The present invention relates to a radiation curable screen printing composition for cast-curing comprising one or more compounds comprising radiation curable groups, one or more photoinitiators and one or more rheology modifying agents, which composition has a specific shear rate dependent viscosity; an article comprising a substrate and a coating comprising the radiation curable composition in cured form, wherein the coating is in form of a surface relief structure, a method for producing the article comprising the steps: (i) Providing a casting tool having a relief structure defined in a surface thereof, the relief structure corresponding to the surface relief structure; (ii) Applying to the substrate and/or the relief structure of the casting tool the radiation curable composition; (iii) Cast curing the radiation curable composition by bringing the substrate into contact with a casting tool comprising a relief structure and forming the surface relief structure in the coating composition; and (iv) Radiation curing the coating composition such that the surface relief structure formed of the radiation curable composition is retained on the substrate; a security article comprising at least one inventive substrate; the use of the inventive radiation curable composition for the preparation of a surface relief structure on a substrate; the use of the radiation curable composition for screen printing, preferably rotary screen printing, and preferably subsequent cast curing; and a printing press comprising the radiation curable composition, wherein the printing press is adapted to carry out printing on a web-like or sheet-like substrate, in particular for the production of security articles such as banknotes, comprising a printing unit, preferably a screen-printing unit, the printing press further comprises an in-line casting device comprising a casting tool, wherein the printing unit is designed to apply the radiation curable composition to the substrate and/or the casting tool and the inline-casting device is adapted to replicate and form a surface relief structure in the radiation curable composition.
C09D 11/101 - Inks specially adapted for printing processes involving curing by wave energy or particle radiation, e.g. with UV-curing following the printing
An optical device that exhibits a variable optical effect upon illumination is provided. The optical device comprises a set of first grating regions, wherein each first grating region comprises a plurality of first grating elements. The first grating elements have one or more first grating pitches such that upon illumination the first grating elements exhibit at least a first order diffractive effect at a first viewing angle and a second order diffractive effect at a second viewing angle. The optical device further comprises a set of second grating regions, wherein each second grating region comprises a plurality of second grating elements, the second grating elements having one or more second grating pitches smaller than the one or more first grating pitches such that upon illumination the second grating elements exhibit a first order diffractive effect substantially at the second viewing angle. The set of first grating regions is interlaced with the set of second grating regions. The first grating elements are arranged in accordance with a first image and the second grating elements are arranged in accordance with a second image, such that a user viewing the device perceives the first image at the first viewing angle and perceives the second image at least partially overlapping the first image at the second viewing angle.
A security device is disclosed. The security device comprises: a substrate; an array of viewing elements disposed in or on the substrate; and an image layer disposed in or on the substrate and overlapping with the array of viewing elements, the image layer comprising a plurality of sets of image segments interlaced with each other, wherein each set of image segments in combination defines a respective image; wherein the array of viewing elements and the image layer cooperate with each other such that the device selectively exhibits the images in dependence on viewing angle; and wherein the image layer comprises a repeating arrangement of the plurality of sets of image segments, wherein the repeating arrangement has a repeat dimension that is larger than a pitch of the array of viewing elements such that for each of a plurality of different viewing angles of the device, a first subset of the viewing elements directs light from one of the plurality of sets of image segments to the viewer and a second subset of the viewing elements directs light from a different one of the plurality of sets of image segments to the viewer; whereby for each of a plurality of different viewing angles of the device, light from at least two different sets of image segments is directed to the viewer simultaneously. A method of manufacturing such security devices is also disclosed.
A security device is disclosed. The security device comprises a substrate; an array of viewing elements disposed in or on the substrate; and an image layer disposed in or on the substrate and overlapping with the array of viewing elements, the image layer comprising a first image channel and a second image channel, the first image channel formed of a set of first image channel positions each associated with a corresponding viewing element and the second image channel formed of a set of second image channel positions each associated with a corresponding viewing element, wherein the set of first image channel positions and the set of second image channel positions are interlaced with each other, whereby at a first range of viewing angles, light from the first image channel is directed to the viewer, and at a second range of viewing angles, light from the second image channel is directed to the viewer; wherein at least the first image channel is occupied by a corresponding set of first image elements formed of image layer material that together defines a first image; wherein the image layer comprises at least one region that is fully contained within the lateral area of the first image and overlaps with a plurality of the viewing elements, said at least one region having a first image tone ratio that is the number of first image channel positions occupied by first image elements to the number of first image channel positions within the region; and wherein: (i) the image layer comprises first and second regions having different first image tone ratios; and/or (ii) the second image channel is occupied by a corresponding set of second image elements formed of image layer material that together defines a second image, and within said at least one region of the image layer, the first image tone ratio is different from a second image tone ratio that is the number of second image channel positions occupied by second image elements to the number of second image channel positions within the region. Corresponding methods of manufacturing such devices are also disclosed.
A security device is disclosed. The security device comprises a substrate; an array of elongate viewing elements disposed in or on the substrate; and an image layer disposed in or on the substrate and overlapping with the array of viewing elements, the image layer comprising a plurality of sets of image segments, each set of image segments in combination defining a respective image and forming an image channel; wherein each viewing element defines an optical footprint in the image layer corresponding to the lateral area of the viewing element, and wherein for each optical footprint within the image layer: the image segments are arranged as an array having a plurality of first rows each comprising image segments of a first subset of the plurality of image channels and a plurality of second rows each comprising image segments of a second subset of the image channels different from the first subset; wherein each of the first and second rows is aligned with a first direction that is substantially perpendicular to the direction of elongation of the viewing elements, and wherein within a row the respective image segments are arranged so as to cooperate with the respective viewing element such that upon tilting the device about a second direction that is parallel with the direction of elongation of the viewing element, light from different image channels within a row is selectively directed to the viewer by the viewing element in dependence on viewing angle; and further wherein the plurality of first rows and the plurality of second rows are interlaced with each other along the second direction, whereby when viewing the device, the image segments cooperate with the array of viewing elements such that when tilting the device about the second direction, the images of different image channels are selectively exhibited to the viewer in dependence on viewing angle, and for each of a plurality of different viewing angles of the device, light from an image channel of the first subset of image channels and light from an image channel of the second subset of image channels is directed to the viewer simultaneously. Methods of manufacturing such security devices are also disclosed.
A security device includes an array of microimage elements formed of at least a first material and a second material, the microimage elements of the array being integrally registered with one another. The material composition of the array of microimage elements varies across the array along a first direction such that the array of microimage elements exhibits a gradual change in relative concentration of the first and second materials along the first direction.
B41F 5/16 - Rotary letterpress machines for printing on webs for multicolour printing
B41F 11/02 - Rotary presses or machines having forme cylinders carrying a plurality of printing surfaces, or for performing letterpress, lithographic, or intaglio processes selectively or in combination for securities
A security element including: a first layer having a first surface; an array of image regions across the surface, each including at least first and second sub-regions; a first array of plasmonic nanostructures in or on the surface across the first sub-regions, defining in each a corresponding portion of a first image; a second array across the second sub-regions, defining in each a corresponding portion of a second image; wherein each sub-region has a respective average inclination and the average inclinations of the first sub-regions are such that the first image is displayed at least at a first viewing angle and those of the second sub-regions are such that the second image is displayed at least at a second viewing angle different from the first and the second image is substantially not or only partially displayed at least at the first angle. Also, a method of manufacturing the security element.
Optically variable security device comprising: a substrate (10); an array of focussing elements (20, 21) disposed in or on the substrate; and an image array (30) disposed in or on the substrate and overlapping with the array of focussing elements, wherein the image array comprises at least first (11) and second (12) sets of image elements, the first set of image elements and the second set of image elements being interleaved with each other, wherein the image array comprises a first ink and a second ink different from the first ink, one or both of the first and second inks comprising a luminescent material.
09 - Scientific and electric apparatus and instruments
36 - Financial, insurance and real estate services
41 - Education, entertainment, sporting and cultural services
42 - Scientific, technological and industrial services, research and design
45 - Legal and security services; personal services for individuals.
Goods & Services
Business networking services in the financial sector Downloadable computer software for use in relation to creating, processing, accessing, tracking financial transactions, electronic payments, digital wallets, digital currencies and digital assets; Downloadable computer software for use as a digital wallet; Downloadable computer software for use in relation to creating, processing, accessing, tracking transactions of digital currencies and digital assets; Downloadable computer software for processing electronic payments; Downloadable open-source software in relation to creating, processing, accessing, tracking financial transactions, electronic payments, digital wallets, digital currencies and digital assets Providing information, consultancy and advice in the field of banking, finance, financial transactions, electronic payments, digital wallets, digital currencies and digital assets; Providing processing of electronic payments Arranging, conducting and organisation of commercial, trade and business conferences, seminars and classes, conferences, workshops in the financial sector Technical advice, consultancy and support in relation to open source software; Technical advice, consultancy and support in relation to software for use in respect of financial transactions, electronic payments, digital wallets, digital currencies and digital assets; Software as a service (SAAS) featuring software for processing financial transactions and electronic payments, for use as digital wallets, and for creating, processing, accessing, and tracking transactions of digital currencies and digital assets; Design, development, programming, implementation, and leasing of computer software relating to financial transactions, electronic payments, digital wallets, digital currencies and digital assets; Providing on-line non-downloadable computer software for use in relation to creating, processing, accessing, tracking financial transactions, electronic payments, digital wallets, digital currencies and digital assets Granting of licences for intellectual property rights; granting of software licences; information, consultancy and advice relating to regulatory affairs and legislation frameworks in the financial sector; information, consultancy and advice relating to regulatory affairs and legislation frameworks in relation to digital payments
09 - Scientific and electric apparatus and instruments
35 - Advertising and business services
36 - Financial, insurance and real estate services
41 - Education, entertainment, sporting and cultural services
42 - Scientific, technological and industrial services, research and design
45 - Legal and security services; personal services for individuals.
