A security inlay having optically recognizable characters for an identity document comprises a first transparent layer and a second transparent layer. A color coating is situated on the first transparent layer. Furthermore, a first UV color coating, which reflects at least UV light at least in a first wavelength range, is situated on the first layer and/or on the color coating. The first and second transparent layers are connected to one another. A first portion of the optically recognizable characters is formed by blackened sections in at least one of the layers. A second portion of the optically recognizable characters is formed by the color coating. A third portion of the optically recognizable characters is formed by the UV color coating. The first and the second portions of the optically recognizable characters reflect visible light. The third portion of the optically recognizable characters reflects UV light.

A device includes at least one transient image having optical properties which vary depending on the angle of observation, with the image(s) consisting of a set of three-dimensional microstructures arranged in a plurality of subsets. Each subset consists of microstructures having an equivalent or identical planar angle θ. A security document can include such a device and the device can be used as a security element.

The invention concerns a method for manufacturing an identification document comprising a body with a first visual marking and a second visual marking, the first and the second visual markings depicting same identification data. The method comprises the following steps of: engraving a first area of the identification document with a first laser beam for obtaining the first visual marking; providing at least one see-through portion in a second area of the identification document; providing an optically variable printing ink patch, laminated to at least one first transparent layer located in the see-through portion; and engraving the surface of the laminated optically variable printing ink patch with a second laser beam for obtaining the second visual marking, said second laser beam having a lower power than the first laser beam. The invention concerns also the identification document obtained by this method.

The invention concerns a method for manufacturing an identification document comprising a body with a first visual marking and a second visual marking, the first and the second visual markings depicting same identification data. The method comprises the following steps of: engraving a first area of the identification document with a first laser beam for obtaining the first visual marking; providing at least one see-through portion in a second area of the identification document; providing an optically variable printing ink patch, laminated to at least one first transparent layer located in the see-through portion; and engraving the surface of the laminated optically variable printing ink patch with a second laser beam for obtaining the second visual marking, said second laser beam having a lower power than the first laser beam. The invention concerns also the identification document obtained by this method.

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

A method is provided for producing banknotes, which include, in each case, at least one integrated circuit. The banknotes are produced from a sheet or from a material web in a production panel. In at least a plurality of these banknotes, or in each of these banknotes, an aperture is created through their substrate. In each case, an integrated circuit is arranged in the relevant aperture. In a first method step, each of the integrated circuits to be arranged in one of the apertures is arranged, with respect to the intended position in each of the banknotes that include an aperture, in the correct position on a band-shaped foil, and, in the second method step, each of these integrated circuits is transferred from this band-shaped foil onto the relevant banknote. Owing to this transfer carried out in the second method step, one integrated circuit in each case, is arranged in the aperture created in the banknotes.

A method is provided for producing banknotes, which include, in each case, at least one integrated circuit. The banknotes are produced from a sheet or from a material web in a production panel. In at least a plurality of these banknotes, or in each of these banknotes, an aperture is created through their substrate. In each case, an integrated circuit is arranged in the relevant aperture. In a first method step, each of the integrated circuits to be arranged in one of the apertures is arranged, with respect to the intended position in each of the banknotes that include an aperture, in the correct position on a band-shaped foil, and, in the second method step, each of these integrated circuits is transferred from this band-shaped foil onto the relevant banknote. Owing to this transfer carried out in the second method step, one integrated circuit in each case, is arranged in the aperture created in the banknotes.

A security sheet including at least one paper substrate, at least one watermark produced in the paper substrate, the watermark having an exterior outline, at least one aperture of regular edge, produced by ablation of the paper substrate, and at least one security film that is at least partially superposed on the watermark and on the aperture. In the sheet, the at least one aperture lies inside the watermark, such as bounded by its exterior outline.

A security sheet including at least one paper substrate, at least one watermark produced in the paper substrate, the watermark having an exterior outline, at least one aperture of regular edge, produced by ablation of the paper substrate, and at least one security film that is at least partially superposed on the watermark and on the aperture. In the sheet, the at least one aperture lies inside the watermark, such as bounded by its exterior outline.

Provided are an automatic continuous image engraving device capable of decreasing in size of an installing space of the device. The device comprises an unengraved medium accommodating part, an engraved medium accommodating part, a medium dispenser, a medium positioning and conveying part, and an image engraving part, wherein the medium dispenser releases the unengraved card-shaped engraving medium to cause the same to be succeeded at the succeeding position, the medium positioning and conveying part returns the engraved card-shaped engraving medium after image engraving from the engraving position to the succeeding position, and the medium dispenser adsorbs the engraved card-shaped engraving medium at the succeeding position, moves the same upward, travels above the engraved medium accommodating part, and releases the engraved card-shaped engraving medium to be accommodated.