Abstract: A chemically etched two dimensional matrix symbol is provided on a substrate. The substrate may be metal or plastic. A process is described for forming a plurality of two dimensional matrix symbols at the same time in batches. The two dimensional data matrix symbol includes a substrate, a plurality of grooves and a plurality of raised areas, and a plurality of ink spots disposed in the grooves according to a predefined code. The matrix is readable by a scanning device.

Abstract: A security element for securing valuable articles comprises an optically variable layer (18) that conveys different color impressions at different viewing angles, and a color-constant layer (17, 24). The optically variable layer (18) and the color-constant layer (17, 24) are stacked in a covering region (20), while at most one of the optically variable layer (18) and the color-constant layer (17, 24) is present outside (22) the covering region. The color impression of the stacked layers (18, 17, 24) in the covering region (20) and the color impression of the one layer (18) outside (22) the covering region are matched with each other when viewed at a predetermined viewing angle. Further, the color-constant layer comprises an ink layer (17) and a metal layer arranged below the ink layer (24).

Abstract: Systems and methods for document and product authentication using a variety of absorption and emission signatures are disclosed. Emission signatures in the form of florescent or phosphorescent coatings, inks and substrates are used for authentication and protection of items such as documents, currency, and secondary packaging for tobacco, luxury goods and pharmaceuticals. Spectrally overlapping absorption and emission materials are combined to provide a unique spectral fingerprint detectable by a scanner.

Abstract: Pigment flakes are blended together wherein some are magnetically alignable and exhibit a color shift from a first color to a second color with a change in viewing angle; and some are pigment flakes which exhibit a color shift from the first color to a third color or vice versa with a change in viewing angle, wherein the first, second and third colors are three different colors. The flakes are coated upon a substrate and magnetically alignable flakes are magnetically aligned. The non-magnetically alignable flakes are not aligned by the magnetic field and lie flat upon the substrate they are coated on. By judiciously selecting the angle upon which the magnetic flakes are oriented, an effect is created whereby an observer sees a color shift from a first color to a second or a first color to a third, when orienting the substrate by tilting it at different particular angles. The coated substrate can be used in security applications such as on currency or secure instruments.

Abstract: Paper which exhibits more favorable forgery prevention effect is provided. Paper contains first and second surface regions opposed to each other and an intermediate region interposed between the first and second surface regions. Each of the first and second surface regions and the intermediate region contains cellulose fibers. At least the first surface region further comprises functional fibers which, upon reception of a physical stimulus, make a response different from that made by the cellulose fibers to the physical stimulus. The functional fibers contained in the first surface region are mingled with the cellulose fibers in the first surface region and are oriented in one direction which is parallel or oblique to one main surface of the paper.

Abstract: A method of producing a data carrier with a marking is disclosed. The data carrier includes a laser-markable portion and a beam-modifying portion adjacent the laser-markable portion. The beam-modifying portion has a beam modifying property. The method includes irradiating a laser beam through the beam-modifying portion to allow the beam modifying property thereof to modify at least one beam property to produce a resultant laser beam. This resultant laser beam creates a marking with a visual impression corresponding to the resultant laser beam at the laser-markable portion. The method further includes modifying the beam modifying property of at least a part of the beam-modifying portion through which the laser beam is irradiated for creating the marking so that the exact same resultant beam is difficult to be obtained thereat. A data carrier thereby produced is also disclosed.

Abstract: A system for providing a shipping label and a packing list on a container is provided which enables rapid and automated sequential application of a packing list and a shipping label to the container. The shipping label is configured complemental to the packing list whereby the packing list may first be adhered directly to the container and then the shipping label may be placed thereover. The shipping label may be applied over the packing list while the container moves continuously down a conveyor. The invention further includes an apparatus for sequentially applying the packing list and then the shipping label, and a method for applying the packing list and shipping label in registry.

