EP3717272A1

EP3717272A1 - Layer arrangement having a metal layer in the window region

Info

Publication number: EP3717272A1
Application number: EP18814779.7A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Josef Riedl; Günter Endres; Klaus Kohl
Original assignee: Giesecke and Devrient Mobile Security GmbH
Current assignee: Veridos GmbH
Priority date: 2017-12-01
Filing date: 2018-11-26
Publication date: 2020-10-07
Also published as: DE102017011193A1; WO2019105580A1

Abstract

The present invention relates to a layer arrangement for use in a value document and to the value document as such. The invention further relates to a system arrangement for providing the value document and/or the layer arrangement. The invention also relates to a method which provides the layer arrangement and/or operates the system arrangement and to a computer program product with control commands which implement the method and/or operate the system arrangement when the are executed.

Description

Layer arrangement with a metal layer in the window area

The present invention is directed to a layer arrangement for use in a value document and to the value document per se. Furthermore, the invention relates to a system arrangement for providing the value document or the layer arrangement. A method is proposed which provides the layer arrangement or the

System arrangement operates as well as a computer program product with control commands, which implement the method or the

Operate system arrangement during their execution.

Different security features are known with which it is intended to ensure that a value document can not be made unauthorized. For example, ID cards, driver's license cards,

Credit cards or more generally known smart cards. These have partial security features with which it can be ensured that a value document can be verified in terms of its authenticity.

It happens that the value document is not falsified as a whole, but that an existing, genuine value document is deflected in such a way that only individual data, such. As the name of the cardholder to be changed. Thus, different redundant

Security features necessary, which can be arranged for example in a window area. In this case, it is possible, for example, to add the cardholder's image in a window area in addition to an image already present on the value document. It is also possible to deposit a security function within such a window area and thereby to personalize the value document in such a way that an individual security feature is created. These are just window areas for the introduction of a

Security feature, since such a window area can always be produced only consuming and thus at least the cost is increased, which must provide a counterfeiter. In particular, such window areas are advantageous in that they can be combined with other security features on value documents.

Flierbei is proposed in the prior art to provide multiple layers and to arrange these layers flat, so this

can be laminated together. Corresponding security features are therefore introduced surface. Moreover, it is known to omit individual window areas and in this case to provide a metal layer within a window area. This metal layer can then by means of

Laser personalization or other Demetallisierungsarten be edited so that there are breakthroughs that are visible in a transmitted light through the document of value. Thus, the transmitted light creates an optical effect that is recognizable by a user with the unaided eye.

Generally, there is a need for a variety of security features that can be configured differently. This makes it possible to increase the expense of a counterfeiter in such a way that multiple value documents can not be forged by means of the imitation of a single security feature. Alone by the multiplicity of the existing security features the expenditure for a

Unauthorized manufacturer increases and this manufacturer can thus be prevented from forgery. There is also a need for

Security features, which are generally from the unaided eye can be recognized, but their manufacturing process remains essentially hidden. This, in turn, makes it possible to verify the value document without disclosing how such a value document would be reworked.

It is thus an object of the present invention to propose an improved layered model for use in a value document, which is manufactured according to an alternative layer construction and can act as a security feature. Furthermore, it is an object of the present invention to provide a corresponding value document and a system arrangement for providing the value document or the layer arrangement. Furthermore, a method is to be proposed, which makes it possible to produce the layer arrangement or the document of value and to propose a computer program product, which is designed according to the proposed method.

The object is solved with the features of claim 1. Further advantageous embodiments are specified in the dependent claims.

Accordingly, a layer arrangement is proposed for use in a value document, comprising a first and a second transparent protective layer, wherein at least one opaque core layer is arranged between the first and the second transparent protective layer, wherein a transparent insert is inserted in the at least one opaque core layer, and a metal layer element is arranged with respect to the transparent insert such that at least one surface of the metal layer element is visible from outside the layer arrangement and the metal layer element for personalization is partially removed in such a way that the metal layer element is at least weakened. The proposed layer arrangement may provide the value document as a whole or only a part thereof. So can the

Layer arrangement can be used as a credit card, which has other components. Thus, it is advantageous to provide the layer arrangement in the form of a smart card, which has further electronic and electrical components. For example, components such as a microcontroller, a memory and / or an antenna can be provided between the layers. The protective layers are then only to be designed so that they do not affect the function of the electrical or electronic components.

