JP6534679B2 - Security sheet or security document with one or more enhanced watermarks - Google Patents

Description

This application is a continuation-in-part of US patent application Ser. No. 12 / 997,390, filed Feb. 23, 2011, and is a continuation-in-part of US Provisional Application Ser. US Provisional Application No. 61 / 911,831, filed Dec. 4, 2013, US Provisional Application No. 61 / 911,885, filed Dec. 4, 2013, and January 2014 The present application claims the benefit of and priority to US Provisional Patent Application No. 61 / 924,000 filed on 6th, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

  The present invention relates generally to security sheets or documents having one or more enhanced watermarks.

  Security papers are used to produce security documents such as bank notes, passports and stamps. Conventionally, a wide variety of security features have been incorporated into such security papers or imparted to the surface. Known examples of such security features include watermarks, embedded security threads, windowed security threads, and fluorescent pigments.

  A watermark is a recognizable image or pattern on paper that appears as various shades of light / dark when viewed by transmitted or reflected light on a dark background, and forged over a hundreds of years for security document forgery Brought about the prevention of In fact, watermarks and their engaging designs are the most easily recognized security features available to the public for the authentication of security documents such as bank notes.

  However, there is a continuing need to improve the security or forgery protection of watermarked security documents.

The present invention addresses this need by providing enhanced and thus more forgery resistant watermarks in paper and paper-like materials. In particular, the invention provides a security sheet or document having one or more enhanced watermarks, said sheet or document comprising
A fibrous sheet material comprising one or more watermarks, wherein each watermark comprises one or more first regions of reduced fiber density as compared to the surrounding regions of the fibrous sheet material; A fibrous sheet having one or more second regions with similar or increased fiber density as compared to the surrounding region of each, each watermark having an upper or front portion and a lower or back portion Materials; and means for enhancing the one or more watermarks by visually enhancing the one or more watermarks, making them machine detectable / readable, or both.
Including
The above means are:
a) one or more film-like or foil-like security at least partially covering the front or back part of the one or more watermarks and in the form of bands, strips, stripes, threads or patches element;
b) included on or in one or both of the one or more first regions of the one or more watermarks and the one or more second regions of the one or more watermarks;
i. A distinguishable or distinguishable identification mark (indica); and ii. One or more substances that are colourable and / or machine-detectable or machine-readable, including but not limited to ultraviolet (UV) or infrared (IR) reactive, luminescent (i.e. fluorescent or phosphorescent) Or one or more selected from the group of one or more substances including thermochromic, photochromic, electrochromic, metallic or magnetic security fibers, taggants, planchettes, dyes, pigments Security elements that are neither film-like nor foil-like;
c) a refractive index substantially similar to that of cellulose, contained within the one or more first regions of the one or more watermarks and, optionally, the one or more second regions, Or one or more polymers or resinous materials having a combined (final) refractive index;
d) a second paper layer which may optionally be windowed over either the front or back part of the one or more watermarks; and / or e) the one or more watermarks One or more transparent or translucent areas surrounding each of the
It is selected from the group of

In a first exemplary embodiment, the security sheet or security document of the present invention is a single layer paper or multilayer paper, wherein the single layer paper or multilayer paper is
A first paper layer containing one or more watermarks, each surface of the paper layer displaying either the upper or front portion of the watermark (s), or either the lower or back portion thereof To do the first paper layer;
One or more film-like or foil-like security elements that at least partially cover the upper or lower part of the one or more watermarks, or the lower or back part; and, as desired,
A second paper layer that has a lower basis weight compared to the first paper layer and may optionally have one or more through windows, above or behind one or more watermarks And a second paper layer covering either the lower part or the lower part or the lower part.

  The film-like or foil-like security element preferably has a different color than the watermark (s) and the surrounding paper, whereby the watermark (s) overlaying the bottom or top The appearance of the image is improved, and also the contrast between the underlying or overlying watermark (s) and the surrounding paper is improved.

  In one such embodiment, the film-like or foil-like security element (s) may be one or more, such as, for example, the MOTIONTM micro-optical security device described in US Pat. No. 7,333,268. It is a micro-optical security device that projects composite images. Such devices display colored images on a transparent or slightly colored background, and thus are very suitable for use in combination with the underlying printing information. It has been found that these security devices appear to provide the watermark (s) with multi-tone appearance. As will be readily appreciated by those skilled in the art, multi-tone watermarks make forgery even more difficult.

  In a preferred embodiment, the micro-optical security device is in the form of a surface-applied patch covering the whole or part (e.g. half) of the watermark, the watermark being the first and / or the second of the watermark Or one or more polymers or resinous materials in the second region, the one or more polymers or resinous materials having a refractive index or combination (final) refractive index substantially similar to that of cellulose Have. In one such embodiment, the region (s) is a fiber density increasing region in the form of a distinguishable or distinguishable identification mark (index), one or more substances that are colourable, and One or more so-called second level security features (eg UV or IR reactive, luminescent, thermochromic, photochromic, electrochromic, metallic or magnetic security fibres) that are machine detectable or machine readable It also contains one or more features selected from the group of taggants, plancettes, dyes, pigments).

  As will be readily appreciated by those skilled in the art, the micro-optical security device may be a longitudinal security band affixed to the surface, a strip, a stripe or a thread, or a portion present in the window area of the second paper layer It may be in the form of embedded vertical security bands, strips, stripes or threads (ie windowed threads).

  Micro-optical devices, such as MOTIONTM devices, are designed so that when they are registered with the watermark (s), the composite image projected thereby is combined with the watermark design (s) May be done. For example, in the embodiment described above, the composite image (s) generated by each patch may be coordinated or linked with the watermark design (s). The composite image (s) may complete the watermark design (s) or may be located in the design (s). This may be single-sided or double-sided features, as described in more detail below.

  In such alternative embodiments, the micro-optical security device (s) described, for example, in US Pat. No. 7,233,268, may be used to combine a colored image (which may be any color including black and white) with different colors. Display on a translucent or substantially opaque background. In this embodiment, the micro-optical security device (s) at least partially overlie either the upper or front portion of the one or more watermarks, or the lower or back portion of the one or more watermarks. Covered and visually hidden. The watermark (s) are not visually distinguishable in the reflected light from the coverd side of the paper layer, but in reflected light from the uncovered side of the paper layer And in transmitted light are visually apparent from both sides of the paper layer.

  The inherent benefits of exemplary embodiments of the present invention with film-like or foil-like security elements that partially or completely overlay or underlie, such as MOTIONTM security devices, make each watermark more durable To be As known to those skilled in the art, one of the main requirements of bank notes and other secure documents is that the document and its security features need to withstand the effects of circulation. Such documents / features need to be durable (i.e., resistant to folding damage, tearing and soiling), and resistant to moisture and chemical absorption. Applying films, foils, bands, strips, stripes, threads, or patches to cover all or part of the watermark (s) may result from damage in the distribution and handling processes (one or more Act to physically protect the watermark), thus enhancing its durability.

