Abstract: A counterfeit-proof metal foil is textured in at least a given partial area of its surface, this partial area having a radiation refraction value which is different compared to the remaining surface area. The metal foil is suitable as a packaging material, among others for medications. The manufacturer or the consumer can check based on the given surface structure which is intended as an identification sign whether he has acquired an uncounterfeited product. If texturing takes place on most of the surface of the metal foil, this is identical to the appearance of a printed picture so that the metal foil as claimed in the invention is likewise used as a decorative foil or an advertizing medium.

Abstract: In order to produce a data carrier, a substrate is printed with a printing ink and personalized by means of a laser. The printing ink is laser-active and is converted at least in regions during the personalization in such a way that, for example, a silver-grade pigment is formed which is readily visible only when the substrate is inclined. In particular, the printing ink has a comparatively small proportion of carbon black that is converted by the laser essentially without disturbing combustion and overall formation.

Abstract: While Fourier transformation of a signal light beam is performed to perform recording during holographic recording so that a focal point is formed outside a holographic recording layer (defocus recording), an aperture is arranged on an outgoing side of the reproduced signal light beam (reproduction light beam), the reproduction light beam is focused at the aperture, and low-order components of a Fourier transform image of the reproduction light beam are selectively transmitted to detect only the transmitted light beam. Therefore, information recorded as the hologram in the holographic recording layer can be reproduced with high S/N ratio from the holographic recording layer added onto a support body, particularly onto a sheet member having non-optical quality such as paper and a plastic card.

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: The invention disclosed herein represents a means for increasing the gripability of a credit-card-sized card. Specifically, dimples raised from, indented in, or embossed in a credit-card-sized card are arranged to from a tread on the front or back of a card. This tread allows fingers to more easily grip a credit-card-sized card for ease of handling or removal from a wallet or carrying case. Moreover, the means disclosed does not interfere with various means such as magnetic stripes commonly used to store encoded information on credit-card-sized cards.

Abstract: A hologram laminate and a hologram label allow traces of separation of the hologram to be clearly left on both the adherend and the hologram label and hence makes it possible to prevent reuse of the hologram and is excellent in graphical design function and suitable for certification purposes. The hologram laminate has a colored layer, a release pattern, a transparent film, a hologram layer and a surface protective layer laminated on an adherend in the order mentioned. The hologram layer includes a volume hologram layer having a relief hologram forming relief interference fringe pattern formed on a surface thereof. When the hologram is separated between the adherend and the transparent film, the colored layer is left on the adherend in a pattern corresponding to the release pattern.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a master for producing a hologram device. A first master is produced with a compensating angle. The second master is produced from the first master with an index matching material to reduce the interference pattern caused by internal reflections within the holographic plate of the master. The hologram device has a relatively narrow angle of reconstruction to provide visibility from a nearly perpendicular light source such as the headlight of an on-coming vehicle.

Abstract: The invention provides for a label such as a temper evident holographic or diffractive security label that consists of at least two separate microstructures (30, 31), one exhibiting a holographic or diffractive security image, the other a non visible non-diffractive structure which controls differential release of a reflector or semi reflector layer (27) to display a separate visual message upon removal of the label by tamper. The advantage over previous prior art devices is that both the diffractive message and the tamper evident message are encoded within the microstructure without any need for additional coating or print layers in the device.

Abstract: A simplified method is provided for recording identification information, such as a serial number or the like, in a hologram-recorded film simultaneously with hologram duplication. The method includes the steps of coupling a hologram recording film with a master hologram plate having a master hologram, the master hologram plate having a reflective area adjacent the master hologram; and directing laser beams towards the master hologram plate to induce interference between incident laser light and diffraction laser light from the master hologram in the recording film, at least some of the laser beams radiating the reflective area through a transmission type controllable display device to record a pattern in the hologram recording film corresponding to a pattern displayed at the transmission type controllable display device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an optically variable element having surface portions with achromatic surface structures and different scatter, diffraction and reflection characteristics. The achromatic surface structures are combined with a thin-film structure, whereby upon turning or tilting the optically variable element, it is not the impression of a continuous color transition, but a defined, almost discrete color change that is produced for the viewer.

