EP1044826A1 - Method for recording images - Google Patents

Abstract

The method of inscribing a data carrier (10) with pictorial information. involves obtaining characteristics relevant to recognition by means of a spatial analysis of the original picture, by using filters. A line drawing is obtained in vectorized f by the intermediate storage and or the inscribing of the picture on the data carrier. The line drawing is transformed or integra in a security background (6) of the data carrier.

Description

The invention relates to a method for recording image information to a disk.

A well-known data or record carrier for colored or colored Image information (EP 0 537 484 A1), in particular as a value or identification card is used as a light-scattering background card insert and a transparent card placed on it Foil on which a color-absorbing layer is arranged The transparent Foil serves as a substrate in which optically recognizable information by carbonizing or blackening the film material with the help of laser radiation can be registered. The ink receptive layer can be colored printed by applying or introducing dyes become.

To record a colorful or colored picture on these known The recording medium is first the image information of the item to be recorded Image into a light / dark portion and at least one color value extract, disassembled as a colored part. The light / dark portion is then inscribed in the transparent film with the help of a laser beam recorder, the more or less blackened areas of one Result in gray tone image. Then the color value or extracts the image information superimposed on the gray tone image by appropriate Dyes applied to or in the ink-receiving layer become.

Although this known method enables colorful images to be protected against forgery on disk, but it delivers for visual Detection of images no benefits. The visual recognition arises almost exclusively through the analysis of geometric relationships and shapes in the picture, whereby existing colors for the Recognition of the image are of little importance. In some cases even demonstrated that the colors present in an image are recognition processes not only not improve, but under certain circumstances even hinder. Such effects are used in psychology Example known as "color shock". Also in test series for identification purposes such color shock effects have been demonstrated.

The mere generation of a light / dark part for physical protection However, a photo or picture on a disk is not only No advantage from an identification standpoint, but also aesthetically problematic, because the brilliance of the color information through an additional applied black and white information in the substrate is usually considerable is affected. Such a gray veil can only be done very well limited by increasing the color saturation of the original one Compensate for color information.

Proceeding from this, the object of the invention is another Method for recording image information on a data carrier to provide, with which it is possible in particular, a brilliant Record the color image in a forgery-proof manner in such a way that it is is clearly recognizable.

This object is achieved by the method according to claim 1. Beneficial Refinements and developments of the method according to the invention are described in the subclaims.

According to the invention, in addition to an original image corresponding to processed or unedited image recognition-relevant Features recorded on the disk from the original image won. In this way, a complete color image can be created apply to the data carrier with high brilliance and resolution, with the additional recording of features relevant to recognition the visibility of the image is improved. Is it the original picture especially a portrait photo, the so-called passport photo to be recorded on the data carrier, it enables the inventive Procedure to put the photo on a data carrier Apply document that is aesthetic to the owner of the document is acceptable, but at the same time also for identification officers Purposes of increased recognizability.

The method according to the invention therefore makes it possible, in particular, for identification purposes Features of a photo of the aesthetic features separate and physically secure them into the disk bring in. The advantage is that the aesthetic design of the photo, for which the color plays a major role, regardless of the Recognizability of the photo or image ensuring configuration in one separate step can be realized.

The features relevant to recognition are preferably identified by a spatial analysis of the original image obtained, the spatial analysis applied to one or more color separations of the original image becomes.

It is particularly advantageous if it is more relevant to detection in order to obtain it Characteristics spatial filters are used. By spatial filtering the Image information with a spatial filter or with a suitable combination of location filters are the existing ones in the image to be recorded Obtain edges and lines, so that with a suitable choice of one or more Filter after filtering only a line drawing or a so-called "sketch" is available. This line drawing or sketch is enough taken from itself, the picture to be recorded in particular under Recognize identity-related aspects without confusion to be able to.

For the extraction or extraction of the characteristics relevant to recognition is similar to a caricature in the first phase Image or the image information by iteratively omitting non-essential ones Details, that is, details that are recognizable not promote or even oppose it, reduced. In a second Phase, the reduced information is then transformed so that it is on as physically visible as possible.

