effect have a lateral spread in particular in the range of 3 μm to 50 μm. The lateral spread is preferably measured in a field of view projected perpendicularly to the base plane formed by the corresponding structure, particularly the relief structure. In particular, the base plane is defined based on two axes of a Cartesian coordinate system, and the lateral spread exists in at least one direction of these axes, preferably both directions.

[0090] In this case, at least one reflective layer may be a metal layer and / or preferably a high refractive index (HRI) dielectric layer, or may include them.

[0091] The surface structure may be configured such that, in the first viewing state, the contrasting optical properties exhibit a colorless effect. This is preferably achieved by the diffusion and / or deflection of emitted light by a matte structure. In particular, the reference optical properties visible in the comparison region do not exhibit a colorless effect in the first viewing state. In this case, the first security element is transparent in the comparison region in the first viewing state, and / or the fourth color and / or fourth brightness are visible in the comparison region.

[0092] Furthermore, in the first viewing, the achromatic effect may be visible in both the overlapping and comparison regions, particularly due to diffusion by surface structures including or constituting a matte structure. In this case, a lower, preferably defined, and particularly clearly different luminance exists, especially in the overlapping region.

[0093] At least one relief structure, particularly a first relief structure and / or at least one of one or more further relief structures, is a diffraction grating for generating a chromatic emission effect, or may include a diffraction grating. Here, at least one reflective layer is particularly a metal layer and / or preferably a high refractive index (HRI) dielectric layer, or may include them. The diffraction grating that generates the chromatic emission effect has a grating period of particularly at least 0.5 μm, particularly at least 0.7 μm, and / or less than 3 μm, particularly less than 2 μm. Preferably, the diffraction grating that generates the chromatic emission effect has one or more profile shapes of blaze, rectangular, and sinusoidal. This makes it possible, in particular, for different diffraction colors to exhibit a chromatic emission effect while maintaining sufficient angular separation. The profile shape of the diffraction grating is preferably blaze because it can achieve a brighter chromatic emission effect than symmetrical profile shapes such as rectangular or sinusoidal. Here, at least one reflective layer is preferably a metal layer, or includes a metal layer.

[0094] In particular, the surface structure is configured such that, in a first viewing state, the reference light characteristics exhibit a defined color and / or brightness that differs from the reference light characteristics visible in the comparison region. This may include, in particular, a first color and / or first brightness and a second color and / or second brightness generated by the first security element.

[0095] Furthermore, at least one of the relief structures, particularly the first relief structure and / or one or more further relief structures, may be a subwavelength diffraction grating with a preferably high refractive index (HRI) dielectric layer as a reflective layer for generating non-metallic zero-order color effects. Such a subwavelength diffraction grating can generate tilt angle-dependent and / or azimuthal angle-dependent color and / or luminance. In particular, the first color and / or first luminance, the third color and / or third luminance, and / or fifth color and / or fifth luminance are generated by the subwavelength diffraction grating for generating non-metallic zero-order color and / or luminance.

[0096] A subwavelength diffraction grating for generating non-metallic zero-order color and / or brightness preferably has a diffraction grating period P in the range of 180 nm to 420 nm and / or a diffraction grating depth t in the range of 50 nm to 250 nm. Preferably, a subwavelength diffraction grating for generating non-metallic zero-order color and / or brightness has at least one relief structure or a field of view projected perpendicularly to the base surface of the subwavelength diffraction grating, which is one or more of linear, cruciate, hexagonal, or pseudo-random shapes. Preferably, a subwavelength diffraction grating for generating non-metallic zero-order color and / or brightness has a rectangular or sinusoidal profile shape.

[0097] Linear subwavelength diffraction gratings produce not only tilt-dependent color and / or luminance, but also azimuth-dependent color and / or luminance, particularly the so-called color rotation effect.

[0098] In particular, a subwavelength diffraction grating for generating non-metallic zero-order color and / or luminance, preferably a linear subwavelength diffraction grating, has at least two diffraction gratings with different azimuthal angles, and along each azimuthal angle, there is an array of raised and recessed portions having a defined diffraction grating period and a defined diffraction grating depth. Thus, when the observation direction extends along the azimuthal angle of at least one of the relief structures, the associated color and / or luminance effects become visible.

[0099] In particular, a first security element, preferably a non-metallic subwavelength diffraction grating for generating zero-order color and / or luminance, may provide either a color, especially a quasi-continuous transfer effect, and / or a colored image change (image inversion) effect.

[0100] A subwavelength diffraction grating that generates non-metallic zero-order color and / or luminance in the first security element preferably comprises a first layer made of a particularly high refractive index (HRI) dielectric, which functions as a waveguide and preferably has a constant thickness. Optionally, the subwavelength diffraction grating may comprise a layered structure consisting of high refractive index (H) and low refractive index (L) dielectric layers, e.g., a three-layer HLH system. The subwavelength diffraction grating has at least one azimuthal angle. In the case of a linear diffraction grating, in particular, one direction is distinguished as providing an arrangement of ridges and depressions. The azimuthal angle represents the angle in relation to a line in which the ridges and depressions of the grating are connected to each other and a reference line extending in a plane in which the ridges and depressions extend perpendicularly. In the case of a cross-type diffraction grating, there are two singular directions in which the arrangement of ridges and depressions exists, and the azimuthal angle can be defined by selecting either of these directions.

[0101] Therefore, in the overlapping region, a defined color and / or brightness may be visible at a specific viewing angle, such as the first viewing angle, that differs from the effect seen in the comparison region. This difference may be, for example, extremely sharp or prominent, and can improve anti-counterfeiting performance.

[0102] In particular, in the second viewing state, it is conceivable that the third color and / or third brightness are visible in the overlapping region and the comparison region, or that the third color and / or third brightness are visible in the comparison region and the fifth color and / or fifth brightness are visible in the overlapping region. The fifth color and / or fifth brightness is preferably generated by the first optical variability effect or the first security element. In this case, the third and / or fifth color and / or brightness are generated by a subwavelength diffraction grating for generating non-metallic zero-order color and / or brightness in particular.

[0103] Such optical properties can be achieved, in particular, by a cylindrical lens-shaped surface structure. However, other structures are also conceivable. For example, the surface structure may have one or more profile shapes, such as a prism-shaped profile shape, extending along the first outer surface, preferably along and / or parallel to a line of rotation angle corresponding to the viewing direction in the second viewing state. In the case of a cylindrical lens, this is, for example, the cylindrical axis. Preferably, at least one relief structure of the first security element has an azimuth angle with respect to the continuity of the ridges and depressions, and the azimuth angle is perpendicular to the line or extension. In particular, the first viewing state and the second viewing state are distinguished by the rotation of the security document without changing the viewing angle and illumination angle. Preferably, there is a rotation angle between the first viewing state and the second viewing state in the range of 20° to 160°, particularly 90°.

[0104] This causes the surface structure to change the angle of incidence to a first security element, which includes a subwavelength diffraction grating that generates non-metallic zero-order color and / or brightness, and consequently changes the color and / or brightness visible with respect to the same viewing conditions in the overlapping region, preferably the comparison region. Thus, the color and / or brightness visible in the overlapping region corresponds in particular to the color and / or brightness that would be visible without the surface structure when tilted at a relatively high or relatively low angle, and this visible color and / or brightness depends in particular on the lens-like or prism-like structure, and the distance between the structure and the first security element and the element including the subwavelength diffraction grating that generates non-metallic zero-order color and / or brightness.

[0105] In particular, when the optical variability effect of the security element is visible in the comparison region in the first viewing state, the reference optical properties are preferably generated by light diffracted in the zeroth order of diffraction by the first security element. In particular, when the optical variability effect of the first security element is not visible in the comparison region in the first field of view, or when at least one relief structure has a subwavelength diffraction grating that generates a non-metallic zeroth-order color and / or brightness, preferably a tilt angle-dependent and / or azimuthal angle-dependent color and / or brightness, the contrasting optical properties are preferably generated by light diffracted in the zeroth order of diffraction by the first security element.

[0106] At least one reflective layer is preferably an HRI layer, or may include an HRI layer, positioned on a subwavelength diffraction grating to generate non-metallic zero-order color and / or brightness, particularly tilt-angle-dependent and / or azimuthal-dependent color and / or brightness. Preferably, the HRI layer contains or constitutes TiO2 or ZnS. The refractive index of the HRI layer is particularly 1.8 or higher, preferably 2.0 or higher. When an HRI layer with a refractive index of 1.8 is placed on a polymer with a refractive index of 1.5, for example, a reflectance of about 1% can be achieved. The thickness of the HRI layer is preferably in the range of 20 nm to 200 nm. The HRI layer is transparent or translucent, particularly in the wavelength range visible to the human eye.