The high durability of these watermarks allows them to be made larger and to increase the total area occupied by the areas of reduced fiber density (i.e. the first area) in each watermark It has become apparent that what can be done, and that these areas can be made even thinner. Specifically, it has been found that these reduced density regions of fibers can be made with thicknesses as low as 10 to 15 microns and in the range of about 10 to about 60 microns total thickness. The total area occupied by these areas of reduced fiber density in each such watermark is in the range of about 5 to about 75 percent (%), preferably about 20 to about 60%, of the total area of the watermark. Further, the total area occupied by each such watermark within a bank note of approximately 10,000 square millimeters (mm ² ) can be in the range of about 5 to about 25%, which is comparable to conventional watermarks. Represents an increase of about 5% in size.

  We also surprisingly provide that micro-optical devices such as MOTIONTM devices also provide machine-detectable / readable features in the form of enhanced IR brightness, especially when measured in transmission. I also found that I could do it. The term "enhanced IR brightness" as used herein means an IR transmittance level that is at least 5% higher (preferably more than 10% higher) than the IR transmittance level of the background paper. Intended. The IR transmission level may be measured by projecting an IR light source with a wavelength greater than 800 nm through the sample using an optical sensor having a sensitivity of 830 nanometers (nm) or more. In order to make IR brightness a reliable machine-readable feature, the micro-optical device is made using one or more IR-transparent elements (e.g. IR-transparent inks) and an IR-absorbing element For example, it is preferable not to contain IR absorbing ink. It is also preferred that no IR absorbing element is present in the front side of the paper layer (s) and in the area close to the device on the opposite side. In one such embodiment, the micro-optical device is a security thread that does not contain an IR absorbing element (e.g., MOTION (TM) security thread). In this embodiment, the micro-optical security thread is made using an IR-transparent ink for micro-printing (e.g., an ink containing non-IR absorbing pigment and / or dye) and at least three minutes of the length of the security thread The front and back areas of the paper layer (s) within 2 (2/3) do not contain an IR absorbing element.

  In addition to the micro-optical device overlapping at least partially above or below, one or more additional security features are on or within the first and / or second regions of the one or more watermarks. May be included in In one such embodiment, the watermark (s) do not contain one or more polymers or resinous materials in the first and / or second regions. This additional security feature may be, as described above, a fiber density increasing area in the form of a discernible or distinguishable identification mark, one or more substances that are colourable, and a machine detectable or machine readable It is selected from the group of one or more second level security features.

In a second exemplary embodiment, the security paper of the present invention is
Has a low basis weight (e.g., about 10 to about 50 grams per square meter (gsm)) and includes one or more watermarks, each surface being an upper or front portion of one or more watermarks, or A first paper layer representing either the lower side or the back; and having a low basis weight (eg, about 10 to about 50 gsm) and optionally having one or more through windows , A second paper layer covering either the surface of the first paper layer displaying the upper or front portion of one or more watermarks, or the surface displaying the lower side or back portion of the one or more watermarks It is a multilayer paper containing

  In one such embodiment, the second paper layer is windowed and the one or more through-windows of the second paper layer is the upper or front portion, or the lower or lower portion of the one or more watermarks. It is registered with one of the back parts. According to the method of this second exemplary embodiment, one or more watermarks and a background may be obtained by using two paper layers, and optionally one or more overlapping through windows. Stronger contrast between them can be obtained. The one or more through windows overlapping above or below work in a manner similar to that of the electroplate, with the paperless area or the paper occupying a thinner area so that each paper / watermark area is more than the background Provides brighter-than-background regions.

  In a third exemplary embodiment, one or more security elements in the form of one or more colored substances are contained within the first and / or second regions of the one or more watermarks. . The one or more coloring substances comprise both dyes and pigments (e.g. ultra-fine particle size pigments). In this embodiment, the security sheet or document does not include one or more film-like or foil-like security elements. The resulting watermark has a different shade or gradation (i.e. a color scheme or different shades) than the bulk region of the material surrounding the watermark. The watermarks of the present invention serve to enhance the cognitive and anti-imitation properties of existing watermarks.

  In a fourth exemplary embodiment, the one or more polymer or resinous materials comprise one or more first region (s) of the one or more watermarks, and optionally one or more regions. ) Contained in the second region. As noted above, the security sheet or document in this exemplary embodiment does not include one or more film-like or foil-like security elements. The first and / or second regions in this embodiment are, as described above, fiber density increasing regions in the form of discernible or distinguishable identification marks, one or more substances which are tintable, and a machine It may also contain one or more security features selected from the group of one or more second level security features that are detectable or machine readable.

In the fifth exemplary embodiment, the security sheet or security document of the present invention is
A paper layer containing one or more watermarks; and a paper layer surrounding each of the one or more watermarks, thereby framing the watermark (s) and thus enhancing its visual perception A single layer paper comprising one or more transparent or translucent areas therein.

  Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings.

  Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. All publications, patent applications, patents and other references mentioned herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety. In case of conflict, the present specification, including definitions, will control. In addition, the materials, methods / processes, and examples are illustrative only and not intended to be limiting.

  The present disclosure will be better understood with reference to the following drawings. The components in the drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon clearly illustrating the principles of the present disclosure. Although exemplary embodiments are disclosed in connection with the drawings, it is not intended to limit the present disclosure to one or more embodiments disclosed herein, but instead all alternative options, modifications, And equivalents are intended to be included.

