EP1127712B1 - Security and/or value document - Google Patents

Abstract

The security method is adopted valuable documents that criminals may wish to forge, e.g. banknotes. The method of preventing forgery is to produce a banknote with a verification element (2). When the banknote is folded, the security element produces a specific visual effect when aligned with a security marking (3). The verification element is in the form of a transparent window that has a lens raster pattern and this interacts with the security marking.

Description

The invention relates to a security and / or value document according to the preamble of claim 1.

In particular, personal documents, banknotes, securities, certificates, service cards, such as credit cards or the like., Postage stamps, generally products that must be authorized, are often produced in an easy nachzustellenden method.

It is desirable in these products to incorporate features which are proof of their authenticity, i. their originality.

The security features should as far as possible be inseparably linked to the product to be authorized and / or have properties that are difficult to reproduce.

The manufacture and application of security features of security and / or securities are well known in the art.

A variety of security features are known, such as fluorescent fibers / planchettes / colors, micro-typefaces, moiree-generating structures, holograms and the like.

As a security feature often special colors with spectral features or with magnetic properties or with temperature dependencies (thermochromic colors) are introduced into the product to be protected. Barcodes are used in which the reflectivity differences of the surface is utilized, or lattice structures or even film antennas for exploiting the resonant frequency in a resonant circuit are used.

From the AU 488 652 Security documents are known in which security features can be tested by means of transmitted light. Between plastic sheets is an optically variable security element arranged, which can be viewed via a transparent window in the overlying cover sheet. It is disadvantageous in particular that the attached security features are only visible to the naked eye in the transmitted light process, and that the material properties of the document are greatly changed.

It is also the introduction of only a transparent window in banknotes known as security feature (Australian banknotes).

In the DE 43 34 847 A1 is described a document of value with window in which the carrier is subsequently provided with a window-like opening, which is closed with a transparent cover, wherein the cover is provided in this area of the window with additional security features. The preparation of the subsequent breakthrough of the carrier of the security to a window and the cover with a transparent cover, which in turn is partially provided with a security feature is technologically complex and has an increase in the thickness of the security result. The requirement that areas of the window must remain transparent in order to be able to recognize the security features in the transmitted light method with the naked eye restricts the possibilities of concealed security features. In the same way as in the case of the known window threads in banknotes, these are elements which, taken in isolation, are used only as a security element, but no further function windows can take on their own safety features.

The authentication of the known security features usually requires the use of special devices, methods and in particular of external test equipment such as magnifying glasses for checking microtrints, lenticular for checking hidden, graphic elements, UV lamps for visualization of fluorescence, or in the transmitted light optical Recognizability of the security feature.

In the DE 36 09 090 A1 is a security with embedded embedded security thread, which is visually verifiable without technical aids. The security thread is made of a transparent material. On a surface a grid of cylindrical lenses is imprinted. On the opposite surface of the film of the thread directly a printed image is applied. The printed image is designed taking into account the optical properties of the cylindrical lenses. By appropriate design of the printed image so that information can be introduced, which are visible only from certain angles.

The disadvantage is that paper is arranged directly under the thread, so that the security feature can only be viewed in reflection and not in transmission. The safety is only in the thread. The thread forms a common security element.

The patent application GB-A-2172850 discloses a security document, e.g. For example, a passbook having an area of encrypted indicia printed on a portion of the back cover sheet or on a sheet of the bank book. WO 98/15418 , published April 16, 1998, discloses a self-verifying security document formed as a single flexible sheet with a clear plastic window, the window having verification means for verifying a security feature located on the sheet of the security document spaced from the window, and wherein the sheet folded to bring the window into operative connection with the security feature. In the WO 98/15418 The disclosed verifiers include a lens, a tinted optical filter for observing metameric inks, a polarizing window, and a moire pattern.

The invention has for its object to develop an improved generic security and / or value document, in which increases the security against counterfeiting and the simplified examination of the authenticity of documents are guaranteed without external Hilsmittel.

