EP3625059B1 - Method for securing a partial product and system comprising a secured partial product - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates generally to the protection of a partial product used in the production of security elements and in particular relates to a method for protecting a partial product which, in cooperation with a supplementary product, creates a predetermined visually visible effect against unauthorized use of the partial product. The invention also relates to an associated system comprising a partial product secured against unauthorized use and a supplementary product which, in cooperation with the secured partial product, produces a predetermined, visually visible effect.

Data carriers such as value or identity documents, but also other objects of value such as branded items, are often provided with security elements for protection. Security elements are often used to check the authenticity of the data carrier (or product) and can also be used to protect against unauthorized reproduction.

For some time now, security elements have been used to ensure authenticity, in which an embossed structure with a regular repeat of embossed elements is combined with suitable, previously printed information, for example a line or point grid. By means of a suitable combination of embossed structure and print information, optically variable effects and, in particular, movement effects can be generated. Examples of such security elements are given in the publications WO 2016/020066 A2 and EP 2 889152 A1 described. In WO 2006/018232 A1 as well as in WO 2009/139396 A1 and JP 2014162113 A Raised elements and a printed grid are combined for an optically variable effect.

In such combined security elements, not all components are often produced by a single manufacturer, so that there is a risk of unauthorized use of partial products which are either intended as a component of the finished security elements themselves or can be used to produce a component of the finished security elements. If, for example, an embossed structure and a background print to create a movement effect are combined to form a security element, a print shop can, after providing several different movement effects, reproduce or modify these itself, for example by summarizing background data that has already been implemented and combining them with existing or self-made embossing structures. If the partial product is a micromirror film, a user can, for example, have a film with comparable micromirror arrangements produced and overprinted. In the case of security elements with embossed elements repeating themselves in a regular repeat, a reduction or enlargement of the design to other repeat sizes may also be possible within certain limits.

Proceeding from this, the invention is based on the object of protecting partial products of the type mentioned at the outset against unauthorized use. The partial products can in particular either represent a component of a combined security element, or can represent a tool for producing a component of such a combined security element. Examples of such tools are molding tools such as embossing tools, casting molds or the like, or printing tools such as printing plates or printing masks.

This object is achieved by the features of the independent claims. Developments of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims.

The invention provides a method for securing a partial product of the type mentioned at the outset against unauthorized use. In the method, a specific encoding alienation key and an associated decoding alienation key are generated, the supplementary product is alienated with the specific encoding alienation key, and the partial product to be protected is alienated with the associated decoding alienation key, so that the alienated partial product interacts with the alienated supplementary product generates the predetermined visually visible effect, and does not produce the predetermined visually visible effect in cooperation with an alienated supplementary product or a supplementary product alienated with another encoding alienation key. The partial product to be protected provides an embossed structure with a large number of grid elements, and the supplementary product changes the embossed surface of the embossed structure in its reflection behavior.

In other words, the partial product alienated according to the invention produces the same predetermined visually visible effect in cooperation with the supplementary product alienated according to the invention as the non-alienated partial product in cooperation with the non-alienated supplementary product. The alienated partial product is secured against unauthorized use, since it can only be used together with an appropriately alienated supplementary product (by the manufacturer). When used with other, not alienated or otherwise alienated supplementary products, the predetermined one becomes visually visible Effect not created. In this case, preferably no movement effect at all is generated, in particular no pumping or rotation effect, or even no coherently perceptible visual effect at all. The predetermined visually visible effect is shown preferably when the security element is tilted and / or rotated. The predetermined visually visible is preferably a tilting effect or a movement effect (with constant or with (linearly) increasing speed when tilting or rotating uniformly). In particular, different subregions can be provided that differ in their movement, that is to say, for example, differ in the direction of movement (for example, are opposite or orthogonal) and / or run at different speeds. Different partial areas are particularly noticeable to the viewer, so that they can be easily recognized or verified when the security element is tilted or rotated.

A change in the reflection behavior includes, in particular, changes that can be perceived visually in terms of color, but also includes an additional or alternative change in the intensity of the reflection, for example a change that increases or decreases reflection.

