INFORMATION CARRIER WITH AN OPTICALLY VARIABLE STRUCTURE (VARIANT EMBODIMENTS)

Abstract

 The invention relates to data carriers with an optically variable structure. Data carrier comprises a coating made in the form of a printed screen, and a three-dimensional screen. The three-dimensional screen is at least partially arranged on the coating. The width of lines and distance between lines of the printed and three-dimensional screens and the mutual orientation of the screens are selected to create a moiré image; when the carrier is viewed at a direct angle to the surface the coating is fully discernible, while the moiré image is concealed. When the carrier is viewed at an acute angle the part of the coating that is disposed on the three-dimensional screen surfaces arranged parallel to the viewing direction or occluded from the viewer by elements of the three-dimensional screen is unrecognizable. In this case, the part of the coating that is disposed on the three-dimensional screen surfaces facing the viewer and not occluded from the viewer by elements of the three-dimensional screen is recognizable, whereby the moiré image becomes visible. Border between two colors of the printed screen is arranged mostly on inclined areas of the three-dimensional screen. When the inclination angle of the carrier is changed, the borders of color stripes on the carrier appear to move.

Description

Field of Technology

[0001] The invention relates to data carriers with an optically variable structure verifying the authenticity of the data carrier, comprising a coating made in the form of a printed screen, and a three-dimensional screen. The optically variable structure is used as a feature testable by a person without aids, possibly alongside with other features for ascertaining the authenticity of the data carrier. The invention is especially useful for the production of security papers. Data carriers also include cards like those used for identifying persons or for carrying out transactions or services.

Background Art

[0002] A bank note (RU 2161092 C2, B32B 29/02, 27.12.2000) comprises a printed pattern formed of parallel lines, and an additional embossed three-dimensional line structure. Owing to a specific mutual arrangement of the printed and three-dimensional structures, printed lines are visible when the carrier is viewed perpendicular to the surface and concealed when the carrier is viewed at a sharp angle.

[0003] A data carrier (CA 1019012A, B32B 29/02, 11.10.1997) comprises an optically variable structure formed by a printed screen with equally spaced straight elements and a three-dimensional screen with equally spaced straight elements, the three-dimensional screen being arranged with respect to the printed screen in such a way that all printed information is visible when the data carrier is viewed perpendicular to the surface, and only the part which is not occluded by the three-dimensional screen is visible when the carrier is viewed at a sharp angle.

[0004] In a data carrier disclosed in RU 2235021 C2, 27.08.2004, relative arrangement of a printed screen and a three-dimensional screen gives rise to appearance of a moiré pattern in the form of color stripes blending smoothly into each other. This data carrier is the most pertinent prior art with respect to the present invention. The object of the present invention is to enhance the protection properties of the security feature with moire effect.

Summary of the Invention

[0005] The object and technical advantages of the invention, in particular, the improved security feature with moiré effect, are attained owing to the provision of a dynamic effect that facilitates the authenticity control of the data carrier by an unskilled person. The dynamic effect manifests itself in moving the borders of color stripes as the angle of viewing at the data carrier changes.

[0006] The invention can be implemented in three embodiments. The aforementioned technical advantages are attained in the following way.

[0007] According to a first embodiment a data carrier with an optically variable structure verifying the authenticity of the data carrier comprises a coating made in the form of a printed screen, and a three-dimensional screen arranged, at least partially, on the coating, wherein the width of lines and the distance between lines of the printed and three-dimensional screens and the mutual orientation of the screens are selected to create a moiré image; when the carrier is viewed at a direct angle to the surface, the coating is fully recognizable and perceived as single-colored, while the moiré image is concealed; when the carrier is viewed at an acute angle, the part of the coating that is disposed on the three-dimensional screen surfaces arranged parallel to the viewing direction or occluded from the viewer by elements of the three-dimensional screen is unrecognizable, while the part of the coating, which is disposed on the three-dimensional screen surfaces facing the viewer and not occluded from the viewer by elements of the three-dimensional screen is recognizable, whereby the moiré image becomes visible; the border between two colors of the printed screen lies mostly on inclined areas of the three-dimensional screen, with the result that when the inclination angle of the carrier is changed the borders of color stripes appear to move on the carrier.