Abstract: The present invention provides a discrimination medium A for discriminating the authenticity of an article by providing an optically discriminating mark on the article. A film 20 having a light reflecting layer of a polymer cholesteric liquid crystal having a circular polarization light selectivity for reflecting a specific circular polarization light is fixed to a part of the surface of a support 10. A printed portion is made by printing on the portions other than the film 20 of the support 10 in substantially the same color as that shown when the film 20 is viewed from the front. The discrimination medium A appears to be red at the support 10 and the film 20 when viewed from the front (although the film has a metallic luster), but at a larger viewing angle, the film 20 changes to blue by the blue-shift of the polymer cholesteric liquid crystal so as to exhibit a color different from that of the support 10.

Abstract: An optical device for security and anti-counterfeit applications has a holographic diffractive structure that includes a discrete region that in response to white light illumination generates a holographic image by a process of diffraction of light in one embodiment combined with a paper substrate which also contains a secure mark produced by laser ablation of the structure, the mark being characterised by various attributes: variable cut width and pattern, being visible both in reflected light and also in transmitted light, variable depth of cut, variable perforation visible in transmission, variable reflection characteristics. In one embodiment when combined with paper based laser mark has elements in both metallised diffractive region and paper region, the marks on different regions showing different characteristics and thereby securely linking diffractive structure and paper substrate and also showing different characteristics of marking pattern on the different materials.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the laser inscription of a flexible inner support layer of a multilayered support unit, which is distinguished by the fact that the laser inscription of the inner support layer is carried out through one or more flexible outer laser-inactive support layers which are separate or can be separated from one another.

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 holographic data storage medium has a polymer film which is set up as a storage layer whose refractive index can be changed locally by heating. The polymer film is set up for the storage of optical phase information via the local optical path length of the polymer film, which is illuminated in transmission when the information is read out. To the polymer film, there can be assigned an absorber dye, in order to at least partly absorb a write beam to input information and to give up the heat produced in the process at least partly locally to the polymer film. Preferably, a reflective layer is arranged behind the polymer film.

Abstract: Disclosed is a hologram transfer film which can realize easy and good transfer of a hologram and, at the same time, can realize stable transfer of the hologram in a transfer process. The hologram transfer film comprises: a substrate film; and a transfer layer provided on the substrate film, the transfer layer comprising a hologram-forming layer and a heat-sensitive adhesive layer provided in that order on the substrate film, the hologram-forming layer having a breaking strain of 0.5 to 15% at 25° C. and a breaking strain of 0.5 to 30% at 120° C.

Abstract: Security strips for identifying the genuineness of sheet material such as documents, securities and banknotes. The security strips are constructed of several different components, encoding means and electrically conductive layers connected in different arrangements on a support substrate. Layers of known per se electrically conductive polymers are being used. The security strips are applied on the sheet material or they are integrated in the sheet material. These security strips constitute insurmountable technological obstacles for a forger.

Abstract: An information-bearing laminar assembly, suitable for use as an identification card, is disclosed. The assembly is characterized by the provision therein of an embedded halftone image security feature that becomes visible essentially only when the assembly is view in transmitted light. The information-bearing laminar assembly comprises an inner information-bearing layer interposed between a first and a second light-transmissive protective outer layer. The inner layer contains both visible information-bearing indicia and an imagewise halftone pattern of laser-ablated microholes. The light-transmissivity of the information-bearing inner layer within said half-tone pattern is imagewise differentiated at each microhole as a function of the microhole's penetration depth. Sandwiched between the protective outer layers, the halftone pattern is imperceptible when the information-bearing laminar assembly is viewed in reflections and perceptible when the information-bearing laminar assembly is viewed in transmission.

Abstract: A hologram laminate and a hologram label allow traces of separation of the hologram to be clearly left on both the adherend and the hologram label and hence makes it possible to prevent reuse of the hologram and is excellent in graphical design function and suitable for certification purposes. The hologram laminate has a colored layer, a release pattern, a transparent film, a hologram layer and a surface protective layer laminated on an adherend in the order mentioned. The hologram layer includes a volume hologram layer and a relief hologram layer having a transparent thin-film layer over the surface of a relief interference fringe pattern. When the hologram is separated between the adherend and the transparent film, the colored layer is left on the adherend in a pattern corresponding to the release pattern.

