CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of
U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 12/997,390, filed February 23, 2011, and claims benefit of and priority to
U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/911,141, filed on December 3, 2013,
U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/911,831, filed on December 4, 2013,
U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/911,885, filed on December 4, 2013, and
U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/924,000, filed on January 6, 2014, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The invention generally relates to a security sheet or document having one or more
enhanced watermarks.
BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Security papers are used for manufacturing security documents such as banknotes,
passports, postage stamps and the like. Conventionally, a wide variety of security
features are incorporated into such security papers or provided on their surface.
Known examples of such security features include watermarks, embedded and windowed
security threads, fluorescent pigments and the like.
[0004] Watermarks, which are recognizable images or patterns in paper that appear as various
shades of lightness/darkness when viewed by transmitted light or by reflected light
atop a dark background, have provided protection against counterfeiting security documents
for hundreds of years. In fact, watermarks and their engaging designs are the most
readily recognized security feature available to the general public for the authentication
of security documents such as banknotes.
[0005] There is, however, an ongoing need to improve the security or counterfeit resistance
of watermarked security documents.
[0006] The present invention addresses this need by providing enhanced and thus more counterfeit-resistant
watermarks in paper and paper-like materials. Specifically, the present invention
provides a security sheet or document having one or more enhanced watermarks, the
sheet or document comprising:
a fibrous sheet material including one or more watermarks, wherein each watermark
has one or more first regions with reduced fiber densities relative to surrounding
regions of the fibrous sheet material and one or more second regions with similar
or increased fiber densities relative to surrounding regions of the sheet material,
and wherein each watermark has an upper or face portion and a lower or back portion;
and
means for enhancing the one or more watermarks by rendering them visually enhanced,
machine detectable/readable, or both, said means selected from the group of:
- a) one or more film-like or foil-like security elements at least partially covering
the face or the back portion of the one or more watermarks, wherein the one or more
film-like or foil-like security elements is in the form of a band, strip, stripe,
thread, or patch;
- b) one or more non-film-like, non-foil-like security elements contained on or within
either or both the one or more first regions and the one or more second regions of
the one or more watermarks, the one or more security elements selected from the group
of:
- i. recognizable or discernible indicia; and
- ii. one or more substances that are color-imparting and/or machine detectable or machine
readable including, but not limited to, ultraviolet (UV) or infrared (IR) reactive,
luminescent (i.e., fluorescent or phosphorescent), thermochromic, photochromic, electrochromic, metal,
or magnetic security fibers, taggants, planchettes, dyes, pigments;
- c) one or more polymer or resinous materials contained within the one or more first
regions and optionally the one or more second regions of the one or more watermarks,
the one or more polymer or resinous materials having an index of refraction or combined
(final) index of refraction substantially similar to that of cellulose;
- d) an optionally windowed second paper layer covering either the face or the back
portion of the one or more watermarks; and/or
- e) one or more transparent or translucent areas surrounding each of the one or more
watermarks.
[0007] In a first exemplary embodiment, the inventive security sheet or document is a single-
or multi-ply paper that comprises:
a first paper layer including one or more watermarks, each surface of the paper layer
displaying either the upper or face portion of the watermark(s) or the lower or back
portion thereof;
one or more film-like or foil-like security elements that at least partially cover
the upper or face portion or the lower or back portion of the one or more watermarks;
and optionally
a second paper layer having a reduced basis weight compared to the first paper layer
and optionally one or more through windows, the second paper layer covering either
the upper or face portion or the lower or back portion of the one or more watermarks.
[0008] The film-like or foil-like security element preferably has a color different from
the watermark(s) and the surrounding paper thereby enhancing the appearance of the
underlying or overlying watermark(s) as well as enhancing the contrast between the
underlying or overlying watermark(s) and the surrounding paper.
[0009] In one such embodiment, the film-like or foil-like security element(s) is a micro-optic
security device that projects one or more synthetic images such as the MOTION™ micro-optic
security device, which is described in, for example,
U.S. Patent No. 7,333,268. Such devices display colored images on a transparent or tinted background and thus
are well suited for use in combination with underlying printed information. It has
been observed that these security devices appear to provide the watermark(s) with
a multi-tonal appearance. As will be readily appreciated by those skilled in the art,
multi-tonal watermarks present an even greater challenge to a counterfeiter.
[0010] In a preferred embodiment, the micro-optic security device is in the form of a surface-applied
patch that covers all or part (e.g., one-half) of a watermark, the watermark containing
one or more polymer or resinous materials within the first and/or second regions of
the watermark, the one or more polymer or resinous materials having an index of refraction
or combined (final) index of refraction substantially similar to that of cellulose.
In one such embodiment, the region(s) also contains one or more features selected
from the group of increased fiber density areas in the form of recognizable or discernible
indicia, one or more substances that are color-imparting, and one or more so-called
second level security features that are machine detectable or machine readable (e.g.,
UV or IR reactive, luminescent, thermochromic, photochromic, electrochromic, metal,
or magnetic security fibers, taggants, planchettes, dyes, pigments).
[0011] As will be readily appreciated by those skilled in the art, the micro-optic security
device may also be in the form of a surface-applied elongate security band, strip,
stripe, or thread, or a partially embedded elongate security band, strip, stripe,
or thread that is present in window regions of a second paper layer (
i.
e., windowed thread).
[0012] Micro-optic devices such as the MOTION™ device may be designed such that when registered
with the watermark(s), synthetic images projected thereby are combined with the watermark
design(s). For example, in the above-referenced embodiment, the synthetic image(s)
generated by each patch may coordinate or link in with the watermark design(s). The
synthetic image(s) may also complete the watermark design(s) or locate within the
design(s). As will be explained in more detail below, this may be a one-sided or two-sided
feature.
[0013] In another such embodiment, the micro-optic security device(s), which is also described
in, for example,
U.S. Patent No. 7,333,268, displays colored images (of any color, including white and black) on a translucent
or substantially opaque background of a different color. In this embodiment, the micro-optic
security device(s) at least partially covers and visually camouflages either the upper
or face portion of the one or more watermarks, or the lower or back portion of the
one or more watermarks. The watermark(s) is not visually discernible in reflected
light from the covered side of the paper layer, but is visually evident in reflected
light from the uncovered side of the paper layer, and in transmitted light from both
sides of the paper layer.
[0014] An inherent benefit in the exemplary embodiments of the present invention which employ
a partially or fully overlying or underlying film-like or foil-like security element
such as the MOTION™ security device is the increased durability of each watermark.
As is well known to those skilled in the art, one of the primary requirements of banknotes
and other secure documents is that the document and its security features must resist
the effects of circulation. These documents/features must be durable (
i.
e., resistant to fold damage, tearing and soiling) and resistant to moisture and chemical
absorption. Covering all or part of the watermark(s) with an applied film, foil, band,
strip, stripe, thread, or patch serves to physically protect the watermark(s) from
damage during circulation and handling, thus increasing its durability.
