Patent Description:
Physical identification documents generally employ a variety of different security features to authenticate and secure the document. Some documents contain a hologram (or several holograms) as a security feature. The presence of a hologram makes it possible to obtain a visual effect that depends on the angle of observation. This creates a first level of security, with the holographic features being easily identifiable, while at the same time providing aesthetic and attractive effects. For example, the presence of a hologram may result in a color change and/or an animation effect. <CIT> discloses a security element comprising a volume hologram.

There are also other approaches for providing security features for such identification documents or other security documents. One example is the use of fluorescent inks to provide features which are only visible under UV light. <CIT> discloses a security document comprising a first pattern and a second pattern, which overlap to define a security pattern. The two patterns differ in their fluorescent properties such that upon irradiation with a first wavelength, the light emitted by the first pattern is dominant, and upon irradiation with a second wavelength, the light emitted by the second pattern is dominant. <CIT> relates to inlays for security documents.

The present disclosure is directed, at least in part, to improving or overcoming one or more aspects of prior systems, without being limited to a particular type of security document.

According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a security document comprises a substrate including a first layer, the first layer having a first recess in a first surface of the first layer. The security document further comprises a security feature formed in the substrate, the security feature including a security layer provided in a continuous manner on the first surface of the first layer and inside the first recess, and a patch of material disposed at least in part inside the first recess and on top of the security layer.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a method of manufacturing a security document comprises the steps of providing a first layer of a substrate, forming a security layer on a first surface of the first layer, and forming a first recess in the first layer at a position that corresponds to the security layer. For example, the security layer may be formed by printing a pattern or image onto the first layer, or by applying a sheet-like security structure onto the first layer, for example, a DOVID ribbon or sheet. The method further comprises the steps of arranging a patch of material on top of the security layer from a side of the first surface, and moving the patch of material towards an opposite surface of the first layer together with a portion of the security layer disposed below the patch of material such that the security layer extends in a continuous manner at different levels inside the substrate.

Other features and aspects of the present disclosure will be apparent from the following description and the accompanying drawings.

The following is a detailed description of exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. The exemplary embodiments described herein are intended to teach the principles of the present disclosure, enabling those of ordinary skill in the art to implement and use the present disclosure in many different environments and for many different applications. Therefore, the exemplary embodiments are not intended to be, and should not be considered as, a limiting description of the scope of protection. Rather, the scope of protection shall be defined by the appended claims.

The present disclosure is based at least in part on the realization that security features of security documents typically are arranged on or in individual layers forming the security document, for example, an ID card or a data page of a passport or the like. However, it has been realized that the layered structure of such security documents may result in vulnerabilities with respect to a potential manipulation of the security document. For example, if a security feature is arranged in an individual layer on a document, a counterfeiter can try to cut open the security document at a different layer, leaving the security feature intact. The counterfeiter may than be able to manipulate/falsify other elements of the security document, for example, data elements, an image showing a holder of the document, etc., and to reassemble the manipulated security document.

Accordingly, it has been realized that the security of such security documents can be further increased when a security feature such as a print layer, a hologram, a DOVID or the like is provided in multiple layers (at multiple different levels) of a security document, in particular, in a continuous manner. In this way, the security feature extends in a continuous manner between said different levels. When a counterfeiter tries to open the security document, it is very difficult to cut the security document without also cutting the portion of the security feature that extends between the different levels of the security document. If the security feature is visible from one or both sides of the security document, the resulting cut can be observed to identify that the security document has been tampered with. In accordance with the present disclosure, any appropriate security feature can be provided at multiple different levels. Further examples are laser engraved or other laser created features, portraits, threads, ribbons, fluorescent or phosphorescent layers (visible, for example, under UV or infrared light), etc..

The present disclosure is also based at least in part on the realization that the arrangement of a security feature in three dimensions, i.e., such that the same extends between different levels of the security document, can be achieved in a simple and cost-effective manner by first providing the security feature as a plane security feature in the usual manner, and then modifying the plane security feature such that a portion of the same is moved towards a different level inside the security document, leaving the security feature intact. In this manner, as described above, a security feature extending in a continuous manner between different levels of the security document can be formed.

