EP1322472B1 - Data carrier comprising a gravure printed image and methods for transposing image motifs into linear structures and onto a gravure printing plate - Google Patents

Abstract

A data carrier printed by line intaglio having a halftone image represented by irregular line structures in the manner of an engraving. The line structures are superimposed at least partly by fine structures rendered in positive or negative representation. Methods are provided for generating and processing irregular line structures as digital image data on a computer following individual specifications by an operator. The line structures are transferred to a line intaglio printing plate. The digital image data is used for controlling an engraving apparatus. In the alternative, other printing processes may be involved wherein the digital image data is superimposed at least partly with fine structures rendered in positive or negative representation.

Description

The invention relates to a data carrier printed using intaglio printing and a method with which any image motifs in a gravure printing plate can be transferred.

In the gravure printing process, the ink-transferring areas of the Provide pressure plate with depressions. The wells are with Ink filled, the excess ink using a wiping cylinder or squeegee away from the plate surface, leaving only the indentations are filled with ink, and the inked printing plate against a substrate pressed, which usually consists of paper. When separating substrate and printing plate, the printing ink from the wells in the Transfer the printing plate surface to the substrate. One distinguishes between screen gravure and intaglio printing.

With conventional gravure printing, an image is represented by small, wells that are close together but separate from each other in the Printing plate generated with a relatively thin liquid ink be filled. After transfer to the substrate to be printed runs the ink and the sharp demarcation between the individual Pixels blurred. Different shades or grays are available in gravure printing either by varying the density of the cells or by a different cup depth and size over that of the Quantity of ink transferred during printing.

In intaglio printing, the ink-transferring depressions of the printing plate are in contrast, not dot-like as in gravure printing, but usually linear. Intaglio printing is therefore also called line intaglio printing designated. The contact pressure between the pressure plate or pressure cylinder and substrate is very high, causing the substrate material to print is also permanently shaped. The transferred ink is pasty Consistency and remains after transfer to the substrate and can therefore not only with sufficient ink layer thickness after drying form visible structures that can also be grasped with the sense of touch.

In the traditional process for the production of intaglio printing plates an image motif to be displayed is resolved by line structures and these Lines cut manually into a metal plate. The "engraved" metal plate could be used directly as a printing plate, is usually but first reproduced with common impression and electroplating techniques. The manual production of the printing plate original makes for an appealing and faithful reproduction of the motif very high requirements the artistic and craft skills, it offers hardly any change and correction options and it is time consuming and expensive. Therefore, a so-called "stitch drawing" is often first created at the implementation of the motif to be displayed in line structures in the first Step is done graphically. The change and correction options when creating the drawing are compared to the direct lancing in a metal plate somewhat expanded, but still very limited overall. The technical and artistic requirements for the Draftsmen are still very high.

Using photographic methods, the stitch drawing can be made on a transparent Film is transferred through which a photoresist layer is exposed, which is on the printing plate. In the lines corresponding to the drawing Areas, the printing plate surface is exposed and then the ink-receiving depressions produced by etching. The generated In addition to the etching time, depth also depends on the line width, since fine lines with the same etching time lead to a smaller etching depth than wide lines. On a printing plate very different and from the line width Generating largely independent etching depths is this method only possible to a very limited extent through repeated etching. there additional areas are created between the individual etching processes Cover layers applied to or removed from the printing plate. The additional Working steps make this procedure very complex. In addition, the fineness of the structures that can be produced is limited and that The etching result is not exactly reproducible.

In WO 97/48555 a method is presented with which one of lines existing drawing by engraving in the surface of a printing plate is transmitted. For each stroke of the drawing, one along the Edge contour of the line running path calculated for the engraving tool. This procedure does not apply to the printing plate etching resulting restrictions, the complex and inflexible production a stitch drawing that hardly any possibilities for subsequent Offering change remains one for this process as well necessary requirement.