[0015] Due to the increased durability afforded these watermarks, it has been determined
that these watermarks may be made larger and that the total area within each watermark
occupied by reduced fiber density regions (
i.
e., first regions) may be increased and that these regions may be made even thinner.
Specifically, it has been found that these reduced fiber density regions may be produced
with thicknesses as low as 10 to 15 microns, with total thicknesses ranging from about
10 to about 60 microns. The total area occupied by these reduced fiber density regions
within each such watermark ranges from about 5 to about 75 percent (%) of the total
area of the watermark, preferably from about 20 to about 60%. Moreover, the total
area occupied by each such watermark within a banknote measuring approximately 10,000
square millimeters (mm
2) may range from about 5 to about 25%, which denotes an increase in size compared
to conventional watermarks of about 5%.
[0016] The present inventors have also made the surprising discovery that micro-optic devices
such as the MOTION™ device may also offer a machine detectable/readable feature in
the form of enhanced IR-brightness, especially when measured in transmission. The
term "enhanced IR-brightness", as used herein, is intended to mean IR-transmission
levels of at least 5% greater than (preferably, more than 10% greater than) the IR-transmission
levels of the background paper. IR-transmission levels may be measured by using an
optical sensor with a sensitivity at or above 830 nanometers (nm) and by projecting
an IR light source with a wavelength greater than 800 nm through the sample. To render
IR-brightness a reliable machine readable feature, it is preferred that the micro-optic
device be made using one or more IR-transparent elements (
e.g., an IR-transparent ink) and contain no IR-absorbing elements
(e.g., IR-absorbing inks). It is also preferred that no IR-absorbing elements be present
in areas close to the device on the front and reverse side of the paper layer(s).
In one such embodiment, the micro-optic device is a security thread (
e.g., MOTION™ security thread) that contains no IR-absorbing elements. In this embodiment,
the micro-optic security thread is made using an IR-transparent ink (
e.g., ink comprising non-IR-absorbing pigments and/or dyes) for the microprint and areas
on the front and reverse side of the paper layer(s) within at least two-thirds (2/3)
of the security thread's length contain no IR-absorbing elements.
[0017] In addition to the at least partially overlying or underlying micro-optic device,
one or more additional security features may be contained on or within the first and/or
second regions of the one or more watermarks. In one such embodiment, the watermark(s)
does not contain one or more polymer or resinous materials within the first and/or
second regions. The additional security features are selected from the group of increased
fiber density areas in the form of recognizable or discernible indicia, one or more
substances that are color-imparting, and one or more second level security features
that are machine detectable or machine readable, as described above.
[0018] In a second exemplary embodiment, the inventive security paper is a multi-ply paper
that comprises:
a first paper layer having a reduced basis weight (e.g., from about 10 to about 50 grams per square meter (gsm)) and including one or more
watermarks, each surface of the first paper layer displaying either the upper or face
portion of the one or more watermarks or the lower or back portion thereof; and
a second paper layer having a reduced basis weight (e.g., from about 10 to about 50 gsm) and optionally one or more through windows, the second
paper layer covering either the surface of the first paper layer displaying the upper
or face portion of the one or more watermarks or the surface displaying the lower
or back portion of the one or more watermarks.
[0019] In one such embodiment, the second paper layer is windowed, the one or more through
windows in the second paper layer being in register with either the upper or face
portion or the lower or back portion of the one or more watermarks. By way of this
second exemplary embodiment, the use of two paper layers and optionally one or more
overlying or underlying through windows allows for a greater contrast between the
one or more watermarks and the background. The one or more overlying or underlying
through windows act in a manner similar to that of an electrotype, occupying paperless
regions or regions of thinner paper which results in brighter-than-background regions
in each paper/watermark region.
[0020] In a third exemplary embodiment, one or more security elements in the form of one
or more color-imparting substances are contained within the first and/or second regions
of the one or more watermarks. The one or more color-imparting substances include
both dyes and pigments (
e.g., ultra-fine particle size pigments). In this embodiment, the security sheet or document
does not include one or more film-like or foil-like security elements. The resulting
watermarks have a tonality (
i.
e., color scheme or range of tones) in a color or shade different from that of the
bulk region of the material which surrounds the watermark. The inventive watermarks
serve to increase the perception and resistance to simulation of existing watermarks.
[0021] In a fourth exemplary embodiment, one or more polymer or resinous materials are contained
within the first region(s) and optionally the second region(s) of the one or more
watermarks. As above, the security sheet or document in this exemplary embodiment
does not include one or more film-like or foil-like security elements. The first and/or
second regions in this embodiment may also contain one or more security features selected
from the group of increased fiber density areas in the form of recognizable or discernible
indicia, one or more substances that are color-imparting, and one or more second level
security features that are machine detectable or machine readable, as described above.
[0022] In a fifth exemplary embodiment, the inventive security sheet or document is a single-ply
paper that comprises:
a paper layer including one or more watermarks; and
one or more transparent or translucent areas in the paper layer surrounding each of
the one or more watermarks, thereby framing and thus enhancing the visual perception
of the watermark(s).
[0023] Other features and advantages of the invention will be apparent to one of ordinary
skill from the following detailed description and accompanying drawings.
[0024] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the
same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this
invention belongs. All publications, patent applications, patents and other references
mentioned herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety. In case of conflict,
the present specification, including definitions, will control. In addition, the materials,
methods/processes, and examples are illustrative only and not intended to be limiting.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION THE DRAWINGS
[0025] The present disclosure may be better understood with reference to the following drawings.
Components in the drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed
upon clearly illustrating the principles of the present disclosure. While exemplary
embodiments are disclosed in connection with the drawings, there is no intent to limit
the present disclosure to the embodiment or embodiments disclosed herein. On the contrary,
the intent is to cover all alternatives, modifications and equivalents.