  Specific features of the disclosed invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Figure 1 shows a watermark (number 30 and shield) overlaid with a MOTION (TM) security patch on or in the example security paper, with daylight (visible spectrum reflected light) and IR transmitted light. It is an image viewed from the front or the front of a paper, with watermarks and patches shown on a magnified scale for clarity. Fig. 2a is another image of the watermark of Fig. 1 with the security patch overlaying it, again with daylight (visible spectrum reflected light) and IR transmitted light, viewed from the front side of the security paper, the image being Although not as large as FIG. 1, it is enlarged. On the other hand, Fig. 2b-2d show IR transmitted light from the security paper back side (Fig. 2b), IR reflected light from the security paper front side (Fig. 2c), and the same watermark with the security patch overlapping on top. It is an enlarged image shown by IR reflection light (FIG. 2 d) from the security paper back side. FIG. 3a is another image of the watermark of FIG. 1 with security patches superimposed on it, viewed from the front side of the security paper with daylight (visible spectrum reflected light), and the image is not as large as FIG. Is enlarged. On the other hand, Figs. 3b to 3d show visible spectrum reflected light from the security paper back side (Fig. 3b) and visible spectrum transmitted light from the security paper front side (Fig. 3c) of the same watermark with the security patch overlapping on top. , And security paper is a magnified image shown in FIG. 3 d with visible spectrum transmitted light from the back side. FIG. 4 is a schematic view of an improved four-wire or twin-wire paper machine whereby the watermark is incorporated via a dandy roll cylinder along the longitudinal direction of the paper web to be made, in the form of a longitudinal security thread The security element is applied to the surface of the watermarked paper web and then sent to the wet press section of the machine. The machine uses means for longitudinally registering watermarks and portrait security threads on the paper web. This method for making the sheet material of the present invention does not move the fiber distribution, resulting in higher fibers with increased density and hardness of the substrate that resists deformation, strain of the security thread and wrinkles. Distribution is obtained. FIG. 5 is a schematic view of another modified four- or twin-wire paper machine whereby the longitudinal security thread simultaneously or immediately before the watermark (s) are incorporated into the fibrous web It is fed to the surface of the fiber web and then sent to the wet press section of the machine. The machine uses means for longitudinally registering longitudinal security threads and watermark (s) on the fibrous web. This method of making the fibrous sheet material of the present invention results in the flow of fibers around the threads, resulting in a lower density fiber distribution with reduced density and hardness under the threads applied to the surface. Is obtained. FIG. 6 is a schematic view of a paper machine comprising two web machines interconnected by pick-up felt. Here, the longitudinal security thread contacts the watermarked paper web formed by one web machine and is then joined with the second paper web formed by the other web machine. This machine also uses means for longitudinally registering the longitudinal security thread and the watermark (s) on the first paper web. FIG. 7 is a side-by-side comparison of prior art watermarks, and magnified images of an example embodiment of the enhanced watermarking of the present invention having a significantly brighter or stronger appearance. FIG. 8 is a side-by-side comparison of magnified images of both transmitted light and UV light for an exemplary embodiment of the watermark of the present invention using UV excitable second level security features. 9a-9b are schematic diagrams illustrating a method for manufacturing an exemplary embodiment of a paper security document of the present invention. FIG. 10 is an enlarged image of a wet fiber mat or sheet on a paper machine (in reflected light, observed on a dark background), with the fibers in those selected areas as a result of the stock being removed in selected areas of the sheet. Density has been reduced. This selected area is circular in shape and is shown in two different sizes, with the larger sized area further containing circular areas of higher fiber density. 11a-11b are enlargements of the circled selected area shown in FIG. 10 after treatment with one or more polymers or resinous materials having refractive indices or combined refractive indices substantially similar to cellulose. It is an image (observed by transmitted light). The first magnified image (FIG. 11a) shows a circular area in a selected area having a similar color to the surrounding fiber mat or sheet, and the second magnified image (FIG. 11b) shows the security element of the invention. The prints observed under this exemplary embodiment show clearly legible.

  According to the present invention, the watermark formed on or in the security sheet or security document is improved, and the forgery resistance of the security sheet or security document is enhanced.

  The sheet or document of the present invention, as described above: Visually enhance, mechanically detectable / readable the fibrous sheet material comprising one or more watermarks; and one or more watermarks And / or means for enhancing one or more watermarks.

  Fibrous sheet materials suitable for use in the present invention are paper or paper-like sheet materials. Such sheet material, which is a single layer or multilayer sheet material, may be made from various types of fibers, including synthetic or natural fibers, or a mixture of both. For example, such sheet material may be made from fibers such as manila hemp, cotton, linen, wood pulp, and blends thereof. As is known to those skilled in the art, cotton and cotton / linen or cotton / synthetic fiber blends are preferred in the case of bank notes and wood pulp is commonly used in security documents other than bank notes.

  Watermarks may be formed in fibrous sheet material using known methods and techniques. For example, the watermarked sheet material may be used on a cylinder paper machine (by using embossed paper netting or by applying a thin piece of metal, generally in the form of an image or text, to the paper netting), or It may be manufactured on a mesh paper machine (using dandy rolls).

  An exemplary embodiment of the security sheet or document of the present invention, in which different means of enhancing the watermark (s) are used, and the respective production method will now be considered.

In the first exemplary embodiment, the security sheet or security document of the present invention is
(A) A first paper layer comprising one or more watermarks, each surface of the paper layer either being the upper or front portion of the watermark (s) or the lower or back portion thereof Display the first paper layer,
(B) one or more film-like or like films that at least partially cover the upper or lower part or lower or lower part of one or more watermarks and have a different color than the (one or more) watermarks A foil-like security element, and optionally, (c) a lower basis weight (e.g. about 10 to about 50 gsm) as compared to the first paper layer, optionally with one or more through windows It is a single layer paper or a multilayer paper comprising a second paper layer which covers either the upper or the lower part of the watermark (s) or the lower or the lower part.

  The film-like or foil-like security element (s) used in the practice of the present invention is limited only by its film-like or foil-like structure, the structures considered being from about 15 to about 100 microns (preferably , A total thickness in the range of about 15 to about 50 microns). The film-like or foil-like structure may take any shape including, but not limited to, bands, strips, stripes, threads or patches. These may display or project information that can be recognized by humans directly or with the aid of a device, and / or may include information that is machine detectable / readable. The structure may be divided into a plurality of areas, and the information displayed, projected or contained in some or all of these areas may be the same or different .

  Suitable film-like or foil-like security elements may use one or more of the following: demetallized or selective metallisation, magnetic, magnetic and metallic combinations, or embossed (e.g. Areas or layers of blind embossed, color change coatings consisting of color shifts, pearlescent, liquid crystals, photochromic and / or thermochromic materials, coatings of fluorescent and / or magnetic materials, holographic and / or Or destructive security features, as well as micro-optical security features.

  In a preferred embodiment, the security element (s) is a micro-optical structure. As mentioned above, such structures project one or more synthetically magnified optical images, generally: (a) a light transmitting polymeric material; (b) on or in the polymeric material And an arrangement of micro-sized icons disposed therein; and (c) an arrangement of microlenses disposed. The image group and the micro lens group are configured such that when the image group is observed through the micro lens group, one or more composite magnified optical images are projected. Such projected images can exhibit several different optical effects. Such structures are described in Steenblik et al. No. 7,333,268 to Steenblik et al. No. 7,468,842, Steenblik et al. No. 7,738,175 to Commander et al. WO 2005/106601 (A2), and Kaule et al. In International Patent Publication No. 2007/076952 (A2). In one such embodiment, Steenblik et al. Micro-optical structures such as those described in US Pat. No. 7,333,268 according to U.S. Pat. It is formed from a polymeric substrate made using one or more essentially colorless polymers selected from the group comprising but not limited to polyvinylidene chloride, and combinations thereof.

  In a more preferred embodiment, the micro-optical security device is in the form of a patch affixed to the surface to cover all or part (e.g. half) of the watermark, the watermark comprising the first and / or second of the watermark Containing within the region one or more polymers or resinous materials, the one or more polymers or resinous materials have a refractive index or combination (final) refractive index substantially similar to cellulose. The first and / or second regions of the watermark are, as described above, fiber density increasing regions in the form of identification marks that are recognizable or distinguishable, one or more substances that are colored, and machine detectable Alternatively, it may also contain one or more features selected from the group of one or more so-called second level security features that are machine readable.

  In another more preferred embodiment, the micro-optical security device comprises a longitudinal strip or thread affixed to the surface, or a partially embedded longitudinal security strip or thread present in the window area of the second paper layer (ie Windowed thread). The strips or threads in this embodiment cover all or part of the watermark (s).

