The claimed invention relates to printing in particular to the manufacture and production of optical security elements that can serve as evidence of the authenticity of the protected objects and can be used to protect against forgery, illegal copying and imitation of documents, banknotes, securities, stamps of various fees, plastic cards, packaging.

At present various means of polygraphic protection - watermarks, microtext, holographic, photo-physical and other methods are used to protect against forgery and as signs identifying the authenticity of the protected objects. Among the security elements, elements containing optically variable device (OVD) as follows hidden images that are visible only in special lighting conditions are the most difficult to reproduce. To the hidden invisible in ordinary conditions images are reversible photoluminescent, reversible photochromic, reversible thermochromic, polarized and some others. Typically in combinations with invisible images useful and necessary components are various visible images. The correct construction of a combination of the visible and invisible parts of the protective feature under certain conditions leads to the formation of a combined image which may be along with the hidden signs the main protective feature. In addition, the visible images serve to decorate the security element and conceal unwanted traces of processing the face of the security element.

In most technical solutions some of which are discussed below the visible and hidden parts are not interconnected and do not constitute a single consistent image.

The above-described effects are achieved in optical protection means comprising layers for forming hidden images visible only in polarized light and obtained by mechanical and / or chemical action (US 5,284,364 published on Feb. 8, 1994, IPCB42D 15/00), photoablation (US 6,100,967 Published in 2000.08.08, BMC B42D 15/00),

photochemical exposure (US 6,124,970 published on September 26, 2000, IPC G02B 27/28), thermal exposure (US 6,740,472 published on May 25, 2004, IPC G03c 5/00), and also by direct printing with pigments that effectively reflect light (WO 2009154506 published on 23.12.2009, IPC G09F 3/02, G02B 1/08).

All the technical solutions presented in the above patents have one common drawback: the hidden polarized image itself is not protected from imitation because does not have any visible external distinctive features. In US 6,124,970, US 6,740,472 and WO 2009154506, latent image combinations with any visible information are proposed to protect the security element from imitation but both types of images are sequenced in various printing methods so it is impossible to form a consistent combined image and therefore resistance against imitation and copying is not high .

The closest to the claimed invention solution is disclosed in US 8,470,733. 06/23/2013, IPC B41M 5/30, B41M 5/42 and US 8,8877,679 published. 04.11.2014, IPC B41M 5/34, B41M 5/323, B41M 5/48. The method of color thermal printing on the substrate on the surface of which several thermo-sensitive zones are formed each of which generates under the action its own predetermined in accordance with the design color, As a result a multi-color image is obtained consisting of coordinated parts of a different color made by one printing device simultaneously in one pass. Such a method leads to the formation of a consistent multi-color image which however does not have protective features. The introduction into the product of a hidden security feature - invisible photofluorescent signs - does not leads to the creation of a consistent combined image because fluorescent signs are made by another method than thermal printing and non-simultaneous with the main color image.

Analysis of the analogues and the prototype shows not high resistance of protective elements against copying and imitation which is a serious disadvantage of these technical solutions as reduced their area of use and the degree of security of the respective objects. The introduction of additional security feature - the combined image composed of parts visible in natural light and a part that is visible only in the polarized light which observed in polarized light as a coordinated composite image with perfect registration of the boundaries between all its parts.

An object of the present invention is to provide a security OVD made as a

coordinated composite image consisting of two parts - a visible multi-color or

black-and-white part visible in natural light and a hidden part visible only in special lighting conditions and a direct printing method for recording a coordinated composite image The only printing device common to both parts of the image simultaneously in one pass with the ideal alignment of all parts of the combined image. In this case, a hidden polarized image is selected as the invisible which is obtained on the surface or in the volume of the carrier, the carrier of the hidden and visible parts of the images. Hidden polarized image is obtained due to changes in the optical anisotropy in the local regions of the above-mentioned substrate or due to a local change in the optical thickness of an anisotropic transparent material.

Consideration of the above technical solutions can select the types of actions that are suitable for the formation of a single pass as the hidden and visible parts of a single image These actinic effects are thermal or thermomechannical or photo-physical and accordingly printing methods - direct thermal, thermal transfer printing, laser printing.

