Classifications

• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B42—BOOKBINDING; ALBUMS; FILES; SPECIAL PRINTED MATTER
  • B42D—BOOKS; BOOK COVERS; LOOSE LEAVES; PRINTED MATTER CHARACTERISED BY IDENTIFICATION OR SECURITY FEATURES; PRINTED MATTER OF SPECIAL FORMAT OR STYLE NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; DEVICES FOR USE THEREWITH AND NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; MOVABLE-STRIP WRITING OR READING APPARATUS
  • B42D25/00—Information-bearing cards or sheet-like structures characterised by identification or security features; Manufacture thereof
  • B42D25/30—Identification or security features, e.g. for preventing forgery
  • B42D25/324—Reliefs
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B42—BOOKBINDING; ALBUMS; FILES; SPECIAL PRINTED MATTER
  • B42D—BOOKS; BOOK COVERS; LOOSE LEAVES; PRINTED MATTER CHARACTERISED BY IDENTIFICATION OR SECURITY FEATURES; PRINTED MATTER OF SPECIAL FORMAT OR STYLE NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; DEVICES FOR USE THEREWITH AND NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; MOVABLE-STRIP WRITING OR READING APPARATUS
  • B42D25/00—Information-bearing cards or sheet-like structures characterised by identification or security features; Manufacture thereof
  • B42D25/30—Identification or security features, e.g. for preventing forgery
  • B42D25/328—Diffraction gratings; Holograms
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B42—BOOKBINDING; ALBUMS; FILES; SPECIAL PRINTED MATTER
  • B42D—BOOKS; BOOK COVERS; LOOSE LEAVES; PRINTED MATTER CHARACTERISED BY IDENTIFICATION OR SECURITY FEATURES; PRINTED MATTER OF SPECIAL FORMAT OR STYLE NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; DEVICES FOR USE THEREWITH AND NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; MOVABLE-STRIP WRITING OR READING APPARATUS
  • B42D25/00—Information-bearing cards or sheet-like structures characterised by identification or security features; Manufacture thereof
  • B42D25/30—Identification or security features, e.g. for preventing forgery
  • B42D25/346—Perforations
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B42—BOOKBINDING; ALBUMS; FILES; SPECIAL PRINTED MATTER
  • B42D—BOOKS; BOOK COVERS; LOOSE LEAVES; PRINTED MATTER CHARACTERISED BY IDENTIFICATION OR SECURITY FEATURES; PRINTED MATTER OF SPECIAL FORMAT OR STYLE NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; DEVICES FOR USE THEREWITH AND NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; MOVABLE-STRIP WRITING OR READING APPARATUS
  • B42D25/00—Information-bearing cards or sheet-like structures characterised by identification or security features; Manufacture thereof
  • B42D25/30—Identification or security features, e.g. for preventing forgery
  • B42D25/36—Identification or security features, e.g. for preventing forgery comprising special materials
  • B42D25/373—Metallic materials
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B42—BOOKBINDING; ALBUMS; FILES; SPECIAL PRINTED MATTER
  • B42D—BOOKS; BOOK COVERS; LOOSE LEAVES; PRINTED MATTER CHARACTERISED BY IDENTIFICATION OR SECURITY FEATURES; PRINTED MATTER OF SPECIAL FORMAT OR STYLE NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; DEVICES FOR USE THEREWITH AND NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; MOVABLE-STRIP WRITING OR READING APPARATUS
  • B42D25/00—Information-bearing cards or sheet-like structures characterised by identification or security features; Manufacture thereof
  • B42D25/30—Identification or security features, e.g. for preventing forgery
  • B42D25/36—Identification or security features, e.g. for preventing forgery comprising special materials
  • B42D25/378—Special inks
  • B42D25/387—Special inks absorbing or reflecting ultraviolet light
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B42—BOOKBINDING; ALBUMS; FILES; SPECIAL PRINTED MATTER
  • B42D—BOOKS; BOOK COVERS; LOOSE LEAVES; PRINTED MATTER CHARACTERISED BY IDENTIFICATION OR SECURITY FEATURES; PRINTED MATTER OF SPECIAL FORMAT OR STYLE NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; DEVICES FOR USE THEREWITH AND NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; MOVABLE-STRIP WRITING OR READING APPARATUS
  • B42D25/00—Information-bearing cards or sheet-like structures characterised by identification or security features; Manufacture thereof
  • B42D25/40—Manufacture
  • B42D25/405—Marking
  • B42D25/43—Marking by removal of material
  • B42D25/435—Marking by removal of material using electromagnetic radiation, e.g. laser

Definitions

• the invention relates to a technique for forming grayscale or color images, and relates more particularly to a document comprising a lenticular grating and a laser-perforated metal layer, an image being formed from the combination of the metal layer and laser perforations.
• identity documents also known as identity documents. These documents must be easily authenticated and difficult to counterfeit (if possible tamper-proof). This market concerns a wide variety of documents, such as identity cards, passports, access badges, driving licenses, etc., which can be in different formats (cards, booklets, etc.).
• a known solution consists in printing on a support a matrix of pixels composed of color sub-pixels and in forming gray levels by laser carbonization in a laserable layer located opposite the matrix of pixels, so as to reveal a custom color image that is difficult to forge or reproduce.
• EP 2 580 065 B1 (dated August 6, 2014)
• EP 2 681 053 B1 (dated April 8, 2015).
• FIG. 1 represents a manufacturing technique making it possible to form a secure image 100 (in colors or in levels of gray) having good image quality and difficult to falsify or reproduce.
• a holographic layer 114 is positioned opposite a second layer 116 which is opaque with respect to at least the visible wavelength spectrum.
• the holographic layer 114 comprises a metallic holographic structure 146 forming an arrangement 130 of pixels 132 visible to an observer OB. These pixels 132 each comprise a plurality of sub-pixels 134 of distinct colors.
• the holographic layer 114 comprises perforations 120 formed by laser radiation LS1. These through perforations locally reveal through the holographic structure 146 dark areas 142 in the sub-pixels 134, these dark areas 142 being formed by underlying regions 141 of the opaque layer 116 located opposite the perforations 120, so to form a personalized image IG from the arrangement 130 of pixels combined with the dark areas 142.
