Abstract: Processes for producing a holographic material involve producing the holographic image on a polished, substantially smooth surface and then transferring the holographic image to a substrate. A metallic coating is applied to a smooth surface of a printing element to provide a coated surface, the coated surface is embossed to provide the holographic image, and the holographic image is transferred to a substrate via a bonding material, thereby producing the holographic material. The holographic material may be used to provide a decorative cover for an object or item, such as a floral grouping or a potted plant.

Abstract: There are provided a volume hologram laminate and a label for the preparation of a volume hologram laminate which, when kept in the pressed state, for example, during storage, is less likely to cause spotty hologram defects in the volume hologram layer. The volume hologram laminate comprises a substrate 2 and, stacked on the substrate 2 in the following order, a first pressure-sensitive adhesive layer 3, a volume hologram layer 5, a second pressure-sensitive adhesive layer 4, and a surface protective film 6, the volume hologram layer being such that a hologram has been recorded on a recording material comprising a matrix polymer and a photopolymerizable compound, the volume hologram layer having a glass transition point of 30 to 70° C. and a dynamic storage modulus of 5×105 Pa to 5×107 Pa as measured at a measuring frequency of 6.28 rad/sec and a temperature of 50° C., the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer having a dynamic storage modulus of not less than 2.

Abstract: According to the invention, an ablatable metallic layer (3) is arranged below the translucent protective layer (2) which is dyed throughout. Said metallic layer is connected to the contrastive coloured layer by a transparent connecting layer (9), the coloured layer being applied to a plastic film (10). The plastic film (10) comprises a self-adhesive layer (7) on the lower side thereof, the self-adhesive layer being covered on its lower side by a carrier material (8) which represents part of a continuous strip and which is covered in such a way that it rejects adhesive. If the film laminate has been stamped beforehand into individual labels or the like, said labels can be individually detached from the carrier material (8) and can be stuck on many different objects. Surface areas (11a, 11b, 11c, 11d) of the metallic layer (3) representing letters or symbols can be ablated by means of a laser beam (1a, 1b, 1c, 1d).

Abstract: In order to improve a structure arrangement comprising a plurality of portions having a relief structure with an optical-diffraction effect, in particular for visually identifiable optical security elements for value-bearing documents, for example banknotes, credit cards, passes or cheque documents, or other articles to be safeguarded, in such a way that it can give a viewer an image impression which in particular is more homogenous and more brilliant than is possible with known structure arrangements, it is proposed that a predominant number of the portions is of strip or band configuration.

Abstract: A multi-layer hologram label includes a base layer having a surface on which a number of layers of adhesive materials are coated in a stacked manner. Each layer has a surface on which a pattern associated with a holographic image is formed whereby by sequentially removing the layers, the patterns of the next layers are sequentially exposed for displaying the associated holographic image. The layers of adhesive materials can be replaced by hologram films carrying hologram patterns thereon. By sequentially removing the hologram films, the hologram patterns of the next films are sequentially exposed to display holographic images associated therewith.

Abstract: An autograph verification and authentication process. The process includes having a representative of an authentication system provider witness an individual autographing an item and generate a unique label for each signed item. The tamper-proof label includes two forms of coding. The first is visible and provides unique identifying information. The second one is embedded and can only be observed by the authentication service provider. The second code includes the unique identifying information as well. The label includes Information associated with the signing and that information may be entered into a database. The process further includes the step of having the individual sign a statement that identifies the items(s) signed, the date and location of the signing, and reference to the label(s) affixed to the item(s). The unique information may be accessed through the database under control of the provider.

Abstract: A multi-layer hologram label includes a base layer having a surface on which a number of layers of adhesive materials are coated in a stacked manner. Each layer has a surface on which a pattern associated with a holographic image is formed whereby by sequentially removing the layers, the patterns of the next layers are sequentially exposed for displaying the associated holographic image. The layers of adhesive materials can be replaced by hologram films carrying hologram patterns thereon. By sequentially removing the hologram films, the hologram patterns of the next films are sequentially exposed to display holographic images associated therewith.

