WO2015063399A1

WO2015063399A1 - Method for producing an identity document

Info

Publication number: WO2015063399A1
Application number: PCT/FR2014/052720
Authority: WO
Inventors: Cédric BARREAU
Original assignee: Oberthur Technologies
Priority date: 2013-10-28
Filing date: 2014-10-24
Publication date: 2015-05-07
Also published as: FR3012366B1; FR3012366A1

Abstract

A method for producing an identity document (DI1) comprising a three-dimensional security element (ES), the method comprising: acquiring spatial coordinates; determining a surface model, by calculating from the spatial coordinates; and forming a three-dimensional security element (ES) comprising a non-planar surface (12) matching said surface model, said surface (12) of the security element (ES) being configured to allow the authenticity of said document to be checked. During or after the formation of the security element, an image (17) can be produced (E8) by means of laser carbonization or printing. The formation step can comprise the removal or addition of matter from/to a portion of material (10; 32), such as to form the surface (12) of the security element (ES). The step of acquiring spatial coordinates (6) can comprise the digital capture of an object (2) from which the spatial coordinates are generated, for example: by acquisition of multiple photos of the object in different directions; by scanography of the object using a laser; and by transmission/reception of radio waves. A 3D printing device can be used.

Description

E® manufacturing process ^é! tm identity document

Rear view of i nventign

The present invention relates to identity documents such as passports or identity cards and relates more particularly to the manufacture in such documents of a three-dimensional security element for verifying the authenticity of said document.

In this document, "identity document" means any document containing information making it possible to more or less securely identify the bearer of the document. This information ^of Identity physically appear on the body of the document to be visually verifiable by a person or a machine control, in addition to the identity information visually accessible on the body of identity document, it is possible to store information identity in a memory contained in the body of the identity document (in a chip for example), this information being, if necessary, accessible electronically by means adapted to verify the identity of the person concerned. The most common identity documents are passports and identity cards, which also covers cards and other media (USB keys, tokens, etc.). Identity documents include, for example, a photo and / or the names of the individual concerned (bank cards, loyalty cards and).

In known manner, the current identity documents may comprise security elements of different types allowing the subsequent verification of the authenticity of the document,

The very nature of these documents generally requires a high level of security in order to prevent any falsifications by intentioned maids. A common forgery technique consists in altering an authentic identity document associated with a legitimate person in order to identify on the document a third person (not legitimate) in place of the legitimate person. To do this, a practice is to scratch the surface of the identity document in order to eliminate the elements identifying the legitimate person (registration of civil status, photos ...) and to affix in place of information about a third person.

Document US 2010 0060944 A1 for example discloses a technique for securing identity documents such as identity cards or passports. This technique provides in particular to apply a plurality of security elements in different layers of the thickness of the document, each of these elements including a Fourier image (or pattern) hidden and printed by a printing process. rotogravure. This technique, however, requires special manufacturing means that the manufacturers concerned do not necessarily have in their possession. In addition, the technique proposed in the document US 2010 0060944 A1 does not always provide satisfactory results in terms of securing identity documents.

There is now a need for a new solution that makes it possible to securely and identically secure identity documents in order to prevent or thwart any possible falsifications by a third party that may be intentional. It is also necessary to be able to easily and reliably check the authenticity of the identity document from this new type of security element.

Object and summary of the invention

For this purpose, the present invention relates to a method of manufacturing an identity document comprising a three-dimensional security element, the method comprising:

- the acquisition of spatial coordinates;

the determination, by calculation from spatial coordinates, of a surface model; and

forming a three-dimensional security element comprising a non-planar surface conforming to the surface model, the surface of the security element being configured to enable verification of the authenticity of said document.

In a particular example, the spatial coordinates mentioned above are defined according to a 3D repository (for example an x, y, z, preferably orthonormal referential) so as to obtain a representative volume of a given object.

