Security elements with light scattering properties

Abstract

A data carrier (1) for a secure article (10) extends along an extension direction (E) and along a transverse direction (T) perpendicular to the extension direction (E), and includes at least one light guide element (2) and at least one security element (3). The light guide element (2) is configured to guide light such that light illuminating the light guide element (2) is guided along the light guide element (2). The light guide element (2) and the security element (3) are arranged such that light guided along the light guide element (2) illuminates the security element (3). The security element (3) includes or consists of at least one light scattering element (4) configured to scatter light when illuminated by light from the light guide element (2).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a data carrier according to claim 1, a secure article comprising or consisting of such a data carrier according to claim 14, and a method of manufacturing such a data carrier according to claim 15.

[0002] Prior Art Data carriers for secure articles such as smart cards are vulnerable to forgery. There are various types of security elements that serve the purpose of protecting data carriers from forgery. For example, data carriers that provide visual feedback such as illumination have been developed. However, many data carriers provide insufficient protection such as insufficient illumination.

Summary of the Invention

[0003] The object of the present invention is to provide a data carrier that offers improved security against forgery.

[0004] This object is achieved by the data carrier according to claim 1. In particular, a data carrier for a secure article is provided, the data carrier extending along an extension direction and along a transverse direction extending perpendicular to the extension direction. The data carrier includes at least one light guiding element and at least one security element. The light guiding element is configured to guide light such that light illuminating the light guiding element is guided along the light guiding element. The light guiding element and the security element are arranged such that light guided along the light guiding element illuminates the security element. The security element includes or consists of at least one light scattering element configured to scatter light upon illumination with light from the light guiding element.

[0005] That is, when a light guide element is illuminated with light, the light is preferably guided along the light guide element. The direction in which the light is guided preferably depends on the orientation of the light guide element within the data carrier. For example, as will be described in more detail below, the light guide element may extend along the transverse direction of the data carrier. In this case, the light guided along the light guide element is preferably also guided along the transverse direction of the data carrier. Note that the guidance of light by the light guide element can be directional or non-directional. That is, the light guide element is preferably configured to allow light to pass through it, for example, it may simply be a transparent layer, see also below. In other words, the light guide element can be considered to be configured to allow light to pass through in order to illuminate a security element. That is, the light guide element is preferably configured to illuminate a security element, in particular a light scattering element. That is, the light guided along the light guide element preferably illuminates a light scattering element. Therefore, the light guided along the light guide element preferably enters the light scattering element, thereby illuminating the light scattering element. During illumination, the light scattering element is configured to scatter the incident light. In other words, the light scattering element is configured to generate scattered light.

[0006] Preferably, the scattered light is detectable, for example, by an observer of the data carrier or by a detection device. Therefore, it is preferable that the data carrier is configured so that the scattered light can reach the outside of the data carrier. Detectable by an observer means that the observer perceives, in particular sees, the scattered light. The observer may be a security officer, for example. Detectable by a detection device means that the scattered light is detected by a physical device such as a camera.

[0007] In either case, the scattered light preferably serves the purpose of verifying the authenticity of the data carrier. In fact, if a security element emits scattered light when illuminating a light guide element, the presence of such scattered light indicates the authenticity of the data carrier.

[0008] For this purpose, the security element may consist of at least one light-scattering element. In other words, a light-scattering element can provide or form the security element. In this case, any description made with respect to the light-scattering element applies to the security element as well, and vice versa. However, it is equally conceivable that the security element includes further components, in particular at least one masking element, which will be described in more detail below, and that further component, together with the light-scattering element, provides the security element.

[0009] The security element, in particular the light scattering element, preferably includes or consists of a printed material printed on the light guide element, especially on the surface of the light guide element.

[0010] The security elements, particularly the light-scattering elements, preferably include or consist of light-scattering inks and / or light-scattering particles. Additionally or alternatively, the security elements, particularly the light-scattering elements, are preferably transparent and / or photochromic.

