Patent Description:
Identity document shall be interpreted as a document containing information relating to its holder, that can be issued by an authority / government such as for instance a passport or an identity card etc., or a non-official document that can be issued by private firms, such as for instance season tickets, subscription cards, etc..

For the sake of brevity, identity documents, whether in the form of booklets of polycarbonate cards, will be described here after as "documents". Documents are not limited to those comprising polycarbonate but encompass those comprising any engravable materials.

Documents are flat and comprise a multiple laser image (MLI) or a changeable laser image (CLI), which are secure elements especially in the market of governmental documents, but not limited to.

MLI or CLI is called flip image, or without distinction tilt image. MLI or CLI are visible of with a lenticular array, having a main direction of orientation. Usually MLI are visible when flipping, tilting or rotating the document around an « horizontal » direction of orientation parallel to the reading direction; where CLI are visible around a « vertical » direction of orientation.

MLI or CLI are typically used for personalization purpose of the document. They are produced and visible through an array of fine cylindrical lenticular lenses, also called lenticular screen, with a radius as little as a few microns, which are disposed on a flat support, and which enable an easy-to-check visible security feature where two pieces of information can be seen depending on the viewing angle.

Typically, the cylindrical lenticular lenses of MLI or CLI are orientated along a main direction of orientation. The main direction of orientation of the lenticular lenses for the MLI is perpendicular to the main direction of orientation of the lenticular lenses for the CLI.

A flip image is written on a document with help of a lenticular screen and can be seen with help of said lenticular screen on said flat support. A flip image in fact shows two different contents or two different images, each content or image seen depending on the viewing angle. A flip image can be a set of two image elements such as e.g. a portrait, a logo, a symbol, a number, a chain of characters, etc..

Typically for a document according to the present invention, a flip image relates to the holder of the document. Accordingly, a flip image is used for personalization and securitization of the document.

Today, a document usually comprises either MLI or CLI, but not both.

During the personalization phase, each MLI or CLI is a laser-marked, laser-engraved, with a flipping set of two image elements, which become unalterable after marking, making it almost impossible to forge the document at a later stage.

The present invention relates precisely to a device for writing a flip image on a document.

In this context, it is known document <CIT>, which relates to a device for writing a tilt image structure on a base body, comprising a set of deflection mirrors.

According to <CIT>, it is required to arrange a set of two or event four deflection mirrors, which is complex and cumbersome.

The present invention aims to provide a solution which is simpler, more flexible and smaller in size.

According to a first of its objects, the present invention relates to a personalization module (<NUM>), for personalization of a security document (<NUM>), said document (<NUM>) comprising a marking area for marking a two-image element MLI or CLI through an array (<NUM>) of lenticular lenses having a main direction of elongation, said personalization module (<NUM>) comprising:.

It is essentially characterized in that it further comprises:.

It may further comprise a set of at least one transport mechanism, said set being configured to implement at least one of the following movements:.

In one embodiment, the set of at least one transport mechanism is further configured to move the prism (<NUM>) at least in a vertical direction.

In one embodiment, the set of at least one transport mechanism is configured to move the prism (<NUM>) form a resting position (RP) to a working position (MP), where when viewed from above, the prism (<NUM>) is away from the marking zone in the resting position (RP) and over the marking zone in the working position (MP).

In one embodiment, the set of at least one transport mechanism comprises rotating means to rotate the position of the prism (<NUM>) in a horizontal plane.

It may be provided at least one motor per movement of the prism (<NUM>).

In one embodiment, the prism (<NUM>) comprises at least two faces where the laser beam (<NUM>) is incident, said faces being coated with anti-reflective coating.

In one embodiment, the prism (<NUM>) is isosceles and has a rectangular shaped base which is configured to be parallel to the document (<NUM>).

In one embodiment, the prism (<NUM>) presents an axis of symmetry which is elongated along a direction which is parallel to the lenticular array (<NUM>) main direction of elongation.

In one embodiment, it further comprises a shutter (<NUM>).

In one embodiment, the shutter (<NUM>) is movable over the document (<NUM>) in a plane which is parallel to said document (<NUM>), the movement of the shutter possibly being a translation, a rotation or a combination of both a translation and a rotation.