The three-dimensional security element can be formed in or on the body of the identity document,

The formation of a three-dimensional security element according to ^the invention can increase signiflcativement manufacturing complexity of identity documents, making forgery or reproduction more difficult for an unauthorized person.

According to a particular embodiment ,, the method comprises, during or after the formation of the security element, the realization ^of an image on at least a portion of the surface of the security element. The image may have different aspects and be made according to any appropriate technique depending in particular on the material of the Identity document. The Image can be any graphic pattern allowing the verification of the authenticity of this document.

The production of the image may comprise at least one of: - laser carbonization of the security element to form at least a portion of the image; and

- printing at least a portion of the image on the security element.

At least one of the two techniques above can thus be used to produce the image,

According to a particular embodiment, the method comprises the recovery of data relating to colors respectively associated with the spatial coordinates, in which, when the image is produced, each pixel of the image is made in a color or a gray level which is determined from the position of said pixel on the surface of the security element in combination with said data.

According to a particular _embodiment, the acquired spatial coordinates represent a specific object. In addition, the image formed on at least a portion of the surface of the security element also represents said determined object.

In a particular embodiment, each pixel of said Image is representative of a corresponding portion of the surface of the determined object. In addition, each pixel of the image is positioned in alignment with an area of the non-planar surface of the image. security element representing the corresponding portion of the determined object. The pixels of the image thus produced are thus positioned in alignment with the relief of the flat surface.

According to a particular embodiment, the forming step comprises removing material in a portion of material so as to form the surface of the security element.

According to a particular embodiment, said portion of material is independent of the body of the identity document during the removal of material, the method further comprising, after said removal of material, assembling said portion of material to the body of the document identity. It is thus possible to manufacture separately the security element and the body of the identity document. For example, these two parts can be manufactured in different places and / or at different times for later assembly.

Alternatively, said portion of material may be an integral portion of the body of the identity document at the time of the material removal step.

According to a particular embodiment, the forming step of the security element comprises the addition of material to a portion of material. This portion of material may be an integral part of the body of the identity document or, alternatively, to be independent of the body of the identity document at the time of the formation of the non-planar surface,

It is also possible to form the non-planar surface by providing both material addition and material removal.

According to a particular embodiment, during the addition of material, elements of materials having different colors are added to the surface of said security element, it is thus possible to make an image at the level of the non-planar surface of the security element. security element.

According to a particular embodiment, the method comprises, after forming the security element, the bonding of a transparent layer on at least a part of the body of the identity document so as to cover the security element.

This transparent layer may comprise on its bonding face a shape complementary to that of the portion of the security element located vis-a-vis.

According to a particular embodiment, the method comprises the formation of a cavity in the body of the identity document beforehand, in the formation of the security element. The addition of material is for example made in the cavity. The provision of the security element in the cavity provided for this purpose advantageously improves the mechanical strength of the security element.

According to a particular embodiment, the step of acquiring the spatial coordinates comprises the digital capture of an object from which spatial coordinates are generated, the digital capture being carried out in one of the following ways:

- by acquiring several photos of the object in different directions;

- by scanning the object by means of a laser; and

- by transmitting / receiving radio waves.

Correlatively, the invention relates to an identity document made according to a manufacturing method as defined above, this identity document comprising a three-dimensional security element formed in or on the body of said document, the security element comprising a non-planar surface allowing the authentication of the said document,

According to a particular embodiment, the non-planar surface of the security element comprises a representation linked to the bearer of the identity document or to the issuer of the identity document. This representation is for example linked to the physical of said carrier,

According to a particular embodiment, the identity document comprises an image printed on the non-planar surface of the security element. The present invention further relates to a three-dimensional printing apparatus including means for forming, in or on the body ^of an identity document, a three-dimensional security element having a non-planar surface configured to allow verification of the authenticity dudtt document.

