Abstract: An identification document having enhanced security and replication deterrence, while providing a simple low cost solution to other verification and authentication technologies. In one implementation, the document is provided with a multi-layer, multi-axis diffractive optical variable image device (DOVID) that is based on specific data or information on the document. The result is that the DOVID is directly tied to data or information that is specific to the document. This DOVID security feature is verifiable by the human eye so that no high levels of technology are necessary to verify authenticity. In addition, this DOVID security feature has enhanced tamper detection.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a security element comprising a transparent substrate and a magnetically oriented image coating on said substrate, wherein said image coating is preferably laid out such as to show a 3-dimensional effect, appearing in positive or negative relief respectively, if observed form the recto- or the verso side, respectively. The security element can be easily identified by the unaided eye, by just turning around the document and observing the angle-dependent image on either side. On the other hand, the security element cannot be reproduced by scanning or copying the document.

Abstract: A process provides a first price category and a second price category in which a scratch-off lottery ticket can be purchased for a scratch-off lottery game. In addition, the process randomly selects an extracted lot of scratch-off lottery tickets from the aggregate lot, the extracted lot having (i) an extracted lottery prize structure that has identical odds to the initial lottery prize structure without being limited to the predetermined number of maximum prizes in the maximum prize category and the predetermined number of secondary prizes in the secondary prize category, and (ii) an extracted lot size that is less than the aggregate lot size.

Abstract: A digital watermark which is incorporated, perceptibly or imperceptibly, into a diffractive device such as a hologram. When applied to protect and/or authenticate a document of value or a product, the device provides an increased degree of overt and covert security, and permits tracking of the sale, use or other parameters associated with the product and/or document of value.

Abstract: A protective label including: a printable base panel; a transparent securing flap; a protective flap; wherein the base panel is affixed to and substantially sealed with the transparent securing flap; and wherein the protective flap maintains the legibility of the printed material on the base panel.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a security element for security papers, value documents and the like, having a laser-markable transparent or translucent marking layer into which, through the action of laser radiation, visually perceptible identifiers are introduced in the form of patterns, letters, numbers and/or images. The identifiers each comprise a lamellar structure composed of a plurality of substantially parallel lamella that extend into the depth of the marking layer and include the parameters color, width, height, lateral orientation, tilt angle and/or spacing.

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

Abstract: The invention relates to a security element for security papers, bank notes, ID cards or the like, having at least one plastic layer on which at least two metal layers of different color are so disposed side by side and on the same side of the plastic layer that the different colors are visually checkable.

Abstract: The invention relates to a value document, especially a banknote, having a sequence of layers into which visually and/or mechanically perceptible identifiers in the form of patterns, letters, numbers or images are introduced by the action of laser radiation. According to the present invention, the sequence of layers includes a marking layer (22) composed of an ink mixture (24, 26) exhibiting a laser-radiation-absorbing mixture component (26) and a laser-radiation-transparent mixture component (24), the identifiers being visually and/or mechanically perceptible due to an irreversible change in the optical properties of the ink mixture (24, 26), effected by the action of the laser radiation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to multi-ply security paper for manufacturing security or value documents, such as banknotes, identification cards and the like. Into a first paper ply (52) is introduced an endless security element (54) that is freely accessible on at least one side of the paper ply (52). The first paper ply (52) is covered on the freely accessible side of the security element (54) by a second paper ply (56), and the second paper ply (56) exhibits one or more openings (58) in the region of the security element (54).

Abstract: The invention relates to a security feature (8) for security documents (9), in particular bank notes. A first body colour (51) is applied in a first region (1) and a printing ink (53), in particular a day luminescent dye, is applied in an illuminating region (3). The printing ink (53) is applied outside the copy dye range of the four colour prints according to the Europe-scale or DIN-scale. According to the invention, a first mixed colour (54) of the first body colour (51) and the printing ink (53) is applied in a first overlapping region (13), and the first mixed colour (54) is arranged outside the copy dye range or in the edge region of the copy dye range, in order to increase protection against forgery.