Since the encoding / alienation key belonging to the decoding / alienation key is only known to the manufacturer, only the manufacturer can generate supplementary products suitable for the protected sub-product or, for example, provide a user with information on the production of a suitable supplementary product for a fee.

It is particularly advantageous that the specific encoding / alienation key and the associated decoding / alienation key are selected to be customer-specific or batch-specific. In this way, for example, a Customers are provided with partial products that are specifically secured for them and the customer is then supplied with the associated supplementary products or information on their manufacture.

In an advantageous variant of the invention, the partial product to be protected is a film with a relief (or embossed) structure made up of a large number of relief elements, in particular with a regular arrangement of grid elements. In another, likewise advantageous variant of the invention, the partial product to be protected is an embossing tool for embossing an embossed structure from a plurality of grid elements, in particular with a regular arrangement of the grid elements. The grid elements are particularly preferably formed by blind embossing, for example by means of intaglio printing, by relief embossing or structural embossing, or are provided by a film with a micromirror arrangement.

The supplementary product is advantageously produced using a different production process than the partial product. For example, the partial product can be an embossed structure and the supplementary product can be a printed image.

The supplementary product is preferably a coating following the embossed surface of the embossed structure, in particular in the form of an imprint. In preferred embodiments, in addition to the coating, a reflection-increasing layer is provided which follows the embossed surface of the embossed structure. The coating and / or the reflection-increasing layer follows the embossed structure with at least one surface, preferably it has a constant layer thickness or it follows the embossed structure with both surfaces.

In an advantageous embodiment, the supplementary product is a printed image that is produced with a printing process, in particular with dry / wet offset printing, gravure or inkjet printing, or a lasered image that is generated by means of laser radiation, for example in a radiation-sensitive embossed layer. The supplementary product is preferably produced using a data-based imaging method, so it also allows, in particular, a personalization of the image (or effect). A data set required for the production of the supplementary product (e.g. encoding / alienation key or alienated print or laser image) can be provided on request, server-based and / or centrally.

A specific (symmetrical or asymmetrical) distortion of the position of the raster elements or the position of the embossed structures for embossing the raster elements can advantageously be selected as the decoding alienation key. The position of the grid element is changed by the distortion starting from the grid, the shape of the grid element (such as round nub, polygon, ...) preferably remains unchanged. A positional distortion of the grid elements is preferably less than half the grid width. Optionally, the shape of the grid element can also be changed through the distortion (the outer contour of the grid element is distorted, e.g. the round knob becomes oval, a square element more rectangular or trapezoidal ...). The distortion can be axially symmetrical or point symmetrical, but is preferably asymmetrical. In particular, an asymmetrical distortion of the grid can vary locally.

Alternatively or additionally, a specific alienation of certain individual raster elements or certain individual embossed structures for embossing the raster elements can be selected as the decoding alienation key. Accordingly, the position of the alienated grid elements can be unchanged be, i.e. correspond to the original grid. The grid element can be alienated by at least one of the following parameters: change in angle to the recurring grid (angle of inclination and / or azimuth angle), shape distortion (such as oval instead of round grid element surface) or shape change (such as local flattening on a round grid element surface), surface change (such as change in transmission - or reflective properties). An intensity of alienation can be specified for each of the parameters. The type and / or the intensity of an alienation is determined individually for each raster element. The alienation can be determined locally for the grid element, for example randomly, according to a quasi-random principle or deterministically, in particular by applying a derivation rule that can be used for all grid elements (eg: alienation rule applied to grid element position).

Another alternative for alienating individual grid elements can also be a position swap. If distinguishable grid elements are arranged in the grid according to a rule, they can be alienated by a position swap. The grid can for example consist of a recurring pattern within which a plurality of different grid elements are arranged. For example, five times five grid elements each with an angular position predetermined for the position in the pattern (angle of inclination and / or azimuth angle of the, in particular, square reflector surface) form the pattern. A large number of these patterns lie next to each other in the grid. The patterns can also be viewed as pixels. As an alienation, positions are swapped in all patterns, in a partial area with patterns or in certain patterns. For example, swap three grid elements (A, B and C), whose reflector surfaces are aligned at azimuth angles that are perpendicular to one another are, one below the other the position (A => C, B = A, C => B). The position is preferably swapped differently in each grid.

