Identification assembly for an identity document

The present invention relates to an identity document identification unit comprising a substrate with a substantially planar configuration, and a surface adjacent to a support pivoting adjacent to the substrate, the substrate comprising at least two image areas and the first image area having a first image.

Background of the Invention [0002] In general, identity documents such as ground-based passports that comprise two image areas having, in each of these image areas, a laser engraved image corresponding to the identity document holder are known in the art.

[0003] In FR2975945, an identity document is shown, which identity document comprises two image areas having a first laser-engraved image of a person in the first area, while the second image area is provided with a transparent window in which a laser engraved second image of the person is located. In addition, the window is provided with the security of owner ID data that passes through this window. The image in the window is visible from the front and back of the ID document. In addition, a holographic sign is placed in the transparent area to provide additional security to obstruct its fraudulent use and copying.

[0004] A Swedish passport having the features according to the preamble of claim 1 is known in the field of producing an identity document having a transparent window. This passport contains a page with data and pictures of the owner, hereinafter referred to as the owner's side, having the first and second image in the same plane in the polycarbonate substrate. In addition, these images are repeated as a perforation pattern in a different area of ​​the substrate. In addition, the Swedish passport also includes a transparent window having a lens construction enabling the verifier to check each undisclosed neighboring passport document, including an image having invisible security data that can be viewed through the lens design of the window.

[0005] Furthermore, EP 1516749 discloses an identity document comprising a cover, a personalized card comprising a laser personalizing element, such as a photograph of the owner of the identification document and a number of personalized data, and a number of inner pages including a laser-made identification number. The cover, personalized card and internal pages are pivoted in the folding area.

[0006] Known securities have the disadvantage that the parties of the owner may be subject to complete replacement or alteration of said site, without leaving easily traces of such unauthorized exchange of the original site of the owner, since all elements presented on the owner's side are exchanged in full.

Furthermore, the prior art identification documents do not provide any elements enabling the verifier to verify easily the authenticity of the owner's page in the present document without performing an additional check of said document by tipping the identity document so that the data shown in the hologram is visible, or by applying the backlight identity document in order to check that the illustrated graphic holo2 is an original holographic sign or that the other identifying elements shown are authentic.

Document FR 2918311 A discloses an identification unit according to the preamble of claim 1.

The object of the present invention is therefore at least to overcome one of the aforementioned disadvantages of the prior art. The object of the present invention is also to provide an identification unit for an identity document that makes it more difficult to unauthorized or fraudulent use or exchange of the owner's side, by using a direct connection between the owner's side and different parts of the identity document.

[0008] The object of the present invention is also to provide an identity document in which the verifier can easily detect correspondence between the owner's and the identity document's side.

[0009] It is also an object of the present invention to provide a method of producing an identity document in which the authenticity between the owner's and the document's side can be easily determined.

Summary of the invention [0010] These objects are achieved by providing an identity document according to claim 1. It should be noted that the second laser-formed image may be engraved, perforated or ablated in the substrate area of ​​the second image.

[0011] By placing the third image on the surface adjacent the area of ​​the second image in the substrate, another identification feature is provided that makes it more difficult to replace the substrate part in the identity document while allowing easier checking by the user and / or the checking person without the need to set the document the identity against the light, because the authenticity of the identification document can be checked in an easy and reliable way by simply lifting the substrate to check the third image in the underlying image or in the covering surface of the neighboring one. In this way, unauthorized exchange of the owner's site becomes more difficult than if the images in the ID document were placed only on the owner's side.

In one embodiment of the invention, the substrate comprises a plastic, preferably polycarbonate, wherein the area of ​​the first image is opaque and the area of ​​the second image is transparent.

[0013] The substrate contains two different areas that are easily distinguished by the fact that one of the areas is opaque and the other area is transparent.

The opaque region may include a first image, e.g. a two-dimensional or three-dimensional portrait. The transparent window contains a second image, which is superimposed on the third image that is formed by projection through a transparent window. This provides an easy recognition of the compatibility of the second and third images, and the first and second images, without the need for the user or reviewer to continue using the transparent window, which is immediately recognizable, and anyone checking identity documents can easily teach it. [0014] It has been found that by using a transparent region of the second image, the transmission of infrared light through said area is about 90-94%,

[0015] Furthermore, the area of ​​the second image is made of a transparent material, said material being the same as the rest of the substrate, while the rest of the substrate or at least the area of ​​the second image is opaque. The infrared transmission of the transparent area of ​​the second near-infrared energy image is in the range between 700-2800 nm. This provides the possibility of laser imaging of the third image underneath through a transparent window in which the region of the second image is placed. It should be noted that the opaque area of ​​the first image may not allow infrared light to pass through it.