[0026] Particular features of the disclosed invention are illustrated by reference to the
accompanying drawings in which:
FIG. 1 is an image of a watermark (shield with numeral 30) with overlying MOTION™ security
patch on or within an exemplary security paper viewed in daylight (visible spectrum-reflected
light) and under IR-transmitted light from the face or front side of the security
paper, with the watermark and patch shown at an enlarged scale for clarity;
FIG. 2a is another image of the FIG. 1 watermark with overlying security patch that is again viewed in daylight (visible
spectrum-reflected light) and under IR-transmitted light from the face side of the
security paper, the image enlarged but to a lesser degree than FIG. 1, while FIGS. 2b-d are enlarged images of the same watermark with overlying security patch shown - in
IR-transmitted light from the back side of the security paper (FIG. 2b), in IR-reflected light from the face side of the security paper (FIG. 2c), and in IR-reflected light from the back side of the security paper (FIG. 2d);
FIG. 3a is another image of the FIG. 1 watermark with overlying security patch that is viewed in daylight (visible spectrum-reflected
light) from the face side of the security paper, the image enlarged but to a lesser
degree than FIG. 1, while FIGS. 3b-d are enlarged images of the same watermark with overlying security patch shown - in
visible spectrum-reflected light from the back side of the security paper (FIG. 3b), in visible spectrum-transmitted light from the face side of the security paper
(FIG. 3c), and in visible spectrum-transmitted light from the back side of the security paper
(FIG. 3d);
FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a modified Fourdrinier or twin-wire paper-making machine
by which watermarks are incorporated along the machine direction of a forming paper
web via a dandy roll cylinder, and by which a security element in the form of an elongate
security thread is applied to a surface of the watermarked paper web before the wet
press section of the machine. The machine employs means for machine direction registration
of the watermarks and the elongate security thread to the paper web. This method for
making the inventive sheet material does not displace fiber distribution, resulting
in a higher fiber distribution with increased substrate density and stiffness which
resists deformation, distortion and creasing of the security thread;
FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of another modified Fourdrinier or twin-wire paper-making
machine by which an elongate security thread is fed onto a surface of the fibrous
web at the same time or right before the watermark(s) is incorporated therein and
before the wet press section of the machine. The machine employs means for machine
direction registration of the elongate security thread and the watermark(s) to the
fibrous web. This method for making the fibrous sheet material of the present invention
results in fiber flowing around the thread, resulting in a lower density fiber distribution
with reduced density and stiffness under the surface applied thread;
FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of a paper-making machine made up of two cylinder paper machines
interconnected by a pick-up felt, where an elongate security thread contacts a watermarked
paper web formed by one cylinder paper machine before joining a second paper web formed
by the other cylinder paper machine. This machine also employs means for machine direction
registration of the elongate security thread and the watermark(s) to the first paper
web;
FIG. 7 provides in a side-by-side comparison enlarged images of a prior art watermark and
an exemplary embodiment of the inventive enhanced watermark, which has a strikingly
bright or intense appearance;
FIG. 8 provides in a side-by-side comparison enlarged images of an exemplary embodiment
of the inventive watermark which employs a UV excitable second level security feature
in both transmitted light and under UV light;
FIGS. 9a,b are schematic drawings depicting a method for manufacturing an exemplary embodiment
of the paper security document of the present invention;
FIG. 10 is an enlarged image of a fiber mat or sheet in the wet state on a papermaking machine
(viewed in reflected light on a dark background) with paper stock removed in select
areas of the sheet with a resultant reduction in fiber density in those select areas.
The select areas are circular in shape and are shown in two different sizes, with
the larger sized select areas also containing a circular region of greater fiber density;
and
FIG. 11a,b are enlarged images of the encircled select area shown in FIG. 10 (viewed in transmitted light) after treatment with one or more polymer or resinous
materials having an index of refraction or combined index of refraction substantially
similar to that of cellulose. The first enlarged image (FIG. 11a) shows the circular region within the select area having a color similar to that of
the surrounding fiber mat or sheet, while the second enlarged image (FIG. 11b) demonstrates that printed material viewed under this exemplary embodiment of the
inventive security element is clearly legible.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION THE INVENTION
[0027] By way of the present invention, watermarks formed on or within a security sheet
or document are enhanced, rendering the security sheet or document more counterfeit-resistant.
[0028] The inventive sheet or document, as noted above, comprises: a fibrous sheet material
including one or more watermarks; and means for enhancing the one or more watermarks
by rendering them visually enhanced, machine detectable/readable, or both.
[0029] Fibrous sheet materials suitable for use in the present invention are paper or paper-like
sheet materials. These sheet materials, which are single or multi-ply sheet materials,
may be made from a range of fiber types including synthetic or natural fibers or a
mixture of both. For example, these sheet materials may be made from fibers such as
abaca, cotton, linen, wood pulp, and blends thereof. As is well known to those skilled
in the art, cotton and cotton/linen or cotton/synthetic fiber blends are preferred
for banknotes, while wood pulp is commonly used in non-banknote security documents.
[0030] The watermarks may be formed in the fibrous sheet material using known methods and
techniques. For example, the watermarked sheet material may be manufactured on a cylinder
mold papermaking machine (using an embossed wire cloth, or by applying a thin piece
of metal, generally in the form of an image or letter, to the wire cloth), or on a
Fourdrinier papermaking machine (using a dandy roll).
[0031] Exemplary embodiments of the inventive security sheet or document in which various
means for enhancing the watermark(s) are employed, and their respective methods of
manufacture will now be discussed.
[0032] In a first exemplary embodiment, the inventive security sheet or document is a single-
or multi-ply paper that comprises (a) a first paper layer including one or more watermarks,
each surface of the paper layer displaying either the upper or face portion of the
watermark(s) or the lower or back portion thereof, (b) one or more film-like or foil-like
security elements having a color different from the watermark(s) that at least partially
covers the upper or face portion or the lower or back portion of the watermark(s),
and optionally (c) a second paper layer having a reduced basis weight compared to
the first paper layer (e.g., from about 10 to about 50 gsm) and optionally one or
more through windows, the second paper layer covering either the upper or face portion
or the lower or back portion of the watermark(s).
[0033] The film-like or foil-like security element(s) used in the practice of the present
invention is limited only by its film-like or foil-like structure, with contemplated
structures having total thicknesses ranging from about 15 to about 100 microns (preferably,
from about 15 to about 50 microns). The film-like or foil-like structures may take
any shape including, but not limited to, bands, strips, stripes, threads, or patches.
They may display or project information that is humanly perceivable either directly
or with the aid of a device and/or embody information that is detectable/readable
by machine. The structures may be segmented into regions, with the information being
displayed or projected or otherwise contained in some or all of these regions being
the same or different.
[0034] Suitable film-like or foil-like security elements may employ one or more of the following:
demetalized or selectively metalized, magnetic, combined magnetic and metallic, or
embossed (e.g., blind embossed) regions or layers, color changing coatings made up
of color shift, iridescent, liquid crystal, photochromic and/or thermochromic materials,
coatings of luminescent and/or magnetic materials, holographic and/or diffractive
security features, and micro-optic security features.