[0011] In other words, the light scattering element may include a light scattering ink. The light scattering ink is preferably a commercially available ink such as Eptaink LDI. The light scattering ink may be invisible or transparent under natural or artificial light conditions, or in the absence of illumination by a light guide element, but can be configured to diffusely scatter when illuminated. Thus, a light scattering element can be provided that is naked to the naked eye unless illuminated by light. Similarly, the light scattering ink may consist of at least two immiscible liquids that form micelles configured to scatter incident light. Other light scattering inks, such as photoluminescent inks, are also conceivable. Additionally or alternatively, the light scattering element may also include light scattering particles, such as nanoparticles, that scatter incoming light. Various particles or nanoparticles such as metals, metalloids, or metal oxides, such as gold, silver, or silicon, are conceivable. However, other particles or nanoparticles, such as nonmetallic or non-oxide materials, are also conceivable. In particular, the size of the particles is preferably such that they are configured to scatter incoming light. Therefore, it is preferable that the particles are nanoparticles, i.e., have a size in the nanometer range. The photochromic security element preferably contains or consists of a photochromic ink. That is, the security element can be configured to be sensitive to illumination at a specific wavelength or wavelength range. The light scattering element is preferably configured to direct scattered light, for example, outward from the data carrier, or toward further components of the security element, such as a masking element, as will be described in more detail below. The direction of scattered light by the light scattering element may be caused, for example, by Mie scattering or Rayleigh scattering. If the light scattering element contains or consists of a photoluminescent ink, the light scattering element is preferably configured to scatter incident light 360°. The light scattering element can be configured to scatter only incoming light of a specific wavelength. In other words, depending on the wavelength of the incoming light, at least a portion of the incoming light is not scattered by the light scattering element but is absorbed, for example.Additionally or alternatively, a light scattering element can be configured such that the wavelength of the scattered light scattered by the light scattering element is different from the wavelength of the light incident on the light scattering element. For example, the light that strikes the light scattering element may be green, while the light scattering element scatters red light.

[0012] The light guide element is preferably transparent. Additionally or alternatively, the light guide element preferably comprises or consists of at least one polymer, preferably a thermoplastic polymer and / or a transparent polymer such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), or polycarbonate (PC).

[0013] In other words, the light guide element preferably includes or consists of a transparent polymer, particularly a transparent thermoplastic polymer.

[0014] When illuminated by light, the light guide element is preferably configured to guide the light along the transverse direction of the data carrier.

[0015] The light is preferably guided along the light guide element via internal reflection of light within the element. In fact, the light is preferably reflected off the surface of the light guide element, particularly the upper and opposing lower surfaces of the light guide element.

[0016] At least a portion of the light is preferably reflected through one or more surfaces of the light guide element, particularly the top and / or bottom surfaces of the light guide element, and the reflected light preferably illuminates the light scattering element.

[0017] The light guide element is preferably provided as a layer extending along the transverse direction of the data carrier. Additionally or alternatively, security elements, in particular light scattering elements, are preferably provided as layers extending along the transverse direction.

[0018] In other words, the light guide element can be provided in the form of a layer. The layer preferably defines an upper surface and an opposing lower surface. Furthermore, it is preferable that the layer extends along the transverse direction of the data carrier, and that the light guided along the light guide element is also guided along the transverse direction. The layer may be a polymer layer as described above.

[0019] Security elements, particularly light-scattering elements, can also have a layered structure. For example, light-scattering ink can be printed in layered form. Furthermore, it is preferable that layered security elements, particularly light-scattering elements, define an upper surface and an opposing bottom surface, and / or extend along the transverse direction of the data carrier.

[0020] The data carrier preferably includes a transparent region. Security elements, in particular light scattering elements, are preferably at least partially located on and / or within the region. Additionally or alternatively, light guide elements are preferably at least partially located on and / or within the region.

[0021] In other words, the data carrier preferably includes a transparent region. In the field of the card industry, this transparent region is commonly called a clear window, i.e., one or more transparent materials, typically transparent polymers such as those used in the carrier body.

[0022] That is, the transparent region is preferably at least partially positioned and provided by the carrier body. Thus, the data carrier preferably comprises a carrier body. The carrier body preferably comprises or consists of at least one polymer, preferably a thermoplastic polymer and / or a transparent polymer, the at least one polymer being particularly preferably polyvinyl chloride and / or polyethylene terephthalate and / or recycled polyvinyl chloride (rPVC) and / or recycled polyethylene terephthalate (rPET) and / or polylactic acid (PLA). That is, the carrier body may contain or consist of recycled materials. Similarly, the carrier body may contain or consist of biosource materials. Additionally or alternatively, the carrier body preferably comprises or consists of one or more layers. If two or more layers are present, the layers are preferably positioned on top of each other when viewed along the lengthwise direction, and particularly preferably stacked. The extension direction can be considered as the vertical direction, and the transverse direction can be considered as the horizontal direction. For this purpose, the carrier body preferably comprises or consists of one or more layers of one or more polymers. In fact, the carrier body preferably corresponds to a multilayer structure. The layers of the carrier body are preferably bonded to each other by a lamination process, as is known in the art.

