Abstract: A micro-optic security device with zonal color transitions includes a planar array of focusing elements, an image icon layer including a plurality of retaining structures, the plurality of retaining structures defining isolated volumes at a first depth within the image icon layer, a first zone of image icons, the first zone of image icons having a first predefined subset of the plurality of retaining structures, wherein the isolated volumes of retaining structures of the first predefined subset of the plurality of retaining structures contain cured pigmented material of a first color, and a second zone of image icons, the second zone of image icons including a second predefined subset of the plurality of retaining structures, wherein the isolated volumes of retaining structures of the second predefined subset of the plurality of retaining structures contain cured pigmented material of a second color, wherein the second color contrasts with the first color.

Abstract: An IR and/or UV machine-readable optical security device (e.g., micro-optic security thread) that is made up of at least one IR-absorbing component with a characteristic IR signature detectable at two or more IR-wavelengths, at least one UV-absorbing component with a characteristic UV signature detectable at two or more UV-wavelengths, at least one IR-absorbing component that absorbs IR light and emits light at a different invisible wavelength, at least one UV-absorbing component that absorbs UV light and emits light at a different invisible wavelength, or a combination thereof, is provided. The IR and UV machine-readable features do not interfere with the optical effects projected by the optical material.

Abstract: A micro-optic security device with zonal color transitions includes a planar array of focusing elements, an image icon layer including a plurality of retaining structures, the plurality of retaining structures defining isolated volumes at a first depth within the image icon layer, a first zone of image icons, the first zone of image icons having a first predefined subset of the plurality of retaining structures, wherein the isolated volumes of retaining structures of the first predefined subset of the plurality of retaining structures contain cured pigmented material of a first color, and a second zone of image icons, the second zone of image icons including a second predefined subset of the plurality of retaining structures, wherein the isolated volumes of retaining structures of the second predefined subset of the plurality of retaining structures contain cured pigmented material of a second color, wherein the second color contrasts with the first color.

Abstract: A micro-optic security device with zonal color transitions includes a planar array of focusing elements, an image icon layer including a plurality of retaining structures, the plurality of retaining structures defining isolated volumes at a first depth within the image icon layer, a first zone of image icons, the first zone of image icons having a first predefined subset of the plurality of retaining structures, wherein the isolated volumes of retaining structures of the first predefined subset of the plurality of retaining structures contain cured pigmented material of a first color, and a second zone of image icons, the second zone of image icons including a second predefined subset of the plurality of retaining structures, wherein the isolated volumes of retaining structures of the second predefined subset of the plurality of retaining structures contain cured pigmented material of a second color, wherein the second color contrasts with the first color.

Abstract: An IR and/or UV machine-readable optical security device (e.g., micro-optic security thread) that is made up of at least one IR-absorbing component with a characteristic IR signature detectable at two or more IR-wavelengths, at least one UV-absorbing component with a characteristic UV signature detectable at two or more UV-wavelengths, at least one IR-absorbing component that absorbs IR light and emits light at a different invisible wavelength, at least one UV-absorbing component that absorbs UV light and emits light at a different invisible wavelength, or a combination thereof, is provided. The IR and UV machine-readable features do not interfere with the optical effects projected by the optical material.

Abstract: A micro-optic security device with zonal color transitions includes a planar array of focusing elements, an image icon layer including a plurality of retaining structures, the plurality of retaining structures defining isolated volumes at a first depth within the image icon layer, a first zone of image icons, the first zone of image icons having a first predefined subset of the plurality of retaining structures, wherein the isolated volumes of retaining structures of the first predefined subset of the plurality of retaining structures contain cured pigmented material of a first color, and a second zone of image icons, the second zone of image icons including a second predefined subset of the plurality of retaining structures, wherein the isolated volumes of retaining structures of the second predefined subset of the plurality of retaining structures contain cured pigmented material of a second color, wherein the second color contrasts with the first color.

Abstract: An IR and/or UV machine-readable optical security device (e.g., micro-optic security thread) that is made up of at least one IR-absorbing component with a characteristic IR signature detectable at two or more IR-wavelengths, at least one UV-absorbing component with a characteristic UV signature detectable at two or more UV-wavelengths, at least one IR-absorbing component that absorbs IR light and emits light at a different invisible wavelength, at least one UV-absorbing component that absorbs UV light and emits light at a different invisible wavelength, or a combination thereof, is provided. The IR and UV machine-readable features do not interfere with the optical effects projected by the optical material.

Abstract: An IR and/or UV machine-readable optical security device (e.g., micro-optic security thread) that is made up of at least one IR-absorbing component with a characteristic IR signature detectable at two or more IR-wavelengths, at least one UV-absorbing component with a characteristic UV signature detectable at two or more UV-wavelengths, at least one IR-absorbing component that absorbs IR light and emits light at a different invisible wavelength, at least one UV-absorbing component that absorbs UV light and emits light at a different invisible wavelength, or a combination thereof, is provided. The IR and UV machine-readable features do not interfere with the optical effects projected by the optical material.