[0016] According to the invention, the region of the second image comprises a laser removable material, such as a metal layer.

[0017] In this way, fraudulent duplication of the identity document becomes more difficult, and at the same time it is very easy to recognize the laser engraved image due to the laser removable material being removed at the point where the laser was applied, leaving the pattern in the region of the second image easily recognizable through a simple visual check. This can be checked with the naked eye and does not require any special lighting.

[0018] The second laser engraved image may correspond to the first image. In addition, the first image can be a portrait of a human face.

[0019] In one embodiment of the present invention, the adjacent surface comprises a laser sensitive material that produces a visible pattern when exposed to a laser. It should be noted that the laser-sensitive material may contain ink.

[0020] As a result, the quality of the third image formed on the contiguous surface is increased. In addition, the risk of losing unique image properties due to specific particulars regarding adjacent surface absorption or excessive energy absorption resulting in the production of gaseous products is significantly reduced. [0021] According to one embodiment, the second laser generated image is formed by laser engraving, and the amount of laser energy absorbed by the adjacent surface is at least 10 times greater than the amount of laser energy absorbed in the region of the second image. Alternatively, the second laser-generated image is formed by laser ablation or perforation,

[0022] The adjacent surface can be excessively exposed to laser energy by absorbing about 90% of the laser energy by laser engraving the third image on the second image and simultaneously on the underlying adjacent surface. Alternatively, the adjacent surface may be insufficiently exposed to laser energy by absorbing about 10% of the laser energy in the laser ablation or perforating the area of ​​the second image, while laser engraving the third area on the adjacent surface.

[0023] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the second image region may include apertures that form a specific pattern, for example, a human face portrait or data. [0024] Preferably, when the third image is provided by the region of the second image, the adjacent surface may need to be tuned by introducing the laser sensitive material, depending on the intensity of the laser beam.

[0025] In this way, the temperature of the adjacent surface during the engraving of the third image remains low enough to avoid thermal damage in said adjacent surface and thus prevent smoldering effects of scorching.

[0026] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the thickness of the substrate comprising the plastic is about 300-900 Pm.

[0027] It should be noted that the thickness of the substrate is to be the same over its entire surface. [0028] Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for manufacturing an identification assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, which method comprises the following steps:

• providing a substrate comprising at least two image areas;

• providing a surface adjacent to said substrate, • fixing the substrate to a surface adjacent in a pivoting manner, • producing a laser first image in the first image region without transferring laser energy to the adjacent surface;

• laser production of a second image in the area of ​​the second image, while allowing the penetration of a part of the laser energy through the substrate and creating an image in the adjacent surface.

[0029] In other words, a third image is provided while the second image is laser-etched so that the adjacent surface is irradiated by a laser when engraving the second image to form a third image.

[0030] The method according to the invention provides an identity document presenting three images in different surfaces in a simple and efficient manner, and being cost-effective. In addition, the third image is used as an additional identification feature that remains when the substrate side is completely replaced for the fraudulent use of an identity document. Thus, it indicates to the person checking that someone was manipulating on the ground.

[0031] According to one embodiment, the method further comprises placing a laser-sensitive material on the adjacent surface, giving a visible color upon impact by laser energy. Examples of such a laser sensitive material are given in the detailed description below.

[0032] Furthermore, the method also includes the fact that the laser energy is adapted to provide a visible image in the area of ​​the second image and adjacent surface, without the formation of pyrolysis gases in the third image area having a negative effect on image resolution, and possibly condensation on the image. the owner's side, thus weakening the image or resolution of the image.

In this way, with the laser engraving of the second image, no pyrolysis gases are produced on the third image region, which could damage the substrate and / or the adjoining surface, or blur the images formed.