[0023] Light guide elements and / or security elements, particularly light scattering elements, are preferably positioned at least partially on and / or within the carrier body. For example, light guide elements can be positioned such as being embedded within the carrier body. In particular, light guide elements can be part of the carrier body. That is, as mentioned above, light guide elements can be polymer layers, and it is conceivable that such polymer layers form part of the carrier body. In other words, transparent regions can contain light guide elements partially or entirely. To put it another way, light guide elements can extend partially or entirely through and / or form transparent regions. Similarly, security elements, particularly light scattering elements, can be positioned to be embedded within the carrier body, for example, by printing light scattering ink onto light guide elements in the form of polymer layers that form part of the carrier body. However, it is equally conceivable that light guide elements and / or security elements are provided at least partially outside the carrier body. For example, light guide elements can be positioned as an additional layer positioned above the carrier body with respect to the direction of extension, and such additional layer is bonded to or otherwise attached to the carrier body. Similarly, security elements such as light scattering elements can be printed on the light guide elements in the form of a separate polymer layer placed outside the carrier body, thereby also being positioned externally. In the field of the card industry, the carrier body is generally referred to as the card body.

[0024] The light guide element is preferably positioned to be illuminated by an external light source provided outside the data carrier. Additionally or alternatively, the data carrier preferably includes at least one edge region connected to and / or at least partially provided by the light guide element, the edge region being at least partially transparent.

[0025] In other words, the light guide element is preferably positioned within the data carrier so that it can be illuminated by an external light source from outside the data carrier. To put it another way, illumination of the light guide element, and therefore the generation of scattered light by the light scattering element, can be done from outside the data carrier. The external light source can be a flashlight, a mobile phone lamp, or the like, enabling illumination of the light guide element.

[0026] The light guide element is preferably illuminated through at least partially transparent edge regions. That is, the data carrier preferably includes side edges extending along the direction of extension, the number of side edges depending on the shape of the data carrier. For example, if the data carrier has a square or rectangular shape, it has four side edge portions. Thus, the term “side edge” refers to a surface that extends from the top to the bottom of the data carrier along the direction of extension and provides the thickness of the data carrier. The region of the data carrier that includes the side edges is understood as the edge region of the data carrier. One or more of these edge regions can be at least partially transparent. That is, when viewed along the direction of extension of the data carrier, only a portion of the edge region, for example, the central portion of the edge region, may be transparent, while the upper and lower portions of the central portion may be opaque or otherwise opaque. However, it is equally conceivable that the entire edge region is transparent, not just a portion such as the central portion. In any case, the transparent edge region serves the purpose of allowing light from an external light source to enter the data carrier, in particular the light guide element. For this purpose, it is conceivable that the data carrier includes at least one transparent edge region connected to the light guide element. For example, the transparent region or transparent window described above can be located in the edge region of the data carrier, or it can be any other transparent material capable of guiding light from an external light source to a light guide element. Additionally or alternatively, it is also conceivable that the edge region is provided at least partially by a light guide element. For example, a light guide element can be located within the data carrier such that it extends at least partially into the data carrier from the side edge of the data carrier, and the light guide element within the region of the edge region of the data carrier forms the edge region.

[0027] The data carrier preferably further comprises at least one internal light source configured to illuminate a light guide element. The internal light source is preferably an LED module. Additionally or alternatively, the internal light source is preferably configured to be passively powered, for example, when the data carrier communicates with a remote device.

