Abstract: The invention relates to an identification document, such as a passport or the like, which consists of a plurality of sheets bound into a book at a seam. At least one of the sheets forms a data sheet provided with information and consisting at least of two layers, at least one of the layers being transparent. The format of the layers is selected so that they protrude beyond the area of the seam thereby ensuring a connection of the data sheet with the other sheets of the identification document in the area of the seam. The layers are connected into an inseparable laminate in the area of the information but do not stick together in the area of the seam.

Abstract: A multilayer card-shaped data carrier has a layer appearing black in the visible wave range, but transparent or permeable to electromagnetic radiation in the invisible wavelength spectrum outside the wavelengths substantially between about 400 and 700 nanometers. The data carrier also has data markings camouflaged by the black layer produced within or below the black layer by a lasing device, which are likewise detectable by commercial optical readers operating in the invisible wavelength spectrum outside the wavelengths substantially between about 400 and 700 nanometers.

Abstract: A multilayer identity card exhibits an outer color layer of a first color and an inner color layer of a second color to allow for identity cards and the like to be written on in several colors. While the outer color layer absorbs virtually no laser beam light used for writing, the second, inner color layers absorbs the laser light. This causes the material of the second color layer to be thermally broken down during the writing operation, i.e. vaporized, sublimated, exposed to a chemical or physical reaction, so that the formation of pressure and resulting eruption blasts the first layer into particles. This makes the second color layer visible. Instead of the second color layer one can also provide a transparent layer of varnish having suitable properties in order to expose a multicolor security print, for example, below this transparent layer of varnish.

Abstract: An identity card is provided with a character set usable as a printing block, whereby the "natural foamability" that laser action brings about in the plastic materials commonly used for identity cards, such as PVC and polycarbonate, is exploited to obtain a relief height sufficient for a clear impression of the characters. The standard total height of the embossed characters relative to the rest of the card surface is reached by an additional deformation of the card body in the embossed character area so as to form flat plateaus underlying the characters.

Abstract: An identity card is provided with a character set usable as a printing block, whereby the "natural foamability" that laser action brings about in the plastic materials commonly used for identity cards, such as PVC and polycarbonate, is exploited to obtain a relief height sufficient for a clear impression of the characters. The standard total height of the embossed characters relative to the rest of the card surface is reached by an additional deformation of the card body in the embossed character area so as to form flat underlying the characters.

Abstract: Information is provided in a multilayer identification card by means of a laser beam. This information is recorded by irreversibly changing (blackening) transparent synthetic material. Synthetic materials which blacked at different intensity values are used for the individual card layers. By controlling the laser beam intensity, information can thus be recorded only in one layer or else simultaneously in several layers. If the layer arrangement, layer materials and recording parameters (intensity, writing width, etc.) are selected appropriately, images can be produced which change their appearance when the viewing angle is changed. The various visual effects which can thereby be obtained serve to distinguish the authenticity of the identification card.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a data carrier (identification card, bank card, credit card, etc.) in which information is provided in an inner volume area by means of a laser beam, the information being visible in the form of changes in the optical properties of the carrier material due to an irreversible change in the material caused by the laser beam and to a method for producing the data carrier and for testing it.

Abstract: Information is provided in a multilayer identification card by means of a laser beam. This information is recorded by irreversibly changing (blackening) transparent synthetic material. Synthetic materials which blacken at different intensity values are used for the individual card layers. By controlling the laser beam intensity, information can thus be recorded only in one layer or else simultaneously in several layers. If the layer arrangement, layer materials and recording parameters (intensity, writing width, etc.) are selected appropriately, images can be produced which change their appearance when the viewing angle is changed. The various visual effects which can thereby be otained serve to distinguish the authenticity of the identification card.

Abstract: A method of personalizing identification cards having erasable and/or overwritable and non-overwritable data. The neutral identification cards, before being written on, are first fed from an input stack to a unit in which the overwritable storage medium, e.g. a magnetic stripe, is written on with the erasable or overwritable data. After the writing process has been checked, the card is removed from the process if its writing is defective, and possibly reinserted in the input stack. If the writing is in order, however, the card is fed to another unit in which it is provided with the non-erasable or non-overwritable data.Data records are made available by a card-issuing agency in order to personalize the identification cards. One data record is kept on hand in a buffer memory for the writing of each identification card.

Abstract: The invention discloses a method and an apparatus for determining the condition or genuineness of flat articles, in particular bank-notes. The bank-note passes through a test station in which a large portion of its surface is scanned by a scanning system as it passes through. The electric signals generated by the scanning system are edited in an analyzing electronic circuit and compared with suitable limiting values and a signal denoting a faulty position is generated when a certain tolerance is exceeded. At least one surface portion defined in respect of position and size is selected and the electric signals appropriate to the scanning of this surface portion are compared only with limiting values selected for this portion.