• This technique makes it possible in particular to form a personalized image which is secure and of good quality, without having recourse to powerful laser radiation likely to generate air bubbles by heating in the holographic structure 146 which would lead to irreversible destruction of the holographic structure.
• this technique requires forming a large number of perforations in the holographic layer 114, in particular when it is desired to create significant contrasts in the final image IG.
• large quantities or concentrations of perforations can undesirably degrade the physical integrity of the holographic layer 114 in certain regions, which can lead to losses of adhesion of the holographic layer with respect to screws from its support.
• the applicant has thus observed the formation of delaminations when the holographic layer no longer adheres sufficiently to its support due to the excessive density of the perforations passing through it.
• the present invention aims in particular to allow the formation of personalized images which are both secure and of good quality, while avoiding the problem of loss of adhesion explained above.
• the present invention relates to a secure document comprising:
• a metal layer comprising an arrangement of diffractive nanostructures
• - a lenticular array comprising converging lenses positioned facing the metal layer
• the metallic layer comprises perforations formed by focusing laser radiation through the lenticular array onto the metallic layer, the perforations comprising at least one group of perforations formed by focusing the laser radiation at a respective angle of incidence so revealing a corresponding personalized image when the secure document is viewed at said angle of incidence.
• the invention makes it possible to create shades of colors or levels of gray in a metal layer comprising an arrangement of diffractive nanostructures, to reveal at least one secure image.
• the lenticular network of the invention makes it possible to focus the laser radiation on small portions of the metal layer during the phase of personalization of the image(s), so as to guarantee good adhesion of the metal layer to the support layer and thus to avoid delamination problems.
• the invention makes it possible to store in an image a greater quantity of information than by using a conventional image formation technique.
• the lenticular array comprises a plurality of cylindrical converging lenses extending parallel in a first direction.
• the nanostructures in the metal layer are arranged periodically so as to form a diffractive holographic structure.
• the nanostructures in the metallic layer (14) are arranged aperiodically so as to control (or modify) the colorimetry of the reflected light as a function of the angle of incidence on the metallic layer.
• the metallic layer comprises a holographic structure forming an arrangement of pixels each comprising a plurality of sub-pixels of distinct colors, the perforations revealing locally through the holographic structure shades of color or level of gray caused by underlying regions of the support layer located opposite the perforations, the underlying regions modifying the colorimetric contribution of the sub-pixels.
• each pixel of said arrangement of pixels is configured so that each sub-pixel presents a unique color in said pixel.
• the support layer is opaque with respect to at least the visible wavelength spectrum, in which the perforations reveal locally through the holographic structure dark zones in the sub-pixels caused by underlying regions of the support layer located opposite the perforations, so as to form a personalized image from the arrangement of pixels combined with the dark areas.
• the support layer comprises an ink sensitive to ultraviolet rays (UV), so that the image is visible when the secure document is exposed to ultraviolet rays (to UV light).
• UV ultraviolet rays
• the support layer is transparent with respect to at least the spectrum of visible wavelengths, in which the perforations reveal locally through the holographic structure light zones in the sub-pixels when an incident light in the visible spectrum is projected through the perforations so as to form a personalized image from the arrangement of pixels combined with the light areas.
• the lenticular array comprising a plurality of cylindrical converging lenses extending parallel along a first direction, in which the arrangement of pixels comprises rows of sub-pixels of the same color extending perpendicular to the first direction of converging cylindrical lenses.
• the lenticular array comprises a plurality of semi-spherical or aspherical converging lenses.
• the implementation for example of aspherical lenses makes it possible in particular to compensate for optical aberrations.
• the perforations comprise a plurality of groups of perforations, each group of perforations being produced by focusing the laser radiation according to a distinct angle of incidence so as to reveal interlaced personalized images which are observable according to the different angles of incidence.
• the metal layer is positioned approximately in the focal plane of the lenticular array.
• the invention also relates to a corresponding method of manufacture.
• the present invention also relates to a manufacturing process for manufacturing a document such as defined in this presentation.
• the invention provides a method for manufacturing a secure document, comprising:
• the perforations comprising at least one group of perforations produced by focusing laser radiation at a respective angle of incidence so as to reveal a personalized image corresponding when the secure document is observed along said angle of incidence.
• Figure 1 is a sectional view of a multilayer structure according to a particular implementation
• FIG. 2 schematically represents a secure document according to a particular embodiment of the invention
• FIG. 3-4 Figures 3 and 4 are sectional views schematically representing a multilayer structure according to a particular embodiment of the invention
• Figure 5 is a perspective view schematically representing a multilayer structure according to a particular embodiment of the invention.
• Figure 6 is a perspective view schematically representing a multilayer structure according to a particular embodiment of the invention.
• Figure 7 is a sectional view schematically representing a multilayer structure according to a particular embodiment of the invention
• Figure 8 is a top view schematically representing a multilayer structure according to a particular embodiment of the invention
• FIG. 9 schematically represents perforations formed in sub-pixels, according to a particular embodiment of the invention.
• FIG. 10A is a top view of a multilayer structure according to a particular embodiment of the invention.
• FIG. 10B is a top view of a multilayer structure devoid of a lenticular network and in which perforations have been provided to form an image;
• FIG. 11 schematically represents a multilayer structure before personalization and after personalization, according to a particular embodiment of the invention.
• FIG. 12 schematically represents the reliefs of a holographic structure, according to a particular embodiment of the invention
• Figures 13 and 14 schematically represent an arrangement of pixels and sub-pixels, according to a particular embodiment of the invention
• Figures 15, 16 and 17 schematically represent arrangements of pixels and sub-pixels, according to particular embodiments of the invention.
• FIG. 18 schematically represents a manufacturing method according to a particular embodiment of the invention.
• the invention relates generally to the formation of an image (in color or in grayscale) and relates in particular to a secure document comprising such an image.
• the notion of grayscale refers to shades of gray which are generated in order to personalize a grayscale image.
• the gray level of an area of an image defines a value between white and black.
• the invention can be applied both to form an image in gray levels and to form a color image.