Goods & Services
Computer software for use in relation to financial transactions, electronic payments, digital wallets, digital currencies and digital assets; software for use as a digital wallet; software for use in relation to transactions of digital currencies and digital assets; software for processing electronic payments; open source software in relation to financial transactions, electronic payments, digital wallets, digital currencies and digital assets. Business networking services in the financial sector. Information, consultancy and advice in the field of banking, finance, financial transactions, electronic payments, digital wallets, digital currencies and digital assets; electronic processing of payments. Arranging, conducting and organisation of commercial, trade and business conferences, seminars and other educational events in the financial sector. Technical advice, consultancy and support in relation to open source software; technical advice, consultancy and support in relation to software for use in respect of financial transactions, electronic payments, digital wallets, digital currencies and digital assets; software as a service in relation to financial transactions, electronic payments, digital wallets, digital currencies and digital assets; design, development, programming, implementing, leasing and providing of computer software relating to financial transactions, electronic payments, digital wallets, digital currencies and digital assets; non-downloadable computer software for use in relation to financial transactions, electronic payments, digital wallets, digital currencies and digital assets. Granting of licences for intellectual property rights; granting of software licences; information, consultancy and advice relating to regulatory affairs and legislation frameworks in the financial sector; information, consultancy and advice relating to regulatory affairs and legislation frameworks in relation to digital payments.
A security document is disclosed, comprising: a transparent or translucent polymeric substrate; one or more opacifying layers disposed on the first and/or second sides of the transparent or translucent polymeric substrate, the one or more opacifying layers defining a substrate window region across which at least one of the one or more opacifying layers is absent; and, across at least part of the substrate window region, an array of image elements and an overlapping array of focussing elements are provided. The array of image elements is located substantially in the focal plane of the focussing elements. The array of image elements comprises one or more sets of image elements predominantly or wholly having substantially the same visual appearance as the collective visual appearance of the one or more opacifying layers at a selected location on the security document. The or each set of image elements is arranged at a periodicity substantially matched to that of the array of focussing elements in at least one dimension and defines a respective window cover image. The array of focusing elements are configured to direct light from selected ones of the array of image elements in dependence on the viewing angle, the or each window cover image being displayed by the corresponding set of image elements in combination across the at least part of the substrate window region within a respective range of viewing angles. The security document exhibits an apparent window region formed by the substrate window region in combination with any one of the one or more window cover images that is displayed depending on the viewing angle, such that upon changing the viewing angle, the apparent window region appears to change and/or disappear.
An optical device is provided that exhibits a variable optical effect upon illumination. The optical device has a diffractive structure comprising: a portion of a first kinoform diffractive structure that encodes a first image, arranged to form a first diffractive region (11) of the diffractive structure; and a portion of a second kinoform diffractive structure that encodes a second image, arranged to form a second diffractive region (13) of the diffractive structure; wherein the first diffractive region and the second diffractive region are laterally separate; and each of the first diffractive region and the second diffractive region are discernible by the naked human eye. Methods of manufacture of such optical devices are also disclosed.
A security device is disclosed, comprising: a substrate; an array of viewing elements disposed on the substrate; and an image layer disposed in or on the substrate, wherein the image layer comprises at least first and second sets of image segments, the first set of image segments comprising image layer material that together defines a first image and the second set of image segments comprising image layer material that together defines a second image, the first set of image segments and the second set of image segments being interleaved with each other; and wherein the array of viewing elements and the image layer cooperate with each other such that at a first range of viewing angles, light from the first set of image segments is directed to a viewer such that the first image is exhibited; and at a second range of viewing angles, light from the second set of image segments is directed to the viewer such that the second image is exhibited; wherein the image layer comprises a plurality of different regions, each region being defined by the number of sets of image segments having image segments present within that region, and wherein the arrangement of the image layer material of the image segments and/or the colour density of the image segments within a region is dependent upon the number of sets of image segments having image segments present within that region, and is different for different regions such that when viewing the device within the first range of viewing angles the first image is perceived to have a uniform tone, and when viewing the device within the second range of viewing angles the second image is perceived to have a uniform tone. Methods of manufacturing such security devices are also disclosed.
A security device is disclosed, including: a substrate having opposing first and second surfaces; on the first surface of the substrate, a surface relief structure formed of one or more cured, at least semi-transparent material(s); and on the second surface of the substrate, a print layer. In at least a first region of the security device in at least part of which the substrate is transparent or translucent, the surface relief structure and the print layer are each defined in accordance with a common image and are in alignment with one another, the surface relief structure exhibiting a first set of feature(s) of the common image and the print layer exhibiting a second set of feature(s) of the common image. The common image is exhibited by the surface relief structure and the print layer in combination with one another and the surface relief structure provides tactility to the common image.
An optical device includes: first grating regions each having a plurality of first grating elements each having a principal component of orientation substantially orthogonal to a first direction; and second grating regions each including a plurality of second grating elements each having a principal component of orientation substantially orthogonal to a second direction. At least a subset of the first grating regions each exhibit a diffractive colour such that a user viewing at a first viewing angle perceives a first diffractive colour image. At least a subset of the second grating regions are achromatic, each including a plurality of grating sub-regions having different respective grating element pitches and arranged such that, for a plurality of second viewing angles, the diffractive colours exhibited by the sub-regions cooperate such that the achromatic grating region is perceived to exhibit diffractive whiteness. The sets of first and second grating regions are interlaced.
A security device is provided, including: a surface relief structure formed of one or more cured materials on a substantially flat substrate, the surface relief structure defining a primary set of relief elements at a first scale and a secondary set of relief elements at a second scale which is smaller than the first, the primary set of relief elements including a plurality of raised protrusions spaced by recesses and the secondary set of relief elements being disposed on the tops of at least one of the raised protrusions and/or in at least one of the recesses. A security device including a structure formed of cured material(s) and an embossed structure is also provided. Methods of manufacture are also disclosed.
A security device is provided, comprising one or more surface relief structure(s), each formed of one or more cured material(s), the surface relief structure(s) being disposed on a substantially flat substrate and defining a plurality of raised elements spaced from one another, the raised elements corresponding to elements of an image, whereby the plurality of raised elements varies across the surface relief structure(s) so as to exhibit a multi-tonal version of the image. Methods of manufacturing such devices are also disclosed.
An optical device that exhibits a variable optical effect upon illumination is provided. The optical device comprises a set of first grating regions, wherein each first grating region comprises a plurality of first grating elements. The first grating elements have one or more first grating pitches such that upon illumination the first grating elements exhibit at least a first order diffractive effect at a first viewing angle and a second order diffractive effect at a second viewing angle. The optical device further comprises a set of second grating regions, wherein each second grating region comprises a plurality of second grating elements, the second grating elements having one or more second grating pitches smaller than the one or more first grating pitches such that upon illumination the second grating elements exhibit a first order diffractive effect substantially at the second viewing angle. The set of first grating regions is interlaced with the set of second grating regions. The first grating elements are arranged in accordance with a first image and the second grating elements are arranged in accordance with a second image, such that a user viewing the device perceives the first image at the first viewing angle and perceives the second image at least partially overlapping the first image at the second viewing angle.
This specification discloses a method of manufacturing a security document substrate. The method comprises providing a fibrous substrate having a sizing substance incorporated therein and/or on a surface thereof and (i) providing a casting tool, the casting tool having a casting structure defined in a surface thereof, the casting structure comprising a first surface region having a surface nanostructure with a surface roughness of less than 1 micrometre. The method then comprises (ii) applying one or more curable materials to the fibrous substrate and/or the casting structure of the casting tool; and (iii) bringing the fibrous substrate and the casting tool into contact with the one or more curable materials therebetween, thereby forming the one or more curable materials into the casting structure. During and/or after the contact, the one or more curable material(s) are cured so as to form, on the fibrous substrate, a layer of one or more cured material(s) comprising a first zone having an outer surface exhibiting a surface nanostructure corresponding to the first region of the casting structure.
The present invention relates to a radiation curable screen printing composition for cast-curing comprising one or more compounds comprising radiation curable groups, one or more photoinitiators and one or more rheology modifying agents, which composition has a specific shear rate dependent viscosity; an article comprising a substrate and a coating comprising the radiation curable composition in cured form, wherein the coating is in form of a surface relief structure, a method for producing the article comprising the steps: (i) Providing a casting tool having a relief structure defined in a surface thereof, the relief structure corresponding to the surface relief structure; (ii) Applying to the substrate and/or the relief structure of the casting tool the radiation curable composition; (iii) Cast curing the radiation curable composition by bringing the substrate into contact with a casting tool comprising a relief structure and forming the surface relief structure in the coating composition; and (iv) Radiation curing the coating composition such that the surface relief structure formed of the radiation curable composition is retained on the substrate; a security article comprising at least one inventive substrate; the use of the inventive radiation curable composition for the preparation of a surface relief structure on a substrate; the use of the radiation curable composition for screen printing, preferably rotary screen printing, and preferably subsequent cast curing; and a printing press comprising the radiation curable composition, wherein the printing press is adapted to carry out printing on a web-like or sheet-like substrate, in particular for the production of security articles such as banknotes, comprising a printing unit, preferably a screen-printing unit, the printing press further comprises an in-line casting device comprising a casting tool, wherein the printing unit is designed to apply the radiation curable composition to the substrate and/or the casting tool and the inline-casting device is adapted to replicate and form a surface relief structure in the radiation curable composition.
G03F 7/027 - Non-macromolecular photopolymerisable compounds having carbon-to-carbon double bonds, e.g. ethylenic compounds
G03F 7/038 - Macromolecular compounds which are rendered insoluble or differentially wettable
G03F 7/031 - Organic compounds not covered by group
G03F 7/029 - Inorganic compoundsOnium compoundsOrganic compounds having hetero atoms other than oxygen, nitrogen or sulfur
G03F 7/085 - Photosensitive compositions characterised by adhesion-promoting non-macromolecular additives
G03F 7/00 - Photomechanical, e.g. photolithographic, production of textured or patterned surfaces, e.g. printed surfacesMaterials therefor, e.g. comprising photoresistsApparatus specially adapted therefor
21.
SECURITY ELEMENTS AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURE THEREOF
A security element including a first layer having a first surface, an array of image regions across the surface, each including at least first and second sub-regions, a first array of plasmonic nanostructures in or on the surface across the first sub-regions, defining in each a corresponding portion of a first image, a second array across the second sub-regions, defining in each a corresponding portion of a second image; wherein each sub-region has a respective average inclination and the average inclinations of the first sub-regions are such that the first image is displayed at least at a first viewing angle and those of the second sub-regions are such that the second image is displayed at least at a second viewing angle different from the first and the second image is substantially not or only partially displayed at least at the first angle. Also, a method of manufacturing the security element.
The present disclosure relates to a method of manufacturing a security sheet (45) comprising a plastic substrate (20). The plastic substrate comprises opposing first and second outer surfaces (21, 22), a first concealing region (25) extending between the first and second outer surfaces and a laser markable region (29) at least partially located between the first concealing region and the second outer surface. Laser radiation (36) is directed from the first outer surface, through the first concealing region and onto the laser markable region to form at least one data element (40) in the laser markable region such that the at least one data element is hidden from view by the first concealing region when the first outer surface is viewed by the naked eye in reflected light.
