GB2033299A

GB2033299A - Identification card production

Info

Publication number: GB2033299A
Application number: GB7932877A
Authority: GB
Original assignee: FRESQUET ARTIGOT J
Current assignee: FRESQUET ARTIGOT J
Priority date: 1978-09-21
Filing date: 1979-09-21
Publication date: 1980-05-21
Also published as: GB2033299B; MX152584A; BR7906054A; IT7968842A0; IT1121034B; DE2937906A1; ES473556A1; DE2937906C2

Abstract

At a peripheral terminal personal details of an applicant are entered onto a part 1 of a printed form and his fingerprint and signature onto a stub 1' of the form. The form is provided with a serial number 2. The stub 1' and a photograph of the applicant, marked with a control number, are sent to a central station in an envelope and the personal details together with the serial number, the control number, and an identification number are sent electronically. At the central station, data on the stub 1' are scanned by a digitizer 7 and printed in alpha- numerical characters onto a sheet 13 together with other data. Information from the sheet 13 is transferred to a PVC sheet 17 which is sandwiched with further PVC sheets. The photograph is placed in a recess in this sandwich. <IMAGE>

Description

SPECIFICATION Identification card production The present invention relates to a system for mass-producing personal identification cards.

There are a number of known semi-manual photographic type methods for producing identification cards which have disadvantages with respect to the relative ease with which a produced card can be forged. This forging is due, amongst other reasons to the fact that a photographic reproduction of the original on a base card, on which the data has been filled with a typewriter occupying the spaces alloted to the personal data, has to be made. This presents the problem that the photographic reproduction can be reproduced even though the photographic support has the typical contrast and glossings, if one or more operators alters or forges an already printed card, or produces a card which does not correspond to a personal identity. These problems are derived from the fact that in the heretofor existing methods the production is not controlled by a processing device.

According to the present invention there is provided a method of mass-producing personal identification cards comprising, in the production of each card, at a peripheral terminal recording personal details of the person who will be the owner of the card on a first part of a printed form, recording a fingerprint and a signature of the owner on a secondpart of said form, each part of said form being marked with an owner identification number and a form serial number, electronically sending data comprising said personal details, said identification number and said serial number to a processing device situated at a central location, filing said first part of the form at the peripheral terminal, sending an envelope containing the the said second part of the form and a photograph to the central location, the photograph being marked with a code number and the envelope being marked with said serial number, under the control of the processing device forming a photocomposition in numerical or alpha-numerical characters of said data, said fingerprint and signature recorded on the second part of the form, and also under the control of the processing device combining the photocomposition and photograph in forming the identification card.

The present invention will now be described in more detail, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawing which illustrates a method embodying the present invention.

Referring now to the drawing, the lower portion thereof represents a central station where personal identification cards are produced and the upper portion thereof represents one of a plurality of peripheral terminals. The peripheral terminal may be directly connected to the central station or may function on a local basis. Personal information relating to the applicants or the persons who will be the owners of the cards are collected at the peripheral station and entered on a printed form.

The printed form comprises two separate parts 1 and 1'. The upper 1 and the lower 1' parts can be joined by a weakened line or they can be completely independent, although it is absolutely necessary, irrespective of whether it is printed or whether it is fixed by means of a label, for both the basis or upper part 1 and the lower part or stub 1' as well as the envelope in which the stub 1' is sent to the main processing device to contain a serial number comprising a series of digits, preferably 10 or 1 2 digits, in OCR code and therebelow its bar codification. The applicant of the card completes the part 1 with his personal data.If the terminal is ON-LINE, i.e. directly connected to a main processing device 8 positioned at the central station, the processing device is interrogated as to whether there is a prior registration concerning the applicant. If affirmative, all the personal data which appears on a screen 3 of the terminal is checked with that of the part 1 and by means of a keyboard 4 those details which have changed, for example, domicile, marital status, profession, etc., are altered. Once this operation has taken place, the modified data is transmitted to the main processing device, preserving the personal identification number thereof, and the data memory of the main processing device is updated.If the system if OFF-LINE, i.e. the terminal is not directly connected to the main processing device, by means of the keyboard 4 of the terminal the appearance on the screen 3 of an outline of the part 1 is requested. The outline is provided with the personal data copied from the part 1 in the possession of the applicant by means of the keyboard 4 and if the applicant is an agreement with the data which is printed by a printer 5 forming part of the terminal, the output of which is the same as the data on the basic document 1, the applicant signs the part 1 and the corresponding stub 1', fingerprinting both the basic part 1 and the stub 1'.The operator has previously marked the serial number 2 in OCR and bar code on the basic part 1, the stub 1' and the envelope into which the stub 1' is put, which is sent to the rnain processing device 8 in order to be digitized.