[0107] At least one reflective layer is a metal layer, or may include a metal layer. The thickness of the metal layer is particularly in the range of 5 nm to 200 nm. The metal layer preferably includes or consists of one or more metal layers made of aluminum, copper, silver, indium, palladium, chromium, tin, or alloys thereof, or one or more lacquer layers containing a metal pigment or metal nanoparticles. The reflective layer including or constituting a metal layer is preferably placed on a subwavelength diffraction grating to produce a zero-order color effect, on a relief structure to produce achromatic emission effect, and / or on a diffraction grating to produce a colored emission effect.

[0108] At least one reflective layer may be a thin film structure, in part or in whole, particularly a Fabry-Perot interference layer structure. Such a thin film structure includes, or is composed of, at least two metal layers, preferably a transparent dielectric spacer layer disposed between the metal layers, preferably at least one of which is translucent. Here, the translucent metal layer or metal layer is preferably made of chromium, silver, or aluminum, and has an optical thickness in particular in the range of 0.3 OD to 0.8 OD, preferably in the range of 0.4 OD to 0.6 OD. If an opaque metal layer is provided in the thin film structure, the same boundary conditions as those for the metal reflective layer, particularly as further described above, apply to the opaque metal layer. The transparent dielectric spacer layer is preferably made of one of the materials MgF2, SiO2, TiO2, or ZnS. The thickness of the transparent dielectric spacer layer is preferably in the range of 150 nm to 700 nm.

[0109] The features of the above-mentioned products can, of course, be equally applicable to the manufacturing methods of security documents, or the features of the described methods can be applied to security documents.

[0110] The present invention will be described below illustratively with reference to the accompanying drawings, based on several embodiments. Therefore, the embodiments shown should not be construed as limiting. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0111] [Figure 1a] Figure 1a is a schematic diagram showing a cross-section of a security document. [Figure 1b] Figure 1b is a schematic diagram showing a detailed cross-section of a security document. [Figure 1c] Figure 1c is a schematic diagram showing a detailed cross-section of a security document. [Figure 1d] Figure 1d is a schematic diagram showing a detailed cross-section of a security document. [Figure 1e] Figure 1e is a schematic diagram showing a detailed cross-section of a security document. [Figure 1f] Figure 1f is a schematic diagram showing a detailed cross-section of a security document. [Figure 2a] Figure 2a is a schematic diagram showing a plan view of a security document. [Figure 2b] Figure 2b is a schematic diagram showing a plan view of the security document. [Figure 3] Figure 3 provides a schematic diagram of the plan view of the security document. [Figure 4a] Figure 4a provides a schematic overview of the plan view of the security document. [Figure 4b] Figure 4b schematically shows the orientation of the surface structure. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a photograph of the details of the security document. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0112] Figure 1a is a schematic diagram showing a cross-section of an exemplary security document 1, and is not to actual scale. Security document 1 has a first outer surface, which is particularly visible in Figure 1a from a top-to-bottom perspective, and may be configured as shown, for example, in Figures 2a and 2b.

[0113] The terms region, overlap, width, and length are particularly applicable in plan views, as shown in Figures 2a and 2b, and constitute the top-down viewpoint in Figure 1a. A top-down viewpoint specifically refers to a viewpoint directed toward a first outer surface, or a viewpoint perpendicular to a plane formed by the first outer surface. Such a plane is particularly defined by the x and y axes. Width can be measured, for example, along the x and / or y axes. Depth can be measured, for example, along the z axis.

[0114] The security document 1 shown in Figure 1a is preferably a security document, particularly a card, with a plastic material as the base material. The security document 1 with a plastic material as the base material preferably consists of multiple layers, which are preferably joined in a lamination process. For this purpose, for example, the method of the present invention can be carried out. The total thickness of the security document 1 is preferably configured according to a standard specification. In the case of a card-based ID document (format ID-1), it is about 780 μm, particularly according to ISO / IEC 7810:2019.

[0115] It is advantageous for each layer to be composed of similar materials such as polycarbonate (PC) or polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and in particular, a stable, nearly homogeneous composite is formed after the lamination process. However, it is also possible to join different materials together, in which case one or more adhesive layers such as polyurethane or a heat-weldable adhesive can be used. Such adhesives may be post-crosslinking type and do not remelt under heat. For example, one or more layers may be composed of Teslin.

[0116] The security document 1 shown in Figure 1a preferably has a substantially opaque core, which typically contains a white pigment. The core is formed in particular by a core layer 15. The core layer 15 is located particularly in the center and / or inside of the security document 1. The core layer 15 is adjacent to transparent layers, particularly above and below, layers 14 and 16 in this example. The core layer 15 may also include a transparent zone that can be used as a window area. Although not shown, there may be optional electronic components, such as RFID antennas or chips, which may be located within the core layer 15. The core layer 15 may be assembled from multiple layers, and the core layer 15 may not be composed of a homogeneous material.

[0117] As an example, Figure 1a also shows a transparent layer which is an absorption layer configured as an individualization layer 12, and in particular takes the form of a laser-engravable layer. Preferably, the individualization layer 12 of the security document 1 can be blackened, in particular by laser radiation, to form individualized information items 64. The blackening area may be influenced by particularly selected laser parameters. As shown in Figure 1a, the individualized information items 64 preferably overlap at least partially with the first region 40, i.e., the optically variable effect of the first security element 2 (visible in the first viewing state). Furthermore, the individualized information items 64 may also be located outside the first region 40, for example, as shown in Figure 2a below the printed letters "Geschlecht / Sex / Sexe" as "F".

[0118] The individualized information item 64 may optionally be implemented by printing, for example, on a layer that is above the first security element 2 in the viewing direction, directly on the first security element 2, or on a layer that is below the security element 2 in the viewing direction. In particular, it may be encapsulated in other layers during lamination, especially during the crimping process. In particular, in Figure 1a, the viewing direction is from top to bottom, and it may be present in the first viewing state.

[0119] Alternatively, instead of the individualization layer 12, a combination of an absorption layer, particularly a layer including blackening carried out by laser individualization, and a particularly colored print on a further layer of the security document 1 or on the surface of the security document 1 could be provided.

[0120] The first security element 2 is included in the security document 1, particularly in the form of a patch. The security element 2 in patch form is introduced into the multilayer structure by being bonded to, for example, an individualized layer 12, a transparent layer 14, or a core layer 15, particularly before the layers of the security document 1 are bonded together, preferably by lamination. However, the security element 2 can also be manufactured, for example, by directly embossing one of the layers 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, and 16, for example, directly onto a polycarbonate layer, or by forming a reflective layer by coating or vapor deposition before or after embossing. The first security element 2 is preferably transparent, particularly in a first viewing state or a different viewing state, particularly a second viewing state. The security element 2 is preferably placed between the coating layer 11 and the core, particularly the core layer 15, and more preferably between the coating layer 11 and any printed layer, preferably printed by offset printing. Printing methods include flexographic printing, gravure printing, screen printing, and inkjet printing. The printed layer is, in particular, a layer printed on the transparent layer 14, or a layer printed on the core layer 15.

[0121] Figure 1a shows, as a particular example, a security document 1 having preferably a transparent coating layer 11. The coating layer 11 is particularly composed of PC or PVC. In a view toward the first outer surface, the individualization layer 12 is positioned below the coating layer 11, particularly visible. The security document 1 shown in Figure 1a further has optional transparent layers 13, 14, 16, which are particularly composed of or contain PC or PVC. The transparent layer 13 is positioned between the individualization layer 12 and the transparent layer 14. The first security element 2 is positioned between the coating layer 11 and the individualization layer 12. The core layer 15 is preferably opaque and is positioned below layer 14. The core layer 15 is particularly composed of PC or PVC. In particular, one or more further transparent layers 16 are positioned below the core layer 15. In a view toward the second outer surface of the security document 1 opposite the first outer surface, i.e., from the view toward the bottom up in Figure 1a, for example, the core layer 15, or any decorative layer optionally applied to the core layer 15, is visible. Layer 16 is particularly composed of PC or PVC. In a preferred embodiment, layers 11 to 16 are all composed of PC, or layers 11 to 16 all contain PC.

[0122] Security document 1 may have one or more additional printed layers. One or more printed layers may be printed on, for example, core layer 15 or one or more of layers 11 to 14. Core layer 15 or layer 16 may have a printed layer that is visible toward the second outer surface. Printing methods used for one or more printed layers include, for example, offset printing and / or digital printing, in particular for graphic design and / or security features, and screen printing, in particular for special effect colors, such as OVI® or metallic pigments.

[0123] Furthermore, security document 1 may have a first security element 2 covering its entire surface or, in particular, almost its entire surface. The first security element preferably covers 50% or more, more preferably 80% or more, of the area of ​​security document 1, and is particularly preferably covering an area visible from the line of sight facing the first outer surface.

[0124] In particular, other layer arrangements besides those described above, omission of layers, or addition of additional layers are also possible.