In one embodiment, it further comprises:.

In one embodiment, it further comprises a vision system, comprising a camera, aimed at ensuring at least one of the following:.

In one embodiment, it further comprises a chip encoding module, configured to read and to encode a chip comprised within the document (<NUM>).

In one embodiment, the prism (<NUM>) presents one of the following shapes:.

Other features and advantages of the present invention will appear in the detailed description that is given as a mere illustrative and non-limitative example.

For the sake of conciseness, the personalization module according to the present invention will be referred to as "personalization module". The insertion of a document <NUM> in the personalization module or in a device comprising the personalization module according to the present invention can be automatic or manual.

It relates to a module for personalization of documents, used in any device or machine, and in particular relates to a stand-alone personalization module or device, including a desktop device where dimension optimisation is of particular interest.

The personalization module <NUM> may further comprise a casing <NUM>, or be incorporated in an existing casing <NUM>, for instance as illustrated on <FIG>, wherein the prism is not visible.

The personalization module <NUM> will be described as if based on a horizontal support, such as e.g. a table or a desktop.

In one embodiment, the document personalization module <NUM> according to the present invention is configured to be able to operate paper documents and hybrid documents which comprise both paper and polycarbonate pages, such as passports, as well as full polycarbonate documents such as identity cards, driving licenses, etc. within the same module or device.

It offers a wide range of personalization options, preferably all complying e.g. with ICAO <NUM> standards. As further described, the personalization module <NUM> can be integrated as a modular element in a device comprising further personalization elements or modules, securing long-term personalization solution investment, particularly for secure passport issuance offices and centers.

It can be adapted to all types and sizes of documents.

The personalization module <NUM> comprises a longitudinal axis, here called Y-axis, along which documents are moved as described later.

<FIG> illustrates another embodiment of a casing <NUM> preferably comprising at least one air vent (not illustrated), to vent a laser marking module <NUM> described here after. The casing <NUM> also advantageously comprises a fan (not illustrated). The casing <NUM> may further comprise a set of legs having an adjustable height, to compensate for any lack of horizontality.

All personalization elements of a document <NUM> which are laser marked are on the same polycarbonate (PC) page. ID cards are usually personalized on both sides as both sides are made of PC.

The personalization module <NUM> can be integrated in a personalization device such as e.g. illustrated in <FIG>. On the device of <FIG>, the prism <NUM> is not illustrated. It is located inside the inkjet printing module <NUM>, underneath the laser marking module <NUM>. The personalization device of <FIG> is preferably a front operated system with manual document <NUM> insertion and retrieval, or an automated system, thanks to a very precise moving tray of a transport mechanism, aimed at handling the document <NUM> within the device according to the invention, to ensure high-precision movement for high-quality personalization.

The personalization module <NUM> comprises a laser marking module <NUM> comprising a laser marking head <NUM>.

In operation, on the working position MP, the prism <NUM> is located above the page of document <NUM> to be personalized.

The laser marking module <NUM> can be located above the document <NUM> to be personalized, as illustrated in <FIG>, or distant from the page of document <NUM> to be personalized, as illustrated on <FIG>.

The laser marking head <NUM> is configured to mark predetermined areas of a polycarbonate page (and/or certain types of paper) of a passport within a marking zone - or indistinctively area - where, by "marking", it is understood any of the following processes: marking, engraving, color change / blackening / bleaching, carbonization, ablation.

Typically, the size of the marking zone is inferior or equal to the size of the page of a passport, especially a polycarbonate page.

Predetermined marking areas correspond typically to predetermined identification zones of the document body such as, for instance, the MRZ, portrait of its holder, his or her name, date of birth, a MLI or a CLI etc..

In one embodiment, the laser head <NUM> is adjacent to the printing bridge of the optional inkjet printing module <NUM> described later, such that the marking zone and the printing zone are at least partly combined.

The laser head <NUM> can be located above the inkjet printing module <NUM>, as illustrated in <FIG>. In this case, the laser beam <NUM> from the laser head <NUM> of the laser marking module <NUM> can go through an opening <NUM> made in a horizontal rigid plate <NUM> of the casing <NUM> between the laser marking module <NUM> and the inkjet printing module <NUM>.