Here, it has been realized that it is particularly advantageous to form a recess in the layer on which the security feature is provided, at a position that corresponds to the security feature. It is particularly advantageous to form the recess in an opposite surface of the layer on which the security feature is arranged, at a position that corresponds to the same. By removing an appropriate amount of material on the opposite side of the layer, it becomes possible to press the security feature (together with the remaining portion of the underlying layer, if any) downwards, for example, during assembly of the security document and its several layers. In this manner, a corresponding recess or depression is formed in the surface of the layer supporting the security feature, with the security feature extending in a continuous manner from the surface of the layer to the bottom of the recess or depression thus formed. In an alternative, the recess could also be formed in the surface on which the security feature is to be provided, prior to arranging the same on this surface, and the portion of the security feature could then be moved into the already formed recess. In both cases, however, the step of forming a recess in the layer on which the security feature is provided is performed. It will be appreciated that, especially in the first case, the term "recess", when referring to the part in which a portion of the security feature is provided, is to be interpreted broadly, i.e., does not have to include sharp edges or steps, but can also have a curved profile, in particular, at a transition between the surface and the recess, or at a bottom of the same.

It has also been realized that, in some embodiments, an element that is to be protected inside the security document can be arranged such that it is partially or completely surrounded by the security feature that extends in a continuous manner between two different levels. This results in that it is very difficult or almost impossible to gain access to the element to be protected without cutting through the portion connecting the different levels of the security feature at least in a part of the same.

Further, it has been realized that the above-described security feature can not only be realized in security documents such as cards and the like, but can also be used in an advantageous manner, in particular, in a data page structure of a passport or the like. Here, it has been realized that the security can be further increased when the security feature extends in a continuous manner not only in the corresponding layer or layers of the data page, but also extends continuously to a hinge portion attaching the layer of the data page.

<FIG> shows a schematic plan view of an exemplary security document <NUM> in accordance with the present disclosure. In the embodiment shown in <FIG>, security document <NUM> is a security card such as a driver's license, personal identity card, or the like. As shown in <FIG>, security document <NUM> comprises a substrate <NUM> that has a substantially plane rectangular shape. A primary identification feature <NUM>, for example, a portrait <NUM> of the holder of the document, is formed in a portion of substrate <NUM>. Further, a security feature <NUM>, which will be described in more detail below, is formed in another portion of substrate <NUM>. Both primary identification feature <NUM> and security feature <NUM> are arranged such that they can be seen from a first side S1 of substrate <NUM> when security document <NUM> is viewed from said first side. Here, it will be appreciated that the expression "security document" as used herein covers both a personalizable security document (before the same has been personalized, e.g., without portrait <NUM>), and such a security document after personalization.

As shown in <FIG>, which is a schematic cross-sectional view of substrate <NUM>, substrate <NUM> is formed from a plurality of layers of material, such as polycarbonate, PVC, PET composites or other plastic materials. Here, it will be appreciated that any appropriate materials that are commonly used for such identification or security documents can be used.

As shown in <FIG>, exemplary substrate <NUM> includes a first layer <NUM>. First layer <NUM> has a first recess <NUM> in a first surface <NUM> of first layer <NUM>. As mentioned above, first recess <NUM> does not necessarily have to include sharp edges or steps, but can also have a rounded profile, especially at transitions. A further layer, for example, a first protective layer <NUM> is arranged on top of first layer <NUM>. In the same manner, a second protective layer <NUM> is arranged on an opposite side S2 of substrate <NUM>. In the exemplary embodiment shown in <FIG>, a second layer <NUM> is provided below first layer <NUM>, separated from the same by an additional intermediate layer <NUM>. In some embodiments, as shown in the example in <FIG>, an additional security feature <NUM> may be provided on or in second layer <NUM>. For example, additional security feature <NUM> may be a watermark, a hologram, a UV-sensitive ink or the like, which can be observed in an appropriate manner from first side S1 and/or second side S2 of substrate <NUM>.