[0125] As particularly shown in Figure 1a, the security document 1 has a first security element 2 having a first optically variable effect in a first region 40. The first security element 2 is preferably positioned between the coating layer 11 and the core layer 15, more preferably between the coating layer 11 and the individualization layer 12. In particular, in the view toward the first outer surface, the security document 1 is transparent at least to the first security element 2. For this purpose, the coating layer 11 may be formed from, for example, a transparent plastic material, preferably polycarbonate.

[0126] Security document 1 further has an exposed surface structure 3 disposed on the first outer surface of security document 1. In the example shown in Figure 1a, the surface structure 3 is formed in particular on the coating layer 11. In this example, the surface structure 3 is further formed by several different types of surface structures. These are, in particular, a mat structure 31, a microprism 32, and a microlens 33. The microprism 32 is in particular a triangular prism. The microlens 33 is in particular a cylindrical lens. However, it is also possible for the surface structure 3 to have several different types of surface structures or to have only a single type of surface structure. For example, it may have only one of the structures shown in Figure 1a. Furthermore, the surface structure may have types of surface structures other than those shown, as described in Figure 5 with respect to the surface structure 34 or with respect to linear ridges and / or linear recesses.

[0127] The security document 1 shown in Figure 1a further has overlapping regions and comparison regions. These regions are shown in particular in Figure 1b, with overlapping region 41 and comparison region 42 shown as examples. In overlapping region 41, the surface structure 3 overlaps with the first security element 2. The security document 1 further has a comparison region 42, in which the first security element 2 is present, but the surface structure 3 does not overlap with the first security element 2. Therefore, the first outer surface in particular does not have a surface structure in comparison region 42.

[0128] The optical variability effect of the first security element 2 is visible, in particular, from a viewpoint directed towards the first outer surface, i.e., from a viewpoint from top to bottom in Figure 1a, where a predetermined first viewing state exists.

[0129] Preferably, in the first viewing state, the first optical variability effect of the first security element 2 is visible in both the overlapping region 41 and the comparison region 42, but is visible in different colors and / or different luminances, and a corresponding defined color and / or luminance contrast becomes apparent between the optical images in the overlapping region 41 and the comparison region 42.

[0130] More preferably, in the first viewing state, the optically variable effect of the first security element 2 is not visible in the comparison region 42, but is visible only in the overlapping region 41. For example, this can be achieved by visualizing the first diffraction phase of the diffraction grating of the first security element 2 by setting or changing the angle of incidence to the security element 2.

[0131] Furthermore, in the first viewing state, it is also possible that the optically variable effect is visible in the overlapping region 41, and the optically variable effect of the first security element 2 is not visible in the comparison region 42. For example, this can be achieved by the first security element 2 being transparent in the comparison region 42 in the first viewing state. In this case, it is desirable that in the comparison region 42, there be a defined color and / or defined brightness produced by one or more decorative layers, for example, coated and preferably printed on one or more layers selected from, for example, the coating layer 11, the individualization layer 12, the transparent layer 13, the transparent layer 14, or the core layer 15.

[0132] In addition to the possibilities mentioned above, further visibility conditions are also possible, such as the first security element 2 being transparent in the overlapping region 41.

[0133] Figure 1b provides a schematic, albeit not to scale-accurate, detailed view of security document 1 shown in Figure 1a, particularly illustrating the overlapping region 41, the comparison region 42, and the surface structure region 43. The surface structure 3, for example, the matte structure 31 in the illustrated example, is present in the surface structure region 43 of security document 1.

[0134] As shown in Figure 1b, the design 400 preferably consists of multiple design elements, particularly the surface structure 3 and the first security element 2, which are shown in Figure 1b as an example in the form of a matte structure 31. Here, the security document 1 may have further designs in other areas. In particular, a design like design 400 constitutes a logically consistent image.

[0135] In the details illustrated in Figure 1b, the first design element is formed by the indicated first region 40, the second design element is formed by the indicated comparison region 42, the third design element is formed by the indicated overlapping region 41, and the fourth design element is formed by the indicated surface structure region 43. The entire comparison region 42, or in particular one or more subregions of the comparison region 42 that together form at least one second design element, preferably exhibits reference optical properties, preferably across its entire surface, in the first viewing state. The entire overlapping region 41, or in particular one or more subregions of the overlapping region that form at least one third design element, preferably exhibits contrasting optical properties, preferably across its entire surface, in the first viewing state.

[0136] As shown in Figure 1b, regions 41, 42, and 43 can be unfolded in the x / y plane in a Cartesian coordinate system having coordinates x, y, and z, where the y direction extends perpendicular to the cross-section. In this case, the cross-section is oriented in particular along the direction perpendicular to the plane by the first outer surface.

[0137] In Figure 1b, the surface structure 3 extends in the x and y directions. This extension is particularly applicable to each design element. In other words, the region 43 shown in Figure 1b can form a design element. It is also possible that the surface structure region 43 has multiple sub-regions (not shown in Figure 1b) that form multiple design elements in the security document 1. In particular, the surface structure 3 may consist of multiple design elements that are separated from each other. Here, "separated from each other" means that a first outer surface without the surface structure 3 exists between the design elements by at least 0.5 mm, preferably at least 2 mm, and more preferably at least 5 mm. This is particularly noticeable from a viewpoint perpendicular to the plane formed by the first outer surface, for example, from top to bottom in Figure 1b.

[0138] Typically, the extent of the design elements of the surface structure 3 is in the range of 100 μm to 50 mm, preferably 200 μm to 30 mm, and more preferably 300 μm to 20 mm, in the direction perpendicular to the plane of the first outer surface, particularly in the x and y directions in Figure 1b. Preferably, the region 43 or a subregion having the surface structure 3 is in the form of an icon, motif, or geometric shape visible to the human eye.

[0139] As shown in Figure 1b, the first security element 2 is preferably located in the x / y plane, similar to the surface structure 3, but is positioned more deeply in the interior direction of the security document 1, i.e., in the z direction at a different height than the surface structure 3. In this case as well, its spread is particularly applied to each design element. Thus, the security element 2 can form a design element, or it can be arranged in multiple sub-regions of area 40, which in turn form multiple design elements (not shown in Figure 1b). In particular, the first security element 2 can include multiple design elements that are separated from each other. Here, "separated from each other" means, in particular, that there is a distance of at least 0.5 mm, preferably at least 2 mm, and more preferably at least 5 mm between the design elements when the first security element 2 is not present. In particular, this distance exists in a viewpoint perpendicular to the plane stretched by the first outer surface, for example, in the viewpoint from top to bottom in Figure 1b.

[0140] Typically, in a direction perpendicular to the plane formed by the first outer surface, particularly in views from the x and y directions in Figure 1b, the size of the design elements of the first security element 2 is in the range of 100 μm to 50 mm, preferably in the range of 200 μm to 30 mm, and more preferably in the range of 300 μm to 20 mm.

[0141] The overlapping region 41 is preferably also the form of a motif visible to the human eye, such as an icon or a geometric shape.

[0142] The first security element 2 and the surface structure 3 overlap at least partially. In particular, the overlapping region 41 has an extent in the x-direction and an extent in the y-direction. Preferably, the extent of the overlapping region 41 is at least 3 mm, more preferably at least 6 mm, and especially preferably at least 10 mm in at least one of the x-direction and y-direction. These minimum extents are more preferably applied in both spatial directions. Particularly preferably, the extent of the overlapping region 41 reaches an area of ​​at least 1 mm × 1 mm, more preferably at least 2 mm × 2 mm, and even more preferably at least 3 mm × 3 mm.

[0143] Furthermore, the first security element 2 is positioned within a comparison area 42 that does not overlap with the surface structure 3. The comparison area 42 does not exhibit the contrasting light characteristics resulting from the surface structure 3 and serves as a reference for the human eye, which is highly adept at perceiving brightness contrast and / or color contrast. The extent of this comparison area 42 is particularly broad in the x and y directions. Preferably, the extent of the comparison area 42 is at least 3 mm, more preferably at least 6 mm, and most preferably at least 10 mm in at least one of the x and y directions. These minimum extents are even more preferably applied in both spatial directions. The size of the comparison area 42 is particularly preferably an area of ​​at least 1 mm × 1 mm, more preferably at least 2 mm × 2 mm, and even more preferably at least 3 mm × 3 mm. This makes the brightness difference and / or color difference of the optical effect of the first security element 2 caused by the surface structure clearly perceptible to the human eye.

[0144] Preferably, in the first region 40, the first security element 2 includes at least one replica layer having at least one relief structure and at least one reflective layer, the reflective layer being positioned on at least one relief structure. In particular, the at least one relief structure includes a first relief structure present in both the overlapping region 41 and the comparison region 42, and / or the first relief structure extends at least partially without interruption from the overlapping region 41 to the comparison region 42. The first region 40 may be a closed region, or it may consist of a plurality of preferably separated subregions having the first relief structure and / or one or more further relief structures to form, for example, the aforementioned design. The surface structure 3 makes it possible for different colors and / or brightness to be projected onto the observer's eye in the first region 40, even when the same relief structure (particularly the design) is positioned in both the overlapping region 41 and the comparison region 42.