Abstract: A security feature for an identification document and method for making it provide layers of security, including, for example, tamper evidence, optically variable effects, and personalized information that links the security information to the document and its bearer. The feature is made by printing a first material representing first information on a core layer of the document. This first material at least partially overlaps the core layer. One example is Xerographic printing of information about the ID document applicant and the applicant's photo. The process also applies a second material representing second information adjacent to the first material. One example is ink jet printing of personal information with a UV curable ink in the form of a relief pattern on the core layer. Finally, the process applies a laminate layer over the core layer. The laminate layer covers the first and second materials.

Abstract: The invention concerns a security marking system for producing a secure marking label, comprising a support sheet (1) such as a silicon-containing sheet having two separate flaps (4, 5) on a first folding line (2), the first flap (4) supporting on the recto side a first holographic component (6) whereof the surface contacting the support sheet is coated with an adhesive film (7). The second flap (5) supports on the same recto side a second component formed by a film (8) whereof the surface contacting the support sheet is coated with an adhesive film (9) and the opposite surface bears personalizing indicia (10), and the first flap comprises a second folding line (3) substantially parallel to the first folding line.

Abstract: A method and system for identifying, tracking, and/or authenticating objects that is simple to apply and to use by an intended user, but is extremely difficult to counterfeit or compromise by an unintended user. Also disclosed is a multi-color, co-planar indicium made of a combination of printed patterns of multiple inks. The printed patterns may be modified by software-generated masks to ensure that the patterns are co-planar. The indicium is undecipherable unless irradiated with specified wavelengths of light radiation, filtered through specified spectral filters, and read and decoded by an electronic image reader. The indicium may be visible or covert. The indicium encodes unique true information about the object and may encode nonsensical or intentionally incorrect information as a further deterrent to unauthorized use. The method permits the indicia to be applied to objects at high processing speeds possible with inkjet printing.

Abstract: The invention relates to a security device comprising a security element composed of: a carrier substrate (1) provided with at least one optically variable effects generating structure (2) situated in defined areas of the said carrier, a first reflective layer (3) visible at least where it coincides with the said optically variable effects generating structures (2) and comprising a reflection enhancing material, at least one second distinctive reflective layer (4) situated only outside the optically variable effects generating structures (2) and comprising a reflective material different from that of the first layer (3). These layers (3,4) can comprise further patterns (7). The invention relates to a security support (9) or document comprising the said security device too.

Abstract: A security document comprising a plurality of self-supporting polymeric films and layers therebetween and thereon, said plurality of self-supporting polymeric films comprising a non-transparent microvoided axially stretched self-supporting polymeric film exclusive of foam and having a permanent transparent pattern; and a process for producing a security document with a permanent transparent pattern comprising the step of: image-wise application of heat optionally supplemented by the application of pressure to a security document precursor comprising a plurality of self-supporting polymeric films and layers therebetween and thereon, said plurality of self-supporting polymeric films comprising a non-transparent microvoided axially stretched self-supporting polymeric film exclusive of foam.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a nonmetallic, tamper-indicating, multi-layer label with a metallic appearance is described. The label comprises a pearlescent layer, a film layer, a patterned release layer, and a pigmented adhesive layer with the provisos that (i) the pigmented adhesive layer is an exterior layer of the label and is substantially free of pearlescent pigment, and (ii) the patterned release layer is an interior layer of the label. Each layer has first and second opposing planar surfaces, and each layer is in intimate contact with the layer or layers immediately adjacent to it. In another embodiment, two layers, one layer comprising a non-pearlescent pigment and the other layer comprising the adhesive, replace the pigmented adhesive layer.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of manufacturing an article comprising a fiber layer and at least one electronic chip, the fiber layer being formed by depositing fibers on a surface immersed in a dispersion of fiber material. The method includes the following step: Using an elongate flexible support to bring the electronic chip into contact with the fiber layer that is being formed.

