Abstract: Into a plastic card (1) of polycarbonate layers (10; 11; 12) there is laminated a security thread (3) by applying pressure and temperature, the security thread itself having a carrier foil (5) of polycarbonate and a coating (6) that is borne by the carrier foil and conveys holographic information. The connection of the polycarbonate carrier foil (5) of the security thread with the polycarbonate layer (10; 11; 12) of the data carrier adjoining said carrier foil takes place without using an adhesive or primer.

Abstract: The invention relates to a customized multi-layer support which takes the general form of a card, such as an identification card. The support includes a card body, the upper face of which is provided with externally-visible personal information; and a film which is at least partially transparent and which is fixed to the upper face of the card body. The support has boundary lines which define the areas of the aforementioned film with reduced or increased mechanical strength. The invention also relates to a method of producing one such customized support.

Abstract: There is provided a laser-marking multilayer sheet for an electronic passport formed by laminating five sheets of a multilayer sheet A/a multilayer sheet B/a film C/a multilayer sheet B/a multilayer sheet A. The multilayer sheet B is a colored laser-marking multilayer sheet. The film C is a laser-marking multilayer sheet made of a film for the electronic passport. The laser-marking multilayer sheet can have clear letters, symbols, and images, which are excellent in a laser-marking property and high in contrasts between the original surface color and the printed portions. The laser-marking multilayer sheet is excellent especially for inhibiting the falsification and forgery thereof.

Abstract: An identification medium is to be observed via a linearly polarizing filter and includes a first liquid crystal layer that changes the wavelength of light according to the rotational angle of the linearly polarizing filter, a cholesteric liquid crystal layer, and a light absorbing layer that is provided below the cholesteric liquid crystal layer.

Abstract: Described is a security element for increasing the forgery-proof nature of a security document, in particular an identity card or pass, a passport or an identification card. The security element (1) has a first diffractive region (15) having an open code which is visible with a naked eye. The first diffractive region further has a concealed code which is not visible with the naked eye and which can be reconstructed from the arrangement of diffractive microregions disposed in the first region (1) and/or from the structure of the first diffractive region (1). Further described is a method of increasing the forgery-proof nature of a security document.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of generating a laser marking in a security document by means of at least one laser beam, the security document having at least one laser-markable layer and also at least one reflecting layer which overlaps at least partly with the at least one laser-markable layer and has opaque regions. The at least one reflecting layer has at least one transparent region and, at least visually, is not significantly altered by the laser treatment of the laser-markable layer.

Abstract: The invention relates to a security-conscious hologram which can apply a sufficient three-dimensional appearance to a reconstructed image in both its vertical and horizontal directions, and which is difficult to illegally copy and easily told from any illegal copy forged from it, and a holographic process of recording it The hologram H2 is of a combined reflection and volume type, wherein a subject image P is recorded, and minute reflection images F and O? from a light source are recorded at least in front of, or in the rear of, the subject image P, both in a reconstructible fashion, and a viewing position E is moved along a hologram surface, so that the subject image P and the minute reflection images F and O? are viewable at varied relative positions.

Abstract: A security marking system for producing a secure marking label includes a support sheet, such as a silicon-containing sheet, having two separate flaps on a first folding line, the first flap supporting, on the recto side, a first holographic component whereof the surface contacting the support sheet is coated with an adhesive film. The second flap supports, on the same recto side, a second component formed by a film whereof the surface contacting the support sheet is coated with an adhesive film and the opposite surface bears personalizing indicia. The first flap includes a second folding line that is substantially parallel to the first folding line.

Abstract: A medium for preventing forgery having a hologram layer and at least one patterned optically anisotropic layer, wherein the patterned optically anisotropic layer has two or more regions comprising different birefringence property, and wherein all the regions are formed of the same composition.

