DE102007015934A1 - Document with a security feature, reader and method for reading a security feature - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a document having a security feature (102) and an optical element (108), wherein the security feature is arranged in front of the optical element and the optical element for checking the security feature is switchable between at least first and second optical states, wherein the security feature in only one of the first and second states is optically verifiable.

Description

The The invention relates to a document with a security feature, in particular a value or security document, a reader for Such a document and method for reading a security feature.

Out The prior art has various security features for Value or security documents known. These include optical Security features visually by a user and / or by machine can be detected by an optical sensor.

• – Guillochen: Guillochen werden mit Hilfe von so genanntem Liniendruck auf das Dokument aufgedruckt. Sie bestehen im Allgemeinen aus in verschiedenen Farben übereinander gedruckten Wellen- und Schleifenmustern;
• – Mikro-Schrift: Hierbei handelt es sich um aufgedruckte Schriftzüge in kleinster Schrift. Mit bloßem Auge lässt sich die Mikro-Schrift kaum erkennen. Beispielsweise ist Mikro-Schrift auf den Euro-Banknoten als Bildelement in die Motive eingearbeitet. Mit Hilfe einer Lupe kann die Mikro-Schrift gelesen werden;
• – Metamere Systeme: Aufgrund metamerer Farbgleichheit können unterschiedliche spektrale Zusammensetzungen des Lichts bei Menschen den gleichen Farbeindruck hervorrufen und zum Beispiel mittels Farbfiltern oder variablen Beleuchtungsquellen optisch wahrnehmbar gemacht werden;
• – Aufdrucke mit Fluoreszenz-, Phosphoreszenz- und/oder Up-Conversion-Farben;
• – Aufdrucke mit Infrarot-Farbe: Die Farbe wird nur unter Infrarot-Strahlung für Lesegeräte mit entsprechenden Sensoren detektierbar. Beispielsweise sind Euro-Banknoten mit diesem optischen Sicherheitsmerkmal ausgestattet;
• – Barcodes, insbesondere ein- oder zweidimensionale Barcodes, monochrom oder mehrfarbig;
• – Optisch variable Farben (OVI – Optical Variable Ink): Bei einer optisch variablen Farbe ändert sich der Farbeindruck je nach Betrachtungswinkel, da das Licht an den Pigmenten gebrochen, gestreut oder reflektiert wird;
• – Hologramme und Kinegrame (transparent oder reflektierend);
• – Wasserzeichen;
• – digitale Wasserzeichen, die eine sichtbare und/oder maschinell auslesbare Information tragen;
• – Passerdruck: Verschiedene Muster oder Symbole werden so über- oder aneinander gedruckt, dass sie zusammen ein bestimmtes Bild ergeben. Kleinste Abweichungen im Stand, d. h. so genannte Passerungenauigkeiten, können leicht mit bloßem Auge erkannt werden. Wenn sich die Teilbilder auf verschiedenen Seiten des Dokuments, wie zum Beispiel einer Banknote, befinden, bezeichnet man dieses optische Sicherheitsmerkmal als Durchsichtspasser;
• – Durchsichtsfenster: Ein Fenster aus einer transparenten Kunststofffolie ist in dem Dokument eingearbeitet;
• – Melierfasern: Dem Papier des Dokuments werden Fasern beigemischt, die unter UV-Licht in verschiedenen Farben leuchten;
• – Sicherheitsfaden;
• – Mikroperforation.

The optical security features include, for example:

• - Guilloche: Guilloche are printed on the document with the help of so-called line printing. They are generally made up of different colors of superimposed wave and loop patterns;
• - Micro-font: These are printed letters in the smallest font. With the naked eye, the micro-font can hardly recognize. For example, micro-typeface is incorporated into the motifs on the euro banknotes as a picture element. With the help of a magnifying glass, the micro-font can be read;
• Metameric Systems: Due to metameric color uniformity, different spectral compositions of light in humans can produce the same color impression and be made visually perceptible, for example, by means of color filters or variable illumination sources;
• - Imprints with fluorescence, phosphorescence and / or up-conversion colors;
• - Imprints with infrared color: The color is detectable only under infrared radiation for readers with corresponding sensors. For example, euro banknotes are equipped with this optical security feature;
• Barcodes, in particular one or two-dimensional barcodes, monochrome or multicolor;
• - Optically variable colors (OVI - Optical Variable Ink): In the case of an optically variable color, the color impression changes according to the viewing angle, since the light is refracted, scattered or reflected at the pigments;
• - holograms and kinegrams (transparent or reflective);
• - watermarks;
• - digital watermarks bearing visible and / or machine readable information;
• - Passer printing: Different patterns or symbols are printed over or against each other so that together they give a certain image. Smallest deviations in the state, ie so-called registration inaccuracies, can be easily recognized by the naked eye. If the sub-images are on different sides of the document, such as a banknote, this optical security feature is referred to as a transcript;
• - see-through window: A window made of a transparent plastic film is incorporated in the document;
• - mottled fibers: the paper of the document is mixed with fibers that shine in different colors under UV light;
• - security thread;
• - microperforation.

From the DE 197 35 293 A1 is a value and security product with luminescent known. A luminescent element is arranged under a layer formed as an authenticity element in order to be able to carry out a visual or mechanical optical authenticity check under all lighting conditions. As a result, an authenticity check is possible even in the dark, without a separate light source is required. With the aid of a light source, however, the authenticity element can be checked independently of the state of the luminescent element in each case.

