This invention relates notably to a secure article, notably a security and/or
valuable document, and a material for achieving such an article.
Security and/or valuable documents are known, comprising security ele-
ments enabling to protect these documents against any forgery or counterfeit attempt.
Among the security elements, some of them can be detected with the naked
eye, in visible light, without using any specific apparatus. These security elements com-
prise for example one watermark, some coloured fibres or flakes, some printed, metallic or
holographic yarns, some holographic foils or some prints with variable optical effect.
These security elements are said to be of first level.
Other types of security elements can only be detected using a relatively
simple apparatus such as a UV or infrared-emitting lamp. These security elements com-
prise for instance fibres, flakes, strips, yarns or particles. These security elements can be
visible to the naked eye or not, being luminescent under the lighting of a Wood lamp,
emitting in a wavelength of 365 nm for example.
These security elements are said to be of second level.
Other types of security elements still require a more sophisticated detector
for their detection. These security elements are, for instance, able to generate a specific
signal when they are submitted, simultaneously or not, to one or more external excitation
sources. The automatic detection of the signal enables to authenticate the document, if
necessary.
These security elements comprise, for example, some tracers in the form of
active material, particles or fibres, able to generate a specific signal when these tracers are
submitted to an optoelectronic, electric, magnetic or electromagnetic excitation.
These security elements are said to be of third level.
Some tracers randomly scattered within the document can serve to identify,
by forming a single signature of the document, based, for instance, on the intensity and/or
the type of signal generated by the tracers, considered individually and/or together, the
density of tracers or the geographical distribution of tracers in a predefined zone of the
document.

Some tracers that can be used for identifying a document, comprising, for
example, soft magnetic fibres whose response to an external magnetic field is non-linear,
the magnetization of fibres varying according to the hysteresis loop. A set of fibres present
in a predetermined zone of the document enables to delimit a single signature of the
document because of the distribution, the orientation and the random number of fibres ex-
isting in the above-mentioned zone. In the case of a passport and notably a visa page, the
magnetic fibres can be present on a page in which the customization related to the passport
holder is achieved. This customization, according to the ICAO (International Civil Avia-
tion Organization) recommendations comprises the printing of one coded line in the page
border from customization data. This OCR (Optical Character Recognition) line is auto-
matically controlled by an appropriate optical control system. The optical control system
can be adapted, so that when reading the OCR line, an identification of the signal gener-
ated under a magnetic field by the magnetic fibres present in the inspected zone by the op-
tical control system could be also carried out.
The tracers composed of metallic fibres having a specific response by re-
flection and by transmission to an excitation of microwave type, can still be used.
The tracers marketed under the name of Traceless™ by the CREO Company
are also known. These tracers consisting of particles are invisible after insertion into the
document to be protected and can be detected thanks to a specific electromagnetic re-
sponse when submitted to an excitation in the field of infrared. The enabled identification
of a document comprising such particles is based on the verification of the particles distri-
bution in a predefined zone, this verification being notably carried out by means of an im-
age of particles observed under an appropriate electromagnetic source. The considered in-
spection zone can rely, for example, on the character outline that is printed on the docu-
ment at a later date.
The microscopic particles marketed under the name of Nanoplex® by the
NANOBARCODES Company can be used in a document for identification through opti-
cal analysis of an image. These particles present a cylinder shape with variable reflectance
zones obtained by stacking different metals, which enables to create varied optical codes
according to the sequence of metals used. The detection of particles on a document for au-

thentication is carried out by means of an optical microscope. The identification of docu-
ment can, further, be automatically carried out by randomly incorporating on the latter,
particles of different codes, and by checking through image analysis, for a predetermined
zone of the document, the respective percentage of each type of particles and their spatial
distribution in the above-mentioned zone.
For a document incorporating excitable luminescent particles through a ra-
diation at 365 ran, marketed under the name of Polystar™ by the SPECTRA SYSTEMS
Company, the document identification is carried out with a portable system fitted with a
digital camera, marketed under the name of Vericam™, by analysing the spectral emission,
namely the fluorescence "colour" of particles, as well as the density of particles for each of
the "colours".
The HYPERLABEL TECHNOLOGIES Company has developed an active
material. Formulated in an ink, this one is printed by ink jet printing on a document or ar-
ticle to be traced, in the form of a microscopic code of matrix code type. This invisible
code is presently printed in a redundant manner in certain sections of the document to be
traced to make the identification process possible, even if the code on the document sur-
face is partly altered, as well as to facilitate this identification process notably because of
the tolerance in placing a reading system on the zone to be controlled. The code is read by
means of a system equipped with a digital camera functioning in infrared. The inspection
zone of the printed code is defined thanks to the printing of specific marks around each
code, each code being located as it were, in the middle of a box of a grid with marked in-
tersections. This way of delimiting the inspection zone by printing can constitute, in some
cases, a constraint.
The document entitled "Secure fingerprint of packaging and documents
without tags, chips or ink" by Russel Cowburn from the Imperial College of London dis-
closes a method for reading one paper signature by using the scanning of a paper zone in
order to determine the 3D topography of the paper. The scanned paper zone rests on a
border and/or corner of the paper. When the border or the corner is damaged, the reading
becomes more difficult, even impossible.

The international application WO 2005/025891 discloses a banknote com-
prising on one side a holographic strip with windows, through which some identifying ele
ments such as a watermark or fluorescent particles can be detected.
The patent application US 2004/0113420 discloses a card comprising one
plastic substrate. Fibres are scattered at random on one substrate side while being slightly
squeezed in the substrate mass. A metallic layer is formed on this substrate side, so that it
could partly cover the fibres. The metallic layer comprises windows for detecting the fi-
bres. The card identification is carried out by detecting the presence of fibres through the
above-mentioned windows by scanning according to one or more straight lines by means
of a detection device.
The application FR 2 324 060 further discloses a paper and/or synthetic
document, incorporating magnetic fibres scattered at random within the document. The
document authentication relies on the detection of fibres in the scanning zone, by means of
a magnetic head.
The application FR 2 765 014 discloses a paper document incorporating
magnetic flakes. The document comprises an invisible bar code directly linked to the ran-
dom distribution of ftakes in a zone of the document.
The application GB 2 324 065 A discloses a tag including randomly scat-
tered particles. This tag can be incorporated into a banknote during manufacturing, and
consequently it is not necessarily visible by reflection to the naked eye or with a magnify-
ing glass or any other magnifying accessory. A code associated with the distribution of
particles can be stored in a database with the banknote serial number. In this application,
the position of particles is measured in both dimensions for example, by being located with
respect to one line, or in the three dimensions.
The US 4 114 032 patent describes a document incorporating magnetic fi-
bres, the reading of a signal linked to these fibres is carried out according to a specific
path.
Notably, there is a need to improve the identification method and make it
reliable by automatic reading of tracers inserted into a substrate and also to further

strengthen the protection of security and/or valuable documents against forgery and
counterfeit.
The aim of the present invention is thus, according to one of its aspects, a
secured article, notably a security and/or valuable document, comprising:
- at least one substrate, which can be fibrous,
- at least one authenticating structure,
- at least one inspection zone, defined at least partly by the authenticating
structure,
- in the inspection zone, at least one identifying element different from the
authenticating structure.
The inspection zone can enable identification information to be supplied
with at least one feature, notably spatial and/or physical, of which at least one identifying
element.
The authenticating structure can be a first-level security element, being
visible, notably by reflection or transmission. The term "visible" means it can be observed
under natural, artificial light, UV or IR, with the naked eye or possibly using a magnifying
glass or any other magnifying accessory. The observation can be directly made with no
need of image analysis.
The authenticating structure can delimit, at least partly, the outline of the in-
spection zone and/or serve to locate the inspection zone.
The term "locate" means the authenticating structure can serve as a refer-
ence system in determining at least one physical and/or spatial feature in the inspection
zone, the spatial distribution of identifying elements for example. This distribution can be
determined by taking a reference point (mathematically speaking) defined by the authenti-
cating structure itself, and not by a print-out of the article, for example.
Preferably, the article is associated with at least a piece of identification in-
formation linked to at least one feature, notably spatial and/or physical, of the inspection
zone, and notably at least one identifying element. The identification information can rep-
resent the distribution of identifying elements.
This information can be present on the article, if necessary.