• the notions of “gray levels” and of “colors” can replace each other indiscriminately, depending on whether it is desired to form an image in gray levels or in colors.
• the concept of the invention can thus be applied to form both color images and grayscale images.
• the invention proposes to form a personalized image in a secure manner from a metal layer and a lenticular array positioned opposite the metal layer.
• the metallic layer comprises an arrangement of diffractive nanostructures making it possible to diffract light (at least) in the visible range.
• the metal layer further includes perforations (or holes) formed by focusing laser radiation through the lenticular array onto the metal layer.
• the lenticular array comprises converging lenses capable of causing the aforementioned laser radiation to converge on the metal layer.
• perforations make it possible to reveal one or more personalized images - in color or in grayscale - when the document is observed from one or more appropriate viewing angles.
• one observes the document according to an angle of incidence of the radiation layer used to form perforations in the metal layer one can visualize an image revealed by said perforations in the metal layer.
• the invention also relates to a method of forming such a personalized image.
• a document comprising at least one personalized image according to the principle of the invention.
• This document can be any document, called a secure document, of the booklet, card or other type.
• the invention finds particular applications in the formation of identity images in identity documents such as: identity cards, credit cards, passports, driving licenses, secure entry badges, etc.
• security documents banknotes, notarized documents, official certificates, etc.
• other implementations are possible.
• the exemplary embodiments described below aim to form an identity image.
• the personalized image formed according to the concept of the invention can be any (shape, nature, colors, etc.). It may for example be an image representing the portrait of the holder of the document concerned, other implementations being however possible.
• the elements common or similar to several figures bear the same reference signs and have identical or similar characteristics, so that these common elements are generally not described again for the sake of simplicity.
• FIG. 2 represents, according to a particular embodiment, a secure document 2 comprising a document body 4 in or on which is formed at least one secure image IG according to the concept of the invention.
• the secure document 20 is an identity document, for example in the form of a card, such as an identity card, identification badge or other.
• the IG image or images are grayscale or color images, the pattern of which corresponds to the portrait of the holder of the document. As already indicated, however, other examples are possible. In the case where several IG images are produced, these can be viewed by varying the angle of observation vis-à-vis the secure document 2.
• FIG. 3 represents a multilayer structure 10 in an initial state (virgin), from which can be formed at least one personalized IG color image such as represented in FIG. 2. As explained later with reference to FIG. 4, this structure 10 can be personalized in order to form at least one personalized image IG.
• This structure 10 constitutes for example the document 2 represented in FIG. 2 or can be included in the document 2 in order to form the image(s) IG.
• the multilayer structure 10 comprises a lenticular array 12 positioned opposite (above) a metal layer 14.
• the metal layer 14 is itself placed on a support layer (or substrate) 16 so that this metal layer 14 is interposed between the lenticular network 12 and the support layer 16.
• the metallic layer 14 comprises an arrangement of diffractive nanostructures (also called more simply “nanostructures”).
• diffractive nanostructures also called more simply “nanostructures”.
• Various types (shapes, sizes, etc.) of diffractive nanostructures can be envisaged within the scope of the invention (arrangement of nanowires for example).
• the diffractive nanostructures present in the metallic layer 14 are configured to diffract light in the visible wavelength spectrum.
• the size of the diffractive nanostructures is therefore chosen accordingly: the size of the diffractive nanostructures is typically of the order of, or less than, the spectrum of wavelengths in the visible range.
• These diffractive nanostructures can be arranged periodically so as to form a diffractive holographic structure (as described below.
• the period is for example of the order of the wavelength of light in the visible (for example 300 nm).
• the arrangement of the diffractive nanostructures can be aperiodic (non-periodic or arbitrary), which makes it possible in particular to control (or modify) the colorimetry of the reflected light according to the angle of incidence of the light on the layer. metallic 14.
• the colorimetry of the reflected light is then a function of the combination of light-matter interaction phenomena (diffraction, diffusion, absorption, etc.) occurring at the level of the arrangement of the diffractive nanostructures.
• the lenticular array 12 comprises convergent lenses (or microlenses) 13 positioned opposite (above) the metal layer 14.
• convergent lenses or microlenses
• lenses 13 can be envisaged as described below. These lenses make it possible in particular to focus laser radiation on the metallic layer 14 in order to form one or more IG images according to the principle of the invention.
• the support layer 16 can be opaque (non-reflecting) or transparent depending on the embodiment considered.
• the metallic layer 14 represented in FIG. 3 is blank in the sense that it does not include the information defining the pattern of the final image(s) IG that one wishes to form.
• the multilayer structure 10 does not form any personalized image IG.
• perforations are formed by laser radiation in the metal layer 14 as described below.
• the metal layer 14 of the multilayer structure 10 comprises perforations (or holes) 20 formed by RY laser radiation (by laser etching). These perforations 20 pass through the thickness of the metallic layer 14 so as to reveal (or uncover) in a personalized image IG, through the metallic layer 14, zones Z2 formed (or caused) by underlying regions Z1 of the support layer 16 located opposite the perforations 20. These zones Z2 are zones of colorimetric nuance revealed in the image IG. These zones Z2 can for example be dark if the underlying regions Z1 of the support layer 16 are opaque (with respect to at least the visible wavelength spectrum) or can be light if the underlying regions Z1 of support layer 16 are transparent (with respect to at least the visible wavelength spectrum).
• This image IG can be viewed by an observer OB by observing the multilayer structure 10 either in reflection (case of the layer support 16 opaque), or in light transmitted from the rear face of the structure 10 (case of the support layer 16 transparent).
• the metal layer 14 comprises at least one group of perforations 20 made by focusing the RY laser radiation at an angle of respective incidence Q so as to reveal a corresponding personalized image IG when the structure 10 (or the secure document 2) is observed according to said angle of incidence Q.
• the metallic layer 14 can comprise a plurality of perforation groups 20.
• the perforations 20 are then produced by means of RY laser radiation projected at the same respective angle of incidence Q. Laser radiation is thus projected at different angles of incidence onto the multilayer structure 10 in order to form a plurality of images IG which can be viewed by an observer OB through the lenses 13 by varying the angle of observation.
