Security elements, and methods and apparatus for their manufacture

Abstract

An apparatus is provided for magnetically imprinting indicia into a layer on an article, the layer comprising a composition in which magnetic or magnetisable particles are suspended. The apparatus comprises: a soft magnetisable sheet, having an outer surface arranged to face the article in use, and an opposing interior surface; and a permanent magnet, shaped such that its magnetic field contains perturbations giving rise to indicia. The permanent magnet is disposed adjacent the interior surface of the soft magnetisable sheet. The soft magnetisable sheet enhances the perturbations of the magnetic field of the permanent magnet such that when the layer to be imprinted is located adjacent the outer surface of the soft magnetisable sheet, the magnetic or magnetisable particles are oriented by the magnetic field to display the indicia.

Claims

1. A security element comprising a layer disposed on a substrate, the layer comprising a composition having magnetic or magnetisable particles therein, each particle having at least one substantially planar surface, wherein the magnetic or magnetisable particles vary in orientation across the layer such that: at a first part of the layer, the particles are orientated with their planar surfaces substantially parallel to the normal to the layer, the angle between the planar surfaces of the particles and the normal gradually increasing with increasing distance from the first part to a maximum of approximately 90 degrees at a first position of the layer before decreasing gradually again until a second, father, position of the layer, the normals to the planar surfaces of the particles disposed between the first part and the second position intersecting one another at points on a first side of the layer, and from the second position, the angle between the planar surfaces of the particles and the normal of the layer gradually increases with increasing distance, the normals to the planar surfaces of the particles intersecting one another at points on a second side of the layer, opposite to the first side, such that the security element displays a bright edge corresponding to the first position, between a first dark area which includes the first part of the layer, and a second dark area, at least when the security element is viewed along a direction substantially normal to the plane of the substrate, and wherein when viewed under daylight, the thickness of the bright edge between the contrasting dark areas is less than about 10 mm.

2. A security element according to claim 1, wherein the lateral distance between the first part of the layer and the second position is between 1 and 10 mm.

3. A security element according to claim 1, wherein the rate of change of particle angle with lateral distance is greater between the first part of the layer and the first position, and between the first position and the second positions, than outside the second position.

4. A security element according to claim 1 wherein, in the region of increasing angle between the planar surfaces of the particles and the normal to the layer outside the second position, the angle does not increase to substantially 90 degrees within the periphery of the layer.

5. A security element according to claim 1, wherein in the region of increasing angle between the planar surfaces of the particles and the normal to the layer outside the second position, the angle does not increase to substantially 90 degrees within at least 2 mm of the second position.

6. A security element according to claim 1, wherein the angle between the planar surfaces of the particles and the normal to the layer decreases to an angle of less than 45 degrees at the second position.

7. A security element according to claim 1, wherein the variation of the particles' orientation is substantially the same along each direction such that the bright edge forms a circular outline, the first dark area being located within the outline and the second dark area being located outside the outline.

8. A security element according to claim 1, wherein the variation of the particles' orientation along each direction is a function of angular position, such that the bright edge forms a non-circular outline, the first dark area being located within the outline and the second dark area being located outside the outline.

9. A security element according to claim 1, wherein along selected direction(s) the particle orientation does not undergo any variation, remaining substantially parallel to the normal of the substrate, to thereby form one or more corresponding gaps in the bright edge.

10. A security element according to claim 1, wherein when the angle of viewing is changed, the bright edge appears to move laterally, relative to the layer.

11. A security element according to claim 1, wherein the layer is provided with one or more registration features against which the position of the bright edge may be judged.

12. A security element according to claim 1, wherein the magnetic or magnetisable particles have an elongate shape.

13. A security element according to claim 1, wherein the magnetic or magnetisable particles comprise an optically variable structure whereby the particles reflect light having wavelengths within a first spectral band at a first angle of incidence, and light having wavelengths within a second, different spectral band at a second angle of incidence.

14. A security element according to claim 13, wherein a region of the layer outside the second radial position exhibits, at certain viewing angles, a first portion of a first color and a second portion of a second color, the boundary between the first and second portions appearing to move as the viewing angle is altered.

15. A security element according to claim 1, wherein, when viewed under multiple light sources, multiple bright edges of matching shape, displaced from one another, are displayed.

16. An insert for a security document comprising a security element according to claim 1.

17. A transfer element comprising a security element according to claim 1, disposed on a support substrate.

18. A transfer element according to claim 17, further comprising an adhesive layer for adhering the security element to an article.

19. A transfer element according to claim 17, further comprising a release layer between the security element and the support substrate.

20. A transfer element according to claim 17, wherein the transfer element is a thread, tape, foil or patch.

21. A document of value comprising a security element according to claim 1.

Description

(1) Examples of apparatus for magnetically imprinting indicia, and methods of making security elements, as well as security elements, transfer elements and documents of value will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

(2) FIG. 1 is a block diagram depicting a first embodiment of a method of making a security element;

(3) FIG. 2 shows schematically apparatus for carrying out the method of FIG. 1;

(4) FIG. 3 shows an embodiment of an imprinting assembly forming part of the apparatus of FIG. 2;

(5) FIGS. 4a, 4b and 4c show a first embodiment of an apparatus for magnetically imprinting indicia: FIG. 4a showing the apparatus in an expanded, cross-sectional view, FIG. 4b showing the apparatus in an expanded, perspective view, and FIG. 4c showing the assembled apparatus in perspective view;

(6) FIGS. 5a and 5b illustrate the magnetic field established by the apparatus of FIG. 4, FIG. 5a illustrating the field when the soft magnetisable sheet of the apparatus removed and FIG. 5b illustrating the field when the soft magnetisable sheet of the apparatus is in position, for comparison;

(7) FIGS. 6a and 6b illustrate the orientation of the magnetic or magnetisable particles in a security element resulting from the magnetic fields of FIGS. 5a and 5b respectively;

(8) FIGS. 7a, 7b and 7c show exemplary security elements, FIG. 7a showing a security element formed using the magnetic field of FIG. 5b viewed along the normal of the element, FIG. 7b showing a security element formed using the magnetic field of FIG. 5b viewed at an angle to the normal, and FIG. 7c showing a security element formed using the magnetic field of FIG. 5a, viewed at an angle, for comparison, the security elements of FIGS. 7a and 7b constituting first embodiments of security elements in accordance with the present invention;

(9) FIG. 8 illustrates a second embodiment of a security element, viewed along its normal;

(10) FIGS. 9a, 9b and 9c show, respectively, a second embodiment of an apparatus for magnetically imprinting indicia, the corresponding magnetic field shape and a corresponding security element formed using the apparatus;

(11) FIG. 10a shows a third embodiment of a security element, FIG. 10b illustrating the orientation of the magnetic or magnetisable particles along a radial direction r of the security element;

(12) FIGS. 11a, 11b, 11c, 11d and 11e show a fourth embodiment of a security element viewed from different angles;

(13) FIG. 12 illustrates the security element of FIG. 8 viewed along its normal in the presence of two light sources;

(14) FIGS. 13a, 13b and 13c schematically show a fifth embodiment of a security element, FIG. 13a illustrating a cross section through the element, FIG. 13b illustrating the security element viewed in reflected light; and FIG. 13c illustrating the security element viewed in transmitted light;

(15) FIGS. 14a and 14b show a sixth embodiment of a security element viewed (a) in reflected light and (b) in transmission;

(16) FIG. 15 shows two further embodiments of security elements viewed in reflection;

(17) FIG. 16 is a block diagram of a second embodiment of a method of making a security element, suitable for making the security elements of FIGS. 13, 14 and 15;

(18) FIGS. 17a and 17b show embodiments of documents of value carrying security elements; and

(19) FIGS. 18a and 18b illustrate two embodiments of transfer elements incorporating a security element, in cross section.

(20) The ensuing description will focus on security elements used for example on documents of value, such as banknotes, passports, identification documents, certificates, licences, cheques and the like. However, it will be appreciated that the same security elements could be applied to any article for security purposes or to serve a decorative function, for example.