It solves the problem of the claimed invention is to eliminate these drawbacks and to achieve a technical result in relation to enhance technical, technological and operational properties - namely creation coordinated composite image composed of the visible in natural light parts and hidden visible only under polarized light containing both fixed and variable information with a high degree of protection against copying and imitation. Furthermore, achievable technical result of the claimed invention is to extend the arsenal of optical security elements which may serve as evidence of the authenticity of the protected object in particular documents, banknotes, securities, stamps of different charges, plastic cards and packaging.

Achievement of the above technical result allows the implementation of the invention - the destination and increasing technical and operating characteristics of the security element eliminating the above drawbacks analogues.

Achievement of the said technical result in the claimed invention is carried out through the use of a security element which is a set of sequential execution of layers consisting of a substrate having two working surfaces on the lower surface of which is made reflective layer, on the top working surface formed security OVD made as a coordinated composite image consisting of at least two interconnected agreed between themselves - parts visible in natural light and a part that is visible only in polarized light; at least one protective and related additional layers including the protective layer itself and / or the transparent layer of the holographic image and / or a transparent pigment layers.

In addition each individual layer may combine several functions. Projection area of the protective layer on the substrate coincides with its area and a reflective layer, a combined image, the additional layers are made completely along the surface of the previous layer or to part of it and perform identical geometric shape or form different from the previous layer.

The implementation of the inventive security element with a plurality of these essential features ensuring the achievement of the above-mentioned protective element is carried out in several stages as follows:

a) selecting and / or fabricating substrate having two working surfaces,

b) applying a reflective layer on the lower surface of the substrate, geometrical shape and its dimensions match or do not match the shape and size of the substrate,

c) formation a medium for direct printing coordinated composite image - sensitive areas for recording the visible and invisible parts of the image on the top working surface of the substrate,

d) with a single printhead for single pass printing simultaneously recording both visible and invisible parts of the image components when viewed in polarized light, a single self-consistent composite image.

e) performing protective layer and associated layers on the top of the coordinated composite image;

wherein each individual layer may combine several functions. Projection area of the protective layer on the substrate coincides with its area, the reflective layer and the additional e layers are made completely along the surface of the previous layer or on its side and the geometrical embodiment is the same or different from that of the previous layer, sensitive areas are made in one plane portion of the substrate surface and the geometric shape of the performance of their different forms of the previous layer.

The claimed invention - a security OVD is characterized by the following essential features:

- The presence of the aggregate series of layers each of which has certain characteristics and performance of the appointment;

- The presence in said set of layers of functional group forming the coordinated composite image comprising a substrate having at least two types of combined image areas containing both the entire visible and covert graphical information, reflective coating on the bottom working surface, - The presence in said set of layers of protective groups and the associated layers including protective layer, transparent pigment layer or transparent layer containing a holographic image,

The claimed invention - a method for producing a security OVD is characterized by a combination of essential features which are implementing the following sequence of actions:

a) selecting and / or fabricating substrate having two working surfaces

b) application a reflective layer on the lower surface of the substrate, geometrical shape and its dimensions match or do not match the shape and size of the substrate, c) imprinting zones of sensitivity for direct printing the visible part of the image on the upper surface of the substrate,

d) forming areas of sensitivity for direct print invisible part of the image on top of the working surface of the substrate,

e) using a single printing device in a single pass printing simultaneously produce both visible and invisible parts of the image components when viewed in polarized light a single coordinated composite image.

f) on top of the coordinated composite image perform protective and associated with it additional layers.

If necessary the lower protective layer is applied.

These essential features in its entirety can achieve the claimed technical result namely the creation a security OVD i.e. images containing hidden and visible portions adapted to each other so that they constitute in polarized light coordinated composite image with a high degree of protection against copying and simulation.

Creation of a security OVD provided by performing together at least two, maximum four functional information -bearing layers: the layer that forms the hidden portion of the image visible only in polarized light, the group consisting of layers forming a visible part of the image; the reflective layer and the substrate having two working surfaces which is the bearer of all these layers. Coordinated composite image obtained by a

thermomechanical treatment (direct thermal) or as a result of exposure to electromagnetic radiation of the corresponding spectral range. The protective and related additional layers are applied to the top working surface over information-bearing functional layers; at a lower working surface on the reflective layer is deposited a protective layer if necessary.