  In a more preferred embodiment, the micro-optical security device (e.g., MOTION (TM) device) is designed such that when it is registered with the watermark, the composite image projected thereby is combined with the watermark design. For example, in the embodiments described above, the composite image (s) generated by each patch or thread may be coordinated or linked with the watermark design. Also, the composite image (s) may complete the watermark design (s) or may be located in the design (s). This may be a single or double sided feature. In other words, the complete information intended to be communicated to the viewer does not need to be provided alone with the watermark or composite image (s), but both need to be viewed simultaneously . In one such example, when viewed at the optimal (vertical) viewing angle using visible spectrum transmitted light, the MOTIONTM patch coats (matches) the watermark design over the watermark design in the form of a shield. of a composite image in the form of If the viewing angle moves off axis, the composite image and the watermark design will not be in register with each other, the watermark design (shield and number 30) will appear in the patch, and the composite image will be from the emblem to eg a sequence of numbers It will be transition or conversion.

  The inherent benefit of the exemplary embodiment of the present invention with a film-like or foil-like security element that partially or completely overlies or underlies a MOTIONTM micro-optical security device, etc. is the durability of each watermark Is to be enhanced. Applying films, foils, bands, strips, stripes, threads or patches to cover all or part of the watermark (s) is not due to damage in the process of distribution and handling (one or more ) Act to physically protect the watermark, thus enhancing its durability.

The increased durability of these watermarks allows them to be made larger and increases the total area occupied by the reduced fiber density area (i.e. the first area) in each watermark It has become apparent that it is possible and that these areas can be made even thinner. Specifically, it has been found that these reduced density regions of fibers can be made with thicknesses as low as 10 to 15 microns and in the range of about 10 to about 60 microns total thickness. The total area occupied by these areas of reduced fiber density in each such watermark is in the range of about 5 to about 75 percent (%), preferably about 20 to about 60%, of the total area of the watermark. Furthermore, the total area occupied by each such watermark within a bank note of approximately 10,000 mm ² may be in the range of about 5 to about 25%, which is about 5 as compared to a conventional watermark. Represents a% size increase.

  We also surprisingly provide machine-detectable / readable features in the form of enhanced IR brightness, particularly when measured in transmission, on micro-optical devices such as MOTIONTM devices. I also found that I could do In order to make IR brightness a reliable machine-readable feature, the micro-optical device is made using one or more IR-transparent elements (e.g. IR-transparent inks) and an IR-absorbing element For example, it is preferable not to contain IR absorbing ink. It is also preferred that no IR absorbing element is present in the front side of the paper layer (s) and in the area close to the device on the opposite side.

  Referring now to FIG. 1, one such embodiment of a security sheet or document of the present invention is shown and designated 10. The micro-optical device is a MOTIONTM security patch 12 that does not contain an IR absorbing element. A patch 12 is placed over the watermark 14 in the form of a shield and a dark area (i.e., a second area) 16 formed by the fibers deposited more densely than the normal base fiber density, the outer peripheral area The bright area (i.e., the first area) 18 formed by the fibers occupying and coarser than the normal base fiber density occupies the inner area of the shield design and the area occupied by the numbers 30 is lighter Or are formed by regions that are coarser. FIG. 1 shows the watermark 14 overlaid with the MOTIONTM security patch 12 in daylight and IR transmitted light, showing the watermark and patch on an enlarged scale for clarity.

  As is readily apparent by looking at FIG. 1, the numeral 30 is very bright due to the overlying patch. Here, the IR brightness is correlated with the intensity of the IR signal and, as mentioned above, with an optical sensor having a sensitivity of 830 nm or more, by projecting an IR light source with a wavelength of more than 800 nm through the sample, It is measured. The IR brightness can be controlled by the IR characteristics of the ink used to microprint the security patch 12. The microprints in the form of microsized images located on or in the polymer material can be obtained by using printing methods (eg, ink jet, laser jet, letterpress, flexo, gravure, intaglio and dye sublimation printing) Or by using a fine structure approach. In the latter case, the images may be as voids or depressions in the substrate (e.g. depressions having a total depth of about 0.5 to about 8 microns in size) or a raised structure (e.g. total height) relative to the substrate Are made as raised structures (colored or colorless etc) with dimensions of about 0.5 to about 8 microns. IR-pervious materials (e.g., inks comprising non-IR absorbing pigments and / or dyes) can be, for example, printed, coated or partially or completely filled in the area surrounding the depressions or raised structures, or raised (colored or colorless 2.) used to form an image group by forming a structure. The front and back regions of the paper layer (s) within a distance of approximately 5 millimeters from the outer edge of the patch preferably do not contain an IR absorbing element.

With regard to the appearance of the embodiment of FIG. 1 and as shown in FIGS. 2a-2d and 3a-3d:
(A) In the case of IR-transparent or IR-transparent light, a watermark (shield and number 30) and faint upper layer patches can be seen from the front or the front of the document (see FIG. 2a);
(B) In IR transparency, a reverse watermark (shield and number 30) and a dark upper patch are visible from the back of the document (see FIG. 2b);
(C) In IR reflected light, watermarks (outline only) and faint upper layer patches are visible from the front of the document (see FIG. 2c);
(D) In the IR reflected light, neither the watermark nor the upper layer patch can be seen from the back of the document (see FIG. 2d);
(E) In the visible spectrum reflected light, one or more composite images are visible from the front of the document, but the watermark is not visible (or only the faint outline of the watermark) (see FIG. 3a);
(F) In the visible spectrum reflected light, a watermark appears as a dark part from the back of the document (see FIG. 3 b);
(G) in visible spectrum transmitted light the combined image of the watermark and one or more composite images is visible from the front of the document (see FIG. 3c); and (h) visible spectrum transmitted light is the back of the document Thus, the reverse watermark (shield and number 30) is visible with the colored top layer patch, but the projected composite image (s) are not visible (see FIG. 3d).

  As mentioned above, in addition to the micro-optical device at least partially overlapping above or below, one or more additional security features may be included in the first and / or second of the one or more watermarks. It may be contained on or in the area. In one such embodiment, the watermark (s) do not contain one or more polymers or resinous materials in the first and / or second regions. Additional security features are, as mentioned above, fiber density increasing areas in the form of identification marks that are recognizable or distinguishable, one or more substances that are colored, and machine-detectable or machine-readable It is selected from the group of one or more second level security features.

  Here, a fibrous sheet material having a film-like or foil-like security element is registered in machine direction (MD) with respect to one or more watermarks contained or formed in the sheet material A method or technique for making one exemplary embodiment is described.

  The film-like or foil-like security element is embedded in the second paper layer (for example in the form of a security strip or thread) or a watermarked paper layer or the like using known methods and techniques It may be affixed to the surface of a second paper layer (e.g. in the form of threads or patches). For example, the security element (s) (with one or more adhesive layers) may be mechanically, chemically, thermally and lightly to the surface of the watermarked or second paper layer The transfer film may be transferred using techniques including inductive separation techniques. The concept of separating the desired components from the carrier substrate is known in the art of holographic foil transfer, where a coating (eg optical) and a film having a release coating (ie release liner) and An adhesive is provided whereby the coating and the adhesive can be transferred to the final substrate by the application of heat and pressure. This approach is particularly useful in applications requiring films with very thin cross sections.