[0035] In a preferred embodiment, the security element(s) is a micro-optic structure. As
noted above, such structures project one or more synthetically magnified optical images,
and generally comprise: (a) a light-transmitting polymeric substrate; (b) an arrangement
of micro-sized image icons located on or within the polymeric substrate; and (c) an
arrangement of microlenses. The icon and microlens arrangements are configured such
that when the arrangement of icons is viewed through the arrangement of microlenses,
one or more synthetically magnified optical images are projected. These projected
images may show a number of different optical effects. Such structures are described
in
U.S. Patent No. 7,333,268 to Steenblik et al.,
U.S. Patent No. 7,468,842 to Steenblik
et al.,
U.S. Patent No. 7,738,175 to Steenblik et al., International Patent Publication Number
WO 2005/106601 A2 to Commander et al., and International Patent Publication Number
WO 2007/076952 A2 to Kaule et al. In one such embodiment, a micro-optic structure as described in
U.S. Patent No. 7,333,268 to Steenblik et al. is employed (
e.g., the MOTION™ micro-optic security device), the structure being formed from a polymeric
substrate prepared using one or more essentially colorless polymers selected from
the group including, but not limited to, polyester, polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate,
polypropylene, polyvinyl carbonate, polyvinylidene chloride, and combinations thereof.
[0036] In a more preferred embodiment, the micro-optic security device is in the form of
a surface-applied patch that covers all or part (
e.g., one-half) of a watermark, the watermark containing one or more polymer or resinous
materials within the first and/or second regions thereof, the one or more polymer
or resinous materials having an index of refraction or combined (final) index of refraction
substantially similar to that of cellulose. The first and/or second regions of the
watermark may also contain one or more features selected from the group of increased
fiber density areas in the form of recognizable or discernible indicia, one or more
substances that are color-imparting, and one or more second level security features
that are machine detectable or machine readable, as described above.
[0037] In another more preferred embodiment, the micro-optic security device is in the form
of a surface-applied elongate strip or thread, or a partially embedded elongate security
strip or thread that is present in window regions of a second paper layer (
i.
e., windowed thread). The strip or thread in this embodiment covers all or part of
the watermark(s).
[0038] In yet a more preferred embodiment, the micro-optic security device (
e.g., the MOTION™ device) is designed such that when registered with the watermark, synthetic
images projected thereby are combined with the watermark design. For example, in the
above-referenced embodiments, the synthetic image(s) generated by each patch or thread
may coordinate or link in with the watermark design. The synthetic image(s) may also
complete the watermark design(s) or locate within the design(s). This may be a one-sided
or two-sided feature. In other words, complete information intended to be conveyed
to the viewer is not supplied solely by the watermark or synthetic image(s), but requires
that both be viewed simultaneously. In one such example, when viewed at the optimal
(perpendicular) viewing angle using visible spectrum-transmitted light, the MOTION™
patch projects a synthetic image in the form of a coat of arms that overlays (in register)
the watermark design in the form of a shield. When the viewing angle is moved off-axis,
the synthetic image and the watermark design are no longer in register with each other,
and one would see the watermark design (shield and numeral 30) within the patch and
the synthetic image would transition or switch from the coat of arms to, for example,
an array of numerals.
[0039] An inherent benefit in the exemplary embodiments of the present invention which employ
a partially or fully overlying or underlying film-like or foil-like security element
such as the MOTION™ micro-optic security device is the increased durability of each
watermark. Covering all or part of the watermark(s) with an applied film, foil, band,
strip, stripe, thread, or patch serves to physically protect the watermark(s) from
damage during circulation and handling, thus increasing its durability.
[0040] Due to the increased durability afforded these watermarks, it has been determined
that these watermarks may be made larger and that the total area within each watermark
occupied by reduced fiber density regions (
i.
e., first regions) may be increased and that these regions may be made even thinner.
Specifically, it has been found that these reduced fiber density regions may be produced
with thicknesses as low as 10 to 15 microns, with total thicknesses ranging from about
10 to about 60 microns. The total area occupied by these reduced fiber density regions
within each such watermark ranges from about 5 to about 75 percent (%) of the total
area of the watermark, preferably from about 20 to about 60%. Moreover, the total
area occupied by each such watermark within a banknote measuring approximately 10,000
mm
2 may range from about 5 to about 25%, which denotes an increase in size compared to
conventional watermarks of about 5%.
[0041] The present inventors have also made the surprising discovery that micro-optic devices
such as the MOTION™ device may also offer a machine detectable/readable feature in
the form of enhanced IR-brightness, especially when measured in transmission. To render
IR-brightness a reliable machine readable feature, it is preferred that the micro-optic
device be made using one or more IR-transparent elements (
e.g., an IR-transparent ink) and contain no IR-absorbing elements (e.g., IR-absorbing inks).
It is also preferred that no IR-absorbing elements be present in areas close to the
device on the front and reverse side of the paper layer(s).
[0042] Referring now to
FIG. 1, one such embodiment of the inventive security sheet or document is shown and marked
with reference numeral 10). The micro-optic device is a MOTION™ security patch 12
that contains no IR-absorbing elements. The patch 12 is located over a watermark 14
in the shape of a shield in which dark regions formed by more densely deposited fibers
than the normal base fiber density (
i.
e., second regions) 16 occupy the outer perimeter, light regions formed by less densely
deposited fibers than the normal base fiber density (
i.
e., first regions) 18 occupy the area inside the shield design with the region occupied
by the numeral 30 formed by even lighter or less dense regions. The watermark 14 with
overlying MOTION™ security patch 12 in
FIG. 1 is shown in daylight and under IR-transmitted light, with the watermark and patch
illustrated at an enlarged scale for clarity.
[0043] As will be readily apparent from viewing
FIG. 1, the numeral 30 is very bright as a result of the overlying patch. Here, IR-brightness
correlates to the strength of the IR-signal, which as noted above is measured in transmission
by using an optical sensor with a sensitivity at or above 830 nm and by projecting
an IR light source with a wavelength of greater than 800 nm through the sample. IR-brightness
may be controlled by the IR-properties of the ink used for the microprint of the security
patch 12. The microprint in the form of micro-sized image icons located on or within
a polymeric substrate is made using a printing method (
e.g., ink jet, laserjet, letterpress, flexo, gravure, intaglio, and dye sublimation printing
methods), or using a microstructure approach. In the latter case, the image icons
would be made as voids or recesses in the substrate (
e.g., recesses measuring, for example, from about 0.5 to about 8 microns in total depth),
or as raised structures relative to the substrate (
e.g., raised structures (colored or colorless) measuring, for example, from about 0.5 to
about 8 microns in total height). An IR-transparent material (
e.g., ink comprising non-IR-absorbing pigments and/or dyes) would be used to form the icons
by, for example, printing, coating or partially or completely filling the recesses
or areas surrounding the raised structures, or forming raised (colored or colorless)
structures. It is preferred that areas on the front and reverse side of the paper
layer(s) within a distance of approximately 5 millimeters from an outer edge of the
patch would contain no IR-absorbing elements.