Enhancing the resistance of the security element against copying and imitation is ensured by the presence in the claimed security element of the main security feature: security OVD - a coordinated composite image containing both visible in natural light part and the hidden part. Furthermore, this protective effect may be additionally enhanced by the inclusion of the security element additional protective features: structure and color of reflective and pigment layers.

In addition, the achieved technical result of the claimed invention is the expansion of the arsenal of technical means - optical security elements which can serve as evidence of the authenticity of the protected objects, in particular documents, banknotes, securities, brands of various charges, plastic cards, packaging.

The above set of essential features as an object "security element" and object "method" which allows to achieve the claimed technical result is unknown from the state of the art, i.e. it is not known to use this set of essential features to obtain the claimed technical result. Thus, the claimed invention corresponds to the criterion of "novelty". The essential features of the claimed invention distinguished from the prototype provide (along with the use of other essential features of the invention mentioned in the description) the improvement of technical and operational properties in relation to the prototype and analogs.

A security OVD is constructed of successive layers. Methods of layering are various methods of printing, as well as methods for coating - spraying, various types of printing installations of ultraviolet and infrared radiation. Changing the number and sequence of layers changes the adhesion between layers or layers and substrate.

Over the functional layers are protective layers which serve to protect the functional layers from mechanical damage. Over the protective layers it is possible to perform additional layers associated with them. These layers serve as decorative and / or layers containing additional protective features, for example, a transparent hologram, a porous pigment layer, etc.

The use of all the indicated set of essential features including essential distinctive features for obtaining the claimed technical result should not be explicitly for the specialists from the state of the art since it is not a combination, modification or joint use of the information contained in the prior art and / or general knowledge of a specialist.

On the basis of the above arguments regarding the distinctive features of the invention and their effect on the achieved technical result it should be noted that the claimed technical solution corresponds to the conditions of the inventive step.

Increasing the effectiveness of the claimed technical result is achieved in the following modifications of the security element which characterize particular cases of its implementation.

The security element claimed and described above in which the functional layer of the substrate is made of a single material of the following series: polyethylene and its copolymers, polypropylene and its copolymers, fluoropolymers, polyamides,

polyethylene terephthalate, polycarbonate 6 to 50 μπι thick and other heat-sensitive film materials;

The choice of substrate materials was made on the basis of scientific literature data and an experimental way. When the thickness of the layer of specified materials is fulfilled in the specified interval, a combined image can be imprinted into this layer by direct printing methods using heat-sensitive or photosensitive layers. With a substrate thickness below the lower limit this can not be done and increasing the thickness above the upper limit does not provide technical and technological advantages when imprinting an image.

The security element claimed and described above, in which the functional information-bearing layers forming the visible part of the image are made of

commercially available irreversible thermochromic and photochromic pigments.

The choice of materials of the indicated functional information-bearing layers is carried out on the basis of scientific literary data and by experience. In this case, said layers can be made both from initially colorless and from initially colored pigments.

The security element claimed and described above in which a functional

information-bearing layer forming an invisible part of the image is made of a single material of the following series: polyethylene and its copolymers, polypropylene and its copolymers, fluoropolymers, polyamides, polyethylene terephthalate, polycarbonate 6 to 50 μπι thick.

The choice of materials of this functional information-bearing layer is carried out on the basis of scientific literature data and an experimental way. When the thickness of the layer of said materials is made within this interval, a hidden image can be imprinted in this layer with direct printing methods using reflective layers. With a layer thickness below the lower limit, this can not be done, and increasing the thickness above the upper limit does not give technical and technological advantages when imprinting an image.

The security element claimed and described above in which the functional reflective layer is made of a reflective hologram or holographic hot stamping foil 5-10 μπι, or of metallic silver, aluminum, copper, 50-150 nm thick or light-reflecting pigments.

The choice of the materials of the functional reflective layer is carried out on the basis of scientific literary data and in an experimental way. When these layers are made of a reflective hologram or hot stamping holographic foil the thickness limits of the layers are determined by the thickness of the currently used hologram or holographic foil. When using metallic silver, aluminum, copper the thickness boundaries are determined by the achievement of the necessary continuity and reflectivity which when using different methods of application is achieved with different thicknesses of the layer.

