Security element for a security or value document, production method, method for optically reading a security element, security or value document, and verification method

Abstract

The invention relates to a security element (21) for a security or value document (20), the security element comprising a substrate and a combined 2D matrix code (1) that is printed on a substrate surface of the substrate and has an arrangement of modules (3) which are arranged on the substrate surface so as to define a matrix code area (2), wherein printed modules (4) of the arrangement of modules (3) are printed using colours that luminesce when illuminated with excitation light and each correspond to a colour channel of a multicolour channel system. The 2D matrix code comprises a first 2D matrix code (5), in which a first item of matrix-coded information is provided so as to be independently optically readable by means of first printed modules, and the first printed modules are printed onto the substrate in a first colour which corresponds to a first colour channel of the multicolour channel system; and a second 2D matrix code (6) which at least partially overlaps the first 2D matrix code in the region of the matrix code area (2), and in which a second item of matrix-coded information is provided so as to be readable by means of second printed modules, and the second printed modules are printed onto the substrate in a second colour which corresponds to a second colour channel of the multicolour channel system, which second colour channel differs from the first colour channel. When optically reading the combined 2D matrix code (1), the first 2D matrix code (5) can be read separately by reading the first colour channel, and the second 2D matrix code (6) can be read separately by reading the second colour channel. The invention also relates to a security or value document (20), to a method for producing a security element for a security or value document, to a method for optically reading a security element, and to a method for verifying a security or value document (20).

Description

[0001] Security element for a security or valuable document, method for manufacturing and method for optically reading a security element, as well as security or valuable document and method for testing

[0002] The invention relates to a security element for a security or valuable document, a method for manufacturing and a method for optically reading a security element, as well as a security or valuable document and a method for testing a security or valuable document.

[0003] background

[0004] Security features help prevent manipulation or misuse of security or valuable documents, especially the prevention of forgery or falsification.

[0005] Security or valuable documents serve primarily to verify the identity of a person, for example when crossing a national border, or of an object or claim, such as the payment of a sum of money, the release of a product, or the provision of a service. Security features created using security elements can be produced, for example, by means of special (printing) inks, such as luminescent or optically variable inks, optical elements such as holograms, ambiguous images, cinematographic objects, or lens or prism arrays, reflective fibers, security threads, or the like.

[0006] Document DE 10 2016201 709 A1 discloses a security product in which a security print is applied to a product carrier. The security print is formed with at least two printing inks that produce different color impressions and with at least one printing ink that appears black. The at least two printing inks that produce different color impressions correspond to a CMY color channel of the CMYK color system. The security print can be divided into a multitude of fields (modules), for example, into raster fields, which are preferably square or rectangular. The arrangement of raster fields or modules forms, for example, a barcode or 2D code that can be read in the IR spectral range (IR - infrared).

[0007] Document DE 10 2020 133 826 A1 discloses a method for producing a matrix code on a data carrier using an ink visible under IR irradiation. Security elements can have matrix codes, also known as data matrix codes. Examples of these are internationally standardized in ISO / IEC 16022. The 2D matrix code is typically formed by an arrangement of modules positioned within a matrix code area corresponding to the matrix code, for example, by printing the modules onto a substrate. To increase data density, the colored JAB code (www.jabcode.org) has been proposed as a form of 2D matrix code. This is a matrix code in which the modules forming the 2D code are colored.

[0008] The object of the invention is to specify improved technologies in connection with a security element for a security or valuable document and its manufacture, as well as a security or valuable document and its testing, wherein the security element has an improved 2D matrix code.

[0009] The problem is solved by a security element and a method for manufacturing a security element for a security or valuable document according to independent claims 1 and 13. Furthermore, a method for optically reading a security element according to claim 14, a security or valuable document according to claim 12, and a method for verifying a security or valuable document according to claim 15 are provided. Embodiments are the subject of dependent subclaims.

