Abstract: An apparatus for optical analysis of value documents (BN) possesses a recording area (14) in which a value document (BN) is located during analysis, and a spectrographic device (16). The latter has a spatially dispersing optical device (29) for at least partly decomposing optical radiation coming from the recording area (14) into spectrally separate spectral components propagating in different directions according to the wavelength, a detection device (30) locally resolving in at least one spatial direction for detecting the spectral components, and a collimating and focusing optic (28) for collimating the optical radiation directed from the recording area (14) onto the dispersing device (29) and for focusing at least some of the spectral components formed by means of the dispersing optical device (29) onto the detection device (30).

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for testing the authenticity of documents, in particular bank notes, documents of value or security documents, by authenticity criteria. To increase the reliability of authenticity testing of documents, at least two different authenticity classes each with one or more authenticity criteria are provided, the individual authenticity classes differing in at least one authenticity criterion. An authenticity class is selected from the different authenticity classes and the document tested by the authenticity criteria of the selected authenticity class. The document is assigned the selected authenticity class if the document meets the authenticity criteria thereof. This obtains higher reliability of authenticity testing since this method makes it possible to determine those documents that meet higher authenticity requirements, i.e. stricter authenticity criteria, than the other documents and are therefore authentic with higher probability.

Abstract: Ultraviolet light is used for checking the authenticity of sheet material, in particular bank notes, whereby the ultraviolet light transmitted, i.e., pervading the sheet material to be checked, is used for checking authenticity.

Abstract: For personalizing a portable data carrier (1), a selection device (8) of the data carrier (1) analyzes commands (23) which the data carrier (1) receives from a personalization device (20) within the framework of a personalization method. If the commands (23) are recognized by the selection device (8) as belonging to a certain personalization method, the selection device (8) activates that personalization interface (9) of the data carrier (1) that supports said personalization method. The automatic selection of one of a plurality of personalization interfaces (9) installed on the data carrier (1) permits a flexible personalization of the data carrier (1) independently of any proprietary personalization methods.

Abstract: In a portable data carrier (1) having a contact-type interface device (2, 3) and a contactless interface device (4, 5) a sequencing device (6) coordinates competingly occurring contact-type and contactless data communications (16, 19) in such a way that the two data communications (16, 19) can be carried out sequentially step-by-step and without data loss. The processing of the first data communication via the first interface (4) is interrupted in order to start a second data communication via the second interface (2). After the step of starting, the interrupted processing of the first data communication is continued while at the same time the started second data communication is maintained.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method, in which from two images of a security element, which are recorded with right-handed and left-handed circularly polarizing filters, a differential image is produced, on the basis of which the authenticity of the security element is tested, and an apparatus for carrying out the method.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a security element for security papers, value documents and the like, having a laser-markable transparent or translucent marking layer into which, through the action of laser radiation, visually perceptible identifiers are introduced in the form of patterns, letters, numbers and/or images. The identifiers each comprise a lamellar structure composed of a plurality of substantially parallel lamella that extend into the depth of the marking layer and include the parameters color, width, height, lateral orientation, tilt angle and/or spacing.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a security element (20) for security papers, value documents and the like having a diffraction pattern that exhibits an embossed relief pattern (24, 26) and a coating layer (28, 32) that increases the visibility of the diffraction effect of the embossed relief pattern (24, 26). According to the present invention, the relief pattern (24, 26) is formed on the basis of a cholesteric liquid crystalline material (24) and the coating layer (28, 32) includes a reflective (28) and/or a high-index layer (32).

Abstract: A method is described for identifying and initializing digitized biometric features to provide encryption or coding of secret data.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a security arrangement (20-1, 20-2) for one of a plurality of homogeneous security documents (10-1, 10-2), having an authenticating feature (22-1, 22-2) that is characteristic for the security document and at least one verification element (24-1, 24-2) for checking the authenticating features (22-1, 22-2) of others of the plurality of homogeneous security documents, in which a damageless check of the authenticating feature (22-1) of a security arrangement (20-1) is practicable exclusively through a predefined combination effect with a verification element (24-2) of a security arrangement (20-2) disposed on another homogeneous security document (10-2).