The solution to this problem arises from the features of claim 1. The provision of security features and adjacent verification means such as detectors for verifying the security features on or in a document ensures that no external tools for verifying the authenticity of the document are needed. The authenticity of, for example, security features located on a banknote can be verified by, for example, having two or more transparent windows with verification means on the same banknote. The combination of security features and a verification system on the same banknote increases their security against counterfeiting, since the verification system can also be configured as a security feature. To check the authenticity of the show and back of the bill can be used. By suitable folding of the banknote or any other document, which is designed according to the provision of the invention, or by superimposing several banknotes, a security feature can be checked by the security feature with the Verification windows, such as windows, brought into effect.

It can be checked with the applied to the value document verification elements introduced at different points of the document security features.

For example, in a passport, two opposite pages may be used to verify the document. For this purpose, a page with the verification elements, e.g. a lenticular screen, partially or over the entire surface, the other side with the security feature to be analyzed, for example, latent visible raster structures provided .sein. A. By suitable overlay the authenticity is checked. Likewise, two banknotes, checks or two other identically designed value documents can be checked for authenticity.

Crucial is the functionality of the window or windows integrated in the document. Essentially, no additional thickness of the document is produced, since the detection means and the security features are arranged on a document at different locations and not on top of each other.

The preferred embodiment of the verification element as a detector / analyzer or even a decoder in the form of a plurality of transparent windows or a window with a plurality of analyzer areas with detection elements ensures a variety of variants for checking the authenticity of a variety of possible security features.

1. 1. Die Verifikationselemente werden durch lenticulare Linsen/Zylinderlinsen/Wackelbilder und autostereoskopischen Vorrichtungen, welche die Sichtbarmachung von optisch codierten Sicherheitsmerkmalen oder von drucktechnisch auf das Dokument aufgebrachten Strukturen ermöglichen, gebildet, die sich in/auf einer transparenten Folie oder dgl. befinden.
   Die Linsenraster bestehen vorzugsweise aus gleichartigen Zylinderlinsen, die parallel zueinander, vorzugsweise im gleichen Abstand (z.B. 200 µm) angeordnet sind. Der Focus eines derartigen Linsenrasters ist vorzugsweise auf die optische Dicke des verwendeten transparenten Substratmaterials abgestimmt.
   Diese Zylinderlinsen können durch mehrere Arten in ein transparentes Material, z.B. PVC-Folien, eingebracht werden, z.B. durch Pägen mit einem geeigneten Master, sie können auch durch Gießen der Folie in eine geeignete Form erzeugt sein, sie können auch durch speziell geformte Spritzdüsen durch Extrudieren in der Folie gebildet sein.
2. 2. Die Verifikationselemente werden durch Fresnel-Linsen oder ähnliche vergrößernde, optische Strukturen gebildet, welche die Erkennung von sehr kleiner Schrift oder von grafischen Elementen auf dem Dokument ermöglichen.
3. 3. Die Verifikationselemente werden durch aufgebrachte, vorzugsweise gedruckte feine grafische Strukturen sowohl auf der Folie eines Fensters als auch auf einem Teil des Dokumentes gebildet.
   Das Fenster bildet die:Maske für ein "parallax-barrier display".
   Beim Übereinanderlegen der korrespondierenden Flächen (Fenster/Sicherheitsmerkmal auf dem Dokument) werden sogenannte Moiree-Strukturen erzeugt. Die Linien- oder Punktraster auf dem Fenster bilden mit den entsprechenden Linien- oder Punktrastern im Bereich des Sicherheitsmerkmals des Wertdokuments eine Moiree-Struktur. Das dadurch erzeugte Moiree-Muster gilt als charakteristisches Sicherheitsmerkmal für das Wertdokument.
   Wenn die Fenster so angeordnet werden, daß sie beim Falten des Dokumentes übereinander liegen, dann kann erreicht werden, daß exakt registerhaltige Strukturen bei einer Relativverschiebung Farb- oder Musterwechsel erzeugen.
4. 4. Die Verifikationselemente werden durch Polarisationsfilter gebildet.
   Bevorzugt werden zwei klare Fenster nebeneinander angeordnet oder ein Fenster wird in zwei Analysatorbereiche geteilt.
   Die Fenster können als zwei Polarisatoren für die Betrachtung von Polarisations-Stereobildern ausgebildet sein.
   Es kann erreicht werden, daß mindestens ein speziell geformtes Fenster einen "Polaroid-Vectographen" bildet.
   Es können Fenster zur Realisierung eines Kontrastumschlages zwischen transmittierend und undurchlässig geformt werden. Solche Strukturen können dadurch realisiert werden, daß auf eine linear polarisierende Folie lamda-halbe Bereiche, beispielsweise durch geeignet orientierte Folien der richtigen Dicke, aufgebracht werden :
   • Die hellen und dunklen Bereiche eines Bildes sind linear polarisierende Bereiche mit abwechselnd horizontaler und vertikaler Polarisationsrichtung.
     Es können Fenster geformt werden, die einen deutlichen Farbumschlag nach dem Prinzip der "color shutter" realisieren.
5. 5. Das Fenster ist als Interferenz-/Farbfilter ausgebildet (transparente Beugungsstrukturen, Multilayer-Systeme).
   Das transparente Fenster wird als holografisches Filter ausgebildet, das einen engen Spektralbereich reflektiert., entweder
   • analog zu holografischen Laserschutzbrillen oder
   • eine Mischfarbe erscheint in einer anderen Farbe,
   • eine reine Spektralfarbe verschwindet.