The laser marking module <NUM>, which comprises the laser head <NUM>, can mark any of the predetermined areas thanks to a laser scanner, which comprises a set of at least one tiltable mirror <NUM> and associated driver(s), e.g. piezoelectric driver(s). For this reason, the laser module is indistinctively considered as the laser scanner.

Accordingly, it is possible to mark the MRZ and all personalization data except the MLI/CLI, directly with the laser scanner. MRZ position is defined by ICAO standards. But personalization data can be located anywhere on a document <NUM>. The laser beam <NUM> can be directed anywhere on the document <NUM>; it is positioned thanks to the mirrors of the laser scanner to mark directly personalization data in corresponding predetermined area(s), meaning with no optical means between the mirrors of the laser scanner and the document <NUM>.

For marking a MLI/CLI, a prism <NUM> described later is required/needed.

The laser head <NUM> is configured to perform all types of marking while the tray is positioned under the laser marking module <NUM> such as:.

For CLI/MLI elements there is relative movement of the prism <NUM> and the document <NUM> such that the prism <NUM> is located right above the CLI/MLI to be marked in the working position.

One of the at least three following different laser sources can be implemented:.

Of course, the present invention is not limited to these laser types.

Other laser sources technologies can be implemented such as e.g. fibre laser sources. Such flexibility provided scalable performance while ensuring the exact same result in terms of marking quality and characteristics.

Typically, the laser head <NUM> emits a laser horizontal beam, parallel to the plane of the document <NUM>. The laser beam <NUM> from the laser head <NUM> is directed to tiltable scanning mirrors <NUM> of the laser scanner, the movement of which allowing to cover the area of the document <NUM>, as illustrated on <FIG>.

On <FIG>, scanning mirrors <NUM> adopt a first position (in plain lines) to mark the first image element of a CLI/MLI; and a second position (in dashed lines) to mark the second image element of a CLI/MLI, such that the laser beam <NUM> can be diverted to one side or the other of the prism <NUM>.

On <FIG>, scanning mirrors <NUM> are located on the axis of symmetry OS of the prism <NUM>.

In another embodiment illustrated on <FIG>, scanning mirrors <NUM> are shifted from the axis of symmetry OS of the prism <NUM>.

Scanning mirrors <NUM> are located above the array <NUM> of cylindrical lenticular lenses, in line with the MLI/CLI to be engraved, as illustrated on <FIG>.

Preferably, scanning mirrors <NUM> are plane mirrors. Typically, they can be part of a on-the-shelf laser scanner. They can be tilted at least around a horizontal axis, which is preferably located in line with the middle of the array <NUM> of cylindrical lenticular lenses.

According to the invention, the laser marking module <NUM> may be a stand-alone module comprising a casing <NUM>, which can be fixed e.g. with screws to another casing <NUM>, allowing the laser marking module <NUM> to be secured within the casing <NUM> but being nonetheless removable in times of need. Accordingly, the laser marking module <NUM> is interchangeable with another laser marking module <NUM>, for example if there is a need for a more powerful laser.

The laser marking module <NUM> advantageously comprises a communication module, configured to enable a communication between the laser marking module <NUM> and a remote computer comprising a display screen. Preferably, the communication module comprises a USB communication port.

Preferably, neither the laser marking module <NUM> nor the laser marking head can be moved in translation along the Y-axis or the X-axis, which is perpendicular to the Y-axis in a horizontal plane.

The laser marking module <NUM> may comprise an air vent <NUM>, the position of which preferably corresponding to the position of the air vent of the casing <NUM>.

Where the laser beam <NUM> can directly mark the MRZ, for marking the MLI/CLI it is necessary to mark a predetermined area through cylindrical lenticular lens of the MLI/CLI. A MLI/CLI comprises <NUM> image elements: a first image element in contact with a second image element. The first image element of a MLI/CLI is marked with the laser beam <NUM> having a first angle of incidence on a given cylindrical lenticule and the second image element of the MLI/CLI is marked with the laser beam <NUM> having a second angle of incidence on said cylindrical lenticule, as illustrated on <FIG> or <FIG>.

To this end, the laser scanner alone is not sufficient, it is necessary to modify the optical path of the laser beam <NUM>.

