HK1133234B - Laminated identification document and method for recording predetermined identification image thereon - Google Patents

Abstract

A laminated identification document having a plurality of laminate layers and an identification image thereon. The document has a core laminate layer having an upper surface and lower surface, at least one surface of which is printed with a dot matrix pattern and at least one visually opaque or reflective laminate layer bonded to and overlaying the printed surface. Upon pitting the laminate layer portions, the dot matrix pattern printed on the core laminate is expopsed to thereby form the identifying image. A laser markable laminated identification document having a plurality of laminate layers wherein a compatibilising layer is bonded to adjoining laminate layers, the compatibilising layer includes an imaging material that can be laser marked. A laminated identification document having a plurality of laminate layers and an identification image thereon, wherein at least one laminate layer is a compatibilising layer.

Description

Laminated identification document and method for recording a predetermined identification image on such a document

RELATED APPLICATIONS: this application claims priority from U.S. provisional application serial No. 60/857,031, filed on 6.11.2006.

Technical Field

The present invention relates to laminated documents requiring security. More particularly, the present invention relates to laminated identification documents (identification documents), passports and smart cards, and other similar types of security documents.

Background

True personal authentication is a growing problem. Identity theft is rampant and stolen identities have been used to implement terrorist attacks. Computer networks and secure areas have been compromised by compromised keys, passwords, and codes.

One conventional solution typically includes an identification document having a biometric mark, such as a photographic image or fingerprint of an authorized holder, on the document, the biometric mark being protected from tampering by one or more security features.

Another solution is the one known as a smart card or smart pass. A typical smart card includes a core (core) layer that is preferably pre-printed with, for example, personal information. Typically, such preprinting of the core is done before the smart card module is inserted or installed. If desired, high quality images and text can be printed on both sides of the core. The printed core is then preferably covered with a laminate layer that protects the preprinted core from intrusion and protects it from abrasion and tearing that occur each day of use. Subsequently, a cavity is formed in the laminated structure and the integrated circuit module is secured in the cavity. Antennas connected to smart card chips are sometimes embedded within the card to allow communication by radio frequency.

U.S. patent No.6,843,422 to Jones et al broadly describes current practice of manufacturing contactless and contact smart documents for delayed issuance and distribution from a centralized location and immediate issuance and distribution from an off-site location. The practice described in Jones et al is also used in the manufacture of other laminated indicia bearing articles. The entire disclosure of Jones et al is incorporated herein by reference.

For security reasons, identification cards (identification cards) issued from a centralized location and issued from a non-centralized off-site location have the same functionality and appearance. The manufacture of cards meeting ISO specifications involves many manufacturing steps. Thus, the card body is typically manufactured at a centralized location and subsequently personalized at a later time at a non-centralized location. Personalization of printing is typically accomplished by dye diffusion thermal transfer imaging (D2T2) or laser engraving. D2T2 printed cards are generally not durable enough for long-life identification cards (identity cards), whereas laser engraved cards are generally a color print on a contrasting background. It is therefore desirable to be able to print a multicoloured personalized image on a final card that meets the physical requirements of the ISO specifications.

Jones et al also describe printed and laminated identification documents in which the core is based on microporous synthetic paper. Such an identification document may also be a smart card comprising an integrated circuit, such as a semiconductor chip and an interface. The cards may also be printed with identification indicia or other images by laser, thermal transfer and/or offset printing methods, and may include, for example, photographic images, and/or customized or personalized text and data. Microporous materials are easier to print and laminate because, for example, ink and polymer layers used for lamination can partially flow into the micropores of the material. This helps to bond the ink and laminate layers to the core structure, thereby achieving a more secure document than one achieved with a polymer core. However, microporous core materials, e.g.Synthetic paper has some physical disadvantages that are structurally weaker than solid core materials and, as a thermoplastic material, is more prone to delamination under heat. Thus, it would be desirable to use a solid core but still have good printability while maintaining a robust laminate structure.

The basic card manufacturing process is also at the International Card Manufacturing Association (ICMA) Web site ((R))www.icma.org) Section 5-the bases of Card Manufacturing (Chapter V-Card Manufacturing base). This entire document is incorporated herein by reference.

Standard test methods for identification cards are described in ISO/IEC 10373-2003 "identification card test method and ANSIINCITS322-2002 card durability test method". The entire disclosures of these documents are incorporated herein by reference.

Jones et al enumerate other deficiencies and problems associated with conventional smart cards. In the case of contact smart cards, some of these problems include the smart card module popping out of the card when bent, under bending stresses that damage the smart card module, and/or the card itself being cracked by normal wear and tear.

Various lamination processes for identification cards are disclosed in U.S. patent nos. 5,783,024, 6,007,660, 6,066,594, 6,159,327, 6,283,188 and 6,003,581. The entire disclosures of these patents are incorporated herein by reference.

Jones et al indicate that the most preferred laminate layer is polycarbonate. Polycarbonates are rigid polymers with a high melting point, which can compensate for flexibilityHowever, polycarbonate is expensive, cannot be embossed, and is very sensitive to scratch impact failure unless coated. This means that if the surface is scratched, it may be cracked by the scratch. U.S. Pat. No.6,066,594 to Gunn and 5,334,573 to Schild, both to Jones et al, describe coating the polycarbonate with a receptor coating for dye diffusion thermal transfer (D2T 2). Jones et al do not teach or suggest that these acceptor coatings are impact modifying layers to reduce the scratch sensitivity of polycarbonate. A disadvantage of Gunn and Schild coatings is that they are solvent based coatings, including aggressive organic solvents, and additionally they are undesirable for environmental and work safety issues. Some of these solvent-based coatings are known solvents for polycarbonate and PET that can lead to cracks that lead to crack formation in polymer films, see, for example, the evolution environmental stress Cracking of Medical Plastics (MPB archives, 5 months 98 years). Thus, the use of solvent systems in these types of applications is generally undesirable. Extrusion of Gunn and Schild coatings is possible, but the materials need to be thermoplastic, and such materials, because they remain thermoplastic, may be removed, i.e. tampered, by thermal means.

The primary attraction of polycarbonate as a transparent upper laminate layer is that it is available on a laser markable scale from suppliers such as bayer, germany. This allows the permanent burn mark to be burned into the polymer to be marked. Such burning marks make modification of the data difficult or impossible to achieve. Such a solution does not address the scratch sensitivity and cracking potential of polycarbonate nor the need for personalization of color OTCs when using dye diffusion thermal transfer D2T 2. Pure polycarbonate did not accept standard D2T2 printing.

Jones et al also describe the use of various adhesive layers AD 1-3, but do not distinguish between thermoplastic and thermoset materials. An adhesive material (e.g., layers 11 and 13 of Jones et al, FIG. 1) may include, for example, KRTY (Transilwrap, Franklin Park, IL). KRTY is a polyolefin thermoplastic adhesive. Also cited are thermoplastic polyurethanes (e.g., CLA93A from Thermedics inc.).

Us patent 6,905,742 to Konerpalle addresses the problem of card body lamination and personalization with ID tags. Konerpale describes extrusion lamination of a porous ink receptor synthetic layer (e.g., porous Teslin) to a more rigid polypropylene core composition using thermoplastic adhesive compatible materials such as ELVAX 3175 ethylene vinyl acetate polymer, and BYNEL 3101 acid/acrylate modified ethylene vinyl acetate polymer, ELVALOY 741 resin modifier, and FUSABOND polymeric coupling agent (naltrel dupont, Wilmington, DE). The laminate structure of Konerpalle is based on and bonded together with thermoplastic materials, no thermoset materials are mentioned.

All of the foregoing references describe security documents produced by laminating and bonding structures together thermally using thermoplastic materials attached to each other and/or using thermoplastic adhesives. Such materials tend to have melting points between 80 deg. -170 deg.c. Such thermoplastic polymers can be easily and repeatedly softened and hardened by the application of heat and subsequent cooling. The manufacture of laminate layers from such materials is subject to thermal delamination. Such characteristics make security documents made from such materials highly susceptible to security breaches and tampering.

Jones et al and konerpale, respectively, focus on the necessity of having a porous printing surface both to accept the printed indicia and to ensure proper lamination of the structure including the porous scrim as an RF antenna/die carrier.

Thus, there are serious deficiencies in current structures that involve susceptibility to thermal delamination and weakening of the physical structure by using solvent-based processes.

Laser engraving or marking has advanced in the years. U.S. patent No.6,342,335 to Fujita discusses an advance in image recording laser technology systems that use a laser beam to achieve high speed recording or high density high image quality recording. The image forming system uses a laser thermal recording material or a laser thermal transfer recording material for a recording system, in which a laser beam is converted into heat. The entire disclosure of Fujita et al is incorporated herein by reference.

There are also techniques for writing CDs or DVDs that achieve the marking by creating pits with different reflectivity. Us patent 7,215,625 to Yamamoto describes an optical disc recording apparatus that records a visible image on an optical disc by forming a scar using laser light that is larger than the dots typically used for digital recording, thereby changing reflectivity and allowing the visible image to be recorded. There is no teaching or suggestion to use laser engraved score points to form black and white or color images in the visible region of the spectrum or any application to security documents.

Disclosure of Invention

The present invention is directed to the use of compatible imaging materials that can be laser marked at low power densities (less than 1 watt/micron) and still have very high adhesive strength. Thus, by reducing explosive laser forces and increasing the adhesive strength of compatible structures, one can create laser-markable robust card and CD structures that do not delaminate or redeposit material in undesired areas.

It is a further object of the invention to provide one or more compatibilising layers between the laminate layers in the identification card structure, wherein such compatibilising layers may be partially or fully thermosetting.