In WO 83/00570 a method is explained with which a halftone image can be represented by freely chosen grid elements. The entire image area covered with regularly arranged raster elements and the tonal value of an image area is represented by the fact that the raster element corresponding to this image area is shown with a line width that was previously assigned to the respective tone value. Such Raster structures arranged evenly in the entire image area generate a synthetic, especially in portraits, inanimate expression. In addition, there are usually always image areas in which the geometry of a single raster element is clearly visible and is accessible to potential imitators. Because the structure of the grid reproductions and fakes remain the same in the entire image area in this way, screened images are relatively easy.

The object of the present invention is a data carrier propose the print image produced by intaglio printing is more complex and therefore more tamper-proof. A procedure is also intended be proposed with any image motifs in a gravure printing plate can be transferred, and not the restrictions of the prior art. In particular, the method should be a enable faster and more flexible implementation of a picture motif as well Changes and corrections to the graphic implementation of the image motif facilitate and enable a more complex design of the printed image.

The object is achieved by using a data carrier or a method the features of the independent claims. Advantageous further training the invention are the subject of the dependent claims.

A data carrier according to the present invention has an intaglio printing process printed halftone image, reproduced in stitch manner becomes. That means the contours, contrasts and tonal values of what is to be represented Motifs are reproduced by irregular line structures, their distance, line width, geometry and type in the printed image is specifically varied in order to achieve different visual impressions. The Print image has repetitive printed structural elements, for example Lines or crossing lines on which at least partially one Fine structure is superimposed. Through the integrated in the structural elements Fine structures increase the complexity of the printed image enormously, and thereby its imitability and counterfeitability significantly reduced. It can also through the fine structure the visual impression achieved by the structural elements can also be changed. The one created in stitching technology Image motif own expressiveness and liveliness, through the individual Design and arrangement of the line structures generated remains received however.

The fine structures can be cut out, i.e. unprinted areas are formed that are present in the printed structural elements that continuously and continuously or in regular or irregular Intervals can be interrupted. It is also possible to print the To dissolve structural elements by superimposing them with a fine structure, i.e. the area of the structural elements originally covered with color is represented by individual printed characters, represented in positive representation or symbols replaced. Only the outline of the remains the same Structural elements. The fine structures can be any text, alphanumeric characters, logos, symbols, geometric figures or the like form.

If the fine structures are designed accordingly, they can be visual visible or hidden in the printed image, only by means of technical aids legible additional information or authenticity features are used. Forming the fine structures as anti-copying structures is also possible possible.

Are the fine structures in negative representation, i.e. as unprinted cutouts reproduced in a printed environment, especially lines or the crossing areas of intersecting lines advantageously designed become. So it is possible to have an unprinted line in a printed line to be left out, the blank line also as a double or multiple line can be executed. The unprinted line preferably runs exactly parallel to the geometric center line of the printed line. The Cutouts can also be designed as signs, patterns, symbols, which, for example, a readable text or one that identifies the manufacturer Represent logo. Such texts or symbols can vary depending on Size simply checked with or without tools, for example a magnifying glass become.

If the structural element is formed by intersecting lines, it can in particular the entire intersection area or one parallel to the intersection area area of a line. It is also possible, any sign or symbol in the intersection area to be left out and thus reproduced in negative form.

If, on the other hand, the fine structure is reproduced in a positive representation, a structural element, for example a line through any single positive printed characters or symbols resolved. The signs or symbols can be connected to each other or spaced from each other and are preferred along the geometric center line of the to be resolved Line arranged. The signs or symbols can remain in the same way or of varying sizes. Varies the line to be resolved in its line width, a preferred embodiment is that Line borderless through in size and / or line width according to the Play line width varying characters or symbols.

For the printing technically safe reproduction of fine structures for the positive display prefers line widths that are greater than or equal to 25 µm recesses are preferred for the negative display, which have a clear width of 35 µm or more. Positive and negative representations can also be combined as desired. Both can Representations not only in different places within a print image are used, but also within a structural element in any order and order can be combined. Independently whether for the fine structure a positive or a negative representation characters and / or symbols can be selected within a structure element can be combined as desired, and neighboring structural elements with the same, alternating regularly or completely different Fine structures can be designed. For overlaying with a fine structure are preferably used such line structures that in Print image have a line width of at least 200 microns.