[0008] According to a second embodiment, a data carrier with an optically variable structure verifying the authenticity of the data carrier comprises a coating made in the form of a printed screen, and a three-dimensional screen comprising additionally colored individual upper areas and arranged, at least partially, on the coating, wherein the width of lines and the distance between lines of the printed and three-dimensional screens and the mutual orientation of the screens are selected to create a moiré image; when the carrier is viewed at a direct angle to the surface, the part of the printed screen disposed under the colored areas of the three-dimensional screen is unrecognizable, while the part of the printed screen disposed on the uncolored areas of the three-dimensional screen is recognizable and the moire pattern is visible; the border between two colors of the printed screen lies mostly on inclined areas of the three-dimensional screen, with the result that when the inclination angle of the carrier is changed, the borders of color stripes appear to move on the carrier.

[0009] According to a third embodiment a data carrier with an optically variable structure verifying the authenticity of the data carrier comprises a coating made in the form of a printed screen, and a three-dimensional screen, the carrier comprising one or more regions in which the three-dimensional screen is uncolored and which are adjacent to regions in which the three-dimensional screen comprises additionally colored upper areas; the width of lines and the distance between lines of the printed and three-dimensional screens and the mutual orientation of the screens are selected to create a moiré image; when the carrier is viewed perpendicular to the surface the moiré image is visible in the region with the additionally colored three-dimensional screen and concealed in the region with the uncolored three-dimensional screen; when the carrier is inclined, the parts of the printed screen, which are disposed on the three-dimensional screen surfaces facing the viewer and not occluded from the viewer by elements of the three-dimensional screen, are visible, whereby the moiré image becomes visible in the region with the uncolored three-dimensional screen as well; moiré stripes on the areas with the colored three-dimensional screen blend without shifting into stripes on the areas with the uncolored three-dimensional screen; the border between two colors of the printed screen lies mostly on inclined areas of the three-dimensional screen, with the result that when the inclination angle of the carrier is changed the borders of color stripes appear to move on the carrier.

[0010] On the areas with additionally colored three-dimensional screen the moire pattern exhibits a reduced saturation and contrast because of the additional color. The additional color gives rise to further reduction in the saturation on the carrier region with colored three-dimensional screen when the inclination angle of the information carrier is increased. Therewith, the width of lines and the distance between lines of the printed screen and the three-dimensional screen and the mutual orientation of the screens are selected to create an impression of moving borders of the color stripes on the carrier when the angle of viewing the data carrier is changed.

[0011] The moving image effect is provided by the fact that the border of two colors of the printed screen is mostly disposed on the inclined areas of the three-dimensional screen, and the visible surface area changes when the inclination angle of the carrier is changed. Thus, upon changing the inclination angle of the carrier the extreme position of the visible border between two colors of the printed screen shifts, whereby the impression is created that the border of adjacent colors is moving. The moving impression is enhanced by coloring individual areas of the three-dimensional screen with translucent paints.

[0012] Depending on parameters of the printed and linear screens, their relationship, as well as the three-dimensional screen section contour (including asymmetric), various moiré patterns and further visual effects, including color-variable effects, can be created.

[0013] The printed and three-dimensional screens can be created by lines having the same and/or different width, interval, and spacing.

[0014] Lines of the screens can have various configurations (straight, curved, including concentric).

[0015] Lines of the screens can have the same or different width.

[0016] Lines of the screens can be arranged with the same or a different spacing.

[0017] Lines of the screens can be arranged with a constant or variable spacing.

[0018] Lines of the screens can have a constant or variable width.

[0019] Lines of the three-dimensional screen can have a constant and/or variable depth.

[0020] Lines of the printed screen can be implemented in one or more colors.

[0021] Lines of the printed screen can be implemented with uncolored gaps or without gaps.

[0022] Lines of the three-dimensional screen can be uncolored, colored with one or more colors.

[0023] Lines of the three-dimensional screen can be colored on the entire length and/or in individual areas.

