Object having a security print, system and method for forming a security print

Abstract

An object (2, 10) comprises a security print including a print that is arranged or formed on the object (2, 10) and comprises at least one CMY element which is formed by printing a specified composition containing only cyan (C), magenta (M) and yellow (Y) printing inks with a specified ink density, specified mixing ratio and specified hue such that said CMY element is perceived as black or dark in the spectral range visible to the human eye and is configured to be transparent in a spectral range not visible to the human eye (e.g. IR or UV). The CMY element interacts with a further element which is arranged on the object (2, 10) or is formed with the latter and which can be perceived in the spectral range visible to the human eye and is configured to be absorbent in the specified non-visible spectral range.

Description

[0001] P2024,0792 WO N / 24024P-WO October 28, 2025

[0002] - 1 -

[0003] Object with a security imprint, system and method for forming a security imprint

[0004] The present invention relates to an object with a security imprint and a method for applying a security imprint to an object. The invention further relates to a system comprising a container and a security imprint applied thereto.

[0005] Labels can serve for authorization or proof of origin and are used wherever it is necessary to identify or verify objects. For example, labels are used to mark objects to indicate their authenticity. In some cases, it may be desirable to store information discreetly and, for example, to establish a secure proof of authenticity. In such cases, it is desirable to be able to store such information securely and cost-effectively.

[0006] The invention aims to provide a security feature that enables information to be stored reliably and securely in a simple, flexible and cost-effective manner.

[0007] The problem is solved by the features of the independent patent claims. Advantageous further developments are specified in the respective dependent claims.

[0008] According to one aspect of the invention, an object comprises a security imprint having at least one imprint arranged or formed on the object, and comprising at least one CMY element formed from a predetermined composition consisting solely of the printing inks cyan, magenta, and yellow. The printing inks cyan, magenta, and yellow, with predetermined ink density, mixing ratio, and color position, form the CMY element by means of printing such that it is perceived as black or dark in the spectral range visible to the human eye and is transparent in a spectral range invisible to the human eye, in particular an infrared and / or ultraviolet spectral range. The CMY element is designed in conjunction with another element arranged on or formed with the object. P2024,0792 WO N / 24024P-WO 28 October 2025

[0009] - 2 - and that is perceptible in the spectral range visible to the human eye and is designed to be absorbing or non-transparent in the specified non-visible spectral range.

[0010] The described security printing on the object allows for the implementation of a security feature that enables the reliable and secure storage of information in a simple and cost-effective manner. In particular, the CMY element can be used as an overprint on a designated part of the object, creating a visual barrier that appears black or dark to the naked eye, but which is transparent when examined using tools such as an infrared or ultraviolet camera, revealing underlying information. This information can be a print, a marking, a relief, a colored element, or something similar, and can be partially or completely covered by the CMY element, thus forming the security feature.

[0011] The CMY element accordingly has a color coordinate that can be described as black. Alternatively, the CMY element can also be configured to have a color coordinate that can be described, for example, as dark blue, dark green, or dark red. The CMY element can thus be configured with a desired dark color coordinate and transparently reproduce any dark IR-absorbing color. The CMY element is configured to match a color coordinate of the other element with which it is intended to interact as a security print. For example, the CMY element can be configured as a dark blue print that interacts with a dark blue element. In the following description, the invention is primarily described using a black CMY element. However, this is not to be understood as limiting and can also be applied to other dark or tinted colors.

[0012] The item can be designed as a container on which the security marking is applied or printed. Alternatively, the item can be designed, for example, as packaging made of cardboard or carton on which the security marking is applied or printed. In particular, the item can be implemented as a security label and have one or more label layers, as per P2024,0792 WO N / 24024P-WO 28 October 2025

[0013] - 3 - on which the security markings are printed. Such a security label provides a reliable way to discreetly store information. Additionally, the security label can include one or more functional layers, such as barrier layers against the unwanted passage of a specified gas, molecular substance, UV light, and / or other electromagnetic radiation. Furthermore, the security label can include predefined cuts, die-cuts, or perforations, a sealing function, and / or a void layer, which can contribute to increased security.

[0014] According to a preferred embodiment, the CMY element interacts with one or more other printing elements, which realize the other element. The printing on the object can, in particular, include a K element formed from black printing ink, such that it is perceived as black in the visible spectral range and is absorbent or opaque in the infrared spectral range. The color and / or brightness appearance of the CMY element and the K element, as perceived by the human eye, are coordinated.

[0015] The CMY element, like the K element, can represent a single letter, a word mark, a symbol, a textured or solid area, and / or a desired print. The CMY element can be illuminated using an infrared or ultraviolet sensor, for example, in the form of an IR or UV camera, and / or, in security printing, it can be omitted when viewed, so that only the elements that absorb light in the corresponding spectral ranges remain visible against a reflective background. The CMY element does not necessarily have to be completely or 100% transparent in an IR or UV range, but rather sufficiently transparent to allow the desired transparency and a clear difference compared to viewing with the naked eye.For example, it may be sufficient for the CMY element to be designed in such a way that it is at least 50% transparent in an infrared or ultraviolet spectral range compared to viewing in the visible spectral range. Preferably, the CMY element is designed to have a transparency of over 75% or even over 90% in a given non-visible spectral range. P2024,0792 WO N / 24024P-WO 28 October 2025.

[0016] - 4 - and thus almost disappears compared to viewing in the visible spectral range. Furthermore, multiple CMY elements can be created, each with different transparency properties, perceived as black or a predetermined dark in the visible spectral range and exhibiting different dark color points. For example, three CMY elements can be provided, one of which is 100% or nearly 100% transparent in a given IR range. The second CMY element might then be, for example, only 80% transparent in the IR range, and the third CMY element, for example, only 50% transparent.

[0017] The same applies to the absorption of the K element, meaning it doesn't have to be 100% infrared or ultraviolet absorbing, but must at least exhibit a value sufficient for clear differentiation from the transparent CMY element. Typically, the black (K) color in an inkjet printer contains a predetermined carbon black content, which is infrared-absorbing. The chromatic colors cyan (C), magenta (M), and yellow (Y) in an inkjet printer generally contain no carbon black, making them infrared-transparent.

[0018] Furthermore, the CMY element is not necessarily transparent across the entire infrared or ultraviolet spectral range. The spectral range typically visible to humans extends, for example, from 400–800 nm or 380–780 nm, encompassing the colors violet through blue, green, yellow, and red. The infrared spectral range then extends above 780 nm to, for example, 3 pm. The CMY element can be designed, for instance, to be transparent in a near-infrared range of 800–1000 nm or 900–1200 nm. The ultraviolet spectral range is typically set below 380 nm and extends, for example, to 200 nm. Beyond this, other wavelength ranges can also be considered for a non-visible spectral range, allowing for evaluation using assistive devices.

