Abstract: A display device includes a light source part including a first light source and a second light source, a collimation lens that collimates light incident from the light source part, a wave guide that guides and diffracts the light incident from the collimation lens, a spatial light modulator that modulates the light passing through the wave guide so as to form a holographic pattern for reproducing a holographic image, a focusing optical system that focuses the holographic image on a space, and a light separating plate disposed between the light source part and the collimation lens, the light separating plate separating light of the first light source and light of the second light source from each other.

Abstract: An authentication medium includes a sheet-like laminate sheet; a first region that is formed on the laminate sheet and where personal identification information is recorded; and a second region that is formed on the laminate sheet and has a hologram structure where check data associated with first individual information is recorded.

Abstract: Multiple patterning approaches using radiation sensitive organometallic materials is described. In particular, multiple patterning approaches can be used to provide distinct multiple patterns of organometallic material on a hardmask or other substrate through a sequential approach that leads to a final pattern. The multiple patterning approach may proceed via sequential lithography steps with multiple organometallic layers and may involve a hardbake freezing after development of each pattern. Use of an organometallic resist with dual tone properties to perform pattern cutting and multiple patterning of a single organometallic layer are described. Corresponding structures are also described.

Abstract: A processing system including at least one processor may obtain, from a device of a requesting entity, a request to verify an identity of a user in a visual feed, obtain the visual feed from an endpoint device associated with the user, the visual feed including first visual biometric data of the user, and extract the first visual biometric data from the visual feed. The processing system may then retrieve second visual biometric data of the user from a plurality of distributed storage nodes, each storing a portion of the second visual biometric data, determine a match between the first visual biometric data and the second visual biometric data, and transmit the visual feed to the device of the requesting entity, where the visual feed includes an indication of an authentication of the user, in response to the determining the match between the first and second visual biometric data.

Abstract: A Fourier transform infrared spectrophotometer includes a main interfersometer, a control interferometer, an infrared detector, a control light detector, and a beam splitter block. The beam splitter block is disposed between a beam splitter and the control light detector. The control light detector has an optical axis inclined with respect to an optical axis of a control interference light beam.

Abstract: A foil transfer device may include a foil applicator to transfer a foil film onto a substrate, and a controller to transfer, using the foil applicator, foil from one foil film onto a first area of the substrate, the foil film having been placed at a first angle relative to the substrate, and transfer, using the foil applicator, foil from the foil film onto a second area of the substrate, the foil film having been placed at a second angle relative to the substrate, the second angle being different from the first angle, the second area being different from the first area.

Abstract: An optically variable security element wherein the areal expansion whereof defines a z direction standing perpendicularly thereon, and has a multicolored, reflective areal region. The areal region includes two relief structures arranged at different height levels in the z direction. The relief structures are each supplied with an ink coating which produce a different color impression. The ink coating of the relief structure disposed at a higher level is configured in the feature region as a regular or irregular grid with grid elements and grid spaces. The dimensions of the grid elements and/or grid spaces are below 140 ?m at least in one direction, so that, in the feature region, for a viewer from at least one viewing angle, the ink coating of the relief structure disposed at a lower level is visible through the grid spaces of the ink coating of the relief structure disposed at a higher level.

Abstract: A display medium that is able to arbitrarily change the display of recorded optical image information even when viewed from the same field of view, and an image display method that uses that display medium. The display medium includes a diffraction structure section on which optical image information is recorded, a chromic device that controls the reflection and transmission using voltage, and a power supply that is connected to the chromic device.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to an optical security feature that is based on a single axis alignment of mirrors or facets in a structured surface that forms a micro mirror array. In an aspect, a device is described that includes a reflecting structure on a first layer, where the reflecting structure has a top surface with multiple embossed facets arranged in a spatial orientation that produces a flat ring optical effect upon incidence of light. In another aspect, a method for making the device is described that provides a reflecting layer and produces the reflecting structure on the reflecting layer with multiple facets arranged in the spatial orientation to produce the flat ring optical effect. In yet another aspect, an apparatus for making the device is described that includes a pressing device and a stamping device to transfer a pattern of the reflecting structure to a reflecting material.

Abstract: This patent document discloses physical documents including metameric ink pairs. One claim recites a document comprising: a first surface; a second surface, in which the first surface comprises a first set of print structures and a second set of print structures, in which the first set of print structures and the second set of print structures collective convey an encoded signal discernable from optical scan data representing at least a first portion of the first surface, in which the first set of print structures is provided on the first surface with a first ink and the second set of print structures is provided on the first surface with a second, different ink, and in which the first ink and the second, different ink comprise a metameric pair. Of course, other claims and combinations are described as well.