Abstract: A moiré pattern display sheet is defined by a surface, with the surface being configured to be curved. A first layer has a pattern printed thereon. The pattern comprises a series of visual elements in a first row that have been distorted at least in a first direction. At least some of the series of visual elements are printed to approximately follow an arc having a sweep angle associated therewith. A light steering optical layer overlays the first layer. The light steering optical layer comprises a plurality of parallel optical features which each have a width and which change the direction of the light and thereby provide a depth effect of the visual elements to a viewer looking through the light steering optical layer.

Abstract: Forms containing a removable hang tag are disclosed. An example form includes a substrate including a first line of weakness defining a central area and a perimeter area. The form includes a second line of weakness in the central area to divide the central area into a first side and a second side. The form includes a third line of weakness formed in the perimeter area to define a sleeve area. The form includes a fourth line of weakness formed in the sleeve area to divide the sleeve area into a first sleeve layer and a second sleeve layer.

Abstract: A verifiable/copy-protected document features a combination of nearly identical line-screen patterns for embedding latent images within visually integrated settings. The latent images can be detected for purposes of verification with a matching viewer but are indistinguishable from their visually integrated settings under ordinary viewing conditions. The line-screen patterns, which can be incorporated into document artwork, are printed at certain combinations of line frequencies and print densities so that the line-screen patterns digitally reproduce as a largely undifferentiated solid tint.

Abstract: A printed article is disclosed having a light transmissive substrate having a reverse printed region on a surface thereof in the form of a plurality of very closely spaced printed lines or regions. The printed regions and spaces therebetween are subsequently flood coated with special effect ink such as optically variable ink wherein the ink particle size is on average greater than the gap between reverse printed regions. The image is viewed from the non-printed side of the substrate and very fine lines of the special effect flood coated special effect ink appear as very clear sharp lines having a fine resolution. This eliminates the typical jagged edges that would otherwise be seen if the inked region was not present. This effect is due to the first printed inked regions or lines forming a mask through which the flood coated ink is seen.

Abstract: Described are a number of mechanisms that can reduce transaction costs and increase the economic viability of a number of products. Included is a combination instant lottery ticket and debit card that makes it possible to issue prepaid debit cards having a relatively low monetary value. Also included is a combination on-line ticket/receipt and debit card that can automate the prize paying process, simplifying the retailer's responsibilities while reducing the potential for fraud. Various cash flow and authentication techniques such as age and location verification, nano payment methods and spam filters based on these mechanisms are also described. In addition, instant lottery tickets, and in particular, losing tickets can be provided with a small residual value by placing account information on the ticket. In another version, a lottery ticket can be combined with a payment card that operates as a closed payment system whereby the payment card can only be used with a specified vendor.

Abstract: The invention concerns a security document comprising a translucent carrier substrate, in particular of paper and/or plastic material, and at least one security element which is applied to the carrier substrate or embedded in the carrier substrate and which presents at least one image when viewed in the transillumination mode from at least a first side of the security document and simulates a presence of at least a first watermark in the carrier substrate, wherein the security element has at least region-wise at least one layer which simulates the first watermark, wherein the at least one layer of the security element, that simulates the first watermark, imparts thereto unexpected optical effects in relation to security elements with conventional watermarks.

Abstract: A portable data carrier (1) includes a carrier (2) which has a first graphical representation (3) and a second graphical representation (4). The second graphical representation (4) is better protected against tampering than the first graphical representation (3). In addition, the second graphical representation (4) is configured as a reference for detecting tampering with the first graphical representation (3). Only a partial area (5) of the first graphical representation (3) laterally overlaps with the second graphical representation (4) and there is no lateral overlap between the first graphical representation (3) and the second graphical representation (4) outside the partial area (5).