(21) In all of the following embodiments and examples, the security element includes a layer containing magnetic or magnetisable particles. This may take the form, for example, of an ink which includes pigments containing magnetic or magnetisable materials. The particles are suspended in a composition such as an organic fluid which can be hardened or solidified by drying or curing, for example under heat or UV radiation. While the composition is fluid (albeit potentially highly viscous), the orientation of the magnetic or magnetisable particles can be manipulated. Once the composition is hardened, the particles become fixed such that their orientation at the time of hardening becomes permanent (assuming the hardening is not later reversed). Suitable magnetic inks which can be used to form this layer in all of the embodiments and examples to be described below are disclosed in WO-A-2005/002866, WO-A-2008/046702, WO-A-2002/090002. Suitable inks on the market include the Spark products by Sicpa Holding S.A. of Switzerland. Many such inks make use of magnetic optically variable pigments (OVMI pigments): that is, magnetic particles which have a different appearance depending on the angle of view. In most cases, this is achieved by the provision of a thin film interference structure incorporated into the element. Typically, the particles reflect light of one colour when viewed at one range of angles, and light of a different colour when viewed at a different range of angles. Such magnetic optically variable pigments are also disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,838,648, EP-A-0,686,675, WO-A-2002/73250 and WO-A-2003/000801. Particularly preferred examples of magnetic optically variable pigments are given in WO-A-2008/046702 at page 8, lines 18 to 26, in which the magnetic material is incorporated within the thin film interference structure. However, embodiments of the present invention can also be implemented using compositions in which the magnetic or magnetisable particles are not optically variable, such as uncoated nickel or iron flakes. Nonetheless, optically variable magnetic particles are preferred since the optically variable effect adds complexity to the security element, both enhancing its appearance and leading to specific visual effects which increase the level of security achieved, as will be discussed below. The magnetic particle layer can be provided with additional materials to add extra functionality to the feature. For example, luminescent materials, and visible coloured materials could be added, including coloured tints.

(22) The magnetic or magnetisable particles typically have the form of platelets or flakes. What is important is that the particles are non-spherical and have at least one substantially planar surface for reflecting incident light. In the presence of a magnetic field, the particles will become orientated along the magnetic field lines, thereby changing the direction in which each particle's surface reflects light and leading to the appearance of bright and dark regions in the layer. Particles having an elongate shape are preferred since the effect of the particle's orientation on the brightness of the layer will be more pronounced.

(23) FIG. 1 shows steps involved in making a security element. In a first step S100, a layer containing magnetic or magnetisable particles is provided. Typically this may involve printing or coating a composition containing the particlessuch as any of the magnetic inks mentioned aboveonto a substrate. However, this process of forming the layer may be carried out separately beforehand if preferred and therefore need not form part of the presently disclosed technique, with ready-printed layers being supplied instead from which the security elements are to be formed. The layer is then magnetically imprinted with indicia in step S200, by placing the layer within a magnetic field configured to reorientate the magnetic or magnetisable particles as will be described in greater detail below. Finally, in step S300, the layer is hardened to fix the new orientations of the particles in order that the imprinted indicia will remain despite the removal of the magnetic field (or the presence of a different magnetic field). In preferred examples, the hardening is performed while the layer is situated within the orientating magnetic field so as to avoid any loss of orientation between the steps S200 and S300. However this may not be necessary if the layer composition is sufficiently viscous to restrict unintentional particle movement (under gravity, for example) and the layer is shielded from other magnetic fields.

(24) One particular example of apparatus suitable for implementing the process is shown in FIG. 2. Here, the layer containing magnetic or magnetisable particles is provided (step S100) using a printing apparatus 100 in the form of a rotary screen-printing press comprising a pair of rollers 101 and 102. The surface of the upper roller 102 is formed as a screen, such as a silkscreen, in which the design to be printed is defined. Ink is supplied to the interior of the screen and a stationary blade transfers the ink to a substrate through the screen according to the design as the substrate is conveyed through the nip between the rollers. The substrate can be a web W (as shown in FIG. 2), from which individual sheets or devices will later be cut, or the process can be sheet-fed. Screen printing is particularly preferred for formation of the magnetic layer since it permits a thick ink film to be applied to the substrate and can be used to print inks containing very large pigments. However, other printing and coating techniques can also be used, such as gravure or reverse gravure, both of which are capable of printing a low viscosity ink at a relatively heavy ink weight. Gravure is better suited to long print runs due to the cost associated with production of the printing cylinders. Magnetic ink layers of between 10 and 30 microns, preferably around 20 microns have been found particularly suitable for good display of indicia.

(25) The imprinting assembly 200 used to magnetically transfer indicia to the printed layer comprises, in this example, a roller 201 containing an array of units each emanating a shaped magnetic field as will be detailed below. As the web W is conveyed across the roller, each printed area of magnetic ink is brought into proximity with a respective shaped magnetic field so as to reorientate the particles to display indicia. In alternative implementations, rather than use a roller, a plate carrying an array of apparatus emanating respective magnetic fields may be provided adjacent the web W which is either controlled to approach the web W at a position while the web is halted, or could be conveyed alongside the web W along the transport path for a distance to avoid interrupting sheet transport. The magnetic layer is then hardened at a curing station 300, which in this example comprises a UV irradiating element arranged to irradiate the web W as it is conveyed past.

(26) The substrate selected for the device will be dictated by the end application. In many cases the substrate formed by the web W (or individual sheets) will be a security paper, formed of paper (cellulose), polymer or a composite of the two, and itself forms the basis of a document of value such as a banknote which is to carry the security element. A suitable polymer substrate for banknotes is Guardian supplied by Securency Pty Ltd. The security paper may be pre-printed with security prints and other data and/or may be printed after formation of the security element thereon. However, in other implementations, the web W may be a film or other temporary support substrate whereby the security element can be formed as a sticker or transfer element for later application to an article, as will be described further with reference to FIGS. 16 and 17. For example, if the device is to be used as a thread, patch or stripe then the substrate is more likely to be PET though other polymer films can be used. If the device is to be used as a very wide tape suitable for embedding in paper, such as described in EP-A-1141480, then it is preferable that the substrate is BOPP.

(27) If desired, the security element so-produced may be customized at an individual or series level immediately prior to application or post application to a secure document or other article. Customisation may be by a printing technique, e.g. wet or dry lithographic printing, intaglio printing, letterpress printing, flexographic printing, screen-printing, inkjet printing, laser toner and/or gravure printing, by a laser marking technique or by an embossing process such as intaglio blind embossing. The customisation may be aesthetic or define information such as a serial number or personalization data. For example, to introduce a coloured design to an otherwise monochromatic optical effect (the result of, for example, utilising uncoated nickel flakes as the magnetic particles), one or more regions of the element could be coloured by applying a semi-transparent coloured layer on top of the magnetic layer, and more than one differently coloured layer could be applied to provide a multi-coloured effect.

(28) FIG. 3 shows the roller 201 forming imprinting assembly 200 in more detail. Arrow TP represents the transport path along which the web is conveyed. The roller 201 supports in its surface 201 a number of units 10 incorporating apparatus for magnetically imprinting indicia, of which only one is depicted for clarity. The unit 10 is recessed into the roller surface 202 such that its surface sits substantially flush with the surface of the roller. The outward surface of the unit 10 is preferably curved in one direction so as to match the curvature of the roller.

(29) A first embodiment of the apparatus used to magnetically imprint the indicia is shown in FIG. 4. FIGS. 4a and 4b show, respectively, a cross section through the unit 10, and a perspective view thereof, each depicting the components in an expanded arrangement for clarity. The outermost surface of the unit 10 is formed by a soft, magnetisable sheet 11. In use, the outer surface 11a of the sheet 11 will face the layer containing the magnetic or magnetisable particles which is to be imprinted. Directly adjacent the opposite, inner surface 11b of the sheet 11 is disposed a permanent magnet 12, which in this embodiment is substantially spherical although many other shapes can be used as will be discussed below. The shape of the permanent magnet is configured to produce the desired indicia. The upper surface (hemisphere 12a) of the magnet faces the interior surface 11b of the soft magnetisable sheet 11, and preferably contacts the sheet 11 at at least one point.

(30) In this embodiment, the sheet 11 and permanent magnet 12 are held in fixed relation to one another through the provision of a housing 13, formed of a non-magnetic material such as plastic, preferably polyoxymethylene e.g. Delrin by DuPont. The housing 13 has a recess 13b formed in its upper surface 13a against which the interior of the sheet 11 sits once assembly is complete. The recess accommodates the permanent magnet 12 therewithin, preferably fully such that the curvature of the sheet 11 is not distorted by the magnet 12. Preferably the recess is posited to locate the magnet 12 approximately at the centre of the sheet 11. If necessary the permanent magnet 12 can be mechanically fixed to the housing 13. The recess 13b is preferably sized to fit the permanent magnet 12 closely so as to prevent any lateral movement thereof relative to the sheet 11. Both the upper surface 13a of the housing 13 and the sheet 11 are curved in one direction (about axis y in this example) to match the surface of the roller 201 as previously explained. The sheet 11 is joined to the housing 13 either by the use of an adhesive or adhesive layer (not shown) disposed between the sheet 11 and the upper surface 13a of the housing 13, or by a non-magnetic adhesive tape 14 disposed over the sheet 11 and adhered to the sides of the housing 13. As shown in FIG. 4b, the housing 13 may then be fitted into a block 15 for mounting the unit 10 into the roller. The fully assembled unit 10 is shown in FIG. 4c. It should be noted that, in other embodiments, the housing 13 and block 15 may be omitted, with the permanent magnet 12 and sheet 11 being directly fitted into the surface of the roller, for example.

