BR112012031309B1 - secure structure, in particular a secure document, such as a passport - Google Patents

Abstract

"secure structure" the invention relates to a structure, in particular, a secure document, such as a passport. the structure includes a first layer (4) comprising a region with modified opacity (40), at least one additional layer (30 ; 6; 9) fixed with respect to the first layer (4) and a luminescent agent (37) positioned relative to at least one additional layer and to the first layer such that upon excitation of the luminescent agent, light produced by the luminescent agent propagates through the first layer becoming observable and making it characteristic of the region with modified opacity. The region with modified opacity is not visible under light transmitted from either side of the structure.

Description

“SECURE STRUCTURE, IN PARTICULAR, A SECURE DOCUMENT, SUCH AS A PASSPORT”

description

Field of disclosure [0001] The present disclosure refers to secure structures, and more particularly, to secure structures incorporating multi-level authentication features, such as passports.

Basics of disclosure [0002] Authentication of secure structures (eg, secure documents) is of permanent interest for a number of purposes, for example, border security. To prevent forgery of documents, several measures have been taken including, for example, measures for visual authentication. Such measures for visual authentication may include providing regions with modified opacity, e.g. eg, watermarks and / or pseudo-watermarks on a document.

[0003] EP A 1 122 360 describes the creation of a clear, screen-printed watermark, ie, a watermark showing lighter areas (with density per unit area less than that of an area of the leaf vellum ).

[0004] Additional optical safety features have been used in conjunction with watermarks. For example, German Order DE 10 2005 022 518 describes a security paper comprising a watermark and printed ink configured to fluoresce when illuminated by ultraviolet (UV) light. The security paper is transparent to UV light only in the watermark area.

[0005] Additionally, electronic measures, such as, for example, electronic devices (eg, electronic chips) have been introduced in security structures to allow higher level authentication of said structures. Such electronic devices may contain information (eg, RFID) that can be read when special equipment is available to extract the information stored there. For example, United States Patent No. 5,949,059 to Rawson describes a label featuring both visual and electronic means of authentication. However, said electronic equipment to verify said

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2/22 information can be expensive and therefore difficult for many authentication authorities to obtain.

[0006] International Application WO 2007/034129 discloses a passport and methods for making such a document. Techniques described here related to the manufacture of a passport can be useful in understanding that manufacture.

[0007] There is a need to improve the secure aspects of security structures while maintaining structures that are economical and may not require expensive systems to perform authentication.

[0008] In addition, it is desirable to increase the redundancy for authentication of security structures, for example, passports.

[0009] Furthermore, it is desirable to improve the evidence of attempts to falsify secure structures.

[0010] Thus, it is an object of the present disclosure to provide a secure structure that allows authentication.

Disclosure summary [0011] Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a particular structure, a secure document, such as a passport. The structure includes a first layer comprising a region with modified opacity, at least one additional layer fixed relative to the first layer, and a luminescent agent positioned relative to at least one additional layer and the first layer such that upon excitation of the luminescent agent, light produced by the luminescent agent propagates through the first layer becoming observable and making apparent characteristics (eg, a design profile and / or pattern) of the region with modified opacity. The modified opacity region is not visible under light transmitted from either side of the secure structure. The structure is preferably flexible which means flexible and / or foldable, such as credit cards, identity cards, passports, bank notes, tickets, and other security documents.

[0012] When creating a structure of the aforementioned type, it is possible to enable

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3/22 authentication where an authority has limited means, but believes that a level 2 authentication is sufficient, authentication can be performed only by observing the region with modified opacity by means of lighting with a predetermined form of electromagnetic radiation (eg ., infrared light and / or ultraviolet light).

[0013] Additionally, it may be possible to hide the existence of the region with modified opacity in the structure, possibly preventing counterfeiters from recognizing what could allow copying the structure. In addition, since the first layer can be reduced in thickness within the modified opacity region, attempts to separate the first layer from at least one additional layer can result in damage to at least the modified opacity region, which can be easily identified by means of illuminating the luminescent agent, thereby providing additional protection against counterfeiting.

[0014] The region with modified opacity is preferably a region with reduced opacity, and preferably the region of reduced opacity overlaps the luminescent agent, at least in part.

[0015] The luminescent agent can be excitable by means of at least one of ultraviolet and infrared light.

[0016] The luminescent agent can be placed on a safe strip. In some embodiments, the secure strip can be located between at least one additional layer and the first layer of material. The secure strip is preferably made of fibrous material, preferably paper. The secure strip may have a surface area less than the surface area of at least one additional layer, possibly resulting in cost savings in relation to the fabrication of the structure.