Brief description of the drawings

Other features and advantages of the present invention will be of the description given below, with reference to the accompanying drawings which illustrate an embodiment having no limiting character, In the figures;

FIG. 1 schematically represents an acquisition system according to a first embodiment of the invention;

- Figure 2 is. a sectional view schematically shows a set of points or spatial coordinates obtained according to the first embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 3 is a sectional view schematically showing a surface model obtained according to the first embodiment of the invention;

- Figure 4 is a sectional view schematically showing the body of an identity document according to the first embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 5 is a sectional view schematically showing the formation of a security element in the body of the identity document of FIG. 4, according to the first embodiment;

FIG. 6 schematically represents an exemplary embodiment of an image on the security element of FIG. 5;

- Figures 7A and 7B are sectional views show schematically the assembly of a protective layer covering the security element;

- Figure 8 is a view of. an example of an embodiment of an identity card in which the three-dimensional security element takes the shape of the face of the identity card holder, an image of this same face being furthermore made on the surface of this identity card; security element;

FIG. 9 is a flowchart representing its main steps (E2 to E12) of a manufacturing method according to the first embodiment of the invention;

1QA, 108 and HC are cross-sectional views schematically showing a variant according to which the security element is made independently of the body of the identity document and then assembled therewith Figure li is a sectional view schematically showing an alternative embodiment in which material is added to the body of an identity document to form the security element;

FIG. 12 is a variant of FIG. 11 in which different color elements are added at the surface to form an image at the non-planar surface of the security element;

- Figures 13A and 13B show schematically the assembly of a protective layer according to a particular embodiment of the invention;

FIGS. 14A and 14B are sectional views schematically showing another variant embodiment in which a portion of material is added to the body of the identity document and then worked to form by material removal the non-planar surface of the element of security ; and.

FIGS. 15 and 16 schematically represent a method for verifying the authenticity of an identity document in accordance with a particular embodiment of the invention,

Weighing with several embodiments

As indicated above, the present invention relates Identitaires documents such as passports or ^cards Identity and more particularly to the manufacture of teis documents in a three-dimensional security element for checking the authenticity of the document

In the remainder of this document, examples of implementation of [Invention are described in the context of the pre-personalization and personalization of an identity card. As indicated in more detail later, however, it will be understood that {Invention does not apply exclusively to a pre-personalization step and / or to a customization step but may be implemented in the context of any manufacturing .

In addition, the invention does not apply exclusively to an identity card but more generally relates to identity documents whose definition has been recalled previously.

FIG. 1 represents, schematically, an acquisition system 1 comprising a terminal Ti and means 4 for digital capture of a three-dimensional object 2. In this example, the three-dimensional object 2 whose capture is made is the face of an individual (eg that of the carrier of the future identity card 10 described later). As indicated in more detail later, the three-dimensional object 2 may, however, be any object forming a determined volume. The acquisition system i is capable of digitally capturing the surface or volume of part or all of the face 2. To do this, the terminal T1 has, for example, a conventional hardware architecture of a computer. so that it comprises in particular the following components (not shown in the figure): a processor, memories, a man / machine interface for interacting with a user and a communication interface for interacting with the digital capture means 4.

In this exemplary embodiment, the terminator T1 comprises a ROM or non-volatile rewritable memory (EEPROM) 5 in which a computer program PI is stored, the latter including instructions for the execution of at least some steps of the manufacturing method of ^the invention.

The digital capture means 4 comprise for example a shooting device (such as a camera or a camera for example) allowing the acquisition of photos of the object 2 according to different points of view (eg at different angles Alternatively, these capture means 4 may include a device for scanning the object by means of a laser for example or an ultrasound device capable of transmitting and receiving radio waves.

More generally, the digital capture means 4 are capable of digitally capturing the 3D profile (the three-dimensional surface) of the object 2 concerned or, alternatively, the volume defined by the object 2,

A method of forming an identity document (an identity card in the present case) according to a first particular embodiment of the invention is now described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 9, as already indicated, FIG. 9 is a flow chart showing the main steps (E2 to E12) of a manufacturing method according to this first embodiment.