In further variants, an area-specific grid is selected as the decoding / alienation key. Several areas have different, i.e. area-specific grids. There are at least two, preferably at least three, different area-specific grids. Different position or shape distortions in certain areas, as already described above, are possible, but their complexity may be unnecessary. It is already sufficient and therefore particularly advantageous to select, for example, an area-specific grid width and / or an area-specific distance between the grid elements. The screen rulings preferably differ by a factor a, with a =] 1; 3], preferably a =] 1; 1.5] (i.e. a = r1 / r2 is greater than 1 but less than 3, preferably less than 1.5). As a rule, the multiple areas will be arranged in a pattern, for example in the manner of a mosaic or checkerboard (rectangle or square). There are preferably at least four, more preferably nine, areas and at least two, more preferably four, different area-specific grids in the areas. As an alternative to areas arranged in pattern form, motif boundaries in the visual effect can be selected as area boundaries of the several areas, since the area boundaries are not or less clearly noticeable even if perfect registration is not achieved. In one embodiment, (exactly) two areas are provided, (only) one motif area (motif grid with first grid width r1), with in particular an edge contour predetermined by the motif, and one surrounding area (surrounding grid with grid width r2). The surrounding area (or the motif area) can optionally include areas with an area-specific grid that are arranged in pattern form (motif with a grid r1 is surrounded by in pattern form arranged (more than four) areas with at least two other grids r21 and r22).

In all variants, the specific encoding alienation key defines a corresponding alienation of the supplementary product, so that when the two alienated products interact, the effects of the two alienations just cancel each other and the desired, predetermined, visually visible effect is generated.

In a further variant of the invention, the decoding alienation key defines a deformation of the partial product in the form of a freeform surface, a periodic or aperiodic wave or a 3D element, which can also be applied additively in a partial area or to the entire visual image information.

As a predetermined visually visible effect, a movement effect, in particular a non-linear movement effect, a pumping or rotation effect, is generated with particular advantage. In the case of the visually visible effect, an image is expediently displayed and, if necessary, moved, wherein the image can be a logo, lettering, graphic, a play of colors from different color gradients or a color change of a displayed graphic.

The alienation of the supplementary product and the partial product to be secured can each include the entire product, for example the entire area of an embossed structure or a printed image, or only a partial area of the product, for example only a partial area of the embossed structure or the printed image. In this case, however, the alienated partial area preferably takes up more than 30%, in particular more than 50%, preferably between 31% and 100% or between 31% and 95%, more preferably between 51% and 100%, 51% and 95%, or 71% and 95%, of the total area of the product. A non-alienated sub-area with the predetermined visual effect and an alienated sub-area without the predetermined visual effect increase the perceptibility of the protection for the viewer, in particular he sees immediately which effect is missing in the alienated sub-area. In refinements, the proportion of the area of the partial area of the product that has not been alienated is less than 50% of the total area of the product, preferably between 5% and 30%, in particular between 10% and 20%.

It is also conceivable to alienate partial areas of the product to different degrees. The intensity of the alienation can vary in certain areas, for example the degree of distortion of the grid or the surface density of the changes in individual grid elements. In further developed forms, if there is a non-alienated sub-area with the predetermined visual effect and an alienated sub-area without the predetermined visual effect, at least one further sub-area can be provided in which the predetermined visual effect is less pronounced. In a first variant, the further sub-area lies between the alienated and the non-alienated sub-area. It thus forms a transition in which the intensity of the alienation optionally increases towards the alienated partial area. In a second variant, partial areas with different degrees of alienation are arranged next to one another. For example, the area of the product can be divided into four partial areas, for example quadrants, with the quadrant at the top left showing the visual effect (alienation intensity = 0%), the quadrant at the top right not showing the visual effect (alienation intensity = 100%), the quadrant lower left shows the visual effect with reduced quality (alienation intensity = 25%) and the lower right quadrant the visual effect is only vaguely recognizable (alienation intensity = 50%).