[0017] In exemplary embodiments of the disclosure, the secure band is partial in the sense that it extends only over a part of the surface area of at least one additional layer. In these circumstances, the secure band preferably extends over an area of at least one additional layer that is sufficient

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4/22 to underline the region with modified opacity of the first layer.

[0018] In exemplary embodiments, the region with modified opacity is sufficiently transparent to allow luminescent light to be transmitted through the first layer upon excitation of the luminescent agent. Particularly, where a region with reduced opacity is implemented, the region can have a maximum depth of about 10 to about 90 percent of the thickness of the first layer.

[0019] The region with modified opacity can be a watermark and / or a pseudo-watermark. The region with modified opacity is preferably a region with low opacity. The watermark is preferably a clear watermark with recesses on the side of the first layer that confronts at least one additional layer. For example, the clear watermark can be a screen-printed watermark as revealed in EP 1 122 360. When the region with modified opacity is of increased opacity, the vellum has sufficient transparency so that the characteristics of the region with modified opacity (eg, negative).

[0020] The structure can include a protective layer laminated in contact with the first layer of material.

[0021] The first layer of material may include a fibrous material, preferably paper. In addition, the at least one additional layer may comprise an opaque layer which can be opaque over its entire surface area. The region with modified opacity may be visible to the naked eye only during periods of excitation of the luminescent.

[0022] The first layer and at least one additional layer can all be linked together, or selected layers can be individually linked to each other. The connection can be carried out using lamination, for example. The first layer and at least one additional layer can be bonded in such a way that attempts to peel off result in damage to the region with modified opacity, for example, by tearing. This can provide evidence of forgery.

[0023] At least the first layer preferably includes a security role.

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5/22 paper weight can be, for example, in the range of 70 grams per square meter (g / m ² ) to 180 g / m ² [0024] Luminescent agents should mean substances that emit light in response to stimulation / external excitation. For example, luminescent agents can emit light in response to light stimuli (ie, photoluminescence), chemical stimulus (ie, chemiluminescence), electrical stimulus (ie, electroluminescence), and / or mechanical stimulus (ie, triboluminescence).

[0025] The luminescent agent is preferably a photoluminescent agent that responds to light stimuli, for example, ultraviolet (UV) and / or infrared rays, and more particularly, a UV fluorescent agent.

[0026] Luminescent agents can include at least one of a luminescent paint, a luminescent fiber, a luminescent pigment, a luminescent flat security element, such as a clipboard and a luminescent binder. For example, luminescent agents could be mixed with an adhesive used when bonding the layers. For example, luminescent agents can be mixed up to 50 percent dry weight with an adhesive.

[0027] The structure may include an electronic device arranged, at least partially, inside the at least one additional layer. The electronic device can be configured to provide information relating to at least one of the structure and the owner of the structure.

[0028] The at least one additional layer may comprise a second layer and an intermediate layer.

[0029] The electronic device can be, for example, an RFID device. In addition, the electronic device may comprise an antenna that at least partially contacts the intermediate layer, the antenna being damaged by attempting to peel off the first layer from another connected layer. This can provide additional evidence of forgery.

[0030] The electronic device can be arranged, at least partially, in the second layer.

[0031] The luminescent agent can be arranged on the layer

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6/22 intermediate and / or inside a material of the intermediate layer.

[0032] The first layer and / or at least one additional layer may comprise a compressible paper, for example, paper such as that disclosed by European Patent Application EP 2 174 270.

[0033] The structure is preferably a passport, and includes a passport cover of which the first and at least one additional layer are integral parts. Additionally, the first layer of material can form one of the front page or the final page of the passport cover. The first layer can initially be part of a page booklet which is then, for example, glued to at least one additional layer to form the front page or the back or end page of the passport cover.

[0034] The excitation light can propagate through the region with modified opacity to excite the luminescent agent.

[0035] In another embodiment of the present disclosure, a method is provided for making a structure as described above. The method may include forming a region with modified opacity within the first layer of material, superimposing, at least partially, on the region with modified opacity on at least a portion of the luminescent, and bonding the first layer and at least one additional layer.

[0036] The bonding step may include inaction and / or may include application of an adhesive. The adhesive can include one or more luminescent agents.

[0037] At least one additional layer and the first layer of material can be produced at a different production site.

[0038] A region with modified opacity can be a design engraved with a jaw or pressed into a layer of fibers during manufacture. For example, such a region with modified opacity can be created, creating zones of pulp that are reduced or increased in thickness when the fiber layer is being manufactured in a paper machine with a cylinder mold, that is, obtained by means of a projection print or low relief print on the fabric forming the cylinder mold.