Abstract: The invention relates to a security element for security papers, bank notes, ID cards or the like, having at least one plastic layer on which at least two metal layers of different color are so disposed side by side and on the same side of the plastic layer that the different colors are visually checkable.

Abstract: A card laminate is produced from a centrally disposed foil laminate (1) consisting of an interior layer (2) with a metal layer (3) and with two exterior transparent plastic layers (4a, 4b), and two exterior plastic films (5a, 5b) of which at least the plastic film (5a) overlying the metal layer (3) is transparent and carries a print (6a). If the print (6a) is on the exterior, a transparent cover layer (7a) is furthermore provided. Materials and layer thicknesses are preferably selected symmetrically to the interior, metallized layer (2, 3) in order to reduce warping effects.

Abstract: In a bank note processing machine bank notes 100 are led through between two components of a checking device with the help of a conveyor belt. The conveyor belt is led away from the transport path and around the checking device with the help of deflection rollers. Coaxially to the deflection rollers are disposed clamping rings or clamping rollers, which grasp the sheet material and guide it through the checking device. This operation is supported by a guide plate, which combs with the clamping rings.

Abstract: An apparatus for checking bank notes which scans the bank notes to be checked by means of a semiconductor array, including two linear semiconductor arrays formed of at least three layers which are sensitive to light of different wave-lengths, a first linear semiconductor array scanning the bank notes in a defined range of spectral sensitivity of the semiconductor (e.g. in the visible range), and a second linear semiconductor array scanning the bank notes in a range different therefrom (e.g. of invisible infrared light). From the signals of the two arrays a color image of the bank note and at least one image in the range of invisible light are obtained by suitable combination.

Abstract: A security document with a security element, wherein the security element includes at least partly a material that is optically changeable by an electric or magnetic field. In addition, a corresponding method for producing such a security document and a test method for testing such a security document are described.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system for checking the security features of documents of value with at least one sensor in areas of different security categories. Since dependent on the security category different sensor parameters are made available for the respective checking of the security feature, so as to check the same security feature in different ways, the preparing of forgeries can be prevented particularly reliably.

Abstract: A card-shaped electronic data carrier, in particular chip card, has a card body (19) with a recess (21) located on a top side of the card (20), which accommodates a display (1). In a base surface (22) of the recess a reflection layer (23) is disposed. The recess (21) is formed in a multi-step fashion. The contact surfaces (6) of the display (1) are directed towards the base surface (22) of the recess (21) and rest against countercontact surfaces (26) on a step of the recess (21).

Abstract: The invention relates to a security element for security papers, bank notes, ID cards or the like, having at least one plastic layer on which at least two metal layers of different color are so disposed side by side and on the same side of the plastic layer that the different colors are visually checkable.

Abstract: The invention relates to a value document, especially a banknote, having a sequence of layers into which visually and/or mechanically perceptible identifiers in the form of patterns, letters, numbers or images are introduced by the action of laser radiation. According to the present invention, the sequence of layers includes a marking layer (22) composed of an ink mixture (24, 26) exhibiting a laser-radiation-absorbing mixture component (26) and a laser-radiation-transparent mixture component (24), the identifiers being visually and/or mechanically perceptible due to an irreversible change in the optical properties of the ink mixture (24, 26), effected by the action of the laser radiation.

Abstract: Scanning apparatuses (100; 200) are proposed for scanning bar codes (120; 220) applied to documents (110; 210), which in each case have a reflector arrangement (140, 150, 160, 170; 141, 151, 161; 152, 162; 165; 142, 143) which comprise either a variable reflection element (140; 141; 142, 143) or a light guide system (250, 251, 252; 253, 255; 254) which serves to deflect the beam path of the electromagnetic radiation emitted by a radiation source (130) or an illumination device (230, 231; 232, 233), in the document plane along a line substantially perpendicular to the feed direction of the document (110; 210), or to capture it, and to relay it to a detector (280).