The present invention provides improved methods for making a multiple layer thermoplastic security document having a window using CO.sub.2 laser cutting and engraving in combination with a vision system for precision registration of cut windows of each layer and layer to layer registration and further provides application and registration of security features between layers within the security document body including an embedded gray scale watermark.

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).

The invention relates to a security device and an authentication method, in which a security element (1) is provided. The security element comprises a support material (6), in which a three-dimensional pattern with structures (4) such as cracks, grooves, flaking, pits, scales, elevations, and/or shrinkages are embedded as static or dynamic security features. Additionally, a material, which is detectable by a scanning device, or a material composition is deposited or incorporated at least partly onto or into the three-dimensional pattern embedded in the support material (6) and is, if necessary, new applicable onto or removable from the security element, whereby the color, intensity, structure, layer thickness, individual pigments or another physical property of the support material (6) and/or the three-dimensional security element (1) pattern embedded into the support material is changed such that an at least partly altered appearance is produced which is detectable by the scanning device at authentication point of time and is storable in the storage device.

The invention relates to a security device and an authentication method, in which a security element (1) is provided. The security element comprises a support material (6), in which a three-dimensional pattern with structures (4) such as cracks, grooves, flaking, pits, scales, elevations, and/or shrinkages are embedded as static or dynamic security features. Additionally, a material, which is detectable by a scanning device, or a material composition is deposited or incorporated at least partly onto or into the three-dimensional pattern embedded in the support material (6) and is, if necessary, new applicable onto or removable from the security element, whereby the color, intensity, structure, layer thickness, individual pigments or another physical property of the support material (6) and/or the three-dimensional security element (1) pattern embedded into the support material is changed such that an at least partly altered appearance is produced which is detectable by the scanning device at authentication point of time and is storable in the storage device.

A document, a method for producing a document, and a device for carrying out the method. The document, in particular a banknote, an identity document, a visa or a security, here includes a carrier substrate and a decorative ply, wherein the single- or multi-layered carrier substrate has an upper side and an underside, and the decorative ply is applied to the upper side of the carrier substrate, and wherein at least one layer of the carrier substrate is perforated in one or more first regions by means of a laser such that the decorative ply is visible in the one or more first regions when the document is viewed from the underside of the carrier substrate.

A document, a method for producing a document, and a device for carrying out the method. The document, in particular a banknote, an identity document, a visa or a security, here includes a carrier substrate and a decorative ply, wherein the single- or multi-layered carrier substrate has an upper side and an underside, and the decorative ply is applied to the upper side of the carrier substrate, and wherein at least one layer of the carrier substrate is perforated in one or more first regions by means of a laser such that the decorative ply is visible in the one or more first regions when the document is viewed from the underside of the carrier substrate.

The invention relates to an insert for a passport booklet data sheet, formed by a multilayer complex having at least a first layer and a second layer having a hinge that has a folding zone where the insert is intended to be sewn or stapled into a passport booklet, said second layer having, in combination, at least one layer of plastics material and at least one metal reinforcing layer that together form an extension which extends a certain distance beyond said folding zone of the hinge, so as to reinforce the resistance of said data sheet to being ripped out and torn with respect to the passport booklet, characterized in that said layer of plastics material and said metal reinforcing layer extend over the entire surface area of the insert.

The invention relates to an insert for a passport booklet data sheet, formed by a multilayer complex having at least a first layer and a second layer having a hinge that has a folding zone where the insert is intended to be sewn or stapled into a passport booklet, said second layer having, in combination, at least one layer of plastics material and at least one metal reinforcing layer that together form an extension which extends a certain distance beyond said folding zone of the hinge, so as to reinforce the resistance of said data sheet to being ripped out and torn with respect to the passport booklet, characterized in that said layer of plastics material and said metal reinforcing layer extend over the entire surface area of the insert.

In part, the disclosure relates to articles of manufacture, such as banknote, that include one or more precious materials formed as unitary structure and that is secured within the article and disposed below one or more tamper resistant elements such that the article is self-authenticating. The articles may include polymer-based notes, instruments and other substantially planar articles defined by a boundary and an upper surface and a lower surface such that a precious material is at least in part co-planar with a third surface sandwiched therebetween. The disclosure also relates to a flexible precious metal storage apparatus that includes three layers, one layer defines a cavity. The cavity is sized and arranged to have a precious metal layer deposited, printed, injected, grown, or otherwise at least partially surrounded by the boundary of the geometric shape.

A security document including a metal layer comprising an arrangement of diffractive nanostructures arranged periodically in the metal layer to form a diffractive holographic structure forming an arrangement of pixels each comprising a plurality of sub-pixels of distinct colors, a lenticular array comprising convergent lenses positioned facing the metal layer, and a support layer on which the metal layer is disposed so that the metal layer is sandwiched between the lenticular array and the support layer. The metal layer includes perforations formed by focusing laser radiation through the lenticular array on the metal layer, the perforations including at least one group of perforations produced by focusing the laser radiation at a respective angle of incidence to reveal a corresponding personalized image when the security document is observed at this angle of incidence.