The present invention relies on the moiré patterns generated when superposing a base layer made of base band patterns and a revealing line
grating (revealing layer). The produced moiré patterns comprise an enlargement and a transformation of the individual patterns located within the base bands. Base bands and revealing line gratings may be rectilinear or curvilinear. When translating or rotating the revealing line
grating on top of the base layer, the produced moiré patterns evolve smoothly, i.e. they may be smoothly shifted, sheared, and possibly be subject to further transformations. Base band patterns may incorporate any combination of shapes, intensities and colors, such as letter, digits, text, symbols,
ornaments, logos, country emblems, etc. . . . . They therefore offer great possibilities for creating security documents and valuable articles taking
advantage of the higher imaging capabilities of original imaging and printing systems, compared with the possibilities of the
reproduction systems available to potential counterfeiters. Since the revealing line
grating reflects a relatively high percentage of the incident light, the moiré patterns are easily apparent in reflective mode and under normal illumination conditions. They may be used for the
authentication of any kinds of documents (banknotes, identity documents, checks, diploma,
travel documents, tickets) and valuable articles (optical disks, CDs, DVDs, CD-ROMs, packages for medical drugs, bottles, articles with affixed labels).