Hidden floating image

Abstract

A radiation source (6) configured to emit electromagnetic radiation (R) is provided, a data carrier (1) including at least one guide layer (2) and at least one treatment layer (3), and at least one masking layer (4) including at least one masking element (5). The electromagnetic radiation (R) from the radiation source (6) is irradiated through the masking layer (4) onto the data carrier (1). The electromagnetic radiation (R) impinging on a region (7a) of the masking layer (4) without a masking element (5) impinges on the at least one treatment layer (3) to harden the at least one treatment layer (3) to a first hardened state at the impingement region (8a). The electromagnetic radiation (R) impinging on a region (7b) of the masking layer (4) including the at least one masking element (5) impinges on the at least one treatment layer (3) as electromagnetic radiation having a second radiation characteristic (Rb), to harden the at least one treatment layer (3) to a second hardened state at the impingement region (8b). The second hardened state of the treatment layer (3) constitutes the security element (9).

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The invention relates to a method for producing at least one security element on a data carrier as claimed in claim 1 and to a data carrier provided with at least one security element as claimed in claim 15, respectively. [Background technology]

[0002] Various solutions exist for authenticating and identifying currency and documents and for distinguishing between genuine and counterfeit goods. In this context, the production of data carriers with one or more security elements that can be integrated into the article to be protected and are generated by electromagnetic radiation introduced with the help of microstructures has recently become common. In particular, security elements, so-called floating images, can be created by transmitting high-energy radiation, in particular laser radiation, through a micron-sized transparent lens that produces a burn on the data carrier by focusing the laser radiation. In the context of the present invention, a floating image is understood as an image that appears three-dimensional, i.e. that gives a sense of depth.

[0003] Data carriers with security elements in the form of floating images offer a high level of counterfeit security, however their production is a laborious and expensive process.

[0004] In addition to the high demands associated with the use of laser radiation, such as high safety requirements and specific expertise, the equipment is also expensive. Summary of the Invention

[0005] It is an object of the invention to provide a method for producing at least one security element on a data carrier which is simple but at the same time provides a high level of counterfeit security.

[0006] This object is achieved by a method according to claim 1. In particular, a method for producing at least one security element on a data carrier is provided, comprising the steps of: i) providing a radiation source configured to emit electromagnetic radiation, ii) providing a data carrier with at least one inductive layer and at least one treatment layer, iii) providing at least one masking layer comprising at least one masking element, and iv) irradiating electromagnetic radiation from the radiation source through the masking layer onto the data carrier. The at least one treatment layer is arranged after the at least one inductive layer with respect to the stretch direction, and the at least one masking layer is arranged before the at least one inductive layer with respect to the stretch direction. That is to say, the at least one masking layer is arranged after the radiation source, the at least one inductive layer is arranged after the masking layer, and then the at least one treatment layer is arranged after the at least one inductive layer.

[0007] In other words again, the at least one guiding layer is arranged between the at least one masking layer and the at least one treatment layer. The at least one guiding layer is configured to guide the impinging electromagnetic radiation into the at least one treatment layer, the at least one treatment layer being hardenable upon interaction with the electromagnetic radiation. The electromagnetic radiation impinging on the masking layer in an area free of masking elements impinges on the at least one treatment layer as electromagnetic radiation having a first radiation characteristic, such that the at least one treatment layer is hardened to a first hardened state in said impingement area. On the other hand, the electromagnetic radiation impinging on the masking layer in an area containing the at least one masking element impinges on the at least one treatment layer as electromagnetic radiation having a second radiation characteristic different from the first radiation characteristic, such that the at least one treatment layer is hardened to a second hardened state in said impingement area. The second hardened state of the treatment layer constitutes a security element.

[0008] That is, the curable treatment layer is cured to different cured states by impingement of electromagnetic radiation having different radiation characteristics resulting from the presence or absence of a masking layer, specifically a masking element in the masking layer, the shape of which is then replicated in the treatment layer to generate security features in the treatment layer having the shape of the masking element.

[0009] The number of different curing states depends on the number of masking elements in the masking layer. For example, if the masking layer contains a single masking element, electromagnetic radiation of two different characteristics will exit the masking layer toward the treatment layer, i.e., electromagnetic radiation with a first radiation characteristic in the area of ​​the masking element and electromagnetic radiation with a second radiation characteristic in the area without the masking element. On the other hand, if the masking layer contains two or more masking elements that are different from each other, the two or more masking elements will provide electromagnetic radiation with two or more radiation characteristics that are also different from each other.