Abstract: A decorative foil is in the form of a layer composite structure (1) and comprises at least a transparent base foil (2), a transparent cover layer (4) and a transparent dielectric layer (3) arranged between the base foil (2) and the cover layer (4). When the decorative foil serves as a lamination foil for a substrate (5) the material of the cover layer (4) is an adhesive. A reflective metallic layer (6) is arranged at least in surface portions between the dielectric layer (3) and the cover layer (4) and optionally a metal film (11) is also arranged on the side of the dielectric layer (3) facing the base foil (2). General items of information shown by the decorative foil are produced by means of modulation of the thickness (s) of the dielectric layer (3). Transparent locations (7) form individual items of information, wherein the transparent locations (7) are produced with a laser beam (19) by perforating the metal layer (6; 11).

Abstract: A carrier sheet comprising a printed paper sheet having an integrated detachable card with a magnetic backing and method of manufacturing same is described. The carrier sheet is comprised of a printed paper sheet having printed matter on at least a front face thereof. The printed matter contains card information printed in a card area. A polyfilm patch is adhered over the card area and over the card information printed thereon. A thin flexible patch of magnet material is adhesively secured on a rear face of the paper sheet and extends over the card area. A die-cut is made in the sheet and delineates the contour of the card area and extends through the polyfilm patch, the paper sheet and partly into the patch of magnet material to form a burstable region along said die-cut to hold the card in the carrier sheet. The die-cut can have any ornamental shape.

Abstract: The invention provides a hologram transfer foil (1) comprising, that includes, in order from top to bottom, a substrate (7), a volume hologram layer (2) releasably stacked on substrate (7) and comprising a volume hologram in a cured resin layer, a first heat seal layer (3) and a second heat seal layer (4). In use, the hologram transfer foil (1) is applied on the second heat seal layer (4) side over an application member. The adhesion force of volume hologram layer (2) to the application member is larger than a material fracture force for the volume hologram layer or the application member, so that the hologram transfer layer can be applied by thermo-compression to the application member. This hologram transfer foil is useful for illegal copying of the hologram layer because when the volume hologram is forcibly peeled from the application, a material fracture of the volume hologram layer or application member occurs.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for image formation, that can yield thermally transferred images which are excellent in various fastness properties even under severe service conditions, and an intermediate transfer recording medium for use in the method for image formation. The method for image formation comprises the steps of: providing an intermediate transfer recording medium comprising a substrate film and a transfer portion provided separably on the substrate film; forming an image on the intermediate transfer recording medium in its transfer portion; transferring the transfer portion onto an object; and, thereafter, again transferring the intermediate transfer recording medium in its next transfer portion once or more onto the object with the image formed thereon. In this case, in the intermediate transfer recording medium, a hologram image is set every at least second image plane, and an image can be formed on the transfer portion having the hologram image.

Abstract: A security document, such as a banknote, includes an optical security area having a first periodic optical structure and a security sign provided on the security area and configured to circumscribe a second periodic optical structure which is disposed in offset relationship to the first periodic optical structure. Arranged on the security area is a see-through element for enhancing recognizability of the security sign on the security area. The see-through element defines hereby a viewing zone which covers part of the security sign so as to render this part of the security sign visible by the naked eye.

Abstract: An optical structure includes a light transmissive substrate having a surface relief pattern applied thereon, such as a hologram. A patterned layer of a reflective material is applied over portions of the surface relief pattern so as to form alphanumeric characters, bars codes, or pictorial or graphical designs. An optically active coating is applied over the patterned layer of reflective material and exposed portions of the surface relief pattern in order to provide desirable optical effects to the exposed portions of the surface relief pattern. In some embodiments, the optically active coating is a color shifting thin film, or contains color shifting flakes. Optionally, the material of the optically active coating is index matched to the light transmissive substrate in order to optically erase the effect of the surface relief pattern in the portions of the surface relief pattern not covered by the reflective material.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system comprising a series of data carriers, in particular identity cards, papers of value or the like, whereby the data carriers belonging to the system exhibit diffraction structures containing standard information and parts of the series are changed by additional measures in the area of the diffraction structures or combined with other elements and they differ from the rest of the series in optically recognizable fashion, whereby the change in the diffraction structures and/or the combination with other elements convey an esthetic overall impression and the change and/or combination with the other elements cannot be undone without destruction of the diffraction structures.