It is expedient to use as a substrate commercially available transparent ones with one-sided metallization made from one polymer material of the above series. This greatly simplifies the technology of manufacturing the security element.

The security element claimed and described above in which the protective layers are made of one material of the following series: dispersions of polypropylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polyvinylidene fluoride, polytrifluorochloroethylene, polycarbonate, as well as lacquers on acrylate, polyurethane basis, 1-5 microns thick, polyethylene terephthalate, polypropylene other thickness 6 -12 microns.

The choice of protective layer materials is carried out by experience. When the thicknesses of these layers are below 1 μπι deformation or destruction of the functional layers during the use of the security element is observed. Execution of thicknesses of layers above 5 microns is inexpedient in view of the achievement at these values of sufficient strength of the protective layer.

The security element claimed and described above in which additional layers are provided over the protective layer which contains a transparent holographic image or a transparent pigment layer, 0.5 to 3 μπι in thickness. The choice of the materials of additional layers associated with the protective layers is carried out by an experimental method. The thickness of these layers is determined by the thickness of the holographic image or the properties of the pigments used.

Increasing the efficiency of the claimed technical result is also achieved in the following modifications of the method for obtaining a security element which characterize particular cases of its performance:

The claimed and described above method according to which the functional layer - the substrate is made of one material of the following series: polyethylene and its copolymers, polypropylene and its copolymers, fluoropolymers, polyamides, polyethylene terephthalate, polycarbonate 6 - 50 μπι thick. The main necessary properties of this layer are heat sensitivity and / or photosensitivity.

The method claimed and described above according to which at least one functional information-bearing layer forming the visible part of the image made of commercially available irreversible thermochromic or photochromic pigments is printed on a part of the upper working surface of the substrate by standard printing methods.

The method according to the invention according to which at least one functional information-bearing layer forming an invisible image portion is formed on on a part of the upper working surface of the substrate made of commercially available irreversible thermosensitive and / or photosensitive film materials. These at least two

information-bearing layers represent a medium for direct printing of a coordinated composite image.

The method claimed and described above according to which on the surface of the functional information-bearing layers by the methods of direct thermal printing or laser printing in one pass both the visible and the hidden parts of the image are formed which when observed in polarized light constitute a single coordinated composite image.

The invented and described above method according to which the protective layers are made of one material of the following series: dispersions of polypropylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polyvinylidene fluoride, polytrifluorochloroethylene, polycarbonate, as well as lacquers on acrylate, polyurethane basis, 1-5 microns thick polyethylene terephthalate, polypropylene 6-12 microns thick using standard printing methods or lamination. The claimed and described above method wherein at least one protective layer contains a transparent holographic image.

The invented and described above method according to which additional layers associated with the protective layer which are a transparent pigment layer are performed over the protective layer by flexography or gravure printing or ultraviolet ink jet printing.

The invented and described above method according to which the protective and associated additional layers are made with a content of transparent pigments in an amount that allows an optical transmission of not less than 60%.

In all of the above-described particular modifications of the method for producing the security element the essential features and their parameters are selected on the basis of scientific and technical and experimental developments. The attainment of the claimed technical result using these essential features specified materials as well as the implementation of the method in the declared intervals of the values of these essential characteristics is confirmed experimentally. When the method is performed outside the stated ranges of values of these essential features the claimed technical result is not achieved. For example, the implementation of a protective layer with a content of transparent pigments in an amount that allows optical transmission of less than 60% the visualization of security signs and images becomes insufficient to identify them.

The claimed invention is industrially applicable, since it can be applied in the printing industry, banking, individual industries and other spheres of the economy. Its use does not cause any difficulties and can be carried out in printing industries, various industrial productions for product labeling. In the manufacture and use of this security element, objects and materials produced by the industry and being in open sale are used.

The claimed method passed industrial tests during which the security elements were obtained in various modifications. Thus, the industrial applicability of the method is confirmed.

The execution of the security element is illustrated in Fig. 1-4: ]

Fig.1 Medium for direct printing of a black and white self-consistent image

a) the cross section of the medium for direct printing of a coordinated composite image consisting of a hidden part and a visible black and white part;

b) distribution of the media sensitivity zones for direct printing of a coordinated composite image consisting of a hidden part and a visible black and white part;

c) the cross-section of a black-and-white security OVD.