[0044] In regard to the appearance of the
FIG. 1 embodiment, and as shown in
FIGS. 2a-d and
3a-d:
- (a) In IR-transmission or IR-transmitted light from the front or face of the document,
one would see the watermark (shield and the numeral 30) and a faint patch overlay
(see FIG. 2a);
- (b) In IR-transmission from the back of the document, one would see the watermark
(shield and the numeral 30) in reverse and a darker patch overlay (see FIG. 2b);
- (c) In IR-reflected light from the face of the document, one would see the watermark
(outline only) and a faint patch overlay (see FIG. 2c);
- (d) In IR-reflected light from the back of the document, one would not see either
the watermark or the patch overlay (see FIG. 2d);
- (e) In visible spectrum-reflected light, from the face of the document, one would
see the one or more synthetic images but not the watermark (or only a faint outline
of the watermark) (see FIG. 3a);
- (f) In visible spectrum-reflected light, from the back of the document, one would
see the watermark as dark (see FIG. 3b);
- (g) In visible spectrum-transmitted light, from the face of the document, one would
see the combined image of the watermark and the one or more synthetic images (see
FIG. 3c); and
- (h) In visible spectrum-transmitted light, from the back of the document, one would
see the watermark (shield and the numeral 30) in reverse with a colored overlay of
the patch, but not the projected synthetic image(s) (see FIG. 3d).
[0045] As mentioned above, in addition to the at least partially overlying or underlying
micro-optic device, one or more additional security features may be contained on or
within the first and/or second regions of the one or more watermarks. In one such
embodiment, the watermark(s) does not contain one or more polymer or resinous materials
within the first and/or second regions. The additional security features are selected
from the group of increased fiber density areas in the form of recognizable or discernible
indicia, one or more substances that are color-imparting, and one or more second level
security features that are machine detectable or machine readable, as described above.
[0046] Reference is now made to methods or techniques for making the first exemplary embodiment
in which a fibrous sheet material with a film-like or foil-like security element is
registered in the machine direction (MD) with respect to one or more watermarks contained
or formed in the sheet material.
[0047] The film-like or foil-like security elements may be embedded (when in the form of,
for example, a security strip or thread) in a second paper layer, or applied to a
surface of the watermarked paper layer or second paper layer (when in the form of,
for example, a thread or patch) using known methods and techniques. For example, the
security element(s) (with one or more adhesive layers) may be transferred to a surface
of the watermarked or second paper layer as a transfer film using techniques including
mechanical, chemical, thermal and photo-induced separation techniques. The concept
of separation of desired components from a carrier substrate is known in the art of
holographic foil transfer, whereby a film with a release coating (
i.
e., release liner) is provided with coatings (
e.g., optical) and adhesives, such that the coatings and adhesives can be transferred to
a final substrate with application of heat and pressure. This approach is particularly
useful in applications requiring films with very thin cross-sectional thicknesses.
[0048] Activatable adhesives may be used to anchor or bond the film-like or foil-like security
elements onto or within a surface of the fibrous sheet material. Suitable adhesives
are not limited and include, but are not limited to, water-, heat- and/or pressure-activating
adhesives that activate in the secondary dryer section of the papermaking machine,
where temperatures reach between 100 °C and 160 °C. These coatings may be applied
in the form of solvent-based polymer solutions or aqueous solutions or dispersions.
Suitable dispersions are selected from the group of acrylic resin dispersions, epoxy
resin dispersions, natural latex dispersions, polyurethane resin dispersions, polyvinyl
acetate resin dispersions, polyvinyl alcohol resin dispersions, urea formaldehyde
resin dispersions, vinyl acetate resin dispersions, ethylene vinyl acetate resin dispersions,
ethylene vinyl alcohol resin dispersions, polyester resin dispersions, and mixtures
thereof.
[0049] Machine direction registration of security patches to watermarks contained on or
formed in the sheet material may be achieved by indexing the relative position of
the watermark(s) on the equipment used to produce the watermark(s) in the paper sheet.
The watermark(s) position is then conveyed in a continuous manner to the equipment
used to apply the security patch(es) to the paper surface. Pre-applied marks or indexes
on the carrier film used to convey the patch(es) is used to control the speed of the
carrier film and thus the patch(es), thereby ensuring registration of the watermark(s)
with the patch(es).
[0050] Machine direction registration of a security thread to watermarks contained on or
formed in the sheet material will now be described in conjunction with
FIGS. 4 to 6.
[0051] In
FIG. 4, a Fourdrinier process for making a single-ply embodiment of the fibrous sheet material
of the present invention is shown. In this process, an adhesive coated security thread
20 (oriented such that the front side of the security thread and not the adhesive
coated back side is an uppermost layer) is guided along a tube 22 with a variable
speed advancing device 24 (
e.g., electric servomechanism with servo drive) and pushed into a surface of a partially
consolidated advancing fibrous web 26 (
e.g., a fibrous slurry containing from about 1 to about 10 % by weight stock and from about
99 to about 90 % by weight water) at the wet end 28 of the paper-making machine after
the web 26 has been watermarked by a dandy roll cylinder 30. Here, the security thread
20 may be positioned either partially or completely on top of the watermark(s) (
i.
e., layered security features) on the surface of the web 26. As will be readily appreciated
by those skilled in the art, the dandy roll cylinder 30 may be provided with raised
and/or recessed areas on its surface, which may fully or partially overlap the area
on the surface of the web 26 that will be occupied by the thread 20.
[0052] It is noted that this embodiment of the inventive method does not serve to disrupt
fiber distribution around the surface applied security thread, resulting in a higher
density fiber distribution with increased substrate density and stiffness which resists
security thread deformation, distortion and creasing.
[0053] As water continues to drain from web 26, the fibers form around the thread 20 holding
it in place on a front or upper surface of web 26. Upon leaving the wet end 28, the
fibrous web 26 is passed through the press, main and secondary dryer and calender
sections of the paper-making machine. While in the secondary dryer section of the
paper-making machine, the web 26 is exposed to temperatures and/or pressures sufficient
to activate the security thread's adhesive coating, causing it to firmly bond the
thread in the fibrous sheet material, with the security thread continuously exposed
on a front or upper surface of the sheet material partially or fully covering the
formed watermark(s), while concealed from view on a back or lower surface of the sheet
material.
[0054] Machine directional registration of the security thread 20 to the formed watermark(s)
is achieved using conventional techniques commonly used in the art. For example, and
as best shown in
FIG. 4, an automatic registration control system for a papermaking machine is used, which
includes the variable speed security thread advancing device 24, optical sensors 32a,
32b for tracking registration marks on the dandy roll cylinder 30 and on the security
thread 20, and an encoder wheel 34 for tracking the speed of the paper being formed
on the machine.
[0055] As the forming web 26 moves through the wet end 28 of the papermaking machine, registration
marks placed on the dandy roll cylinder 30 and on the security thread 20 are continuously
tracked by the optical sensors 32a, 32b, thereby continuously determining/monitoring
the position of the security thread 20 being fed through the tube 22 and advancing
device 24 and the position of the watermark(s) relative to an edge of the forming
web 26, while the speed of the paper being formed is tracked by the encoder wheel
34. Signals are produced from the position and speed determinations and the speed
and position of the advancing device 24 adjusted on the basis of those signals in
such a way that the security thread 20 and the watermark(s) are registered along the
machine direction of the web 26.