[0010] According to one aspect, a security element for a security or valuable document is created with a substrate and a combined 2D matrix code. The combined 2D matrix code is printed onto a substrate surface and is formed by an arrangement of modules that are arranged on the substrate surface to cover a matrix code area. The printed modules of the arrangement are printed using colors that luminesce under excitation light and each corresponds to a color channel of a multicolor color channel system. The combined 2D matrix code has a first 2D matrix code in which, by means of the first printed modules in the combined 2D matrix code, a first matrix-coded piece of information is provided that is optically readable independently. The first printed modules are printed onto the substrate with a first color that corresponds to a first color channel of the multicolor color channel system.Furthermore, the combined 2D matrix code features a second 2D matrix code, which overlaps at least partially with the first 2D matrix code within the matrix code area. This second 2D matrix code contains a second printed module within the combined 2D matrix code, providing readable matrix-encoded information. These second printed modules are printed onto the substrate in a second color, corresponding to a second color channel of the multicolor color channel system, which differs from the first color channel. When optically reading the combined 2D matrix code, the first 2D matrix code can be read separately by reading the first color channel, and the second 2D matrix code can be read separately by reading the second color channel.

[0011] According to another aspect, a method for producing a security element for a security or valuable document is provided, wherein a substrate is provided and a combined 2D matrix code is produced on the substrate. This involves printing the combined 2D matrix code onto a substrate surface and forming the combined 2D matrix code with an arrangement of modules that are arranged on the substrate surface to cover a matrix code area. The printed modules of the arrangement are printed using colors that luminesce under excitation light and each corresponds to a color channel of a multicolor color channel system.The combined 2D matrix code is formed with a first 2D matrix code in which initial matrix-coded information is provided for optical reading by means of first printed modules within the combined 2D matrix code. These first printed modules are printed onto the substrate in a first color corresponding to the first color channel of the multicolor color channel system. The combined 2D matrix code is further formed with a second 2D matrix code, which overlaps at least partially with the first 2D matrix code in the area of ​​the matrix code surface. This second matrix-coded information is provided for reading by means of second printed modules within the combined 2D matrix code. These second printed modules are printed onto the substrate in a second color corresponding to a second color channel of the multicolor color channel system, which is different from the first color channel.When optically reading the combined 2D matrix code, the first 2D matrix code can be read separately by reading the first color channel and the second 2D matrix code by reading the second color channel.

[0012] Furthermore, a security and value document with a security element has been created. Another aspect is the creation of a method for optically reading a security element, which comprises the following:

[0013] - Providing a security element in which a combined 2D matrix code is printed on a substrate surface, comprising a first and a second 2D matrix code, wherein the first 2D matrix code is printed on the substrate using a first color corresponding to a first color channel of a multicolor color channel system, and wherein the second 2D matrix code is printed on the substrate using a second color corresponding to a second color channel of the multicolor color channel system, which is different from the first color channel;

[0014] - Providing a readout device that is configured to optically detect and read out the color channels of a multicolor color system separately; and

[0015] - Optical reading of the combined 2D matrix code using the reading device, wherein a first matrix-coded information of the first 2D matrix code is optically read by capturing and reading the first color channel of the multi-color color channel system and a second matrix-coded information of the second 2D matrix code is optically read by capturing and reading the second color channel of the multi-color color channel system.

[0016] Furthermore, a procedure for verifying a security or valuable document, in particular for authenticity verification or verification for personal identification, is provided using the optical reading method of the security element. If the security or valuable document is designed as a personal identification document (ID document), the combined 2D matrix code of the security element can contain personal data that is part of the personalization of the ID document, optionally in addition to other personal data on the document.

[0017] In the security element, the combined 2D matrix code is formed from the first and second 2D matrix codes, which contain first and second matrix-coded information that can be read separately by optically analyzing the color channels of the multi-color system. Optical recording or reading devices, known in various configurations, such as appropriately designed digital camera or sensor systems, can be used to read the color channels. These devices enable the color channels of the multi-color system, also referred to as the primary colors of the system, to be read separately, so that the matrix-coded information provided by the first and second 2D matrix codes in the matrix code area of ​​the combined 2D matrix code can be optically detected or read separately.This creates the possibility of providing separately readable matrix-coded information with the security element. The combined 2D matrix code thus enables greater variability of the matrix-coded information and a higher data or information density when used in the security element.