Abstract: A business form includes a paper carrier sheet having an upper surface and a lower surface, a barrier layer on an area of the upper surface of the paper carrier sheet, a silicone coating extending over the barrier layer, and a label assembly. The label assembly includes a label ply and a pressure sensitive adhesive coating. The label assembly is secured to the silicone coating and to the upper surface of the carrier sheet by the pressure sensitive adhesive. The label ply has a die cut through it that defines a label portion and a lip portion. The label portion is secured only to the silicone coating, and the lip portion is secured to both the silicone coating and to the upper surface of the carrier sheet. When the business form is printed with a printer, such as a laser printer, the form moves through the printer in an orientation in which the lip portion leads the label assembly. This results in the label portion being less likely to be removed from the carrier sheet inadvertently.

Abstract: There is provided a method for providing a security enabled dual-sided thermal medium, which includes imaging a first side of the thermal medium with a first data security feature, and imaging a second side of the thermal medium with a second data security feature. There is also provided a security enabled dual-sided thermal medium, which includes a first data security feature disposed at a predetermined location of a first side of the thermal medium, and a second data security feature disposed at a predetermined location of a second side of the thermal medium. Additionally, there is provided a system for providing a security enabled dual-sided thermal medium, which includes a dual-sided direct thermal printer adapted to image a first side of the thermal medium with a first data security feature and image a second side of the thermal medium with a second data security feature.

Abstract: An information processing apparatus according to an aspect of the present invention includes an identifying unit configured to identify a printing capability of an apparatus that is a transmission destination of first image data, and a converting unit configured to convert the first image data, which has been instructed to be printed with a transparent recording material, into second image data that can be printed by the transmission destination apparatus, on the basis of the identification result of the identifying unit and information attached to the first image data.

Abstract: The invention relates to a customized multi-layer support which takes the general form of a card, such as an identification card. The support includes a card body, the upper face of which is provided with externally-visible personal information; and a film which is at least partially transparent and which is fixed to the upper face of the card body. The support has boundary lines which define the areas of the aforementioned film with reduced or increased mechanical strength. The invention also relates to a method of producing one such customized support.

Abstract: A label assembly that includes a face sheet with a label shape defined by one or more tearable lines of separation, a back sheet adjacent to the face sheet, and an adhesive material disposed between the face sheet and the back sheet. The back sheet includes at least one removable panel disposed over at least a portion of the label shape and including a grasp tab extending from the first removable panel into contact with a remaining portion of the back sheet or an edge of the label assembly. The label assembly also includes a registration structure for use in aligning and adhering the label shape to the object to be labeled.

Abstract: The invention provides hard coat and image receiving layer structures and related methods used in ID document production. These structures and methods provide ID documents that offer hard protection in areas where needed (e.g., in optical windows for machine readable data), and also provide image receiving layers for later printing of variable data, such as personalization information of the bearer. Implementations of the structure provide an effective interface between hard coat and image receiving layers that provides enhanced durability in manufacture and field use.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a security element (20) for security papers, value documents and the like, having a substrate (22) and an opaque metallization 24, 26) arranged on the substrate. According to the invention in the security element is provided, that the metallization (24, 26) comprises a first opaque metal layer (24) and a second opaque metal layer (26) arranged above the first metal layer (24), and that the two metal layers (24, 26) have substantially the same tone of color in the visible spectral region.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a multilayer information page (1) for a security document, which includes an information part (3) allowing at least some information to be entered into the information page, a flexible and bending resistant connecting part (2) for connecting the information page to the security document, and a surface film (7) which at least partly covers the information part (3) and the connecting part (2) and which is fastened to the information page (1) by lamination. In order to make a possible attempt at forgery even easier to detect, a visible pattern (8) is provided between the connecting part (2) and the surface film (7), and between the visible pattern (8) and the surface film (7) or, correspondingly, between the visible pattern (8) and the connecting part (2), a detachment layer (9) is arranged which consists of separately residing areas preventing the connecting part (2) or, correspondingly, the surface film (7) from becoming firmly attached to the visible pattern (8).