A method of manufacturing one or more relief structures for a security device is provided. The method comprises forming one or more relief structures on a substrate, wherein the one or more relief structures are each formed of at least one cured material comprising a machine readable substance; generating a detection output using a detector configured to detect the machine readable substance; and analysing the detection output to determine whether the one or more relief structures meet a predetermined quality threshold. A system for manufacturing one or more relief structures is also provided, as well as security devices comprising such relief structures.
B42D 25/425 - Marking by deformation, e.g. embossing
B42D 25/46 - Associating two or more layers using pressure
G07D 7/00 - Testing specially adapted to determine the identity or genuineness of valuable papers or for segregating those which are unacceptable, e.g. banknotes that are alien to a currency
G07D 7/12 - Visible light, infrared or ultraviolet radiation
09 - Scientific and electric apparatus and instruments
16 - Paper, cardboard and goods made from these materials
17 - Rubber and plastic; packing and insulating materials
Goods & Services
holograms; holographic images; holographic films; security strips, cards, threads and sheets; credit cards; bank cards; encoded and magnetic cards; cards for use in automated cash machines; authentication cards; identity cards; drivers licence cards; magnetically encoded gift cards; optically variable devices being holograms; optically variable devices, namely refractive and reflective optical structures and/or security features; microlenses; optical lenses; optically variable devices being images with optical effects including colour changes and movement. Paper; banknote paper; banknotes; printed currency; currency paper; cheques and travellers cheques; security and identity documentation; security and identification papers and documents; optically variable paper and cardboard; holographic paper and paper threads; printed strips, threads, cards and sheets; threads of paper, cardboard and paper and cardboard substrates; polymer banknotes; polymeric banknotes; polymeric printed currency; polymeric labels, certificates, licences and visas. Polymer security films threads, cards, sheets, and strips; polymer security threads, cards, sheets, membranes and strips for incorporation in and on to banknotes, printed currency, currency paper, security and identification documents optically variable polymeric films; polymeric threads, cards, sheets, and strips.
25.
A METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR INSPECTING A LIGHT CONTROL LAYER FOR A SECURITY DEVICE
A method of inspecting a substantially transparent light control layer for an optically variable security device and a corresponding inspection apparatus, the substantially transparent light control layer including a surface relief defined by an array of substantially transparent refractive microstructures. The method includes: directing a beam of substantially collimated light towards a first region that is expected to contain the surface relief of the light control layer so as to generate an inspection light pattern; providing reference data that is indicative of a light control layer that meets a predetermined quality threshold; comparing the inspection light pattern with the reference data; and determining whether the light control layer meets the predetermined quality threshold based on the comparison.
A method for forming an optical device and an optical device, wherein upon illumination, exhibits diffractive images dependent upon viewing angle, the device having a diffractive structure including grating regions, each region corresponding to a component of a respective diffractive image, wherein: each region of the diffractive structure includes grating elements along a first direction having a principal orientation component within the device plane that is substantially orthogonal to the first direction; wherein, the grating elements within each grating region have a constant pitch and the same orientation wherein each grating region, upon illumination, exhibits a diffractive color wherein the corresponding diffractive image is exhibited; wherein, the diffractive structure includes first and second grating regions elongated along a common first direction, the regions being adjacent along the first direction, and wherein the pitch and/or orientation of the grating elements of the first and second grating regions are different.
A security print medium for forming security documents therefrom, the security print medium comprising a core having opposing first and second sides. The core comprises a radiation-responsive substance distributed within the core across at least a first region of the core, the radiation-responsive substance being responsive to a predetermined input radiation by producing a predetermined output radiation. The security print medium further comprises a first encoding layer disposed on the first side of the core and a second encoding layer disposed on the second side of the core, each of the first and second encoding layers comprising an encoding material that modifies the intensity of the predetermined input radiation and/or the predetermined output radiation produced by the radiation-responsive substance transmitted through the respective encoding layer, wherein the first and second encoding layers overlap each other across the first region. The optical density of each of the first and second encoding layers varies across the first region in accordance with a predetermined pattern, the predetermined pattern defining one or more encoding features, such that when the security print medium is exposed to the predetermined input radiation, the output radiation detectable from one or each side of the security print medium varies across the first region in accordance with the one or more encoding features. The first and second encoding layers are configured such that when the security print medium is viewed in transmitted visible light, the intensity of visible light transmitted through the first encoding layer, the core and the second encoding layer in combination is uniform across the first region, such that the one or more encoding features is concealed.
B42D 25/351 - Translucent or partly translucent parts, e.g. windows
B42D 25/382 - Special inks absorbing or reflecting infrared light
B42D 25/387 - Special inks absorbing or reflecting ultraviolet light
B42D 25/455 - Associating two or more layers using heat
B42D 25/46 - Associating two or more layers using pressure
G07D 7/0043 - Testing specially adapted to determine the identity or genuineness of valuable papers or for segregating those which are unacceptable, e.g. banknotes that are alien to a currency using digital security elements, e.g. information coded on a magnetic thread or strip using barcodes
28.
SECURITY DEVICES AND METHODS OF MANUFACTURE THEREOF
device includes an array of reflective sampling elements. A non-dispersive colour-generating relief structure is formed in a surface of the reflective sampling elements. The non-dispersive colour-generating relief structure defines an array of image elements across the array of reflective sampling elements. The array of image elements defined by the non-dispersive colour-generating relief structure and the array of reflective sampling elements cooperate to exhibit an optically variable effect.
A security device includes an array of reflective elements including at least first and second sets of reflective elements, which are regularly or irregularly interlaced along at least a first interlacing direction across a first area of the security device. A non-dispersive colour-generating structure is in the surface of first and/or second sets of reflective elements. The first set of reflective elements is configured to collectively exhibit a first image across the first area of the security device to a viewer within a first viewing zone and direct incident light convergently and/or divergently towards this zone. The second set of reflective elements is configured to collectively exhibit a second image across the first area of the security device to the viewer within a second viewing zone. The structure is modulated across the first and/or second sets of reflective elements such that the first and/or second images include multiple colours.
A security device comprising: a substrate (107) having an array of focusing features (101) such as lenses disposed on the substrate and arranged periodically, and a structure of a colour which comprises: an active zone (113) overlapping the array of focusing features and disposed in the focal plane thereof, the active zone having a periphery which defines an image, within which image extends an array of image elements (105) spaced from one another, wherein the pitch between the image elements is equal to the pitch between the focusing features. When the viewing angle varies, the tone of the image varies between a minimum tone and a maximum tone. The structure comprises a static zone (111) laterally adjacent the active zone and having a uniform tone that appears to the naked eye the same as the tone of the image at one of the maximum tone and the minimum tone.
An optical device is provided that exhibits a variable optical effect upon illumination. The optical device has a diffractive structure comprising: a portion of a first kinoform diffractive structure that encodes a first image, arranged to form a first diffractive region (11) of the diffractive structure; and a portion of a second kinoform diffractive structure that encodes a second image, arranged to form a second diffractive region (13) of the diffractive structure; wherein the first diffractive region and the second diffractive region are laterally separate; and each of the first diffractive region and the second diffractive region are discernible by the naked human eye. Methods of manufacture of such optical devices are also disclosed..
A security device is disclosed, comprising: a substrate (12); a relief structure (20) on a first side of the substrate, the relief structure being a reflective or refractive light-redirecting relief structure configured to redirect light from a light source to thereby project a caustic image; and a colour filter (30). The colour filter is configured to overlap in use at least part of the relief structure, and comprises one or more at least semitransparent materials, at least one of the materials transmitting only a subset of visible light wavelengths corresponding to a respective non-white colour. The caustic image projected by the security device exhibits one or more colour(s) when the security device is illuminated with white light.
A security device is disclosed, comprising: a substrate having a reflective surface; and a printed array of elements on a substantially flat area of the substrate. Each element is formed of at least a first material which is at least semi-transparent and a second material, the first and second materials having different optical characteristics from one another. Each element has a raised surface profile relative to the substrate including at least first and second sides sloping from the top of the element to at least first and second respective edges of the element, at which the first and second sides meet a substantially flat base surface of the element parallel to the substrate. The first and second sides have different orientations from one another and each lie at an acute angle to the substrate normal as measured at the respective edge of the element. Each element of the printed array comprises: a first edge portion which defines at least the first edge, part of the first side of the element, and part of the flat base surface of the element, and which is formed substantially only of the first material, such that the optical characteristics of the first material control the appearance of light reflected by the reflective surface through the first edge portion; a second edge portion which defines at least the second edge, part of the second side of the element, and part of the flat base surface of the element, and which is formed substantially only of the second material, such that the optical characteristics of the second material control the appearance of light reflected by the second edge portion or by the reflective surface through the second edge portion; and a middle portion which is located between the first and second edge portions and across which at least the first and second materials are both present. Under illumination by light from a fixed direction away from the substrate normal, when viewed from a first viewing angle the element appears to have substantially the optical characteristics of the first material and at a second viewing angle the element appears to have substantially the optical characteristics of the second material.
An optical device that exhibits a variable optical effect upon illumination is disclosed. The optical device comprises: a set of first grating regions (20a), wherein each first grating region comprises a plurality of first grating elements (30), each first grating element having a principal component of orientation within the plane of the device that is substantially orthogonal to a first direction; a set of second grating regions (20b), wherein each second grating region comprises a plurality of second grating elements (30), each second grating element having a principal component of orientation within the plane of the device that is substantially orthogonal to a second direction different to the first direction; wherein at least a subset of the first grating regions each exhibit a diffractive colour such that a user viewing the device at a viewing angle within a first viewing plane that intersects the optical device along the first direction perceives a first diffractive colour image; and at least a subset of the second grating regions are achromatic grating regions (22), wherein each achromatic grating region comprises a plurality of grating sub-regions having different respective grating element pitches ranging from a coarse pitch to a fine pitch and arranged such that, for a plurality of viewing angles within a second viewing plane that intersects the optical device along the second direction, the diffractive colours exhibited by the plurality of grating sub-regions cooperate such that the achromatic grating region is perceived to exhibit diffractive whiteness; and further wherein the set of first grating regions is interlaced with the set of second grating regions. Methods of manufacture of such devices are also provided.