The verification elements on / in one or more windows or in areas of a window are preferably formed from a clear, transparent material and preferably from the following groups:

1. 1. The verification elements are formed by lenticular lenses / cylindrical lenses / wobble images and autostereoscopic devices which allow the visualization of optically encoded security features or structures applied by printing to the document, which are located in / on a transparent foil or the like.
   The lenticular screens preferably consist of similar cylindrical lenses, which are arranged parallel to one another, preferably at the same distance (eg 200 μm). The focus of such a lens grid is preferably matched to the optical thickness of the transparent substrate material used.
   These cylindrical lenses can be introduced into a transparent material, eg PVC films, by several means, eg by pawing with a suitable master, they can also be produced by casting the film into a suitable shape, they can also be extruded by specially shaped spray nozzles be formed in the film.
2. 2. The verification elements are made by Fresnel lenses or similar magnifying optical structures are formed, which allow the recognition of very small font or graphical elements on the document.
3. 3. The verification elements are formed by applied, preferably printed fine graphic structures both on the film of a window and on a part of the document.
   The window forms the: Mask for a "parallax-barrier display".
   When superimposing the corresponding surfaces (window / security feature on the document) so-called Moiree structures are generated. The line or dot patterns on the window form a moiré structure with the corresponding line or dot rasters in the area of the security feature of the value document. The moiree pattern generated thereby is considered a characteristic security feature for the value document.
   If the windows are arranged so that they lie one above the other when folding the document, then it can be achieved that produce exactly register-containing structures in a relative shift color or pattern changes.
4. 4. The verification elements are formed by polarization filters.
   Preferably, two clear windows are juxtaposed or a window is split into two analyzer areas.
   The windows may be formed as two polarizers for viewing polarization stereo images.
   It can be achieved that at least one specially shaped window forms a "Polaroid Vectograph".
   It can windows for realizing a contrast envelope are formed between transmissive and impermeable. Such structures can be realized by applying lambda-half regions to a linearly polarizing film, for example by suitably oriented films of the correct thickness:
   • The light and dark areas of an image are linearly polarizing areas with alternating horizontal and vertical polarization directions.
     It can be shaped windows that realize a clear color change on the principle of "color shutter".
5. 5. The window is designed as an interference / color filter (transparent diffraction structures, multilayer systems).
   The transparent window is formed as a holographic filter which reflects a narrow spectral range, either
   • analogous to holographic laser goggles or
   • a mixed color appears in a different color,
   • a pure spectral color disappears.

Such a filter is also suitable for two clear windows, wherein the verification window can be divided into a holographic and a non-filtering juxtaposed part.

The windows are designed as two color filters for the viewing of anaglyphs (stereo images) or as prisms, preferably as gradient index prisms (if possible superchromatic), for a chromastereoscopic image.

Further advantageous embodiments of the invention will become apparent from the dependent claims.