[0034] It has been found that using an optically variable ink on a layer of black ink applied to the adjacent surface, these inks can be printed offset and screen-printed, respectively. These inks, when applied to the adjacent surface, provide a variable optical effect when the third image corresponding to the second image is placed in the substrate area of ​​the second image. In this way, a simple identification feature is provided, with a positive image that makes it very difficult to exchange parts of the substrate in the document, while at the same time allowing easy visual check by the user and / or the checking person. The illustrated example of black offset ink includes, but is not limited to, the commercially available Sipca black ink of 367022W, while the example of the optically variable ink includes, but is not limited to, the commercially available optically variable SB,

[0035] In summary, it can be seen that the present invention provides a method that proposes an identification assembly with improved features to easily validate and verify an identity document, while preventing the fraudulent exchange of any elements of this identity document and improving the connection between individual parts of the identity document.

Brief description of the drawings [0036] Other aspects, features and details of the present invention will be readily understood by referring to the following detailed description of preferred embodiments contemplated in connection with the drawings.

[0037] In the attached drawings:

Fig. 1 schematically illustrates an identity document according to the prior art,

Fig. 2a schematically illustrates an identity document according to the invention,

Fig. 2b schematically illustrates an identity document according to another embodiment of the invention,

Fig. 3 shows a front view of the base of an identity document according to the invention comprising a tilting element,

Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a substrate showing the area of ​​the second image and surface adjacent to Fig. 3 along the IV-IV line, and Fig. 5 is a substrate cross-sectional view showing the area of ​​the second image and the surface adjacent to Fig. 3 along the IV-IV line. another embodiment of an identity document according to the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS Fig. 1 shows an identity document, in the form of a book structure, such as a prior art passport, as indicated by 1 in Fig. 1. This construction consists of a cover 9 in which a number is inserted. visa pages 3. It also contains a substrate, or the so-called owner side 2, made of a relatively rigid, undeformable polycarbonate material. An example of such a non-deformable polycarbonate material is a polycarbonate material with a thickness between 300 and 900 μm. A number of security measures are provided, including the area of ​​the first image containing the image of the 4 faces of the passport holder as well as the data 6 and the transparent window 7. On the most adjacent of the visa pages 3 there is a sign 8,

[0039] Furthermore, the tipping part 5 is attached to the side of the owner 2, as seen in Fig. 1. This tilting part 5 may be connected to both the cover 9 and to the visa sides 3. The joining technique may include sewing, stapling, gluing, and the like. [0040] Fig. 2a shows an identity document 10 according to the invention, in the form of a book structure such as a passport. Passport 10 comprises a substrate 12, hereinafter referred to as the owner's side, made of a relatively rigid, undeformable material, e.g. a polycarbonate material. In addition, the passport 10 includes an adjacent surface 13, hereinafter referred to as a cover, and further pages 14 on the opposite side of the cover page 13, hereinafter referred to as the visa parties.

[0041] The owner page 12 includes an area 18 of the first image having the first face image 19 of the passport holder. The owner's side further includes data 24 corresponding to the passport owner's personal data, and area 20 of the second transparent image having the second laser-formed image 21.

[0042] It should be noted that the area of ​​the second image is a transparent area or window and allows viewing of the underlying surface 13 through this window 20. The cover side 13, as shown herein, is provided with a third image 22 which overlaps the second formed picture 21, when the owner 12 side is closed to overlap the cover page 13. The third image 22 is visible to the viewer by offsetting the owner side 12 away from said cover sheet 13 as clearly seen in Fig. 2a.

[0043] It should be noted that the first image 19 is the face image of the passport holder. Thus, it should be noted that the second laser-formed image 21 corresponds to the same image as the first image 19. Furthermore, the third image 22 is provided by the region 20 of the second image, as will be explained in detail below.

[0044] Fig. 2b illustrates another embodiment of the invention, where the most contiguous surface 14 and subsequent pages are the visa parties. The area of ​​the second image is a transparent area or window and allows viewing of the underlying surface 14 through the window 20. The most contiguous of the visa sides 14 is provided with a third image 22 that overlaps the second image 21 when the owner side 12 is closed to overlap with visa pages 14. A third image 22 is visible to the inspector by offsetting the owner 12 side away from said neighboring visa pages 14, as shown herein.