It is a further object of the invention to provide one or more compatibilising layers between the laminate layers in an identification card structure, wherein the identification card structure comprises a water-based and/or radiation-curable material, which material is environmentally acceptable.

It is a further object of the present invention to remedy certain problems associated with such card structures by using such one or more compatibilising layers in the identification card structure, in particular to minimise or prevent bending stresses damaging the card, and/or to prevent the card itself from cracking due to normal wear and tear.

It is yet another object of the present invention to prevent the smart card module from popping out of the card when bent, minimize or prevent bending stresses that damage the card, and/or prevent the card itself from cracking due to normal wear and tear by using such one or more compatibilising layers in place of the conventional die adhesives in smart cards.

Yet another object of the present invention is to overcome the problems associated with the use of solvent systems with aggressive organic solvents that cause cracks and cause cracking deformations in the polymer film, and are undesirable for environmental and work safety issues, by using such one or more compatibilising layers.

Yet another object of the present invention is to obtain an identification card that is transparent in the visible region of 400-800nm and absorptive at the laser wavelength by using such one or more compatibilising layers to allow marking of a clear coated or laminated white or clear (clear) core with indicia such as barcodes, photographs and other indicia containing biological or data.

Yet another object of the present invention is to obtain an identification card with transparency or non-transparency or reflectivity in the visible region of 400-800nm and absorption at the laser wavelength by using such one or more compatibilising layers to allow marking of non-transparent or reflective coated or laminated white or clear cores with multi-coloured markings such as barcodes, photographs and other biological or data containing markings. Preferably, the recording medium is a metallic layer, and the metallic layer does not interfere with transmission of the RF data to the contactless card antenna.

Yet another object of the present invention is to obtain an identification card with high reflectivity in the visible region of 400-800nm and absorption at the laser wavelength by using such one or more compatibilising layers to allow marking of non-transparent or reflective coated or laminated white or clear cores with multi-colored indicia such as barcodes, photographs and other indicia containing biometric or data. Preferably, the recording medium is a non-transparent or partially non-transparent layer which can be made transparent by exposure to laser energy, for example: a foam layer that when heated causes the foam to collapse into a solid projection layer, a crystalline or semi-crystalline or liquid crystal layer light scattering layer, which becomes transparent upon exposure to laser or other radiation.

Yet another object of the present invention is to obtain an identification card with high reflectivity in the visible region of 400-800nm and absorption at the laser wavelength by using such one or more compatibilising layers to allow marking of non-transparent or reflective coated or laminated white or clear cores with multi-colored indicia such as barcodes, photographs and other indicia containing biological or data. Preferably, the recording medium is a holographic metallic layer and the imaging operation creates discontinuities in the metallic layer and does not interfere with the transmission of the RF data to the contactless card antenna. The holographic material may have tracks to help guide an LD write/read control mechanism similar to CD or DVD write materials.

All of the foregoing objects are achieved by the method and structure of the present invention.

In one embodiment, a method is provided for recording a predetermined identification image on a laminated identification document having a plurality of laminate layers. The method includes providing a laminated identification document comprising a core laminate layer having an upper surface and a lower surface, at least one surface of the core laminate layer having a dot matrix pattern printed thereon. Further, at least one visually non-transparent or reflective laminate layer is bonded to and covers the printed surface. Subsequently, the non-transparent or reflective laminate layer is spotted to enable portions of the dot matrix printed on the core laminate layer to be revealed (exposed), thereby forming the identification image.

In another embodiment of the invention, a laser markable laminated identification document having a plurality of laminate layers is provided. The identification document includes a compatible layer bonded to an adjacent laminate layer, the compatible layer including an imaging material that can be laser marked at a power density of less than about 1 watt/micron and that maintains an adhesive bond with the adjacent layer to thereby form a laser markable identification card.

In yet another embodiment of the invention, a laminated identification document having a plurality of laminate layers and an identification image thereon is provided. The document comprises: a core laminate layer having an upper surface and a lower surface, at least one surface of the core laminate layer having a dot matrix pattern printed thereon. Further, at least one visually non-transparent or reflective laminate layer is provided bonded to and covering the printed surface. Once the laminate layer is scored, the portion of the dot matrix pattern printed on the core laminate layer is revealed to thereby form the identification image.

In a further embodiment of the invention, there is provided a laminated identification document having a plurality of laminate layers and an identification image thereon, wherein at least one of the laminate layers is a compatibilising layer.

Drawings

Further aspects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent with reference to the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1.1 is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary identification document including a document core.

FIG. 1.2 is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary identification document including a document core and including representative functionality of the various layers.

The cross-sectional views and functions are exemplary only, and other uses or combinations will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a test structure simplified from fig. 1 that allows testing of the functionality of the compliance layer of the present invention implementation.

Of course, the drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles of the invention. In the drawings, like numbering represents like elements.

Detailed Description

The present invention relates to identification documents on which optically recorded images can be produced. The means for producing these images comprise an optical pickup, an image encoder which generates data corresponding to the visible image drawn in the recording area of the document, a laser density LD control unit which controls the optical pickup and records the mark point (pit) in the document. The indentations are engraved in a visually non-transparent and/or reflective recording medium forming a top layer of the identification document, the indentations being aligned with the colour dots located below the top layer. Thus, when the stippling is formed, it allows the underlying colour dots to be visible, thereby forming a visible image in the document. In the usual CMYK (Hexachrome tm Pantone), CMYKOG (Opaltone tm Opaltone), CMYKR 'G "B' printing systems, the color dots can be printed under the imaging layer as full-screen dots. Multicolor Printing is described briefly by Michael Adam et al in Printing Technology (Printing Technology, Delmar Thomson Learning 2002) chapter V. The entire disclosure of Adam et al is incorporated herein by reference.

The system controller determines whether reproducible data is stored in a recording area of the identification document, and records a visible image by controlling the LD control unit. Visible trace dots are formed to reveal the dots of the underlying printed matrix. The wavelength and reflectivity of the area in which the elongated spots are formed changes and the area becomes visible to the user. Therefore, any characters and figures specified by the external device can be visually recorded in color on the data recording surface of the identification card in addition to the digital data.

Furthermore, areas of the imaged material that are not "pierced" by the long-mark spots (lands) can still be used for digital recording in a conventional manner. Thus, for example, a photograph or barcode or other biological information may be recorded in the same medium in two visual colors (using long or large dots), and redundantly digitally recorded in a junction region around the region where the color dots have been printed (using regular-sized recording dots). It is even possible to read the long mark points and record them as data.

Furthermore, when the recording medium is a metallic (such as aluminum, copper or other conductive or semiconductive) material, the remaining bonding areas of the imaging material form an antenna having a specific electromagnetic signature when detected by RF radiation. Electromagnetic signatures are used in the manufacture of UHF static RFID tags such as those manufactured by Avery Dennison corporation or Omron corporation. The information may be encoded to be RF readable by laser firing the appropriate pattern in the conductive imaging layer. This allows triple redundancy of information in the card structure: visual ID, optical storage, and RF ID.

Further, the LD control unit may be designed to read RF information and a visible image created by a large mark. For example, a white LED light source has a light source forColor detector of CMYKR ' G ' B ' ink dot. This allows the recording of multiple states 0-7 in the case of Opaltone CMYKR ' G ' B ' printing, in addition to typical 0 or 1 digital recording. Wherein 0 is not recorded, 1 is C, 2 is M, 3 is Y, etc. The additional 3+ factor increase in memory capacity with multiple on-off states can be used to offset the loss of memory capacity by using larger footprints. In any case for an identity card, the memory requirements are very small and can be easily accommodated with the conventional 0-1 recording method.

Furthermore, images with visible CMYK colors can be printed in a conventional way giving a static mark consisting of subtractive colors. Such as a state seal. The R 'G' B dots are interspersed with static images and can be personalized with a laser to give indicia such as a personal photograph composition. The RGB dots may be replaced by color dots that are detectable only when exposed to radiation outside the visible, such as UV or IR radiation exposing fluorescent or phosphorescent ink dots. The fluorescent or phosphorescent ink dots serve as security markings. Now, such cards with security dots may have personal security indicia. Such as a personal identification number or a bar code of the individual. It is now also possible to personalize the security token off-site in a similar way as a central issued card.

When engraving with a laser, it is generally desirable to protect the engraved area from tampering and to ensure a long life of the mark. Therefore, it is desirable to focus the laser light below the surface. The energy absorbing explosive force of the process can be very high (multiple watts per square micron). Such high forces may lead to delamination in the structure of the laminate layer. Explosive materials can redeposit onto the surface, causing image defects or antenna defects. It is therefore desirable to use rigid materials that can withstand the explosive forces of laser engraving while still maintaining the integrity of the adhesive structure.

The present invention uses compatible imaging materials that can be laser marked at lower power densities (less than 1 watt/micron) and still have very high adhesive strength. Thus, by reducing the laser explosive force and increasing the adhesive strength of compatible structures, robust (robust) laser markable identity card structures can be created that will not delaminate or redeposit material in unwanted areas.

One or more compatibilising layers are used between the laminate layers in the identification card structure. More specifically, the compatibilising layer may be partially or fully thermosetting. Preferably, the layer comprises a water-based and/or radiation-curable material for environmental and structural reasons.

The use of such one or more compatibilising layers in the identification card structure minimises or prevents bending stresses that damage the card and/or prevents cracking of the card itself due to normal wear and tear. These layers may replace conventional chip adhesive in smart cards to prevent the smart card module from ejecting from the card when bent.

The compatibilization layer or layers overcome the problems associated with using solvent systems with aggressive organic solvents that initiate cracking (crazing) and result in the formation of cracks in the polymer film, and are undesirable for environmental and operational safety issues.