• the first group of perforations 201 and the second group of perforations 202 thus form two distinct personalized images IG which can be viewed by an observer OB by observing the multilayer structure 10 according to an angle of observation equal to ⁇ 1 and ⁇ 2, respectively.
• the multilayer structure 10 comprises, for example, two distinct personalized IG images that can be viewed from two distinct viewing angles.
• the number and configuration of the IG images formed in the multilayer structure 10 can however be adapted according to the case of use.
• multilayer structure 10 can be customized to include only one IG image.
• the RY laser radiation used to form the perforations (or holes) 20 in the metallic layer 14 (FIG. 4) is preferably at a spectrum of wavelengths different from the spectrum of wavelengths of the visible.
• a YAG laser e.g. at a wavelength of 1064 nm
• a blue laser e.g. at a wavelength of 1064 nm
• a UV laser e.g. at a wavelength of 1064 nm
• a pulse frequency of between 1 kHz and 500 kHz e.g. at a wavelength of 1064 nm
• It is also possible to apply, for example, a pulse frequency of between 1 kHz and 500 kHz although other configurations can be envisaged. It is up to the person skilled in the art to choose the configuration of the laser radiation LY according to the specific case.
• the metal layer 14 is designed so that it at least partially absorbs the energy delivered by the RY laser radiation to create the perforations 20 previously described.
• the RY laser radiation is characterized by a spectrum of wavelengths which is at least partially absorbed by the metallic layer 14.
• the materials of the metallic layer 14 are therefore chosen accordingly.
• the materials forming the metallic layer 14 are selected so that they do not absorb light in the visible. In this way, it is possible to create perforations 20 by means of laser radiation emitting outside the visible spectrum and to generate one or more personalized IG images which are visible to the human eye by diffractive effect.
• the metallic layer 14 can be placed at a distance d1 from the lenticular array 12. According to a particular example, this distance d1 is chosen so that the metallic layer 14 is positioned in (or approximately in) the focal plane of the lenticular network 12. This configuration makes it possible to focus the RY laser radiation as much as possible during the personalization phase and thus to limit as much as possible the proportion of the metal layer 14 which is perforated, so as to ensure the best possible adhesion of said metal layer 14 on the support layer 16 underlying.
• the support layer 16 is reactive vis-à-vis at least the spectrum of ultraviolet (UV) wavelengths, for example by means of a printing on the support layer 16 of an ink UV reactive fluorescent.
• the perforations 20 locally reveal, through the arrangement of diffractive nanostructures, fluorescent zones Z2 caused by underlying regions Z1 of the support layer 16 located opposite the perforations 20, so as to form an image personalized IG from the fluorescent zones Z2 when the multilayer structure 10 (and more particularly the support layer 16) is exposed to UV radiation.
• the converging lenses 13 are cylindrical lenses which extend parallel in a first direction DR1. Note however that other implementations are possible.
• Figure 6 represents for example a variant in which the converging lenses 13 are semi-spherical, or even aspherical (which makes it possible to compensate for optical aberrations).
• the metallic layer 14 is a holographic layer comprising a holographic structure 46 which forms an arrangement 30 of pixels 32.
• Each of these pixels 32 comprises a plurality of sub-pixels 34 of distinct colors .
• the personalized IG images are in color, although the concept of the invention can be applied analogously to form personalized IG images in grayscale.
• the pixel arrangement 30 can have various configurations depending on the use case, as described in more detail later.
• the pixels 32 can for example be arranged in a matrix forming rows and columns of sub-pixels 34 (according to an orthogonal matrix for example).
• each pixel 32 of the arrangement 30 is configured so that each sub-pixel 34 presents a unique color in said pixel, although other example implementations are possible.
• the holographic structure 46 intrinsically forms an arrangement 30 of pixels which is blank, in the sense that the pixels 32 do not include the information defining the pattern of the color image(s) IG that one wishes to form. As described below, it is by combining this arrangement 30 of pixels with dark or light areas Z2 (FIG. 7) that a pattern of one or more personalized color images IG is revealed.
• the holographic structure 46 is now described in detail below according to a particular embodiment.
• the holographic structure 46 produces the arrangement 30 of pixels 32 in the form of a hologram by diffraction (and possibly also by refraction and/or reflection) of incident light.
• diffraction and possibly also by refraction and/or reflection
• the principle of the hologram is well known to those skilled in the art, certain elements are recalled below for reference. Examples of embodiments of holographic structures are described for example in document EP 2 567 270 B1.
• the holographic layer 14 comprises in this example a layer (or sub-layer) 40 as well as reliefs (or structures in relief) 42, containing three-dimensional information, which are formed from the layer 40 serving of support.
• These reliefs 42 form projecting portions (also called “mountains”) separated by recesses (also called “valleys”).
• the holographic layer 14 further comprises a layer (or sub-layer) 44, called “high refractive index layer”, which has a refractive index n2 greater than the refractive index n1 of the reliefs 42 (it is assumed here that the reliefs 42 are an integral part of the layer 40 serving as a support, so that the reliefs 42 and the layer 40 have the same refractive index n1). It is considered here that the high refractive index layer 44 is a metal layer covering the reliefs 42 of the holographic layer 14. As understood by those skilled in the art, the reliefs 42 form in combination with the layer 44 a holographic structure 46 which produces a hologram (a holographic effect).
• the reliefs 42 of the holographic structure 46 can be formed for example by embossing a layer of stamping varnish (included in the layer 40 in this example) in a known manner for the production of diffractive structures.
• the stamped surface of the reliefs 42 thus has the shape of a periodic network.
• the depth of this grating can be of the order of ten nanometers and the period of the grating can be of the order of a hundred nanometers.
• This stamped surface is coated with the metallic layer 44, for example by means of vacuum deposition of a metallic material.
• the holographic effect results from the combination of the reliefs 42 and the layer 44 forming the holographic structure 46.
• the holographic layer 14 may optionally include other sub-layers (not shown) necessary to maintain the optical characteristics of the hologram and/or making it possible to ensure mechanical and chemical resistance of the assembly.