The unpublished patent application at the time of application DE 10 2006 059 865.255 The same applicant discloses a document with an optical element, which is arranged in front of a security feature. The optical element covers the underlying security feature so that the security feature is invisible to a user while the optical element is in its non-transparent state. To check the security feature, the optical element is converted into a transparent state.

Of the Invention is the published prior art over the task, an improved document to create as well as a reader and a method for such a document.

The The objects underlying the invention are each with the Characteristics of the independent claims solved. Preferred embodiments of the invention are in the specified dependent claims.

By The invention will be a document with an optical security feature created, such as a value or security document, in particular a means of payment, a chip card, an identity document, a credential, a form of payment, or the like. The document can be paper-based and / or plastic-based be.

The inventive document has a security feature, which in a direction of incidence of radiation for viewing or mechanical detection of the security feature in front of an optical Element is arranged. The optical element is between first and second states switchable, in which the optical Element each has different optical properties. For example The optical element generates a background in its first state for the security feature, in front of the security feature is optically detectable. For example, in his second state on the other hand, the optical element creates a background for the security feature against which the security feature visually and / or can not be detected mechanically by machine.

Thereby, that it is for checking the security feature is required, the optical element in one of its two states to bring is another security feature given the review the optical security feature of the document, yes, that the user for example with the help of a reader is able to switch the optical element. Furthermore, a Inventive document particularly forgery-proof be formed since an adjustment of the document neither by means of conventional security printing techniques even with digital techniques alone is possible.

To An embodiment of the invention is one of the states the optical element of the normal state in which the security feature is not can be optically detected. By coupling energy goes the optical element at least temporarily in its other Condition in which the security feature is optically detected can be.

To An embodiment of the invention has the optical element a first state in which it acts transmissive, and a second state State in which it is reflective. Only if the optical element is in its transmissive state, is a review security feature on the back of the document possible.

To An embodiment of the invention is the optical element by coupling energy from its first to its second State and / or switchable from its second to its first state. The coupling of energy can vary depending on the embodiment of the optical element directly, for example by an electromagnetic Field into the optical element, so this in his second, substantially transparent state is brought.

The Coupling of the energy can also have a separate Coupling occur, such as a contact-type, contactless or dual-mode interface, in particular a chip card interface or an RF interface. The coupling element may be for example, an antenna or a coil, for example for inductive coupling of a voltage, which is the optical element in its second, substantially transparent state switches.

To An embodiment of the invention is the optical element bistable, d. H. the optical element remains in its respective one Condition, as long as it is not switched. For such So bistable optical element, it is necessary that this from its second, substantially transparent state after inspection of the optical security feature again in its first, essentially nontransparent state is switched back. This can be done by a corresponding circuit of the document and / or by re-coupling energy, for example from an external reader.

To An embodiment of the invention is the optical element semi-bistable. The optical element thus remains in its first Status. After the optical element in its second state has been switched, it remains in this second state for a certain time before it then automatically returns to the first state falls back. This embodiment has the advantage that only a single switching action is required is to the optical element for a certain period of time for the inspection of the optical security feature of the Document into its second state from which it then without further switching action automatically back to the first State falls back. The first state can be in Essentially reflective, the second essentially absorbing be. In a further embodiment, the first Essentially absorbing the state, the second essentially be reflective. In a further embodiment can the first state is essentially not transparent and the second one be essentially transparent or vice versa.

To An embodiment of the invention includes the optical Element is a bistable rotary element display with rotating elements, the act in a first rotational position light absorbing and in a second rotational position are translucent, so that the visual security feature of the document is obscured when the rotary elements are in their first rotational positions.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the optical element includes a bistable rotary element display with rotary elements which act sorbierend in a first rotational position and in a second rotational position are reflective, so that the optical security feature of the document is not recognizable when the rotary elements are in their first rotational positions.

To In one embodiment, the optical element includes a electrophoretic or electrochromic display device.

To An embodiment of the invention includes the optical Element is an electrostatic wetting element, d. H. a so-called Electrowetting display device.

To An embodiment of the invention includes the optical Element a liquid crystal display device, in particular with cholesteric or nematic liquid crystalline Materials.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the optical element includes a flexible display, as z. B. from the company Citala ( http://www.citala.com ) is available.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the optical element includes a microelectromechanical system (MEMS), such. Example, a micro-shutter array, as for example from Flixel Ltd ( www.flixel.com ) is available.

To An embodiment of the invention includes the optical Element a display device based on ferroelectric Materials.

To An embodiment of the invention includes the optical Element a display device based on organic light emitting diodes.

The Display device, which forms the optical element can, for Example include matrix-shaped display elements. The However, display elements do not necessarily have to be individual be controlled, but it is enough a collective control the display elements to this in each case in the first, essentially non-transparent state or the second, substantially transparent Condition.

The Display device, which forms the optical element can, for Example include matrix-shaped display elements. The However, display elements do not necessarily have to be individual be controlled, but it is enough a collective control the display elements to this in each case in the first, essentially non-reflective state or the second, substantially reflective state to move.

