WO2016066948A1

WO2016066948A1 - Identification document comprising a guilloche and and an arrangement of pixels

Info

Publication number: WO2016066948A1
Application number: PCT/FR2015/052891
Authority: WO
Inventors: Benoit Berthe; Coralie VANDROUX
Original assignee: Oberthur Technologies
Priority date: 2014-10-31
Filing date: 2015-10-27
Publication date: 2016-05-06
Also published as: JP6518326B2; JP2017536758A; ES2831837T3; EP3256330A1; AU2015340387A1; FR3027846B1; HUE052612T2; FR3027846A1; AU2015340387B2; EP3256330B1; SG11201703475UA

Abstract

The invention relates to an identification document (30) comprising a transparent layer, an arrangement of pixels (19) facing the transparent layer, the sub-pixels being arranged in such a way as to form lines (LN) of sub-pixels in the arrangement (19) of pixels, and a guilloche (GL) in an area (Z2) adjacent to the arrangement (19) of pixels, the guilloche comprising at least one guilloche line (GL1, GL2), wherein the transparent layer can be locally opacified in order to obstruct the passage of the light, and wherein at least one guilloche line (GL1, GL2), so-called first line, extends in the continuation of a line of sub-pixels (LN), so-called second line, pertaining to the arrangement (19) of pixels, in such a way as to collectively form a single line.

Description

Title: Identity document with guilloche and pixel arrangement

Background of the invention

The present invention is in the field of secure documents and relates more particularly to securing identity documents by means of a printed pattern on the document, for example a guilloche.

In this document, "identity document" means any document containing information making it possible to more or less securely identify the bearer of the document. This identity information may be physically present on the body of the document (photo, text, etc.) so as to be verifiable visually by a person or a control machine. The identification information may also be stored in digital form in an electronic component which is provided with the identity document.

This includes identity documents, identity documents, passports or microcircuit cards.

In the current state of the art, it is known to print, during a production phase of an identity document, a pattern on the document, for example a guilloche, then to customize this document during a later phase by printing on the document personalization data (for example by laser), such as the name of the bearer of the document, his date of birth, his nationality, his photo ...

Figure 1 shows an example of guillochis IM1 made on the body 2 of a card. A guilloche is typically formed using a plurality of lines whose layout and dimensional specifications are chosen in order to better secure the document.

Printing a guilloche is a good security because it is extremely difficult to reproduce such a pattern without accessing the hardware, software and settings used to create this pattern on the document.

However, the conventional printing of a security reason, such as a guilloche for example, on the body of an identity document may have certain disadvantages. As represented in FIG. 2, a guillochis 2 can be produced on various zones of the identity document, some of these areas may include other elements, patterns or information superimposed lines of guilloche.

In the example of FIG. 2, an image 6 (representing, for example, the wearer's face) is made on the body of a card 4. A guilloche 2 is here furthermore formed on the body of the card so as to come cross at least part of image 6.

The printing of the pattern 2 in the region of the image 6 has the disadvantage that it degrades the quality and overall appearance of the image 6. The brightness and sharpness of the image 6 can be reduced by more or less important, depending on the shape, the density and the general arrangement of the guilloche lines in the area of the image 6.

In addition, improvements are still desirable in the security of identity documents including a security reason such as a guilloche for example. Object and summary of the invention

For this purpose, the present invention relates to an identity document comprising:

a transparent layer;

an arrangement of pixels vis-à-vis the transparent layer, each pixel comprising at least two sub-pixels of different colors, the sub-pixels being arranged so as to form at least two lines of sub-pixels in the pixel arrangement; and

guillochis in an area adjacent to the arrangement of pixels, the guilloche comprising at least one guilloche line;

wherein the transparent layer is adapted to be opacified locally so as to at least partially block the passage of light in at least one region of the transparent layer, and

wherein at least one line of guilloche, said first line, extends in the extension of a line of sub-pixels, said second line, belonging to the arrangement of pixels so as to collectively form a single line.

The arrangement of the guilloche lines as defined above advantageously makes it possible to improve the quality of an image revealed in the arrangement of pixels using the opacified regions. Thanks to the invention, the guilloche lines no longer cross the lines of pixels conventionally on the identity document but extend at least part of these lines. The subpixel lines can also play the role of guilloche lines in addition to their primary function, namely the formation of an image on the body of the identity document. The present invention therefore has the advantage that it improves the security of identity documents. Indeed, as explained in more detail later, in the case where an attacker attempts to falsify such an identity document by replacing the image formed by the pixel matrix with another image, it would be excessively difficult for him to make the image coincide. end of the guilloche lines present on the rest of the document with the lines of pixels of the new image (assuming that this new image contains such lines of sub-pixels). If this new image does not contain such lines of sub-pixels, then the identification of the fake would be even simpler.

