Abstract: Display information is revealed from behind a metal film that can be cleared upon effective contact with a clearing agent. The metal film, while opaque, is generally less than 1000 Angstroms thick and can be cleared by exposure to innocuous agents including food or other household products.

Abstract: A print medium preferably includes an identification device on or in the print medium. The identification device provides encoded printing parameters for optimizing or controlling printing by a printer on the print medium.

Abstract: In the attribute detection apparatus in the system of the present invention, an inputted image is transformed by DCT means to extract an estimation value of the embedded electronic watermark data in frequency space. Then, the statistical similarity between known electronic watermarks and the extracted electronic watermark data are calculated. The attribute change apparatus in a system of the present invention comprises a selector, an insert data register for storing the output of the selector, a brightness register for storing the brightness signal of the inputted image, a color difference register for storing the color difference signal of the inputted image, and adder for adding the output of the color difference register and the output of the insert data register. Here, the selector selects one of the insert data stored in a plurality of memory areas on the basis of the attribute inputted from attribute detection apparatus.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus and method for enhancing the security of selected information associated with a negotiable document, such as the monetary value of a cheque. In the invention, one or more security features are printed or applied onto the cheque. One such security feature is an encrypted control code. The preferred embodiment employs a secret key cryptographic scheme to encrypt the monetary value and thereby generate a first control code which is printed on the check. When the check is presented for payment, a validator, such as bank or cheque clearing house, employs a verification system having a copy of the encryption key to read the monetary value from the cheque and re-encrypt it according to said scheme to generate a second control code. The cheque is not honored if the first and second control codes are not identical. Another security feature is a security image, composed, for instance, from a foreground image of the monetary value superimposed over a background motif image.

Abstract: A self-authenticating printed document (101) comprises text and a symbol (102) printed on the document (101). The symbol (102) includes a verification value, which is representative of the entire data content of the text, and error correction codes for correcting the text. The verification value is used to check the integrity of the text after the document has been corrected using the error correction codes.

Abstract: A self-verifying security document, such as a banknote, comprises a flexible sheet formed from a plastics substrate bearing indicia. The sheet has a window of transparent plastics material which includes self-verification means for verifying a security device provided at a laterally spaced second portion of the sheet when the sheet is bent or folded to bring the window into register with the security device. The self-verification means may be an optical lens for reading an area of microprinting. In another embodiment, the self-verification means may be an optical filter for viewing an area printed with metameric inks. In other embodiments, the self-verification means and the security device may be polarizing windows or Moire inducing patterns.

Abstract: A symmetric key encryption system includes a printer or copier for performing decryption in two passes. During a first pass an encrypted image is decrypted to define a first partially decrypted image and during a second pass a complement of the encrypted image is decrypted to define a second partially decrypted image. The first partially decrypted image is formed when the encrypted image is rendered onto a first recording medium through a stencil. The stencil, which is a random arrangement of holes, is overlaid on the first recording medium to permit only selected portions of the encrypted image to be rendered on the recording medium. During the second pass, the complement of the encrypted image is rendered on a second recording medium through a complement of the stencil to yield the second partially decrypted image. Overlaying and aligning the first partially decrypted image and the second partially decrypted image finally decrypts the encrypted image.

Abstract: Disclosed is a printing system in which unauthorized copying and reproduction are prevented by making it easy to identify the source which created or manipulated image data to be reproduced and outputted. In accordance with this printing system, image data is entered from a personal computer that generates the image data, attribute information concerning the personal computer and a printer for forming an image is acquired, identification information which specifies the personal computer and the printer is generated based upon the attribute information, this identification information is added to the image data, and an image is printed using the image data to which the identification information has been added.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus and method for enhancing the security of selected information associated with a negotiable document, such as the monetary value of a cheque. In the invention, one or more security features are printed or applied onto the cheque. One such security feature is an encrypted control code. The preferred embodiment employs a secret key cryptographic scheme to encrypt the monetary value and thereby generate a first control code which is printed on the cheque. When the cheque is presented for payment, a validator, such as bank or cheque clearing house, employs a verification system having a copy of the encryption key to read the monetary value from the cheque and re-encrypt it according to said scheme to generate a second control code. The cheque is not honored if the first and second control codes are not identical. Another security feature is a security image, composed, for instance, from a foreground image of the monetary value superimposed over a background motif image.