The invention also includes a system made up of a partial product secured against unauthorized use and a supplementary product which, in cooperation with the secured partial product, produces a predetermined, visually visible effect. In the system, the supplementary product is alienated with a specific encoding alienation key, and the secured partial product is alienated with an associated decoding alienation key, so that the alienated partial product generates the predetermined visually visible effect in cooperation with the alienated supplementary product, and in cooperation with a non-alienated supplementary product or a supplementary product alienated with a different encoding alienation key does not generate the predetermined visually visible effect. The partial product to be protected provides an embossed structure with a large number of grid elements and the supplementary product changes the embossed surface of the embossed structure in its reflection behavior.

The secured partial product is preferably a film with a relief structure, in particular an embossed structure, made up of a plurality of grid elements, in particular with a regular arrangement of the grid elements. Irregularly arranged grid elements, such as level micromirrors distributed quasi-randomly, are theoretically also conceivable, but less suitable, since the complexity becomes high in the event of alienation. A system is also advantageous in which the secured partial product is an embossing tool for embossing an embossed structure from a plurality of grid elements, in particular with a regular arrangement of the grid elements.

The grid elements can be formed by a film with (embossed) relief formed on only one surface, for example an embossed lacquer layer or a polymer layer. Alternatively, the grid elements are arranged as a relief structure on one of the two structured surfaces of the film, for example by means of rear embossing on a front side. The grid elements can initially be transparent; semi-transparent reflective or opaque reflective, for example by being uncoated or coated with a metal layer or HRI layer. By coating the supplementary product, the raster elements are locally changed in their reflection behavior. For example, initially transparent grid elements are either semitransparently reflective over the entire surface or opaque reflective and also designed locally in color or locally semitransparent in color reflective or opaque in color reflective. Furthermore, for example, grid elements that are already reflective (or include a contrast layer) are locally designed in a semi-transparent color or in an opaque color. The grid elements serve accordingly, for example, as micromirrors or absorbers or filters. A substructuring of the grid elements, for example as a Fresnel mirror or blazed mirror, is conceivable. The grid elements are particularly advantageously formed by - knob-shaped, linear or polygonal - blind embossing elements or by small micromirrors with flat mirror facets.

In advantageous embodiments, the supplementary product is a printed image. The print image can in particular be combined as a separate print image with an embossed structure of the above-mentioned type, or it can be printed as an integral print image on an embossed structure of the above-mentioned type. The partial product and the supplementary product are firmly connected to one another and thus together form a security element, as described in more detail below. Partial product and supplementary product are in the same unit, an end product such as a value document, branded article or the like.

Finally, the invention also provides a security element made up of a partial product secured against unauthorized use and a supplementary product which, in cooperation with the secured partial product, produces a predetermined, visually visible effect. In the case of the security element, the supplementary product is alienated with a specific encoding alienation key, and the secured partial product is alienated with an associated decoding alienation key, so that the alienated partial product generates the predetermined visually visible effect in cooperation with the alienated supplementary product.

The secured partial product is advantageously a film with an embossed structure made up of a multiplicity of grid elements, in particular with a regular arrangement of the grid elements, and the supplementary product is a printed image. The print image can in particular be combined with the embossed structure as a separate print image, or it can be printed on the embossed structure as an integral print image.

Particularly in the area of brand protection, the partial product can also be formed by an embossed structure of a packaging, for example an injection-molded packaging. The embossed structure can be produced, for example, by an injection molding tool or a heat-sealing die, which deforms a thermoplastic and thereby produces a desired surface relief. The supplementary product can in this case, for example, by a printed Shrink film be formed, which is drawn over the embossing structure or deep-drawn in the mold.

The partial product can also be formed by a tactile dot-like or line-like printing layer. Such a configuration can be used with advantage in particular in the packaging sector. Security elements are usually used to enable an authenticity check and / or to provide copy protection. In the present context, however, it is also conceivable to provide the security element merely as a design element that is particularly visually attractive.

Further exemplary embodiments as well as advantages of the invention are explained below with reference to the figures, in the representation of which a representation true to scale and proportion was dispensed with in order to increase the clarity.