Abstract: A tamper indicating device. A preferred embodiment of the invention provides a backing having a first side and a second side, wherein the backing comprises a first phase and a second phase, wherein the backing has a first level of light diffusion, and when a peeling force is applied to the backing, the backing fractures or internally delaminates and has a second level of light diffusion that is a higher level of light diffusion than the first level of light diffusion; a flood coat applied to the second side of the backing, the flood coat defining a window therein; and a mask applied to the tamper indicating device, the mask being in partial or whole registration with the window in the flood coat.

Abstract: In a row of lottery tickets each ticket has variable image printing game data printed onto a base layer on a substrate and a series of covering layers including at least one sealing layer and at least one scratch-off layer. Onto the scratch-off layer is a multi-color digital image for each ticket using a variable image printing system. At least part of the scratch-off layer can be left free from printed overlay graphics and the multi-color digital image can be printed subsequently at a different location from the ticket manufacturing location. The graphics can indicate different values for different ones of the tickets. The tickets in the row can be of different lengths and the graphics can be different for different length ones of the tickets.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a multilayer information page (1) for a security document, which includes an information part (3) manufactured from a material allowing at least some identification information of the information page to be entered thereto by utilizing laser engraving, the identification information pro-vided on the information page (1) being readable from an upper surface thereof, and a flexible and bending resistant connecting part (2) for connecting the information page (1) to the security document, the connecting part (2) comprising a fastening end (8) by means of which the connecting part (2) is fastened to the information part (3). In order to ensure that detachment of the information part and the connecting part from one another leaves visible marks, the fastening end (3) of the connecting part (2) is arranged to overlap with a lower surface of the information part (3).

Abstract: A laminated multi-layer card that can be imprinted with personal information, the card containing an entrapped security element; the security element containing a pressure sensitive adhesive layer.

Abstract: The invention relates to a personal document in the form of a book, comprising a book cover, a multi-layered personalised side which contains personalised data, in addition to inner pages. The personalised side and the inner pages are secured by means of a seam to the book cover. The multi-layered personalizing side is provided with a central area which is made of a textile layer which is joined on both sides to a thermoplastic layer which covers the central area until the projecting end. A RFID element comprising an IC element is integrated into the central area for the contactless transfer of biometric data of the personal document owner. The personalised side is sewn by means of a seam in the region of the projecting end.

Abstract: Methods for producing an information carrier comprising the steps of: (1) providing an information carrier precursor comprising a 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, wherein at least one constituent layer of the receiving layer configuration is opaque; at least the outermost layer on the image-receiving side or a layer in diffusive contact with the outermost layer on the image-receiving side is opaque and porous; and the receiving layer configuration is capable of being rendered substantially transparent by penetration by a lacquer; and a layer or element, or pattern in the layer or element, capable of a machine-readable change upon absorbing UV, visible or IR radiation, the layer or element being either the surface of the rigid sheet or support or interposed between the rigid sheet or support and the non-image-receiving side of the recei

Abstract: A security feature and method for verifying the authenticity of commercial paper. In one embodiment, pearlescent ink is added to a portion of commercial paper stock. A recipient can then tilt the commercial paper stock to view the pearlescent ink mark, design, or spot from different angles, causing the pearlescent ink to appear different colors and verifying the authenticity of the commercial paper. Further, according to another embodiment, thermochromic ink is applied to a portion of commercial paper stock. A recipient can then apply heat to the commercial paper stock in the area of the ink mark, thereby causing the thermochromic ink to disappear or change colors.

Abstract: The invention provides a thread and counterfeit preventive paper satisfying the conditions that, when the micro-character of the thread is viewed from one side and opposite side of the paper or printed material, the image of micro-character can be recognized in the same direction from any side, not in opposite direction to each other, and that, when viewed from the opposite side, the image of the corresponding micro-character is not visible. The counterfeit preventive paper and counterfeit preventive printed material have a structure in which a thread having metal deposition layers formed in a pattern of micro-character and colored printed layers formed thereon provided on both sides of a strip-like and light permeable substrate is inserted between paper layers.