Contrary to the mentioned prior art which implements reflective means, the present invention advantageously implements here refractive means, in this case an optical prism, here after "prism", which is described here after.

According to the present invention, the personalization module <NUM> comprises an optical prism <NUM>, here after "prism".

The prism <NUM> is isosceles and has a rectangular shaped base which is configured to be parallel to the document <NUM>, which is parallel to the lenticular array <NUM>, as illustrated on <FIG>.

In one embodiment the prism <NUM> is a triangular prism <NUM>.

More precisely, in the embodiment illustrated on <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG>, the prism <NUM> is a right isosceles triangular prism <NUM>, presenting an angle of <NUM>° at the top, also called the apex, of the prism <NUM>.

In one embodiment, not illustrated, the prism <NUM> is a truncated triangular prism.

In one embodiment, not illustrated, the prism <NUM> is a <NUM> faces pyramidal shaped prism <NUM>.

In one embodiment, illustrated on <FIG>, the prism <NUM> is a truncated <NUM> faces pyramidal shaped prism <NUM>, presenting a rectangular shaped base <NUM> which is parallel to the document <NUM>.

When the prism is truncated, the top of the prism <NUM> is preferably flat, and preferably parallel to its base. Advantageously, when the prism is truncated, the top of the prism <NUM> can be used as a surface of contact with a transport means.

Advantageously with a <NUM> faces pyramidal shaped, even truncated, it is possible to implement the same prism for both a CLI and a MLI without rotating the prism, as <NUM> opposite faces can be used for marking a CLI and the <NUM> other opposite faces can be used for marking a MLI.

Preferably, the rectangular shaped base presents a surface which is greater than or equal to the surface of the array <NUM> of cylindrical lenticular lenses.

It can be provided that the width of the prism <NUM> is wider than the width of the lenticular array <NUM>.

At its top, the prism <NUM> has an edge <NUM> which is preferably located in line with the middle of the lenticular array <NUM>.

Preferably, the edge <NUM> of the prism <NUM> is elongated along a direction which is parallel to the lenticular array <NUM> main direction of elongation.

Preferably, the vertical distance between the edge <NUM> of the prism <NUM> and the laser head <NUM>, is less than a predefined threshold.

The distance between the tiltable scanning mirrors <NUM> of the laser scanner and the prism can be small, e.g. between <NUM> and <NUM>, the personalization module <NUM> can be particularly compact in size.

Preferably, the vertical distance between the lenticular array <NUM> and the rectangular shaped base <NUM>, or bottom, of the prism <NUM> is less than a predefined threshold, in this case less than <NUM>.

Typically, by default the prism <NUM> is placed in a resting position RP, away from the MLI zone or the CLI zone, and away from the document <NUM>, in order to protect it from inkjet droplets or any other polluting source. For marking the CLI/MLI of the document <NUM>, the prism <NUM> is then moved to a working position MP, or marking position, over the MLI zone or the CLI zone.

In one embodiment, the prism <NUM> is movable over the document <NUM> in a plane which is parallel to said document <NUM>, alongside at least one of the X-axis and the Y-axis. Accordingly, the position of the prism <NUM> is adaptable to various sorts of document <NUM> (for instance a standard passport and a diplomatic passport, etc.), wherever the MLI/CLI is located.

Further, the document <NUM> may be moved relatively to the prism <NUM> in a horizontal plane, for instance for even more precise marking of the first image element and the second image element of the CLI/MLI.

In one embodiment, the prism <NUM> is movable over the document <NUM> in a vertical direction.

Movements of the prism <NUM> in a horizontal direction, in a horizontal plane or in the vertical direction can be implemented with help of a respective micro stepper motor, leading to a fine tuning of the position of the prism <NUM>, as low as a tenth of a millimeter.

In one embodiment, the prism <NUM> can be rotated, in this case over a horizontal direction parallel to the X-axis. The prism <NUM> can also be rotated with a vertical axis of rotation, as illustrated on <FIG>. Such rotation can be useful to change from a MLI marking to a CLI marking and also to put the prism in a safe area /rest position when not in use.

It can be provided that two or more of the previous embodiments relating to the movements of the prism <NUM> are combined.