A digitally printed security document includes: a security document substrate; a first digitally printed print working on a first surface of the substrate in a first region, the first print working including a first array of printed elements arranged according to a first grid of lattice points having a first pitch; and a second digitally printed print working on the first surface of the substrate in a second region, the second print working including a second array of printed elements arranged across a second grid of lattice points having a second pitch different from the first pitch.
B32B 3/10 - Layered products comprising a layer with external or internal discontinuities or unevennesses, or a layer of non-planar shapeLayered products comprising a layer having particular features of form characterised by a discontinuous layer, i.e. apertured or formed of separate pieces of material
B41J 3/54 - Typewriters or selective printing or marking mechanisms characterised by the purpose for which they are constructed with two or more sets of type or printing elements
A security device is provided, comprising: a surface relief structure formed of one or more cured materials on a substantially flat substrate, the surface relief structure defining a primary set of relief elements at a first scale and a secondary set of relief elements at a second scale which is smaller than the first, the primary set of relief elements including a plurality of raised protrusions spaced by recesses and the secondary set of relief elements being disposed on the tops of at least one of the raised protrusions and/or in at least one of the recesses. A security device comprising a structure formed of cured material(s) and an embossed structure is also provided. Methods of manufacture are also disclosed.
A security device is provided, comprising one or more surface relief structure(s), each formed of one or more cured material(s), the surface relief structure(s) being disposed on a substantially flat substrate and defining a plurality of raised elements spaced from one another, the raised elements corresponding to elements of an image, whereby the plurality of raised elements varies across the surface relief structure(s) so as to exhibit a multi-tonal version of the image. Methods of manufacturing such devices are also disclosed.
A security device is disclosed, comprising: a substrate having opposing first and second surfaces; on the first surface of the substrate, a surface relief structure formed of one or more cured, at least semi-transparent material(s); and on the second surface of the substrate, a print layer. In at least a first region of the security device in at least part of which the substrate is transparent or translucent, the surface relief structure and the print layer are each defined in accordance with a common image and are in alignment with one another, the surface relief structure exhibiting a first set of feature(s) of the common image and the print layer exhibiting a second set of feature(s) of the common image. The common image is exhibited by the surface relief structure and the print layer in combination with one another and the surface relief structure provides tactility to the common image.
A security device is disclosed, comprising: a surface relief structure formed of a cured material, the cured material comprising a binder and dispersed therein at least a first pigment having a first detection characteristic. The surface relief structure is configured such that part(s) thereof have dimensions sufficient to accommodate a first concentration of the first pigment and other part(s) have dimensions too small to accommodate the first concentration of the first pigment, and preferably too small to accommodate substantially any of the first pigment. The detection characteristics of the cured material vary across the surface relief structure in accordance with the dimensions thereof.
A security document is disclosed, comprising first and second security devices, a document substrate, and a protective layer formed of a cured, at least semi- transparent material on a first surface of the document substrate. The surface of the protective layer distal to the document substrate has an integral surface relief structure. The first security device is defined by the surface relief in a first region of the surface relief structure, the second security device is provided at the first surface of the document substrate, and the protective layer covers the second security device.
A method of manufacturing a document of a series identical documents in content except for a respective identifier which identifies each document within the series, each identifier having at least a first indicium, the or each indicium defining a boundary; the method having the steps of: providing a substrate; applying a first background print, defining part of the boundary of an indicium receiving area; applying the respective identifier on the substrate, such that the first indicium is provided in the indicium receiving area; the first background print and the respective identifier being applied such that when the document is viewed in at least one of transmission and reflection the juxtaposition of the first background print and the first indicium is such that a keyline extending around a portion of the boundary of the first indicium is defined between the first indicium and the boundary of the indicium receiving area.
A digital printing press for printing security documents is provided. The digital printing press comprises: a first digital print head, the first digital printhead comprising a first array of print nozzles having a first nozzle diameter; a second digital print head, the second digital print head comprising a second array of print nozzles having a second nozzle diameter different from the first nozzle diameter; optionally, an offset printing unit, the offset printing unit comprising one or more offset printing surfaces, wherein the offset printing unit is adapted to transport a print area of the one or more offset printing surfaces sequentially past each of the first and second digital print heads, and subsequently to transfer print received from the first and second digital print heads to a security document substrate; a transport system adapted to transport a security document substrate along a transport path through the digital printing press, wherein either the transport path takes the security document sequentially past each of the first and second digital print heads in a feed direction, or the transport path takes the security document substrate past the offset printing unit, if provided, in a feed direction; a controller adapted to control both the first and second digital print heads to execute a set of printing instructions so as to print on a security document substrate transported past the first and second digital print heads by the transport system or to print on the print area of the one or more offset printing surfaces transported past the first and second digital print heads by the offset printing unit (and to transfer the print received on the print area of the offset printing to the security document substrate), the set of printing instructions including printing instructions at a first resolution for the first digital print head for printing a first print working and printing instructions at a second resolution different from the first resolution for the second digital print head for printing a second print working; wherein the first digital print head is configured to print at the first resolution and the second digital print head is configured to print at the second resolution, and wherein the first and second digital print heads are configured or controlled by the controller to remain static relative to the transport path or offset printing unit while the first and second digital print heads execute the respective printing instructions.
B41J 3/54 - Typewriters or selective printing or marking mechanisms characterised by the purpose for which they are constructed with two or more sets of type or printing elements
The present disclosure is directed towards a security sheet (10) for displaying personal data (11) comprising a plastic substrate (12) comprising first and second outer surfaces (13, 14). A first opaque region (21) extends partially across the plastic substrate (12) between the first and second outer surfaces (13, 14). A first window (50) is at least partially surrounded by the first opaque region (21). A security device (51) comprises a transparent first device region (52) and a second device region (53) formed from a second device insert (55). The first and second device regions (52, 53) have different optical detection characteristics. The security device (51) is arranged in the plastic substrate (12) such that, when viewed in reflected light incident upon the first outer surface (13), at least part of the first device region (52) is visible at least partially around the second device region (53) in the first window (50).
A method of forming an array of microimage elements that vary in their material composition is provided. The method comprises: applying a first region of a layer of a first material to a surface of a first material carrier; applying a second region of a layer of a second material, different from the first material, to a surface of a second material carrier; blending together the first and second regions of the layers of first and second material such that a blended region of the layers of first and second material exhibits a gradual change in relative concentration of the first and second materials along a first direction, the step of blending together the first and second regions of the layers of first and second material comprising bringing a first blending surface into contact with the first material on the surface of the first material carrier and moving the first blending surface relative to the surface of the first material carrier along a direction corresponding to the first direction to spread the layer of first material along the direction corresponding to the first direction, and bringing a second blending surface into contact with the second material on the second material carrier and moving the second blending surface relative to the surface of the second material carrier along a direction corresponding to the first direction to spread the layer of second material along the direction corresponding to the first direction; bringing the blended layers of first and second material in the blended region into contact with a patterned material carrier, the surface of the patterned material carrier defining a pattern corresponding to the array of microimage elements, the patterned material carrier selectively removing the first and second material in at least the blended region in accordance with the pattern; and transferring the blended layers of first and second material defining the array of microimage elements on to a support layer.
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.
A method of forming a security device is provided. The method comprises providing a substrate comprising an array of plasmonic nanostructures, providing a first array of sampling elements over the substrate, and irradiating one or more regions of the array of plasmonic nanostructures through the first array of sampling elements with electromagnetic radiation so as to modify the geometry of the plasmonic nanostructures in the one or more regions and thereby modify the optical response of the array of plasmonic nanostructures in the one or more region. The one or more regions define an array of image elements configured for viewing through an array of sampling elements such that an optically variable effect is exhibited by the array of sampling elements and the array of image elements in combination in dependence upon the viewing angle.
A security print medium for forming security documents therefrom, the security print medium comprising a core having opposing first and second sides. The core comprises a radiation-responsive substance distributed within the core across at least a first region of the core, the radiation-responsive substance being responsive to a predetermined input radiation by producing a predetermined output radiation. The security print medium further comprises a first encoding layer disposed on the first side of the core and a second encoding layer disposed on the second side of the core, each of the first and second encoding layers comprising an encoding material that modifies the intensity of the predetermined input radiation and/or the predetermined output radiation produced by the radiation-responsive substance transmitted through the respective encoding layer, wherein the first and second encoding layers overlap each other across the first region. The optical density of each of the first and second encoding layers varies across the first region in accordance with a predetermined pattern, the predetermined pattern defining one or more encoding features, such that when the security print medium is exposed to the predetermined input radiation, the output radiation detectable from one or each side of the security print medium varies across the first region in accordance with the one or more encoding features. The first and second encoding layers are configured such that when the security print medium is viewed in transmitted visible light, the intensity of visible light transmitted through the first encoding layer, the core and the second encoding layer in combination is uniform across the first region, such that the one or more encoding features is concealed.
Disclosed herein is a method of inspecting a substantially transparent light control layer for an optically variable security device, said substantially transparent light control layer comprising a surface relief defined by an array of substantially transparent refractive microstructures. The method comprises: directing a beam of substantially collimated light towards a first region that is expected to contain the surface relief of the light control layer so as to generate an inspection light pattern; providing reference data that is indicative of a light control layer that meets a predetermined quality threshold; comparing the inspection light pattern with the reference data; and determining whether the light control layer meets the predetermined quality threshold based on the comparison. A corresponding inspection apparatus is also disclosed.
An optical device is disclosed. Upon illumination, the optical device exhibits one or more diffractive images dependent upon viewing angle, said optical device having a diffractive structure comprising a plurality of grating regions, each grating region corresponding to a component of a respective diffractive image, wherein: each grating region of the diffractive structure comprises a plurality of grating elements arranged along a respective first direction, each grating element having a principal component of orientation within the plane of the device that is substantially orthogonal to said respective first direction; wherein, the grating elements within each grating region have a constant pitch and substantially the same orientation such that each grating region, upon illumination, exhibits a diffractive colour such that the corresponding diffractive image is exhibited; wherein, the diffractive structure comprises first and second grating regions that are both elongate along a common first direction, said first and second grating regions being adjacent along said common first direction, and wherein the pitch and/or orientation of the grating elements of the first and second grating regions are different. A method of forming the optical device is also disclosed.