Abstract: A holographic effect generating structure (HEGS), either stand alone or integrated with a security diffractive image, generates a holographic optically varying image by a process of diffraction of light, this image under white light illumination generates a smoothly and continuously variable structureless optically variable apparent motion effect which moves along a pre-determined track within pre-determined limits, the device characterized that it generates 3 planes of images under white light illumination—an image plane image located at or near the image plane corresponding to the real plane of the device which defines the predetermined movement track of the apparent motion effect and its bounds, a second virtual image plane situated away from the image plane of the device forming a virtual viewing zone corresponding at which an observer would be positioned to observe the visual effect and a third image plane, which defines a region where all the light rays from the image plane artwork to the viewing zone p

Abstract: An identification medium provided with a laminated structure comprises laminated layers of a magnetically controllable layer, in which magnetic microcapsules are dispersed, and a color shifting layer.

Abstract: The invention relates to a data carrier with an optically variable structure having an embossed structure and a coating contrasting with the surface of the data carrier. The embossed structure and the coating are so combined that at least parts of the coating are completely visible upon perpendicular viewing but concealed upon oblique viewing so that a tilt effect arises upon alternate perpendicular and oblique viewing. The coating is executed uniformly and the embossed structure is divided into partial areas where different partial embossed structures are provided.

Abstract: The authentication process comprises: a step of transferring a holographic matrix onto a base, a step of marking the holographic matrix by laser shot, in order to produce a digital code that cannot be interpreted by the human eye preserving the optical diffraction properties of the holographic matrix, and designed to enable the detection of a copy of a document realized using the holographic matrix. Preferentially, during the marking step, the impact of each laser shot presents a greater dimension and a depth allowing the hologram's optical diffraction properties to be preserved.

Abstract: A microstructure area (201) providing a first diffractive visual effect is produced on the surface layer (240) of a paper or cardboard substrate (230) of a product (200). In addition, a bulge (206) or a recess (207) having a second microstructure area (202) is produced on the surface layer (240), wherein a doubly curved portion (203) is located between the first (201) and the second (202) microstructure areas. Said combination of the bulge (206)/recess (207), microstructure areas (201, 202) and doubly curved portion (203) makes counterfeiting of the product (200) difficult and provides a special visual effect.

Abstract: A security feature for use with secure booklets, especially those having a spine, for example passports, identification booklets and other types of ID3-sized documents. In one example, the security feature is printed across the spine of the booklet onto two adjacent pages. Most conventional, commercially available printers are unable to print across the spine, and therefore would be unable to reproduce the security feature. In addition, in the case of a booklet, for example a passport, that uses a stitching thread to secure the pages together, ink from the printed image bleeds into the thread. The presence or absence of ink in the thread can then act as an indicator as to whether or not the booklet is genuine or a counterfeit. Another security feature includes registration of a pre-print portion and a variable print portion that is applied during booklet personalization to form a combined image.

Abstract: The security object comprises a substrate, a surface structure and a hologram layer. A volume hologram is arranged in the hologram layer. The hologram layer is deformed in homogeneously by the surface structure, which gives rise to readily detectable changes in the reflections from the volume hologram. These changes can be used to verify the authenticity of the object. The surface structure can e.g. be applied using intaglio printing techniques or embossing. Alternatively or in addition to the deformation of the hologram layer by means of the surface structure, the hologram layer may also be deformed by embossing.

Abstract: The present invention is provided to enhance security of a volume hologram by recording therein individualized information such as information of character, numerical character, picture pattern, biometric matter and/or the like by irradiating laser light to the volume hologram thereby modifying the same physically or chemically, and is related to a laser marking hologram comprising a volume hologram layer 2 including interference fringes recorded therein, wherein the volume hologram layer 2 includes information of character, numerical character, picture pattern, biometric matter, and/or the like recorded therein having a contrast between an irradiated portion and a non-irradiated portion thereof provided by selectively irradiating laser light 10 to the volume hologram layer 2 in a manner to modify 11 the irradiated portion.

Abstract: The invention relates to a security system especially for security documents, wherein a security element is provided in a carrier plane, that under incident light holographically reconstructs a pattern outside the carrier plane, in which concealed information is stored and having a flat transparent verification element which on flat contact with the security element makes the information stored therein visible. The invention further relates to a security element and a verification element for use in the security system and a security document fitted with the security system. The invention additionally relates to an apparatus and a method for reading out the concealed information which is stored holographically in the pattern reconstructed on the security element under incident light.