Thanks to the invention, the authenticating structure can serve, on the one
hand, to authenticate the secured article and, on the other hand, to delimit at least partly,
the inspection zone enabling to identify the article.
Thus, according to the present invention the protection of the article against
a forgery and/or counterfeit attempt is made more difficult, notably in relation to existing
documents, on which the inspection zone is defined by a printed pattern that can be more
easily forged.
Moreover, the invention can be used to improve and make reliable the iden-
tification process of tracers inserted into the substrate, by using an inspection zone that
doesn't rely on delimiting by printing the outline or marks using variable non-optical ink,
such delimiting can be subject to mechanical or chemical wear, accidental or not.
The outline of the inspection zone can, if necessary, be physically defined
by the authenticating structure. Alternatively, the authenticating structure serves to locate
the inspection zone, without, however, physically delimiting the outline. The inspection
zone can be located within the authenticating structure, coincide with it or stick out from
it.
The signature of the secured article can be based either exclusively on the
identifying element(s) present in the inspection zone, or on the combination of the
identifying element(s) in the inspection zone and the portion of substrate in the inspection
zone. The authenticating structure and the identifying element can be made inter-
dependent with the substrate in various ways.
Advantageously, at least one of the authenticating structure and the identify-
ing element is at least partly, notably completely, drowned within the substrate, which
makes any extracting attempt of the authenticating structure or the identifying element dif-
ficult, even impossible.
In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the article comprises a plu-
rality of scattered identifying elements, notably at random, within the inspection zone, and
the identification information presents a link with one feature, notably spatial and/or
physical, of said plurality of identifying elements, individually or as a whole.

The identifying element(s) can, if necessary, be arranged to form a code, a
matrix code for example that can be read by an appropriate reading device.
The authenticating structure can hold a predetermined or, alternatively, a
random location of the article.
In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the authenticating structure
can be detected with the naked eye, by reflection and/or transparency, in visible light.
Alternatively, the authenticating structure can be detected with the naked
eye, by reflection and/or transparency, under a predetermined lighting, notably ultraviolet,
the authenticating structure being especially detectable in visible light.
If necessary, the identifying elements cannot be detected with the naked eye,
notably whatever the lighting condition may be.
In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the identifying elements can
be arranged to emit a specific signal when they are submitted to an external, notably opto-
electronic, electromagnetic, electric, magnetic, thermal or acoustic excitation.
The external excitation can be an infrared radiation, for example.
The feature can be related to the type of the identifying element(s) in the in-
spection zone.
The physical feature linked to the identification information can correspond
to an optical, electromagnetic, electric, magnetic, thermal or acoustic feature of the identi-
fying element(s) in the inspection zone.
Alternatively, the spatial feature linked to the identification information can
be related to the arrangement, the size and/or the density per unit area or volume unit of
the identifying element(s) in the inspection zone.
In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the authenticating structure
comprises one medium of at least one identifying element.
The medium can comprise at least one strip element, for example a plastic
one, with a width lower than that of the article, the strip element being, notably, incorpo-
rated at least partly into one article substrate, notably one fibrous substrate.
The strip element can, if desired, be stretched from the article border to a
second border, facing the first one.

The substrate can comprise at least one window, through which the strip
element can be at least partly exposed to the exterior, the inspection zone then being de-
fined at least partly by the window for example.
The substrate can comprise, if necessary, two windows, opposite each other
and through which the strip element can be at least partly visible from both opposite sides
of the substrates.
The medium can also comprise at least one fibre or one flake and the in-
spection zone can be defined at least partly by the outline of the fibre or the flake.
The fibre or the flake can be visible to the naked eye.
The fibre or the flake can comprise a plurality of zones, notably having dif-
ferent physical properties, for example different colours and/or reflectances, and any of
them or a combination of them forming an identifying element.
In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the authenticating structure
comprises at least one fibre, notably one luminescent fibre that can be detected by expo-
sure to a radiation of 365 run, this fibre carrying a plurality of particles, notably the Trace-
less™ particles from the CREO company, forming together one identifying element char-
acterised, notably, by a specific spectral response when the fibre is submitted to a given
electromagnetic field.
In another exemplary embodiment of the invention, the authenticating struc-
ture comprises at least one flake that is notably paper-based, disc-shaped for example and
that can, if desired, be coloured. The flake advantageously receives the printing of an ink
incorporating an active material so as to form a code, notably a matrix code. This ink can,
if necessary, be invisible to the naked eye. This code forms an identifying element and the
inspection zone is defined by the flake outline. The above-mentioned ink and code can be
the ones developed by the HYPERLABEL TECHNOLOGIES Company.
In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the article comprises at least
one first authenticating structure of a first type and one plurality of second authenticating
structures of a second type, different from the first one.
The second authenticating structures are, preferably, randomly scattered
within the first inspection zone defined at least partly by the first authenticating structure.

These second authenticating structures delimit, notably according to their position, fre-
quency and/or distribution compared with the first structure, a single signature allowing
the article to be identified, which signature results from the combination of the first and
second structures.
At least one of the second authenticating structures can comprise one me-
dium, such as a fibre or a flake, of at least one identifying element.
As previously described, the medium outline, such as a fibre or a flake, de-
limits a second inspection zone of identifying element(s).
The authentication of the article can be carried out, if necessary, based on
the first and second authenticating structures. The identification of the article can be also
carried out in two different ways thanks to the first and second inspection zones.
The substrate can comprise, if necessary, some fibres, particles or flakes of
at least two different types, for example in type, shape, size, section and/or different visual
effect and/or of multicomponent type, the inspection zone being defined by the outline of
one of at least these elements.
In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the identifying elements can
be scattered within a zone of the article, having an area inferior or superior to that of the
authenticating structure, the identifying elements being, for example, scattered on the
whole article surface.
The article can comprise one substrate, notably fibrous, and the substrate
can incorporate or carry at least one identifying element.
The identifying elements can, if necessary, be scattered, notably at random,
within the substrate in an area zone lower than the substrate area, this zone presenting a
strip shape for example.
If necessary, the article comprises several strips of the above-mentioned
type, spaced apart from each other by a predefined or variable pitch, the pitch value or its
frequency can be used to delimit a signature.
In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the authenticating structure
and the substrate are distinct.