One or more compatibilising layers in the identification card may provide a card that is transparent in the 400-800nm visible region and absorptive to the laser wavelength to allow marking of a transparent overlay or laminated white or clear core with multi-color indicia such as barcodes, photographs and indicia containing other biological or data. In addition, one or more compatibilising layers may provide an identification card that is transparent or opaque or reflective in the 400-800nm visible region and absorptive to the laser wavelength to allow marking of a non-transparent or reflective coating or laminated white or clear core with multi-color indicia such as barcodes, photographs and indicia containing other biological or data. Furthermore, if the recording medium is a metallic layer, the metallic layer does not interfere with the transmission of RF data to the antenna of the contactless card, and the metallic layer itself can serve as an antenna tag with a unique signature in response to RF radiation.

Alternatively, the recording medium is a non-transparent or partially non-transparent layer that can be made transparent by exposure to laser energy, for example: which when heated causes the foam to collapse into a solid projection layer, such as a crystalline or semi-crystalline or liquid crystal light scattering layer, which becomes transparent upon exposure to laser or other radiation.

The recording medium may also be a holographic metallic layer and the imaging operation creates discontinuities in the metallic layer and does not interfere with the transmission of RF data to the contactless card antenna. The holographic material may have tracks to help guide an LD write/read control mechanism similar to CD or DVD write materials.

As used herein, the terms identification document and ID document are intended to include all types of identification documents. Further, as used herein, the terms certificate, card, badge and credential may be used interchangeably. Further, identification documents and ID documents are broadly defined herein to include, but are not limited to, documents, discs, credit cards, bank cards, phone cards, passports, drivers' licenses, network access cards, employee badges, logos, bracelets (fob), debit cards, security cards, visas, immigration documents, national ID cards, citizenship cards, social security cards and badges, certificates, identification cards or documents, voter registration cards, police ID cards, entry cards, security permits and cards, gun permits, badges, gift certificates or cards, membership cards or badges, tags (tag), CDs, DVDs and consumer products such as knobs (knobs), keyboards, electronic components, etc., or any other suitable article or object that can record information, images and/or other data that can be associated with a person or brand identified as requiring a particular level of security and tamper resistance, Functions and/or objects or other entities.

Further, as used herein, indicia includes, but is not limited to, information, decoration, and any other use for which indicia may be placed on an article in its original, partially prepared, or final state.

Although the present invention is primarily intended for use with security identification documents and cards, it may additionally be used in product labels, product packaging, business cards, bags, icons, maps, labels, etc., particularly in articles that include a laminate or over-laminate structure. Accordingly, the term "identification document" is broadly defined herein to include such labels, tags, packaging, cards, and the like.

As used herein, a thermoset material or polymer is a plastic material that will undergo or has undergone a chemical reaction, such as crosslinking, by heat, radiation, or a catalyst to form a solid body. Once the material has undergone its reaction, it does not return to its original state and does not flow when reheated. The thermal curing reaction may be a chemical reaction or a crosslinking reaction caused by thermal means, radiation, catalysts or other means. Pure thermoset materials are generally rigid, but rubbery elastomeric thermoset materials are also well known.

Here, in one of many aspects of the present invention, a compatible material system has been developed that includes a thermoset material that retains flexibility; such materials are flexible and sufficiently thermoset to resist thermal delamination when providing a bond to the various films and marking materials used in the sign construction. After thermal lamination, the logo structures using the compatible material system of the present invention are highly resistant to delamination and impart impact strength to the structure.

As used herein, the term compatible means working together without conflict. Details regarding compatibilizer (compatiblizer) processes and materials can be found in Polymeric Compatibilizers, Use and polymers Blends (Use and benefit of Polymeric Compatibilizers in Polymer Blends) in the book Datta et al (Hanser published, 1996). The entire disclosure of Data and the like is incorporated herein by reference.

The compatible layer as used in the laminate layer of the present invention may have one or several functions, such as an adhesive (adhesive) for bonding the layers together, a dye and pigment carrier for good adhesion of inks or colored overlays (photographs, barcodes, fingerprints) for decorative or data carrying purposes (e.g. biometric data) to the layers above or below, a security dye and pigment (e.g. holographic, pearlescent and metallic pigments) carrier for good adhesion of inks and colored overlays to the layers above or below, an impact modifying overlay, a printed surface leveling agent when high resolution printing is not normally possible on rough surfaces, a surface tension modifier to allow good contact of the polymer or ink layers with each other, and as an acceptor overlay for receiving indicia.

The compatible layer used in the present invention can be applied as a coating or label by gravure printing, flexographic printing, serigraphy, both liquid and solid toner based copying, ink jet, and as an extruded polymer or hot melt. Laminate layers made with compatible layers of the present invention are much less susceptible to thermal delamination due to their primarily thermoset nature. Laminates made with these materials perform well in industrial ISO testing.

One aspect of the invention relates to a method of producing an identification document by: providing a first laminate layer, a second laminate layer and a compatibilising layer and subsequently laminating them together with the compatibilising layer in between.

Another aspect of the invention relates to a method of generating a smart identification card comprising the steps of:

providing a first laminate layer and a second laminate layer, the first laminate layer having a front surface and a back surface and the second laminate layer having a front surface and a back surface;

disposing an adhesive adjacent to the back surface of the first laminate layer;

disposing a compatibilizing layer adjacent to the back surface of the second laminate layer;

providing a core having a top surface and a bottom surface;

laminating the first laminate layer, adhesive layer, core, compatibilizing layer and second laminate layer to form a structure;

machining a portion of the structure; and

an integrated circuit module is provided in the machined portion of the structure, the integrated circuit module providing the functionality of at least some of the smart cards.

Yet another aspect of the invention includes an identification document comprising:

a first transparent polymeric film, such as a PET (polyethylene terephthalate) film, including a top surface and a bottom surface;

a second transparent polymeric film, such as a PET film, comprising a top surface and a bottom surface;

an image receiving layer provided on the first film top surface;

a compliant layer in contact with the first film bottom surface and the second film top surface, the compliant layer functioning to secure the first film and the second film to each other.

The aforementioned structures may be made of any combination of at least one of the following either by themselves or with each other: polymers, synthetic or non-synthetic papers, polyolefins, silica-filled polyolefins, polyvinyl chloride, polycarbonates, amorphous and biaxially oriented polyester terephthalate and polyester naphthalate, glycol modified polyesters, styrene, high impact polystyrene, acrylonitrile styrene butadiene, acrylic, polyketones, cellulose esters, polysulfones, polyamides, polycarbonates. The polymer may be a porous or non-porous synthetic material.

Yet another aspect of the invention provides a method of making a contactless smart identification document using a compatible layer of the invention. The method comprises the following steps:

providing a carrier layer comprising at least an antenna and an electronic circuit, wherein the carrier comprises at least one permeable (permeable) area;

disposing the carrier layer between the first contact layer and the second contact layer, and then

Securing the first and second contact layers to the carrier layer by at least one of heat and pressure such that at least a portion of one of the first and second contact layers migrates to the carrier layer in the one permeable region; and

providing first and second laminate layers at least over the first and second contact layers, respectively, wherein at least one of the layers is a compatibilising layer.

For purposes of explanation, the following sections will generally be developed with reference to contact smart cards (sometimes interchangeably referred to as contact smart IDs or identification documents, or smart IDs or identification documents).

Preferred contact smart labels include a document core and a fused (fused) or fixed (fused) polymer laminate layer, at least one of which is a compliant or laminated layer. The multi-layered identification document is provided with an integrated circuit to provide processing and/or memory storage. It should be appreciated, however, that the present invention is not so limited. Indeed, as those skilled in the art will appreciate, the inventive techniques may be applied to many other structures formed in many different ways. For example, a contactless smart card module may be suitably packaged, wherein such packaging is disposed in a cavity formed in a multilayer credential structure of the present invention.

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of an identification document according to one aspect of the invention. The Identification (ID) certificate is used as a basis for intelligent identification of the certificate. Indicia (i.e., "information") may be provided (e.g., screen printed, offset printed, gravure printed, heat transferred, provided by laser inkjet printing, laser engraving, etc.) on the front and/or back surfaces of the core or cover layer. For example, the information may include variable information that is unique to the cardholder (e.g., name, date of birth, age, gender, weight, address, biometric information, photograph, and/or signature, etc.). The information may also comprise so-called "fixed" information. Fixed information is generally considered to be that which remains constant from card to card, such as issuing authority information, signatures, and/or some type of security design, etc. Additional information, such as optically variable devices (optically variable devices), may be provided at various layers of the structure. Other security features that may optionally be present on the smart identification document include, for example, ghosting, microprinting, ultraviolet or infrared images, biometric information, and the like. We can optionally provide a print receiver (e.g., an image receiving layer) to help the core or laminate layer better receive the printed or transferred information (see, e.g., D2T2 receiver discussed in this patent document and U.S. patent No.6,066,594, which is incorporated herein by reference).

There are many materials that can be used in the identification document of the present invention, for example, with reference to FIG. 1, the core material can include a porous composite (e.g., TESLIN), other synthetic materials, polymers, composites, and/or polyolefins. TESLIN is a synthetic paper sold by PPG industries, and may be provided in sheets, with multiple cores taken from each TESLIN.