In a particular embodiment, each first line continuously or discontinuously extends a second respective line of sub-pixels.

In a particular embodiment, each first line is a rectilinear or curvilinear line.

In a particular embodiment, each second line is a rectilinear or curvilinear line.

In a particular embodiment, each said extension is made in pairs between a first line of guilloche and a second dedicated line of said pixel array.

In a particular embodiment, each first line is arranged vis-à-vis the respective second line so that none of these two lines cross the other.

In a particular embodiment, each first line is arranged vis-à-vis the respective second line according to one of the following configurations:

a) a first end of the first line and a second end of the second line are contiguous with each other,

b) a first end portion of the first line and a second end portion of the second line are spaced apart and facing each other such that said first and second end portions share the same tangent.

In a particular embodiment, in the case of the configuration a), a first end portion of the first line opening on the first end and a second end portion of the second line opening on the second end: extend in the same direction so as to form a rectilinear or curvilinear junction between said first and second lines; or

extend in different directions so as to form an angle at the junction between said first and second lines.

In a particular embodiment, each first line and second line are straight and meet two by two.

In a particular embodiment, the pixel array is printed on said transparent layer.

In a particular embodiment, the arrangement of pixels and guilloche are printed on the same face of said transparent layer.

In a particular embodiment, each pixel of said arrangement comprises at least a first sub-pixel in a first color and a second sub-pixel in a second color different from the first color, in which the sub-pixels are arranged so as to forming at least one line of first subpixels in the first color and at least one line of second subpixels in the second color.

In a particular embodiment, at least one said first line is formed by a line of first sub-pixels in the first color, the corresponding second line of the guilloche being formed in said first color.

In a particular embodiment, the transparent layer is a polycarbonate layer, said local opacification being achievable in at least one region of the polycarbonate layer under the action of a laser beam.

In a particular embodiment, each first line is formed by a continuous or discontinuous arrangement of sub-pixels.

In a particular embodiment, each second line is formed continuously or by a discontinuous arrangement of at least two segments along said second line.

Correlatively, the present invention relates to a method of manufacturing an identity document, comprising:

- supply of a transparent layer;

forming an arrangement of pixels opposite the transparent layer, each pixel comprising at least two sub-pixels of different colors, the sub-pixels being arranged to form at least two lines of sub-pixels in said arrangement;

- Guillochis formation in an area adjacent to the pixel array, said guilloche comprising at least one guilloche line; and opacification of at least one region of the transparent layer so as to at least partially block the passage of light in said at least one region;

wherein at least one line of guilloche, said first line, is formed so as to extend in line with a line of sub-pixels, called second line, belonging to the pixel array so as to collectively form a single and same line.

The particular embodiments and variants defined above with reference to the identity document applies in a similar manner to the manufacturing method of the invention. Some particular modes of the manufacturing process are defined below.

In a particular embodiment, the arrangement of pixels and the guilloche are formed during the same printing step.

In a particular embodiment, the pixel array and guilloche are formed on the same face of the transparent layer.

In a particular embodiment, each first line of the guilloche is drawn according to the positioning of the corresponding second line.

In a particular embodiment, the transparent layer is made of polycarbonate, the local opacification being carried out in at least one region of the transparent layer under the action of a laser beam.

Brief description of the drawings

Other features and advantages of the present invention will emerge from the description given below, with reference to the accompanying drawings which illustrate embodiments having no limiting character. In the figures:

- Figure 1 already described is a map with a guilloche;

FIG. 2 already described represents an identity document on which a guilloche crosses an image; FIGS. 3A and 3B show an identity document comprising a matrix of pixels and a guilloche according to a known arrangement;

FIG. 4 represents an identity document according to a particular embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 5 represents an arrangement of pixels according to a particular embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 6 is an enlargement of a pixel contained in the pixel arrangement shown in FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 represents the row layout of the sub-pixels of a matrix according to a particular embodiment of the invention;

- Figure 8 shows in top view an identity document according to a particular embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 9 is an enlargement of a region of the identity document represented in FIG. 8;

FIGS. 10A to 10D represent alternative embodiments of the invention;

FIGS. 11A and 11B illustrate the security of the identity documents provided by the present invention, according to particular modes;

FIG. 12 represents a particular colorimetric configuration according to a particular embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 13 represents, in the form of a flowchart, steps of a particular manufacturing method of the invention;

FIG. 14 represents the manufacture of an identity document according to the method illustrated in FIG. 13;

- Figure 15 shows the portion of a line of a guilloche comprising a bar code; and

- Figure 16 is a picture of an identity document comprising guilloche lines according to a particular embodiment of the invention.