The authenticating structure can, for example, be laid down on one side of
the substrate, and comprise, for example, one strip, one film or one patch, this authenticat-
ing structure can be arranged, if necessary, to present an interfering, holographic, metallic
or non metallic effect.
The authenticating structure, notably the strip, the film or the patch, can
comprise at least one window delimiting at least partly the inspection zone, the window
being, for example, formed by a demetallized zone or a punched zone of the authenticating
structure.
In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the authenticating structure
comprises one coating, notably one surface application such as an iridescent coating, laid
down onto the substrate, the coating presenting variable thickness zones or zones with dif-
ferent interfering effects arranged for delimiting the inspection zone.
If desired, the article, notably a document, can comprise one dual-jet paper,
a first jet delimiting the substrate incorporating and/or carrying the identifying elements
and the authenticating structure comprising at least one window achieved in a second jet
and delimiting at least partly the inspection zone.
In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the authenticating structure
is carried out at least partly on said substrate.
The authenticating structure can comprise at least one watermark carried
out on the substrate incorporating or carrying the identifying element(s).
The inspection zone can, notably, correspond to the zone covered by the au-
thenticating structure, for example the watermark, or, alternatively, to the total surface of
the article, with the exception of the zone covered by the authenticating structure.
At least one of the identifying elements can be chosen among:
- one heterogeneous element in a substrate of the article,
- one active material such as, for instance, an ultraviolet absorber chemical
compound or elements that can be detected by X-ray fluorescence,
- one particle, notably luminescent and/or fluorescent, or presenting prop-
erties of magnetic resonance or predefined reflectance,
- one fibre such as a magnetic fibre, notably a soft magnetic metallic fibre,

- the 3D microstructure or topography of a paper substrate.
The identifying element(s) can comprise, for example, some particles of dif-
ferent types, having for example different reflectance properties, the identification being
then especially based on the analysis of respective densities in any type of particle.
The identifying element(s) can comprise, if necessary, nanometric-sized
elements scattered in the inspection zone, for instance nanofibres with a diameter of, for
example, about 150 nm.
The article according to the invention is especially arranged, so that its au-
thentication and/or identification couldn't require any material collection on the document.
When the article comprises one plastic substrate, the identifying elements
can be formed by heterogeneous elements in the substrate, these heterogeneous elements
being, for example, lacks of material within the substrate.
The substrate can include, for example, gas bubbles that are randomly scat-
tered in one zone of this substrate.
The identifying elements are, for example, defined by the 3D microstructure
or topography in one paper substrate.
The authenticating structure can comprise at least one of the following ele-
ments:
- one watermark,
- one fibre that appears, for example, coloured in daylight or only under a
specific illumination, the fibre can have a cylindrical shape or not, with a non circular sec-
tion, for instance,
- one flake appearing in daylight or only under a specific illumination, the
flake can be, for instance, metallic or holographic on its whole surface or on only a portion
of its surface, the flake can have a circular shape or not,
- one film or one printed, metallic or holographic strip,
- one printed, metallic or holographic foil,
- one print with variable optical effect.
The authenticating structure can, if necessary, differ from one print, notably
of a visible ink in white light.

The authenticating structure can, for example, differ from a bar code printed
with a conventional ink, with no variable optical effect.
The authenticating structure can especially be arranged to present a variable
optical effect.
In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the identifying element(s)
can be present at random within the substrate, the latter being, for example, rolled on its
whole surface with an authenticating structure presented in the form of a security laminate
with visual effect, for example a holographic film.
The authenticating structure can comprise one window or one zone present-
ing physical properties differing from the rest of the authenticating structure.
The authenticating structure, for example the film, can comprise at least one
zone, outside the window, arranged for screening an excitation signal serving to excite the
identifying element(s) present on the substrate.
The window can correspond to a zone presenting a lenticular screen.
The delimiting of the inspection zone can thus be both optical, notably
through delimiting a visible zone, and physical, notably through using a material absorbing
or reflecting the excitation signal outside the inspection zone.
The inspection zone can be smaller than the zone delimited by the authenti-
cating structure, the authenticating structure can, if necessary, serve as a reference point of
spatial coordinates x, y, z for locating the inspection zone.
In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the identification informa-
tion comprises the spatial and/or physical feature, in a way that can be directly compre-
hended or not, the information being, for example, encrypted.
Alternatively, the identification information enables to retrieve the spatial
and/or physical feature stored on a distinct medium of the article, the identification infor-
mation comprising, for example, one article identifier.
The identification information can contain or serve to retrieve one image of
identifying elements contained in the inspection zone.
The article can, if necessary, comprise at least one data medium able to
store the identification information, chosen especially among:

- an optical device, notably a bar code,
- an electronic device able to store data, comprising, notably a chip,
- a magnetic track,
- an optical memory.
Preferably, the article comprises at least one apparent quotation. "Apparent
quotation" notably means an information element, for example, a text, an image or a logo,
visible on the article.
The apparent quotation comprises, for example, at least one element con-
cerning the civil status of an individual, notably, the name, the first name and the national
ity and/or one biometric parameter, for example, the height, the weight and the hair or eyes
colour.
The apparent quotation can comprise, if necessary, one image, one identity
photograph for example.
When the article is a valuable document such as a banknote, the apparent
quotation can comprise, for example, one serial number.
The apparent quotation can be printed.
Advantageously, the identification information enables to have access to a
piece of information representing at least one apparent quotation, appearing on the article.
It is thus possible to set up a univocal relation between the article and one or several ap-
parent quotations appearing on the latter.
In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the article comprises at least
one fibrous substrate, notably in paper. Alternatively, the article can comprise one plastic
substrate.
In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the article comprises:
- at least one fibrous substrate,
- possibly at least one surface layer, notably binder-based, laid down onto
one substrate side,
- one plurality of heterogeneous elements of the substrate and/or the pos-
sible surface layer, scattered, notably at random, within the substrate and/or the possible
surface layer,

- at least one authentication and/or identification information linked to at
least one spatial and/or physical feature of one portion at least of said heterogeneous ele-
ments.
The heterogeneous elements according to the invention are notably different
from heterogeneous elements obtained by using one or more different solid material(s) for
example.
Thanks to the invention, the heterogeneous elements of the fibrous substrate
and/or the surface layer, in an inspection zone, can be used for forming a signature, nota-
bly, a three-dimensional one, associated with the article. This signature can be single be-
cause of the arrangement and the random size of heterogeneous elements.
Preferably, the heterogeneous elements are generated during the forma-
tion of the fibrous material substrate formation in the wet phase and correspond to fluctua-
tions in the substrate mass density. These mass density fluctuations may be caused, nota-
bly, by gas injection during the wet phase when forming the substrate, and cause fluctua-
tions in the optical properties of the substrate.
The heterogeneous elements may have, for example, a mass density smaller
than that of the remainder of the substrate and form light-colored spots that are visually
perceptible in transmitted light.
The heterogeneous elements may optionally be dispersed, in a privileged
manner, in a defined area of the substrate, notably in an area bounded by a watermark such
as by injecting one or more gases through small apertures, for example, formed on punches
used to form the watermark, and attached to the rotary wire cylinder of the paper machine.
When the structure comprises a surface layer, the heterogeneous elements
within this layer are notably generated when applying the surface layer to the previously
formed substrate, wherein the heterogeneous elements correspond to fluctuations in the
mass density of the surface layer. These mass density fluctuations may be caused, for ex-
ample, by the release of the gas or gases that were trapped within the substrate during the
drying phase, the gas or gases released by the substrate penetrating the surface layer, or
also by intentionally injecting gas into the still wet surface before or during its application

to the substrate. These heterogeneous elements within the surface layer generate fluctua-
tions in its optical density.
The surface layer may notably be made of a binder and is advantageously
arranged so as to provide the structure with specific printability characteristics and/or
properties such as a variable optical effect.
The gas or gases used may be chosen so as to interact with one or more re-
active areas in the substrate and/or in the optional surface layer so as to induce an optical
and/or physical change in the heterogeneous elements. This change may correspond, for
example, to the formation of a colored spot in one heterogeneous element.
Another aim of this invention, according to another aspect, is to provide a
sheet material comprising:
- at least one first authenticating structure of a first type,
- at least one first inspection zone defined at least partly by the first au-
thenticating structure,
- at least one plurality of second authenticating structures of a second type,
different from the first one, any second authenticating structure comprising, for example,
one fibre or one flake, the second authenticating structures being preferably randomly scat-
tered within the first inspection zone,
- at least one second inspection zone defined at least partly by at least one
of the second authenticating structures, being, for instance, defined by the outline of one
second authenticating structure,
- in the second inspection zone, at least one identifying element differing
from the second authenticating structure.
Another aim of the present invention, according to another of its aspects, is
a method for authenticating and/or identifying an article, notably a security and/or valuable
document, the article comprising:
- at least one authenticating structure,
- at least one inspection zone defined at least partly by the authenticating
structure,