Porous materials as well as non-porous materials may be used. Laminate layers (sometimes referred to as "upper laminate layers") may include, but are not limited to, films and sheet products. Laminate layers that may be used with at least some embodiments of the present invention include those that comprise a substantially transparent polymer and/or a substantially transparent compatibilizer layer that can function as an adhesive, or those that have a substantially transparent polymer and/or a substantially transparent adhesive as part of their structure (e.g., as an extruded feature). In some embodiments of the invention, the term "laminate layer" may include both laminate layers and adhesive layers (e.g., layers 8 and 9 of fig. 1). Examples of useful laminate layers include polyesters, polycarbonates, polystyrenes, cellulosics, polyolefins, polysulfones or polyamides, and the like. The laminate layer may also be made using amorphous or biaxially oriented polymers. The laminate layer may comprise a plurality of individual laminate layers, such as boundary layers and/or film layers.

Referring to fig. 1, layer 24 and other layers indicate core polymer layers, which may be formed of any polymer, such as polyester, polystyrene, cellulosics, polyolefins, polysulfones, or polyimides. Amorphous or biaxially oriented polymers may be used. However, preferred polymers for use herein are polycarbonate, PET and PVC. The polymer 24 may be colored, for example white, to help emphasize the indicia provided. Alternatively, the compatible layers 23 and 25 may be white (see example 4 herein).

One preferred implementation uses polycarbonate, polyester or PVC as the capping polymer and a UV-cured acrylate copolymer as the compatibilizer. Of course, other materials may be used instead. If the adhesive layer comprises polyurethane, a chemical typically based on isocyanates, various monomers as well as different reactants and additives may be used in the synthesis of polymeric materials with desired properties, such as flexibility, toughness, durability, tack and UV stability. In addition, different polyurethane compounds may be applied to the various layers to achieve desired properties.

The antenna/chip structure is preferably disposed or embedded between two cores, layers 20-24 of fig. 1. Of these, 20 and 24 are cotton and linen fabrics that have been saturated with the combination of compatibilizers 21 and 23 (see example 3 herein).

Water-based and UV-curable multifunctional compatible materials

The properties of the compatibilizing agent (compatiliser) used herein can be tailored by combining the following reagents:

C1-Soft, somewhat elastic Polymer component

C2-hard, rigid Polymer component

C3-radiation curing agent (UV, visible, infrared, electron beam, microwave)

C4-chemically reactive reagents or sensitizers

C5-Heat reactive reagent

C6-other additives for controlling the rheological stability and transfer characteristics of inks or coatings

The compatibilizing agent may be in the form of a solvent-based, water-based, hot melt (hot melt) or radiation curable composition. UV and visible curable compositions are preferred because they cure rapidly on commercially available equipment.

U.S. patent No.6,890,625 to Sigel describes typical UV and radiation curing formulations for hard surface coatings. However, similar compositions may be formulated to be soft.

The UV-curable coating composition employed herein includes one or more UV-curable components, typically monomers or oligomers (including ethylenic unsaturation), and one or more matting agents (matting agents). The composition may also include one or more aqueous and/or organic solvents, reactive diluents, UV photoinitiators, cure modifying agents (current altering agents), and other optional components.

UV curable monomers

Any suitable monomer or oligomer that can form a coating layer (coating layer) when applied to a surface and be UV cured may be used as the compatibilizing agent (compatibilizing agent) in the present invention. These monomers and oligomers are well known to those skilled in the art. In one embodiment, the oligomer is liquid at room temperature, highly branched, and has multiple (meth) acrylate functionalities. As used herein, the term "(meth) acrylate" and variants thereof refer to acrylates, methacrylates, and mixtures thereof. Examples include polyester (meth) acrylates, urethane (meth) acrylates, polyester-urethanes, acrylated epoxies, polyepoxides, and mixtures thereof. They may also include thiol-ene (thiol-ene) chemicals or mixtures of acrylates and thiol-ene chemicals. In one embodiment, the acrylic urethanes are derived from aliphatic diisocyanates that can impart a suitable range of crosslink density and glass transition temperature to the compatibilizing agent.

In one embodiment, the resin structure includes one or more diisocyanate and/or isocyanurate structures, polyester polyols, and polyesters including hydroxyl and acryloyl functionalities.

C3-UV photoinitiator. Thermal initiators and curing Agents ("gloss control Agents")

Photoinitiators can include benzophenone-type initiators, phosphine oxides, acetophenone derivatives, and cationic photoinitiators such as triarylsulfonium salts and aryliodonium salts. In one embodiment, the photoinitiator is water soluble. Examples include benzophenones; 4-methylbenzophenone; benzyl dimethyl ketal; diethoxyacetophenone; benzoin ethers; thioxanthones; 1-hydroxycyclohexyl benzophenone (Irgacure 184 available from Ciba Corp); 2-hydroxy-2-methyl-1-phenol-propan-1-one; 4- (2-hydroxyethoxy) phenyl- (2-hydroxy-2-methylpropyl) ketone; 2, 4, 6-trimethylbenzoyldiphenylphosphine oxide; bis (2, 6-dimethoxybenzoyl) -2, 4, 4-trimethylpentylphosphine oxide; 2, 2-dimethoxy-2-phenylacetophenone; 2-benzyl-2-N, N-dimethylamino-1- (4-morpholinophenyl) -1-butanone; 2-methyl-1- [4- (methylthio) phenyl ] -2-morpholinopropan-1-one.

In one embodiment, the photoinitiator is benzophenone, alone or in combination with other photoinitiators, photoactivators and/or photosensitizers. In another embodiment, free radical initiators that generate free radicals upon exposure to heat rather than light ("thermal initiators"), for example, various peroxide initiators, may be employed alone or in combination with a photoinitiator. These thermal initiators are well known to those skilled in the art. In this case, heat or a combination of heat and UV irradiation may be employed in the first set (first set) of polymerization conditions.

Commercially available photoinitiators that may be used include Darocur 1173 (2-hydroxy-2-methyl-1-phenolpropan-1-one), Irgacure 184 (1-hydroxycyclohexylbenzophenone), Darocure 4265 (50% of 2-hydroxy-2-methyl-1-phenyl-1-one and 50% of 2, 4, 6-trimethylbenzoyldiphenylphosphine oxide), Irgacure 907 (2-methyl-1- [4- (methylthio) phenyl ] -2-morpholinopropan-1-one), Irgacure 1700 (25% of bis (2, 6-dimethoxybenzoyl) -2, 4, -4-trimethylpentylphosphine oxide and 75% of 2-hydroxy-2-methyl-1-phenyl-propan-1-one), Benzophenone, Irgacure 819(BAPO phenyl bis (2, 4, 6-trimethylbenzoyl) -phosphine oxide), Lucrin (MAPO diphenyl (2, 4, 6-trimethylbenzoyl) -phosphine oxide), and Irgacure 651(α, α -dimethoxy- α -phenylacetophenone), each of which is commercially available from Ciba Geigy. Initiators of other thioxanthone (thixanthone) compound families, such as ITX and CTX, can be used alone or in combination with the initiators mentioned above.

C-5 Reactive Diluents (Reactive Diluents)

Examples of suitable reactive diluents include acrylated materials such as (meth) acrylic acid, (meth) isodecyl acrylate, N-vinylformamide, (isobomyl) methacrylate, tetraethylene glycol (meth) acrylate, tripropylene glycol (meth) acrylate, hexanediol di (meth) acrylate, ethoxylated bisphenol-A di (meth) acrylate, ethoxylated neopentyl glycol di (meth) acrylate, propoxylated neopentyl glycol di (meth) acrylate, ethoxylated tripropylene glycol di (meth) acrylate, glycerol propoxylated tri (meth) acrylate, tri (2-hydroxyethyl) isocyanurate tri (meth) acrylate, pentaerythritol tetra (meth) acrylate, dimethylolpropane tri (meth) acrylate dipentaerythritol caprolactone acrylate (dimethylolpropane tri (meth) acrylate dipentaerythritol caprolactone acrylate), hydroxycaprolactone acrylate monohydroxypenta (meth) acrylate, trimethylolpropane and tri (meth) acrylate, and ethoxylated and propoxylated analogs thereof.

Ink vehicle/extender compositions are well known to those skilled in the art. In one embodiment, the compatibilizing layer comprises polyvinyl acetate/polyvinyl chloride copolymer in a suitable organic solvent (e.g., Slink 0122, FM Group Inc.). Other hydroxyl-modified vinyl chloride/vinyl acetate resins may also be employed. The compatible layer may comprise acrylates or derivatives thereof, and other shine systems (varnish systems) comprising combinations of acrylates and/or derivatives thereof and polyvinylidene chloride (polyvinylidene chloride) and/or polyvinylidene fluoride (polyvinylidene fluoride).

The resin forming the compatible layer is not particularly limited, and various types of resins known in the art, such as a binder resin, may be employed. Examples of the listed representative binder resins may be methacrylic-based acrylic resins, styrene-based resins (e.g., polystyrene, etc.), vinyl chloride-based resins (e.g., polyvinyl chloride, etc.), vinylidene chloride-based resins (e.g., polyvinylidene chloride, etc.), polyester-based resins (e.g., polyethylene terephthalate, etc.), cellulose-based resins (e.g., cellulose acetate, etc.), vinyl acetal-based resins (e.g., polyvinyl butyral, etc.), epoxy-based resins, amide-based resins, urethane-based resins, melamine-based resins, alkyd-based resins, phenol-based resins, fluorine-based resins, silicon-based resins, polycaprolactone, polycarbonate, polyurethane, polyvinyl alcohol, casein, gelatin, etc. Further, resins that can be hardened by ionizing radiation or heat, such as ionizing radiation hardening resins or heat hardening resins, may be employed in combination.

