Identification document with complex window forming a pattern
The integration of an opaque material layer within a transparent window of identification documents creates a pattern visible only under transmitted light, addressing the need for enhanced security features that distinguish under specific lighting conditions.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- WO · WO
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- TOPPAN SECURITY SAS
- Filing Date
- 2025-11-11
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-11
AI Technical Summary
Existing identification documents lack effective security features that are visibly distinct under transmitted light but not under reflected light, compromising authenticity verification.
Incorporating a layer of opaque material within a transparent window of the identification document substrate, where the pattern formed by this material is only visible under transmitted light, ensuring it remains invisible under reflected light.
Enhances security by providing a pattern that is discernible only under specific lighting conditions, thereby improving authenticity verification and document integrity.
Smart Images
Figure EP2025082621_11062026_PF_FP_ABST
Abstract
Description
[0001] HID Global CID SAS HID095-39475E-NW
[0002] -1-
[0003] Description
[0004] COMPLEX WINDOW FORMING A PATTERN
[0005] Technical Field
[0006]
[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to identification documents. In particular, the present disclosure relates to identification documents with a complex window forming a pattern which is only visible in transmitted light.
[0007] Background
[0008]
[0002] Identification documents are used on a daily basis for a number of different purposes. Identification documents are most commonly used to prove identity, to verify age, to access an asset (e.g., secure area, financial account, computing resource, etc.), to evidence driving privileges, to cash a check, and so on.
[0009]
[0003] For the purposes of this disclosure, identification documents are broadly defined and may include, for example, credit cards, bank cards, phone cards, passports, driver’s licenses, network access cards, employee badges, debit cards, security cards, visas, immigration documentation, national ID cards, citizenship cards, social security cards, security badges, certificates, identification cards, voter registration cards, police ID cards, border crossing cards, legal instruments or documentation, security clearance badges and cards, gun permits, gift certificates or cards, labels or product packaging, membership cards or badges, etc. Identification documents may sometimes be interchangeably referred to as “security documents”, “ID documents”, “credential documents”, “security credentials”, “photo- IDs”, and “photo ID documents”.
[0010]
[0004] Identification documents typically are provided with security features which are directed to verifying the authenticity of the document. HID Global CID SAS HID095-39475E-NW
[0011] -2-
[0012]
[0005] One known security feature or at least part of a known security feature is a transparent window. A transparent window is a transparent portion provided in the (otherwise opaque) substrate. By means of a transparent window, it is possible to reveal what is positioned in or behind (underneath) the transparent window. A transparent window may be a “fully transparent window” which extends from one side of the substrate (such as the substrate's frontside) to the opposite side of the substrate (such as the substrate's backside), i.e., extends through the entire substrate. Alternatively, the transparent window may be a “semi-transparent window” which extends from the one side of the substrate towards the opposite side of the substrate only partially through the substrate and not through the entire substrate.
[0013]
[0006] The present disclosure is directed, at least in part, to provide an improved security feature of an identification document.
[0014] Summary of the Disclosure
[0015]
[0007] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, an identification document has a substrate, a transparent window and a layer of opaque material. The substrate has a frontside and a backside opposite to the frontside in a thickness direction. The transparent window is provided in the substrate and extends from the frontside towards the backside or vice versa. The layer of opaque material is at least partly positioned in the transparent window. In front view and / or back view of the substrate, the layer of opaque material forms a pattern on the frontside respectively backside of the substrate. The pattern is visible only when viewed by transmitted light but not by reflected light.
[0016]
[0008] Other features and aspects of the present disclosure will be apparent from the following description and the accompanying drawings. HID Global CID SAS HID095-39475E-NW
[0017] -3-
[0018] Brief Description of the Drawings
[0019]
[0009] Fig. 1 shows an exemplary embodiment of the identification document according to the present disclosure in front view.
[0020]
[0010] Fig. 2 shows a sectional view of the exemplary embodiment of Fig. 1 along line A-A.
[0021]
[0011] Fig. 3 shows a sectional view of a further exemplary embodiment of the identification document according to the present disclosure.
[0022]
[0012] Fig. 4A- Fig. 4D show a further exemplary embodiment of the identification document according to the present disclosure in front view and in back view as well as in transmitted light and in reflected light.
[0023]
[0013] Fig. 5 shows a further exemplary embodiment of the identification document according to the present disclosure in front view.
[0024]
[0014] Fig. 6 shows a sectional view of the exemplary embodiment of Fig. 5 along line A-A.
[0025]
[0015] Fig. 7A- Fig. 7D show a further exemplary embodiment of the identification document according to the present disclosure in front view and in back view as well as in transmitted light and in reflected light.
[0026]
[0016] Fig. 8 shows a further exemplary embodiment of the identification document according to the present disclosure in front view.
[0027]
[0017] Fig. 9 shows a sectional view of the exemplary embodiment of Fig. 8 along line A-A.
