Abstract: A method of applying an authentication image to an article is presented. The method comprises obtaining a digitized version of the authentication image, encoding the digitized version of the authentication image to produce an encoded latent image, and printing the encoded latent image on a printable surface of the article using a transmittent printing medium.

Abstract: A method for authenticating an object is provided. The method comprises optically encoding an authentication image to produce an encoded image and applying the encoded image to an object in a layer of non-visible indicia to form a non-visible encoded image. The non-visible encoded image may be rendered visible and decoded to allow the authentication image to be viewed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a durable and self-verifying secure document system and a method for its production, wherein counterfeiting is prevented. The secure document system is potentially useful for a wide variety of documents including, but not limited to, lottery tickets, currency, traveler's checks, passports, stock and bond certificates, bank notes, driver's licenses, wills, coupons, rebates, contracts, food stamps, magnetic stripes, test answer forms, invoices, tickets, inventory forms, tags, labels and original artwork. The instant invention provides a plastic paper substitute having various indicia associated therewith including visible and hidden indicia. Application of the hidden indicia to the plastic paper substitute is implemented in accordance with a computer software program, and the document includes an integral lens area which is particularly designed to verify the document's authenticity by rendering the hidden indicia visible to the viewer.

Abstract: An authentication method comprises providing at least one object having a print region with printed material contained thereon, the print layer comprising a layer of non-visible indicia. At least a portion of the non-visible indicia is formed from an emitting substance that emits at least one wavelength of light outside a visible range of an electromagnetic spectrum when stimulated with electromagnetic radiation. The non-visible indicia comprises optically encoded indicia. The method further comprises creating an optical image of the layer of non-visible indicia with an imaging device such that the layer of non-visible indicia can be perceived by a human eye viewing the optical image. The method still further comprises decoding the optically encoded authentication indicia and comparing the decoded authentication indicia to expected authentication indicia to verify the authenticity of the object.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to a method and apparatus, as implemented by a software program on a computer system, for digitally producing counterfeit-deterring scrambled or encoded indicia images. This method and system are capable of combining a source image with a latent image so the scrambled latent image is visible only when viewed through a special decoder lens. The digital processing allows different latent images to be encoded according to different parameters. Additionally, latent images might be encoded into single component colors of an original visible image, at various angles from each other.

Abstract: An illuminated decoder is disclosed. The illuminated decoder is useful determining genuine items from counterfeit items by decoding encoded images printed on genuine items to reveal an authentication image in low light situations. The illuminated decoder includes a housing, a lens configured for optically decoding encoded images, and at least one light source attached to the housing.

Abstract: A method of authenticating objects is disclosed. At least one object having a print region with printed material contained thereon is provided. The printed material of the print region includes a layer of non-visible indicia which emits at least one wavelength of light outside a visible range of an electromagnetic spectrum when stimulated with electromagnetic radiation. An optical image of the object is recorded with an imaging device to make the non-visible indicia perceivable to a human eye. The perceived image is then compared against expected authentication indicia to authenticate the object. A system for authenticating objects includes at least one imaging device to record optical images of objects having a layer of non-visible indicia and to render the non-visible indicia perceivable to a human eye. The system also includes a central authentication system in communication with the imaging device to receive optical images recorded by the imaging device.