Note that, in this document, unless otherwise indicated, elements common to two distinct embodiments have the same reference numbers and have identical characteristics so that they are not again described for the sake of simplicity.

During a step E2, the terminal T1 cooperates with the capture means 4 in order to capture points representative of the physical aspect (of the shape) of the object 2, the terminal T1 thus acquires (E2 ) of spatial coordinates 6 corresponding to each of these points (Figure 2). These spatial coordinates 6 are here defined according to a 3D reference (not shown) so as to define together a 3D profile or a representative volume of the object 2, and more particularly of the external appearance of the object 2, Note that Figure 2 is a sectional view showing the acquisition points obtained according to the face profile illustrated by simplicity in 2Ό in Figure 1. It is however understood that points are obtained in a space in 3 dimensions.

From the spatial coordinates 6 obtained, the terminal Ti determines by calculation (E4) a surface model 8 (FIG. 3). This surface model defines the contours of a surface passing through the spatial coordinates E4 6. The calculation of the surface model is achieved by means ^of an algorithm whose nature is well known to those skilled in the art, so that your specifications for this algorithm will not be described in detail in this document. This calculation E4 makes it possible to define the contours of a surface from the experimental points recorded by the capture means 4. Typically the spatial coordinates indicate in particular the remarkable points of the object 2 (eg the points characterizing extremities or abrupt changes such as points identifying the end of the nose or the edges of the mouth of the face 2 for example).

In a particular embodiment, the surface model 8 is for example calculated so as to form a rectilinear segment between each of the points adjacent to each other. Alternatively, the surface model 8 can be calculated to form a smoothing between these points (a combination of these two approaches being possible). Other ways of forming such a surface model are, however, conceivable within the scope of the invention. The calculation E4 thus makes it possible to digitize the physical aspect of an object 2 from a certain number of point records.

Moreover, according to an alternative embodiment, the acquisition system i does not necessarily include digital capture means 4, whereas this particular acquisition system is able to receive spatial coordinates from outside (in the form of a file containing these coordinates for example) and to perform step E4 from the spatial coordinates received.

A three-dimensional security element ES having a non-planar (or three-dimensional) surface 12 conforming to the surface model 8 previously calculated (FIG. 5) is then formed (E6) in or on the body of an identity document Dli. The non-planar surface 12 thus produced is thus representative of the object 2.

In this exemplary embodiment, the body 10 of the identity document DIX consists of a layer (or substrate) of constant thickness e presenting, for example, a format of an identity card or a bank card (conforming, for example, to the ISO 7816 format ) (Figure 4). The thickness e 1 of the identity document DU is, for example, at least 500 μm (eg between 500 μm and 2 mm). The body 10 of the identity document may comprise one or more layers formed in identical or different materials. The body 10 is for example formed mainly of plastic (e, g PVC) or polycarbonate.

As explained in detail later, there are various ways to form the security element ES in the body of the identity document DIL. In this first example, the non-planar surface 12 is formed by removal of material by means of a appropriate technique such as milling or laser ablation for example.

In addition, in this embodiment, the material is removed directly into the thickness (or mass) of the body 10 of the ID document. Here a cavity 14 is formed in the body 10, the bottom of this cavity comprising the non-planar surface 12.

In a particular example, the thickness e2 of the security element ES is at least one third of the thickness ei of the body 10 of the identity document, advantageously at least half the thickness e.

The surface 12 thus produced passes through a certain number of points (or positions) 16 respectively corresponding to the spatial coordinates 6 from which the surface model 8 has been calculated. Typically, the surface 12 can be made identically or according to a factor reduction (or enlargement) vis-à-vis the surface model 8.

In the end, a shape 12 is thus formed in relief from the surface model 8. The non-planar surface 12 is here representative of the spatial coordinates 6 acquired in step E2 and thus reflects the physical appearance of the object 2 considered. In this example, the form 12 represents at least a portion of a face.