[0018] The first and second 2D matrix codes are printed onto the substrate in the matrix code area using different colors (primary colors) from the multicolor color channel system. The different colors exhibit a color appearance that corresponds to one color channel of the multicolor system, either due to luminescence under excitation light and / or due to the light absorption behavior of the dyes or pigments encompassed by the color.

[0019] The arrangement of modules for the combined 2D matrix code comprises printed modules for the first and second 2D matrix codes, printed with the different primary colors. For this purpose, for example, printing inks of corresponding colors are used. The modules can be rectangular, particularly square, or round. The arrangement of modules for the combined 2D matrix code can also include unprinted, i.e., blank, modules that can be assigned to the first and / or the second 2D matrix code.

[0020] It may be possible to compare the information intended for the combined 2D matrix code and / or for the first and second 2D matrix code by means of optical detection and reading with corresponding reference information, for example for the purpose of verifying the authenticity of a document or identifying a person.

[0021] It may also be provided that the first 2D matrix code contains a data key which can be used to decrypt data representing the second optically read matrix-coded information in encrypted form, in order to obtain decrypted data, i.e., the decrypted second matrix-coded information.

[0022] The combined 2D matrix code can include at least a third 2D matrix code, which provides at least a third piece of matrix-encoded information within the combined 2D matrix code, independently readable by means of at least three printed modules in the arrangement of modules. These at least three printed modules are printed onto the substrate with at least a third color, corresponding to at least a third color channel of the multicolor color channel system. The at least third color channel is different from the first and second color channels. In addition to the first and second 2D matrix codes, the at least one third 2D matrix code is also arranged within the matrix code area of ​​the combined 2D matrix code. This provides the combined 2D matrix code with a third piece of matrix-encoded information that is optically readable separately from the first and second matrix-encoded information.The separate acquisition of at least one third matrix-coded information is achieved by reading at least one third color channel of the multi-colored color channel system.

[0023] The colors of the multicolor color channel system can each luminesce when illuminated with excitation light from at least one of the following spectral ranges: visible light, ultraviolet (UV) light, and infrared (IR) light. Excitation light in the visible range can, for example, be monochromatic light. Colors in the form of printing ink or paint that luminesce when illuminated with excitation light, for example, UV light and / or IR light, particularly due to fluorescence, and / or because of their absorption behavior, are known as such in various embodiments (see, for example, WO 2021 / 013448A1). The different colors or paints used for printing can luminesce when illuminated with light from the same spectral range or with different light sources.For example, it could be specified that the first color, used to print the modules of the first 2D matrix code onto the substrate surface, luminesces under UV light, as does the second color, used to print the modules of the second 2D matrix code onto the substrate surface. Alternatively, in another example, it could be specified that the first color luminesces under UV light and the second color under IR light.

[0024] In one embodiment, it is provided that the first color and the second color each luminesce when illuminated with excitation light from a first spectral range; and the combined 2D matrix code has at least one further 2D matrix code with which at least one further matrix-coded piece of information is made available in the combined 2D matrix code for independent optical readability by means of at least further printed modules of the arrangement of modules, wherein the at least further printed modules are printed on the substrate with at least one further color; and the at least one further color corresponds to a color channel of the multicolor color channel system and luminesces when illuminated with excitation light from a second spectral range, which is different from the first spectral range, but not when illuminated with excitation light from the first spectral range.

[0025] The additional color can correspond to or differ from the first or second color channel. Since the additional color luminesces when excited by light from the second spectral range, whereas the first and second colors luminesce when excited by light from the first spectral range, the same color channel can be optically read out when excited by light from both the first and second spectral ranges, thus allowing the respective 2D matrix code to be read separately.