G03H 1/00 - Holographic processes or apparatus using light, infrared, or ultraviolet waves for obtaining holograms or for obtaining an image from themDetails peculiar thereto
The present invention is directed towards a method for manufacturing a security substrate for displaying personal data, a security substrate and a security document made from the security substrate. The security substrate comprises at least a first layer having at least one aperture, and the method comprises the steps of: applying an adhesive in at least one first adhesive region to either the first layer or a contact layer, the at least one first adhesive region having a substantially similar shape to the at least one aperture; applying the contact layer to the first layer with the at least one first adhesive region therebetween; forming at least one first cut in the first layer defining at least one first cut portion of the first layer to be removed from the first layer; and separating the contact layer and the first layer. The at least one first cut portion of the first layer is adhered to the contact layer by means of the at least one first adhesive region and is removed from the first layer to form the at least one aperture. The steps of applying the contact layer to the first layer and forming the at least one first cut in the first layer may be carried out in either order.
A security device and method of making thereof. The security device includes a colour shifting element that exhibits different colours dependent on the angle of incidence of light impinging upon the colour shifting element, and; an at least partially transparent light control layer covering at least a part of the colour shifting element and including a surface relief adapted to modify the angle of light incident upon the light control layer, wherein; the light control layer includes at least first and second functional regions having different refractive indices such that light incident upon the first functional region impinges upon the colour shifting element at a first angle of incidence, and light incident upon the second functional region impinges upon the colour shifting element at a second, different, angle of incidence.
A method of forming a security device is disclosed. The method comprises 5 providing a multilayer assembly, the assembly comprising: a holographic image layer having a region comprising a volume hologram that is viewable in a first observable colour, the region being formed from a material comprising a diffusible substance at a first concentration; a diffusion element having a region that overlaps the said region of the holographic image layer and is formed from a 10 material comprising the diffusible substance at a second concentration, different from the first concentration; and a barrier layer having a region that is impassable to the diffusible substance and is interposed between the said region of the holographic image layer and the said region of the diffusion element so as to preclude diffusion of the diffusible material therebetween. The said region of 15 the barrier layer comprises a heat-transformable material. The method further comprises selectively applying heat at a plurality of positions within the said region of the barrier layer, in accordance with a predetermined pattern, so as to modify the heat-transformable material such that the region of the barrier layer is selectively rendered passable to the diffusible substance at each of the plurality 20 of positions, thereby permitting diffusion of the diffusible substance between the said regions of the diffusion element and the holographic image layer such that, at a plurality of positions within the said region of the holographic image layer and corresponding to the predetermined pattern, the volume hologram is dimensionally modified so as to become viewable in a second observable colour, 25 different from the first observable colour.
A security element including: a first layer having a first surface; an array of image regions across the surface, each region including at least first and second sub-regions; a first diffractive optically variable effect generating structure in or on the surface across the first sub-regions; and a second diffractive optically variable effect generating structure in or on the surface across the second sub-regions; wherein the surface is arranged so each first sub-region has a first average inclination and each second sub-region has a second average inclination different from the first, wherein the first structure and inclination provide that the first effect is exhibited across the first sub-regions at least at a first viewing angle and the second structure and inclination provide that the second effect is exhibited across the second sub-regions at least at a second viewing angle different from the first. Also, a method of manufacturing the security element.
A security element including: a first layer having a first surface; an array of image regions across the first surface arranged along at least a second direction, each region including at least a first image sub-region having an average inclination defining an angle, relative to a plane of the security element, about an image region axis extending along a first direction; a diffractive optically variable effect generating structure provided in or on the first surface across the first image sub-regions, the structure including diffractive elements that extend along a direction within 45° of the first direction, wherein the structure is provided across the first image sub-regions and spatially arranged and/or modulated across the first image sub-regions in accordance with a first image so the first image is displayed by the first image sub-regions in combination at least at a first viewing angle. Also, a method of manufacturing the security element.
A security device is disclosed. The security device comprises an array of reflective sampling elements, which are eg convex micromirrors (101). A non-dispersive colour-generating relief structure (102) is formed in a surface of the reflective sampling elements. The non- dispersive colour-generating relief structure defines an array of image elements across the array of reflective sampling elements. The array of image elements defined by the non-dispersive colour-generating relief structure and the array of reflective sampling elements cooperate to exhibit an optically variable effect. The non- dispersive colour-generating relief structure can be an array of plasmonic nanostructures in the form of nanopillars each having a shaft (114) which can be a dielectric layer (111) being coated with a metal layer (112), or can be a zero-order diffraction grating (124), or can be an array of nanoholes (115). Each micromirror can be a Fresnel micromirror. The device can also comprise an array of anti- reflective nanostructures (35), eg moth-eye relief structures.
A security device is disclosed. The security device comprises an array of reflective elements (10) including at least a first set (10a) of reflective elements and a second set (10b) of reflective elements. The first and second sets of reflective elements are regularly or irregularly interlaced along at least a first interlacing direction across a first area of the security device. A non-dispersive colour- generating structure, which can be for instance an array of plasmonic nanostructures or a zero order diffractive structure, is provided in the surface of first and/or second sets of reflective elements. The first set of reflective elements is configured to collectively exhibit a first image across the first area of the security device to a viewer within a first viewing zone (15a). The second set of reflective elements is configured to collectively exhibit a second image across the first area of the security device to the viewer within a second viewing zone (15b) different from the first viewing zone. The non-dispersive colour generating structure is modulated across the first and/or second sets of reflective elements such that the first and/or second images include multiple colours. The first set of reflective elements is configured to collectively direct incident light convergently and/or divergently towards the first viewing zone of the first image.
The present invention is directed towards a security sheet (11) for displaying data (16). The security sheet (11) comprises a data sheet (15) for displaying data (16) and an attachment layer (17). The data sheet (15) comprises an outer surface, at least one transparent region (40) extending from the outer surface and a camouflage pattern (42). The attachment layer (17) is for attaching the data sheet (15) into a security document (10) and comprises a connection portion (60) at least partially embedded in the at least one transparent region (40). The camouflage pattern (42) at least partially overlaps the at least one transparent region (40) and connection portion (60). The camouflage pattern (42) is for interfering with the visibility of the connection portion (60) when the outer surface is viewed by the naked eye in reflected visible light incident upon the outer surface.
A security device is provided. The security device comprises a decorative layer comprising a luminescent material arranged in a first region, wherein the luminescent material luminesces in response to irradiation at least one excitation wavelength such that the first region exhibits a luminescent visible colour when illuminated by said at least one excitation wavelength; an array of viewing elements; and, a masking layer comprising masking material positioned between the decorative layer and the array of viewing elements, the masking layer arranged as an array of pattern elements at least partially overlapping with said first region, and comprising first pattern elements defined by the presence of the masking material, and second pattern elements defined by the absence of the masking material such that the decorative layer is visible through the second pattern elements, wherein; the masking material is non-luminescing in response to the at least one excitation wavelength and is such that, when the security device is illuminated in the absence of the at least one excitation wavelength, at least where the array of pattern elements overlaps with the first region the first and second pattern elements have substantially the same visual appearance, and when the security device is illuminated by said at least one excitation wavelength, where the array of pattern elements overlaps with the first region, the second pattern elements exhibit the luminescent visible colour, and the first pattern elements exhibit a visual appearance that is different to the luminescent visible colour; and wherein, the array of pattern elements cooperates with the array of viewing elements such that when the security device is illuminated with the at least one excitation wavelength, the security device exhibits an optically variable effect. A method of manufacturing a security device, and a security arrangement, are also disclosed.
The present disclosure is directed towards an attachment layer (17) for attachment to a data sheet (15) displaying data (16) and for attaching the data sheet (15) in a security document (10). The attachment layer (17) comprises a textile (81) comprising at least two yarns (80) having different haptic and/or optical characteristics. The present disclosure is further directed towards a a security sheet (11), a security document (10) comprising such a security sheet (11), methods of manufacturing such attachment layers, security sheets (11) and security documents and methods of authenticating such security documents.
B42D 25/36 - Identification or security features, e.g. for preventing forgery comprising special materials
D03D 15/00 - Woven fabrics characterised by the material, structure or properties of the fibres, filaments, yarns, threads or other warp or weft elements used
D05C 17/00 - Embroidered or tufted productsBase fabrics specially adapted for embroidered workInserts for producing surface irregularities in embroidered products
The present disclosure is directed towards a security sheet (11) comprising a data sheet (15) and an attachment layer (17) for attaching the data sheet (15) in a security document (10). The data sheet (15) is attached to the attachment layer (17) at an inner edge (22) having a nonlinear inner edge (22) profile. The term "nonlinear" means that an edge profile is not straight and comprises at least one curve and/or at least two straight lines at a non-straight angle to one another. The present disclosure further provides a security document (10) comprising such a security sheet (11) and a method of manufacturing such a security sheet (11) or document (10).
A method of forming a security device includes selectively providing a high refractive index (HRI) layer to a first outwardly facing surface of a security device substrate, the HRI layer having a substantially transparent host material and particles having a dimension along at least one axis less than 200 nm, such that they are substantially non-scattering to visible light and the HRI layer is substantially transparent to visible light, and wherein; the particles have a refractive index of at least 1.8 and are present within the host material in a proportion such that the resultant refractive index of the HRI layer is at least 1.6. A corresponding security device, as well as security articles and security documents, are also disclosed.
C09D 11/50 - Sympathetic, colour-changing or similar inks
G03H 1/00 - Holographic processes or apparatus using light, infrared, or ultraviolet waves for obtaining holograms or for obtaining an image from themDetails peculiar thereto
G03H 1/02 - Holographic processes or apparatus using light, infrared, or ultraviolet waves for obtaining holograms or for obtaining an image from themDetails peculiar thereto Details
A security document and a method of forming a security document a r e disclosed. The method comprises: (a) providing a security document substrate having a security article integrated within or attached thereto, the security article being exposed within an aperture region in the security document substrate, the security article comprising a first optical effect layer that is visible within the aperture region, and; (b) applying, in said aperture region within which the security article is exposed, an array of substantially transparent refractive structures on the exposed security article, wherein the array of refractive structures cooperates with the first optical effect layer to exhibit a first optically variable effect.
A method of manufacturing a security device component is provided. The method comprises: a) providing a dielectric substrate, the substrate having a first surface defining a relief structure, wherein the relief structure comprises an array of plasmonic nanostructure elements, the array of plasmonic nanostructure elements defining raised portions and recessed portions of the first surface, and an array of reduced-metallising relief elements, the array of reduced-metallising relief elements defining inclined portions of the first surface having an inclination relative to the plane of the substrate greater than the inclination of the raised portions and/or the recessed portions of the first surface; b) directionally coating the first surface of the substrate with a metal layer such that the metal layer coating the raised portions and/or the recessed portions of the of the first surface defined by the array of plasmonic nanostructure elements is thicker than any metal layer coating the inclined portions of the first surface defined by the array of reduced-metallising relief elements, wherein the plasmonic nanostructure elements and the metal layer, in combination, provide an array of functioning plasmonic nanostructures.