To An embodiment of the invention is the optical security feature of the document around a guilloche, Micro-writing, a metameric system, a print with fluorescence, Phosphorescence and / or up-conversion color, imprinted with Infrared color, optically variable colors (OVI - Optical Variable Ink), a hologram or Kinegram (transparent or reflective), a watermark, passport print, a see-through window, a part a transparent passport, a transmission hologram, a holographic filter, the selective wavelengths from the spectrum of the visible Light passes or other transmissive Elements, mottled fibers, a security thread and / or a micro-perforations.

To An embodiment of the invention includes the security feature optically readable information. For example, it is the security feature is a digital watermark or a one or two-dimensional barcode. The watermark or the Barcodes can be printed on the document.

To An embodiment of the invention becomes the security feature formed by an optical data memory, in particular a holographic data storage, in particular on a plastic basis.

To An embodiment of the invention stores the security feature biometric data, such as facial data, fingerprint data and / or iris scan data. For example, it is in the Document about a machine readable travel document (Machine Readable Travel Document - MRTD), in particular according to an ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization) standard. In the biometric data it may be the carrier's biometric data MRTD act.

To An embodiment of the invention stores the security feature Data that is used in the context of a so-called basic access control can. For example, the document has a machine-readable Zone (MRZ), in which optically readable data is stored. These Data, a cipher of that data, or a hash of that data can be stored in the security feature.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the document includes an integrated electronic circuit for driving the optical element to transfer it from its first to the second state and / or from its second to its first state, and if necessary from its state in which a check of the security feature is possible to restore to its normal state after an optical access to the security feature stattge has found.

Of the integrated electronic circuit can have an interface or be connected to an interface over which the Energy to operate the integrated electronic circuit as well as for controlling the optical element contactless or contact-related is coupled. In particular, it may be at the interface to a smart card or RF interface act.

In In another aspect, the invention relates to a reader for a document according to the invention. The Reader has means for initiating the circuit of optical element between the first and second states, to provide visual access to the security feature of the document enable.

In In another aspect, the invention relates to a method of reading a security feature of an inventive Document.

in the Further, embodiments of the invention will be referred to explained in more detail on the drawings. Show it:

1 a block diagram of an embodiment of a document according to the invention,

2 a block diagram of another embodiment of a document according to the invention,

3 a block diagram of another embodiment of a document according to the invention and a reader according to the invention,

4 a cross-section of another embodiment of a document according to the invention, when the optical element is in its first state,

5 the embodiment of the 4 when the optical element is in its second state,

6 a cross-section of another embodiment of a document according to the invention, wherein the security feature has a line pattern, and that when the optical element is in its first state,

7 the embodiment of the 6 when the optical element is in its second state,

8th a cross-section of another embodiment of a document according to the invention, wherein the security feature is formed as a volume hologram, and the optical element is in its first state,

9 the embodiment of the 8th , wherein the optical element is in its second state,

10 a cross-section of another embodiment of a document according to the invention, wherein the optical element is in its first state,

11 the embodiment of the 10 , wherein the optical element is in its second state,

12 a cross-section of another embodiment of a document according to the invention, wherein the optical element is in its first state,

13 the embodiment of the 12 , wherein the optical element is in its second state,

14 a cross-section of another embodiment of a document according to the invention, wherein the optical element is in its first state,

14a a cross-section of another embodiment of a document according to the invention, wherein the optical element is in its first state,

15 the embodiment of the 14 , wherein the optical element is in its second state,

15a the embodiment of the 14a , wherein the optical element is in its second state,

16 a block diagram of another embodiment of a document according to the invention and an embodiment of a reader according to the invention,

17 a flowchart of an embodiment of a method according to the invention.

In The following description of the figures will be corresponding to each other Elements of the different embodiments with the same Reference number marked.

The 1 shows an embodiment of a document according to the invention 100 in a schematic sectional view. The document 100 has a security feature 102 , which is a belie Biges known from the prior art optical security feature can act. The security feature 102 is on the document 100 arranged or it is in the body of the document 100 embedded so it's from the back 104 of the document 100 is not visible. The backside 104 The document may also be transparent, so that the security feature 102 - depending on the condition of the optical element 108 - from the back 104 is visible. This is particularly advantageous when it comes to the security feature 102 a transparent passport, a portion of a transparency pass, a transmission hologram, a holographic filter which selectively passes wavelengths from the spectrum of visible light, is a see-through window or other transmissive element.

Behind the security feature 102 is in the body of the document 100 the optical element 108 arranged. The optical element 108 is switchable between at least two different states, in which the optical element 108 each has different optical properties. For example, the optical element serves 108 to create different backgrounds for the security feature 102 facing the security feature 102 is optically detectable or optically not detectable. For this purpose, the optical element 108 z. B. in its first state to the incident radiation absorbing, while it is reflective in its second state.

The reader 112 may be formed as an energy source, from which energy into the optical element 108 is engaged to switch this. If it is the optical element 108 is a semi-bistable optical element, so a single energy pulse may be sufficient to the optical element 108 for a certain period of time to a certain state, from which it then returns automatically after this period. Is it the optical element 108 On the other hand, it is a bistable optical element, so a werterer energy pulse may be required to bring the optical element back to its original state.

