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 document or value document (20) and to a method for producing the security element (21), the security element having a substrate and a combined 2D matrix code (1), wherein the combined 2D matrix code (1): is printed onto a substrate surface of the substrate; comprises an arrangement of modules formed by printed modules that are printed using colours that are optically readable under illumination with light; comprises a first 2D matrix code (2) in which a first item of matrix-coded information is provided by means of first printed modules, and the first printed modules are printed onto the substrate in a first colour which is optically readable under illumination with light from a first spectral range; and comprises a second 2D matrix code (3) which at least partially overlaps with 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 by means of second printed modules, and the second printed modules are printed onto the substrate in a second colour which is optically readable under illumination with light from a second spectral range which differs from the first spectral range. When optically reading the combined 2D matrix code (1), the first matrix-coded information can be read by reading the first 2D matrix code (2) under illumination with light from the first spectral range, and the second matrix-coded information can be read by reading the second 2D matrix code (3) under illumination with light from the second spectral range. The invention also relates to a security document or value document (20), to a method for optically reading a security element, to a method for verifying a security or value document (20), and to an optical reading method.

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

[0004] 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.

[0005] 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).

[0006] 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.

[0007] 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.

[0008] 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 11, and a method for verifying a security or valuable document according to claim 15 are provided. Embodiments are the subject of dependent subclaims.

[0009] 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 comprises an arrangement of modules that cover a matrix code area on the substrate surface. These modules are formed using colors that are optically readable under illumination. The combined 2D matrix code includes a first 2D matrix code in which initial matrix-coded information is provided by means of first printed modules. These first printed modules are printed onto the substrate using a color that is optically readable under illumination with light from a first spectral range.Furthermore, the combined 2D matrix code features 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 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, which can be optically read under illumination with light from a second spectral range that differs from the first. When optically reading the combined 2D matrix code, the first matrix-coded information can be read by illuminating the first 2D matrix code with light from the first spectral range, and the second matrix-coded information can be read by illuminating the second 2D matrix code with light from the second spectral range.

[0010] 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 and are formed with printed modules printed using inks that are optically readable under illumination.The combined 2D matrix code is formed with a first 2D matrix code in which initial matrix-encoded information is provided by means of first printed modules. These first printed modules are printed onto the substrate in a first color, which can be optically read under illumination with light from a first spectral range. The combined 2D matrix code is further formed with a second 2D matrix code, which is formed at least partially overlapping with the first 2D matrix code in the area of ​​the matrix code area. This second 2D matrix code provides second matrix-encoded information by means of second printed modules. These second printed modules are printed onto the substrate in a second color, which can be optically read under illumination with light from a second spectral range that differs from the first.When optically reading the combined 2D matrix code, the first matrix-coded information can be read by reading the first 2D matrix code under illumination with light from the first spectral range, and the second matrix-coded information can be read by reading the second 2D matrix code under illumination with light from the second spectral range.

[0011] 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:

[0012] - 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 which is optically readable under illumination with light from a first spectral range, and wherein the second 2D matrix code is printed on the substrate using a second color which is optically readable under illumination with light from a second spectral range which is different from the first spectral range;

[0013] - Providing a reading device that is configured to optically capture and read 2D matrix codes; and

[0014] - Optical reading of the combined 2D matrix code by means of the reading device, wherein the following is provided: optical reading of a first matrix-coded information of the first 2D matrix code by detecting a luminescence and / or an absorption of the first 2D matrix code and reading the detected first 2D matrix code, wherein the combined 2D matrix code is illuminated with light from the first spectral range; and optical reading of a second matrix-coded information of the second 2D matrix code by detecting a and / or an absorption of the second 2D matrix code and reading the detected second 2D matrix code, wherein the combined 2D matrix code is illuminated with light from the second spectral range.

[0015] 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.

