Abstract: The invention relates to identification documents, and in particular to pre-printing processing covert images, such as UV or IR images, provided on such identification documents. In one implementation, the invention provides a method of processing a digital image that is to be printed on a surface of an identification document as a fluorescing-capable image to improve the quality of the image. Edges or boundaries are detected within the image, the detected edges or boundaries forming an intermediate image. The edges or boundaries within the image are emphasized, and the emphasized image is used for printing the covert image. In some implementations of the invention, a digital watermark is embedded in the covert image.

Abstract: The invention relates to identification documents, and in particular to providing optically variable personalized data to identification documents. In one implementation, we provide an identification document comprising a document layer and a first indicium. The document layer comprises a material capable of being printed by a thermally transferable optically variable ink. The first indicium is printed on the document layer and comprises personalized data and printed to the document layer by a thermally transferred optically variable ink. The first indicium may be printed to the document layer by disposing a thermally transferable optically variable ink in a mass transfer panel of a printer ribbon adapted for use in a dye diffusion thermal transfer printer, and printing the first indicium as part of a mass transfer printing process.

Abstract: The invention relates to identification documents, and in particular to pre-printing processing covert images, such as UV or IR images, provided on such identification documents. In one implementation, the invention provides a method of processing a digital image that is to be printed on a surface of an identification document as a fluorescing-capable image to improve the quality of the image. Edges or boundaries are detected within the image, the detected edges or boundaries forming an intermediate image. The edges or boundaries within the image are emphasized, and the emphasized image is used for printing the covert image. In some implementations of the invention, a digital watermark is embedded in the covert image.

Abstract: The invention relates to identification documents, and in particular to providing optically variable personalized data to identification documents. In one implementation, we provide an identification document comprising a document layer and a first indicium. The document layer comprises a material capable of being printed by a thermally transferable optically variable ink. The first indicium is printed on the document layer and comprises personalized data and printed to the document layer by a thermally transferred optically variable ink. The first indicium may be printed to the document layer by disposing a thermally transferable optically variable ink in a mass transfer panel of a printer ribbon adapted for use in a dye diffusion thermal transfer printer, and printing the first indicium as part of a mass transfer printing process.

Abstract: The invention relates to identification documents, and in particular to pre-printing processing covert images, such as UV or IR images, provided on such identification documents. In one implementation, the invention includes a method of processing a digital image that is to be printed on a surface of an identification document as a fluorescing-capable image to improve the quality of the image. Edges or boundaries are detected within the image, the detected edges or boundaries forming an intermediate image. The edges or boundaries within the image are emphasized, and the emphasized image is used for printing the covert image. In some implementations of the invention, a digital watermark is embedded in the covert image.

Abstract: The invention relates to identification documents, and in particular to providing optically variable personalized data to identification documents. In one implementation, we provide an identification document comprising a document layer and a first indicium. The document layer comprises a material capable of being printed by a thermally transferable optically variable ink. The first indicium is printed on the document layer and comprises personalized data and printed to the document layer by a thermally transferred optically variable ink. The first indicium may be printed to the document layer by disposing a thermally transferable optically variable ink in a mass transfer panel of a printer ribbon adapted for use in a dye diffusion thermal transfer printer, and printing the first indicium as part of a mass transfer printing process.

Abstract: A capture station for creating identification documents comprises a housing including a camera and lighting device, a base, and at least one leg extending from the base. The housing is mounted to the leg to enable height adjustment of the camera. One configuration of the capture station has two substantially rigid and parallel legs with the housing mounted between the legs. Configurations of the capture station can include a processor, such a CPU or embedded controller, enabling ID document data capture functions to be executed within the capture station, and to be controlled via a remote computer via a network connection. In one embodiment, the processor is housed in the base and communicates with the camera via wiring routed through the leg. Peripherals used in capture functions, such as a fingerprint reader, signature pad, display, etc., may be mounted to the leg via clamps, or a plug in receptacle with power and communication wiring provided in the leg.

Abstract: A lighting device for illuminating an object from a light source includes a housing having an inner surface portions of which are diffusely reflective and an aperture disposed in the housing aligned with the light source. The lighting device further includes a diffuser positioned between the light source and the object and a reflector disposed adjacent the aperture between the light source and the diffuser.

Abstract: The invention relates to identification documents, and in particular to pre-printing processing covert images, such as UV or IR images, provided on such identification documents. In one implementation, the invention provides a method of processing a digital image that is to be printed on a surface of an identification document as a fluorescing-capable image to improve the quality of the image. Edges or boundaries are detected within the image, the detected edges or boundaries forming an intermediate image. The edges or boundaries within the image are emphasized, and the emphasized image is used for printing the covert image. In some implementations of the invention, a digital watermark is embedded in the covert image.

Abstract: An automated image recording and document generation system is disclosed that generates identity documents using image and text information that is input to the system using computer controlled video cameras. The image and text information is combined with other stored images, such as logos, signatures and seals, to produce official identity documents such as identity cards, drivers licenses and passports. Prior to use the system automatically enters a setup and calibration phase wherein a video camera images a backdrop having borders on the left and right vertical edges and the digitized video output is analyzed to adjust the camera zoom and to locate the center of the backdrop in front of which an individual will sit or stand to have their picture taken. The image of a person whose picture is taken is analyzed and is centered horizontally in a picture by adding or subtracting columns of background color to the left or right side of the picture as needed.

Abstract: A cabinet structure for identifying and examining objects by illuminating said objects with radiation of selected wavelengths, such as short wave ultraviolet radiation, long wave ultraviolet radiation, visible radiation, and infrared radiation is described. The cabinet structure includes a truncated pyramidal hood wherein light sources for emitting selected wavelengths of radiation are mounted on the respective sloped pyramidal sidewalls of the cabinet for illuminating a specimen mounted beneath the hood. A top surface defining the top of the truncated pyramidal hood has means thereon for mounting a camera such as a photographic camera, TV camera or the like. When it is desired to examine or photograph large documents such as oil paintings the truncated pyramidal hood is placed over the document. For smaller specimens to be examined, the hood is provided with an entrance door in one sidewall thereof through which specimens may be inserted.