Abstract: A security device includes a diffractive structure, including grating elements and having a first area, the grating elements within a region have a constant pitch or spacing; the first area regions pitches or spacings increase from one region to the next between a first region having a grating element pitch or spacing of less than or equal to 0.6 microns and an end region having a grating element pitch or spacing of greater than or equal to 5 microns; upon illumination and viewing along a first viewing direction substantially orthogonal to the first axis, the device exhibits a first optical effect in that at least one region exhibits a diffractive colour; each region has at least first and second sub-regions having different grating element orientations within the plane of the device such that the first optical effect is exhibited at more than one angle of tilt about the second axis.

Abstract: A prism layer has an uneven surface that includes at least one display region. An interface layer is adjacent to the uneven surface. The interface layer has a difference in refractive index from the prism layer such that a refractive index of a side of an interface between the uneven surface and the interface layer at which the prism layer is located is higher than a refractive index of a side of the interface at which the light interference layer is located. The display region includes inclination elements. The inclination elements adjacent to each other in an array direction contact each other in a plan view facing a plane along which the prism layer expands. The inclination elements include first inclination elements among which the inclination angle increases by the even angles along the array direction.

Abstract: A method for producing security elements, security elements, a security document with at least one security element as well as a transfer film with at least one security element, wherein a three-dimensional object is recorded and a surface profile of the three-dimensional object, described by a function F(x,y), is determined, wherein the function F(x,y) describes the distance between the surface profile and a two-dimensional reference surface spanned by co-ordinate axes x and y at the co-ordinate points x and y. A first microstructure is determined in such a way that the structure height of the first microstructure is limited to a predetermined value smaller than the maximum distance between the surface profile and the two-dimensional reference surface, and the first microstructure provides an observer with a first optical perception which corresponds to the surface profile of the three-dimensional object described by the function F(x,y).

Abstract: A silicon-based electro-optic modulator includes a substrate layer, an insulation layer, and an optical waveguide layer stacked sequentially, traveling wave electrodes disposed above the optical waveguide layer, and a metal grating structure periodically configured along the direction in which an electrical signal propagates in the traveling wave electrodes. The metal grating structure is disposed above the optical waveguide layer.

Abstract: In display, in a plan view facing an obverse surface of a reflection layer, first reflection surfaces are substantially square in shape, and a second reflection surface occupies gaps between adjacent ones of the first reflection surfaces. The distance between the first reflection surfaces and the second reflection surface in the thickness direction of a substrate has an extent that the obverse surface of the reflection layer emit colored light by interference between light reflected from the first reflection surfaces and light reflected from the second reflection surface. In a plan view facing the obverse surface of the reflection layer, more than one of the first reflection surfaces are located on each of a plurality of imaginary lines. On a straight line intersecting more than one of the imaginary lines, distances between adjacent ones of the imaginary lines have different extents.

Abstract: An incident optical beam illuminates a subset of contiguous array of diffraction gratings on a substrate and produces one or more diffracted output beams. The grating array can be arranged so that (i) multiple incident beams result in a contiguous composite solid angle of far-field illumination, (ii) multiple output beams arising from any one incident beam do not overlap in the far field, or (iii) both. The gratings of the array can be arranged to produce a desired far-field illumination intensity profile. The grating array can be arranged so as to suppress or eliminate laser speckle arising from the output beams.

Abstract: Several unique configurations for interferometric recording of volumetric phase diffractive elements with relatively high angle diffraction for use in waveguides are disclosed. Separate layer EPE and OPE structures produced by various methods may be integrated in side-by-side or overlaid constructs, and multiple such EPE and OPE structures may be combined or multiplexed to exhibit EPE/OPE functionality in a single, spatially-coincident layer. Multiplexed structures reduce the total number of layers of materials within a stack of eyepiece optics, each of which may be responsible for displaying a given focal depth range of a volumetric image.

Abstract: Techniques to enhance the security of matrix codes. An aggregated matrix code may be scanned to obtain a certain level of access with respect to at least one feature of an application executed on a computer device. The aggregated matrix code may include a user-specific matrix code uniquely assignable to at least one user of a group of users and a base matrix code associated with the group of users.