More generally, the non-planar surface 12 delimits a volume that is characteristic of the security element 12. This flat surface 12 is such that it can allow subsequent authentication of the identity document DU. The shape of this non-planar surface 12 is preferably unique in order to be able to authenticate the identity document more easily.

The non-planar surface 12 may comprise a representation linked, for example, to the bearer of the identity document DU or to the issuer of the identity document D11. In the case where the identity document Dïl is a bank card, the issuer is for example a banking establishment and the non-planar surface 12. represents a characteristic element of this banking establishment, such as the representation of a building or a building. iogo. In the case where the ID document is an identity card or a passport, the issuer is for example the State whose carrier is the citizen and the non-planar surface 12 is for example representative of the country concerned (topography of the territory in question etc.). In all cases, the non-planar surface 12 may represent a face, for example that of the wearer for whom said identity document 10 is intended.

The formation of a three-dimensional security element in or on the body of the identity document makes it possible to significantly increase the complexity of manufacturing the identity document, which makes the falsification or the reproduction more difficult for an unauthorized person. The formation of this security element can be carried out during the pre-personalization or the personalization of the identity document for example.

According to an example of application, a customs officer is thus able to compare the shape of the face represented by the security element ES with the actual face of the identity document holder Dïl and to deduce whether the document Dit is authentic or not. .

In a particular embodiment, the manufacturing method continues by making (ES) an image 17 on at least a portion of the non-planar surface 12 of the security element ES. The addition of this Image 17 makes it possible to further increase the complexity of the security element ES so as to further hamper the falsification or reproduction of the identity document 10,

The image 17 may be any graphic pattern (or set of graphic patterns) for verifying the authenticity of said document.

This image 17 can be realized in different ways. According to a first example of reconstruction, this image 17 is produced by printing (in color or greyscale) on the non-planar surface 12 of the security element ES by means of a suitable printing device 40 such that a inkjet printer for example. Image 17 here comprises a plurality of image pixels 18, each of which here is formed by an ink charge applied by the printing device (FIG. 6).

A particular calculation makes it possible, for example, to determine, from a 2D image and the 3D relief of the non-planar surface 12, how to modify this image in order to apply it to the 3D relief so as to obtain the image rendering wish. This type of calculation is known to those skilled in the art, it is not described in detail in this document.

According to a second example, the image 17 is not printed but is produced by laser carbonization of the security element ES. The application of a laser beam thus makes it possible to create gray levels of various shades in the same thickness. of the ES security element. In this case, the security element is for example formed of polycarbonate in order to facilitate the production of the image.

In a particular embodiment, the manufacturing method further comprises the recovery of DT data relating to colors respectively associated with the different spatial coordinates 6. These DT data can for example be recovered using the digital capture means 4 or from outside (eg in a file also containing in combination the surface or volume information of the object 2).

These data DT thus provide information on the colors to be associated with each position 16 of the non-planar surface 12. In this case, the image 17 is made so that each pixel 18 of the image is produced (eg by printing or by laser carbonization ) in a color or a gray level which is determined from both the position of the pixel 18 on the non-planar surface 12 and DT data recovered.

According to a preferred embodiment, the image 17 thus produced represents graphic elements complementary to the shapes (or reliefs) of the non-planar surface 12 of the security element ES, in the case where the non-planar surface the shape of a face conforming to Object 2 _f for example, picture 17 can represent the corresponding face of spells that each remarkable graphic element of the image (eyes, nose, mouths, etc.) is positioned in alignment with the part of the corresponding non-planar surface 12 (as shown for example in Fig. 8). To do this, it is necessary to configure the image production so that the image coincides in position with the corresponding elements of the non-planar surface 12 (eg by means of position marks arranged on the identity document when of the realization of the image).

