EP2039527A2 - Diffractive security system with individualised code - Google Patents

Abstract

The safety element (1) has a region (15) with a diffractive surface relief provided with reflection layer in the safety element layers displaying visible information for naked eyes. The region has optically and machine readable codes that are not visible from naked eye. The other region (18) of the safety element has a metallic reflection layer in the form of Radio frequency identification antenna and forms the reflection layer of the optical variable element. An INDEPEDENT CLAIM is also included for a method for amplification of forgery-proof characteristic of a safety document.

Description

The invention relates to a security element and to a method for verifying a security element.

Diffractive security elements are used to increase the security against forgery of a security document, in particular a passport, passport or identification card, or a product. The security elements have different security features that, depending on the training, provide protection against copying or falsification, verification with or without tools, and information that can be used to verify the security element or automatically identify a person.

Object of the present invention is to provide an improved security element that is inexpensive to manufacture and tamper-proof, and to provide a method for verifying a security element.

According to the invention, this object is achieved with a security element for increasing the security against forgery of a security document, in particular an identity card, a passport or an identification card, or a product, it being provided that the security element has a first region in which at least partially in a layer of Security element is at least partially formed with a reflective layer provided diffractive surface relief showing an open, visible with an unaided eye information, and that the first area further has a hidden, not visible to the unaided eye, optically readable machine-readable code consisting of a Arrangement of micro-regions arranged in the first region and optically different from the surrounding region is formed, in which a different from the surrounding area surface relief is formed and / or the reflective layer is removed, and / or the machine-readable code is generated by the surface relief molded into the layer. Furthermore, the object is achieved by a method for increasing the security against forgery of a security document, in particular an identity card, a passport or an identification card, wherein it is provided that a security element is provided which has a first region in which at least partially into a layer of the security element a diffractive surface relief provided at least in regions with a reflection layer, which shows an open information visible with an unarmed eye, wherein the first area further comprises a hidden, optically readable, machine-readable code, not visible to the unaided eye, consisting of an arrangement of is formed in the first region and is formed by the surrounding region optically different micro-regions in which a different from the surrounding area surface relief is molded and / or remove the reflective layer t is, and / or the machine-readable code is generated from the surface relief molded into the layer, and that the hidden machine-readable code is read with a reader for verifying the security element.

The viewer thus perceives the open information in the first area, but the machine-readable code coded in the same area remains hidden from him.

The security element according to the invention is characterized in that the hidden code is integrated into the diffractive surface structure of the security element. The hidden code can only be copied if the surface structure of the security element is molded. However, this can already be prevented by a protective layer covering the diffractive surface, which closes the mechanical access to the diffractive surface. Furthermore, every attempt has the visual appearance of the open information or the change hidden code, influence on the hidden code or the open information, so that such manipulation attempts can be easily detected.

Further, the incorporated code is durable even in continuous use because it is not represented by a stress-releasable substance such as an ink or the like. Further advantages result in the manufacturing process, which requires no additional work steps.

Furthermore, it is advantageous that the hidden code is integrated in the first region in such a way that it does not appear even when using magnifying optical aids, such as a magnifying glass or a microscope.

The inventive method provides a hidden machine-readable code which is read by means of a reading device. Thus, the conditions are created to make the verification of the security element automatically and with high reliability.

Further advantageous embodiments are designated in the subclaims.

It may be that the open information visible with an unarmed eye is an open, optically machine readable code.

It can further be provided that the open code and / or the hidden code is or are formed from alphanumeric characters and / or from a barcode.
The barcode may be advantageously provided for facilitating the machine verification of the open code. The code represented by alphanumeric characters may be provided, for example, to manually enter it into a database for verification or to read unencrypted clear data, such as an expiration date.

In an advantageous embodiment, it is provided that the open and / or hidden code is or is an individualized code. The individualized code For example, it may contain product-specific data, whereby it is possible to give a specific code for each product instance.

The open individualized code, which may be incorporated with a laser, is preferably realized as an alphanumeric code, as a barcode or as a combination of alphanumeric code and barcode. The alphanumeric code is preferably less than 20 characters, while a barcode (particularly a 2D barcode) may contain much more information. In this case, the alphanumeric code may contain a part of the amount of information represented by the barcode. For example, the alphanumeric code may be a serial or document number. If the barcode contains the serial number of a product, it may further include, for example, the product name, manufacturer's information, expiry date, country of origin, or country of distribution as additional information. If the barcode contains a document number, it may further include, for example, country name, issue date, expiration date, name of the owner, or date of birth as additional information.

The input of the individualized code can, as described below, occur during or after the production of the security element, ie. H. it can also be done by the manufacturer of the product or even by the distribution of the product. Similarly, security documents may be provided with customized codes, such as passports, driver's licenses or identification cards. In this way, for example, for products the way from the manufacturer to the consumer can be understood.