Abstract: A self-verifying security document, such as a banknote, comprises a flexible sheet formed from a plastics substrate bearing indicia. The sheet has a window of transparent plastics material which includes self-verification means for verifying a security device provided at a laterally spaced second portion of the sheet when the sheet is bent or folded to bring the window into register with the security device. The self-verification means may be an optical lens for reading an area of microprinting. In another embodiment, the self-verification means may be an optical filter for viewing an area printed with metameric inks. In other embodiments, the self-verification means and the security device may be polarizing windows or Moire inducing patterns.

Abstract: The invention relates to a multilayer label comprising at least one authenticity feature (5), which authenticity feature (5) consists of at least two parts (51, 52) positioned on different layers (1, 2) of the label. The authenticity feature (5) can be a barcode which can consist of at least two parts (51, 52) positioned on different layers (1, 2) of the label. The barcode can have m lines of which n lines are arranged on one layer (1) of the label and m-n lines are arranged on another layer (2) of the label, where m>n>0. The label can have a lower layer (2) and an upper layer (1), with the lower layer (2) having a greater surface area than the at least one layer (1) positioned on top of it. The upper side and/or lower side of at least one of the layers (1, 2) can be coated with an adhesive at least in sections and/or at least in points.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for preventing check fraud wherein the maker or payor completes a bank check. The method comprises the steps of entering the data to be printed on the face of a check; reading the data, encrypting the data toward generating a line of machine readable symbols using a private key of a public key-private key encryption mechanism and printing the machine readable symbols containing the encrypted form of data on the face of a check. The printed machine readable symbols thus serves to permit the later detection of unauthorized changes to the check thereby identifying check fraud.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an educational planner for providing a cooperative system of planning books and folders that promote socially beneficial aims while providing assistance and organization of course materials.

Abstract: An optical article including at least one optical fiber and a printable layer connected to the optical fiber. The printable layer including randomly spaced printed ink shapes for avoiding or controlling optical attenuation. A method and an apparatus for making optical articles with the randomized ink shape spacings are also disclosed.

Abstract: A metal layer cleared by contact with a chemical clearing agent to reveal an underlying graphics layer is at least partially covered by a buffer material that delays contact with the clearing agent. The buffer material can be applied in a pattern that forms a temporary image in the metal layer prior to more completely revealing the underlying graphics layer.

Abstract: A telecommunications directory for providing a user with a list of e-mail addresses associated with individuals. The telecommunications directory includes a front cover, a back cover and a binding connecting the front and back covers to form a book. A plurality pages are retained between the front and back cover by the binder and include indicia indicating a plurality of names, physical addresses and e-mail addresses associated with each name. The pages may be secured to the binder or releasably connected to the binder by a plurality of tabs. Each tab extends along a length of the binder and is positioned between the front and back covers. The plurality of pages are releasably secured to the tabs. The plurality of pages may also include indicia printed thereon providing space for entering additional information regarding an entity including telephone number, facsimile number, cellular telephone number and pager number of the entity.

Abstract: A system for providing visual display security on a general-purpose computer, the general-purpose computer capable of running an operating system and an application, the operating program system and application program presenting a user interface in the form of display windows, includes a display window having a default display characteristic and a computer security program operating on the general purpose computer. The computer security program altering the default display characteristic to a modified display characteristic, the modified display characteristic rendering the display window unreadable to a human eye. The system also includes an optical filter matched to the modified display characteristic so that the display window becomes readable when viewed through the optical filter.