This preferred embodiment is advantageous in that it makes it easy to check whether the identity document 10 is authentic. Indeed, if the image 17 reproduced on the surface does not visually correspond to the underlying shape of the non-planar surface 12 or if there is a positional offset between the image 17 and the non-planar surface 17 underlying, can deduce that the identity document in question is not authentic. If, for example, image 17 is fraudulently modified on an authentic identity document (for example to place the photo of a third person in it and instead of the photo of the legitimate person), there will be no more correspondence between the image 17 and the underlying 3D form of the security element ES so that! It will be possible to deduce from this that the identity document is not authentic.

The superposition in coincidence of the image on the 3D relief thus makes it possible to significantly increase the difficulty for a third person to falsify or reproduce said document.

During a step E10, a protective layer (or film) 20, rigid or flexible as required, is affixed here to the surface of the body of the identity document 10 so as to cover at least part of the security element ES (and possibly all or part of the upper surface of the identity document 10). Picture 1? mentioned above can optionally be carried out in 2D in the film (before or after assembly with the body of the identity document 10),

Layer 20 is affixed to the body of the identity document in an appropriate manner, for example pasting or fusing.

In this example, the layer 20 is transparent on at least the part facing the safety element ES so that it is possible to visually check the shape of the non-planar surface 12 and, if necessary, the aspect of the image 17 when it is performed on the security element ES. In this example, the layer 20 comprises, for example, a portion of material 23 aligned with the security element ES, this portion of material 23 allowing the light 22 to pass into the visible.

The film 20 may be in direct contact with the non-planar surface 12 of the security element ES or spaced therefrom as shown for example in FIG. 7A.

According to another variant shown in FIG. 7, the cavity 14 is filled with a translucent or transparent material 24, such as a varnish or a suitable resin for example. One can also consider making the image 1? in the material 24 (in its resin for example).

The application of the layer 20 or the material 24 makes it possible to protect the 3D form of the security element ES while allowing the visual observation to authenticate the identity document when necessary,

Although this is not mandatory, the manufacturing method furthermore comprises in this embodiment the storage (E12), in a memory 25 contained for example in the body 10 of the identity document DU, of data D1 allowing subsequent verification of the authenticity of the document (FIGS. 7A and 7B), these data comprise information relating to the shape of the surface 30 (relating to the surface model 8 used for example) and possibly to the colors associated with the various pixels 18 of the image 17, It is thus possible later to compare the real 3D profile of the non-planar surface 12 with the recovered data and to deduce whether the identity document DU is authentic. The data may be an identifier or the topography information itself. ,

Storage of these data is for example achieved by means of the terminal T1 provided with a communication interface for communicating with a microcircuit disposed in the body 10 and having the memory 25 in question.

In the embodiment and the variants described above with reference to FIGS. 1 to 9, the non-planar surface 12 is formed by removal of material directly into the mass of the body 10 of the identity document DU. According to one As shown in FIGS. 10A-10C, this non-planar surface 12 is formed by material removal in a portion of material 32 independent of the body 10 of the identity document D11 (FIG. 10A). After forming the non-planar surface 10, the material portion 32 comprising the security element ES is assembled with the body 10 of the identity document DH (FIG. 10C).

Preferably, this portion of material comprising the security element ES is fixed in a cavity 36 (or housing) previously provided for this purpose in the body .1.0 of the identity document DU, the disposition of the portion of material 32 in the cavity 36 provides a better mechanical strength of the security element ES in the body 10 of the identity document D1.1. The cavity is preferably configured to match the shapes of the portion of material 32.

The assembly of the portion of material 32 with the body 10 can be achieved by gluing (by means of an adhesive 37 for example), by melting, or by mechanical assembly (e.g., mortise and tenon assembly).

It is thus possible to separately manufacture the security element ES and the body 10 of the identity document DU. For example, these two parts can be manufactured in different places and / or at different times. This variant embodiment thus offers a greater flexibility in the way the identity document is made,

In the embodiments and variants described above, the non-planar surface 12 is made by removal of material. According to an alternative, the non-planar surface 12 is made by adding material. The method of manufacture combining removal and addition of material is also possible within the scope of the invention. As described hereinafter, there are various ways of making such an addition of material.

