Abstract: A laminated multilayer film substrate for use in the production of banknotes includes a first layer comprising (a) a first layer having inner and outer sides, comprising at least about 50 weight percent of a high density polyethylene having a density of at least about 0.94, said first layer being oriented in the transverse direction (TD) to a degree which is at least three times greater than the degree of orientation present in the machine direction (MD); (b) a second layer having inner and outer sides, comprising at least about 50 weight percent of a high density polyethylene having a density of at least about 0.

Abstract: A phase watermark hologram “W” is composed of a blaze having binary phase difference of 2&pgr;×n, where “n” is a natural number of more than 1. An watermark appears in response to phase difference, which changes by a faked blaze. A phase watermark hologram “W” and a phase hologram “D” indicating data are formed on a same surface of a substrate mixed in arbitrary locations and arbitrary ratio of both holograms.

Abstract: A security print contains a background pattern formed for example of dots or lines. An object, for example the text “BEWARE OF FORGERY”, is worked into this regular background pattern for copy protection. The text is worked in by the individual lines of the background pattern being split at the places where the text is located into two partial lines which are each only about half as wide as the original line. With the naked eye this split of the background pattern components is not, or barely, recognizable. When such an original security print is copied on a conventional copying machine the original, relatively wide lines of the background pattern appear on the copy but the partial lines formed by the split thereof are not, or very poorly, copied so that the text “BEWARE OF FORGERY” appears clearly in the copy.

Abstract: A security document which contains at least one layer and a transparent or translucent support and at least one image or pattern serving for identification purposes, characterized in that the document contains at least one light interference pigment distributed uniformly or patternwise in or on at least one layer of the document and/or contains the pigment in the support.

Abstract: An anti-copy layer or film for documents that is substantially transparent to the legitimate user, comprising a multiplicity of small fragments of spectral material embedded within an optically clear coating, wherein multi-angular illumination of the fragments by a copy apparatus generates sufficient amounts of visual noise in a copy as to prevent true-copy replication of the documents.

Abstract: A paper substrate is laminated with a metalized layer forming a mirrored surface. A partially transparent black diffraction grating is applied by stochastic screening to the mirrored surface. The diffraction grating forms a random pattern from selected geometric shapes. Information, such as alphanumeric indicia or graphics, is printed on the stochastic screen to thus form a reflective diffraction device which is printable in a conventional manner while inhibiting reproduction of the printed information by conventional techniques, including black and white and color photo-reproduction and facsimile machines. The partially transparent black stochastic screen forms a diffraction grating on the metalized layer so that when illuminated from the light source of either a specular or diffuse illumination-type photocopier, random interference patterns of light occur at the interface of the metalized surface and the stochastic screen.

Abstract: A security document is provided comprising: a security image area on the face of the document and a printed security image within the security image area. At least a portion of the security image area is divided into a plurality of image element cells, such that the image element cells define an array of image element cells across the security image area. Each of the image element cells is divided into a plurality of pixels, such that each image element cell defines a cell pixel array. At least a portion of the security image area is divided into a plurality of complementary image element cells, such that the complementary image element cells define an array of complementary image element cells across the security image area. Each of the complementary image element cells is divided into a plurality of pixels, such that each complementary image element cell defines a cell pixel array. The printed security image comprises image elements and complementary image elements.

Abstract: When an operator starts an operation for copying in full-color image forming mode, a predetermined warning to copy-protected materials and others is given to the operator, and an actual copy cannot be performed unless the operator confirms this warning. When the operator starts the operation of copying in the full-color image forming mode, and/or during the copying operation, a third party such as a manager of the copying machine is notified of these facts for enabling help in the copying operation and finding the copying of copy-protected materials.

Abstract: An optically decodable security document is provided comprising a security image area defined on a face of the document. The security image area is divided into a plurality of image element cells defining an array of image element cells across the security image area. The image element cells define first and second diagonal axes and a cell center positioned at the intersection of the first and second diagonal axes. A first type of printed tiling element is printed in selected ones of the image element cells to define a printed security image within the security image area. A second type of printed tiling element is printed in selected ones of the image element cells to define a printed complementary security image within the security image area.