Abstract: A self-verifying security document, such as a banknote (1) comprises a flexible sheet formed from a plastics substrate (2) bearing indicia (3). The sheet bas a window (5) of transparent plastics material which includes self-verification means (11) for verifying a security device (4) provided at a laterally spaced second portion of the sheet when the sheet is bent or folded to bring the window (5) into register with the security device (4). The self-verification means may be an optical lens (11) for reading an area of microprinting (10). In another embodiment, the self-verification means may be an optical filter (21) for viewing an area (22) printed with metameric inks. In other embodiments, the self-verification means and the security device (4) may be polarising windows (31, 32) or Moire inducing patterns (41, 42).

Abstract: Display information is revealed from behind a metal film that can be cleared upon effective contact with a clearing agent. The metal film, while opaque, is generally less than 1000 Angstroms thick and can be cleared by exposure to innocuous agents including food or other household products.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus and method for enhancing the security of selected information associated with a negotiable document, such as the monetary value of a cheque. In the invention, one or more security features are printed or applied onto the cheque. One such security feature is an encrypted control code. The preferred embodiment employs a secret key cryptographic scheme to encrypt the monetary value and thereby generate a first control code which is printed on tile cheque. When the cheque is presented for payment, a validator, such as bank or cheque cle aring house, employs a verification system having a copy of the encryption key to read the monetary value from the cheque and re-encrypt it according to said scheme to generate a second control code. The cheque is not honoured if the first and second control codes are not identical. Another security feature is a security image, composed, for instance, from a foreground image of the monetary value superimposed over a background motif image.

Abstract: The invention is a book which comprises a series of sculpted figures which nest within each other. The sculpted figures are preferably made of vacuum formed plastic, in a manner similar to that used in making the plastic shells for a blister package. In preferred embodiment, the figures are affixed to the basic portion of the pages of the book, with the portion of the base which lies within the perimeter of the figures removed. The remainder of each page may have text or graphics disposed on it. The figures are formed so that the figures or the lower pages nest within the figures on the upper pages. The figures will usually have graphics printed on them. However, some or all of them may be at least partially clear, and some or all of them may have text disposed on them.

Abstract: Digital watermarking of audio, image, video or multimedia data is achieved by inserting the watermark into the perceptually significant components of a decomposition of the data in a manner so as to be visually imperceptible. In a preferred method, a frequency spectral image of the data, preferably a Fourier transform of the data, is obtained. A watermark is inserted into perceptually significant components of the frequency spectral image. The resultant watermarked spectral image is subjected to an inverse transform to produce watermarked data. The watermark is extracted from watermarked data by first comparing the watermarked data with the original data to obtain an extracted watermark. Then, the original watermark, original data and the extracted watermark are compared to generate a watermark which is analyzed for authenticity of the watermark.

Abstract: The configuration procedure for an access code and for a security code is provided, comprising: providing references retaining element file that records the base checkerboard-like substrate, checkerboard-like substrates and the color substrates as a graphical image with a hierarchical layered structure arranged on the base substrate, assigning the digital elements to both the x- and the y-axes of the base substrate, assigning the digital elements assigned to the references retaining element on the base substrate perpendicular to the selected two retaining element to the selected two retaining element of the checkerboard-like substrate, configuring code based on the assigned digital elements and the prescribed priority order of the first and areal codes and at the time of the code configuration, recording the location of the retaining element, coaxially rotating the checkerboard-like substrates and color substrates with respect to base checkerboard-like substrate, whereby a new code is configured based on the

Abstract: An intelligent agent and its client communicate using a selector known by both parties to generate and interpret messages and thereby effectively disguise confidential information transmitted in the messages from third parties. Moreover, a neural network is used to implement the decision logic and/or the message disguising functions of an agent such that the logic employed in such functions is not readily reverse compiled or scanned by third parties.

Abstract: A self-verifying security document, such as a banknote (1) comprises a flexible sheet formed from a plastics substrate (2) bearing indicia (3). The sheet has a window (5) of transparent plastics material which includes self-verification means (11) for verifying a security device (4) provided at a laterally spaced second portion of the sheet when the sheet is bent or folded to bring the window (5) into register with the security device (4). The self-verification means may be an optical lens (11) for reading an area of microprinting (10). In another embodiment, the self-verification means may be an optical filter (21) for viewing an area (22) printed with metameric inks. In other embodiments, the self-verification means and the security device (4) may be polarising windows (31, 32) or Moire inducing patterns (41, 42).