A security device is disclosed, comprising: a first ink (21) and a second ink (22) each arranged in respective laterally offset first and second regions of the security device, the first and second inks each comprising a respective luminescent material which both luminesce in response to irradiation at at least one excitation wavelength in the ultra-violet spectrum, the first and second inks each exhibiting substantially the same non-luminescent visible colour as one another when illuminated with visible light in the absence of the at least one excitation wavelength, and the first and second inks each exhibiting visible colours which are different from the non-luminescent visible colour and from one another when illuminated with a combination of visible light and the at least one excitation wavelength; a third ink (23) arranged in a third region of the device laterally offset from the first and second regions of the device, the third ink not luminescing in response to the at least one excitation wavelength, and the third ink exhibiting substantially the same non-luminescent visible colour as the first and second inks when illuminated with visible light in the absence of the at least one excitation wavelength; and a fourth ink (24) arranged in a masking pattern which partially overlaps one or more portions of the first ink in the first region and/or of the second ink in the second region, the fourth ink not luminescing in response to the at least one excitation wavelength, and the fourth ink exhibiting a different visible colour from the non-luminescent visible colour of the first, second and third inks when illuminated with visible light in the absence of the at least one excitation wavelength. When the security device is illuminated with visible light in the absence of the at least one excitation wavelength, the first, second and third regions together appear as one continuous pattern in the non-luminescent visible colour, the fourth ink obscuring the presence of more than one ink forming the continuous pattern, and when the security device is illuminated with a combination of visible light and the at least one excitation wavelength, the first and second regions become visibly distinct from each other and from the remainder of the continuous pattern.
B42D 25/387 - Special inks absorbing or reflecting ultraviolet light
B42D 25/21 - Information-bearing cards or sheet-like structures characterised by identification or security featuresManufacture thereof characterised by a particular use or purpose for multiple purposes
A security device is provided, comprising: a colour shifting element that exhibits different wavelengths of light at different viewing angles, and; an at least partially transparent light control layer covering at least a part of the colour shifting element and comprising a surface relief adapted to modify the angle of light from the colour shifting element, wherein; a first region of the light control layer comprises a first optical characteristic, whereby light at a first viewing angle from the first region of the light control layer is perceived to have a resultant optical effect that is the resultant of the wavelength of light exhibited at that viewing angle due to the combination of the colour shifting element and the surface relief of the light control layer, and the first optical characteristic, and; a second region of the light control layer either: (i) is substantially colourless such that light at the first viewing angle from the second region is perceived to have a resultant optical effect exhibited at that viewing angle due to the combination of the colour shifting element and the surface relief of the light control layer, or; (ii) comprises a second optical characteristic different from the first optical characteristic, whereby light at the first viewing angle from the second region of the light control layer is perceived to have a resultant optical effect that is the resultant of the wavelength of light exhibited at that viewing angle due to the combination of the colour shifting element and the surface relief of the light control layer, and the second optical characteristic. Methods of manufacture thereof are also disclosed.
A digitally printed security document is provided. The digitally printed security document comprises: a security document substrate; a first digitally printed print working on a first surface of the substrate in a first region, the first print working comprising a first array of printed elements arranged according to a first grid of lattice points having a first pitch; and a second digitally printed print working on the first surface of the substrate in a second region, the second print working comprising a second array of printed elements arranged across a second grid of lattice points having a second pitch different from the first pitch.
B41J 3/54 - Typewriters or selective printing or marking mechanisms characterised by the purpose for which they are constructed with two or more sets of type or printing elements
A digital printing press for printing security documents is provided. The digital printing press comprises: a first digital print head, the first digital printhead comprising a first array of print nozzles having a first nozzle diameter; a second digital print head, the second digital print head comprising a second array of print nozzles having a second nozzle diameter different from the first nozzle diameter; optionally, an offset printing unit, the offset printing unit comprising one or more offset printing surfaces, wherein the offset printing unit is adapted to transport a print area of the one or more offset printing surfaces sequentially past each of the first and second digital print heads, and subsequently to transfer print received from the first and second digital print heads to a security document substrate; a transport system adapted to transport a security document substrate along a transport path through the digital printing press, wherein either the transport path takes the security document sequentially past each of the first and second digital print heads in a feed direction, or the transport path takes the security document substrate past the offset printing unit, if provided, in a feed direction; a controller adapted to control both the first and second digital print heads to execute a set of printing instructions so as to print on a security document substrate transported past the first and second digital print heads by the transport system or to print on the print area of the one or more offset printing surfaces transported past the first and second digital print heads by the offset printing unit (and to transfer the print received on the print area of the offset printing to the security document substrate), the set of printing instructions including printing instructions at a first resolution for the first digital print head for printing a first print working and printing instructions at a second resolution different from the first resolution for the second digital print head for printing a second print working; wherein the first digital print head is configured to print at the first resolution and the second digital print head is configured to print at the second resolution, and wherein the first and second digital print heads are configured or controlled by the controller to remain static relative to the transport path or offset printing unit while the first and second digital print heads execute the respective printing instructions.
B41J 3/54 - Typewriters or selective printing or marking mechanisms characterised by the purpose for which they are constructed with two or more sets of type or printing elements
A security device is disclosed, comprising at least one cholesteric liquid crystal layer (3) disposed on a substrate (2), the at least one cholesteric liquid crystal layer collectively exhibiting an image detectable by the naked eye under non-polarised visible light illumination. The or each cholesteric liquid crystal layer has a respective pattern of one or more first regions (4) of the layer in which the cholesteric liquid crystal is ordered and thereby exhibits an optically variable visible colour, the pattern being created by partial exposition to radiation to at least partially cure the first regions (fig. 7(b)), alongside one or more second regions (5) of the layer in which the cholesteric liquid crystal is disordered and thereby is substantially transparent and colourless in the visible spectrum, the disorder being obtained by heating the liquid crystal layer so that the first regions are not disordered because they have been cured, but the second regions are disordered by the heat (figure 7(c)). The combination of the one or more respective patterns forms the image.
A method of manufacturing a document (10) of a series of documents which are identical in content except for a respective identifier which uniquely identifies each document within the series, each identifier comprising at least a first indicium (14), the or each indicium defining a boundary (14a); the method comprising the steps of: providing a substrate; applying a first background print (12) on the substrate, the first background print defining at least part of the boundary of an indicium receiving area (11); applying the respective identifier on the substrate, such that the first indicium is provided in the indicium receiving area; the first background print and the respective identifier being applied such that when the document is viewed in at least one of transmission and reflection the juxtaposition of the first background print and the first indicium is such that a keyline (16) extending around at least a portion of the boundary of the first indicium is defined between the first indicium and the boundary (11a) of the indicium receivin area.
The present invention is directed towards a security sheet and a security booklet comprising a security sheet. The present invention is further directed towards manufacturing a security sheet and security booklet and a method of authenticating a security booklet. The security sheet comprises a plastic substrate having first and second outer surfaces, at least one opaque region at least partially surrounding at least one window and perforations extending between the first and second outer surfaces. The perforations form a first data element located partially in the at least one window and partially in the at least one opaque region.
A security device is disclosed, comprising: a substrate; and a photoluminescent image disposed on or in the substrate. The photoluminescent image comprises at least two different visible light emitting photoluminescent quantum dot compositions, each arranged according to different respective photoluminescent sub-images. The at least two different visible light emitting photoluminescent quantum dot compositions have different emission spectra from one another, and the same or different excitation spectra. The at least two different visible light emitting photoluminescent quantum dot compositions thereby emit different respective visible colours from one another when excited. The respective photoluminescent sub-images are configured such that the photoluminescent image formed by the combination of the respective photoluminescent sub- images is multi-coloured, emitting different visible colours in different laterally offset parts thereof upon excitation of the at least two different visible light emitting photoluminescent quantum dot compositions. At least a portion of the photoluminescent image overlaps an at least semi-transparent region of the substrate.
There is described a printing press (100***; 100****) adapted to carry out printing on a sheet-like or web-like substrate (S), in particular for the production of security documents such as banknotes, comprising a printing unit (2*; 2**; 2***; 2****) designed to print a first side (I) and/or a second side (II) of the substrate (S). The printing press (100***; 100****) further comprises an in-line casting device (80; 80*; 80**; 80***) adapted to apply a layer of material acting as an optical medium on a portion of a first side (I, II) of the substrate (S) and to replicate and form a micro-optical structure (L) in the layer of material acting as optical medium. The printing unit (2*; 2**; 2***; 2****) is furthermore adapted to print at least one printed pattern on the first or second side (I, II) of the substrate (S) in register with the micro-optical structure (L), wherein the printing unit (2*; 2**; 2***; 2****) comprises at least a first printing group (93) being adapted to print at least one printed pattern on the second side (II) of the substrate (S) in register with the micro-optical structure (L) and wherein the in-line casting device (80; 80*; 80**; 80***) comprises at least one embossing cylinder (85), which embossing cylinder (85) also is acting as counter-pressure cylinder and cooperates with a printing cylinder (8) of the at least first printing group (93) and/or whereas the in-line casting device (80; 80*; 80**; 80***) and the at least a first printing group (93) being arranged at the Substrate transport path such way, that in-line casting of the micro-optical structure, on one side of the sheets S, and printing of the associated pattern, on the other side of the sheets S, are performed in a same step, without this involving any sheet transfer operation.
B41F 11/02 - Rotary presses or machines having forme cylinders carrying a plurality of printing surfaces, or for performing letterpress, lithographic, or intaglio processes selectively or in combination for securities
A method of forming a polymer substrate for a security sheet includes: providing first and second overlapping polymer layers each providing outwardly facing surfaces, and a colour shifting element positioned between the first and second polymer layers adapted to provide a first optical effect to a viewer, wherein the first polymer layer includes a region substantially transparent to visible light such that the colour shifting element is viewable through the first polymer layer, and; joining together the first and second polymer layers in order to generate a polymer substrate wherein, during the joining step, a surface relief is formed in the outwardly facing surface of the first layer, the surface relief being adapted to interact with light from the colour shifting element in order to modify the first optical effect to provide a second optical effect different from the first optical effect.