Abstract: A label (1) made from a layer composite (15) includes at least one machine-readable diffractive bar code (3) consisting of narrow rectangular fields (4) occupied by the optically active structures and intermediate surfaces (5). The optically active structures which are covered by a reflection layer are embedded between layers of the layer composite (15). The diffractive relief structure used in the diffractive bar code (3) for the fields (4) diffracts and polarizes incident light and scatters the diffracted light into a half-space above the diffractive relief structure. A second diffractive relief structure differs at least in respect of the polarization of the polarizedly backscattered light with respect to the first diffractive relief structure. The second diffractive relief structure can be used for example for field surfaces of a second bar code in the bar code field (9) on the label (1) or for the intermediate surfaces (5).

Abstract: A security element (2) comprising a plastic laminate (1) has a surface pattern which is composed mosaic-like at least from surface elements, wherein in the surface elements a reflecting interface (8) between a shaping layer (5) and a protective layer (6) of the plastic laminate (1) forms optically effective structures (9). Light (11) which is incident on the plastic laminate (1) and which passes through a cover layer (4) of the plastic laminate (1) and through the shaping layer (5) is deflected in a predetermined manner by means of the optically effective structures (9). Shaped in the surface of at least one of the surface elements is a diffraction structure which is produced by a superimposition of a linear asymmetrical diffraction grating (24) with a matt structure. The linear asymmetrical diffraction grating (24) has a spatial frequency from the range of values of between 50 lines/mm and 2,000 lines/mm.

Abstract: A security element (2) comprising a plastic laminate has a surface pattern (12) composed mosaic-like from surface elements (13; 14; 15). Shaped into at least two of the surface elements (14; 15) is a respective diffraction structure {B(x, y, T)} produced from a superimposition of a low-frequency grating structure {G(x, y)} with a high-frequency relief structure {R(x, y)}. In the one surface element (14) a grating vector of the grating structure {G(x, y)} and a relief vector of the relief structure {R(x, y)} are parallel and in the other surface element (15) the grating vector (16) and the relief vector (17) include a substantially right angle. In addition the grating vectors (16) of the grating structures {G(x, y)} in the two surface elements (14; 15) are parallel. A common boundary (18) of the two surface elements (14; 15) is visible only upon lighting with linearly polarized light, in daylight both surface elements (14; 15) have the same surface brightness.

Abstract: A security device has a substrate formed with a surface relief defining an optically variable effect generating structure. At least two different reflection enhancing materials are provided on, or on the same side of, substrate with respect to the surface relief, whereby the optically variable effect can be viewed against a background defined by the reflection enhancing materials.

Abstract: This invention relates to the production of holographic devices. The holographic devices include a transparent high refractive coating that is applied selectively to provide additional security and moisture resistance.

Abstract: An optical device for security and anti-counterfeit applications comprises a diffractive structure comprising a discrete region that in response to white light illumination generates an image by a process of diffraction in close angular proximity to the specular reflection and which is thus substantially non-visible to an observer, and which under coherent illumination generates a laser projection covert image which forms an image in an image plane located away from the physical plane of the device and which is angularly co-located in close proximity to the direction and position of the specular reflection.

Abstract: A document includes at least one drawing or data produced, for example, by printing. In addition, this document includes a hologram representing part of the document. The hologram of this document is recorded using a system including a prerecorded or electrically controllable optical modulator in which the image of at least part of the document is recorded. This modulator is designed to be combined with a layer of photosensitive material. A first reference wave illuminates the layer of photosensitive material. A second wave incident on the modulator and giving rise to a third object wave is also transmitted to the layer of photosensitive material in order to interfere with the reference wave in this layer.