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7/22 [0039] A region with modified opacity can also come from areas where the fiber layer was pressed against a Fourdrinier flatbed machine by means of a watermark generator roller that includes region with modified opacity engraved with cheek in relief, thus presenting the effect, while the fiber layer is being formed in the wet portion of the machine, to strongly press certain areas of the fiber layer and thus expel the water contained in the fibers.

[0040] A region with modified opacity can be produced in a finished fiber layer, by mechanical and / or chemical means through the application of certain substances, and the design is still visible in transparency.

[0041] For example, a region with modified opacity can be made by placing or printing a composition in certain areas of the fiber layer, said composition modifying the transparency of the fiber layer, in particular to provide areas that are light and dark areas, similar to a watermark, but without obtaining a result that makes it possible to obtain fineness and shade variations that are comparable to those of a conventional watermark.

[0042] For example, it is possible to make the finished fiber layer more transparent by application, e.g. e.g., from a composition generally grease to certain areas thereof, the said composition making the fiber layer more permanently transparent, such as, for example, a composition consisting of oil and a transparent mineral material as described in the United States Patent No. 2,021,141, or, for example, a wax-like composition combined with a solvent, as described in United States Patent No. 1,479,337.

[0043] It is also possible to make the finished fiber layer more transparent by applying a local wax by means of hot transfer as described in United States Patent No. 5,118,526, a fluid-generating composition that is polymerizable under irradiation. as described in GB 1,489,084, or a composition based on polyether, aliphatic isocyanate, and alcohol,

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8/22 which is applied by means of printing, as described in DE 3 920 378. [0044] It is also possible to use a layer of fibers including a hot melt material, such as polyethylene, as described in EP 0 203 499, which, under the local action of heat, is subjected to variations in transparency.

[0045] The first layer of fibers can be made more opaque, although it cannot be made completely opaque to luminescent light, by applying an opacifying agent in certain areas to increase the opacity of the fiber layer, e.g. as described in patent application FR 2 353 676. For example, the opacifying agent can be an aqueous suspension of a pigment or filler or a solution of a chemical composition, a colored composition, or a dye. The agent can be applied on the first layer while making the first layer and before being removed from the fabric, so that the agent penetrates the interstices of the sheet and provides, after drying, a modification of the opacity of the sheet for treatment in areas selected. That manufacturing technique has the disadvantages of requiring special roller devices for application of the agent, and, for better results, of requiring a suction device to be used to cause the agent to penetrate the interstices of the sheet.

[0046] It is also possible to make the region with modified opacity using the method described in the document by W. Walenski, Watermarks and those that are not, Druckspiegel 52, No. 3: 66-68 (March 1997). That document describes the method of making a pseudo-watermark on uncoated paper, the method including applying a marker piece representing the pattern of the pseudo-watermark with heat and pressure against a sheet of pre-moistened paper.

[0047] It is also possible to create a region with modified opacity on uncoated paper by applying a rewetting solution over one or more determined areas of the paper with heat and pressure, in order to evaporate the solution and increase the density of the paper in certain zones.

[0048] The International Application WO 97/17493 also describes the manufacture of coated paper including pseudo-watermarks that result from a variation in the weight of the layer that is applied in certain zones, thereby giving rise to a

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9/22 variation in thickness and opacity in these areas where the weight of the coating is reduced or increased.

[0049] International Application WO 99/014433 also describes another method of making a pseudo-watermark on coated paper, the said method of which involves forming an image on the paper after the drying step following the last coating operation. , by performing steps in which a rewetting solution is applied to at least one side of the coated paper in one or more specified zones, and applying pressure and heat to this (these) zone (s) of the coated paper in a way evaporating the solution and thickening the coated paper there with the rest of the paper.

[0050] Finally, a region with modified opacity can be prepared mechanically by making marks via mechanical embedding in certain areas of the fiber layer, as described in patent DE 3 718 452.

[0051] A region with modified opacity can also be made in a polymer layer by applying an advantageous composition to modify its transparency.

[0052] Application WO 91/07285 describes the printing of a composition on a synthetic medium, said composition modifying the opacity of the support and containing at least one mineral filler and at least one binder and a soluble or pigmentary coloring agent. The composition is applied in specified zones and the medium is subsequently coated over its entire surface with a printable pigment composition using coating methods known to the person skilled in the art.