(31) As shown in FIG. 4b, the permanent magnet 12 is arranged such that the axis between its north and south magnetic poles is substantially parallel to the normal of the sheet 11 (which, since the magnet is located approximately at the centre of the sheet's curvature in this case, is parallel to the vertical axis z of the block). In this example the north pole is adjacent the sheet 11 although the same results would be achieved if the magnet's direction were reversed. In the case of a spherical magnet 12, this orientation is controlled by the sheet 11 itself, since when the sheet 11 is brought into the vicinity of the magnet 12, the sheet 11 will become magnetised and cause the magnet 12 to rotate until one or other of its poles faces the sheet 11 (as shown). In embodiments utilising other magnet shapes, the vertical N-S (or S-N) orientation may be set by appropriate positioning of the magnet and shaping of the recess designed to hold the magnet in place.

(32) As noted above, the permanent magnet 12 is shaped so as to give rise to the indicia to be imprinted. That is, the magnetic field emanated by the permanent magnet includes perturbations (such as changes in direction) which lead to the display of indicia by the magnetic or magnetisable particles in the layer of the security element. Often, the form of the imprinted indicia will approximately follow the lateral shape of the permanent magnet (i.e. its maximum extent in the x-y plane) and so the permanent magnet may be of the same lateral shape as the desired indicia. However, it should be noted that the size of the indicia will generally not precisely match that of the permanent magnet since this depends on a number of factors including the strength of the magnet 12, the permeability of the sheet 11 and the proximity of the magnetic particle layer to the magnet 12 during imprinting. Thus, the permanent magnet may take a wide variety of shapes but at the least should produce a non-uniform magnetic field in order for indicia to arise. Examples of different permanent magnet shapes will be discussed below.

(33) The soft magnetisable sheet acts as a focussing element for the magnetic field established by the permanent magnet, enhancing the field's perturbations and ultimately causing the indicia displayed by the magnetic or magnetisable particles to be more distinct and clearly defined than would otherwise be the case. Essentially, field lines intersecting the sheet are caused to permeate faster through the material (compared with the surrounding air), which leads to a concentration of the field perturbations in the immediate lateral vicinity of the permanent magnet.

(34) FIGS. 5a and 5b illustrate this effect for the arrangement disclosed in FIG. 4, with FIG. 5a omitting the soft magnetisable sheet for ease of comparison. The approximate position taken by the magnetisable layer forming a security element during imprinting is indicated in dashed lines by item 20 in FIGS. 5a and 20 in FIG. 5b. In FIG. 5a, the magnetic field of the spherical magnet 12 is unmodified and the angle of the field lines through layer 20 vary slowly from vertical (i.e. parallel to the normal of the layer 20) in the centre to horizontal at the left- and right-most peripheries of the layer 20. In contrast, FIG. 5b (in which the sheet 11 is illustrated as spaced slightly from the magnet 12 only for clarity; in practice they are in contact) shows the focussing effect of the sheet 11 substantially increasing the curvature and density of the magnetic field lines and concentrating the perturbations into the immediate lateral vicinity of the permanent magnet. In the region of the layer 20, the angle of the field lines is, as before, substantially vertical over an area coinciding with the lateral midpoint of the spherical magnet 12. Moving toward the periphery of the layer 20, the field lines rapidly change from vertical to horizontal at points approximately coincident with the lateral extremes of the spherical magnet 12 (appearing as two maxima in the field, either side of the centre). The field lines then rapidly return towards vertical before becoming shallower once again until, at the periphery of the layer 20, they approach the horizontal (in line with the unmodified field). It will also be noted that, in the vicinity of the magnet 12, the field lines are much more closely spaced than those depicted in FIG. 5a, indicating the presence of a greater magnetic field strength.

(35) Exemplary security element incorporating layers 20 and 20 are illustrated respectively in FIGS. 6a and 6b to show the resulting orientation of the magnetic or magnetisable particles contained therein. In each case, the particles 23/23 are depicted as lines representing the orientation of the particles' reflective surfaces. As previously mentioned, the particles are typically platelets or flakes in which case the depicted lines represent cross-sections therethrough. In FIG. 6a, layer 20 is shown disposed on a substrate 21, under which the magnet 12 was arranged during imprinting (the magnet arrangement could be disposed on the upper side of the layer 20 with similar results). The layer 20 comprises magnetic flakes 23 suspended in a fluid 24. In a central region A of the layer, substantially coinciding with the centre of the magnet 12, the particles have a substantially vertical orientation, causing the region A to appear dark when viewed along the normal to the layer, since very little light will be reflected by the particles. Surrounding the central region A is an annular peripheral region B across which the angle of the particles changes slowly from vertical towards horizontal. This region will appear increasing bright. At the periphery of the layer, the flakes remain substantially horizontal and, hence, bright. Viewed from the normal to the layer, the indicium appears as an indistinct, dark hole in the otherwise bright layer. The edges of the hole appear blurred due to the slow increase in brightness.

(36) In contrast, layer 20, shown in FIG. 6b and forming a first embodiment of a security element in accordance with the present invention, displays a sharply defined indicium. As in the previous case, a central region A coinciding with the centre of the magnet 12 appears dark since here the particles are substantially vertical. Moving radially outward, the angle of the particles rapidly changes across a narrow region B from vertical to horizontal (the position of which coincides with the maxima seen in FIG. 5b). The particles then reorientate rapidly towards the vertical across another narrow annular region C until a point at which the angle between the plane of the particle and the normal of the layer 20 begins to increase once more, across a region D. In appearance, the regions B and C define between them a bright edge forming a circular outline or ring E which, viewed from along the normal to the layer 20 contrasts distinctly with the dark interior region A/B and with the dark periphery C/D. Since the angle of the particles in the region C/D may not quite reach vertical, this region may appear slightly less dark than the centre region A, but it will still present a sharp contrast to the bright ring E. The thickness t of outline E is determined by the rate of change of particle orientation across regions B and C. The bright ring E is readily recognisable and makes a significant visual impact.

(37) FIG. 7a shows a first embodiment of a security element 30 which has been formed using the arrangement of FIG. 5b, viewed in daylight along the element's normal. In this case, the security 30 has been formed on a substrate 31 by printing the layer 30 thereon. The substrate 31 is a banknote and it will be noted that background security prints are visible adjacent the security element. As a whole, the layer 30 is substantially circular in shape, although two chevron or V-shaped gaps 35 are formed in the layer, directed inward from the periphery. The function of these will be described below. The security element 30 displays a bright ring 32 which is clearly defined between a central dark region 34, corresponding to regions A/B of FIG. 6b and a peripheral dark region 33 corresponding to regions C/D. The thickness t of the ring 32 is approximately 2 to 3 mm, and its diameter d corresponds closely to the actual diameter of the permanent magnet 12 (in this case, 8 to 9 mm). The bright ring 32 has a considerable visual impact, contrasting sharply with the dark remainder of the element. Additionally, in this embodiment it will be seen that the ring 32 has a 3-dimensional quality, appearing to have depth in the dimension parallel to the element's normal. This is a result of the gradual change in magnetic particle angle achieved using the arrangement described above.

(38) This 3-dimensional effect also manifests itself in apparently lateral movement of the bright ring when the element is tilted. FIG. 7b shows another version of the security element 36, produced in the same manner as that of FIG. 7a, but here the view is taken at an angle to the element's normal. It can be seen that the bright, 3D ring 37 is still clearly visible, but it appears to have moved towards the lower periphery of the element. In addition, on one side of the ring (its lower half), the background peripheral region of the element appears brighter than before and this in itself presents a useful security feature, as will be discussed further below.

(39) For comparison, FIG. 7c shows a security element 38 identical to that of FIG. 7b and viewed at the same angle, except produced using the magnetic field of FIG. 5a, in the absence of the soft magnetisable sheet 11. It will be seen that the bright indicia 39 displayed is very indistinct, in particular towards the lower periphery of the element. When viewed at the normal, the indicia appears in the form of a dark hole surrounded by a bright region extending from the edge of the hole to the periphery of the element. The thickness t of the bright region 32 is over 5 mm and no outer edge of the bright region is visible.

(40) Overall therefore, the strong, distinct, bright indicia displayed by elements 30 and 36 constitute a significantly improved optical effect compared with that of element 30.