Detailed description of several embodiments

As already indicated, the present invention is in the field of secure documents and relates more particularly to securing identity documents by means of a printed pattern on the document, for example a guilloche.

Unless otherwise indicated, elements common or similar to several figures have the same reference numbers and have the same or similar characteristics, so that these common elements are generally not described again for the sake of simplicity. A known technique for revealing images using a pixel array and at least one transparent layer is briefly described below with reference to FIG. 3A. Examples of implementation of this imaging technique are described for example in the patent documents FR 2 958 777 and FR 2 984 217.

FIG. 3A represents a sectional view of an identity document 10 comprising a substrate 12 on which are successively assembled a transparent layer 14 and a transparent layer 16. The faces 14a and 14b of the transparent layer 14 are here assembled respectively with the transparent layer 16 and the substrate 12. A matrix 18 of pixels is further printed on the surface 14a of the transparent layer 14 before assembly with the transparent layer 16.

The transparent layer 14 is a so-called "lasérisable" material, namely a transparent material that has the ability to opacify under the effect of a laser beam.

The matrix of pixels 18 is composed of sub-pixels of at least three different colors, embedded beneath the transparent layer 16. As shown in FIG. 3B, gray levels are created vis-à-vis the sub-pixels at With the effect of the laser beam 24, regions 22 of the transparent layer 14 opposite the pixel matrix 18 are opacified locally so as to block more or less the passage of light in these regions. The application of the laser beam 24 causes the formation of non-reflective surfaces below certain sub-pixels of the matrix 18 and thus makes it possible to produce the gray levels of a personalized image. Similarly, the application of the laser beam 24 can cause the formation of opaque surfaces above certain sub-pixels of the matrix 18 (in the layer 16 when the latter is lasérisable for example) and contributes to producing the levels of gray of the personalized image.

This treatment makes it possible to modify the brightness of certain sub-pixels of the matrix

18 and thus to reveal an image from the matrix 18 and transparent layers 14 and 16 locally opacified.

The processing illustrated in FIGS. 3A and 3B allows the customization of high-quality color images and finds a particular application in the secure personalization of identity documents.

The image thus personalized is observed by reflection through the transparent layers 16 and 14.

In the example shown in FIG. 3A, a pattern IM3 such as guillochis is further printed on one face of the substrate before the assembly of this face with the lasable transparent layer 14. Part of the pattern IM3 is thus visible by a observer in superposition of the matrix of pixels 18 and therefore of the resulting image. This configuration significantly degrades the quality and overall appearance of the images made using the image revealing technique illustrated in FIGS. 3A and 3B. The brightness and sharpness of the image can be reduced to a greater or lesser extent depending on the shape, density and the general arrangement of guilloche lines in the area of the image.

It is furthermore desirable to improve the security of identity documents comprising a security motif such as guilloche for example, and more particularly the security of such identity documents, which furthermore includes an image made using the disclosure technique. images (or equivalent techniques) described above.

The present invention proposes in particular to overcome the problems and disadvantages presented above.

A particular embodiment of the invention is now described with reference to FIGS. 4-9. More specifically, the identity document 30 shown in sectional view in FIG. 4 comprises a substrate 12 on which are assembled a transparent layer 14 and a transparent layer 16. The faces 14a and 14b of the transparent layer 14 are respectively assembled with the transparent layer 16 and the substrate 12.

A matrix of pixels 19 is also printed on the upper face 14a of the transparent layer 14 (more particularly in a zone ZI) or, respectively, on the lower face 16b of the transparent layer 16, before the assembling of the layers 14 and 16. In addition, a pattern GL, a guilloche in this example, is made on the upper face 14a of the layer 14 or, respectively, on the lower face 16b of the layer 16, before the assembling of the layers 14 and 16. In all cases, the pattern GL is made in a zone Z2 adjacent to the zone ZI containing the matrix of pixels 19 (FIG. 8). It will be understood that the pixel matrix 19 and the pattern GL are formed on one and the same face of a transparent layer, namely on the upper face 14a of the transparent layer 14, or alternatively on the lower face 16b of the transparent layer 16. .