Abstract: A method for controlling keys used in the verification of encoded information generated by a transaction evidencing device and printed on a document comprises the steps of generating a plurality of random verifier master keys to obtain a set of verifier master keys consisting of a fixed number of keys; generating at least one pointer by applying a psuedorandom algorithm to data unique to the transaction evidencing device; calculating a plurality of verifier token keys to obtain a verifier token key set corresponding to the set of verifier master keys; encrypting the verifier token key set with a privacy key; and distributing the set verifier token keys and the privacy key to verifiers. The token keys are a function of the verifier master keys and a code valid for a limited time. The pointer algorithm is an appropriate symmetric key cryptographic algorithm and the code is function of a date dependent parameter. The master keys are distributed to postal and vendor data centers.

Abstract: A watermarking procedure wherein each of a set of copies of the work has a slightly-modified form of a "baseline" watermark that is placed within a critical region of the data. The slight variations in the watermarks, however, are not perceptually visible and do not interfere with the work. If multiple persons collude to attempt to create an "illicit" copy of the work (i.e., a copy without a watermark), however, at least one of the modified watermarks is present in the copy, thereby identifying both the illicit copy and the copier.

Abstract: Digital watermarking of audio, image, video or multimedia data is achieved by inserting the watermark into the perceptually significant components of a decomposition of the data in a manner so as to be visually imperceptible. In a preferred method, a frequency spectral image of the data, preferably a Fourier transform of the data, is obtained. A watermark is inserted into perceptually significant components of the frequency spectral image. The resultant watermarked spectral image is subjected to an inverse transform to produce watermarked data. The watermark is extracted from watermarked data by first comparing the watermarked data with the original data to obtain an extracted watermark. Then, the original watermark, original data and the extracted watermark are compared to generate a watermark which is analyzed for authenticity of the watermark.

Abstract: A system quickly verifies that the content of an image has not been changed since an earlier time when the content of that image was stamped. The system consists of a stamping process that embeds stamping information into a source image and produces a verification key, and a verification process that extracts stamping information from a stamped source image based on the verification key. Furthermore, the verification process produces an image itself, from which the verification can be readily judged visually or by use of a computer or other display device. In the verification process, the changes in an image can be detected and localized. The image stamping process further includes an error diffussion process so that the effects of combining the stamping information with the original image are not readily perceptable. An image is safeguarded against malicious manipulations and the proprietary rights are protected by maintaining the integrity of the image content.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to a method and apparatus, as implemented by a software program on a computer system, for digitally producing counterfeit-deterring scrambled or coded indicia images, typically in a printed form. This method and system are capable of combining a source image with a latent image so the scrambled latent image is visible only when viewed through a special decoder lens. The digital processing allows different latent images to be encoded according to different parameters. Additionally, latent images might be encoded into single component colors of an original visible image, at various angles from each other.

Abstract: Multiple validations of printed documents incorporating image information and authorizing data on a printed document assist in the printed document validation process. This technique requires the authorized document holder to have an image identification accompany the application or production of the document. Image information is converted to a storable image that is used in one of a plurality of validating schemes that assures that the presenter of the printed document is not a substitute. Such schemes included visual comparison of the printed document presenter and extracted image information and validation that the data has not been altered. Non-reversible encryption of the data, as it is read from the document at the document presentation site is used to formulate encoded authorization data that is then compared against like encoded authorized document holder data stored at a centrally located data base.

Abstract: A watermarking procedure wherein each of a set of copies of the work has a slightly-modified form of a "baseline" watermark that is placed within a critical region of the data. The slight variations in the watermarks, however, are not perceptually visible and do not interfere with the work. If multiple persons collude to attempt to create an "illicit" copy of the work (i.e., a copy without a watermark), however, at least one of the modified watermarks is present in the copy, thereby identifying both the illicit copy and the copier.