Now about the human recognizability of faces at the same time To improve the reduction of the data, the invention provides that a line drawing as characteristics relevant to recognition from the original image is obtained in the intermediate storage and / or at the recording of the image on the data carrier, in particular in vectorized form Form is realized.

To make a human portrait recognizable at the same time as the To improve the aesthetic impression, it is useful if the recognition-relevant Features superimposed on the recorded image become.

In an expedient development of the invention it is provided that after recording the image, its location on the disk itself recorded and the characteristics relevant to detection corresponding to the detected Image position can be recorded on the disk. This leaves the image to be recorded and the features relevant to recognition in a particularly simple manner, in particular with precise coverage record the disk without special adjustment or Alignment marks would have to be provided on the data carrier.

It is particularly useful if for better visibility of the detection-relevant Characteristics of the recorded image in its color and / or spatial information content transformed in a suitable manner or reduced original image.

To further improve the security against counterfeiting can be provided be that the line drawing in a security background of the disk is transformed or integrated.

Another possibility is that the detection-relevant Features without direct spatial reference to the recorded image the disk can be recorded.

The characteristics relevant to recognition obtained from the original image can be recorded on the data carrier in different ways, the respective species used individually or in combination can be. For example, it is possible to use the line drawing existing detection-relevant features both in the security background to integrate the data carrier, as well as with a perfect fit overlay the portrait photo. Even the recording without direct spatial reference can be made with the precisely fitting recording and / or the integration of the characteristics relevant to detection in the background combine.

The detection-relevant features should only be shown as a sketch without a direct one spatial reference to the recorded photo applied to the data carrier , it is particularly advantageous if the detection-relevant Features recorded on a special area of the disk be used for the realization of double or tilt image effects is prepared.

Not just the security against counterfeiting of the data carrier, but also data security total during the manufacture of the disk or To improve document, it is provided that after recording the Image whose image information is captured in order to extract the relevant information Identify features that record in addition to the image are.

In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the image is on a suitable image-bearing surface for the application of information Data carrier having substrate applied, and the detection-relevant Features are written into the substrate using radiation.

This procedure is particularly advantageous if, for example Passport pictures or other images individualizing the data carrier, which are in a central data storage are stored in corresponding Peripherals should be recorded on the disk. There the entire image information is initially applied as a color image the data connection to the central data store or computer finish after applying the colored image. Detecting and Registration of the additional identification relevant to be registered Features of the image can then be carried out in the peripheral device, without this possibly affecting the security of the data impairing data connection is required. Another advantage is that the proportion of the overall picture that is additional should be recorded, particularly precisely with the overall image content correlated.

In a further embodiment of the invention it is provided that the Radiation used to record the features relevant to detection not only causes blackening of the substrate, but also in the previously applied image in a controlled manner by evaporation or Burn changed, so the recognition-relevant features visually to emphasize.

On the other hand, it is also possible that the one previously applied Image relevant to recognition recorded by means of radiation in the substrate Features without destroying the recorded image be written into the substrate.

It is particularly easy to record the desired image information then realize if the features relevant to recognition are by means of Laser radiation, preferably by means of infrared laser radiation in the Substrate to be registered.

Another embodiment of the invention is characterized in that the detection-relevant features for generating further effects, such as e.g. B. watermark or the like can be used.

It is particularly expedient if the image-bearing surface is coated for the recording of the characteristics relevant to the recognition provided substrate is produced.

Fig. 1 eine schematische Draufsicht auf einen vereinfacht dargestellten Datenträger, insbesondere auf eine Ausweiskarte,

Fig. 2 einen schematischen Schnitt durch einen Datenträger mit darauf aufgezeichneten Bildinformationen,

Fig. 3 einen Schnitt durch einen anderen Datenträger mit darauf aufgezeichneten Bildinformationen und

Fig. 4 ein vereinfachtes schematisches Blockdiagramm einer Vorrichtung zum Einschreiben von Bildinformation in ein Substrat eines Datenträgers mittels Strahlung.

The invention is explained in more detail below, for example with reference to the drawing. Show it:

1 is a schematic plan view of a data carrier shown in simplified form, in particular on an identification card,

2 shows a schematic section through a data carrier with image information recorded thereon,

Fig. 3 shows a section through another data carrier with image information recorded thereon

4 shows a simplified schematic block diagram of a device for writing image information into a substrate of a data carrier by means of radiation.