Abstract: An RGB and/or CMYK full color optical display device comprising multiple nanostructure arrays configured to provide display of a wide range of colors corresponding to multiple pixels or sub-regions of an image is disclosed, where the multiple nanostructure arrays may be formed on a single substrate layer. An optical display device includes a substrate having a surface, and a first pixel of a color image comprising first and second sub-pixels according to at least one of an additive and subtractive color scheme, where the first sub-pixel comprises a first optical sub-wavelength nanostructure array formed on or in the surface of the substrate, and where the second sub-pixel comprises a second optical sub-wavelength nanostructure array formed on or in the surface of the substrate. A method of manufacturing an RGB and/or CMYK full color optical display comprising multiple nanostructure arrays arranged as sub-pixels according to a color scheme is also disclosed.

Abstract: Micro-structures are formed within multilayer laminate security documents by embossing and/or debossing one or more thermoplastic layers prior to lamination of the layers. The embossed and/or debossed structures are arranged and/or formed in a way that creates a number of different security features, including a watermark formed by a relief micro-structure pattern on an opaque film (layer), a multi-color optically variable device, a 3-dimensional feature over kinegram/metallic ink and/or embossment/debossment over printed surfaces.

Abstract: An optical structure comprises an embossed layer having an embossed face including a recording area, the recording area including an embossed recording body having an uneven structure; and a light reflecting layer covering a part or the entirety of the recording area. The recording area includes a refractive mirror area and a diffractive area in the vicinity of the refractive mirror area. The refractive mirror area includes a plurality of aligned inclined mirrors constituting the embossed recording body, and the diffractive area has a diffractive structure. The refractive mirror area has a plurality of local mirror structures, and the diffractive area has a plurality of local diffractive structures. Each pair of the local diffractive structure and the local mirror structure adjacent to the local diffractive structure forms one local structure.

Abstract: The present invention is related to a manufacturing method of an optical feature for documental security which includes multiple latent images whose visualization depend on the mode the feature is observed. The method comprises the steps of defining the different regions present on the inner surface of a first confinement structure; inducing different alignment directions on the defined regions; defining a second alignment structure wherein the second structure is a polarizer with multiple patterns; placing the liquid crystal between the first and the second structures, and polymerizing the liquid crystal, forming a sheet. The images are visible by means of a polarized light source or a polarizing sheet.

Abstract: The present disclosure refers to a method for manufacturing a secured window in an identification card. The method comprising embedding information in a transparent window of the identification card and covering the embedded information with a thermochromic layer on a first side of the transparent window. The thermochromic layer is configured to become substantially transparent when subjected to a level of heat greater than a determined threshold value. In addition the method comprises the step of covering a second side of the transparent window, opposite to the first side, with a further thermochromic layer, the further thermographic layer being configured to become substantially transparent when subjected to a level of heat greater than the determined threshold value, such that the embedded information becomes visible through the transparent window when both sides of the window are exposed to the level of heat greater than the determined threshold value.

Abstract: A diffraction grating display body includes: a plurality of cell sets each having a plurality of cell groups in which cells R, G, and B corresponding to red, green, and blue, respectively, in each pixel in a piece of color gradation image data, are arranged in a predetermined order, wherein the cells in the cell groups in at least one cell set among the plurality of cell sets have diffraction gratings with mutually different spatial frequencies and the same grating angle, the cell groups included in at least one cell set among the plurality of cell sets have diffraction gratings with mutually different grating angles among the cell groups, and each of the cells R, G, and B included in at least one cell set among the plurality of cell sets have a predetermined cell area so that the display body with a wide observation area is obtained.

Abstract: Direct pixel-by-pixel phase engineering in a SLM is an effective method for the holographic fabrication of graded photonic super-quasi-crystals with desired disorder and graded photonic super-crystals with rectangular unit-cells. Multiple levels of filling fractions of dielectric in the crystal have been created in the graded regions. Fabrication of these graded photonic super-crystals and super-quasi-crystals with small feature size is possible, using a laser projection system consisting of integrated spatial light modulator and reflective optical element.

Abstract: In an optical structure for displaying a stereoscopic frame image on a structure formation surface, a frame motif that displays a frame image in which reflection moves is formed on a structure formation surface, the frame motif is made up of a plurality of perforated reflecting segments, each including one or more first reflecting mirrors having a reflective layer uniformly tilted relative to the structure formation surface, the tilt angle of the first reflecting mirror is different between adjacent perforated reflecting segments so as to gradually change over a plurality of adjacent perforated reflecting segments, and at least one of the plurality of perforated reflecting segments surrounds an opening provided with no first reflecting mirror.