(41) To achieve the best results, the permanent magnet 12 should be of a high magnetic strength: the present inventors have found that a permanent magnetic material having a magnetic remanence (=residual flux density) of at least 3000 Gauss (1 Tesla=10.sup.4 Gauss) is desirable in order that a bright, distinct indicia is produced. Increasing the magnetic strength of the permanent magnet further improves the visual result, and further increases the three-dimensional aspect of the image. The inventors have found that a minimum magnetic remanence of around 3500 Gauss is desirable in order to achieve a reasonable 3D effect. However, materials having a remanence of around 8000 Gauss or more are found to be the most effective. Preferably the permanent magnet has a remanence of at least 10000 Gauss, most preferably at least 12000 Gauss. Examples of suitable materials for the permanent magnet 12 and their approximate magnetic characteristics are given in Table 1 below alongside an example of a permanent magnet material which will produce a less distinct effect (plastoferrite). It will be appreciated that any other permanent magnetic materials of suitable magnetic characteristic could alternatively be used.

(42) TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Max. Energy Grade/ Remanence Product 3D effect Material Orientation (G) (G .Math. Oe) Observed? Neodymium N33 11700 33 10.sup.6 Yes N48 14200 49 10.sup.6 Yes N35 12000 34 10.sup.6 Yes AlNiCo Min 11000 4.3 10.sup.6 Yes (anisotropic) Max 13000 5.6 10.sup.6 Yes SmCo Min 8600 17 10.sup.6 Yes (anisotropic) Max 11500 31 10.sup.6 Yes Hard ferrite Min 3600 2.8 10.sup.6 Marginal (anisotropic) Max 4000 3.5 10.sup.6 Marginal Plastoferrite Min 1500 (unknown) No Max 2200 (unknown) No

(43) In contrast, the soft, magnetisable sheet is a non-permanent magnet and is preferably formed of a material having low coercivity and, correspondingly, low magnetic remanence. For example, the coercivity of the material should preferably be no more than 25 Oe (oersted), preferably less than or equal to 12 Oe, more preferably less than or equal to 1 Oe, still preferably less than or equal to 0.1 Oe and most preferably around 0.01 to 0.02 Oe. For instance, the PC permalloy (78% nickel) supplied by NAKANO PERMALLOY Co., LTD. of Japan is suitable and has a coercivity of 0.015 Oe (=1.2 A/m). For certain nickel alloys, an even lower coercivity of around 0.002 Oe can be obtained. Very low remanence and coercivity means the material responds substantially linearly to an applied magnetic field in order to enhance the perturbations of the magnetic field from the permanent magnet without imposing any distortions as a result of persistent magnetisation in the sheet itself. In order to achieve a strong focussing effect, the sheet material preferably has a high magnetic permeability (absolute or relative). The greater the permeability, the faster the magnetic field lines are caused to cross the sheet and hence the greater the curvature and flux density increase achieved in the local magnetic field. The present inventors have found that a relative permeability of at least 100 is preferred. To achieve still improved visual results, the relatively permeability is preferably greater than or equal to 500, more preferably greater than or equal to 1000, still preferably greater than or equal to 4000, most preferably greater than or equal to 8000. Examples of suitable materials from which the sheet may be formed, and their approximate magnetic properties, are given in Table 2 below. It will be noted that some materials cited in fact cover large compositional ranges and hence the approximate magnetic characteristics are given as corresponding ranges.

(44) TABLE-US-00002 TABLE 2 Relative permeability, /.sub.0 (at a magnetic Permeability, flux density of Coercivity Material (H/m) 0.002 Tesla) (Oe) Ferrite 20 to 800 10.sup.6 16 to 640 2 to 24 (nickel-zinc) Nickel 125 10.sup.6 100 to 600 5 Steel 875 10.sup.6 100 2 Electrical 5000 10.sup.6 4000 0.07 to 0.6 Steel Iron .sup.6.28 10.sup.3 5000 0.15 (99.8% pure) Permalloy 10000 10.sup.6 8000 0.006 to 0.3 (NiFe) Mu-metal 25000 10.sup.6 20000 0.01 Supermalloy 1.26 1000000 0.005

(45) The thickness of the soft, magnetisable sheet will also have an effect both on the amount of field focussing achieved and on the 3-dimensional effect of the indicia. One of the key advantages of the presently disclosed technique is that the permanent magnet is close to the upper surface of its housing and therefore close to the layer to be imprinted during processing, preferably spaced only by the sheet 11. This enables the magnetic field strength experienced by the magnetic particles to be correspondingly high, significantly enhancing the degree of orientation of the particles. The greater the thickness of the sheet (parallel to its normal), the greater the spacing between the permanent magnet and the layer carrying the magnetic particles, during imprinting, and hence the lower the apparent field strength experienced by the particles. In addition, if the sheet is very thick, it can have a shielding effect on the magnetic field. Hence, too thick a sheet can reduce the optical effect of the indicia. The present inventors have found that the best results are achieved using a thin sheet of less than 2 mm, more preferably less than or equal to 1 mm, still preferably less than or equal to 0.5 mm, most preferably less than or equal to 0.25 mm. In any case, the sheet should be no thicker than 5 mm. In practice, the minimum thickness of the sheet is determined by the practical requirement that the sheet should be sufficiently strong to physically retain the magnet within the recess of the housing. A sheet thickness of 0.01 mm has been found to be sufficient for this purpose, though a minimum thickness of around 0.05 mm is preferred. The sheet thickness should preferably be substantially constant over its area, at least in the vicinity of the permanent magnet. However, thickness variations (even cut-outs) in regions of the sheet spaced sufficiently far from the permanent magnet may not have a significant effect on the resulting optical feature. In certain embodiments, the sheet could optionally be modified to include thickness variations, if it is desired to introduce further modifications to the magnetic field and resulting optical effect (over and above the indicia resulting from the configuration of the permanent magnet).

(46) Of course, in designing an apparatus for magnetically imprinting indicia according to the above principles, the characteristics of the permanent magnet and soft magnetisable sheet should be considered in combination since the result achieved will be influenced by both. For instance, the optical effect achieved using a lower strength permanent magnet will be improved by the provision of a very high permeability and thin magnetisable sheet. Similarly, if the permanent magnet is of high strength, a thicker or lower permeability sheet may be utilised. Of course, the best results will ultimately be achieved by using a very high strength permanent magnet in combination with a very thin, high permeability sheet.

(47) For example, the security element depicted in FIG. 7b was formed using the apparatus illustrated in FIG. 4 wherein the permanent magnet 12 was a sphere of approximate diameter 8 to 9 mm, made of grade N35 neodymium. The sheet 11 was formed of permalloy having a composition 77% Ni, 23% Fe and approximately 0.25 mm thick, 28 mm28 mm square. The magnetic ink used was Green to Gold Spark ink available from Sicpa Holdings S.A., printed at a thickness of around 20 microns on average (the particular composition of which is proprietary but similar, it is believed, to the examples given in their patent application WO-A-2005/002866, which could also be used). During imprinting, the substrate 31 carrying the layer 30 was placed directly against the outer surface of the sheet 11, spaced only by adhesive tape 14. The total distance between the uppermost point of magnet 12 and the layer 30 during imprinting was therefore approximately 0.4 mm (including a typical substrate thickness of around 120 microns and an adhesive tape thickness of around 40 to 60 microns, plus the thickness of the sheet 11). Using this set-up, the maximum sheet thickness found to produce reasonable results was found to be around 1.5 mm. Improved results were achieved with a sheet thickness over 1.25 mm or less. Such effects were still observed at a sheet thickness of 0.05 mm. In more general cases, a spacing of up to 5 mm (though preferably no more than 3 mm) between the top of the permanent magnet and the layer being imprinted has been found to produce good results.

(48) The 2D layout of the layer to be imprinted will also have an effect on the visual impact of the security element and should be designed in conjunction with the configuration of the imprinting apparatus, particularly the indicia produced. FIG. 8 shows a schematic of a second embodiment of a security element 40, viewed along its normal. The element comprises the layer 40, containing the magnetic or magnetisable particles, printed or coated onto a substrate such as a banknote in an 8-sided star shape. As before, the indicia 42 takes the form of a bright circular outline or ring, produced using the same apparatus and technique as previously described with reference to FIGS. 4, 5b, 6b, 7a and 7b. The thickness t of the bright ring is, again, about 2 to 3 mm. The internal diameter d.sub.1 of the ring is approximately 8 to 9 mm, corresponding closely to that of the spherical permanent magnet 12 (having diameter 8 to 9 mm). In order that the sharp, defined ring can be viewed, the lateral extent of the layer 40 should be such that there is a visible space s between the bright ring 42 and the periphery of the layer at least at some positions around the ring 42 (it will be noted that in the example of FIG. 7, the V-shaped gaps mean that this condition is not fulfilled around the whole circumference of the ring). Preferably there is a space s outside the ring at least at opposite sides of the ring 42. However, it has been found that, in order to accentuate the 3D effect of the indicia, the lateral extent of the layer should not be substantially greater than that of the indicia, in order that the 3D indicia appears reasonably close to the periphery of the layer. This provides a contrasting reference feature against which to judge the apparent position of the ring at different viewing angles. Since the size of the indicia 42 is determined by the size of the permanent magnet, this corresponds to the requirement that the lateral extent of the layer should not be substantially greater than that of the permanent magnet. For instance, in FIG. 8, the diameter d.sub.2 of the star-shaped layer 40 varies between approximately twice that of the ring (d.sub.1), and 2.5 times that of the ring. In more general cases, it has been found preferable that the layer should have a lateral dimension between 1.25 and 5 times greater than that of the permanent magnet, preferably between 1.25 and 3 times greater than that of the permanent magnet, still preferably between 1.25 and 2 times greater than that of the permanent magnet.