[0028] In other words, the data carrier may include an internal light source that forms part of the data carrier. This internal light source may be provided in addition to, or instead of, the ability of the data carrier to be illuminated by an external light source as described above. The internal light source is preferably an LED module. The internal light source, in particular the LED module, is preferably passively powered. The internal light source is preferably powered by RFID when the data carrier is in use, such as when the data carrier is communicating with a remote device such as an RF reader. Passive power supply of the internal light source by RFID can be achieved by providing an antenna that exhibits RF performance. In other words, the data carrier preferably includes a radio-frequency (RF) antenna. The RF antenna is preferably connected to the internal light source, such as being connected to an internal light source such as an LED module. The antenna is preferably configured to communicate wirelessly, particularly via electromagnetic radiation such as the radio waves described above, with a remote device located far from the data carrier. The antenna is preferably configured to power the internal light source when communicating with the remote device. Therefore, the remote device is preferably configured to emit electromagnetic radiation, particularly radio waves. The remote device particularly preferably corresponds to an RF reader as known in the art. Other RFID devices are conceivable in a similar manner and are well known in cutting-edge technology. For example, a data carrier may include a transponder module that exhibits RF performance, and its operating principle is as described above. That is, it is preferable that the data carrier does not have an energy source such as a battery to supply power to the light source. Nevertheless, the data carrier may have an energy source such as a battery to supply power to the internal light source. Furthermore, sources other than the RFID source for illuminating the internal light source are also conceivable in a similar manner. For example, the data carrier may include at least one capacitive sensor connected to the internal light source and supplying power to the internal light source in response to the capacitance sensing of a finger touching the capacitive sensor. The capacitive sensor is preferably a fingerprint sensor module as is known in the art, and provides fingerprint recognition to the data carrier.

[0029] The security element, in particular the light-scattering element, is preferably arranged so as to at least partially overlap the light-guiding element when viewed along the extension direction of the data carrier.

[0030] That is, when viewed along the extension direction of the data carrier, the security element, in particular the light-scattering element, is preferably arranged above or below the light-scattering element. That is, when the extension direction is viewed as the vertical direction of the data carrier, the vertical positions of the security element and the light-guiding element preferably differ from each other. However, in the horizontal direction, the horizontal position of the security element and the horizontal position of the light-guiding element preferably at least partially coincide.

[0031] The light-scattering element is preferably arranged directly on the light-guiding element, in particular on the surface of the light-guiding element. Alternatively, the light-scattering element is preferably arranged at a distance from the light-guiding element in the extension direction.

[0032] The security element, in particular the light-scattering element, arranged directly on the light-guiding element is preferably arranged, for example, by printing on the upper surface and / or the bottom surface of the light-guiding element. In this case, surface contact is preferably established between the surface of the security element, in particular the light-scattering element, and the surface of the light-guiding element.

[0033] However, it is equally conceivable that the security element, in particular the light-scattering element, and the light-guiding element are arranged separately from each other in the extension direction of the data carrier. In this case, it is preferable that one or more transparent components, in particular one or more transparent layers such as a transparent polymer layer of the carrier body or the card body, are arranged between the security element and the light-guiding element in the extension direction. See further below.

[0034] The light-guiding element preferably extends partially or entirely along the transverse direction of the data carrier. Additionally or alternatively, the security element, in particular the light-scattering element, preferably extends partially or entirely along the transverse direction of the data carrier.

[0035] In other words, the width of the light guide element may be equal to or smaller than the width of the data carrier when viewed along the transverse direction. Similarly, the width of the security element, in particular the light scattering element, may be equal to or smaller than the width of the data carrier when viewed along the transverse direction. It is even more preferable that the width of the security element, in particular the light scattering element, is equal to or smaller than the width of the light guide element when viewed along the transverse direction. In other words, the spatial extent of the light guide element and / or the security element, in particular the light scattering element, may be equal to or smaller than the width or spatial extent of the width of the data carrier along the transverse direction.

[0036] The security element preferably includes at least one masking element. The masking element preferably overlaps at least partially with a light scattering element with respect to its extension direction. The masking element is preferably configured to block a portion of the light scattered outward from the data carrier by the light scattering element. Additionally or alternatively, the masking element is preferably configured to overlap at least partially with a light guide element with respect to its extension direction, blocking a portion of the light guided outward from the data carrier along the light guide element. Additionally or alternatively, the masking element is preferably configured to be illuminated at least locally by the light guide element and / or the light scattering element.