[0024] Lines of the three-dimensional screen can have different contour, including asymmetric.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] In the following some embodiments of the invention will be explained with reference to the following figures.

Figure 1 shows a schematic view of superimposition of a three-dimensional screen and a printed screen according to first and second embodiments.

Figure 2 shows an image according to a first embodiment where the carrier is viewed at different inclination angles.

Figure 3 shows an image according to a second embodiment where the carrier is viewed at different inclination angles.

Figures 4, 5 illustrate the impact of additional coloring of the three-dimensional screen on the impression of moving borders of color stripes.

Figure 6 and 7 show an image according to a third embodiment where the carrier is viewed at different inclination angles.

Figures 8 to 11 show examples of various visual effects created by changing parameters of the printed and/or three-dimensional screen.

Best Way of Implementing the Invention

[0026] Figure 1 shows a schematic view of superimposition of a three-dimensional screen and a printed screen. Printed screen 1 is formed by different color lines (1a and 1b). Three-dimensional screen 2 consists of an uncolored region 2a and a region 2b with additionally colored areas. Parameters of the printed and three-dimensional screens are matched to create a moire pattern. When the carrier is viewed perpendicular to the surface the printed screen is fully visible in region 2a, and the field appears single-colored (the field color is formed by the combination of colors making the printed screen). In region 2b the colored areas of the three-dimensional screen occlude (fully or partially) areas of the printed screen and the moiré pattern is visible when the carrier is viewed perpendicular to the surface.

[0027] Figure 2 shows an image according to a first embodiment where the carrier is viewed at different inclination angles. When the carrier is tilted, due to the three-dimensional screen the viewer sees the part of the printed screen, which is disposed on the three-dimensional screen faces facing the viewer, whereby the moiré pattern becomes visible. Depending on the inclination angle of the carrier a visible border 3 of the moiré color stripes appears to move because of changes in the size of visible surface 4 of the three-dimensional screen faces.

[0028] Figure 3 shows an image according to a second embodiment where the carrier is viewed at different inclination angles. When the data carrier is tilted, the viewer sees the part of the printed screen, which is disposed on the three-dimensional screen faces facing the viewer. Therewith, depending on the inclination angle of the carrier the visible border 3 of the moiré color stripe appears to move because of changes in the size of the visible surface 4 of the three-dimensional screen faces. The presence of color on raised areas of the three-dimensional screen leads to reduction in the image contrast when the carrier is tilted and to merging the colored areas of the three-dimensional screen and to complete occlusion of the moiré pattern when the carrier is viewed at small angles.

[0029] Figures 4 and 5 illustrate the impact of additional coloring of the three-dimensional screen on the impression of moving borders of color stripes of the moiré pattern.

[0030] When the carrier is tilted the thickness of paint layer 5, through which light passes to reach the printed screen, increases. As the additional paint layer absorbs light, border 6 of the area, in which the viewer discerns the color of the printed screen when the data carrier is viewed from different angles, changes to a greater extent than without coloring of the three-dimensional screen.

[0031] Figures 6, 7 show a data carrier containing a region with additionally colored three-dimensional screen and a region with uncolored three-dimensional screen. When the carrier is viewed perpendicular to the surface a moiré pattern is visible in the region with additionally colored three-dimensional screen and invisible in the region with uncolored three-dimensional screen. When the carrier is tilted the moiré pattern becomes visible in both regions of the carrier, and the moiré pattern in the region with colored three-dimensional screen spreads to the region with uncolored three-dimensional screen without shifting or tearing.

[0032] Figure 8 shows a contour and image according to the first embodiment with 2:1 ratio of periods of the printed screen and the three-dimensional screen when viewing the data carrier at different inclination angles. The printed screen lines of two colors are disposed on similarly oriented areas of the three-dimensional screen; therefore the moiré stripe colors visible upon tilting are mixed.

[0033] Figure 9 shows a contour and image according to the first embodiment with an asymmetric contour of the three-dimensional screen when the carrier is viewed from different sides. Owing to different length of sides of the three-dimensional screen the colors of moiré stripes viewed from the side of long faces are mixed, while the colors of moiré stripes viewed from the side of short faces are clean.