- in the inspection zone, at least one identifying element different from the
authenticating structure.
The article can be at least associated with identification information linked
to at least one feature, notably spatial and/or physical, in the inspection zone.
The method can comprise at least one of the authentication and identifica-
tion of the article, the method being characterised in that the document authentication
comprises the following steps:
- observing the authenticating structure, notably with the naked eye, by re-
flection and/or transparency, under a given lighting condition,
- concluding, thanks to observation, concerning the article authenticity
- and in that the article identification comprises the following steps of:
- possibly reading the identification information, automatically or not,
- comparing the inspection zone feature of the article being linked to the
identification information, with at least one feature obtained from the article inspection
zone,
- concluding, at least thanks to comparison, concerning the article identity.
The above-mentioned comparison is, for example, carried out between the
first and second images, the first one being linked to the identification information and the
second one being obtained from the article inspection zone, when identifying.
The comparison can be also carried out between the first and second values,
the first one being obtained thanks to the identification information and the second one be-
ing measured on the article inspection zone.
The inspection zone feature is, for example, the spatial distribution of a plu-
rality of identifying elements and this distribution can be determined from a reference
point defined by the authenticating structure and not by a printed mark with a non optical
variable ink.
The document identification can, if necessary, be automatically achieved.
In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the authenticating structures
are visible to the naked eye, notably without the help of an instrument such a microscope.
The method can comprise the following step of:

- locating the inspection zone through the image analysis of the article, for
example by means of at least one sensor, for example a set of sensors, functioning in visi-
ble light or in infrared.
The image analysis can, for example, be carried out by means of a CCD
camera or a CMOS camera.
The article identification can comprise the following step of:
- comparing the arrangement of identifying elements in the article inspec-
tion zone with an image retrieved thanks to the identification information.
The document identification can also comprise the following steps of:
- measuring the signal intensity and/or determining the type of signal gen-
erated by the identifying elements in the inspection zone, notably when the identifying
elements are submitted to an external excitation,
- comparing the measured signal intensity and/or the type of signal with a
piece of data retrieved thanks to the identification information.
The detection can rest, if necessary, on the examination of noise event in the
inspection zone.
The spatial and/or physical features serving for the signature, are linked to
identifying elements, individually or in a group, and, if necessary, and also to the substrate
in the vicinity of identifying elements, in the inspection zone.
When the article comprises, at least, one apparent quotation, the method can
comprise the following steps of:
- comparing an information representing the apparent quotation with the
apparent quotation itself appearing on the article,
- concluding on the authenticity and/or identify of the article at least
thanks to the comparison.
The apparent quotation can, for example, be an element such the name, the
first name or age, or civil status of an individual.
Another aim of this invention, according to another of its aspects, is a sys-
tem for authenticating and/or identifying a secure article, notably a security and/or valuable
document, the article comprising:

- at least one authenticating structure,
- at least one inspection zone defined at least partly by the authenticating
structure,
- in the inspection zone, at least one identifying element different from the
authenticating structure,
- at least one identification information linked to at least one feature, nota-
bly spatial and/or physical, in the inspection zone, and notably of said at least identifying
element,
the system comprising:
- image analysis means, comprising notably one optical detection system,
arranged for locating the inspection zone on the article,
- acquisition means of a feature, notably spatial and/or physical, of the in-
spection zone, and notably of identifying element(s) in the inspection zone located by im-
age analysis means,
as an option, a processing unit arranged for comparing the feature of the ar-
ticle inspection zone linked to the identification information, with at least one feature ob-
tained thanks to acquisition means.
Another aim of the present invention, according to another of its aspects, is
a method for manufacturing a secure article, notably a security and/or valuable document,
from a sheet material, the sheet material comprising:
- at least one substrate,
- at least one authenticating structure,
- at least one inspection zone defined at least partly by the authenticating
structure,
- in the inspection zone, at least one identifying element, different from
the authenticating structure,
the method comprising the following step of:
- providing the sheet material with at least one identification information
linked to at least one feature, notably spatial and/or physical, of the inspection zone, and
notably of said at least identifying element of the inspection zone.

The above-mentioned manufacturing method can, further, comprise the fol-
lowing step of:
carrying out at least one print on the sheet material.
Another aim of the invention, according to another of its aspects, is a sheet
material, especially for embodying the above-mentioned method, comprising:
- at least one substrate,
- at least one authenticating structure interacting with the substrate, pref-
erably visible by reflection, notably one fibre or one flake or a group of fibres and/or
flakes,
- at least one inspection zone defined at least partly by the authenticating
structure, notably by the outline of the fibre or the flake,
- in the inspection zone, at least one identifying element, different from
the authenticating structure, the identifying element comprising particles or one active
material.
The authenticating structure can be thus different from a printing, notably
an alphanumerical printing or a bar code, carried out with a non optical variable ink.
The present invention could be best understood when reading the following
detailed description, the non limiting exemplary embodiments of the invention and when
examining the appended drawings, in which:
- figures 1 to 3 show, schematically and partly, security and/or valuable
documents in compliance with different exemplary embodiments of the invention,
- figure 4 is a transverse, schematic and partial cross-section of a docu-
ment in compliance with one exemplary embodiment of the invention,
- figures 5 and 6 show, schematically and partly, security and/or valuable
documents in compliance with other exemplary embodiments of the invention,
- figures 7 and 7A show, schematically and partly, one fibre, respectively
one flake that can be incorporated into a document in compliance with the invention
- figure 8 shows in a very schematic way, an authenticating and/or identi-
fying system in compliance with the invention,

- figure 9 is a block diagram illustrating different steps of an authenticat-
ing and/or identifying method in compliance with the invention,
- figure 10 illustrates, schematically or partly, a step of retrieving data for
authenticating and/or identifying a document in compliance with the invention,
- figure 11 shows, schematically or partly, identifying elements of a
document in compliance with the invention,
- figure 12 shows, schematically or partly, a matrix code carried out from
an active material,
- figure 13 shows, schematically or partly, one document in compliance
with one exemplary embodiment of the invention,
- figure 14 illustrates schematically, in cross-section, an article in compli-
ance with one exemplary embodiment of the invention, comprising a surface layer,
- figure 15 shows, schematically or partly, a manufacturing step of a fi-
brous layer of an article in compliance with the invention, and
- figures 16 and 17 illustrate, schematically and partly, documents in com-
pliance with exemplary embodiments of the invention.
Figure 1 shows a security and/or valuable document 1 in compliance with
the invention, that can constitute one of the following elements: a banknote, a security pa-
per, an identity document, a leaf or a passport cover, a visa, a coupon, a valuable document
other than a banknote, for example a cheque or a credit card, a protecting and/or authenti-
cating tag, a traceability tag, a packaging device, for example for one or several pharma-
ceutical specialties, this packaging device comprising for instance one blister.
The document 1 comprises one fibrous substrate 2 in the considered exam-
ple, comprising for instance cellulose fibres and/or cotton linters and/or synthetic fibres.
Alternatively, the substrate 2 can be a plastic one.
In the described example, the substrate 2 incorporates in its mass, one plu-
rality of identifying elements 3 randomly scattered on the whole surface of the substrate 2.
These identifying elements 3 comprise, for example, particles, notably lu-
minescent and/or fluorescent, and/or fibres such as magnetic fibres, notably soft magnetic
ones, or optically excitable fibres, notably by exposure to an infrared radiation.