Likewise, once the basic part and the stub have been signed and fingerprinted, the operator fixes a photograph of the applicant to the document 1, and by means of a continuous 10 to 1 2 digit numerator device stamps the back part of another photograph of the applicant with a control number which can be in OCR digits, indicating the place of issuance, date and order number. This same control number is stamped on the basic part 1 and on the envelope containing the stub 1'. This control number is obtained by the operator of the peripheral terminal by using the keyboard so that it may be entered on the file of the applicant together with all the prior mentioned data.It should be pointed out that when issuing a new card and not renewing an existing identification or credit card, the terminal assigns thereto an individual identification number extracted from its memory to which the main processing device 8 (either directly "ON-LINE" or by means of a cassette) has previously alloted a series of identification numbers for this terminal. Once these operations have been carried out, the operator of the terminal writes by pushing the relevant operating key, the contents of the memory of the terminal on a magnetic cassette 6, or directly to the main processing device 8, as the case may be. Thus, the complete file of the applicant or prospective owner of the identification card is recorded on the magnetic film of the cassette 6.This file starts with the serial number 2, followed by the identification number, and all the personal data such as name, surname, domicile, profession, etc., as well as the control number corresponding to that stamped on the reverse of the photograph. The basic parts 1 are filed in the peripheral terminal where the data is collected.

Each one of the stubs 1' is put in its associated envelope, on which the same serial number in OCR letters and bar code as well as the control number of the photograph which, in turn, has been put in the envelope, are printed or fixed. This assembly is sent to the main processing device 8 to be digitized.

The cassettes 6 containing the personal data and the complete file of each owner are also sent to the main processing device 8 where they are read in a cassette reader 7 directly connected to the main processing device 8, each file passing to the data memory in discs 9 of the processing device 8.

The stubs 1 of the envelopes are put in boxes 20 maintaining the same order on arrival, although this need not be strictly carried out. Each box 20 containing the stubs is taken to a work preparation post and each stub is introduced in a flexible transparent plastic sleeve until the complete surface of the screen of a digitizing apparatus 1 8 is covered so that the stubs may be scanned and digitized.

The digitizing apparatus 1 8 consists of photoelectronic scanning diodes having a resolution of up to sixteen lines per millimeter or even more.

The sleeve and, therefore, the stubs contained therein, are cylindrically scanned and the different lumindance levels are converted into digital information which corresponds to the individual scan lines of the cylindrical scanning operation.

The scanning operation is divided into fields, the first of which corresponds to the bar codification of the serial number, then the upper part containing the fingerprint is scanned and so on until the complete surface of each one of the stubs is scanned.

The stubs thus digitized are recorded on a magnetic strip or a similar memory device 19 immediately after the photoelectronic scanning operation. The magnetic strips 1 9 are subjected to classification in the processing device 8 so that the bit by bit digitized signals of each fingerprint and each signature are re-registered under their serial number. With each registration, headed with its serial number, the file of the owner is completed.

The processing device 8 using its photocomposing programme records the registrations on a magnetic strip 10 in the same sequence in which the stubs were read and scanned and, furthermore controls photocomposer 1 2 which reads the strips in its strip reading unit 11.

The photocomposer 12 is, in turn, provided with a magnetic disc in which specific alphanumeric characters are stored and in which the data corresponding to each card to be produced is stored.

Photocomposition takes place by applying the previously mentioned programme to each card in particular, compressing the spaces between letters or even selecting different types of alphabets so that the spaces in which the texts of the personal data of each card are to be inserted are not by-passed longitudinally. Each space can even be photocomposed with OCR characters, but mainly the identification number will be provided with such characters to obtain a completely safe validation, by adding vertical reference lines between characters, with a clear criterion which can be interpreted by the processing device.This is carried out by means of a tabulator applied by the processing device both in the photocomposition operation and in the subsequent interpretation of the readings of the identification number of the card in question, so that the photocomposed separating vertical line appears between two specific consecutive alphabetic letters. In other words, by means of a secret algorithm, the separation lines will be photocomposed in some places or others so that the automatic optoelectronic reading of the identification number of the identification or credit card indicates not only the identity of the owner thereof on a screen-grid terminal, but whether an attempt to forge the text of the card or its identification number has been made. The reading takes place with a photodiode optoelectronic head.

Once developed in the automatic developer assigned to the electronic photocomposer 12, a sheet 13 photo-composed on RC paper or a positive triacetate film is obtained whereon all the characteristic details of each card appear (for example, eighteen cards can appear thereon if the size is DIN-A3), the number of cards depending on the size and the arrangement thereof).