[0053] United States Patent No. 4,307,899 describes an authentication card comprising a print formed on a medium, preferably a plastic medium, by means of printing partially overlapping colored layers. Zones printed with a single layer appear clear under transmitted light, and dark under reflected light, and zones printed with a plurality of overlapping layers appear dark under transmitted light and clear under reflected light, thereby producing a watermark effect. . Changing the number

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10/22 layers, multi-tone effects can be achieved.

[0054] The region with modified opacity can also be made in a polymer layer using mechanical means.

[0055] For example, it is possible to make a pseudo-watermark on a sheet of polymer material by passing the sheet between two rollers, one of which has a lowered pattern or projected in relief in order to form a printing as described in EP 0 655 316. The sheet is subsequently oriented when being stretched so that, under transmitted light, the pattern appears in black and white corresponding to the areas that are marked in projection or depression by the roller.

[0056] The International Application WO 2007/016148 also describes an advantageous plastic layer to be deformed, in particular stamped by embossing or disbonding in order to form an image that appears as a watermark, and then laminated without the formed image is damaged.

[0057] Additionally, it is possible to create a region with modified opacity on a polymer layer using electromagnetic radiation, for example a laser. For example, application EP 1 518 661 describes a method of making a pseudo-watermark on a sheet of polymer soaked by electromagnetic irradiation of certain zones and by stretching the sheet in order to obtain a drawn sheet having transparent zones that correspond to the irradiated zones.

[0058] A region with modified opacity of the first layer can be made using any of the methods described above and / or any additional methods known in the art and not described here.

[0059] The at least one additional layer may comprise a single layer or a plurality of layers.

[0060] The at least one additional layer may be a layer of fibers or may comprise one or more layers of fibers. For example, the fiber layer may be based on cellulose fibers, in particular cotton fibers, and / or fibers

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11/22 synthetic, such as polyamide and / or polyester fibers, for example. In particular, the middle layer can be a translucent tracing paper.

[0061] The first layer and / or at least one additional layer may consist of layers of fibers or polymer.

[0062] In particular exemplary embodiments of the disclosure, the first layer and / or at least one additional layer are layers of fibers, in particular based on cellulose fibers, in particular cotton fibers, and / or synthetic fibers, such as polyamide and / or polyester fibers, for example.

[0063] The at least one additional layer can be a polymer layer that has previously been extruded or laminated over the first and second layer (s), e.g. eg hot or cold extruded. For example, for the extruded polymer, it is possible to use polyethylene or a mixture of polyethylene and ethylene vinyl acetate.

[0064] The at least one additional layer can be combined with the first and second layers with the aid of one or more adhesive layers that are in liquid or film form. In a variant, the intermediate layer can be combined with the first and second layers by melting or welding.

[0065] The at least one additional layer may also consist of or include an adhesive layer, e.g. eg an adhesive film which is also advantageous and serves to conjugate the first and second layers together. The adhesive film can be, for example, a polyethylene film.

[0066] In particular exemplary embodiments, at least one additional layer can be previously glued on at least one of its faces with an adhesive composition that is pressure sensitive or reactivated when hot, the composition being applied cold or hot, in liquid form, by means of extrusion or inaction.

[0067] In other particular exemplary embodiments, the inner faces of the first and at least one additional layer can be previously glued with an adhesive composition that is pressure sensitive or reactivated when hot, the composition being applied cold or hot, in liquid form, for

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12/22 extrusion or inaction means.

[0068] The thickness of at least one additional layer may differ from the thickness of the first layer. The material and / or the thickness of the at least one additional layer is preferably selected as constituting an opaque layer for the region with modified opacity so as not to be visible under light transmitted from either side of the secure structure. For example, the material can be PVC that is 50 microns thick or a cellulosic material that is 150 microns thick. At least one additional layer may extend over the entire surface area of the first layer.

[0069] Additional objects and advantages of the present disclosure will be presented in part in the description below.

[0070] It should be understood that both the preceding general description as well as the detailed description below are only exemplary and explanatory and not restrictive of the present disclosure, as claimed.

Brief description of the drawings [0071] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated and which form part of this description, illustrate a number of exemplary features of non-limiting embodiments of the disclosure and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the disclosure. In the drawings:

[0072] Figures 1 A-C are exemplary illustrations of cross sections of secure structures consistent with embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0073] Figure 2 is an exemplary partial cross section of a cover consistent with embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0074] Figures 3A-C are additional exemplary partial cross sections of a cover consistent with embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0075] Figure 4 is another partial exploded cross section exemplary of a cover consistent with embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0076] Figure 5 is an exemplary illustration of visual authentication of a secure structure manufactured in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0077] Figure 6 is a flow diagram showing an exemplary method for

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13/22 fabricating a secure structure according to embodiments of the present disclosure; and [0078] Figure 7 is a flow diagram showing an exemplary method for authenticating a secure structure in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0079] Notably, to facilitate the understanding of the description below, the thickness of the different structures in the drawings, unless otherwise specified, is not to scale. Thicknesses and other dimensions can be exaggerated or minimized in order to allow the visualization and understanding of several characteristics of the embodiments described here.