Thanks to the present invention, a same personalization module <NUM> can be implemented for a first type of document <NUM> comprising a CLI and a second type of document <NUM> comprising a MLI, for instance a passport and ID card.

Rotating the prism <NUM> allows the same prism <NUM> to be used for both CLI and MLI (generally lenticules main direction for CLI is perpendicular to lenticular grating main direction for MLI).

It can also be provided that the personalization module <NUM> comprises two prisms <NUM>, a first prism <NUM> configured to engrave a MLI, and a second prism <NUM> configured to engrave a CLI.

In one embodiment, at least the two faces of the prism <NUM> adjacent to the base <NUM> are coated with anti-reflective coating, leading to almost no reflection of the laser beam <NUM>.

In operation, the laser beam <NUM> is deflected by the mirrors of the laser scanner on one side of the prism <NUM> or on the opposite side of the prism <NUM> to mark respectively a first image element and a second image element of the MLI/CLI, as illustrated on <FIG> and <FIG>.

Thanks to the present invention, there is no need to tilt the document <NUM> to mark the MLI/CLI area. Further, there is no need for mirrors dedicated to engraving a tilt image.

Accordingly, there is a full flexibility in positioning of the MLI/CLI on a document <NUM>.

The present invention allows different tilt image positions in the same personalization module <NUM>, configurable with the layout.

A same personalization module <NUM> can mark both CLIs and MLIs of different documents with a same device.

Compared with a set of several mirrors of the mentioned prior art, the present invention relies advantageously on a prism <NUM>, which is a unique, one-piece, element. Accordingly, only one unique optical system is enough to ensure the setting of two engraving directions of the laser beam <NUM>.

Further, as the prism <NUM> presents a plane base parallel to the plane of the document <NUM>, the prism can be nearer to the document than the mirrors of the prior art, leading to a compact device.

The laser beam is refracted by the lateral faces of the prism <NUM>. In one embodiment it can be incident on the prism at an angle equal to the Brewster angle so that all the light is refracted. Accordingly, there is no reflection, which optimises the energy.

In one embodiment, the prism <NUM> has the following geometrical dimensions: angle of <NUM>° at its top, angles of <NUM>° between the sides and the base.

The personalization module <NUM> can comprise a shutter <NUM>.

In one embodiment, the shutter <NUM> is movable over the document <NUM> in a plane which is parallel to said document <NUM>, alongside at least one of the X-axis and the Y-axis.

Movements of the shutter <NUM> can be implemented with help of a micro stepper motor, a standard motor or an actuator, as the need for a fine tuning of the position of the shutter <NUM> is not as strong as the need for a fine tuning of the position of the prism <NUM>.

In one embodiment, the shutter <NUM> can be rotated, or flipped over a horizontal direction parallel to the X-axis, like a flap. The shutter <NUM> can also be rotated over a vertical direction.

The movement of the shutter <NUM> may be combined with the movement of the prism <NUM>.

In one embodiment, when the prism <NUM> is in its resting position RP, the shutter <NUM> is closed and protects the prism <NUM>, especially from dust and form ink droplets when the personalization module <NUM> further comprises an inkjet printing module <NUM>, described hereafter.

In one embodiment, illustrated on <FIG>, the personalization module <NUM> comprises an inkjet printing module <NUM>, which comprises a moveable printing head mounted on a fixed printing bridge. The printing head is movable alongside the X-axis linear direction.

The printing head can adopt at least the <NUM> following positions:.

The printing operation is implemented with a plurality of printing positions as a tray supporting the document <NUM> moves along the Y-axis linear direction during the printing operation.

Preferably, the printing head is connected to color and black inkjet cartridges. It is configured to print on any or both of page <NUM> and page <NUM> of a document <NUM>. Said colors can be within the visible spectrum, the UV spectrum, the IR spectrum, or any combination thereof. Inkjet cartridges are accessible through an access <NUM>.

The printing head is configured to print within predetermined printing areas of any paper page, and optionally in addition on a polycarbonate page, of a document <NUM> within a printing zone. Typically, the size of the printing zone is inferior or equal to the size of the paper page of a document <NUM>.