[0010] As a result, two or more security elements can be created. Any description provided herein of one security element resulting from the presence of one masking element applies equally to the situation where two or more masking elements are present to generate two or more security elements. Thus, the treatment layer is cured to two or more different curing states to generate the security element. Due to the presence of at least one guiding layer configured to guide the impinging electromagnetic radiation into the treatment layer, the security element corresponds to a so-called floating element. To this end, the guiding layer guides the impinging electromagnetic radiation emitted from a radiation source into the curable treatment layer. Guidance is thus achieved during the manufacturing process. However, as will be explained in more detail below, the guiding layer preferably remains present on the data carrier, so that electromagnetic radiation emitted from a light source, such as a flashlight, is also guided into the treatment layer, making the floating security element visible to the observer.

[0011] In summary, therefore, it can be said that the directing layer is not only responsible for the creation of the security element, but also for making the floating security element visible to the observer.

[0012] In any case, preferably the at least one directing layer is configured such that impinging electromagnetic radiation from the radiation source or from the light source is directed into the at least one treatment layer.

[0013] Preferably, the radiation source corresponds to a radiation source configured to emit electromagnetic radiation in the ultraviolet region of the electromagnetic spectrum and / or in the visible region of the electromagnetic spectrum and / or in the infrared region of the electromagnetic spectrum. Preferably, the electromagnetic radiation used to cure the treatment layer corresponds to ultraviolet light emitted from a UV emitter, such as a black light lamp, as will be further explained in more detail below.

[0014] However, depending on the chemical properties of the curable treatment layer, other radiation sources and therefore radiation wavelengths can also be used. Thus, unlike the prior art where floating images are generated by lasers or other sophisticated radiation generating systems, the present invention uses simple radiation sources such as black light lamps. In this way, floating security elements are generated that provide a high level of counterfeit security, but at the same time are generated in a simple manner.

[0015] The masking layer may be arranged at a distance from the at least one guide layer in the extension direction, i.e. preferably corresponds to a component that is configured separately from the data carrier and is spaced apart from the data carrier, in other words preferably no physical contact is established between the masking layer and the data carrier.

[0016] The guide layer and the treatment layer may be disposed immediately adjacent to each other in the stretch direction. Alternatively, the guide layer and the treatment layer may be disposed at a distance from each other in the stretch direction. In the former case, the expression "immediately adjacent" means that the guide layer is applied directly onto the treatment layer without any other element disposed therebetween or with another element, such as an adhesive, disposed therebetween, which only serves the purpose of connecting the guide layer with the treatment layer. Meanwhile, in the latter case, it is considered that one or more layers are disposed between the guide layer and the treatment layer (see the explanation provided further below).

[0017] Preferably, the guiding layer and the processing layer are permanently fixed in the data carrier. By permanently fixed, it is meant that the guiding layer is not removed from the processing layer during or after the production method. This is in contrast to, for example, a masking layer, which is preferably only present during the production method but is then set aside.

[0018] The distance between the radiation source and the masking layer may vary with respect to the stretching direction. Additionally or alternatively, the distance between the masking layer and the guiding layer may vary with respect to the stretching direction. By varying the distance between the radiation source and the masking layer and thus the at least one masking element and / or by varying the distance between the masking layer and thus the at least one masking element and the guiding layer, it is possible to adjust the depth and width of the movement of the virtual security element. For this reason, it is preferred to produce a particular security element in which the distance between the masking layer and the guiding layer is constant, and, if necessary, to vary said distance to another distance that is kept constant during the production of another security element.

[0019] Preferably, the guiding layer comprises at least one guiding structure that is configured to focus the impinging electromagnetic radiation to a specific focal length with respect to the elongation direction and preferably corresponds to a lens structure such as a spherical and / or hemispherical lens array. A lens array may be understood as a plurality of lenses arranged in a specific pattern. Preferably, the lenses and their specific arrangement are designed such that the security element appears different when an observer views the finished data carrier from different viewing angles. That is to say, the security element viewed through the lens array is given the illusion of depth and appears to change or move when the data carrier is viewed from different viewing angles. Depending on the focal length of the guiding structure, the height of the security element in the processing layer can be adjusted. In this regard, it should be noted that the size of the security element, i.e. the spatial extent of the security element, is determined and thus adjusted by the focal length of the lens structure, but to a lesser extent compared to the size adjustment resulting from the adjustment of the distance between the masking layer and the lens structure as described above.