Fig. 1

die schematische Darstellung einer nicht erfindungsgemässen Banknote mit einem Fenster und einem Sicherheitsmerkmal,

Fig. 2

die schematische Darstellung der erfindungsgemässen Anordnung von einem Fenster mit zwei Bereichen auf der Banknote als Verifikationselement,

Fig. 2a

die schematische Darstellung der erfindungsgemassen Anordnung von einem Fenster mit zwei Bereichen gemäß Fig. 2 zur Ausbildung eines "Vectographen",

Fig. 2b

die schematische Darstellung der erfindungsgemässen Anordnung von einem Fenster mit zwei Bereichen gemäß Fig. 2 zur Ausbildung unterschiedlicher Muster,

Fig. 2c

die schematische Darstellung der erfindungsgemässen Anordnung von einem Fenster mit zwei Bereichen gemäß Fig. 2 zur Ausbildung eines chromastereoskopischen Bildes,

Fig. 2d

die schematische Darstellung der erfindungsgemässen Anordnung von einem Fenster mit zwei Bereichen gemäß Fig. 2 zur Ausbilduns von "lamda-halbe"-Bereichen,

Fig. 3

Die schematische Darstellung der erfindungsgemässen Anordnung von zwei nebeneinanderliegenden Fenstern mit unterschiedlichen Verifikationselementen,

Fig. 4

die schematische Darstellung der Erzeugung von Rasterstrukturen und

Fig. 5

die schematische Darstellung einer Banknote mit Fenstern an einer Ecke.

The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to embodiments illustrated in the drawings of a banknote as a value document. Show it:

Fig. 1

1 is a schematic representation of a banknote not according to the invention with a window and a security feature;

Fig. 2

the schematic representation of the inventive arrangement of a window with two Areas on the banknote as a verification element,

Fig. 2a

2 is a schematic representation of the arrangement according to the invention of a window with two areas according to FIG. 2 for forming a "vectograph";

Fig. 2b

2 shows the schematic representation of the arrangement according to the invention from a window with two areas according to FIG. 2 to form different patterns;

Fig. 2c

2 is a schematic representation of the arrangement according to the invention of a window with two areas according to FIG. 2 for forming a chromastereoscopic image, FIG.

Fig. 2d

2 is a schematic representation of the arrangement according to the invention of a window with two areas according to FIG. 2 for the formation of "half-lambda"areas;

Fig. 3

The schematic representation of the inventive arrangement of two adjacent windows with different verification elements,

Fig. 4

the schematic representation of the generation of raster structures and

Fig. 5

the schematic representation of a banknote with windows on a corner.

As shown in Fig. 1, a value document, e.g. a banknote 1, formed with a transparent window 2, which is used by the equipment with verification elements as a detector or the like. To verify a security feature in a region 3 of the banknote 1. The verification of the security feature in area 3 of banknote 1 is e.g. by superimposing the two areas 2 and 3.

In a first example, the window 2 in FIG. 1 is provided with a lenticular screen as a verification element. The orientation of the lenticular grid in the region of the window 2 and the corresponding printed grid generated as a security feature in the area 3 of the banknote 1 must be adjusted so that the desired effects are visible when, by suitable superposition, the areas 2 and 3, e.g. by folding, are brought to cover.

The printed raster structures as a security feature in the area 3 can be generated with all printing methods used in security printing, preferably in the simultaneous offset method (letter set) due to the required high resolution.

In Fig. 4 is a simple example of the generation shown by grid structures in the form of the letter "D". By superimposing the lens grid in the window 2 with the line grid 4 in area 3, the clear image 7 of the letter "D" is created in the eye of the observer.

Also printed line structures in combination with embossments, which show so-called tilting effects ( DE 23 34 702 ), and preferably in intaglio printing, can be visualized by suitably superimposing the areas 2, 3 (Figure 1) of the banknote 1, the area 2 having to have the lenticular grid in order to enhance the tilting effect.

The lenticular screens are preferably made of similar cylindrical lenses parallel to one another, preferably equidistant from e.g. 200 microns, are arranged.

These cylindrical lenses can be made into a transparent material, e.g. PVC film, for example by casting a film on a tape having a profile in a negative mold or by extruding lens grids through specially shaped spray nozzles, e.g. Slot dies.

The cylindrical lenses may be further prepared by pawing with a suitable pattern or by rolling foils between rollers having a corresponding negative profile.

Gradient index lenses may be bleached silver halide layers or photopolymers are formed.