[0016] In the security element, the combined 2D matrix code is formed from the first and second 2D matrix codes, each containing matrix-encoded information that can be read separately. The combined matrix code is illuminated with light that luminescently or absorbs the ink used to print the respective modules. The first and second 2D matrix codes, with their respective matrix-encoded information, are thus made separately optically detectable within the combined 2D matrix code, allowing the luminescence and / or absorption behavior of the inks used to be optically detected. This enables the security element to provide separately readable matrix-encoded information.The combined 2D matrix code thus allows for greater variability of the matrix-coded information and a higher data or information density when used in the security element.

[0017] The arrangement of modules for the combined 2D matrix code comprises printed modules for the first and second 2D matrix codes, printed in different colors. For this purpose, for example, printing inks of corresponding colors (printing ink) 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 either the first and / or the second 2D matrix code.

[0018] The first and second 2D matrix codes are printed using colors that luminesce and / or absorb light from different spectral ranges. In one example, these colors could be one or two primary colors of a multicolor color channel system or color system.

[0019] 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.

[0020] 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.

[0021] The combined 2D matrix code can include at least a third 2D matrix code, which provides at least a third piece of matrix-coded information that can be optically read by means of at least three printed modules. These at least third printed modules are printed on the substrate in a third color and can be optically read using light from a third spectral range that differs from the first and second spectral ranges. The third 2D matrix code containing this third matrix-coded information can thus be optically readable separately from the first and second 2D matrix codes. It can be provided that the first and / or the second 2D matrix code contains a data key that can be used to decode the third matrix-coded information in order to obtain the decoded data.

[0022] The at least one third color differs from the first and second colors in that it luminesces when illuminated with light from a different spectral range. In addition to the first and second 2D matrix codes, the at least one third 2D matrix code is also located within the matrix code area of ​​the combined 2D matrix code. This results in a third matrix-encoded piece of information being encompassed by the combined 2D matrix code, which can be optically read separately from the first and second matrix-encoded information. The separate detection of the at least one third matrix-encoded piece of information can be achieved by detecting the luminescence of the third printed module under excitation light from the third spectral range and / or the absorption of the incident light from the third spectral range by the third printed module.

[0023] The first, second, and third colors can each luminesce and / or absorb light from at least one of the following spectral ranges: visible light, ultraviolet (UV) light, and infrared (IR) light. The visible light can be monochromatic or multichromatic (mixed light), for example, white light. Colors, particularly in the form of printing ink or ink, that luminesce when illuminated with visible light, UV light, and / or IR light are known as such in various embodiments (see, for example, WO 2021 / 013448 A1). Printing inks or inks that absorb, for example, in the IR spectral range (IR absorbers), are disclosed as such, for example, in document EP 3 411 245 B1. IR absorbers are also described in document DE 10 2022 124 432 A1.The different colors or inks used for printing luminesce and / or absorb light from different spectral ranges. For example, the first color, used to print the modules of the first 2D matrix code onto the substrate surface, may luminesce under UV illumination, while the second color, used to print the modules of the second 2D matrix code onto the substrate surface, may luminesce and / or absorb light under IR excitation light. The excited luminescence and / or absorption behavior can then be optically detected to optically sensing the respective 2D matrix code.

[0024] 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.

[0025] 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 (mixed light in the visible spectral range), particularly daylight. Instead, for example, a colored appearance is only created by the luminescence excited by illumination with other light sources. This color appearance can then be detected, at least with a scanning device for optically reading the combined 2D matrix code, or optionally with the naked eye. For example, inks that luminesce under UV and / or IR excitation light can be used for printing.

[0026] 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 printed with both the first and second colors. This is achieved by printing the same surface with both colors. The module printed in this way is then optically readable under illumination with light from both the first and second spectral ranges, provided the respective color luminescently and / or absorbed due to the illumination.

[0027] At least one printed module can be printed with a mixed color containing a blend of the first and second colors. The printed module can thus be produced in a single printing process by printing the color blend. Depending on the excitation light used, one of the colors or inks in the blend will luminesce upon reading, making the printed module optically detectable as part of both the first and second 2D matrix codes. A color blend of more than two colors or inks is also possible, with the different colors luminescing and / or absorbing light from different spectral ranges.