[0028]
[0018] Fig. 10A- Fig. 10F show a further exemplary embodiment of the identification document according to the present disclosure in front view and in back view as well as in transmitted light and in reflected light as well as in light of a first intensity and in light of high intensity.
[0029]
[0019] Fig. 11 A- Fig. 1 IF show a further exemplary embodiment of the identification document according to the present disclosure in front view and in back view as well as in transmitted light and in reflected light as well as in light of a first intensity and in light of high intensity. HID Global CID SAS HID095-39475E-NW
[0030] -4-
[0031] Detailed Description
[0032]
[0020] The following is a detailed description of exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. The exemplary embodiments described herein are intended to teach the principles of the present disclosure, enabling those of ordinary skill in the art to implement and use the present disclosure in many different environments and for many different applications. Therefore, the exemplary embodiments are not intended to be, and should not be considered as, a limiting description of the scope of protection. Rather, the scope of protection shall be defined by the appended claims.
[0033]
[0021] The present disclosure is based at least in part on the realization that a layer of opaque material is positioned at least partly in a transparent window of a substrate and the color and opacity of that layer of opaque material is selected such that the layer of opaque material in front view and / or back view of the substrate forms a pattern which is only visible under certain conditions. The pattern is only visible when viewed in transmitted light. In reflected light, the pattern is not visible. The pattern appears on the frontside respectively backside of the substrate.
[0034]
[0022] The transparent window extends from the frontside towards the backside of the substrate or vice versa. The transparent window may extend through the entire substrate, i.e., from the frontside to the backside of the substrate. The portion of the frontside respectively backside of the substrate which is adjacent to the transparent window is referred to as background portion. The background portion may entirely surround the transparent window. The portion of the frontside respectively backside of the substrate which is defined by the transparent window (the portion in which the transparent window is positioned) is referred to as transparent window portion.
[0035]
[0023] The conditional visibility of the pattern is achieved in that the color of the transparent window portion and the background portion are the same. The color of the transparent window portion is determined by the color of the layer of opaque material which is at least partly positioned in the transparent HID Global CID SAS HID095-39475E-NW
[0036] -5- window. Accordingly, the color of the layer of opaque material and the color of the background portion are the same. For example, the color of the layer of opaque material and the color of the background portion may be white.
[0037]
[0024] Further, the conditional visibility of the pattern is achieved in that the opacities of the transparent window portion and the background portion are different. The opacities of the transparent window portion and the background portion are measured in thickness direction of the substrate and refer to the entire thickness of the substrate. In case, the transparent window extends through the entire substrate and no other opaque elements besides the layer of opaque material are provided in the transparent window, the opacity of the transparent window portion is determined (only) by the opacity of the layer of opaque material. In such case, the opacity of the layer of opaque material (which is the opacity of the transparent window portion) and the opacity of the background portion are different. Of course, in case the transparent window does not extend through the entire substrate or other opaque elements besides the layer of opaque material are provided in the transparent window, the opacity of the transparent window portion is not only determined by the layer of opaque material. For example, other opaque elements positioned in the transparent window may have an effect on the opacity of the transparent window portion.
[0038]
[0025] To create a transparent window in a substrate of an identification document, all known technologies may be used. For example, the flowing method may be used. In this method, the opaque layers are cut to create a hole. During lamination, the high temperature and pressure results in the adjacent clear layers flowing in the hole and completely filling it. Another known method to create a transparent window in a substrate of an identification document is the cutting or punching of the transparent window. It is also possible to provide a layer of opaque material onto a transparent layer wherein some areas are left free of opaque material. Such areas form a transparent window.
[0039]
[0026] If not otherwise specified, opacities in this disclosure are measured in thickness direction of the substrate. The opacities of the background HID Global CID SAS HID095-39475E-NW
[0040] -6- portion and the transparent window portion of the frontside / b ackside are measured over the entire thickness of the substrate.
[0041]
[0027] The opacity of the transparent window portion may be easily adapted by changing the material of the layer of opaque material or by changing the thickness of the layer of opaque material. In an exemplary embodiment, the transparent window extends through the entire substrate and no further opaque elements besides the layer of opaque material are provided in the transparent window. Accordingly, the opacity of the transparent window portion corresponds to the opacity of the layer of opaque material.
[0042]
[0028] In front view and / or back view of the substrate, the layer of opaque material forms a pattern on the frontside respectively the backside of the substrate. The pattern is visible only when viewed by transmitted light but not by reflected light. “Visible” means that the pattern is identifiable or distinguishes from the portion that is adjacent to the pattern (in front and / or back view). Or in other words, “visible” means that the pattern contrasts with the portion that is adjacent to the pattern (in front and / or back view). Visibility can refer to the naked human eye, but also to machine visibility, e.g., a passport scanner to verify the genuine nature of the document.
