Abstract: A method is presented for decoding an encoded image produced from a primary image and at least one secondary image using at least one encoding parameter. The encoded image is formed so that when the encoded image is printed, the secondary image is not discernible to a viewer without an optical decoding device having characteristics corresponding to the at least one encoding parameter. The method comprises obtaining a digital version of the encoded image, determining the at least one encoding parameter, and constructing a decoded image from the digital encoded image using at least one of the encoding parameters in the encoding parameter set.

Abstract: An illuminated lens device for use in viewing authentication images is disclosed. The device includes a housing having a housing interior. The housing has a proximal end with a proximal aperture and an opposing distal end with a distal aperture. The lens device further includes a lens disposed at least partially within the housing interior. The lens is configured and positioned so that at least a portion of an authentication image is viewable through the proximal aperture when the housing is placed with the distal aperture aligned with and adjacent the at least a portion of the authentication image. The lens device also includes at least one light source disposed within the housing interior. The at least one light source is configured to illuminate the authentication image with light in a predetermined frequency range when the housing is placed with the distal aperture adjacent the authentication image.

Abstract: A method is provided for determining whether an object is an authentic object to which an expected encoded image has been applied. The expected encoded image having been constructed by encoding an authentication image using a set of one or more encoding parameters. The method comprises receiving a digital image of at least a portion of the test object including a target area where the expected encoded image would be applied if the test object is an authentic object. The method further comprises determining the one or more encoding parameters and applying a digital decoding algorithm to the captured digital image to establish a decoding result The decoding result may then be compared to object authentication criteria to establish an authentication result. In particular embodiments of the invention, the actions of receiving, determining, applying and comparing are carried out by an authentication server and the digital image is received from an inspection processor over a network.

Abstract: A method of producing a digital multiple-level encoded image is presented. The method comprises obtaining a digital authentication image, obtaining a first encoding parameter set comprising one or more encoding parameters, and constructing a first encoded image. The first encoded image is constructed using a first encoding methodology, the digital authentication image and the first encoding parameter set. The method further comprises obtaining a second encoding parameter set comprising one or more encoding parameters and constructing a second encoded image using a second encoding methodology, the first encoded image and the second encoding parameter set. The second encoded image may be decoded to reveal the first encoded image using a decoder having characteristics corresponding to at least a portion of the encoding parameters of the second encoding parameter set.

Abstract: A reflective decoding device is provided for use in decoding an encoded image comprising a latent image encoded using at least one encoding parameter. The device comprises a substrate with a reflective surface portion having a surface topography comprising a predetermined pattern of topographical features. The predetermined pattern is configured with at least one geometric characteristic corresponding to the at least one encoding parameter so that placement of a light-transmissive sheet having the encoded image formed thereon over the predetermined pattern of topographical features allows the latent image to be viewed.

Abstract: A self-authenticating article comprising a substrate having an image receiving surface and a lenticular lens is provided. The lenticular lens has a predetermined lens frequency and is configured for optically decoding encoded indicia viewed therethrough. The lens is attached to the substrate so that the lens can be selectively positioned to overlie the image receiving surface to decode encoded indicia printed thereon. The self-authenticating article further comprises an encoded image on the image receiving surface, the encoded image comprising at least one of the set consisting of printed indicia and indicia formed as variations in surface geometry of the image receiving surface. The surface geometry variations may comprise raised and non-raised areas surface areas that combine to define at least a portion of the indicia.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of authenticating an article having a hidden image printed on a surface thereof, wherein the image can only be detected when viewed through an optical device.

Abstract: A method of producing a digital multiple-level encoded image is presented. The method comprises obtaining a digital authentication image, obtaining a first encoding parameter set comprising one or more encoding parameters, and constructing a first encoded image. The first encoded image is constructed using a first encoding methodology, the digital authentication image and the first encoding parameter set. The method further comprises obtaining a second encoding parameter set comprising one or more encoding parameters and constructing a second encoded image using a second encoding methodology, the first encoded image and the second encoding parameter set. The second encoded image may be decoded to reveal the first encoded image using a decoder having characteristics corresponding to at least a portion of the encoding parameters of the second encoding parameter set.

Abstract: A method is provided for determining whether an object is an authentic object to which an expected encoded image has been applied. The expected encoded image having been constructed by encoding an authentication image using a set of one or more encoding parameters. The method comprises receiving a digital image of at least a portion of the test object including a target area where the expected encoded image would be applied if the test object is an authentic object. The method further comprises determining the one or more encoding parameters and applying a digital decoding algorithm to the captured digital image to establish a decoding result. The decoding result may then be compared to object authentication criteria to establish an authentication result. In particular embodiments of the invention, the actions of receiving, determining, applying and comparing are carried out by an authentication server and the digital image is received from an inspection processor over a network.