[0034] Figures 10-11 show an image of the carrier according to the first embodiment visible at direct viewing of the carrier when the printed screen is used to form the image. When the carrier is tilted, a moiré pattern is superimposed on the image visible at direct viewing.

Industrial Applicability

[0035] The invention provides a forgery-proof data carrier with an image that allows visual control even by an unskilled person. The invention is suitable for the production of various types of security papers, as well as plastic cards and other data carriers protected from forgery.

Claims

1. A data carrier with an optically variable structure verifying the authenticity of the data carrier comprising a coating made in the form of a printed screen, and a three-dimensional screen arranged, at least partially, on the coating, wherein the width of lines and the distance between lines of the printed and three-dimensional screens and the mutual orientation of the screens are selected to create a moiré image; when the carrier is viewed at a direct angle to the surface, the coating is fully recognizable and perceived as single-colored, while the moiré image is concealed; when the carrier is viewed at an acute angle, the part of the coating that is disposed on the three-dimensional screen surfaces arranged parallel to the viewing direction or occluded from the viewer by elements of the three-dimensional screen is unrecognizable, while the part of the coating, which is disposed on the three-dimensional screen surfaces facing the viewer and not occluded from the viewer by elements of the three-dimensional screen is recognizable, whereby the moiré image becomes visible; the border between two colors of the printed screen lies mostly on inclined areas of the three-dimensional screen, with the result that when the inclination angle of the carrier is changed the borders of color stripes appear to move on the carrier.

2. A data carrier with an optically variable structure verifying the authenticity of the data carrier according to claim 1, wherein the printed screen is formed by lines creating an image visible at direct viewing of the product.

3. A data carrier with an optically variable structure verifying the authenticity of the data carrier according to claim 1, wherein lines of the printed and three-dimensional screens have the same and/or different, and constant and/or variable width, interval and spacing.

4. A data carrier with an optically variable structure verifying the authenticity of the data carrier according to claim 1, wherein lines of the printed and three-dimensional screens have various configurations (straight, curved, including concentric).

5. A data carrier with an optically variable structure verifying the authenticity of the data carrier according to claim 1, wherein lines of the three-dimensional screen have a constant and/or variable depth.

6. A data carrier with an optically variable structure verifying the authenticity of the data carrier according to claim 1, wherein lines of the three-dimensional screen have various contours, including asymmetric.

7. A data carrier with an optically variable structure verifying the authenticity of the data carrier according to claim 1, wherein lines of the printed screen are implemented in one or more colors.

8. A data carrier with an optically variable structure verifying the authenticity of the data carrier according to claim 1, wherein lines of the printed screen are implemented with uncolored gaps or without gaps.

9. A data carrier with an optically variable structure verifying the authenticity of the data carrier according to claim 1, wherein parameters of the printed and three-dimensional screens create various moiré patterns and further visual effects, including color-variable effects.

10. A data carrier with an optically variable structure verifying the authenticity of the data carrier comprising a coating made in the form of a printed screen, and a three-dimensional screen comprising additionally colored individual upper areas and arranged at least partially on the coating, wherein the width of lines and the distance between lines of the printed and three-dimensional screens and the mutual orientation of the screens are selected to create a moiré image; when the carrier is viewed at a direct angle to the surface, the part of the printed screen disposed under the colored areas of the three-dimensional screen is unrecognizable, while the part of the printed screen disposed on the uncolored areas of the three-dimensional screen is recognizable and the moiré pattern is visible; the border between two colors of the printed screen lies mostly on inclined areas of the three-dimensional screen, with the result that when the inclination angle of the carrier is changed, the borders of color stripes appear to move on the carrier.

11. A data carrier with an optically variable structure verifying the authenticity of the data carrier according to claim 10, wherein the printed screen is formed by lines creating an image visible at direct viewing of the product.

12. A data carrier with an optically variable structure verifying the authenticity of the data carrier according to claim 10, wherein lines of the printed and three-dimensional screens have the same and/or different, and constant and/or variable width, interval and spacing.

13. A data carrier with an optically variable structure verifying the authenticity of the data carrier according to claim 10, wherein lines of the printed and three-dimensional screens have various configurations (straight, curved, including concentric).