[0019] As an alternative to the described limits and spectral ranges, other values ​​can also be specified for the corresponding wavelengths of electromagnetic radiation. For example, there are infrared cameras that use two different P2024,0792 WO N / 24024P-WO 28 October 2025

[0020] - 5 -

[0021] The device has two operating modes, a first at approximately 850 nm and a second at approximately 950 nm. Accordingly, the security feature could be designed to have a specific appearance in the visible spectrum and up to a limit of 900 nm, while exhibiting a different appearance above 900 nm. However, the visible spectral range is always perceptible to the human eye, while the invisible range is not and therefore requires visual aids. In the following description, the invention is primarily described in connection with a CMY element that is transparent in an infrared spectral range. However, the properties and features are transferable to other ranges invisible to the human eye.

[0022] According to further training, with reference to a given color space, such as the Lab color space, a CMY color point is assigned to the CMY element and a K color point is assigned to the K element. A mixing ratio of the printing inks cyan, magenta, and yellow for creating the CMY element is specified such that the CMY color point and the K color point coincide within a specified tolerance range. Alternatively or additionally, a droplet size and / or droplet density of the printing ink black for creating the K element is specified such that the CMY color point and the K color point coincide within a specified tolerance range.

[0023] Especially when the black CMY element and K element in the visible spectral range are intended to work together in security printing to create a reliable and secure security feature, it is beneficial to coordinate and adjust these elements with regard to their color and / or brightness appearance. This is particularly advantageous when the CMY element and K element are positioned next to each other from a given viewing angle and, for example, create a shared print, such as text or an address. Ideally, the black of the CMY element and the black of the K element should then be identical or at least so similar that they are indistinguishable to the human eye. Thus, for example, text such as "Original" can be concealed within an address, provided the address already contains the corresponding letters.The letters of the word "Original" are then as K-element P2024,0792 WO N / 24024P-WO 28 October 2025.

[0024] - 6 - or K elements are formed, while the remaining letters are formed as CMY elements. In the visible spectral range, the entire address can be read; when viewed in the infrared spectral range, only the word "Original" is recognizable or at least clearly distinguishable from the other elements. Thus, a secure and reliable verification of the object can be established.

[0025] Alternatively or additionally, a symbol or character string with predefined CMY and K elements can be printed. For example, dots can be printed as K elements along a line or predefined gradient and overprinted and hidden by one or more CMY elements. Within the dot structure and the overprinted structure, an object-specific or static code can be implemented, depending on the sequence and number of IR-transparent and IR-absorbing elements.

[0026] Even if the CMY element and the K element are arranged one above the other, either alternatively or additionally, relative to a given viewing angle of the object, these elements are preferably coordinated and adapted to each other with regard to their color and / or brightness appearance. This is preferably the case when the K element is formed beneath the CMY element and thus positioned between a surface of the object and the CMY element. The CMY element can completely or partially cover the K element. For example, the K element is printed in black as the word "Original" and is infrared-absorbing. Alternatively, the CMY element can be formed as a solid black area and completely covers the K element. The two black values, or the corresponding color coordinates of the CMY element and the K element, should then be designed such that the K element is not darker or deeper black and does not show through the CMY element.The security printing can then be carried out entirely using digital printing, for example, by first printing the black ink to create the K element in a predefined print sequence, followed by printing the cyan, magenta, and yellow inks to create the CMY element. P2024,0792 WO N / 24024P-WO October 28, 2025.

[0027] - 7 -

[0028] According to a further development of the object, with respect to a viewing direction of the object, the printing colors cyan, magenta and yellow of the CMY element are aligned relative to each other and printed on top of each other, so that they have a registration structure deviation of one pixel or less relative to each other.

[0029] According to a preferred embodiment, the label is designed as a security label and has at least one label layer on which the security printing is applied. The colors of a CMY element are then printed on the label layer, in particular in direct contact with each other. Alternatively, the colors of a CMY element can be printed separately on the label layer or on different layers of the security label.

[0030] The security label, for example, is multi-layered and designed to wrap around a container multiple times, for example, three times. The process colors cyan, magenta, and yellow are printed at predetermined intervals on the label layer, so that the CMY element is partially formed on one or more layers of the security label. This ensures that, after the security label is properly applied to a substrate or the outer surface of the container, the CMY elements combine to form a single, unified CMY element. For example, when the security label is wrapped around the container, cyan is printed on the bottom layer (facing the container), magenta on the middle layer, and yellow on the top layer (facing away from the container). These overlapping elements together form the CMY element. The process colors can also overlap in a different, predetermined sequence.Thus, the overlap of the three process colors, which do not directly contact each other due to the label layer, allows the infrared-transparent CMY element to be formed. In this way, information printed at a customer's site can be covered with an infrared-transparent area or part thereof, or the content of the information can be selectively modified. Only after removing the infrared-transparent area as a removable part is the actual or intended information, or an alternative second piece of information, revealed. P2024,0792 WO N / 24024P-WO October 28, 2025.

[0031] - 8 -

[0032] According to a further aspect of the invention, a system comprises a vessel, such as a syringe, vial, or injection bottle, with a vessel closure and a vessel body, and an embodiment of the previously described object in the form of a security label arranged on the vessel. The security label can be affixed to the vessel body and / or the vessel closure and may partially or completely wrap around them. The security label can therefore be designed as a wraparound or over-wrap label. Since the described system comprises an embodiment of the previously described object, the described properties and features of the object and the security imprint are also disclosed for the system, and vice versa.

[0033] According to a further aspect of the invention, a method for forming a security imprint on an object comprises providing the object and forming the security imprint on the object by applying a print. The print has at least one CMY element, which is formed by printing from a predetermined composition consisting solely of the printing inks cyan, magenta, and yellow with a predetermined print density, predetermined mixing ratio, and predetermined color position, such that it is perceived as black in the spectral range visible to the human eye and is transparent in a spectral range invisible to the human eye, in particular an infrared or ultraviolet spectral range.The CMY element interacts with another element that is arranged on or formed with the object and that is perceptible in the spectral range visible to the human eye and is configured to absorb in the specified non-visible spectral range.

[0034] The described method is specifically designed for manufacturing a version of the previously described object with the security printing. Therefore, the described properties and characteristics of the object and the security printing are also disclosed for the method, and vice versa.