For the production of the halftone image according to the invention is after The method according to the invention provides an image motif as a digital data record provided, the image data being available as pixel data. The picture motif is displayed visually based on the pixel data and can thus be used as a template for the subsequent graphic implementation of the image motif in the way serve a stitch drawing. Here, based on the specifications of an operator individual line structures in an electronic data processing system generated that reproduce the contours and halftones of the image motif. For image areas that have a different visual impression different line structures are created. The the Digital image data representing line structures are stored in a vector-based Data format saved. If desired, the individual Lines of the line structures or the corresponding image data in the processed electronic data processing system. This can be a more detailed Representation or a nuanced change in visual Impression of an image or image area can be achieved. The possibly Edited digital image data are kept while maintaining the vector-based Data format saved. Based on this digital image data then controlled a precision engraving device in such a way that in the surface of an intaglio printing plate correspond to the line structures Depressions are generated.

A particular advantage of this procedure in the production of intaglio printing plates is that on the intermediate step of making a physical stitch drawing by output of the digital Image data on a printer or imagesetter can be omitted. Conventional engraving or etching processes are against this intermediate result reliant. Because every additional intermediate step is not only Requires time and effort, but also represents a possible source of error, the method according to the invention is not only faster and more economical, but also safer. Because the issue of a stitch drawing and their further use inevitably with the engraving or etching The method according to the invention allows tolerances, due to the direct further processing of the digital image data also a more detailed one and more accurate implementation of the image motif in the intaglio printing plate. In addition, it is possible to extract a section of the to replace digitally stored image motifs and with changed line structures, how to reproduce the fine structure according to the invention. The The image can be created using the electronic data processing system be scaled, rotated and mirrored without being in a figurative Form present drawing, which always has a fixed size something needs to be changed. It also eliminates the need for a new printout for each change variant of the edited image motif to make or to expose a film.

In connection with the present invention, in which an image motif represented by irregular line structures are underneath not only understood continuous and broken lines, but also dashed, dash-dotted and dotted lines. Other geometrical ones too Symbols periodically along a math Line are arranged, can be a line structure in the sense of the invention form.

In the sense of the invention, the engraving can be carried out by means of machining processes such as milling, scraping or planing, as well as by means of non-contact Material removal processes, such as laser engraving. Präzisionsfräsverfahren are preferred. The engraved plate can be used immediately Printing plate can be used or as an original for common impression and Duplication processes are used by those used in intaglio printing Printing plates are only created.

Are the image data for carrying out the method according to the invention not already as a digital image file, an image motif must first be electronic recorded and digitized. This will depend on the motif to be displayed first an image is made, which is broken down into individual pixels, which are commonly referred to as "pixels". In addition to the coordinates A gray or color value is also recorded for each pixel. The selection of the There are no restrictions on the motif to be displayed. As template can real objects, such as sculptures, buildings or Landscapes serve as well as halftone images, such as photographs or Painting. For digitizing already existing motifs a scanner can preferably be used, which of course is an appropriate one Must have resolution. To digitize the image of a real object is preferably a video camera or digital camera used. To the sequence of the subsequent procedural steps to be able to design independently of one another, the "pixel data" designated digital image data stored.

The visual data is carried out on the basis of the pixel data, preferably on a monitor Representation of the digital image data. If desired or necessary, will be the pixel data electronically retouched, including their processing an electronic data processing system is understood. When retouching annoying details can be removed, contours reinforced or weakened or the contrasts of the image, possibly only for individual image areas can be changed.

Analogous to the procedure for the manual creation of a stitch drawing are carried out in an electronic data processing system Operator's specifications generated irregular line structures that the Render contours and halftones of the image to be displayed. In The one made on the basis of the pixel data advantageously serves visual representation of the motif as a template. The implementation of the picture motif in line structures is particularly facilitated if the digitized and image motif reproduced by the pixel data on a monitor in the Background is shown while the operator is in the foreground desired line structures generated. The course of the generated lines can be specified manually by the operator, the one level lying coordinates of the line course are recorded by an input medium and transmitted to the data processing system. purpose are especially a drawing board or a computer mouse, also a So-called trackball or a joystick can be used as the input medium.