[0145] With regard to the first security element 2, and in particular the possible configurations of at least one relief structure, refer specifically to the above description. The profile shapes of the relief structures are applicable, particularly in cross-sectional views, as shown in Figures 1a to 1f. Shapes of the relief structures such as linear, cross-shaped, hexagonal, and pseudo-random are particularly relevant to plan views, i.e., drawings from a direction along the z-axis.

[0146] For example, the optical variability effect of the first security element 2 and / or the optical variability effect of the first security element 2 may provide one or more of the following colors and / or brightness and / or characteristics in the overlapping region 41 and / or comparison region 42. At least a first color and / or a first brightness. This is generated by an optical variability effect and is visible in the overlapping region 41 under a first viewing state and optionally under a second viewing state, preferably forming contrasting optical properties. At least a second color and / or second brightness. This is generated by an optical variability effect and is visible in the comparison region 42 under the first viewing condition, and preferably forms a reference optical characteristic. At least a third color and / or a third brightness. This is generated by an optical variability effect and is visible in the second viewing state in the comparison region 42. Transparency in the comparison region 42. This makes a fourth color and / or fourth brightness, which are not produced by the optical variable effect, visible in the comparison region in the first or second viewing state. The fourth color and / or fourth brightness may instead be produced by, for example, one or more decorative layers, for example, one or more printed layers.

[0147] It is preferable that the first and second viewing states are different from each other.

[0148] Here, preferably, the same optical effect of the security element 2 is provided in the overlapping region 41 and the comparison region 42, but the surface structure 3 is adjusted to the optically variable effect of the first security element 2 such that a defined color difference and / or defined luminance difference is produced in at least the first viewing state. In particular, the comparison light characteristics correspond to a first color and / or a first luminance, and the reference light characteristics correspond to a second color and / or a second luminance, and / or a fourth color and / or a fourth luminance.

[0149] Preferably, the first color and / or first brightness, and in particular the second color and / or second brightness, are formed by the zero-order color effect of the optical variability effect of the first security element 2.

[0150] Figures 1c, 1d, and 1f show the changes in light, particularly due to the surface structure 3. In defined viewing conditions, such as the first viewing condition, visible light characteristics such as the reference light characteristic 410 and the standard light characteristic 420 are visible, particularly in the form of parallel light rays.

[0151] Figure 1c is a schematic detail diagram illustrating the optical effect of a security document 1 having a surface structure 3, where the surface structure 3 is shown as an example in the form of a matte structure 31. As schematicly shown in Figure 1c, the reference optical characteristic 420 is visible in the comparison region 42 in a first viewing state. The reference optical characteristic 420 is a defined color and / or luminance, particularly a second color and / or second luminance. The reference optical characteristic 420 is preferably visible in the entire comparison region 42, or at least in one or more subregions of the comparison region 42 (forming a design element). Here, the matte structure 31 is configured such that, in the first viewing state, the matte structure causes a change in the light 52 emitted from the first security element 2 in the overlapping region 41. Thus, in the viewing state in which the reference optical characteristic 420 is visible in the comparison region 42, the defined color and / or luminance produced by the first optical variability effect of the first security element 2, which is the reference optical characteristic 410, is visible in the overlapping region 41. In the illustrative diagram, if the emitted light 52 is spread out and the optical variable effect of the security element becomes visible in both the overlapping region 41 and the comparison region 42, a luminance difference occurs with respect to the reference light characteristic 420 when the optical variable effect of the security element is visible in both the overlapping region 41 and the comparison region 42 in the first viewing state. Alternatively, as will be described later, especially in the first viewing state, it is possible to select a viewing angle such that the optical variable effect of the security element 2 is visible only in the overlapping region 41.

[0152] In particular, since the matte structure 31 already diffuses the light incident on the security document 1, the light 51 incident on the security element 2 becomes diffused. The diffusion of light incident on the security element 2 can be defined in particular by the angle β1, as shown in Figure 1c.

[0153] In color effects dependent on the angle of incidence, such as in metallized subwavelength diffraction gratings or subwavelength diffraction gratings coated with an HRI layer, the color of the transmitted light 52 changes due to the incident light 51 diffused at angle β1. In particular, this color change becomes more pronounced as the scattering intensity of the mat structure 31 increases. In the case of anisotropic scattering mat structures, this color change is preferably observable only in one spatial direction, particularly in a direction orthogonal to the preferred direction of the anisotropic scattering mat structure, which is the spatial direction in which the anisotropic scattering mat structure causes stronger scattering. "Color change" specifically refers to the difference in color compared to the case where no surface structure is present, which preferably corresponds to the conditions in the comparison region.

[0154] The spread of light 52 emitted from the first security element 2 can be defined in particular by an angle β2, as shown in Figure 1c. This angle is measured starting from a ray emitted from the security document 1 without the surface structure 3, for example, a ray in the comparison region 42. If an isotropic scattering mat structure, a preferred mat structure, is provided, this angle spreads uniformly in all directions, for example, starting from a ray emitted from the security document 1 without the surface structure 3. Light emitted from the surface structure 3 is diffused by the mat structure 31, for example, in an angle β2 range of 0.5° to 45°, preferably 2° to 30°, and particularly preferably 2° to 15°.

[0155] The matte structure 31 has an average spacing of elements that varies randomly or pseudo-randomly, preferably in the range of 1 μm to 100 μm, more preferably in the range of 5 μm to 50 μm. The spacing of the elements means the spacing of the maximum values ​​in the roughness profile, in particular as can be seen particularly from the cross-sectional view shown in Figure 1c. It is also preferable that the structural depth of the matte structure 31 is in the range of 0.5 μm to 20 μm, preferably in the range of 1 μm to 10 μm. The structural depth specifically refers to the spacing from the maximum to the minimum values ​​in the roughness profile. This makes it possible to achieve high scattering efficiency of light 52 that is diffracted and / or reflected and / or scattered from the first security element 2 to the surface structure 3 and then re-emitted from the security document 1 through the surface. The parameters described make it possible to intentionally set the diffusion, in particular, and thereby set a particularly defined color difference and / or luminance difference.

[0156] The reference light characteristic 410 has a defined difference in luminance and / or color from the reference light characteristic 420, particularly due to luminance reduction caused by diffusion. This defined difference makes it possible, for example, to identify counterfeits based on deviations from this difference.

[0157] Furthermore, by expanding the overlapping region 41, a first visibility state may be achieved at the viewing angle in which the optical variability effect of the security element 2 generates the visible reference light characteristic 410. In this case, the optical variability effect of the security element 2 is not visible in the comparison region 42. For example, the reference light characteristic 420 is a fourth color and / or a fourth brightness, and the security element 2 is preferably configured to appear transparent.

[0158] In particular, the security element 2 is, for example, a diffraction grating that produces an achromatic luminescence effect, or constitutes such a grating, and the matte structure 31 is configured such that the reference optical characteristic 410 exhibits an achromatic effect in the first viewing state, and the reference optical characteristic 420 that is visible in the comparison region 42 does not exhibit an achromatic effect in the first viewing state. This is because the first viewing state is realized within an angular range in which only the light spread by the matte structure 31, and not the light emitted from the first security element 2 in the comparison region 42, is visible. Here, the first security element 2 is transparent, and the comparison region 41 can exhibit, for example, a reference optical characteristic corresponding particularly to a fourth color and / or a fourth brightness. That is, the comparison region is preferably provided on the security document 1 and is preferably located below the security element 2 in the viewing direction, and is preferably formed by one or more decorative layers, such as printed layers. Alternatively, in the first viewing state, the achromatic effect is visible in both the overlapping region 41 and the comparison region 42, and low brightness may exist in the overlapping region 41 due to diffusion by the matte structure 31. This method also makes it possible to set the defined color difference and / or brightness difference.

[0159] Figure 1d is a schematic detail diagram illustrating the optical effect of security document 1 having a surface structure in the form of a microprism 32. The microprism 32 is specifically a triangular prism. As schematicly shown in Figure 1d, the reference optical characteristic 420 (defined color and / or brightness) is visible in the comparison region 42 in a first viewing state. Here, the microprism 32 is configured such that, in the first viewing state, the microprism 32 causes a change in the light 51 incident on the first security element 2 in the overlapping region 41. Therefore, in the field of view where the reference optical characteristic 420 is visible in the comparison region 42, the reference optical characteristic 410, which is a defined color and / or brightness, is visible in the overlapping region 41, generated by the first optical variability effect of the first security element 2. In the illustrative diagram, the light 51 illuminating the security element 2 is changed by the microprism 32 as the angle of incidence to the security element 2 changes. Light modulated by the surface structure 3, composed of microprisms 32, particularly light incident on the security element 2 in the overlapping region 41, has, for example, an incident angle α2. In contrast, in the comparison region 42, light is incident on the security element 2 at an angle α'2. Because the security element 2 has an optical variability effect, the change in incident light caused by the surface structure 3, for example, the microprisms 32, results in different colors and / or luminances, particularly in regions 41 and 42. These are preferably generated by the optical variability effect of the security element 2 and preferably exhibit a first color and / or first luminance, particularly a second color and / or second luminance. Thus, the comparison light characteristics 410 differ from the reference light characteristics 420 by a defined color difference and / or defined luminance difference.