[0056] In another embodiment of the inventive method, which is shown in
FIG. 5, the adhesive coated security thread 20 (again oriented such that the security thread
and not the adhesive coating is an uppermost layer) is guided through the variable
speed advancing device 24 and past optical sensor 32b and then pushed into a surface
of the partially consolidated forming fibrous web 26 by the dandy roll 30 at the wet
end 28 of the paper-making machine, the dandy roll 30 simultaneously or subsequently
watermarking the web 26. It is noted that by way of this embodiment of the inventive
method, fiber flows around the security thread, resulting in a lower density fiber
distribution with reduced substrate density and stiffness under the thread.
[0057] Similar to that noted above, as the forming web 26 moves through the wet end 28 of
the papermaking machine, registration marks placed on the dandy roll cylinder 30 and
on the security thread 20 are continuously tracked by the optical sensors 32a, 32b,
thereby continuously determining/monitoring the position of the watermark(s) and the
position of the security thread 20 being applied to a surface of the web 26 relative
to an edge of the forming web 26, while the speed of the paper being formed is tracked
by the encoder wheel 34. Signals are produced from the position and speed determinations
and the speed and position of the advancing device 24 adjusted on the basis of those
signals in such a way that the security thread 20 and the watermark(s) are registered
along the machine direction of the web 26.
[0058] A cylinder mold process for making a two-ply embodiment of the fibrous sheet material
of the present invention is shown in
FIG. 6. In this process, which employs two cylinder paper machines 36a, 36b, interconnected
by pick-up felt 38, two paper webs 40, 42, are formed simultaneously, squeezed together
in the area of roller 44, and then fed together to the press, dryer and calender sections
of the paper-making machine. The resulting fibrous sheet material has the same physical
characteristics as those noted above for sheet materials made using a Fourdrinier
process. As will be readily appreciated by those skilled in the art, while
FIG. 6 shows cylinder paper machines of the wet vat type, cylinder paper machines of the
dry vat type may also be used to make the fibrous sheet material of the present invention.
[0059] The two-ply paper web 46, formed by the cylinder paper machines shown in
FIG. 6, has adhesive coated security thread 20 recessed and one or more watermarks formed
in a surface thereof, with the security thread 20 and the watermark(s) fully viewable
from this surface. The watermark(s) is formed in paper web 40 by forming cylinder
48 and then the security thread 20 is integrated into the paper web by directing the
thread through the variable speed advancing device 24 and past optical sensor 32b
and then between roller 50 and a surface of the paper web exiting cylinder paper machine
36a. Here, the security thread 20 may be positioned partially or completely on top
of the watermark(s) on the surface of the paper web. Paper web 40 with surface applied
security thread 20 and watermark(s) is then directed between roller 44 and a surface
of the second paper web 42 exiting cylinder paper machine 36b, where the two paper
webs are squeezed together. The second paper web 42 is homogeneous and serves to hide
any irregularities in paper formation on a back or lower surface of the first paper
web 40 that may have been caused by the presence of thread 20.
[0060] As alluded to above, forming cylinder 48 may be provided with raised and/or recessed
areas on its surface, which may fully or partially overlap the area contacted by thread
20 during manufacture.
[0061] As in previous embodiments, machine directional registration between the security
thread 20, the watermark(s) and the paper web 40 is achieved by the variable speed
security thread advancing device 24, optical sensors 32a, 32b for tracking registration
marks on the forming cylinder 48 and on the security thread 20, and an encoder wheel
34 for tracking the speed of the paper being formed on cylinder paper machine 36a.
[0062] Upon exiting the calender section of any of the above-referenced paper-making machines,
the inventive fibrous sheet material may be wound up and stored or directly introduced
into another machine (
e.g., a printing machine) for further processing.
[0063] In a second exemplary embodiment, the inventive security paper is a multi-ply paper
that comprises:
a first paper layer having a reduced basis weight (e.g., from about 10 to about 50 gsm) and including one or more watermarks, each surface
of the first paper layer displaying either the upper or face portion of the one or
more watermarks or the lower or back portion thereof; and
a second paper layer having a reduced basis weight (e.g., from about 10 to about 50 gsm) and optionally one or more through windows, the second
paper layer covering either the surface of the first paper layer displaying the upper
or face portion of the one or more watermarks or the surface displaying the lower
or back portion of the one or more watermarks.
[0064] In one such embodiment, the second paper layer is windowed, the one or more through
windows in the second paper layer being in register with the one or more watermarks.
By way of this second exemplary embodiment, the use of two paper layers and optionally
one or more overlying through windows allows for a greater contrast between the one
or more watermarks and the background.
[0065] In a third exemplary embodiment, one or more security elements in the form of one
or more color-imparting substances are contained within the first and/or second regions
of the one or more watermarks. The one or more color-imparting substances include
both dyes and pigments (
e.g., ultra-fine particle size pigments). As noted above, in this embodiment, the security
sheet or document does not include one or more film-like or foil-like security elements.
The resulting watermarks have a tonality (
i.
e., color scheme or range of tones) in a color or shade different from that of the
bulk region of the material which surrounds the watermarks, which serves to increase
their perception and resistance to simulation.
[0066] Watermarks have traditionally been the same color as the paper substrate on or within
which they are carried. These marks are formed by localized variation in the thickness
of the paper that changes the opacity of the paper, making the watermark visible in
transmitted light or in reflected light atop a dark background.
[0067] A prior art or standard watermark is shown against the same color paper substrate
in
FIG. 7. Here, only a marginal contrast between light and dark areas in the watermark is evident
rendering the watermark more difficult to detect. By way of comparison, as also shown
in
FIG. 7, the enhanced watermark of the present invention, which includes one or more color-imparting
substances in the form of one or more visible (colored) pigments (
i.
e., blue), has improved quality in which the contrast between the light and dark areas
in the watermark is significantly greater. The public's attention is therefore drawn
more readily to the inventive watermark increasing the effectiveness of this security
feature.
[0068] Another exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown in
FIG. 8. Here, the inventive watermark contains a second level security feature in the form
of a UV excitable substance in addition to one or more color-imparting substances.
The inventive watermark not only demonstrates a marked contrast between light and
dark areas in transmitted light, but because it also contains a substance which can
be excited by UV radiation, it also demonstrates a tonality of UV response that is
difficult to reproduce, thereby rendering this watermark embodiment even more counterfeit
resistant.
