EP0801604B2 - Data carrier with an optically variable element - Google Patents

Abstract

The optically variable element (2) is integrated with the carrier (1), in this case a banknote, so that an optical effect is visible when either side of the banknote is viewed. The element is an embossed line or lines, a dash, points, curved or straight black lines (3). The element has raised sections (4) and hollow sections (5) in two different colours (6,7). On the back of the document, in the region of the element, an underlying stratum (8) is pressed, in one or more colours in this area. The colour printed area (6) is visible from angle alpha and the other colour (7) from the angle alpha'.

Description

The invention relates to a data carrier having an optically variable structure characterizing the authenticity of the data carrier, which has an embossing matrix which is combined with a coating contrasting with the surface of the data carrier in such a way that at least partial areas of the coating are completely visible when viewed vertically, but obscured when obliquely viewed be, so that when alternately vertical and oblique viewing a tilting effect arises, ie that under at least one predetermined angle, a first information is recognizable, which is not or only very weak when viewed vertically.

To protect against imitation, especially with color copiers or other reproduction methods, data carriers, such as banknotes, securities, credit or identity cards or the like, are equipped with optically variable security elements and in particular with holograms. The protection against counterfeiting is based on the fact that the visually simple and clearly visible optically variable effect is not or only insufficiently reproduced by the abovementioned reproduction devices. A disk with such a hologram is z. B. from the EP 440 045 A2 known. In this document, it is proposed to apply the hologram as a prefabricated element or as an embossing in a paint layer applied to the disk.

In addition to these holograms, however, other optically variable structures can also be incorporated in data carriers. This is for example from the CA 10 19 012 a banknote is known, which is provided in a partial area of its surface with a parallel line pressure pattern to generate the optically variable effect in the disk in the region of this line pattern additionally a line structure embossed so that flanks arise, each of which is visible only at certain viewing angles. By deliberately arranging the line pattern on flanks of the same orientation, these lines are visible when looking obliquely at the flanks provided with the lines. If the sides are viewed at an angle, the line pattern is not recognizable. If phase jumps are present in the line grid or in the embossing grid in subregions of the embossed surface, then information can be displayed that is recognizable either only from the first oblique viewing angle or only from the second viewing angle.

From the WO 88/05387 Furthermore, a decorative color printing is known, which is provided to achieve viewing angle-dependent graphical effects with a periodic embossing, which is then printed over the entire surface with multi-colored stripe patterns.

The object of the present invention is now to improve the already known security element with the introduced embossing with regard to safety aspects.

This object is solved by the features of independent claims 1, 3, 5 and 14. Advantageous developments can be found in the dependent claims.

The invention is based on the idea, an optically variable security element having an embossed structure, which is combined with a printed image, line grid or the like, hereinafter also called coating, to be supplemented so that either a gain of the already known optically variable effect occurs or at least one further visually recognizable effect occurs to the already known optically variable effect. Although the total of the optically variable effect produced by the combination of background and embossing and the additional effect is visually recognizable, it can not be reproduced by means of copiers. Accordingly, it can serve as information for checking whether it is an original document, or in the presence of the optically variable effects, it can be ruled out that the document was produced by commercially available reproduction techniques. This basic idea can be realized according to the invention in several variants, which differ essentially in that the amplification of the known effect or additional information are generated in different ways.

The basic idea of the invention realized in the different embodiments is distinguished by a number of advantages over the prior art. Thus, the forgery-proofness of the document is significantly increased by the provision of the amplification or additional effect. The recognizability of the security element in the data carrier is facilitated because the element is easy to find and more visible due to the additional effects. The optically variable structure can be present on the data carrier as a separate element or as part of the data carrier, so that a multiplicity of concrete realization possibilities is given.

Further advantages and advantageous developments will become apparent from the following description of the embodiments, which is made with reference to the figure description.

Fig. 1

einen Datenträger,

Fig. 2

eine optisch variable Struktur mit vollflächig gedruckter Information in der Aufsicht,

Fig. 3

die Prägung der optisch variablen Struktur der Fig. 2 im Schnitt,

Fig. 4

die optisch variable Struktur der Fig. 2 in einer perspektivischen Ansicht aus einer ersten Betrachtungsrichtung,

Fig. 5

die optisch variable Struktur der Fig. 2 in einer perspektivischen Ansicht aus einer zweiten Betrachtnngsrichtung,

Fig. 6

eine optisch variable Struktur mit einer durch Aussparung dargestellten Information,

Fig. 7

eine optisch variable Struktur mit einer durch Nichtprägung dargestellten Information,

Fig. 8

eine optisch variable Struktur mit einer zusätzlichen Prägestruktur,

Fig. 9

eine optisch variable Struktur mit einer durch Änderung der Rasterorientierung erzeugten Information,

Fig. 10

eine optisch variable Struktur mit zwei durch Aussparung erzeugten Informationen,

