CN1193299A - Fake document with writable transparent hologram - Google Patents

Abstract

Security document forms such as bank currency or other valuable documents may contain a writable transparent hologram or diffraction grating as a means of security. The hologram may be spread throughout the document or a portion thereof, such as a signature fill-in area and other data fill-in areas of the document, such as portions of date, name, value, etc. Previous patents of the same inventor (U.S. Pat. No. 5,267,753) used metallized holograms for these applications, but were unable to photocopy or microphotography the document due to their high reflectivity. This photocopying problem can be solved by using a writable transparent hologram which allows clear-written photocopying of legitimate applications, but which is clearly visible as counterfeit when it is intended to masquerade as an original. The ink-receptive upper surface may be formed by corona discharge treatment or coating of an ink-receptive material as is well known in the art. Writing or impact printing on the ink-receiving surface of the hologram will partially mask the hologram under these writing and will also etch the embossed surface of the hologram, leaving the writing unaltered even if the ink is somehow wiped off or removed. The use of such laminated holograms or diffraction gratings can be accomplished by tamper-proof press-fit holographic labels, by hot stamping the hologram with a heat-sealing adhesive on the back, or by directly embossing the hologram onto a polymeric thermoplastic coated on a base paper or plastic card. The use of such a writable hologram also allows many other security features to be included. Optionally, the hologram may be covered with a thin protective layer after writing. Thus, the present invention provides an aesthetically pleasing and low cost means of anti-counterfeiting to a large number of users, making it too expensive for those attempts to counterfeit. It can be used on paper, modified paper, plastic or any other sheet on which writing or printing can be performed.

Description

Fake file with writable transparent hologram

Field of Invention

The invention relates to a security document or device having a holographic surface comprising a diffractive grating surface. More specifically, the present invention relates to methods for making these surfaces different from each other for security and authentication needs by using writable transparent holograms. In the context of the present invention "hologram" means an embossed hologram, including an embossed diffraction grating.

Background of the Invention

Modern computer graphics systems and high-resolution copiers can easily produce high-quality fake documents, which has led to a rapid and massive increase in counterfeit documents. Documents commonly counterfeited include: checks, other documents such as birth certificates, bank checks, stock certificates, credit cards, high value receipts, etc.; government documents such as mobile IDs, ID cards, social security cards, permits, licenses, tax documents, etc., and Other valuable documents such as property title certificates, college transcripts, graduation (degree) certificates, admission tickets, lottery tickets, airline tickets, etc. Holograms have been added to security documents such as credit cards and driver's licenses for years to make counterfeiting more difficult. Holograms can be made that are very difficult to replicate even for holographic experts. For example, computer-generated multiple multilayer (up to 17 layers) 2D and 3D holograms with their colors, or holograms with hidden images that are only visible under special lighting or conditions, etc.

Dennison discloses a method for producing a large number of holograms for security documents by coating metallized paper and/or heat-resistant plastic substrates with thermoplastics which can be used to quickly emboss holograms or diffractive patterns . If non-holographic information or artwork is to be printed on the upper surface, the hologram can be covered with an ink receptive layer to make it absorb ink. However, such holograms are usually protected with a thin transparent layer to maintain the integrity of the hologram and prevent duplication.

There are a number of patents proposing the use of holograms to prevent counterfeiting. For example, Malik discloses several methods of preventing counterfeiting with discontinuous reflective holograms: U.S.Pat, 5,411,296 writes personal data and photos, etc., by lamination between the substrate and a protected discontinuous hologram; U.S.Pat 5, 145,212 employs a similar protected discontinuous hologram, comprising an opaque structure with two discontinuous holograms side by side, each reconstituting a single image; Holograms; and U.S. Pat 4,921,319 holographic structures with raised surfaces that reflect light from air interfaces created by adhesive or release layers and bonded edges. As another example, Boswell (U.S. Pat 5,464,690) describes a method of hot stamping metallized holograms on finalized documents.

Magnetic layers or magnetic inks are also used on holograms to make counterfeiting more difficult. For example, Sander (U.S. Pat 4,631,222) describes a thermally embossed holographic layer on the upper surface of a magnetic layer; Suess et al. (U.S. Pat 5,383,687) discloses a method for making an embossed holographic layer containing an additional magnetic layer and a metal layer. method.