[0026] If n (n > 1) colors that luminesce when excited by light from the first spectral range, and n colors that luminesce when excited by light from the second spectral range but not when excited by light from the first spectral range, are used to print a 2D matrix code, then 2n 2D matrix codes can be provided separately readable in the combined 2D matrix code, where n can correspond to the total number of color channels of the multicolor color system, for example n=3 or n=4.

[0027] The first 2D matrix code can be formed with a substantial overlap with the second and / or at least one third 2D matrix code. In this case, the arrangements of printed modules assigned to each 2D matrix code extend over the same area of ​​the matrix code surface, thus overlapping substantially completely.

[0028] The combined 2D matrix code may be invisible to the naked eye under white light illumination. In this embodiment, the combined 2D matrix code is designed so that it is not visible to the naked eye under white light illumination, particularly daylight. Instead, the luminescence stimulated by other light sources creates a colored appearance, which can then be detected by an optical reading device for the combined 2D matrix code, or optionally, with the naked eye. The multi-color channel system can be from the following group: RGB and CMYK. The RGB color space is an additive color space that reproduces color perceptions by additively mixing three primary colors (color channels: red, green, and blue). The CMYK color system is a subtractive color model that forms the technical basis for four-color printing.The English abbreviation CMYK stands for the three color components cyan, magenta, yellow and the black component, which is traditionally called key.

[0029] At least one printed module can be printed with both the first and second colors and thus be associated with the first and second printed modules. In this embodiment, the arrangement of the printed modules of the combined 2D matrix code includes at least one printed module whose surface is completely and overlappingly printed with both the first and second colors. This is achieved by printing the same module surface with both colors. The module printed in this way is then readable in both the first and second color channels when the respective assigned color luminesces due to illumination.

[0030] The first matrix-coded piece of information can differ from the second and / or at least one third matrix-coded piece of information. Alternatively, for example, the first matrix-coded piece of information can be the same as the second matrix-coded piece of information and optionally the same as the third matrix-coded piece of information.

[0031] The arrangement of modules of the combined 2D matrix code can include one or more printed reference modules, each printed using one of the colors from the color channels of the multicolor color channel system. The printed reference module(s) can be separate from the printed modules and are arranged within the matrix code area, for example, separate from the first, second, and third 2D matrix codes. The printed reference modules serve as a reference during optical reading of the different color channels to ensure reliable reading of the respective 2D matrix code in its assigned color channel. During reading, for example, printed modules assigned to one of the 2D matrix codes in the corresponding color channel are compared with one of the printed reference modules to confirm or reject their color channel assignment.In this arrangement, a first printed reference module can be printed with the first color and a second printed reference module with the second color. A similar arrangement can be provided for at least one third reference module. The arrangement of modules of the combined 2D matrix code can include one or more additional printed reference modules, each printed using at least two of the colors from the color channels of the multicolor color channel system. These additional printed reference modules can be separate from the printed modules. They support the correct assignment of printed modules to one of the 2D matrix codes printed with at least two colors from different color channels during color channel readout, particularly by means of software-supported comparison of the luminescence of printed modules and additional printed reference modules during image processing for color channel readout.

[0032] In connection with the method for producing a security element for a security or valuable document, as well as in connection with the security or valuable document itself, the aforementioned configurations may be provided accordingly. The same applies to the method for optically reading the security element and the method for verifying the security or valuable document.

[0033] Description of exemplary implementations

[0034] Further examples of implementation are explained in more detail below with reference to figures in a drawing. These show:

[0035] Fig. 1 shows a schematic representation of a combined 2D matrix code and

[0036] Fig. 2 shows a schematic representation of the optical reading of a combined 2D matrix code on a security or valuable document.

[0037] Fig. 1 shows a schematic representation of a combined 2D matrix code 1, which is not visible to the naked eye under white light illumination. To illustrate its invisibility under white light, particularly natural daylight, the combined 2D matrix code 1 is shown as a black box in representation a) of Fig. 1.