Abstract: Holographic and diffractive security devices and documents carrying security devices as well as system, apparatus, and method for making and using security devices. Security devices provide at least one type of security feature in form of secret, hidden, or covert security feature, not visible to a normal unaided human eye. Covert security features may be any graphic or symbolic representation. One or multiple security features may be provided on any single security device in any combination. Covert feature is revealed either when a decoder device is used with the security device, or when the security device is oriented and viewed in predetermined manner. Embodiments may provide a second overt or non-covert security device in the form of a diffractive or holographic image or graphic that is visible to the unaided eye without use of any decoder or special viewing conditions.

Abstract: There are provided a hologram laminate and a hologram label which do not involve any problem in the production process per se of forging preventive labels using a volume hologram, can provide a reliable process of the attainment of forgery preventive effect, and can make difficult to notice the signs of the forgery preventive processing. In applying a protective film 108 onto a hologram 107 through a second pressure-sensitive adhesive 109, the adhesive strength is partially varied. By virtue of this construction, upon separation of the protective film 108, the second pressure-sensitive adhesive 109 is partially left on the hologram 107, so that the fact of the separation can be found out.

Abstract: A security device includes a holographic optically variable effect generating structure having at least two discrete section. The sections that generate in response to white light illumination an optically variable image having at least two defined graphical elements located at or near an image plane either on or adjacent to the plane of the device. In response to coherent illumination, the sections generate at least two discrete covert images, in the form of indicia, whose image planes are located at a distance away from the real place of the device. The covert images are reconstructed at different angles to a normal to a substrate supporting the device such that the covert images are spatially separated on their image plane, the covert images being non-visible under white light illumnination.

Abstract: A hologram laminate allows traces of separation of the hologram to be clearly left on both the adherend and the hologram label and hence makes it possible to prevent reuse of the hologram and is excellent in graphical design function and suitable for certification purposes. A hologram label used for the fabrication of the hologram laminate is also provided. The hologram laminate has a metal thin-film layer, a release pattern, a transparent film, a hologram layer and a surface protective layer laminated on an adherend in the order mentioned. The hologram laminate is separable between the adherend and the transparent film. When the hologram is separated, the metal thin-film layer is left on the adherend in a pattern corresponding to the release pattern. The hologram label has a release sheet in place of the adherend in the hologram laminate.

Abstract: A tracking system for ammunition cartridges where the cartridge casings are provided with serial indicia on an inside surface such that spent casing found at a crime scene can be tracked to the purchaser of the ammunition via a machine scannable system.

Abstract: A computer-generated hologram fabrication process that enables a plurality of original images to be observed with master-slave relations Original images 11, 12, a recording surface 20 and reference light R are defined on a computer, and a number of point light sources P11-1, . . . , P12-1, . . . as samples are defined on each original image. Given angles of spreading of object light beams emitted from individual point light sources are defined, and areas on the recording surface 20, at which object light beams emitted from point light sources defined on each original image 11, 12 with the thus limited given angles of spreading arrive, are determined as recording areas &agr;11 and &agr;12 corresponding to the original images 11 and 12. When there is an overlapping (hatched) portion in the recording areas, the overlapping portion is determined as a recording area corresponding to the master original image.

Abstract: A security label having one or more security elements is used on or in association with items, such as consumer products, that have value and are susceptible to counterfeiting. The security label is preferably used as a primary label directly affixed to the item or product. The security element(s) can be affixed to an outer or inner label surface, embedded within the label film or paper layer and/or laminated between two or more layers. One type of security element includes a security thread having indicia formed thereon that are not easily reproduced or duplicated. Another type of security element includes a machine-readable security element that provides encoded machine-readable verification data.

Abstract: An optical layer comprises a sheet of material having a surface. The surface comprises a plurality of optical elements. The optical elements are comprised of microscopic patterns in the surface that cooperate to produce an image. Each of the elements has a focal length. At least some of the focal lengths are significantly different from other focal lengths, such that some portions of the surface appear to be closer to a viewer than other portions of the surface.

Abstract: An optical device for security and anti-counterfeit applications comprises a holographic diffractive structure (8) that generates a holographic optically variable image by diffraction that consists of at least two separate substantially co-located linear regions that generate in response to white light illumination a visually observable holographic image consisting of at least two defined graphical elements and which generates in response to coherent illumination (1) at least two covert images (5, 6, 7) focussed at a separate image plane a distance away from the real physical plane of the device, each covert image (5, 6, 7) corresponding to the replay from one of the linear regions, each covert image (5, 6, 7) being separated on its image plane from the adjacent covert image (5, 6, 7) by at least its own dimensions.