Abstract: Described is a security element for increasing the forgery-proof nature of a security document, in particular an identity card or pass, a passport or an identification card. The security element (1) has a first diffractive region (15) having an open code which is visible with a naked eye. The first diffractive region further has a concealed code which is not visible with the naked eye and which can be reconstructed from the arrangement of diffractive microregions disposed in the first region (1) and/or from the structure of the first diffractive region (1). Further described is a method of increasing the forgery-proof nature of a security document.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of generating a laser marking in a security document by means of at least one laser beam, the security document having at least one laser-markable layer and also at least one reflecting layer which overlaps at least partly with the at least one laser-markable layer and has opaque regions. The at least one reflecting layer has at least one transparent region and, at least visually, is not significantly altered by the laser treatment of the laser-markable layer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a security element for securing valuable articles, having an optically variable layer (20) that imparts different color impressions at different viewing angles. According to the present invention, in a covering area (32), a semi-transparent ink layer (34) is disposed on top of the optically variable layer (20), the color impression of the optically variable layer (20) being coordinated with the color impression of the semi-transparent ink layer (34) in the covering area (32) when viewed under predefined viewing conditions.

Abstract: A security element (1) for security papers, documents of value or the like, having a substrate (3) the upper face (6) of which is height-modulated, and has a multilayer structure (7) which acts as a color filter. The structure is formed on the height-modulated upper face (6) and is likewise height-modulated as a result, and includes a first layer (8), a second layer (9) of dielectric material formed thereon and a third layer (10) formed on the second layer (9), wherein the first and third layer (8,10) are each formed from a dielectric material having a higher refractive index than that of the second layer (9), or in each case from a metal or semi-metal material.

Abstract: This invention relates to a value document, in particular a bank note, having a value document substrate and at least two different feature substances for checking the value document. According to the invention, a first feature substance is incorporated into the volume of the substrate of the value document. A second feature substance is formed by a luminescent substance which is applied to the value document substrate in the form of a coding.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a data carrier, especially a value document, such as a banknote, an identification card or the like, having a security element (20) that exhibits a print image (22) and a laser marking (24) at least partially overlapping the print image (22). According to the present invention, the security element (20) further exhibits, at least partially overlapping the print image (22), a laser modification area (26) that is in register with the laser marking (24) and in whose overlap area (28) with the print image (22) the visual appearance of the print image (22) is modified by the action of a laser beam.

Abstract: A security document has a first region and an adjacent second region, the regions defining a security device. Opposite sides of the first region are provided with first and second, complementary indicia registered with respect to one another, the first region being sufficiently transparent that both the first and second indicia are viewable from either side of the document under reflected light. Third indicia are provided on the second region on the same side of the document, registered with, and complementary to, the first indicia, and fourth indicia are provided on the second region on the same side of the document, registered with, and complementary to, the second indicia, the third and fourth indicia also being complementary to and registered with respect to one another.

Abstract: A method of enhancing the security of instant or scratch-off tickets is disclosed in which a security marking is applied to the substrate of the ticket during the printing process which is invisible to the human eye except upon the application of radiant energy to the ticket.

Abstract: The invention discloses a security element having a coating layer which appears transparent at certain angles of view, giving visual access to underlying information, whilst staying opaque at other angles of view. Documents of value, right, identity, security labels or branded goods comprising said security element, as well as a method for producing said security element, are also disclosed. Using appropriate substrate surfaces, optically variable and otherwise angle-dependent visual effects can be realized.

Abstract: The invention relates to a security element for an article to be protected, having an upper face and a lower face, one or more imaging optical arrangements, which all image a respective associated object to a magnified scale only in front of the upper face, wherein the one optical arrangement or at least one of the optical arrangements comprises a plurality of reflective micro-imaging elements arranged two-dimensionally in a first pattern, and the associated object is in the form of a microstructure object having a plurality of microstructures, which are arranged in a microstructure pattern so matched to the first pattern that the microstructure object is imaged to a magnified scale in front of the upper face by means of the reflective micro-imaging elements.