A method of forming a security device includes a colour shifting element, wherein the colour shifting element provides a first optical effect, the method includes; providing a light control layer over at least a part of the colour shifting element, the light control layer including a functional region and at least one non-functional region, wherein the functional region includes a surface relief adapted to modify the angle of light from the colour shifting element so as to generate a second optical effect different from the first optical effect, and wherein the non-functional region does not substantially modify the angle of light from the colour shifting element, and; wherein the at least one non-functional region is not discernible to the naked eye.
A security device is disclosed. The security device comprises a diffractive structure, the diffractive structure comprising a plurality of grating elements each having a principal component of orientation within the plane of the device substantially parallel with a first axis lying in the plane of the device; the diffractive structure having a first area comprising a plurality of regions arranged as a first contiguous pattern, wherein the grating elements within a region have either (i) a constant pitch or (ii) a constant spacing along a second axis orthogonal to the first axis and wherein; the pitches or spacings of the plurality of regions of the first area 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 such that; 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 substantially any angle of tilt about the first axis at least one region exhibits a diffractive colour, and further wherein; each region comprises 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 of the device about the second axis. A method of manufacturing the security device, as well as security articles and security documents incorporating said device are also disclosed.
A method of printing and varnishing security documents is disclosed. The method comprises conveying, in a machine direction by a web-fed or sheet-fed printing machine, a web or sheet comprising a single line of security documents, wherein the width of the web or sheet in a cross direction orthogonal to the machine direction is such that it can accommodate only one security document in said cross direction, and; successively processing the security documents as they are conveyed in the machine direction, wherein the successively processing comprises printing and varnishing of the security documents on the web or sheet. A corresponding printing machine and system are also disclosed.
B41F 11/02 - Rotary presses or machines having forme cylinders carrying a plurality of printing surfaces, or for performing letterpress, lithographic, or intaglio processes selectively or in combination for securities
B41F 23/08 - Print-finishing devices, e.g. for glossing prints
A method of manufacturing an image pattern for a security device includes providing a metallised substrate; applying a first photosensitive resist layer to a substrate first metal layer exposing the resist layer to radiation; exposing the resist layer to a first reactant substance; activating a cross linking agent in the resist layer; exposing first and second pattern elements of the resist layer to radiation of a wavelength to which the resist layer is responsive whereupon newly-exposed first pattern elements of the first photosensitive resist layer react, resulting in increased solubility by the second etchant substance, the second pattern elements remaining relatively insoluble by the second etchant substance; and applying first and second etchant substances to the substrate whereupon the first pattern elements of both the first resist layer and the first metal layer are dissolved, the remaining second pattern elements of the first metal layer forming an image pattern.
A security print medium is disclosed for forming security documents therefrom comprising: a transparent or translucent polymer substrate having first and second opposing surfaces; one or more opacifying layers disposed on the first and/or second surfaces of the polymer substrate, the or each opacifying layer being arranged across substantially the whole area of the polymer substrate, optionally excluding any window region(s) thereof, and comprising a semi- opaque material; and a first anti-static layer disposed on the first or second surface of the polymer substrate and arranged across substantially the whole area of the polymer substrate, optionally excluding any window region(s) thereof, so as to overlap the one or more opacifying layers, the first anti-static layer comprising an anti-static material. Across at least a first section of the area of the polymer substrate, the first anti-static layer is arranged according to a first pattern defining a two-dimensional array of gaps in which the anti-static material of the first anti-static layer is absent, spaced by portions in which the anti-static material of the first anti-static layer is present, at least some of the portions being connected to one another so as to form a conductive network across the polymer substrate.
An optical device is disclosed, comprising; a colour shifting layer that exhibits different colours dependent on the angle of incidence of incident light, and; an array of substantially transparent microstructures covering at least a part of the colour shifting layer and configured to modify the angle of light incident to, and reflected from, the colour shifting layer, said array of microstructures arranged in accordance with a plurality of pixels of a colour image to be exhibited by the optical device, each pixel exhibiting a uniform colour, wherein; the array of microstructures comprises at least first and second sub-arrays of microstructures corresponding to respective first and second colour channels, each sub-array covering an area within a pixel corresponding to the proportion of the respective colour channel within the pixel such that the pixel exhibits the uniform colour, and further wherein; the microstructures of the first sub-array are configured to modify the angle of light incident to, and reflected from, the colour shifting layer in a first manner such that, at a substantially normal viewing angle of the optical device, the first sub array exhibits a base colour and at a first viewing angle of the optical device, the first sub-array exhibits a first colour, wherein said first viewing angle corresponds to viewing the optical device along a direction that is off the normal of the optical device and; the microstructures of the second sub- array are configured to modify the angle of light incident to, and reflected from, the colour shifting layer in a second manner different to the first such that, at a substantially normal viewing angle of the optical device, the second sub-array exhibits said base colour and at said first viewing angle, the second sub-array exhibits a second colour different from the first colour; such that at a substantially normal viewing angle, the optical device exhibits the base colour, and at said first viewing angle, the optical device exhibits the colour image. Methods of manufacturing such optical devices are also disclosed.
An optical device is disclosed, comprising; a colour shifting layer that exhibits different colours dependent on the angle of incidence of incident light, and; first and second arrays of at least partially transparent microstructures covering at least a part of the colour shifting layer and configured to modify the angle of light incident to, and reflected from, the colour shifting layer in order to generate a first optically variable effect, wherein; said first array of microstructures is arranged as a set of image elements that cooperate to exhibit a first image, and; said second array of microstructures is arranged as a set of image elements that cooperate to exhibit a second image, wherein; the image elements of the first array are interlaced with the image elements of the second array, and further wherein; the microstructures of the first and second arrays have at least one face that reflects incident light, whereby the microstructures of the first array are configured such that, when viewed along a first viewing direction the optical device exhibits the first image, and the microstructures of the second array are configured such that, when viewed along a second viewing direction the optical device exhibits the second image. Methods of manufacture of said optical device are also disclosed.
Non-interferometric (fig 1) and interferometric (Fig 9) methods of manufacturing a diffractive optical device. The Non-interferometric method, comprising providing a photo-modifiable layer (2), controlling a spatial light modulation (11) device to display a first fringe pattern corresponding to a first diffractive effect, and using an optical system (12) to illuminate the SLM device with a first pulse of light from a light source (13) and to project an image of the first fringe pattern onto a first region (Rl) of the photo-modifiable layer. The first region of the photo-modifiable layer is modified in accordance with the first fringe pattern and thereby reproduces, under illumination, the first diffractive effect. The interferometric method recording interferences between a reference beam and an object beam from an object displayed on the SLM.
A security element is provided comprising: a first layer having a first surface; an array of image regions across the first surface, each image region comprising at least a first sub-region and a second sub-region; a first array of plasmonic nanostructures provided in or on the first surface across the first sub-regions, the first array of plasmonic nanostructures defining in each first sub-region a corresponding portion of a first image; and a second array of plasmonic nanostructures provided in or on the first surface across the second sub-regions, the second array of plasmonic nanostructures defining in each second sub- region a corresponding portion of a second image; wherein the first surface is arranged such that each sub-region has a respective average inclination and wherein the average inclinations of the first sub-regions are such that the first image is displayed at least at a first viewing angle and wherein the average inclinations of the second sub-regions are such that the second image is displayed at least at a second viewing angle different from the first viewing angle and such that the second image is substantially not displayed or only partially displayed at least at the first viewing angle. A method of manufacturing the security element is also provided.
A security element is provided comprising: a first layer having a first surface; an array of image regions across the first surface, each image region comprising at least a first sub-region and a second sub-region; a first diffractive optically variable effect generating structure provided in or on the first surface across the first sub-regions; and a second diffractive optically variable effect generating structure provided in or on the first surface across the second sub-regions; wherein the first surface is arranged such that each first sub-region has a first average inclination and such that each second sub-region has a second average inclination different from the first average inclination, wherein the first diffractive optically variable effect generating structure and the first average inclination provide that the first optically variable effect is exhibited across the first sub- regions at least at a first viewing angle and the second diffractive optically variable effect generating structure and the second average inclination provide that the second optically variable effect is exhibited across the second sub- regions at least at a second viewing angle different from the first viewing angle. A method of manufacturing said security element is also provided.
A security element is provided comprising: a first layer having a first surface; an array of image regions across the first surface arranged along at least a second direction, each image region comprising at least a first image sub-region having an average inclination defining an angle, relative to a plane of the security element, about an image region axis extending along a first direction; a diffractive optically variable effect generating structure provided in or on the first surface across the first image sub-regions, the diffractive optically variable effect generating structure comprising diffractive elements that extend along a direction within 45° of the first direction, wherein the diffractive optically variable effect generating structure is provided across the first image sub-regions and spatially arranged and/or modulated across the first image sub-regions in accordance with a first image such that the first image is displayed by the first image sub- regions in combination at least at a first viewing angle. A method of manufacturing said security element is also provided.
A method of manufacturing a security device includes: a) providing a depth map of a macroimage depicting a three-dimensional object, the depth map representing the depth of each part of the three-dimensional object relative to a reference plane by different colours and/or different tones of one colour; b) segmenting the depth map into a plurality of regions based on the colours and/or tones of the depth map; c) for each region, creating a respective microimage element array; and d) providing a sampling element array of a predetermined pitch and orientation. The pitch and/or orientation of each respective microimage element array is different, and is configured such that the magnified versions of the microimage elements generated in any one of the regions have a different apparent depth relative to those generated in the other region(s), so as to form a three-dimensional representation of the macroimage.
The present disclosure is directed towards a security sheet (11) for displaying data (16). The security sheet (11) comprises a data sheet (15) for displaying data (16) and an attachment layer (17). The attachment layer (17) comprises a plurality of tabs (25) extending from an attachment portion (26) for attaching the data sheet (15) into a security document (10). The plurality of tabs (25) are attached to the data sheet (15) such that the attachment layer (17) is attached to and extends from the data sheet (15). The attachment layer (17) can comprise a textile.
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. An optical spacer layer is applied over the absorber layer such that the optical spacer layer at least partially overlaps the absorber layer, reflection enhancing layer and the relief structure where the absorber layer, reflection enhancing layer and the relief structure overlap each other, and such that the optical spacer layer at least partially overlaps the absorber layer and the first region where the absorber layer and the first region overlap each other. A reflector layer, formed of an at least partially reflective material, is applied over the optical spacer layer such that the reflector layer at least partially overlaps the optical spacer layer, the absorber layer, the reflection enhancing layer and the relief structure where the optical spacer layer, the absorber layer, the reflection enhancing layer and the relief structure overlap each other, and such that the reflector layer at least partially overlaps the optical spacer layer, the absorber layer and the first region where the optical spacer layer, the absorber layer and the first region overlap each other. The reflection enhancing layer and the absorber layer are formed of the same material. The absorber layer, the optical spacer layer and the reflector layer, together, form a colour-shifting structure. The reflection enhancing layer and the absorber layer, together, are substantially opaque or transmit less than 40% of incident light, preferably less than 20% of incident light.