Predetermined printing areas correspond typically to predetermined identification zones of the document <NUM> holder such as, for instance, the MRZ, his or her portrait, his or her name, date of birth, etc..

The inkjet printing module <NUM> comprises a substantially flat horizontal surface on which a transport mechanism, the printing bridge and a flattening mechanism, are mounted.

In one embodiment, the inkjet printing module <NUM> is based on an existing printer, such as the Hiprint™ P4000, produced by the applicant, which comprises a flattening mechanism; and from which the top of the casing <NUM> is removed. For those starting with 'paper only' booklet and upgrading to 'paper and polycarbonate' at a later stage, it is possible that such Hiprint™ P4000 printer can be reused within the proposed personalization module <NUM>, allows transitioning from paper document <NUM> to polycarbonate document <NUM> with a smooth investment. Such printer offers high quality printing (up to <NUM> dpi) for paper booklets personalization. It does include a <NUM>-color inkjet printing head, which can easily be hot swapped by an operator.

Advantageously, the transport mechanism of the personalization module <NUM> is the transport mechanism of the inkjet printing module <NUM>, which can be an existing inkjet printer as exposed above. Accordingly, the inkjet printing module <NUM> comprises the document <NUM> transport mechanism.

In one embodiment, a transport mechanism is configured to automatically transport a document <NUM> along a Y-axis linear direction, from an entrance to an exit <NUM> of the personalization module <NUM>, wherein the entrance and the exit <NUM> are the same. The personalization module <NUM> is then a front-operated manual feeder, for both document <NUM> insertion and retrieval.

In one embodiment, a transport mechanism comprises a tray on which the document <NUM> is placed for marking / printing. The tray may be moved along guide bars, which is a high precision mechanism know in itself allowing highly precise positioning of the tray.

Preferably, the tray is provided with secure handle, ensuring proper document <NUM> positioning.

In one embodiment, a transport mechanism comprises a set of at least one clamp to clamp the document <NUM> open for printing and marking.

In one embodiment, a transport mechanism is configured to transport the document <NUM> to the printing position and to a marking position, which is different from the printing position.

In one embodiment, a document <NUM> transport mechanism is configured to transport a document <NUM> to the printing positions and the marking position with the document <NUM> having its spine parallel to the X-axis linear direction, typically when the document <NUM> is a passport.

The inkjet printing module <NUM> is accessible through a flap within the casing <NUM>, preferably equipped with a handle <NUM>. The opening of the flap, e.g. via a handle, enables access to the inkjet printing module <NUM>, e.g. for its repair or replacement. Accordingly, the personalization module <NUM> is modular. The size of the flap is bigger than the size of the inkjet printing module <NUM>.

Preferably, for safety reasons, the opening of the flap shuts off the power to the laser marking head, for instance with a sensor acting as a circuit breaker.

In one embodiment the flap further comprises a manual hatch (not illustrated), the size of which being bigger than the size of a document <NUM>, to enable manual insertion of a document <NUM> in the inkjet printing module <NUM> through that flap.

Preferably, the opening of the hatch shuts off the power to the laser marking head. Opening the hatch allows the operator to insert a document <NUM> without having to open the flap. In such a case, the flap can be open just for maintenance reasons, such as e.g. change of the inkjet cartridges. The hatch allows an operator to insert and retrieve a document <NUM> with just a movement of his hands, which is better in terms of ergonomics than manipulating the flap, which requires an additional movement of the shoulder.

According to the invention, the inkjet printing module <NUM> is a stand-alone module fixed within the casing <NUM>, e.g. with screws, allowing the inkjet printing module <NUM> to be secured within the casing <NUM> but being nonetheless removable in times of need. Accordingly, the inkjet printing module <NUM> is interchangeable with another inkjet printing module <NUM>.

The inkjet printing module <NUM> comprises a communication module, configured to enable a communication between the inkjet printing module <NUM> and a remote computer comprising a display screen.

Preferably, the inkjet printing module <NUM> may comprise a display screen <NUM>, e.g. a LCD screen, which is driven by the mother card of the inkjet printing module <NUM>, and which allows to display maintenance information, like e.g. the level of ink left.