Fig. 1

eine schematische Darstellung einer hochwertigen Eintrittskarte mit einem optisch variablen Sicherheitselement mit einem auffälligen Rotationseffekt beim Kippen der Karte,

Fig. 2

eine schematische Erläuterung des Zusammenwirkens einer Prägestruktur (links) und eines Druckbilds (mitte) des Sicherheitselements der Fig. 1, zur Erzeugung eines auffälligen Rotationseffekts (rechts),

Fig. 3

in einer Darstellung wie in Fig. 2, in (a) schematisch das Zusammenwirken von Prägestruktur und Druckbild nach Verfremdung beider Elemente für einen ersten Nutzer, in (b) schematisch das Zusammenwirken von Prägestruktur und Druckbild nach Verfremdung beider Elemente für einen zweiten Nutzer, in (c) schematisch das fehlende Zusammenwirken der für den ersten Nutzer verfremdeten Prägestruktur mit einem unverfremdeten Druckbild, und in (d) schematisch das fehlende Zusammenwirken der für den ersten Nutzer verfremdeten Prägestruktur mit dem für den zweiten Nutzer verfremdeten Druckbild.

Show it:

Fig. 1

a schematic representation of a high-quality admission ticket with an optically variable security element with a noticeable rotation effect when the card is tilted,

Fig. 2

a schematic explanation of the interaction of an embossed structure (left) and a printed image (center) of the security element of FIG Fig. 1 , to create a noticeable rotation effect (right),

Fig. 3

in a representation like in Fig. 2 , in (a) schematically the interaction of embossed structure and print image after alienation of both elements for a first user, in (b) schematically the interaction of embossed structure and print image after alienation of both elements for a second user, in (c) schematically the lack of interaction of the for the first user alienated embossed structure with an alienated print image, and in (d) schematically the lack of interaction of the embossed structure alienated for the first user with the printed image alienated for the second user.

The invention will now be explained using the example of a combined security element for a data carrier to be protected. Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of a high-quality admission ticket 10 which, in addition to a serial number 12 and usual content information 14, is provided with an optically variable security element 20 to ensure authenticity.

The security element 20 has a shiny metallic appearance with an additional colored, windmill-like wing structure 22. A slight tilting of the card 10 creates a visually noticeable apparent rotational movement 24 of the colored wings 22. If the card 10 is tilted, the colored wings 22 move in a circle to the left or right, depending on the direction of tilt, so that the rotational movement 24 occurs for the viewer .

Regarding Fig. 2 the noticeable rotation effect is created by the interaction of an embossed structure 30 from a square grid of a plurality of embossed elements 32 with a printed image 40 with a background layer 42 and a contrasting line grid made of a large number of approximately, but not completely parallel lines 44 Combination of the two components, embossed structure 30 and printed image 40 on the admission ticket 10.

Such rotation effects are per se from the publication, for example WO 2016/020066 A2 known. Briefly summarized, the two separately produced elements embossed structure 30 and printed image 40 for generating the rotation effect in the security element 20 are combined with one another in such a way that at least one line segment of a line 44 of the line grid is essentially on each embossed element 32, the parameter 'position of the line segment is varied on the embossing element according to a location-dependent phase function φ (x, y) so that when the security element 20 is tilted, the mentioned rotation effect occurs. Depending on the layout of the line grid, in addition to rotational movements, linear movements or complex forms of movement, such as pumping effects, zoom effects and also opposing movement patterns, can be generated. Details on this can be found in the cited publication WO 2016/020066 A2 can be removed.

The embossed structure 30 represents a partial product of the finished security element 20, which is produced independently of the printed image 40 and with a different production method, and which, according to the invention, is to be protected against unauthorized use. Alternatively can an embossing tool for embossing the embossing structure 30 can also be secured accordingly.

In both cases, a customer-specific or batch-specific encoding alienation key and an associated decoding alienation key are generated. The separately produced print image 40 is alienated with the specific encoding alienation key, and the embossed structure 30 to be protected or the embossing tool to be protected is alienated with the associated decoding alienation key.

