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.

A credit card with an obscurable account identifier. The credit card further comprises a substrate defining a first surface with a chromogenic feature wherein the chromogenic feature is capable of changing from a first state and a second state based on an activating trigger. In the first state, the chromogenic feature appears with a first optical property that obscures the account identifier, and in the second state. the chromogenic feature appears with a second optical property that reveals the account identifier.

A method for producing a security element formed as a lenticular flip, including a micro-optical layer, a carrier substrate and an image layer, wherein the image layer includes n images for n=1 to i which are visible from an n-th observation angle allocated to the n-th image, and wherein n is at least 1. The images are imaged on a photoresist with parallel light in contact print or by means of projection. After the photoresist is developed, an image layer which includes the i images is present.

A method for producing a security element formed as a lenticular flip, including a micro-optical layer, a carrier substrate and an image layer, wherein the image layer includes n images for n=1 to i which are visible from an n-th observation angle allocated to the n-th image, and wherein n is at least 1. The images are imaged on a photoresist with parallel light in contact print or by means of projection. After the photoresist is developed, an image layer which includes the i images is present.

A credit card with an obscurable account identifier. The credit card further comprises a substrate defining a first surface with a chromogenic feature wherein the chromogenic feature is capable of changing from a first state and a second state based on an activating trigger. In the first state, the chromogenic feature appears with a first optical property that obscures the account identifier, and in the second state, the chromogenic feature appears with a second optical property that reveals the account identifier.

According to one example, there is provided a visual security feature. The visual security feature comprises a security feature printed on a media. The security feature includes a security code printed on the media, and a holographic image is embossed on the printed security feature.

According to one example, there is provided a visual security feature. The visual security feature comprises a security feature printed on a media. The security feature includes a security code printed on the media, and a holographic image is embossed on the printed security feature.

A method and apparatus for in-line manufacture of a security document with a structured security element is provided in which a continuous web of document substrate is fed through a series of processing stations. The processing stations include a station for forming a structured security element in a radiation sensitive coating applied to the document substrate, and at least one station for applying at least one additional layer to the document substrate excluding the security element area. In a security document manufactured with the method or apparatus, the additional layer or layers have a combined thickness which is preferably substantially equal to the height of the structured security element or which differs from the height of the structured security element by a predetermined amount.

A method and apparatus for in-line manufacture of a security document with a structured security element is provided in which a continuous web of document substrate is fed through a series of processing stations. The processing stations include a station for forming a structured security element in a radiation sensitive coating applied to the document substrate, and at least one station for applying at least one additional layer to the document substrate excluding the security element area. In a security document manufactured with the method or apparatus, the additional layer or layers have a combined thickness which is preferably substantially equal to the height of the structured security element or which differs from the height of the structured security element by a predetermined amount.