Abstract: A method for authenticating an object is provided. The method comprises optically encoding an authentication image to produce an encoded image and applying the encoded image to an object in a layer of non-visible indicia to form a non-visible encoded image. The non-visible encoded image may be rendered visible and decoded to allow the authentication image to be viewed.

Abstract: A method is presented for decoding an encoded image produced from a primary image and at least one secondary image using at least one encoding parameter. The encoded image is formed so that when the encoded image is printed, the secondary image is not discernible to a viewer without an optical decoding device having characteristics corresponding to the at least one encoding parameter. The method comprises obtaining a digital version of the encoded image, determining the at least one encoding parameter, and constructing a decoded image from the digital encoded image using at least one of the encoding parameters in the encoding parameter set.

Abstract: An automated method of producing encoded images for incorporation into a digital document is provided. The method comprises receiving a request from a user to produce an encoded image. The request includes user-supplied data for producing the encoded image, the user-supplied data including user-supplied authentication indicia and/or at least one user-supplied encoding parameter. The method further comprises determining whether the user is authorized to produce an encoded image using the user-supplied data. Responsive to a determination that the user is authorized to produce an encoded image using the user-supplied data, encoding actions are carried out. The encoding actions include establishing at least one digitized authentication image and establishing an encoding parameter set including any user-supplied encoding parameters. The encoding parameter set is usable to encode one or more of the at least one digitized authentication image.

Abstract: The present invention provides a durable and self-verifying secure document system and a method for its production, wherein counterfeiting is prevented. The secure document system is potentially useful for a wide variety of documents including, but not limited to, lottery tickets, currency, traveler's checks, passports, stock and bond certificates, bank notes, driver's licenses, wills, coupons, rebates, contracts, food stamps, magnetic stripes, test answer forms, invoices, tickets, inventory forms, tags, labels and original artwork. The instant invention provides a plastic paper substitute having various indicia associated therewith including visible and hidden indicia. Application of the hidden indicia to the plastic paper substitute is implemented in accordance with a computer software program, and the document includes an integral lens area which is particularly designed to verify the document's authenticity by rendering the hidden indicia visible to the viewer.

Abstract: An authentication method comprises providing at least one object having a print region with printed material contained thereon, the print layer comprising a layer of non-visible indicia. At least a portion of the non-visible indicia is formed from an emitting substance that emits at least one wavelength of light outside a visible range of an electromagnetic spectrum when stimulated with electromagnetic radiation. The non-visible indicia comprises optically encoded indicia. The method further comprises creating an optical image of the layer of non-visible indicia with an imaging device such that the layer of non-visible indicia can be perceived by a human eye viewing the optical image. The method still further comprises decoding the optically encoded authentication indicia and comparing the decoded authentication indicia to expected authentication indicia to verify the authenticity of the object.

Abstract: An automated method for authorizing and controlling the production of optically encoded images is provided. The method comprises receiving from a user data processor a request for authorization to produce an encoded image. The authorization request includes user-supplied data comprising at least one authentication image file. The method further comprises determining whether the user is authorized to produce an encoded image using the user-supplied data. Responsive to a determination that the user is authorized to produce an encoded image using the user-supplied data, an authentication image signature is generated from the at least one authentication image file using an image signature algorithm and a positive authorization response is returned to the user data processor. The positive authorization response includes the authentication image signature.

Abstract: An automated method of producing an encoded image for use in authenticating a printed version of a digital document is presented. The method comprises establishing at least one digitized authentication image, receiving at least one user-supplied encoding parameter, and determining at least one non-user-supplied encoding parameter. The method further comprises establishing a first encoding parameter set including the at least one user-supplied encoding parameter and the at least one non-user-supplied encoding parameter. The first encoding parameter set is usable to encode one or more of the at least one digitized authentication image. The method also comprises encoding one or more of the at least one digitized authentication image using the first encoding parameter set to produce a final encoded image.

Abstract: A method of applying an authentication image to an article is presented. The method comprises obtaining a digitized version of the authentication image, encoding the digitized version of the authentication image to produce an encoded latent image, and printing the encoded latent image on a printable surface of the article containing a primary image using a transmittent printing medium.

Abstract: A method of applying an authentication image to an article is presented. The method comprises obtaining a digitized version of the authentication image, encoding the digitized version of the authentication image to produce an encoded latent image, and printing the encoded latent image on a printable surface of the article using a transmittent printing medium.