Fig. 11

eine optisch variable Struktur mit einer ergänzenden Zusatzinformation im nichtgeprägten Bereich,

Fig. 12

eine optisch variable Struktur mit zwei im Winkel unterschiedlichen Linien- und Prägestrukturen,

Fig. 13

eine optisch variable Struktur mit einer durch Verbreiterungen eines Linienrasters erzeugten Information,

Fig. 14

eine optisch variable Struktur, die aus Einzelstrukturen zusammengesetzt ist,

Fig. 15

eine optisch variable Struktur mit Druckrasterlinien auf den Prägungszeniten,

Fig. 16

eine optisch variable Struktur mit zweifarbigem Druckraster,

Fig. 17

eine optisch variable Struktur mit zweifarbigem Druckraster auf den Zeniten/Tälern eines Prägerasters,

Fig. 18

eine optisch variable Struktur mit einem Prägeraster unterschiedlicher Prägehöhe,

Fig. 19

die optisch variable Struktur der Fig. 18 im Schnitt,

Fig. 20

eine optisch variable Struktur mit dreifarbigem Druckraster,

Fig. 21

die optisch variable Struktur der Fig. 12 mit sinusförmiger Prägung,

Fig. 22

einen Datenträger im Schnitt mit einer optisch variierenden Beschichtung,

Fig. 23

eine optisch variable Struktur mit Informationen in Form von Aussparungen in einer Iriodinbeschichtung,

Fig. 24

die Iriodinbeschichtung aus Fig. 23 mit geprägter Struktur,

Fig. 25, 26

die optisch variable Struktur aus Fig. 23 mit unterlegtem Druckraster,

Fig. 27

eine optisch variable Struktur in Form eines metallischen Streifens mit geprägter Information,

Fig. 28

eine optisch variable Struktur mit Informationen in Form von Demetallisierungen,

Fig. 29

eine optisch variable Struktur passergenau auf beiden Seiten eines Datenträgers mit Durchprägung.

In detail, show schematically:

Fig. 1

a disk,

Fig. 2

an optically variable structure with full-surface printed information in the plan,

Fig. 3

the coinage of the optically variable structure of the Fig. 2 on average,

Fig. 4

the optically variable structure of Fig. 2 in a perspective view from a first viewing direction,

Fig. 5

the optically variable structure of Fig. 2 in a perspective view from a second viewing direction,

Fig. 6

an optically variable structure with information represented by a recess,

Fig. 7

an optically variable structure with information represented by non-embossing,

Fig. 8

an optically variable structure with an additional embossed structure,

Fig. 9

an optically variable structure with information generated by changing the grid orientation,

Fig. 10

an optically variable structure with two information generated by recess,

Fig. 11

an optically variable structure with supplementary additional information in the unembossed region,

Fig. 12

an optically variable structure with two angular and embossed structures that differ in angle

Fig. 13

an optically variable structure with information generated by widening a line raster,

Fig. 14

an optically variable structure composed of individual structures,

Fig. 15

an optically variable structure with printing grid lines on the embossing points,

Fig. 16

an optically variable structure with two-color printing grid,

Fig. 17

an optically variable structure with two-color printing grid on the zeniths / valleys of a stamping master,

Fig. 18

an optically variable structure with an embossing grid of different embossing height,

Fig. 19

the optically variable structure of Fig. 18 on average,

Fig. 20

an optically variable structure with tricolor printing grid,

Fig. 21

the optically variable structure of Fig. 12 with sinusoidal embossing,

Fig. 22

a data carrier in section with an optically varying coating,

Fig. 23

an optically variable structure with information in the form of recesses in an iriodin coating,

Fig. 24

the iriodin coating Fig. 23 with embossed structure,

Fig. 25, 26th

the optically variable structure Fig. 23 with underlaid printing grid,

Fig. 27

an optically variable structure in the form of a metallic strip with embossed information,

Fig. 28

an optically variable structure with information in the form of demetallizations,

Fig. 29

an optically variable structure register-accurate on both sides of a data carrier with embossing.

The Fig. 1 showed a data carrier 1 with an optically variable structure 3, which is placed in the print image area 2 of the data carrier and in the pressure-free area. The optically variable structure 3 is used according to the invention as a so-called human feature, ie as a testable by humans without aids feature, in addition to optionally further features for determining the authenticity of the data carrier. The provision of such features is particularly useful for banknotes but also for other monetary documents, such as stocks, checks and the like. Within the meaning of the invention, data carriers can also be considered as used today, for example, to identify persons or to carry out transactions or services.

The optically variable structure 3 can be of very different construction, combined with the resulting different effects from different viewing directions. As a rule, the optically variable structure consists of a coating, which contrasts with the surface of the data carrier, in the form of a grid produced by printing technology or otherwise, for example by means of a transfer method. Depending on the structure of the coating and embossing grid and their assignment to one another, the coagulation matrix cooperating with the coating determines the authenticity of the coating Disk generates usable effects.

