Fully micro-optic security document
A security document ( 200 ) includes a secure substrate ( 205 ). The secure substrate includes a viewing side ( 209 ) and a backing side ( 211 ), and a micro-optic system ( 305, 321 ) providing an optically variable effect (OVE) ( 513 ) on the viewing side. The security document further includes a protective layer ( 225 ), and a mask layer ( 215 ) disposed between the protective layer and the backing side of the secure substrate.
1 . A security document, comprising:
a secure substrate, the secure substrate comprising a viewing side and a backing side, and a micro-optic system having microstructures integrated within the secure substrate comprising a single layer, the micro-optic system providing an optically variable effect on the viewing side, wherein the secure substrate including the integrated microstructures provides a structural foundation for the security document;
a protective layer,
wherein the microstructures of the secure substrate comprise:
focusing elements, wherein the focusing elements appear transparent on the viewing side, and wherein the focusing elements reflect, refract or provide an interference effect in light passing through the focusing elements;
image icons; and
a machine-readable security feature; and
an optical spacer within the secure substrate,
wherein the layer of focusing elements is disposed on a first side of the optical spacer, and wherein the image icons are embedded within the optical spacer, and
wherein the layer of image icons comprises image icons disposed proximate to focal points of the layer of focusing elements.
2 . The security document of claim 1 , wherein the machine-readable security feature comprises a radio frequency identification (RFID) antenna.
3 . The security document of claim 1 , wherein the machine-readable security feature comprises a magnetically-readable element.
4 . The security document of claim 1 , wherein the machine-readable security feature comprises a static feature.
5 . The security document of claim 1 , wherein the machine-readable security feature contacts the image icons.
6 . The security document of claim 1 , wherein the machine-readable security feature contacts the focusing elements.
7 . The security document of claim 1 , wherein the machine-readable security feature contacts the optical spacer.
8 . The security document of claim 1 , wherein the machine-readable security feature contacts the protective layer.
9 . The security document of claim 1 , further comprising a mask layer disposed between the protective layer and the backing side of the secure substrate.
10 . The security document of claim 9 , wherein the machine-readable security feature contacts the mask layer.
11 . The security document of claim 9 , wherein the mask layer comprises a layer of opacifying material.
12 . The security document of claim 9 , wherein the mask layer comprises a layer of reflective material.
13 . The security document of claim 9 , further comprising:
a patch comprising an optical indicia of authenticity,
wherein the patch is visible through a window in the mask layer.
14 . The security document of claim 13 , wherein the optical indicia of authenticity provided by the patch comprises at least one of: a watermark, an offset print design, an intaglio print design, or an optical security device.
15 . The security document of claim 1 , wherein one or more of the optical spacer, the focusing elements, and the image icons are iteratively constructed in a same material of the secure substrate.