As shown in FIG. 5, in this particular embodiment, the pixel matrix 19 comprises a plurality of pixels 20 arranged in rows and columns.

As represented in FIG. 6, each pixel 20 comprises, for example, four sub-pixels 21 whose respective colors CRI, CR2, CR3 and CR4 can be in particular primary colors (eg red / green / blue and white) or, more generally, at least two different colors. The number of sub-pixels, the arrangement of these in each pixel, and the color of the sub-pixels in particular can be adapted as needed by the person skilled in the art, for example according to repetitive or non-repeating patterns and according to arrangements with extremely numerous possibilities.

As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the sub-pixels 21 are arranged to form subpixel lines in the matrix 19. In this case, each row and each column of subpixels in the matrix 19 constitutes a line subpixels.

Although a "matrix" of pixels 20 is formed here, it will be understood that it is possible to form more generally any arrangement of pixels vis-à-vis the transparent layer 14, each pixel comprising at least two pixels. -pixels of different colors, the sub-pixels being arranged to form at least two lines of sub-pixels in said pixel array. These lines can be rectilinear or curvilinear for example.

In the following of this example, the particular case represented in FIG. 7 was considered in which:

the PX1 subpixels of the same color CRI collectively form monochrome LN1 lines in the matrix 19;

the subpixels PX2 of the same color CR2 collectively form monochrome LN2 lines in the matrix 19;

the subpixels PX3 of the same color CR3 collectively form monochrome LN3 lines in the matrix 19; and

the PX4 sub-pixels of the same color CR4 collectively form lines

Monochrome LN4 in the matrix 19.

The colors CRI, CR2, CR3 and CR4 correspond, for example, to yellow, magenta, cyan and white respectively, other examples of embodiments being of course conceivable. In a particular example, the pixel array 19 is composed of subpixels 21 of at least two different colors.

The transparent layer 14 on which the matrix of pixels 19 is printed is in this example a lasérisable layer, as described previously with reference to FIGS. 3A and 3B, that is to say a transparent material able to be opacified locally under the effect of a laser beam.

It will be understood, however, that the layer 14 may be, more generally, any transparent layer capable of being opacified locally (preferably, according to various gray levels) so as to block at least partially the passage of light in at least one region of the transparent layer vis-à-vis the matrix of pixels 19.

Similarly, again in this example, the transparent layer 16 is also a lasérisable layer or, more generally, a transparent layer able to be opacified locally (preferably in various gray levels) so as to at least partially block the passage of light in at least one region of the transparent layer vis-à-vis the pixel array 19.

Laserizable materials are, by way of non-limiting examples, titanium oxide doped polycarbonates, certain treated polyvinyl chlorides, treated acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene, or treated polyethylene terephthalates. The lasérisable material is partially carbonized by the laser to form gray levels of a personalized image. The degree of darkening (or opacity) is controlled according to the energy transmitted by the laser.

In this example, at least one of the transparent layers 14 and 16 is laser treated to form more or less opaque regions facing the pixel array 19, and thus reveal an image 32 (FIG. 8) from of the matrix of pixels 19. The example will be considered here in which the transparent layers 14 and 16 are both lasérisables and are laser-treated locally to form more or less opaque regions facing the matrix of pixels 19.

However, it will be understood that it is not essential that the layers 14 and 16 are both lasérisables. More generally, the identity document 30 comprises at least one opacifying transparent layer facing (above and / or below) the pixel array 19 so as to at least partially block the passage of light. As indicated below, the pixel matrix 19 may be printed on this transparent layer (on one of its faces) or on another layer (an opaque layer for example), it being understood that the pixel matrix 19 is located facing said transparent layer which can be opacified.

In the example envisaged here, the partial opacification of the transparent layers 14 and 16 makes it possible to reveal the image 32, representative for example of the face of the owner of the identity document 30, in the zone ZI in which the pixel matrix 19 is located. Matrix 19 comprises multiple subpixel LN lines, i.e., a plurality of lines LN1, LN2, LN3 and LN4 in this example, as previously described with reference to Figure 7. These LN lines here extend horizontally ( along the axis x) to the border 32a delimiting the junction between the zones ZI and Z2 in the identity document 30.