[0069] Referring now to
FIG. 9, in an exemplary embodiment in which the security sheet or document is a paper security
document, the inventive method for manufacturing the security document involves making
a continuous roll of watermarked paper 52 on a paper making machine 54 (
FIG. 9a)
, watermarks or watermark regions 56 repeating along the length of the paper
(FIG. 9b), each having lower grammage areas (
i.
e., first regions) and higher grammage areas (
i.
e., second regions), so as to provide lighter and darker areas in the watermark regions
56, the method comprising:
applying a colored solution 58 comprising color-imparting substances to the plurality
of watermark regions 56 on one side of the continuous roll of paper while applying
a vacuum to an opposing side of the paper to pull the applied colored solution into
the paper,
wherein, higher grammage areas of the watermark regions 56 hold more color-imparting
substances while lower grammage areas hold less color-imparting substances, thereby
providing the watermark regions tonality in a color or shade different from that of
bulk regions of the paper surrounding the plurality of watermark regions repeating
along its length.
[0070] As previously noted, the watermarks are formed by well-known techniques on, for example,
a cylinder mold papermaking machine or a Fourdrinier papermaking machine (using a
dandy roll). A range of fiber types can be used in making the paper, including synthetic
or natural fibers or a mixture of both.
[0071] The "colored solution" used to impart tonality to the watermarks of the present invention
comprises the one or more color-imparting substances referred to above, which include
both dyes and pigments (e.g., ultra-fine particle size pigments).
[0072] After forming watermarks on the paper machine 54, the colored solution 58 is applied
locally to the watermark regions 56 of the paper while the paper is still wet and
on a forming wire and before any wet pressing occurs. The colored solution may be
applied to the continuous roll of watermarked paper 52 using a low volume intermittent
shower with nozzles 60 aligned to the watermark regions of the paper. The colored
solution is drawn into the paper web using one or more vacuum boxes 62. Although two
vacuum boxes are shown in
FIG. 9b, one or more vacuum boxes may be used in the practice of the inventive method.
[0073] In a fourth exemplary embodiment, which will be referred to as the 'see-through'
watermark embodiment, one or more polymer or resinous materials are contained within
the first region(s) and optionally the second region(s) of the one or more watermarks.
As noted above, the security sheet or document in this exemplary embodiment does not
include one or more film-like or foil-like security elements. The first and/or second
regions in this embodiment may also contain one or more security features selected
from the group of increased fiber density areas in the form of recognizable or discernible
indicia, one or more substances that are color-imparting, and one or more second level
security features that are machine detectable or machine readable, as described above.
[0074] The see-through watermark embodiment of the present invention provides an easily
recognized public security feature for first-level authentication. The inventive watermark(s),
which may be a paper-borne feature, allows for authentication by its transmissive
properties. The inclusion of such a translucent or transparent region within a security
document (
e.g., banknote) cannot be replicated with scanning, image analysis, and subsequent digital
reproduction techniques.
[0075] In an exemplary embodiment, the inventive see-through watermark(s) is obtained as
part of the papermaking process during sheet formation in the wet state. For example,
a paper web is made in a continuous manner on a Fourdrinier papermaking machine. Paper
stock is deposited from a head box onto a continuous moving wire mesh. Water from
the paper stock then drains through the wire mesh leaving a wet de-watered fiber mat.
[0076] The inventive see-through watermark(s) is formed by first removing paper stock from
select areas of the fiber mat with a resultant reduction in fiber density (see
FIG. 10). This may be done using conventional techniques such dandy roll (or cylinder
vat) technology. The select areas with lower fiber density (
i.
e., the first regions) have reduced opacity relative to other areas of the watermark(s)
(
i.
e., the second regions) and other areas of the fiber mat (
i.
e., the base sheet), though not transparent. Next, the first and optionally the second
regions of the watermark(s) are treated with one or more polymer or resinous materials
chosen for a final refractive index which closely matches cellulose (
e.g., a UV curable, e-beam curable, or thermal curable polymer or resinous material).
[0077] The first and second regions may be treated with the one or more polymer or resinous
materials on the papermaking machine, in an off-line web process such as rewinding
or respooling, in a dedicated off-line web process prior to sheet cutting, or on individual
sheets.
[0078] The one or more polymer or resinous materials, which saturate the paper in the first
and optionally the second regions of the watermark(s) (replacing air in the interstices
between fibers), may optionally be applied in a pattern over these areas, and may
further be cured via radiation, thermal/catalytic, or oxidative means.
[0079] As best shown in
FIGS. 11a,b, transmission of visible light is now possible through the resulting translucent or
transparent see-through watermark(s). As a result, printed material viewed under the
see-through watermark(s) is clearly legible.
[0080] The choice of a polymer or resinous material(s) of appropriate modulus may also allow
for embossing, applications within the translucent or transparent areas to be performed,
for example, prior to printing, or during an intaglio printing process.
[0081] The inventive see-through watermark(s) may also include one or more features within
its perimeter selected from the group of increased fiber density areas in the form
of recognizable or discernible indicia, one or more substances that are color-imparting,
and one or more second level security features that are machine detectable or machine
readable, as described above.
[0082] These features in the form of, for example, fibers or planchettes may be added via
random addition to the papermaking furnish, or selectively placed in-line in the position
of the see-though security element. In addition, or alternatively, such inclusions
could be concentrated in specific cross-direction areas of the paper.
[0083] In a fifth exemplary embodiment, the inventive security sheet or document is a single-ply
paper that comprises:
a paper layer including one or more watermarks; and
one or more transparent or translucent areas in the paper layer surrounding each of
the one or more watermarks, thereby framing and thus enhancing the visual perception
of the watermark(s).
[0084] Such frame-like areas may be formed in the watermarked paper layer by treating the
areas surrounding each watermark with one or more transparentizing polymer or resinous
materials, such as a UV curable, e-beam curable, or thermal curable polymer or resinous
material.
[0085] These frame-like areas may be treated with the transparentizing material(s) on the
papermaking machine, in an off-line web process such as rewinding or respooling, in
a dedicated off-line web process prior to sheet cutting, or on individual sheets.
[0086] The transparentizing material(s) saturates the paper in the applied areas replacing
air in the interstices between fibers. This material(s) may be curable or non-curable.
Treated areas of the watermarked paper layer allow for the transmission of visible
light, thereby framing and thus enhancing the visual perception of watermark(s).
[0087] While various embodiments of the present invention have been described above it should
be understood that they have been presented by way of example only, and not limitation.
Thus, the breadth and scope of the present invention should not be limited by any
of the exemplary embodiments.