[0020] At least one guiding structure, preferably the entire guiding layer including the guiding structure, can be produced by casting and curing. For example, a liquid material constituting the guiding structure or the entire guiding layer can be poured into a mold with a cavity of the desired shape of the guiding structure or the entire guiding layer, respectively. The liquid material can then be solidified. Depending on the material used, the solidification can be performed or assisted by irradiation with electromagnetic radiation, for example UV light in the case of UV-curable materials.

[0021] Preferably, the masking layer comprises at least one transparent and / or thermoplastic polymer, particularly preferably at least one of polycarbonate, polyethylene, polybutylene.

[0022] At least one masking element is preferably essentially opaque and preferably corresponds to a metal compound, print and / or embossment in and / or on the masking layer.

[0023] That is, a masking layer comprising at least one masking element, the masking layer comprising transparent and opaque regions is preferred. By essentially opaque, it is meant that impinging electromagnetic radiation is at least partially attenuated.

[0024] For example, if the masking element corresponds to a metal compound, it is conceivable to provide said metal compound with small holes or slits that allow the passage of light. Various metal compounds are conceivable as masking elements. In principle, solid metal compounds that exhibit at least partial opacity may be used. Similarly, the masking element in the form of a print or embossing is preferably configured to allow the passage of some light. In the case of a masking element in the form of an embossing, the original, i.e. unembossed, masking layer is preferably provided by a transparent material. After embossing, the embossing corresponds to a structure of the masking layer that changes the path of the electromagnetic radiation passing through the embossing compared to the path of the electromagnetic radiation passing through the areas of the masking layer where there is no embossing. It is this difference in the properties of the electromagnetic radiation that appears in the treatment layer.

[0025] Particularly preferably, the masking layer and the at least one masking element are configured such that the intensity of electromagnetic radiation passing through the at least one masking element is lower than the intensity of electromagnetic radiation passing through areas of the masking layer where no masking element is present.

[0026] Preferably, the first radiation characteristic and the second radiation characteristic correspond in each case to the intensity of the electromagnetic radiation. Thus, when electromagnetic radiation emitted by the radiation source impinges on the masking layer in areas of the masking layer free of masking elements, said electromagnetic radiation passes through the masking layer as electromagnetic radiation having a first intensity higher than a second intensity associated with electromagnetic radiation passing through the masking layer in areas of the masking elements. As a result, a data carrier arranged behind the masking layer in the elongation direction is illuminated with electromagnetic radiation of different intensities.

[0027] Preferably, the induction layer comprises at least one polymer, preferably at least one transparent polymer and / or thermoplastic polymer. Particularly preferably, the induction layer comprises at least one of acrylic resin, acrylic polymer, polycarbonate, polyethylene terephthalate, polypropylene, and polyethylene. Additionally or alternatively, preferably, the at least one treatment layer comprises at least one polymer, such as polyester, acrylic elastomer, urethane, acrylate, methacrylate, UV cured resin, and cationic cured resin. More preferably, the treatment layer comprises at least one of epoxy resin acrylic resin, such as epoxy acrylic, urethane acrylate, methacrylate resin, such as epoxy methacrylate, and urethane methacrylate. Particularly preferably, the treatment layer comprises at least one of ethoxylated nonylphenol acrylate, ethoxylated bisphenol A diacrylate, hydroxyethyl acrylate, and acrylic elastomer.

[0028] That is, it is contemplated that the guide layer and / or treatment layer will be comprised of one of the components listed above. However, it is also contemplated that the guide layer and / or treatment layer will correspond to a mixture of two or more of the components listed above. A preferred guide layer is comprised of a cast and cured acrylic hemispherical shaped strictor.

[0029] For example, a first preferred formulation of the treatment layer may include ethoxylated nonylphenol acrylate (e.g., Sartomer SR 404), ethoxylated bisphenol A diacrylate (e.g., Sartomer SR 348), and a photoinitiator. Preferably, the above components are present in the following amounts: - ethoxylated nonylphenol acrylate: 40 to 80 weight percent, preferably about 60 weight percent; - ethoxylated bisphenol A diacrylate: 15 to 45 weight percent, preferably about 30 weight percent; - Photoinitiator: 0.5 to 5 weight percent, preferably about 2 weight percent.

