Abstract: Disclosed herein is a secret scratch sticker capable of secretly delivering a message to only a person who receives the message and a method of manufacturing the same. The secret scratch sticker comprises a transparent film sheet 110 having an adhesion portion formed on one surface thereof; a first scratching part 120 laminated on the other surface of the film sheet 110 so as to be stripped off with a fingernail or a coin; and a second scratching part 130 laminated on the first scratching part 120 so as to be stripped off together with the first scratching part 120, the second scratching part having colors. According to the present invention, a user can deliver a message to only a desired person, and thus the message can be hidden from other people.

Abstract: A method, apparatus and computer program product for providing protection for a document is presented. Document content of the document is obtained. An occurrence of a security code within the document content is detected, the security code associated with the document content. A security policy associated with the security code is identified. The identified security policy is then applied to the document content.

Abstract: A postage payment label is provided which includes a substrate having an image provided thereon and a postage mark. The substrate and the image are able to transmit light of one or more first wavelengths (e.g., infrared or ultraviolet light) while the postage mark is able to absorb or reflect light of the one or more first wavelengths. Moreover, the image that is provided on the substrate is able to absorb and/or reflect light of one or more second wavelengths (e.g., visible light). Accordingly, when the image is illuminated with light of the one or more second wavelengths (e.g., visible light), the image conceals a portion or all of the postage mark. The postage mark (or relevant portion thereof), however, may be viewed when the image is illuminated with light of the one or more first wavelengths and not illuminated with light of the one or more second wavelengths.

Abstract: An interleaf is disclosed, as well as a process and device for producing an interleaf, in particular for a book-like identification document. At least one additional layer (26) made of thermally resistant plastics is laminated onto at least one layer (24) made of thermoplastic elastomer, a section (42) of the at least one additional layer (24) being integrated into a folding region (31) without producing a thickened region on the outer side of the at least one layer (24) made of thermoplastic elastomer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to printable security paper that includes a region capable of receiving printed indicia on the front side and on the reverse side which are observable in reflected light and form an image observable in transmitted light, as security element protecting against two-sided copying, characterized in that such region is a screened region having an average overall opacity less than the opacity of the vellum part of the rest of the paper, said screened region being made up from alternations of vellum miniregions, having an approximately constant thickness equal to that of the vellum part of the rest of the paper, and of miniregions of reduced opacity because of their smaller thickness compared with the vellum miniregions. The invention also relates to the security document obtained with this paper.

Abstract: A signaling label for use in postage payment evidencing is described including a luminescent signaling section having a primarily green fluorescent ink coating. In one configuration, a primarily green fluorescent ink includes approximately 12 weight percent of a pigment selected from the quinazolinone class of pigments mixed with an acrylic varnish base to provide a primarily green fluorescent signal having with sufficient red fluorescent response to a short UV excitation to trigger a USPS facing system is described.

Abstract: Methods for producing an information carrier produced by: (1) providing an information carrier precursor comprising a 5 rigid sheet or support; a receiving layer configuration having an image-receiving side and a non-image-receiving side, the receiving layer configuration comprising at least one pigment and at least one binder, (2) pattern-wise or integrally at least partially transparentizing the receiving layer configuration with a vaporizable liquid thereby providing a transparent pattern on the at least partially transparentized receiving layer; (3) using a light source to write a pattern or modify the pattern in the layer or element capable of a machine-readable change upon absorption of UV, visible or IR 25 radiation after transmission through at least part of the transparentized areas of the receiving layer configuration; evaporating the vaporizable liquid, thereby producing an information carrier.

Abstract: A message-delivery medium with concealed information functions as a tool to promote personal relationships and connections between a sender and receiver, and comprises a message carrier and removable covering element. The message carrier carries an integrated message, which is known and designed/planned beforehand by the sender, and which contains a multiple of interrelated message elements having relativity and connectivity with each other. The message elements include at least one visible message and at least one concealed message that is hidden, yet known to the sender, such as a key message and/or an answer. The removable covering element is integrated with the surface of the message carrier, and hides the concealed message that is intentionally chosen to be hidden, thus preventing the receiver to see the concealed message. The receiver experiences feelings and/or emotional reactions planned, designed or expected by the sender, before, during and after removing the covering element.