In one embodiment, the reactive diluent is a monofunctional or multifunctional acrylate having a number average molecular weight of about 226 to about 2000. Examples include tetraglydicyl acrylate having a molecular weight of about 302, ethoxylated bisphenol-a diacrylate having a number average molecular weight of about 776 (SR 602 available from Sartomer Company), trihydroxyethyl isocyanuric acid triacrylate having a molecular weight of about 423 (SR 368 available from Sartomer), trimethylolpropane triacrylate having a number average molecular weight of about 296 (SR 351 available from Sartomer Company), and ethoxylated trimethylolpropane triacrylates having a number average molecular weight of from about 400 to about 2000 (SR 454, SR499, SR502, SR9035, and SR415 available from Sartomer Company, and Photomer 4155 and Photomer 4158 available from Henkel Corporation).

C5-chemical curing regulators

Such agents include agents that can promote or inhibit solidification. If the reagents promote curing, then the UV curable components in the regions (regions) that include these reagents will cure at a faster rate when subjected to the first set of polymerization conditions. If the test inhibits curing, then the UV curable components in the region including these agents will not fully cure or cure at a slower rate when subjected to the first set of polymerization conditions. Curing can be promoted not only by the curing regulator but also by different concentrations or types of photoinitiators.

Photosensitizers and accelerators may include, but are not limited to, ITX (isopropylthioxanthone, Aceto) and CTX (chlorothioxanthone), quinones (e.g., camphorquinone, Michler's Ketone (4, 4' -bis (dimethylamino) benzophenone), thioxanthone, benzanthrone, triphenylacetophenone and fluorenone (each of which is available from Aldrich), dimethylethanolamine, methyl diethanolamine, triethanolamine, DMPT (N, N-dimethyl-p-toluidine), MHPT (N- [ 2-hydroxyethyl ] -N-methyl-p-toluidine), ODAB (octyl-p-N, N-dimethylaminobenzoate), and EDAB (ethyl-p-N, N-dimethylaminobenzoate), TPO, BAPO (each of which is commercially available from Ciba Geigy).

Free radical inhibitors may include, but are not limited to, N-nitroso N-phenylhydroxylamine, ammonium salts, tris [ N-nitroso N-phenylhydroxylamine ], aluminum salts, p-cresol MEHQ, hydroquinone, and substituted hydroquinones, pyrogallol, phenothiazine, and 4-ethylcatechol. The UV absorber comprises hydroxyphenyl benzotriazole.

Additional photoinitiators and cure modifiers are described in U.S. patent No.6,130,270 to Ukon et al, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

C5-reactive material

Reactive materials include amino compounds or isocyanates (isocyananes), diisocyanates. A blocked form is generally preferred because the lamination process has a thermal step that can unblock the isocyanate and allow it to react with amino, amide and hydroxyl groups in the formulation forming urethane and urea crosslinks that increase the flexibility of the formulation. The preferred isocyanate (isicyanate) is Desmodur DA (bayer).

C6-matting agent

Various matting agent additives are known for adjusting the gloss level of coatings. Examples of matting agents include finely divided silica and finely divided organic particles, for example Pergopak M-3. Examples of suitable matting agents are described in U.S. patent nos. 3,943,080, 3,948,839, and 4,263,051, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference.

C6-optional component

The coating composition may also include flow additives (flow additives), heat stabilizers, light stabilizers, dyes, pigments, optical brighteners, surfactants, plasticizers, defoamers, hard particles, metallic particles, and other agents as will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

Metallic and/or polymeric particles, hard particles, and colored particles may also be included. Hard particles include, but are not limited to, alumina, quartz, silicon carbide, glass beads, and nanoparticles. Such wear-resistant fillers also provide enhanced scratch resistance to the compatibilizer coating when used on the outer surface of, for example, layer 7 in fig. 1.

Examples

The test card was made according to fig. 2 with a white PVC core (layer 20) lithographed with standard industry UV vinyl lithographed black ink from GansInk co. This ink is known to impart good adhesion to the core and poor adhesion to the cover (layer 10). The cover layers of PVC, Polyester (PET) or polycarbonate all showed little adhesion to the UV black ink. An oversized card of 25 cm by 12 cm was made with a strip of 25 cm by 7.5 cm lithographically printed UV black to allow both 90 degree peel and impact testing to be performed. All structures are 30 mils (mil) thick following ISO standards.

Lamination conditions

The laminate layer is manufactured using one of three different lamination techniques: hot platen lamination, hot roller lamination, and radiation lamination. The recited conditions are typical and it is recognized that other conditions may give better results.

All card structures are set to give a total thickness of 30+/-3 mils (0.001 "). A 90 degree peel test was performed following the ISO procedure as a quick screen for structural integrity. Additional ISO integrity tests consistently agreed with the peel test results.

Lamination 1

Hot platen lamination conditions: a single chromium polished steel plate was heated at 150c for 13 minutes and then cooled at 25 c for 13 minutes.

Lamination 2

Hot roll lamination conditions: polylai ID roll laminator, model 0927

Lamination 3

Checking the material by a cold-press (nip) while the compatibilizer is uncured, followed by radiation curing: the UV mercury lamp was 300 watts/inch, speed 61-63 feet/min, 3 passes.

Lamination 4

Lamination 3 is followed by lamination 2.

Example 1

UV 102(FM group), 100% concentration formulated UV activated vinyl acrylate copolymer (hard material) was used as a compatibilizer (fig. 2, layer 11). Layer 12 is 100% density Gans UV black ink lithographed in blocks of at least 1 "x 3" over core 20 to allow for peel testing. Peeling was checked on both UV black and unprinted white cores. After UV light exposure, the material is brittle. When laminated with an uncoated clear PVC overlay under condition laminate 1, there was no tack between layers 10 and 20 for the ISO 90 degree peel test.

All peel data cited herein are in accordance with this test. These tests were repeated with the cover layers changed to Polyester (PET) and Polycarbonate (PC), with the same results.

Layer(s)

Composition comprising a metal oxide and a metal oxide

[0145]

10	Cover (PVC or Polyester (PET) or polycarbonate)
		11	Compatibilizer UV 102
12	100% black UV ink (flood)
		20	Core (PVC, PET or PC)
26	Cover (PVC or Polyester (PET) or polycarbonate)

Example 2

UV 103(FM group), 100% concentration, formulated UV activated vinyl acrylate copolymer (soft material), was used as a compatibilizer (fig. 2, layer 11). After UV light exposure, the material is brittle. When laminated under condition laminate 1, there was no tack between layers #10- # 20.

Layer(s)	Composition comprising a metal oxide and a metal oxide
		10	Cover (PVC or Polyester (PET) or polycarbonate)
11	Compatibilizer UV 103
		12	100% black UV ink (flood)
20	Core (PVC, PET or PC)
		26	Cover (PVC or Polyester (PET) or polycarbonate)

Example 3

A mixture consisting of UV 102(FM group), UV activated vinyl acrylate copolymer (hard material) at a concentration of 50%, and UV 103(FM group), UV activated vinyl acrylate copolymer (soft material) at a concentration of 50% was used as a compatibilizer (fig. 2, layer 11). This material is known as UV 104-5050

After UV light exposure, the material formed a robust film. When immediately laminated with 1.8 mil PVC as layer 10 under condition laminate 1, there is a 90 degree tack between layers 10 and 20, above the white (10 to 20) and UV black layers 12, of 1.9 n/mm, approximately 4 times the ISO bank card requirement (0.45 n/mm). The impact exceeds 40 mm/newton.

Layer(s)	Composition comprising a metal oxide and a metal oxide
		10	Cover (PVC or Polyester (PET) or polycarbonate)
11	Compatibilizer UV 104-5050
		12	100% black UV ink (flood)
20	Core (PVC, PET or PC)
		26	Cover (PVC or Polyester (PET) or polycarbonate)

Example 3.A

The same structure as example 3, but laminated under condition laminate 1. After 24 hours storage, there was a 90 degree tack between layers 10 and 20, 0.5 newtons per millimeter (ISO bank card requirement 0.45 newtons per millimeter) over white or UV black, but non-uniform chain stripping (zip peel). This may be due to the post-cure process.

Example 3.B

The same structure as example 3, but with an additional 5% of curing agent (C5) added. There is a 90 degree tack between layers 10 and 20 on top of white or UV black of 2.4N/mm, more than 5 times the ISO bank card requirement (0.45N/mm). Due to the combination of UV and thermal curing processes, high viscosity is achieved.

Example 3C

A mixture consisting of UV 102(FM group), UV activated vinyl acrylate copolymer (hard material) at a concentration of 50%, and UV 103(FM group), UV activated vinyl acrylate copolymer (soft material) at a concentration of 50% was used as a compatibilizer (fig. 2, layer 11). This material is known as UV 104-5050

After UV light exposure, the material formed a robust film. When immediately laminated with 1.8 mil PVC as layer 10 under conditional lamination 4, there is a 90 degree tack between layers 10 and 20, above the white (10 to 20) and UV black layers 12, of 3.5 n/mm, approximately 4 times the ISO bank card requirements (0.45 n/mm). The impact exceeds 40 mm/newton. This shows that the combination of hot lamination after UV cold lamination improves peel strength.

Layer(s)	Composition comprising a metal oxide and a metal oxide
		10	Cover (PVC or Polyester (PET) or polycarbonate)
11	Compatibilizer UV 104-5050
		12	100% black UV ink (flood)
20	Core (PVC, PET or PC)
		26	Cover (PVC or Polyester (PET) or polycarbonate)

Example 4

40% titanium dioxide was added as a white pigment to example 3, UV 104-5050 (55%), with additional photoinitiator from C3 to help fully cure the re-dyed non-clear ink. The ink was screen printed as layer 10 through a 305 micron screen. When laminated at 1.8 mil PVC under condition laminate 1, there is a 90 degree tack between layers 10 and 20, above white or UV black, of 0.9 n/mm, approximately 2 times the ISO bank card requirement (0.45 n/mm).