Abstract: A security document, banknote, bond, travellers check, passport or token, including a substrate (1), said substrate having a device including a first macro-embossing (2, 3) of the substrate having a predetermined feature, and a second micro-embossing of smaller dimensions formed in or on said predetermined feature of said embossing. The first embossing being formed to hide and reveal said second embossing at predetermined viewing angles &agr;, &bgr;. The macro-embossing may comprise lines having a height of about 20 microns and a spacing of 80 microns, and the micro-embossing in the form of lines or dots (4) to a height of about 2 to 5 microns. The lines have a predetermined height (H) and a predetermined spacing (S) such that the ratio S:H is typically from about 6:1 to 2:1.

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.

Abstract: An authenticity identifying film (10) has a reflective film (11) having a circularly polarized light selectivity to reflect at least only either of right-handed circularly polarized light and left-handed circularly polarized light of incident light to produce reflected light. The reflective film (11) is provided with a hologram forming part (11a). The hologram forming part (11a) reflects circularly polarized light of the same circular polarization as that of the reflected light in a direction different from that of the reflected light to form a holographic image. The reflected light reflected by the reflective film (11) and the holographic image formed by the hologram forming part (11a) are detected by detectors disposed at different positions, respectively.

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: 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: 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: Authenticity/security identification consists of an optical marking and an (acoustic/electro)magnetic marking. The optical marking can comprise a hologram. The two identification marks are produced as a single entity during the production in a number of immediately successive steps. During this process a layer of soft magnetic material is provided with an additional layer of metal which contains the hologram.

Abstract: The invention relates to a hologram having authenticating information recorded in such a way that the information is little viewable in an ordinary viewing state and so having high counterfeit-proofness. In a 3D image-reconstructing hologram 10, a minute object 11 that is authenticating information is located behind a shielding block 12 of visually easy-to-perceive size, so that the authenticating information is hidden by the shielding block in a given viewing direction and so is not exposed to view, but can be viewed from a direction different from said given direction.

Abstract: A single photographic subsystem 2 photographs an original image for a hologram and provides an image information file Fp. In addition, this subsystem provides a management information file Fm for storing management information about the image information file Fp. An image processing section 4 generates a composite image file Fs by applying specified image processing to the image information file Fp and the management information about the management information file Fm provided from the single photographic subsystem 2 via a transmission system 3a. A hologram printer 5 receives the composite image file Fs generated in the image processing section 4 and prints a holographic stereogram based on this composite image file Fs.

Abstract: In the multilayer volume hologram 1 of the invention, the adhesive layer 5, volume hologram 6 and surface protective film 7 are laminated on the application member 2 in this order, and the breaking strength of the hologram layer should be larger than the peel strength between the surface protective film and the volume hologram layer and smaller than the peel strength with which the hologram layer is peeled off the application member and the breaking strength of the surface protective film. This multilayer volume hologram provides a more improved protection for the volume hologram. A portrait replacement or falsification of an information area ensures that the volume hologram layer can break down. Thus, more reliable counterfeit-proofness is achievable.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a counterfeit-proof volume hologram multilayer structure capable of securely preventing a counterfeiter from replicating a volume hologram recorded therein. The multilayer structure comprises a transparent surface protective layer, a volume hologram layer, and an adhesive layer which are sequentially laminated and is characterized in that particles having particle diameter of 350 nm or more are dispersed in at least one of the transparent surface protective layer, the volume hologram layer, and the adhesive layer and that the refractive index ratio (nF/nB) is set to be not less than 1.05 or not greater than 0.

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: A system for producing a white-light interference hologram includes a camera adapted for recording a first and a second bitmap image of a scene from separate vantage points, and the separation distance of the vantage points, a computing engine adapted to compute three-dimensional x, y, and z characteristics of an interference hologram topology for the scene from the bitmap image and separation data, wherein x and y are two dimensional locations of bits in a bitmap of the topology and z is a depth dimension for each x,y bit, and a printer adapted to print in color the x,y bitmap, and to create the depth dimension z at each x,y bit location, providing thereby a three-dimensional interference hologram topology for the scene. In a preferred embodiment the depth dimension is created by electrophoresis, using a medium having an electrophoretic gel layer, with the ink applied to the gel in a bit-mapped pattern being ionic in nature, and capable of being migrated in the gel layer by electrophoresis.