[0043]
[0029] In transmitted light, the layer of opaque material appears as pattern due to local differences in opacity. The pattern appears as single or various shades of lightness / darkness. Areas with relatively higher opacity appear darker. Areas with relatively lower opacity appear lighter. The pattern may have any shape. Just to give some examples, the pattern may have the shape of a star, a globe, a rectangle or an animal such as an eagle.
[0044]
[0030] Reflected light refers to any light that encounter a surface (such as a surface of the layer of opaque material or the frontside / b ackside of the substrate) that reflects the light away. In contrast, transmitted light refers to light that hit an object and travel all the way through (such as a transparent window of the substrate). Light is not limited to visible light but may also refer to IR light and / or UV light. HID Global CID SAS HID095-39475E-NW
[0045] -7-
[0046]
[0031] Opacity is the property of an object that resists the passage of light. This is calculated by measuring the percentage of the light which is transmitted. Opacity = 100% (1-I1 / I0), wherein II = remaining intensity of light after having passed the object, and 10 = initial intensity of light before having passed the object. Opacity may also be expressed in form of transmittance (transparency). The following correlation applies: opacity = 100% - transmittance (transparency).
[0047]
[0032] In this disclosure, the meaning of the expression “transparent” is that essentially all light of a specific wavelength range is transmitted. Preferably, a transmittance is more than 60%, more preferably more than 80%. This corresponds to an opacity of less than 40%, more preferably less than 20%.
[0048]
[0033] In this disclosure, the meaning of the expression “opaque” is that essentially no light of a specific wavelength range is transmitted. Preferably, a transmittance is less than about 40%, more preferably less than about 20%. This corresponds to an opacity of more than 60%, more preferably more than 80%.
[0049]
[0034] The layer of opaque material may for example be made of ink. The ink 592-00 / PC 200 from Printcolor is an example for an ink that may be used. The ink may be applied onto a transparent layer to form the layer of opaque material by inkjet-printing or other technologies known by the skilled person. The ink may be of white color. White color provides a neutral background against which further identification features such as a portrait or a signature may be displayed.
[0050]
[0035] The substrate may be formed of multiple layers stacked on each other using standard techniques which are well known in the industry. The substrate respectively the multiple layers may for example be made of Polycarbonate (PC), PVC, Teslin or TPU.
[0051]
[0036] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the substrate is formed of multiple layers. The multiple layers stacked on each other include an opaque layer with a transparent window, and a transparent layer of which a portion is covered with opaque material. HID Global CID SAS HID095-39475E-NW
[0052] -8-
[0053]
[0037] The opaque material that covers a portion of the transparent layer corresponds to the layer of opaque material. As clear to the skilled person, the stack of layers may include further opaque layers with a transparent window and / or may include one or more additional transparent layers.
[0054]
[0038] In an exemplary embodiment, the stack of layers includes more than one transparent layer of which a portion is covered with opaque material. In this case, each portion covered with opaque material may have the shape of the pattern. By adding such additional portions covered with opaque material, the (overall) opacity of the transparent window portion may be adapted.
[0055] Alternatively, each portion covered with opaque material may not have the shape of the pattern, but the multiple portions covered with opaque material may be configured such that they complement each other and together (in combination) form the pattern.
[0056]
[0039] According to an exemplary embodiment of the identification document, the layer of opaque material is positioned in the substrate such that, in front view and / or in back view, the pattern has only a first portion that fills (complements) the transparent window.
[0057]
[0040] In this embodiment, the shape of the layer of opaque material matches the shape of the transparent window (in front view and / or in back view). The layer of opaque material fills (complements) the transparent window. The layer of opaque material in principle does not extend outside of the transparent window. However, to avoid to not entirely fill the transparent window with the layer of opaque material, the layer of opaque material may have peripheral zones that slightly extend out of the transparent window. A slight extension in this disclosure means that the layer of opaque material does not extend out of the transparent window for more than 1 mm, preferably does not extend for more than 0.5 mm. In other words: a slight extension means that the layer of opaque material in front view and / or back view does not overlap with the background portion (which is adjacent to the transparent window) for more than 1 mm, HID Global CID SAS HID095-39475E-NW
[0058] -9- preferably more than 0.5 mm. The opacity of the first portion of the pattern is measured over the entire thickness of the substrate.
[0059]
[0041] The opacity of the first portion of the pattern may be lower than the opacity of the background portion. In this embodiment the first portion (only portion) of the pattern appears brighter in reflected light than the background portion. The opacity of the first portion may be substantially uniform. Thus, the first portion appears as pattern in substantially a single shade of lightness. For example, the opacity of the first portion may be in the range of 60-80%, preferably in the range of 70-80%, and the opacity of the background portion may be in the range of 70-100%, preferably in the range of 80-90%. In an exemplary embodiment, the layer of opaque material is a layer of printed white ink and the opacity of the layer of printed white ink is measured according to ISO 23498:2022 (publication date: 2022-12).