Abstract: A business form having a faceplate, a retainer frame, and at least one lift-off panel formed from at least one cutout in the faceplate with retaining members of a releasable adhesive backer being disposed on the reverse side of the faceplate with the adhesive facing the at least one cutout opening. Precut lift-off panels of the same material remain disposed at least one per cutout and adhered to the backer member primarily for printing in a laser or inkjet printer to produce at least one and preferably multiple lift-off panels each of which constitutes one card. Indicia or images can be printed onto the business form and individual printed cards can be obtained by lifting off the printed individual lift-off panels on an as-needed basis. Two-sided printing is optional.

Abstract: A system for producing non-copyable prints. In a xerographic printer, text is printed using clear toner. Thus, the only optical difference between toner and non-toner portions of the page is in the reflectivity. The plastic toner will reflect more light than the paper. A human reader can now read the image by holding the page at such an angle that the eye will intercept the reflected light from the toner, producing a contrast between the lighter appearing toner and the darker appearing paper. However, a copier scanner is always set up to avoid reflected light, by supplying light at an oblique angle and reading at a right angle. In this case the diffused light is approximately equal for both toned and untoned surfaces, the scanner will detect no difference and the copier will not be able to copy the original.

Abstract: A security document and its method of preparation are provided wherein a security image area on the face of the document is designated. The security image area comprises a two-dimensional array of security image blocks. Security image elements and the complementary security image elements in respective security image blocks are arranged such that the security image element and the complementary security image element portions occupy respective first and second percentages of each of the security image blocks to define respective characteristic relative occupation values (CROVs) for each security image block. The respective CROVs are substantially equivalent among a plurality of the security image blocks. A target CROV is established.

Abstract: A security document is prepared by designating specialized tiling elements to be printed in selected image element cells across the face of the document. In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a method of preparing a security document is provided comprising the steps of: (i) designating a security image area on a face of a document; (ii) dividing the security image area into a plurality of image element cells, such that the image element cells define an array of image element cells across the security image area; and (iii) designating respective printed tiling elements to be printed in selected ones of the image element cells to define a printed security image and a printed complementary security image within the security image area. Individual ones of the respective printed tiling elements comprise printed units positioned within the respective image element cells.

Abstract: The drawing has a background (10) composed of at least a first region and a second region juxtaposed. Each of said regions comprises its own geometrical drawing so that the first region has a color density which is stronger than that of the second region, said second region forming a pattern. An overprint (20) corresponding to said overprint is printed over the second region, said overprint (20) comprising geometrical drawings different than that of said second region and in a color chosen to compensate the difference of color density between said regions, so that the safety drawing appears uniform and with no pattern to the naked eye, but said pattern is clearly brought out and in another color than that of the first region on a photocopy of the safety drawing.

Abstract: A protected/security document is provided that foils counterfeiting even if a laser photocopy machine (such as a Canon 500 color copier) is utilized. The document has at least three discrete half-tone printed bands disposed on its surface, provided by dots or lines. Each printed band has a different screen density and within each bands the dots or lines comprise a warning word or symbol (e.g. "Void"), or a background. The dots or lines of either the "Void" or background drop out when photocopied, while the dots or lines of the other do not. The dots or lines that do not drop out may be dimensioned so that there are about 24-34 per centimeter, while for those that do drop out there are about 52-64 per centimeter. The bands are typically arranged either linearly or in concentric circles, and interband areas having density gradually transitioning between the densities of adjacent bands are provided.