In the different figures of the drawing are corresponding to each other Provide parts with the same reference numerals.

1 shows, for example, an identification card as a data carrier 10, which has a recording area 1 with a labeling area 2, an image area 3, a special effects area 4 and an area for has general information 5. A security background 6 that is only indicated schematically and in a highly simplified manner, can in individual or all areas 2 to 5 of the recording surface 1 are provided his.

To a picture, in particular a portrait photo of the authorized owner of a data carrier 10 serving as identification brilliantly so that the characteristics relevant to detection, in particular the characteristic facial features that are clearly recognizable from the Original image recognition-relevant features obtained, which then additional to an image to be applied in the image area 3 on the data carrier 10 can be recorded. Obtaining the detection-relevant Features can also be carried out after recording the image become. The image to be recorded, preferably as color image 15 is printed, the original image itself or an edited one Be an image in which recording errors are made both from aesthetic and from for reasons of identification were eliminated.

The features relevant to recognition are preferably identified by a spatial analysis of the original image obtained, but can also from one or several color separations of the original image can be obtained. The Use of the color separations to obtain recognition-relevant Features have the advantage that color limits are also determined where the brightness value does not change and therefore cannot be recognized if more relevant for the determination Features only the brightness distribution or luminance of the original image is used.

The determination or extraction of the characteristics relevant to recognition the original image using various filtering methods and geometric Analysis algorithms with object-oriented selection categories, serves as an additional picture, especially as a sketch or line drawing to generate that only more features relevant to detection contains. The amount of image data can be drastically reduced, in particular, if the characteristics relevant to recognition are shown as a line drawing is available in vectorized form.

Especially if the characteristics relevant to recognition are shown as line drawings are present, for example, in the security background 6 integrate or elsewhere on the recording surface 1 without direct spatial reference to image area 3.

In particular, it is possible to draw the line drawing in a special effects area 4 to arrange, for example, for so-called tilt image effects is prepared, in which the image recorded there from the viewing angle depends, since it is e.g. B. recorded by a grid of cylindrical lenses and is considered.

In addition to or instead of recording the relevant to detection Line drawing at any location on the recording surface 1 is preferred provided that the detection-relevant features in the image area 3 are superimposed on the recorded image with a precise fit.

In the following, the structure of the Data carrier for use with the method according to the invention described.

As FIG. 2 shows, the data carrier 10 consists of a substrate 11 which is formed, for example, by a transparent plastic layer the image information by means of radiation, in particular laser radiation, preferably infrared (IR) laser radiation is writable. The Plastic material of the substrate 11 is made using the radiation blackened by, for example, suitable additives and / or that Plastic material of the substrate carbonized by the laser radiation become. Blackened pixel regions 12 are thus in the substrate 11 educated. The substrate 11 is, for example, a white one Laminated carrier layer 13 made of plastic or paper and on it with a surface 14 facing away from the carrier layer 13 Color image 15 printed. The color image 15 exposes itself corresponding color image points 16 or color image areas together, which consist of common dyes used in conventional printing processes be applied.

The color image 15 is covered by a transparent protective layer 17, that, for example, from an image-bearing surface 14 printed paint layer can exist.

As FIG. 2 shows, the pixel areas can be used to increase the security against forgery 12 be formed in the substrate 11 so that they are partially stretch into the carrier layer 13. In addition, that will Color image 15 is formed by color image dots 16 ′, which are introduced by introducing Dyes were generated in an ink-receiving cover layer 18. The Cover layer 18 can additionally be provided by one, not shown Protective layer be coated or serve as such at the same time.

For the application of the method according to the invention, which follows is explained in more detail, any other data carrier can a transparent substrate that can be blackened by radiation and one image-bearing surface can be used. Various or multi-layer structures possible. For a data medium where the white carrier layer 13 is printable with color, can also the surface 11 'carrying the substrate 11 is used as the image bearing surface become.

Basically, the recognition-relevant features of the image information before the printing or introduction of the color image 15 into the substrate 11 can be registered. As will be described below, it is however, it is preferred to apply the color image 15 first and then as recognition-relevant Features z. B. the contour portion in the substrate 11th to enroll.