[0088] Further embodiments comprised by the invention are mentioned below:
EMBODIMENTS
[0089]
Embodiment 1. A security sheet or document having one or more enhanced watermarks
or watermark designs, which comprises:
a fibrous sheet material including one or more watermarks or watermark designs, wherein
each watermark design has one or more first regions with reduced fiber densities relative
to surrounding regions of the fibrous sheet material and one or more second regions
with similar or increased fiber densities relative to surrounding regions of the sheet
material, and wherein each watermark design has an upper or face portion and a lower
or back portion; and
means for enhancing the one or more watermarks or watermark designs by rendering them
visually enhanced, machine detectable or readable, or both, said means selected from
the group consisting of:
- a) one or more film-like or foil-like security elements at least partially covering
the face or the back portion of the one or more watermark designs, wherein the one
or more film-like or foil-like security elements is in the form of a band, strip,
stripe, thread, or patch;
- b) one or more non-film-like, non-foil-like security elements contained on or within
either or both the one or more first regions and the one or more second regions of
the one or more watermark designs, the one or more non-film-like, non-foil-like security
elements selected from the group consisting of:
- i. recognizable or discernible indicia; and
- ii. one or more substances that are color-imparting and/or machine detectable or machine
readable, wherein the machine detectable or machine readable substances are in the
form of ultraviolet or infrared reactive, luminescent, thermochromic, photochromic,
electrochromic, metal, and magnetic security fibers, taggants, planchettes, dyes and
pigments;
- c) one or more polymer or resinous materials contained within either or both the one
or more first regions and the one or more second regions of the one or more watermark
designs, the one or more polymer or resinous materials having an index of refraction
or combined index of refraction substantially similar to that of cellulose;
- d) an optionally windowed second paper layer covering either the face or the back
portion of the one or more watermark designs; and/or
- e) one or more transparent or translucent areas surrounding each of the one or more
watermark designs.
Embodiment 2. The security sheet or document of embodiment 1, wherein the means for
enhancing the one or more watermarks or watermark designs comprises one or more film-like
or foil-like security elements that at least partially cover the face or the back
portion of the one or more watermark designs, wherein the one or more film-like or
foil-like security elements is in the form of a band, strip, stripe, thread, or patch.
Embodiment 3. The security sheet or document of embodiment 2, wherein the one or more
first regions with reduced fiber densities of the one or more watermark designs has
a thickness as low as 10 to 15 microns and a total area within each watermark design
ranging from about 5 to about 75 percent of the total area of the watermark design,
wherein the total area of each watermark design within a banknote measuring approximately
10,000 square millimeters ranges from about 5 to about 25%.
Embodiment 4. The security sheet or document of embodiment 2, wherein the one or more
film-like or foil-like security elements is one or more micro-optic film materials
that each comprise an arrangement of microlenses and an arrangement of micro-sized
image icons, which are configured such that when the arrangement of image icons is
viewed through the arrangement of microlenses, one or more synthetically magnified
optical images are projected, wherein the one or more micro-optic film materials each
display colored images on a transparent or tinted background or each display colored
images on a translucent or substantially opaque background of a different color.
Embodiment 5. The security sheet or document of embodiment 4, wherein the one or more
synthetically magnified optical images coordinate or link in with the one or more
watermark designs.
Embodiment 6. The security sheet or document of embodiment 4, wherein the one or more
micro-optic film materials is made using only infrared-transparent materials, wherein
the security sheet or document demonstrates enhanced IR-brightness, especially when
measured in transmission.
Embodiment 7. The security sheet or document of embodiment 4, wherein the one or more
micro-optic film materials is in the form of a patch or thread that covers all or
part of the one or more watermarks or watermark designs, wherein the one or more watermark
designs contain one or more polymer or resinous materials within either or both the
one or more first regions and the one or more second regions thereof, the one or more
polymer or resinous materials having an index of refraction or combined index of refraction
substantially similar to that of cellulose.
Embodiment 8. The security sheet or document of embodiment 7, wherein either or both
the one or more first regions and the one or more second regions of the one or more
watermark designs also contain one or more features selected from the group consisting
of increased fiber density areas in the form of recognizable or discernible indicia,
one or more substances that are color-imparting, and one or more second level security
features that are machine detectable or machine readable in the form of ultraviolet
or infrared reactive, luminescent, thermochromic, photochromic, electrochromic, metal,
or magnetic security fibers, taggants, planchettes, dyes, pigments.
Embodiment 9. The security sheet or document of embodiment 1, which is a multi-ply
paper that comprises:
a first paper layer having a reduced basis weight of from about 10 to about 50 grams
per square meter and including one or more watermarks or watermark designs, each surface
of the first paper layer displaying either the upper or face portion of the one or
more watermark designs or the lower or back portion thereof; and
means for enhancing the one or more watermarks or watermark designs in the form of
a second paper layer having a reduced basis weight of from about 10 to about 50 grams
per square meter and optionally one or more through windows, the second paper layer
covering either the surface of the first paper layer displaying the upper or face
portion of the one or more watermark designs or the surface displaying the lower or
back portion of the one or more watermark designs.
Embodiment 10. The security sheet or document of embodiment 1, wherein the means for
enhancing the one or more watermarks or watermark designs comprises one or more color-imparting
substances that are contained within either or both the one or more first regions
and the one or more second regions of the one or more watermark designs, wherein the
one or more watermark designs have a tonality in a color or shade different from that
of the bulk region of the material which surrounds the one or more watermark designs
when viewed in transmitted light or when viewed in reflected light atop a dark background.
Embodiment 11. The security sheet or document of embodiment 10, wherein either or
both the one or more first regions and the one or more second regions of the one or
more watermark designs also contain one or more features selected from the group consisting
of increased fiber density areas in the form of recognizable or discernible indicia
and one or more second level security features that are machine detectable or machine
readable in the form of ultraviolet or infrared reactive, luminescent, thermochromic,
photochromic, electrochromic, metal, or magnetic security fibers, taggants, planchettes,
dyes, pigments.
Embodiment 12. The security sheet or document of embodiment 1, wherein the means for
enhancing the one or more watermarks or watermark designs comprises one or more polymer
or resinous materials contained within either or both the one or more first regions
and the one or more second regions of the one or more watermark designs.
Embodiment 13. The security sheet or document of embodiment 12, wherein either or
both the one or more first regions and the one or more second regions of the one or
more watermark designs also contain one or more features selected from the group consisting
of increased fiber density areas in the form of recognizable or discernible indicia,
one or more substances that are color-imparting, and one or more second level security
features that are machine detectable or machine readable in the form of ultraviolet
or infrared reactive, luminescent, thermochromic, photochromic, electrochromic, metal,
or magnetic security fibers, taggants, planchettes, dyes, pigments.
Embodiment 14. The security sheet or document of embodiment 1, wherein the means for
enhancing the one or more watermarks or watermark designs comprises one or more transparent
or translucent areas surrounding each of the one or more watermarks.
Embodiment 15. A micro-optic film material comprising an arrangement of microlenses
and an arrangement of micro-sized image icons, which are configured such that when
the arrangement of image icons is viewed through the arrangement of microlenses, one
or more synthetically magnified optical images are projected, wherein the micro-optic
film material is made using only infrared-transparent materials, wherein the micro-optic
film material demonstrates enhanced IR-brightness, especially when measured in transmission.