Abstract: A security document according to the present invention includes a document substrate having a surface for receiving printed indicia. A half tone warning image is printed on first areas of the surface and a half-tone background image is printed in second areas surrounding the first areas. The half-tone a warning image includes at least one word indicating a status of a copy of the document. A camouflage image extending over the document surface for confusing the eye of an observer such that said warning image is not readily observed. The camouflage image includes at least one word indicating to an observer a status of the original document. One of the half-tone warning image and the half-tone background image are printed with half-tone elements of such a line spacing and element size that it is not readily reproducible by a photocopier. As a consequence, the half-tone warning image becomes apparent on photocopies of the original document.

Abstract: A color-negative photographic print medium for restricting the copying of an image in the medium utilizing a pattern of removable color-subtractive microdots depth-wise positioned anywhere within a transparent protective overcoat and a support layer which supports at least one image-forming layer is disclosed. The microdots are undetectable by the unaided eye, but detectable by copying machines programmed to prevent copying when microdots are detected.

Abstract: A surface pattern has two surface portions with microscopically fine, light-diffracting relief structures. The relief structures are in the form of grating structures GS1 and GS2, respectively, which are composed of at least two superimposed gratings G1 and G2, G3 and G4, respectively. The light-diffracting properties of the gratings G1 to G4 are so selected in accordance with various criteria that novel optical effects which cannot be holographically copied can be achieved with the grating structures GS1 and GS2. Such surface patterns are suitable as optical security elements for documents or articles of all kinds as well as packing foils.

Abstract: Security paper, security documents made from the security paper, and processes for making the security paper, are provided. A groove is formed in paper and a security element is positioned or bonded within the groove. A coating is applied over the security element so that the coating covers at least a portion of the security element and is coplanar with the surface of the paper. The security element may include any combination of security features for verification of document authenticity.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process which comprises (a) applying to a recording sheet a marking material comprising a Raman-detectable component which, when irradiated with monochromatic radiation, exhibits a detectable Raman spectrum, thereby forming a mark on the recording sheet; (b) irradiating the mark on the recording sheet with monochromatic radiation; and (c) measuring the Raman spectrum of radiation scattered from the mark when the mark is irradiated with monochromatic radiation.

Abstract: Diffractive indicia for a surface (1) comprising a plurality of small separate diffractive elements (2) and means for a adhering the diffractive elements to the surface. Each diffractive element has a diffractive surface relief structure and is not separately resolvable to the human eye. The appearance of the diffractive indicia, when applied to the surface, changes when the viewing angle and/or angle of illumination relative to the surface changes. In preferred arrangements, the diffractive indicia, are incorporated in an ink or a transfer medium. A palette of diffractive indicia with different characteristic colours and other optical properties may be provided.

Abstract: A support of paper or the like is imprinted with a security micropattern which prevents falsification of documents printed on the support by use of high resolution copier machines. The security micropattern is printed with ink which is transparent or of the same coloration as the support. The ink comprising the micropattern is either non-absorbent or hydrophilic, and the ink used for inscribing on the support is either hydrophilic or non-absorbent, respectively.

Abstract: A document with anti-counterfeiting means to prevent reproducibility by photocopying, having a sheet-like element that has, on its face, at least one region whereon an image that is visible or not visible in the visible-light range is printed and has, on the back, in register with the image provided on the face, the same image, printed with an ink that is not visible in the visible-light range.

Abstract: A data processing form for use with photo-sensing apparatus that detect the presence of indicia at indicia-receiving locations on the form. The form is composed of a sheet of carrier material and plurality of indicia-receiving locations. The indicia-receiving locations are defined by a mutable colored composition including a mutable colorant and an ultraviolet radiation transorber such that the indicia-receiving locations are adapted to become substantially undetectable by photo-sensing apparatus upon irradiating the colored composition with ultraviolet radiation at a dosage level sufficient to irreversibly mutate the colorant. The colored composition may be irradiated with radiation in the ultraviolet region of the ultraviolet spectrum.

Abstract: A system for restricting the copying of a color-reversal document having one or more microdots embedded in the color-reversal document. The system of detecting the presence of one or more of the embedded microdots and controllably disabling a copy machine to prevent it from copying the color-reversal document when at least one microdot is detected.