All security holograms are covered with a protective top layer, except U.S. Pat 5,267,753 which concerns writable metallized holograms on checks in which the hologram has been intentionally partially destroyed by writing or printing. In metallized holograms, however, the high reflectivity of the reflective metal causes dark spots in the photocopy when reproduced with a microcamera or photocopier. This feature is detrimental to the banking industry, which microphotographs or photocopies its checks on a daily basis. What is needed is a writable transparent hologram with low reflectivity that allows microphotography and photocopying to produce legible copies for legal records but clearly illegal to pass off as the original.

Transparent holograms on paper or plastic substrates are made by coating polymers/thermoplastics such as polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride, polyester or styrene, and embossing the hologram on top, which is the industry standard is well known. Slightly more reflective holograms can also be produced by depositing very small amounts of metal on the order of nanometers in thickness. Additives may also be added to these polymer layers to increase security while remaining substantially transparent and making them less reflective than metallized holograms. Several materials are suitable as additives to polymers for the preparation of writable transparent holograms. Adding these materials to writable transparent holograms can make them easier to identify and increase their counterfeit resistance. Among these materials are:

(a) Thermochromic dyes that change color in response to temperature (for example when pressure is applied between two fingers) can be added to holographic polymeric resins or printing inks, or to paper to be covered with holograms, e.g. , Borowski (U.S.Pat 5,403,039) describes a thermal printing ink for lottery tickets. In some cases, the stability of the dye can be improved by incorporating the dye into the plastic solid, or in other cases by laminating it between protective layers.

(b) Photochromic dyes that change color inversely upon exposure to light can be incorporated into inks or polymers containing holograms. For example, Tagaya et al. (U.S. Pat, 5,474,715) describe the incorporation of photochromic materials in films.

(c) A fluorescent dye with a high extinction coefficient that emits light of a specific wavelength when excited by a light source of another specific wavelength. These dyes can be added to polymeric resins used to create holograms, printed on documents before covering them with transparent holograms, or added to paper or plastic as a substrate. For example, Sachetti (U.S. Pat 5,172,973) describes the use of fluorescent and phosphorescent dyes for conspicuous and protective labels. Fluorescent and phosphorescent compounds are commercially available from many companies, such as SICPA Secureink Corporation, Dela Rue Corp., and others.

(d) Instead of plain paper, NRC paper or "carbonless" paper can be used for multiple reproductions.

Invention Summary

The present invention is a transparent hologram overlaid on an entire security document or a portion thereof. Security documents in this context include, but are not limited to, bank drafts, travelers cheques, birth certificates, share certificates, property title certificates, immigration documents, tax documents, university transcripts and diplomas, membership or award certificates, high value receipts, permits Certificates, licenses, driver's licenses, ID cards, social security cards, qualification certificates, credit cards, lottery tickets, air tickets, admission tickets, etc. By "document" herein is meant any paper or modified paper substrate, such as a check or certificate, or a plastic substrate, such as a plastic credit card or identification card.

In the most basic first embodiment, a holographic document is printed on paper or modified paper or a plastic sheet similarly to an ordinary document, except that all or part of the upper surface of the document is covered with a writeable transparent hologram, these parts including the signature Fill in fields and/or fill in other important information such as name, amount, date, etc. The upper surface of the hologram is a transparent ink-receptive material for writing or marking the ink image on. Since the hologram is to be signed, written or printed, pens, impact printers or laser writers etc. will partially destroy the embossing of the hologram. This hiding and/or etching of the hologram greatly inhibits the chances of a counterfeiter employing direct image reproduction. Even if the written ink is wiped or removed for some reason, the handwriting will remain. Such transparent holograms thus prevent counterfeiters from altering written or printed inscriptions or signatures. Thus, documents containing such writable transparent holograms have increased security against counterfeiting.

In a variation of the first embodiment, a small piece of hologram can be used on a normal printed document to cover only the signature area, or several such holograms can be used to cover several areas of the document. In both cases, the hologram of this embodiment overlays the signature entry area and/or various other data entry areas, such as areas for entry of date, name of payee or owner, amount size, etc. In this embodiment the signature entry area and the various data entry areas are overlaid with a transparent hologram with an ink receptive top layer for destructive writing, printing or etching.