According to the invention, the guillochis GL produced in the zone Z2 adjacent to the zone ZI comprises at least one guilloche line extending in line with a line of sub-pixels LN so that the guilloche line and the line of corresponding sub-pixels collectively form a single line. In a particular example, each of the guilloche lines and each of the subpixel lines lying in the extension of said guilloche lines has a line width of between 10 and 120 μm, preferably between 40 and 90 μm, and even more so. more preferred is a width of 80 μm (or substantially this value).

FIG. 8 schematically represents an example where two lines GL1 and GL2 of the guillochis GL extend in the extension of a line of sub-pixels LN respectively of the matrix 19.

More precisely, in the particular case of FIG. 8, the guilloche line GL1 extends, for example, in the extension of the line LN2 of sub-pixels PX2. As shown in FIG. 9, the guilloche line GL1 extends here so as to prolong the line LN2 of sub-pixels of the matrix 19 continuously. In other words, in this particular case, the LN2a end of the line LN2 subpixels and the end GLla of the guilloche line GL1 extend to meet at their respective ends GLla and LN2a; it follows that the two ends GLla and LN2a are contiguous to each other.

As explained in detail later, various alternative embodiments are possible within the scope of the present invention. More generally, at least one guilloche line is made so as to be positioned in the extension of a respective subpixel line of the subpixel matrix.

The extension may be continuous or discontinuous (i.e. with or without space between the ends GLla and LN2a for example).

It is conceivable that several lines of guilloche are positioned in the extension of one and the same line of sub-pixels. However, in the case considered here, each extension is made in pairs between a line of the guilloche GL and a dedicated line LN of the matrix 19 of sub-pixels.

In a particular case, each line of guilloche is arranged vis-à-vis the corresponding line of sub-pixels so that none of these two lines cross the other. In one particular case, none of the guilloche lines cross a line of sub-pixels.

Various configurations of the guilloche lines with respect to the lines of the pixel array are hereinafter described with reference to Figs. 10A to 10D in accordance with particular embodiments of the invention.

In general, the advantage of positioning a line of guilloche in the extension of a line of sub-pixels is multiple.

In the first place, the arrangement of the guilloche lines according to the invention advantageously makes it possible to substantially improve the quality of the image 32 revealed in FIG. matrix 19 by means of the opacified regions in the transparent layers 14 and 16. Thanks to the invention, the guilloche lines no longer pass through the lines of pixels conventionally on the identity document but extend at least part of these lines. Unlike the traditional configuration shown for example in Figure 2, the lines of the guilloche in the invention are not shocking to the observation in the area of the image made on the identity document.

The subpixel lines can also play the role of guilloche lines in addition to their primary function, namely the formation of an image on the body of the identity document.

The present invention has the advantage that it improves the security of identity documents. Indeed, as explained in more detail later with reference to FIGS. 11A and 11B, in the case where a malicious person attempts to falsify such an identity document by replacing the image formed by the pixel matrix with another image, he would be excessively difficult to match the end of the lines of the guilloche present on the rest of the document with the lines of pixels of the new image (assuming that this new image contains such lines of sub-pixels). If this new image does not contain such lines of sub-pixels, then the identification of the fake would be even simpler.

As indicated above, the present invention provides for positioning at least one line of guilloche in the extension of a line of sub-pixels of the matrix 19 so that this guilloche line forms with said line of sub-pixels a single and even line. However, it will be understood that this extension can be done in different ways, as explained in particular below with reference to Figures 10A to 10D.

According to a first example shown in FIG. 10A, the sub-pixel line LN2 and the guilloche line GL1 respectively open end portions LN2b and GL1b. These two end portions are straight and share the same TG tangent together. In this example, these LN2b and GL1b end portions are contiguous to each other (or, in other words, join) so as to form a continuous extension, although this is not mandatory.

As shown in FIG. 10D, it is also conceivable to position the rectilinear end portions LN2b and GL1b spaced apart from each other. In this case, the end portions GL1b and LN2b always share the same tangent (their respective tangents TG1 and TG2 merge) but a space SP is provided between the ends GL1a and LN2a of the end portions GL1b and LN2b. A visual continuity is thus obtained because of the alignment of the extreme portions of the guilloche lines and the corresponding sub-pixel lines. The extension here is discontinuous between the guilloche line and the corresponding subpixel line since a space separates the ends of the two lines.

According to another alternative represented in FIG. 10B, the rectilinear end portions GL1b and LN2b join so as to ensure a continuity extension between the lines GL1 and LN2 respectively. However, in this example, the tangent TG1 of the end portion GL1b and the tangent TG2 of the end portion LN2b are not confused since they together form an angle a different from 0 ° and 180 °.