[0037] In this case, the security element is preferably provided by a combination of a light scattering element and a masking element. The masking element is preferably configured to absorb some of the light scattered by the light scattering element and / or guided along the light guiding element. The masking element is preferably opaque. The masking element can be printing, metallic foil, etc. For example, the masking element can be opaque ink printed on one surface of one of the layers of the carrier body described above. The masking element is preferably illuminated by the scattered light of the light scattering element. In this case, the light scattering element can simply serve as an illuminating element that illuminates the masking element, which may be of any shape, and the masking element defines the actual shape of the security element. For example, the light scattering element can be provided as a rectangular layer, and the masking element can define an image of the data carrier holder. That is, the masking element that defines the actual shape of the security element can be patterned to define an image and / or alphanumeric characters by blocking and allowing the passage of a predetermined portion of the scattered light of the light scattering element. Additionally or alternatively, masking elements can serve the purpose of defining the boundaries of light-scattering elements to define the shape of security elements, such as alphanumeric characters or images, see also below. When viewed along the extension direction and along the upper side of the data carrier toward the lower side of the carrier body, it is preferable that the light-scattering elements are positioned after the masking elements, and the light-guiding elements are then positioned after the light-scattering elements. In other words, the light-scattering elements are preferably positioned between the masking elements and the light-guiding elements with respect to the extension direction. It is even more preferable that the masking elements and / or the light-scattering elements and / or the light-guiding elements overlap at least partially with respect to the extension direction. That is, these elements are preferably positioned at least partially above each other, i.e., at least partially coincide with respect to the extension direction.

[0038] Security elements, particularly light scattering elements and / or masking elements, preferably have the shape of images and / or alphanumeric characters.

[0039] In other words, the security element preferably has the shape of an image and / or alphanumeric characters. Non-exclusive examples of images include, for example, a portrait or photograph of the data carrier owner, biometric information such as fingerprints, a country outline, a state coat of arms, a state flag, a signature, lines, circles, and other geometric objects. Non-exclusive examples of alphanumeric characters include, for example, the data carrier owner's date of birth, name, social security number, expiration date, and so on. If a light scattering element constitutes the security element, it is preferable that the light scattering element has the shape of an image and / or alphanumeric characters. If the security element additionally includes a masking element, it is preferable that the masking element defines the shape of the image and / or alphanumeric characters. The data carrier may include at least one coating, such as a back-reflectance coating, which helps to increase the photo-yield of the data carrier. Additionally or alternatively, the data carrier may include a fitting of the optical refractive index provided by at least two of its layers, which also helps to increase the photo-yield of the data carrier.

[0040] In another embodiment, a secure article is provided that includes or comprises at least one data carrier as described above. The secure article is preferably a smart card such as a bank card or identification card, a passport, an electronic tag, or a travel ticket.

[0041] Any statements made herein relating to the data carrier itself preferably apply equally to secure articles, and vice versa.

[0042] At this point, it should be understood that the data carrier itself can be equivalent to a secure item. For example, the secure item could be an ID card, and the data carrier itself could provide the ID card. However, it is equally conceivable to introduce or embed the data carrier into a secure item. For example, the secure item could be a passport, and the data carrier could be embedded in the pages of the passport.

[0043] In another embodiment, a method is provided for manufacturing a data carrier extending along an extension direction and along a transverse direction perpendicular to the extension direction. The data carrier is preferably a data carrier as described above. The method includes the steps of i) providing at least one light guide element and ii) providing at least one security element. The light guide element is configured to guide light such that light illuminating the light guide element is guided along the light guide element. The light guide element and the security element are arranged such that light guided along the light guide element illuminates the security element. The security element includes or consists of at least one light scattering element configured to scatter light when illuminated by light from the light guide element.

[0044] Any descriptions made herein with respect to the data carrier itself or the secure article preferably also apply to methods for manufacturing the data carrier, and vice versa. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0045] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings, which are for illustrative purposes only and not for limiting purposes. [Figure 1] A cross-sectional view of the data carrier according to the present invention is shown. [Figure 2a] This shows a top view of the data carrier according to the present invention in the absence of light illumination. [Figure 2b] Figure 2a shows a top view of the data carrier illuminated by light. [Figure 3a] The images show photographs of the data carrier according to the present invention, both with and without lighting. [Figure 3b] The images show photographs of the data carrier according to the present invention, both with and without lighting. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0046] Here, an example of a secure article 10 equipped with a data carrier 1 according to the present invention will be illustrated with reference to the figure.