These identifying elements 3 can be selected so that they could be detected
with the naked eye, presenting for this purpose for example a sufficiently low size or an
accurate reflectance.
The identifying elements 3 are arranged for emitting a specific signal when
they are submitted to an adapted external excitation, notably optoelectronic, electromag-
netic, electric, magnetic or thermal.
A watermark 4 delimiting an authenticating structure is achieved on the
substrate 2, in a predetermined location of this one.
This watermark 4 can, for example, be obtained though an operation on the
aqueous suspension of cellulose fibres when manufacturing the paper. Any other tech-
nique for achieving the watermark 4 can be, of course, used, which can be a pseudo-
watermark.
The outline of watermark 4 delimits an inspection zone 5 later.
The identifying elements 3 randomly scattered within this inspection zone 5
delimit a single signature of the document 1.
The document 1 comprises apparent quotations 6, for example printed onto
the substrate 2. These apparent quotations 6 comprise, for example, the name and the first
name of an individual. The apparent quotations 6 can be of any type and comprise, for ex-
ample one image.
The document 1 further comprises one data medium 8 including, in the con-
sidered example, one electronic device fitted with a chip able to store data.
The electronic device 8 can be fixed onto the substrate 2 in different ways,
while being for example at least partly or totally incorporated within the substrate mass 2
or stuck onto an external side of this one.
The data medium 8 stores, on the one hand, at least one spatial and/or
physical feature of identifying elements 3 scattered in the inspection zone 5, and on the
other hand, information representing the apparent quotations appearing on the document 1.
The data stored by the data medium 8 can be encrypted in order to
strengthen the security.

The physical feature linked to the identification information can correspond
to an optical, electromagnetic, electric, magnetic or thermal feature of identifying ele-
ments) 3 in the inspection zone 5 and possibly of the substrate portion in the inspection
zone 5.
The spatial feature linked to the identification information can be related to
arrangement, size or the density per unit area of identifying element(s) 3 in the inspection
zone 5.
The document authentication 1 can be simply carried out by observing, by
transparency, the watermark 4, which constitutes a first-level security element.
The use of a specific apparatus for authenticating purpose is not necessary.
It may be desirable, if necessary, to carry out the document identification in
addition to its authentication.
For this purpose, the single signature of the document 1 intervenes; it is
formed by the identifying elements 3 scattered in the inspection zone 5.
The document 1 identification can be obtained by means of an appropriate
system 100 illustrated in a very schematic way in figure 8.
This system 100 comprises:
- one slit 101 enabling to insert the document 1 into a control space 102,
- one optical detection system 103 comprising for example one camera,
the system being arranged to locate, notably through image analysis, the inspection zone 5
of the document 1 inserted in the control space 102, this system functioning, for example
in visible or infrared light, and comprising for instance at least one light-emitting diode or
one laser diode,
- acquisition means 104 of a spatial and/or physical feature of identifying
elements 3 in the inspection zone 5 located by the detection system 103, these means 104
can comprise notably one device such as one sensor or a set of sensors for measuring the
intensity of a signal generated by the identifying elements 3 present in the inspection zone
5 when they are submitted to an external excitation,

- one data processing unit 105 such as a computer, arranged for comparing
the feature of identifying elements 3 of the document 1 linked to the identification infor-
mation, with at least one feature obtained thanks to acquisition means 104.
In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the system 100 can comprise
one plurality of lighting sources, at least one functioning for example in the visible, being
used to locate the inspection zone 5, and one or many other lighting sources being used to
create multiple excitations of identifying element(s), these possible multiple excitations
can be simultaneous or successive.
The system 100 can comprise, if necessary, filters for filtering excitation
and/or emission wavelengths when the excitation source is electromagnetic.
The acquisition means 104 can comprise a photodiode box when the signal
emitted by the identifying elements is of electromagnetic type or of magneto resistive sen-
sors in case the signal is of magnetic type.
In a non-illustrated alternative version, the system 100 can comprise one de-
tection device including one camera, this device being arranged for both locating the in-
spection zone 5 of the document 1 and determining one spatial feature such as the area
density andfor the spatial distribution of identifying elements 3 present in the inspection
zone 5.
The document 1 identification can comprise the following steps.
Firstly, the document 1 is inserted into the control space 102 of the system
100.
The optical detection system 103 locates through image analysis the inspec-
tion zone 5 of the document 1 (step 120 in figure 9), by determining for example the out-
line of the watermark 4.
The acquisition means 104 determine one spatial and/or physical feature of
identifying elements in the inspection zone 5 located by the detection system 103 (step
121), for example by measuring the intensity of a signal generated by the identifying ele-
ments 3 present in the inspection zone 5.

Then, the processing unit 105 compares (step 122) the measured signal in-
tensity with a value linked to the identification information stored on the data medium 8 of
the document 1.
When the identification rests on an optical detection, and notably when the
acquisition means 104 comprise one camera, the comparison can especially deal with two
images, one acquired on the document 1, at the inspection zone level, and the other re-
trieved thanks to the information contained in the data medium 8.
The information representing apparent quotations are compared with the
apparent quotations 6 appearing on the document 1.
The above-mentioned comparisons enable to check the univocal relation be-
tween the apparent quotations 6 appearing on the document 1 and the substrate 2, and then
the authenticity and the identity of the document 1 (steps 123 and 124).
In another exemplary embodiment of the invention, the useful information
for identifying the document, namely the ones representing the spatial and/or physical fea-
ture and at least an apparent quotation, are not stored on the document 1 itself, being
stored on one data medium 130 distinct from the document 1, as illustrated in figure 10.
This data medium 130 can, for example, be composed of one database of
one computing system.
The identification information comprises then one identifier enabling to re-
trieve data linked to the considered document, stored on the data medium 130, by means of
one terminal 131 such as a mobile phone or a personal digital assistant (PDA) or a com-
puter or any other apparatus.
The terminal 131 can be connected to the database 130 through a cabled or
non cabled link.
The document identification can be then carried out in this way.
The identifier is read and data useful for authenticating and/or identifying
the document are retrieved, namely the data representing one spatial and/or physical fea-
ture of identifying elements 3 and apparent quotations. For retrieving the above-
mentioned data, one user can transmit by means of one terminal 131 the document identi-

fier to the system comprising the database 130, which, in return, sends towards the termi-
nal 131 the required data, including for example one image 132 of the inspection zone 5.
The retrieved data enable to identify the document 1, in comparison with
the spatial and/or physical feature determined on the document and the apparent quotations
appearing on this one.
Obviously, it doesn't fall outside the scope of the present invention when
the inspection zone is defined by an element other than one watermark.
Figure 2 illustrates one document 10 comprising one fibrous substrate as
described in the previous example, and one foil 11 laid down onto one side of this sub-
strate 2.
The foil 11 is applied on the document 10 through a transfer of a multilayer
structure comprising one release coating by heat and pressure application.
In the illustrated example, the foil 11 comprises one metallization 12 and
demetallized zones 13 that can form, notably patterns, for example alphabet characters.
These zones 13 delimit windows. The inspection zone 5 used for identification corre-
sponds, for instance, to demetallized zones 13. In a non illustrated alternative version, the
demetallized zones 13 can be replaced by punched zones of the foil 11.
In the considered example, the identifying elements 3 such as fibres are
scattered, notably at random, on the whole surface of the substrate 2. Alternatively, the fi-
bres 3 are scattered on only one delimited zone 19 of the substrate 2. This zone 19 pre-
sents, for example, one strip shape.
The identifying elements 3 are laid down, notably by means of one or sev-
eral appropriate strip nozzles on the cellulose dispersion, when forming the substrate 2, for
example.
The foil 11 can entirely cover, if desired, this zone 19 of the substrate 2.
The foil 11 enables to screen one excitation signal outside the inspection
zone 5.
The document 10 comprises one data medium 15 consisting in, for exam-
ple, a bar code that can be of matrix type, for instance the one known named as PDF 417,
enabling to store a relatively important quantity of data.