14. A data carrier with an optically variable structure verifying the authenticity of the data carrier according to claim 10, wherein lines of the three-dimensional screen have a constant and/or variable depth.

15. A data carrier with an optically variable structure verifying the authenticity of the data carrier according to claim 10, wherein lines of the three-dimensional screen have various contours, including asymmetric.

16. A data carrier with an optically variable structure verifying the authenticity of the data carrier according to claim 10, wherein lines of the printed screen are implemented in one or more colors.

17. A data carrier with an optically variable structure verifying the authenticity of the data carrier according to claim 10, wherein lines of the printed screen are implemented with uncolored gaps or without gaps.

18. A data carrier with an optically variable structure verifying the authenticity of the data carrier according to claim 10, wherein lines of the three-dimensional screen are colored in one or more colors.

19. A data carrier with an optically variable structure verifying the authenticity of the data carrier according to claim 10, wherein lines of the three-dimensional screen are colored on the entire length and/or at individual areas.

20. A data carrier with an optically variable structure verifying the authenticity of the data carrier according to claim 10, wherein parameters of the printed and three-dimensional screens create various moiré patterns and further visual effects, including color-variable effects.

21. A data carrier with an optically variable structure verifying the authenticity of the data carrier, comprising a coating made in the form of a printed screen, and a three-dimensional screen, the carrier comprising one or more regions in which the three-dimensional screen is uncolored and which are adjacent to regions in which the three-dimensional screen comprises additionally colored upper areas; the width of lines and the distance between lines of the printed and three-dimensional screens and the mutual orientation of the screens are selected to create a moiré image; when the carrier is viewed perpendicular to the surface the moiré image is visible in the region with the additionally colored three-dimensional screen and concealed in the region with the uncolored three-dimensional screen; and when the carrier is inclined, the parts of the printed screen which are disposed on the three-dimensional screen surfaces facing the viewer and not occluded from the viewer by elements of the three-dimensional screen are visible, whereby the moiré image becomes visible in the region with uncolored three-dimensional screen as well; moiré stripes on the areas with the colored three-dimensional screen blend without shifting into stripes on the areas with uncolored three-dimensional screen; the border between two colors of the printed screen lies mostly on inclined areas of the three-dimensional screen, with the result that when the inclination angle of the carrier is changed the borders of color stripes appear to move on the carrier.

22. A data carrier with an optically variable structure verifying the authenticity of the data carrier according to claim 21, wherein the printed screen is formed by lines creating an image visible at direct viewing of the product.

23. A data carrier with an optically variable structure verifying the authenticity of the data carrier according to claim 21, wherein lines of the printed and three-dimensional screens have the same and/or different, and constant and/or variable width, interval, and spacing.

24. A data carrier with an optically variable structure verifying the authenticity of the data carrier according to claim 21, wherein lines of the printed and three-dimensional screens have various configurations (straight, curved, including concentric).

25. A data carrier with an optically variable structure verifying the authenticity of the data carrier according to claim 21, wherein lines of the three-dimensional screen have a constant and/or variable depth.

26. A data carrier with an optically variable structure verifying the authenticity of the data carrier according to claim 21, wherein lines of the three-dimensional screen have various contours, including asymmetric.

27. A data carrier with an optically variable structure verifying the authenticity of the data carrier according to claim 21, wherein lines of the printed screen are implemented in one or more colors.

28. A data carrier with an optically variable structure verifying the authenticity of the data carrier according to claim 21, wherein lines of the printed screen are implemented with uncolored gaps or without gaps.

29. A data carrier with an optically variable structure verifying the authenticity of the data carrier according to claim 21, wherein lines of the three-dimensional screen are colored in one or more colors.

30. A data carrier with an optically variable structure verifying the authenticity of the data carrier according to claim 21, wherein lines of the three-dimensional screen are colored on the entire length and/or at individual areas.

31. A data carrier with an optically variable structure verifying the authenticity of the data carrier according to claim 21, wherein parameters of the printed and three-dimensional screens create various moiré patterns and further visual effects, including color-variable effects.

Drawing