(49) This can alternatively or additionally be thought of in terms of the spacing s between the indicia 42 and the periphery of the layer 40. This can also be adjusted by controlling the lateral position of the layer relative to the position of the permanent magnet during imprinting, since the bright indicia will typically be approximately aligned with the lateral extremity of the magnet. Therefore, in preferred examples, during imprinting the layer is placed adjacent the outer surface of the soft magnetisable sheet in a position whereby a periphery of the layer is laterally displaced from the nearest lateral periphery of the permanent magnet by between 0.5 and 2 cm, preferably between 0.5 and 1.5 cm, more preferably between 0.5 and 1 cm, leading to corresponding values of the spacing s in the finished security element.

(50) In addition to controlling the size of the layer relative to the indicia, it has been found advantageous to provide the security element with one or more registration features (or datum features) against which the position of the indicia may be judged. In preferred examples, such features may take the form of gaps in the printed layer of magnetic ink. The colour of the magnetic ink preferably contrasts with the underlying substrate (or with the article on which the element is to be placed) such that the gaps clearly stand out. The gaps may amount to apertures, being surrounded by portions of the layer on all sides, or could comprise formations in the peripheral edge of the layer. For example, the V-shaped gaps 35 described earlier with reference to FIG. 7 perform this function. In the embodiment of FIG. 8, the points of the star act as reference positions. Further examples will be described below with reference to FIG. 11. In addition, or as an alternative, registration features could be provided by printing a marker on top of the magnetic layer. Any known printing technique could be used for this including lithography, gravure, flexo, intaglio, letterpress, screen or digital printing techniques such as laser or inkjet printing. An additional effect that can be achieved is that the presence of the optically variable effect in the magnetic ink can be used to highlight the registration feature, drawing the viewer's attention to it. For example, the registration feature could take the form of a series of letters or numbers printed onto the magnetic ink or formed as gaps therein. The magnetic indicia can be arranged to appear behind or around a selected one (or more) of the letters or numbers, thus highlighting those selected features relative to the others. The indicia can also be arranged such that, upon tilting of the element, the indicia appears to move past the datum features, for example in the direction that a word or serial code formed by the features would be read in.

(51) In all of the embodiments of imprinting apparatus, techniques and security elements described so far, the permanent magnet 12 is spherical and so the resulting indicia takes the form of a 3-dimensional circular ring. However, as alluded to above, the indicia can be adapted to any desired shape, 3D or 2D, by suitable selection of an appropriately shaped permanent magnet 12. In addition, more than one such magnet may be provided (either in corresponding recesses within the housing 13 or in a single recess sized to accommodate multiple magnets), configured either to produce multiple, separate indicia in the magnetic layer, or to work in combination with each other to produce a single indicium. For example, to form a letter, number or other symbol from a series of adjoining rings, multiple spherical magnets could be arranged in the shape of the desired letter, number or symbol.

(52) Generally, in order to achieve a strong 3-dimensional appearance and movement effect (which is not essential, but is preferred since it leads to an enhanced visual appearance and thus an improved authentication ability), it has been found that the permanent magnet should either be shaped such that its upper surface does not sit flat against (or conform with) the soft magnetisable sheet, or if a flat-profile magnet is used, it should be spaced from the sheet. Essentially, the magnetic field produced by the magnet should vary in direction across the magnet in the region where it intersects the magnetisable sheet. For example, the upper surface of the magnet could be curved or sloped relative to the sheet. Suitable magnet shapes include domes such as hemispheres and pyramids, etc. However, any shape of magnet which establishes a magnetic field of varying direction can be used. Preferably, the direction of the magnetic field varies between the centre of the magnet and its lateral periphery.

(53) An example of an apparatus 50 which utilises a cuboid shaped magnet 52 is shown in FIG. 9a. In this example, the soft magnetisable sheet 51 is flat rather than curved (suitable for use in an imprinting plate comprising an array of such apparatus, for example, rather than a roller), and the upper surface 52a of the magnet 52 therefore conforms to the interior surface 51b of the sheet 51. If, in use, the magnet 52 makes contact with the sheet 51 across its upper surface 52a, the resulting imprinted indicia will take the form of a sharp, well defined outline around the cuboid, but it will not have a 3-dimensional appearance nor appear to move when the element is tilted. This is because, at the edges of the magnet, the change in magnetic field direction occurs so rapidly that there is an abrupt discontinuity between vertical flakes immediately above the magnet's surface, and horizontal flakes immediately above the magnet's periphery, without any gradual change of flake angle therebetween.

(54) Whilst this optical effect is useful, and may be the desired result in many embodiments, in other embodiments it is preferred to make use of the 3-dimensional effects previously described. To do so using a flat-profile magnet such as cuboid 52, the magnet should be spaced a short distance from the sheet 51 as shown in FIG. 9a. The spacing between the magnet 52 and sheet 51 is preferably between 1 and 5 mm, and can be achieved either providing a layer of spacing material between the magnet and the sheet, or through design of the housing in which the magnet is mounted. Any material disposed between the magnet 52 and sheet 51 should, however, be non-magnetic so as not to disrupt the magnetic fieldin general, plastics materials will be most suitable. FIG. 9b shows the resulting magnetic field, focussed by the sheet 51 in the same way as previously described, and FIG. 9c shows a plan view of a security element 55 imprinted using the apparatus of FIG. 9a, on a substrate 56. It will be seen that the resulting indicia 57 is a bright outline taking the approximate form of a rectangle corresponding to the periphery of magnet 52. The bright outline contrasts with the interior dark region 58 and the peripheral dark region 59. The outline has a 3-dimensional appearance (not depicted in the Figure), and appears to move towards the periphery of the element 55 if viewed at an angle.

(55) The above described techniques lead to the creation of new types of security elements displaying novel optical effects, which have not previously been achievable. In particular, the display of a distinct, bright edge defined sharply between dark interior and peripheral regions (when viewed along the normal) has been found to have a strong visual impact. It has been found particularly effective where the bright edge takes the form of a loop or outline, though this not essential. The present inventors have found that the bright edge is particularly pronounced where the orientation of the magnetic particles varies within the lateral extent of the layer from substantially vertical (parallel to the normal of the layer) to horizontal and back towards vertical with the normals to the particles' reflective surfaces intersecting one another at points on one side of the layer (e.g. that away from the viewer) before increasing again with the normals to the particles' reflective surfaces in this region intersecting one another on the other side of the layer (e.g. that facing the viewer). This is the case in the embodiments depicted in FIGS. 7a, 7b, 8 and 9 above, and a further example is depicted in FIG. 10.

(56) FIG. 10a shows a third embodiment of a security element 60 comprising a layer of magnetic ink having an irregular starburst shape on a substrate 61. The layer displays a bright triangular outline 62 having a contrasting dark interior region and being surrounded by a dark peripheral region. An arbitrary radial direction extending from the dark, interior region of the outline to the periphery of the layer is shown by the arrow r, which makes an angle with a nominal reference axis y. The normal to the plane is parallel to the axis z.