In the example of figure 1, the identifying elements 3 are scattered in the
substrate 2 mass, on its whole surface.
Figure 3 illustrates one document 20 comprising one fibrous substrate 21
wherein one strip security element 22, notably in plastic, is incorporated when manufactur-
ing the substrate 21.
The strip element 22 carries a plurality of identifying elements 3 randomly
scattered on its whole surface.
The substrate 21 comprises windows 23 leaving on one side 25 of the sub-
strate 20 some zones 24 of the strip element 22 clear.
Between these zones 24, the strip element 22 is drowned in the substrate 21
mass.
In the illustrated example, the windows 23 present a rectangular shape with
a width inferior to the width of the strip element 22.
The substrate 21 can comprise windows 23 on only one side 25.
Alternatively, as illustrated in figure 4, the substrate 21 can comprise oppo-
site windows 23 leaving the strip element 22 clear on both opposite sides 25 and 26 of the
document 20.
Notably, reference can be made to the EP 690 939 patent concerning the
method of manufacturing the windows.
The inspection zone 5 used for identifying the document 20 is formed by
exposed zones 24 of the strip element 22, at right angles with windows 23 of the substrate
21.
The document 20 comprises one medium data formed for example by one
magnetic track 28 on which are stored the data useful for identifying the document 20.
Figure 5 shows one document 30 in compliance with the invention, com-
prising one bi-jet paper 31 formed by one first jet 32 and one second jet 33. The first jet
32 comprises windows 34 and the second jet 33 incorporates some identifying elements 3
in its mass.
In the illustrated example, the inspection zone 5 is defined by the windows
34.

The identifying elements 3 can be, alternatively, laid down between both
jets 32 and 33, for example by spraying, before a lamination step of these both jets 32 and
33.
The document 30 comprises one identifier 36 enabling to retrieve from the
distinct data medium 130 the data necessary for identifying the document 30.
Figure 6 illustrates one document 40 in compliance with the invention,
comprising one fibrous substrate 41, incorporating a plurality of identifying elements 3.
One surface application 42 is laid down onto the substrate 41; this coating
can be of iridescent type, for example.
This coating 42 presents a variable thickness delimiting for instance zones
of reduced thickness 43 forming inspection zones 5 and having a variable optical effect
different from the one of the neighbouring zones.
The identifying elements 3 can be selected among:
- the particles Traceless™ from the CREO Company,
- the particles Nanoplex® from the NANOBARCODES Company,
- the particles Polystar™ from the SPECTRA SYSTEMS Company,
- the particles Microtag from the MICROTAG Company.
Example of authenticating structures and identifying elements according to
the invention
Figure 7 illustrates one security fibre 51 carrying identifying elements 50.
The fibre 51 is carried out as follows:
When spinning one viscose filament designed for achieving security fibres
51, is added to the viscose masterbatch, one luminescent substance, for example invisible
in daylight and fluorescent at 365 nm, usable for authentication as well as a quantity of
particles 50 Traceless™ from CREO sufficient for having at least two distinct particles
Traceless™ for each staple fibre of 5 mm, for identification. These staple fibres are then
inserted at random into one paper substrate. The luminescent fibre 51 delimits a second-
level authenticating structure that can be authenticated by means of a Wood lamp. The
identifying elements are defined by the particles Traceless™ scattered in each fibre. These
particles can be identified on one fibre by comparing the spectral response of the fibre with

the expected one. In case of doubt about the authenticity of luminescent fibres and most
particularly in case of any suspicion of counterfeiting luminescent fibres by printing, an
identification of the features of particles Traceless™ is carried out in the security fibres. In
this case, the inspection zone 5 is formed by the outline of the fibre 51.
Example of security and/or valuable document according to the invention
In order to strengthen the document security, this one can comprise two
types of authenticating structures. The document substrate comprises, for example, at ran-
dom, luminescent fibres 51 including identifying elements formed by the particles Trace-
less™ from CREO. One holographic foil with reserves is applied onto the paper substrate.
The document identification rests, on the one hand, on the optical detection of particles
Traceless™ individually, located in one inspection zone defined by a fibre present in a foil
reserve, and on the other hand, on the distribution of fibres 51 in the foil reserve. One in-
spection zone is then formed both by the outline of each fibre 51 and by the reserve formed
in the foil. The document identification can thus be based on the combination of physical
and spatial features of fibres 51 randomly scattered in the delimited zone by the reserve in
the foil. The spectral image of this zone under infrared excitation can be obtained and
compared with the expected one for identification purpose.
Other example of authenticating structures and identifying elements accord-
ing to the invention
A matrix code 140 (see figure 12) achieved from one active material devel-
oped by the HYPERLABEL TECHNOLOGIES company can be used. This active mate-
rial formulated in an ink invisible to the naked eye is printed, by ink jet printing, on a col-
oured low weight paper that is then cut for creating some flakes, having for example the
disc shape. The printing is carried out, so that each flake, for example with a diameter of 2
mm, could carry the same matrix code. The coloured flakes, after scattering in the paper,
intended for example for achieving a tag for a brand product, constitute an authenticating
structure of first level. Each flake further defines one inspection zone for an identification
security constituted by the matrix code. The code can be read on one flake for example by
means of the chat/scanner pen functioning in infrared developed by HYPERLABEL Com-

pany. The pen is connected to a processing unit able to decode the matrix code and restore
the recorded data into this code.
Other example of security and/or valuable document according to the inven-
tion
The identifying elements are laid down onto a strip element incorporated
into one paper substrate. The identifying elements are, for example, micrometric particles
Nanoplex® with a variable reflectance marketed by NANOBARCODES Company. The
mixture of both types of particles with different reflectance properties is used. The strip
element is rolled with an authenticating structure such as a foil presenting one demetal-
lized zone serving as inspection zone of fibres Nanoplex®. In this inspection zone, an im-
age analysis is automatically carried out. This analysis rests on the respective percentage
of each type of particles as well as on their distribution in the inspection zone.
The invention is not limited to exemplary embodiments that have just been
described.
As illustrated in figure 11, the document can comprise one plastic substrate
60, for example in transparent resin, notably a hardenable resin, substrate wherein hetero-
geneous elements 61 are formed.
These heterogeneous elements 61 correspond, for example, to lacks of ma-
terial or gas bubbles obtained when manufacturing the substrate 60 and randomly scattered
within this substrate 60.
The heterogeneous elements 61, in one inspection zone defined for example
by one or several windows of a film or foil applied onto the substrate form the identifying
elements delimiting a signature of the document.
Figure 13 shows one document 145 comprising one substrate 146 in com-
pliance with another exemplary embodiment of the invention.
The substrate 146 is a fibrous coating formed by means of a round-shaped
paper making machine 147, as illustrated in figure 15.
This machine 147 comprises one vat 148 containing one suspension 149 of
fibres, for example cellule fibres and/or cotton linters and/or synthetic and/or artificial fi-

bres, wherein a rotating clothing cylinder 150 is partly immersed, delimiting one surface
151 in contact with which the fibrous coating 146 is continuously formed.
One duct 152 is provided for generating an air supply within the suspension
of fibres 149 in order to form air bubbles 153.
The latter produce heterogeneous elements 155, within the fibrous coating
146 as very schematically illustrated in figure 13.
Of course, the heterogeneous elements 155 can be formed by any other ap-
propriate means, notably according to the manufacturing process of the substrate 146.
In the considered example, the substrate 146 is carried out on the basis of
paper fibres.
Any heterogeneous element 155 corresponds to a visible clear spot by
transparency, in transmitted light, with a mass density inferior to the one of the rest of the
substrate 146.
The number of heterogeneous elements 155 per unit area and/or the average
size of heterogeneous elements can be controlled by adjusting, for example, the flow of air
leakage in the suspension of fibres 149.
Because of their random distribution within the substrate 146 or in several
fields of this one, the heterogeneous elements 155 in the inspection zone 5 defined by the
watermark 158, form a single signature associated with the substrate 146.
As shown in Figure 14, heterogeneous elements may be generated within a
surface layer 160 when applying the surface layer on the previously formed substrate 146,
the heterogeneous elements corresponding to mass density fluctuations of layer 160.
These mass density fluctuations may be caused, for example, by a release of the gases
trapped within substrate 146 during the drying phase, whereby the gases released by the
substrate penetrate the surface layer or, alternatively, by intentional injection of gases
within the still wet surface layer 160, before or when it is applied to the substrate. These
heterogeneous elements of surface layer 160 generate optical density fluctuations.
Examples of documents in compliance with the invention
Figure 16 shows one document 180 comprising one fibrous substrate 181,
without adding distinct identifying elements in or onto the substrate 181, presenting an au-