[0035] According to a further development of the procedure, the training of the security printing includes training the printing and / or a further printing which includes a K-element formed from the printing ink black, P2024,0792 WO N / 24024P-WO 28 October 2025

[0036] - 9 - so that it is perceived as black in the spectral range visible to the human eye and is set up to be absorbing in the spectral range not visible to the human eye, wherein a color appearance and / or brightness appearance of the CMY element and the K element are set up to be coordinated with each other.

[0037] According to a further development of the procedure, the training of the security printing includes determining a color location of the K-element in relation to a specified color space, and adjusting a mixing ratio of the composition of the printing inks cyan, magenta and yellow for the CMY element depending on the determined color location of the K-element, so that a color location of the CMY element and the color location of the K-element match within a specified tolerance range.Alternatively or additionally, the procedure can be set up such that the formation of the security printing includes determining a color location of the CMY element with reference to a specified color space, and adjusting a droplet size and / or a droplet density of the printing ink black for the K element depending on the determined color location of the CMY element, so that the color location of the CMY element and a color location of the K element match within a specified tolerance range.

[0038] According to a further development of the procedure, the formation of the security printing includes forming the K-element by printing with the printing ink black, and subsequently forming the CMY-element by printing with the printing inks cyan, magenta and yellow, so that, with respect to a viewing direction on the object, the K-element is formed under the CMY-element.

[0039] According to a further development of the process, the training of the security printing includes determining the registration structure accuracy of the printing inks cyan, magenta, and yellow relative to each other, and aligning the respective printing positions of the printing inks cyan, magenta, and yellow depending on the determined registration structure accuracy. The process further includes training the CMY element by printing with the aligned printing inks cyan, magenta, and yellow. P2024,0792 WO N / 24024P-WO October 28, 2025

[0040] - 10 -

[0041] Yellow, so that when printed on top of each other they have a registration structure deviation of less than one pixel.

[0042] By means of the described security printing on the object and the corresponding manufacturing process, a security feature can be implemented by, for example, printing the infrared-absorbing black K-element and the infrared-transparent CMY element together in an inkjet print.

[0043] It is a finding related to the present invention that the conventional black printing ink, abbreviated with the letter K, is absorbing in the near-infrared range by industrial inkjet printheads, and therefore not transparent. Using the CMY element, a black ink in the visible spectrum can be produced that is not formed with conventional black inkjet ink K, but rather from a precisely defined mixture of the three other process colors cyan, magenta, and yellow, abbreviated with the letters C, M, and Y. The black CMY element thus created has the property of being transparent in the infrared.

[0044] Another finding related to the present invention is that, in practice, it is not usually possible to change the inkjet printing inks in an inkjet printing press. To use an infrared-transparent black inkjet printing ink in a series production product, an additional inkjet printhead would be required on the corresponding inkjet printing press. This is very costly, firstly due to the additional purchase costs. Secondly, it also presents challenges in practical operation. An infrared-transparent ink is a special ink that is complex to produce and is only needed for creating this particular infrared-transparent feature, and is therefore not used regularly. However, if an inkjet printhead is not used regularly, the risk of individual nozzles becoming clogged increases significantly.This represents a serious disadvantage and leads to increased maintenance costs.

[0045] Using the described security printing and the CMY element it contains, black text in visible areas can be produced in a cost-effective, flexible and low-effort manner from a mixture of the three already existing process colors P2024,0792 WO N / 24024P-WO 28 October 2025

[0046] - 11 -

[0047] The system is built up using cyan, magenta, and yellow, which also possesses the property of being transparent in the near-infrared, offering serialization capabilities and contributing to increased security. The black text, or CMY element, is therefore not produced with conventional black inkjet ink, but can interact effectively with such ink and the resulting K element.

[0048] When working together, particular attention must be paid to coordinating and adjusting the color and brightness appearance of the CMY and K elements. In practice, printing on an object often includes not only the infrared-transparent black built from CMY, but also one or more K elements, which are created using regular K inkjet printing ink. To ensure that the difference between these two variants—CMY and K—is not noticeable, it is beneficial to harmonize their appearance in terms of both color and brightness. This can be done through testing, for example, by initially printing two black areas onto a layer and comparing them. The first black area represents the K element, which can be assigned a red-green-blue (RGB) color space, such as 34 / 35 / 32.A black area printed with inkjet process ink K then has approximately equal color components R=34, G=35, and B=32 in a photograph. According to this example, the second black area forms the CMY element, which is composed of the inkjet process inks CMY. In contrast to the first area, the color component G=37 initially dominates, for example, compared to R=20 and B=26.

[0049] Verification can also be performed with a colorimeter and assessed according to an assigned color space. The Lab color space, derived from the CIEXYZ color space, is suitable for this purpose. The Lab color space is standardized and structured so that the degree of perceived brightness L is perpendicular to a color plane a, b. For example, a black CMY element can initially be created with the RGB values ​​specified above. When printed with all three process colors at maximum ink density, this element, with L=10.6, a=-15.6, and b=4.1, is not initially as color-neutral as the pure inkjet P2024,0792 WO N / 24024P-WO 28 October 2025

[0050] - 12 -

[0051] Process color K with L=4.l and a=-2.7 and b=0.3. In comparison, a white foil as a reference has the values ​​L=84.8 and a=-0.8 and b=-2.l.

[0052] Accordingly, in a next step, the printing properties of the CMY element colors and / or the printing properties of the K element ink can be adjusted to design the black area created by printing CMY ink in such a way that its appearance is as identical as possible to that of the inkjet process color K. This can be achieved by adjusting the print density or the mixing ratio of the CMY components. In the present example, the color coordinates for the CMY black area with a = -15.6 and b = 4.1 lie in the upper left of the ab plane with respect to the centrally located gray point. In the ab plane, yellow points upwards, magenta to the right, and cyan to the lower left. Therefore, it is beneficial to reduce the cyan and yellow components appropriately to shift the color coordinates of the CMY area from a = -15.5 and b = 4.1 towards the color coordinates of the K area with a = -2.7 and b = 0.3.A reduction in the cyan component corresponds to a color shift to the upper right in the ab color plane. A reduction in the yellow component corresponds to a color shift to the lower right in the ab color plane.

[0053] In general, any color shift in the color plane of the Lab color space can be corrected by adjusting two of the three process colors, CMY and MY. Color neutrality can be achieved by specifically adjusting the CMY color combination. For example, a yellow tint can be eliminated by reducing the yellow component. Compared to the black K area, the black CMY area, for instance, exhibits a color shift of Aa = -15.6 - (-2.7) = -11.9 and Ab = 4.1 - 0.3 = +3.8. This color shift points to the upper left in the ab color plane of the Lab color space. Accordingly, the color shift can be corrected by appropriately reducing the yellow and cyan components. Similarly, the black of the CMY element can be adjusted to match the color appearance of the black of the K element, so that there is no apparent color difference.