Similarly, the machine-readable code in the first area (background area) may contain information that is not information individualized with respect to the particular security element. This information is the same for all produced or for a group of produced security elements. It can be a simple logo, it can but it is also a simple image that gives important information about the category or product. For example, it may be a company logo combined with the letter "F" when the product is sold in France and, for example, combined with the letter "B" when the product is sold in Brazil. However, the aforementioned information hidden in the first area can also serve to distinguish document classes from each other, for example, by combining the national emblem with the letter "P" for a passport or with the letter "V" for a visa.

Preferably, the microareas are arranged scattered over the first area such that the mean areal occupation by the microarea in the first area is constant with respect to a surface area lying below the resolution of the human eye, in particular is constant with respect to a surface area of 300 .mu.m.times.300 .mu.m. The micro-areas in no way affect the visual appearance of the open information and get lost in the noise.

It is further preferred that the micro-regions have an areal extent in the range of 10 μm × 10 μm to 30 μm × 30 μm. The size specification does not limit that the micro-regions are square micro-regions. Rather, the micro-areas may have any shape, for example, circular, elliptical, rhombic or rectangular. The square micro-region may be preferred because it completely fills the size range.

Furthermore, a microarea which has a dimension of less than 300 μm in only one dimension but in the other extent has a dimension of greater than 300 μm, for example of a few millimeters, can not be perceived separately by the unaided eye. It is thus also possible to arrange the micro-regions in a grid whose detent width is less than or equal to 300 μm in a first direction and more than 1 mm in a second direction. This grid can also be a geometric one act transformed grid. Several areas defined by such a grid are formed as micro areas and thus form the arrangement of the micro areas.

It may be advantageously provided that the micro-regions are covered with a reflection layer. In this way, a particularly high contrast to the surrounding area can be formed. In this case, the microareas may, in principle, have surface reliefs as they are provided for the first region, provided that they differ from the surface relief of the first region in at least one parameter. It is possible that the micro-regions have a lattice structure that diffracts incident light in a preferred direction, only diffracts a specific spectral range in a preferred direction, linearly polarizes or polarizes incident light, or that has a structure that acts as a retroreflector acts and directs the reflected light in the direction of the incident light.
Furthermore, it is also possible for the reflection layer in the micro-regions to be partially removed by means of a laser, thus achieving an optical difference from the surrounding region.

The hidden code is determined here by the arrangement of the micro-regions in the first region. Upon detection of the array, a predefined transformation function is used to map the array to the associated code value.

It may further be provided that not more than 100 to 1000 micro-areas / mm ^{2 are provided} in the first area. Depending on the size of the micro areas, the area density may be 250 micro-regions / mm ^2, for example, at a size of 30 microns x 30 microns, with a size of 10 microns x 10 microns, the face seal may be 1000 micro-regions / mm ^2. If the surface area of the micro-areas is too high, the visual appearance of the open area could be too high Information may be corrupted, although the individual micro-areas with the unaided human eye are not visible and the hidden code remains hidden.

In a further advantageous embodiment, it is provided that in the first region, a hologram is molded as a surface relief in the layer, which

only when irradiated with monochromatic coherent light of a predefined wavelength the hidden machine-readable code.
Although the cost of creating (computer-generated) holograms and transforming the hologram into a surface relief is comparatively high, the hologram offers the advantage that defects do not destroy the stored information, but only lead to a lower resolution of the information representation. The hologram may be either a classical Fourier hologram or a computer generated hologram (kinoform). Another advantage is that the reading of the information only by a coherent monochromatic light beam, as provided by lasers, is possible. The laser beam must continue to have a predefined wavelength of light to enable efficient imaging.

Further advantageous embodiments are directed to the formation of the surface relief of the first region.

It can be provided that in the first region a uniform diffractive structure is shaped as a surface relief into the layer.

It can further be provided that in the first region two or more diffractive structures are shaped as a surface relief into the layer, which are arranged in the form of a one- or two-dimensional pattern. The diffractive structures may differ, for example, with regard to their polarization properties and / or grating period and / or grating orientation and / or grating shape and / or grating depth and / or grating profile shape. Accordingly, it differs the optically variable impression they show when illuminated with polychromatic light.

Furthermore, it is possible for a diffractive structure to be shaped as a surface relief into the layer having at least one continuously varying parameter in the first region. For example, the gray level that sets in the illumination with polychromatic light, continuously increase or decrease. It is possible that the continuous change is produced by a one-dimensional pattern of sufficiently many different diffractive structures, wherein the resolution can be so high that an unarmed human eye perceives not a gradual course, but a continuous course.

The open information visible with an unarmed eye may be an open, optically machine readable code.

Advantageously, it can be provided that the reflection layer is formed as a metallic layer. The metallic layer shows a good reflection behavior. However, it may also be provided to use high-index layers (HRI layers). At the interfaces, the high refractive index layer may be adjacent to air or to a low refractive index layer. Preferably, the surface relief is coated with an adhesive layer by means of which the security element is applied to a substrate.

It can be provided that the thickness of the reflection layer is in the range of 10 nm to 100 nm. Depending on the layer thickness and the material of the reflection layer, the layer may be formed semitransparent or transparent. The diffractive surface relief is preferably molded into a replication layer, which may be a thermoplastic film or a UV-curing resist.