In a third embodiment, ie a variation of the first and/or second embodiment, a fluorescent ink may be used to print the portion of the substrate to be covered by the hologram.

In a fourth embodiment, a variant of the third embodiment, a document may be overlaid with a hologram, the polymer of which is doped at a low concentration with a fluorescent dye having a high extinction coefficient and a high quantum yield.

In a fifth embodiment, a variation of the third embodiment, thermochromic materials may be used instead of fluorescent dyes in the printed portion of the base paper or plastic card.

In a sixth embodiment, a variation of the fourth embodiment, low concentrations of thermochromic dyes instead of fluorescent dyes are incorporated into the polymeric components of the hologram.

In a seventh embodiment, a variation of the third embodiment, photochromic inks are used to print a portion of the base paper or plastic card instead of fluorescent inks.

In an eighth embodiment, a variation of the fourth embodiment, a low concentration of a photochromic dye instead of a fluorescent dye is contained in the polymer of the hologram.

In a ninth embodiment, a variation of the third claim, magnetic ink is used in the printed portion of the base paper or plastic.

In a tenth embodiment, a variation of the first or second embodiment, a one-dimensional or two-dimensional barcode may be printed on the upper surface of a base paper or plastic card or hologram.

In an eleventh embodiment: a variation of any of the above embodiments, a transparent protective top layer is added after the text is inserted.

A brief description of the attached drawings

Figure 1 is a plan view of an unsigned or unissued document, represented in this example by a bank draft, which includes a signature entry field and a data entry field, a signature entry field and a value entry in a single large hologram The region has a transparent hologram including an ink receptive upper surface.

Figure 2 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the unsigned holographic bank draft of Figure 1 showing the undamaged holographic embossment.

Figure 3 is a view of the holographic bank draft form after the drawer's signature has been signed and the bank draft items have been filled in.

Figure 4 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the holographic bank draft form of Figure 3 showing the holographic embossing partially destroyed by the signature.

Figure 5 is a plan view of a completed bank draft form with a protective layer thereon.

Figure 6 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the completed holographic bank draft of Figure 5, showing the transparent protective layer covering the signature.

Detailed description of the invention

Using a bank draft as an example of a security document, a preferred embodiment of the holographic bank draft form (2) is illustrated in Figures 1-6 and the preferred method used for the same. In a preferred embodiment, the holographic bank draft form (2) comprises a substrate (4) of paper substrate or other material that can support a hologram. The substrate (4) may include printed material such as a bank identification number (6) printed in magnetic ink on the bottom edge of the bank draft form (2) as used in ordinary bank drafts. The entire substrate (4) or a portion thereof is overlaid with a hologram (10), which can be bonded or affixed to the substrate (4) by conventional methods as described below. Those items required to make a common bank draft form (2) but not printed on the substrate (4) can be printed or included on the hologram (10). For example, the names and addresses of the bank (12) and drawer (14) and the valid language of the bank draft form (2) can be printed on both the substrate (4) and the hologram (10). In the preferred embodiment. A signature entry area (16) for the drawer's signature (18) and various data entry areas (20) for the bank draft form (2), such as areas for registration date, payee name, and bank draft amount, are contained in the area of the hologram (10). These entries can be printed directly on the hologram and partially cover up the hologram. Alternatively, the items can also be printed on the substrate prior to lamination with the hologram.

There are three preferred holograms (10) suitable for use in the present invention. The first type is a transparent thermoplastic refractive surface (8), formed by embossing, or a pattern of sub-micron scale ridges (22) and grooves (24) for common holographic patterns. This coating can be applied according to Dennison's method for high speed thermoplastic coating on paper. Other methods include hot stamping the holographic image sheet (10) onto the substrate (4) with a heat sensitive adhesive, or bonding the hologram to the substrate with a pressure-sensitive adhesive. These methods are well known in the industry. Other conventional methods such as embossing, electroplating, etching, ion etching, etc. are well known and can also be used to form a hologram (10) of this type, that is, the type having a pattern of ridges (22) and grooves (24). Transparent thermoplastics can be made from polymers such as polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride, styrene, polyacrylics, polyacetates, etc., as commonly used in these applications. They can also be modified, for example by incorporating materials that increase the refractive index and/or make it more difficult for counterfeiters to imitate. For example, they may incorporate small amounts of thermochromic or photochromic dyes such as those available from Davis Liquid Crystnls. Inc., or fluorescent dyes such as those available from SICPA Secureivle Corp. or De la Rue Corp., etc.