B32B 1/04 - Layered products essentially having a general shape other than plane characterised by feature of form at particular places, e.g. in edge regions
A security device is disclosed, comprising an array of focussing elements with regular periodicity in at least a first direction, each focusing element having an optical footprint of which different portions will be directed to the viewer in dependence on the viewing angle; and an array of image elements with regular periodicity in at least the first direction overlapping the array of focusing structures, the image elements representing portions of at least two respective images, and at least one image element from each respective image being located in the optical footprint of each focusing structure. The security device includes a first region and a second region which is laterally offset from the first, the image elements in the first region being laterally shifted in at least the first direction relative to the image elements in the second region such that, at a first viewing angle, in the first region of the device the focussing structures direct image elements corresponding to a first image to the viewer such that the first image is displayed across the first region of the device, and simultaneously, in the second region of the device, the focussing structures direct image elements corresponding to a second image to the viewer such that the second image is displayed across the second region of the device, and at a second viewing angle the second image is displayed across the first region of the device and simultaneously the first image is displayed across the second region of the device. The security device further comprises a colour filter located in use between the image elements and the viewer, the colour filter overlapping at least part of the array of focussing elements and the array of image elements, and having a first colour in the first region of the device and a different colour in the second region of the device such that the colour appearance of the first and second images is different in the respective first and second regions of the device.
An optical security device comprising: a colour layer defining an array of pixels each of which comprises at least two regions of different colours; a liquid crystal layer overlapping the colour layer and comprising birefringent regions defining at least a first image to be exhibited by the pixels of the optical security device; and a polariser layer overlapping the liquid crystal layer and having a primary axis, the primary axis defining a secondary axis lying in the plane of the polariser layer and perpendicular to the primary axis, the polariser layer configured such that incident light having a polarisation parallel to said primary axis is transmitted while the transmission of incident light having a polarisation component parallel to said secondary axis is inhibited; wherein at least the first image is exhibited when the liquid crystal layer is positioned between a source of linearly polarised light and the polariser layer.
A security device is provided. The security device comprises an array of elongate focusing structures, the elongate axes of which are aligned along a first direction, the elongate focusing structures being arranged parallel to one another periodically along a second direction which is orthogonal to the first direction, each elongate focusing structure having an optical footprint of which different elongate strips will be directed to the viewer in dependence on the viewing angle, the centre line of each optical footprint being parallel with the first direction. An array of image elements overlap the array of elongate focusing structures, the array of image elements representing elongate image slices of at least two respective images, each image slice comprising one or more image elements, and at least one image slice of each respective image being located at least partially in the optical footprint of each elongate focusing structure. The array of image elements is configured such that the pitch between the elongate image slices of each respective image in the second direction varies across the array in the first and/or second direction(s). At any one viewing angle, in a first region of the device the elongate focussing structures direct portions of first image slices corresponding to a first image to the viewer such that the first image is displayed across the first region of the device, and simultaneously, in a second region of the device which is laterally offset from the first region in the first and/or second direction(s), the elongate focussing structures direct portions of second image slices corresponding to a second image to the viewer such that the second image is displayed across the second region of the device, the positions of the first and second regions relative to the security device depending on the viewing angle.
There is provided a method of manufacturing a security device, comprising the steps of: providing a transfer assembly comprising a carrier layer and a liquid crystal layer carried by the carrier layer; bringing the liquid crystal layer into contact with a first side of a substrate assembly, the substrate assembly comprising a substrate; heating a first pattern of the liquid crystal layer such that regions of the liquid crystal layer corresponding to the first pattern are fixed to the substrate assembly; and separating the unheated regions of liquid crystal material from the substrate assembly; wherein the remaining regions of the liquid crystal layer fixed to the substrate assembly are birefringent or are made birefringent subsequent to the fixing step.
B42D 25/455 - Associating two or more layers using heat
B41M 5/28 - Thermography using thermo-chromic compounds or layers containing liquid crystals, microcapsules, bleachable dyes or heat decomposable compounds, e.g. gas liberating
92.
SECURITY DOCUMENT AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURE THEREOF
A method of forming a security document is provided. The method comprises: providing a substrate having opposing first and second surfaces, the substrate being substantially transparent to visible light; providing first and second opacifying layers to the first and second surfaces of the substrate respectively, wherein; the first opacifying layer comprises a first pattern of elements having gap regions between the elements, the gap regions configured to a t least partially allow the passage of visible light; the second opacifying layer comprises a second pattern of elements having gap regions between the elements, the gap regions configured to at least partially allow the passage of visible light, and; the first and second patterns of elements at least partially overlap such that the first and second patterns of elements cooperate with each other to exhibit an optically variable effect to a viewer dependent upon viewing angle, and further wherein; the gap regions of both the first and second patterns of elements are not discernible to the naked human eye, and; at least one of the first and second opacifying layers is provided in a single print working.
A security document is disclosed having a window region and a non-window region. The window region is of lower opacity than the non-window region. The security document comprises a transparent polymer layer at least in the window region of the security document, and the transparent polymer layer comprises therewithin an internal laser marking having an optical effect.
A method of manufacturing a security device is disclosed, comprising: providing a polymer substrate (200) of which a first region (4a) is absorbent to a laser wavelength, and a second region (4b) is substantially visually transparent and transparent to the laser wavelength, the first and second regions of the transparent polymer layer being laterally offset from one another; and irradiating part(s) of the first region and part(s) of the second region of the transparent polymer layer with laser radiation of the laser wavelength, to form a laser marking (60) in and/or on the polymer substrate. At least during the irradiation of the part(s) of the second region of the transparent polymer layer, the laser radiation is pulsed laser radiation with a pulse duration of 100 ps or less. The appearance of the portion (40) of the laser marking in the first region of the transparent polymer layer is different from the appearance of the portion (50) of the laser marking in the second region of the transparent polymer layer.
The present invention relates to a method of manufacturing a security sheet comprising a security element (11), a core structure (10) for forming the security sheet, a stack (29) including such a core structure (10), a security sheet comprising the core structure (10) or stack (29) and a security document comprising the security sheet. At least one perforation (20) is formed through, from a first core surface (13) to a second core surface (14) of, at least one core layer (12) comprising plastic. A security element (11) is fed through the at least one perforation (20) such that the security element (11) extends through, from the first core surface (13) to the second core surface (14) of, the at least one core layer (12). At least one first region (17) of the security element (11) is located over part of the first core surface (13) and at least one second region (18) of the security element (11) is located over part of the second core surface (14).
A method of forming an array of microimage elements that vary in their material composition is provided. The method comprises: applying a first region of a layer of a first material to a surface of a first material carrier; applying a second region of a layer of a second material, different from the first material, to a surface of a second material carrier; blending together the first and second regions of the layers of first and second material such that a blended region of the layers of first and second material exhibits a gradual change in relative concentration of the first and second materials along a first direction, the step of blending together the first and second regions of the layers of first and second material comprising bringing a first blending surface into contact with the first material on the surface of the first material carrier and moving the first blending surface relative to the surface of the first material carrier along a direction corresponding to the first direction to spread the layer of first material along the direction corresponding to the first direction, and bringing a second blending surface into contact with the second material on the second material carrier and moving the second blending surface relative to the surface of the second material carrier along a direction corresponding to the first direction to spread the layer of second material along the direction corresponding to the first direction; bringing the blended layers of first and second material in the blended region into contact with a patterned material carrier, the surface of the patterned material carrier defining a pattern corresponding to the array of microimage elements, the patterned material carrier selectively removing the first and second material in at least the blended region in accordance with the pattern; and transferring the blended layers of first and second material defining the array of microimage elements on to a support layer.
A method of forming a security device is disclosed.The method comprises selectively providing a high refractive index (HRI) layer to a first outwardly facing surface of a security device substrate, the HRI layer comprising a substantially transparent host material and particles having a dimension along at least one axis less than 200nm, preferably less than 100nm, such that they are substantially non-scattering to visible light and the HRI layer is substantially transparent to visible light, and wherein;the particles have a refractive index of at least 1.8 and are present within the host material in a proportion such that the resultant refractive index of the HRI layer is at least 1.6. A corresponding security device is also disclosed. The invention also relates to the manufacture of security articles and security documents.
The present invention provides a method of manufacturing a security sheet (10) including laser marking and a security sheet (10) marked by a laser.The security sheet (10) comprises a plastic substrate (11) having opposing first and second outer surfaces (12, 13), at least one mask (25) at least partially embedded in or located on the plastic substrate (11) and a laser markable region (30) located between the second outer surface (13) and the at least one mask(25). The method comprises directing a laser from the first outer surface(12) onto at least part of the at least one mask(25), which blocks the laser from the laser markable region(30),and adjacent to the at least one mask (25) and to the laser markable region(30). Therefore at least one mark (31) aligned with the at least one mask (25) is formed in the laser markable region(30).
A security device and method of making thereof is disclosed. The security device comprises a colour shifting element that exhibits different colours dependent on the angle of incidence of light impinging upon the colour shifting element, and;an at least partially transparent light control layer covering at least a part of the colour shifting element and comprising a surface relief adapted to modify the angle of light incident upon the light control layer, wherein;the light control layer comprises at least first and second functional regions having different refractive indices such that light incident upon the first functional region impinges upon the colour shifting element at a first angle of incidence, and light incident upon the second functional region impinges upon the colour shifting element at a second, different, angle of incidence.
A security device manufacturing method includes: providing a substrate having a viewing region; providing an obscuring layer in the region; providing a first image; applying a mask to the first image and swapping colour components of first and second sub-images of the first image forming: a mask pattern, and a background pattern representing the unswapped colour components on their assigned side; and printing the mask and background patterns on corresponding layer sides. The layer reduces colours visibility on one side when the other side of the layer is viewed in reflection, and allows light through the region when the security device is viewed in transmitted light. When either side of the region is viewed in reflected light, the patterns on that side are dominantly visible and may be distinguished. When the region is viewed in transmitted light from either side, the region is transparent and the colour-composite image is visible.