Abstract: An article surface ornamental structure that is easy to work and able to form a decorative pattern of an optional design and a high-grade feeling produced thanks to the metallic luster and, if necessary, to form a third dimensional decorative pattern. A metal-coated layer is formed by depositing a metal material with metallic luster on a surface of a base material. The metal-coated layer is at least partly provided with a separation part, in which the based material has its surface exposed to create an ornamental pattern thanks to a difference between the outer appearance of the base material and the metallic luster of the remaining metal-coated layer. With the base material and the metal-coated layer exposed, respectively, each of their surfaces is coated with a clear-coating layer made of synthetic resin material having transmittancy in order to protect the surface of the ornamental pattern.

Abstract: In a method for production of documents with a hologram and a document with a hologram, wherein, in a first step, a hologram is exposed in a photographic film and, in a second step, the photographic film is applied to a document support, the individualisation of the holograms first occurs during the gluing or after the gluing to the printed personal document or to the protective film provided for the surface protection of the document. It is thus possible to produce in a secure and economical fashion documents with individual holographic information of greater visibility and with further novel security features.

Abstract: The invention relates to identification documents, and in particular to providing optically variable personalized data to identification documents. In one implementation, we provide an identification document comprising a document layer and a first indicium. The document layer comprises a material capable of being printed by a thermally transferable optically variable ink. The first indicium is printed on the document layer and comprises personalized data and printed to the document layer by a thermally transferred optically variable ink. The first indicium may be printed to the document layer by disposing a thermally transferable optically variable ink in a mass transfer panel of a printer ribbon adapted for use in a dye diffusion thermal transfer printer, and printing the first indicium as part of a mass transfer printing process.

Abstract: An optically variable device has a substrate with an optically variable relief and a coating on the optically variable relief. The coating is applied as a liquid dispersion including a plurality of optical enhancer particles in a solvent.

Abstract: the invention provides a composition having laser engraving properties, comprising a host material and a laser enhancing additive. The host material comprises a material, such as a polymer, modified by a first process, whereby the host material as modified by the first process has increased thermal conductivity as compared to the host material before the first process. The laser enhancing additive comprises a first quantity of at least one of copper potassium iodide (CuKI3), Copper Iodide (CuI), potassium iodide (KI), sodium iodide (NaI), and aluminum iodide (AlI), and a second quantity of at least one substance selected from the group consisting of zinc sulfide (ZnS), barium sulfide (BaS), alkyl sulfonate, and thioester.

Abstract: A signaling label for use in postage payment evidencing is described including a luminescent signaling section having a primarily green fluorescent ink coating. In one configuration, a primarily green fluorescent ink includes approximately 12 weight percent of a pigment selected from the quinazolinone class of pigments mixed with an acrylic varnish base to provide a primarily green fluorescent signal having with sufficient red fluorescent response to a short UV excitation to trigger a USPS facing system is described.

Abstract: An authenticity indicator is difficult to be forged and has an authenticity that can be confirmed easily and accurately. The authenticity of the authenticity indicator can be checked by making light enter the authenticity indicator from front side and observing the light emerging from the front side or rear side. The authenticity indicator includes a polarized-light selectively reflecting layer that reflects a specified polarized component of incident light, and a transmission volume hologram layer disposed on the front side of the polarized-light selectively reflecting layer. According to this authenticity indicator, its authenticity can be checked accurately by making use of its first authenticity recognition function attributed to the diffracting action of the transmission volume hologram layer and its second authenticity recognition function attributed to the polarized-light selectivity of the polarized-light selectively reflecting layer.