The digital image data, which represent the line structures, are in saved in a vector-based data format. Especially at very high high resolution graphics is for a data format based on vector representation takes up less storage space than for a pixel-based data format appropriate resolution. Due to the smaller amount of data subsequent processing steps can be carried out more quickly.

For the creation and editing of line structures that a given Should reproduce the image motif in an appealing and detailed manner, it is advantageous to change the line structures immediately during each change visualize. This allows the operator, for example, to a monitor, a change in the image initiated by him in each phase perceive instantly and their influence on the visual appearance check the illustration. When editing the line structures reproducing digital image data can include structural elements, such as lines or crossing points, can be specifically changed. The so processed digital image data is finally saved and combined into one any later point in time to control a precision engraving device used. Even when saving the edited Image data is maintained in the data format based on a vector representation.

The engraving device is controlled in such a way that accordingly the course and geometry of the digital image data represented line structures in the surface of an intaglio printing plate Indentations are created, which are intended for receiving ink are.

With the method according to the invention it is basically possible for Engraving depth in the printing plate is independent of the line width Specify value. This value can basically be for all or part of the lines to be engraved can be constant, but it can also be program-controlled dependent on a given mathematical relationship can be calculated from the respective line width. It is also possible that the operator only for a single line, a section of a line or a group of lines specifies any engraving depth, as long as it is is within the technological possibilities. Especially at Lines of narrow line width are of course subject to the feasible engraving depth manufacturing restrictions.

The methods according to the invention allow simple processing printing motifs, in particular a processing of the invention Structural elements. In particular, the line width and the geometry the line ends of individual lines can be specifically changed. The line ends can for example be rectangular, semicircular or tapered Preserve geometry. It is also possible to stretch the lines, too compress, distort or change their basic geometry. Received in the process the opposite boundary edges of a line, for example no parallel course, but an opposite curvature, so that the line or a line segment has a lenticular or lance-shaped basic geometry receives. All processing steps can be carried out on a single Line or at the same time on a whole group of lines through which a complete image area is reproduced. Further it is possible with the aid of the method according to the invention, which results in a printed Do not perform line-leading engraving over the entire surface, but instead not to engrave an area along the geometric center line. Becomes the engraving is made only along the two edges of a line a double line within the specified line width. Further New design options arise for structural elements that result from crossing lines exist. For example, the digital image data be prepared for engraving in such a way that crossing points are not be engraved. Data carriers printed with appropriate printing plates then have no printing ink in the crossing area of the lines. A Another variant is that of two crossing lines only one is continuously engraved, while the second is in the intersection area discontinued, i.e. is interrupted and the two parts of the interrupted Do not touch the crossing, continuous line. A another variant is not only to split a line into a double line, but to render pinnated at least in sections.

The one for intaglio printing plate production and the actual printing process required equipment is available as well as the required Know-how is very limited and requires a significant amount material and financial expenditure. Because the effort required represents a significant barrier for potential imitators and counterfeiters, the intaglio printing process is preferably used for security and security printing, for example for the production of banknotes, shares, passports, ID, high-quality tickets and similar documents used. The method according to the invention for the design of intaglio printing plates enables the implementation of those described above Structural elements with such precision and delicacy that they appear in the printed image thus created data carrier as visually visible or only with the help security features that can be checked with a magnifying glass are used can.

The method explained using the production of intaglio printing plates to create an image motif that is characterized by irregular line structures reproduced, is basically also suitable for making templates or to produce printing forms for other printing processes. Because implementations of a picture motif in an engraving manner So far not in the manner described, and their line structures are now overlaid with additional fine structures for the first time, The method according to the invention can also be used in an advantageous manner the digital image data generated with it, for example in a digital printer, film setter, platesetter or other digital To further process printing processes. The options explained above and advantages such as liveliness, individuality and complexity the method of representation can be achieved by the method according to the invention also for other printing processes, e.g. use offset printing.