All the structures according to the invention have in common that they and the resulting effects can not be imitated by means of the reproduction techniques known today.

In the following, examples of various preferred embodiments of the invention will be explained with reference to the figures. The illustrations in the figures are highly schematized for better understanding and do not reflect the realities.

The embodiments described in the following examples are reduced to the essential core information for ease of understanding. In practice, the line structures of the coating / printing grid are not necessarily straight, but preferably curved or even entangled, i. also stirred in the guilloche form. The same applies to the embossing master structures. The information shown as simple bars in the following examples can also be replaced by arbitrarily complex image or text information. The line grid structures usually exploit the possibilities of printing technology. As a result, typical line widths are on the order of about 50 to 1000 μ settled. The embossing master structures are usually selected in the range of 50 to 500 μ amplitude height.

The various embodiments are not limited to use in the form described, but can be combined to increase the effects with each other.

The embodiments 1 to 3, 5, 6 and 7, 9, and 11-29 are not the subject of the present invention and are merely illustrative

Example 1 (Figures 2, 3, 4 and 5)

Fig. 2 shows in conjunction with the Fig. 3, 4 and 5 an optically variable structure in which the coating consists of a parallel straight printing grid 6. The width of the printing lines corresponds approximately to the width of the gaps. An information 7, which consists in this case of a full-surface imprint, is arranged perpendicular to the printing grid. The coinage 8, in the left margin of the Fig. 2 according to its structure and assignment to the line grid 6 shown schematically, is congruent to the printing grid positioned so that the viewer when viewed obliquely from the viewing direction B facing edge of the embossing grid with the respective gap of the print grid and facing away from the viewer viewing surface 9 with the pressure lines of the printing grid 6 coincides. This connection is in the Fig. 3 to 5 clarified. The flanks of the embossing facing away from the viewing direction B are identified by position 10, the flanks facing away by position 9.

The line grid 6 is in the schematic sectional view of Fig. 3 reproduced as a black coating.

In the Fig. 3 to 5 In the first place, the course and the structure of the embossing and the arrangement of the coating on the flanks 9,10 of the embossing is shown. The representation of the data carrier 1 is thereby largely neglected, as far as this is not disadvantageous for the understanding.

In the example shown, the embossing grid is shown triangular. Depending on the design of the stamping die, however, the grid may also be trapezoidal, sinusoidal, semicircular or another shape.

The effects of the optically variable structure according to Fig. 2 are described below with reference to Fig. 3, 4 and 5 further described.

Considering the optically variable structure from the viewing direction A, i. perpendicular to the surface of the data carrier, the information 7 in the environment of the print grid 6 is completely visible. In a black and white grid, the environment appears in a specific shade of gray depending on the periodicity of the grid. With a line / gap ratio of 1: 1, the result is a gray tone with a coverage of 50%. When the optically variable element is viewed obliquely from the viewing direction B, the information 7 appears in an unprinted environment since the flanks of the embossing frame facing the observer are unprinted and have only the information 7 printed over the whole area.

When viewing the data carrier from the viewing direction B opposite viewing direction C, as far as line grid 6 and information 7 have the same layer thickness and are made of the same Materiel, the information 7 is not recognizable, because the viewer from this viewing direction facing flanks 10 of the embossed structure completely covered are. Accordingly, the viewer sees, for example, a completely printed area in which the information is not recognizable because it is not contrasting with the surroundings. For better clarity, the information is 7 in Fig. 5 but slightly contrasting to the line grid.

Accordingly, the described optically variable structure, when changed from the viewing direction B to the viewing direction C, exhibits a tilting effect with completely different information content which is easily recognizable, but can not be reproduced by a copier, for example, because the copying machine feeds platen exclusively from the viewing direction A, ie scans perpendicular to the document surface and can reproduce only recognizable from the viewing direction A information content.

Example 2 (Fig. 6)

The print screen 6 is as in Example 1, a parallel, straight grid. In this example, however, the information 7 is represented by a pressure-free, recessed gap. The embossing 8 is congruent to the print grid 6 and positioned so to the print grid, as described with reference to Example 1. In this example, however, the information is not embossed, i. the embossing grid is interrupted in the area of information.

When viewing this optically variable structure vertically, the information 7 is easily recognizable in the screened environment. When viewing the structure from the viewing direction B, the information disappears, because the observer faces the unprinted flanks of the embossed structure from this direction. From the opposite viewing direction C, the information appears as a pressure-free area in a completely printed environment.

The same or very similar effects arise when the embossing embossing embossed structure 8 also extends over the unprinted area of the information 7 or when the area of the information 7 is embossed as a whole, but in unembossed form makes the information 7 (from the viewing direction C) a more homogeneous impression. The information 7 is slightly recognizable because of the different surface structure of the embossed and unembossed areas in the gloss angle of the data carrier from any viewing direction.