[0160] The angular difference |α'2-α2| is preferably at least 2°, particularly preferably at least 4°, preferably at least 6°, and even more preferably at least 8°. The lateral spread of the microprism 32 is particularly in the range of 5 μm to 200 μm, preferably in the range of 10 μm to 100 μm. The depth of the microprism is preferably in the range of 1 μm to 40 μm, particularly in the range of 10 μm to 25 μm. The lateral spread of the microprism 32 here specifically refers to the width of the prism, for example, shown in the x direction in Figure 1d. The depth here extends particularly in the z direction.

[0161] Figure 1d shows the incidence of light on an unstructured surface, particularly on the right side, i.e., in the comparison region 42. As a result, light 51 incident on the security document 1, specifically the coating layer 11, at angle α1, is refracted within the coating layer 11 at angle α'2. This refraction follows the law of refraction n1. * sin α1=n2 * The effect occurs according to sin α'², where n1 is the refractive index of air in particular, and n2 is the refractive index of the coating layer 11 in particular, preferably the refractive index of the polymer used in the coating layer. In this example, the security element 2 exhibits a zero-order color effect in particular in the overlapping region 41 and the comparison region 42. In this situation, the reflection angle following the structure and the reflection angle following the point of emission from the coating layer 11 are preferably the same. In particular, the angle α2 of the light 52 emitted from the security element 2 within the coating layer 11 in the overlapping region 41 is the same as the angle α1 of the light 52 emitted from the coating layer 11 in the comparison region 42. Specifically, in the situation shown in Figure 1d, the reflection angle of the light 51 incident on the security document 1 in the comparison region 42 is the same as the emission angle of the light 52 emitted from the security document 1. Therefore, the emitted light 52 is emitted from the security document 1, particularly the coating layer 11, at an angle α1 in the comparison region.

[0162] In contrast to the comparison region 42, the left side of Figure 1d, i.e., the overlapping region 41 in particular, shows what happens when light is incident on the microprism at the same angle of incidence α1, especially in the special case of perpendicular incidence to the microprism α1=θ, where θ is the lateral angle of the microprism or group of microprisms. In this special case, the light is not refracted by the microprism in particular, and the angle α2 in the coating layer 11 is therefore the same as the angle of incidence α1. In this case, the angle α2 (α1=θ=α2) is greater than the angle of incidence α'2 in the comparison region 42, which has an unstructured surface of the coating layer 11. For example, if the color effect depends on the angle of incidence, such as the zero-order color effect, as shown in this example especially by the first security element 2, the colors reflected by the security element 2 in the overlapping region 41 will differ favorably, and will be visible in particular at a different angle α4. This angle α4 can be calculated according to the following formula.

number

number

number

number

[0163] In particular, angle α4 differs from angle α1, and in the example shown in Figure 1d, it corresponds to the incident angle of light incident on security document 1 and / or the exit angle of light emitted from security document 1 in the comparison region 42.

[0164] In the case of diffuse illumination and / or illumination by multiple light sources, the overlapping region 41 and the comparison region 42 may be observed simultaneously. This is because, in these cases, light is incident at multiple angles of incidence. That is, a color effect, preferably a zero-order color effect, particularly caused by the first security element 2, may be observed in both the overlapping region 41 and the comparison region 42 in the case of diffuse illumination and / or illumination by multiple light sources. In this case, a difference in color and / or luminance occurs, defined by the surface structure 3, for example, the microprism 32. This difference is caused, for example, by the microprism 32.

[0165] Figure 1e illustrates the phenomenon that occurs in a more general case (typical incident angle α1 ≠ θ), particularly when light is incident on a microprism. In this general case, the light is refracted by the microprism, and therefore the angle α2 in the coating layer 11 is determined as a function of α1, in particular according to the general formula.

number

number

[0166] In this general case, it is particularly true that the angle α2 in the coating layer 11 changes with respect to the angle α'2 in the unstructured surface, i.e., the comparison region 42. Therefore, it is also true here that color effects dependent on the angle of incidence, such as the zero-order color effect, change the color impression for the observer. Consequently, the color reflected by the security element 2 is particularly different and is visible at a different angle α4, which can be calculated according to the following formula.

number

[0167] For small prism angles and angles of incidence, the following holds especially in the axial approximation:

number

number

[0168] Figure 1f shows similar details to Figure 1d, except that instead of a microprism, there is a microlens 33, a surface structure 3 in the form of a cylindrical lens. As shown in Figure 1f, such a microlens 33 is also suitable for modifying the light 51 incident on the first security element 2, particularly in relation to its incident angle α2, preferably angle α'2. Thus, here in particular, angle-dependent color effects, such as the zero-order color effect, change the impression of color on the observer. The colors reflected by the security element 2 are different and become visible at different angles α5. In other words, in the overlapping region 41, the color changes in particular with respect to the color in the comparison region 42. In particular, angle α5 is different from angle α1, which corresponds to the incident angle of light incident on the security document 1 and / or the exit angle of light emitted from the security document 1 in the comparison region 42.

[0169] The microlens 33 can also be a spherical microlens in, for example, a square or hexagonal arrangement. The microlens 33 preferably has a lateral spread and / or diameter in the range of 20 μm to 400 μm, more preferably in the range of 40 μm to 300 μm. The depth of the microlens 33 is preferably in the range of 5 μm to 40 μm, more preferably in the range of 10 μm to 25 μm. The lateral spread of the microlens 33 refers particularly to the width shown by the lens, for example, in the x direction in Figure 1f. The depth extends particularly in the z direction.

[0170] Although not shown, a similarly possible cross-sectional shape is surface structure 3, which consists of linear ridges and / or linear depressions. The lateral extent of the linear ridges and / or depressions runs transversely to the linear direction and is preferably in the range of 10 μm to 300 μm, more preferably in the range of 20 μm to 200 μm. The depth of the linear ridges and / or depressions is typically in the range of 5 μm to 40 μm, preferably in the range of 5 μm to 25 μm. The linear ridges and / or depressions may be straight and / or curved. It is also possible that the linear ridges and / or depressions are partially straight and partially curved. In particular, they may take the shape of alphabetical letters or text. However, they may also constitute patterns such as decorative patterns, as shown particularly in Figure 5. The linear ridges and / or depressions, in particular extending along a line or along multiple lines, have a cross-sectional profile shape that is at least partially constant and / or at least partially continuously changing along the line. The contour shape of the linear ridges and / or recesses is, in particular, one or more of the following: binary, parabolic, semicircular, polygonal, triangular, i.e., linearly downward sloping, symmetrical triangle, or asymmetrical triangle contour shapes. The profile shape can be selected in particular according to the desired effect on the light incident on the security document, especially the first security element, and / or the light emitted from the first security element, and / or the light emanating from the security document. For example, in the first viewing, a rectangular profile at the edge may emit light, and / or a continuous profile, such as a blaz grating, prism, or microlens, may act.

[0171] The total chromatic difference dE between the reference light characteristic 410 and the standard light characteristic 420 is preferably in the range of 3 to 270, more preferably in the range of 5 to 270, and even more preferably in the range of 10 to 270, as shown in particular in Figures 1c, 1d, and 1f. The total chromatic difference is measured in the CIELAB color space. In this regard, refer in particular to the above description.

[0172] In particular, as shown in Figures 1c, 1d, 1e, and 1f, the changes in the light 51 (incident angle) irradiated onto the first security element 2 and / or the light 52 (exit angle) emitted from the first security element 2, in particular in relation to the light irradiated onto and / or emitted onto the first security element 2 in the comparison region 42, may include one or more of the following: a change in the exit angle, in particular an increase in the exit angle, a decrease in the exit angle, an expansion of the exit angle and / or a focus of the exit angle; and a change in the incident angle, in particular an increase in the incident angle, a decrease in the incident angle and / or a focus of the incident angle.

[0173] Figure 2a schematically shows a plan view of an exemplary security document 1. The layer structure may be configured as illustrated in any of Figures 1a to 1f. As shown in Figure 2a, security document 1 may have pre-printed information items 63 such as "last name" and "first name". These may be formed, for example, by a printing layer applied particularly before the lamination process. It is also possible to form the pre-printed information items 63 on the individualization layer 12 using a laser before or after the lamination process. Security document 1 may also have security printing, but this is not shown in Figure 2a.