Further advantages result from the following description of exemplary embodiments.

Fig. 1

die Darstellung eines Portraits in Stichmanier,

Fig. 2

Ausschnitt einer konventionellen Stichdarstellung ohne Feinstrukturen,

Fig. 3 bis 8

Ausschnitt einer Stichdarstellung mit unterschiedlichen Varianten von Feinstrukturen,

Fig. 9

Varianten sich kreuzender Linien mit unterschiedlichen Feinstrukturen.

Show it:

Fig. 1

the portrayal of a portrait in stitch fashion,

Fig. 2

Section of a conventional stitch display without fine structures,

3 to 8

Section of a stitch representation with different variants of fine structures,

Fig. 9

Variants of intersecting lines with different fine structures.

In Fig. 1 the portrait of a person is reproduced in the manner of a stitch. That is, everyone Contours and picture elements are, as is usual with stitch depiction, with Reproduced with the help of varying line structures. These can come from solid or broken lines exist, such as in Image area of the coat and beard, or also from dashed or dotted Lines as can be seen in the area of the ear, cheek and forehead is. According to the methods known from the prior art such images are manually cut directly into a metal plate or drawn by hand on paper. When implementing a picture motif Different shades and color or Gray values reproduced in that for the differently toned Image areas used different types of line structures and / or the line width and line spacing can be varied. This creates bright areas such as the area of the forehead, cheeks and ear preferred in the present portrait by fine, relatively far apart spaced lines reproduced, which are also dashed or dash-dotted or dotted. Dark areas of the image, such as the hat or coat in the present portrait are preferred by broad, closely spaced lines are shown. To create darker Areas or to achieve a changed visual impression, as in the Area of the mantle, or the side of the nose, can also be a first group of largely parallel lines, referred to as the "main location" will be superimposed on a so-called "secondary location", which consists of second group of also largely parallel lines.

When converting such an image into an intaglio printing plate according to the inventive method can serve as a template for the stitch display of the portrait, for example, served a painting that was digitized using a digital camera. The in a pixel-based data format stored image data were then electronically retouched, the contrasts of individual image areas have been changed. Frequently it is advantageous to mark the transitions of pronounced contours (e.g. of folds in clothing or the outline of the nose) or weaken. It has been shown that subsequent work steps be made easier when the retouched pixel data for the operator visible, displayed on a monitor. The representation of the on the Image based on pixel data takes place in the background while in the foreground the line structures are generated by the operator's specifications, which reflect the individual elements and details of the portrait. The The operator runs a line on a drawing board, for example predefined, which captures the coordinates of the course and on transmitted a data processing system. Are the line base geometry and the line width has already been determined, the line can be in the desired Design can be displayed instantly on the monitor and serves the operator for immediate control of his actions. The process of creating lines based on the specifications of the operator in connection with the simultaneous Representation of the generated line on the monitor thus largely corresponds a free manual drawing, however, has the advantage that each is electronic generated line structure can be edited later can. So it is e.g. possible without problems, an already generated line subsequently extend or shorten the line width of the entire To change the line or individual areas, to distort a line or the To change the geometry of the line ends. For example, end in FIG. 1 most of the lines representing the right side of the mantle in one rectangular profile, while most of the beard and head hair reproducing lines have pointed ends. Semi-circular Line ends are just as conceivable as other asymmetrical or user-generated ones Geometries. The changes and edits can both carried out on a single line or simultaneously on entire line groups that together represent an image area.

When processing the digital, representing the line structures Image data it is possible to single lines or groups of lines a certain Assign engraving depth. For example, a main layer can be lower or be engraved flatter than the associated secondary layer. It is also possible some very close lines of the same or different ones Line width in a very different engraving depth implement. The one of two very close lines same width could, for example, in the intaglio printing plate with a Depth of 10 µm can be engraved, while the second with an engraving depth of 150 µm is generated. With conventional etching technology, there are Features not realizable.