[0060]
[0042] According to an exemplary embodiment of the identification document, the layer of opaque material is positioned in the substrate such that, in front view and back view of the substrate, the pattern has a first portion that fills (complements) the transparent window and a second portion that is positioned outside the transparent window. In front view and back view, only the first portion is visible (the second portion is not visible) when viewed by transmitted light of a first intensity. In front view and back view, both, the first and second portions are visible when viewed by transmitted light of a second intensity, the second intensity being greater than the first intensity.
[0061]
[0043] In this embodiment it is possible that, depending of the intensity of the transmitted light, the only parts of the layer of opaque material appears as pattern on the frontside (backside) of the substrate or the entire layer of opaque material appears as pattern on the frontside (backside). The pattern may appear in various shades of lightness / darkness on the frontside (backside) due to local differences in the pattern's opacity. Such different patterns depending on the intensity of the transmitted light further increase the security of the identification document. The second portion may at least partly extend out of the transparent HID Global CID SAS HID095-39475E-NW
[0062] -10- window for more than 0.5 cm, more preferably for more than 1.0 cm, even more preferably for more than 1.5 cm, and most preferably for more than 2 cm. Intensity of light is measured by a spectrophotometer. For example, the transmitted light of the first intensity may be 20-30 Lumen and the transmitted light of the second intensity may be 40-50 Lumen. The first and second intensities refer to the initial intensity of light before having passed the substrate / transparent window.
[0063]
[0044] In this embodiment, the thickness of the material (substrate) positioned between the layer of opaque material and the frontside of the substrate and the thickness of the material (substrate) between the layer of opaque material and the backside of the substrate may be the same, i.e., the layer of opaque material is positioned substantially at the center of the substrate in thickness direction of the substrate. The layer of opaque material may be positioned in the substrate such that it extends substantially in parallel to the frontside (backside) of the substrate. Further, the layer of opaque material may be positioned in the substrate such that its distance to the frontside of the substrate and its distance to the backside of the substrate is at least 100 micrometers, preferably at least 200 micrometers. Further, the opacity of the material (substrate) positioned between the layer of opaque material and the frontside of the substrate and the opacity of the material (substrate) between the layer of opaque material and the backside of the substrate may be the same. The opacities are measured in thickness direction of the substrate.
[0064]
[0045] According to another exemplary embodiment of the identification document, the layer of opaque material is positioned in the substrate such that, in front view and back view of the substrate, the pattern has a first portion that fills (complements) the transparent window and a second portion that is positioned outside the transparent window. In front view of the substrate, only the first portion is visible when viewed by transmitted light of a first intensity, and both, the first and second portions are visible when viewed by transmitted light of a HID Global CID SAS HID095-39475E-NW
[0065] -11- second intensity. In back view of the substrate, only the first portion is visible when viewed by transmitted light of the first intensity and of the second intensity.
[0066]
[0046] In this embodiment, in back view of the substrate, only the first portion is visible (the second portion is not visible) when viewed by transmitted light of the first intensity and by transmitted light of the second intensity. Even when using the transmitted light of the second intensity, the second portion does not become visible in back view of the substrate. To the contrary, in front view of the substrate, only the first portion is visible (the second portion is not visible) when viewed by transmitted light of the first intensity, but both, the first and second portions are visible when viewed by transmitted light of the second intensity. Thus, in front view, when using the transmitted light of the second intensity, the second portion becomes visible.
[0067]
[0047] This embodiment may further increase the security of the identification document as the pattern of the frontside differs from the pattern of the backside when viewed in transmitted light of the second intensity. Of course, the above description also refers to an embodiment in which the backside and the frontside are exchanged, i.e., the second portion only becomes visible on the backside (and not on the frontside) when viewed by transmitted light of the second intensity.
[0068]
[0048] In this embodiment, the thickness of the material (substrate) positioned between the layer of opaque material and the frontside of the substrate and the thickness of the material (substrate) between the layer of opaque material and the backside of the substrate may be the different, i.e., the layer of opaque material is not positioned at the center of the substrate in thickness direction of the substrate. The layer of opaque material may be positioned in the substrate such that it extends substantially in parallel to the frontside (backside) of the substrate. Further, the layer of opaque material may be positioned in the substrate such that its distance to the frontside of the substrate and its distance to the backside of the substrate is at least 100 micrometers, preferably at least 200 micrometers. Further, the opacity of the material (substrate) positioned between HID Global CID SAS HID095-39475E-NW
[0069] -12- the layer of opaque material and the frontside of the substrate and the opacity of the material (substrate) between the layer of opaque material and the backside of the substrate may be different. The opacities are measured in thickness direction of the substrate.
[0070]
[0049] The opacity of the first portion may be lower than the opacity of the second portion. Further, the opacity of the second portion may be higher than the opacity of a portion of the frontside and / or the backside which is (in front view / back view) adjacent to the second portion. For example, the opacity of the first portion may be in the range of 60-80%, preferably in the range of 70-80% and the opacity of the second portion may be in the range of 80-100%, preferably in the range of 85-95%. Further, the opacity of the portion of the frontside and / or the backside which is adjacent to the second portion may be in the range of 70- 90%, preferably in the range of 80-90%.