Furthermore, the optical element 108 be designed so that a constant coupling of energy is required to the optical element 108 to keep in a certain state. If the supply of energy is interrupted, then the optical element falls 108 in such an embodiment immediately back to its original state.

For example, the optical element 108 be designed as a bistable rotary element display or as a bistable electrophoretic display, as z. B. off WO 03 / 009059A1 known per se. For a semi-bistable embodiment, the optical element includes 108 a display device with z. B. an electrochromic display. For an embodiment in which the constant supply of energy is required to the optical element 108 in its second state, this may include an LCD display.

For example, the optical element includes 108 electrically or magnetically charged rotary elements. By emitting a corresponding electromagnetic field from the reader 102 The rotary elements can be moved so that the optical element 108 switchable between its first and second states. In such an embodiment, the coupling of the energy is thus directly into the optical element 108 ,

The 2 shows an alternative embodiment of a document according to the invention 100 with a coupling element 114 for the coupling of energy for the control of the optical element 108 , The coupling element 114 can be designed as a contact-based, contactless or dual-mode interface, in particular as a chip card interface or RF interface. For example, it may be at the coupling element 114 to act an antenna or a coil, for example, inductively couple a voltage through which the optical element 108 is placed in its second state.

For example, the coupling element 114 with a line 116 with the optical element 108 connected to this to power and, if necessary, to provide energy. Such an arrangement offers the advantage of a special security against manipulation, since it is not destructive from the document 100 removed and used in another document body. This is especially the case when the line 116 within the document body. The document body of the document 100 can be paper-based and / or plastic-based, for example in the form of a paper-based travel document or a chip card.

The 3 shows an embodiment of a reader according to the invention 112 , The reader 112 has an energy source 118 for coupling energy into the coupling element 114 , such as via a contact or contactless interface. The reader 112 also has a radiation source 120 for generating a reading beam 122 for visual inspection of the security feature 102 of the document 100 ,

For optical detection of the security feature has the reader 112 one or more optical sensors, such as the optical sensors 124 and 126 , The optical sensor 124 is about the document 100 on the same side as the radiation source 120 arranged to allow him to capture the security feature 102 and optionally of the optical element 108 due to the reading beam 122 reflected radiation 128 is trained. In contrast, the optical sensor 126 opposite the back 104 of the document 100 arranged to transmit the transmitted radiation 130 to capture, ie that portion of the reading beam that the security feature 102 and the optical element 108 has been transmitted. In the reader 112 can be a recording area 132 to receive the document 100 be formed, as in the 3 shown.

The optical sensors are shown symbolically. In particular, it is possible to arrange a plurality of sensors to large-area reflected pattern, as z. Furthermore, the sensors can be aligned via further optical aids, such as for example beam splitters, so that they also point in the direction of the radiation source 120 can detect reflected light.

The reader 112 has a processor 119 for executing program instructions 121 and 123 for controlling the various components of the reader 112 or for the evaluation of the optical sensor 124 and / or the optical sensor 126 supplied signals. Furthermore, the processor can 119 an interface 125 of the reader 112 be driven, which may be a user interface and / or a network interface. About the interface 125 may be the data obtained from the evaluation and / or others from the document 100 read data are output.

4 shows a cross section of an embodiment of a document according to the invention 100 , The document has a carrier 134 which may be plastic and / or paper based and which may include other security features, imprints or the like. On the carrier 134 is the optical element 108 arranged. The 4 shows the optical element 108 in its first state, in which it has an absorbing effect.

Above the optical element 108 can be another layer 136 be arranged on which the optical security feature 102 located. Typically, the document 100 another over the security feature 102 lying protective layer 138 exhibit.

In the embodiment considered here is the security feature 102 is designed such that it has a reflective effect for radiation of a specific spectral range, such as green light, whereas it has a transmissive effect for other spectral components in the visible range, in particular, therefore, red and blue light. For example, the security feature 102 be designed as a volume hologram.

The 4 shows an example of the red component 122 ' , the green component 122 '' and the blue component 122 ''' the reading beam 122 , The red component 122 ' and the blue component 122 ''' transmit through the security feature 102 because the security feature 102 is transmissive in these spectral regions, and are from the optical element 108 absorbed. In contrast, the green component 122 '' from the security feature 102 reflected, so the reflected radiation 128 out of the security feature 102 reflected proportion of the green component 122 ' consists. This reflected radiation 128 generated by the user 110 (see the 1 and 2 ) Accordingly, a green color impression, ie the 111 ,

The 5 shows the document 100 after the optical element 108 has been switched to its other state. While the optical element 108 in his in the 4 The first state produced produces a black background, so it produces in its in the 5 shown second state a white or a reflective (mirroring) background. In this state, the optical element acts 108 as a reflector.

As a result, those parts of the reading beam 122 that by the security feature 102 are not reflected, but are transmitted, are scattered or reflected by the optical element, so that as a result the entire reading beam 122 can escape from the document or is reflected directly. The scattered radiation in the direction 128 So it is not only composed of the green spectral range but experiences a significant color shift through the additional existing red and blue components, so the security feature 102 not or barely perceptible. The reflected radiation 128 In this case, it consists of the reflected red, green and blue components 122 ' . 122 '' and 122 ''' the reading beam 122 together. This results in total z. B. an approximately white color impression of 111 at the user 110 so the security feature 102 is not perceptible.