In accordance with the method according to the invention, is used for recording of image information on the data carrier 10 an edited or not edited Image that corresponds to the original image as a complete one Color image, applied to the corresponding image-bearing surface.

If the surface 13 ′ of the carrier layer 13 is used as the image-bearing surface used, the color image 15 is first applied. Then will then the substrate 11 is laminated on for writing in further image information and so the data carrier 10 is prepared for the next method step.

If the surface 14 of the substrate 11 is used as an image-bearing surface, so the registration of the features relevant to recognition can be in the Substrate 11 using laser radiation either immediately after Printing on the color image 15 or after the protective layer has been applied 17 are executed. It can be provided that when recording of the features relevant to detection that previously applied Color image in a controllable manner by evaporation or burning in the Range of characteristics relevant to detection is changed so that the features relevant to recognition are visually highlighted.

If the ink-absorbing cover layer 18 is used, it closes the registration of the features relevant to recognition is preferred immediately after the recording of the color image 15.

After the color image 15 has been applied to the data carrier 10 and this for writing image information into the substrate 11 is prepared, the features relevant to recognition are identified with the help of IR laser radiation additionally written into the substrate 11.

For this purpose, the card-shaped data carrier 10 on which the complete Color image 15 (shown in the drawing only black and white) applied is arranged in a processing position in a laser engraving system 19, as shown schematically in Figure 4.

The laser engraving system 19 comprises a laser 20 which is and control unit 21 is controlled. One also from the computing and Control unit 21 controlled deflection unit 22 deflects the laser beam 23, to obtain a write beam 23 'which scans the data carrier 10. In addition, there is an image recording device 24, for example a Video camera can be arranged to position the Data carrier 10 in the laser engraving system 19 or preferably the location of the color image 15 on the data carrier 10 relative to the processing position detected in the laser engraving system 19. It is also conceivable instead of one separate image recording device 24 as the deflection unit 22 To use image scanner unit and her an optical receiver arrangement assign. The optical detection of the location of the data carrier 10 and Color image 15 located thereon is then produced using the same optical elements with which the write beam 23 'over the Disk 10 is guided. To detect the position of the data carrier 10 and the color image 15 in the working position of the laser engraving system 19 can also any other optical position detection device are used, which is suitable for position data to control the Laser 20 and the deflection unit 22 to deliver.

After the data carrier 10 carrying the complete color image 15 in the Laser engraving system 19 is arranged, the position of the Color image 15 in particular with the aid of the image recording device 24 detected. For this purpose, for example, also on the data carrier 10 intended position marks are used, which when printing the Color images 15 were used to position them. It is preferred however, if marks printed together with the color image 15 (not shown) are used, since in this case the position of the marks is relative to color image 15 is aligned practically without manufacturing tolerance. A another particularly preferred possibility is the color image 15 itself as a "position marker" to use the laser 20 and the Control deflection unit 22.

After thus the position of the color image 15 in the processing position of the Laser engraving system 19 is known, a characterizing the color image 15 and / or oversubscribing portion of the image information of the Color image 15 as detection-relevant features with the help of the laser in the substrate 11 inscribed. The intensity of the laser beam 23 and thus also the write beam 23 ', for example, with the help a shutter unit of the laser 20, not shown, of the Computing and control unit 21 depending on the point of impact of the Write beam 23 'controlled on the color image 15. Registered mail Features relevant to recognition in the substrate are carried out by the Color image 15 through, for this purpose from printing inks or inks is constructed, which either let the laser radiation through unhindered and, in doing so, not be damaged or caused by the laser radiation targeted removal.

The recognition-relevant features of the original image, for example the lines of a sketch can be the computing and control unit 21 for example via a data input 25 from a central computer be fed. But it is also possible with the help of Image recording device 24 that is applied to the data carrier 10 Record color image 15 and the image information thus obtained to undergo spatial analysis with location filtering in order to identify the relevant ones Characteristic portion of the image information to obtain. In this case, the identification-relevant for the additional registration Features in the substrate 11 no connection of the laser engraving system 19 with the central computer or a central Data storage required.

