Systems and methods are described for securing credentials with optical security features formed by quasi-random optical characteristics (QROCs) of credential substrates. A QROC can be a pattern of substrate element locations (SELs) on the substrate that includes some SELs that differ in optical response from surrounding SELs. During manufacturing, a QROC of a substrate can be characterized, hidden by a masking layer, and associated with a substrate identifier. During personalization, personalization data can be converted into an authentication graphic formed on the substrate by de-masking portions of the masking layer according to a de-masking pattern. The graphic formation can result in a representation that manifests a predetermined optical response only when the de-masking pattern is computed with knowledge of the hidden QROC. The authentication graphic and optical response can facilitate simple human authentication of the credential without complex or expensive detection equipment.

Systems and methods are described for securing credentials with optical security features formed by quasi-random optical characteristics (QROCs) of credential substrates. A QROC can be a pattern of substrate element locations (SELs) on the substrate that includes some SELs that differ in optical response from surrounding SELs. During manufacturing, a QROC of a substrate can be characterized, hidden by a masking layer, and associated with a substrate identifier. During personalization, personalization data can be converted into an authentication graphic formed on the substrate by de-masking portions of the masking layer according to a de-masking pattern. The graphic formation can result in a representation that manifests a predetermined optical response only when the de-masking pattern is computed with knowledge of the hidden QROC. The authentication graphic and optical response can facilitate simple human authentication of the credential without complex or expensive detection equipment.

A multilayer laminate identification document including an outer layer having a contoured surface image formed therein via laser ablation. The contoured surface image has contours based on a digital monochrome image, and has a first appearance when viewed in reflected light at a first angle and a second, different appearance when viewed in reflected light at a second, different angle. The multilayer laminate identification document is formed by generating a second digital monochrome image with continuous pixel patterns from a first digital monochrome image, and irradiating the surface of the identification document with a laser using the second digital monochrome image as a guide to form a contoured surface image in the surface of the identification document.

A multilayer laminate identification document including an outer layer having a contoured surface image formed therein via laser ablation. The contoured surface image has contours based on a digital monochrome image, and has a first appearance when viewed in reflected light at a first angle and a second, different appearance when viewed in reflected light at a second, different angle. The multilayer laminate identification document is formed by generating a second digital monochrome image with continuous pixel patterns from a first digital monochrome image, and irradiating the surface of the identification document with a laser using the second digital monochrome image as a guide to form a contoured surface image in the surface of the identification document.

A security element has a transparent film, a pattern of transparent and non-transparent regions on a first side of the transparent film, and a pattern of transparent and non-transparent regions on a second side of the transparent film. The pattern on the second side of the transparent film matches or is in register with the pattern on the first side of the transparent film. A color changing layer covers the pattern on at least one side of the first and second sides of the transparent film.

A security element has a transparent film, a pattern of transparent and non-transparent regions on a first side of the transparent film, and a pattern of transparent and non-transparent regions on a second side of the transparent film. The pattern on the second side of the transparent film matches or is in register with the pattern on the first side of the transparent film. A color changing layer covers the pattern on at least one side of the first and second sides of the transparent film.

The present invention describes methods and apparatuses for creating superposition shape images by superposed base and revealing layers of lenslet gratings. The superposition shape images form a message recognizable by a human observer or by an image acquisition and computing device such as a smartphone. The superposition shape images may be created by different superposition techniques ranging from 1D moir, 2D moir and level-line moir superposition techniques to lenticular image and phase shift superposition techniques. Moir superposition techniques enable creating superposition shape images at different apparent depth levels. Applications comprise the protection of documents and valuable articles against counterfeits, the creation of eye-catching advertisements as well as the decoration of buildings and exhibitions.

The present invention describes methods and apparatuses for creating superposition shape images by superposed base and revealing layers of lenslet gratings. The superposition shape images form a message recognizable by a human observer or by an image acquisition and computing device such as a smartphone. The superposition shape images may be created by different superposition techniques ranging from 1D moir, 2D moir and level-line moir superposition techniques to lenticular image and phase shift superposition techniques. Moir superposition techniques enable creating superposition shape images at different apparent depth levels. Applications comprise the protection of documents and valuable articles against counterfeits, the creation of eye-catching advertisements as well as the decoration of buildings and exhibitions.

The invention relates to a process for securing an identification document and to a secure identification document. More particularly, the process uses UV sensitive ink(s) to define a pattern only visible under UV radiations, by printing a first layer of a transparent ablation varnish (13), printing a layer (14) of UV sensitive ink(s) over said first layer of transparent ablation varnish, removing parts of the layer (14) of UV sensitive ink(s), by means of a laser beam, some remaining areas of said UV sensitive ink(s) defining said pattern to be revealed in color under UV radiations, and some areas, where the UV sensitive ink(s) has been removed and the laser beam has interacted with the ablation varnish (13), absorbing the UV radiations with effect of creating black color. Other systems and methods are disclosed.

The invention relates to a process for securing an identification document and to a secure identification document. More particularly, the process uses UV sensitive ink(s) to define a pattern only visible under UV radiations, by printing a first layer of a transparent ablation varnish (13), printing a layer (14) of UV sensitive ink(s) over said first layer of transparent ablation varnish, removing parts of the layer (14) of UV sensitive ink(s), by means of a laser beam, some remaining areas of said UV sensitive ink(s) defining said pattern to be revealed in color under UV radiations, and some areas, where the UV sensitive ink(s) has been removed and the laser beam has interacted with the ablation varnish (13), absorbing the UV radiations with effect of creating black color. Other systems and methods are disclosed.