[0071]
[0050] According to an exemplary embodiment, the layer of opaque material is not continuously opaque but has one or more transparent portions. The transparent portions may be arranged in the transparent window. Through the transparent portions of the layer of opaque material it is possible to see what is behind the substrate (background). In most cases, this visible background will have another color than the color of the layer of opaque material. Accordingly, the transparent portions are visible (identifiable) within the pattern formed by the layer of opaque material when viewed in reflected light and when viewed in transmitted light.
[0072]
[0051] Fig. 1 shows an exemplary embodiment of the identification document according to the present disclosure in front view. The identification document has a substrate 5 and a transparent window 36 provided in the substrate 5. The transparent window 36 is star-shaped. In the transparent window 36, a layer of opaque material 40 is positioned. The layer of opaque material 40 has the color 16 and the opacity 17. The opacity 17 is measured in the thickness direction of the substrate 5. The frontside FS of the substrate 5 has a background portion which is adjacent to the transparent window 36. The background portion has the HID Global CID SAS HID095-39475E-NW
[0073] -13- color 11 and the opacity 12. The opacity 12 is measured in the thickness direction of the substrate 5, i.e., from the frontside to the backside of the substrate 5. The layer of opaque material 40 and the background portion 10 have the same color. Therefore, the layer of opaque material is not distinguishable from the background portion when viewed in reflected light. However, the layer of opaque material 40 and the background portion 10 have different opacities. Therefore, the layer of opaque material 40 is distinguishable from the background portion when viewed in transmitted light. The layer of opaque material 40 appears as a star-shaped pattern 15 on the frontside when viewed in transmitted light.
[0074]
[0052] In Fig. 1, the transparent window 36 respectively the pattern 15 is indicated with a dashed line. In this figure and in the other figures, an illustration with a dashed line is used to indicate that the respective feature is not visible (is viewed in reflected light).
[0075] In Fig. 1, the shape of the layer of opaque material 40 matches the shape of the transparent window 36. The layer of opaque material fills (complements) the transparent window. As clear to the skilled person, other security features or identification features may be provided on the substrate 5 of the identification document.
[0076]
[0053] Fig. 2 shows a sectional view of the exemplary embodiment of Fig. 1 along line A-A. The substrate 5 is formed of multiple layers stacked on each other. The multiple layers have one opaque layer 35 with a transparent window 36 and four transparent layers 34. On one of the four transparent layers 34, a portion is covered with opaque material. The opaque material covering the portion of the transparent layer 34 corresponds to the layer of opaque material 40. For better visibility, only the opaque portions of the substrate 5 are illustrated with hatching. Thus, the transparent layers are not illustrated with hatching. The layer of opaque material 40 does not extend out of the transparent window 36. The shape (contour) of the layer of opaque material 40 matches the shape (contour) of the transparent window 36. The layer of opaque material fills (complements) the transparent window. The opacity of the layer of the HID Global CID SAS HID095-39475E-NW
[0077] -14- transparent window portion and the background portion 10 is measured in the thickness direction of the substrate 5. The opacity is measured from the frontside FS to the backside BS of the substrate 5. The opacity refers to the overall opacity in the thickness direction t of the substrate 5. As the layer of opaque material 40 is the only opaque element in the transparent window 36, the opacity of the transparent window portion corresponds to the opacity of the layer of opaque material 40.
[0078]
[0054] Fig. 3 shows a sectional view of a further exemplary embodiment of the identification document according to the present disclosure. The multiple layers have four opaque layer 35, each of which has a transparent window 36, and one transparent layer 34. On the one transparent layer, a portion is covered with opaque material (corresponding to the layer of opaque material 40).
[0079]
[0055] Fig. 4A- Fig. 4D show a further exemplary embodiment of the identification document according to the present disclosure in front view and in back view as well as in transmitted light and in reflected light.
[0080]
[0056] Fig. 4A and 4B show the substrate 5 in front view. In Fig. 4A, the substrate 5 is viewed in reflected light. The layer of opaque material 40 has the shape of the country France. The layer of opaque material 40 is not distinguishable from the background portion 10 (illustrated in dashed line). In Fig. 4B, the substrate 5 is viewed in transmitted light. The layer of opaque material 40 is distinguishable from the background portion 10 and forms a pattern 15 on the frontside FS. The pattern has the shape of the county France.
[0081]
[0057] Fig. 4C and 4D show the substrate 5 in back view. In Fig. 4C, the substrate 5 is viewed in reflected light. The layer of opaque material 40 is not distinguishable from the background portion 10. In Fig. 4D, the substrate 5 is viewed in transmitted light. The layer of opaque material 40 is distinguishable from the background portion 10 and forms a pattern 15 on the backside BS. The pattern has the shape of the county France turned upside down.
