Abstract: A method of generating a variable demetallized pattern in a holographic web and a security device using such method. A holographic microstructure pattern is imparted to an oligomer disposed on a surface of a substrate. A metal layer, such as aluminum, is deposited to the holographic microstructure pattern of the substrate and then covered with a variable resist pattern. The variable demetallized pattern in the holographic web is then generated by removing the metal layer not covered by said variable resist pattern.

Abstract: Tamper-apparent authenticating labels which comprise a protective film, an OVD image layer and a visually transparent ink pattern therebetween, to be applied to commercial articles. Authenticity of the label can be verified by viewing the taggant with a detector. The label reveals tampering when the film is separated from the article, causing separation of portions of the OVD under the ink. Also, methods for making tamper-apparent authenticity labels.

Abstract: A method for producing a tamper evident security holographic label and overlaminate using UV casting techniques, and a security device so produced, comprising a clear protective layer; a thin layer of clear UV cured resin cast partly onto the protective layer following a designed pattern; another layer of UV cured resin bearing a cast holographic image, wherein the bond of the holographic image layer is stronger toward the surface of the protective layer than it is toward the surface of the pattern layer; a reflective layer strongly attached to the adjacent holographic layer; and an adhesive layer bonded to the reflective layer. Such a composite product when adhered to a base substrate via the adhesive layer will show no visible security feature to the unaided eye due to the thin nature of the clear security pattern.

Abstract: The object of the present invention is to effectively enhance card security in a system using identification card or the like. The card security system comprises a card issuing apparatus 100 and a card reader 300. The card issuing apparatus 100 obtains data D and E by reading hologram 2 and barcode 3 on a card 1. Data A, B and C are input from computer 200. An encryption unit 104 generates check data EN based on data A-E. A magnetic writer 103 write the data A-E and EN on a magnetic stripe 4. The card reader 300 reads data A-E and EN from the card 1, generates check data based on the read data A-E, and determines whether or not the card is genuine by comparing the calculated check data with the read check data EN.

Abstract: A structure and method of operation of a fringe direct writing system to produce a hologram or the like. The apparatus is roughly classified into four parts: an illumination part; an image display and optical imaging part; an optically autofocusing part; and a two dimensional moveable stage part. The method of operation directly images a pattern, which is previously calculated by computer and displayed on the LCD panel, onto a recording material. This method affords the possibility to write a fringe pattern in a large region within a short period of time.

Abstract: A method for producing a tamper evident security holographic label and overlaminate using UV casting techniques, and a security device so produced, comprising a clear protective layer; a thin layer of clear UV cured resin cast partly onto the protective layer following a designed pattern; another layer of UV cured resin bearing a cast holographic image, wherein the bond of the holographic image layer is stronger toward the surface of the protective layer than it is toward the surface of the pattern layer; a reflective layer strongly attached to the adjacent holographic layer; and an adhesive layer bonded to the reflective layer. Such a composite product when adhered to a base substrate via the adhesive layer will show no visible security feature to the unaided eye due to the thin nature of the clear security pattern.

Abstract: A chip card, such as a financial transaction card, having first identifying data written in a read-only memory portion of circuitry contained in the card, wherein second and third identifying data are respectively coded in a machine readable optically variable device (e.g., a hologram) and a magnetic stripe on the card. The authenticity of the card is verified by combining these different identifying data; for example, the second and third identifying data may be combined to produce an algorithm which is compared with the first identifying data for authentication of the card.

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

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method of automatically decoding holographic signals by establishing an optical clock and performing subsequent optical signal analysis. In addition to a primary holographic image, the present invention comprises an optical image which generates a periodic pattern to create an optical clock for initializing the data reading device. By using a light source illuminating the optical image, diffraction signals are received by the detector(s). With a scanning (swiping) motion, signals of the optical clock and the primary image are read and the signals are processed and compared. The optical pattern can further be processed through an encryption algorithm and stored in a magnetic stripe, computer chip, hand held processor or a host computer for verification.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a method of producing an anti-counterfeiting document or currency which acts and feels like existing paper currencies. The method of the present invention laminates two sheets of currency paper on each side of a thin durable substrate film, thereby forming a durable document which maintains a paper-like feel. The currency of the present invention exhibits unique and powerful anti-counterfeiting features compared to those presently available. The currency of the instant invention also lasts significantly longer than conventional "paper" money.