More detailed description [0080] Now detailed reference will be made to the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, examples of which are provided and illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Whenever possible, the same reference numbers will be used in all drawings to refer to the same or similar parts.

[0081] Figures 1 A-C are exemplary illustrations of a cross section of a secure structure 1, consistent with embodiments of the present disclosure. The secure structure 1 can include, as shown in Figure 1 A, a multi-page document, such as a passport with a cover 7, with front page and final page, and pages 35 also called visa pages. Such passports may include a data page comprising data relating to the passport holder, and also provide access to various other security features present in the secure structure 1.

[0082] The first layer 4 includes one or more regions with modified opacity 40 formed according to techniques described above, which have any desired shape and size and are advantageous for a particular application. For example, the region with modified opacity 40 may resemble the shape of a country issuing a passport document, or particular forms recognized as associated with a secure structure shipping entity 1. Any desirable number of regions with modified opacity 40 can be provided in the

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14/22 first layer 4, said region with modified opacity 40 being located in any desirable position on the first layer 4. For example, it may be desirable to provide one or more regions with modified opacity 40 aligned to form a particular shape , or in a straight line, or in any other configuration on the first layer 4.

[0083] The region with modified opacity 40 is preferably located on a bottom surface of the first layer 4, in order to confront an intermediate layer 30 as shown in the figures. In other words, once combined with other layers, the modified opacity region 40 is located on an inner portion of the first layer 4. When oriented in this way, the modified opacity region 40 may not be apparent on a surface of the first layer. layer 4, thereby allowing additional hiding of the region with modified opacity 40. Notably, the region with modified opacity 40 is sufficiently transparent to allow luminescent light to be transmitted through it during excitation of the luminescent agent 37.

[0084] The first layer 4 creates an interface with the intermediate layer 30 which, in turn, is located between the first layer 4 and a second layer 6. The intermediate layer 30 can comprise any advantageous material, for example, the intermediate layer 30 may comprise a fibrous material, a polymeric material, and / or any combination of materials, as desired. According to some embodiments, and as shown in Fig. 2, the intermediate layer 30 may itself comprise one or more layers of material. Layers comprising intermediate layer 30 may consist of similar or dissimilar materials, as desired.

[0085] According to some embodiments, the intermediate layer 30 may comprise a compressible material, e.g. a compressible paper, which allows adding additional elements between the first layer 4 and the intermediate layer 30, and / or the intermediate layer 30 and / or the second layer 6, without substantially increasing the thickness associated with the secure structure 1. Where the

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The intermediate layer 30 comprises a paper material, and more particularly, a compressible paper material, the layer 30 paper material preferably comprising at least 15 weight percent synthetic fibers and / or at least least between 5 and 20 percent by weight of latex insert, such as acrylic. Paper with a composition of the type referred to may be desirable based on its ability to compress with the addition of other elements, thereby limiting or eliminating increases in the thickness of the structure with the addition of said elements. For example, where a secure band 45 is implemented, as described in more detail below, it may be desirable to use such an intermediate layer 30 of compressible material.

[0086] The intermediate layer 30 can be further configured as having a surface area substantially similar to that of the first layer 4, presenting similar portions of length and width. A configuration of the aforementioned type allows to align the intermediate layer 30 in order to substantially align in register with the first layer 4.

[0087] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the intermediate layer 30 may comprise a luminescent agent 37, disposed on the surface of the intermediate layer 30, and / or interdispersed over the entire thickness of the intermediate layer 30. For example, where the intermediate layer 30 comprises a fibrous material (e.g., paper), it is possible to add luminescent agent 37 to the device prior to forming on the wire, and / or at any other advantageous time during manufacture. In such embodiments, the luminescent agent 37 can be present on substantially the entire surface of the intermediate layer, for example, as shown in Fig. 1C. Alternatively, where luminescent agent 37 is deposited on the intermediate layer 30, it is possible to select particular locations for said deposition, for example, based on a location of a region with modified opacity 40, as shown in Fig. 1 A. Preferably, the region with modified opacity 40 overlaps the luminescent agent 37 at least in part.