Abstract: A method and device for protecting visual information against unauthorized access and modification using a printed cryptographic watermark includes printing a first array of shapes on a first sheet of material to be protected and printing a second array of shapes on a second sheet of material, which is transparent so as to form a developer for developing a watermark encoded in a combination of the first and second arrays of shapes. The watermark is encoded by preparing each array using black and white pixels. Each pixel, which may be a square, rectangle, circle, hexagon or other shape, is split into first and second collections of subpixels, the first collection of subpixels appearing in the first array of shapes and the second collection of subpixels appearing in the second array of shapes.

Abstract: A facsimile security system includes a base sheet capable of having confidential information thereon and a cover sheet with imprinting thereon for obscuring the confidential information on the base sheet. The imprinting comprises lines in a repeated pattern over the cover sheet and the lines are separated by spaces without imprinting which spaces extend across the cover sheet or in an elongated direction of the cover sheet. The spaces may extend in a diagonal direction on the cover sheet or the spaces may extend only partially across the cover sheet in a repeated pattern. The cover sheet is preprinted in a preferred form of the invention.

Abstract: A security device for use on identification cards, monetary documents, and the like using a reference pattern and a message pattern each having the appearance of a random pattern of dots. The reference pattern is a dense pattern of randomly positioned dots, and the message pattern is a modulated version of the reference pattern in which the dots of the reference pattern are slightly repositioned by an amount depending on the grey value or color value of a message image at each dot location. The message image is decrypted and becomes visible with a range of grey values when it is viewed through a film transparency of the reference pattern. The dot pattern may be printed, embossed or recorded as a photograph or a hologram. Decryption of the message image may be accomplished by viewing through a contact mask, superposition of images of the message pattern and reference pattern, by viewing the message pattern through a mask positioned at a real image of the reference pattern, or like means.

Abstract: A method of encrypting a sequence of characters such as a code number on an information slide or disc is provided. The method allows the encryption of a plurality of sequences on a single user-markable disc or slide which may be deciphered by a reference to a single code word.

Abstract: An encryption template has a grid of permanent openings thereon forming several arrays which are symmetrically located about a rotational axis, and members for selectively marking certain of the openings to be used for coding a message. Indicia carried on the template and the members facilitate the selection of the openings.

Abstract: A copy preventing sheet-form screen comprises a lenticular screen formed by a sheet of transparent plastic material having, a series of adjacent lens portions with major optical axes perpendicular to the front face and a series of light blocking striae located spaced apart underlying respective lens portions. The striae extend across a major part of the major optical axes so that when covering a sheet printed with meaningful information, the screen enables the information to be easily seen when viewed obliquely in ambient white light but prevents a meaningful copy thereof being made by conventional, perpendicularly aligned, phototransference techniques. The screen can be attached to the printed sheet by adhesive or formed as an adhesive tape to cover only preselected areas of printing. The screen may also form one or both sides of a security envelope enclosing the printed sheet and sealed by a security label carrying an authorized signature.

Abstract: A printing medium for the printing of images thereon to form a document by the printer of a standard facsimile machine in a manner which renders the document unreadable to a casual observer. There is a strip of a flexible printing medium receivable by the facsimile machine for passage therethrough past the printer thereof. The printing medium has a surface for receiving an image from the printer. Additionally, there is a strip of an obscuring medium removably attached to the printing medium along an edge thereof in a manner which will allow the obscuring medium to pass through the facsimile machine in combination with the printing medium. The obscuring medium has an obscuring portion covering a printing surface of the printing medium upon which the printer prints images for rendering printing on the printing medium unreadable to a casual observer. Four embodiments are disclosed for use in both thermal and plain paper facsimile machines.