Abstract: An image forming method is provided to attain a higher security for preventing forgery and falsification of information by using an optical diffraction structure. In a body (10) whereupon a layer is to be transferred, printing information (2) is recorded. On the body (10), a layer (20d) including a hologram and a diffraction lattice provided on an optical diffraction structure transfer sheet (20) is transferred, and an image including recorded printing information (2) and optical diffraction structures (3, 4, 5) is formed. The layer (20d) including the optical diffraction structure is transferred so that the diffraction lattice (5) to be transferred forms diffraction lattice information (5) showing a prescribed regularity in a corresponding relationship between the printing information (2).

Abstract: The invention concerns a security document (1) comprising a transparent window (12) in which a first optical element (15) is arranged and a second transparent window (13) in which a second optical element (16) is arranged. The first transparent window (12) and the second transparent window (13) are arranged on a carrier (11) of the security document (1) in mutually spaced relationship in such a way that the first and the second optical elements (15, 16) can be brought into overlapping relationship with each other. The first optical element (15) has a first transmissive microlens field and the second optical element (16) has a second transmissive microlens field, wherein a first optical effect is produced upon overlap of the second microlens field with the first microlens field.

Abstract: A lottery ticket is printed onto two substrate sheets where the sheets are laminated together with both of equal length and with the top sheet approximately half the width of the bottom sheet and arranged along one side edge of the bottom sheet leaving approximately half of the bottom sheet exposed and free to fold over the top sheet. A series of break open windows is provided in the front surface of the top sheet which can be opened by a player to expose some of the game indicia printed onto the front face of the bottom sheet and covered also by a layer of scratchoff. Some of the game indicia is located on the front surface of the bottom sheet and is covered by a layer of scratchoff material so that it is on the inside when the bottom sheet is folded over.

Abstract: An article bears an HVS-perceivable security pattern based on metamerism. The metamerism causes the security pattern to be perceived differently when viewed under two different light sources.

Abstract: A multi-layer label with variable data and method for its manufacture. First indicia is printed on a first label face ply of a multi-ply label material in registration with an eventual location of at least one of a plurality of multi-layer labels. The first indicia may be variable between at least two of the plurality of multi-layer labels. A second label material is removably adhered to the multi-ply first label material, thereby covering the first indicia. Second indicia is printed on the face of the second label material.

Abstract: The invention relates to a security element for security papers, documents of value and the like having a thin-layer element (12) with color shift effect, which has a reflection layer (14), an absorber layer (18) and a spacer layer (16) disposed between reflection layer (14) and absorber layer (18). According to the invention the spacer layer (16) is formed by a printed layer having dispersion particles (20) with monomodal or oligomodal size distribution.

Abstract: Disclosed is an item, for example a document, including a substrate having thereon a multiplicity of separate printed markings, wherein the printed markings include both conductive printed markings and substantially non-conductive printed markings. The different conductive and substantially non-conductive regions on the substrate can be detected, for example by measuring the resistance or current of each printed marking. The pattern of different conductive and substantially non-conductive regions can be used as a security pattern of authenticity that cannot be replicated by standard office equipment, and/or can be used to encrypt information in binary code form in the item. A system for forming and detecting the different printed markings is also described.

Abstract: An improvement to a container of the type that includes a vacuum formed transparent base and lid, the container having opposite sides that each forms a base flap (20) and a lid flap (22) that lie adjacent and parallel to each other, wherein the container indicates if it has been opened after a store clerk has loaded food into the container. An indicator sheet (34) lies between the base and lid and has cut-out characters (60) lying in holes (62) of a carrier (64), the carrier being bonded to the base flap and the characters being bonded to the lid flap. The container is opened by a person pulling up the lid flap, with the characters lifting out of their holes as they move up with the lid flap, and with the carrier that forms the character holes remaining on the base flap. When the lid is closed by pressing down the lid flap against the base flap, there will be some misalignment of the characters with the holes that they previously lay in, creating gaps that are readily noticeable.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide an authenticity indicator that cannot be easily forged, that is clearly distinguishable, and that can be elaborately designed. An authenticity indicator 101 is in the form of a sheet and can be checked for its authenticity by observing the light reflected from it. The authenticity indicator comprises a first reflective layer 12 comprising a reflective area 12a that reflects specified light, and a second reflective layer 15 that reflects specified light. The reflective area of the first reflective layer has a cholesteric liquid crystalline structure. The second reflective layer comprises a volume hologram.