Abstract: A security document is provided comprising a substrate having a top surface for carrying indicia. The top surface has a plurality of areas. Each of the areas contains background printed matter on the top surface. The background printed matter made up of a pattern of background elements. Each of the areas also contains a security term printed on the top surface of the substrate. The security term is composed of a pattern of security term elements. The background elements and/or the security term elements differ in element size, shape, angle, density, and/or frequency between adjacent areas. Also, within each of the areas either the background elements or the security term elements are not readily duplicated by a color copier while the remaining elements in the area are readily duplicated by a color copier. This results in a visually perceptible security term being produced upon copying of the security document.

Abstract: A paper substrate is laminated with a metalized layer forming a mirrored surface. A partially transparent black diffraction grating is applied by stochastic screening to the mirrored surface. The diffraction grating forms a frequency modulated pattern from selected geometric shapes. Information, such as alphanumeric indicia or graphics, is printed on the stochastic screen to thus form a reflective diffraction device which is printable in a conventional manner while inhibiting reproduction of the printed information by conventional techniques, including black and white and color photo-reproduction and facsimile machines. The partially transparent black stochastic screen forms a diffraction grating on the metalized layer so that when illuminated from the light source of either a specular or diffuse illumination-type photocopier, random interference patterns of light occur at the interface of the metalized surface and the stochastic screen.

Abstract: A document that resists copying by ordinary color copiers and color scanners. An area that is printed with color dots using a gradient print screen that exceeds resolutions available on commonly available color copiers and color scanners. The area may therefore comprise lighter regions (having fewer screen lines per inch) and darker regions (having more screen lines per inch). Multiple colors may be printed with different gradient print screens, and regions which are darker or lighter for a first color may or may not be darker or lighter for a second color. The document may also comprise a second area that is printed with a moire pattern. The moire pattern may be generated by adjusting an angle between a pair of print screens, such as a pair of gradient print screens. A set of colors for printing may avoid common printing ink colors, may prefer yellow, light green, or light blue, and may avoid red, purple, or violet, to raise the difficulty in copying by color copiers or color scanners.

Abstract: A data carrier with an optically variable element has a layer regularly reflecting incident light and including interruptions. A diffusely scattering layer is disposed on the regularly reflecting layer so as to be visible through at least one interruption to provide at least one optically recognizable marking based on the differences in the reflectivities of the two layers at different viewing angles.

Abstract: Photochromic printing inks are disclosed which are in particular used for the printing of security documents. Prints are normally nearly colorless and become colored when energy irradiated, such as by ultraviolet light. This photocoloration is reversible. The printing inks contain photochromic compounds which are protected against other ink components. Methods are described to prepare the inks, to print security documents, and to detect counterfeiting.

Abstract: An anticopying film or layer consists of a film or of a layer of transparent material having a large number of completely or partially nontransparent regions which are arranged distances apart and whose planes are arranged in about the same predetermined position relative to the surfaces of the film or of the layer so that, from a predetermined viewing angle onto the surfaces of the anticopying film, the latter is essentially transparent. The regions consist at least partially of photosensitive material which is converted by the action of radiation into nontransparent or reflecting material, it also being possible to provide, in the transparent plastics material, furrows or grooves in which the photosensitive material is present.

Abstract: A media for restricting the copying of a color-reversal document utilizing one or more microdots that are embedded in the color-reversal document for providing a non-visual, but machine detectable signal. By detecting the presence of one or more microdots in the color-reversal document, a copy machine is controllably prevented from copying the color-reversal document.

Abstract: An apparatus for creating copy restrictive media is disclosed comprising a linear array (20) comprised of at least two spatially distributed light sources (22) and an aperture mask (28) for forming two or more micro-light sources from the light sources (22). An optical element (32) focuses light from the micro-light sources onto a media (40) moving relative to the linear array (20). An encoder (16) turns the light sources (22) on and off at regular intervals relating to movement of the media (40).