2 to 8 show a section of a stitch representation of a portrait. While parts of a facial contour can be seen in the upper left part of the picture are a section of the collar in the middle and lower right part of the picture the clothing and shoulder 1 reproduced. In the image sections it is clearly recognizable that different areas of the image motif through different, i.e. varying and therefore irregular overall Line structures are shown.

Fig. 2 shows a portrait section in a representation according to the State of the art with continuous and interrupted, as well as partially crossing line structures. The individual lines have no additional ones Sub or fine structures.

3, the line structures which represent the right shoulder area 1, a fine structure is superimposed. In the present example, the Fine structure as a recess in the printed, through the horizontal lines educated environment. The recesses form in a negative representation rendered lines that are exactly on the center line of the printed environment forming printed lines. The fine lines of the diagonal running secondary layer are carried out continuously, so that the recesses, i.e. the negative lines at the intersections of the lines of the main and Secondary location can be interrupted.

In the embodiment shown in Fig. 4, the fine lines are diagonally running secondary layer through the recesses in the horizontal Main location interrupted. As a result, the recesses in the Main location of continuous negative lines.

In the embodiment of FIG. 5, the recesses in the horizontal running lines of the main position of the shoulder area 1 a very fine double line in negative representation, which in turn is exactly parallel to the geometric center line. The lines of the diagonal Secondary locations are again not continuous, but are in the intersection area with the lines of the main layer also through the recesses interrupted.

In Fig. 6a) the fine structure is shown in the lines of the shoulder area 1 Cutouts with a simple but different geometric contour in Formed by circles and short dashes. The cutouts in one Each line has the same shape of a simple geometric figure " while successive lines each have different figures as Have recesses.

6b) there are negative structures in the line structures of the shoulder region 1 introduced that alternate numbers in successive lines with multiple digits and letters, the letters partially Form words. In addition, in Fig. 6b) are examples of others possible combinations parts of the line structures representing the collar provided with different fine structures. In the middle part of the collar 2 are the lines shown in negative representation, that is, omitted Center lines overlaid. The lines of the left collar part 3 was a fine structure overlaid with spaced-apart recesses simple elongated geometry.

7, the fine structure is shown by cutouts in the printed Lines formed, in this embodiment one of the letters "G" and "D" composite logo reproduced in a negative representation is. The logo is along the lines overlaid with the fine structure repeated many times at regular intervals.

In Fig. 8a) is in the horizontal lines of the right shoulder area 1 introduced a fine structure that shows the same logo as in Fig. 7. In Fig. 8a), however, a positive representation was chosen for the logo, i.e., the logo is due to printed structures in front of an unprinted environment played. The line overlaid with the fine structure is thereby largely resolved and only a narrow edge contour remains. The logo is again positioned exactly on the geometric center line and repeated many times along the center line. Instead of that shown in Figure 8a) Representation is also possible with the fine structure completely dissolve the superimposed line, and the contour of its edges by representing characters or symbols in their size and where appropriate also in line width according to the width of the to be resolved Line vary. An example of this is shown in Fig. 8b). This figure gives an excerpt from a different stitch representation than the previous ones Figures again. The section shows an enlarged view part of a face portrait, the left eye area and Main hair. One of the lines that represents hair or a tuft of hair is not all-over, but with a fine structure. The Fine structure consists of capital letters in positive representation, which together form the term "Gutenberg". The arrangement and size or height the letter follows the course and the outer contour of the original Line that represents a strand of hair. In addition, before and after Group of letters very fine, transverse to the direction of the hair strand arranged negative lines introduced, the hairline into shorter individual segments divide.

The data carriers according to the invention are in no way based on those in the Limited fine structures shown embodiments. In the sense of the Any variations and combinations of the invention are different Types and types of fine structures possible.