It will be appreciated that the additional layers mentioned above are only exemplary, and are not necessary for a security document formed in accordance with the present disclosure. As such, for example, it may be sufficient that first layer <NUM> is the only core layer of security document <NUM>, which layer <NUM> may be covered by appropriate protective layers <NUM>, <NUM> on one or both sides of the same. Accordingly, in the following, the description will focus mainly on first layer <NUM> and security feature <NUM> provided on the same.

As shown in <FIG>, security feature <NUM> is formed in substrate <NUM> such that it includes a security layer <NUM> that is provided in a continuous manner on first surface <NUM> of first layer <NUM> and inside first recess <NUM>. A patch of material <NUM> is disposed at least in part inside first recess <NUM> and on top of security layer <NUM>. Here, the expression "patch of material" is to be understood such that it covers any preferably solid body made of a specific material. In particular, the patch of material <NUM> may be made from the same material as first layer <NUM>, for example, polycarbonate, PVC, or other plastic materials. Preferably, patch of material <NUM> is transparent, such that the portion of security layer <NUM> disposed below the same is visible when security document <NUM> is viewed from first side S1. In some embodiments, the layers of document <NUM> form a transparent window at the location of security feature <NUM>, such that security layer <NUM> can be seen from both sides of substrate <NUM>. In other embodiments, patch of material <NUM> does not have to be transparent. In this case, the underlying layers may be transparent, such that security layer is visible from second side S2 of substrate <NUM>. It will be appreciated that patch of material <NUM> does not need to be a separate body, but can be connected to or integrally formed with, for example, first protective layer <NUM>, at least after assembly of security document <NUM> including said layers.

As shown in <FIG>, in some embodiments, patch of material <NUM> is disposed inside first recess <NUM> such that a step <NUM> is formed in security layer <NUM> at a transition between the first surface <NUM> and first recess <NUM>. Here, as mentioned above, the corners of step <NUM> may be rounded, which may be a result of the manufacturing method that will be described later.

In some embodiments, patch of material <NUM> may have a size that substantially corresponds to a size of first recess <NUM>. In other words, when viewed from first side S1, the dimensions of patch of material <NUM> may be substantially the same as the dimensions of first recess <NUM>. Alternatively and/or additionally, a thickness of patch of material <NUM> in a depth direction d of first recess <NUM> may be substantially the same as a depth of first recess <NUM> in depth direction d. Here, depth direction d is the direction substantially perpendicular to first surface <NUM>, i.e., substrate <NUM>. As such, depth direction d is also the direction along which the different layers of security document <NUM> are arranged, as shown in <FIG>.

Returning to <FIG>, the arrangement of a portion of security layer <NUM> inside first recess <NUM> results in that a level difference 1d is formed between a top portion of security layer <NUM> provided on first surface <NUM> and a bottom portion of security layer <NUM> provided inside first recess <NUM>. In particular, level difference ld may be between around <NUM> and around <NUM>, preferably between around <NUM> and around <NUM>, more preferably between around <NUM> and around <NUM>, for example, around <NUM>.

In some embodiments, level difference ld may correspond to a thickness of first layer <NUM>, as shown, for example, in <FIG>. In particular, this may be the case when first recess <NUM> extends through first layer <NUM> such that it opens in an opposite surface <NUM> of first layer <NUM>, i.e., first recess <NUM> penetrates first layer <NUM>. As will be described in more detail below, this can be achieved by using corresponding manufacturing methods of security document <NUM>. In such a case, security layer <NUM> inside first recess <NUM> may be substantially flush with opposite surface <NUM>, i.e., may be aligned with opposite surface <NUM> of first layer <NUM>. Of course, in other embodiments, first recess <NUM> may not penetrate first layer <NUM>, and security layer <NUM> may be arranged on a bottom of first recess <NUM>.