To achieve this addition of material, one can use a three-dimensional printing device according to the invention, this device comprising means for forming, in or on the body of the identity document, the three-dimensional security element comprising in particular the non-planar surface configured to allow verification of the authenticity of the document,

As represented in FIG. 11, the portion of material 50 is deposited and fixed on the body 10 of an identity document noted here DI2. This portion of material 50 has on its surface the non-planar surface 12 of the security element. In this particular case, the portion of material 50 is made by adding successive layers COI to COn (collectively referred to as CO), where n is a non-zero integer. The embodiment in successive layers, however, is only one embodiment of the addition of material. The thickness of each layer COI at COn is, for example, less than or equal to 100 μm, and preferably less than or equal to 10 μm. . The thickness of the body 10 of the document Identity DI2 is for example at least 500 μm (eg between 500 μm and 2 mm). By limiting the thickness of each layer COn to a maximum of 10 m, it is advantageous to achieve a high resolution during the manufacture of the portion of material 50 on the substrate. It is thus possible to form a non-planar surface 12 having a particularly high level of complexity. Such a resolution makes it possible, for example, to accurately reproduce on the body 10 a shape 12 representative of a complex object 2 such as a face for example.

Alternatively, the addition of material 50 may be performed on a portion of material independent of the body 10, this independent portion then being integrated into the body 10 in a similar manner to the embodiment described with reference to Figures 10, 10B and 1QC,

In a particular embodiment shown in FIG. 12, at least some parts or elements of the successive layers CO are colored (e.g. the parts PA, PB, PC, PD and PE). In particular, elements of materials having different colors may be added at the surface so as to produce a specific image (analogous, for example, to the image 17 previously described) at the level of the non-planar surface 12,

In a similar way to FIG. 7A, FIGS. 13A and 13B diagrammatically show a sectional view of a variant embodiment according to which a protective layer 52 is fixed (by bonding or melting, for example) to the body 10 of the identity document so as to cover the non-planar surface 12 "This layer 52 is of. preferably transparent at least in the region opposite the security element.

Advantageously, the layer 52 comprises on its bonding face, a shape 54 complementary to that of the portion of the security element located opposite (the entire non-planar surface 12 in the case shown in FIGS. 13A and 13. The complementary shape may be made according to the same process as that used to make the non-planar surface 12.

According to an alternative embodiment shown in FIGS. 14a and 14B, a portion of material 60 is assembled to the body 10 of the identity document DI.3, then material removal is performed on this portion of material 60 in order to form the non-planar surface 12 ( the reverse order of execution is also possible).

Those skilled in the art will understand that the embodiments and variants described above are only non-limiting examples of implementation of the invention. In particular, those skilled in the art can envisage any combination of the variants and modes of the invention. realization described above to meet a particular need, As explained above, the inclusion of a three-dimensional security element in an identity document advantageously makes it possible to hinder or prevent the falsification or unauthorized reproduction of identity documents.

To check the authenticity of an identity document in accordance with the invention provides a first method to visually check the appearance of ^the security element and compare it with a reference to determine whether the two match the one with the other. This reference element may for example be the visual appearance of the face of the identity document holder or data relating to the theoretical 3D profile that the security element should present.

FIGS. 1S and 1S represent an exemplary embodiment of the authentication method according to the invention. This authentication is for example carried out on the identity document D1l previously described, using a terminal T2 having a hardware architecture identical to that of the terminal T1 of FIG. 1. The terminal T2 comprises in particular a memory 62 in which is stored a P2 computer program including instructions for performing at least some steps of the authentication method of the invention.

According to this exemplary embodiment, the terminal T2 cooperates with digital capture means 65 to obtain (E20) DN1 data representative of the real 3D profile of the non-planar surface 12 of the security element ES.