thenticating structure such as a clear watermark 182 of rectangular type, that both serves as
a first level authenticating structure and a reference point for determining one inspection
zone 5 (by optical contrast of the clear zone with respect to the rest of the substrate).
When identifying, the 3D topography of the fibrous substrate 181 serves for identification
by its single signature. This single signature can be read by sensors such as the ones de-
scribed by Escher Lab and Kodak, or the one presented by Russel Cowburn from the Impe-
rial College of London in the document entitled "Secure fingerprint of packaging and
documents with tags, chips or ink". This last sensor rests on one "scanner" examining the
specific features of absorbing a visible radiation by the substrate in a given zone.
The optical sensor can be arranged for locating the outlines of a watermark
182 and, inside the defined zone by the watermark, determining a small inspection zone 5
of the fibrous substrate, the inspection zone 5 being in this case smaller than the defined
zone by the outline of the watermark.
Figure 17 shows one document 175 comprising one paper substrate 176.
A foil or film 178 is fixed onto the substrate side 176, this foil or film 178
having one window 179. In the considered example, the foil or film 178 delimits an au-
thenticating structure and the window 179 an inspection zone 5.
The inspection zone 5 is, preferably, far from corners and/or borders of the
document that are liable to be folded and/or damaged during the document lifetime.
The document identification 175 or 180 is based on the 3D analysis of the
paper substrate surface 176, in the inspection zone 5.
The analysis can rely, for example, on a laser scanning of the inspection
zone 5 with a submicron resolution. The 3D topography of the paper in the inspection
zone 5 delimits a single signature of the document.
Obviously, the features of the different described embodiments can be com-
bined between themselves within the non illustrated alternative versions.
For example, the electronic device 8 of the document 1 described by refer-
ring to figure 1, can be replaced by the bar code 15 of the document 10 in figure 2.

In the non-illustrated examples, the illustrated articles, notably in figures 1
to 6, do not comprise the identification information, this one being differently associated
with the article.
The expression "comprising one" is synonymous with "comprising at least
one", unless otherwise specified.

WE CLAIM :
1. Secure article, notably a security and/or valuable document (1; 10; 20;
30; 40), comprising:
- at least one substrate,
- at least one visible authenticating structure (4; 11; 22; 32; 42; 51),
- at least one inspection zone (5) defined at least partly by the authenticat-
ing structure, the authenticating structure delimiting at least partly the outline of the in-
spection zone and/or serving to locate the inspection zone,
- in the inspection zone (5), at least one identifying element (3; 50; 61) dif-
ferent from the authenticating structure, the inspection zone enabling an identification in-
formation to be supplied with at least one feature, notably spatial or physical, of said at
least identifying element.

2. Article according to claim 1, the substrate being fibrous.
3. Article according to claim 1 or 2, at least an identification information
being associated with at least one feature, notably spatial and/or physical, of the inspection
zone (5).
4. Article according to claim 3, the article comprising said information.
5. Article according to claim 3 or 4, said information being relative to one
spatial and/or physical feature of said at least identifying element, notably the spatial dis-
tribution of a plurality of identifying elements.
6. Article according to any of the previous claims, characterised in that it
comprises one plurality of scattered identifying elements, notably randomly, within the in-
spection zone and in that the identification information presents one link to one feature,
notably spatial and/or physical, of said plurality of identifying elements.
7. Article according to any of the previous claims, characterised in that the
authenticating structure (4; 11; 22; 32; 42) holds a predetermined location in the docu-
ment.
8. Article according to any of claims 1 to 6, characterised in that the au-
thenticating structure (51) holds a random location in the document.

9. Article according to any of the previous claims, characterised in that the
authenticating structure can be detected with the naked eye, by reflection and/or transpar-
ency, in visible light.
10. Article according to any of claims 1 to 8, characterised in that the au-
thenticating structure can be detected with the naked eye by transparency, under a prede-
termined lighting, notably ultraviolet, the authenticating structure being notably undetect-
able in visible light.
11. Article according to any of the previous claims, characterised in that the
identifying elements are undetectable by the naked eye.
12. Article according to any of the previous claims, characterised in that the
identifying elements (3) are arranged for emitting one specific signal when submitted to
one external excitation, notably, optoelectronic, electromagnetic, electric, magnetic, ther-
mal or acoustic.
13. Article according to the previous claim, characterised in that the physi-
cal feature linked to the identification information corresponds to one optical, electromag-
netic, electric, magnetic, thermal or acoustic feature, of said identifying element(s) in the
inspection zone.
14. Article according to any of claims 1 to 13, characterised in that the spa-
tial feature linked to the identification information is relative to arrangement, size or the
density per unit area or volume unit of the identifying element(s) in the inspection zone.
15. Article according to any of the previous claims, characterised in that the
authenticating structure comprises one medium (22) of at least one identifying element.
16. Article according to the previous claim, characterised in that the me-
dium includes at least one strip element (22) with a width lower than the one of article, the
strip element being notably incorporated at least partly into one substrate (21) of the arti-
cle.
17. Article according to the previous claim, characterised in that the article
comprises at least one window (23) through which the strip element (22) can be at least
partly exposed to outside, the inspection zone (5) being then especially defined at least
partly by the window (23).

18. Article according to claim 15, characterised in that the authenticating
structure medium comprises at least one fibre (51) or one flake (55) and in that the inspec-
tion zone is defined at least partly by the outline of the fibre or the flake.
19. Article according to the previous claim, characterised in that the au-
thenticating structure comprises at least one fibre, this fibre carrying a plurality of particles
forming one identifying element.
20. Article according to claim 19, characterised in that the authenticating
structure includes at least one paper-based flake.
21. Article according to any of the previous claims, characterised in that the
document comprises at least one first authenticating structure of a first type and one plural-
ity of second authenticating structures of a second type, different from the first one.
22. Article according to claim 1, the outline of the inspection zone coincid-
ing with the one of the authenticating structure.

23. Article according to any of claims 1 to 14, characterised in that the
identifying elements (3) are scattered within one article zone having an area higher than
the one of the authenticating structure (4; 11), the identifying elements being notably scat-
tered all over the article surface.
24. Article according to any of the previous claims, comprising one sub-
strate, notably fibrous, characterised in that the substrate (2) incorporates or carries at least
one identifying element (3).
25. Article according to any of claims 1 to 14, characterised in that the
identifying elements are scattered, notably at random, within the substrate, in an area zone
lower than, the substrate area, this zone presenting for example a strip shape.
26. Article according to any of the previous claims characterised in that the
authenticating structure and the substrate are distinct.
27. Article according to the previous claim, characterised in that the au-
thenticating structure is laid down on one substrate face, the authenticating structure (11)
comprising notably one strip or one patch.
28. Article according to any of claims 26 and 27, characterised in that the
authenticatting structure, notably the strip or the patch, comprises at least one window (13)

delimiting at least partly the inspection zone, the window being notably formed by one
demetallized zone or one punched zone of the authenticating structure.
29. Article according to claim 26, characterised in that the authenticating
structure comprises one coating, notably one surface application (42) such as an iridescent
coating laid down onto the substrate, the coating presenting some zones of variable thick-
ness arranged for delimiting the inspection zone.
30. Article according to claim 26, comprising one bi-jet paper, character-
ised in that one first jet (33) delimits the substrate, the authenticating structure comprising
at least one window achieved in one second jet (32) and delimiting at least partly the in-
spection zone.
31. Article according to any of claims 1 to 25, characterised in that the au-
thenticating structure is carried out at least partly on said substrate.
32. Article according to the previous claim, characterised in that the au-
thenticating structure comprises at least one watermark (4) carried out onto the substrate.
33. Article according to any of the previous claims, characterised in that at
least one of identifying elements is chosen among:

- one active material, such as for instance one ultraviolet absorber chemi-
cal compound or some elements that can be detected by X-ray fluorescence,
- one particle, notably luminescent, especially fluorescent,
- one fibre such as one magnetic fibre, notably a soft magnetic one, or one
fibre that can be optically excited, notably by exposure to infrared,
- the 3D microstructure of one paper substrate.