In this case, it is also possible for the layer arrangement to provide only a part of a value document, for example a page of a passbook. Thus, the layer arrangement is provided as a data page which can be incorporated into an existing value document.

A first and a second transparent protective layer may also be referred to as a first and a second overlay layer. Such an overlay layer is a transparent layer which is attached to the outer sides of the layer arrangement. Here, a physical action on the individual layers should be avoided and the layer arrangement should be provided more stability overall. In this case, the person skilled in the art recognizes materials which are suitable for

Providing a transparent protective layer are suitable, such as PVC. In this case, flexible plastics are preferably to be used, which are substantially transparent. Substantially transparent hereby is based on the fact that the value document can provide optical information, which can be transmitted through the transparent protective layer or the transparent Protective layers should be visible through. Thus, essentially "transparent" designates that a semi-transparent protective layer is also to be provided, or a semi-transparent protective layer and a transparent protective layer.

An opaque core layer is also typically one

Plastic layer, which, however, in contrast to the protective layers is not transparent, so is designed opaque. A core layer according to one aspect of the present invention is a reinforced layer which substantially enhances the flexibility of the invention

Layer arrangement influenced. Generally, however, in the context of the present invention, it is believed that a layer may also be provided as a film. A film is typically provided for a lamination process and is then hot pressed with further films. Thus arise corresponding layers. In the present case, therefore, a film analogous to a layer is to be understood.

In the at least one opaque core layer, a transparent insert is introduced, which can be done in such a way that in the respective opaque

Core layer is introduced a recess, which represents a window area. In this window area, a depositor or an insert element is introduced. The insert can generally be made flat, wherein the insert is not configured such that it extends over the complete layer arrangement. Thus, the insert is smaller in its surface than the core layer or the transparent protective layers. The insert can, for example, be designed such that it corresponds in its area to a recess in the opaque core layer. Generally, a single inserter is provided if a single opaque core layer is provided. However, it is also possible to provide a plurality of opaque core layers, which then each have an insert. Thus, the number of inserts present corresponds to the number of opaque core layers. In this case, however, it is also possible that a plurality of opaque core layers are provided, which all have a single insert, which is introduced through all the opaque core layers.

The proposed transparent insert can be provided by a transparent plastic and can during the

Manufacturing process of the layer arrangement are provided as a film, which is introduced into a recess of the respective opaque core film. It is possible that the insert corresponds to the size of the recess or slightly protrudes beyond. Another one

Method, such as the proposed layer model or the

Layer arrangement that can be provided is a so-called coextrusion. However, preferably a hot pressing, so a

Laminating, insert.

Since the two transparent protective layers preferably represent the respective outer layers of the layer arrangement, at least one opaque core layer can be introduced between these two transparent protective layers, as a so-called sandwich. It is also possible to have several opaque core layers between the two transparent ones

To arrange protective layers. About at least one of the two

transparent protective layers can also be arranged a further protective layer, which, for example, the inclusion of a

Metal layer element is used. In preferred Ausfühxungsbeispielen a single opaque core layer are provided or even two opaque Core layers. Accordingly, even a single depositor

provided or even two depositors. An insert is placed in a first core layer in the presence of two opaque core layers, and another insert in the second core layer.

A metal layer element can likewise be a surface-configured element, which in its cross section corresponds approximately to the width in a horizontal layer model, such as the width of the transparent insert. So is in a side view the

Metal layer element in about as wide as the transparent insert, wherein, however, the metal layer element is film-like in the form of a layer and the insert has, for example, the layer thickness of the opaque core layer. The transparent insert may also extend over a plurality of opaque core layers or a transparent core film.