The embodiment of the document 100 of the 4 and 5 is particularly advantageous when it comes to the security feature 102 is a volume reflection hologram. The visibility of a volume reflection hologram is namely significantly improved when it is on a dark background. For example, full color holograms, with a suitable choice of the characteristics of the holographic recording medium with, for example, a material thickness of about 10 microns and a refractive index modulation between 10 ^-3 and 10 ^-2 on a white background are very difficult, but very against a black background clearly visible. In the embodiment of the 4 and 5 Thus, a contrast enhancement can be made for the security feature designed as a volume hologram 102 create when the optical element 108 is in its absorbent, ie black state.

The optical element 108 can be designed so that it can be switched between two different colors. For example, the optical element 108 be so designed that it is black in its first state, around a black background for viewing the security feature 102 to accomplish. In its second state, the optical element has 108 on the other hand, a color which is approximately equal to the color in which the security feature 102 an incident reading beam 122 reflects or scatters. In this case, the structure of the security feature is for the user 110 not visible because of the optical element 108 created background has the same color as the security feature 102 when the optical element is in its second state.

The security feature 102 can also be designed as an active radiation source that generates radiation of a particular color itself. Also in this case, then the optical element 108 be designed so that it in its first state a different color than that of the security feature 102 has, for example, black, and in its second state substantially the same color, with the security feature 102 Radiation radiates. This embodiment has the advantage that a reading beam 122 is not essential.

For example, the security feature may be 102 to act as a luminescent label. The luminescent label emits radiation of a particular color. The optical element 108 is then black in its first state, for example, and in its second state has a color which is approximately the color in which the security feature 102 Radiation emitted equals.

For example, the security feature may be 102 to act as a luminescent label. The luminescent label emits radiation of a particular color. The optical element 108 is then black in its first state, for example, emits light in its second state, which is the security feature 102 stimulates the emission of radiation.

In a further embodiment with a luminescent security feature 102 emits this light with a color impression, which the color impression of the first switching state of the optical element 108 equivalent. In the second switching state, the optical element 108 but a different color impression, so that it can be perceived.

In a third embodiment with a luminescent security feature 102 emits this light with a color impression, which the color impression of the first switching state of the optical element 108 equivalent. In the second switching state, the optical element emits 108 However, light with a different color impression, particularly preferably with a contrast or complementary color, so the security feature 102 can be easily verified.

For this purpose, the optical element 108 preferably be formed as an active radiation source. For example, the optical element is not luminescent in its first state, ie, for example, black. In its second state is the optical element 108 on the other hand luminescent, which due to the luminescence of the optical element 108 emitted radiation of the security feature 102 is similar or identical to this. The same effect is possible by using an organic light emitting diode or an organic light emitting diode display as an optical element 108 to reach.

The security feature 102 may consist of a print whose color matches the color of the optical element 108 metamer is when the optical element is in its second state. In this second state, which is preferably the normal state of the optical element 108 is the printed motif of the security feature 102 only be observed under certain exposure conditions. For verification of the security feature 102 , in particular for machine verification, becomes the optical element 108 switched from its second state shortly in its first state in which it assumes a contrasting color, preferably black or white.

According to a further embodiment, the security feature is 102 an imprint in a color that reflects linearly polarized light of a first direction of polarization. The optical element 108 is then formed so that it reflects linearly polarized light of a second polarization direction, wherein the second polarization direction is rotated relative to the first polarization direction by 90 °. The component of Le sestrahls 122 , which lies in the first polarization direction, so is the security feature 102 whereas the component of the laser beam is reflected 122 which is in the second direction of polarization of the optical element 108 is reflected.

In one embodiment, the security feature exists 102 from a print of a color. The optical element 108 Switches between a state in which the optical element is the same color as the security feature 102 and a second state which has a color with the same color impression (metameric color). In further embodiments, the optical element 108 between the color of the security feature 102 and a contrasting color or in another form between a metameric color and a contrasting color. A contrasting color is any color which allows optical detection of the security feature, more preferably without the aid of technical means.

As a result, so the reading beam 122 in total of the document 100 reflected. In this switching state of the optical element 108 in that it reflects linearly polarized light in the second polarization direction, the security feature 102 only be detected by means of a polarizing filter. For verification of the security feature 102 , in particular for machine verification, the optical element 108 be switched to a contrasting color, preferably black or white. Alternatively, the optical element 108 be formed so that it reflects linearly polarized light of the first polarization direction in its other state. In the latter case, then only the component of the reading beam will be 122 from the document 100 reflected, which lies in the first polarization direction. The security feature 102 can then be detected without polarization filter.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the security feature is 102 around a print in a color that absorbs visible light, but not infrared light. The visible components of the reading beam 122 So be from the security feature 102 whereas the infrared component of the reading beam 122 is not absorbed, but is transmitted, so that the infrared component of the reading beam that under the security feature 102 arranged optical element 108 can reach. The optical element 108 is here designed so that it absorbs infrared light in one state, and in its other state does not absorb infrared light, but for example, reflects or transmits. Depending on the switching state of the optical element 108 so can from the reader 102 a signal in the infrared range can be detected or not.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the security feature is 102 not a full-surface imprint in a color, which absorbs light of an invisible spectral component, such as infrared light, but transmits visible light. Also such a security feature 102 can with the help of the optical element 108 be checked if it has a state in which it absorbs infrared light, and has another state in which it does not absorb infrared light, that is, for example, reflected or transmitted. In this embodiment, the optical element 108 have identical, similar or different properties in its two states in the visible range of light.