[0174] Furthermore, the security document 1 shown in Figure 2a is provided with personalized information items 64. These include, for example, portrait, last name, and gender, as shown in Figure 2a. Such personalized information items 64 are preferably formed by blackening, particularly under the security element 2 and at least partially overlapping the security element 2. For this purpose, the personalized layer 12 is processed, for example, using a laser. A security document 1 without personalized information items 64 is also possible, as shown in Figure 2b. However, a personalized region is provided, in particular, intended for inserting personalized data such as the personalized data 64 shown in Figure 2a.

[0175] The security document 1 shown in Figures 2a and 2b has, in particular, a first security element 2, which is preferably arranged in multiple sub-regions, and which forms multiple designs within the security document by the first security element 2, such as the flag and star shapes illustrated in Figure 2a. The security element 2 is preferably incorporated by lamination, as shown and described in particular in Figure 1a. In particular, in a view toward the first outer surface, the security element 2 is located in front of the individualization layer 12. In this example, in the large star shape 101 in the upper right, the first security element 2 has a particularly planar colorless emission effect based on a combination of a blaze diffraction grating with a diffraction grating period of about 6 μm and a high refractive index reflective layer made of ZnS. Furthermore, in the flag shape in the lower right, the security element 2 has, in particular, a combination of a particularly regional zero-order color effect based on a linear subwavelength diffraction grating and a high refractive index coating (HRI layer) made of ZnS, as described in particular detail with respect to Figure 4a. In other words, in the flag, security element 2 includes a subwavelength diffraction grating for generating non-metallic zero-order color and / or luminance.

[0176] In Figures 2a and 2b, the security document 1 shown in Figures 2a and 2b further has a surface structure 3 on the first outer surface, which is particularly the focus of attention. For example, in a sub-region of the surface structure area 43 at the star 101 (upper right), the surface structure 3 is provided in the form of microtext. That is, in particular, the sub-regions of the surface structure area 43 and the overlapping area 41 may be provided in the form of microtext in the first design. In the surface structure area 43, the surface structure 3 is formed in particular by a mat structure 31, as described with respect to Figures 1b and 1c, for example.

[0177] Furthermore, for example, in the flag region (lower right), the surface structure 3 is formed by a cylindrical microlens 33. In this case, the cylindrical microlens 33 exists in the form of two alphabet letters "UT" as a sub-region of the surface structure region 43 and a sub-region of the overlapping region 41. Therefore, in the second design, the sub-region of the overlapping region 41 can be formed in the form of, for example, the alphabet letter "UT".

[0178] Figure 3 illustrates schematic plan views of a region of security document 1 having the first security element 2 and surface structure 3 (particularly those forming the first design), particularly the first outer surface, from two different viewing angles. Different viewing angles can be assumed by tilting security document 1, especially in the front-to-back or left-to-right directions.

[0179] Here, the surface structure 3 is preferably a matte structure 31 and has a motif shape, specifically in the form of microtext in the surface structure region 43. In this case, the overlapping region 41 is the region of the surface structure region 43 that overlaps with the first region 40. In this example, within the outline of the star, the first security element 2 has a preferably broad and particularly achromatic luminescence effect based on a blaze diffraction grating, as described with respect to Figures 2a and 2b, for example. The image on the left of Figure 3 shows a particularly normal viewpoint. In a normal view, i.e., a readable orientation of the security document 1, i.e., preferably a combination of illumination angle and viewing angle such that light diffracted by the blaze diffraction grating in the region without a surface structure is captured by the observer's eye, the entire sub-region of the first region 40 having the security element 2, shown here as a star mark 101 in example, glows brightly. This holds true regardless of whether the surface structure 3, the matte structure 31 of the overlapping region 41 in this example, is located on the sub-region having the first security element 2. The surface structure 31 in microtext form is also brightly highlighted by the illuminated stars in the overlapping region 41. That is, even under normal viewing conditions, the microtext within the overlapping region 41 appears bright. Here, it is conceivable that a defined color difference and / or luminance difference exists between the overlapping region 41 having the matte structure 31 in microtext form and the rest of the star-shaped security element 2 in the comparison region 42. In particular, this visual state may correspond to the initial viewing state due to the diffusion of light emanating from the security document 1, as described with respect to Figure 1c. Specifically here, the matte structure 31 has the effect of making lower luminance visible in the overlapping region 41 than in the comparison region 42. For this purpose, it is preferable to use a matte structure that scatters relatively strongly.

[0180] The right side of Figure 3 shows a viewing state that preferably corresponds to the initial viewing state. Here, security document 1 is tilted relative to the normal viewing state. The lower image shows a further enlarged area during tilted viewing. Compared to the viewing state in the left image, security document 1 is tilted so that achromatic dispersed light is not directed towards the viewer's eye and is not diffracted in areas where the matte structure 31 is absent, i.e., outside the microtext overlapping region 41. In contrast, in the overlapping region 41 with the surface structure 31 and the first security element 2, in this example the star 101, the achromatic effect remains visible as a result of the fan-shaped diffusion of diffracted light due to interaction with the matte structure 31. Therefore, in this example, the portion of the matte structure 31 or the microtext having the matte structure 31 that is placed on the first security element 2 or the star 101 remains within the angular range around the diffraction angle of the achromatic grid, as schematically shown in the right-hand figure, similar to normal viewing. However, at the same time, the remaining areas of the star mark 101 outside the matte structure 31 or microtext no longer shine brightly, or become darker than the areas of microtext. As a result, it becomes possible to provide the specified brightness difference and / or color difference.

[0181] Furthermore, either the viewing state shown on the left or the viewing state shown on the right may constitute a second viewing state. In the second viewing state, if it is present in at least both the comparison region and / or the region overlapping with the comparison region, the contrast light characteristics constitute a defined color and / or defined luminance, particularly in the first viewing state, as in the achromatic effect shown in Figure 3.

[0182] Figure 4a is a schematic plan view showing, as an example, the region of a security document 1 having a first security element 2 and a surface structure 3 from two different viewing angles. In particular, different viewing angles can be assumed by rotating the security document 1. The region shown in Figure 4a is, for example, the first region 40 shown in Figures 2a and 2b, or a subregion thereof, having a security element 2 in the form of a flag, and shown in Figure 4a at an enlarged scale. This region and the region shown in Figure 3 may each exist within a single security document, either individually or in combination with each other and / or in combination with further regions having the security element 2 and / or surface structure 3, particularly the overlapping region 41 and / or comparison region 42.

[0183] The region 40 of the security element 2, shown as a flag in Figure 4, may have a preferred area zero-order color effect based on a linear subwavelength diffraction grating. This is particularly a subwavelength diffraction grating that produces a non-metallic zero-order color and / or luminance, and preferably a subwavelength diffraction grating that produces an azimuthal-dependent color and / or luminance. For configurations, see also the description above. In the flag shown in Figure 4, the optical tunability effect of the first security element 2 is located in the intermediate band 102 of the flag's three bands. In particular, in the intermediate band 102, the security element 2 includes a subwavelength diffraction grating that produces an azimuthal-dependent color and / or luminance. The other two bands of the flag may optionally be provided with, for example, an isotropic scattering mat structure, which makes them appear white or light gray at almost all viewing angles.

[0184] Surface structure 3 is located in the overlapping region 41, and in this example, this surface structure is formed by cylindrical microlenses 33 and is positioned in the motif-shaped region that exemplified the alphabet letter "UT" in Figure 4. The left figure shows security document 1 rotated 0°, and the right figure shows it rotated 90°.

[0185] Here, the period of the subwavelength diffraction grating is particularly 380 nm, and the diffraction grating depth is 150 nm. In particular, it is preferable that a zinc sulfide (ZnS) layer with a thickness of 80 nm forms a reflective layer on the subwavelength diffraction grating, and it is preferable that the reflective layer is embedded in a polymer with a refractive index of approximately 1.5 so as to form an HRI layer.

[0186] In particular, when security document 1 is in the readable direction, and the illumination angle and viewing angle with respect to the direction perpendicular to the plane by the first outer surface, in this case preferably the surface referred to as normal viewing, is about 25° (this is considered normal viewing), the intermediate band 102 of the flag appears orange-red in the comparison region 42 outside "UT", for example, if the diffraction lines of the linear subwavelength diffraction grating extend in the y direction. In this case, the rotation angle of security document 1 may be 0°. Due to overlap with the microlens 33, a color change to green and / or a brightness change occurs within the "UT" region. That is, in the overlapping region 41, the reference optical properties are green.

[0187] In particular, if security document 1 is rotated by a predetermined angle, for example 90°, while maintaining a constant illumination angle and viewing angle of approximately 25° with respect to the plane normal of the first outer surface, the color and / or brightness of security element 2, particularly the intermediate band 102 shown in Figure 4a, may change from a predetermined color and / or brightness to another predetermined color and / or brightness in both the overlapping region 41 and the comparison region 42.