In a second example according to FIG. 1, the verification element in the window 2 of the banknote 1 is provided by Fresnel lenses or similar magnifying optical structures which enable the recognition of very small fonts or graphic elements in the area 3 on the document 1 by suitably superimposing the Areas 2, 3 enable, formed. Here, the very small thickness of the Fresnel lenses is accompanied by a good magnification of the magnifying glass, e.g. 5 to 10 times, a decisive advantage for the integration in substrate materials.

According to a third example, the verification element in the window 2 of the banknote 1 in FIG. 1 is formed by fine line structures which are also formed on a part of the document 1 in the region 3. When superimposing the corresponding regions 2 and 3 of the document 1, so-called moiré structures are produced as a result. Examples of moiree-generating patterns are in the DE 28 19 640 . DE 23 24 702 . DE 26 03 558 . DE 36 02 563 described.

The verification element in the window 2 can be an imprinted line or dot matrix for a visual decryption / encryption method in a banknote 1. In addition to the printing of fine dots and / or lines, it is also possible to punch the area 2 (window) of the document 1 or to perforate, preferably by laser perforation, so that by moistening the areas 2 and 3 of the banknote 1, for example by folding, a Moiree pattern is generated. The area 3 of the banknote 1 may be a transparent material with line / screen imprint, an opaque material with line / screen imprinting or else an area with a suitable perforation, preferably a laser perforation.

In a fourth example, a polarizing filter is applied to a preferably transparent sheet material as a verification element in the region 2, e.g. a banknote 1, in combination with another, similarly designed polarization filter in the area 3 integrated. The polarization filter in the region 3 is preferably configured perpendicular or parallel to the Polatisationsfilter in area 2 and acts as an analyzer, so that by suitable superposition of the areas 2 and 3 of the banknote 1 and rotation of the superimposed areas 2 and 3 against each other, the optical transparency (light / dark) changes or changes.

Another form is formed by an additional dichroic (birefringent), graphically structured layer, for example, by printing, sputtering, casting and the like., Applied to one of the two polarizing filters in the areas 2.3, so that by suitably superimposing the Areas 2, 3 of the banknote 1 and rotation of the superposed areas 2, 3 against each other, a graphic element, such as a font, is visible.

Another form is achieved by replacing one of the two polarization filters in the regions 2, 3 by a reflective layer, wherein additionally a dichroic, graphically structured layer is applied to this reflective layer. By appropriately superimposing the areas 2, 3 of the banknote 1 and rotating the superimposed areas 2, 3 against each other, a graphic element, e.g. a font, visible.

A further form provides for replacing one of the two polarization filters with a reflective layer, wherein additionally a dichroic, graphically structured layer is applied to this reflective layer. This double-transparent layer may preferably be formed from a liquid crystal-containing film. By suitably superimposing the areas 2, 3 of the banknote 1, e.g. by folding, and by rotating the superimposed areas against each other, a graphic element, e.g. a font, visible.

For many verification effects, it is desirable to easily and quickly bring two different types of verification elements across the security feature. This often facilitates the perception of a change in the case of movement or color shift effects. It facilitates verification in cases where rotation of the verification element relative to the security feature is required. Such a rotation would be very much in a single verification window 2 impractical. To solve these problems, the division of the verification window 2 into two adjoining analyzer regions (FIGS. 2, 2a to 2d) or the arrangement of two adjacent windows 2 (FIG. 3) with different verification elements are proposed.

FIG. 2 c shows an embodiment of a window 2 as a verification element, in which at least two clear analyzer regions 5, 6 are arranged next to one another as window 2 on the banknote 1 as verification elements. The analyzer regions 5, 6 are preferably designed as holographic prisms, if possible as superchromatic prisms, for a so-called chromastereoscopic image. The prisms are preferably designed as gradient index prisms in the form of thin film materials.

An embodiment according to FIG. 2a provides that the at least two adjacent clear analyzer regions 5, 6 are formed in a window 2 as a so-called "vector graph." A "Vectograph" consists of two superimposed laminated polyvinyl alcohol films which form linear polarizing filters when printed with iodide inks. The two films are oriented such that the front surface forms a vertical polarization upon contact with the iodide ink and the back surface upon contact with the iodide color forms a horizontal polarization (Figures 2a, 2b). On the front sheet is selected with iodide color a selected first pattern, such as a square 10 (Fig. 2a, 2b), and on the Reverse a selected second pattern, such as a star 11 (Fig. 2a, 2b), printed. When viewing the superimposed films with a linear analyzer (window 2, area 5 of FIGS. 2a, 2b), the first pattern (square 10) appears in a horizontal orientation of the analyzer 5 and the second pattern (star 11). Likewise, color changes can be realized.