In some embodiments, as shown, for example, in <FIG> and <FIG>, first layer <NUM> may include a data element <NUM> surrounded at least in part by security layer <NUM> inside first recess <NUM>. As shown, for example, in <FIG>, this results in that, when a counterfeiter tries to cut open security document <NUM>, for example, from the left side of <FIG> in order to gain access to data element <NUM>, the counterfeiter will inevitably cut through the portion of security feature <NUM> that extends inside first recess <NUM>, in particular, from the portion of security feature <NUM> arranged on first surface <NUM> to the portion of security feature <NUM> that is arranged at the bottom of first recess <NUM>. If the patch of material <NUM>, as well as first protective layer <NUM> are transparent, the resulting cut through security feature <NUM> can be observed from first side S1 after the tampered document has been reassembled.

In some embodiments, as shown in <FIG>, security layer <NUM> inside first recess <NUM> may completely surround data element <NUM>. For example, as illustrated in <FIG>, first recess <NUM> may be formed in a central portion of substrate <NUM>, such that its sides extend substantially in parallel and adjacent to the outer peripheral edges of substrate <NUM>. Patch of material <NUM> may have a shape that is essentially complementary to the shape of first recess <NUM>, and may, for example, include data element <NUM> to be protected from tampering. When security layer <NUM>, for example, a printed line pattern or the like, is formed in a continuous manner on first surface <NUM> of first layer <NUM> and the bottom of first recess <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>, data element <NUM> is surrounded from all sides by a portion of security feature <NUM> that extends between first surface <NUM> and the bottom of first recess <NUM>. In this manner, regardless of the direction from which a counterfeiter tries to cut open security document <NUM>, the counterfeiter will inevitably have to cut through security feature <NUM> when trying to access data element <NUM>. As mentioned above, this cut can be observed from the first side S1 of substrate <NUM> after security document <NUM> has be reassembled.

Here, it will be appreciated that, in some embodiments, first recess <NUM> may be formed as a groove that extends along a peripheral direction of substrate <NUM>, preferably as a continuous groove having an annular shape. Also in this manner, any element to be protected, such as data element <NUM>, that it is surrounded by said groove is protected in the above-described manner, because regardless the direction of attack, a potential counterfeiter will have to cut through a portion of security layer <NUM> in order to access the element to be protected.

In some embodiments, first recess <NUM> may extend from an outer peripheral surface <NUM> of substrate <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>. In other words, an edge portion of first layer <NUM> may have a step-like configuration, and the groove or depression that is formed in the edge portion of first layer <NUM> forms first recess <NUM>. Also in this manner, security layer <NUM> can be provided in a continuous manner such that it extends between different levels and forms step <NUM>. Again, this may advantageously be combined with the configuration in which first recess <NUM> extends along a peripheral direction of substrate <NUM>, for example, as a continuous groove that is open towards first surface <NUM> and an outer peripheral surface <NUM> of first layer <NUM>. In other words, first recess <NUM> may extend from outer peripheral surface <NUM> of substrate <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>.

As can be seen from <FIG>, in some embodiments, security layer <NUM> may be provided in one or more second recesses <NUM>, <NUM> formed in first surface <NUM>, and may be covered by corresponding patches of material <NUM>, <NUM>. In other words, the configuration described above with respect to first recess <NUM> may be repeatedly present in substrate <NUM>, either in first layer <NUM> or even in different layers of substrate <NUM>, if desired. Here, it will be appreciated that security layer <NUM> does not need to be a single continuous layer, but can be formed by a plurality of separate portions (or security layers) provided in the respective recesses.

The bottom part of <FIG> also shows that the different recesses may have different depths along the depth direction d, where appropriate. Again, patches of material <NUM>, <NUM> may be made of the same material as first layer <NUM>, or may be made of different materials. Preferably, patches of material <NUM>, <NUM> are transparent, such that any breach of security layer <NUM> can be observed from first side S1.