  An activatable adhesive may be used to fix or bond the film-like or foil-like security element on or in the surface of the fibrous sheet material. Suitable adhesives include, but are not limited to, water, heat, and / or pressure activated adhesives that are activated in the secondary dryer section of the paper machine where the temperature reaches 100 ° C to 160 ° C. Such coatings may be applied in the form of a solvent based polymer solution or an aqueous solution or dispersion. Suitable dispersions include acrylic resin dispersions, epoxy resin dispersions, natural latex dispersions, polyurethane resin dispersions, polyvinyl acetate resin dispersions, polyvinyl alcohol resin dispersions, urea formaldehyde resin dispersions, vinyl acetate resin dispersions And ethylene vinyl acetate resin dispersion, ethylene vinyl alcohol resin dispersion, polyester resin dispersion, and mixtures thereof.

  Longitudinal registration of the security patch with the watermark contained or formed on the sheet material is performed on the device used to create the watermark (s) on the paper sheet (one This may be achieved by indexing the relative position of the (or multiple) watermarks. The location of the watermark (s) is subsequently sent in a continuous manner to the device used to apply the security patch (s) to the paper. The marks or marks previously applied on the carrier film used to carry the patch (s) are used to control the speed of the carrier film and thus the patch (s) The registration of the watermark (s) with the patch (s) is ensured.

  The longitudinal registration of the security thread to the watermark contained or formed on the sheet material will now be described in connection with FIGS.

  FIG. 4 shows the Fourdrinier process for making a single layer embodiment of the fibrous sheet material of the present invention. In this process, the adhesive coated security thread 20 (oriented so that the front side of the security thread is the top layer rather than the adhesive coated back side) is a variable speed advance device 24 ( For example, a partially solidified, unrolled fibrous web 26 (e.g., about 1 to about 10 wt% stock and about 99 to about 90) guided along a tube 22 having an electrical servo mechanism with a servo drive). On the surface of the fibrous slurry (containing water by weight), the web 26 is watermarked by the dandy roll cylinder 30 and then pressed by the wet end 28 of the paper machine. Here, the security thread 20 may be partially or completely placed on the watermark (s) on the surface of the web 26 (i.e. layered security features). As will be readily appreciated by those skilled in the art, the dandy roll cylinder 30 may have raised and / or recessed areas on its surface, which are the surfaces of the web 26 that the threads 20 will occupy. The upper area may completely or partially overlap.

  This embodiment of the method of the present invention does not act to disturb the fiber distribution around the security thread affixed to the surface, so that the density and the density of the substrate that resists deformation, distortion and wrinkles of the security thread and It should be noted that higher concentrations of fiber distribution are obtained with increased hardness.

  As water is continuously removed from the web 26, the fibers form around the threads 20 and hold it in the correct position on the front or upper side of the web 26. After discharge from the wet end 28, the fibrous web 26 is passed through the press of the paper machine, the main and secondary driers, and the calender section. In the secondary dryer section of the paper machine, the web 26 is exposed to a temperature and / or pressure sufficient to activate the adhesive coating of the security thread to firmly bond the thread in the fibrous sheet material. The security thread is continuously exposed on the front or upper side of the sheet material, partially or completely covering the formed watermark (s), while not visible from the back or lower side of the sheet material As if hidden.

  Longitudinal registration of security thread 20 for the formed watermark (s) is achieved using conventional techniques commonly used in the art. For example, as best shown in FIG. 4, an automatic registration control system for a paper machine is used, which includes a variable speed security thread dispenser 24, a dandy roll cylinder 30 and a security thread. 20 includes optical sensors 32a, 32b for tracking registration marks on 20, and an encoder wheel 34 for tracking the speed of the paper being formed on the paper machine.

  As the web 26 being formed travels through the wet end 28 of the paper machine, registration marks placed on the dandy roll cylinder 30 and security thread 20 are continuously tracked by the optical sensors 32a, 32b, Thereby, the position of the security thread 20 being supplied by the tube 22 and the unwinding device 24 and the position of the watermark (s) with respect to the end of the web 26 being formed are continuously identified / monitored Meanwhile, the speed of the paper being formed is tracked by the encoder wheel 34. From the identification of the position and velocity, a signal is generated and the velocity and position of the dispenser 24 are such that the security thread 20 and the watermark (s) are registered along the longitudinal direction of the web 26. It is regulated based on the signal.

  In another embodiment of the method of the present invention shown in FIG. 5, the adhesive coated security thread 20 (again, oriented so that the security thread is the top layer rather than the adhesive coating) has a variable speed payout. Through the device 24 and guided past the optical sensor 32 and subsequently pressed at the wet end 28 of the paper machine by the dandy roll 30 against the surface of the partially solidified formed fibrous web 26, The dandy roll 30 watermarks the web 26 simultaneously or subsequently. It should be noted that this embodiment of the method of the present invention allows fibers to flow around the security thread resulting in a lower density fiber distribution with reduced substrate density and hardness under the thread.

  Similar to the above, as the web 26 being formed travels through the wet end 28 of the paper machine, the registration marks placed on the dandy roll cylinder 30 and the security thread 20 are optical sensors 32a, 32b. The position of the watermark (s) and the position of the security thread 20 affixed to the surface of the web 26 with respect to the end of the web 26 being continuously tracked by the While being identified / monitored, the speed of the paper being formed is tracked by the encoder wheel 34. By identifying the position and velocity, a signal is generated and the velocity and position of the dispenser 24 is such that the security thread 20 and the watermark (s) are registered along the longitudinal direction of the web 26 It is regulated based on those signals.

  A web making process for making a two layer embodiment of the fibrous sheet material of the present invention is shown in FIG. In this process using two web paper machines 36a, 36b interconnected by pick-up felts 38, two paper webs 40, 42 are formed simultaneously, squeezed together in the area of the rollers 44, and subsequently the paper machine It is supplied together to the press, dryer and calendar sections. The resulting fibrous sheet material has the same physical properties as described above for sheet materials made using a Fourdrinier papermaking process. As will be readily appreciated by those skilled in the art, FIG. 6 shows a wet vat-type web machine, but a Dribt-type web machine is used to make the fibrous sheet material of the present invention. May be

  The two-layered paper web 46 formed by the web machine shown in FIG. 6 has a recessed security thread 20 coated with an adhesive and one or more watermarks formed on its surface, The thread 20 and the watermark (s) are completely visible from this surface. Watermark (s) are formed on the paper web 40 by the circular web 48, then the security thread 20 passes through the variable speed delivery device 24, past the optical sensor 32b, and then the roller 50 and the circular web. It is integrated into the paper web by guiding the thread between the surface of the paper web discharged from the paper machine 36a. Here, the security thread 20 may be arranged partially or completely on the watermark (s) on the surface of the paper web. The security web 20 affixed to the surface and the paper web 40 with the watermark (s) are then between the roller 44 and the surface of the second paper web 42 discharged from the web machine 36b. There, the two paper webs are squeezed together. The second paper web 42 is homogeneous and serves to hide any irregularities in the paper making on the lower or lower side of the first paper web 40 that may have been caused by the presence of the threads 20. .