Abstract: A layer that assumes either opaque or transparent state depending on the applied voltage is utilized to secure printed matter. The layer may also require an electrical or optical switching signal to switch between the opaque and transparent states. The layer is provided above the document to be secured and is set to the opaque state so as to obscure the contents of the document. When a prescribed voltage is applied, the layer turns to its transparent state. However, the voltage can only be applied to the security layer in the presence of a security key. A recording system may be employed to log all key-enabled access to the document.

Abstract: A gaming ticket and method for providing the same includes foil applied to the gaming ticket surface such that the foil covers less than the entire surface of any surface of the gaming ticket.

Abstract: A multiple-layered watermark is generated to be placed on document, to protect against counterfeiting and forgery. Hidden information embedded into each of the watermark's layers is only detectable by using a corresponding decoder. Because of the multiple-layered structure, it is difficult to reverse engineer the optical watermark. The generalized watermark structure significantly increases the “key space” of the decoder.

Abstract: Identification card, comprising a card body (1) with graphic identification information, wherein light emission means emit the identification information in visible or invisible light. The light emission means can consist of a flat light emitting diode (2) (FLED), for instance a Polymer FLED. The FLED can be connected with an internal or external electrical source. One or more layers (8 . . . 13) of the FLED that are needed for light emission can contain the graphic identification information or a part thereof, that is, the graphic identification information can be contained in the shape of that layer or layers and/or in the composition thereof. The graphic identification information can also be contained in the shape and/or intensity of the electrical field in, and the electrical current through, those layers (12), respectively, as effected by the electrical source.

Abstract: A label having information carriers provided with an imprint, with each semantically identical and provided in different languages and which are joined to one another as pages of a booklet by means of an adhesive binding. The transparent covering is placed on top of the uppermost booklet page and extends beyond the booklet pages on two sides, whereby the covering has an adhesive layer, which is located on the underside of the portions extending beyond the booklet pages and by means of which the covering is fixed to the container wall. The transparent covering is printed with batch-specific information, whereby the printed areas of the covering are aligned with non-printed areas of the booklet pages so that the uppermost booklet page which can be viewed through the transparent covering, and information printed on the transparent covering can be read together and supplement one another.

Abstract: A method of protecting an informational article including providing an informational article substrate having a zone for inserting variable information within the zone, and securing a transparent tape, preferably see-through holographic layer having a write-resistant exposed surface over the information.

Abstract: An image decoder system includes a series of optically or digitally encoded images mounted on a series of flat surfaces. A decoding lens is positioned over the encoded images. The decoding produces simulated three-dimensional image, simulated motion images or other visible effects. The system includes a backing plate to which the images and one or more decoding lenses are hingedly attached, resulting in a variety of decoding methods. To improve image clarity, locking devices such as Velcro fasteners, snaps, locking tabs, etc. are used to hold the lens to the image surface. Special inks for the encoded images and selected material for lens manufacture are used to improve contact between the image and the lens. Alignment marks are encoded with the image and used to match to alignment marks on the lens to clarify the decoded image. Wide, narrow and special combination lenticular lenses are used for special decoding effects.

Abstract: A scratch off lottery game card is that includes a substrate on which a plurality of game indicia printed on a game indicia area in an M×N matrix and a plurality of player indicia printed on a player indicia area. The game indicia are preferably grouped by different identifier. If the game identified by an identifier have matched to the player indicia, the player wins a prize.

Abstract: A security article is provided having a multicoloured image and which comprises a first layer of transparent polymeric material carrying parts of an image formed in a first colour; and at least one other layer of transparent polymeric material carrying parts of the image formed in a different colour. The layers are laminated together with the parts of the image formed in the first and different colours superposed over one another, whereby the colours combine to form a multicoloured image in the laminated security article. In one embodiment, the multi coloured image is viewable from both sides of the security article, and in another form an opaque layer may be provided on one side of the transparent layers to provide a background for viewing the image in reflection from one side of the article.