[0030] A second preferred formulation of the treatment layer may include ethoxylated nonylphenol acrylate (e.g., Sartomer SR 404), ethoxylated bisphenol A diacrylate (e.g., Sartomer SR 348), a photoinitiator, hydroxyethyl acrylate (HEA), and an acrylic elastomer (KURARAY) (e.g., LA2330).

[0031] Preferably, the above ingredients are present in the following amounts: - ethoxylated nonylphenol acrylate: 30 to 50 weight percent, preferably about 45 weight percent; - ethoxylated bisphenol A diacrylate: 10 to 20 weight percent, preferably about 15 weight percent; - photoinitiator: 0.5 to 5 weight percent, preferably about 1 weight percent; - hydroxyethyl acrylate: 30 to 50 weight percent, preferably about 40 weight percent; - Acrylic elastomer: 10 to 20 weight percent, preferably about 15 weight percent.

[0032] A third preferred treatment layer comprises a mixture of Formulations 1 and 2 shown above in a mixture ratio of 2 (Formulation 1):1 (Formulation 2).

[0033] Certain mixtures of ingredients, particularly mixtures of one or more of the monomers and acrylic elastomers listed above, especially Formulation 2, exhibit a phase change during polymerization. It has been found that in the presence of certain elastomers, curing changes the normally transparent material to a translucent ("hazy-looking") material.

[0034] This change in appearance is due to the appearance of a new phase, which is accompanied by a change in the refractive index. In other words, the mixture exhibits a phase change. Said phase change can be used to enhance the security of the data carrier by hiding the floating security element, i.e. making it less visible to the naked eye. That is, due to the hazy appearance, the floating security element is less clearly visible compared to the more transparent treatment layer.

[0035] It should be understood that additional components, such as dyes, security inks, color shifting pigments, etc., known in the art, may also be present in the treatment layer.

[0036] Most preferably, the at least one treatment layer is curable upon exposure to electromagnetic radiation in the ultraviolet region of the electromagnetic spectrum.

[0037] However, it is also contemplated that the treatment layer may be cured upon exposure to electromagnetic radiation in the visible region of the electromagnetic spectrum or in the infrared region of the electromagnetic spectrum, in which case a corresponding curable resin is preferably selected for the treatment layer formulation.

[0038] Preferably, the regions of the treatment layer that are hardened to a first hardened state and the regions of the treatment layer that are hardened to a second hardened state have different refractive indices. Thus, preferably, the treatment layer corresponds to a layer having a refractive index that changes when irradiated with electromagnetic radiation having certain characteristics, such as a certain intensity. In other words, the treatment layer according to the present invention allows impinging electromagnetic radiation to create a difference in the refractive index of the hardened treatment layer depending on the characteristics of such impinging electromagnetic radiation.

[0039] Thus, by using a masking layer containing at least one masking element to generate electromagnetic radiation with different radiation characteristics depending on the presence or absence of the masking element, the treatment layer is selectively cured depending on said radiation characteristics. At the same time, the appearance of the masking element can be reproduced in the treatment layer. For example, if the masking element has a star shape, the security element generated in the treatment layer looks like a star because the electromagnetic radiation is transmitted through the star-shaped masking element.

[0040] The security element may be visible to an observer when the data carrier is illuminated with electromagnetic radiation, preferably in the infrared and / or visible and / or ultraviolet range of the electromagnetic spectrum. That is, depending on the chemical composition of the treatment layer and its curing state, it is possible to produce security elements that are not immediately obvious to an observer. Conversely, additional illumination, such as a flashlight, may be required as an illumination source. Such security elements may therefore serve as a secondary feature against tampering.

[0041] One or more additional layers may be provided between the induction layer and the treatment layer, preferably said one or more additional layers corresponding to a transparent and / or thermoplastic polymer, such as biaxially oriented polypropylene. One or more additional layers may be desired, for example, if other security elements known in the state of the art have to be included in the data carrier. For example, one or more prints may be applied to said layers.

[0042] Alternatively, said one or more additional layers may serve the purpose of a substrate onto which a cast and cured dielectric layer (see above) is coated and subsequently cured.