Abstract: The invention relates to a value document, in particular a bank note, having a value document substrate and 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, and second and third feature substances are applied to the value document substrate in a printing ink jointly and in the form of a coding. The second feature substance is formed by a luminescent substance, and the third feature substance by a material absorbent in a special spectral range. The two substances are used for the value recognition of different user groups.

Abstract: Multi-layer, edge ingress, tamper- and solvent-indicating labels comprise a top film layer coated over a solvent, e.g., water, hydrocarbon, etc., and dye absorbing layer. The solvent and dye absorbing layer can be on top of a porous layer comprising a binder, pigment and particles of a solvent-soluble dye. The porous layer can be on top of an edge-wicking layer which itself is on top of a pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) layer. The edge-wicking layer both absorbs and transports solvent thus serving as a means for transporting solvent to the solvent-soluble dye.

Abstract: The invention concerns a security document comprising, as security element against recto/verso copying, indicia present on both sides and capable of being viewed under reflected lighting and forming an image capable of being viewed under transmitted light. The invention is characterized in that said indicia comprise lines and form said image with 3D effect.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a security element (20) for securing valuable articles, in which a thin-film element (32) having a color-shift effect and a relief pattern (26) present in an embossing lacquer layer (24) are stacked, the embossing lacquer layer (24) having the relief pattern (26) is metalized (28) in sub-regions, and the relief pattern (26) of the partially metalized embossing lacquer layer (24, 28) is leveled with a transparent lacquer layer (30) whose refractive index substantially corresponds to the refractive index of the embossing lacquer layer (24).

Abstract: The invention concerns a value-bearing document and a process for the production of a value-bearing document. The value-bearing document comprises a carrier of a paper material and a laminating film which is applied to the carrier and which has a carrier film and a decorative layer arrangement including one or more security features and/or one or more components with electrical functionalities. The laminating film is provided with predetermined breaking locations the reducing the strength of the laminating film.

Abstract: A value document, in particular a bank note, has a value document substrate and at least one feature substance for authenticity recognition and at least two different feature substances for checking the value document. First and second feature substances are present on or in the value document substrate in the form of mutually independent codings which render, at least partly, the same information, e.g. statement of value, currency, etc.

Abstract: A security document comprising a sheet having a front surface, a rear surface and sides edges. The sheet includes one or more windows or half-windows formed from a transparent or translucent material. At least one of the windows or half-windows is an edge window or half-window which extends to at least one side edge region of the sheet, and the edge window or half-window includes one or more of the following features: a denominator; an independent security device; and/or a trigger feature.

Abstract: A security feature for an identification document comprises a base document layer, including a first image printed with a covert ink, and a personalized image relating to a bearer of the document (such as a facial photo) printed over the first image. The personalized image is printed with an ink that is incompatible with the covert ink such that the first image becomes overt within the personalized image upon printing of the personalized image. This feature creates an interlocking relationship between the covert image, which may be pre-printed prior to personalization on card stock, and personalized information printed over the covert image. Variations of this feature can be made in which the first image is not covert, yet still creates an interlocking relationship due to ink incompatibilities. Further, the second image may depict information other than personal information.

Abstract: A security sheet having with high anti-forgery/falsification property has an engraving layer including a sheet surface provided with an engraved identification image and a visible image non-engraved and being identical in details to the identification image so as to allow observation by comparison. For example, when a policeman questions a suspicious person at night to ask that person to present an identification card, the policeman checks the engraved identification image through tactile sense and visual sense. At the same time, the policeman checks the engraved identification image and the non-engraved visible image identical in details thereto through observation by comparison between both images by visual sense and through face-to-face observation of the person. With this, identity of the person can be authenticated by making use of tactile sense and visual sense complementarily.