Preferably, the metal layer element is configured as a metal layer, but not over the entire width of the

Layer arrangement extends. Thus, in the present layer structure, the metal layer element is not a complete individual layer, but rather the width of the metal layer element is smaller with respect to the further layers. Thus, no

full-surface layer provided by means of the metal layer element.

The metal layer element is disposed relative to the transparent insert such that at least one surface of the metal layer element is visible from outside the layer arrangement. Thus, it is thus possible to view through the transparent insert through the metal layer element and thereby perceive a personalization on the metal layer element. In a horizontal view, as shown for example in the figures, it is thus possible for the metal layer element from below and / or from above through the transparent protective layers and through the transparent insert at least from one side.

The metal layer element is generally used for individualization or

Personalization of the value document. In the context of the present

Invention is a personalization equal to an individualization, which is suitable to a particular feature in the metal layer or the

To introduce metal layer element. In this case, the feature does not have to be value-document-individual, but rather, for example, a customer may want a personalization feature for a number of value documents. Thus, personalization is any information that is introduced into the metal layer. Preferably, this may be an image of a cardholder or even the logo of a bank. However, this is not meant to be limiting but rather provides examples of possible personalization, which may generally include letters, patterns or images.

The personalization itself takes place by means of an at least partial removal and / or oxidation of material from the metal layer or the metal layer element. It is possible that no breakthroughs are incorporated into the metal layer or the metal layer element.

Alternatively, breakthroughs can be incorporated into the metal layer. Thus, a security element, which is not with low

technical effort is nacharbeitbar. According to the prior art, such weakenings have the advantage that they are used in the

Parameterization Require skill and experience, since the layer thickness of the metal layer element must be analyzed. This results in a particularly forgery-proof security element within the layer arrangement. According to one aspect of the present invention, two opaque core layers each having a transparent insert are arranged between the first and second transparent protective layers. This has the advantage that the layer arrangement can be varied in such a way that not only a single opaque core film together with inserts is provided, but that, for example, two inserts can be arranged in the register and thus in turn a particularly appealing optical effect occurs. Thus, by means of the different inserts a depth effect can be produced, which in turn is a first value document of a second

Makes the value document distinguishable. However, the present invention is not limited to two opaque core layers, but rather, further opaque core layers can be provided, which then each have an insert.

According to a further aspect of the present invention, a first opaque core layer, together with a first insert, covers a first side of a transparent core film, and a second opaque core layer, together with a second insert, covers a second side of the transparent core film. This has the advantage that in the middle of the layer arrangement a core foil can be arranged, which is opaque from both sides

Core film and the respective depositors is covered. The transparent core film serves as a kind of main foil and gives the layer model a stability which enables the layer arrangement to be flexible on the whole but nevertheless stiff. Thus, the flexural rigidity of the layer arrangement as a whole can be varied by means of the core film. While the proposed layer arrangement is flexible overall, the

Stiffness can be varied so that the layer arrangement is suitable for a passport book as a document of value, or else is made stiffer and thus forms a credit card. According to another aspect of the present invention is the

transparent inserts are each introduced into an opaque core layer in such a way that it at least partially surrounds the transparent insert such that a window region is formed in the layer arrangement. This has the advantage that the transparent insert can be introduced, for example, in a form-fitting manner into a recess within the respective opaque core layer. In general, the transparent insert is smaller in its surface than the opaque core film and can thus be introduced into it. Thus, the insert is smaller in size than the spatial extent

Layer arrangement in total or the value document in total. The window area is therefore particularly advantageous because the metal layer element remains visible through the window area and thus the personalization or the individualization remains recognizable from outside the layer arrangement.

According to a further aspect of the present invention, the transparent insert and the metal layer element are arranged in the register. This has the advantage that the middle layer element with respect to the

transparent insert or the respective transparent insert of each opaque core layer are arranged such that the depositor or a depositor form a window through which the metal layer or the metal layer element remains visible. Thus, the metal layer element is protected inside the layer arrangement and yet visible from outside the layer arrangement.