Example 3 (Fig. 7)

As print grid 6, a continuous line grid is selected in this example, without providing information produced by printing technology. The embossment 8 is congruent to the print grid and positioned as in the previous examples to the printing grid so that the line grid is arranged on the flanks 9. In the area of the information 7 to be displayed, the embossing is interrupted.

When viewing this optically variable structure perpendicular to the surface, only the printed screen is recognizable without any information. At an oblique viewing angle from the viewing direction B, the information appears in an unprinted environment in the form of an area with printed and unprinted areas. In the selected representation with an area coverage of printed and unprinted portions in the area of information 7 of about 50%, the information thus appears in a gray tone against a white background. From the opposite viewing direction C, the information also appears in a gray tone, but in this case against a dark background (100% area coverage), since the edges of the embossing master 8 facing the viewer are completely printed.

Example 4 (Figure 8)

Line grid 6 and embossing grid 8 correspond in this example, the arrangement shown in Example 3. The difference is that in the region of the information to be displayed 7, a further embossing key 19 is provided, which is arranged perpendicular to the embossing master 8.

The effects to be observed from the different viewing directions (A, B, C) are the same as in Example 3, except that in the present embodiment, the optically variable element in the gloss angle of the data carrier or when viewed superficially from other than the directions B for the detection of data , C is not recognizable.

Example 5 (Figure 9)

The line screen 6 in this example corresponds to the previous print screens. In the area of information, however, the line grid deviates from the given course, e.g. by being arranged at right angles to the information contour. The embossment 8 runs parallel to the basic grid. In information area 7 there is no coinage.

When considering this optically variable structure perpendicular to the surface, the information at the same raster frequency in the information and environment area is virtually undetectable because of the same area coverage. Looking at the structure from the viewing angle B, the information 7 appears in a gray tone before a bright environment, while the information from the viewing direction C appears in a gray tone against a dark background.

In addition to the other orientation of the print grid in the area of information 7, the screen frequency in the information area can also deviate from that in the surrounding area. The more the grids deviate from one another, the better the information becomes, even when viewed perpendicular to the upper streams.

Example 6 (Fig. 10)

In this example, the print screen consists of a two-color line print 11,12, the lines adjoin one another. A first information 13 is represented by recesses in the lines 11 of the first color, while a second information 14 is represented by corresponding recesses in the lines 12 of the second color. The embossed structure 8 is arranged parallel to the basic structure and extends over the entire printing grid. The embossing grid is positioned so that the lines 11 of the first color on each of a first edge of the grid and the lines 12 of the second color are arranged on the respective opposite edge of the grid.

Looking at this optically variable Structure in reflected light is a mixed color recognizable from the colors of lines 11 and 12. The information 13 and 14 are, as far as they overlap, not to be separated. However, considering the structure from the viewing direction B, only the information 13 appears as a white area in a colored environment corresponding to the color of the lines 11 while the information 14 is not recognizable. From the opposite viewing direction C, the information 14 appears white in front of a colored environment corresponding to the color of the lines 12, while the information 13 is not visible.

Example 7 (Figure 11)

In this example, the line screen 6 is broken according to the information contour. Within the information contour, however, the line grid continues to run phase-shifted in the grid gaps. The staggered line areas are marked with position 16, the gaps in the information area with position 17. Outside the print grid, the information is supplemented by a full-surface imprint 18. The embossing 8 runs parallel to the basic grid over the entire surface, the additional information 18 remains unembossed.

When looking at the optically variable structure perpendicular to the surface, the information is only fragmentarily recognizable. When viewed from the viewing direction B appears through the phase shift only the part of the information in the embossing dark against light background and thus complements the outside of the embossed structure printed additional information 18. From this viewing direction is thus the overall information clearly visible against a light background. From the opposite viewing direction C, the information in the embossing master area appears bright against a dark background and also supplements the additional information 18 located outside the embossing frame.

Example 8 (Fig. 12)

The optically variable structure consists of a line grid 6, which is interrupted. In the interruption, the information 7 is represented by a second line grid, which is arranged perpendicular to the basic grid 6. A first embossing 8 extends congruently to the line grid 6, while a second embossment 19 extends correspondingly congruent to the information grid 7. Both grids are, as in the previous examples, positioned to the printing grids.

When viewing this optically variable structure perpendicular to the surface, the viewer sees a largely homogeneous gray surface without the information being recognizable. Looking at the structure from the viewing angle B, the information appears in a gray tone against a light background. From the opposite viewing direction C, the information appears in the same gray tone, but against a dark background.

From the viewing direction D (perpendicular to the viewing direction B, C) appears in the area of information, a white area in front of a gray appearing environment, which results from the open grid structure 6. Accordingly, from the viewing direction E (perpendicular to the viewing direction B, C), the information appears dark on gray background again.