In Fig. 9 are schematic and in an enlarged view as structural elements different variants of crossing lines are shown. 9a) corresponds to the prior art, in which both lines cover the entire surface are printed. In Fig. 9b) and 9c) the crossing area is different Designed wisely. In Fig. 9b) the fine structure is that in the intersection area only one solid line is played while the second is interrupted in the intersection area and interrupted in this Area is not printed. The two parts of the interrupted Line are spaced so far apart that they are the first continuous Do not touch the line. Both are in the embodiment variant according to FIG. 9c) crossing lines interrupted in the intersection area and exactly the area, that would be covered by both lines is left out.

In the design variants according to FIGS. 9d) and 9e) one of the two crossing lines do not cover the entire width of the line reproduced, but only along their two bounding the line Edges, and an area running along the geometric center line spared. In the embodiment according to Fig. 9e) the recessed Middle area no constant width over the entire length of the line, but tapers to a point at the line ends.

In Fig. 9f) it is shown that a line is feathered in a partial section becomes. This section is not reproduced over the entire area, but broken down into individual finer sub-lines, which are different Geometry of the ends of the partial lines can have. In the reproduced in Fig. 9f) For example, the ends of the partial lines are rectangular and pointed tapering geometries. The total width of the sub-lines and the between the gaps between them are the line width of the original, not feathered line.

The variants shown in FIGS. 9b) to 9f) are different types of fine structures, individually or in different combinations integrated in the intaglio printing image of the data carrier according to the invention can be.

By the method according to the invention for the production of intaglio printing plates can the embodiments of lines described above or line crossings and fine structures with such delicacy and precision be carried out with conventional, from the state of the art Techniques known processes are not reproducible.

Claims (36)

1. A data carrier with a halftone image printed by the intaglio printing method that is represented in the manner of an engraving, i.e. by irregular line structures, and has repetitive printed structural elements, characterized in that the structural elements are superimposed at least partly by fine structures present as blank areas in the structural elements.
2. A data carrier according to claim 1, characterized in that the structural elements are lines.
3. A data carrier according to claim 2, characterized in that the fine structures are formed by continuous or interrupted areas extending along the center line of the lines, the edges of the lines being largely retained as a continuous, uninterrupted contour.
4. A data carrier according to claim 2, characterized in that the fine structure causes line endings to be feathered or a line to be split into a plurality of spaced-apart, substantially parallel partial lines at least in certain sections while retaining its original width.
5. A data carrier according to claim 1, characterized in that the structural elements are crossing lines.
6. A data carrier according to claim 5, characterized in that the fine structures are formed by unprinted line areas.
7. A data carrier according to claim 5, characterized in that the crossing lines are left blank in the crossing area.
8. A data carrier with a halftone image printed by the intaglio printing method that is represented in the manner of an engraving, i.e. by irregular line structures, and has repetitive, printed structural elements, characterized in that the structural elements are superimposed at least partly by fine structures that resolve the structural elements into positively printed characters or symbols.
9. A data carrier according to claim 8, characterized in that the structural elements are lines.
10. A data carrier according to any of claims 1 or 8, characterized in that the fine structures are formed by text, alphanumeric characters, logos, symbols, geometrical figures or combinations thereof.
11. A data carrier according to at least one of the above claims, characterized in that the fine structures are rendered both in negative representation, i.e. as blank areas in printed surroundings, and in positive representation.
12. A method for converting a picture motif to an intaglio printing plate having the steps:

    a. providing digital first image data that are present as pixel data and represent a picture motif,

    b. visually displaying the picture motif on the basis of the pixel data,

    c. generating irregular line structures, the contours and halftones of the picture motif being rendered by different line structures in certain areas following specifications by an operator,

    d. storing the digital second image data rendering the line structures in a vector-based data format,

    e. optionally processing the individual lines of the line structures and storing the processed second image data,