[0054] Furthermore, the brightness effect, specified in the Lab color space by the L value, must be considered. The black P2024.0792 WO N / 24024P-WO formed by the inkjet process color K, dated October 28, 2025, is shown.

[0055] - 13 -

[0056] The initial area, for example, is darker with a value L=4.l than the black area formed by the combined CMY printing, which has an L=10.6. To make the CMY area darker, the ink density of the colors can be increased. However, the CMY process colors can only be printed at their maximum ink density, and if this is insufficient, the printing properties for the K element can be adjusted accordingly to align the two black areas. For example, adjusting the combined CMY printing to match the brightness of the inkjet process color K can be achieved by reducing the ink density of the inkjet process color K. This can be accomplished, for instance, by setting a smaller droplet size for the inkjet process color K. For example, an inkjet printhead with a maximum droplet size of 14 pl allows for a printed black K area with an L-value of 4.8.A minimum droplet size of 3 pl with this inkjet printhead allows for a printed black K area with an L-value of 39.8. Accordingly, the black of the K element can be adjusted to the L-value of 10.6 of the black of the CMY element, so that there is no apparent difference in brightness. The droplet size is specified, for example, as volume in pico-liters (pl). Such drops have a diameter of approximately a few pico-meters, and upon impact with a printing substrate, the droplet spreads out in a predetermined manner over the area of ​​a print pixel.

[0057] Alternatively or additionally, the inkjet process color K's print intensity can be reduced by selectively printing smaller droplets within the black K area, or even eliminating or omitting them entirely. Reducing the droplet size of, for example, every second printlet creates a print pattern with a higher luminance L. From a solid area to a checkerboard pattern and beyond, the brightness of the black K element to be printed with the inkjet process color K can be adjusted to match the brightness of the black CMY element built from the process colors CMY by regularly changing the number of printlets (i.e., the modified print pixels are arranged regularly to ensure uniformity of appearance). Accordingly, the desired luminance can first be determined and then adjusted according to a color or...Grayscale calibration: a grayscale value with the corresponding brightness can be selected. Alternatively or additionally, P2024,0792 WO N / 24024P-WO 28 October 2025.

[0058] - 14 - a series of test areas can be printed based on the inkjet process color K with different shades of gray to identify the best possible shade of gray based on the match (or by interpolation between the two best matching test areas).

[0059] When the two black components, the CMY element and the K element, interact, it is therefore advantageous for secure and reliable security printing to design the respective color areas so that they have an appearance as identical as possible to each other in terms of both color and brightness. Furthermore, the CMY element and the K element can be coordinated with regard to a desired motif, thus enabling a wide variety of design options for security printing.

[0060] There are several ways to shape the areas or elements made from the printing ink K and the printing inks CMY so that they can be used effectively as a security feature in the form of printing:

[0061] 1. Suppression can be performed, which can optionally be configured for serialization. With such suppression, the K-element is printed or positioned under a cover layer, which is implemented using the CMY element. In the visible spectral range, the CMY element is opaque, while in the infrared spectral range it is transparent, allowing the underlying K-element to be viewed. The appearance of a printed pattern then shows, for example, areas that appear black in the visible spectrum but are transparent and therefore disappear when viewed in the infrared spectrum. Text underneath, which was covered and therefore not visible in the visible spectrum, then becomes visible when viewed in the infrared spectral range because it is infrared-absorbing.This difference between the appearance in the visible spectral range and the appearance in the non-visible infrared spectral range provides a hidden and reliable security feature that can be checked if necessary and, for example, verify authenticity. The infrared-absorbing lettering beneath the infrared-transparent overprint can be serialized. Alternatively, see P2024,0792 WO N / 24024P-WO 28 October 2025.

[0062] - 15 - Additionally, the infrared-transparent top layer can also be executed in a serialized manner.

[0063] 2. Such suppression of the K-element can also be implemented as micro-text, which, for example, at a print resolution of 600 dpi and a font size of 5 pixels, can be rendered at a font height of approximately 212 pm, or at a print resolution of 1200 dpi, even at half that height, i.e., 106 pm, and can be reliably and securely hidden or covered. The overprinting with the CMY element must be designed with a height or thickness appropriate to that of the K-element, so that the K-element is hidden within the CMY element and, for example, does not stand out due to raised areas.

[0064] 3. Individual design elements can be printed as black and IR-transparent CMY elements, which, together with other black and IR-absorbing K elements, create a print. The CMY and K elements can, for example, be arranged side by side to create a common print in the form of an address, so that the blackness of the print with the K inkjet ink is preferably adapted to the slightly grayer appearance of the black of the CMY elements. As described above, this can be achieved, among other things, by using smaller droplet sizes and / or a predefined halftone screen in which print dots in an area are selectively eliminated or made smaller than neighboring ones.

[0065] It can also be particularly useful to coordinate the widths of the respective elements so that they are as similar as possible. This can be especially helpful in option 3 described above. For example, the K element can be intentionally printed with a wider or larger border to accommodate any potential widening of the CMY element. For instance, the K element can be deliberately printed one pixel wider than the CMY element if it's recognized that the CMY element, at a given setting (e.g., 600 dpi), will also print approximately one pixel wider.

[0066] Furthermore, it can be beneficial to overprint a K element with a CMY element to achieve a comparably wide appearance across the visible spectral range. P2024,0792 WO N / 24024P-WO October 28, 2025

[0067] - 16 - to appear. This may require adjusting the print density or quantity of the K element and / or the CMY element to each other and / or to align it with other K and / or CMY elements. For example, the K element and the CMY element are printed with reduced print density to achieve a print density originally desired with a K element alone.

[0068] Especially with partial coverage, there will always be a border around the printed K and CMY elements. Therefore, the following considerations regarding registration accuracy should be taken into account for all three previously mentioned design variants. Particularly for K and CMY elements printed side-by-side, high registration accuracy can be crucial for creating a reliable security feature. This is because, when implementing CMY combination printing in the form of letters or other small graphic elements, there are relatively many border areas where an imperfect combination of the CMY process colors can be noticeable. For a hidden security feature, it is beneficial to avoid a conspicuous border. For this purpose, registration test structures can be used to check the printing positions of the process colors cyan, magenta, and yellow and, if necessary, align them.For example, cyan, one of the three color inkjet process colors, can be printed as a reference, perhaps as a one-pixel-wide line. Then, using the other two inkjet process colors, magenta and yellow, similar one-pixel-wide lines are printed above and below this reference line, in a series such that these lines are shifted laterally or perpendicularly to the reference inkjet process color line by -2, -1, 0, +1, and +2 pixels, respectively. If the printed color inkjet process colors are not correctly aligned with each other, this will be noticeable in the printed image because the yellow and magenta lines will no longer align with the cyan reference lines at position 0 (aligned in the print template), but will instead align at one of the other positions (-2, -1, +1, or +2) depending on the misalignment.Using such a scale, the existing misalignment can be read and the adjustable alignment of the inkjet process colors relative to each other can be corrected. P2024,0792 WO N / 24024P-WO October 28, 2025.

