Abstract: After applying an ultraviolet ray hardening resin composite 30 on a print pattern 22 of dry state and also permeating the resin composite through the print pattern to thereby reproduce the adhesion of the print pattern 22, the print pattern 22 is transferred under water pressure onto the surface of article 10 to form the decoration layer 22D on the surface of the article 10. Then, the preliminary irradiation of ultraviolet ray permeating only near the surface of this decoration layer 22D is performed to form a fine surface height variation portion 23 by shrinkage of ink in the surface of the ink printing portion of the decoration layer 22D. Thereafter, the complete irradiation of ultraviolet ray permeating through the total thickness of the decoration layer 22D is performed to completely harden the total thickness of the decoration layer 22D while maintaining the surface height variation portion 23. This enables the matting of the decoration layer in a controlled state without applying a topcoat.

Abstract: A method of manufacture of a loss prevention system includes: providing a disc having a top planar surface; and applying an identification mark on the top planar surface, the identification mark containing covert security information.

Abstract: Systems and methods for utilizing time-dependent markings in systems including a mail delivery system for utilizing time-limited business reply mail are described. A business reply mail authorization permit is applied to a business reply mail piece using a time-dependent marking such as time-dependent ink. After the time-dependent ink changes state, the mail piece is no longer marked as an authorized business reply mail piece.

Abstract: Systems and methods for utilizing time-dependent dynamic barcodes in systems including a mail delivery system for manipulating delivery charges and/or sorting and delivery processing preferences are described.

Abstract: An identification token or label includes a light emitting device powered by and responsive to radio frequency signals to emit light in a predetermined frequency range and in a predetermined pattern. It has application as a gaming token for a casino environment or a medallion for use in monitoring patrons at sporting venues and in various parts of a supply chain.

Abstract: A method and system for nano-encoding and decoding information related to printed texts and images on paper and other surfaces is provided. The system and method includes a nano-encoder for encoding information related to printed texts and images; and then collocating the encoded information with the related printed texts and/or images. The system also includes a nano-decoder for decoding information encoded by the nano-encoder. The nano-decoder includes a text processing database having a translator database. The translator database includes a definition database; and a summary database. In addition, the system and method includes detecting luminescent nano particles and/or magnetic nano particles; and determining invariant properties of the detected nano particles. The invariant properties are then matched with coded information.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides apparatus for analyzing emerging security or authentication feature for physical objects (e.g., identification documents, product packaging, banknotes, etc.).

Abstract: A security structure intended to be incorporated or fastened, at least partially, in or on an article, for example a security document and/or a document of value, includes at least one first fluorescent zone capable of emitting by fluorescence, under a predefined illumination condition, visible light of a first color; and at least one second fluorescent zone capable of emitting by fluorescence, under the predefined illumination condition, visible light of a second color that differs from the first, the first and second fluorescent zones being observable from the respective opposed faces of the structure.

Abstract: Some implementations of the invention involve forming “logical” or “virtual” devices by aggregating a plurality of physical devices. The physical devices may be, for example, controllers, RFID readers and/or storage devices. Some logical devices comprise components of physical devices, such as individual antennas from a plurality of RFID readers. The physical devices may be located near one another or may be distributed over a wide geographical area. Logical device definitions can also be concatenated to include devices having two or more levels of logical device definitions. A single logical device grouping may include physical devices at differing levels of a network hierarchy.

Abstract: A media asset system and method is provided comprising a portable reader having a sensor enabled to detect a part of a surface, with the reader having means for selecting an output action by correlating said detected part with a preselected outcome. Output also provided for presenting audio and video presentation. Output is responsive to the reader's selection of output action.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus and method for data processing for IC tags and an image forming device capable of recording an image onto a conveying medium on which IC tags are mounted. The apparatus and method set up a state that enables reliable radio communication between a reader/writer and an IC tag and read and/or write electronic information from/to IC tags. The reader/writer's antenna to face IC tags mounted on the conveying medium, arranged in multiple rows and columns in the conveyance direction, is skewed so that the IC tags pass sequentially under the antenna and each IC tag can be identified. The reader/writer reads and/or writes electronic information associated with the thus identified IC tag.