The 6 shows an embodiment of a document according to the invention 100 with a security feature 102 having a structuring, such as a line pattern. The 6 shows an example of the lines 140 . 142 and 144 of the security feature 102 ,

The reading beam 122 is not perpendicular in the embodiment considered here, as in the embodiment of 4 and 5 but obliquely on the document 100 directed, as in the 6 shown. There, where the reading beam 122 on one of the lines of the security feature 102 meets, becomes a spectral component of the reading beam 122 whereas other spectral components of the reading beam 122 be let through.

As in the embodiment of 4 and 5 , this is in the 6 exemplary for the green component 122 '' shown. The red component 122 ' the reading beam 122 So happens the security feature 102 , regardless of whether the red component 122 ' on one of the lines of the security feature 102 meets or not. The red component 122 ' thus arrives at the optical element 108 , In the in the 6 shown state of the optical element 108 This absorbs, so the red component 122 ' the reading beam 122 completely from the document 100 is absorbed. The same applies to the other spectral components of the reading beam 122 , especially for the blue component 122 ''' and also the green component 122 '' insofar as these do not affect one of the lines of the security feature 102 incident.

Where the green component 122 '' the reading beam 122 striking one of the lines, for example, the line 140 , the reflected radiation results 128 , Due to the reflected radiation 128 results in the user 110 the impression of a line pattern 146 So a picture of the lines 140 . 142 . 144 , ... of the security feature 102 ,

This embodiment also works when the line pattern is normally reflective, that is not wavelength selective. In the case of the absorbent connected security element 108 you can see the line pattern in high contrast, in the case of the reflective element switched on security 108 this contrast disappears.

The 7 shows the document 100 the embodiment of the 6 when the optical element 108 is in its other state where it looks reflective. The on the lines of the security feature 102 transmitted spectral components, ie in particular the red component 122 ' and the blue component 122 ''' are then from the optical element 108 not absorbed, but reflected, so that a changed line pattern 148 resulting from a superposition of the line pattern 146 with through the red and blue components 112 ' and 112 ''' generated lines 150 consists. The lines 150 are due to the suppression of the green components 122 '' in about magenta.

The layer 136 For example, it may be about 100 μm high, so that printing with lines of ≤ 200 μm width and a density of about 2.5 lines per millimeter or less can be selected for viewing at 45 °. Alternatively, the layer can be, for example, about 250 μm high, in which case a printing with lines of ≦ 500 μm width can be selected. Instead of a reflector, the optical element 108 in his in the 7 also show a white surface. In this case, the magenta lines would be 150 to be seen from any angle in lesser brightness; however, the perception as a changeable line image also remains in this embodiment.

The above with respect to the embodiment of the 4 and 5 described embodiments, for example, with respect to different polarization directions, luminescence and infrared radiation components can in the embodiment of the 6 and 7 come analogously to the application.

The 8th shows an embodiment of the document 100 in which the security feature 102 is designed as a volume hologram. The volume hologram is such that the outgoing observation beam is observable at an angle other than that expected by the classical reflection condition. For example, if the reading beam 122 at an angle of incidence of about 45 ° to one in the 8th exemplified pixel 152 the volume hologram of the security feature 102 incident, the result is the reflected radiation 128 at an observation angle of 0 °, ie the pixel 153 , The optical element 108 works in his in the 8th absorbing state shown. That is, the red and blue components 122 ' and 122 ''' the reading beam 122 from the optical element 108 be absorbed.

The 9 shows the document 100 in the embodiment of the 8th after the optical element 108 has been switched to its other state in which it has a reflective effect. In this state, the red and blue components become 122 ' and 122 ''' the reading beam 122 from the optical element 108 not absorbed, but reflected, wherein the angle of departure is equal to the angle of incidence, as in the 9 shown. By overlaying the red and blue components 122 ' and 122 ''' results in an additional magenta point 154 from the pixel 152 of the volume hologram.

The 10 and 11 show an embodiment of the document 100 , wherein the optical element 108 between an absorbent state, as in the 10 shown, and a transparent state, as in the 11 shown, is switchable. Depending on the embodiment of the security feature 102 can the reading beam 122 through the security feature 102 be changed or remain unchanged. For example, the read beam consists only of a green component 122 '' for which the other layers of the construction of the document, that is, the protective layer 138 , the layer 136 and the carrier 134 , are transparent. In the in the 10 shown state of the optical element 108 may be the security feature 102 can not be checked, since the reading beam is indeed fully absorbed. In contrast, in the in the 11 shown state of the optical element 108 at least a portion of the reading beam transmits, so that a corresponding transmission image 156 results.

At the security feature 102 For example, it may be transparent, a portion of a transparency pass, a transmission hologram, a holographic filter that selectively passes wavelengths from the visible light spectrum, a see-through window or other transmissive element, or the like.