Abstract: Intended is to provide an electromagnetic shielding material having a conductive layer pattern by transferring a conductive composite to a transparent base material, and an electromagnetic shielding material having a metal layer formed on the transferred conductive layer. The electromagnetic shielding material is free from the troubles such as the breaking of wire, the non-conforming shape or the low contact, which is based on the non-conforming transfer of the conductive composite. The electromagnetic shielding material comprises a transparent base material, a primer layer formed over the transparent base material, and a conductive layer formed in a predetermined pattern on the primer layer. In the primer layer, a portion having the conductive layer formed therein has a thickness larger than the thickness of a portion without the conductive layer.

Abstract: The invention relates to improvements in security elements for use in or on security substrates. In particular the invention is concerned with security elements having public recognition features. The security element comprises at least one light transmitting carrier substrate, a first metal layer having substantially metal-free areas defining indicia which are visible in transmitted light, a partial first light scattering layer providing further indicia which are visible in reflected light. The first light scattering layer overlaps the metal free areas in the first metal layer.

Abstract: A method for interlaminating an embossed hologram, the embossed hologram comprising an optionally transparent support having two sides, at least one of the two sides either itself being embossed or having a layer thereon which is embossed and a layer of a HRI-material contiguous with the embossed side or embossed layer, comprising the steps of: a) conditioning the outermost surface of the layer of inorganic HRI-material with an alkaline solution or an acidic solution; b) drying the outermost surface of the layer of the inorganic HRI-material thereby providing a conditioned outermost surface of the layer of inorganic HRI-material; c) applying a layer of an adhesive composition to the conditioned outermost surface of the layer of inorganic HRI-material support; and d) laminating the outermost surface of the layer of HRI-material to a polymer film, wherein at least one of the support and the polymer film is transparent; and wherein the HRI material is a material with a refractive index of at least 0.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a see-through security element (12), for security papers, value documents and the like, having at least one micropattern having a visual appearance that is viewing-angle dependent when looked through (26, 28). According to the present invention, the at least one micropattern is formed from an arrangement of a plurality of pattern elements (24) having a characteristic pattern spacing of 1 ?m or more, and the see-through security element (12) exhibits a total thickness of 50 ?m or less.

Abstract: Security documents, such as passports, bank notes and credit cards, often incorporate security devices that are difficult to replicate by conventional printing or copying techniques. Disclosed herein are security devices and methods for their production. In selected embodiments, the security devices may be used with polymer core materials in such a way that they simulate the appearance of known security devices more traditionally used with paper core materials.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an individualized security document such as a passport, savings book or bankbook or the like which has a number of pages which are joined together by means of a fixing or adhesive. Incorporated into the security document by means of the fixing or adhesive is a transfer film which is provided with security elements and which has a base film and a decorative layer arrangement having the security elements. The decorative layer arrangement can be transferred onto the associated page of the security document. At the same time the base film is detached from the decorative layer arrangement and can be cut out of the security document.

Abstract: The invention concerns a security document (7) having a first transparent region (72) in which a first transparent optical element (74) is arranged and a second region (71) in which a second opaque optical element (73) is arranged. The second opaque optical element (73) exhibits a first optical effect. The first region (72) and the second region (71) are arranged in mutually spaced relationship on a carrier (75) of the security document, in such a way that the first and second regions can be brought into mutually overlapping relationship. Upon overlap of the second optical element with the first optical element with a first spacing (26) between the first and second optical elements a second optical effect appears and upon overlap of the second optical element with the first optical element with a second spacing (25) between the first and second optical elements, which is greater than the first spacing (26), a third optical effect (51) which is different from the second optical effect appears.

Abstract: A method of preparing documents for the transmission of secure information comprises the steps of preparing a first laminar element (13; 37) with a peripheral region (15) separable from a central region (14), printing the secure information on the central region (14) of the first laminar element (13; 37), or on a central region (19) of a second laminar element (12; 36), positioning the two laminar elements (13; 37, 12; 36) in face-to-face relation, with the face of the element bearing the information facing the said other element, and securing the element together around the peripheral regions.

Abstract: The present invention relies on a band moiré image layout model capable of predicting the band moiré image layer layout produced when superposing a base band grating layer of a given layout and revealing line grating layer of a given layout. The base band grating layer, the revealing line grating layer and the resulting band moiré image layout may have a rectilinear or a curvilinear layout. Thanks to the band moiré image layout model, one can choose the layout of two layers selected from the set of base band grating layer, revealing line grating layer and band moiré image layer and obtain the layout of the third layer by computation, i.e. automatically. The presented methods may be used for creating an individualized protection for various categories of documents (banknotes, identity documents, checks, diploma, travel documents, tickets) and valuable products (optical disks, medical drugs, products with affixed labels, watches).