This is schematic for two different alienation keys for a first user K ₁ and a second user K ₂ in the Figures 3 (a) and 3 (b) illustrated. A first customer-specific encoding / alienation key ES1 and an associated decoding / alienation key DS1 are generated for user K _{1, with in} Fig. 3 (a) a specific asymmetrical distortion of the grid elements or the lines is selected for illustration.

The print image 40 is alienated with the specific first encoding alienation key, so that a first alienated print image 40-1 with lines 44-1 distorted according to the encoding alienation key ES1 is produced. The embossed structure 30 to be protected is alienated with the associated decoding alienation key DS1, so that a first alienated embossed structure 30-1 with embossed elements 32-1 distorted according to the decoding alienation key DS1 is created. The two alienation keys DS1 and ES1 are coordinated with one another in such a way that the alienated embossed structure 30-1 in the finished security element 20-1 in cooperation with the alienated printed image 40-1 just like the alienated embossed structure 30 in cooperation with the alienated printed image 40 the predetermined visually visible effect, namely the apparent rotational movement 24 of the colored wings 22 is generated.

A second customer-specific encoding alienation key ES2 and an associated decoding alienation key DS2 are generated for user K _{2, with in} Fig. 3 (b) another specific asymmetrical distortion of the grid elements or the lines is selected for illustration. The print image 40 is alienated with the specific second encoding alienation key, so that a second alienated print image 40-2 with lines 44-2 distorted in accordance with the encoding alienation key ES2 is created. The embossed structure 30 to be protected is alienated with the associated decoding alienation key DS2, so that a second alienated embossed structure 30-2 with embossed elements 32-2 distorted according to the decoding alienation key DS2 is created. The two alienation keys DS2 and ES2 are coordinated so that the alienated embossed structure 30-2 in the finished security element 20-2 in cooperation with the alienated printed image 40-2 just like the alienated embossed structure 30 in cooperation with the alienated printed image 40 the predetermined visually visible Effect, namely the apparent rotational movement 24 of the colored wings 22 is generated.

If, on the other hand, the embossed structure 30-1 of the first user K ₁ alienated with the decoding alienation key DS1 is combined with the unaligned print image 40, as in FIG Fig. 3 (c) As illustrated, the predetermined visually visible effect does not arise, since the distortion of the embossed structure 30-1 described by the decoding alienation key DS1 does not compensate for a corresponding distortion of the printed image 40 becomes. Instead, the combination of the two components 30 - 1 and 40 shows, for example, a disordered, randomly appearing pixel pattern 26.

Even if the embossed structure 30-1 alienated with the decoding alienation key DS1 is combined with a print image which is alienated with an unsuitable encoding alienation key, for example the encoding alienation key ES2 of user K ₂ , as in Fig. 3 (d) As illustrated, the predetermined visually visible effect does not arise, since the distortion of the embossed structure 30-1 described by the decoding alienation key DS1 is not compensated for by a suitable distortion of the printed image 40-2. Rather, the different type of distortion of the print image 40-2 described by the encoding / alienation key ES2, together with the embossed structure 30-1, generates, for example, a disordered, randomly appearing pixel pattern 26 '.

It goes without saying that the predetermined visual effect is not shown in the same way if the embossed structure 30-2 of the user K _2, alienated with the decoding alienation key DS2, with the alienated print image 40, or with a print image that has an incorrect encoding Alienation key is alienated, is combined.

The alienated embossed structures 30-1 and 30-2 are thus effectively secured against unauthorized use. The embossed structures 30-1 of the user K ₁ can only be used together with a print image 40-1 appropriately alienated by the manufacturer, but not with other print images 40, 40-2 that are either not alienated at all or with a different key. Therefore, users cannot exchange or produce print images themselves without the knowledge and approval of the manufacturer. The decoding alienation key and the encoding alienation key are only known to the manufacturer, not to the users, so that only the manufacturer can produce or have suitably alienated print images produced.