The personalization module <NUM> may comprise a vision system, comprising a camera, aimed at ensuring personal data positioning (offset registration).

In addition, it can as well ensure element detection (i.e. OCR) and automated quality control at the end of the personalization process.

The vision system may be used for several purpose:.

The camera is particularly configured to detect the position of the document <NUM> once positioned on a transport mechanism. It is also configured to drive at least one of the inkjet printing module <NUM> and the laser marking module <NUM> according to a comparison of said position with a reference position.

The camera can detect the position of the document <NUM>, i.e. which of page <NUM> and page <NUM> enters first. If the position of the document <NUM> is improper, a warning message can be triggered, a transport mechanism can be automatically reversed to eject the document <NUM>, or any other suitable operation.

Preferably, the personalization module <NUM> further comprises a detection system, e.g. a presence sensor, typically an optical sensor such as a photocell, or any other detection mechanism to detect the entrance of a document <NUM> into the personalization module <NUM> or into a transport mechanism.

Preferably, the camera is close to the laser marking head, where "close" means at a distance inferior to a predetermined value. It is worth noting that several cameras may be provided, e.g. one for the offset registration and one for the document <NUM> position detection.

Preferably, the angle between the optical axis of the camera for the offset registration and the laser beam <NUM> of the laser marking head is inferior or equal to a predetermined value, here inferior or equal to <NUM>°.

The vision system comprises a communication module, configured to enable a communication between the camera and a remote computer comprising a display screen. Preferably, the communication module comprises a USB communication port.

In one embodiment, a camera of the vision system is located in the casing <NUM> above the inkjet printing module <NUM>, adjacent to the laser marking module <NUM>. The optical axis of the camera goes through an opening <NUM> made in the horizontal rigid plate, adjacent to the opening <NUM>, as illustrated on <FIG>.

The personalization module <NUM> may comprise a chip encoding module <NUM> (<FIG>), configured to read and to encode a chip comprised within the document <NUM>, especially when the document <NUM> is a passport.

Typically, the chip is a RFID chip, thus the chip encoding module is an RFID encoding module comprising a RFID antenna. More precisely, the RFID module is based on a set including reader electronics and a separate antenna preferably complying with ICAO <NUM> requirements.

In one embodiment, the chip encoding module is comprised in the inkjet printing module <NUM>.

In one embodiment, the RFID antenna is located under the tray of the transport mechanism. Thanks to the antenna position, once the booklet is inserted in the personalization module <NUM>, it is possible to establish a communication with the chip, and therefore to start encoding whatever the other operations in progress are. Typically, it is possible to encode while printing and/or marking, which allows significant time saving during the entire personalization process.

Advantageously, the chip encoding module is integral with the document <NUM> transport mechanism. Accordingly, the chip of the document <NUM> can be encoded while the document <NUM> is being transported from a position to another, both reducing the time of personalization and compacting the personalization module <NUM>. This allows parallel encoding while printing, speeding-up the whole personalization process for more production throughput and efficiency.

In one embodiment, the personalization module <NUM> is a stand-alone desktop personalization device.

The chip encoding module <NUM> comprises a communication module, configured to enable a communication between said chip encoding module and a remote computer comprising a display screen, as illustrated on <FIG>.

Preferably, the communication module of the chip encoding module is the same than the communication module of the inkjet printing module <NUM>.

Claim 1:
Personalization module (<NUM>), for personalization of a security document (<NUM>), said document (<NUM>) comprising a marking area for marking a two-image element MLI (multiple laser image) or CLI (changeable laser image) through an array (<NUM>) of lenticular lenses having a main direction of elongation, said personalization module (<NUM>) comprising:
- a laser marking module (<NUM>), configured to mark within a marking zone, and comprising a laser head (<NUM>) configured to emit a laser beam (<NUM>), and a laser scanner equipped with movable mirrors to deflect said laser beam (<NUM>) towards said document (<NUM>),
characterized in that it further comprises:
- An optical prism (<NUM>), configured to refract the laser beam (<NUM>) from the laser scanner mirrors to the lenticular lenses, one side of the prism (<NUM>) enabling marking a first image element of the MLI or the CLI, the other side of the prism (<NUM>) enabling marking a second image element of the MLI or the CLI.