[0069] - 17 -

[0070] A corresponding analogous alignment can be performed in the opposite direction, allowing both the horizontal and vertical alignment of the three process colors cyan, magenta, and yellow to be checked and corrected if necessary while viewing the paper or print. Once aligned, the edges of the superimposed colors are aligned, effectively concealing the formation of the black CMY element from the three process colors.

[0071] Using the described security printing technique, a security feature can be created without requiring an additional inkjet printing unit to produce a black infrared-transparent special color. The readily available process colors cyan, magenta, and yellow can be used cost-effectively and with minimal effort to create a black and infrared-transparent appearance, which, especially in combination with the black and infrared-absorbing process color K, can be used as a security feature. This avoids acquisition costs and also helps to prevent the higher maintenance costs associated with such a special color compared to standard CMYK printing colors. These maintenance costs would arise because an infrared-transparent special color is not used regularly and therefore more frequently causes problems with clogged inkjet print nozzles.

[0072] The following are exemplary embodiments of the invention explained with reference to schematic drawings. These show:

[0073] Figures 1-9 Examples of security printing on a

[0074] Object in different views

[0075] Figures 10-13 schematic printing processes for forming a

[0076] Security printing, and

[0077] Figure 14 shows a flowchart for a procedure for training a

[0078] Security marking on an object.

[0079] Elements or features of the same construction or function are marked across figures with the same reference symbols. For clarity, P2024,0792 WO N / 24024P-WO 28 October 2025

[0080] - 18 - not all elements or features shown in all figures may be labelled with their corresponding reference symbols.

[0081] Figures 1 to 9 show exemplary embodiments of security printing on an object 2, 10. The object can, in particular, be implemented as a security label 10, which, for example, is affixed to a predetermined substrate for identification purposes. Such a security label 10 can be attached to a container 2, as shown in Figure 9, and, for example, affixed to a container closure 3 and a container body 4 of the container 2.

[0082] The security label 10 according to Figure 1 has a security print comprising a print 11 and optionally one or more further prints, which are printed on a label layer 13. The security label 10 can be single- or multi-layered and preferably includes an adhesive layer on one underside so that it can be easily and reliably adhered to a substrate. The print 11 comprises one or more CMY elements, each formed by printing from a predetermined composition consisting solely of the printing inks cyan (C), magenta (M), and yellow (Y) with a predetermined print density, predetermined mixing ratio, and predetermined color position (see Figure 13). The respective CMY element is printed such that it is perceived as black in the spectral range visible to the human eye and transparent in a spectral range invisible to the human eye.The spectral range that is not visible to the human eye is realized, for example, as the near-infrared spectral range.

[0083] The print 11 further comprises one or more K-elements, each formed from the printing ink black K, such that it is perceived as black in the spectral range visible to the human eye and is absorbent in the spectral range invisible to the human eye. The CMY element and the K-element interact in the print 11, and a color appearance and / or brightness appearance perceptible to the human eye of the CMY element and the K-element is coordinated in the visible spectral range. The hatched line element on the right of the label layer 13 in Figure 1 is intended to represent another CMY element and to show that the P2024,0792 WO N / 24024P-WO 28 October 2025

[0084] - 19 -

[0085] Printed elements can also be spaced apart from each other and represent a symbol or something similar.

[0086] Figure 1 shows the security label 10 in a representation intended to depict it in the visible spectral range. The spectral range visible to the human eye is approximately in the wavelength range of 380 nm to 780 nm. Figure 2 shows the security label 10 from Figure 1 in a representation intended to depict it in the non-visible infrared spectral range. For example, the near-infrared spectral range, which is not visible to the human eye, is approximately in the wavelength range of 800 nm to 1000 nm.

[0087] The print 11 can comprise a continuous print or a print with several spaced elements. The individual characters can each be designed as CMY elements or K elements and considered as separate elements. Alternatively, the CMY elements and the K elements can be referred to as a single CMY component or K component, respectively, which then has several spaced sections. According to Figures 1 and 2, the letters A, C, E, and G, as well as the digits 1, 2, 4, 5, 7, and 8, are designed as K elements or as a K component. The K elements are visible as dark printed characters against a light or reflective background in both the visible and infrared spectral ranges.The letters B, D, F, and H, as well as the digits 3, 6, and 9, are recognizable as black printed characters in the visible spectral range as CMY elements, but are transparent in the infrared spectral range and therefore disappear when viewed under such conditions, for example, with an infrared camera. The following discussion will primarily focus on a single K or CMY element, as its properties and characteristics also apply to the other K or CMY elements or are transferable to their components.

[0088] Figure 2 shows that information can be hidden in the security printing, which is only visible when viewed with an infrared camera. The respective CMY elements disappear under such viewing conditions, and the printing 11 remains partially visible with the K elements, which now, for example, read P2024,0792 WO N / 24024P-WO 28 October 2025.

[0089] - 20 - to make a given piece of information recognizable. The CMY element and the K element are arranged side by side and work together to form a security feature. According to such a design, it is advantageous to coordinate and adjust the black values ​​or the associated color coordinates of the K element and the CMY element so that, when viewed in the visible spectral range, there is no difference or discernible difference with regard to color appearance and brightness.

[0090] The deepest and darkest black used to render the K element is typically richer and darker than the deepest and darkest black used to render the CMY element. To achieve this, the mixing ratio and ink density of the process colors cyan (C), magenta (M), and yellow (Y) can be adjusted so that the CMY element appears as dark or black as possible. The K element can then be modified in terms of its blackness by not printing it as deep a black as possible, but rather by adapting it to the capabilities of the CMY element. For example, the droplet size and / or droplet density of an ink, which are adjustable in inkjet, laser, or digital printing, can be reduced. This allows the K element and the CMY element to be rendered as indistinguishable blacks in the visible spectral range for the human eye.Using forensic tools such as a magnifying glass or microscope, the K element and the CMY element can be distinguished, particularly based on their edge sharpness. For example, when viewed from a top-down perspective, a K element will have perfect edge sharpness or edge sharpness that is distinguishable from the imperfect edge sharpness of a CMY element.