(57) FIG. 10b schematically shows the arrangement of the magnetic or magnetisable particles 63 within the layer 60 along the radial direction r. In a first part 64 of the layer, inside the triangular outline, the particles align substantially parallel to the normal (axis z). This region preferably substantially coincides with the centre of the layer 63 but this need not be the case. Moving along the radial direction r, the angle between the normal and the particle gradually increases from zero to a maximum across a region 65 (here, the term gradually should not be taken to imply that the rate of change of angle with distance is slow, but rather that the change in angle occurs smoothly over a finite distance, rather than switching suddenly and discontinuously at a point). The angle is at a maximum of approximately 90 degrees, with the particles lying substantially parallel to the plane of the layer, at a first radial position 66 which corresponds to the mid-point of the bright triangular outline 62. The angle between the normal and the particles then gradually decreases across a region 67 until a second radial position 68. At this point the angle between the normal and the particles is preferably lowideally zero, but more generally less than 45, preferably less than 30, more preferably less than 10such that the area appears dark. From the second radial position 68, the angle of the flakes gradually increases once more across a region 69, which may extend all the way to the periphery of the layer (if further magnetic indicia are not present). Between the first dark area 64 and the second radial position 68, the normals to the particles' reflective surfaces (a selection of which are indicated in dashed lines labelled (i)) intersect one another at points on the substrate side of the particles (i.e. beneath the particles, away from the viewer), whereas those outside the second radial position 68 (labelled (ii)) intersect one another at points on the side towards the viewer. Thus the angled particles appear to follow the maxima of a curve, when viewed in cross section through the layer, which then shallows out towards the periphery after a change in curvature at the second radial position 68. In other examples the flake arrangement could be reversed such that the normals in the region 65 to 67 intersect on the upper side of the layer, and those in region 69 on the underside of the layer.

(58) This arrangement of particles has been found to produce particularly clear and distinct results, displaying a bright and well defined outline. The visual impact is more striking than that achieved by conventional security elements, thereby causing the element to be more noticeable to a user and more readily distinguished from a counterfeit (such as a region printed in the same colour as the security element intended to give the same overall impression as the security element). The level of security achieved by the element is therefore increased, compared with known elements.

(59) To sharply define the bright outline, the distance over which the angle of the flakes increases to horizontal across region 65 and decreases again across region 67 is preferably high: in preferred examples, the total distance from the start of region 85 to the second radial position is between 2 and 5 mm. This results in a narrow, bright ring, the thickness of which may depend on lighting conditions but under daylight (in which it will appear broadest), the thickness is less than around 10 mm, preferably less than 5 mm and more preferably still less, e.g. between 1 and 4 mm or 2 to 3 mm. More specular lighting conditions (including bright sunlight and indoor lighting) will tend to give a narrower outline appearance.

(60) The rate of change of particle angle should be less in the region 69 outside the second radial position 68 than immediately adjacent the outline at 66, in order that the dark region outside the outline is sufficiently wide that the outline clearly stand out against it (when viewed at the normal). The rate of change in the region 69 should preferably be substantially less than that in regions 65 and 67 and in particularly preferred cases, the particles in region 69 will not reach the horizontal position before the periphery of the layer 60. If the layer 60 is sufficiently wide that the particles do reach the horizontal position, it is preferred that there is adequate spacing of at least 2 mm, preferably at least 3 mm, more preferably at least 5 mm or even 10 mm, between the second radial position 68 and the point at which the particles become horizontal.

(61) In this way, the region 69, which forms the background of the element, will appear dark when the element is viewed along its normal because the vast majority of the particles therein will be non-planar with the element, even if only by a relatively small angle (to the plane of the element). However, since the particles are near-horizontal, this leads to the advantageous effect that portions of the background will appear bright if the element is tilted. Since the angle and direction of tilt will vary across the element, the bright portion of the background will appear to move across the element as it is tilted, in a similar manner to the known rolling bar effect. Thus the bright outline appears superimposed on a dynamic, rolling bar background.

(62) Whilst the security element can be implemented and achieve all the above effects using mono-chromatic magnetic inks (such as nickel flakes), further impressive optical effects can be achieved through the use of OVMI pigments, as previously mentioned. In particular, this leads to the background region 69 appearing to have portions of two different colours when viewed at an angle, the boundary between the two colours moving across the element as the element is tilted. The combination of this effect with the bright outline provides a significant visual impact.

(63) To produce the security element, any technique capable of orientating the particles in the above-described way may be used, the methods and apparatus described above with reference to FIGS. 1 to 9 (utilising either a flat, triangular-shaped permanent magnet spaced from the sheet, or a pyramid shaped magnet contacting the sheet, for instance) being a particularly preferred example. The particular method and apparatus used to create the FIGS. 7a and 7b embodiment could also be used, to produce a circular outline.

(64) If a non-complete outline or edge is desired (such as an arc or straight line), this can be produced by positioning the magnet relative to the layer such that only the portion containing the desired edge feature overlaps with the layer. For example, the periphery of the layer could be approximately aligned with the centre of a spherical magnet to obtain a semi circular bright edge. The edge can also be arranged to include gaps, e.g. by shielding only selected portions of the magnetic field.

(65) As in the case of the FIG. 10 embodiment, the variation of particle orientation with radial distance need not be the same for every radial direction. For instance, in the FIG. 10 example, the first radial position 66 will be located farther from the centre of the dark area 64 at angular positions =0, =120 and =240 (the three corners of the triangle) than at angles between those positions. The shape of the outline can therefore be selected as desired by appropriate location of the first radial position along each radial direction. For example, a circular outline will be formed if the first radial position is spaced from the centre by the same amount in each radial direction. In other examples, the outline shape could be square, rectangular, otherwise polygonal, or could define a letter, number or symbol for instance.

(66) The first dark area is preferably located wholly within the bounds of the magnetic layer, so that the full bright outline is visible. However, in other implementations, the first dark area could be located on or adjacent to the periphery of the layer so that only a portion of the full outline is visible.

(67) In order to achieve maximum visual impact, the same considerations apply to the 2D layout of the layer 60 as previously discussed with respect to FIGS. 7 and 8. In particular, the lateral extent of the layer 60 is preferably sized so as to make visible the dark region 69 around most, if not all, of the outline 62, but such that this spacing is not excessive, the outline still appearing in relatively close proximity to the periphery of the layer. Similarly, the sharply angled edges of the starburst shape provide registration features against which the position of the outline 62 can be judged.

(68) FIG. 11 shows a fourth embodiment of a security element 70 to demonstrate further the 3-dimensional effect that can be achieved via particular implementations of the method of FIGS. 4 to 9, and in embodiment of security elements such as that in FIG. 10. FIG. 11a shows the security element 70 viewed along its normal (perpendicular to the x-y plane), FIG. 11b shows the security element tilted backwards (away from the viewer), FIG. 11c shows the security element tilted to the right, FIG. 11d shows the security element tilted forwards (towards the viewer), and FIG. 11e shows the element tiled to the left.

(69) In this case, the layer 70 is approximately annular. At the centre of the layer, there is a substantially circular gap 73 through which the underlying substrate 71 is revealed. The indicia 72 displayed by the layer 70 is a bright circular ring which is located between the outer edge of the circular gap 73, and the ultimate periphery 74 of the layer (i.e. within the annular, printed region). As in the case of the security element 60 shown in FIG. 10, this is a result of the angle of the magnetic flakes in the layer 70 changing from vertical in a first dark area (which in this case annularly surrounds the gap 73) to horizontal and back towards vertical over a short lateral distance, with their normals intersecting on another on the side of the layer 70 facing towards the substrate. Comparing FIGS. 11a to 11e, it can be seen that the apparent position of the bright ring 72 relative to the periphery of the layer 70 (and to the central gap 73) changes depending on the angle of view. When the security element is viewed along its normal (FIG. 11a), the bright ring is approximately equidistant from the gap 73 and periphery 74. When the element is tilted away from the viewer (FIG. 11b), the ring 72 appears to move closer to the portion of the layer's periphery nearest the viewer, and no longer appears centred. Similarly, the ring appears to move away from the viewer when the element is tilted in the opposite direction (FIG. 11d). Likewise, when the element is tiled to the left and to the right (FIGS. 11e and 11c respectively), the ring 72 appears to approach the edge of the element towards the direction of view. This apparent movement is very distinct and therefore improves the security level of the element.

(70) In addition to central gap 73, the security element 70 includes a square wave pattern of gaps 73a, 74a along the outer edge of centre gap 73 and along periphery 74 respectively. Like central gap 73, these act as registration or datum features which emphasise the apparent movement of the ring 72 to an observer by decreasing the spacing between the ring 72 and the contrasting background of substrate 71 at least in places. The substrate 71 is preferably of a colour which contrasts both with the dark regions of the magnetic ink and with the bright regions. For instance, in this example, the substrate is printed with an orange security pattern. The dark regions of the magnetic ink layer 70 appear black, and the bright ring 72 appears green. The colour of the bright ring will depend on the nature of the magnetic or magnetisable particles (e.g. whether they are provided with an optically variable structure) and on any tint carried by the composition in which they are suspended.

(71) FIG. 12 illustrates another optical effect achievable in security elements as described in relation to FIG. 10, or formed using the techniques of FIGS. 3 to 9. For simplicity, the security element 40 depicted corresponds to that of FIG. 8, and was produced in the same way. The Figures so far, however, have depicted the appearance of the security elements under ambient lighting conditions, which generally involves a single, albeit potentially diffuse, light source. When the element is viewed under multiple light sources, however, corresponding multiple bright edges become visible in the magnetic layer: for instance, where there are two (spaced) light sources, two edges will be visible, matching in shape but displaced from one another by an amount and direction dependent on the arrangement of the light sources.