[0047] Figure 1 illustrates a secure article 10 comprising a data carrier 1 that extends along the extension direction E and along the transverse direction T perpendicular to the extension direction E. The data carrier 1 includes a light guide element 2 and a security element 3.

[0048] Light guide element 2 is configured to guide light so that the light illuminating light guide element 2 is guided along the light guide element, in this case along the transverse direction T of data carrier 1. Furthermore, light guide element 2 and security element 3 are arranged so that the light guided along light guide element 2 illuminates security element 3, see, for example, Figures 2a to 3b. Security element 3 includes a light scattering element 4 configured to scatter light when illuminated by light from light guide element 2.

[0049] In the example depicted in Figure 1, the light guide element 2 is provided as a transparent layer that extends throughout the data carrier 1 in the transverse direction T. The light scattering element 4 consists of a printed material printed on the surface 5 of the light guide element 2 and extends partially along the transverse direction T of the data carrier 1. The security elements 3, in particular the light scattering element 4, are positioned to overlap with the light guide element 2 when viewed along the extension direction E of the data carrier 1.

[0050] The data carrier 1 includes a transparent region 6, and the light scattering element 4 is at least partially positioned on and within the transparent region 6. The transparent region 6 is provided by the carrier body 12, in particular by transparent layers 13, 14 of the carrier body 12 that partially extend along the transverse direction T. In fact, as can be seen from Figure 1, the data carrier 1 includes a carrier body 12 that includes several layers that overlap each other when viewed along the extension direction E.

[0051] As can be further seen from Figure 1, the light guide element 2 is positioned to be illuminated by an external light source 7 provided outside the data carrier 1. In fact, the data carrier 1 includes a transparent edge region 8 provided by the light guide element 2. Thus, by illuminating the data carrier 1 from this edge region 8, light is able to enter the light guide element 2 and pass through the light guide element 2 to illuminate the security elements 3, in particular the light scattering element 4.

[0052] In the illustrated example, the data carrier 1 further includes an internal light source 9 in the form of an LED module configured to additionally illuminate the light guide element 2. The LED module 9 is configured to be passively powered, for example, when the data carrier 1 communicates with a remote device. For this purpose, the data carrier 1 includes an antenna, such as an RFID antenna (not shown), connected to the LED module 9 via a connection element 15 known in the art. When the RFID antenna communicates with a remote device, in particular an RF reader (not shown), the LED module 9 emits light into the light guide element 2, thereby illuminating the security element 3 via light scattered by the light scattering element 4.

[0053] In the illustrated example, the data carrier 1 comprises two masking elements 11, which partially overlap the light guide element 2 with respect to the extension direction E. The masking elements 11 are configured to block a portion of the light guided outward along the light guide element 2. Here, the masking elements 11 are opaque inks printed on the surfaces of two layers 16, 17 of the carrier body 12, and serve to define the shape boundaries of the security element 3.

[0054] When viewed along the extension direction E and along the upper side 18 of the data carrier 1 toward the lower side 19 of the data carrier 1, the light scattering element 4 is positioned after the first masking element 10, the light guiding element 2 is positioned after the light scattering element 4, and the second masking element 10 is positioned after the light guiding element 2. In other words, the light scattering element 4 and the light guiding element 2 are positioned between the masking elements 10 with respect to the extension direction E. However, it is equally conceivable that the light scattering element 4 serves the purpose of illuminating the masking element 11. Thus, the masking element 11 can be considered a so-called artwork, as is generally known in the art.

[0055] Figures 2a and 2b show photographs of the data carrier 1 according to the present invention, including a security element 3 in the form of the alphanumeric characters "THALES". When the data carrier 1 is illuminated through the transparent edge region 8 of the light guide element 2, the security element 3 becomes bright.

[0056] Similarly, Figures 3a and 3b depict a photograph of a data carrier containing a security element 3 in the form of a spherical image. When the edge region 8 of the light guide element 2 is illuminated, the security element becomes bright.