The 12 and 13 show a further embodiment of the document according to the invention 100 , In this embodiment, the optical element between the in the 12 shown absorbent state and in the 13 shown transparent state switchable. Like in the 12 is obtained in the absorbing state of the optical element 108 analogous to the embodiment of the 4 a single one 111 whereas in the transparent one Condition of the optical element 108 an additional 158 obtained on the basis of the superimposition of the red and blue components considered here by way of example 122 ' and 122 ''' because of the reflection of the green component 122 '' at the security feature 102 appears magenta. The security feature 102 may be formed as a hologram in the embodiment considered here.

The 14 and 15 show an embodiment of the document according to the invention with a reflector 160 , At the security feature 102 This may be a transmission hologram. The optical element 108 can be here between in the 14 shown non-transparent state and in the 15 shown transparent state can be switched. Only if the optical element 108 in its transparent state, you get one 162 , like in the 15 shown.

Only if the optical element 108 in its transparent state, the portion of the beam diffracted by the transmission hologram passes 122 ie a ray 122b the optical element 108 and hits the reflector 160 so that you can 162 receives. The same applies to the non-diffracted portion of the beam 122 ie the ray 122a ,

At the reflector 160 it can be a reflective metal surface. This can be part of the optical element 108 be formed, for example as a return electrode of the optical element 108 forming display element. If the optical element 108 between a reflective and an absorbing state, no additional reflector is needed in this embodiment.

According to a further embodiment of the invention, the security feature exists 102 from a Fourier hologram. A Fourier hologram has the property of being able to project an image when irradiated with suitable light of a suitable wavelength and an appropriate angle of incidence. This image may be, for example, a data page, a logo or the like. Laser irradiation of classic display holograms can produce the same effect. 14b and 15b show this feature accordingly.

For All previous embodiments apply the possibilities the use of Fourier or display holograms instead of pure holographic ones Mirror or similar diffracting structures mutatis mutandis.

The 16 shows a further embodiment of a document according to the invention 100 and a reader according to the invention 112 , The embodiment considered here is the document 100 a travel document, such as an electronic passport. The document 100 has a so-called machine-readable zone (MRZ) 164 , The coupling element 114 is designed here as an RF chip. This is used to execute program instructions 166 for the execution of a cryptographic protocol and program instructions 168 for the control of the optical element 108 , Furthermore, data may be included in the RF chip 170 stored, such as sensitive or vulnerable data, in particular biometric data of the carrier of the document 100 ,

The processor 119 of the reader 112 serves here to execute program instructions 172 that the the reader 112 implementing steps in the cryptographic protocol. The energy source 118 of the reader 112 is here designed as an RF interface to interface with the RF chip of the document 100 to communicate. Next to the optical sensor 124 can the reader 112 another optical sensor 174 have, for. B. the MRZ 164 or other optically-machine readable data.

In the case of the program instructions 166 and 172 implemented cryptographic protocol may be, for example, a protocol for performing a Basic Access Control (BAC). The RF chip is designed so that only after successful implementation of the BAC using the program instructions 168 the optical element 108 is controlled so that the security feature 102 from the reader 112 can be tested.

For example, therefore, first the MRZ 164 with the help of the optical sensor 174 detected. From the data thus acquired, the reader generates 112 a key with which it encrypts a random number sent by the RF chip and transmits the ciphertext to the RF chip using the RF interface. The RF chip checks this ciphertext for agreement with the expected value. If the cipher corresponds to the expected value, then the BAC is considered successfully passed.

The 17 shows a corresponding flow chart. In the step 200 A BAC protocol is performed between the reader and the document. Upon successful completion of the BAC protocol, the RF chip sends a switching signal to the optical element of the document so that it is put into a state in which the security feature of the document is verifiable. In the step 204 the data stored in the security feature is output from the reader read and in the step 206 checked for compliance with the data collected for the implementation of the BAC protocol from the MRZ of the document. If there is no match, the reader is in the step 208 an error message; otherwise, the reader will pick up in the step 210 to the data stored in the document to read them out via RF (see the in the memory 170 in the embodiment of the 16 stored data).

In the case of more sensitive data, which in 102 In addition to the successful BAC, it is also possible to assume a successful Extended Access Control (EAC) during which the terminal is deemed to be authorized to access the security feature 102 stored data.

100

document

102

safety feature

104

back

106

front

108

optical element

110

user

111

Illustration

112

reader

114

coupling element

116

management

118

energy

119

processor

120

radiation source

121

program instructions

122

reading beam

123

program instructions

124

optical sensor

125

interface

126

interface

128

reflected radiation

130

transmitted radiation

132

reception area

134

carrier

136

layer

138

protective layer

140

lines

142

lines

144

lines

146

line pattern

148

line pattern

150

lines

152

pixels

153

Point

154

Point

156

transmission image

158

Illustration

160

reflector

162

Illustration

165

MRZ

166

program instructions

168

program instructions

170

dates

172

program instructions

174

optical sensor

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list The documents listed by the applicant have been automated generated and is solely for better information recorded by the reader. The list is not part of the German Patent or utility model application. The DPMA takes over no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• DE 19735293 A1 [0004]
• - DE 102006059856 [0005]
• WO 03/009059 A1 [0062]

Cited non-patent literature

• - http://www.citala.com [0022]
• - www.flixel.com [0023]

Claims (34)