  As suggested above, the circular mesh 48 comprises raised and / or recessed areas on its surface, which are completely or partially to the area to be contacted by the thread 20 in the course of manufacturing May overlap.

  As in the previous embodiments, longitudinal registration between the security thread 20, the watermark (s), and the paper web 40 is controlled by the variable speed security thread dispenser 24, circular web 48. And optical sensors 32a, 32b for tracking registration marks on the security thread 20, and an encoder wheel 34 for tracking the speed of the paper being formed on the web machine 36a.

  In any of the paper machines mentioned above, the fibrous sheet material of the present invention may be rolled up, stored, or another machine (e.g. Directly to the printing press).

In a second exemplary embodiment, the security paper of the present invention is
Has a low basis weight (e.g., about 10 to about 50 gsm) and includes one or more watermarks, each surface being either the upper or front portion of one or more watermarks, or either the lower or back portion thereof And a low basis weight (e.g., about 10 to about 50 gsm), optionally having one or more through-windows, above the one or more watermarks. Alternatively, it is a multilayer paper comprising a second paper layer covering the surface of the first paper layer representing the front part, or the surface representing either the lower side or the back part of one or more watermarks.

  In one such embodiment, the second paper layer is windowed and one or more through-windows of the second paper layer are registered with one or more watermarks. According to this second exemplary embodiment, from using two paper layers and optionally overlying one or more through windows, a stronger between one or more watermarks and the background Contrast is possible.

  In a third exemplary embodiment, one or more security elements in the form of one or more colored substances are contained within the first and / or second regions of the one or more watermarks. . The one or more coloring substances comprise both dyes and pigments (e.g. ultra-fine particle size pigments). As mentioned above, in the present embodiment, the security sheet or document does not include one or more film-like or foil-like security elements. The resulting watermark has a different shade or tone (i.e., color or various shades) than the bulk region of the material surrounding the watermark and serves to enhance its cognition and anti-imitation properties.

  Conventionally, the watermark is the same color as the paper substrate that holds the watermark on or in. Such a watermark is formed by local variations in the thickness of the paper which changes the opacity of the paper, making the watermark visible by transmitted or reflected light on a dark background.

  A prior art or standard watermark for a paper substrate of the same color is shown in FIG. Here, only a slight contrast between the light and dark areas in the watermark is known, making the detection of the watermark more difficult. By way of comparison, also as shown in FIG. 7, the enhanced watermark of the present invention comprises one or more tinting substances in the form of one or more visible (colored) pigments (ie blue), The contrast between the light and dark areas in the watermark is greatly enhanced. Thus, the watermarks of the present invention are more easily addressed with general attention and the effectiveness of this security feature is enhanced.

  Another exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIG. Here, the watermark of the present invention comprises, in addition to one or more coloring substances, second level security features in the form of UV excitable substances. The watermarks of the invention not only show significant contrast between the light and dark regions in the transmitted light but also contain substances capable of being excited by UV radiation, which makes it difficult to reproduce the UV response hierarchy. It also shows tonality, whereby the embodiment of this watermark is even more enhanced in anti-counterfeit.

Referring now to FIG. 9, in the illustrated embodiment in which the security sheet or document is a paper security document, the method of the present invention for producing a security document comprises: Including creating a continuous roll (FIG. 9a), the watermark or watermark area 56 is repeated along the length of the paper (FIG. 9b), each providing a light and dark area in the watermark area 56 As such, it has a low basis weight area (i.e., the first area) and a high basis weight area (i.e., the second area). This method is
A colored solution 58 containing a coloring substance is applied to the plurality of watermark areas 56 on one side of the continuous roll of paper, while simultaneously applying a vacuum to the opposite side of the paper to apply the colored solution to the interior of the paper The high basis weight area of the watermark area 56 has a high loading of colored material, while the low basis weight area has a low loading of colored material, whereby the length of the paper is long. A different tone or tone is provided to the watermark area than the paper bulk area surrounding the plurality of watermark areas repeated along the length direction.

  As already mentioned, the watermark is formed by known techniques, for example on a cylinder paper machine or a Fourdrinier paper machine (using a dandy roll). Various types of fibers may be used to make paper, including synthetic or natural fibers, or a mixture of both.

  The "colored solutions" used to impart toning properties to the watermarks of the present invention comprise both dyes and pigments (e.g. ultra-fine particle size pigments) one or more of the coloring substances mentioned above Including.

  After forming the watermark on the paper machine 54, the colored solution 58 is applied locally to the paper watermark area 56 on the paper net before any wet pressing is performed while the paper is still wet. Ru. The colored solution may be applied to the continuous roll of watermarked paper 52 using a small amount of intermittent showering with the nozzles 60 aligned with the paper watermark area. The colored solution is drawn into the paper web using one or more vacuum boxes 62. Although two vacuum boxes are shown in FIG. 9b, one or more vacuum boxes may be used in the practice of the method of the present invention.

  In a fourth exemplary embodiment, referred to as a "see-through" watermark embodiment, one or more of the polymer or resinous material is one or more of one or more of the watermarks. It is contained in the first region and, if desired, in the second region (s). As noted above, the security sheet or document in the present exemplary embodiment does not include one or more film-like or foil-like security elements. The first and / or second regions in this embodiment are, as described above, fiber density increasing regions in the form of distinguishable or distinguishable identification marks, one or more substances that are colourable, and a machine It may also contain one or more security features selected from the group of one or more second level security features that are detectable or machine readable.

  The see-through watermarking embodiment of the present invention provides an easily recognized public security feature for first level authentication. The watermark (s) of the present invention, which may be paper-borne features, allow authentication due to its transmission characteristics. Including such translucent or transparent areas in security documents (eg, bank notes) can not be replicated using scanning, image analysis, and subsequent digital replication techniques.

  In an exemplary embodiment, the see-through watermark (s) of the present invention are obtained as part of a papermaking process in the process of sheet formation in the wet state. For example, paper webs are produced on a fourdrinier machine in a continuous manner. The stock is deposited from the headbox onto a continuously moving web. Next, water from the stock is drained through the screen, leaving a wet dewatered fiber mat.

  The see-through watermark (s) of the present invention are formed by first removing the stock from selected areas of the fiber mat and thereby reducing the fiber density (see FIG. 10). This may be done using conventional techniques such as dandy roll (or circular mesh bat) technology. Selected areas of low fiber density (ie, the first area) are not transparent, but other areas of the watermark (s) (ie, the second area) and other areas of the fiber mat (ie, the area) , The opacity is reduced compared to the base sheet). Next, the first and, optionally, the second region of the watermark (s) are selected from one or more polymers or resinous materials selected for a final refractive index that closely matches the cellulose (e.g. (UV curable, e-beam curable, or thermosetting polymer or resinous material).

  Treatment of the first and second regions with one or more polymers or resinous materials is an off-line web process such as rewinding or respooling on a paper machine for sheet cutting It may be done on a previous special purpose offline web process or on individual sheets.