[0088] The luminescent agent 37 may include, for example, a pigment

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16/22 fluorescent yellow, like a Lumilux® D140, supplied by the company HONEYWELL.

[0089] It may be desirable to provide at least some of the fibers associated with the fibrous material itself with a luminescent agent 37. Alternatively, the luminescent agent 37 can be applied to an intermediate layer surface 30 after manufacture (e.g., wire formation and drying), or at any other time, as desired.

[0090] Figures 1B and 5 show illustrations of an exemplary embodiment in which the luminescent agent 37 is associated with a secure strip 45, either in addition to, or in place of, intermediate layer 30. A secure strip 45 of the said type can comprise any advantageous substance (eg fibrous, polymer, etc.) and includes luminescent agent 37, among other things. The luminescent agent 37 can be interdispersed over the entire thickness of the secure strip 45 and / or disposed on one or more surfaces of the secure strip 45. In these embodiments, the secure strip 45 is configured as being located between the first layer 4 and the intermediate layer 30 (e.g., in contact with both the first layer 4 and the intermediate layer 30, so that at least part of the secure strip 45 underlies at least part of the region with modified opacity 40.

[0091] The secure strip 45 has a surface area that is less than the surface area of the first layer 4 and the intermediate layer 30. For example, in some embodiments, the secure strip 45 may have a surface area that represents 50 percent or less of the surface area associated with the first layer 4. According to some embodiments, the surface area of the safe band 45 can be 25 percent, or 10 percent, or even less than the surface area of the first layer 4. A configuration of the type mentioned can at least result, for example, in cost savings during the manufacture of the safe structure 1 because the luminescent agent is only present over the safe band.

[0092] Where the secure band 45 is implemented in conjunction with the intermediate layer 30 of compressible material, preferably there should be no

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17/22 noticeable increase in thickness at the location of the safe strip 45. This helps to hide the safe nature of the safe structure 1 and further complicates its forgery. [0093] Regardless of the method for including the luminescent agent 37 within the secure structure 1 (e.g., the surface of the intermediate layer 30, secure strip 45, adhesive between the first layer 4 and the rest of the layer 7, etc.). ) the luminescent agent 37 should be located in such a way that at least a portion of the luminescent agent 37 directly underlies one or more regions with modified opacity 40 present in the first layer 4. In this way, at least a portion of the luminescent agent 37 finds it is positioned in such a way that light that passes through the first layer 4 (e.g., through the region with modified opacity 40), impinges on the luminescent agent 37, thereby exciting the luminescent agent 37 and causing emission of luminescent light. The luminescent light produced by the luminescent agent 37 propagates through the first layer becoming observable and, with this, takes on apparent characteristics (eg, a design profile or a pattern) of the region with modified opacity 40.

[0094] For example, where a secure strip 45 is implemented, secure strip 45 overlaps intermediate layer 30 in a position such that after placement of the first layer 4 in correspondence with intermediate layer 30 and secure strip 45, the region with modified opacity 40 overlaps with the safe band 45, as shown in Figure 5. Similarly, where the safe band 45 is not implemented, the luminescent agent 37 can be present on and / or in the intermediate layer 30 in positions associated with the modified opacity region 40 of the first layer 4.

[0095] The intermediate layer 30 can include one or more cavities 52 that allow the insertion of at least a portion of the electronic device 17. Said cavities 52 can include a through hole or an advantageous blind hole to receive the entire electronic device 17 or parts the same. For example, a through hole can be formed inside the intermediate layer 30 into which it is possible to insert, at least partially, a portion of the electronic device 17 inside the intermediate layer 30, as shown in

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18/22

Fig. 4. According to some embodiments, a recess 53 can be formed inside the intermediate layer 30, the recess 53 being configured to receive an electronic device.

[0096] The electronic device 17 can carry its own antenna or an antenna intended to be coupled to an amplifying antenna carried by the insert.

[0097] An antenna 64 associated with electronic device 17 can rest on and / or within portions of the intermediate layer 30, second layer 6, or other layers present inside the secure structure 1. For example, as shown in Fig. 4 it may be desirable to attach the antenna 64 to the intermediate layer 30 after insertion of the electronic device 17, but before the conjugation of the intermediate layer 30 and the second layer 6, in such a way that, after connection between the layers, the 64 is also fixed inside secure structure 1.

[0098] The second layer 6 can be connected, as shown, to an opaque outer layer 9 of the passport cover. Said outer layer 9 can be a reinforced polymeric layer, for example.

[0099] The second layer 6 can comprise a fibrous and / or polymeric substance and can be woven, non-woven or any combination thereof.