It can be provided that the open code is introduced by laser engraving in the first area by the reflection layer is removed in the code area. Advantageously, laser engraving is used to partially remove the reflective layer. The contrast of the code can be increased if a color layer is arranged below the replication layer, for example a layer containing black color pigments.

It can be provided that the open code and / or the hidden code is or is an individualized code.

It is possible that the hidden code provides information for verification of the security element. It can be provided that this information is encrypted, with an asymmetric encryption method is preferred as the encryption method, in which a key pair of a public and a private key is used. Thus, it is possible that the hidden code is generated by means of the private key in the individualization of the security element and subsequently the public key is used for verification or readout of the information. Furthermore, it is still possible for the information to be concealed and / or read-linked for concealed code and open code, for example the open code / hidden code represents a public key for decryption for decrypting the hidden or open code.

Furthermore, it can be provided that the security element has a second area in which the security element is designed as an optically variable element (OVD).

It can further be provided that the second area instead of or in addition to the first area an open, visible to the unaided eye has machine-readable code. An OVD can further increase counterfeit security and provide easily verifiable and memorable security features. For example, the OVD when tilting two or more different images, for example, the lettering "OK" in different position and / or color and / or size show.

In a further advantageous embodiment it is provided that in the second region a metallic reflection layer is provided, which is formed in the form of an RFID antenna and forms the reflection layer of the OVD.
Radio frequency identification can also be performed without an RFID chip,

by the RFID antenna is connected to a resonant circuit and the resonance frequency of the RFID antenna is checked. For this purpose, the RFID antenna is brought into a tuned to the resonant frequency electromagnetic field, which can be provided by a reader. The RFID antenna can be visually masked so that it is imperceptible when viewed at a glance.

Furthermore, it is possible that the security element has an RFID chip that provides functions for the provision of an electronic product code (EPC). The RFID chip can be integrated, for example, in the layer structure of the second region and advantageously be designed as an organic circuit, so that it can be produced in a simple manner by printing techniques as a mass product.

It can be provided that both the open information and the hidden code are read out using the method described above.

Furthermore, provision can be made for the open information and / or the hidden code to be compared with a data record stored in a database.

Modern mobile phones have built-in digital cameras with one Resolution of a few million pixels. Such a high resolution allows the verification of the hidden information by using the mobile phone as an easily accessible reading device, for example, to verify the authenticity of a product that is provided with the security element. For this purpose, a photograph of the security element taken with the camera of the mobile telephone is transmitted to a database server by means of MMS (Multimedia Messaging Service). The database server converts the photo into an electronic data record and uses this data record to query a product database. The result can be transmitted via MMS or SMS (Short Message Service) to the mobile phone, so that within a short time, a test result on the authenticity of the product and / or specific product information, for observing the gray market or for

Product tracking and product monitoring are relevant, present or exist. In general, there are different levels of information and security. A security element may have an inscribed by laser ablation alphanumeric code and a two-dimensional barcode, for example, next to a TRUST SEAL ^®. First, the TRUSTSEAL® located in the upper portion of the OVD, indicating, for example, the product name or manufacturer, is visually verified by the consumer. Second, the alphanumeric code indicating the serial number may be verified, for example, by entering the code into a mobile phone and sending the code as an SMS message to a server and by replying to the server in the form of an SMS message. Alternatively, the transmission to the server may be provided by a special reader or by MMS message containing a digital photograph of the alphanumeric code as described above. Third, the two-dimensional bar code, providing information such as serial number, date of manufacture, target market, version number, or product specification, may be retrieved on-site by the trademark owner to obtain product specifications that include more data than the alphanumeric data. Fourthly, the security element may contain concealed information of high security relevance, such as a special reader or a high-resolution camera that transmits the image as an MMS message as described above require a server for decoding. This classified information would typically include the product name, the place of origin and the target market.

It may further be provided that the open information visible with an unaided eye is an open, optically machine-readable individualized code and that the individualized code is stored in the database and the database is queried for the verification of the security element. If the individualized code is a barcode, digitization of the code may be eliminated. If it is an alphanumeric code, a text recognition method may be provided to make the individualized code machine readable. Advantageously, both of the aforementioned code embodiments can be provided.

• eine transparente Trägerplatte, auf der das Sicherheitselement auf seiner Frontseite ablegbar ist,
• eine Kamera, die so angeordnet oder ausgerichtet ist, dass sie die auf der transparenten Trägerplatte aufliegende Frontseite des Sicherheitselements abbildet,
• eine polychromatische nichtkollimierte Lichtquelle, die unterhalb der Trägerplatte angeordnet ist, und
• eine monochromatische kohärente oder semi-kohärente Punktlichtquelle, zum Beispiel eine Laserdiode oder eine LED, wobei die Punktlichtquelle unterhalb der Trägerplatte angeordnet ist und so ausgerichtet ist, dass die optische Achse der Punktlichtquelle in einem Winkel von 45 bis 135°, vorzugsweise in einem Winkel von 85° bis 95° auf den Bereich der Trägerplatte auftrifft, in dem das Sicherheitselement ablegbar ist.