As indicated above, it is possible to envisage examples according to which at least one of the guilloche line GL1 and the LN2 subpixel line is not rectilinear. In one particular example, at least one of these lines is curvilinear.

As illustrated in FIG. 1C, the end portion GL1b of the guilloche line GL1 may for example be curvilinear and join the end portion LN2b of the line of sub-pixels LN2. The extension is here ensured by the continuity in the junction between the two extreme portions of line.

As explained above, the present invention makes it possible in particular to make the identity documents more secure. Figures 11A and 11B illustrate examples where the authentic image 32 has been deleted by a counterfeiter and replaced by a counterfeit image. It is indeed very difficult for a counterfeiter to form the counterfeit image so that lines of sub-pixels component are in the extension of guilloche lines present on an adjacent portion of the document.

In FIG. 11A as in FIG. 11B, the LN2a and GLla ends of the LN2 and GL1 lines respectively do not meet (or are not contiguous). In addition, the extreme portions of these lines do not share the same tangent. From the space detected between the ends of these lines as well as the misalignment 40 between the respective end portions, it can thus be deduced that the identity document is not authentic.

Moreover, as shown in FIG. 12, the guilloche line GL1 and the sub-pixel line LN2 may be of the same color (CR2 in this example). In a particular example, each guilloche line extending a line of sub-pixels is in the same color as the corresponding subpixel line.

Advantageously, it is thus possible to further ensure a colorimetric continuity between subpixel lines of the matrix and the corresponding lines of guilloche. For example, it is possible to check that the color of each guilloche line coincides with the color of the corresponding subpixel line. If this is not the case, the identity document is not authentic. In a particular example, the document is considered non-authentic if the color difference between at least one guilloche line and the corresponding subpixel line exceeds a predetermined threshold.

Moreover, at least one line of the guilloche GL, and in particular the guilloche lines extending in the extension of lines of sub-pixels LN of the subpixel arrangement 19, can be customized in order to contain information, relating for example to the bearer of the identity document and / or the identity document itself (document identifier, batch etc.). In a particular example, a barcode 65 is introduced into at least one guilloche line in order to personalize it and further increase the level of security of the assembly (as shown schematically in FIG. 15). This bar code 65 is formed using for example a laser beam.

In a particular example, each vertical bar bar bar 65 is formed by at least one point (or "spot") laser in a region of the guilloche line. By adapting the number and the position of the laser spots together forming the vertical bar, we can form a barcode and thus customize the guilloche line. For example, a thin vertical bar may be formed using two laser spots adjacent to one another so that the two sports extend along the axis of the vertical bar.

It is also possible to envisage alternatives in which the guilloche line and the corresponding sub-pixel line each have a plurality of colors so that, for example, the same color code is adopted in the two lines in question. For example, the color code adopted in a line of sub-pixels can be an alternation of two distinct colors which is repeated in the successive sub-pixels of the same line of sub-pixels (eg CRI - CR2 - CRI - CR2 etc. .). In this case, the identity document may, for example, be considered non-authentic if a discrepancy is detected between the color code of a line of sub-pixels and the color code of the corresponding guilloche line.

Note also that each line of sub-pixels, in particular those extended by a line of guilloche, can be formed by a continuous or discontinuous arrangement of sub-pixels.

In addition, each guilloche line, particularly those which extend a line of subpixels, may be formed continuously or by a discontinuous arrangement of at least two segments along said guilloche line.

FIG. 16 is a photograph of an identity document comprising a guilloche and a matrix of sub-pixels, certain lines of guilloche being arranged according to a particular embodiment of the invention. A method of manufacturing an identity document 50 according to a particular embodiment of the invention is now described with reference in particular to FIGS. 13 and 14.

The identity document 50 resulting from this method notably comprises the assembly 30 described above with reference to FIG. 8.

A production phase IS is first performed in steps S2 to S6. The matrix of pixels 19 and the guilloche GL as previously described are printed on the same face 14a of the transparent layer 14 and / or on the same lower face 16b of the layer 16, this printing being carried out during the same step S2 printing. As already explained, the matrix 19 may be more generally any pixel arrangement in which each pixel of the arrangement comprises at least two sub-pixels of different colors, these sub-pixels being arranged to form at least two lines sub-pixels in said arrangement.

The matrix 19 and the guilloche GL can be printed simultaneously or sequentially during the same printing step.