Layer(s)	Composition comprising a metal oxide and a metal oxide
		10	Cover (PVC or Polyester (PET) or polycarbonate)

[0164]

11	Compatibilizer UV 104-5050+ 40% titanium dioxide + photoinitiator from C3
		12	100% black UV ink (flood)
20	Core (PVC, PET or PC)
		26	Cover (PVC or Polyester (PET) or polycarbonate)

Example 5

Wink 8600(FM group) is a water-based partially thermoset polyurethane dispersion. Wink 8600 was used as a compatibilizer at 100% concentration, fig. 2, layer 11. The material is film-forming. When laminated at condition laminate 1 with 1.8 mil PVC as layer 10, there is a 90 degree tack between layers 10 and 20 above white (10 to 26) and UV black of 1.9 n/mm, approximately 4 times the ISO bank card requirement (0.45 n/mm). The impact exceeds 40 mm/newton.

Layer(s)	Composition comprising a metal oxide and a metal oxide
		10	Cover (PVC or Polyester (PET) or polycarbonate)
11	Compatilizer Wink 8600
		12	100% black UV ink (flood)
20	Core (PVC, PET or PC)
		26	Cover (PVC or Polyester (PET) or polycarbonate)

Example 5.A

Same as example 5 except that the compatibilizer was 95% Wink 8600(FM group) and 5% curing agent. This was designated W8600T. When laminated at condition laminate 1 with 1.8 mil PVC as layer 10, there is a 90 degree tack between layers 10 and 20, 2.3 n/mm, over white (10 to 26) and UV black, approximately 5 times the ISO bank card requirements (0.45 n/mm). The tack is increased due to the heat curing process.

Example 6

The same as example 3 except that layer 10 was 1.8 mil polyester (PET Hostaphan, Mitsubishi Corp). When laminated under conditional laminate 1, there was a 90 degree tack between layers 10 and 20 over white (10 to 26) and UV black, which was not likely to delaminate, or there was not likely to be irregular film tears in the PET.

Layer(s)	Composition comprising a metal oxide and a metal oxide
		10	Overlay 1.8 mil PET Hostaphan
11	Compatibilizer UV 104-5050
		12	100% black UV ink (flood)
20	Core (PVC, PET or PC)
		26	Overlay 1.8 mil PET Hostaphan

[0173] Example 7

The same structure as in example 6, except that the lamination 2 conditions were used. There is a 90 degree tack between layers 10 and 20 on top of white or UV black of 1.9N/mm, approximately 2 times the ISO bank card requirement (0.45N/mm). This may be due to the very short heating period of the laminate 2 and may be optimised.

Example 8

The same structure as in example 6, except that the lamination 3 condition was used. There is a 90 degree tack between layers 10 and 20 on top of white or UV black of 1.9N/mm, approximately 2 times the ISO bank card requirement (0.45N/mm). This may be due to the lack of heating cycles of the laminate 3 and may be better optimized by additional or different initiators.

Example 9.A

Holographic foil-comparative example

The same structure as in example 3 except that layer 12/20 is a laminate of rigid white PVC and a rainbow holographic aluminum foil made by CFC (chicago, illinois). In the case of an unknown solvent based print receptor on top of layer 12, the 90 degree peel fails with very low peel strength between layers 12 and 20.

Example 9A was placed next to an RF card that would typically be read at a distance of 2-3 inches from the reader, prior to stripping. The card is not read until the card is placed 0.5 inches from the reader. This indicates that a metal foil over the entire surface of the card may affect readability due to the conductivity of the foil.

Layer(s)	Composition comprising a metal oxide and a metal oxide
		10	Overlay 1.8 mil PVC
11	Compatibilizer UV 104-5050
		12	Rainbow holographic aluminium foil
20	Core (PVC)
		26	Overlay 1.8 mil PVC

Example 9.B

Holographic pigments

Wink 8220H3(FM group), 97% strength aqueous based partially thermoset urethane card compatibilizer and 3% holographic pigment water miscible solvent suspension (10% pigment solids) (similar to the pigment described in U.S. patent No.5,624,076 to Miekka) were used as the ink, fig. 2, layer 12. The material is film-forming. 1.8 mil PVC was used as layer 10. When laminated under condition laminate 1, there is a 90 degree tack between layers 10 and 20, above white (10 to 20) and UV black, of 0.9 n/mm, approximately 2 times that required by ISO bank cards (0.45 n/mm). The impact exceeds 40 mm/newton.

Prior to stripping, embodiment 9B is placed next to an RF chip card that is typically read at a distance of 2-3 inches from the reader. If so, it is continuously readable. This indicates that the metallic holographic pigment over the entire surface of the card does not affect readability due to the lack of conductivity of the ink.

Layer(s)	Composition comprising a metal oxide and a metal oxide
		10	Overlay 1.8 mil PVC
11	Compatilizer Wink 8220- + 3% holographic pigment
		12	100% black UV ink (full)
20	Core (PVC)
		26	Overlay 1.8 mil PVC

Example 9.C

The sample is the same as example 9A except that layer 20 is white PVC onto which magenta (magenta) ink 19 is screen printed. An IXLA 100+ Nd: YAG (neodymium: yttrium-aluminum garnet) laser, 1064 nm light, 10 watt laser was used. The power was measured at 0.25 watts per square micron by an Ophir laser power detector (model #150C-A-. 3-Y). The LD control unit enables the laser to mark the spots in the rainbow holographic foil receptor layer 12 as a photographic image of a female face. The magenta face of the display layer 19 is formed on the holographic layer at a high resolution of greater than 1200 dpi. Otherwise, the holographic layer 12 was not affected, and the card had similar physical properties to example 9A.

Layer(s)	Composition comprising a metal oxide and a metal oxide
		10	Cover (PVC or Polyester (PET) or polycarbonate)
11	Compatibilizer UV 104-5050
		12	Rainbow holographic aluminium foil
19	Wink 861RRT compatilizer red water-based screen ink
		20	Core (PVC)
26	Cover (PVC or Polyester (PET) or polycarbonate)

Example 9.D

The sample was the same as example 9B, except that layer 11 was the non-holographic water-based ink Wink SRZ12R2, a water-based metallic magenta colorant. The ink was screen printed on white PVC. The described IXLA laser was used to mark the spots in the aluminum receptor layer in a photographic image of the female face. Magenta-colored faces are formed on the aluminum reflective ink layer at a high resolution of greater than 1200 dpi. Otherwise, the aluminum layer 12 was not affected, and the card had similar physical properties to example 9B.

Layer(s)

Composition comprising a metal oxide and a metal oxide

[0193]

10	Overlay 1.8 mil PVC
		11	Compatilizer Wink SRZ12R2
12	Core PVC
		20	Core PVC
26	Overlay 1.8 mil PVC

Example 9.E

Holographic transfer foil multi-color printing

The same structure as in example 3, except that layer 26 is a laminate of rigid white PVC with CMY printed dots and alignment marks and rainbow holographic aluminum stamping foil manufactured by Crown Roll Leaf. The adhesive was removed with solvent from the hot stamping foil and replaced by a layer of Wink 861RT water based compatible layer applied by a #4 wire wound rod and dried. The foil is laminated to white PVC printed with color dots and then the carrier is peeled away. This leaves the holographic foil on the colored dots. This was then laminated with PVC overlay coated with Wink 861 RT. Although similar to structure 9A, the structure had high adhesive peel strength similar to example 9B.

Layer(s)	Composition comprising a metal oxide and a metal oxide
		10	Overlay (PVC)
11	Compatibilizer wine 861RT
		12	Rainbow holographic aluminium foil
13	Compatibilizer wine 861RT
		19	RGB printed color dot matrix
20	Core PVC
		26	Overlay (PVC)

The structure was laser engraved with an Ixla laser to reveal a 3-color RGB image against the metal holographic background. The color alignment is slightly off (off) due to the lack of camera or other feedback to allow proper optical alignment of the laser image to the RGB color dot matrix.

Example 9.F

The same as example 9E, except that the laser power was adjusted up to 0.7 watts/square micron for the black K color. An RGBK image is formed.

Example 9.G

As in example 9F, except laser imaging to remove not only the metal layer above the RGB dot matrix, but also the metal layer next to the dots that reveal the non-imaged areas (joints) of the white card underlayer. A full RGBK image is formed against a slightly off white background.

Example 9.G

The same as in example 9D, except that layer 12 was printed for Wink SRZ12T, which Wink SRZ12T print was aligned with the RGB printing dot matrix of layer 19, thereby covering only the dots with the metal layer. This is then laminated with the compatibilising layer 11 cover layer 12. This structure is similar to example 9B except that high contrast marking of silver on a white background can be performed without the need for laser ablation of the area around the dots as in example 9G. Layer 20/19/12 can be printed in an inexpensive manner using a lithographic press equipped with an in-line flexographic coating station.

Layer(s)	Composition comprising a metal oxide and a metal oxide
		10	Overlay (PVC)
11	Compatibilizer wine 861RT
		12	WINK SRZ12T imaged
19	RGB printed color dot matrix
		20	Core PVC
26	Overlay (PVC)

Example 10

Multiple markable transparent compositions

Wink 3300BC water based laminated layer, a small molecular weight water based clear vinyl dispersion with phosphate corrant additive (phosphate corrradadtive) as D2T2 and laser compatible receptor, was screen printed with 305 mesh (US, usa) silk as layer 11 in fig. 2. Layer 10 is omitted and the structure is laminated under lamination 1 conditions except that the heating time is reduced to 5 minutes to reduce any possibility of premature decomposition and increase throughput. The card was printed in D2T2CMYK strips on both the Fargo and Datacard machines and produced a high contrast print and readable bar code. The card is laser marked at low power with various lasers: nd YAG, diode pumped Nd Vanadate and carbon dioxide lasers, and all produce high contrast black marks.