According to another aspect of the present invention is

Metal layer element configured flat, and an upper surface is substantially equal to the top of an insert. This has the advantage that the Metal layer element has the same area as a depositor or has the same surface as a depositor. In this case, however, only one side of the metal layer element or of the insert is meant by the surface, that is to say the upper side. In the "essential" means here that the tops can be the same size or only slightly different

Deviation can serve, for example, the attachment of the metal layer element to a further layer. It is also possible that

Insert metal layer element in the insert such that the

Metal layer element does not protrude beyond the sides of the insert.

According to another aspect of the present invention is

Metal layer element arranged on a surface of a depositor. This has the advantage that the metal layer element can be placed on a depositor and then laminated into the layer model. Thus, an alternative to conventional arrangements is provided which provide that the metal layer is not outside an opaque one

Core layer is arranged.

According to another aspect of the present invention is

Metal layer element between a depositor and a transparent protective layer arranged. This has the advantage that the

Metal layer element is in direct contact with both the depositor and with a transparent protective layer and thus again an alternative layer arrangement is provided. Hereby, the metal layer element can be easily placed on a depositors or on the transparent protective layer and lamination.

According to another aspect of the present invention is

Metal layer element arranged in a transparent insert. this has the advantage that the metal layer element together with the insert

can be provided, and with the introduction of the insert into the opaque core layer, the metal layer element is simultaneously introduced into the opaque core layer. Thus, it is particularly efficient to carry out the proposed method or to provide the proposed layer arrangement.

According to another aspect of the present invention is

Metal layer element between a third transparent protective layer and another protective layer arranged. This has the advantage that a layer structure can be provided by, for example, another metal layer element in outer layers of the

Layer arrangement can be introduced.

According to another aspect of the present invention is

Metal layer element arranged outside the opaque core layer. This has the advantage that the metal layer element can be introduced into the transparent insert, wherein, however, the metal layer element does not protrude from the insert and thus is arranged contactlessly with respect to the opaque core layer. Thus, the core layer and metal layer element do not touch. In general, it is possible, the metal layer element in one

To arrange insert and reinsert the insert in the opaque core layer, however, in this case the metal layer element is arranged outside the opaque core layer such that they are non-contact and thus there is no contact between the metal layer element and the opaque core layer. This in turn creates an alternative to known layer arrangements and makes it possible to introduce the metal layer element into the opaque core layer in a particularly stable manner by means of the insert. The object is also achieved by a value document, comprising the proposed layer arrangement.

The object is further achieved by a system arrangement for

Providing a layer arrangement for use in a

A document of value, comprising an apparatus for providing a first and a second transparent protective layer, wherein the apparatus is further arranged between the first and the second transparent protective layer

Protective layer to arrange at least one opaque core layer, wherein in the at least one opaque core layer, a transparent insert is introduced and the device is further adapted to arrange a metal layer element with respect to the transparent insert that at least one surface of the metal layer element from outside the

Layer arrangement is visible and the metal layer element to

Personalization at least partially by means of a further device can be removed in such a way that the metal layer element is at least weakened.

According to an alternative, the metal layer element according to the

Do not weaken a breakthrough. In this way the security is further increased, since a weakening is harder to parameterize in the

Compared to a breakthrough. If weakened too much, you will get a breakthrough, and if weakened too little, the weakening will not be visible.

According to the invention, it is particularly advantageous that known

System arrangements can be reused, which are driven only according to the invention. For example, serve

conventional laminating or extruder corresponding Possibilities, however, which according to the prior art are not arranged to provide the layer arrangement as proposed herein. Furthermore, the system arrangement is suitable, the

Provide value document. The corresponding devices can be separate devices, or they can also be used according to the invention by a single device which can create a corresponding layer model.

The object is also achieved by a method which the

System arrangement is designed analog.

The object is also solved by a computer program product with control commands, which execute the method when they are on a

Computer are brought to execution.