Abstract: A security device comprises a substrate having a viewing region. A first pattern of a first colour and a second pattern of a second colour are printed on one side of the viewing region. A third pattern of the first colour and a fourth pattern of the second colour are printed on the other side of the viewing region. The first and second patterns on the one side of the viewing region overlap the fourth and third patterns respectively on the other side of the viewing region whereby a) when each side of the viewing region is viewed in reflected light, the patterns on that side can be distinguished by at least their colours, and b) when the viewing region is viewed in transmitted light, from either side of the substrate, the viewing region is sufficiently transparent that subtractive colour mixing between the overlapped different colours results in a perceived single resultant colour being visible.

Abstract: An areal security element for security papers, documents of value and the like, with at least two different areal security features (20, 22) disposed one above the other, which each are recognizable upon viewing the security element from opposite sides, wherein the first security feature (20) has a thin-layer element (42) provided with an areal diffraction structure (46) with color shift effect, which contains a first reflection layer (40) with a first color effect, the second security feature (22) has a second reflection layer (44) provided with an areal diffraction structure (46) for producing a diffractive image, which shows a second color effect different from the first color effect, and wherein the thin-layer element (42) of the first security feature (20) and the reflection layer (44) of the second security feature (22) are provided with the same areal diffraction structure (46).

Abstract: In an embodiment, there is disclosed a product labeling system comprising: a first high energy electromagnetic or particle wave generator, at least one second high energy electromagnetic of particle wave generator; and a controller operatively configured to direct wave produced by said first generator and the wave produced by said second generator onto a portion of the subsurface of the product to mark the product at said subsurface without generating any substantial disruption of the surface of said product.

Abstract: The present invention provides a shipping method for guaranteeing that an article for shipping has remained sealed with a seal and has remained unopened. Specifically, first, the sender is asked to enter a signature on a seal. Because of the pressure from a writing implement at time of entering, the signature is copied to a sheet for verification. An article for shipping is sealed with a seal and transported to a recipient. The signature on the seal is verified against the signature on the sheet for verification. By confirming that the two match, it is confirmed that the seal has not been replaced. Thus it is guaranteed that the article for shipping has remained sealed with the seal and has remained unopened.

Abstract: A card forming sheet includes an opaque printing sheet and a transparent film placed over the printing sheet, so that the transparent film can be peeled away from the printing sheet and cannot be re-bonded to the printing sheet. Moreover, the card forming sheet includes a transparent adhesive and a peeling sheet placed over the adhesive layer. The printing sheet is divided into a substantially rectangular address describing part, an information describing part adjacent to one side of the address describing part, and a concealing part adjacent to another side of the address describing part. The card forming sheet is folded along a boundary between the address describing part and the information describing part. The two sides are bonded together so that the printing sheet is placed to the outside, and the card forming sheet is then folded along a boundary between the concealing part and the address describing part and bonded together, removably concealing the information.

Abstract: A security element 2, 4 for embedding in or application to a security document in such a way that it is visually recognizable from both sides of the security document 1, is structured in a multilayer fashion and includes two interference elements I1, I2 with color shift effect, a metallic reflection layer R located in between as well as, optionally, diffraction structures 8. Depending on the disposition of the layers I1, R, I2 and the optionally present diffraction structures 8 on a transparent substrate S the color shift effect and/or the diffractive effects are perceptible from one or from both sides of the security element 2, 4. The security element is particularly suitable as a two-sided window thread 4 and as a label or transfer element 2 above a hole 3 in the security document 1.

Abstract: The invention relates to a data carrier having a security element that is at lest visually testable and has an embossing in at least a partial area, the embossing being a halftone blind embossing executed by inkless line intaglio printing, and to a method for producing the data carrier and a printing plate for blind-embossing a security element.