Abstract: An image forming method is provided to attain a higher security for preventing forgery and falsification of information by using an optical diffraction structure. In a body (10) whereupon a layer is to be transferred, printing information (2) is recorded. On the body (10), a layer (20d) including a hologram and a diffraction lattice provided on an optical diffraction structure transfer sheet (20) is transferred, and an image including recorded printing information (2) and optical diffraction structures (3, 4, 5) is formed. The layer (20d) including the optical diffraction structure is transferred so that the diffraction lattice (5) to be transferred forms diffraction lattice information (5) showing a prescribed regularity in a corresponding relationship between the printing information (2).

Abstract: The invention relates to a value document, in particular a bank note, having a value document substrate and different feature substances for checking the value document. According to the invention, a first feature substance is incorporated into the volume of the substrate of the value document, and second and third feature substances are applied to the value document substrate in a printing ink jointly and in the form of a coding. The second feature substance is formed by a luminescent substance, and the third feature substance by a material absorbent in a special spectral range. The two substances are used for the value recognition of different user groups.

Abstract: When coating a document surface (3) having relief-like information (1) carrying personal data, for example, with a monomer-containing liquid UV adhesive (4) across the entire surface and then laminating thereon a volume hologram (2), the varying adhesive thicknesses between the volume hologram and the document surface resulting from the relief cause differentiated swelling and thereby a differentiated color shift of the hologram. After the desired color shift is achieved, the UV adhesive (4) is completely cured. In this way, individual holographic information is obtained, which is located exactly above the relief-like information of the document. With this method, holographic overlays comprising personal data and a passport picture can be produced, and it is possible to link defined optical document information to the hologram in an accurately positioned manner, so that information is visible both non-diffractively and, from a different viewing angle, holographically in a different color.

Abstract: A security element, preferably for documents of value, which at least has one area with a diffraction structure, which under specific viewing conditions reconstructs a diffractive image. This area has subareas, which do not take part in the reconstruction of the diffractive image, and which represent a recognizable information. Essential is that the information represented by the subareas is recognizable mainly only under the viewing conditions, under which the diffractive image can be perceived.

Abstract: A security feature for an identification document and method for making it provide layers of security, including, for example, tamper evidence, optically variable effects, and personalized information that links the security information to the document and its bearer. The feature is made by printing a first material representing first information on a core layer of the document. This first material at least partially overlaps the core layer. One example is Xerographic printing of information about the ID document applicant and the applicant's photo. The process also applies a second material representing second information adjacent to the first material. One example is ink jet printing of personal information with a UV curable ink in the form of a relief pattern on the core layer. Finally, the process applies a laminate layer over the core layer. The laminate layer covers the first and second materials.

Abstract: A security device including a surface relief microstructure which, in response to incident radiation, replays a hologram viewable within a viewing zone, the hologram including at least a first holographic image element in an image plane spaced from the surface of the microstructure. The device exhibits at least one further image in a plane spaced from the image plane of the first holographic element. On tilting the device, the first holographic image element exhibits apparent movement relative to the further image, which when expressed in radians, a rate of parallax movement per radian equals the spacing between phones and the product of the rate of movement and the included angle of the viewing zone defining a distance at least 20% of the dimension of the device in the direction of movement of the first holographic image element.

Abstract: An informational article including a holographic film layer and certain additional ink receptive coating, high-opacity blocking, security printing, image receptive coating, ultraviolet reflected core laminate, and/or adhesive layers coupled together. Certain of the layers of the information article include one or more apertures, which, when the apertures overlap, allow the holographic film layer to appear translucent when light is allowed to shine in the area of overlap.

Abstract: A value document, in particular a bank note, has a value document substrate and at least one feature substance for authenticity recognition and at least two different feature substances for checking the value document. First and second feature substances are present on or in the value document substrate in the form of mutually independent codings which render, at least partly, the same information, e.g. statement of value, currency, etc.

Abstract: Various methods of producing a security document or article including a diffractive optical microstructure are disclosed. One method includes applying an opacifying layer (102) to at least one surface of a transparent substrate (100). An area of the opacifying layer (102) is exposed to laser radiation (108) to ablate apertures (110) in selected portions of the opacifying layer (102), thereby forming a diffractive optical microstructure (112) on the surface of the substrate (100). The laser radiation may be patterned prior to exposing the opacifying layer (102), for example by passing the radiation through a mask (104). Alternatively, a focussed or collimated laser beam (206) may be directed onto the selected portions of the opacifying layer (102). Laser radiation may be directed onto the opacifying layer (102) either directly, or through the transparent substrate (100). Security documents or articles made in accordance with the method are also provided.