According to the invention, it is particularly advantageous that the system arrangement is suitable, the proposed layer arrangement or the

to produce proposed value document. Furthermore, the method is suitable for operating the system arrangement and for providing the layer model or the value document. Thus, the proposed layer arrangement comprises structural features which can be created by means of further structural features of the system arrangement or by method steps of the proposed method. Thus, the method can also operate the system arrangement or the

System arrangement perform the proposed method.

Further advantageous aspects will be explained in more detail with reference to the attached figures. Show it: 1 shows a schematic layer construction with a transparent insert with metal layer element according to one aspect of the present invention; Fig. 2: a continuous transparent film in the core of

Layer arrangement with metal layer element and insert on the adjacent opaque films;

3 shows a layer construction with a window and a transparent insert, wherein the metal layer element is arranged on a transparent film outside the core layer on the front or rear side of the card;

4 shows a schematic layer structure, wherein the

Metal layer element is disposed on a transparent film outside the core layer on the front or back of the card;

5 shows a schematic layer structure, wherein the

Metal layer element is mounted on a transparent film outside the core layer on the front or back of the card, according to another aspect of the present invention; and FIG. 6 shows a schematic flow diagram of a method for

Providing a layer arrangement according to one aspect of the present invention. Fig. 1 shows the layer arrangement according to the invention, wherein in the illustration above and below transparent protective layers are arranged. These can for example be referred to as a transparent overlay TOI and T02. In between are two opaque core films or core layers OKI and OK2. Between these opaque core sheets, a transparent core sheet TK is arranged. Through the opaque core foils OKI and OK2 and through the transparent core foil TK, an insert E is arranged which is transparent and has the metal layer or the metal layer element ME. As can be seen in the present case, the insert E forms a viewing window, since only the transparent overlay TOI and T02 are located above and below it. Thus, in the present case, the metal layer element ME is visible from both sides of the value document. In the present example, it may be, for example, a card, ie a credit card, or generally a value document.

According to the invention, a document of value may be a credit card or a smartcard, but also a data page of a passbook.

FIG. 2 shows an analogous layer model to FIG. 1, but with the transparent core foil provided with the metal layer and FIG

transparent core film TK is designed throughout. As can also be seen, two inserts El, E2 are provided which are located above and below the transparent core film TK. Thus, the inserts are each incorporated in an opaque core film. In the present case, the first insert E1 is introduced into the first opaque core film OKI, and the second insert E2 is inserted into the second opaque core film OK2.

FIG. 3 shows a layer structure or a layer arrangement, wherein the metal layer element is arranged outside the opaque core foil OKI, OK2 and nevertheless with respect to the transparent insert or the transparent inserts El, E2 is arranged such that the

Metal layer element ME is visible from outside the layer arrangement. As can be seen in the present FIG. 3, a continuous window region is centered, which extends through the transparent overlay TOI, the insert El, the transparent core film TK, the further insert E2 and the further transparent overlay layer T02. Thus, in the present case, the metal layer element ME can be seen from both sides of the credit card or the value document.

4 shows a layer structure with only one opaque core foil OK and one single inserter E. In this case, the metal layer element is arranged between the transparent overlay foil TOI and the insert E.

FIG. 5 shows a layer arrangement wherein a transparent insert E is introduced into the opaque core layer and the metal layer element ME is arranged with respect to the transparent insert E that the

Metal layer element is visible from both sides of the layer arrangement.

FIG. 6 shows a schematic flow diagram of a method for

Providing a layer arrangement for use in a

A value document according to the present invention, comprising

Providing 100 of a first and a second transparent protective layer TOI, T02, wherein between the first and the second transparent protective layer

Protective layer TOI, T02 at least one opaque core layer OK, OKI, OK2 is arranged 101, wherein in the at least one opaque core layer OK, OKI, OK2, a transparent insert E, E1, E2 is introduced 102, and a metal layer member ME so with respect to the transparent insert E, E1, E2 arranged 103, that at least one surface of the

Metal layer element ME visible from outside the layer arrangement For example, for personalization, the metal layer element ME is partially removed 104 such that the metal layer element ME is at least weakened. In this case, the person skilled in the art recognizes that the individual method steps can have sub-steps and can also be carried out iteratively and / or in a different order.