Abstract: An enhanced card security system wherein an optically readable portion is incorporated into the magnetic machine readable stripe on the card. The optically readable portion can include a holographic representation of a bar code or other conventionally known optical digit generator.The optical stripe has a partial string of an identification number and, the magnetic stripe has the remaining string of the identification number. A check digit derived by combining the two partial strings and preforming a check digit calculation on the complete string is also recorded on the magnetic stripe. Transactions are approved if during reading of the card the calculated check digit from combining the two strings matches the recorded check digit.

Abstract: Methods for generating holograms from a computer model of any object employ a combination of numerical and optical means. An illumination model and the light dispersion properties of the object are specified. The hologram is synthesized from a plurality of smaller hologram elements. Each individual element sustains a field of view of the object. The light rays from the object lying within the field of view and along the lines of sight are sampled by the computer. The sample density should not exceed the resolution limit set by the size of the hologram element. Each light ray is specified by a direction and an amplitude function. The hologram element is obtainable from a Fourier Transform fo the sampled rays. In one embodiment, optical means are employed to physically reproduce the sampled light rays using coherent radiation. The reproduced coherent light rays are then interfered with a coherent reference beam to form the hologram element.

Abstract: A method and system for replicating microstructures surface relief patterns, such as diffraction patterns including holograms, by casting. A liquid casting resin is held between a surface relief master of the microstructure to be replicated and a substrate while the resin is hardened by actinic radiation curing. Application of resin to edges and discontinuities of the master is avoided in order to reduce undesirable build-up of resin on these areas of the master. The hardened resin surface relief replica may optionally be coated with a discontinuous graphical pattern of a clear or colored paint that eliminates the effect of the surface relief pattern in the regions so coated.

Abstract: A method and system for replicating microstructure surface relief patterns, such as diffraction patterns including holograms, by casting. A liquid casting resin is held between a surface relief master of the microstructure to be replicated and a substrate while the resin is hardened by actinic radiation curing. Application of resin to edges and discontinuities of the master is avoided in order to reduce undesirable build-up of resin on these areas of the master. The hardened resin surface relief replica may optionally be coated with a discontinuous graphical pattern of a clear or colored paint that eliminates the effect of the surface relief pattern in the regions so coated.

Abstract: A method and system for replicating microstructure surface relief patterns, such as diffraction patterns including holograms, by casting. A liquid casting resin is held between a surface relief master of the microstructure to be replicated and a substrate while the resin is hardened by actinic radiation curing. Application of resin to edges and discontinuities of the master is avoided in order to reduce undesirable build-up of resin on these areas of the master. The hardened resin surface relief replica may optionally be coated with a discontinuous graphical pattern of a clear or colored paint that eliminates the effect of the surface relief pattern in the regions so coated.

Abstract: A technique for forming a mold to replicate large numbers of plastic articles, such as by injection or blow molding, wherein the mold contains a hologram or other microstructure for transfer to an outside surface of the molded article. The mold is made by electrodepositing a metal on a model of the article to be molded. Before this deposition, the hologram or other microstructure is formed on a surface area of the model by any one of several techniques. The result is a unitary mold piece in the shape of the article and having the hologram or other microstructure integrally formed on its inside surface.

Abstract: Non-continuous reflective hologram or diffraction grating devices are provided in various forms for authenticating documents and things, such as those that contain visual information desired to be protected from alteration. Examples of such information include written personal data and photograph on a passport, driver's license, identity card, transportation pass, and the like. The reflective discontinuous hologram or diffraction device is formed in a pattern that both permits viewing the protected information through it and the viewing of an authenticating image or other light pattern reconstructed from it in reflection. The same master hologram or diffraction grating is made into distinct authentication devices by forming replicas thereof that have different patterns of reflective material which form distinct indicia, such as a different alpha-numeric character.

Abstract: A technique and apparatus for printing that includes the formation of a hologram, or other type of diffraction pattern, directly on a desired end product of paper, or other sheet material. The hologram, or other diffraction pattern, is formed by casting a surface relief pattern directly onto the sheet material in a limited area.

Abstract: Methods for generating holograms from a computer model of any object employ a combination of numerical and optical means. An illumination model and the light dispersion properties of the objects are specified. The hologram is synthesized from a plurality of smaller hologram elements. Each individual element sustains a field of view of the object. The light rays from the object lying within the field of view and along the lines of sight are sampled by the computer. The sample density should not exceed the resolution limit set by the size of the hologram element. Each light ray is specified by a direction and an amplitude function. The hologram element is obtainable from a Fourier Transform of the sampled rays. In one embodiment, optical means are employed to physically reproduce the sampled light rays using coherent radiation. The reproduced coherent light rays are then interfered with a coherent reference beam to form the hologram element.