Instead of the embossed structure, the secured partial product can for example also consist of an embossing tool that is set up for embossing an embossed structure 30-1 or 30-2. In this case, too, the alienation of the embossing tool effectively prevents unauthorized use, since the _{embossed structures 30-1 produced by a user K 1} with the aid of the embossing tool only together with a print image 40-1 appropriately alienated by the manufacturer, but not with other print images 40, 40-2, can be used.

In a specific application, the manufacturer can, for example, provide a user with an embossing tool alienated in the manner described above and a data set for a correspondingly alienated print image "print image 10", with which the user can generate a security element individualized for banknotes with a value of 10 within a banknote series. If the user later also wants to generate security elements that are individualized for banknotes of the value number 50, he can use the same embossing tool, but needs a further data record for the associated print image "print image 50" from the production. The user saves the purchase of several different stamping tools for the two value number variants, while the manufacturer ensures at the same time that the supplied stamping tool can only be used for the uses authorized by him.

ausgedrückt werden, wobei rv die Lage eines Punkts im verzerrten (verzeichneten) Bild und r₀ die Lage desselben Punkts im unverzerrten Bild angibt. Die internen Koordinaten r_V und r₀ sind dabei auf den halben Wert der kleineren Bildabmessung (Höhe oder Breite) bezogen.Distortion of the embossed structure 30 or of the printed image 40 can in particular be selected as a specific alienation. Such a distortion can, for example, be a polynomial $${\mathrm{r}}_{\mathrm{V}}=\mathrm{a}*{{\mathrm{r}}_0}^{\mathrm{4th}}+\mathrm{b}*{{\mathrm{r}}_0}^3+\mathrm{c}*{{\mathrm{r}}_0}^2+\mathrm{d}*{\mathrm{r}}_0$$

can be expressed, where rv indicates the position of a point in the distorted (distorted) image and r ₀ the position of the same point in the undistorted image. The internal coordinates r _V and r ₀ are related to half the value of the smaller image dimension (height or width).

The parameter set (a, b, c, d) characterizing a certain distortion can then be used as a decoding or encoding alienation key, which is selected, for example, customer-specific or batch-specific.

In other refinements, the alienation can also be in a vortex distortion, for example around a pixel in the center of the undistorted representation. The vortex distortions are also possible in partial image excerpts, whereby different partial image excerpts can have the same or opposite course. For grid elements made of flat micromirrors, an alienation pattern can be used as an alienation, which can be specified repeatedly for the entire grid. Instead of or in addition to a distortion of the grid element position, a change in the angle of the grid (angle of inclination and / or azimuth angle) and / or a changed reflection behavior (reflective, matt and / or transparent) can serve as alienation.

In addition, non-global alienations come into consideration, in which, for example, certain individual image elements (grid elements or line segments) alienated in the same or different ways. Whether or not a grid element is alienated in what form can be determined individually for each grid element. For example, a cryptographic operation with the aid of a key (a customer- or batch-specific value) applied to a start value that is assigned to the grid element can provide a result which indicates the alienation. The result can encode, for example, in a first bit whether the grid element is alienated, in at least one type bit the type of alienation, such as change in position in the grid, change in angle to the grid (angle of inclination and / or azimuth angle), relief shape distortion (such as oval instead of round grid element surface ) or relief shape change (such as local flattening of a round grid element area) and encode the intensity of the alienation in an optional, at least one further intensity bit.

List of reference symbols

10

Admission ticket

12th

serial number

14th

information

20th

Security element

22nd

Wing structure

24

Rotational movement

26, 26 '

random pixel pattern

30th

Embossing structure

32

Embossing elements

40

Print image

42

Background layer

44

Lines

30-1, 30-2

alienated embossing structure

32-1,32-2

distorted embossing elements

40-1.40-2

alienated print image

44-1,44-2

distorted lines

Claims (15)

1. A method for securing a partial product against unauthorized use of the partial product, wherein a partial product (30) in interaction with a supplementary product (40) generates a predetermined visually apparent effect (24), wherein in the method:

   - a specific encoding alienation key (ES1) and an associated decoding alienation key (DS1) are generated,

   - the supplementary product (40) is alienated with the specific encoding alienation key (ES1), and