Abstract: A print device includes a print data acquisition unit that acquires print data having a plurality of signature attachment areas defined thereon, each signature attachment area having electronic signature data produced therefor and attached thereto, a range data acquisition unit that acquires data indicative of a range of a print target area defined on the print data, and a verification unit that verifies, before completion of acquisition of the print data by the print data acquisition unit, the electronic signature data attached to the signature attachment area containing at least a part of the print target area.

Abstract: A laminate 40 for a tamper-resistant identity document, the laminate comprising: a carrier film (10, FIG. 1) having a first adhesive layer 11 on a surface thereof, the first adhesive layer 11 comprising one or more visible registration features 13; and a cover film (20, FIG. 2b) having a first surface (20a, FIG. 2b) removably bonded to the first adhesive layer 11 and a second surface (20b, FIG. 2b) having a printed security feature 41, 42, 43 and a second adhesive layer (32, FIG. 3b) thereon. The cover film may have a thickness of no greater than 12 microns. The printed security feature may be in predetermined registration with the one or more visible registration features of the first adhesive layer.

Abstract: An authenticatable object comprises a surface having a latent hidden image embossed therein. The latent image is an encoded version of an authentication image and comprises a plurality of elements applied to the surface with a predetermined frequency. The latent hidden image is configured for optical decoding by a decoder having a decoder frequency corresponding to the predetermined frequency.

Abstract: An identification medium provided with a laminated structure comprises laminated layers of a magnetically controllable layer, in which magnetic microcapsules are dispersed, and a color shifting layer.

Abstract: A method for facilitating multi-lingual play of a game on a single game card includes providing a game play area on the game card. A first set of game instructions are provided on the game card printed in a first language. A second set of the game instructions in a different second printed language over superimposed over the first set of game instructions. An indicator is provided on the game card to convey that the first set of game instructions are present and accessible by removing the second set of game instructions. A player has the option to read the game instructions in either or both of the first or second printed languages.

Abstract: A system for providing a shipping label and a packing list on a container is provided which enables rapid and automated sequential application of a packing list and a shipping label to the container. The shipping label is configured complemental to the packing list whereby the packing list may first be adhered directly to the container and then the shipping label may be placed thereover. The shipping label may be applied over the packing list while the container moves continuously down a conveyor. The invention further includes an apparatus for sequentially applying the packing list and then the shipping label, and a method for applying the packing list and shipping label in registry.

Abstract: A security feature for an identification document comprising a document substrate, a first security feature applied to the document substrate, and an image of a bearer of the identification document transferred over the first security feature. The image includes a knockout portion in which selected areas of the image are not transferred to the substrate. The selected areas expose the first security feature and selected areas are in the form of personal information of the bearer of the document.

Abstract: A hidden image game piece is formed on a transparent or translucent substrate which is part of an optical disc (e.g., a CD or DVD). The hidden image can be used to contain a “key” which is required to gain access to the data contained on the optical disc, thereby aiding in the prevention of that type of piracy of the content of the optical disc which could be accomplished by a simple disc-to-disc copy.

Abstract: The invention relates to reflective features formed from multiple inks. In one embodiment, the reflective feature includes a substrate having a first region and a second region, the first and second regions having different surface characteristics; a first reflective element disposed on the first region; and a second reflective element disposed on the second region, wherein the first reflective element is more adherent than the second reflective element to the first region. In another embodiment, the reflective feature includes multiple layers formed from different inks exhibiting enhanced reflectivity and/or durability. The invention is also to processes for forming these features, preferably through a direct write printing process.

Abstract: A moiré pattern display sheet defined by a surface is described. A first layer has a pattern printed thereon. The pattern includes a series of visual elements in a first row that have been distorted at least in a first direction. The series of visual elements is generated from an electronically saved file of vector based graphics. A light steering optical layer overlaying the first layer. The light steering optical layer comprising a plurality of optical features which change the direction of the light and thereby provide a depth effect of the series of visual elements to a viewer looking through the light steering optical layer.