Abstract: A holographic shrink wrap element containing a shrink wrap film and a layer on the shrink wrap film, wherein the layer contains a holographic image. A process for preparing a holographic shrink wrap element includes providing, in the following order, a holographic polymer film having a holographic surface, a layer on the holographic surface and a shrink wrap film, and removing the holographic polymer film, leaving the holographic image on the layer.

Abstract: In producing a film by printing on a top sheet with non-glossy surface, a first glossy varnish imprint adheres on the surface. A second continuous imprint produced on the first, adheres neither on the top sheet nor on the varnish, and the film is completed. A glossy imprint is thus provided in the film external surface which is then applied on a document to protect it from being reproduced by optical scanning.

Abstract: An optically variable security device comprising a thin film reflection filter structure (23) which exhibits a first optically variable effect; and a relief structure (20) on or in the thin film reflection filter structure which exhibits a second optically variable effect.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for making an optically readable media unreadable and tamper-resistant. A method has steps of (a) providing the media with a readout surface layer that is non-flat (i.e., textured in some way, such as by embossing, scratching, depositing a non-planar layer or regions, such as droplets) and that inhibits optical readout of the media; (b) applying a coating layer to the non-flat surface layer to smooth the non-flat surface and to enable optical readout of the media; and, after an initiation of a readout period, (c) removing the coating layer so as to expose the non-flat readout surface layer, thereby inhibiting optical readout of the media. Preferably, the coating layer is substantially index matched to the readout surface layer.

Abstract: This invention relates to a solar control film that blocks the sunlight, when applied to various windows of automobiles, buildings or exhibition places and that prevent any second accident caused by broken glasses at an accident. From the solar control film, a surface protective layer, a plastic film substrate, a hologram-engraved layer, a metal deposition layer, a pressure sensitive adhesive layer and a release film are laminated in due order. The solar control film of this. Hence the above-described solar film has a basic function such as an excellent blocking rate of visible and infrared rays, while demonstrating an additional antifog action and an elegant look due to the hologram effect.

Abstract: A hologram recording film has an image of a three-dimensional object, e.g. a three-dimensional model, recorded in a volume hologram photosensitive material and further has a hologram image of a plane color pattern, e.g. a character or an image, together with the shadow of the color pattern, recorded as individual information in a superimposed manner in the same photosensitive material without using a liquid crystal display. Pieces of plane additional information of the same pattern have been recorded so as to be capable of being reconstructed simultaneously in a hologram plane and in front of or behind the hologram plane, respectively, in superimposition with a reconstructed image from a volume hologram.

Abstract: Proposed is a value-bearing document in which the carrier is provided with a window-like opening which is closed by a cover foil which is transparent at least in a region-wise manner, wherein particularly in the region of the window-like opening, the cover foil can be provided with additional security features, for example diffraction structures.

Abstract: A multilayered volume hologram structure of the invention comprises a substrate 2 for a certificate or the like, and an adhesive layer 5, a volume hologram layer 5 and a surface protective film 7 laminated on the substrate in the described order. When a multilayer structure consisting of the volume hologram layer 5 and surface protective layer 5 is forcibly released from the substrate for the purpose of making a photograph replacement or falsifying a personal information area, the volume hologram image can break down certainly, thereby ensuring prevention of falsification. A multilayered volume hologram structure-making label is useful for making a multilayered volume hologram structure.

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 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 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. The volume hologram layer and the relief hologram layer are superimposed so as to be switchable from one to another. The hologram laminate is separable between the adherend and the transparent film.

Abstract: A hologram having a covert image is made by recording on the hologram an object beam that will reconstruct an unrecognizable, scrambled image. The scrambled image can be modified to form a recognizable image by passing the scrambled image through a plate overlying the hologram.