[0188] In the example of Figure 4a, the color of the intermediate band 102 preferably changes from orange-red to green. As illustrated exemplified in Figure 4a by a cylindrical microlens 33 (also called a lenticular lens), when present in a region having the shape of the alphabet letter "UT", it is possible to achieve a defined luminance and / or color difference of the zero-order color effect produced by the subwavelength diffraction grating, depending on the orientation of the cylindrical microlens 33, by designing the microlens 33. As shown in the left image of Figure 4a, this difference exists between the reference optical characteristic 410 visible in the overlapping region 41 and the reference optical characteristic 420 visible in the comparison region 42. Therefore, the left image of Figure 4a may show a first viewing state in which the reference optical characteristic 410 (such as green) produced by, for example, the security element 2 is visible in the overlapping region 41, and the reference optical characteristic 420, such as orange-red similarly produced by the security element 2, is visible in the comparison region 42. Here, the security element 2 has the same shape in particular in the overlapping region 41 and the comparison region 42. Here, the security element 2 has the same shape in particular in the overlapping region 41 and the comparison region 42, and the different colors and / or brightness are generated by changes in light in the surface structure 3.

[0189] By rotating security document 1, security document 1 transitions to a second viewing state, in which the third optical characteristic 430 becomes visible in both the overlapping region 41 and the comparison region 42. The third optical characteristic 430 is specifically a third color and / or a third brightness. It is also possible that in the second viewing state, the third color and / or brightness is present in the comparison region 42, while a fifth color and / or a fifth brightness, which is slightly different from the third color and / or brightness, is present in the overlapping region 41. Here, the rotation from the first viewing state to the second viewing state involves, for example, a rotation angle of 90°, but is preferably in the range of 20° to 160°.

[0190] The orientation of the cylindrical microlens 33 in the two situations shown in Figure 4a is schematically illustrated in Figure 4b. The horizontal orientation of the cylindrical microlens 33 shown in the left diagram of Figure 4b, in particular as described above, causes the incident angle a2 of the light incident on the first security element 2 in the overlapping region 41 to change with respect to the light incident on the comparison region 42, thus creating a difference in luminance and / or color. The first security element 2 provides a zero-order color effect in the comparison region 41 similar to that in the overlapping region 41, except that the surface structures 3, especially the microlens 33, are not overlapping. Therefore, different incident angles result in different color effects being perceived by the observer.

[0191] As shown in the right-hand image of Figure 4b, in security document 1 after, for example, a 90° rotation, the incident light illuminates security document 1 along the cylindrical direction. The lines within "UT" specifically indicate the orientation of the cylindrical microlens 33. Here, the line of sight is directed particularly in the y direction, i.e., along the cylindrical direction of the microlens 33. In this case, since the incident angle a2 does not change with respect to α'2, or shows no significant change, the overlapping region 41, which takes the shape of the alphabet letter "UT", for example, has the same or nearly the same color and / or brightness of the zeroth-order color effect as the comparison region 42, which does not have the surface structure 3. This is illustrated in Figure 4b by two different illustrations of the alphabet letter "UT".

[0192] Figure 5 is a photograph illustrating another example. In this example, the surface structure 34 is formed by linear ridges and is arranged in the surface structure region 43 as a semicircular decorative pattern. Below the surface structure 34, preferably, is a regional first region 40 or a subregion thereof, comprising a first security element 2 having a zero-order color effect, particularly the zero-order color effect described with respect to Figures 4a and 4b. The region 40 or a subregion thereof is present throughout the region shown, for example, in the photograph. The photograph shows lighting conditions and visibility states in the comparison region 42, i.e., the region without the surface structure 3, where the conditions for direct reflection are not met, and the zero-order color effect is not visible or is barely visible. In contrast, in the overlapping region 41, i.e., the region of the security element 2 having a zero-order color effect that overlaps with the decoration, the color effect of the lower first security element 2 becomes visible. This is because the surface structure 34 changes the angle of light emission. In particular, the line of sight that can result in the first visibility state is directed at a viewing angle in which the first security element 2 would not be visible without the surface structure 34. However, due to the expansion and change in the light emission angle in the overlapping region 41, the first security element 2 becomes visible there. Thus, the decoration shown in Figure 5 appears, for example, partially red and partially green, which is generated particularly by the first security element 2 and constitutes the reference optical characteristics 410. However, since the first security element is transparent to the comparison region 42, other layers of the security document, such as the printed layer, form the reference optical characteristics 420.

[0193] The proposed design variations can, of course, be combined in any way and do not constitute any limitations. [Explanation of symbols]

[0194] 1. Security Document 11 Covering layer 12 Individualization Layer 13 Transparent layer 14 Transparent layer 15 Core Layers 16 Transparent layer 101, 102 motifs 2. First security element 3 Surface structure 31 Matte structure 32 Microprisms 33 Microlenses 34 Linear protuberance 40. First Domain 41 Overlapping regions 42 Comparison area 43 Surface structure area 400 Design 410 Reference Light Characteristics 420 Reference Optical Characteristics 430 Third Optical Characteristics 51 Incident light 52 Emitted light 63 Preprint information items 64. Personalized Data α1, α2, α3, α4, α5 Incidence angle or exit angle β1, β2 divergence angles

Claims

1. A security document (1) having a first security element (2), wherein the first security element (2) has a first optically variable effect in a first region (40) and has an exposed surface structure (3) disposed on the first outer surface of the security document (1), The security document (1) has an overlapping region (41) where the surface structure (3) overlaps with the first security element (2), and a comparison region (42) where the first security element (2) is present but the surface structure (31, 32, 33, 34) does not overlap with the first security element (2). In the first viewing state, a reference light characteristic (420) having a defined color and / or defined brightness is visible in the comparison region (42). The surface structure (3) is configured such that, in the first viewing state, the surface structure (3) causes a change in the light (51) irradiated onto the first security element (2) and / or the light (52) emitted from the first security element (2), thereby making the contrast light characteristics (410), which have a defined color and / or defined brightness and are generated by the first optical variability effect of the first security element (2), visible in the overlapping region (41). Security document (1), wherein the reference light characteristics (410) differ from the reference light characteristics (420) by a defined color difference and / or a defined luminance difference.

2. The security document (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the defined color difference and / or luminance difference is preferably determined by the total color difference dE in the CIELAB color space and is in the range of 3 to 270, preferably 5 to 270, and preferably 10 to 270.

3. The security document (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the changes in the light (51) irradiated onto the first security element (2) and / or the light (52) emitted from the first security element (2) include one or more of the following: a change in the emission angle, particularly an increase in the emission angle, a decrease in the emission angle, an expansion of the emission angle and / or a focus of the emission angle; and a change in the incident angle, particularly an increase in the incident angle, a decrease in the incident angle and / or a focus of the incident angle.

4. The security document (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the security document (1) has one or more designs, the first region (40) forms one or more first design elements, and / or the comparison region (42) forms one or more second design elements, and / or the overlapping region (41) forms one or more third design elements, and / or the surface structure is arranged in the surface structure region (43), and the surface structure region (43) forms one or more fourth design elements.

5. The security document (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the overlapping region (41), in particular at least one of the third design elements or one or more of the third design elements, and / or the comparison region (42), in particular at least one of the second design elements or one or more of the second design elements, have a width of at least 3 mm, preferably at least 6 mm, preferably at least 10 mm, and / or an area of ​​at least 1 mm × 1 mm, preferably at least 2 mm × 2 mm, preferably at least 3 mm × 3 mm, in a field of view perpendicular to the plane of the first outer surface.

6. The security document (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the overlapping region (41) has the shape of one or more first motifs that are visible, in particular fully visible, in the first viewing state, or is composed of such motifs.

7. The security document (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the first region (40) has the shape of one or more second motifs (101, 102) and is visible, in particular fully visible, in the first viewing state and / or the second viewing state, preferably in both the overlapping region (41) and the comparison region (42).

8. The security document (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that one or more first motifs have at least one contour line extending from the comparison region (42) to the overlapping region (41), and / or one or more second motifs have at least one contour line extending from the comparison region (42) to the overlapping region (41).

9. The security document (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the surface structure (3) has one or more of the structures of a mat structure (31), a microprism (32), a microlens (33), a linear ridge (34), and / or a linear recess.

10. The light emitted from the surface structure (3) is directed by the surface structure (3) at an angle (β ２ )in, A security document (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that it spreads in a range of 0.5° to 45°, preferably in a range of 2° to 30°, and preferably in a range of 2° to 15°.

11. The security document (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the mat structure (31) is an isotropic scattering mat structure or an anisotropic scattering mat structure.

12. The security document (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the mat structure (31) has an average spacing between randomly or pseudo-randomly fluctuating elements in the range of 1 μm to 100 μm, preferably in the range of 5 μm to 50 μm.