A reader may be provided for reading the open and hidden information from the security element, which comprises at least the following components:

• a transparent carrier plate on which the security element can be deposited on its front side,
• a camera which is arranged or oriented such that it images the front of the security element resting on the transparent carrier plate,
• a polychromatic non-collimated light source disposed below the support plate, and
• a monochromatic coherent or semi-coherent point light source, for example a laser diode or an LED, wherein the point light source is disposed below the support plate and oriented so that the optical axis of the point light source at an angle of 45 to 135 °, preferably at an angle of 85 ° to 95 ° impinges on the region of the support plate in which the security element can be placed.

The camera may advantageously be an electronic camera with a sensor chip, wherein the camera may further comprise a data output for connection to a computer.

It can be provided that the point light source is a laser diode or an LED. But it is also possible that the point light source of a polychromatic non-point light source and a slot arranged in front, d. H. a very narrow gap is formed, wherein the light emerging from the gap is passed through a wavelength filter. Since such a light source can be very faint, a highly sensitive sensor chip can be provided in this case to make the hidden information visible.

The invention will now be explained in more detail with reference to exemplary embodiments. Show it

Fig. 1

a first embodiment of a security element according to the invention in plan view;

Fig. 2

a schematic sectional view of the security element in Fig. 1 along the section line II-II;

Fig. 3

a first embodiment of a reader for the security element in Fig. 1 ;

Fig. 4

a first embodiment of a security document with the security element in Fig. 1 ;

Fig. 5

an arrangement for verification of the security document in Fig. 4 ;

Fig. 6

a second embodiment of a security document with the security element in Fig. 1 ;

Fig. 7

an arrangement for verification of the security document in Fig. 5 ;

Fig. 8

a second embodiment of a security element according to the invention in plan view;

Fig. 9

an embodiment of a security document with the security element in Fig. 7 ;

Fig. 10

an arrangement for verification of the security document in Fig. 8 ;

Fig. 11

a third embodiment of a security element according to the invention in a schematic plan view;

Fig. 12a to 12c

further embodiments of a security element according to the invention;

Fig. 13

a second embodiment of a reader for the security element in Fig. 1 ,

Fig. 1 shows a security element 1 having a computer-generated hologram 16 and alphanumeric characters 17 in a first area 15. The alphanumeric characters 17 are in the in Fig. 1 illustrated embodiment arranged in two lines of six characters and form a twelve-digit number, ie a visible information. The visible information presented in the form of an alphanumeric code is readable by unaided eye. For example, information may be individualized information. Instead of the alphanumeric characters, a barcode may also be provided, or both the alphanumeric characters and the barcode may be provided. The barcode may be provided in particular to facilitate the machine readout of the individualized information. The barcode can be designed either as a one-dimensional or as a two-dimensional barcode. The barcode may contain more information than contained in the alphanumeric code or it may provide the same information provided by the alphanumeric code.

Inscribed into the computer-generated hologram 16 is hidden information that is imperceptible when illuminated with "white" light and unaided eye viewing. The hidden information may be alphanumeric characters and / or a barcode and / or a logo, as in the case of the visible information described above. Typically, the computer-generated hologram may include a very simply executed logo and / or a number of alphanumeric characters, such as a company logo and a country code. The country code may, for example, be used to distinguish between target markets with different price levels. The hologram 16 appears to a viewer as a matte surface that forms a background for the alphanumeric characters 17. The first area 15 thus forms a diffractive security area, which increases the security against forgery of the security element 1 with respect to security elements, in which in the background area of the individualized information the counterfeiting aggravating diffractive structures are provided, but no hidden information is inscribed.

In a second region 18 of the security element 1, a tilting image is formed, which shows different images at different tilt angle of the security element 1, for example, the string "OK" in different positions and / or colors and / or shapes. Such a security feature is easily recognizable and conspicuous.

Fig. 2 now shows a non-scale sectional view of the security element 1 along the section line II-II in Fig. 1 ,

The security element 1 is designed as a multi-layer body, which has as its uppermost layer a protective layer 21 which covers a replication layer 22. The replication layer 22 may have a thickness of 2 to 20 microns and be formed of a thermoplastic material or a UV-curable lacquer. In the surface facing away from the protective layer 21 surface of the replication layer 22 surface profiles are formed, which are covered by a metallic layer 23, which acts as a reflection layer. The metallic layer 23 may be applied, for example, by sputtering or vapor deposition, have a layer thickness in the range of 15 to 50 nm and consist of aluminum, gold, copper or the like of highly reflective metal or metal alloy. The metallic layer 23 is interrupted in sections 25, for example by laser ablation of the metallic layer for engraving the alphanumeric characters 17. Laser ablation is the typical method of writing the alphanumeric characters 17. The characters can be written in the factory or later. If the alphanumeric characters 17 are written in the factory, this can be done before the security element is completely created or afterwards. The writing may be provided for any post-metallization production step. The metallic layer 23 is covered by an adhesive layer 24 on its side facing away from the replication layer. When the writing is provided after the application of the adhesive layer 24, the laser power is selected so that only the metallic layer 23 is removed by being vaporized by the laser beam and forming small conglomerates at the edges of the exposed areas of the metallic layer 23. As a matter of fact

For example, even after the security element 1 is mounted on a product or on a document, the alphanumeric characters 17 may be written by laser ablation. For example, the security element 1 can be placed on a visa and then the number of the visa can be inscribed in the security element with a laser.

