The invention relates to an optical structure (5) having a relief effect, comprising: - a support (7) adapted for aligning liquid crystals, - a deposit (9) in contact with the support of a substance in the form of at least one pattern (11), which partially covers the support, and - a liquid crystal layer (13) which at least partially covers the support and said pattern and is in contact with the support.

Gravity-actuated display systems suitable for use as security markers, for example to incorporate into bank notes. The devices can be made very thin and flexible, yet are robust enough to endure the harsh conditions of paper currency in general circulation. Because the displays are gravity actuated, they do not require a power source or circuitry. The gravity-actuated displays can be fabricated using microembossing or photolithography and can be filled and sealed using roll-to-roll techniques. The microcells can also be patterned to provide custom designs, such as official seals.

An authentication method includes receiving, at a processor, a signal representing an image of a serialization code and multiple flecks of a label, the flecks having a random distribution. The processor detects the serialization code and applies a modification to the image to produce a modified image. A subset of flecks of the modified image is detected, and metrics associated with each fleck from the subset of flecks are identified. The identified metrics are compared with metrics associated with a unique signature, and a message is displayed, via a user interface, indicating an authenticity of the label based on the comparison.

A data carrier having one optically variable element, at least one background element, which is arranged after the at least one optically variable element when seen along an extension direction, and at least one security element, which is constituted by at least a part of the at least one optically variable element and at least a part of the at least one background element. At least one tamper-indicating element is provided, which is arranged at least in a region between the at least one optically variable element and the at least one background element with respect to the extension direction. The tamper-indicating element is configured such, that the at least one optically variable element and the at least one background element at least in a region of the at least one security element are at least partially separable from one another upon an application of force onto the at least one optically variable element along a first pulling direction running opposite to the extension direction and/or upon an application of force onto the at least one background element along a second pulling direction running along the extension direction, whereby the at least one security element is at least partially separated into two or more parts.

A method for manufacturing a portable data carrier by means of a continuous manufacturing method, comprises the steps: providing at least one foil as a rolled good, unrolling at least one first foil, with at least a first foil being coated at least partly with an adhesive on at least one side, with at least the first foil being scored on at least one side along at least one creasing edge, with at least the first foil being folded up in precise fit along at least one creasing edge and bonded, with the foil being folded up in the direction of the side which is coated with adhesive, with the side coated with adhesive being arranged on the opposite side of the foil which has at least one scored creasing edge along which it is folded.

A method for manufacturing a portable data carrier by means of a continuous manufacturing method, comprises the steps: providing at least one foil as a rolled good, unrolling at least one first foil, with at least a first foil being coated at least partly with an adhesive on at least one side, with at least the first foil being scored on at least one side along at least one creasing edge, with at least the first foil being folded up in precise fit along at least one creasing edge and bonded, with the foil being folded up in the direction of the side which is coated with adhesive, with the side coated with adhesive being arranged on the opposite side of the foil which has at least one scored creasing edge along which it is folded.

Provided is an anti-counterfeit marking technique for verifying authenticity of objects using x-ray fluorescence (XRF) analysis.

Provided is an anti-counterfeit marking technique for verifying authenticity of objects using x-ray fluorescence (XRF) analysis.

The present invention allows spectral codes to be accurately and consistently deployed for a wide range of labels and substrates or products. Spectral codes provided by one or more taggants are incorporated into transferable images so that these images can be prepared separately under accurate, controlled conditions and then transferred onto labels or other substrates. The transferable images that include one or more taggants further include a metal foil layer that is both highly opaque and thin so that the foil is highly compatible with image transfer techniques.

The present invention allows spectral codes to be accurately and consistently deployed for a wide range of labels and substrates or products. Spectral codes provided by one or more taggants are incorporated into transferable images so that these images can be prepared separately under accurate, controlled conditions and then transferred onto labels or other substrates. The transferable images that include one or more taggants further include a metal foil layer that is both highly opaque and thin so that the foil is highly compatible with image transfer techniques.