Example 9 (Fig. 13)

In this example, the coating consists of a parallel, straight line grid with comparatively thin raster lines 20 in relation to the gaps. The information is represented by widenings 21 of the lines 20. The broadening of the lines can reproduce a halftone image, as it is, for example in the EP-PS 0 085 066 is described. The embossment 8 is parallel to the line grid and is positioned so that the thin grid lines coincide with the facing away from the direction B flanks of the embossing grid. As a result, the widenings 21 of the information extend, depending on the size, along the flanks or else via the zenith of the embossed structure to the respectively opposite flank.

Viewing this structure perpendicular to the surface, the halftone image represented by the broadening of the lines appears in a light gray environment. From the viewing direction B, the thin grid lines 20 are located on the flanks of the embossing frame facing away from the observer. Thus, even the brighter halftones of the information, which are represented by only slight widening of the grid lines 21, are no longer visible. The image information is thus thinned, the environment for image information appears white. When viewed obliquely at a relatively low angle only a residual amount of information consisting of the dark halftones, recognizable.

From the viewing direction C the grid lines 20 are facing the observer, as the structure is rotated from the perpendicular view to a flat angle, the dark halftones are first faded out of this viewing direction. The grid lines remain visible. Only at a very shallow angle does the entire structure appear dark in a full tone.

Example 10 (Fig. 14)

In this example, the optically variable structure consists of individual printed grid elements 25, 26, 27 and 28. The printing grid in the individual elements are oriented differently, extending vertically in the element 25, horizontally extending in the element 26, extending diagonally in the element 27 and also diagonally extending in the element 28, but with respect to the element 27 of other orientation. The individual embossing frames are matched to the individual elements.

To produce an optically variable structure, the individual elements are assembled to form an overall structure.

When looking at this optically variable structure perpendicular to the surface, the viewer sees an overall image composed of the partial images of the individual elements 25 to 28. From the different oblique viewing angles, different overall patterns can be seen, which, depending on the composition of the individual elements, produce a characteristic pattern, which when viewed vertically is not visible.

In the Fig. 14 shown individual elements 25,26,27 and 28 give only very simple embodiments again. It is clear to the person skilled in the art that both the shape of these elements and the line and embossing structures provided therein can be varied as desired, so that the combination of such elements results in an almost infinite number of design possibilities.

Example 11 (Fig. 15)

The optically variable structures described in this example differ essentially from the structures described so far in that the linear coating pattern is arranged on the zeniths of the embossed embossing master, the lines of the coating pattern starting from the zeniths of the sinusoidal grid being symmetrical on both sides the flanks extend more or less far.

However, the line grid 6 of the optically variable structure in this example is also parallel and straight, the line width corresponds approximately to the gap between the lines. After printing on the data carrier with the print grid described, the data carrier is embossed in the region of the optically variable structure in such a way that the embossing runs congruently to the printing grid and extends from the zeniths 32 into both flank regions 9, 10. The grid gaps are fitted in the valleys 31 of the embossing structure such that they also extend into the adjacent lower flank areas. The line grid is produced in flat printing or with the aid of other coating methods (transfer printing) with layer thicknesses that make no significant thickening of the data carrier in unembossed data carrier and accordingly allow an unchanged flat surface. The Beschichrungs- or line grid can thus be combined with any embossed structures and any embossing. The embossing height of the sinusoidal grid is thus substantially greater than the thickness of the printing layer or a metallic coating applied, for example, in the transfer process. At an embossing height between 50 and 100 μ, the thickness of the color layer or other coatings with optically variable effect (metal layer, Iriodinfarbschicht, liquid crystal color layer) is usually less than 10 μ.

Looking at the in Fig. 15 schematically illustrated embossed structure of the optically variable element perpendicular to the surface line grid 6 is recognizable depending on the version (ratio line width to the gap) in a gray tone or a reduced color saturation of a particular color. From the viewing directions A and B, depending on the angle of inclination, the unprinted valleys 31 of the embossing frame are initially recognizable until the structure at a flat viewing angle merges into the full-surface tone of the grid color.

In this embodiment, the optically variable element from the viewing directions A and B has the same tilting effect.

Example 12 (Fig. 16)

In contrast to the previous example, the print grid in this case consists of a two-color line grid with the colors 11 and 12, which adjoin one another. There are gaps between the pairs of lines which roughly correspond to the width of the pairs of lines. The embossing is congruent with the print grid and positioned to the grid so that the line of contact of the two-color line pairs are arranged on the zeniths 32 of the grid. The valleys 31 of the grid are unprinted.

Looking at this optically variable structure perpendicular to the surface, the viewer sees a mixed color of the colors 11 and 12. From the viewing direction B, the observer first sees the line grid with the color 11 interrupted by the unprinted areas in the valleys 31 to below at a steeper viewing angle Angle the color 11 appears in full tone. From the viewing direction C, the viewer accordingly sees first the line grid in color 12 and with correspondingly flat viewing angle also this color in full tone.