• the high refractive index metal layer 44 may comprise at least one of the following materials: aluminum, silver, copper, zinc sulphide, titanium oxide, etc.
• the holographic layer 14 is transparent, so that the holographic effect producing the arrangement 30 of pixels 32 is visible by diffraction, reflection and refraction.
• the holographic structure 14 is produced by any suitable method known to those skilled in the art.
• layer 40 is a layer of transparent varnish.
• the holographic structure 46 can be coated with a thin layer 44, for example by aluminum or zinc sulfide, with a high refractive index n2 (compared to n1).
• the thin layer 44 has for example a thickness of between 30 and 200 nm.
• the layer 40 can be a thermo-formable layer thus allowing the reliefs 42 of the holographic structure 46 to be formed by embossing on the layer 40 serving as a support.
• the reliefs 42 of the holographic structure 46 can be made using an ultraviolet (UV) crosslinking technique.
• UV ultraviolet
• the perforations 20 reveal locally in one or more personalized images IG, through the holographic structure 46 (and the holographic layer 14), zones Z2 of shade of color or shade of level of gray caused by the underlying regions Z1 of the support layer 16 located opposite the perforations 20.
• These zones Z2 of shade of color or shade of gray constitute zones visible by an observer OB in the final image(s) IG when he observes the multilayer structure 10 through the lenticular array 12.
• the formation of the perforations 20 makes it possible to make visible through the holographic layer 14 the underlying regions Z1 of the support layer 16, which induces corresponding zones Z2 in the sub-pixels 34.
• the regions under - underlying Z1 modify the colorimetric contribution of the sub-pixels 34 so as to form the personalized image(s) IG.
• the perforations 20 constitute regions in which the holographic layer 14 is destroyed or eliminated by the perforation effect of the laser.
• the perforations 20 are through perforations which extend through the thickness of the holographic structure 46 (and more generally through the thickness of the holographic layer 14) so as to reveal, at the level of the arrangement 30 of pixels 32, zones Z2 (more or less dark or light) corresponding to the underlying regions Z1 of the support layer 16.
• the perforations 20 occupy all or part of a plurality of sub-pixels 34 of the holographic structure 46.
• the more or less opaque or transparent character of the support layer 16 determines the appearance that the zones Z1 take in the parts perforated 34 sub-pixels.
• the perforations 20 may have various shapes and dimensions which may vary depending on the case.
• the support layer 16 is opaque (non-reflecting) with respect to at least the spectrum of visible wavelengths. In other words, the support layer 16 absorbs at least the wavelengths in the visible spectrum. It is for example a dark layer (of black color for example). It is considered in this disclosure that the visible wavelength spectrum is approximately between 400 and 800 nanometers (nm), or more precisely between 380 and 780 nm in vacuum.
• this support layer 16 may on the other hand be transparent to other wavelengths, in particular to infrared.
• the spectrum of the RY laser radiation is preferably chosen so that it is not absorbed by the support layer 16 during the formation of the perforations 20.
• the underlying regions Z1 revealed by the perforations 20 therefore make it possible in this particular case to create dark zones Z2 in the sub-pixels 34 of the holographic layer 14, so as to personalize an image IG formed by the combination of the arrangement 30 of pixels 32 and the dark areas Z2.
• An observer OB can thus visualize a personalized image IG in observation (normal or oblique) by reflection.
• the observer OB can also view the two distinct IG images by varying the angle of observation vis-à-vis the multilayer structure 10.
• the support layer 16 is such that the black density of said at least one personalized image IG formed in the secure document 2 (FIG. 2) from in particular said support layer 16 is greater than the intrinsic black density of the holographic layer 14 without (independently of) the support layer 16.
• the black density can be measured by means of a suitable measuring device (for example, a colorimeter or a spectrometer) .
• the opaque support layer 16 comprises an opaque black surface facing the holographic layer 14 and/or comprises black or black opacifying (or dark) pigments in its mass.
• the opaque support layer 16 may in particular comprise a black ink, or even a material tinted in its mass by black or opacifying (or dark) pigments.
• the support layer 16 is reactive (or sensitive) with respect to at least the spectrum of UV wavelengths, for example by means of printing on the support layer 16 of a UV reactive fluorescent ink.
• the support layer 16 comprises an ink sensitive to ultraviolet rays, so that the image is visible when the multilayer structure 10 (and more generally the secure document) is exposed to UV rays.
• the perforations 20 locally reveal, through the holographic structure 14, fluorescent zones Z2 in the sub-pixels 34, these fluorescent zones Z2 being caused by underlying regions Z1 of the support layer 16 located opposite the perforations 20, of so as to form a personalized image IG (fluorescent) from the arrangement 30 of pixels 32 combined with the fluorescent zones Z2 when the multilayer structure 10 (and more particularly the support layer 16) is exposed to UV radiation.
• IG fluorescent
• the support layer 16 is transparent with respect to at least the visible wavelength spectrum.
• an observer OB can view a personalized image IG in observation (normal or oblique) by light transmitted from the rear face of the structure 10.
• the underlying regions Z1 revealed by the perforations 20 therefore make it possible in this particular case to create clear (or lightened) areas Z2 in the sub-pixels 34 of the holographic layer 14, so as to personalize one or more images IG formed by the combination of the arrangement 30 of pixels 32 and the clear areas Z2.
• Z2 highlights are brighter areas that brighten the corresponding 32 pixels (or 34 sub-pixels) in which the highlights are located.
• the observer OB can also in this particular case view at least two distinct images IG by varying the angle of observation of the structure 10, although it is also possible to form only one personalized IG image using the technique of the invention.
• the perforations 20 are arranged so as to select the color (or the level of gray) of the pixels 32 by modifying the colorimetric contribution of the sub- pixels 34 relative to each other in at least part of the pixels 32 formed by the holographic layer 14, so as to reveal the personalized image(s) IG from the arrangement 30 of pixels combined with the zones Z2 (more or less dark or light).
• the IG image(s) thus created are color or grayscale images resulting from a selective modulation of the colorimetric contributions of 34 sub-pixels.