[0028] The at least one printed module can be printed at least twice, such that the first and second colors overlap on the printed module. In this embodiment, at least two printing processes are provided to print the first and second colors, such that the printed module, when illuminated with light from the first and second spectral ranges, is optically detectable as part of the respective associated 2D matrix code due to the respective luminescence and / or absorption.

[0029] One or more of the printed modules of the arrangement of modules forming the combined 2D matrix code 1 can thus be assigned to at least two of the multiple 2D matrix codes. This means that such a printed module, which is assigned to at least two of the multiple 2D matrix codes, is printed with the respective color of the at least two 2D matrix codes. The module can be produced by printing the surface of the module, for example, in a first printing process with the first color of the first 2D matrix code and in a subsequent second printing process with the second color of the second 2D matrix code, for example, each time completely overlapping.Alternatively, such a printed module, which is assigned to at least two of the several 2D matrix codes, can be printed in a printing process with a mixture of colors that contains the first color of the first 2D matrix code and the second color of the second 2D matrix code as a color mixture.

[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] It may be provided that a data key is generated by reading the first matrix-coded piece of information, which can be used to decrypt encrypted data encompassed by the second and / or at least one third matrix-coded piece of information. The arrangement of modules of the combined 2D matrix code may include one or more printed reference modules, each printed using one of the colors used to manufacture the printed modules. The printed reference module(s) may be separate from the printed modules associated with at least one of the 2D matrix codes and are arranged within the matrix code area, for example, separately from the first, second, and third 2D matrix codes. The printed reference modules serve, for example, as a reference during optical reading to support the reliable reading of the respective 2D matrix code.During the reading process, the luminescence and / or absorption of printed modules assigned to one of the 2D matrix codes can be compared with the luminescence and / or absorption of one of the printed reference modules to confirm or reject their assignment to one of the 2D matrix codes. A first printed reference module can be printed with the first color, and a second printed reference module with the second color. A similar approach can be used for at least one third reference module.

[0032] 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 used to manufacture the printed modules. These additional printed reference modules can be separate from the printed modules. They assist in reading the 2D matrix codes, particularly by means of software-assisted comparisons of the luminescence and / or absorption of printed modules and additional printed reference modules during image processing for optical reading, ensuring the correct assignment of printed modules to one of the 2D matrix codes printed with at least two different colors.

[0033] The other printed reference modules can, for example, be printed with a color mixture of at least two colors that luminesce and / or absorb when illuminated with excitation light from different spectral ranges.

[0034] It may be stipulated that the printed reference modules for each color scheme (single color or mixed color) comprise a separate reference module, which are printed during the production of the combined 2D matrix code modules. This includes, for example, all single-color and / or multi-color (mixed color) printed modules. This applies in particular to modules printed with only one color or overlapping with at least two colors, as well as modules with color-mixing printing. The first, second, and third color or ink can each correspond to a color channel of a multi-color color channel system, i.e., a primary color of the color channel system. For example, it could be a color system 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 black, traditionally referred to as key.

[0035] If the printed modules of the first and second 2D matrix codes are printed using two different primary colors (color corresponding to the color channel) of the multicolor color channel system, this enables the following during reading: When optically reading the combined 2D matrix code using the reading device, the first matrix-encoded information of the first 2D matrix code is optically read by capturing and reading the first color channel of the multicolor color channel system, and the second matrix-encoded information of the second 2D matrix code is optically read by capturing and reading the second color channel of the multicolor color channel system. If an additional primary color is used, another color channel can be optically captured and read separately.

[0036] 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.

[0037] Description of exemplary implementations

[0038] Further examples of implementation are explained in more detail below with reference to figures in a drawing. These show:

[0039] Fig. 1 shows a schematic representation of a combined 2D matrix code and

[0040] Fig. 2 shows a schematic representation of the optical reading of a combined 2D matrix code on a security or valuable document. Fig. 1 shows a schematic representation of a combined 2D matrix code 1. In the example shown, the combined 2D matrix code 1 comprises a first 2D matrix code 2, a second 2D matrix code 3, and a third 2D matrix code 4, which are printed overlapping on matrix code areas 5 within a substrate surface 6 of a substrate 7. For better illustration, the multiple 2D matrix codes, each printed in matrix code areas 5, are shown superimposed with a gap between them in Fig. 1.