The second type of preferred hologram (10) is an improvement of the first type, by adding a very thin layer of metal coating with a thickness of tens of angstroms, thereby maintaining transparency while increasing the hologram's reflectivity without making it so reflective as to be unsuitable for legal photocopying.

A third type of preferred hologram (10) employs a transparent photopolymer layer containing an alternating pattern of light and dark contrasting lines on the submicron scale to form a hologram, such as is commercially available from Du Pont.

If the surface of the hologram (10) is not suitable for ink, a thin coating can be applied over the entire hologram (10) as an ink receiving layer (26) or primer. Alternatively, the surface layer can be rendered ink receptive by corona discharge, a technique well known in the industry. In another alternative embodiment, the ink receiving layer (26) is added only to those areas where data must be applied. Other patterns are also possible for the ink receptive material coating (26) on the hologram. Several materials are well known in the art and are suitable as ink receptive coatings. For example, polyethylene or polyacetate may be a preferred composition for the ink receiving layer (26).

Once the hologram (10) is placed on the substrate (4) and the hologram (10) is coated or partially coated with the ink-receptive thin layer (26), then the blank holographic bank draft or document form (2) Fill in appropriate data (i.e. date, name, value, etc.) in the data filling area (20), then add the issuer's signature (18) in the signature filling area (16) of the hologram (10), A valid holographic bank draft or document can then be formed, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 . In a preferred aspect, signing (18) should be done with an ink writing implement or an implement that can be etched into a hologram, such as a pen, dot impact printer or computer controlled laser beam writer. Ink pens, typewriters, printers, laser writers, etc. can also be used to fill in the entries of the bank draft and other data in the holographic area. If the hologram (10) is made of a photopolymer layer, adding the signature (18) will block or cover the portion of the hologram (10) on which the signature (18) is located, thereby partially destroying the surface of the hologram. On the other hand, if the hologram (10) is of the type comprising a pattern of ridges (22) and grooves (24), adding a signature (18) both engraves the signature (18) on the embossed hologram and partially The portion of the hologram (10) on which the signature (18) or data is placed is blocked or concealed, thereby partially destroying the surface of the hologram.

Figures 5 and 6 illustrate a preferred embodiment of a holographic bank draft (2) comprising a protective thin layer (28) covering the signature (18) and preventing or impeding its alteration or removal. The preferred protective thin layer (28) comprises a composition of polyester film or other transparent film, which can cover not only the signature (18), but also the hologram (10) and/or the entire substrate supporting the hologram (10) (4). The protective thin layer (28) should be transparent. For example, ordinary scotch tape can also be used to stick on the hologram (10) as a protective thin layer (28). Thus, after the holographic bank draft form (2) is completed and validated, the holographic portion may optionally be covered with a protective thin layer (28) to prevent tampering.

In another alternative embodiment, the holographic document form (2) comprises a substrate (4) and a holographic sticker (10), ie a holographic panel or label (10) backed with tamper-proof glue. The document (2) is signed by the user or his agent, and the holographic pasting board (10) is directly pasted on the substrate before use. The holographic pasteboard (10) may include one or more signature fill-in areas (16) and/or data fill-in areas (20). In a preferred solution, the signature fill-in area and/or data fill-in area of the holographic sticker (10) is filled in by the user after being glued to the substrate (4). In some cases, however, the user can also fill in the signature and/or data entry fields of the holographic sticker (10) before gluing on the substrate (4). The preferred tamper-resistant adhesive-backed holographic panel (10) may contain broken patterns or images. Once the holographic panel (10) is attached to the substrate (4), any attempt to peel off the holographic panel (10) from above will destroy the holographic image due to uneven adhesion of the adhesive on the back of the substrate (4). Attaching to the substrate (4) leaves a predetermined pattern of cracks or words such as "Void". Such holographic panels (10) containing back tamper-resistant adhesive in a predetermined pattern of ruptures are commercially available from, for example, Flexcon Inc. (Spencer, Mass) or Bridgestone Graphic Technologies Inc. (Bridgeport, CT). As an additional feature, the holographic panel (10) backed with tamper-proof glue can be printed with a serial number or barcode which can be recorded on a separate register maintained by the issuing office or bank. If the document is stolen, the issuing office or bank can determine the missing valid serial number or barcode number on the holographic pasteboard (10) by comparing the delivered serial number or barcode with the registered valid serial number into a barcode. Failure to link the delivered serial number or barcode with the serial number or barcode recorded on the issuer's or bank's register may alert the issuer and bank that the delivered check or document may be invalid.