(72) FIG. 12 shows, as an example, the security element 40 viewed under two light sources. Rather than displaying a single bright ring, as shown in FIG. 8, the element now shows two circular outlines 42a, 42b of the same shape and size as each other but laterally displaced such that they appear to overlap. The regions 43, 44, 45a and 45b, defined between and outside the rings 42a, 42b are each dark and contrast distinctly with the bright rings. The thickness t of each ring is approximately the same, in this example around 2 to 3 mm. Provided both light sources are reasonably diffuse, the two rings will each have a 3-dimensional appearance. The maximum spacing between the two rings (within the regions 45a and 45b) depends on the lighting conditions but is generally around 1 to 5 mm. As the element is tilted, the outlines move relative to one another as a result of the changing angles made with each light source. The multiple ring effect can be obtained using any type of magnetic ink, but is particularly striking when the element is formed using OVMI pigments. In this case, the two outlines appear as different colours at certain angles of view. The ability to view a different number of bright edges (preferably outlines) significantly enhances the security element's ability to act as an authenticator since a user can easily test the feature by inspecting the appearance of the element, and counting the number of edges, under different lighting conditions.

(73) FIG. 13 illustrates a fifth embodiment of a security element incorporating magnetically imprinted indicia. FIG. 13a shows a cross section through the security element 90 and a substrate 91 on which the security element is disposed, FIG. 13b shows a plan view of the security element, as observed in reflected light, and FIG. 13c shows a plan view of the security element as seen in transmitted light (i.e. the light source being located on the opposite side of the substrate 91 from the security element 90). The substrate is translucent (i.e. not opaque), at least in the region of the magnetic indicia. For example, the substrate may be a banknote formed of paper or coated polymer which is translucent through not necessarily transparent. In other cases, the security element could be arranged at least partly over a window in the substrate, such as a transparent polymer window or an aperture. In general, the substrate could be formed for example of paper, security paper, polymer, coated polymer or any combination thereof (e.g. as a multilayer structure).

(74) The security element 90 comprises a print layer 92 and a magnetic layer 93 of a composition containing magnetic or magnetisable particles such as that previously described. In use, the print layer 92 is located between the magnetic layer 93 and the substrate 91. This will typically be achieved by printing the print layer 92 onto the substrate in a first process step and then over-printing the layer 92 with magnetic ink to form layer 93. However, other manufacturing techniques are also envisaged: for instance, the magnetic layer 93 may be formed on a temporary support substrate in a first step, and the print layer 92 applied thereto before the two layers are transferred to the substrate 91.

(75) The print layer 92 comprises markings represented by items 92a. These could be purely decorative or include symbols, letters or digits, as desired. At least some of the markings formed by print layer 92 constitute authentication data 94. This too could take any desirable form, such as letters, numbers, symbols, graphics or simply a pattern. The term authentication data simply means that the data can be used as follows to confirm that the security element is genuine. The print layer may also include other markings forming visible data 96, which may also take the form of letters, numbers, symbols etc.

(76) The magnetic layer 93 is configured such that its magnetic particles 93a display at least one bright region 95, preferably in the form of indicia. The bright region includes a significant proportion of flakes which are aligned substantially parallel to the plane of the substrate 91 For instance, the surface planes of the flakes may make an angle of between 60 and 90 degrees, more preferably between 70 and 90 degrees, still preferably between 80 and 90 degrees, most preferably about 90 degrees (e.g. above 89 degrees) with the substrate normal. The bright region 95 can be formed in the layer 93 using any known magnetic orientation technique, preferably that disclosed above with reference to FIGS. 1 to 9. Other imprinting techniques which could be used disclosed, for example, in EP-A-1710756. The layer 93 can also take the form of any of the security elements described in the previous embodiments.

(77) The print layer 92 and magnetic layer 93 are arranged relative to one another such that the bright region 95 displayed by the magnetic layer is aligned with the authorisation data 94. That is, in plan view from above the magnetic layer 93 (viewed along a direction substantially parallel to the security element's normal), the bright region at least partially covers the authorisation data 94. This has the result of concealing at least part of the authorisation data from view, both as a result of the substantially horizontal magnetic flakes 93a which form the bright region (and are opaque) obstructing the view of the print layer 92 and due to the high brightness of the region in reflected light, which distracts the user's vision and assists in hiding the underlying print. FIG. 13b shows the security element 90 viewed along its normal in reflected light from which it will be seen that, in this example, the bright region 95 takes the form of a circular ring. The data 94, located under ring 95, is not visible. For comparison, this example includes visible printed data items 96a and 96b, the first of which is not covered by the magnetic layer 93 and the second of which is aligned with a dark region of the magnetic layer 93 in which the magnetic particles are aligned substantially parallel to the normal of the element. The data item 96a will be clearly visible in reflected light. The data item 96b may also be visible in reflected light depending on the density of the magnetic ink layer since, if the vertical magnetic particles are sufficiently spaced from each other, they will not significantly obstruct a view of the print layer.

(78) FIG. 13c shows the same security element 90 viewed in transmission, e.g. by holding the substrate up to a light source. The printed authentication data 95 now becomes visible through the magnetic layer 93 and is revealed as comprising a series of digits 5, arranged to coincide with the location of bright ring 95 in the magnetic layer (represented by a dashed-line circle in FIG. 13c). This is achieved by printing the authorisation data 94 at a sufficiently high optical density that the contrast between it and the surrounding translucent substrate is sufficient to be detectable through the magnetic layer when the structure is viewed in transmitted light. The optical density required will therefore depend on the translucence of the substrate and that of the magnetic layer. For example, a magnetic layer containing a high density of magnetic particles will be less translucent and therefore the optical density of the authorisation data will need to be greater. The authorization data should also preferably be printed in a dark colour against a contrasting light coloured substrate to improve its visibility in transmission.

(79) In one example exhibiting the above effects, the printed authorisation data was printed on a light-coloured paper substrate around 100-120 microns thick using a lithographic technique with an ink thickness of around 2 to 4 microns in a dark colour such as black. The printed authorisation data was overprinted with a layer of magnetic ink of the type Gold to Green Spark ink by Sicpa Holdings S.A, which is a UV-curable ink. The thickness of the magnetic ink layer was around 20 microns but in other examples can range from about 10 microns to about 30 microns. The concentration of the magnetic particles in the ink was around 20% by weight but in other examples can range between around 15% and 25%. The size of the magnetic flakes is around 20 microns in diameter and between 100 nm to 1 micron thick.

(80) The security element 90 therefore provides both covert and overt optical effects. When the element is viewed during normal handling, its visual appearance will be dominated by the bright region of the magnetic layer, which preferably takes the form of indicia. If the authenticity of the element requires further checking, the substrate can be illuminated from the reverse in order to reveal the authorization data. Only if the expected authorization data is indeed present will the validity of the element be confirmed. This type of element therefore provides an additional level of security over and above those already described.

(81) To fully conceal the authorization data, the bright region of the magnetic layer preferably extends laterally beyond the authorization data some distance in all directions. This ensures that the authorization data will remain substantially hidden should the element be viewed in reflection at an oblique angle. To achieve the best effect, the majority of the magnetic particles forming the bright region should preferably be orientated with the reflective surfaces approximately parallel with the plane of the element. However, the particles orientated at an intermediate angle, may also be useful, for instance at each edge of the bright region. These can assist in concealing the authorization data when the element is viewed at an angle. For instance, FIG. 13a shows two portions of the magnetic layer, each laterally adjacent to the region of horizontal particles, in which the particles are at a non-zero angle to the substrate. The normals to the planar surfaces of the particles in the horizontal region and those in the adjacent portions intersect one another on the substrate side of the magnetic layer. In this way, if the element is tilted, the particles in the two portions are substantially perpendicular to the line of view and prevent viewing of the authorisation data (in reflected light).

(82) FIGS. 14a and 14b show an example of a security element 80 formed according to the above-described principles. FIG. 14a is a view of the element in ambient reflected light, and FIG. 14b shows the same element in transmitted light. The element 80 comprises a layer of magnetic ink printed in a shield shape on a substrate 81, in this case a banknote. The magnetic layer has a registration feature 83 in the form of a circular gap formed through the layer at its centre. Imprinted in the layer is a bright circular ring 84 which appears 3-dimensional and moves relative to the shield when the element is tilted, formed in this example using the techniques disclosed above with reference to FIGS. 4 to 12. It will be seen that, in reflection, one rampant lion FIG. 85 is visible though the magnetic layer in the region inside the bright circle, to the right of registration gap 83. The left hand portion of the shield appears mainly bright, due to the ring 84. In transmitted light, as shown in FIG. 14b, the bright ring 84 is no longer visible, the magnetic layer appearing as a flat, dark shadow. The disappearance of the bright ring 84 reveals the presence of printed authorisation data 86 underneath the magnetic layer, in the form of a second lion.