Information can be brought into such a tilt structure according to the preceding examples in a variety of ways, for example by providing gaps ( Fig. 10 ) or by corresponding phase offset in the printing line structure ( Fig. 11 ).

Example 13 (Fig. 17)

The line grid in this example is bicolor with the colors 11 and 12, which adjoin each other without gaps. The embossing is again congruent to the print grid in the form that the color 11 with the zenith 32 and accordingly the color 12 coincides with the valleys 31. Looking at this optically variable structure perpendicular to the surface, the viewer sees the mixed color of the individual colors 11 and 12 at 100% area coverage. If the structure is viewed obliquely, the visual impression changes, depending on the angle of inclination, from the mixed color recognizable by vertical observation to the spot color facing the observer.

The introduction of information is done as explained in Example 12.

Example 14 (Figs. 18, 19)

The line grid 6 is parallel in this example, straight, with corresponding gaps between the grid lines. The embossing is congruent with the printing grid, whereby, as in the previous examples, the printing lines coincide with the zenith of the embossing master. The information 7 of the optically variable structure is represented in this example by an embossing which has a lower amplitude 36 in the area of the information than the embossing amplitude 35 in the vicinity of the information.

When viewing the optically variable structure perpendicular to the surface, only the print grid in a gray or hue can be seen without the information is visible. In an oblique viewing direction, the background area 6 first changes into a full tone with an increasingly flattening angle, while the information area 7 still appears in a gray tone, since parts of the unprinted flanks can still be seen in this area. At a very flat viewing angle, the information area also appears in full tone, i. the information disappears again.

A modification of this optically variable structure is that there is no embossing in the information area. In this case, even when viewed at a very shallow angle, the information area remains unchanged in a gray tone relative to the dark environment.

Example 15 (Fig. 20)

The print screen in this example is tri-color, consisting of the colors 11,12 and 15, which are spaced apart printed. The embossing is congruent to the print grid with different amplitude, in the present example, the higher amplitude 35 is about twice as high as the low amplitude. On the zeniths 32 of higher amplitude, the color 11 and on the zeniths of lower amplitude, the color 12 is provided, while the color 15 coincides with the valleys 31 between the amplitudes of the embossing master.

Viewing the optically variable structure perpendicular to the surface, the viewer sees a mixed color of the colors 11, 12 and 15. In an oblique view, the color 15 present in the valleys is initially covered, depending on the inclination of the viewing angle, and the color becomes increasingly flattening 12 on the lower amplitudes of the embossed structure disappears and finally the color 11 appears on the higher amplitudes of the embossed structure in full tone.

In this embodiment, the color impression thus changes from the mixed color resulting from three colors to the mixed color from two colors up to the monochrome full tone. This effect is the same from both viewing angles B, C.

Example 16 (Fig. 21)

The optically variable structure shown in this example is that in FIG Fig. 12 (Example 8) structure very similar. It differs only in that the embossing master 8 and 19 are formed sinusoidal and the grid lines are arranged on the zenith of the embossing master.

When viewed vertically, the effect described in Example 8 sets. From the viewing directions B and C, the information area 7 appears in gray tone in a dark environment. From the viewing angles E and D, on the other hand, the information area 7 appears in a dark full tone in a gray tone of the surrounding area.

Example 17 (Fig. 22)

In this and the following examples, at least portions of the ambient contrasting coating are made from paints or layers having optically variable properties. Optically variable colors or layers show different optical effects even under different viewing angles. Such optically variable colors / layers are well known to the person skilled in the art. Such colors usually have interference, diffraction, polarization or dichroic effects. Depending on the type and composition, they therefore change the color impression with a varying viewing angle.

In the present example not belonging to the invention, the surface of the data carrier 1 is provided with a coating 6 of an optically varying color. At least in a partial region of the coating 6, a line embossing is provided, which is trapezoidal in this case. When considering the optically variable structure perpendicular to the surface of the coating (direction A), the embossed area appears opposite the unembossed area in a different color, since the flanks 9 and 10, with respect to the viewing direction, are inclined and thus appear in a different color than the environment or the flattened plateaus and valleys of the embossed structure. Even when the optically variable structure is viewed from an oblique viewing direction B, corresponding color changes are recognizable, which always emphasize the embossed area in contrast to the unembossed area.

A further variation results if the embossing has different flank angles or partial areas with different embossing profiles or differing flank angles.

Example 18 (Figs. 23, 24)

In this example, the data carrier is printed along a strip 39 with a so-called disembodied iriodin color. These colors have the property that they are almost completely invisible when viewed vertically, while they generally have a sharp color impression (for example gold) at a glancing angle. In the whole-area iriodin coating information 40 are shown in the form of recesses. Furthermore, an embossing pattern is provided on the strip within the outlines of the desired information 41. The embossed information 41 is superimposed on the information 40 represented by the iriodin coating and only for better clarity in the Fig. 24 shown separately

When viewing the optically variable structure perpendicular to the surface, the information 40 and also 41 are almost invisible. When the structure is viewed obliquely, the information 40 appears at a first glancing angle (total reflection), while the embossed information 41 appears at a different glancing angle, since the flanks of the embossed structure have a different angle to the respective viewing direction than in the unembossed region. The information 40 or 41 are thus always recognizable only at different angles, while they are almost invisible under vertical viewing.