Abstract: A metallic sheet with deposited structured images and method for manufacture (MSDIMM) that includes a substrate, at least one structural feature, and a metal layer. The structural feature is at least one cavity on the substrate's upper surface, or at least one material object that extends outward from the substrate's upper surface. The metal layer is deposited, either by sputtering or atomic deposition, onto the substrate's upper surface, and, as the metal layer is deposited, the metal layer interfaces with and follows the dimensions of the structural feature(s), thereby creating a visible image at the location(s) of the structural feature(s). The visible image can be any image, and is preferably either an artistic image, a textual image, or an authentication image. The MDSIMM can be used for a variety of purposes, and is especially effective as a form of exonumia or currency.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a security device is provided. The method comprises providing a substrate, the substrate having opposing first and second surfaces and a relief structure formed in the first surface of the substrate. A reflection enhancing layer is applied over the first surface of the substrate such that the reflection enhancing layer at least partially overlaps the relief structure and such that a first region of the first surface of the substrate does not have the reflection enhancing layer. An absorber layer is applied over the reflection enhancing layer such that the absorber layer at least partially overlaps the reflection enhancing layer and the relief structure where the reflection enhancing layer and the relief structure overlap each other, and such that the absorber layer at least partially overlaps the first region of the first surface of the substrate.

Abstract: A diffractive security device is disclosed including at least a first diffractive structure defined in a carrier layer. The first diffractive structure is an on-axis diffractive zone plate structure of a continuously curved surface configured such that when the device is illuminated by on-axis light a first diffraction pattern generated by the first diffractive structure can be viewed from at least a first side of the device at substantially all viewing angles, the first diffraction pattern exhibiting a reference point or reference line relative to which other features of the first diffraction pattern appear to move when the viewing angle is changed.

Abstract: An image display that is to be transferred from a support onto a substrate and displays an image including personal information, according to a possible embodiment, includes: a base layer releasably supported by the support, having a light-transmitting property, a first pattern including a hologram and/or diffraction grating and transferred onto a main surface of the base layer, the first pattern displaying a first image including at least a piece of the personal information, the first pattern including dot-shaped portions, each center of the dot-shaped portions being located on a lattice point of a virtual planer lattice; and a second pattern displaying a second image, comprising an ink, and transferred onto the main surface of the base layer. At least a part of the first pattern and at least a part of the second pattern are juxtaposed on a same plane parallel to the main surface of the base layer.

Abstract: A transmission decorative film includes a circular polarization plate and a circular polarization reflection layer disposed on the circular polarization plate. The circular polarization reflection layer includes at least one or more first cholesteric liquid crystalline layers that reflect any one of left circularly polarized light or right circularly polarized light. The first cholesteric liquid crystalline layer includes two or more reflection regions having different selective reflection wavelengths. The circular polarization plate transmits circularly polarized light having a revolution direction opposite to a revolution direction of the circularly polarized light reflected by the first cholesteric liquid crystalline layer.

Abstract: A diffractive security device is disclosed, including first and second diffractive structures defined in a carrier layer. The first diffractive structure is a diffractive zone plate structure of a continuously curved surface configured such that when the device is illuminated by on-axis light, a first diffraction pattern generated by the first diffractive structure can be viewed from at least a first side of the device at substantially all viewing angles, the first diffraction pattern exhibiting a reference point or reference line relative to which other features of the first diffraction pattern appear to move when the viewing angle is changed. The second diffractive structure is an off-axis diffractive structure configured such that when the device is illuminated by on-axis light a second diffraction pattern generated by the second diffractive structure can be viewed from at least the first side of the device at at least some off-axis viewing angles.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an optical security device with full parallax diffraction optical variable image, the optical security device comprises: a base layer; and an optical assembly at least partially covering a surface of the base layer; wherein the optical assembly has a micro relief structure, so that when a beam of white light illuminates on the optical assembly, the optical assembly presents a full parallax image under the action of the micro relief structure. The present invention obtains the micro relief structure through combining the phase plate, and achieves the reconstruction of the full parallax diffraction optical variable image under the condition of white light illumination.

Abstract: A transparent reflection layer is a visible light refractive index of greater than or equal to 2.0. In a plan view of a plane, the transparent reflection layer is located in a part of the transfer layer. At least a part of the transparent reflection layer is located inside an outline of the transfer layer. A portion of the transfer layer that is nil of the transparent reflection layer is a visible light refractive index of between 1.4 and 1.8 inclusive. The polycarbonate layer encloses the transfer layer. A cross section in a thickness direction of the laminate includes a first cross section that is nil of the transfer layer, a second cross section including the portion of the transfer layer that is nil of the transparent reflection layer, and a third cross section including a portion of the transfer layer that includes the transparent reflection layer.