  One or more polymers or resinous materials (replacing air present in the interstices between the fibers) which impregnate the paper in the first and optionally second regions of the watermark (s), as desired, Accordingly, it may be applied as a pattern across these areas, and may be further cured via radiation, heat / catalyst, or oxidative means.

  Transmission of visible light through the resulting translucent or transparent see-through watermark (s) is now possible, as best seen in FIGS. 11 a-11 b. As a result, the prints observed under the see-through watermark (s) are clearly legible.

  By applying an appropriate modulus (one or more) polymer or resinous material, for example, embossing applied in translucent or clear areas before printing or in the process of intaglio printing process May be possible.

  The see-through watermark (s) of the present invention may also comprise, as described above, a fiber density increasing area in the form of an identification mark that is recognizable or distinguishable, one or more substances that are tintable, and a machine One or more features selected from the group of one or more second level security features that are detectable or machine readable may also be included in the surrounding area.

  These features, for example in the form of fibers or planchettes, may be imparted by random addition to the papermaking furnish or be selectively placed inline at the position of the see-through security element May be In addition, or as an alternative, such inclusions may be concentrated in certain widthwise regions of the paper.

In a fifth exemplary embodiment, the security sheet or document of the present invention is:
A paper layer containing one or more watermarks; and a paper layer surrounding each of the one or more watermarks, thereby framing the watermark (s) and thus enhancing its visual perception A single layer paper comprising one or more transparent or translucent areas therein.

  Such frame-like regions treat the region surrounding each watermark with one or more transparent polymers or resinous materials, such as UV-curable, e-beam curable, or thermosetting polymers or resinous materials It may be formed in the watermarked paper layer.

  The processing of these frame-like areas with the clarifying material (s) is an off-line web process prior to sheet cutting in an off-line web process such as re-winding or re-winding on a paper machine. It may be done in process or on individual sheets.

  The clarifying material (s) soak into the paper in the applied area and replace the air in the interstices between the fibers. This material (s) may be curable or non-curable. The processing area of the watermarked paper layer allows the transmission of visible light, thereby framing the watermark (s) and thus improving its visual cognition.

While various embodiments of the present invention have been described above, it should be understood that these are presented by way of example only and not limitation. Thus, the breadth and scope of the present invention should not be limited by any of these exemplary embodiments.
Hereinafter, aspects of the present invention will be described.
<1> A security sheet or security document having one or more enhanced watermarks or watermark designs, wherein
The security sheet or security document is:
1. A fibrous sheet material comprising one or more watermarks or watermark designs, each watermark design comprising one or more first regions of reduced fiber density as compared to the surrounding regions of said fibrous sheet material The one or more second regions having similar or increased fiber density as compared to the surrounding region of the sheet material, each watermark design having an upper or front portion and a lower or back portion Having a fibrous sheet material;
Means for enhancing the one or more watermarks or watermark designs by visually enhancing the one or more watermarks or watermark designs, making them machine detectable or readable, or both;
Including
Said means are:
a) one or more film-like or foil-like security at least partially covering the front or back part of the one or more watermark designs and in the form of bands, strips, stripes, threads or patches element;
b) contained on or in one or both of the one or more first regions of the one or more watermark designs and the one or more second regions;
i. Identification marks which are recognizable or distinguishable, and
ii. One or more substances that are colourable and / or machine-detectable or machine-readable, UV or infrared reactive, luminescent, thermochromic, photochromic, electrochromic, metallic, and magnetic security fibres, One or more substances in the form of taggants, dots, dyes, and pigments
One or more film-like or foil-like security elements selected from the group consisting of
c) contained within either or both of the one or more first regions and the one or more second regions of the one or more watermark designs, substantially similar to cellulose One or more polymers or resinous materials having a refractive index or combined refractive index;
d) a second paper layer which may optionally be windowed over either the front or back portion of the one or more watermark designs; and / or
e) one or more transparent or translucent areas surrounding each of the one or more watermark designs
The security sheet or security document selected from the group consisting of
<2> One or more film-like or foil-like means for improving the one or more watermarks or the watermark design at least partially covering the front portion or the back portion of the one or more watermark designs Including security elements,
<1> The security sheet or security document according to <1>, wherein the one or more film-like or foil-like security elements are in the form of bands, strips, stripes, threads or patches.
<3> The one or more first regions of reduced fiber density of the one or more watermark designs have a thickness as low as 10 to 15 microns, and their total area within each watermark design Is in the range of about 5 to about 75% of the total area of the watermark design,
The security sheet or security document according to <2>, wherein the total area of each watermark design in a bank note of about 10000 mm ² is in the range of about 5 to about 25%.
<4> The one or more film-like or foil-like security elements, wherein each micro-optical film material comprises an arranged microlens group and an arranged micro-sized image group, the arranged image group One or more micro-optical film materials, which are configured to project one or more synthetic magnified optical images when viewed through the arranged group of microlenses,
Each of the one or more micro-optical film materials displays a colored image on a transparent or tinted background, or displays a colored image on a translucent or substantially opaque background of a different color, The security sheet or security document as described in <2>.
<5> The security sheet or security document according to <4>, wherein the one or more composite magnified optical images are consistent with or linked to the one or more watermark designs.
<6> The one or more micro-optical film materials are made using only infrared-transparent materials, and the security sheet or security document exhibits improved IR brightness, especially when measured in transmission. , The security sheet or security document as described in <4>.
<7> The one or more micro-optical film materials are in the form of patches or threads covering all or part of the one or more watermarks or watermark designs.
The one or more watermark designs include one or more polymers or resinous materials in either or both of the one or more first and second regions of the watermark design And
<4> The security sheet or security document according to <4>, wherein the one or more polymers or resinous materials have a refractive index or a combined refractive index substantially similar to cellulose.
<8> An identification mark of which one or more of the one or more first areas and one or more of the second areas of one or more of the one or more watermark designs are recognizable or distinguishable Fiber density increasing region of form, one or more substances that are colored, and ultraviolet or infrared reactive, luminescent, thermochromic, photochromic, electrochromic, metallic or magnetic security fibers, taggants, dots, dyes The security sheet according to <7>, which also contains one or more features selected from the group consisting of one or more second-level security features that are machine-detectable or machine-readable in the form of pigments Or security documents.
<9> A first paper layer having a low basis weight of about 10 to about 50 grams per square meter and comprising one or more watermarks or watermark designs, wherein each surface of the first paper layer is A first paper layer showing either the upper or lower portion of the one or more watermark designs, or the lower or lower portion thereof;
Said one or more watermarks or watermarks in the form of a second paper layer having a basis weight as low as about 10 to about 50 grams per square meter and optionally having one or more through windows Means for improving the design, the surface of the first paper layer or the one or more watermark designs of the second paper layer showing the upper or front portion of the one or more watermark designs Means for improving the one or more watermarks or watermark designs covering either the lower side of the or the surface showing the back part,
The security sheet or security document according to <1>, which is a multilayer paper including
<10> The means for enhancing the one or more watermarks or watermark designs comprises: the one or more first regions and the one or more second regions of the one or more watermark designs Including one or more colored substances contained in either or both;
The one or more watermark designs, when viewed in transmitted light or on a dark background, when viewed in reflected light, have a different color or floor than the bulk region of the material surrounding the one or more watermark designs The security sheet or security document according to <1>, having a key.
<11> An identification mark of which one or more first areas and one or more second areas of the one or more watermark designs are recognizable or distinguishable. Fiber density-increasing area in the form, and mechanical or detectable in the form of UV or infrared reactive, luminescent, thermochromic, photochromic, electrochromic, metallic or magnetic security fibers, taggants, dots, dyes, pigments <10> The security sheet or security document according to <10>, which also contains one or more features selected from the group consisting of one or more possible second level security features.
<12> The means for improving the one or more watermarks or watermark designs comprises: the one or more first regions and the one or more second regions of the one or more watermark designs The security sheet or security document as described in <1> containing one or more polymers or resinous materials contained in either or both.
<13>
Fiber in the form of an identification mark, wherein either or both of the one or more first regions and the one or more second regions of the one or more watermark designs are recognizable or distinguishable Density-increasing regions, one or more substances that are colored, and ultraviolet or infrared reactive, luminescent, thermochromic, photochromic, electrochromic, metallic or magnetic security fibers, taggants, dots, dyes, pigments The security sheet or security document according to <12>, which also contains one or more features selected from the group consisting of one or more second level security features that are in the form of machine detectable or machine readable .
<14> The security according to <1>, wherein the means for improving the one or more watermarks or watermark designs comprises one or more transparent or translucent areas surrounding each of the one or more watermarks. Sheet or security document.
<15> A micro-optical film material comprising a microlens group arranged and a micro-sized image group arranged,
The disposed micro-lens group and the disposed micro-sized image group project one or more composite magnified optical images when the disposed image group is observed through the disposed micro-lens group Configured to be
The micro-optical film material, wherein the micro-optical film material is made using only an infrared-transparent material and exhibits an improved IR brightness, especially when measured in transmission.