[0038] When the combined 2D matrix code 1 is illuminated with an excitation light, its multicolored appearance becomes visible, primarily due to the luminescence of the printing inks used (see illustration b)). Within the area of ​​a matrix code surface 2, which the combined 2D matrix code 1 covers, an arrangement of modules 3 is formed, forming the combined 2D matrix code 1. The arrangement of modules 3 comprises printed modules 4, which are printed using inks of different colors. Printing methods such as screen printing or offset printing can be used. Screen printing, in particular, allows for the production of combined 2D matrix codes with individually customized designs.

[0039] The color appearance of the combined 2D matrix code 1 shown in Figure b) results from the overlapping arrangement of several 2D matrix codes, each containing separately readable matrix-coded information. In the example shown, a first, a second, and a third 2D matrix code 5, 6, 7 overlap. These codes are optically readable according to Figures c) to e) in Figure 1 using first printed modules 5.1, second printed modules 6.1, and third printed modules 7.1. The first, second, and third printed modules 5.1, 6.1, 7.1 are each monochromatic, with a first ink or color being used for printing the first printed modules 5.1, a second ink / color for the second printed modules 6.1, and a third ink / color for the third printed modules 7.1. The three colors are different and each corresponds to a color channel of a multi-colored color channel system.In the example shown, the first color is blue for the first 2D matrix code in illustration c), the second color is green for the second 2D matrix code in illustration d), and the third color is red for the third 2D matrix code in illustration e). These are examples of the color channels or primary colors of the RGB multicolor color system (color channel system). In alternative configurations, the first, second, and third 2D matrix codes 5, 6, and 7, as well as optionally further 2D matrix codes, can be printed overlapping in the combined 2D matrix code with different colors, each corresponding to a color channel of another multicolor color channel system, for example, the CMYK color system.

[0040] The production of the multiple 2D matrix codes 5, 6, 7 using different basic colors of the multicolor color channel system employed makes it possible to optically read the multiple 2D matrix codes 5, 6, 7 separately by reading the respective color channel separately from the other color channels of the multicolor color channel system (see also explanations for Fig. 2 below).

[0041] The colors / inks used for printing the first, second and third printed modules 5.1, 6.1, 7.1 are not visible under white light, at least not to the naked eye, and develop their colored appearance due to excited luminescence (especially fluorescence) when illuminated with light from one or more selected spectral ranges, especially UV light and / or IR light.

[0042] The first, second, and third 2D matrix codes 5, 6, 7, as shown in Fig. 1, capture a first, second, and third matrix code area 5.2, 6.2, 7.2, which are of equal size in the illustrated example and completely overlap in the combined 2D matrix code 1. Alternatively, a partial overlap (not shown) can be provided.

[0043] Fig. 2 shows a schematic representation of a security or valuable document 20 with a security element 21 on a document body 22 forming a substrate of the security or valuable document 20. In the example shown, the security or valuable document 20 is an ID document assigned to a person for their identification, i.e., it is personalized for that person. In the example shown, an image 23 of the person is applied for this purpose. The personalization also includes text 24, for example, the person's name and / or date of birth. The document body 22 is, for example, a plastic card.

[0044] The security element 21, which in the example of the formation of the security or value document 20 as an ID document can be at least part of a personalization of the ID document, is formed with the combined 2D matrix code 1.

[0045] For optical reading, particularly when checking the security or valuable document 20, for example for personal identification, the combined 2D matrix code 1 is illuminated with excitation or measuring light 26, for example UV light and / or IR light, using a lighting device 25. It may be provided that, for example, the first color of the first printed modules 5.1 and the second color of the second printed modules 6.1 luminesce under light from different spectral ranges. To read the color channels, it is then necessary to illuminate the combined 2D matrix code 1 with light from the different spectral ranges, i.e., with UV light and IR light, in order to optically detect and read all 2D matrix codes that together form the combined 2D matrix code 1.