[0082] Fig. 5 shows a further exemplary embodiment of the identification document according to the present disclosure in front view. Fig. 1 corresponds to HID Global CID SAS HID095-39475E-NW
[0083] -15-
[0084] Fig. 1 but differ in that the layer of opaque material 40 has a transparent portion 30. The transparent portion 30 is circular shaped. The transparent window 36 respectively the pattern 15 is not visible (illustrated in dashed line). However, the transparent portion 30 in the transparent window 36 is visible as the transparent portion 30 reveals what is positioned behind the substrate 5.
[0085]
[0058] Fig. 6 shows a sectional view of the exemplary embodiment of Fig. 5 along line A-A. Fig. 6 corresponds to the Fig. 2 but differ in that the layer of opaque material 40 has a transparent portion 30.
[0086]
[0059] Fig. 7A- Fig. 7D show a further exemplary embodiment of the identification document according to the present disclosure in front view and in back view as well as in transmitted light and in reflected light.
[0087]
[0060] Fig. 7A and 7B show the substrate 5 in front view. In Fig. 7A, the substrate 5 is viewed in reflected light. The layer of opaque material 40 has the shape of an eagle sitting on a globe. The layer of opaque material 40 is not distinguishable from the background portion 10. However, the layer of opaque material 40 has transparent portions 30. The transparent potions 30 are visible. In Fig. 4B, the substrate is viewed in transmitted light. The layer of opaque material 40 is distinguishable from the background portion 10 and forms a pattern 15 on the frontside FS. The pattern 15 has the shape of an eagle sitting on a globe. The transparent portions 30 are visible in transmitted light as well as in reflected light.
[0088]
[0061] Fig. 7C and 7D show the substrate 5 in back view. In Fig. 7C, the substrate 5 is viewed in reflected light. The layer of opaque material 40 is not distinguishable from the background portion 10. However, the layer of opaque material 40 has transparent portions 30. The transparent potions 30 are visible. In Fig. 7D, the substrate 5 is viewed in transmitted light. The layer of opaque material 40 is distinguishable from the background portion 10 and forms a pattern 15 on the backside BS. The pattern has the shape of an eagle sitting on a globe turned upside down. The transparent portions 30 are visible in transmitted light as well as in reflected light. HID Global CID SAS HID095-39475E-NW
[0089] -16-
[0090]
[0062] Fig. 8 shows a further exemplary embodiment of the identification document according to the present disclosure in front view.
[0091] The identification document has a substrate 5 and a transparent window 36 provided in the substrate 5. The transparent window 36 is rectangularshaped. In the transparent window 36 a transparent portion 30 is provided. The layer of opaque material 40 is positioned in the substrate 5 such that it forms a pattern 15 that has a first portion 20 that fills the transparent window 36 and a second portion 25 that is positioned outside the transparent window 36. The second portion 25 is triangular shaped. The second portion 25 is not visible. The frontside FS of the substrate 5 has a background portion 10 which is adjacent to the transparent window 36. The background portion 10 has the color 11 and the opacity 12. The layer of opaque material 40 and the background portion 10 have the same color. Therefore, the layer of opaque material 40 is not distinguishable from the background portion 10 when viewed in reflected light. The transparent portion 30 is visible.
[0092] Fig. 9 shows a sectional view of the exemplary embodiment of Fig. 8 along line A-A.
[0093]
[0063] The substrate 5 is formed of multiple layers stacked on each other. The multiple layers have one opaque layer 35 with a transparent window 36, and four transparent layers 34. On one of the four transparent layers, a portion is covered with opaque material. The opaque material applied on the transparent layer corresponds to the layer of opaque material 40. The layer of opaque material 40 has a transparent portion 30. The layer of opaque material 40 is positioned in the substrate 5 such that it has a first portion 20 that fills the transparent window 36 and a second portion 25 that is positioned outside the transparent window 36. The material (substrate) positioned between the second portion 25 of the layer of opaque material 40 and the frontside FS of the substrate 5 has the thickness tl and the material (substrate) positioned between the second portion 25 of the layer of opaque material 40 and the backside BS of the substrate 5 has the thickness t2. Fig. 10A- Fig. 10F show a further exemplary embodiment HID Global CID SAS HID095-39475E-NW
[0094] -17- of the identification document according to the present disclosure in front view and in back view as well as in reflected light and in transmitted light of a first intensity and of a second intensity.
[0095]
[0064] Fig. 10A, 10B and IOC show the substrate in front view. In Fig.
[0096] 10A, the substrate 5 is viewed in reflected light. The layer of opaque material 40 has the shape of an eagle sitting on a globe. The globe (first portion 20) fills the transparent window 36 and the eagle (second portion 25) is positioned outside the transparent window 36. The layer of opaque material 40 is not visible (distinguishable from the background portion 10). However, the layer of opaque material 40 has transparent portions 30. The transparent potions 30 are visible. In Fig. 10B, the substrate 5 is viewed in transmitted light of a first intensity. The first portion 20 of the layer of opaque material 40 is visible (in addition to the transparent portions 30). In Fig. 10C, the substrate 5 is viewed in transmitted light of a second intensity which is higher than the first intensity. The first portion 20 and the second portion 25 of the layer of opaque material 40 are visible (in addition to the transparent portions 30).