[0041] Substrate 7 is, for example, a plastic body of an ID document, such as an identity card or a debit / credit card, as is known in various forms for valuable or security documents. The combined 2D matrix code 1 can be used to create a security element for such a valuable or security document, which can be optically read, for example, during identity verification of a person using an ID document or during authentication of a (security) document.

[0042] The combined 2D matrix code 1 captures the matrix code area 5 on the substrate surface 6 and is formed by an arrangement of modules 8. The arrangement of modules 8 comprises printed modules 9, which are printed using (printing) inks of different colors that luminesce and / or absorb light from different spectral ranges. Printing methods such as screen printing, offset printing, letterset printing, and / or inkjet printing can be used. These various printing methods enable the production of combined 2D matrix codes in individually customized configurations.

[0043] The printed appearance of the combined 2D matrix code 1 results from the overlapping arrangement of the multiple 2D matrix codes, each containing separately optically readable matrix-coded information. In the example shown, the first, second, and third 2D matrix codes 2, 3, and 4 overlap. These codes are optically readable using first printed modules 2.1, second printed modules 3.1, and third printed modules 4.1.

[0044] The first, second, and third printed modules 2.1, 3.1, and 4.1, for example, are each monochromatic. For the first printed modules 2.1, a first ink or color is used; for the second printed modules 3.1, a second ink / color; and for the third printed modules 4.1, a third ink / color. The three colors are distinct in that they luminesce and / or absorb light from different spectral ranges when illuminated. In one example, each color could correspond to a color channel of a multicolor color channel system.

[0045] For example, blue can be used as the first color for the first 2D matrix code 2, green as the second color for the second 2D matrix code 3, and red as the third color for the third 2D matrix code 4. 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 2, 3, and 4, as well as optionally other 2D matrix codes, can be printed overlapping in the combined 2D matrix code 1 with different colors, each corresponding to a color channel of another multicolor color channel system, such as the CMYK color system. However, one or more colors other than primary colors can also be used.Due to the properties of the colors used, which luminesce when stimulated by light from different spectral ranges, the luminescence of the desired 2D matrix code can be selectively excited by illuminating it with the appropriate excitation light to enable detection and reading. Alternatively or additionally, the absorption of incident light can be measured and analyzed for readout purposes. In this way, the first, second, and third 2D matrix codes 2, 3, and 4, which are contained in the combined 2D matrix code 1, can be read separately.

[0046] If several 2D matrix codes 2, 3, 4 are produced in an example using different basic colors of a multi-colored color channel system, this makes it possible to optically read the several 2D matrix codes 2, 3, 4 separately by reading the respective associated color channel separately from the other color channels of the multi-colored color channel system.

[0047] In one embodiment, the colors / inks used for printing the first, second, and third printed modules 2.1, 3.1, 4.1 may be invisible to the naked eye under white light and reveal their color appearance due to excited luminescence (especially fluorescence) and / or spectral absorption when illuminated with light from one or more selected spectral ranges, particularly UV light and / or IR light. Alternatively, at least one of the several 2D matrix codes 2, 3, 4, which together form the combined 2D matrix code, is visible to the naked eye under daylight or white light illumination, for example, due to the light absorption properties of the color(s) used.

[0048] The first, second, and third 2D matrix codes 2, 3, 4, as shown in Fig. 1, capture a first, second, and third matrix code area 2.2, 3.2, 4.2, 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.