<FIG> shows another embodiment of security document <NUM> in accordance with the present disclosure, where security document <NUM> is a data page of a passport or the like and includes a hinge <NUM> to which substrate <NUM> is attached. In some embodiments, as is shown in the examples in <FIG>, security layer <NUM> may extend in a continuous manner from first layer <NUM> into hinge <NUM>. In addition to the one or more recesses, which result in corresponding steps being formed in security feature <NUM>, the extension into hinge <NUM> may result in the presence of a further step or level difference in security feature <NUM> at the point of attachment of first layer <NUM> to hinge <NUM>. This may further increase the security of security document <NUM>, because a further potential weakness, namely, the attachment to the passport or the like via hinge <NUM> can be protected by forming another step in security feature <NUM>, which may be cut through in case a counterfeiter tries to separate security document <NUM> from the passport or the like. Of course, the same advantages can also be achieved by providing at least one recess at the side of first layer <NUM> that is connected via hinge <NUM>. In this case, a first step is formed at the connection to hinge <NUM>, and at least this first step will be separated when a potential attacker tries to open security document <NUM> from the side of hinge <NUM>.

Security layer <NUM> may have any appropriate shape that allows for an arrangement of the same inside first recess <NUM>. For example, security layer <NUM> may be a pattern or image printed onto first surface <NUM> (and extending inside first recess <NUM>), or a sheet-like security structure applied onto first layer <NUM>, for example, a hologram, a DOVID ribbon or sheet, or any other foil or material layer. In case security layer <NUM> is a printed pattern or the like, it may be advantageous to use continuous line patterns, which extend from first surface <NUM> to a bottom of first recess <NUM>, such that any cut through this pattern can be easily observed when viewing document <NUM> from first side S1.

It will be appreciated that, if security layer <NUM> is a pattern or image printed onto first surface <NUM>, first recess <NUM> generally will not extend all the way through first layer <NUM>, such that a portion of the pattern or image can be arranged on a bottom of first recess <NUM>. On the other hand, if security layer <NUM> is a sheet-like security structure that is applied onto first layer <NUM>, it will be appreciated that first recess <NUM> may extend all the way through first layer <NUM>, because the sheet-like security structure can be arranged inside first recess <NUM> in an appropriate manner, as will be described in the following in more detail.

With the above-described configurations, it becomes possible to further increase the security of a document such as a personal ID card, a driver's license, a passport or the like. This is because, with the security feature disclosed herein, a security layer is provided in a continuous manner at different levels of the security document. Therefore, when a counterfeiter attempts to manipulate the security document by cutting open the same, it is very difficult for the counterfeiter to do so without also cutting through the security feature. The resulting cut can be observed, such that the attempted forgery can be recognized.

In the following, exemplary methods of manufacturing security document <NUM> will be described in more detail.

Generally, a method in accordance with the present disclosure comprises a first step of providing a first layer <NUM> of a substrate <NUM>. Here, again, it will be appreciated that any appropriate material can be used for first layer <NUM>, such as polycarbonate, PVC, or other plastic materials.

In another step, a security layer <NUM> may be formed on first surface <NUM> of first layer <NUM>, for example, by printing a pattern or image onto first layer <NUM>, or by applying a sheet-like security structure onto first layer <NUM>, for example, a DOVID ribbon or sheet or a hologram, or another foil or layer.

In another step, a recess <NUM> is formed in first layer <NUM> at a position that corresponds to security layer <NUM>. For example, as shown in the upper part of <FIG>, recess <NUM> may be formed in an opposite surface <NUM> of first layer <NUM> that is opposite to first surface <NUM>. Here, it will be appreciated that recess <NUM> may be formed in any appropriate manner, for example, by milling or the like. As a result, first layer <NUM> is obtained, in which recess <NUM> is formed in opposite surface <NUM>, and essentially plane security layer <NUM> is arranged on first surface <NUM> at least in part at a position that corresponds to the position of first recess <NUM>.

It will be appreciated that, in some embodiments, the step of forming recess <NUM> may be performed prior to the step of forming security layer <NUM>, for example, if recess <NUM> penetrates first layer <NUM>, or security layer is a printed image or pattern.