Abstract: An anti-copy film is disclosed. The film has a light transmissive imageable substrate having opposing first and second surfaces. Each surface has an image receptive coating. Complementary positive and negative images are disposed on the first and second surfaces such that an imaged area on the first surface is in registration with a non-imaged area on the second surface. The anti-copy film appears substantially opaque when viewed orthogonally to and appears partially transparent when viewed obliquely to either the first or second surfaces.

Abstract: The invention pertains to an alignment layer capable of aligning liquid crystal material, the alignment layer comprising: a first sublayer having regions capable of aligning the liquid crystal material in a first alignment, a second sublayer having regions capable of aligning the liquid crystal material in a second alignment, the first and the second alignment being different, the second sublayer overlaying the first sublayer and covering in accordance with a pre-determined pattern the first sublayer to provide, at desired locations, second sublayer regions capable of aligning the liquid crystal material and, at desired locations, regions of the underlying first sublayer that are not covered by the second sublayer, and to a method of making this alignment layer. The invention further relates to an optical or electro-optical device comprising said alignment layer.

Abstract: A composite window label construction has a base pressure-sensitive, adhesive-backed label with a window (14) cut out of it and a second layer of reflective material covering the window (14) from the back side of the base layer (16) and adhered to the back side of the base layer around margins of the second layer. In a method of making the label construction, a continuous release liner is stipped from the base material web after the windows are cut in the base material web and individual swatches of the second layer are cut from a continuous roll of the second layer and individually placed over the windows. Subsequently, the same or a different release liner is reattached to the pressure-sensitive adhesive side of the base web and individual labels are cut from the base web.

Abstract: The present invention aims at synthesizing superposition images formed either by band moire shapes or by shape level lines for making the information forwarded by valuable articles or by time pieces such as watches and clocks more dynamic, as well as for improving their attractiveness and aesthetics. A further application is publicity. For synthesizing band moiré images, the present invention relies on a band moiré image layout model allowing to obtain the layout of the base the band grating, given the layouts of the band moire image and of the revealing line grating. Base and revealing layer layouts may be conceived to create band moiré image shapes whose patterns move e.g. radially, circularly, or according to a spiral trajectory. Shape level lines occur in a superposition image when e.g. a base layer comprising modified sets of lines is superposed with a revealing layer comprising a line grating. Such a base layer embeds a shape elevation profile generated from an initial motif shape image (e.g.

Abstract: A second surface micromotion display includes a see-through base having a first surface, defined in the art as a front surface facing a viewer, and a second surface, defined in the art as a rear surface opposite to the front surface and facing away from the viewer, an image formed over the second surface, a micromotion textured pattern formed over the image, and a reflective layer over the micromotion textured pattern, such that the illusion of motion is viewable through the base as reflected from the reflective layer through the micromotion textured pattern.

Abstract: An extended text wrap label includes a base ply and at least one top ply. The base ply has a first lengthwise dimension, a first widthwise dimension, a top surface that is capable of bearing graphic images, and a bottom surface that is capable of bearing graphic images and capable of being adhesively coupled to an object to be labeled. The at least one top ply has a second lengthwise dimension, a second widthwise dimension, a front surface that is capable of bearing graphic images, and a back surface that is also capable of bearing graphic images. The base ply and the at least one top ply are adhesively coupled, in a first portion of the label, to each other such that the top surface of the base ply and the back surface of the at least one top ply are in contiguous juxtaposition with each other along the first lengthwise dimension and the second lengthwise dimension, respectively, and along the first widthwise dimension and the second widthwise dimension, respectively.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention include devices, media, systems, and methods of image adjustment. One exemplary embodiment includes a printing device having a program and a print engine. The program can apply a filter profile associated with an image filtering material. The program can adjust an image based upon the filter profile. The print engine can be in communication with the program to print an image, adjusted based on the filter profile, on a print media.