Instead of the metallic layer 23, for example, a layer of a high-refractive-index material (HRI layer), a combined HRI-metal layer, a dielectric thin-film or a liquid-crystal layer may also be provided.

The adhesive layer 24 can be, for example, a hot-melt adhesive layer, so that the security element 1 can be applied to a security document, such as an identification card, a passport or a credit card. At the in Fig. 1 The illustrated security element is the transfer layer of a transfer film, in particular a hot stamping film, which further comprises a carrier layer and an optional release layer between carrier layer and protective layer. It is also possible for the security element 1 to be a laminating film which, for example, has a carrier film, for example a 12 to 42 μm thick PET film, instead of the protective layer 21.

In the first region 15, the surface profile of the replication layer 22 is formed of interleaved diffractive gratings whose lattice parameters, in particular azimuth angle, spatial frequency and profile shape differ and which deflect the incident light in different directions, so that only one of the lattices sheds light into the eye of the Distracts viewers. Because of the wavelength dependence of the diffraction individual light colors can be hidden by selecting the Spatialfrequenz, if the security element 1 is illuminated with polychromatic light, such as daylight. For example, red and green images can be generated one after another by tilting the security element 1. Furthermore, the use of zero-order diffraction structures is possible in which the grating period below

is the wavelength of the visible light, so that the polarization of the reflected light can be influenced by the design of the grid.

In the second region 18, the surface profile is formed with a large depth-to-width ratio of the elevations or depressions. Because of the large depth-to-width ratio, which is advantageously chosen in the range of 1 to 5, multiple reflections of the incident light occur, which in this way dissipates and causes the visual impression of a dark matt surface.

The information hidden in the hologram 16 can be visualized by coherent monochromatic light, for example by illuminating the hologram with a red laser beam. Because a hologram characterized in that interruptions only reduce the resolution of the stored information, the holographic image generated by the laser beam is not superimposed by the alphanumeric characters 17. The hidden information stored in the hologram 16 may preferably be alphanumeric characters and / or a barcode. However, it is also possible that it is a graphic object or the like, such as a company logo. For improved machine identification, it is also possible to provide simple geometric objects, such as circles or triangles.

Fig. 3 now shows a reader 3 for reading the information stored in the security element. The security element 1 is applied to a security document 4, as described above. The reader 3 carries on its upper side a thick glass plate 31, on the upper side of which a projection screen 32 is arranged. The projection screen 32 is colored white on its underside facing the upper side of the glass plate 31. It can also be provided that the projection screen 32 is formed by a white color imprint or by a frosted glass area introduced into the surface of the glass plate 3.

Further, in the reader 3, a laser 33 is arranged so that the coherent light beam exiting from the laser 33 obliquely hits the underside of the glass plate 31, is broken in the glass plate 31 to Einfallslot out, in which in the first region 15 (see Fig. 1 and 2 ) of the security element 1 arranged hologram 16 is reflected on the underside of the glass plate 31 and then hits the projection screen 32 and there represents the hidden in the hologram 16 information. Advantageously, it can be provided that the image beam strikes the projection screen 32 with total reflection, for which purpose, for example, a special coupling-in structure can be provided for coupling the light beam into the glass plate 31.

Next, a polychromatic or white light source is arranged in the reader 3, which illuminates the security element 1, whereby the written in the first area alphanumeric characters 17 are visible.

To evaluate the information displayed on the projection screen 32 and on the first area 15 of the security element 1, a camera 35 is provided. The camera 35 may advantageously be a so-called digital camera with a digital image sensor having a signal output for connection to a signal input of a computer. In this way, in the simplest case, the image received by the camera 35 can be displayed on a computer monitor and evaluated manually. It is advantageous if the two-dimensional image sensor the projection screen 32 as well as the on the security element 1 registered alphanumeric characters 17 (s. Fig. 1 ) simultaneously.

Fig. 4 now shows the security document 4 in Fig. 3 in the plan view. It is in the in Fig. 4 shown security document 4 to an identification card, in addition to the security element 1 a passport photograph 41 of the owner, readable individualized data 42 (name, first name, date of birth) of the owner and a signature 43 of the owner has.

The information stored in the security element 4 information can be stored in a database, which is queried when checking the security document 4.

Fig. 5 shows an example of a device suitable for the aforementioned test. The camera 35 of the reader 3 is connected to a local computer 51 equipped with text recognition software. Text recognition software is also known as OCR software.