(83) It will be appreciated that both lions 85 and 86 form part of the same print working underneath the magnetic layer 80. Lion 85, however, is aligned with a dark region of the magnetic imprint, in which the magnetic flakes are largely vertical. As such, the lion 85 is visible through the magnetic pigment in reflection. Lion 86 is aligned with a bright portion of the magnetic indicia causing it to be hidden in reflection and revealed in transmission. The bright ring, in this example, is arranged to appear 3-dimensional (as described with reference to previous embodiments) and will also move laterally when the element is tilted. This leads to different portions of the underlying print (lions 85 and 86) becoming visible in reflection as the element is viewed at different angles. This is a particularly effective security feature since the user can test the authenticity of the element by checking that different print elements appear as the element is tiltedfor example, the printed data could include a series of number or letters spelling a word, which are revealed in sequence as the element is tilted.

(84) FIG. 15 shows two further examples of security elements 98 and 99 formed according to the same principles as described with reference to FIGS. 13 and 14. In FIG. 15, the elements are shown under reflected light and so the authorization data is not visible. Security element 98 comprises a magnetic layer formed in the shape of a shamrock. In this case, the magnetic layer covers the whole of the print layer and so no printed items are visible apart from a background security print forming part of the base substrate. The magnetic layer 98 displays a bright ring 98a imprinted using the methods and apparatus disclosed above with reference to FIGS. 1 to 9. Aligned with the bright ring 98a, under the magnetic layer, printed numerals 50 are arranged about a corresponding circle. When viewed in transmitted light, the numerals 50 are revealed. Security element 99 is of a similar construction, the magnetic layer being formed in an approximately annular shape formed of eight adjoining circles which together display the magnetically imprinted bright ring 99a. Under each circle of the magnetic layer is hidden the printed number 50, revealed in transmission (the printed data is not visible in FIG. 15 since here the elements are shown under reflected light).

(85) FIG. 16 is a block diagram illustrating steps involved in a method of manufacturing a security element such as those depicted in FIGS. 13, 14 and 15. As noted above, various alternative techniques are possible, including printing the print layer onto a ready-formed magnetic layer (typically after it has been magnetically imprinted and hardened). However, in many cases it is preferred to form the element directly on the substrate which is to carry the element (such as a banknote), and a method such as that shown in FIG. 16 is more suitable for such implementations.

(86) In a first step S000, the print layer is formed by printing authorization data onto a substrate (which may be a document of value or a temporary support substrate, for example). This printing step can be carried out using any printing technique, such as lithographic printing, intaglio, screen printing, flexographic printing, letterpress printing, gravure printing, laser printing or inkjet printing. Preferably the authorization data is printed at a high optical density in a dark colour to contrast with the substrate.

(87) The print layer is then coated or overprinted with the magnetic composition in step S100. This can be carried out in much the same way as discussed with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2 above. The magnetic layer is then imprinted in step S200 to orientate the magnetic or magnetisable particles so as to display at least one bright region aligned with the authorization data. This can be carried out using any technique for applying a magnetic field to the magnetic layer, such as those disclosed in EP-A-1710756. However, in preferred examples, in order to achieve a bright and distinct optical effect, methods and apparatus according to the principles disclosed above with reference to FIGS. 3 to 9 are used to imprint indicia into the layer. The layer may additionally or alternatively be configured to display optical effects such as those described with reference to FIGS. 10 to 12 above. Finally, the oriented particles are fixed by hardening the magnetic layer in step S300. This can be performed as described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2 above.

(88) FIGS. 17 and 18 show examples of completed products incorporating security elements made in accordance with any of the above embodiments. FIGS. 17a and 17b show security elements applied to documents of value, such as banknotes. In FIG. 17a, the security element 101 simply comprises an elliptical magnetic layer configured to display an indicium in the form of a bright ring 102. The layer is disposed directly on a document of value 100, which may comprise a banknote, passport, identity document, cheque, certificate, licence or similar. The document may typically be provided with other features (not shown) such as security prints, holograms, security threads, micro-optical optically variable structures, and/or security fibres, each of which may provide either a public recognition feature or a machine readable feature or both. These may be added to the document before or after the element 101 is applied. The element 101 may be manufactured directly on the document 100 with no intermediary steps by printing or coating the magnetic composition (and authorization data, if provided) directly onto the document's surface. Alternatively, the security element may initially be manufactured as a transfer element such as a patch, foil or stripe, for later application to the document of value (or indeed any other article), as described below with reference to FIG. 18.

(89) In FIG. 17b, the security element 106 displaying, for instance, a bright ring 107, is formed within a transparent window 109 of a document 105. This could be achieved by forming the magnetic layer directly on a transparent polymer banknote substrate such as Guardian supplied by Securency Pty Ltd, for example by printing, either before or after the rest of the document is printed or coated in the conventional manner. However, in the present embodiment, the element 106 is formed on a wide tape 108 which is then embedded or applied to a paper substrate forming the document 105. In this case the tape 108 is preferably formed of a transparent polymer such as biaxially oriented polypropylene (BOPP) or PET. The window 109 can be formed by providing a hole in a paper substrate either during formation of the paper or as a conversion process on a finished paper web. The wide polymeric tape can then be applied over the hole, if the tape is transparent an aperture results. The device 106 can be printed on the tape either prior to or post application on the paper substrate. Examples of these types of apertures can be found in U.S. Pat. No. 6,428,051 and US-A-20050224203.

(90) In other preferred implementations, the aperture 109 is formed entirely during the paper making process in accordance with either of the methods described within EP-A-1442171 or EP-A-1141480. For EP-A-1141480 a wide polymer tape 108 is inserted into the paper over a section of the mould cover which has been blinded so no paper fibre deposition can occur. The tape is additionally so wide that no fibres deposit on the rear. In this manner one side of the tape is wholly exposed at one surface of the document in which it is partially embedded, and partially exposed in apertures at the other surface of the substrate. The security device 106 can either be applied to the tape 108 prior to insertion or post insertion. When applied prior to insertion it is preferable, if the feature does not repeat along the length of the tape, to register the area comprising the feature to the aperture in the machine direction. Such a process is not trivial but can be achieved using the process as set out in EP-A-1567714.

(91) The window 109 may be configured such that the element 106 is viewable from both sides of the document, or just one. Methods of incorporating a security device such that it is viewable from both sides of the document are described in EP-A-1141480 and WO-A-3054297. In the method described in EP-A-1141480 one side of the device is wholly exposed at one surface of the document in which it is partially embedded, and partially exposed in apertures at the other surface of the document.

(92) Embodiments such as this, where the element is carried by a transparent portion of the document, are particularly effective in combination with the provision of reference or datum features in the form of gaps in the magnetic layer, as described above. The features can be viewed in transmission through the transparent window, causing them to appear in particularly strong contrast with the magnetic optical effect.

(93) It should be noted that, in other embodiments, the window in which the element is visibly need not be transparent. One method for producing paper with so-called windowed threads can be found in EP-A-0059056. EP-A-0860298 and WO-A-03095188 describe different approaches for the embedding of wider partially exposed threads into a paper substrate. Wide threads, typically having a width of 2-6 mm, are particularly useful as the additional exposed thread surface area allows for better use of optically variable devices, such as that disclosed in the present invention. In a development of the windowed thread it is also possible to embed a thread such that it windows alternately on the front and back of a secure document. See EP-A-1567713.

(94) Two further examples of transfer elements are shown in FIG. 18. FIG. 18a shows a transfer element 110 in the form of a sticker. The security element (comprising the magnetic layer and any authorization data) is indicated by item 115 and is formed on a support substrate 111 by printing or coating, as before. On the opposite side of the support substrate is provided an adhesive layer 112, such as a contact adhesive or heat-activated adhesive. For storage, the adhesive layer may be mounted on a backing sheet from which the transfer element can be removed when it is to be applied to an article. Multiple elements can be stored on a single backing sheet. FIG. 18b shows an alternative transfer element 120 in which the element 125 has been formed by printing or coating onto a support substrate 121 via a release layer 122. An adhesive layer 123 is applied to the opposite side of the element 125. Again, a backing material may be used to cover the adhesive during storage if necessary. For application to an article, the transfer element is placed over the article and a stamp used to apply heat and/or pressure through the support layer 121. The release layer 122 separates the element 125 from the substrate 121 and the adhesive layer bonds the element to the article.