[0045] In Fig. 3, a front view of a page of the owner of an identity document according to the invention including a hinged portion is shown. It can be seen that the second laser-formed image 21 is the same image as the first image 19, which corresponds to the portrait of a human face. The tipping portion 16 is preferably attached to the side of the owner 12 by melting or by any other suitable technique. It should be understood that the hinge part 16 can be made of a different material than the side of the owner 12.

The second image 21 is located in the transparent region 20, as can be clearly seen in Fig. 3. The transparent region 20 allows the user to partially see the cover side 13, and this prompts the user to check the cover side 13.

[0047] It should be noted that the region of the second image may further comprise laser engraved numerals and / or letters (not shown). In addition, the owner side 12 may also comprise, under a series of cylindrical lenses forming a lens array, a further image based on the first picture 19 (not shown).

[0048] Fig. 4 shows a cross section of the owner 12 showing the area 20 of the second image and the neighboring cover part 13 of Fig. 3 along the line IV-IV, the second image 21 being applied to the second image area by laser engraving in said area The laser beam 30 irradiates and passes through the interior of the region of the second image while producing blackened areas that form the second image 21 in this region 20. Furthermore, the laser beam 30 illuminates the adjacent cover part 13 to activate the laser sensitive material 26, which is applied to or included in the adjacent cover side 13. In this way, a third image 22 is provided in the adjacent visa side 14.

[0049] When the laser beam 30 irradiates the region 20 of the second image, a number of m lines or dots per cm are engraved to form a second image 21. This number m of lines or dots per cm may be between 40 and 600 lines or about 200-250 dots / cm. By laser engraving of the second image 21, the third image 22 is simultaneously engraved on the adjacent cover side 13, by the laser beam 30, after touching the surface of the adjacent cover side 13 containing the laser sensitive material 26. This energy is supplied by the laser beam 30 and changes the surface of this material 26 at the focal point. The surface of the adjacent cover side 13, and consequently the material 26, may heat up and then evaporate the material 26 at those points where it illuminates the laser beam 30. This is undesirable and can lead to the formation of gaseous pyrolysis products. To create an image corresponding to the third image 22, a special laser-sensitive material can be used that contains optically variable silicate or other materials that change their optical effect. An example of a material 26 applied to one of the surfaces 20 of the second substrate image 12 or alternatively to the adjacent surface 13, 14 is the optically variable ink on the black ink layer.

[0050] It should be noted that, depending on the nature of the laser sensitive material 26, the image formed when the laser beam 30 irradiates the material will be a single or multi-colored image, but may also be a positive or negative image.

[0051] Furthermore, it should be noted that the laser beam 30 illuminates the owner's side very efficiently, because the laser beam can be designed to supply energy to the owner's side in a way that converts a large part of the energy of light into heat. This can lead to the formation of gases between the lower region 20 of the second image and the neighboring visa pages 14, where the third image is placed 22. In order to avoid the formation of such gases, the laser energy is adapted to avoid the formation of gases that may impede the production of the third image. 22. Furthermore, the composition of the substrate material can be adjusted to avoid the formation of such gases, by adding a stable (non-combustible) material, such as a cowardite.

[0052] Fig. 5 shows another embodiment of an identification document according to the present invention, wherein the region of the second image further comprises a hot-melt in a laser effect material 28, such as a metal layer. The metal layer 28 is fused at locations where the laser beam 30 illuminates the area of ​​the second image. The molten metal is formed into small balls that cause transparency in the openings 29 in the metal layer 28. This provides another feature on the owner 12's side to obstruct the fraudulent use and copying of the passport.

[0053] As can be seen in Fig. 5, the metal layer 28 is partially molten in those portions of the surface 20 of the second image in which the laser beam 30 penetrated this image region. In this way, a pattern is produced in the form of an image of the passport holder. This means that the metal layer 28 is selectively fused, leaving the transparent regions. The resulting image in area 20 of the second image can be seen in the transmitted light as a positive or negative halftone image.

[0054] The metal layer 28, as seen in Fig. 5, is placed in the substrate, passing through the entire surface area of ​​the second image. It should be noted that the metal layer 28 may also be placed on the surface of the substrate 12 of the second image area, whereby when the laser beam 30 irradiates the second image region 20, the metal layer 28 is partially removed in those parts of the surface of the second image area radiated by the beam. laser 30