[0043] In another aspect, a data carrier is provided that comprises at least one guide layer and at least one treatment layer that is arranged behind the at least one guide layer in the extension direction. The at least one guide layer is configured to guide impinging electromagnetic radiation into the at least one treatment layer. The at least one treatment layer is hardenable to at least a first hardening state when electromagnetic radiation having at least a first radiation characteristic impinges on said impact area and is hardenable to at least a second hardening state different from the first hardening state when electromagnetic radiation having at least a second radiation characteristic different from the first radiation characteristic impinges on said impact area. The second hardening state of the treatment layer constitutes at least one security element.

[0044] That is to say, the data carrier may comprise at least one security element constituted by at least one hardening state of the treatment layer which is different from at least one other hardening state of the treatment layer. Preferably, these different hardening states correspond to areas in the treatment layer with different refractive indices, as outlined above. It is noted that preferably, the data carrier corresponds to a data carrier comprising the characteristics outlined above. Reference is therefore made to the above description.

[0045] In another aspect there is provided a security document comprising a data carrier as described above, preferably the security document being an identity card, a passport, a credit card, a banknote or the like.

[0046] It should be understood here that the data carrier itself may represent a security document. This is the case when the data carrier is provided, for example, in the form of an identity card. However, it is also conceivable that the data carrier is inserted or integrated into a security document. For example, in the case of a passport, the data carrier may be integrated into a page of the passport. A security element, such as, for example, a floating image of the passport owner, may then be generated by the above-mentioned method.

[0047] However, other personalization data known in the art, such as images or logos, alphanumeric data such as the owner's name and date of birth, machine-readable data such as bar codes, or optical filters (e.g. moiré patterns) may be provided as required. Incorporation of the data carrier into the security document may be achieved by simply laminating the data carrier onto the security document.

[0048] In another embodiment, a data carrier as described above is used to create a security document. For example, the security document may be created by first laminating a "raw", i.e. non-personalized data carrier to a security document such as a passport and then irradiating the treatment layer with electromagnetic radiation in order to selectively generate areas of different hardening states in the treatment layer. However, it is also conceivable to create a security document by first treating the treatment layer with electromagnetic radiation in order to generate different hardening states in the treatment layer and then laminating the thus personalized data carrier to a security document such as a passport. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0049] Preferred embodiments of the present invention are described below with reference to the drawings, which are intended to illustrate, but not to limit, preferred embodiments of the present invention.

[0050] [Figure 1] Schematic representation of a method for producing a security element on a data carrier. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic representation of a data carrier including a security element produced by the method according to FIG. 1; [Diagram 3] 2 shows a schematic representation of another data carrier comprising a security element produced by the method according to FIG. 1; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0051] 1 shows diagrammatically a method for generating at least one security element 9 in a data carrier 1 using electromagnetic radiation emitted by a radiation source 6. In this example, the radiation source 6 corresponds to a black lamp, which is configured to emit electromagnetic radiation R in the ultraviolet region of the electromagnetic spectrum. The data carrier 1 comprises at least one induction layer 2 and at least one treatment layer 3, the at least one treatment layer 3 being arranged after the at least one induction layer 2 with respect to the extension direction E. The at least one induction layer 2 is configured to guide the impinging electromagnetic radiation R into the treatment layer 3.

[0052] For this purpose, the guiding layer comprises at least one guiding structure 10, which is configured to focus the impinging electromagnetic radiation R to a specific focal distance with respect to the elongation direction E. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the guiding structure 10 corresponds to a hemispherical lens array extending along the entire width of the data carrier and along a transverse direction T running perpendicular to the elongation direction E. Here, the lens array 10 is made of a transparent film with a refractive index of about 1.5. The ultraviolet radiation emitted by the radiation source 6 passes through the surrounding air with a refractive index of 1 and is bent towards a high refractive index layer, here the treatment layer 3 (not shown for simplicity). Certain lenses of the lens array 10 guide and focus the impinging electromagnetic radiation R to a specific focal point in the treatment layer 3. The at least one treatment layer 3 is made of a curable material and is curable upon interaction with the impinging electromagnetic radiation R. For this purpose, the cured state of the at least one treatment layer 3 is determined, among other things, by the intensity of the impinging electromagnetic radiation R.