A split in this way Verification window 2 with analyzer areas 5, 6 saves the rotation of the window 2, the window 2 is only moved.

Similarly shaped areas 5, 6 can be designed to realize a contrast envelope between transmissive and impermeable. Such structures can be realized by placing on a linearly polarizing film 8 (FIG. 2 d) so-called "lambda-half" regions 9 (phase plates with a phase shift of 180 ° between the ordinary and the extraordinary beam), for example by suitably oriented films. Materials of the correct thickness, be applied (Fig. 2 d). In these areas, the polarization direction is rotated by 90 °. This effect is particularly impressive with area filling patterns. Similarly shaped structures are used to realize a clear color change on the principle of the so-called "color shutter".

In a further embodiment of the / the verification elements in the window 2 of the banknote 1 are Interference / color filters, generally transparent diffraction structures, multilayer systems, used.

The interference / color filters are formed in or on a preferably transparent foil material or consist of this material. The filters are integrated on, for example, a banknote 1 in area 2 in combination with a colored graphic element in area 3. By suitably superimposing the areas 2, 3 of the banknote 1, a certain spectral range in the graphic element, e.g. Font, hidden or passed through the area 2, so that a color impression deviating from the original color arises.

As interference / color filters, it is possible to use both colored, transparent materials and transparent materials with, for example, vapor-deposited / sputtered printed colors.

In a further embodiment, at least two clear analyzer areas 5, 6 are arranged next to each other as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. These areas 5, 6 are formed as at least two color filters for viewing so-called anaglyphs (stereo images), the anaglyphs being located on area 3 of the banknote 1. By appropriately superimposing the areas 5, 6 and 3 at a certain distance from each other, a stereo impression is created.

All windows can be in any shape, preferably a shape that best corresponds to the type of the selected verification element, so also thread-shaped or, as shown in FIG. 5, triangular, be formed.

The windows may be formed anywhere on the document, including one corner of the document as exemplified in FIG. 5, and only have to satisfy the condition that security features and verification elements for verifying the security feature are operatively associated can be, for example, by folding, twisting, superimposing one or more documents.

The superimposing can be done in direct contact or, in some cases, at a distance between the security feature and the verification element.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

Value document / banknote

2

Area (window / verifier)

3

Area (security feature)

4

line screen

5

analyzer

6

analyzer

7

image

8th

polarizing film

9

"Lamda-half" area

10

square

11

star

Claims (10)

1. A security and/or value document comprising security features and a verification element for verifying the security feature,
   wherein at least one verification element (2) and at least one security feature (3) which can be verified by the verification element (2) are integrated in the document (1) at different positions,
   wherein the verification element (2) and the security feature (3) are superimposed for the verification by folding the document (1),
   characterized in that at least two different verification elements are formed by analyzer areas (5, 6) arranged side by side in a window or by at least two windows arranged side by side.
2. A security and/or value document according to claim 1, wherein the analyzer areas arranged side by side are partitioned in a holographic area and in a non filtering area (5, 6).
3. A security and/or value document according to claim 1, wherein the analyzer areas arranged side by side are formed in two color filter areas.
4. A security and/or value document according to claim 3, wherein the color filter areas are color filters for the observation of anaglyphs or stereo images.
5. A security and/or value document according to claim 1, wherein the analyzer areas (5, 6) arranged side by side comprise prisms for the observation of a chromastereoscopic image.
6. A security and/or value document according to claim 5, wherein the analyzer areas are holographic prisms or gradient index prisms.
7. A security and/or value document according to claim 1, wherein the analyzer areas (5, 6) arranged side by side comprise polarizers for the observation of polarization stereo images.
8. A security and/or value document according to claim 1, wherein the analyzer areas (5, 6) form a vectrograph.
9. A security and/or value document according to one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the document is a banknote.
10. A security and/or value document according to one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the document is a passport.

Images