   - the partial product (30) to be secured is alienated with the associated decoding alienation key (DS1),

   such that the alienated partial product (30-1), in interaction with the alienated supplementary product (40-1), generates the predetermined visually apparent effect (24) and, in interaction with an unalienated supplementary product (40) or a supplemental product (40-2) alienated with another encoding alienation key, does not generate the predetermined visually apparent effect (24),
   wherein the partial product (30) to be secured provides an emboss structure with a plurality of raster elements, and
   the supplementary product (40) modifies the embossed surface of the emboss structure in its reflection behavior.
2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the specific encoding alienation key (ES1) and the associated decoding alienation key (DS1) are selected to be customer- or batch-specific.
3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the partial product (30) to be secured is a foil with the emboss structure or is an embossing tool for embossing the emboss structure.
4. The method according to any of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the supplementary product (40) is a coating following the embossed surface of the emboss structure, in particular in the form of an imprint.
5. The method according to at least one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that in addition to the coating, a reflection-enhancing layer follows the embossed surface of the emboss structure.
6. The method according to at least one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the supplementary product (40) is a printed image which is produced by a printing method, in particular offset printing, intaglio printing or inkjet printing, or a laser image which is produced by means of laser radiation.
7. The method according to at least one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that as the decoding alienation key (DS1) at least one specific distortion of the raster elements or the embossing structures for embossing the raster elements is selected.
8. The method according to at least one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that as the decoding alienation key (DS1) a specific alienation of certain individual raster elements or certain individual emboss structure elements for embossing the raster elements is selected.
9. The method according to at least one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that as the decoding alienation key (DS1) in a plurality of regions a region-specific raster, in particular a region-specific raster width and/or a region-specific distance between the raster elements, is selected.
10. The method according to at least claim 9, characterized in that the plurality of regions are arranged in a pattern or the region boundaries of the plurality of regions are selected such that they correspond to image boundaries in the visual effect.
11. The method according to at least one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that as the predetermined visually apparent effect (24) a movement effect, in particular a linear movement effect, a pumping effect or a rotation effect is generated.
12. The method according to at least one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the supplementary product (40) and the secured partial product (30) are brought into interaction, in particular by

    - the coating being applied, in particular imprinted, to the emboss structure; or

    - the emboss structure being embossed in the coating;

    wherein an optional reflection-enhancing layer is applied before or after.
13. A system comprising a partial product (30) secured against unauthorized use and a supplementary product (40) which, in interaction with the secured partial product (30), generates a predetermined visually apparent effect (24) in which the supplementary product (40) is alienated with a specific encoding alienation key (ES1) and the secured partial product (30) is alienated with an associated decoding alienation key (DS1), such that the alienated partial product (30-1), in interaction with the alienated supplementary product (40-1), generates the predetermined visually apparent effect and, in interaction with an unalienated supplemental product (40) or a supplemental product (40-2) alienated with another encoding alienation key, does not generate the predetermined visually apparent effect (24), wherein the partial product (30) to be secured provides an emboss structure with a plurality of raster elements, and the supplementary product (40) modifies the embossed surface of the emboss structure in its reflection behavior.
14. The system according to claim 13, characterized in that
    the secured partial product (30) is a film with an emboss structure of a plurality of raster elements, in particular with a regular arrangement of the raster elements, or
    the secured partial product (30) is an embossing tool for embossing an emboss structure of a plurality of raster elements, in particular with a regular arrangement of the raster elements; and/or
    the supplementary product (40) is a printed image;
    wherein the partial product is in particular secured by a method according to one of claims 1 to 12.
15. A security element (20) comprising an emboss structure having a plurality of raster elements and a coating which modifies the embossed surface in the reflection behavior such that a predetermined visually apparent effect (24) is generated, produced with a method according to any of claims 1 to 12, wherein the coating and/or the emboss structure is adapted to generate the predetermined visually apparent effect (24) and, in addition, the coating is alienated with a specific encoding alienation key (ES1) and the raster of the emboss structure is alienated with an associated decoding alienation key (DS1), in particular is regionally different and/or is alienated in the position and/or shape of the raster elements.

Images