Abstract: An optical security article has a substrate with printed information and an optical security coating adhered to the substrate over the printed information. The security coating contains engraved optical elements which cannot be readily duplicated. The coating has adhesive characteristics whereby it is temporarily adhered to the substrate to resist accidental removal or peeling off, while permitting the coating to be scratched or scraped off to reveal the underlying information.

Abstract: A method is provided for producing a holographic optical element that is comprised of at least one primary hologram (as defined herein) and at least one complementary hologram (as defined herein). The holographic optical element is useful as a security device, since it is relatively easily produced and yet is uncopyable in total. Also disclosed are methods for establishing the authenticity of the holographic optical element.

Abstract: There is described an image-recording medium and an image-reading method, which make it possible to improve reading accuracy of information by avoiding duplication of an optical variable image with the information. The image-recording medium includes a substrate, an image-receiving layer provided on the substrate and an optical variable layer provided on the substrate, wherein at least a part of the optical variable layer includes an optical variable image, and the optical variable image is formed in a manner such that the optical variable image, overlapping with an image recorded on the image-receiving layer, emerges in a first direction, while the optical variable image, overlapping with an image recorded on the image-receiving layer, does not emerge in a second direction.

Abstract: Proposed is a value-bearing document in which the carrier is provided with a window-like opening which is closed by a cover foil which is transparent at least in a region-wise manner, wherein in particular in the region of the window-like opening the cover foil can be provided with additional security features, for example diffraction structures.

Abstract: The invention relates to improvements in security features in paper and other substrates and in particular to an activatable feature to warn of tampering. The invention further relates to a security feature for a security document comprising at least one activatable layer and at least one visually apparent masking layer, said at least one activatable layer comprising a composition which is generally non-mobile but which becomes mobile when wetted with a liquid, said composition further including at least one detectable component, in which under dry conditions said at least one masking layer wholly covers the activatable layer and renders it non-detectable.

Abstract: A surface pattern is made up of surface elements (1 to 7) which are arranged in a mosaic-like fashion and which have microscopic relief structures. The surface elements (2 to 6) which are divided at least into first and second surface portions (8; 9) have in the first and second surface portions (8; 9) asymmetrical diffraction gratings (12; 13) with an optical diffraction effect, wherein in each divided surface element (2 to 6) adjacent first surface portions (8) are separated by at least one second surface portion (9). The grating vectors of the asymmetrical diffraction gratings (12) of the first surface portions (8) of all divided surface elements (2 to 6) have the same first value in respect of azimuth and the asymmetrical diffraction gratings (13) of the second surface portions (9) of all divided surface elements (2 to 6) have the same second value in respect of azimuth.

Abstract: It has been found that holographic images can be formed on the surfaces of plastic products or the plastic packaging for products. The elastic preferably is a thermoplastic that can flow into the narrow spacings that form the holographic image. The holographic image is formed while the product or packaging is being formed. These can be formed by injection molding, blowmolding, injection stretch blowmolding and thermoforming. A shim bearing the image of the hologram is placed in the mold and the plastic injected or otherwise flowed or placed in the mold. Upon the plastic under pressure being in contact with the shin in the mold, the shin will impart a holographic image into the plastic. The product or package is cooled and then is in a form for use.

Abstract: A holographic security device comprising first and second holographic generating structures (2,3) recorded in respective sets of substantially non-overlapping regions of a record medium is disclosed. The regions of one set are interleaved with regions of the other set, whereby both interleaved line structures are substantially non-visible to the unaided eye, whereby the holographic security device generates two or more holographic images (A,B) viewed from separate viewing directions around the device and normally seen by tilting the device. Each particular holographic image in a viewing direction is generated in whole or part by the holographic structure associated with one set of interleaved lines.