Abstract: An IR and/or UV machine-readable optical security device (e.g., micro-optic security thread) that is made up of at least one IR-absorbing component with a characteristic IR signature detectable at two or more IR-wavelengths, at least one UV-absorbing component with a characteristic UV signature detectable at two or more UV-wavelengths, at least one IR-absorbing component that absorbs IR light and emits light at a different invisible wavelength, at least one UV-absorbing component that absorbs UV light and emits light at a different invisible wavelength, or a combination thereof, is provided. The IR and UV machine-readable features do not interfere with the optical effects projected by the optical material.

Abstract: An IR and/or UV machine-readable optical security device (e.g., micro-optic security thread) that is made up of at least one IR-absorbing component with a characteristic IR signature detectable at two or more IR-wavelengths, at least one UV-absorbing component with a characteristic UV signature detectable at two or more UV-wavelengths, at least one IR-absorbing component that absorbs IR light and emits light at a different invisible wavelength, at least one UV-absorbing component that absorbs UV light and emits light at a different invisible wavelength, or a combination thereof, is provided. The IR and UV machine-readable features do not interfere with the optical effects projected by the optical material.

Abstract: Optically variable security devices, including security threads, patches, labels, strips, are disclosed herein. Certain security devices according to the present disclosure utilize a lens-less construction whereby multiple icon layers are coupled to produce a synthetic image or synthetic color that has an optically variable effect. Each icon layer includes an array of high-resolution icon elements that are aligned relative to each other and spaced apart from each other to produce the desired optically variable effect. Such security devices are particularly, though not exclusively, useful for authenticating security documents.

Abstract: A micro-optic security device with zonal color transitions includes a planar array of focusing elements, an image icon layer including a plurality of retaining structures, the plurality of retaining structures defining isolated volumes at a first depth within the image icon layer, a first zone of image icons, the first zone of image icons having a first predefined subset of the plurality of retaining structures, wherein the isolated volumes of retaining structures of the first predefined subset of the plurality of retaining structures contain cured pigmented material of a first color, and a second zone of image icons, the second zone of image icons including a second predefined subset of the plurality of retaining structures, wherein the isolated volumes of retaining structures of the second predefined subset of the plurality of retaining structures contain cured pigmented material of a second color, wherein the second color contrasts with the first color.

Abstract: A paper including one or more multi-tonal watermarks having full tonality (depth), and an improved watermarking tool for manufacturing such paper, is provided.

Abstract: Optically variable security devices, including security threads, patches, labels, strips, are disclosed herein. Certain security devices according to the present disclosure utilize a lens-less construction whereby multiple icon layers are coupled to produce a synthetic image or synthetic color that has an optically variable effect. Each icon layer includes an array of high-resolution icon elements that are aligned relative to each other and spaced apart from each other to produce the desired optically variable effect. Such security devices are particularly, though not exclusively, useful for authenticating security documents.

Abstract: A paper including one or more multi-tonal watermarks having full tonality (depth), and an improved watermarking tool for manufacturing such paper, is provided.

Abstract: An IR and/or UV machine-readable optical security device (e.g., micro-optic security thread) that is made up of at least one IR-absorbing component with a characteristic IR signature detectable at two or more IR-wavelengths, at least one UV-absorbing component with a characteristic UV signature detectable at two or more UV-wavelengths, at least one IR-absorbing component that absorbs IR light and emits light at a different invisible wavelength, at least one UV-absorbing component that absorbs UV light and emits light at a different invisible wavelength, or a combination thereof, is provided. The IR and UV machine-readable features do not interfere with the optical effects projected by the optical material.

Abstract: The invention relates to improvements in paper, and in particular to the use of watermarks and/or embossings for strengthening paper sheets and documents made therefrom. The invention therefore provides a sheet of paper having at least three corners and three sides joined at said corners, wherein corner reinforcing watermarks are provided at each of said corners. Alternatively, or in addition, corner reinforcing embossings are provided at each of said corners.

Abstract: The invention relates to improvements in paper, and in particular to the use of watermarks and/or embossings for strengthening paper sheets and documents made therefrom. The invention therefore provides a sheet of paper having at least three corners and three sides joined at said corners, wherein corner reinforcing watermarks are provided at each of said corners. Alternatively, or in addition, corner reinforcing embossings are provided at each of said corners.

Abstract: The invention relates to improvements in paper, and in particular to the use of watermarks and/or embossings for strengthening paper sheets and documents made therefrom. The invention therefore provides a sheet of paper having at least three corners and three sides joined at said corners, wherein corner reinforcing watermarks are provided at each of said corners. Alternatively, or in addition, corner reinforcing embossings are provided at each of said corners.