Example 19 (Figs. 25, 26)

The optically variable structure in this example largely corresponds to the previous example. In addition, in this example, the embossed structure 41 is as shown in FIG Fig. 26 visible, highlighted by a colored line grid 6. However, it is also possible to offset the embossing master in the area of the information relative to the grid surrounding the information.

When viewing this structure in incident light, the print screen is visible, while the information 40 left out of the iriodin coating is almost invisible. As in the previous example, only the information 40 appears under the gloss angle of the iriodin ink alone, while the embossed information 41 becomes visible at a different gloss angle alone. In addition, this information, as described with reference to the preceding examples, but also in oblique viewing dark against light environment or from the opposite viewing direction bright against dark environment. In this example, since the effect resulting from the combination of line and embossing masters is comparatively dominant, the effect caused by the iriodine color in the embossing region, in contrast to the previous example, fades into the background.

Example 20 (Fig. 27)

In this example, the optically variable structure consists of a high-gloss metallic coating 43 applied to a data carrier 1, which can be applied, for example, by the transfer process. Within the metallic coating an embossing master 44 is provided and indeed within the contour outline of the characters to be displayed.

Looking at this optically variable structure perpendicular to the surface, the embossing pattern appears light matt in a glossy, dark environment. When viewing from different viewing directions, the gloss-angle range of the metallic coating results in a reversal of the light-dark effect.

The metallic strip 43 may also have a holographic structure, whereby the described effect is superimposed outside the embossed information 44 by the holographic information. In the embossed area the holographic information is destroyed.

Example 21 (Fig. 28)

In this example, the metal strip 43 has a line grid 46 in the form of demetallized areas. In the field of demetallization of the metal strip is provided with a stamping 8, which is designed congruent to the metallic line grid.

When viewing this optically variable structure perpendicular to the surface, the line grid 46 can be seen. When viewed obliquely, a metallic matte surface appears in a glossy environment, while from the opposite viewing direction a completely demetallized surface appears in a shiny metallic environment.

Example 22 (Fig. 29)

The optically variable structure in this example is characterized in that a first print grid 6 is provided on the front of the data carrier 1 and a second print grid 48 on the back of the data carrier. At least parts of the two printing patterns are printed exactly register-to-each other, which is generally carried out with so-called simultaneous printing. The embossing is carried out in this example so that it is on both sides is present as a positive / negative impression grid.

Depending on the design of the printing and embossing masters, the effects on the front as well as on the back of the respective viewing directions A, B, C result from the effects described with reference to the preceding examples. In addition to this, with suitable opacity of the data carrier, transmitted light effects can result, because, for example, the rasters on the front and back of the data carrier complement each other or, given a corresponding overlapping of the print raster, result in mixed colors.

Claims (14)