[00100] In some embodiments, the second layer 6 can also include one or more cavities 58 configured to receive a portion of the electronic device 17, as shown in Figs. 3A, 3C, and 4. For example, a through hole or a blind hole can be provided in the second layer 6 to allow reception of at least a portion of the electronic device 17.

[00101] In some embodiments, the electronic device 17 may be located substantially away from the region with modified opacity 40 and the luminescent agent 37. Alternatively, for example, where space is limited, the electronic device 17 may be located in relative proximity to the region with modified opacity 40 and can be partially overlapped by it. In addition, the electronic device 17 can be attached to one or more layers via, for example, adhesive. These techniques can allow the electronic device 17 to be installed at numerous points during construction

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19/22 of the secure structure 1.

[00102] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the first layer 4 is attached with respect to the second layer 6, and the intermediate layer 30 in such a way that any attempt to separate the first layer 4, second layer 6, and / or the intermediate layer 30 from each other can result in damage to at least the region with modified opacity 40 (eg, tearing as a result of reduced thickness in the region with modified opacity 40), and therefore an indication of forgery. Said fixation of the first layer 4, second layer 6, and / or intermediate layer 30 can be carried out, for example, via magnetization or another advantageous process that results in a fixed alignment of the first layer 4, second layer 6, and intermediate layer 30 According to some embodiments, an adhesive is introduced between each layer, resulting in a bond between each of the first layer 4, intermediate layer 30, and second layer 6, respectively. According to said embodiments, and where the secure strip 45 is implemented, the adhesive can also result in bonding between the secure strip 45 and the first layer 4 and the intermediate layer 6.

[00103] Light is prevented from being transmitted at least through the secure structure 1 in the areas surrounding the region with reduced opacity 40. Although it is possible that the light is transmitted through other areas of the secure structure 1 (eg, at a distance from the region with reduced opacity 40 where other safety features are present), region with modified opacity 40, and its associated characteristics may not be seen under light transmitted through either side of the secure structure 1 (ie, any light transmitted differently luminescent agent 37). For example, a secure structure 1 as described above will not reveal the region with modified opacity 40 in ambient transmitted light. However, where the first layer 4 of the secure structure 1 is placed in such a way that the light causing excitation of the luminescent agent 37 imposes on the luminescent agent 37, by means of transmission through the region with modified opacity 40, the luminescent agent 37 will be excited, allowing the observation of the region with modified opacity 40 through

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20/22 of the light emitted by the luminescent agent 37.

[00104] As shown in Figure 5, secure structure 1 (e.g., a passport) exposed to light through the first layer 4, reveals a pattern of the region with modified opacity 40 overlying the secure strip 45 as a luminescent agent 37 associated with the safe range 45 emits light based on excitation. Where the secure structure 1 is a passport, the outer side of the cover layer 9 prevents light from being transmitted through any portion of the secure structure 1, except in the case of light emitted by the luminescent agent 37 and transmitted through the first layer 4 .

[00105] Fig. 6 shows a flow diagram showing a method for making a secure structure consistent with embodiments of the present disclosure. The modified opacity region 40 is formed inside and / or on the first layer 4 (step 605). The region with modified opacity 40 can be formed, either during the formation of the first layer 4 or after its manufacture.

[00106] The first layer 4 can then be aligned (eg, superimposed) with at least one additional layer such that at least a portion of the luminescent agent 37 underlies the first layer [00107] The insertion of an electronic device 17, if any, can be performed at any point during the construction of the secure structure 1, for example, during the manufacture of the insert, and can occur at a different production site than the first layer 4.

[00108] The connection of the intermediate layer 30, and, where present, the secure strip 45, between the first layer 4 and a second layer 6 can be carried out (step 620). A connection of the aforementioned type can be carried out by means of Inaction, for example.

[00109] Figure 7 is an exemplary flow diagram showing a method for authenticating a secure structure in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. A user can first illuminate the first layer 4 with ultraviolet light and / or infrared light (step 705). The user can then examine the document to determine whether the region with modified opacity 40 and / or

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21/22 characteristics of it are visible via luminescent light resulting from the excitation of the luminescent agent 37.

[00110] Although in the disclosure light is described as impinging on the first layer 4 in order to excite the luminescent agent 37, it may be possible, in some embodiments, to introduce a waveguide used to direct light from the edge of the safe structure 1 to an area where the luminescent agent 37 exists. In this way, the region with modified opacity 40 can become visible when light from the waveguide impinges on the luminescent agents 37.