    f. controlling a precision engraving apparatus on the basis of the processed second image data so as to produce depressions corresponding to the line structures in the surface of an intaglio printing plate.
13. A method according to claim 12, characterized in that during processing in step e the lines are superimposed at least partly by a fine structure causing the lines to be resolved into individual characters or symbols rendered in positive representation.
14. A method according to claim 12, characterized in that during processing in step e the lines or the crossing areas of lines are superimposed at least partly by a fine structure rendered in negative representation in the lines or crossing areas.
15. A method according to any of claims 12 to 14, characterized in that during control of the engraving machine in step f an associated engraving depth is calculated from a given line width with program control.
16. A method according to any of claims 12 to 15, characterized in that a certain engraving depth is specified by the operator for a single line or a group of lines.
17. A method according to any of claims 14 to 16, characterized in that at least one line is rendered not solidly but with a blank, unengraved center line.
18. A method according to any of claims 14 to 17, characterized in that crossing lines are not engraved in the crossing area.
19. A method according to any of claims 14 to 17, characterized in that one of two crossing lines is completely engraved and continuous in the crossing area while the other is not engraved and thus interrupted in the crossing area, so that the two crossing lines do not touch.
20. A method according to any of claims 12 to 19, characterized in that a line is rendered in feathered fashion at least in certain sections.
21. An intaglio printing plate, characterized in that it was produced by a method according to any of claims 12 to 20.
22. A method for producing a picture motif with irregular line structures having the steps:

    a. providing digital first image data that are present as pixel data and represent a picture motif,

    b. visually displaying the picture motif on the basis of the pixel data,

    c. generating irregular line structures, the contours and halftones of the picture motif being rendered by different line structures in certain areas following specifications by an operator,

    d. storing the digital second image data rendering the line structures in a vecvector-based data format,

    e. optionally processing the individual lines of the line structures,

    f. at least partly superimposing the line structures with a fine structure so that at least one line or crossing lines enclose contours rendered in negative representation and storing the processed second image data.
23. A method for producing a picture motif with irregular line structures having the steps:

    a. providing digital first image data that are present as pixel data and represent a picture motif,

    b. visually displaying the picture motif on the basis of the pixel data,

    c. generating irregular line structures, the contours and halftones of the picture motif being rendered by different line structures in certain areas following specifications by an operator,

    d. storing the digital second image data rendering the line structures in a vector-based data format,

    e. optionally processing the individual lines of the line structures,

    f. at least partly superimposing the line structures with a fine structure so that at least one line is resolved into characters or symbols rendered in positive representation and storing the processed second image data.
24. A method according to any of claims 13, 14, 22 or 23, characterized in that the fine structure forms a text, alphanumeric characters, logos, symbols or geometrical figures.
25. A method according to any of claims 12, 22 or 23, characterized in that a picture motif is digitized for providing the pixel data in step a, the picture motif being resolved into individual, pixel-like image points and the coordinates and gray or color value being determined and stored for each image point.
26. A method according to claim 25, characterized in that digitizing is effected with a scanner, a video camera or a digital camera.
27. A method according to any of the above method claims, characterized in that the pixel data are retouched electronically.
28. A method according to any of the above method claims, characterized in that the contrasts of the digitized picture motif are changed at least in certain areas upon retouching of the pixel data.
29. A method according to any of the above method claims, characterized in that the visual display of the picture motif in step b is effected on a monitor.
30. A method according to any of the above method claims, characterized in that during generation of the line structures in step c the pattern of a line is specified by the operator manually with the aid of an input medium for detecting two-dimensional coordinates.
31. A method according to claim 30, characterized in that the input medium is a computer mouse, a drawing tablet, a trackball or a joystick.
32. A method according to any of the above method claims, characterized in that the line structures are visually displayed directly and without delay during their generation and processing in steps c and e.
33. A method according to any of the above method claims, characterized in that the visual display of the line structures in the background is superimposed by the picture motif rendered by the pixel data.
34. A method according to any of the above method claims, characterized in that during processing of the lines in step e their line thickness is varied or the geometry of the line endings is changed.
35. A method according to claim 34, characterized in that lines are given semicircular, rectangular or tapered endings.
36. A method according to any of the above method claims, characterized in that the lines are stretched, compressed or distorted during processing in step e.

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