The invention relates to a microcapsule, a system comprising microcapsules, and a corresponding method and apparatus, the microcapsule (11) comprising a core (12) which is encapsulated by an envelope (14) and in which at least one particle (16) having a motion component (17) and an indication component (18) is provided, the substance of the core (12) being capable of being transferred, at least for a short time, by an input of energy from a solid state or higher-viscosity state to a low-viscosity state, the at least one particle (16) being capable of undergoing a change in its position and/or orientation due to an input of energy occurring during the low-viscosity state of the substance of the core (12), and the substance of the core (12) reverting back, upon completion of the energy input, to the solid state or higher-viscosity state, thereby immobilizing the at least one particle (16) in its new position and/or orientation.