[0097]
[0065] Fig. 10D, 10E and 10F show the substrate in back view. In Fig.
[0098] 10D, the substrate 5 is viewed in reflected light. The layer of opaque material 40 has the shape of an eagle sitting on a globe. The globe (first portion 20) fills the transparent window 36 and the eagle (second portion 25) is positioned outside the transparent window 36. The layer of opaque material 40 is not visible (distinguishable from the background portion 10). However, the layer of opaque material 40 has transparent portions 30. The transparent potions 30 are visible. In Fig. 10E, the substrate 5 is viewed in transmitted light of a first intensity. The first portion 20 of the layer of opaque material 40 is visible (in addition to the transparent portions 30). In Fig. 10F, the substrate 5 is viewed in transmitted light of a second intensity which is higher than the first intensity. The first portion 20 and the second portion 25 of the layer of opaque material 40 are visible (in addition to the transparent portions 30). HID Global CID SAS HID095-39475E-NW
[0099] -18-
[0100]
[0066] Fig. 11 A- Fig. 1 IF show a further exemplary embodiment of the identification document according to the present disclosure in front view and in back view as well as in reflected light and in transmitted light of a first intensity and of a second intensity. Fig. 11 A, 1 IB and 11C show the substrate in front view. In Fig. 11 A, the substrate 5 is viewed in reflected light. In Fig. 1 IB, the substrate 5 is viewed in transmitted light of a first intensity. In Fig. 11C, the substrate 5 is viewed in transmitted light of a second intensity, which is higher than the first intensity. Fig. 1 ID, 1 IE and 1 IF show the substrate in back view. In Fig. 1 ID, the substrate 5 is viewed in reflected light. In Fig. 1 IE, the substrate 5 is viewed in transmitted light of the first intensity. In Fig. 1 IF, the substrate 5 is viewed in transmitted light of the second intensity. Fig. 11 A-Fig. 1 IE correspond to Fig. 10A-10E. Fig. 1 IF is differs from Fig. 10F. Instead of the first portion 20 and the second portion 25, only the first portion 20 is visible.
[0101] Industrial applicability
[0102]
[0067] With reference to Fig. 11 A-l IF, the use of an exemplary embodiment of the identification document according to the present disclosure is explained. At passport control, a passport inspector may check an identification document as shown in Fig. 11 A-l IF. At first, the passport inspector will check the frontside FS of the substrate 5. In reflection and transmission (with weak light), the passport inspector will not observe the second portion 25 of the layer of opaque material 40 (cf. Fig. 11 A, 1 IB). To be able to reveal the second portion 25 of the layer of opaque material 40, the passport inspector requires a strong light to use it from the back and to observe the frontside FS of the substrate 5 (cf. Fig. 11C). In a second step, the passport inspector will turn the substrate 5 an observe it from the backside. In both reflection and transmission (with weak light), the passport inspector will not observe the second portion 25 of the layer of opaque material 40 (cf. Fig. 1 ID, 1 IE). Even if the passport inspector uses a strong light (higher intensity) to use it from frontside FS and observe the backside BS of the substrate 5, the second portion 25 of the layer of opaque material 40 HID Global CID SAS HID095-39475E-NW
[0103] -19- will not appear. Due to the dependency of the pattern's visibility from the side of the substrate and whether it is observed in reflection, transmission with weak light or transmission with strong light, the pattern is a strong security feature.
[0104]
[0068] The terms ‘about’, ‘approximately’, ‘circa’, ‘substantially’ or ‘generally’ as used herein in connection with a measurable value such as a parameter, quantity, shape, time duration or the like, include deviations or variations of ± 10% or less, preferably ± 5% or less, further preferably ± 1% or less and further preferably ± 0.1% of or from the respective value, provided that such deviations are still technically reasonable when the disclosed invention is put into practice. It is expressly pointed out that the value to which the term ‘approximately’ refers is disclosed as such expressly and in particular. The indication of ranges by initial and final values includes all those values and fractions of these values which are included by the respective range, as well as its initial and final values.
[0105]
[0069] It is explicitly stated that all features disclosed in the description and / or the claims are intended to be disclosed separately and independently from each other for the purpose of original disclosure as well as for the purpose of restricting the claimed invention independent of the composition of the features in the embodiments and / or the claims. It is explicitly stated that all value ranges or indications of groups of entities disclose every possible intermediate value or intermediate entity for the purpose of original disclosure as well as for the purpose of restricting the claimed invention, in particular as limits of value ranges.