Claims (12)

A security sheet or security document having one or more enhanced watermarks or watermark designs,
The security sheet or security document is:
1. A fibrous sheet material comprising one or more watermarks or watermark designs, each watermark design comprising one or more first regions of reduced fiber density as compared to the surrounding regions of said fibrous sheet material The one or more second regions having similar or increased fiber density as compared to the surrounding region of the fibrous sheet material, each watermark design having an upper or front portion and a lower or back portion Fibrous sheet material; and visually enhancing the one or more watermarks or watermark designs, making them machine detectable or readable, or both, the one or more watermarks or Means to improve watermark design,
Including
Said means are:
The front portion or the back portion at least partially covers, bands, strips, stripes, thread one or more film-like or foil-like security element or patch form, before Symbol one or more watermarks Design Including
The one or more film-like or foil-like security elements are arranged with the respective micro-optical film material arranged with the arranged micro-lens group and the arranged micro-sized image group with the arranged image group One or more micro-optical film materials, which are configured to project one or more composite magnification optical images when viewed through the set of microlenses,
Each of the one or more micro-optical film materials displays a colored image on a transparent or tinted background, or displays a colored image on a translucent or substantially opaque background of a different color , Said security sheet or security document. The one or more first regions of reduced fiber density of the one or more watermark designs have a thickness as low as 10 to 15 microns, and the total area within each watermark design is Within about 5 to about 75% of the total area of the watermark design,
About 10000mm the total area of each of the watermark design within ² banknotes, in the range of from about 5 to about 25%, security sheets or security documents according to claim 1. The security sheet or document of claim 1 , wherein the one or more composite magnified optical images are consistent with or coupled to the one or more watermark designs. Claim 1 or 2, wherein the one or more micro-optical film materials are made using only infrared-transparent materials, and the security sheet or security document exhibits improved IR brightness, especially when measured in transmission. Security sheet or security document described in 1 . The one or more micro-optical film materials are in the form of patches or threads covering all or part of the one or more watermarks or watermark designs.
The one or more watermark designs include one or more polymers or resinous materials in either or both of the one or more first and second regions of the watermark design And
The security sheet or security document of claim 1 , wherein the one or more polymers or resinous materials have a refractive index or combined refractive index substantially similar to cellulose. Fiber in the form of an identification mark, wherein either or both of the one or more first regions and the one or more second regions of the one or more watermark designs are recognizable or distinguishable Density-increasing regions, one or more substances that are colored, and ultraviolet or infrared reactive, luminescent, thermochromic, photochromic, electrochromic, metallic or magnetic security fibers, taggants, dots, dyes, pigments The security sheet or security document according to claim 5 , which also contains one or more features selected from the group consisting of one or more second level security features that are in the form of machine detectable or machine readable. . A first paper layer having a low basis weight of about 10 to about 50 grams per square meter and comprising one or more watermarks or watermark designs, each surface of said first paper layer being said one of said one Or a first paper layer showing either the upper or the lower part of the plurality of watermark designs, or the lower or the lower part thereof; and a low basis weight of about 10 to about 50 g per square meter, as desired Means for enhancing the one or more watermarks or watermark designs in the form of a second paper layer which may optionally have one or more through windows, said second paper layer being said Covering either the surface of the first paper layer showing the upper or front portion of one or more watermark designs or the surface showing either the lower or back portions of the one or more watermark designs Means for enhancing one or more watermarks or watermark designs,
The security sheet or security document according to claim 1, which is a multilayer paper further comprising The means for enhancing the one or more watermarks or watermark designs comprises any one or more of the one or more first regions and the one or more second regions of the one or more watermark designs further comprise one or more coloring materials are contained in both,
Wherein the one or more watermarks design, transparently light when observed by or dark background, when observed in reflected light, the color tone different from the one or more bulk region of the material surrounding the watermark design or The security sheet or security document according to claim 1, having a gradation. Fiber in the form of an identification mark, wherein either or both of the one or more first regions and the one or more second regions of the one or more watermark designs are recognizable or distinguishable Machine-detectable or machine-readable in the form of density-increasing regions, and ultraviolet or infrared reactive, luminescent, thermochromic, photochromic, electrochromic, metallic or magnetic security fibres, taggants, dots, dyes or pigments The security sheet or security document according to claim 8 , further comprising one or more features selected from the group consisting of one or more second level security features. The means for enhancing the one or more watermarks or watermark designs comprises any one or more of the one or more first regions and the one or more second regions of the one or more watermark designs The security sheet or security document according to claim 1, further comprising one or more polymer or resinous materials contained in both. Fiber in the form of an identification mark, wherein either or both of the one or more first regions and the one or more second regions of the one or more watermark designs are recognizable or distinguishable Density-increasing regions, one or more substances that are colored, and ultraviolet or infrared reactive, luminescent, thermochromic, photochromic, electrochromic, metallic or magnetic security fibers, taggants, dots, dyes, pigments 11. The security sheet or security of claim 10 , further comprising one or more features selected from the group consisting of one or more second level security features that are in the form of machine detectable or machine readable. documents. The security sheet or claim 1, wherein the means for enhancing the one or more watermarks or watermark designs further comprises one or more transparent or translucent areas surrounding each of the one or more watermarks. Security document.