Abstract: A bottle-cap identification system includes a double or, alternatively, single layer coating applied to top and sides of a twist-top bottle cap and its appendant stationary connection ring. The double layer coating consists of an inner colored painting with stripe pattern and an outer opaque black layer. The single layer coating includes only the opaque substance and is applied directly to a cap and ring, whereby the cap and ring is either of solid color or features the genuine brand design. The black layer is composed of a polymer with weaker cohesive than adhesive bonds, which prevents the color of cap and ring from being seen through and enables its removal by scratching. Such scratching results in a marking randomly exposing the inner layer or, respectively, the cap and ring itself. The marking and its alignment on cap and ring serve as criterion for recognition and identification of the bottle.

Abstract: The invention concerns a security element (10) for RF identification, and a security document which is provided with such a security element (10). The security element has a flexible film body (104) into which are integrated an electronic circuit which is designed for the storage of security-relevant items of information and an RF antenna which is connected to the electronic circuit and which serves for contact-less communication of the electronic circuit with a test device. Permanently fixed on a surface of the flexible film body (104) is a first optically variable element (102) which at least region-wise covers the region of the flexible film body in which the electronic circuit is arranged, wherein permanently fixed on the other opposite surface of the flexible film body is a second optically variable element.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for playing a game of chance. The game of chance may include, for example, a lottery-type game using a pull-tab ticket. A result of the game of chance is revealed to a player in another medium. In one example, the result is revealed during multiple game instances of one or more online games.

Abstract: The invention relates to reflective and non-reflective features formed from multiple inks. In one embodiment, the printed feature comprises a substrate having a first region and a second region, the first and second regions having different surface characteristics; a first printed element disposed on the first region; and a second printed element disposed on the second region, wherein the first printed element is more adherent than the second printed element to the first region. In another embodiment, the printed feature comprises multiple layers formed from different inks exhibiting enhanced durability. The invention is also to processes for forming these features, preferably through a direct write printing process.

Abstract: An image forming method for forming an image printed matter, includes the steps of: forming a toner image with toner particles on a photoreceptor; transferring the toner image from the photoreceptor onto a substrate; laminating an toner holding material layer on the substrate so as to embed the toner image in the toner holding material layer so that the toner holding material layer holds the toner image therein and the image printed matter is formed, wherein the toner holding material layer is composed of a gel including a liquid dispersion medium having a contact angle of 20 to 110 degrees to the image supporting substrate.

Abstract: Described herein are various embodiments of imagery or items comprising imagery using semiconductor processing or fabrication techniques and methods of using such techniques to make imagery. For example, according to one embodiment, a method of making imagery having nano-scale or micro-scale portions can include providing a silicon wafer, coating the silicon wafer with a layer of oxide, depositing a layer of photoresist onto the oxide layer, and removing a patterned portion of the photoresist to expose a patterned portion of the oxide layer. The method can also include removing at least some of the patterned portion of the oxide such that the patterned portion of the oxide layer has a predetermined thickness resulting in a predetermined viewable color. The patterned portion of the oxide layer can define at least one of the nano-scale or micro-scale portions.

Abstract: The invention relates to a data carrier into which, by a laser beam, identifiers (20, 22) are introduced in the form of patterns, letters, numbers and/or images that are visible due to local changes in the optical properties of the data carrier, effected by the laser beam and resulting from material transformations. According to the present invention, the data carrier comprises a laser-sensitive recording layer (26) that is transparent in the visible spectral range and that is provided with a surface relief in the form of a lens grid (28). The identifiers are introduced with the laser beam from different directions through the lens grid (28) into the recording layer (26) and are perceptible when later viewed from those same directions. The data carrier is transparent at least in the area of the introduced identifiers (20, 22).

Abstract: An apparatus and related method for conveying information associated with containers. The apparatus comprises a container supporting modification means which when selectively altered effectively changes the appearance of the container such that a unique visual communication is produced. The related method comprises selectively altering the modification means supported by the container thereby providing a unique visual communication.