Layer(s)	Composition comprising a metal oxide and a metal oxide
		11	D2T2 compatibilizer Wink 3300BC water based laminated layer
20	Core (PVC, PET or PC)
		26	Overlay 1.8 mil PVC

Example 10.B

A blank laminated card, white PVC with clean coating. The card is laser marked at low power with various lasers: nd YAG, diode pumped neodymium Vanadate (Nd Vanadate), and carbon dioxide lasers, and all lasers produce low contrast marks.

Layer(s)	Composition comprising a metal oxide and a metal oxide
		11	PVC cover layer
20	Core (PVC)
		26	Overlay 1.8 mil PVC

Example 11

Polycarbonate composition-comparative example

A 100% polycarbonate card was made comprising a white core and a clear overlay and laminated at 170 degrees celsius for 20 minutes. The card was exposed to plasticizer DINP conforming to ISO322-2002 and subjected to bending tests conforming to INCITS code 5.6. The card was broken in half after 24 hours.

Layer(s)	Composition comprising a metal oxide and a metal oxide
		11	Overlay 1.8 mil PVC
20	Core PC
		26	Overlay 1.8 mil PVC

Example 11B

D2T2 printable, durable polycarbonate compositions

The same as example 11 except that prior to lamination, the polycarbonate overlay was coated with win 8207G, a water-based partially thermoset polyurethane dispersion, and then with WINK 335Presslam, a low molecular weight water-based clear vinyl dispersion as the D2T2 acceptor. The card was then exposed to plasticizer DINP conforming to ISO322-2002 and subjected to bending tests conforming to INCITS Specification 5.6. Unlike example 11, the card did not crack after 24 hours. This indicates that chemical durability is added to the card structure. The card was printed in D2T2CMYK strips on both the Fargo and Datacard machines and produced a high contrast print and readable bar code.

Layer(s)	Composition comprising a metal oxide and a metal oxide
		9	Wink 335Presslam layer-a low molecular weight water-based transparent vinyl dispersion as D2T2 acceptor
10	WINK 8207G layer, a waterborne polyurethane composition
		11	Overlay 1.8 mil PC
12	Core PVC
		26	Overlay 1.8 mil PC

Example 11C

Durable laser-markable and D2T2 printable polycarbonate compositions

The same as in example 11B, except that prior to lamination, the polycarbonate overlay was bayer laser processable grade polycarbonate. The card was then exposed to plasticizer DINP conforming to ISO322-2002 and subjected to bending tests conforming to INCITS Specification 5.6. Unlike example 11, the card did not crack after 24 hours. This indicates that chemical durability is added to the card structure. The card was printed in D2T2CMYK strips on both the Fargo and Datacard machines and produced a high contrast print and readable bar code. The card was laser processable with a NdYag laser and produced high contrast black marks.

Layer(s)	Composition comprising a metal oxide and a metal oxide
		9	Wink 335 PressLaminate, a low molecular weight water-based clear vinyl dispersion as D2T2 acceptor
10	WINK 8207G layer, a waterborne polyurethane composition
		11	Overlay 1.8 mil PC
20	Core PC

Example 12

Combination of UV exposure and thermal lamination

The degree of transparency of the laminate layer may be determined, for example, by the information contained on the core layer, the particular color used, and/or security features. Lamination of any laminate layer to any other material layer can be accomplished using conventional lamination processes, and such processes are well known to those skilled in the art of production of articles such as identification documents. Of course, the types and configurations of laminate layers described herein are provided by way of example only, and one skilled in the art will appreciate that many different types of laminate layers may be used in accordance with the present invention.

The material from which the laminate layer is made may be transparent, but need not be. Laminate layers also include security laminate layers, such as clear laminate materials with proprietary security features and processes that protect valuable documents from counterfeiting, data alteration, photo replacement, reproduction (including color printing), and any imitation by using commonly available materials and technologies. The size of the ID document can vary depending on the specific design requirements. For example, applicable international organization for standardization (ISO) specifications for identification documents may specify the required dimensions. Within a given size, there is some size flexibility. In one implementation, we provide a core comprising a 4-20 mil depth, a compatibilizer having a depth of 0.2-7 mils, and a blanket lamination layer in the range of 1-15 mils.

In some implementations, we provide a matte finish (matte finish) on the top surface of the back laminate. If provided in roll form, the matte finish aids in feeding the laminate layer. Matte finishes also provide tactile security features, such as the texture of the card (matte finished) that an inspector can feel to determine if the card is legitimate.

Also, while we have described some materials and dimensions for our contactless smart identification document, the invention should not be limited thereto. Indeed, the present invention encompasses more contactless smart identification documents of different sizes and materials.

It may be advantageous to clad the image receiving material at a centralized production facility and then provide the resulting blank document to a plurality of document issuing stations (OTC stations) where variable data is applied to the image receiving layer of the identification document.

After the image receiving layer has printed information thereon (if provided, otherwise after printing on the PET layer), a protective layer (not shown) is optionally attached over at least a portion of the image receiving layer. The protective layer serves to protect the relatively fragile image receiving layer from damage and also prevents information (e.g., thermal transfer dye) from leaking from the image receiving layer. Materials suitable for forming such protective layers are known to those skilled in the art of dye diffusion thermal transfer printing, and any conventional materials may be used so long as they are sufficiently transparent and sufficiently tacky to the particular image-receiving layer with which they are in contact and/or to prevent leakage of the dye therefrom. However, to be consistent with the subject matter of this aspect of the invention, we preferably apply a transparent PET-based protective laminate layer, if used.

The protective layer may optionally provide additional security and/or features to the identification document. For example, the protective layer may include a low tack polymeric layer, optionally a variable ink, a variable message, an image printed in ink that is readable in the infrared or ultraviolet but not visible under normal white light, an image printed in fluorescent or phosphorescent ink, an adhesive failure ink, or any other available security feature that protects the document from tampering or counterfeiting and does not sacrifice the ability of the protective layer to protect the identification document against abrasion and to protect the element.

In at least one embodiment (not shown), the laminate layers are formed into a pocket (pouch) into which the core layer is slid. Using a bag, methods such as heat, pressure, adhesives, and the like can be used to bond the core layer to the bag laminate layer. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that many known structures and configurations for lamination may be used with the present invention.

The inventors believe that an expansion (intumescence) mechanism is involved in laser marking of materials. Therefore, it is a requirement that sufficient heat absorption is required to expand or char (char) the material. This is achieved by absorbing the laser energy. For the polymeric material to absorb energy, it must have spectral absorption in the laser wavelength region. Many different lasers are available at various wavelengths and powers. The most common for laser marking are diode pumped neodymium vanadate, neodymium YAG, and carbon dioxide lasers.

Materials that absorb at separate wavelengths and are transparent in the visible region are also available, for example infrared transparent dyes such as those manufactured by the company Epolin.

Non-infrared dyes for solvent-borne coatings

PEOLIGHT (Epolin corporation)

Narrow-band absorbent

4037743 Pt dithiolene (dithiolene)

3036773 Nickel Dithiolane

3211785 Nickel Dithiolane

3442817 Nickel dithiolene

3443868 Nickel Dithiolane

3116892 Nickel Dithiolane

2067905 Triammonium (tris ammonium)

2063906 triammonium salt

2177976 Tri-ammonium

2062977 triammonium salts

2066978 Tri-ammonium

2057990 triammonium salt

2189990 triammonium salt

2180991 Triammonium

2164993 Triammonium

11511070 Tetraammonium (tetrakis ammonium)

11171071 Tetraammonium salt

11781073 Tetraammonium salt

1097 Nickel Dithiolanes

3045

Wide band

Absorbent agent

1175948 Tetraammonium salt

1125950 Tetraammonium

1130960 Tetraammonium salt

Other materials such as cyanine (cyanine) are particularly useful because of their absorption in the near-IR region for which YAG and vanadate lasers are suitable.

Polymers are known to decompose and char under thermal load. This is particularly true for low molecular weight polymers for which there are many stabilizing additives. See review of composition mechanismisssand Thermal Stabilizers as cited in Plastic Additives (plastics Additives, edited Hauser/MacMillan, new york, 1988, 754) by r.gachter and h.muller. Typically, thermal stabilizers are used to allow these materials to be processed.

The inventors believe that laser marking is possible by using unstabilized or partially stabilized materials that are applied as inks or coatings at low temperatures compared to their decomposition points and that do not experience extreme thermal stress. These materials, together with char formers and laser wavelength absorbers tuned to the laser absorption wavelength, or low-grade broad spectrum absorbers like carbon black, will make it possible to prepare laser-markable transparent compositions.

In addition to the identification card market, the laser-markable compositions should also be able to fit the requirements of the card structure and pass various ISO tests. One that needs to be considered is certain expanded structural foams. This may be desirable because it will cause the indicia to be raised to impart tactile characteristics to the ID card, which may be able to replace the embossed characteristics of some cards. However, inflation (missing) is not always controlled and may contaminate the marker image. The tactile features on the surface may also experience greater wear due to the increased wear of the image. It is therefore desirable to make high contrast laser markable without the need for gas filling. Therefore, one would like to control the aeration independently of the char.

If laser markable materials markable at multiple wavelengths are combined with materials that receive D2T2 printing and inkjet printing, then a desirable multiple markable material results.