• the laser perforation in the holographic layer 14 leads to a local elimination (or deformation) of the geometry of the holographic structure 46, and more particularly of the reliefs 42 and/or of the layer 44 covering said reliefs.
• These local destructions lead to a modification of the behavior of light (ie reflection, diffraction, transmission and/or refraction of light) in the corresponding pixels and sub-pixels.
• levels of gray or shades of colors are thus generated in the pixels 32 by modifying the colorimetric contribution of certain sub-pixels 34, with respect to each other, in the visual rendering of the final IG image(s).
• zones Z2 (dark or light) makes it possible in particular to modulate the passage of light so that, for at least part of the pixels 32, a sub-pixel 34 or more has an increased colorimetric contribution (or weight). or reduced relative to that of at least one other sub-pixel 34 close to the pixel 32 concerned.
• the selective destruction, partial or total, of one or a plurality of sub-pixels 34 in at least part of the pixels 32 generates a modification of the holographic effect in the regions concerned.
• the holographic effect is eliminated, or reduced, in the perforated regions of the holographic structure 46, which diminishes (or even completely eliminates) the relative color contribution of the at least partially perforated sub-pixels 34 compared to at least one other neighboring sub-pixel 34 of the pixels 32 concerned.
• this selective destruction makes it possible to reveal underlying regions Z2 which modifies the colorimetric contribution of the sub-pixels in the personalized image(s) IG.
• the lenticular array 10 comprises a plurality of cylindrical converging lenses 13 extending parallel along a first direction DR1.
• the arrangement 30 of pixels 32 may in particular comprise rows LN of sub-pixels 34 of the same color extending perpendicularly to the first direction DR1 of the converging cylindrical lenses 13.
• the arrangement 30 of pixels comprises a series of 3 sub-pixel lines LN in 3 distinct respective colors, this series being repeated periodically.
• the lines LN of sub-pixels 34 of the same color extend parallel to the first direction DR1 of the converging cylindrical lenses 13 so as to obtain monochrome images with black or gray zones.
• Various visual effects can be obtained in the personalized image(s) IG in the case where the LN lines of sub-pixels 34 are parallel to the cylindrical lenses 13 of the lenticular array.
• the period of the lenses 13 corresponds to (or is equal to) the period of the lines LN of sub-pixels, which makes it possible to obtain a monochrome rendering of an image corresponding to the color of a sub-pixel over a given angle range, and possibly to obtain a sequence of different monochrome images over the aperture angle range of the lenses 14.
• a Moiré effect can be obtained in the personalized image(s) IG by fixing the pitch of the lenses 13 so that it is close (but different) to that of 32 pixels.
• one or more personalized images IG can be obtained in gray levels by fixing the pitch of the lenses 13 so that it is very large compared to the pitch of 32 pixels.
• FIG. 9 schematically represents an example according to which two groups of perforations 20 are formed in the holographic layer 14 by focusing RY laser radiation at two distinct angles Q1 and Q2 through the lenticular array 12, in order to form two corresponding personalized images IG.
• zones Z2 of shade of color or shade of gray level (opaque zones in the present case) of the desired size at particular positions in the 30 pixel arrangement to create two custom IG images.
• the greater the opaque zones Z2 the darker the color of the corresponding sub-pixel 34.
• the larger a perforation 20 the more space it occupies on the surface
• the greater the opaque zone Z2 present in a sub-pixel 34 the more it will influence (modify) the colorimetric contribution of this sub-pixel 34 in the final image IG to which this sub-pixel 34 belongs.
• the larger an opaque zone Z2 is, the less room there remains for the color of the corresponding sub-pixel 34 to express itself, so that the overall color of the sub-pixel 34 in question (and of the corresponding pixel 32) becomes darker.
• a given sub-pixel 34 does not include any zone Z2 of shade of color (or shade of gray) according to a particular viewing angle Q through the lenticular array 12, then an observer will see at this position according to the observation angle Q the original color of sub-pixel 34.
• a sub- given pixel 34 is mainly occupied by a zone Z2 according to a particular observation angle Q through the lenticular array 12, then an observer will see at this position according to the observation angle Q essentially the color of the zone Z2 considered (at namely, a dark area in the example of Figure 9). It is thus possible to modulate the color of each sub-pixel 34, and of the corresponding pixels 32, depending on the nature of the support layer 16 and the configuration (position, number, size) of the perforations 20 in this support layer 16 .
• the use of the lenses 13 makes it possible to concentrate the perforations 20 in reduced regions of the holographic layer 14 (according to groups of lines LP, in this example).
• the perforations 20 are smaller in size, and are concentrated in smaller regions, than if the lenticular array 12 were not present to focus the RY laser radiation during the personalization phase of the arrangement 30 of pixels.
• a significant part of the holographic layer 14 can be kept without perforation 20, which makes it possible to ensure good adhesion of the holographic layer 14 on the support layer 16.
• Figure 10B shows a holographic layer in which perforations have been made by means of laser radiation in a holographic layer, but without using a lenticular network during the personalization phase as in the invention.
• a large amount of perforations are arranged on the surface of the holographic layer.
• this holographic layer runs the risk of encountering losses of adhesion leading to delaminations according to the phenomenon already described above.
• FIG. 11 represents, according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the arrangement 30 of pixels 32 in the virgin state (before personalization) then the visual rendering of a personalized image IG formed by the combination of the arrangement 30 pixels 32 and perforations 20 produced by focusing RY laser radiation through the lenticular array 12, as already described above.
• the invention advantageously makes it possible to create shades of colors or levels of gray in a metal layer comprising an arrangement of diffractive nanostructures, to reveal at least one secure image.
• perforations are made in the metal layer by focusing laser radiation through an array of converging lenses, these perforations making it possible to form zones of more or less dark (or light) colorimetric nuance so as to reveal the design of the desired image(s).
• the invention thus makes it possible to form, in the metal layer, a single personalized image or, alternatively, a plurality of images interlaced with each other by projecting laser radiation onto the lenticular array at different angles of incidence.
• dark areas can advantageously be formed in the metal layer so as to reveal at least one personalized image which is secure and has good image quality (in particular good contrast).