[0046] With the aid of a reading device 27, the combined 2D matrix code 1 is optically detected and read under illumination, in particular by detecting the luminescence of the printing inks, such that three color channels 29, 30, 31, in the example shown R, G, B (see explanation of Fig. 1 above), are detected and read separately. The color channels 29, 30, 31 readably show the first, the second, and the third 2D matrix codes 5, 6, 7. In this way, the matrix-coded information contained in each of the first, second, and third 2D matrix codes 5, 6, 7 can be determined.

[0047] Readout devices, which are configured to optically capture the color channels of a multi-color color channel system separately and thus make the (image) information contained therein available for evaluation or readout, are known as such in various embodiments, for example, digital cameras. Using the readout device 27 itself or optionally in a data processing device 28, which can be connected to the readout device 27 for data exchange, the image data for the different color channels can be evaluated, in particular to determine the respective matrix-coded information, for example, to verify a person's identity. Software-implementable evaluation methods for this purpose are known as such in various embodiments.

[0048] The features disclosed in the foregoing description, the claims and the drawing can be important for the realization of various embodiments, both individually and in any combination.

[0049]

[0050] 1 combined 2D matrix code

[0051] 2 Matrix code area

[0052] 3. Arrangement of modules

[0053] 4 printed modules

[0054] 5 first 2D matrix code

[0055] 6 second 2D matrix code

[0056] 7 third 2D matrix code

[0057] 5.1, 6.1, 7.1 first, second and third printed modules

[0058] 5.2, 6.2, 7.2 first, second and third matrix code area

[0059] 20 Security or valuable documents

[0060] 21 safety element

[0061] 22 document bodies

[0062] Image 23

[0063] 24 Text

[0064] 25 Lighting equipment

[0065] 26 Excitation light

[0066] 27 Reading device

[0067] 28 Data processing equipment

[0068] 29, 30, 31 color channels

Claims

1. Claims 1. Security element (21) for a security or value document (20), comprising a substrate and a combined 2D matrix code (1), wherein the combined 2D matrix code (1) - is printed on a substrate surface of the substrate; - is formed with an arrangement of modules (3) which are arranged on the substrate surface to capture a matrix code area (2), wherein printed modules (4) of the arrangement of modules (3) are printed using colors which luminesce under illumination with excitation light and each correspond to a color channel of a multicolor color channel system; - has a first 2D matrix code (5) in which - by means of first printed modules (5.1) in the combined 2D matrix code (1) a first matrix-coded information is provided that can be read independently and optically, and - the first printed modules (5.1) are printed onto the substrate with a first color, which corresponds to a first color channel of the multicolor color channel system; and - has a second 2D matrix code (6) which is at least partially overlapping with the first 2D matrix code in the area of ​​the matrix code surface (2) and in which - by means of a second printed module (6.1) in the combined 2D matrix code (1) a second matrix-coded piece of information is made readable, and - the second printed modules (6.1) are printed on the substrate with a second color, which corresponds to a second color channel of the multicolor color channel system, which is different from the first color channel; wherein, when optically reading the combined 2D matrix code (1), the first 2D matrix code (5) can be read separately by reading the first color channel and the second 2D matrix code (6) can be read separately by reading the second color channel.

2. Security element according to claim 1, characterized in that the combined 2D matrix code (1) comprises at least a third 2D matrix code (7) with which at least a third matrix-coded information is provided in the combined 2D matrix code (1) by means of at least third printed modules (7.1) of the arrangement of modules (3) in a self-readable optical manner, wherein the at least third printed modules (7.1) are printed on the substrate with at least a third color, which corresponds to at least a third color channel of the multicolor color channel system, wherein at least the third color channel is different from the first and second color channels.

3. Safety element according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the colors of the multicolored color channel system luminesce when illuminated with excitation light from at least one of the following spectral ranges: visible light, UV light and IR light.

4. Safety element according to at least one of the preceding claims, insofar as it relates back to claim 2, characterized in that - the first color and the second color each luminesce when illuminated with excitation light from a first spectral range; - the combined 2D matrix code (1) has at least one further 2D matrix code with which at least one further matrix-coded piece of information is made available in the combined 2D matrix code (1) by means of at least further printed modules of the arrangement of modules (3) in an independently optically readable manner, wherein the at least further printed modules are printed on the substrate with at least one further color; and - which corresponds to at least one other color in a color channel of the multicolor color channel system and luminesces under illumination with excitation light from a second spectral range, which is different from the first spectral range.