In particular, it is also possible to pixel by pixel along a Subjecting image data captured image line directly to a spatial filtering, all the more practically in real-time the recognition-relevant data to be registered To determine features from the color image 15 itself. This Procedure has the advantage that the recorded color image data as such need not be saved, which means that a additional security when handling the data carrier 10 individualizing data against counterfeiting is guaranteed.

Is the spatial filtering of the image information with such a high pass performed that a pure line drawing is obtained, which without Grayscale should be displayed in a single degree of blackening, so this has no effect on the security against forgery of the invention recorded image the advantage that a simple laser is used in which the beam intensity or the intensity of the individual laser beam pulses need not be adjustable.

The inventive method enables a brilliant, accordingly the color printing technology high resolution color image on one Record disk 10 and the counterfeit security of it produce that in addition recognition-relevant image elements, for. Legs line sketch essentially corresponding to the image contours tamper-proof be inscribed in the substrate. At the same time the recognizability of images, especially passport photos improved.

Even if you succeed in removing the color image, it remains those in black and white, with or without shades of gray Features would be preserved in substrate 11 and would be applied a new color image significantly affect this, so that the falsification of the image is already due to the reduced image quality is easily recognizable.

Although the inventive method for recording image information on a data carrier 10 based on one shown as a passport photo Color image 15 has been explained, it can be all monochrome or multi-colored Apply representations. You can also use the The method according to the invention in a simple manner against forgery record on a data carrier and in their identifiability improve.

Claims (19)

Method for recording image information on a data carrier (10) in which features relevant to recognition from an original image obtained in addition to a corresponding to the original image edited or unedited image on the data carrier (10) to be recorded. Method according to Claim 1, characterized in that features relevant to recognition are obtained by spatial analysis of the original image. A method according to claim 2, characterized in that the spatial analysis is applied to one or more color separations of the original image in order to obtain features relevant to recognition. Method according to Claim 1, 2 or 3, characterized in that spatial filters are used to obtain features relevant to recognition. Method according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that a line drawing is obtained from the original image as the features relevant to recognition, which is implemented in vectorized form during the intermediate storage and / or when the image is recorded on the data carrier (10). Method according to one of Claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the features relevant to recognition are superimposed on the recorded image with a precise fit. Method according to Claim 6, characterized in that after the image has been recorded, its position on the data carrier (10) itself is recorded and the features relevant to recognition are recorded on the data carrier (10) in accordance with the recorded image position. Method according to Claim 6 or 7, characterized in that, for better visibility of the features relevant to the recognition, the recorded image is the original image which has been suitably transformed or reduced in its color and / or spatial information content. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the line drawing is transformed or integrated into a security background (6) of the data carrier (10). Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the features relevant to recognition are recorded on the data carrier (10) without any direct spatial reference to the recorded image. A method according to claim 10, characterized in that the features relevant to the recognition are recorded on a special area (4) of the data carrier (10) which is prepared for the implementation of double or tilt image effects. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that after the image has been recorded, its image information is acquired in order to determine the features relevant to recognition which are to be recorded in addition to the image. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the image is applied to an image-bearing surface (14, 13 ') of the data carrier (10) which has a substrate (11) and is suitable for the application of information, and in that the features relevant to recognition are identified with the aid of Radiation can be written into the substrate (11). Method according to Claim 13, characterized in that the features relevant to recognition are written into the underlying substrate (11) through the image recorded on the image-bearing surface (14, 13 '). A method according to claim 13 or 14, characterized in that the radiation used to record the features relevant to recognition not only causes the substrate to become black, but also changes the previously applied image in a controlled manner by evaporation or burning, so as to visually emphasize the features relevant to recognition. A method according to claim 13 or 14, characterized in that the features relevant to recognition recorded under the previously applied image by means of radiation in the substrate (11) are written into the substrate (11) without destroying the recorded image. Method according to one of Claims 13 to 16, characterized in that the features relevant to detection are written into the substrate (11) by means of laser radiation, preferably by means of infrared laser radiation. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the detection-relevant features for generating further effects, such as. B. watermark or the like can be used. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the image-bearing surface is produced by coating the substrate (11) provided for recording the features relevant to recognition.

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