[0106] HID Global CID SAS HID095-39475E-NW
[0107] -20-
[0108] List of references
[0109] 5 substrate
[0110] 10 background portion
[0111] 11 color of background portion
[0112] 12 opacity of background portion
[0113] 15 pattern
[0114] 16 color of layer of opaque material
[0115] 17 opacity of layer of opaque material
[0116] 20 first portion of pattern
[0117] 25 second portion of pattern
[0118] 30 transparent portion
[0119] 34 transparent layer
[0120] 35 opaque layer with a transparent window
[0121] 36 transparent window
[0122] 40 layer of opaque material
[0123] FS frontside of substrate
[0124] BS backside of substrate t thickness direction tl thickness of material positioned between the layer of opaque material and the frontside of the substrate t2 thickness of material positioned between the layer of opaque material and the backside of the substrate
Claims
1. HID Global CID SAS HID095-39475E-NW-21-Claims1. An identification document comprising: a substrate (5) having a frontside (FS) and a backside (BS) opposite to the frontside (FS) in a thickness direction (t), a transparent window (36) provided in the substrate (5) and extending from the frontside (FS) towards the backside (BS) or vice versa, and a layer of opaque material (40) at least partly positioned in the transparent window (36), wherein in front view and / or back view of the substrate (5), the layer of opaque material (40) forms a pattern (15) on the frontside (FS) respectively the backside (BS) of the substrate (5), the pattern (15) being visible only when viewed by transmitted light but not by reflected light.
2. The identification document of claim 1, wherein the frontside (FS) and / or backside of the substrate (5) comprises a background portion (10) which is adjacent to the transparent window (36) and which has the same color as the layer of opaque material (40).
3. The identification document of claim 2, wherein the background portion (10) has a different opacity than the layer of opaque material (40), the opacities being measured in thickness direction (t) of the substrate (5).
4. The identification document according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the transparent window (36) extends through the entire substrate (5).
5. The identification document according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein no other opaque material other than the layer of opaque material (40) is positioned in the transparent window (40).HID Global CID SAS HID095-39475E-NW-22-6. The identification document according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the substrate (5) is formed of multiple layers (34, 35) stacked on each other, the multiple layers (34, 35) comprising: an opaque layer (35) with a transparent window (36), and a transparent layer (34) of which a portion is covered with opaque material.
7. The identification document according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the layer of opaque material (40) is made of ink.
8. The identification document according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the layer of opaque material (40) is positioned in the substrate (5) such that, in front view and / or in back view, the pattern (15) comprises only a first portion (20) that fills the transparent window (36).
9. The identification document according to claim 8, wherein the opacity of the first portion (20) is lower than the opacity of the background portion (10), the opacities being measured in thickness direction (t) of the substrate (5).
10. The identification document according to claim 9, wherein the opacity of the first portion (20) is in the range of 60-80%, preferably in the range of 70-80%, and the opacity of the background portion (10) is in the range of 70-100%, preferably in the range of 80-90%11. The identification document according to any one of claims 1-7, wherein the layer of opaque material (40) is positioned in the substrate (5) such that, in front view and back view of the substrate (5), the pattern (15) comprises a first portion (20) that fills the transparent window (36)HID Global CID SAS HID095-39475E-NW-23- and a second portion (25) that is positioned outside the transparent window (36), wherein, in front view and in back view of the substrate (5), only the first portion is visible when viewed by transmitted light of a first intensity, and both, the first and second portions are visible when viewed by transmitted light of a second intensity, the second intensity being greater than the first intensity.
12. The identification document according to any one of claims 1-7, wherein the layer of opaque material (40) is positioned in the substrate (5) such that, in front view and back view of the substrate (5), the pattern (15) comprises a first portion (20) that fills the transparent window (36) and a second portion (25) that is positioned outside the transparent window (36), wherein in front view of the substrate (5), only the first portion (20) is visible when viewed by transmitted light of a first intensity, and both, the first and second portions (20, 25) are visible when viewed by transmitted light of a second intensity, and in back view of the substrate (5), only the first portion (20) is visible when viewed by transmitted light of the first intensity and only the first portion (20) is visible when viewed by transmitted light of the second intensity, the second intensity being greater than the first intensity.
13. The identification document according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the opacity of the first portion (20) is lower than the opacity of the second portion (25) and the opacity of the second portion (25) is higher than the opacity of the portion of the frontside and / or the backside which is adjacent to the second portion (25), the opacities being measured in thickness direction of the substrate (5).HID Global CID SAS HID095-39475E-NW-24-14. The identification document according to any one of claims 11 to 13, wherein the opacity of the first portion (20) is in the range of 60- 80% preferably in the range of 70-80%, the opacity of the second portion (25) is in the range of 80-100%, preferably in the range of 85-95%, and the opacity of the portion of the frontside and / or the backside which is adjacent to the second portion (25) is in the range of 70-90%, preferably in the range of 80-90%.
15. The identification document according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the layer of opaque material (40) is not continuously opaque but comprises one or more transparent portions (30).