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: 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).

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: The invention relates to a data carrier having a security element that is at lest visually testable and has an embossing in at least a partial area, the embossing being a halftone blind embossing executed by inkless line intaglio printing, and to a method for producing the data carrier and a printing plate for blind-embossing a security element.

Abstract: The invention relates to a value document, such as bank note, passport or the like, which has a security paper and a marking produced with the help of a laser, the security paper having at least one partial area with a coating, and the marking extending over the border area between coating and security paper. Further, the invention relates to a security paper and methods for producing an inventive value document and security paper.

Abstract: The invention relates to a value document, especially a banknote, having an individualizing mark that is applied at least once each to the front and the reverse of the value document. Here, at least one of the individualizing identifiers applied to the front and reverse is applied to the value document with a non-contact method.

Abstract: The invention relates to a data carrier having a security element that is at least visually testable and has an embossing in at least a partial area, the embossing being a halftone blind embossing executed by inkless intaglio printing, and to a method for producing the data carrier and a printing plate for blind-embossing a security element.

Abstract: Printing plates for all-over printing of large areas by the intaglio printing process, a method for producing the printing plates and data carriers, in particular bank notes, with large-area printed images produced by the intaglio printing process area proposed. Flawless inking is ensured by providing partitions in the engraving of the printing plate which rise up vertically from the base of the engraved area and have at least a height of 50% of the engraving depth. The partitions largely prevent ink from being wiped out of the engraved areas when ink is wiped off the printing plate surface. This permits a large printed area to be covered all over with ink layers on a data carrier. By special arrangement and design of the partitions one can also produce fine structures in the printing area which area recognizable only with magnifying aids depending on the selected distances between the partitions.

Abstract: The invention relates to a data carrier with a security printed image produced by intaglio printing. The security printed image consists of a plurality of contrasting structural elements disposed in exact register. A first part of the structural elements is designed to be relieflike and tactile and a second part of the structural elements flat and nontactile.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a data carrier, especially a value document, such as a banknote, an identification card or the like, having a security element (20) that exhibits a print image (22) and a laser marking (24) at least partially overlapping the print image (22). According to the present invention, the security element (20) further exhibits, at least partially overlapping the print image (22), a laser modification area (26) that is in register with the laser marking (24) and in whose overlap area (28) with the print image (22) the visual appearance of the print image (22) is modified by the action of a laser beam.

Abstract: The invention relates to a security element with an optically variable structure, which has an embossed structure and a coating, wherein the embossed structure and the coating are combined such that at least parts of the coating are completely visible upon perpendicular viewing, but are concealed upon oblique viewing. This embossed structure has nonlinear embossed elements, which are combined with the coating such that when changing the viewing direction different pieces of information become visible.

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: A data medium having a printed image is created by the intaglio printing process. The printed image has at least one first ink area with a first ink layer thickness and at least one second ink area with a second ink layer thickness adjacent to the first ink area, such that the ink layer thicknesses are different. The first and second ink areas are separated by a sharp border line invisible on examination with the naked eye, and the ink layer thickness of both ink areas passes through a minimum in the region of the border line.

Abstract: A data medium having a printed image is created by the intaglio printing process. The printed image has at least one first ink area with a first ink layer thickness and at least one second ink area with a second ink layer thickness adjacent to the first ink area, such that the ink layer thicknesses are different. The first and second ink areas are separated by a sharp border line invisible on examination with the naked eye, and the ink layer thickness of both ink areas passes through a minimum in the region of the border line.

Abstract: The invention concerns a data medium with a printed image created by the intaglio printing process. The printed image has at least one first ink area with a first ink layer thickness and at least one second ink area with a second ink layer thickness adjacent to the first ink area, such that the ink layer thicknesses are different. The first and second ink areas are separated by a sharp border line invisible on examination with the naked eye, and the ink layer thickness of both ink areas passes through a minimum in the region of the border line.

Abstract: Printing plates for all-over printing of large areas by the intaglio printing process, a method for producing the printing plates and data carriers, in particular bank notes, with large-area printed images produced by the intaglio printing process area proposed. Flawless inking is ensured by providing partitions in the engraving of the printing plate which rise up vertically from the base of the engraved area and have at least a height of 50% of the engraving depth. The partitions largely prevent ink from being wiped out of the engraved areas when ink is wiped off the printing plate surface. This permits a large printed area to be covered all over with ink layers on a data carrier. By special arrangement and design of the partitions one can also produce fine structures in the printing area which area recognizable only with magnifying aids depending on the selected distances between the partitions.

Abstract: The invention relates to a document of value, a security element and a security marking that have a marking substance absorbing in the infrared spectral region between 1000 and 2500 nanometers which does not significantly absorb either in the visible spectral region or at 800 nanometers. Said marking substance is therefore not accessible with the widespread, simple IR readers working at about 800 nanometers. Preferably, an additional print is added that absorbs in the visible and also at about 800 nanometers but not in the range from 1000 to 2500 nanometers. According to the inventive checking method, the marked place is irradiated with infrared light from the range from 1000 to 2500 nanometers and the absorption determined.

Abstract: In a method for producing embossing plates, in particular steel intaglio printing plates, a plane element is determined from a line drawing, the edge of the plane element defining a desired contour. A tool track is then calculated from the desired contour and a desired depth associated with the plane element, to be used for guiding an engraving tool such that the partial area is removed.

Abstract: A screen for producing two-level watermarks is produced by completely closing part of the screen with a viscous sealing compound, which is subsequently cured actively or passively. At the thus closed partial areas of the screen, paper deposit is hindered during papermaking so that the finished paper appears light in transmission in the areas. A mask is used for exactly positioning the sealing compound in the partial areas of the screen and/or for curing the sealing compound only in the given partial areas, whereby in the latter case the uncured areas of the sealing compound are washed out.

Abstract: Printing plates for all-over printing of large areas by the intaglio printing process, a method for producing the printing plates and data carriers, in particular bank notes, with large-area printed images produced by the intaglio printing process are proposed. Flawless inking is ensured by providing partitions in the engraving of the printing plate which rise up vertically from the base of the engraved area and have at least a height of 50% of the engraving depth. The partitions largely prevent ink from being wiped out of the engraved areas when ink is wiped off the printing plate surface. This permits a large printed area to be covered all over with ink layers on a data carrier. By special arrangement and design of the partitions one can also produce fine structures in the printing area which are recognizable only with magnifying aids depending on the selected distances between the partitions.