5. Security element according to at least one of the preceding claims, insofar as it relates back to claim 2, characterized in that the first 2D matrix code (5) is formed in a substantially complete overlap with the second and / or the at least one third 2D matrix code (6, 7).

6. Security element according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the combined 2D matrix code (1) is not visible under white light illumination, at least not to the naked eye.

7. Safety element according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the multi-colored color channel system is a color channel system from the following group: RGB and CMYK.

8. Safety element according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one printed module is printed with both the first color and the second color and is thus assigned to the first printed modules (5.1) and the second printed modules (6.1).

9. Security element according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first matrix-coded information is different from the second and / or the at least one third matrix-coded information.

10. Security element according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the arrangement of modules (3) of the combined 2D matrix code (1) comprises one or more printed reference modules, each of which is printed using one of the colors of the color channels of the multicolor color channel system.

11. Security element according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the arrangement of modules of the combined 2D matrix code (1) comprises one or more further printed reference modules, which are formed separately from the printed modules and are each printed using at least two of the colors of the color channels of the multicolor color channel system.

12. Security or valuable document (20), comprising a security element (21) according to at least one of the preceding claims.

13. Method for producing a security element for a security or value document (20), comprising: - Providing a substrate and - Producing a combined 2D matrix code (1) on the substrate, wherein the following is provided: printing the combined 2D matrix code (1) onto a substrate surface of the substrate and forming the combined 2D matrix code (1) with - an arrangement of modules (3) which are arranged on the substrate surface to capture a matrix code area (2), wherein printed modules (4) of the arrangement of modules (3) are printed using colors which luminesce under illumination with excitation light and each correspond to a color channel of a multicolor color channel system; - a first 2D matrix code (5) in which, by means of first printed modules (5.1) in the combined 2D matrix code (1), a first matrix-coded information is provided in a self-readable optical manner, wherein the first printed modules (5.1) are printed onto the substrate with a first color which corresponds to a first color channel of the multicolor color channel system; and - a second 2D matrix code (6), which is formed in the area of ​​the matrix code surface (2) and overlaps at least partially with the first 2D matrix code (5), and in which a second matrix-coded information is made readable in the combined 2D matrix code (1) by means of second printed modules (6.1), wherein the second printed modules (6.1) are printed on the substrate with a second color, which corresponds to a second color channel of the multicolor color channel system, which is different from the first color channel; wherein, when optically reading the combined 2D matrix code (1), the first 2D matrix code (5) can be read separately by reading the first color channel and the second 2D matrix code (6) can be read separately by reading the second color channel.

14. Method for optically reading a security element according to at least one of claims 1 to 10, comprising: - Providing a security element (21) in which a combined 2D matrix code (1) is printed on a substrate surface of a substrate, comprising a first and a second 2D matrix code (5, 6), in which - the first 2D matrix code (5) is printed on the substrate using a first color which corresponds to a first color channel of a multicolor color channel system; and - the second 2D matrix code (6) is printed on the substrate using a second color, which corresponds to a second color channel of the multicolor color channel system, which is different from the first color channel; - Providing a reading device (27) configured to optically detect and read out color channels of a multicolor color system separately; and - optical reading of the combined 2D matrix code (1) using the reading device (27), wherein the following is provided: - optical reading of a first matrix-coded information of the first 2D matrix code (5) by capturing and reading the first color channel of the multicolor color channel system; and - Optical reading of a second matrix-coded piece of information from the second 2D matrix code (6) by capturing and reading the second color channel of the multicolor color channel system.

15. Method for verifying a security or valuable document (20) according to claim 12 by reading a security element (21) of the security or valuable document, wherein an optical reading method according to claim 13 is used during the reading process.

Images