Abstract: A discrimination device and method that generates a control signal used for controlling a color image processing apparatus that processes color image data in a first color space and generates color image data in a second color space different from the first space. The color image data in the first color space is input and then a discrimination is performed to determine whether an image represented by the input color image data includes a specific image. A control signal is generated based on the discrimination result.

Abstract: The present invention provides a security document comprising (1) a laminate comprising two laminating elements serving as support and covering element and (2) an information carrier laminated between the laminating elements, at least one laminating element comprising two transparent or translucent plastic sheets serving as outer resin layer and inner resin layer characterized in that in the said at least one laminating element comprising an outer resin layer and an inner resin layer a fluorescent dye is comprised between said outer resin layer and said inner resin layer, said fluorescent dye giving light piping in said laminating element containing said fluorescent dye when irradiated with light having a wavelength between 200 and 1000 nm.

Abstract: A system of preserving the integrity of research and comparable data regularly entered into an electronically accessible memory by printing it out periodically upon a form of protected document stock which reveals the fact of copying in every xerographic copy of an original sheet of such stock, and which is accounted for, sheet by sheet, through the use of a unique serial number assigned by the manufacturer of the stock and recorded by him as issued to a given customer/user, and by the use of a record of distribution maintained by the records custodian of a given customer/user to identify specific serially-numbered sheets of such stock as having been issued to a particular person on a particular date, and who collects or receives the printed out stock as a permanent record of the information recorded.

Abstract: A system and associated method for restricting the copying of an image document that contains an image of arbitrary and undetermined character that is formed in or on a document medium having a predetermined pattern of microdots. One embodiment of the system includes a copy machine and associated software that scans for the presence of microdots in an image document and if present prevents the copy machine from making a copy. The microdots are of such a size that they are not visible to the unaided eye, but when machine scanned their presence is sensed.

Abstract: A security device includes a holographic image observable in ambient light and through which a covert image is observable in a focussed beam of bright light, such as a flash light. The holographic image is coated with a metal layer of low optical density, while the covert image is produced by a metal layer of high optical density disposed away from an observer relative to the holographic image. The covert image may itself be amplified by positioning the high optical density layer on a layer of micro prisms.

Abstract: An information carrying sheet of securities, identification cards and the like which is provided with an illegal copying preventive image pattern in which the existence of an illegal copying preventive image pattern is hardly discriminated by the naked eye. An illegal copying preventive image pattern which prevents an unnecessary exposure by combining a plurality of patterns having an absorption in different regions used in the sheet and incorporating a dummy pattern, and which is difficult to perform falsifying/altering/counterfeiting action; and an ink composition which is used for the image pattern, and has a high IR absorption. Whether copying is acceptable or not can be promptly judged with a less memory capacity to shorten copying processing time, and falsifying/altering/counterfeiting action can be securely prevented in such a manner that the application of an illegal copying preventive processing is not noticed easily by a third party.

Abstract: Several techniques to acquire a counterfeit proof security document. The invention includes improvements for use with non-replicable image line frequency techniques, as well as stand-along printing techniques, that exhibit electro-optical copy and photographic copy frustration characteristics such as experiences with use of color-graduated (tonally graded) substrates, blooming or flaring print patterns, pixel differentiation of discrete indicia and combinations of these with certain printing ink (or) varnish under/overcoat.

Abstract: A document that is substantially copy proof even using modern digital color copiers may also be constructed so that it is scanner and image friendly. The document includes at least first through fourth areas each having colored background lines at a first angle and colored VOID lines at a second angle, the second angle being at least 20.degree. different than the first angle, but not 70.degree.-110.degree. or 160.degree.-200.degree. different. At least one of the first and second angles for each of the areas is at least about 10.degree. different than the first and second angles for the other areas. Substantially all of the background and VOID lines have a black content of at least 15% and a density of between about 7-22%. For scanner and image friendly documents the density must be between about 10-12%. All of the lines in the areas have an average maximum line width variation of about 0.0005 inches. The background and VOID lines typically all have a frequency of between about 97-103 lines per inch.