[0091] Figures 3 and 4 show another embodiment of the security label 10 in a schematic top view. The printing 11 again comprises K elements and CMY elements that work together to establish a reliable security print. Figure 3 again shows the security label 10 in a representation intended to depict viewing in the visible spectral range. Figure 4 shows the security label 10 according to Figure 3 in a representation intended to depict viewing in the non-visible infrared spectral range. The printing 11 comprises a multitude of the words "Original" arranged in rows, each representing a K- P2024,0792 WO N / 24024P-WO 28 October 2025

[0092] - 21 -

[0093] The lettering is formed as a CMY element. In every second row, these words are covered by a solid black area, each of which is designed as a CMY element. This means it is visible in the visible spectrum (see Figure 3) but not in the invisible infrared spectrum (see Figure 4), thus allowing the underlying text to be seen. Alternatively, instead of the word "Original," another term or symbol, such as a correction mark, a company logo, or an emblem can be used, concealed by a CMY element.

[0094] The color coordinates of the respective K and CMY elements are matched, and preferably their print height or thickness is also coordinated, so that a covered K element does not show through or appear raised as a relief. For example, the CMY element is designed to be slightly taller than the font height of the K element, so that the latter is completely embedded within the CMY element. Infrared viewing reveals the overprinted K elements, as they are infrared-absorbing, while the solid CMY elements are infrared-transparent. Such an embodiment can be described as suppression, since K elements are printed beneath the CMY elements. This can be achieved, for example, using digital printing in the form of an inkjet printing process, where the printhead sequence is predefined as K-CMY (see Figure 12), as an alternative to the usual CMYK sequence.

[0095] The security feature according to the embodiment shown in Figures 3 and 4 thus comprises sections with two printed layers. The upper layer has full-surface CMY elements that are black in the visible spectrum but transparent to infrared light and can be printed using inkjet printing with the standard CMY inks. The lower layer comprises K elements in the form of lettering that are recognizable as black in the visible and infrared spectral ranges and are printed with the K ink available in inkjet printing.

[0096] Figures 5 and 6 show a further embodiment of the security label 10 and coding variants made possible by the security printing on the security label 10. Figure 5 shows the security label 10 in a representation intended to depict viewing in the visible spectral range. The printing 11 shows P2024,0792 WO N / 24024P-WO 28 October 2025

[0097] - 22 - the letters B, E, G and J are transparent as CMY elements in the infrared spectral range and the remaining letters A, C, D, F, H and I are infrared-absorbing as K elements and are therefore still visible in the infrared spectral range.

[0098] Figure 6 illustrates possible encoding variants for the security label 10 according to Figure 5 in tabular form. The first row lists the characters or letters. The second row shows their respective representation in the infrared spectral range. The third row indicates the type of the corresponding letter, where, for example, the letters A and D are infrared-absorbing ("abs.") and the letters B and E are infrared-transparent ("transp."). The fourth row indicates a binary assignment, with the value 1 assigned to K elements and the value 0 to CMY elements. The fifth row indicates the position of each letter, starting with the first letter A with the position value 0. The following sixth row indicates the power of 2 corresponding to the position value. The last row indicates the powers of 2 assigned to the K elements.Furthermore, the sum of the powers of 2 of the K elements is given in the table at the bottom right.

[0099] Accordingly, a sequence of letters can also represent a binary number using the IR-transparent CMY elements or the IR-absorbing K elements. If a fixed number of letters is chosen (e.g., block size 8), then an integer covering a range from 0 to 255 can be represented. Using a code (e.g., ASCII encoding), this number can stand for any character. Instead of the string "ABCDEFGHIJ", as in Figure 5, any code text could be chosen. The spaces between words can be ignored. The IR-absorbing letters A, C, D, F, H, and I are identified with the binary digit 1 but could alternatively be assigned the binary value 0. The same applies to the remaining IR-transparent letters B, E, G, and J. This results in the digit sequence 1011010110.Conveniently, the first letter A is assigned the lowest place value because the lowest place value always exists, regardless of the size of the binary number or the block size. Within a block, the place values ​​of the IR-absorbing letters are added together to obtain the total value of the represented binary number, which, in this example, is 429. The previously mentioned sequence of digits in P2024.0792 WO N / 24024P-WO 28 October 2025.

[0100] - 23 - In reverse order, 110101101 (i.e., with two leading ones) represents the usual binary representation with the most significant bit first. This binary number corresponds exactly to the value 429. The binary number has a sequence of digits in reverse order because, in binary numbers, the most significant bit is specified first. In the manner explained here, any information can be stored with the described security feature, for example, in the form of ASCII codes for any sequence of characters.

[0101] Figures 7 and 8 show another embodiment of the security label 10 in a schematic top view. The printed text 11 again comprises K elements and CMY elements, which interact when printed side by side. The printed text 11 can include a list of ingredients and / or a manufacturer's address, with certain characters being designed as K elements and others as CMY elements. Figure 7 again shows the security label 10 in a representation intended to depict viewing in the visible spectral range. Figure 8 shows the security label 10 from Figure 7 in a representation intended to depict viewing in the non-visible infrared spectral range. For example, in the printed text 11, the letters of the word "Original" are not contiguous but spaced apart, so that these letters are printed as K elements and the remaining letters, numbers, or symbols as CMY elements.When viewed in the visible spectrum (see Figure 7), it appears as if simply an address or a description of contents is printed on it. However, when viewed in the invisible infrared spectrum (see Figure 8), the word "Original" remains visible, allowing the authenticity of the marked item to be verified easily and cost-effectively using this security feature. This could, for example, apply to a pharmaceutical container 2 to which the security label 10 is affixed (see Figure 9).

[0102] Figures 10 to 13 schematically illustrate printing processes or setting variations for creating the security print on the security label 10. Figure 10 schematically illustrates that the three colored printing process colors cyan (C), magenta (M), and yellow (Y) are preferably aligned with each other to create a reliable security print. For this purpose, a registration structure deviation P2024,0792 WO N / 24024P-WO 28 October 2025 can be used in an inkjet printer.

[0103] - 24 - checked and corrected if necessary. For example, cyan (C) is printed as a reference, one of the three color inkjet process colors, in the form of a one-pixel-wide line. Similar one-pixel-wide lines are then printed above and below it using the other two inkjet process colors, magenta (M) and yellow (Y). Figure 10 indicates that the cyan (C), magenta (M), and yellow (Y) inks are not optimally aligned and are laterally shifted relative to each other. If the printing of the color inkjet process colors is not correctly aligned with each other, this will be noticeable in the printed image because the yellow and magenta lines will no longer coincide with the cyan reference line at position 0 in the print template, but will be shifted to the right or left according to the misalignment.This can be corrected in the printing device so that the printing inks Cyan (C), Magenta (M), and Yellow (Y) are aligned. Accordingly, the CMY element can be produced with a particularly clean and perfectly aligned edge for the printing inks Cyan (C), Magenta (M), and Yellow (Y).