[0049] One or more of the printed modules 9 of the arrangement of modules 8, which form the combined 2D matrix code 1, can be assigned to at least two of the multiple 2D matrix codes 2, 3, 4. This means that such a printed module, which is assigned to at least two of the multiple 2D matrix codes 2, 3, 4, is printed with the respective color of the at least two 2D matrix codes 2, 3, 4. The module can be produced by printing its surface, for example, in a first printing process with the first color of the first 2D matrix code 2 and in a subsequent second printing process with the second color of the second 2D matrix code 3, for example, each time completely overlapping.Alternatively, such a printed module, which can be assigned at least two of the several 2D matrix codes 2, 3, 4, can be printed in a printing process with a mixed color that contains the first color of the first 2D matrix code 2 and the second color of the second 2D matrix code 3 as a color mixture.

[0050] 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, this personalization is achieved in particular by affixing an image 23 of the person. Furthermore, the personalization includes text 24, for example, the person's name and / or date of birth. The document body 22 is, for example, a plastic card.

[0051] The security element 21, which in the example of the creation of the security or valuable 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. For optical reading, especially when checking the security or valuable document 20, for example for personal identification, the combined 2D matrix code 1 is illuminated by means of a lighting device 25 with excitation or measuring light 26 from different spectral ranges, for example light in the visible range, UV light and / or IR light. It is provided that the first color of the first printed modules 2.1, the second color of the second printed modules 3.1 and the third color of the third printed modules 4.1 luminesce and / or absorb light from different spectral ranges.To read out the color channels, it is then necessary to illuminate the combined 2D matrix code 1 with the illumination device 25 using excitation light from the different spectral ranges, for example with light from the visible spectral range, UV light and IR light, in order to detect and read out the luminescence for the several 2D matrix codes 2, 3, 4, which together form the combined 2D matrix code 1.

[0052] Using a readout device 27, the combined 2D matrix code 1 is optically detected and read out under illumination, such that the luminescence and / or absorption behavior of the first, second, and third 2D matrix codes 2, 3, 4 is detected, particularly sequentially, when illuminated with excitation light from different spectral ranges. In this way, the matrix-coded information contained in each of the first, second, and third 2D matrix codes 2, 3, 4 can be determined.

[0053] If colors corresponding to the color channels of a multicolor color channel system are used to produce the multiple 2D matrix codes 2, 3, 4, three color channels 29, 30, 31 can be separately captured and read out, for example, the color channels R, G, B. In such an example, the color channels 29, 30, 31 can be read out and display the first, second, and third 2D matrix codes 2, 3, 4. This configuration makes it possible, in one example, to capture and read out several of the 2D matrix codes 2, 3, 4 simultaneously (determining the matrix-coded information) if the respective colors or dyes used luminesce at the same time under the same or different excitation light.

[0054] Reading devices configured to optically capture 2D matrix codes and thus make the (image) information contained therein available for evaluation or reading are known as such in various embodiments, for example, digital cameras. This also applies to reading devices configured to optically capture color channels of a multicolor system separately. Using the reading device 27 itself or optionally in a data processing device 28, which can be connected to the reading device 27 for data exchange, the image data for the multiple 2D matrix codes 2, 3, 4 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.

[0055] 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.

[0056]