Abstract: A document includes a paper substrate having an average surface roughness of at least about 0.5 microns, wherein the paper substrate includes encoded information printed thereon, and wherein the encoded information is printed with an ink comprised of light absorbing material that absorbs light only at wavelengths below 350 nm and an optional clear binder in a solvent. The encoded information is substantially not detectable to a naked human eye through differential gloss or exposure to light having wavelengths of 365 nm or more, and is only revealed upon exposing the document to light having a wavelength at which the light absorbing material absorbs light, which is less than 350 nm.

Abstract: The present invention describes a system for accurately measuring the concentration of a substance within a filter housing. A concentration sensor and a communications device are coupled so as to measure and transmit the concentration of a particular substance within the filter housing while in use. This system allows the operator to certify the integrity of the filters within the filter housing at the customer site without additional equipment. In one embodiment, a tracer gas, such as helium or hydrogen, is added to a carrier and injected into the system. The concentration of tracer gas at a specific operating transmembrane pressure is indicative of bubble pointing specific pores in the filter. This test will give a more sensitive indication of the bubble point and the presence of defects than a standard diffusion test. In a second embodiment, two gasses, in a known ratio, are introduced into the filter housing.

Abstract: A printer is provided having a coded tag generator configured to generate coded tags based on identity data indicative of an identity associated with an interface and position data defining a relative position of each tag on the interface, and a controller for controlling printing of the interface with the coded tags at the positions defined by the position data and having the identity data.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of making a structure for making a security document and/or a document of value, or for making an article secure, the structure comprising at least one electronic device and at least one at least partially fibrous layer having a window arranged to receive the electronic device, at least in part, the method comprising the following steps: placing at least part of the electronic device in the window in the layer; and then depositing a resin in the window so as to encapsulate the electronic device, at least in part.

Abstract: An antenna assembly is provided suitable for use with a remote communications module such as, for example, a keyless entry module, a tire pressure monitoring module, etc. The antenna assembly generally includes a support, a folded metallic antenna element mounted on the support, an amplifier coupled to the folded antenna element, and a transmission line coupled to the amplifier.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for producing a transparent or translucent transaction card having multiple features. An optically recognizable compound may be associated with a portion of the card for blocking infrared radiation and may comprise an infrared ink having nanocrystalline indium tin oxide particles. Moreover, a portion of the transaction card may include a second optically recognizable compound disposed thereon. The second optically recognizable compound may comprise an infrared phthalocyanine dye, an infrared phosphor, and a quantum dot energy transfer compound. The infrared ink may be detected by a sensor found in an ATM or card assembly line.

Abstract: A transaction card includes a single layer substrate and an account identifier. The single layer substrate is formed of a transparent polymer resin mixed with a fluorescent dye such that the single layer substrate exhibits an edge-glow characteristic. The single layer substrate is one of transparent and translucent. The account identifier is connected to the single layer substrate and links the transaction card to at least one of an account and a record. The account identifier is machine readable by a point-of-sale terminal. Stored-value card assemblies, methods of encouraging purchase and facilitating use of a stored-value card and other embodiments are also disclosed.

Abstract: According to one embodiment of the present invention, a portion of a light-emitting polymer material or a conductive polymer material can be irradiated with a focused electron beam, so that the physical properties of that portion can be modified. For this purpose, one embodiment of the present invention comprises an apparatus for modifying the physical properties of a nanostructure using a focused electron beam, the apparatus comprising: a nanostructure; a focused electron beam-irradiating unit that serves to irradiate a nanoscale electron beam such that it is focused on the nanostructure; and a focused electron beam-controlling unit that serves to control the irradiation position of the nanoscale electron beam so as to modify the physical property of a portion of the nanostructure.

Abstract: The present invention is in the field of product marking and identification, more in particular to methods of differentiating products or product versions and to methods of product authentication. The present invention further relates to marker systems for product authentication, to a kit of parts for applying a marker system to a product and identifying the marked product, in particular seed, to seed coating compositions and to coated seed.

Abstract: A synthetic barcode module detects the presence of a barcode reader and emits light pulses that emulate light reflected from a scanned barcode. Decoded output from a conventional barcode optical scanner that receives the light pulses will be the same as the decoded output generated by scanning the emulated barcode. One or more light pipes may be utilized to facilitate receipt and transmission of an incident scanning beam to an optical sensor/emitter. A sensor/emitter, which may be an LED, may sense input light and emit light pulses to emulate a scanned barcode. A microcontroller governs sensing and emitting. The module may be programmable to emulate various barcodes.