1. A data carrier (1) with a printed image (2) and an optically variable structure (3) characterizing the authenticity of the data carrier and having a first embossed structure (8) combined with a non-all-over first coating screen (6) contrasting with the surface of the data carrier in such a way that at least partial areas of the coating screen (6) are visible upon perpendicular viewing but concealed upon oblique viewing from a predetermined viewing device, so that a tilting effect arises upon alternate perpendicular and oblique viewing, characterized in that the optically variable structure (3) is divided into at least two areas, and wherein the first coating screen (6) and the first embossed structure (8) are disposed in the first area, and a second embossed structure (19) different from the first embossed structure (8) and combined with a second coating screen (7, 25, 26, 27, 28) of different orientation and different from the first coating screen (6) is present in the second area, and the embossed structures (8, 19) are triangular, and wherein the first and second embossed structures (8, 19) are each embossed screens with a predetermined embossed height pattern, embossed amplitude and orientation and having zeniths in the area of the maximum embossed amplitudes and valleys in the area of minimum embossed amplitudes, which are connected via flanks, wherein the coating screens (6, 7, 25, 26, 27, 28) are formed as line screens produced by printing, the lines have a width of 50 to 1000 microns and are disposed in each case only on the flanks of like orientation of the embossed screens, so that the flanks facing the viewer from an oblique viewing direction are printed and the flanks facing away from the viewer are unprinted.
2. The data carrier (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the first and second embossed screens (8, 19) extend at right angles to each other.
3. A data carrier (1) with a printed image (2) and an optically variable structure (3) characterizing the authenticity of the data carrier (1) and having a first embossed structure (8) with a predetermined extending direction, the embossed structure (8) being combined with a non-all-over coating screen (6) contrasting with the surface of the data carrier (1) in such a way that at least partial areas of the coating screen (6) are visible upon perpendicular viewing but concealed upon oblique viewing from a predetermined viewing device, so that a tilting effect arises upon alternate perpendicular and oblique viewing, characterized in that the optically variable structure (3) has information (7), and a second embossed structure (19) whose extending direction extends at right angles to the extending direction of the first embossed structure (8) is present in the area of the information (7), and the embossed structures (8, 19) are triangular, and wherein the first and second embossed structures (8, 19) are periodic embossed screens with a predetermined embossed height pattern and predetermined embossed amplitude and having zeniths in the area of the maximum embossed amplitudes and valleys in the area of minimum embossed amplitudes, which are connected via flanks, and wherein the coating screen (6) is formed as a line screen produced by printing, the lines have a width of 50 to 1000 microns and in the first embossed screen are disposed only on its particular flanks of like orientation, so that the flanks facing the viewer from an oblique viewing direction are printed and the flanks facing away from the viewer are unprinted.
4. The data carrier (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that the coating screen (6) and the embossed structures (8, 19) are additionally overlaid or underlaid with a transparent, optically variable layer.
5. A data carrier (1) with a printed image (2) and an optically variable structure (3) characterizing the authenticity of the data carrier (1) and having a first embossed structure (8) with a predetermined extending direction, the embossed structure (8) being combined with a coating screen (6) contrasting with the surface of the data carrier (1) in such a way that at least partial areas of the coating screen (6) are visible upon perpendicular viewing but concealed upon oblique viewing from a predetermined viewing device, so that a tilting effect arises upon alternate perpendicular and oblique viewing, characterized in that the optically variable structure (3) has information (41), there being present in the area of the information (41) a second embossed structure which is disposed offset from the first embossed structure or whose extending direction differs from the extending direction of the first embossed structure (8), and the coating screen (6) and the embossed structures (8) are additionally overlaid or underlaid with a transparent, optically variable layer (39).
6. The data carrier (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that the additional layer (39) has gaps (40) in the form of characters, picture elements or the like and/or is executed in the form of characters, picture elements or the like.
7. The data carrier (1) according to at least one of claims 5 to 6, characterized in that the first and second embossed structures (8, 19) are periodic embossed screens with a predetermined embossed height pattern.
8. The data carrier (1) according to any of claims 5 to 7, characterized in that the embossed structures (8, 19) are triangular, trapezoidal, sinusoidal or semicircular.
9. The data carrier (1) according to at least one of claims 5 to 8, characterized in that the coating screen (6) is a straight-line screen structure.
10. The data carrier (1) according to at least one of claims 5 to 9, characterized in that the first embossed structure (8) is a straight-line embossed screen, and the coating (6) consists of a parallel straight line screen, the embossed screen (8) being disposed congruently to the line screen (6), so that the line screen (6) is disposed on the flanks (9, 10) of like orientation of the embossed screen (8).
11. The data carrier (1) according to claim 10, characterized in that the second embossed structure is likewise a straight-line embossed screen.
12. The data carrier (1) according to at least one of claims 5 to 11, characterized in that the coating (6) consists of a parallel straight printed screen wherein the width of the printed lines corresponds approximately to the width of the gaps and the line-to-gap ratio is about 1:1.
13. The data carrier (1) according to at least one of claims 5 to 12, characterized in that both sides of the data carrier (1) are provided at least partly with exactly registered coating screens (6, 48), and the embossing (8) for these coating screens (6, 48) is executed in such a way that it is present as a positive/negative embossed screen on both sides, the coating screens (6, 48) being disposed on the flanks (9, 10) of the double-sided embossed structure (8) both on the front and on the back.
14. A data carrier (1) with a printed image (2) and an optically variable structure (3) characterizing the authenticity of the data carrier and having an embossed structure (8) combined with a non-all-over coating screen contrasting with the surface of the data carrier in such a way that at least partial areas of the coating screen (6) are visible upon perpendicular viewing but concealed upon oblique viewing from a predetermined viewing direction so that a tilting effect arises upon alternate perpendicular and oblique viewing, characterized in that the optically variable structure (3) is divided into a plurality of areas in which coating screens (6) and embossed screens (8) adapted to the coating screens and having different orientation are disposed, the embossed screens (8) being periodic, triangular embossed screens with a predetermined embossed height pattern and predetermined embossed amplitude and having zeniths in the area of the maximum embossed amplitudes and valleys in the area of minimum embossed amplitudes which are connected via flanks, and wherein the coating screen (6) is formed as a line screen produced by printing, the lines have widths of 50 to 1000 microns, and are disposed in each case only on the flanks of like orientation of the embossed screens, so that the flanks facing the viewer from an oblique viewing direction are printed and the flanks facing away from the viewer are unprinted, the areas being combined with each other in such a way that a characteristic pattern arises upon oblique viewing that is not visible upon perpendicular viewing.

Images