Terminal T2 also (E22) retrieves DN2 data representative of the theoretical 3D profile that the non-planar surface 12 should present if the identity document DU is authentic (this recovery E22 can be done before, during or after E20). In a particular example, these data D 2 are retrieved from the ID data stored in the memory 25 of the identity document D11. For this purpose, the terminal cooperates with reading means (not shown) to consult the memory 25 of the identity document DIL. The data DN2 may be the ID data itself. Alternatively, the terminal is apt to retrieve from the outside (e.g. from a database for example) the data DN2 from the identifier ID.

The terminal T2 compares (E24) then the data DN1 and DN2. If there is no agreement between DNi and DN2 (E26), it is deduced that the identity document DU is falsified (E30). In case of concordance, it can be deduced that the document Identity DU is authentic (or alternatively, other tests are carried out before confirming Lauthentif catlon of the identity document DU).

Claims

A method of manufacturing an identity document (TEN, DI2, D3) having a three-dimensional security element, the method comprising:

the acquisition (E2) of spatial coordinates;

the determination (E4), by calculation from the spatial coordinates (6), of a surface model (8); and

the formation (E6) of a three-dimensional security element (ES) having a non-planar surface (12) conforming to said surface model (8), said surface (12) of the security element being configured to enable verification authenticity of said document.

2. Method according to claim 1 comprising, during or after the formation of the security element, the production (E8) of an image (17) on at least a part of the surface (1.2) of the security element. (ES),

3. Method according to claim 2, the production of said image (17) comprising at least one of:

- laser carbonization of the security element to form at least a portion of the image; and

printing at least a portion of the image on the security element.

The method of claim 2 or 3, comprising recovering color-related data respectively associated with the spatial coordinates (6).

wherein, when performing said image, each pixel (18) of the image is made in a color or gray level that is. determined from the position of said. pixel on the surface (12) of said security element (ES) in combination with said data.

A method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the forming step comprises removing material from a portion of material (10; 32) so as to form the surface (12) of said security element ( ES).

6. The method of claim 5, wherein said portion of material (32) is independent of the body (10) of the identity document during the removal of material, the method further comprising, after said removal of material, assembling said portion of material to the body of the identity document,

The method of claim 5, wherein said portion of material is a portion integral with the body (10) of the identity document (DU) at the time of the material removal step,

The method of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the step of forming the security element comprises adding material (50) to a portion of material (10; 32),

9. A method according to claim 8, wherein, when adding material, material elements (PA, PB, PC, PD, PE) having different colors are added to the surface of said security element (ES).

10. A method according to any one of claims 5 to 9, comprising, after forming said security element, the bonding of a transparent layer (52) on at least a portion of the body of the Identity document so as to cover the element Security (ES).

The method of any one of claims 6 and 8 to 10, comprising. forming a cavity (14; 36) in the body (10) of the identity document prior to formation of the security element,

The method according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the step of acquiring the spatial coordinates (6) comprises the digital capture of an object (2) from which said spatial coordinates are generated, said digital capture being performed in one of the following ways:

by acquiring several pictures of the object in different directions;

by scanning the object by means of a laser; and

■ by remission / reception of radio waves.

13. Identity document (DU; DI2; D3) produced according to a manufacturing method according to any one of claims 1 to 12, the identity document comprising a three-dimensional security element (ES) formed in or on the body (10) said document, said security element having a non-planar surface (12) enabling the authentication of said document,

The identity document according to claim 13, wherein the non-planar surface (12) of the security element comprises a representation related to at least one of:

- the holder of the identity document;

- the issuer of the identity document; and

- the physical identity of the carrier of the identity document.

15. A three-dimensional printing device comprising means for forming, in or on the body (10) of an identity document (DU, DI2, DI3), a three-dimensional security element (ES) comprising a non-planar surface. (12) configured to allow verification of the authenticity of the dst. document.