[00111] Additionally, although embodiments discussed here have generally been discussed with respect to a region with modified opacity having reduced opacity, according to some embodiments not shown, a region with modified opacity may have increased opacity. In other words, regions of the first layer 4 may have additional material deposited on the first layer 4 thereby creating a dark watermark. In these embodiments, excitation light can pass through surrounding portions of the first layer 4 to impinge on the luminescent agent 37, resulting in emission of luminescent light, for example, where the luminescent agent 37 has been provided over an entire surface of the intermediate layer 30. The emitted luminescent light can then be visible through the first layer 4, and, in turn, can make features of the dark watermark observable; for example, the silhouette of the watermark will become apparent, with the vellum being transparent to luminescent light, but not in thicker areas of the dark watermark presenting greater thickness than the vellum.

[00112] Structures manufactured according to embodiments of the present disclosure allow the authentication of documents based, at least, on the vision and, in some embodiments, based on the electronics. Where electronic means are not available, based only on the level of complexity associated with visual authentication devices, an authority can remain confident that documents are authentic using only visual authentication.

[00113] Throughout the description, including the claims, the term

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22/22 comprising one (a) should be understood as being synonymous with comprising at least one (a) unless otherwise indicated. In addition, any range presented in the description, including the claims, should be understood as including its terminal value or its terminal values, unless otherwise indicated. Specific values for described elements should be understood as falling within generally accepted tolerances in manufacturing or industry, and any use of the terms substantially and / or approximately should be understood to mean falling within said generally accepted tolerances. Component ratios throughout the disclosure are to be understood to be in dry weight, unless otherwise specified.

[00114] Where reference is made to any national, international, or other standards (eg, ISO, etc.), said references must refer to the standard as defined by the body of national or international standards on the priority date of this description. Any subsequent substantive changes to said standards are not intended to modify the scope and / or definitions of this disclosure and / or claims.

[00115] Although the present disclosure has been described here with reference to particular embodiments, it should be understood that these embodiments are merely illustrative of the principles and applications of the present disclosure. It should be understood, therefore, that it is possible to make numerous modifications to the illustrative embodiments, and that other arrangements can be designed without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.

Claims (15)

1. Structure, in particular, a secure document, such as a passport, comprising: a first layer (4) comprising a region with modified opacity (40), being a watermark; at least one additional layer (30; 6; 9) attached relative to the first layer (4); and a luminescent agent (37) excitable by at least one of ultraviolet light and infrared light, positioned relative to at least one additional layer and the first layer such that upon excitation of the luminescent agent, light produced by the luminescent agent propagates through of the first layer to become observable and make characteristics of the region with modified opacity apparent, with the region with modified opacity not visible under ambient light transmitted from any side of the structure, characterized by the fact that the first layer of material comprises a material fibrous. 2. Structure according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that the region with modified opacity is a region with reduced opacity. Structure according to either claim 1 or claim 2, characterized by the fact that the luminescent agent is arranged on a safe strip (45) having a surface area smaller than a surface area of at least one additional layer. Structure according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that it comprises an electronic device (17) arranged at least partially within the at least one additional layer. 5. Structure according to claim 4, characterized by the fact that the watermark is a clear watermark with recesses on the side of the first layer that confronts at least one additional layer. 6. Structure according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized by the fact that the fibrous material is paper. Petition 870190090638, of 12/09/2019, p. 31/40 2/3 7. Structure according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized by the fact that the region with modified opacity is visible to the naked eye only during periods of excitation of the luminescent agent, in which that excitation light propagates through of the region with modified opacity. 8. Structure according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the first layer and at least one additional layer are connected in such a way that an attempt to take off results in damage to the region with modified opacity. Structure according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the luminescent agent comprises at least one of a luminescent paint, a luminescent fiber, a luminescent pigment, and a luminescent binder. Structure according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the at least one additional layer comprises a second layer and an intermediate layer, the luminescent agent is disposed at least in one way among directly on the intermediate layer and inside the material of the intermediate layer. Structure according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that an adhesive used to bond the first layer and at least one additional layer comprises the luminescent agent. 12. Structure according to claims 4 and 9, characterized by the fact that the electronic device is arranged at least partially in the second layer. 13. Structure according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the structure is a passport, the passport comprising a passport cover of which the first and at least one additional layer are integral parts. 14. Structure, according to claim 12, characterized by the fact that the first layer of material comprises one between the front page and the back page of the passport cover. Petition 870190090638, of 12/09/2019, p. 32/40 3/3 Structure according to any one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that the at least one additional layer comprises an opaque layer.