• image quality in particular good contrast
• the lenticular array of the invention makes it possible to focus the laser radiation on small portions of the metallic layer during the phase of personalization of the image(s). Thanks to the invention, it is possible to keep a significant portion of the metallic layer which is devoid of perforation, which makes it possible to ensure good adhesion of the metallic layer to the underlying support layer and therefore to avoid the problems of delamination described previously.
• Converging lenses make it possible in particular to limit the size of the perforations made in the metal layer and also to concentrate the perforations in certain regions of the metallic layer. As described above, the perforations can for example be provided in the form of parallel lines of perforation.
• the perforation of a metal film under a lens array makes it possible to significantly increase the quantity of images per angle (and therefore the quantity of information) compared for example to a device comprising a laserable layer which is carbonized by laser.
• the invention makes it possible to play on at least one of the following parameters to increase the quantity of information coded in the image: the thickness (or depth) of engraving and the perforation diameter.
• the etching thickness in the present invention can be much lower (for example a few tens of nanometers, against typically a few tens of micrometers in the case of a technique of carbonization of a laserizable layer), which makes it possible in particular to personalize the image in a zone close to the focal plane of the lenticular array and therefore to obtain better angular resolution.
• the perforation diameter can also be adjusted in the invention to be of the order of magnitude of a nanometer (against ten micrometers in the case of a technique of carbonization of a laserable layer).
• the present invention it is in particular possible to form a very high density 2D bar code.
• the final image thus formed may in particular comprise multiple interlaced barcodes.
• the density of coded information is thus increased compared to a conventional barcode.
• the size of the perforations can be finely parameterized in order to produce one or more personalized images of good quality.
• the metallic layer of the invention can be a holographic layer, although other embodiments are possible.
• the use of a holographic layer makes it possible to obtain an increased image quality, namely a better overall luminosity of the final image (more brilliance, more vivid colors) and a better capacity for color saturation. It is thus possible to form a high quality color image with an improved colorimetric gamut compared to a printed image for example.
• the use of a holographic structure to form the arrangement of pixels is advantageous in that this technique offers high positioning precision for the pixels and sub-pixels thus formed. This technique makes it possible in particular to avoid any possible overlaps or misalignments between sub-pixels, which improves the overall visual rendering of the image.
• the invention makes it possible to produce personalized images that are easily authenticated and resistant to falsifications and fraudulent reproductions.
• the level of complexity and security of the image which is achieved thanks to the invention is not at the expense of the quality of the visual rendering of the image.
• the invention also makes it possible to dispense with the use of one or more laserable layers which would require the projection of powerful laser radiation to create shades of color or gray level by carbonization in the final image.
• the projection of such powerful laser radiation would in fact risk causing structural defects (“blistering” problems) due to heating in the structure during the personalization of the image(s).
• Figure 12 shows examples of reliefs 42 of a holographic structure 46 as shown in the particular example in Figures 7-8 and 11. As illustrated, this holographic structure 46 includes protruding portions and recesses. Various shapes and dimensions of the holographic structure are possible within the scope of the present invention.
• the holographic layer 46 represented in FIGS. 7-8 and 11 forms an arrangement 30 of pixels 3.
• Each pixel 30 comprises a plurality of sub-pixels 34 of color (or having a level of gray).
• FIGS. 13 and 14 represent a particular example according to which each pixel 32 comprises 3 sub-pixels 34.
• the number, the shape and more generally the configuration of the pixels and sub-pixels can however vary depending on the case.
• An external observer OB can thus visualize according to a particular direction of observation the arrangement 30 of pixels from light refracted, reflected and/or diffracted from the holographic structure 46 of the holographic layer 14 (FIGS. 7-8).
• each pixel 32 is formed by a region of the holographic structure 46 present in the holographic layer 14. It is considered here that the reliefs 42 of the holographic structure 46 form parallel lines LN of sub-pixels (as represented in FIG. 8 ), although other implementations are possible.
• LN the number of sub-pixels
• its constituent sub-pixels 34 are thus formed by a portion of a respective LN line, this portion constituting a respective holographic grating (or holographic grating portion) configured to generate by diffraction and/or reflection a corresponding color said sub-pixel.
• the pixels 32 thus comprise 3 sub-pixels 34 of distinct colors, other examples being however possible. It is assumed that each sub-pixel 34 is monochromatic. Each holographic grating is configured to generate a color in each sub-pixel 34 corresponding to a predetermined viewing angle, this color being modified under a different viewing angle. It is assumed for example that the sub-pixels 34 of each pixel 32 respectively present a distinct fundamental color (for example green/red/blue or cyan/yellow/magenta) according to a predetermined viewing angle.
• a distinct fundamental color for example green/red/blue or cyan/yellow/magenta
• the holographic networks corresponding to the three lines LN, which form the sub-pixels 34 of the same pixel 32, have particular geometric specifications so as to generate a desired distinct color.
• the holographic gratings forming the 3 sub-pixels 34 in this example have a width denoted I and a pitch between each holographic grating denoted p.
• each pixel 32 is composed of 4 sub-pixels 34
• the maximum theoretical saturation capacity S in one of the colors of the sub-pixels in the same pixel can be stated as follows:
• the lines LN of sub-pixels as represented in FIGS. 13 and 14 are contiguous (no space or white zone being present between the lines of sub-pixels).
• the invention according to a particular embodiment thus makes it possible to form lines of sub-pixels which are contiguous, that is to say adjacent to each other without it being necessary to leave separating white zones between each line. , or optionally by keeping separating white zones but of limited size between the lines of sub-pixels (with a small pitch p).
• This particular configuration of the holographic gratings makes it possible to substantially improve the quality of the final image IG (better color saturation) compared to conventional image formation techniques which do not make use of a holographic structure. This is possible in particular because the formation of holographic structures makes it possible to achieve better positioning precision of the sub-pixels and better homogeneity than by conventional printing of the sub-pixels (by offset or other).
• the arrangement 30 of pixels 32 formed by the holographic layer 14 in the structure 10 represented in FIGS. 7-8 and 11 can take various forms. Examples of embodiments are described below.
• the arrangement 30 of pixels can be configured so that the sub-pixels 34 are uniformly distributed in the holographic layer 14.