13. The security document (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the mat structure has a structural depth in the range of 0.5 μm to 20 μm, preferably in the range of 1 μm to 10 μm.

14. The change in the light (51) incident on the first security element (2) is a change in the angle of incidence of the light (51) incident on the first security element (2), and thereby the light passing through the surface structure (3) has a first angle of incidence (α) relative to the first security element (2). ２ ) and light incident on the security document (1) from outside the surface structure (3) is at the second incident angle (α') relative to the first security element (2). ２ ) incident at the first incident angle (α ２ ) and the second angle of incidence (α' ２ A security document (1) according to any one of items 1 to 13, characterized in that it has a different angle from the above.

15. The security document (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that the angle difference is at least 2°, particularly at least 4°, preferably at least 6°, more preferably at least 8°, and even more preferably at least 12°.

16. The security document (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the surface structure (3) has or is composed of microprisms (32), and in particular, the microprisms produce the angle difference.

17. The security document (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 16, characterized in that the microprism (32) is a triangular prism.

18. The security document (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein the surface structure (3) has or is composed of microlenses (33), and in particular, the microlenses cause an angular difference.

19. The security document (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 18, characterized in that the microlenses (33) are cylindrical lenses, preferably convex cylindrical lenses, and / or spherical microlenses, or composed of these, preferably in a square or hexagonal arrangement.

20. The security document (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 19, wherein the first security element (2) comprises, in the first region (40), one or more of at least one replication layer having at least one relief structure and at least one reflective layer, and the reflective layer is arranged on the at least one relief structure.

21. The security document (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 20, wherein the at least one relief structure comprises a first relief structure present in both the overlapping region (41) and the comparison region (42), and / or the first relief structure extends at least partially without interruption from the overlapping region (41) to the comparison region (42).

22. The security document (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 21, characterized in that the first region (40) is a closed region or is composed of a plurality of preferably separated subregions having a first relief structure and / or one or more further relief structures.

23. Security document (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 22, characterized in that at least one of the relief structures, particularly the first relief structure and / or the one or more further relief structures, is or comprises a subwavelength diffraction grating for generating a zero-order color effect, and the at least one reflective layer is preferably a metallic layer.

24. The security document (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 23, characterized in that the subwavelength diffraction grating for generating the zero-order color effect has one or more of the following shapes: cross-shaped, hexagonal, or pseudo-random.

25. The security document (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 24, characterized in that the subwavelength diffraction grating for generating the zero-order color effect has a diffraction grating period in the range of 180 nm to 420 nm.

26. The security document (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 25, characterized in that the subwavelength diffraction grating for generating the zero-order color effect has a diffraction grating depth in the range of 80 nm to 350 nm.

27. The security document (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 26, characterized in that the subwavelength diffraction grating for generating the zero-order color effect has an asymmetric profile shape.

28. The security document (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 27, characterized in that at least one of the relief structures, particularly the first relief structure and / or one or more further relief structures, is a relief structure for generating a colorless luminescence effect, or comprises such a structure.

29. The security document (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 28, characterized in that the relief structure for generating achromatic luminescence is a diffraction grating.

30. The security document (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 29, characterized in that the relief structure for generating achromatic luminescence has a diffraction grating period of at least 3 μm, preferably at least 5 μm.

31. The security document (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 30, characterized in that the relief structure for generating achromatic luminescence has a diffraction grating period of less than 50 μm, preferably less than 20 μm.

32. The security document (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 31, characterized in that the relief structure for generating achromatic luminescence has one or more profile shapes from a brace shape, a rectangle, and a sinusoidal wave shape.

33. The security document (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 32, characterized in that the relief structure for generating achromatic luminescence has one or more reflective microstructures of micromirrors, microfacets, and microprisms.

34. The security document (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 32, characterized in that the microstructure of the relief structure for generating achromatic luminescence has a lateral extent in the range of 3 μm to 50 μm, measured from a direction perpendicular to the base surface formed by the microstructure.

35. The security document (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 34, characterized in that the surface structure (3) is configured such that, in the first viewing state, the reference light characteristics exhibit the achromatic effect, particularly by the diffusion and / or deflection of the emitted light, preferably by a matte structure, and in particular, the reference light characteristics visible in the comparison region do not exhibit the achromatic effect in the first viewing state.

36. In the first visual inspection, the achromatic effect is visible in both the overlapping region (41) and the comparison region (42), but due to diffusion by the matte structure (31), a lower, preferably defined, brightness exists in the overlapping region (41), characterized in that the security document (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 35.

37. The security document (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 36, characterized in that at least one of the relief structures, particularly the first relief structure and / or one or more further relief structures, is a diffraction grating for generating the color luminescence effect, or comprises such a grating.

38. The security document (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 37, characterized in that the diffraction grating for generating the aforementioned color luminescence effect has a grating period of at least 0.5 μm, particularly at least 0.7 μm to less than 3 μm, and particularly less than 2 μm.

39. The security document (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 38, characterized in that the diffraction grating for generating the color emission effect has one or more profile shapes of a blaz shape, a rectangle, and a sinusoidal waveform.

40. Security document (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 39, wherein at least one of the relief structures, particularly the first relief structure and / or one or more further relief structures, is or comprises a subwavelength diffraction grating for generating non-metallic zero-order color and / or brightness, and the at least one reflective layer is particularly preferably a high refractive index (HRI) dielectric layer.

41. The security document (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 40, characterized in that the subwavelength diffraction grating for generating non-metallic zero-order color and / or brightness has a diffraction grating period in the range of 180 nm to 420 nm.

42. The security document (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 41, characterized in that the diffraction grating depth t of the subwavelength diffraction grating for generating non-metallic zero-order color and / or brightness is in the range of 50 nm to 250 nm.

43. Security document (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 42, wherein the subwavelength diffraction grating for generating non-metallic zeroth-order color and / or luminance is linear, cross-shaped, hexagonal, or pseudorandom, and in particular, when viewed perpendicular to the base plane of at least one relief structure or subwavelength diffraction grating, its shape is linear, cross-shaped, hexagonal, or pseudorandom.

44. The security document (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 43, characterized in that the subwavelength diffraction grating for generating non-metallic zero-order color and / or luminance has a rectangular or sinusoidal profile shape.

45. The security document (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 44, wherein the subwavelength diffraction grating for generating non-metallic zero-order color and / or luminance has at least two diffraction gratings having different azimuthal angles, and along each azimuthal angle, there is an array of ridges and depressions having a defined diffraction grating period and a defined diffraction grating depth.

46. The security document (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 45, characterized in that the first optically variable effect constituting the comparison light characteristics in the overlapping region (41) is visible in the comparison region (42) under a different viewing condition.

47. The security document (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 46, characterized in that, in the second viewing state, the third color and / or third brightness is visible in the overlapping region (41) and the comparison region (42), or the third color and / or third brightness is visible in the comparison region (42) and the fifth color and / or fifth brightness is visible in the overlapping region (41).

48. In particular, the optical variability effect of the first security element (2) is such that, when visible in the comparison region (42) in the first viewing state, the reference optical characteristics are generated by the light diffracted by the zero-order diffraction of the first security element (2), as described in any one of claims 1 to 47, for the security document (1).

49. The security document (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 48, characterized in that the reference light characteristics are generated by the light diffracted by the zero-order diffraction by the first security element (2).

50. A method for producing a security document (1), particularly a security document as described in any one of claims 1 to 49, wherein the method preferably comprises the following steps in order: The steps include providing at least one coating layer (11), The steps include providing at least one core layer (15), The steps include providing a first security element (2) having a first optical variable effect, The steps include arranging at least one core layer (15), at least one coating layer (11), and a first security element (2) such that the first security element (2) is positioned between the at least one coating layer (11) and the at least one core layer (15), A step of pressing, particularly laminating, the at least one coating layer (11) and the at least one core layer (15), wherein the surface structure (3) is imprinted on the at least one coating layer (11), the surface structure (3) is positioned exposed on the first outer surface of the security document (1), and the security document (2) has an overlapping region (41) where the surface structure (3) overlaps with the first security element (2), and a comparison region (42) where the first security element (2) is present but the surface structure (3) does not overlap with the first security element (2), thereby, in a first viewing state, a defined color and / or A method comprising the steps of: or a reference optical characteristic (420) having a defined luminance becomes visible, and the surface structure (3) is configured such that, in the first visible state, the surface structure (3) within the overlapping region (41) causes a change in the light incident on and / or the light emitted from the first security element (2), thereby making a contrasting optical characteristic (410) generated by a first optical variability effect of the first security element (2) visible in the overlapping region (41), and the contrasting optical characteristic (410) differs from the reference optical characteristic (420) by a defined color difference and / or a defined luminance difference.

51. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 50, characterized in that the method is carried out in a lamination press, and the surface structure (3) is formed on the at least one coating layer (11) by the press plate of the lamination press during the pressing step.

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