Abstract: A security element in the form of a thread or strip to be embedded in security documents such as bank notes, checks, bonds, identity cards, credit cards or the like, having characters, patterns, etc., that are readable by transmitted light to the naked eye and/or by machine. The security element consists of a transparent plastic film having an opaque coating extending over the element with blank areas in the form of the characters and patterns to be introduced. The security element also contains, in areas congruent with the blank areas, coloring and/or luminescent substances which cause the characters and/or patterns to differ from the security document and from the opaque coating by color contrast under suitable light conditions.

Abstract: A security element in the form of a thread or strip to be embedded in security documents such as bank notes, checks, bonds, identity cards, credit cards or the like, having characters, patterns, etc., that are readable by transmitted light to the naked eye and/or by machine. The security element consists of a transparent plastic film having an opaque coating extending over the element with recesses in the form of the characters and patterns to be introduced. The security element also contains, in areas congruent with the recesses, coloring and/or luminescent substances which cause the characters and/or patterns to differ from the security document and from the opaque coating by color contrast under suitable light conditions.