Abstract: In an embodiment, there is disclosed a product labeling system comprising: a first high energy electromagnetic or particle wave generator, at least one second high energy electromagnetic of particle wave generator; and a controller operatively configured to direct wave produced by said first generator and the wave produced by said second generator onto a portion of the subsurface of the product to mark the product at said subsurface without generating any substantial disruption of the surface of said product.

Abstract: A multilayer holographic film includes a first layer and an embossed layer on at least one side of the first layer and having a micro-embossed holographic image therein. The embossed layer is thinner than the first layer and has a lower embossing temperature than the first layer. The hologram-receiving layer with a micro-embossed holographic image embossed therein is adapted to receive a metal layer thereon, if desired, and the layer includes a cycloolefin copolymer as the primary polymer component.

Abstract: The invention relates to a security system especially for security documents, wherein a security element is provided in a carrier plane, that under incident light holographically reconstructs a pattern outside the carrier plane, in which concealed information is stored and having a flat transparent verification element which on flat contact with the security element makes the information stored therein visible. The invention further relates to a security element and a verification element for use in the security system and a security document fitted with the security system. The invention additionally relates to an apparatus and a method for reading out the concealed information which is stored holographically in the pattern reconstructed on the security element under incident light.

Abstract: This invention provides a hologram thermal transfer sheet that can realize thermal transfer treatment with high efficiency. The thermal transfer sheet comprises a base material sheet and a transparent transfer layer provided separably on the base material sheet, characterized in that a hologram layer is provided on at least a part of the transparent transfer layer. There are also provided a process for producing the thermal transfer sheet and an image formed material produced by the transfer of this thermal transfer sheet.

Abstract: The current invention relates to a security element for security substrates, such as those used for banknotes and the like, having enhanced public recognition, anti-counterfeit and detection properties. A security element comprising an elongate strip of a light transmitting polymeric substrate, said substrate being provided with a magnetic feature and a metallic design, the metallic design being provided by a combination of metal and non-metallic regions and comprising indicia, characters, patterns, designs, or geometrical shapes or a combination of the aforesaid design comprising at least one repeating pattern or which one or more of the frequency, the instantaneous amplitude and/or the maximum amplitude of the pattern varies along the length of the element, said pattern being positioned relative to the magnetic feature such that it does not overlap therewith.

Abstract: The invention relates to identification documents, and in particular to providing optically variable personalized data to identification documents. In one implementation, we provide an identification document comprising a document layer and a first indicium. The document layer comprises a material capable of being printed by a thermally transferable optically variable ink. The first indicium is printed on the document layer and comprises personalized data and printed to the document layer by a thermally transferred optically variable ink. The first indicium may be printed to the document layer by disposing a thermally transferable optically variable ink in a mass transfer panel of a printer ribbon adapted for use in a dye diffusion thermal transfer printer, and printing the first indicium as part of a mass transfer printing process.

Abstract: In a system for authenticating information, a holographic element, including a first layer of optical information in a first coded pattern and a second layer of optical information in a second coded pattern is inserted into a reader. The reader includes an opening into which the holographic element may be positioned, a light source, a first detector positioned at a first predetermined distance from the location of the holographic element when the holographic element is positioned in the opening, and a second detector positioned at a second predetermined distance from the location of the holographic element when the holographic element is positioned in the opening.

Abstract: A data carrier with an optically variable structure having an embossed structure with raised areas and a first coating contrasting with the surface of the data carrier. The embossed structure and the first coating are so combined that at least parts of the coating are completely visible upon perpendicular viewing but concealed upon oblique viewing so that a tilt effect arises upon alternate perpendicular and oblique viewing. The first coating is provided only in certain areas. Additionally, the optically variable structure has at least in partial areas a second coating likewise contrasting with the data carrier surface and disposed in overlap with the first coating at least in partial areas.