Claims

Patent claims

A layer arrangement for use in a value document, comprising:

a first and a second transparent protective layer (TOI, T02), characterized in that

- at least one opaque core layer (OK, OKI, OK2) is arranged between the first and the second transparent protective layer (TOI, T02), wherein in the at least one opaque core layer (OK, OKI, OK2) a transparent insert (E, El, E2) is introduced; and

a metal layer element (ME) is arranged with respect to the transparent insert (E, E1, E2) in such a way that at least one surface of the metal layer element (ME) is arranged from outside the

Layer arrangement is visible and the metal layer element (ME) is partially removed for personalization.

2. Layer arrangement according to claim 1, characterized in that between the first and the second transparent protective layer

(TOI, T02) two opaque core layers (OKI, OK2), each with a transparent insert (El, E2) are arranged.

3. Layer arrangement according to claim 2, characterized in that a first opaque core layer (OKI) together with a first insert

(E1) covers a first side of a transparent core film (TK) and a second opaque core layer (OK2) together with a second inserter (E2) covers a second side of the transparent core film (TK).

4. Layer arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the transparent insert (E, E1, E2) is introduced into an opaque core layer (OK, OKI, OK2) in such a way that it encloses the transparent insert (E, E1, E2 ) at least partially surrounds, such that a window area in the

Layer arrangement arises.

5. Layer arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the transparent insert (E, El, E2) and the metal layer element (ME) are arranged in the register.

6. Layer arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the metal layer element (ME) is designed flat and a top substantially equal to the top of an insert (E, El, E2).

7. Layer arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the metal layer element (ME) is arranged on a surface of a depositor (E, El, E2).

8. Layer arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the metal layer element (ME) between an insert (E, El, E2) and a transparent

Protective layer (TOI, T02) is arranged.

9. Layer arrangement according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized

in that the metal layer element (ME) is arranged in a transparent insert (E, E1, E2).

10. Layer arrangement according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the metal layer element (ME) between a third transparent protective layer (T03) and another protective layer (TOI, T02) is arranged.

11. Layer arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the metal layer element (ME) outside the opaque core layer (OK, OKI, OK2) is arranged.

12. document of value having the layer arrangement according to one of claims 1 to 11.

13. A system arrangement for providing a layer arrangement for use in a value document, comprising:

- An apparatus for providing (100) a first and a

second transparent protective layer (TOI, T02), characterized in that the device is further arranged

at least one opaque core layer (OK, OKI, OK2) is arranged between the first and the second transparent protective layer (TOI, T02), wherein in the at least one opaque core layer (OK, OKI, OK2) a transparent insert (E, El, E2) is introduced (102); and the device is further configured

- to arrange a metal layer element (ME) with respect to the transparent insert (E, E1, E2) in such a way (103) that at least one

Surface of the metal layer element (ME) is visible from outside the layer arrangement and the metal layer element (ME) for personalization partially by means of another device abradable (104) that the metal layer element (ME) is at least weakened.

14. A method for providing a layer arrangement for

Use in a value document, comprising:

- Providing (100) a first and a second transparent

Protective layer (TOI, T02), characterized in that

between the first and second transparent protective layers

(TOI, T02) at least one opaque core layer (OK, OKI, OK2) is arranged (101), wherein in the at least one opaque

Core layer (OK, OKI, OK2) a transparent insert (E, El, E2) is introduced (102); and

a metal layer element (ME) with respect to the transparent one

Insert (E, E1, E2) (103) is arranged so that at least one surface of the metal layer element (ME) is visible from outside the layer arrangement and the metal layer element (ME) for personalization is partially removed (104) such that the metal layer element (ME ) is at least weakened.

15. The method according to claim 14, characterized in that the

Metal layer element (ME) after weakening none

Has breakthroughs.