Various low molecular weight monomers, oligomers, and polymers in water-based, solvent-based, and radiation-cured forms, with the addition of char formers with both broad base and selective radiation absorbers, can achieve laser marking with high contrast using diode laser pumped neodymium vanadate, neodymium (Nd) Yag lasers, and carbon dioxide lasers.

The particular combinations of elements and features in the above detailed embodiments are exemplary only; the interchanging and substitution of these teachings with other teachings in this document and in documents incorporated by reference is also expressly contemplated.

The concepts of the present invention can be used in an intelligent identification document, comprising:

a core layer comprising a first surface and a second surface, the core layer comprising a first material;

a first substantially transparent polymer layer disposed adjacent to and fixedly attached to the first surface of the core layer to form a document structure having first and second surfaces, wherein the substantially transparent polymer of the first layer comprises a material substantially different from the first material;

wherein at least one of the first surface of the core layer, the first surface of the document structure, the second surface of the document structure, and the second surface of the core layer bears at least one printed indicia thereon, and the substantially transparent polymer layer comprises a compatibilizing layer.

Optionally, at least one of the first surface of the core layer and the compatibilizing layer comprises indicia thereon. The indicia includes biometric information such as a photographic representation of a person, a fingerprint or imprint of a person.

The core layer may be at least one of: porous synthetic materials, polymers, synthetic or non-synthetic papers, polyolefins, silica-filled polyolefins, polyvinyl chloride, polycarbonates, amorphous and biaxially oriented polyester terephthalate and polyester naphthalate, glycol modified polyesters, styrene, high impact polystyrene, acrylonitrile styrene butadiene, acrylic, polyketones, cellulose esters, polysulfones, polyamides, polycarbonates.

The first layer can be a substantially transparent polymer disposed adjacent to the first surface of the core layer, including at least one of: non-porous synthetic materials, polymers, synthetic or non-synthetic papers, polyolefins, silica-filled polyolefins, polyvinyl chloride, polycarbonates, amorphous and biaxially oriented polyester terephthalate and polyester naphthalate, glycol modified polyesters, styrene, high impact polystyrene, acrylonitrile styrene butadiene, acrylic acid, polyketones, cellulose esters, polysulfones, polyamides, polycarbonates.

The core layer may be a microporous, porous TESLIN or LUPO synthetic polyolefin.

The core layer may be non-porous or porous PVC, PET or polycarbonate.

The core layer may be paper or board, such as passport paper or cover paper.

The substantially transparent first polymeric layer disposed adjacent to the first surface of the core layer comprises a front surface and a back surface, the front surface being the surface disposed adjacent to the first surface of the core, and wherein the front surface and/or the back surface has an acceptor coating that is markable by a variety of means (e.g., laser, ink jet, dye diffusion thermal transfer, stamping, embossing, gravure, lithographic, flexo, screen printing, wet ink copying, solid ink copying).

The identification document may be milled (be milled) to form a cavity for receiving a contact smart card module.

The invention can be used in a certificate containing a smart card module. Such a module may be created by milling a cavity in the identification document to receive the smart card module. Such documents comprise at least a core sandwich (sandwich) structure of a laminate layer document, wherein the laminate layer comprises a substantially different material than the document core, the method comprising:

providing a first cut in the laminate layer to create a rough upper cavity comprising a first opening;

providing a second cut to create a lower cavity extending through the laminate layer into the document core, the lower cavity and the rough upper cavity being substantially centered on a common axis, wherein an opening of the lower cavity is relatively smaller than an opening of the rough upper cavity, resulting in a shelf structure (shelf) in the laminate layer; and

providing a third cut around the rough upper cavity to create a final upper cavity having an opening larger than an opening of the rough upper cavity, the final upper cavity being substantially centered on the common axis. The first, second and third cuts are such that the portion of the smart card module to be received floats substantially within at least one of the upper and lower cavities.

The invention can be used to produce contactless smart identification cards. Such an identification card is produced by the following steps:

providing a carrier layer comprising at least a transceiver and an electronic circuit, wherein the carrier comprises at least one permeable region;

disposing the carrier layer between the first contact layer and the second contact layer, and then

Securing the first and second contact layers to the carrier layer by at least one of heat, pressure and radiation such that at least a portion of one of the first and second contact layers migrates to the carrier layer in the one permeable region; and

a laminate layer is provided over at least the first and second contact layers.

Claims (26)

1. A method for recording a predetermined identification image on a laminated identification document having a plurality of laminate layers, comprising:

a) providing a laminated identification document, the laminated identification document comprising:

i. a core laminate layer having an upper surface and a lower surface, at least one surface of the core laminate layer having a dot matrix pattern printed thereon; and

at least one visually non-transparent or reflective laminate layer bonded to and covering the printed surface;

b) causing the non-transparent or reflective laminate layer to be stippled to enable portions of the dot matrix printed on the core laminate layer to be revealed, thereby forming the identification image;

wherein the laminated identification document further comprises at least one compatible layer bonded to a plurality of adjacent laminated layers, the compatible layer comprising an imaging material that can be laser marked at a power density of less than 1 watt/micron and that maintains adhesive bonding with the plurality of adjacent layers to thereby form a laser markable identification card.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein forming the identification image comprises:

a) providing an optical pickup for viewing an image of the predetermined recognition image;

b) providing an image encoder that generates data corresponding to the identified image;

c) providing an LD control unit;

d) transmitting the data corresponding to the recognition image from the image encoder to the LD control unit;

e) causing, with the LD control unit, the non-transparent or reflective laminate layer to be stippled to enable portions of the dot matrix printed on the core laminate layer to be revealed, thereby forming the identification image.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein the compatible layer comprises a polymer selected from the group consisting of water-based curable polymers or radiation curable polymers, or mixtures thereof, which may be partially or fully thermoset.

4. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the compatible layer has high reflectivity in the visible region of 400-800nm and is absorptive to the laser wavelength.

5. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the compatible layer has transparency in the visible region of 400-800nm and absorption at the laser wavelength.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein the compatible layer is a non-transparent or partially non-transparent recording medium.

7. A laminated identification document having a plurality of laminate layers and an identification image thereon, comprising:

a. a core laminate layer having an upper surface and a lower surface, at least one surface of the core laminate layer having a dot matrix pattern printed thereon; and

b. at least one visually non-transparent or reflective laminate layer bonded to and covering the printed surface;

wherein upon marking the laminate layer, portions of the dot matrix pattern printed on the core laminate layer are revealed to thereby form the identification image;

wherein the laminated identification document further comprises at least one compatible layer bonded to a plurality of adjacent laminated layers, the compatible layer comprising an imaging material that can be laser marked at a power density of less than 1 watt/micron and that maintains adhesive bonding with a plurality of the adjacent layers to thereby form a laser markable identification card.

8. The identification document of claim 7, wherein the compatible layer comprises a polymer selected from the group consisting of water-based curable polymers or radiation curable polymers, or mixtures thereof, which may be partially or fully thermoset.

9. The identification document of claim 7 wherein the compatible layer is transparent in the 400-800nm visible region and absorptive to the laser wavelength.

10. The identification document as claimed in claim 7, wherein the compatible layer is highly reflective in the 400-800nm visible region and absorptive at the laser wavelength.

11. The identification document of claim 7, wherein the compliant layer can be a non-transparent or partially non-transparent recording medium.

12. The identification document of claim 7, wherein the dot matrix pattern includes a plurality of dots of different colors.

13. The identification document of claim 7, wherein the dot matrix pattern is printed as dots of a full screen.

14. The identification document of claim 7, wherein the non-transparent or reflective laminate layer includes another identification mark printed thereon.

15. The identification document as recited in claim 7, further comprising a compatiblizing layer between the visually opaque or reflective laminate layer and the core laminate layer to thereby bond the laminate layers to one another.

16. The identification document of claim 7, wherein at least one laminate layer is a compliant layer.

17. The identification document of claim 16, wherein the compatible layer includes a polymer selected from the group consisting of water-based curable polymers or radiation curable polymers, or mixtures thereof, which may be partially or fully thermoset.

18. The identification document of claim 16 wherein the compatible layer is transparent in the 400-800nm visible region and absorptive to the laser wavelength.

19. The identification document as claimed in claim 16, wherein the compatible layer is highly reflective in the 400-800nm visible region and absorptive at the laser wavelength.

20. The identification document of claim 16, wherein the compliant layer can be a non-transparent or partially non-transparent recording medium.

21. The identification document of claim 16, wherein the compatible layer becomes transparent upon exposure to laser energy.

22. The identification document of claim 16, wherein the compatible layer is a foam that collapses to a solid transmissive layer, a transparent crystalline, semi-crystalline, or liquid crystal layer when exposed to laser energy.

23. The identification document of claim 16, wherein the compatibilising layer is an intermediate layer between the core layer and the holographic metallic recording layer, wherein RF data is transmitted through the compatibilising layer.

24. A laminated identification document comprising:

a) a compatibilised core laminate layer having an upper surface and a lower surface, at least one surface of the compatibilised core laminate layer having a dot matrix pattern printed thereon; and

b) at least one visually non-transparent or reflective laminate layer bonded to and covering the printed surface;

c) means for producing an identification image in the non-transparent or reflective laminate layer, the means enabling portions of the dot matrix pattern printed on the core laminate layer to be revealed by causing the laminate layer to generate a dot to thereby form the image;

wherein the compatible layer is bonded to a plurality of adjacent laminate layers, the compatible layer comprising an imaging material that can be laser marked at a power density of less than 1 watt/micron and that maintains an adhesive bond with a plurality of the adjacent layers to thereby form a laser markable identification card.

25. The identification document of claim 24, further comprising a biometric indicia.

26. The identification document of claim 24, further comprising a smart card module embedded in the document.