[0053] To this end, a masking layer 4 comprising at least one masking element 5 is arranged in front of the at least one guiding layer 2 with respect to the stretching direction E, and electromagnetic radiation R is emitted from a radiation source 6 through the masking layer 4 onto the data carrier 1. The masking layer 4 comprises at least one transparent area 7a provided by the transparent polymer constituting the masking layer 4. On the other hand, the masking layer 4 also comprises at least one area 7b that is not completely transparent so that the impinging electromagnetic radiation R does not pass through the masking layer 4 unchanged. Said not completely transparent area 7b is provided by a masking element 5 which is essentially opaque and corresponds here to a dark grey print on the surface 12 of the masking layer 4. Thus, when the electromagnetic radiation R impinges on the masking element 5, its opaque nature will absorb a part of the electromagnetic radiation R. The electromagnetic radiation R passing through the opaque area 7b of the masking layer 4, i.e. through the masking element 5, has a radiation characteristic Rb which is different from the radiation characteristic Ra of the electromagnetic radiation R passing through the transparent area 7a of the masking layer 4 due to a reduction in intensity. In other words, depending on the presence or absence of masking elements 5 on the masking layer 4, electromagnetic radiation R with different radiation characteristics Ra, Rb leaves the masking layer towards the data carrier. As a result, the electromagnetic radiation R impinging on the areas 7a of the masking layer 4 without masking elements 5 impinges as electromagnetic radiation with a first radiation characteristic Ra on the at least one treatment layer 3, whereby the at least one treatment layer 3 is hardened in said impact area 8a to a first hardened state, and the electromagnetic radiation R impinging on the areas 7b of the masking layer 4 containing the at least one masking element 5 impinges as electromagnetic radiation with a second radiation characteristic Rb on the at least one treatment layer 3, whereby the at least one treatment layer 3 is hardened in said impact area 8b to a second hardened state, whereby the shape of the masking elements is reproduced in the treatment layer. That is to say, the second hardened state of the treatment layer 3 constitutes the security element 9 (see figures 2 and 3). The data carrier 1 shown in Figures 2 and 3 in each case comprises a treatment layer 3 which has areas 8a which are hardened to a first hardening state and which have a first refractive index and areas 8b which are hardened to a second hardening state and which have a second refractive index different from the first refractive index. This so-called photoinduced refractive index change is caused by the presence of masking elements 5 in the masking layer 4.

[0054] As can be easily seen from figure 1, the masking layer 4 is arranged at a distance A from the at least one guiding layer 2 in relation to the stretching direction E. Furthermore, although not shown, the distance A between the masking layer and the guiding layer 2, respectively, can vary in relation to the stretching direction E, and the distance C between the radiation source 6 and the masking layer 4 can vary in relation to the stretching direction E. By varying these distances it is possible to adjust the depth and width of the movement of the virtual security element in the processing layer 3.

[0055] In the embodiment shown in Figures 1 and 2, the data carrier 1 comprises one guide layer 2 and one treatment layer 3 arranged immediately adjacent to each other in the extension direction E, i.e. the guide layer 2 is arranged on top of the treatment layer 3, whereas in the embodiment shown in Figure 3 the guide layer 2 and the treatment layer 3 are arranged at a distance B from each other in the extension direction. Between said layers 2, 3 there is provided one additional layer 11 which serves as a substrate for the manufacture of the guide layer 2.

[0056] In both embodiments, the layers that make up the data carrier 1 are permanently fixed within the data carrier 1, i.e. the directing layer 2, the processing layer 3 and, if present, the additional layer 11 remain within the data carrier 1.

[0057] With regard to the geometric dimensions of the individual layers of the data carrier 1, it can be said that possible thicknesses of the processing layer 3 are in the range of about 0.5 centimeters to 3 centimeters and of the induction layer 2 are in the range of about 50 microns to 500 microns, respectively. If the additional layer 11 is present, such layer should be flexible, thin and robust enough to withstand rigorous processing. A suitable thickness of the additional layer 11 is therefore less than about 300 microns, preferably less than about 250 microns. [Explanation of symbols]

[0058] <List of reference numbers> 1 Data carrier 2 Induction layer 3 Processing Layer 4 Masking Layer 5 Masking Elements 6 Radiation source 7a, 7b Areas on the masking layer 8a, 8b Areas in the processing layer 9. Security Elements 10 Guiding structure 11 Additional layers 12 Surface R electromagnetic radiation Ra: Electromagnetic radiation having a first radiation characteristic Rb Electromagnetic radiation with the second radiation characteristic E Extension direction T Horizontal A Distance B distance C distance