[0104] Figures 11 and 12 schematically illustrate how the security feature or security print can be applied to the label layer 13. PI represents a first print, which is set up to form the K element. This can be carried out, for example, as shown in Figure 11, in a separate printing process based on conventional printing, such as flexographic or screen printing. In a second print, P2, the CMY element is formed using the process colors cyan (C), magenta (M), and yellow (Y) within the framework of digital printing, such as inkjet, laser, electrostatic, and / or thermal printing. The security print can therefore be produced using a hybrid printing process that combines conventional and digital printing. During digital printing, the CMY elements to be printed can be serialized and their printed image can be modified with minimal effort.

[0105] Figure 12 indicates that the first print PI and the second print P2 can be executed as pure digital printing. Accordingly, the K elements and the CMY elements can be serialized and easily modified with respect to their printed image. With regard to suppression according to Figures 3-4, the printing sequence illustrated in Figure 12 must then be taken into account, so that the printhead or the P2024,0792 WO N / 24024P-WO 28 October 2025

[0106] - 25 -

[0107] The printing unit for black (K) is performed before the printing unit for cyan (C), magenta (M), and yellow (Y). If the K elements and CMY elements are printed side-by-side, as shown in Figures 1-2 and 7-8, both the K elements and the CMY elements can be serialized. Accordingly, no change in the printing sequence is required. The security feature in the form of imprint 11 can therefore be produced exclusively using digital printing, so no additional production effort is required. If the K elements are to be covered or overprinted with corresponding CMY elements, a different printing sequence than usual must be considered in pure digital printing; however, such a configuration enables the serialization of the security imprint with the IR-absorbing K elements beneath the IR-transparent CMY elements.

[0108] Figure 13 shows a schematic representation of the Lab color space 20 to illustrate the targeted definition of the color position of the CMY element. In the Lab color space 20, the color values ​​a and b are plotted against each other. The gray point 21, which represents the origin of the coordinate system (a=0 and b=0), is indicated in the center. Green (G) is positioned at the left end of the a-axis (a=-128). Red (R) is positioned at the right end of the a-axis (a=+127). Yellow (Y) is positioned at the top of the b-axis (b=+127). Blue (B) is positioned at the bottom of the b-axis (b=-128).

[0109] When the CMY element interacts with the K element, especially when they are to be printed side by side, it is beneficial to align and adjust the color and brightness appearance of the CMY and K elements to ensure that any difference between the two variants is not noticeable. This alignment of the color coordinates of the CMY and K elements can be achieved through testing. For example, two black areas—one K area and one CMY area—can be printed on the same layer and compared. The K area, for instance, could have a brightness or luminance of L=4.1 and color coordinates of a=-2.7 and b=0.3 in the Lab color space. The CMY area, for example, with all three process colors at maximum print intensity in Lab color space 20, has a brightness or luminance of L=10.6 and color coordinates a=-15.6 and b=4.1. P2024,0792 WO N / 24024P-WO October 28, 2025

[0110] - 26 -

[0111] Accordingly, in a next step, the printing properties of the CMY element's colors and / or the printing properties of the K element's ink can be adjusted to design the black area created from the combined CMY printing process so that its appearance is as identical as possible to that of the inkjet process color K. This can be achieved by adjusting the ink density or the mixing ratio of the CMY components. In the present example, the color coordinates for the CMY black area, with a = -15.6 and b = 4.1, lie in the upper left corner of the Lab color space 20 with respect to the centrally located gray point 21. Therefore, it is beneficial to reduce the cyan component C and the yellow component Y to a suitable degree to shift the color coordinates of the CMY area closer to those of the K area, with a = -2.7 and b = 0.3.A reduction in the cyan component corresponds to a color shift to the upper right and lower right in the Lab color space 20. A reduction in the yellow component corresponds to a color shift downwards in the Lab color space 20. A reduction in the magenta component corresponds to a color shift to the left in the Lab color space 20. Therefore, a shift of the color position of the CMY component by Aa = (-2.7) - (-15.6) = +11.9 and Ab = 0.3 - (+4.1) = -3.8 can be established. This color shift points downwards and to the right in the Lab color space 20. Adjusting the L-value can be achieved, for example, by modifying the droplet size and / or droplet density of the K-element.

[0112] Figure 14 shows a flowchart for a process for forming a security print, for example on the label layer 13.

[0113] In step S1, a starting label or a label blank with the label layer 13 is provided. Furthermore, one or more printing devices are provided, which have corresponding printing inks to form the K element and the CMY element in the form of the print 11.

[0114] In step S2, the security printing is formed by applying the printing 11 to the label layer 13. The printing 11 comprises at least one CMY element, which consists of a predefined composition solely of the printing inks cyan (C), magenta (M), and yellow (Y) with a predefined print density and predefined P2024,0792 WO N / 24024P-WO 28 October 2025

[0115] - 27 -

[0116] The mixture and specified color location are designed by means of printing, so that it is perceived as black in the spectral range visible to the human eye and is transparent in a spectral range not visible to the human eye, especially the infrared spectral range.

[0117] In step S3, the K element is created by printing a character or string from the black ink K, either conventionally or digitally, so that it is perceived as black in the spectral range visible to the human eye and is absorbent in the spectral range invisible to the human eye. The sequence of steps S2 and S3 is not mandatory. If the K element is to be hidden beneath the CMY element, the creation of the K element must be performed before the CMY element.

[0118] In addition to steps S1-S3, one or more adjustment steps can be performed, as indicated by the optional step S4. This may include aligning the color inks cyan (C), magenta (M), and yellow (Y) as shown in Figure 10 and / or adjusting the color coordinates a and b and / or the brightness L as shown in Figure 13. The sequence of steps S1-S4 must then be adjusted accordingly, so that an adjustment according to step S4 is usually performed before forming the final K element and the CMY element according to steps S2 and S3.