The computer 51 is connected via a network 52, which is located in the in Fig. 5 illustrated embodiment is the Internet, connected to a database server 53. In a database set up on the database server 53, the data required for verification of the information stored in the security element 1 are stored. It is advantageously provided that a secure connection is formed between the computer 51 and the database server 53, for example an encrypted connection. The computer 51 is connected to a computer workstation 54, through which the control of the reader 3 and the operation of the computer 51 is possible.

Fig. 6 now shows a security document 6, like the one in Fig. 4 illustrated security document 4 is formed, but in addition to the security element 1, the passport 41, the readable individualized data 42 and the signature 43 has a memory chip 61, may be stored in the data for verification of the security document 6 or the holder of the security document, such as biometric Data of the owner. Instead of the memory chip 61, an RFID tag (module for radio-frequency identification) may be provided, which may have the advantage over the memory chip 61 that it can be interrogated wirelessly.

Fig. 7 now shows a reader 7, which differs from the in Fig. 3 and 5 illustrated reader 3 differs in that it additionally a chip reader 71 for reading the stored in the memory chip 61 of the security document 6

Information has. Both the chip reader 71 and the camera 35 are connected to the computer 51, which is connected to the computer workstation 54 as described above.

Fig. 8 now shows a security element 8, which has a first area 81, which is designed as a diffractive security area, ie as a security area with a diffractive surface relief, and a second area 82 which is formed as an OVD, whose contour as an RFID antenna for an RFID tag is shaped.

The RFID antenna is detectable by a reader that detects the resonant frequency of the RFID antenna, as described below. An RFID chip is not needed in this embodiment.

The first region 81 is like the region 15 in FIG Fig. 1 trained, ie it provides both an open information and a hidden information that can be read by a reader.

Fig. 9 now shows a security document 9, which differs from the one in Fig. 4 represented security document differs essentially by the nature of the security element. The security document 9 is an identification card which, in addition to the passport photograph 41 of the holder, the readable individualized data 42 (name, first name, date of birth) of the owner and the signature 43 of the owner, the security element 8 in FIG Fig. 8 having.

Fig. 10 shows a reader 10, which differs from the in Fig. 3 and 5 illustrated reader 3 differs in that it additionally has an RFID reader 101 for determining the resonant frequency of the RFID antenna of the security element 8. If the RFID antenna of the security element 8 does not have the desired frequency, the security document 9 is not accepted.

Both the RFID reader 101 and the camera 35 are connected to the computer 51, which is as in above Fig. 5 described is connected via the network 52 to the database server 53. Next, the computer workstation 54 is to

and outputting data, for example for triggering the read, for database query or the like. The network 52 may be, for example, the Internet, as described above, or a corporate network, where "corporate network" is also understood as the network of a management or authority.

Fig. 11 now shows a third embodiment of a security element according to the invention. A security element 11 has a first area 111, which is a diffractive security area, and a second area 115 formed as an OVD. The second area 115 is in the in FIG Fig. 11 illustrated embodiment, to point out in a catchy and promotional effect that it is the product marked with the security element 11 is an original product. The second area 115 may include, for example, an indication that it is an original product, a company logo, and a product name. In accordance with the many design options that an OVD offers, for example, color effects, different images or different image sizes as well as motion effects can be shown when tilting the security element.

The first area 111 has a diffractive surface relief background 113 into which are inserted alphanumeric characters 112 which output open information. It may preferably be an individualized information that is given only once, for example, to allow a product tracking from the consumer via retailers and wholesalers to the manufacturer. The background 113 can be, for example, a cross grid, a matt structure or the like.

In the background 113 micro-regions 114 are provided with diffractive surface relief, which are imperceptible to an unaided eye. It may, for example, be reflective micro-areas in the dimensions of 10 microns x 10 microns.

In the illustration in Fig. 11 the micro regions 114 are reproduced very greatly enlarged. For example, in a basic version, 4096 pixel locations in a 50mm x 50mm area may be provided to store 2 characters or 4096 ID numbers. An extended version can have 10 characters or ID numbers store between 1 and 4 billion. In another version, up to 1 billion codes can be stored in an area of 17 mm x 17 mm.

For reliable readability of the hidden information, a good contrast between the micro-regions 114 and the background 113 may be advantageous.

In a first advantageous exemplary embodiment, specular microregions 114 were arranged on a background 113 with an isotropic matt structure.

In a second advantageous embodiment, specular microregions 114 were arranged on a background, which is designed as an isotropic matt structure combined with a cross grating with a spatial frequency of 1050 lines / mm.

It can further be provided that the hidden information is encrypted, so that in order to read the information in addition a key is required, which is known only to the manufacturer or the owner of the product.