According to a particular embodiment, the matrix of pixels 19 is printed on an opaque (non-transparent) layer other than the transparent layer (14 or 16), for example on a substrate (a plastic layer for example, PET or other). The pixel array 19 is nonetheless always arranged so as to be vis-à-vis the transparent layer 14 and / or 16 may be opacified, as described above. In this particular embodiment, the guilloche GL may also be printed on the face of said opaque layer comprising the arrangement 19 of pixels.

In a particular embodiment, the pixel array 19 and the guilloche GL are both printed on one and the same face of a layer (transparent or not, as the case may be), so that the pixel array is to a transparent layer that can be opacified locally (as described above). The printing of the matrix 19 and guilloche GL on the same face of a layer (for example on the transparent layer 14 or 16) during the same printing step is advantageous in that it allows to coincide more easily the ends of guilloche lines and lines of sub-pixels as described above, to obtain the desired extensions.

In a particular embodiment, the guilloche lines are made in the zone Z2 from at least one reference point in the matrix 19 (the reference points RF1 and RF2 in the example of FIG. 8). Conversely, it is possible to make the matrix of pixels 19 from at least one reference point in the guilloche. This allows optimally position the guilloche lines vis-à-vis the subpixel lines of the matrix 19.

In step S4, an image or a pattern 52 (an "artwork" for example) can be made on a face 12a of the substrate 12 in order to achieve a background that is both artistic and safe that identifies the issuer of the document and that said document.

The assembly (S6) of the face 14b of the transparent layer 14 on the face 12a of the substrate 12 is then made by lamination of the layer 14 and the substrate 12. The assembly is carried out so that the matrix 19 is placed in position. vis-à-vis the transparent layer 14. This step S6 further comprises here the possible assembly of a transparent layer 16 on the face 14a of the transparent layer 14. Where appropriate, this transparent layer 16 is adapted to be locally opaque in the same manner as the transparent layer 14. In the case where the transparent layer 16 is not applied, it is possible to assemble a transparent layer 54 on the layer 14. When, on the other hand, the transparent layer 16 is applied, it it is not necessary to add layer 54.

Still in step S6, a second substrate 56 comprising an image or a pattern 58 is assembled on the face 12b of the first substrate 12. A transparent protective layer 60 is then arranged so as to cover the second substrate 56 while allowing observe from outside the pattern 58 on the back of the identity document 50.

A personalization phase S8 comprising steps S10 and S12 is then performed. In step S10, at least one region of the transparent layers 14 and 16 is opacified in order to locally hinder the passage of light. In this example, the transparent layers 14 and 16 are of lasérisable material as already explained above, the opacification of each region concerned being obtained by the action of the laser beam on the transparent materials, for example through an additive load.

More generally, the opacification S10 is performed in at least one of the transparent layers 14 and 16 in order to at least partially block the passage of light in at least one region facing the matrix of pixels 19. In one example in particular, the opacification is performed in the transparent layer 16 capable of being opacified locally as indicated above while the transparent layer 14 is not able to be opacified locally.

It is also possible to customize (S12) guillochis GL laser for example. In a particular example, a bar code 65 is produced in at least one of the lines of the guilloche GL, as already explained above with reference to FIG. In an alternative embodiment, the guilloche GL and the pixel matrix 19 are not made during the same printing step. In a particular example, the guillochis GL and the matrix 19 are printed on different layers of the identity document 50. In this case, the guilloche GL is preferably made as a function of at least one reference point in the pixel matrix. (Or vice versa). In a particular example, the guillochis GL is not printed on the face 14a of the transparent layer 14 but on the face 12a of the substrate 12.

In a particular example, the guillochis GL is not printed on the face 14a of the transparent layer 14 but on the lower face 16b of the substrate 16.A person skilled in the art will understand that the embodiments and variants described above do not constitute that non-limiting examples of implementation of the invention. In particular, those skilled in the art may consider any combination of the variants and embodiments described above to meet a particular need.

Claims

1. Identity document (30) comprising:

a transparent layer (14, 16);

an arrangement of pixels (19) opposite the transparent layer (14, 16), each pixel (20) comprising at least two sub-pixels (21) of different colors, the sub-pixels being arranged in forming at least two subpixel lines (LN) in said pixel array (19); and

a guillochis (GL) in an area (Z2) adjacent to the arrangement (19) of pixels, said guillochis comprising at least one guilloche line (GL1,

GL2);

wherein the transparent layer (14, 16) is adapted to be opacified locally so as to at least partially block the passage of light in at least one region of the transparent layer, and

wherein at least one guilloche line (GL1), said first line, extends in line with a line of sub-pixels (LN2), said second line, belonging to the arrangement (19) of pixels of to collectively form a single line.