Abstract: According to the invention the labels (22) are produced in a broad woven fabric (21) comprising ground warp yarn (4) and ground weft yarn (5) for a ground woven fabric (11), embroidery weft yarn (12) which forms a figure and code weft yarn (10) which forms a barcode, said yarn being distinguishable from the ground warp yarn only in a light outside the visible spectrum. In the broad woven fabric (21) several labels (22) are produced whose longitudinal sides (1) adjoin each other in the weft direction and remain unfolded and whose lateral sides (2) are adjacent to each other in the warp direction and can be folded. The embroidery weft yarn (12) and the code weft yarn (10) extend parallel to each other and at a distance from the longitudinal sides (1) so that the backs of the labels (22) are evenly covered and thus uniformly transparent.

Abstract: The present invention provides a volume hologram laminate by which a desirable reproduced wavelength is controlled and set optionally. The laminate has a first adhesive layer 3, a volume hologram layer 5, a second adhesive layer 4 and a surface protecting film 6 formed on a substrate 2 in the described order, wherein a substance for shifting a recorded wavelength to the volume hologram layer is contained in the first and/or the second adhesive layer(s) and a reproduced wavelength of hologram recorded in the volume hologram layer is controlled with shifting the substance between the layers.

Abstract: A method of recording a surface relief microstructure in a record medium includes: i) causing a coherent reconstruction or replay beam to impinge on a holographic optical element assembly, the holographic optical element assembly including a holographic optical element (HOE), the assembly causing selected portions of the beam to interfere at a focal region after diffraction by the holographic optical element so as to reconstruct a real image of an aperture previously used to construct the HOE; ii) locating a record medium at the focal region so that the real image is recorded; and, iii) causing relative movement between the record medium and the interfering beam portions and repeating steps i) and ii) so that the real image is recorded at a plurality of locations or pixels on the record medium.

Abstract: An information carrier includes information in the form of a hologram. In order to increase protection against copying and/or as a simple recognizable additional security feature of this information carrier, the hologram is the combination of a transmission hologram and a reflection hologram.

Abstract: A laminate of transparent flexible material is formed to the precise size of a substrate and is made so that it will be laminated in place on the substrate. The laminate is in an elongated web that is separated into individual laminate sections by transverse lines of reduced tear strength so that the laminate sections can be removed from the web sequentially.

Abstract: The data carrier is preferably an identity card or payment card and is provided with at least one layer forming a card body, a transparent outer layer laminated thereon and a planar security element that is arranged between two laminated layers and that is covered by a protective layer. At least one of the laminated layers is transparent. The security element laminated therein is provided with especially holographic or kinegraphic information and is particularly protected against damage.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for image formation, that can yield thermally transferred images which are excellent in various fastness properties even under severe service conditions, and an intermediate transfer recording medium for use in the method for image formation. The method for image formation comprises the steps of: providing an intermediate transfer recording medium comprising a substrate film and a transfer portion provided separably on the substrate film; forming an image on the intermediate transfer recording medium in its transfer portion; transferring the transfer portion onto an object; and, thereafter, again transferring the intermediate transfer recording medium in its next transfer portion once or more onto the object with the image formed thereon. In this case, in the intermediate transfer recording medium, a hologram image is set every at least second image plane, and an image can be formed on the transfer portion having the hologram image.

Abstract: Methods of creating tamper resistant informational articles and related products are disclosed. In one embodiment, a lens has a preformed transparent hologram, metallized portions are provided and may be altered through selective application of heat to predetermined parts thereof to create information which may be fixed or variable. Printing may be provided on the hologram before metallizing. A base portion underlies the metallized layer. In yet another embodiment of the invention, an opaque base portion has a hologram formed in the upper surface thereof with portions of the hologram being made readily visible by partial metallization covering only portions of the hologram with or without information provided as by printing overlying or underlying portions of the metallized sector or both. A transparent overlying lens is secured in overlying relationship. Metallizing may be such as to permit viewing underlying hologram portions or information or not. A corresponding method is provided.