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein relate to an encrypted payment image. In one embodiment, a processor of a mobile computing device encrypts a binary version of an invoice image with a payment information encryption key. The processor may generate a payment image of the encrypted binary of the invoice image and display the payment image.

Abstract: The distance between the first reflection surfaces and the third reflection surface in the thickness direction of a substrate is a distance that is able the obverse surface of the reflection layer to emit light of a first color by interference between light reflected from the first reflection surfaces and light reflected from the third reflection surface. The distance between the second reflection surfaces and the third reflection surface in the thickness direction of the substrate is a distance that is able the obverse surface to emit light of a second color by interference between light reflected from the second reflection surfaces and light reflected from the third reflection surface. The obverse surface emits light of a third color that includes the light of the first color and the light of the second color.

Abstract: A motion and animation display is disclosed, including multiple nanostructure arrays oriented at differing relative angles of rotation corresponding to multiple frames of an animation image, wherein the multiple nanostructure arrays are formed on a single substrate layer. An optical display device is also disclosed, including a substrate having a surface, a first frame of an animated image comprising a first optical sub-wavelength nanostructure array formed on or in the surface of the substrate, and a second frame of an animated image comprising a second optical sub-wavelength nanostructure array formed on or in the surface of the substrate, where the second nanostructure array is rotated relative to the first nanostructure array by a first relative angle of rotation. A method of manufacturing a motion and animation display comprising multiple nanostructure arrays oriented at differing relative angles of rotation is also disclosed.

Abstract: A higher forgery prevention effect is realized. A display includes a first interface section provided with a relief-type diffraction grating constituted by a plurality of grooves, and a second interface section provided with a plurality of recesses or projections arranged two-dimensionally at a center-to-center distance smaller than the minimum center-to-center distance of the plural grooves, and each having a forward tapered shape.

Abstract: A system and method of using the same, wherein the system comprises: an optical surface having a diffractive image generating structure disposed thereon, the diffractive image generating structure itself comprising a layer of reflective material incorporating a plurality of grooved diffractive elements each having a periodic wave surface profile, the periodic wave surface profiles each having a groove alignment direction; a source of incident electromagnetic radiation arranged to illuminate the diffractive elements at an angle of incidence substantially normal to the plane of the surface of the diffractive elements; means for polarizing the radiation from the source, and means for polarizing radiation reflected from the diffractive elements; wherein the diffractive elements are configured such that, in use, polarization conversion of the incident radiation takes place, and wherein the diffractive elements are disposed in a two dimensional array of pixels to represent an image; and further wherein the means fo

Abstract: Some implementations provide a method that includes: generating an association, at a mobile device, between a government-issued identification document of a user and a mode of payment; receiving, at the mobile device, a presentation of the government-issued identification document of the user to support a request for payment; validating whether the presented government-issued identification document is a valid identification of the user; and in response to validating the presented government-issued identification document, proceeding with payment by using the mode of payment.

Abstract: An optical anti-counterfeiting element comprises a base material (11). The base material (11) has a first surface and a second surface which are opposite to each other. The first surface is covered thereon with a micro-sampling tool (12); one part of the second surface is a micro image-text formed by a micro relief structure (13), and the other part thereof is a flat structure which does not form a micro image-text and/or a micro relief structure (14) which is different from the micro relief structure forming the micro image-text. The flat structure which does not form the micro image-text and the micro relief structure (14) different from the micro relief structure forming the micro image-text are homomorphically covered thereon with a first plating (15), the micro relief structure (13) forming the micro image-text is homomorphically covered thereon with a second plating (16), and the micro image-text is sampled by the micro sampling tool (12).

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for manufacturing a multilayer data medium having reflecting metallized inscriptions (23) visible from at least one outer surface (11). A basic pattern (24) is imprinted onto a transparent impression layer (21), the pattern being selected so as to be able to receive the inscriptions (23), to be transparent and to have a surface tension of more than 40 dynes/cm and a smooth surface condition with specular reflection of more than 50% measured according to the ISO 2813 standard at an angle of 60°, and no glass-transition temperature in the rolling temperature range; then the inscriptions (23) are imprinted in contact with the basic pattern (24), and then hot rolling under pressure of a stack including the impression layer (21) is carried out.