[0057] 1 combined 2D matrix code

[0058] 2 first 2D matrix code

[0059] 3 second 2D matrix code

[0060] 4 third 2D matrix code

[0061] 2.1, 3.1, 4.1 first, second and third printed modules

[0062] 2.2, 3.2, 4.2 first, second and third matrix code area

[0063] 5 Matrix code area

[0064] 6 Substrate surface

[0065] 7 Substrat

[0066] 8. Arrangement of modules

[0067] 9 printed modules

[0068] 20 Security or valuable documents

[0069] 21 safety element

[0070] 22 document bodies

[0071] Image 23

[0072] 24 Text

[0073] 25 Lighting equipment

[0074] 26 Excitation light

[0075] 27 Reading device

[0076] 28 Data processing equipment

[0077] 29, 30, 31 color channels

Claims

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; - an arrangement of modules (8) which is arranged on the substrate surface to capture a matrix code area (5) and is formed with printed modules (9) which are printed using colors that are optically readable under illumination with light; - has a first 2D matrix code (2) in which - by means of first printed modules (2.1) in the combined 2D matrix code (1) a first matrix-coded information is provided, and - the first printed modules (2.1) are printed onto the substrate with a first color which can be optically read out under illumination with light from a first spectral range; and - has a second 2D matrix code (3) 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 (3.1) in the combined 2D matrix code (1) a second matrix-coded information is provided, and - the second printed modules (3.1) are printed on the substrate with a second color, which can be optically read under illumination with light from a second spectral range that is different from the first spectral range; wherein, when optically reading the combined 2D matrix code (1), the first matrix-coded information can be read by reading the first 2D matrix code (2) under illumination with light from the first spectral range and the second matrix-coded information can be read by reading the second 2D matrix code (3) under illumination with light from the second spectral range.

2. Safety element according to claim 1, characterized in that - the combined 2D matrix code (1) includes at least a third 2D matrix code (4) with which at least a third matrix-coded piece of information is made optically readable in the combined 2D matrix code (1) by means of at least three printed modules (4.1); and - the at least third printed modules (4.1) are printed on the substrate with a third color, which are illuminated with light from a third spectral range optically readable, which differs from the first and second spectral ranges.

3. Safety element according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the first, the second and the third color each luminesce and / or absorb when illuminated with light from at least one of the following spectral ranges: light in the visible spectral range, UV light and IR light.

4. Security element according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first 2D matrix code (2) is formed in a substantially complete overlap with the second and / or the at least one third 2D matrix code (3, 4).

5. 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.

6. 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 (2.1) and the second printed modules (3.1).

7. Safety element according to claim 6, characterized in that the at least one printed module is printed with a mixed color which contains a mixture of the first and the second color.

8. Safety element according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that the at least one printed module is printed at least twice, such that the at least one printed module is printed overlapping with the first and the second color.

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 (8) of the combined 2D matrix code (1) comprises one or more printed reference modules, each printed using one of the colors used to manufacture the printed modules (4).

11. Security element according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the arrangement of modules (8) 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 used to manufacture the printed modules (9).

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 (8) which are arranged on the substrate surface to capture a matrix code area (2) and are formed with printed modules (9) which are printed using colors that are optically readable under illumination with light; - a first 2D matrix code (2) in which a first matrix-coded information is provided in the combined 2D matrix code (1) by means of first printed modules (2.1), wherein the first printed modules (2.1) are printed onto the substrate with a first color which is optically readable under illumination with light from a first spectral range; and - a second 2D matrix code (3), which is formed in the area of ​​the matrix code surface (2) at least partially overlapping with the first 2D matrix code (2) and in which a second matrix-coded information is made readable in the combined 2D matrix code (1) by means of second printed modules (3.1), wherein the second printed modules (2.1) are printed onto the substrate with a second color which can be optically read under illumination with light from a second spectral range that is different from the first spectral range; wherein, when optically reading the combined 2D matrix code (1), the first matrix-coded information can be read by reading the first 2D matrix code (2) under illumination with light from the first spectral range and the second matrix-coded information can be read by reading the second 2D matrix code (3) under illumination with light from the second spectral range.

14. Method for optically reading a security element according to at least one of claims 1 to 11, 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 (2, 3), wherein - the first 2D matrix code (2) is printed on the substrate using a first color which is optically readable under illumination with light from a first spectral range; and - the second 2D matrix code (3) is printed on the substrate using a second color which can be optically read under illumination with light from a second spectral range that is different from the first spectral range; - Providing a reading device (27) configured to optically detect and read 2D matrix codes; 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 (2) by detecting a luminescence and / or an absorption of the first 2D matrix code (2) and reading the detected first 2D matrix code (2), wherein the combined 2D matrix code (1) is illuminated with light from the first spectral range; and - optical reading of a second matrix-coded information of the second 2D matrix code (3) by detecting a luminescence and / or an absorption of the second 2D matrix code (3) and reading the detected second 2D matrix code (3), wherein the combined 2D matrix code (1) is illuminated with light from the second spectral range.

15. Method for checking 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 14 is used for the reading.

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