Document with a security feature ( 102 ) and an optical element ( 108 ), wherein the security feature is arranged in front of the optical element, and the optical element for checking the security feature between at least first and second optical states is switchable, wherein the security feature is optically verifiable in only one of the first and second states. The document of claim 1, wherein the optical element by coupling energy between its first and second States is switchable. Document according to claim 2, wherein the optical element is designed for coupling the energy. Document according to Claim 2, having a coupling element ( 114 ) for coupling the energy, wherein the optical element is controllable by the coupling element. Document according to Claim 2, having a contact-type, a contactless or a dual-mode interface ( 114 ), in particular a chip card interface or an RF interface, for coupling the energy. Document according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the optical element is bistable. Document according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the optical element is semi-bistable. Document according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the optical element comprises an electrophoretic, electrochromic, electrostatic, rotary element, electro-wetting, ferroelectric and / or Liquid crystal display device, in particular with cholesteric or nematic liquid crystalline Materials, a microelectromechanical system (MEMS), such. As a micro-shutter array, and / or a display device based ferroelectric materials or interferometric modulators, an organic light emitting diode or an organic light emitting diode display having. The document of claim 8, wherein the display device comprises a plurality of display elements, each having a partial area put the optical element in the first or second state, wherein the display device for collectively controlling the display elements is designed to make this total in the first or the second Switch state. Document according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the security feature is a hologram, in particular a volume hologram, reflection hologram, transmission hologram, Fourier hologram, display hologram, a luminescent mark, a reflector for reflecting polarized light, an absorber for the absorption of light of a certain spectral range, a Guilloche, micro-typeface, a metameres system, an imprint with Fluorescence, phosphorescence and / or up-conversion color, one Imprint with infrared color, optically variable colors (OVI - Optical Variable Ink), Kinegram (transparent or reflective), a watermark, barcode, Passerdruck, a see-through window, mottled fibers, a security thread and / or microperforations. Document according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the security feature is optically readable and / or optical carries cognitively collectable data. The document of claim 11, wherein the security feature is designed as an optical data storage, in particular as a holographic Data storage. Document according to claim 11 or 12, wherein it is the data is biometric and / or biographical data. Document according to one of the preceding claims, having an integrated electronic circuit ( 114 ) for switching the optical element. Document according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the optical element is incident in its first state Radiation absorbs and incident radiation in its second state reflected. The document of claim 15, wherein the security feature is for reflection in a first spectral range ( 122 '' ) and for transmission in a second spectral range ( 122 ' . 122 ''' ), and wherein the optical element is designed so that it acts in its first state, at least in the second spectral range absorbing and in its second state, at least in the second spectral range reflective. The document of claim 15, wherein the security feature for reflection, scattering or generation of radiation in a first Spectral range is formed, and wherein the optical element in its second state for reflection in the first spectral range is trained. Document according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the security feature is one in a first Spectral region is luminescent label, wherein the optical element is not luminescent in its first state and in its second state is luminescent in the first spectral range. Document according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the security feature has a first color, and wherein the optical element in its first state has a second color, which is different from the first color, and wherein the optical element in its second state has a third color with the first Color metamer is. Document according to one of the preceding claims, the security feature being for the reflection of linearly polarized Radiation of a first polarization direction is formed, and wherein the optical element is designed so that it only in his second state linearly polarized light of a second Po larisationsrichtung reflected, wherein the second polarization direction perpendicular to the first polarization direction is. Document according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the security feature has a structure. Document according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the optical element in its first state for reflection of radiation and in its second state to the transmission of Radiation is formed. Document according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the security feature is designed so that it is only in the first or the second state of the optical element visually is perceptible. Document according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the optical element comprises a display device, the reflective, directed reflective, diffuse scattering and / or transmissive can work. Document according to one of the preceding claims, having an integrated electronic circuit ( 114 ) for performing a cryptographic protocol and for driving the optical element when a condition of the cryptographic protocol is met. Document according to Claim 25, having an optically readable zone ( 164 ), which includes optically readable data, wherein the security feature is formed as an optical memory in which the data, a cipher of the data, a check digit of the data or a hash value of the data is stored. Document according to Claim 25 or 26, with an electronic memory ( 170 ) for the storage of electronically readable data, whereby an external access to the electronically readable data by an external reader ( 112 ) is enabled by the integrated electronic circuit only when the cryptographic protocol has been successfully performed. Document according to one of the preceding claims 24-27, using the cryptographic protocol to perform a Basic Access Control and / or an Extended Access Control is trained. Document according to one of the preceding claims, which is a value or security document, in particular a travel or ID document, a chip card, a credential, a means of payment or the like. Reader for a document ( 100 ) according to one of the preceding claims with means ( 118 . 172 ) for initiating the circuit of the optical element ( 108 ) between the first and second states to allow optical access to the security feature of the document. Reader according to claim 30, having an optical sensor ( 124 ) for automatic detection of the security feature. Reader according to claim 30 or 31, with means ( 172 ) for the implementation of a cryptographic protocol and with means ( 120 . 124 ) for collecting data from the security feature, the data being used to perform the cryptographic protocol. Reader according to claim 30, 31 or 32, which is a reader for a value or Security document, in particular a machine-readable travel or Identification document, a chip card, a proof of entitlement or the like. Method for reading a security feature of a document ( 100 ) according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 29, comprising the following steps: - Coupling of energy into the document in order to switch the optical element between the first and the second state, - Optical detection of the security feature.