[0057] In Figures 2a to 3b, the illumination of data carrier 1 is provided using an external light source, specifically the flashlight of a mobile phone. [Explanation of symbols]

[0058] 1 Data Carrier 2. Light guide element 3. Security elements 4 Light scattering elements 5 surface 6 Transparent area 7 External light source 8 Edge regions 9 Internal light source 10 Secure Articles 11 Masking Elements 12 Carrier main unit 13 layers 14 layers 15 connection elements 16 layers 17 layers 18 Upper side 19 Lower side E Extension direction T transverse direction

Claims

1. A data carrier (1) for a secure article (10), wherein the data carrier (1) extends along an extension direction (E) and along a transverse direction (T) perpendicular to the extension direction (E), - At least one light guide element (2), - Including at least one security element (3), The light guide element (2) is configured to guide light such that the light that illuminates the light guide element (2) is guided along the light guide element (2). The light guide element (2) and the security element (3) are arranged such that light guided along the light guide element (2) illuminates the security element (3). The security element (3) includes, or comprises, at least one light scattering element (4) configured to scatter light when illuminated by the light guide element (2), the data carrier (1).

2. The data carrier (1) according to claim 1, wherein the security element (3), in particular the light scattering element (4), preferably includes or consists of a printed material printed on the light guide element (2), particularly on the surface (5) of the light guide element (2).

3. The security element (3), in particular the light scattering element (4), includes or consists of light scattering ink and / or light scattering particles, and / or The data carrier (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the security element (3), in particular the light scattering element (4), is transparent and / or photochromic.

4. The light guide element (2) is transparent and / or The data carrier (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the light guide element (2) comprises or consists of at least one polymer, preferably a thermoplastic polymer and / or a transparent polymer such as PET, PVC, or PC.

5. The light guide element (2) is provided as a layer extending along the transverse direction (T) of the data carrier (1), and / or The data carrier (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the security element (3), in particular the light scattering element (4), is provided as a layer extending along the transverse direction (T).

6. The data carrier (1) includes a transparent region (6), The security element (3), in particular the light scattering element (4), is at least partially positioned on and / or within the transparent region (6), and / or The data carrier (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the light guide element (2) is at least partially disposed on and / or in the transparent region (6).

7. The light guide element (2) is positioned to be illuminated by an external light source (7) provided outside the data carrier (1), and / or The data carrier (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the data carrier (1) includes at least one edge region (8) connected to and / or provided at least partially by the light guide element (2), and the edge region (8) is at least partially transparent.

8. The system further includes at least one internal light source (9) configured to illuminate the light guide element (2), The internal light source (9) is preferably an LED module and / or The data carrier (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the internal light source (9) is preferably configured to passively supply power to the data carrier (1) when it communicates with a remote device.

9. The data carrier (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the security element (3), in particular the light scattering element (4), is arranged to at least partially overlap the light guide element (2) when viewed along the extension direction (E) of the data carrier (1).

10. The light scattering element (4) is disposed on the light guide element (2), particularly on the surface of the light guide element (2), or The data carrier (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the light scattering element (4) is arranged at a distance from the light guiding element (2) with respect to the extension direction (E).

11. The light guide element (2) extends partially or entirely along the transverse direction (T) of the data carrier (1), and / or The data carrier (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the security element (3), in particular the light scattering element (4), extends partially or entirely along the transverse direction (T) of the data carrier (1).

12. The security element (3) includes at least one masking element (11), The masking element (11) at least partially overlaps with the light scattering element (4) and / or the light guiding element (2) with respect to the extension direction (E), The data carrier (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the masking element is configured to block at least a portion of the light that is scattered by the light scattering element (4) or guided outward along the light guide element (2), and / or is configured to be at least locally illuminated by at least one of the light guide element (2) or the light scattering element (4).

13. The data carrier (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the security element (3), in particular the light scattering element (4) and / or the masking element (11) has the shape of an image and / or alphanumeric characters.

14. A secure article (10) comprising or consisting of at least one data carrier (1) as described in any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the secure article (10) is preferably a smart card such as a bank card or identification card, a passport, an electronic tag, a travel ticket, etc.

15. A method for manufacturing a data carrier (1) that extends along an extension direction (E) and along a transverse direction (T) perpendicular to the extension direction (E), preferably the data carrier (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the method is: - A step of providing at least one light guide element (2), - The step of providing at least one security element (3), The light guide element (2) is configured to guide light such that the light that illuminates the light guide element (2) is guided along the light guide element (2). The light guide element (2) and the security element (3) are arranged such that light guided along the light guide element (2) illuminates the security element (3). A method comprising, or including, at least one light scattering element (4) configured to scatter light when illuminated by the light guide element (2) as described above, the security element (3).

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