Abstract: An identification label intended to be associated with a product, characterized in that it is formed by an unforgeable high purity silicon element forming per se a distinctive sign and/or on which micrometric or nanometric identification codes are made, said label being added onto the product or implanted in the latter, so as to ensure its traceability and attest to its origin and to its authenticity.

Abstract: A method and system for nano-encoding and decoding information related to printed texts and images on paper and other surfaces is provided. The system and method includes a nano-encoder for encoding information related to printed texts and images; and then collocating the encoded information with the related printed texts and/or images. The system also includes a nano-decoder for decoding information encoded by the nano-encoder. The nano-decoder includes a text processing database having a translator database. The translator database includes a definition database; and a summary database. In addition, the system and method includes detecting luminescent nano particles and/or magnetic nano particles; and determining invariant properties of the detected nano particles. The invariant properties are then matched with coded information.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for producing an opaque, transparent or translucent transaction card having multiple features, such as a holographic foil, integrated circuit chip, silver magnetic stripe with text on the magnetic stripe, opacity gradient, an invisible optically recognizable compound, a translucent signature field such that the signature on back of the card is visible from the front of the card and an active thru date on the front of the card. The invisible optically recognizable compound is an infrared ink and/or film, which can be detected by a sensor found in an ATM or card assembly line.

Abstract: A card used in a card game includes a code including at least two sets of code elements printed in UV-luminous ink on a surface of the card, the sets of code elements provided on one side of the surface of the card along a reading direction of a code reader.

Abstract: An article identifier or code including at least one photo-responsive dye and a method of encoding or embedding information in same. A reader device for decoding or extracting information in an article identifier or code and verifying or authenticating that information and the associated extraction and authentication methods.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of forming and detecting non-visible marks and articles marked in accordance with the methods. In accordance with the methods of the invention, a marking material is applied to a substrate to form a mark that is contrastable from the substrate in one or more regions of the infrared portion of the electromagnetic spectrum. The mark is covered with a film, which can be a bonded coating or a non-bonded covering sheet, that comprises an amount of one or more inorganic pigments such that the film appears opaque in the visible portion of the electromagnetic spectrum but is sufficiently transmissive in one or more regions of the infrared portion of the electromagnetic spectrum to facilitate the detection of the mark covered by the film. The non-visible marks can be applied to articles such as automobile parts, aircraft parts and other articles of manufacture to deter counterfeiting.

Abstract: A printing module for an analog printer. The printing module includes an ink supply, a printing plate and an ink applicator for disposing ink from the ink supply onto the plate. The ink contains an IR-absorbing phthalocyanine dye formulated in a solvent-based or oil-based ink vehicle. The phthalocyanine dye has sulfonate groups, wherein a counterion of each sulfonate group is a phosphonium cation. Each phosphonium cation is of formula: P+(Rm)(Rn)(Rs)(Rt); each of Rm, Rn, Rs and Rt is independently selected from the group consisting of: C1-30 alkyl, C5-12 aryl and C5-30 arylalkyl; and at least one of Rm, Rn, Rs and Rt includes more than 4 carbon atoms.

Abstract: The subject invention relates to systems and methods that provide electronic data (e.g., Electronic Product Code (EPC) data) obtained from Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tags by RFID readers and/or from servers to one or more industrial components (e.g., controllers, programmable logic controllers, modules, etc.). The systems and methods employ component that processes, if desired, and stores received electronic data as records within a table. Processing includes filtering for data of interest and/or formatting the data in a suitable structure. Storage can include delineating related electronic data across rows the table and types of data across columns of a row. Upon receiving a subscription and/or request for electronic data from the one or more industrial components, the data can be retrieved and conveyed to the subscribing and/or requesting components.

Abstract: A security tag comprising at least one overt data carrier (10), and at least one covert data carrier (25), the covert data carrier comprising a ring (25) that is formed around the overt data carrier (10). The covert data carrier (25) is invisible to the unaided eye when lit with visible light, but visible when illuminated with other light, for example UV light.