Abstract: A business form according to the present invention including a ply of label stock, a ply of release liner stock, and a ply of message or record bearing stock, may be configured as either a continuous or cut sheet form. The ply of label stock has one side coated with a pressure sensitive adhesive. The ply of release liner stock has a release side that engages with the adhesive on the one side of the label stock. The release liner ply and the label stock ply have edges that are laterally offset from one another so that a narrow longitudinal strip of adhesive is unengaged with the release liner. The ply of message bearing stock is adhered at one edge to the label stock at the narrow longitudinal strip of adhesive. A plurality of cuts is defined by, and extends through, the release liner from the back of the business form, whereby the structural integrity of the business form is enhanced.

Abstract: Durable security devices that are resistant to chemical attack and mechanical degradation and security articles employing such devices, are provided. By way of the durable security device of the present invention, opposing longitudinal borders adjacent an information-bearing layer are sealed, thereby preventing corrosive and/or degrading materials from reaching this layer through these sealed borders. In a preferred embodiment, at least a portion of the information-bearing layer is fully encapsulated, thereby rendering this portion or layer and the information conveyed thereby, impervious to chemical attack.

Abstract: The present invention provides an informational article on which variable information is inserted. The informational article includes a substrate having a zone for inserting the variable information. A visual security device, such as an optically variable ink, a special film, or combinations thereof is disposed in the zone on the substrate. The visual security device is sized and arranged such that at least a portion of the variable information is adapted to being inserted over the visual security device.

Abstract: The present invention is embodied in a printing system for printing identification cards with durable full-color images using an inkjet printing device. In general, the present invention provides an inkjet printing device that is used to print images on a plastic identification card. The images are printed reversibly on a transparent media. The transparent media is then laminated onto a plastic card with the side with the images being adhered to the card. As a result, the images are viewed as being printed correctly on the transparent media. Further, the images are protected on one side by the transparent media itself and on the other side by the plastic card.

Abstract: A combined printing and binding device which is designed to print and bind a multi-page interactive publication. The device includes a communicator which is designed to receive a set of page descriptions from a computer system. The page descriptions correspond to the pages of the interactive publication and each page description includes content information and coded data. The device also includes a printer which is designed to print, onto media sheets, each of the page descriptions received by the communicator. The printer does this by simultaneosly printing the content information in visible ink and the coded data in substantially invisible ink. The device also includes a binder that is designed to bind the printed media sheets together to form the printed, bound, interactive publication.

Abstract: An extended text label is provided for a tube container, wherein the tube container includes a product dispensing end and a filling end opposite the dispensing end. The filling end is adapted to be sealed by a crimp method, subsequent to filling the tube container with a selected product. The extended text label includes a crimp edge. The crimp edge is capable of being securely joined to the filling end of the tube container by way of the crimp method.

Abstract: A rapidly reversing authenticity indicator for substrates such as secure documents, tags and labels is described. The authenticity indicator comprises a substrate having provided thereon a coating of a colorless chromogenic material, a binder material and optional pigment. An applicator is provided containing a developer material solution for the colorless chromogen. In one embodiment, the developer material solution is preferably an organic acid of five carbons or less and is selected to have a molecular weight of 102 or less, a pH of less than 5, and preferably positive vapor pressure. The coated substrate when contacted with the developer material in the applicator develops an intense color that persists momentarily rapidly reverting to substantially a colorless or pale form to provide a visual indication of authenticity without permanent discoloration of the substrate or inadvertent coloration or undue false positives.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a self-adhesive or thermally bondable security document that can be affixed to an article, characterized in that it comprises at least one medium capable of receiving print on the front side, said medium having, on its reverse side, at least one self-adhesive or thermally adhesive layer and at least one marker that emits a characteristic signal by itself, such that, after the document has been bonded by means of said adhesive layer to the article, in the event of disbandment of the document at least part of said marker detaches from the medium. The invention also relates to a method of authenticating the article.