Claims

1. A method for generating at least one security element (9) on a data carrier (1), comprising the steps of: - providing a radiation source (6) configured to emit electromagnetic radiation (R); - providing said data carrier (1) with at least one induction layer (2) and at least one treatment layer (3), said at least one treatment layer (3) being arranged behind said at least one induction layer (2) in relation to the elongation direction (E), said at least one induction layer (2) being configured to direct said impinging electromagnetic radiation (R) to said at least one treatment layer (3), said at least one treatment layer (3) interacting with said electromagnetic radiation (R) and hardening; - providing a masking layer (4) with at least one masking element (5) arranged in front of the guide layer (2) between the guide layer (2) and the radiation source (6) with respect to the extension direction (E); - irradiating said electromagnetic radiation (R) from said radiation source (6) through said masking layer (4) onto said data carrier (1), the electromagnetic radiation (R) impinging on the at least one masking element (5)-free region (7a) of the masking layer (4) impinges on the at least one treatment layer (3) as electromagnetic radiation having a radiation characteristic (Ra) of a first intensity to form a first impingement region (8a) hardened to a first hardened state; - electromagnetic radiation (R) impinging on a region (7b) of the masking layer (4) comprising the at least one masking element (5) impinges on the at least one treatment layer (3) as electromagnetic radiation of a second intensity lower than the first intensity radiation characteristic (Ra) to form a second impingement region (8b) hardened to a second hardened state, - said at least one treatment layer (3) being composed of a mixture of a monomer and an acrylic elastomer, and a phase change of said mixture during curing results in a difference in transparency between said first impact area (8a) and said second impact area (8b).

2. 2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the masking layer (4) is arranged at a distance (A) from the at least one dielectric layer (2) with respect to the stretching direction (E).

3. the induction layer (2) and the treatment layer (3) are arranged immediately adjacent to each other with respect to the elongation direction (E), or 3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the induction layer (2) and the treatment layer (3) are arranged at a distance (B) from each other with respect to the extension direction (E).

4. 4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the induction layer (2) and the processing layer (3) are permanently fixed within the data carrier (1).

5. Arranging the distance (C) between the radiation source (6) and the masking layer (4) to vary with respect to the extension direction (E); and / or 5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the distance (A) between the masking layer (4) and the dielectric layer (2) is arranged to be varied with respect to the direction of extension (E) so that the first intensity radiation characteristic (Ra) and the second intensity radiation characteristic (Rb) are varied in the course of producing the security element (9).

6. 6. The method according to claim 1, wherein the guiding layer (2) comprises at least one guiding structure (10), the at least one guiding structure (10) being configured to focus the impinging electromagnetic radiation (R) to a specific focal length with respect to the extension direction (E), the at least one guiding structure (10) corresponding to a lens structure of a spherical and / or hemispherical lens array.

7. 7. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the masking layer (4) comprises at least one transparent and / or thermoplastic polymer, at least one of the following: polycarbonate, polyethylene, polybutylene.

8. 8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein at least one of the masking elements (5) is opaque and corresponds to a metal compound, a print and / or an embossment in and / or on the masking layer (4).

9. 9. The method according to claim 1, wherein the first intensity radiation characteristic (Ra) and the second intensity radiation characteristic (Rb) correspond in each case to an intensity of electromagnetic radiation.

10. The induction layer (2) comprises a transparent polymer and / or a thermoplastic polymer including at least one of acrylic resin, acrylic polymer, polycarbonate, polyethylene terephthalate, polypropylene, and polyethylene; At least one of the treatment layers (3) is made of a polymer selected from the group consisting of polyester, acrylic elastomer, urethane, acrylate, methacrylate, UV curable resin, and cationic curable resin.

10. The method of claim 1 , comprising at least one of the following:

11. 11. The method according to claim 1, wherein the first impact area (8a) that is hardened to the first hardening state of the treatment layer (3) and the second impact area (8b) that is hardened to the second hardening state of the treatment layer (3) have different refractive indices.

12. 12. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the security element (9) becomes visible to an observer when illuminated with electromagnetic radiation in the infrared and / or visible and / or ultraviolet range of the electromagnetic spectrum.

13. 13. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein one or more additional layers (11) are provided between the induction layer (2) and the treatment layer (3), the one or more additional layers (11) corresponding to a transparent and / or thermoplastic polymer.

Images