Abstract: An integrated security structure is provided employing an external source of energy to change the appearance of the structure rendering the structure more challenging to duplicate due to its complexity. The security structure includes a substrate forming part of a bank note, identification document, or other security device; an active device within the substrate changing color between at least two colors wherein a color of the substrate surrounding the active device matches one of the at least two colors to form a metameric device. At least one Interference Security Image Structure (ISIS) is configured to be metameric with a bleached state of the active device and is therefore invisible at normal incidence. Another ISIS is metameric with the colored state of the electrochromic device and consequently becomes invisible during coloration. When the whole device is tilted, both ISIS's change color while the rest of the device essentially remains the same.

Abstract: In a process for producing a multilayer body, an HRI layer made of a material having a high refractive index is applied to at least part of the surface area of a substrate. At least one partial region of the HRI layer is then physically removed from the substrate again by treatment with an alkaline solution. Additionally specified is a multilayer body that can be obtained by such a process.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing a multi-layer body, in particular a security element, in which a partial first layer or partial first layer system is produced on a substrate, wherein the partial first layer or partial first layer system is present in a first partial area and not in a second partial area. Subsequently, a partial second layer or partial second layer system is produced, wherein the partial second layer or partial second layer system is present in a third partial area and not in a fourth partial area, and wherein the third partial area overlaps with the first and second partial areas. Finally, the partial first layer or partial first layer system is structured as a mask using the partial second layer or partial second layer system.

Abstract: Provided is protective film-forming sheet (2) including: a protective film-forming film (1) having a light transmittance at a wavelength of 1064 nm of 55% or greater and a light transmittance at a wavelength of 550 nm of 20% or less; and a release sheet (21) which is laminated on one or both faces of the protective film-forming film (1). According to this protective film-forming sheet (2), it is possible to form a protective film which allows a workpiece such as a semiconductor wafer to have a modified layer disposed in advance therein by a laser so that the workpiece can be split through the application of force thereon, while preventing grinding marks on the workpiece or a product formed therefrom from being visible to the naked eye.

Abstract: A method and a system are disclosed for processing a banknote. The method includes providing a banknote having at least one photonically active security feature, the banknote being moved along a conveyance path; illuminating the at least one security feature with light from a stimulus source; identifying a location of the at least one security feature by detecting an emission from the security feature; directing an excitation source at the identified location; illuminating the at least security feature with light from the excitation source; and detecting a further emission from the photonically active security feature in response to the light from the excitation source. Further the process includes the step of analyzing the shape and size of each object within an image during the search phase to determine if the object has the expected physical attributes of the real feature.

Abstract: A security device is provided including a transparent layer having a first optically variable effect generating relief structure formed in a surface thereof; a reflection enhancing body extending over the first relief structure and following the contour of the first relief on a first side of the reflection enhancing body; and a second optically variable effect generating relief structure formed in a second side of the reflection enhancing body. The reflection enhancing body includes at least a first reflection enhancing layer defining the first and/or second sides of the reflection enhancing body and the first reflection enhancing layer includes a binder having reflective particles dispersed therein. When the device is viewed through the transparent layer, the optically variable effect of the first relief structure is visible and when the device is viewed from the other side, the optically variable effect of the second relief structure is visible.

Abstract: First and second patterns are formed on a substrate. A spatial offset between the patterns is determined, and stored for later use in authenticating the substrate. (One or both of the patterns may convey steganographic information. One pattern may be printed, while the other may be embossed.) A smartphone can sense these patterns, determine the spatial offset, and check whether the determined offset matches the earlier-stored offset, to judge whether the substrate is authentic. Another arrangement effects serialization of product packaging by use of paired patterns (at least one of which is typically a watermark pattern) applied in a manner causing a spatial offset between the patterns to progressively vary along a length of a printed web. Still other arrangements involve substrates conveying patterns that degrade over time, e.g., indicating freshness or pressurization condition. A great variety of other features and arrangements are also detailed.

Abstract: A security device is provided, including a first transparent layer having an optically variable effect generating relief structure formed in a surface thereof; a reflection enhancing layer extending over the relief structure and following the contour of the relief; and a second transparent layer extending over the reflection enhancing layer, the lateral extent of the second transparent layer being less than the whole area of the security device and corresponding to the lateral extent of the reflection enhancing layer. The first and/or second transparent layer includes one or more optically effective substances such that the appearance of the optically variable effect generated by the relief structure is different when viewed through the first transparent layer compared with when viewed through the second transparent layer, at least under illumination at a wavelength at which at least one of the optically effective substance(s) is visible.