Next, a patch of material <NUM> may be arranged on top of security layer <NUM> from a side of first surface <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>. Then, patch of material <NUM> may be moved towards opposite surface <NUM> of first layer <NUM> together with a portion of security layer <NUM> disposed below patch of material <NUM>, such that security layer <NUM> extends in a continuous manner at different levels inside substrate <NUM>, as described above and as shown in the lower part of <FIG>. Here, first recess <NUM> is formed by moving patch of material <NUM> downward and displacing the remaining material of first layer <NUM> at the position where recess <NUM> was formed. As such, it will be appreciated that layer <NUM> has to have appropriate properties that allow for the elastic deformation of the same by patch of material <NUM>. Of course, in case security layer <NUM> is a material layer, this also applies to the material of security layer <NUM>. In this manner, first layer <NUM> as described above can be easily obtained. In some embodiments, the movement of patch of material <NUM> (the formation of first recess <NUM>) will occur during the lamination of first layer <NUM> with one or more other layers. Such lamination processes are usually performed at temperatures of, for example, <NUM> for PVC or <NUM> for polycarbonate. In some cases, patch of material <NUM> may be attached to another layer (for example, security layer <NUM>, or protective layer <NUM> shown in <FIG>) at least temporarily prior to lamination with first layer <NUM> to assure proper placement of the same. In some embodiments, patch of material may be integrally formed with, for example, protective layer <NUM> or any other layer that is directly on top of first layer <NUM>.

It will be appreciated, however, that the above-described method is only one example of forming security document <NUM> including first layer <NUM>. For example, if security layer <NUM> is a printed pattern or image, it may be possible to form first recess <NUM> as recess <NUM> in first surface <NUM> prior to forming security layer <NUM> on first surface <NUM> and the inner surface of first recess <NUM>. Also in this manner, a continuous security layer <NUM> that extends from first surface <NUM> towards an inside of first recess <NUM> may be obtained, again resulting in the desired step-like configuration with a level difference. Also in this case, patch of material <NUM> is present as the material that fills the space inside first recess <NUM>.

On the other hand, if security layer <NUM> is formed as a sheet-like security structure, for example, a DOVID ribbon or sheet, a hologram or another layer of material (for example, with a thickness between <NUM> and <NUM>), recess <NUM> may either be formed in opposite surface <NUM>, may be formed as first recess <NUM> in first surface <NUM>, or may extend through first layer <NUM> as first recess <NUM>, and security layer <NUM> may then be moved (e.g. pressed) downward using patch of material <NUM> to achieve the desired step-like configuration.

Here, it will be appreciated that the step of moving patch of material <NUM> in order to press down security layer <NUM> may be performed at any appropriate stage of the manufacturing of security document <NUM>. For example, patch of material <NUM> may be moved downwards when combining (laminating) first layer <NUM> with one or more additional layers to form security document <NUM>. In some embodiments, patch of material <NUM> may be formed as part of another layer that is combined with first layer <NUM> to form substrate <NUM>. Of course, the step of moving patch of material <NUM> downwards can also be performed as a separate step prior to combining the layers, using any appropriate mechanical device (i.e., applying pressure or the like), perhaps in combination with heating of first layer <NUM> and/or security layer <NUM>.

It will be appreciated that the foregoing description provides examples of the disclosed systems and methods. However, it is contemplated that other implementations of the disclosure may differ in detail from the foregoing examples. All references to the disclosure or examples thereof are intended to reference the particular example being discussed at that point and are not intended to imply any limitation as to the general disclosure.

Recitation of ranges of values herein are merely intended to serve as a shorthand method for referring individually to each separate value falling within the range, unless otherwise indicated herein, and each separate value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. All method steps described herein can be performed in any suitable order, unless otherwise indicated or clearly contradicted by the context.

Claim 1:
A security document (<NUM>) comprising:
a substrate (<NUM>) including a first layer (<NUM>), the first layer (<NUM>) having a first recess (<NUM>) in a first surface (<NUM>) of the first layer (<NUM>);
a security feature (<NUM>) formed in the substrate (<NUM>), the security feature (<NUM>) including a security layer (<NUM>) provided in a continuous manner on the first surface (<NUM>) of the first layer (<NUM>) and inside the first recess (<NUM>);
characterised in that
a patch of material (<NUM>) is disposed at least in part inside the first recess (<NUM>) and on top of the security layer (<NUM>).