Fig.2 a black and white security OVD

a - in natural light,

b - in polarized light.

Fig.3 Medium for direct printing of a multi-color self-consistent image

a) the cross section of the medium for direct printing of a coordinated composite image consisting of a hidden part and a visible multi-color part;

b) distribution of media sensitivity zones for direct printing of a coordinated composite image consisting of a hidden part and a visible multi-color part;

c) the cross-section of a multi-color security OVD

Fig.4 a multi-color security OVD

a) in natural light;

b) in polarized light.

The particularities and characteristics of all the above layers have been described above.

In the most simple embodiment the invention is carried out as follows. According to the claimed method medium I for direct printing of the coordinated composite image is prepared: a functional layer - substrate 100 (Fig.l) 15 μπι in thickness is made, on the upper working surface of the substrate, sensitivity zones are made for direct printing of the concealed signs 102 and to form visible signs 103, it is medium I to form a black and white security OVD. The sensitivity zones 103 for forming the visible part of the image are portions of the surface of the substrate 100 sealed with irreversible thermochromic pigments. The sensitivity zones 102 for forming the hidden part of the image are the naked areas of the surface of the substrate 100, since the polymeric materials chosen for the preparation of the substrate are capable of changing their supramolecular structure under thermomechanical or photo-physical effects with a change in the magnitude of the optical anisotropy without any visible changes in the substrate material.

The security element II is obtained as a result of selective thermomechanical action - direct thermal printing - on the upper working surface of the medium I on which the sensitivity zones 102 and 103 are made for direct printing of the hidden part and the visible part of the image, respectively. Thus, against the background of unexposed areas of sensitivity zones 102 a hidden part of the image 106 (Fig.lc) appears. Simultaneously, in the sensitivity zones 103 the visible part of the image 107 appears. And at the end of the process a reflective layer 101 and a protective layer 110 are applied. These two parts of the image - the hidden 106 and the visible 107 form a coordinated composite image in which only visible part 207 (Fig. 2a) is visible in natural light and in polarized light both parts hidden 206 and visible 207 constitute a coordinated composite image III.

In the most complete embodiment the invention is carried out as follows. According to the claimed method medium IV for direct printing of a multicolor coordinated composite image is prepared: successive functional layers: a substrate 300 (FIG.3) 15 to 50 μπι in thickness and a sensitivity zone to form a hidden portion 302 and to form a visible multi-color part 303 (first color), 304 (2nd color) and 305 (3rd color). The security element V is obtained as a result of selective thermomechanical action - direct thermal printing - on medium IV, in which the sensitivity zones 303, 304 and 305 to form the visible multi-color part of the image are surface areas of substrate 300 sealed with irreversible thermochromic pigments. Sensitivity zones 302 for forming the hidden part of the image are naked areas of the surface of the substrate 300 since the polymeric materials chosen for the preparation of the substrate are capable of changing their supramolecular structure under thermomechanical or photophysical effects. In this case the magnitude of the optical anisotropy changes without any visible changes in the material. Thus, against the background of the unexposed portion of the sensitivity zones 302 a hidden part of the image 306 (Fig.3b, 3c) appears visible only in polarized light. At the same time the visible multi-color part of the image 307, 308 and 305 appears in the sensitivity zones 303, 304 and 305. It is these two parts of the image - the hidden 306 and the multi-color parts 307, 308 and 309 that form a coordinated composite image in which in visible light part 407, 408 and 409 (Fig.4a) and in polarized light (Figure 4b), both the hidden 406 and the multi-color visible 407, 408 and 409 constitute a self-consistent multi-color combined image VI. Finally, a reflective layer 301 (Fig. 3b) and protective layers 310, 312 and an associated additional transparent pigment layer 311 are applied at the end of the process.

In this case protective and additional layers are applied by standard printing methods. The functional reflective layer is performed by methods of deposition of metals with a thickness of 100 nm, the functional information -bearing layers are carried out by gravure printing with thermochromic pigments 2 μπι thick. Execution of additional layers with a transparent pigment is carried out by gravure printing.

From the above description the results of the conducted experiments, the examples of the implementation of the device, it follows that the achievement of the claimed technical result can be ensured and provided only inseparably interconnected set of all the essential features of the claimed device reflected in the claims.