These sheets 13 are numbered at 14 with a number computed and allotted by the processing device, which reflects, besides a numeric code, the date, hour and the day, all the details being written in OCR code, photoelectronically readable.

Then the process of transferring the data from the RC sheet to a rollable polyvinyl chloride sheet takes place by means of a process which comprises an electrostatic transferring device 1 5 in which the RC sheets serve as originals.

An image of the data on the RC sheet is formed using a toner on drum of the device 1 5 and is transferred to the PVC sheet by means of an electric field, the PVC sheet being sandwiched between the source of said field and surface of the drum.

This process of developing and transferring is completed by heat-fixing, by melting the transferred thermoplastic toner image so that a homogeneous body is formed with the surface of the PVC sheet which is, in turn, thermoplastic. If the toner is emulsified with a drying agent, the liquid carrier should likewise be evaporated at the outiet by means of heat or a current of hot air so that the image is permanently fixed to the PVC sheet.

The amount of heat applied to fix the toner image on the PVC sheet, which is also very sensitive to deformation by heat since it is controlled so as to avoid altering or affecting it in the least. The application of this heat by a resistance element or quartz smelting ladles should cause the toner to melt and to form a body with the PVC sheet. The temperature depends on the thickness and surface of the PVC sheet used, but it should in any case be from 60 to 800C below the rolling point corresponding to the thickness of the PVC sheet used.For these reasons, the use of an emulsified liquid toner adapts perfectly to the process of mass production, since it is sufficient to couple to the output of the electrostatic transferring device 1 5 a continuous current of hot air over the PVC sheets containing the transferred image which are discharged therefrom at a temperature of from 50 to 600C, with a velocity of 0.5 to 1 m/sec. and a separation of about 50 cm.

This process produces a duplicate of each RC sheet 13 obtained on a PVC sheet 1 7 having a number 1 6 exactly the same as the number 14 of sheet 1 3 with all the data of the cards which each PVC sheet contains, individualized with its name, surname, date of birth, domicile, signature, fingerprint, as well as the personal identification in photolegible OCR letters.

A sandwich 25 is then formed with complementary PVC sheets which constitute the identification or credit card. Generally, this sandwich is pre-rolled at a temperature and pressure which cause the PVC sheets to adhere to one another, but without being definitely rolled.

During this phase the temperature reaches about 1 500C, depending on the thickness of the PVC sheets.

This sandwich 25 contains a transparent layer forming the back surface of the card, another layer previously heat-printed with the glossings, pressmarks, and contrast patterns or previously printed texts, which can longitudinally be provided with an embedded magnetic strip, and finally a third layer likewise printed with the glossings, pressmarks and other patterns inherent to the card together with the distinctive marks thereof which constitutes the front surface of the card.

This latter layer is stamped with a recess for insertion of the photograph, either in colour or in black and white, of each owner, which will have the same thickness as the PVC sheet. Thus each stamped recess has an individual photograph. The sandwich 25 passes in the same pre-rolled trays to the card production working station to receive a photograph in each stamped recess.

The photograph allocation stations which are provided with-video screen-grid terminal 23 directly connected to the processing device 8 receive, on the one hand, the boxes 20 with the envelopes containing the photographs and, on the other hand, on sheets the personal data sheets transferred to semi-transparent PVC sheets 1 7.

The photograph allocation operation, controlled by the processing device 8 during the process of production is as follows.

The operator of each photograph allocation station starts his work by introducing in the terminal 23 the key with which all the operations carried out by him during his working day are identified. If he does not use an identification key, he utilizes an identification card with a magnetic strip which he introduces in the reader 31 of the station. Thus, the processing device likewise detects the presence of this operator at his post.

Using a photosensitive reading head 22 of the terminal, the operator reads the number 16 of the sheet 1 7 and in case of discrepency in the reading, he obtains the number of said sheet 1 7 by means of the keyboard 26 of terminal 26. Thus, the processing device 8 sends a reply to the terminal 23 which reply appears on the screen together with the serial number of each card placed in the same order and arrangement in which they are photocomposed in the PVC sheet 1 7. The control number of each photograph appears on the screen below each serial number.Likewise, the information appearing on the screen is headed with the number of the sheet 1 7, resulting from the photocomposition in question, since the order of composition coincides with the order in which the stubs were digitized and, therefore, in the same order in which the envelopes are arranged in the boxes 20.