Claims (19)

1. In an improved form of a bank draft or document, the form includes: Printed substrates, such as paper, improved paper or plastic cards, containing data entry areas for filling and displaying one or more entries of a bank draft or document; A signature entry area for inserting or displaying the signature of the issuer of a bank draft or document; A transparent hologram overlaying the signature entry area and the data entry area, the hologram coated with a transparent layer of ink-receptive material suitable for imprinting the issuer's signature and data and also suitable for overlaying the hologram Show signature and data. 2. The improved form of a bank draft or document according to claim 1, the improvement further comprising: The printed substrate has all or part of the imprint on the substrate printed with a thermochromic ink or dye before being covered with a hologram. 3. The improved form of the document according to claim 1, the improvement further comprising: The printed substrate allows all or part of the imprint on the substrate to be printed with a photochromic ink or dye before being covered with a hologram. 4. The improved form of the document according to claim 1, the improvement further comprising: The printed substrate has all or part of the imprint printed with a fluorescent ink or dye before being covered with a hologram. 5. The improved form of the document according to claim 1, the improvement further comprising: The printed substrate has a partial imprint printed with magnetic ink before being covered with a hologram. 6. The improved form of the document according to claim 1, the improvement further comprising: The printed substrate has all or part of the imprint printed with a 1D or 2D barcode before being covered with a hologram. 7. An improved form of document according to claim 1, wherein said hologram comprises thermochromic ink or dye in its polymeric composition. 8. The improvement of the document according to claim 1, wherein said hologram comprises photochromic ink or dye in its polymeric composition. 9. The improved form of the document according to claim 1, wherein said hologram comprises fluorescent ink or dye in its polymeric composition. 10. The improved form of a document according to claim 1, wherein said hologram is a holographic sticky board backed with tamper-proof glue. 11. An improved form of document according to claim 10, wherein said hologram comprises thermochromic ink or dye in its polymeric composition as claimed in claim 7. 12. The improvement of a document according to claim 10, wherein said hologram comprises photochromic ink or dye in its polymeric composition as claimed in claim 8. 13. The improvement of a document according to claim 10, wherein said hologram comprises fluorescent ink or dye in its polymeric composition as claimed in claim 9. 14. The improved form of a document according to claim 10, wherein said hologram is printed with magnetic ink. 15. The improved form of a document according to claim 10, wherein said hologram has a 1D or 2D barcode printed on the hologram as described in claim 6. 16. A method of making a holographic bank draft or document comprising the steps of: Step A: Print the bank draft or document according to the design of the document. Step B: Coat the printed document with a polymer material, which is then embossed with a hologram or diffraction grating, Step C: Treat the surface of the hologram with an ink receptive coating such as polyacetate, polyethylene or with corona discharge to make the upper surface receptive to ink. Step D: Covering the hologram by adding data or a signature on the transparent hologram by writing with a pen, impact printer or computer controlled laser writer. 17. The method of making a holographic document according to claim 16, the difference is that the hologram or the diffraction grating as claimed in claim 10 is a pasting board with anti-interference glue on the back. 18. A method of making a holographic bank draft or document according to claim 17, except that the hologram is made of a photopolymer. 19. A method of making a holographic bank draft or document according to claim 10 or claim 16, except that after step C in step D the hologram is covered with a thin transparent layer to prevent scratching and tampering.

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