• the sub-pixels 34 can for example form parallel lines LN of sub-pixels or else a hexagon-shaped grating (of Bayer type), other examples being possible.
• the sub-pixels 34 can for example form an orthogonal matrix.
• Pixels 32 can be evenly distributed in array 30 so that the same pattern of sub-pixels 34 repeats periodically in holographic layer 14.
• each pixel 32 of the arrangement 30 can be configured so that each sub-pixel 34 has a unique color in said pixel considered.
• each pixel 32 in the pixel array 30 forms an identical pattern of color sub-pixels.
• FIGS. 15, 16 and 17 Particular examples of arrangements (or tessellation) of pixels that can be implemented in the secure document 2 (FIG. 2) are now described with reference to FIGS. 15, 16 and 17. It should be noted that these implementations are presented here only by way of non-limiting examples, numerous variants being possible in terms in particular of arrangement and shape of the pixels and sub-pixels, as well as the colors assigned to these sub-pixels.
• the pixels 32 of the arrangement 30 of pixels are rectangular (or square) in shape and comprise 3 sub-pixels 34a, 34b and 34c (collectively denoted 34) of distinct colors.
• the sub-pixels 34 can each be formed by a portion of a line LN of sub-pixels.
• the tiling 30 thus forms a matrix of rows and columns of pixels 32, orthogonal to one another.
• FIG. 16 is a top view representing another example of regular tiling in which each pixel 32 is composed of 3 sub-pixels 34, denoted 34a to 34c, each of a distinct color.
• the 34 sub-pixels here are hexagonal in shape.
• FIG. 17 is a top view representing another example of regular tiling in which each pixel 32 is composed of 4 sub-pixels 34, denoted 34a to 34d, each of a distinct color.
• the 34 sub-pixels here are triangular in shape.
• each pixel 32 For each of the arrangements of pixels considered, it is possible to adapt the shape and the dimensions of each pixel 32 and also the dimensions of the separating white zones present, if necessary, between the sub-pixels, so as to reach the level of desired maximum color saturation and desired brightness level.
• the present invention also relates to a manufacturing method for manufacturing at least one personalized image IG according to any one of the preceding embodiments described. Also, the various variants and technical advantages described above with reference to the multilayer structures 10, and more generally to a secure document 2 in accordance with the concept of the invention, apply analogously to the manufacturing method of the invention for obtain such a structure or document.
• FIG. 18 A method of manufacturing an IG color image as described previously is now described with reference to FIG. 18, according to a particular embodiment. It is assumed for example that at least one color image IG is formed in a document 2 as illustrated in figure 2.
• a metal layer 14 is formed on a support layer 16.
• the metal layer 14 and the support layer 16 are as already described in the embodiments above.
• the metallic layer 14 comprises an arrangement of diffractive nanostructures.
• this diffractive arrangement is configured to diffract light at least in the visible wavelength spectrum.
• These diffractive nanostructures can be arranged periodically (to form, for example, a diffractive holographic structure) or aperiodically (non-periodically) so as to control (or modify) the colorimetry of the reflected light as a function of the angle of incidence light on the metal layer 14, as already described previously.
• the support layer 16 can be opaque vis-à-vis at least the visible wavelength spectrum or transparent vis-à-vis at least the visible wavelength spectrum, depending on the visual effect. that you want to create in a custom IG image(s).
• An adhesive and/or glue layer (not shown) can be used to ensure adhesion of the metal layer 14 to the support layer 16.
• a lenticular array 12 as already described in the embodiments above is positioned (or formed) facing the metallic layer 14.
• the lenticular array 12 is formed directly on the metallic layer 14 although other implementations are possible where at least one intermediate layer is present between the lenticular array 12 and the metallic layer 14.
• the lenticular array 12 comprises convergent lenses 13 positioned opposite (above) the metallic layer 12, the latter thus being interposed between the lenticular array 12 and the support layer 16.
• perforations (or holes) 20 are formed in the holographic layer 22 by focusing RY laser radiation through the lenticular array 12 on the metallic layer 14.
• These perforations 20 thus comprise at least one group of perforations 20 produced by focusing laser radiation RY at a respective angle of incidence Q so as to reveal a corresponding personalized image IG when the secure document 2 (or the structure 10) is observed according to said angle of incidence Q.
• Groups of perforations 20 can thus be produced by focusing laser radiation RY through the lenticular array 12 at distinct angles of incidence Q.
• each group of perforations 20 represents a personalized image IG that can be viewed by an observer at a corresponding viewing angle Q.
• the different IG images are thus formed by perforation in an interlaced manner in the metallic layer 12.
• the perforations 20 are made so as to occupy all or part of a plurality of sub-pixels 34 of the holographic layer 14. These perforations 20 reveal locally through the holographic structure 46 of the dark or light zones Z2 in the sub-pixels 34, these zones Z2 being caused (or produced) by underlying regions Z1 of the support layer 16 located opposite the perforations 20. To do this, the perforations 20 are here through perforations which extend through the thickness of the holographic structure 46 (and more generally through the thickness of the holographic layer 14) so as to reveal underlying regions Z2 of the support layer 16 at the level of the arrangement 30 of pixels 32. In other words, the underlying regions 34 modify the contribution of the sub-pixels 34 so as to form the final image IG. It is thus possible to form one or more personalized images IG from the arrangement 30 of pixels combined with said dark or light zones Z2.
• step S6 a multilayer structure 10 is thus obtained as previously described according to different embodiments.
• the formation S2 of the layer metal 14 may include the supply of an undercoat of varnish 40 forming the reliefs 42 of a holographic network; and the formation of a metal sub-layer 44 on the reliefs 42 of the under-layer of varnish 40, the metal under-layer 44 having a refractive index greater than that of the under-layer of varnish.
• the holographic layer 14 is then positioned on the support layer 16.
• the layer 40 (FIG. 7) of the holographic layer 14 can for example be a thermo-formable layer thus allowing the reliefs 42 of the holographic structure 46 to be formed by embossing on the layer 40 serving as support.
• the reliefs 42 of the holographic structure 46 can be produced using a UV crosslinking technique.

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