Abstract: An original document includes alphanumeric characters defined by an overprinted reflective layer formed on a complex patterned region, and having graphic or font size, shape and type coordinated to the particular patterns in the patterned region. The coordination of the overprinted reflective layer with the patterned region is such that if the document is electronically scanned or duplicated by xerographic photocopying, the pattern will at least partially obscure the alphanumeric characters so that they can only be read with difficulty, thereby camouflaging the text.

Abstract: The present invention is directed toward a tamper evident informational article such as a temporary vehicle registration which may be made of paper or paperboard. The informational article has a zone for inserting information and a pattern within said zone which will resist effective counterfeiting. A transparent tape which preferably has a silicone resin coating which contains a wax is adhesively secured over information contained within the zone.

Abstract: A device for obliterating printed information on a sheet utilizes an information concealing printing unit for printing an information concealing pattern over a surface of a sheet carrying printed information. On printing the information concealing pattern over the surface of the sheet carrying the printed information, the printed information becomes unreadable. Various types of printing devices may be used and the printed information which is obliterated may be first recorded in electronic format for later retrieval.

Abstract: In a digital copier, facsimile machine, scanner, image filing apparatus or similar apparatus, an image processing device is provided with a capability of surely identifying confidential or secrecy documents which should be protected from unauthorized persons. The confidential or inhibited documents are provided with inhibition patterns by printing or copying over the entire surfaces thereof. The device prevents image data representative of this kind of documents from being improperly copied, transferred, stored or input.

Abstract: To prevent unauthorized duplication of important security documents, an improvement in security or protected documents is disclosed. The security document includes a substrate having top and bottom surfaces where at least one of the surfaces is adapted to carry printed copy thereon. A colored background is printed on at least a portion of one of the surfaces, such as the surface which is adapted to carry printed copy, using a temperature sensitive ink. The security document also includes copy printed on at least a portion of the one of the surfaces adapted to carry printed copy thereon. With these features of construction, the security or protected document contemplates the copy being printed by utilizing a temperature insensitive ink.

Abstract: A method of making a document, such as a check or stock certificate, having enhanced security against counterfeiting. The document includes a strip of foil having a three dimensional light diffracting image thereon affixed to the document. The strip of foil may be affixed to the document before or after the background printing or face printing of the document is completed. In this manner, the light diffracting strip may be printed on by the background and face printing of the document as desired.

Abstract: A document capable of providing multiple colors under the application of heat comprising a support having at least one surface bearing a first coating comprising a substantially colorless, heat activatable chromogenic composition capable of producing a first color under the application of heat, and a second coating comprising a localized coating of a substantially colorless, heat activatable chromogenic composition capable of producing a second color under the application of heat. Each chromogenic composition comprises a chromogenic compound and a color developer that are substantially colorless solids in physical contact prior to reaction, but which can chemically react to produce a visible colored image by application of heat at temperatures above room temperature. Under the application of heat from a thermal printer, by quickly striking the chromogenic composition with a fingernail or blunt object to produce frictional heat, or other heat application, multicolored images are provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for preventing the forgery of paper records. The method includes providing at a manufacturing site paper and a marking agent having a pre-determined and identifiable photoluminescent characteristic; printing fixed indicia on the paper using the marking agent; transferring the paper to a point of sales site; installing the paper in a printing apparatus capable of both piercing the paper and printing variable indicia on the paper; and piercing the paper to form an aperture therethrough.

Abstract: A method for protecting against duplication of a document with a color copier comprises providing a background color on a document having an average reflectance value and printing on the background with a contrast color having a spectral characteristic which modulates the average reflectance value by no more than 5% and has an average value equal to the average reflectance value. The contrast color is printed with a printing medium that allows activation by a rub and reveal action or by application of intense light.