Abstract: A device for photocopying a document to produce two partial documents for secure transmission. A transparent sheet is placed on the cover glass and has a pattern thereon of portions which are complementary along longitudinally equal shift distances. There is a frame having the transparent sheet attached to the bottom thereof and including parallel side members. A holder is disposed within the frame and on the transparent sheet between the side members for longitudinal sliding a document over the pattern between a first position and a second position located at the equal shift distance. The holder comprises a top member and a transparent carrier member slidably disposed on the transparent sheet and attached to the top member for sliding movement in combination therewith with a document to be photocopied therebetween. The holder is moveable between the first position and the second position. A combined stop and detent prevents the holder from sliding too far and resiliently holds the holder in the positions.

Abstract: A printed upon sheet is divided into a plurality of sequentially longitudinally spaced printing fields having a selected field length, said printing fields each being divided into a plurality of longitudinally and laterally spaced printing domains. The plurality of imprints are divided into a plurality of subsets thereof, said subsets having a null set intersection with each other, the union of all of said subsets of said imprints being a set consisting of all said imprints, each of said subsets of said imprints being sub-divided into a different integral number of sub-subsets of said imprints. The imprints are printed on each of the printing fields on the sheet such that each of the sub-subsets of the imprints is printed on only a selected subset of the longitudinally and laterally spaced printing domains, the printing fields having a null set intersection with one another and the selected subsets of the printing domains having a null set intersection with one another.

Abstract: 1.

Abstract: An advertising insert cover having a rectangular sheet folded in two to form rectangular front and back portions, attached to which are inwardly folded flap portions extending partway over the inner side of its associated cover portion for retaining loose, free standing inserts within the cover. The flap portions contain slit tear lines extending perpendicularly to the outer edge of the front and back portions and forming segments of detachable coupons. In another embodiment, the flaps are omitted and the coupon segments are formed along the outer edges of the front and/or back portions.

Abstract: A document is disclosed, which contains information invisible to the naked eye, but which information can be made visible by a simple method. Said information is represented by markings on the document, which markings comprise a first color at least partially opaque to at least part of the invisible light spectrum, and a second color which serves to conceal said first color in the visible spectrum, but which second color is itself transparent to said part of the invisible light spectrum.

Abstract: A coded property identification system, typically including a stencil and stencil kit, for the marking of personal property with owner identification symbols, to deter theft and also to identify the rightful owner of stolen personal property which has been recovered by law enforcement authorities. The stencil is an elongated flat strip of material such as plastic, which is apertured with a series of openings arranged generally in a line. Each of the openings corresponds to a recognizable symbol such as a number or a letter. In the system, the combination of the symbols for any given stencil is a unique permutation, so that identification of the owner of the personal property may be readily ascertained, once the stencil has been used to etchably or otherwise permanently mark the personal property. The owner of the personal property is ascertained by reference to a particular and specific master code.

Abstract: Signature verification and authentication systems are disclosed which include documents each of which bears a cryptographic representation of at least one property of a signature of an authorized user thereof modified in accordance with at least one of a set of indicia identifying the document with its authorized user. Apparatus are disclosed whereby said cryptographic representations can be decrypted and authenticated, using said indicia as a key. Apparatus are disclosed for producing such cryptographic representations on documents, which apparatus include cryptographic means for producing cryptographic representations of signatures and means for modifying the operation of these cryptographic means in accordance with one or more of said indicia. Methods of signature verification and authentication using documents bearing such cryptographic representations are disclosed.

Abstract: There is disclosed a document comprising a flat support member of non-thermoplastic material at least partly coated with a thermoplastic coating, in which coating are embossed optical markings having a light-modifying relief structure, said markings representing information indicating the genuineness or identity of the document. There is also disclosed a process for producing such a document, and an embossing die for use in such a process.

Abstract: A counterfeit resistant document having a set of indicia on a background field. The set of indicia and the background field are characterized by different optical reflectivities for incident light having wavelengths within the response spectrum of the human eye, and are substantially non-absorbing with respect to incident light having wavelengths within the response spectrum of color xerographic copying machines. The document includes two types of ink particles deposited on a substrate, with the types of ink particles having different, non-uniform spatial distributions over the background field, and at least a first type being substantially non-absorbing with respect to light in the response spectrum of a color copier.