Abstract: A banking system is controlled responsive to data included on data bearing records. The system includes a deposit accepting machine for accepting deposit items, such as deposit bags, currency, and checks. The machine includes a card reader that can read card data corresponding to financial accounts, and a biometric reader that can read user identification data. The machine also includes an RFID reader that can read signals from RFID tags to obtain deposit information therefrom. The deposit information can include deposit data such as an account number and the deposit amount. The machine also includes a computer that causes a financial account to be credited for the value of deposited items, responsive to data read by the various reader devices.

Abstract: The present invention relates to management of information relating to medical fluids, containers therefor, and medical fluid administration devices for administering such medical fluids to patients. Data tags (e.g., RFID tags) are generally associated with containers of the invention and may be electromagnetically read from and/or written to using an electromagnetic device, for example, that may be associated with a medical fluid administration device of the invention.

Abstract: A banking system is controlled responsive to data included on data bearing records. The system includes a deposit accepting machine for accepting deposit items, such as deposit bags, currency, and checks. The deposit accepting machine is in connection with a card reader operative to read data corresponding to financial accounts from user cards. The apparatus further includes an RFID reading device that is operative to read signals from RFID tags to obtain deposit information therefrom. The information can include data associated with of the deposit, such as an account number and the deposit amount. The information can include cash value. A computer is operative to credit a financial account for value associated with deposit items responsive to data read by the card reader and/or RFID reading device.

Abstract: A system and method for creating a unique optical signature that use an unstructured, random arrangement of objects, such as optical beads. Disturbance of the arrangement of the objects irreversibly changes the unique optical signature that is created, effectively preventing replication of the unique optical signature if the arrangement of the objects is disturbed. The disturbance and resulting destruction of the optical signature can occur without the application or presence of electrical power.

Abstract: A compound security feature is formed by printing latent images together with visually integrated settings using an invisible ink. Even if illuminated by a wavelength capable of rendering the inks visible, the latent images remain visually indistinguishable from their visually integrated settings. However, the latent images and visually integrated settings differ in one or more less obvious ways so that the latent images can be distinguished by using a visual aid.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure include an article comprising a product and one or more identifying marks associated with the product and comprising a photochromic ink which produces a photoluminescence in response to an external stimulus. Also provided is an array of packages and a merchandising system and method.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for identifying and tracking surgical objects is disclosed. More specifically, a method and apparatus for identifying and tracking surgical objects such as needles, scalpels, blades, sponges and instruments in a medical industry using an identifier encoded on a fluorescent paint attached to the surgical object combined with detectors and software capable of retrieving the identifying information on the identifier.

Abstract: Taggants can be incorporated into or onto value documents. The taggants comprise a crystalline taggant doped with two rare earth ions. The substrate or printed matter into which the taggant can be incorporated has a minimal absorption infrared wavelength window and the taggant is excited by incident infrared radiation in this wavelength range. Suitable first rare earth ions function as efficient broad band absorbers of incident infrared radiation and passes energy non-radiatively to a second rare earth ion, which the emits infrared radiation at a wavelength greater than the incident infrared radiation. The emitted infrared radiation is also in the minimal absorption transmission window of the printed matter or the substrate into which the taggant is incorporated. Methods of authenticating the value document include detection of the emitted radiation at pre-determined values.

Abstract: An operator is guided to move an imaging reader to an optimum reading position in which to read a symbol by image capture. Optimum image capture occurs substantially at an imaging plane of an imaging assembly, and the operator is visually guided so that the symbol is located substantially at the imaging plane in a working range of distances.

Abstract: A method and system for authenticating an item by using a security marking. The security marking is provided on the item with an OVD ink capable of absorbing light in a visible wavelength range to appear visibly black and producing a red fluorescent emission under ultraviolet excitation. Under visible light illumination and ultraviolet excitation, a visible image and a fluorescent image are obtained from the security marking using image scanners. The images are compared to find a substantial match with each other. The security marking can be a postage indicium, a barcode, a symbol, a message or an image. The item to be authenticated can be a mailpiece, a banknote, a tag, a ticket, a document, an identification card, or the like.

Abstract: Systems and methods of providing a covert security marking for items such as documents, packaging, credit cards, and other valuable goods to combat the steady increase in forgery, counterfeiting, and other fraudulent activities is presented. A spectrally narrow, near infrared ink system serves as the basis of a covert security feature for items of value. Alternatively, or in combination, metal oxides having a substantially narrow absorption band and a maximum absorption wavelength of electromagnetic radiation in the near infrared range are also utilized.