[0119] P2024,0792 WO N / 24024P-WO October 28, 2025

[0120] - 28 -

[0121] Reference symbol list

[0122] 1 system

[0123] 2. Item / Vessel

[0124] 3. Vessel closure

[0125] 4 Vessel bodies

[0126] 10 Item / Security Label

[0127] 11 Printing

[0128] 13 label layers

[0129] 20 schematic Lab color space

[0130] 21 Grey point

[0131] Blue

[0132] C Cyan

[0133] Green

[0134] K Black

[0135] M Magenta

[0136] PI first print

[0137] P2 second pressure

[0138] R Red

[0139] Y Yellow

[0140] S(i) Steps of a procedure for forming a security label

Claims

P2024,0792 WO N / 24024P-WO October 28, 2025 - 29 - Patent claims 1. Article (2, 10) with a security print, wherein the security print comprises a print (11) which is arranged or formed on the article (2, 10) and which has at least one CMY element formed by printing from a predetermined composition consisting solely of the printing inks cyan (C), magenta (M) and yellow (Y) with a predetermined print density, predetermined mixing ratio and predetermined color position, such that it is perceived as black or dark in the spectral range visible to the human eye and is configured to be transparent in a spectral range not visible to the human eye, wherein the CMY element interacts with another element which is arranged on or formed with the article (2, 10) and which is perceptible in the spectral range visible to the human eye and is configured to be absorbent in the predetermined non-visible spectral range.

2. Object (2, 10) according to claim 1, wherein the CMY element is configured to be transparent in an infrared and / or ultraviolet spectral range that is not visible to the human eye.

3. Object (2, 10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the printing (11) comprises a K-element which provides the further element and which is formed from the printing ink black (K) such that it is perceived as black in the spectral range visible to the human eye and is absorbent in the spectral range not visible to the human eye, wherein a color appearance and / or brightness appearance of the CMY element and the K-element in the visible spectral range are arranged to be coordinated with each other.

4. Object (2, 10) according to claim 3, wherein, with reference to a predetermined color space, a CMY color location is assigned to the CMY element and a K color location is assigned to the K element, wherein a mixing ratio of the composition of the printing inks cyan (C), magenta (M) and yellow (Y) of the CMY element is predetermined, P2024,0792 WO N / 24024P-WO October 28, 2025 - 30 - that the CMY color coordinates and the K color coordinates match within a specified tolerance range.

5. Object (2, 10) according to claim 3 or 4, wherein, with reference to a predetermined color space, a CMY color location is assigned to the CMY element and a K color location is assigned to the K element, wherein a droplet size and / or a droplet density of the printing ink black (K) of the K element is specified such that the CMY color location and the K color location coincide within a predetermined tolerance range.

6. Object (2, 10) according to one of claims 3 to 5, wherein, with respect to a viewing direction on the object (2, 10), the K element is formed below the CMY element.

7. Object (2, 10) according to one of claims 3 to 6, wherein, with respect to a viewing direction on the object (2, 10), the K element and the CMY element are formed next to each other and provide a common printing (11).

8. Object (2, 10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein, with respect to a viewing direction on the object (2, 10), the printing inks cyan (C), magenta (M) and yellow (Y) of the CMY element are aligned relative to each other and printed on top of each other and have a registration structure deviation of one pixel or less.

9. Subject matter according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the security printing is designed as a pure digital print with a predetermined printing sequence of the printing inks black (K), cyan (C), magenta (M) and yellow (Y).

10. Object according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the object is designed as a security label (10) and has a label layer (13) on which the security printing is formed. P2024,0792 WO N / 24024P-WO October 28, 2025 - 31 - 11. Subject matter according to claim 10, wherein the CMY element is designed to be proportionally spaced apart from one another such that the portions of the CMY element interact as a common CMY element after the security label (10) has been applied to a substrate in the usual manner.

12. System (1), comprising: - a vessel (2) with a vessel closure (3) and a vessel body (4), and - an object according to claim 10 or 11, which is arranged on the vessel (2).

13. Method for forming a security imprint on an object (2, 10) according to one of claims 1 to 11, comprising: - Providing the item (2, 10), and - Forming the security printing on the object (2, 10) by applying a printing (11), wherein the printing (11) has at least one CMY element which is formed by printing from a predetermined composition consisting solely of the printing inks cyan (C), magenta (M) and yellow (Y) with a predetermined printing density, predetermined mixing quantity and predetermined color position, such that it is perceived as black or dark in the spectral range visible to the human eye and is configured to be transparent in a spectral range not visible to the human eye, wherein the CMY element interacts with another element which is arranged on or formed with the object (2, 10) and which is perceptible in the spectral range visible to the human eye and is configured to be absorbent in the predetermined non-visible spectral range.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein forming the security imprint comprises: Forming the CMY element with a predetermined composition consisting solely of the printing inks cyan (C), magenta (M) and yellow (Y), such that it is set up to be transparent in an infrared and / or ultraviolet spectral range that is not visible to the human eye. P2024,0792 WO N / 24024P-WO October 28, 2025 - 32 - 15. Method according to claim 13 or 14, wherein forming the security imprint comprises: Forming the printing (11) with a K element that sets up the further element and that is formed from the printing ink black (K) so that it is perceived as black in the spectral range visible to the human eye and is set up to be absorbent in the spectral range not visible to the human eye, wherein a color appearance and / or brightness appearance of the CMY element and the K element are set up to be coordinated with each other and perceptible to the human eye.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein the formation of the security imprint comprises: - Determining the color location of the K-element in relation to a given color space, and - Adjusting the mixing ratio of the composition of the printing inks cyan (C), magenta (M) and yellow (Y) for the CMY element depending on the determined color location of the K element, so that a color location of the CMY element and the color location of the K element match within a specified tolerance range.

17. Method according to claim 15 or 16, wherein forming the security imprint comprises: - Determining the color location of the CMY element in relation to a given color space, and - Adjusting a droplet size and / or droplet density of the black (K) printing ink for the K element depending on the determined color location of the CYM element, so that the color location of the CMY element and a color location of the K element match within a specified tolerance range.

18. Method according to any one of claims 15 to 17, wherein the formation of the security printing comprises: - Forming the K-element by printing with the ink black (K), and subsequently P2024,0792 WO N / 24024P-WO October 28, 2025 - 33 - - Forming the CMY element by printing with the printing inks cyan (C), magenta (M), and yellow (Y) such that, with respect to a viewing direction of the object (2, 10), the K element is formed below the CMY element.

19. Method according to any one of claims 15 to 18, wherein forming the security print comprises: - Determining the registration structural accuracy of the printing inks cyan (C), magenta (M) and yellow (Y) relative to each other, - Aligning the respective printing positions of the printing inks cyan (C), magenta (M) and yellow (Y) depending on the determined registration structure accuracy, and - Forming the CMY element by printing with the aligned inks cyan (C), magenta (M) and yellow (Y) so that when printed on top of each other they have a passer structure deviation of one pixel or less.

Images