Modern mobile phones have built-in digital cameras with a resolution of several million pixels. Such a high resolution enables the verification of the hidden information by a photograph taken, for example, by a consumer, distributor or monitoring device with the camera of the mobile telephone, which can be transmitted to a database server by means of MMS. The database server can convert the photo into an electronic dataset and compare it to a product database. The result can be transmitted via MMS or SMS to the mobile phone, so that within a short time, a test result on the authenticity of the product and / or specific product information that are relevant for observing the gray market or for product tracking and product monitoring, is present or available.

The camera of the mobile phone simultaneously generates an image of the alphanumeric characters 112 and the micro-regions 114, wherein the alphanumeric characters 112 individualized information about the product or document and the Microareas 114 can provide information about the product or document class.

The Fig. 12a to 12c show security elements 12a to 12c, which differ in the formation of the background. The security elements 12a to 12c have alphanumeric characters 124, which are introduced by laser ablation in a background area 121. In the area of the alphanumeric characters 124, the background area 121 is removed.

The background region 121 has a continuously variable optical effect, for example a brightness curve with continuously decreasing or increasing gray values. In the in Fig. 12a illustrated embodiment, the brightness curve is provided in the longitudinal direction of the security element 12a, ie parallel to the arrangement of the alphanumeric characters 124th

• Polarisationseigenschaft
• Gitterperiode
• Gitterorientierung
• Gitterform
• Gittertiefe
• Gitterprofilform
• Ausbildung des diffraktiven Oberflächenreliefs

The security element 12b in Fig. 12b has a background area formed of two juxtaposed background areas 122 and 123. The background areas 122 and 123 form a one-dimensional pattern. The background areas 122 and 123 have surface reliefs with different diffractive structures that differ in at least one parameter. For example, the background areas 122 and 123 may differ in terms of

• polarization property
• grating period
• grating orientation
• lattice form
• grating depth
• Grid profile shape
• Formation of the diffractive surface relief

It can be provided that the visual impression of the two background areas is the same, so that the different design of the Background areas when viewing unaided eye is not recognizable. It may further be provided that more than two different background areas form the background of the security element 12b. If the subdivision is sufficiently fine, the security element 12b can produce the visual impression of the security element 12a (FIG. Fig. 12a ) convey.

Fig. 12c now shows the security element 12c, which has a background with a two-dimensional pattern. In the in Fig. 12c illustrated embodiment, the security element 12c is formed as a square security element with the two background areas 122 and 123. The background area 122 forms a square in the upper left corner of the square background with half the edge length of the background and a spaced perpendicularly spaced strip, which differs from the upper edge extends to the lower edge of the background.

The hidden information may be incorporated into the security elements 12a to 12c advantageously analogous to that in FIG Fig. 11 be illustrated embodiment. However, it is also possible for one or more of the background areas 121 to 123 to be in the form of a computer-generated hologram, as described above Fig. 1 described.

• - die Polarisation der Lichtquellen unterschiedlich ist, oder
• - die Position und damit der Einfallswinkel der Lichtquellen unterschiedlich ist, oder
• - die Wellenlänge der Lichtquellen unterschiedlich ist.

The characteristics of the light source of the reader can be controlled and varied for authenticity control. For example, two light sources may be provided, wherein

• - the polarization of the light sources is different, or
• - The position and thus the angle of incidence of the light sources is different, or
• - The wavelength of the light sources is different.

By making two images, each taken with one of the two light sources, you can check the authenticity of the security element.

FIG. 13 shows a second embodiment of a reading device for reading in the security element 1 in FIG Fig. 1 stored information. The security element 1 is applied to a security document 4, as described above.

A reader 13 is like the one above Fig. 3 described reader, with the difference that it is in the glass plate 31, on which the security document 4 can be stored, is a thin glass plate, and that no projection screen is disposed on top of the glass plate 31.
Further, in the reading device 13, no laser for generating a coherent light beam is provided, but a monochromatic coherent point light source 133, which emits a beam 134 for illuminating the security element 1. The point light source 133 is arranged parallel to the optical axis of the camera 35, wherein the distance of the Punktlichtqelle 133 is selected to the optical axis of the camera 35 as low as possible. Ideally, the beam axis of the point light source 133 coincides with the optical axis of the camera 35. The optical axis of the point light source 133 strikes the region of the glass plate 31 at an angle of 45 ° to 135 °, preferably at an angle of 85 ° to 95 °, in which the security element 1 can be deposited.

• Kostenreduzierung,
• einfacher und kompakter Aufbau des Lesegeräts;
• hohe Unempfindlichkeit gegenüber Lagetoleranzen der die verborgene Information enthaltenden Bereiche des Sicherheitselements 1.

As a point light source 133, for example, a laser diode or an LED may be provided which emits monochromatic coherent light. Coherence in physics refers to a property of waves that allows temporally and spatially immutable interference phenomena. When non-coherent light is transmitted through a very narrow gap, the emergent light behaves as if the slit were a point light source emitting coherent light. The spatial coherence increases with increasing distance to the light source. A wavelength filter can increase the temporal coherence. The incident on the security element 1 coherent beam 134 now makes the information hidden in the security element 1 visible, whereby by the replacement of the laser 33 by the point light source 133, some substantial improvements over that in Fig. 3 described reader 3 are achieved:

• Cost reduction,
• simple and compact design of the reader;
• high insensitivity to positional tolerances of the areas of the security element 1 containing the hidden information.