Abstract: A package security feature is provided, the package security feature having a static element and a dynamic element. The dynamic element selectively interacts with the static element to enable identification and anti-tampering for a package.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a security element for securing data carriers, having a three-layer thin-film element (20) composed of a reflection layer (22), an absorber layer (26) and a dielectric spacing layer arranged between the reflection layer and the absorber layer (24). According to the present invention, the reflection layer (22), the absorber layer (26) and the dielectric spacing layer (24) are coordinated with each other in such a way that, for viewing from the absorber layer side (26) at all viewing angles (28, 28?) and in the entire visible spectral range, the thin-film element exhibits a very low reflection and appears black.

Abstract: Particles conveying a code are incorporated into polymer matrix to form a core document substrate. These particles may be colored to create a distinctive look of the document that makes it unique for a particular document issuer and enables visual authentication. Addition of a covert attribute to the particle, such as a UV pigment or hidden layer of material, allows a covert, forensic characteristic and it also allows a mathematical description to be calculated describing the random distribution of a specific area on a document and then captured on it (e.g., in the bar code or magnetic stripe or digital watermark on an ID document).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a marking of polymeric liquid crystal material having determined optical characteristics allowing its authentication and reading by a machine and its authentication by the human eye. The marking is applied onto an item, good or article by a variable information printing process. The marking is in the form of indicia representing a unique code which allows for an easy authentication by the human eye and a secure tracking and tracing of the marked item, good or article throughout its life cycle.

Abstract: The invention is aimed at devising a direct application symbol mark (SMPN) which is for example two-dimensional, in which the information elements, for example depressions of the needle impact mark or regions processed by laser radiation in laser engraving using the methods described in the invention are filled with fluorescent dyes which absorb radiation at wavelengths for example either up to the short-wave transmission edge of the filter of the reader, for example in the 250-600 nm range, and which radiate in the wavelength range of the passband of the receiving channel of the reader, for example 600-700 nm, or which absorb radiation at wavelengths greater than the long wave transmission edge of the filter of the reader, for example in the 700 nm-10 micron range, and which radiate in the wavelength range of the passband of the input filter of the reader, for example 600-700 nm.

Abstract: There is provided a non-contact type IC card that prevents electrostatic discharge failure of an IC chip embedded in an IC card. A non-contact type IC card includes at least a magnetic recording layer, a metal reflective layer, and a hologram layer, which are sequentially laminated on a card base member, and an antenna and an IC chip connected to the antenna that are embedded in the card base member. The metal reflective layer is made of a material of which electric conductivity is smaller than 28.9×106/?m, or is composed of a thin film of which surface resistivity is 7.02 (?/?) or more.

Abstract: Populations of quantum dots are combined with quantities of a modulator of photoluminescence to produce a plurality of optical barcodes having at least two distinguishable colors arising from varying quantities of a modulator of photoluminescence bound to the populations of quantum dots.

Abstract: There is provided a method of recording an image by causing a subject to truly coincide with data relating to the subject. In a finished work recording method using image data by obtaining a product to be recorded and work contents to the product to be recorded as a work recording image, RFID tags 60 (RFID tags 60a, 60b) in each of which inherent tag data is recorded are attached to the product to be recorded and to the work recording worker. Thereafter, whether the tag data are true to the image data of a subject to be worked is determined by comparing a time difference between the time at which the tag data recorded in the RFID tag 60a is read and the time at which the image data of the product to be recorded is obtained with a preset specified time. When it is determined that the tag data are truly associated with the image data, the image data associated with the tag data is recorded as a finished work.

Abstract: A wholesale and/or retail check out station system includes a biometric finger print reader and storage for reading and storing biometric data of employees having access to the cash registers of the check out stations in the system. Authorization to use a cash register in the system is programmed into the microprocessor in the system, limiting use of a cash register to authorized employees. Employees are identified by finger print using biometric technology. Limitations of use is extended to access to operate particular cash register(s); handling returned merchandise at a cash register; refunds on returned purchases require authorization of the manager and the cashier; cashing checks at a cash register, where the limitation includes only cashing of employer drawn payroll checks of employees; and, clearing errors made in tabulations at a cash register. Unauthorized persons attempting to gain access to cash registers to which they are not authorized serves to activate an alarm.