The photosensitive head 22 reads the serial number of an envelope and the coincidence is shown by a flash of the same serial number on the screen. The photograph contained in a determined envelope 21 is read with the photosensitive head and the coincidence of the control number thereof is shown by a flash of the control number on the screen, below the serial number of the card which, in turn, also flashes. This means that in the same position of the sheet 25 and on the final layer 27 precisely in this space, the photograph 24 should be deposited in its stamped recess 28 corresponding to this particular card. If this does not coincide, the screen will indicate the true location of the photograph on this sheet or, on the contrary, that it pertains to another sheet.

The control number of the photograph can also be visually compared.

Once the operation of allocating the photograph to each sheet is completed, the sandwich 25 is completed superimposing thereto the following layer constituted by sheet 1 7, having the number 1 6. This layer is superimposed with the transparent PVC layer.

The back part of each photograph is treated with a liquid PVC solution to obtain a complete adherence to the PVC layer on which it is deposited in the stamped recess and with which it is rolled in the rolling process. The front part of each photograph is likewise treated with the same solution but having a greater density.

Upon completion of the trays containing the sandwich 25, these latter are rolled in a press 29, the pressure and temperature (1 50-2700C) depending on the thickness and type of PVC sheets used, to form during the process a homogenous body between the different layers.

Steel plates are used in said rolling process for one or both surfaces having specific relief engravings which act as additional validations of the card to increase the difficulty in forging same.

The identification or credit cards 32 are individualized in an automatic cutter 30 having a muitiple cutting device.

Should any identification or credit card be provided with a magnetic strip previously embedded therein during the rolling process, as previously stated, then this magnetic strip has magnetically recorded thereon redundant or additional information concerning the purpose for which the identification or credit card is used, to be subsequently read, automatically, by the magnetic head.

To record this information onto the magnetic strip, as the data memory, a screen-grid terminal 33 connected directly to the processing device is used. Thus, the identification number in OCR characters is read with a photo reading head 35 connected to said terminal. The card is then introduced into a magnetic reader-recorder 36 connected to terminal 33 and then the processing device 8 transmits the specific information which should be recorded on the magnetic strip of said card, the reader-recorder 36 carrying out said operation and the identification or credit cards being obtained with the magnetic strip already recorded as indicated with reference 34.

The reader-recorder 36 has the same personal identification code key and actions of the operator who handles it (the main processing device controlling his work) as that of the previously mentioned photograph allocation station 3 1.

Claims

1. A method of mass-producing personal identification cards comprising, in the production of each card, at a peripheral terminal recording details of the person who will be the owner of the card on a first part of a printed form, recording a fingerprint and a signature of the owner on a second part of said form, each part of said form being marked with an owner identification number and a form serial number, electronically sending data comprising said personal details. said identification number and said serial number to a processing device situated at a central location, filing said first part of the form at the peripheral terminal, sending an envelope containing the said second part of the form and a photograph to the central location. the photograph being marked with a code number and the envelope being marked with said serial number, under the control of the processing device, forming a photocomposition in numerical or alpha-numerical characters of said data, said fingerprint and signature recorded on the second part of the form, and also under the control of the processing device combining the photocomposition and photograph in forming the identification card.

2. A method as claimed in claim 1 in which the photocomposition is formed in OCR code and/or bar code.

3. A method as claimed in Claim 1 or Claim 2 in which the second part of the form is photoelectronically scanned by a digitizer, the resulting digital information being recorded on a magnetic strip.

4. A method as claimed in claim 3 in which the processing device reads said magnetic strip, in which in forming the photocomposition OCR characters are recorded, vertical lines being between the different OCR characters which can be interpreted exclusively by the processing device, and in which the photocomposition is formed on RC paper or triacetate film.

5. A method as claimed in Claim 4 in which the photocomposition is transferred to a rollable PVC sheet using an electrostatic transfer device having a drum, an image of the photocomposition being formed on the drum by using toner and transferred to the PVC sheet by placing the PVC sheet between the drum and an electric field source.

6. A method as claimed in claim 5 in which the toner is fixed onto the PVC sheet at a temperature 60O to 800 below the rolling point corresponding to the thickness of the PVC sheet.

7. A method as claimed in claim 6 in which the said PVC sheet is combined with further PVC sheets to obtain a sandwich formed from the PVC sheets, said sandwich being pre-rolled to obtain mutual adherence between the sheets and this rolled at a temperature of approximately 1 500.

8. A method as claimed in claim 7 in which at least one of said PVC sheets forming the sandwich includes distinctive markings, and in which one of said sheets includes a magnetic strip. information being magnetically recorded on said strip.

9. A method of mass-producing personal identification cards substantially as herein before described with reference to the accompanying drawing.

10. An identification card producing by the method as claimed in any one of the preceding claims.