A comparable increase in insensitivity to positional tolerances would only be possible through the use of more than one laser 33 in FIG Fig. 3 achievable or by an additional device for line by line deflection of the laser beam.

Although the point light source 133 has a reduced coherence with respect to the laser 33, it has been shown that high coherence is not necessary, although with higher coherence the visibility of the hidden information increases. The hidden information is displayed when illuminated with the point light source 133, typically with a rainbow effect.

As the point light source 133, for example, a laser diode of 1 mW power and a wavelength of 635 nm without collimating optics was used. The radiation beam 134 emitted by the laser diode had an opening angle of 34 °. Likewise, an LED was used as the point light source 133.

The arranged in the reader 13 polychromatic or white light source 34 may, as in Fig. 3 be described above. It is designed as a broadband, non-collimated light source and may for example also be formed by a larger number of white or colored LEDs or an electroluminescent plate.

Claims (15)

Security element for increasing the security against forgery of a security document, in particular an identity card, a passport or an identification card,
characterized,
that the security element (1, 8, 11) a first region (15, 81, 111) in which at least in regions in a layer of the security element (1, 8, 11) at least partially provided with a reflection layer diffractive surface relief is shaped, which shows an open information visible to an unaided eye, and in that the first area further comprises a hidden, optically readable, machine-readable code not visible to the unaided eye, which consists of an arrangement in the first area (15, 81, 111) arranged and optically different from the surrounding area micro-regions (114) is formed, in which a different from the surrounding area surface relief is molded and / or the reflection layer is removed, and / or the machine-readable code generated by the surface relief molded into the layer is. Security element according to claim 1,
characterized,
that the hidden code is a code individualized by means of a laser. Security element according to claim 1 or 2,
characterized,
that the surface occupied by the micro-regions (114) is in the first region based on each area of 300 microns x 300 microns is constant. Security element according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized,
that the micro-regions (114) x 10 .mu.m to 30 .mu.m have a surface area in the range of 10 microns x 30 microns. Security element according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized,
that not more than 100 to 1000 micro ranges / mm ^{2 are provided} in the first area. Security element according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized,
that the concealed code is determined by the arrangement of micro-regions (114). Security element according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized,
in that in the first region (15, 81) a hologram is surface-shaped in the layer which shows the hidden machine-readable code only when irradiated with monochromatic coherent light of a predefined wavelength. Security element according to claim 7,
characterized,
that the hologram appears as a matte structure when illuminated with polychromatic light. Security element according to one of claims 1 to 8,
characterized,
that in the first region two or more different diffractive structures are shaped as a surface relief in the layer. Security element according to one of claims 14 to 17,
characterized,
that the open code is introduced through a laser engraving in the first region (15, 81, 111) by the reflection layer is removed in the region of the code. Method for increasing the security against forgery of a security document, in particular an identity card, a passport or an identification card,
characterized,
in that a security element (1, 8, 11) is provided which has a first region (15, 81, 111) in which at least in some areas a layer of the security element (1, 8, 11) has a diffractive surface provided with a reflection layer Surface relief is formed, which shows an open, visible with an unaided eye information, the first area further has a hidden, not visible to the unaided eye, optically readable machine-readable code, which consists of an arrangement of in the first area (15, 81 , 111) and optically different from the surrounding region, micro-regions (114) in which a surface relief different from the surrounding region is molded and / or the reflection layer is removed, and / or the machine-readable code from which into the layer molded surface relief is generated, and that the hidden machine-readable code with e inem reader for verification of the security element is read out. Method according to claim 11,
characterized,
that further the open information is read out by means of the reader, wherein the open, with an unaided eye visible information a is open, optically machine-readable individualized code. Method according to claim 11 or 12,
characterized,
that the open information and / or the secret code are compared with a stored in a database record. Method according to claim 13,
characterized,
that the open code and / or the hidden code is generated in the individualization of the security element (1, 8, 11) as individualized code, in the first area of the security element (1, 8, 11) is written, and that the individualized code in the database is stored and the database is queried for verification of the security element (1, 8, 11). Reader for carrying out the method according to one of claims 11 to 14,
characterized,
in that the reading device (13) has at least the following components: a transparent support plate (31) on which the security element (1, 8, 11) can be deposited on its front side, a camera (35) arranged and oriented so as to image the front side of the security element (1, 8, 11) lying on the transparent support plate (31), - A polychromatic non-collimated light source (34) which is disposed below the support plate (31), and - A monochromatic coherent or semi-coherent point light source (133), wherein the point light source is arranged below the support plate (31) and is aligned so that the optical axis of the point light source at an angle of 45 ° to 135 °, preferably at an angle of 85 ° to 95 ° on the region of the support plate (31) impinges, in which the security element (1, 8, 11) can be stored.

Images