Abstract: A system, method, computer program, and business form that may be used to more quickly, accurately, and efficiently label, identify, track, and inventory new and previously-owned vehicles on an auto dealer's lot. Many aspects may also be used to track other objects such as hotel keys. The computer program and method include the steps of: receiving vehicle information for at least one vehicle to be delivered to the auto dealer; storing the vehicle information in a vehicle database accessible by the computer; receiving data obtained from the vehicle when the vehicle is delivered to the auto dealer; comparing the data to the vehicle database to determine if vehicle information has been received for the vehicle; and directing a printer to print at least a portion of the vehicle information on an identifier to be applied to the vehicle if the data corresponds to the vehicle information in the vehicle database.

Abstract: This is a method to create 3-dimensional images from a 2-dimensional image. This Method utilizes various pieces of paper produced within the process and a method of attachment all together with layering and spacing in 3-dimensions to create a final piece of artwork which is 3-dimensional. Among other uses the end product of this method can be used as a free standing work of art which can be matted and framed and placed either hanging or attached to a wall or other surface or placed on an easel or other tripod mechanism for free standing on a table or floor or other surface.

Abstract: The invention relates to the field of printed security documents and, more particularly, to security documents and methods of making security documents bearing enhanced security features. The security documents may include identification documents or any other known documents of value. The security document includes a transparent window area with an ultraviolet blocking agent incorporated therein. Invisible ultraviolet fluorescent ink patterns are printed on respective opposite sides of the ultraviolet blocking agent within the region of the transparent window area. When either the face side or back side of the security document is illuminated with ultraviolet light, only the pattern printed proximate that side within the area of the transparent window becomes visible. When both face and back sides are simultaneously illuminated with ultraviolet light, the patterns printed on both sides of the ultraviolet blocking agent within the area of the transparent window become visible at the same time.

Abstract: The invention concerns an object of value (15), for example a credit card, banknote or identity card. The object of value (15) has a carrier layer (1), at least one first layer (21) containing a moiré pattern and at least one second layer (31, 33) containing a moiré analyzer for the moiré pattern of the first layer (21). That second layer is arranged above or beneath the first layer in a fixed position relative to the first layer in such a way that the moiré pattern of the first layer (21) and the moiré analyzer of the second layer (31, 33) are permanently optically superimposed at least in region-wise fashion, whereby a permanent moiré image is generated.

Abstract: A label assembly has a front label and a rear label both affixed to a non-opaque bottle. The front label has a transparent portion and the rear label has an opaque portion, wherein the bottle facing side of the rear label has a solid colored border with a white interior portion. This border provides a burst to the transparent front label.

Abstract: A card, in particular credit card, identity card, bank card or the like is proposed that includes a plurality of laminated layers between which a security element with a relief structure, in particular holographic diffraction structures, is embedded. The materials are selected so that the softening temperature of the security element layer having the relief structure has a higher softening temperature than the card layers between which the security element is laminated. This permits the multilayer laminated card to be produced by conventional laminating methods without appreciably impairing the relief structure by the pressures and temperatures thereby occurring. Special combinations of materials and in particular suitable materials for the layer having the relief structure are proposed.

Abstract: A system and method for printing, protecting and authenticating packaging, tangible entertainment media and other products, including a combination of encoded numbers, letters or images (collectively, “indicia”) that is embedded into or printed onto a substrate at a location that is in plain view when incorporated into a package or product; a clear or translucent coating applied in a decoding pattern over the encoded portion of the substrate in such manner that the encoded indicia are readily viewable by and intelligible to a viewer; and an authenticating combination of indicia that is hidden from plain view and becomes visible to an authorized viewer only through destruction of the package or through close inspection of the product. Alternatively, the system can comprise an authenticating combination that is accessible to an authorized purchaser from a separate source or object, and possibly from a remote location.

Abstract: A copy-resistant document is provided. The document comprises a substrate, a light reflective layer disposed over the substrate, a light diffusive layer disposed over the reflective layer, and bearer information overprinted on the reflective and diffusive layers. The diffusive layer has a diffusive background pattern that segments the reflective layer into a reflective background pattern comprising a plurality of reflective elements that interfere with the bearer information on a copy of the document. As a result, the diffusive background pattern allows the bearer information to become more readable on the document original by providing contrast to the bearer information and reducing the glare from light reflected from the reflective layer, while the reflective background pattern renders the bearer information unreadable on the document copy.