Abstract: A holographic overlay is provided, including: a polycarbonate substrate having a first side and a second side, a diffractive structure cast upon the first side of the polycarbonate substrate, and a reflection-enhancing coating on at least a part of the diffractive structure; wherein the second side of the polycarbonate substrate provides a substantially flat external surface of the overlay capable of fusing to a conforming surface in the presence of heat and pressure without an adhesive. Optionally, the overlay is laser-engraved so as to form ablated voids in the metal coating and carbonize the laser engravable polycarbonate under the ablated voids. According to another aspect of the invention, a metal coating on a hologram is made substantially transparent using a laser to form a transparent portion of a hologram. Optionally, it is done after applying the hologram to an object such as a card, a document, etc., in register with underlying information to ensure its visibility and continuity of the hologram.

Abstract: A holographic optical element (HOE) that includes a deep image hologram and a method for using this HOE as a security device are described. The deep image hologram is viewable with a collimated or at least partially collimated light source having a center wavelength in the visible region of the electromagnetic spectrum and a spectral bandwidth, wherein the spectral bandwidth of the collimated or at least partially collimated light source at least partially overlaps the spectral bandwidth of the deep image hologram. The deep image hologram is not viewable (i.e., appears essentially unrecognizable to the human eye) with a diffuse lighting source, such as ordinary room lighting.

Abstract: The invention relates to an optically variable element which at least in surface portions has an interface embedded between two layers and which forms an optically effective structure, that interface having a free-form surface which appears three-dimensionally for a viewer. To emphasise that free-form surface the invention provides that the free-form surface is formed by a partial region of the interface, which is of a lens-like configuration and which produces a magnification, reduction or distortion effect. The invention also provides the use of such optically variable elements as a security element to prevent forgery of value-bearing documents or for articles to be safeguarded, in particular as part of the decorative layer arrangement of a transfer or laminating film.

Abstract: The invention relates to a security-conscious hologram which can apply a sufficient three-dimensional appearance to a reconstructed image in both its vertical and horizontal directions, and which is difficult to illegally copy and easily told from any illegal copy forged from it, and a holographic process of recording it. The hologram H2 is of a combined reflection and volume type, wherein a subject image P is recorded, and minute reflection images F and O? from a light source are recorded at least in front of, or in the rear of, the subject image P, both in a reconstructible fashion, and a viewing position E is moved along a hologram surface, so that the subject image P and the minute reflection images F and O? are viewable at varied relative positions.

Abstract: A method of generating a variable demetallized pattern in a holographic web and a security device using such method. A holographic microstructure pattern is imparted to an oligomer disposed on a surface of a substrate. A metal layer, such as aluminum, is deposited to the holographic microstructure pattern of the substrate and then covered with a variable resist pattern. The variable demetallized pattern in the holographic web is then generated by removing the metal layer not covered by said variable resist pattern.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing water-based laser hologram papers has acts of entirely or partially coating water-based varnish on a printed paper substrate, subjecting the paper substrate to a mirror treatment, and entirely or partially molding the paper substrate with laser compressing operations. By substituting PVC or PET plastic membranes with decomposable water-based varnish, the laser hologram paper is environmental friendly to reduce pollution and is also breakable to provide counterfeit-deterring efficiency. Moreover, material cost of the plastic membranes is eliminated to reduce manufacturing cost of the laser hologram papers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for increasing the counterfeiting protection of high-value products, documents of value and security documents by means of uncopyable security features which are transferred into the respective material with the aid of laser technology.

Abstract: A tamper evident security document including: a transparent substrate; an ink receptive coating applied to at least one side of the substrate, said coating including a laser markable additive dispersed therein; at least one laser formed marking or image created in the coating by exposure of the laser markable additive to laser radiation; and printed data applied to the ink receptive coating; wherein the marking or image in the coating is removed or destroyed upon an attempt to alter the printed data.