34. Article according to any of the previous claims, comprising one plastic
substrate (60), characterised in that the identifying elements are formed by heterogeneous
elements (61) in the substrate, being notably lacks of material or gas bubbles.
35. Article according to any of the previous claims, characterised in that the
authenticating structure comprises at least one of the following elements:
- one watermark,

- one fibre appearing for example coloured in daylight or only under a
specific illumination, the fibre can have a cylindrical shape or not, with a non circular sec-
tion for instance,
- one flake appearing in daylight or only under a specific illumination, the
flake can be for instance metallic or holographic on its whole surface or on only one por-
tion of its surface, the flake can have a circular shape or not,
- one film or one printed strip, metallic or holographic,
- one printed, metallic or holographic foil,
- one print with variable optical effect.

36. Article according to any of claims 1 to 34, characterised in that the au-
thenticating structure is different from one print, notably of a visible ink in white light.
37. Article according to any of the previous claims, characterised in that the
identification information comprises the spatial and/or physical feature.
38. Article according to any of claims 1 to 36, characterised in that the
identification information enables to retrieve the spatial and/or physical feature stored on
one distinct medium (130) of the article.
39. Article according to any of the previous claims, characterised in that the
identification information contains or serves to retrieve one image of identifying elements
contained in the inspection zone.
40. Article according to any of the previous claims, characterised in that the
identification information cannot be directly comprehended, being notably encrypted.
41. Article according to any of the previous claims, characterised in that it
comprises at least one data medium (8) able to store the identification information.
42. Article according to the previous claim, characterised in that the data
medium is chosen among:

- one optical device, notably one bar code,
- one electronic device able to store data comprising notably one chip,
- one magnetic track,
- one optical memory.

43. Article according to any of the previous claims, characterised in that it
comprises at least one apparent quotation (6).
44. Article according to the previous claim, characterised in that the identi-
fication information enables to have access to a piece of information representing at least
an apparent quotation located on the article.
45. Article according to any of the previous claims, characterised in that it
comprises at least one paper substrate.
46. Article according to any of the previous claims, being short of printed
mark with a non optical variable ink and delimiting at least partly the inspection zone or
enabling to locate the latter.
47. Method for authenticating and/or identifying a secure article, notably a
security and/or valuable document, the article comprising:

- at least one authenticating structure,
- at least one inspection zone defined at least partly by the authenticating
structure,
- in the inspection zone, at least one identifying element different from the
authenticating structure,
the article being associated with at least one piece of identification informa-
tion linked to at least one feature, notably spatial and/or physical, of the inspection zone,
the method comprising at least one of authentication and identification of
the article,
the method being characterised in that the authentication of the article com-
prises the following steps of:
- observing the authenticating structure (4; 11; 22; 32; 42; 51), notably
with the naked eye, by reflection and/or transparency, under a given lighting condition,
- concluding, thanks to observation, concerning the article authenticity,
and in that the article identification comprises the following steps of:
- comparing the feature of the article inspection zone being linked to the
identification information, with at least one feature obtained from the article inspection
zone,

- concluding, at least thanks to comparison, concerning the article identity.
48. Method according to the previous claim, characterised in that the article
identification is automatically carried out.
49. Method according to any of claims 47 and 48, characterised in that it
comprises the following step of:
- locating the inspection zone through the image analysis of the article.
50. Method according to any of claims 47 to 49, the article comprising the
identification information and this one being read when identifying the article before com-
paring the feature of the inspection zone with the identification information, the article
identification comprising the following step of:
- comparing the arrangement of identifying elements in the article inspec-
tion zone with an image retrieved thanks to the identification information.
51. Method according to any of claims 47 to 50, characterised in that the
article identification comprises the following steps of:
- measuring the signal intensity and/or determining the type of signal gen-
erated by the identifying elements in the inspection zone, notably when the identifying
elements are submitted to an external excitation,
- comparing the measured signal intensity and/or the type of signal with a
piece of data retrieved thanks to the identification information.
52. Method according to any of claims 47 to 51, the article comprising at
least one apparent quotation, the method comprising the following steps of:
- comparing an information representing the apparent quotation with the
apparent quotation itself appearing on the article,
- concluding with the authenticity and/or identify of the article at least
thanks to the comparison.
53. System for authenticating and/or identifying (100) a secure article, no-
tably a security and/or valuable document, the article comprising:
- at least one authenticating structure,
- at least one inspection zone defined at least partly by the authenticating
structure,

in the inspection zone, at least one identifying element different from the
authenticating structure, the article being associated with at least an identification informa-
tion linked to at least one feature, notably spatial and/or physical, of the inspection zone,
and notably of said at least identifying element,
the system comprising:
- image analysis means (103), notably optical, arranged for locating the in-
spection zone on the article,
- acquisition means (104) of a feature, notably spatial and/or physical, of
the inspection zone, and notably of identifying element(s) in the inspection zone located by
the image analysis means,
- optionally, one processing unit (105) arranged for comparing the feature
of the article inspection zone linked to the identification information, with at least one fea-
ture obtained thanks to acquisition means.
54. Sheet material comprising:
- at least one first authenticating structure of a first type,
- at least one first inspection zone defined at least partly by the first au-
thenticating structure,
- at least one plurality of second authenticating structures of a second type,
different from the first one, each second authenticating structure including for example one
fibre or one flake, the second authenticating structures being preferably scattered at ran-
dom within the first inspection zone,
- at least one second inspection zone defined at least partly by at least one
of the second authenticating structures, being for example defined by the outline of a sec-
ond authenticating structure,
- in the second inspection zone, at least one identifying element different
from the second authenticating structure.
55. Method for manufacturing a secure and/or valuable document from a
sheet material, the sheet material comprising:
- at least one substrate,
- at least one authenticating structure,

- at least one inspection zone defined at least partly by the authenticating
structure,
- in the inspection zone, at least one identifying element, different from
the authenticating structure,
the method comprising the following step of:
- providing the sheet material with at least one identification information
linked to at least one feature, notably spatial and/or physical, of the inspection zone, and
notably of said at least identifying element of the inspection zone.
56. Sheet material comprising:
- at least one substrate,
- at least one visible authenticating structure interacting with the substrate,
notably one fibre or one flake or a group of fibres and/or flakes,
- at least one inspection zone defined at least partly by the authenticating
structure, notably by the outline of the fibre or the flake,
- in the inspection zone, at least one identifying element, different from
the authenticating structure, the identifying element comprising particles or one active
material.
Dated this 9th day of April 2008.

42

a security and/or valuable document
(1), comprising: at least one substrate, at least one visible authenticating structure (4;
11; 22; 32; 42; 51), at least one inspection zone (5) defined at least partly by the authenticating
structure, the authenticating structure delimiting at least partly the outline of the inspection
zone and/or serving to locate the inspection zone, in the inspection zone (5), at
least one identifying element (3, 50, 61) different from the authenticating structure, the inspection
zone enabling an identification information to be supplied with at least one feature,
notably spatial or physical, of said at least identifying element.