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: The invention provides a hologram transfer foil comprising a substrate and a transfer layer laminated thereon, said transfer layer comprising a surface protective layer, a thermoplastic resin layer, a hologram layer and a heat seal layer in this order. The hologram transfer foil is applied on the heat seal layet side to an application member. In this case, a peel force between the substrate and the surface protective layer is smaller than that between adjacent layers in other layers. This hologram transfer foil enables a hologram image, etc. to be reconstructed in an uninterrupted manner, and is improved in terms of transferability and productivity.

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: In producing a film by printing on a top sheet with non-glossy surface, a first glossy varnish imprint adheres on the surface. A second continuous imprint produced on the first, adheres neither on the top sheet nor on the varnish, and the film is completed. A glossy imprint is thus provided in the film external surface which is then applied on a document to protect it from being reproduced by optical scanning.

Abstract: The invention provides a hologram transfer foil 1 comprising, 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: A surface pattern (1) is composed of elements (2 to 5) which are arranged in a mosaic-like fashion and of which at least one pattern is formed from a background element (4) and a pixel (2) with microscopically fine relief structures diffracting visible light. The surface elements (3) and the element portions (5) either contain the microscopically fine relief structures diffracting visible light or they comprise reflecting or scattering surfaces. Arranged in the pixel (2) is a first diffraction grating B1 and arranged in the background element (4) is a second diffraction grating B2, wherein the first diffraction grating B1 and the second diffraction grating B2 are a superimposition of at least two different, microscopically fine relief structures F1 and F2 diffracting visible light. The first diffraction grating B1 and the second diffraction grating B2 differ only by virtue of a relative phase shift &Dgr;&phgr; between the relief structure F1 and the relief structure F2.

Abstract: A moire pattern technology about a dot matrix hologram for hiding a moire pattern is invented. In the moire pattern hidden region of a dot matrix hologram, the moire pattern foreground area and the moire pattern background area are formed identically by interlacing bright lines and dark lines. While position shifting is formed between the lines of the two areas. This position shifting is several times of the size of the grating dots. Thus, a moire pattern hidden in the moire pattern hidden region without being processed specially has a poor hiding ability. Often the above moire pattern can be identified by eyes directly without using a decoding film. Therefore, such kinds of moire patterns have poor hidden effects. However, the moire pattern of the present invention can prevent the aforesaid phenomenon by a well designed pretended pattern. Moreover, the appearance of such a dot matrix hologram can be beautified by the addition of the pretended patern.

Abstract: A transfer foil for use in a safety document includes a multilayer structure having a carrier layer and a plastic layer in which diffraction structures, for example holographic structures, are embossed in the form of a relief structure and which is combined with a reflective layer. The plastic layer includes a reaction lacquer layer selected from the group consisting of cationical curing lacquers, blue light-curing lacquers and chemical curing multicomponent lacquers.

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: Methods and adhesive labels useful in marking products or documents by applying these to substrates. A mark such as a barcode, photograph or characters are formed directly on the substrate and the adhesive label is applied over it. The adhesive label includes a concealing film layer which is transparent to a first wavelength outside the visible region, a diffractive optical mark with a transparent reflective layer and an adhesive layer. The first wavelength may be infrared allowing the underlying mark to be read by an IR laser. The adhesive labels are formed as to allow them to be continuously separated from a temporary detachment layer, thereby exposing the adhesive layer, and affixed to the document.

Abstract: The invention concerns a structure arrangement that includes surface regions having one or more structures having an optical-diffraction effect, in particular for visually identifiable, optical security elements for value-bearing documents, for example banknotes, credit cards, passes or check documents, or other items to be safeguarded; in order to make it more difficult to forge and in particular copy such a structure arrangement it is proposed in accordance with the invention that the structure arrangement is such that for the production of given items of optical information in given viewing directions in one or more of the surface regions (8, 30) of the structure arrangement there are provided sub-regions (10, 12, 14, 32, 34) with a structure (16, 18, 20; 36, 38) that is identical except for the structural parameter of optical depth and that the optical depth of the structure (16, 20; 36) is constant over the extent of a sub-region (10, 14; 32) but is different from the optical depth of the structure (18;