The document of claim 1, wherein each first line continuously or discontinuously extends a respective second line of subpixels, wherein each first line and second line is a straight or curvilinear line.

3. Document according to claim 1 or 2, wherein each said extension is made in pairs between a first line (GL1) of the guilloche and a second line (LN2) dedicated said pixel array.

The document according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein each first line is arranged with respect to the respective second line so that none of these two lines cross the other.

5. Document according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein each first line (GL1) is arranged vis-à-vis the respective second line in one of the following configurations:

a) a first end (GLla) of the first line (GLl) and a second end (LN2a) of the second line (LN2) are contiguous with each other, b) a first end portion (GLlb) of the first line (GL1) and a second end portion (LN2b) of the second line (LN2) are spaced apart and facing each other so that said first and second portions of end share a same tangent (TG).

6. Document according to claim 5, wherein, in the case of the configuration a), a first end portion (GLlb) of the first line (GL1) opening on said first end (GLla) and a second portion of end (LN2b) of said second line (LN2) opening on said second end (LN2a):

extend in the same direction so as to form a rectilinear or curvilinear junction between said first and second lines; or

- extend in different directions so as to form an angle (a) at the junction between said first and second lines.

7. Document according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein each first line (GL1, GL2) and each second line (LN) are straight and meet two by two.

The document according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the pixel arrangement (19) is printed on said transparent layer (14, 16).

9. Document according to claim 8, wherein the pixel arrangement and guilloche are printed on the same side of said transparent layer (14, 16).

The document according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein each pixel (20) of said arrangement (lc) comprises at least a first sub-pixel (PX1) in a first color (CRI) and a second sub-pixel (PX2) in a second color (CR2) different from the first color, in which the sub-pixels are arranged forming at least one line (LN1) of first sub-pixels in the first color (CRI) and at least one line (LN2) of second sub-pixels in the second color (CR2).

The document according to claim 10, wherein at least one said second line is formed by a line of first subpixels in the first color, the first corresponding line of the guilloche being formed in said first color.

12. Document according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the transparent layer (14, 16) is a polycarbonate layer, said local opacification being achievable in at least one region of the polycarbonate layer under the action of a laser beam.

The document according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein each second line (LN2) is formed by a continuous or discontinuous arrangement of subpixels.

The document according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein each first line (GL1, GL2) is formed continuously or by a discontinuous arrangement of at least two segments along said first line.

The document of any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein said first line is personalized. 16. A method of manufacturing an identity document, comprising:

providing a transparent layer (14, 16);

forming an arrangement (19) of pixels (20) vis-à-vis the transparent layer (14, 16), each pixel comprising at least two sub-pixels (21) of different colors, the sub-pixels being arranged to form at least two lines (LN) of sub-pixels in said arrangement (19);

- Formation of a guilloche (GL) in an adjacent zone (Z2) to the arrangement (19) of pixels, said guilloche comprising at least one guilloche line (GL1, GL2); and the opacification of at least one region of the transparent layer (14,

16) so as to at least partially block the passage of light in said at least one region;

wherein at least one guilloche line (GL1), said first line, is formed so as to extend in line with a line of sub-pixels

(LN2), said second line, belonging to the arrangement (19) of pixels so as to collectively form a single line.

The method of claim 16, wherein each first line (GL1) is arranged with respect to the respective second line (LN2) in one of the following configurations:

a) a first end (GLla) of the first line (GLl) and a second end (LN2a) of the second line (LN2) are contiguous with each other, b) a first end portion (GLlb) of the first line (GL1) and a second end portion (LN2b) of the second line (LN2) are spaced apart and facing each other so that said first and second portions of end (GLlb, LN2b) share the same tangent (TG).

18. The method of claim 16 or 17, wherein the arrangement (19) of pixels and the guilloche (GL) are formed during a same printing step (S2).

19. The method of claim 18, wherein the arrangement (19) of pixels and guilloche (GL) are formed on the same face of the transparent layer (14, 16).

20. A method according to any of claims 16 to 19, wherein each first line (GL1) of the guilloche (GL) is plotted as a function of the positioning of the corresponding second line (LN2).

21. A method according to any one of claims 16 to 20, wherein the transparent layer (14, 16) is polycarbonate, the local opacification being performed in at least one region of the transparent layer under the action of a laser beam.