Abstract: A document to be verified or tested as a possible counterfeit is scanned by a system that optically senses a specific target area or aperture on the document. This area may include material deposited on the document or may be simply the document material. A reference grid is imprinted on the document to locate the same target area to be sensed each time the document is scanned, independent of the transport used to do the scanning. The reference grid is used to locate the target area both vertically and horizontally and signals sensed from the target area are combined to a representative composite.

Abstract: A system for reliably recording digital data on marginal magnetic recording medium by utilizing a two-track format and testing to locate pairs of record-quality areas of the medium. A magnetic stripe on a document is defined into a pair of recording tracks each with a sequence of bit locations. Associated pairs of bit locations (one from each track) are jointly tested for recording quality. One bit location of poor quality eliminates the pair; however, if both bit locations meet a standard, they are employed cooperatively to record data. Specifically, each bit location initially is recorded with a pulse. Any pair of bit locations which cannot meet the standard is totally cleared (erased), while pairs of bit locations meeting the standard are selectively erased to represent digital data.

Abstract: Representations are developed that characterize an article for identification by comparison with a reference standard as an escort memory. The representations are reduced to a binary tri-level code covering two extreme possibilities and an intermediate range for indecisive cases. Characteristics are sensed by light in one form by interferometer techniques.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for individually tracing units of merchandise with authentication devices or tags as such tags (with merchandise) move through channels of commerce. The total system incorporates a non-counterfeitable authenticator or verification tag which bears a machine-readable identification number and which in one form includes perforated, tear-off sections bearing the identification number and in another form is adhesively integrated with a product package. Operating with the tag, the physical system includes a central processor with a memory means that is addressable by using the tag identification number. A tag reader senses the machine-readable identification number (may alo verify the tag) and addresses the memory means for registering information to specifically identify the tag and indicate batch information. As the tag (and unit of merchandise) move to commerce, the memory information is supplemented to provide a history of such movement.

Abstract: A document identification system incorporating an identification card bearing image indicia that is sensed and tested for comparison with reference data. The image indicia on the card, e.g. a photographic likeness of the card assignee, is dissected to provide representative pixel data. Individual image pixel representations are quantized, digitized and stored in an escort memory, e.g. a magnetic stripe on the card. The card is verified by again sensing the image indicia and processing the data as before. The resultant test data is correlated with the reference data from the escort memory. The composite indication of the correlation is manifest as an acceptance or a rejection and also as a two-dimensional binary display (black or white pixel areas) to reveal an analysis of the correlation for manual interpretation. The display is variable for different levels of detail.

Abstract: A system for authenticating an object on the basis of a repeatably sensible, random magnetic medium or substance deposited on an object, for example in the form of a document. A magnetic medium printed on the document is sensed for its random characteristic which is reduced to a data format that is recorded on the object, e.g. document. Specifically, the repeatably sensible, random characteristic of the magnetic medium is recorded in a digital format on a magnetic stripe of a document so as to identify or verify the document. Conditioning techniques, as depositing and recording the magnetic characteristic medium and selectively sensing it, accomplish various specific objectives.

Abstract: A system for authenticating a document includes a uniqueness characteristic reader to generate a first identifier for the document. The identifier is then encrypted and optionally encoded to define an error correction code. The encrypted identifier and the optional error correction code are combined in accordance with a predefined format to define a code which is stored on the document itself (such as on a magnetic stripe). Authentication of the document is accomplished by reading the code on the item. The code is then processed to identify the location and quantity of any erroneous data. The identified location and quantity information for erroneous data, in conjunction with the optional error correction code, is then utilized to correct all errors in at least the encrypted identifier portion of the code read from the storage medium. The resultant encrypted identifier is therefore retrieved from the storage medium on the item without error.

Abstract: A verification system for cards or other devices with an anticounterfeit characteristic and an escort memory, wherein for lower or routine levels of security, the escort memory serves to confirm part of the anticounterfeit characteristic and for higher levels of security a central station memory is employed to confirm another part of the anticounterfeit characteristic. Distinction between levels of security is determined on the basis of time or other criteria imposed from the central station.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for authenticating an object on the basis of certain physical phenomena or character, specifically, measurable, but not practicably duplicable random variations in the object. In one form, the object (authenticator (T)) is a paper tag having a reference space (14), the varying translucency pattern of which is a measurable but practicably unduplicable characteristic of the paper. The reference space (14) is sensed to provide reference signals indicative of the varying translucency. A reference numeral (10) is then provided from some registered form, as on the tag or in a list. If the numeral (10) is readily accessible, it likely will be cryptographically encoded. Note the value of putting encoded information on the tag to avoid the need for large reference files. For verification, freshly sensed reference signals, as from the tag (T) (actually characteristic of the tag) are compared with signals that previously were sensed as characteristic of the tag (T).

Abstract: A system for sensing a characteristic of a document, e.g. translucency, by using radiation from the document at a specific window area. The identified window area is illuminated to provide radiation from the area which is sensed by pixel dissection so that pixels of central location in the window area are weighted for greater significance. The pixel weighting attributes greater significance to the central portion of the defined area thereby increasing the tolerance of the system to misalignment of the window area. The observed characteristic is reduced to signal representations which are compared with registered values as to authenticate the document. Pixel-weighting techniques include overlapped pixels, filtered pixels and algebraically weighted pixels.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for individually tracing units of merchandise with authentication devices or tags as such tags (with merchandise) move through channels of commerce. The total system incorporates a non-counterfeitable authenticator or verification tag which bears a machine-readable identification number and which in one form includes perforated, tear-off sections bearing the identification number and in another form is adhesively integrated with a product package. Operating with the tag, the physical system includes a central processor with a memory means that is addressable by using the tag identification number. A tag reader senses the machine-readable identification number (may also verify the tag) and addresses the memory means for registering information to specifically identify the tag and indicate batch information. As the tag (and unit of merchandise) move to commerce, the memory information is supplemented to provide a history of such movement.

Abstract: An identification card is disclosed as for supporting commercial or other significant transactions involving a designated subject. The card incorporates a machine-readable record and is produced with an individual birefringent characteristic to modulate a light beam for card identification. In one embodiment, the card incorporates apparent stress waves to modulate an orientation-frequency characteristic (e.g. polarization angle) of a light beam. The machine-readable record on the card indicates the characteristic birefringence for confirming the card to be authentic. Methods are disclosed for producing and testing the cards. A system is disclosed for sensing card characteristics by modulated light including polarized light techniques to record and verify the cards with allowance for changes, as by card aging.

Abstract: A transducer apparatus for use with cards bearing a magnetic recording stripe and having an optically sensible anticounterfeit uniqueness characteristic, the apparatus including a sensor for the anticounterfeit characteristic which scans the card by a small discrete window of perception, pixel. The apparatus isolates predetermined areas of perception for the card, so as to verify on the basis of signals from a prior observation recorded by the magnetic stripe. Areas of perception, pixel size, are less than one sixty-fourth of a square inch. The magnetic sensing head of the apparatus is mounted with the anticounterfeit sensor to accommodate common resilient displacement with movement relative to a card.

Abstract: A separator for segregating alternate sheets of paper traveling in a sequential stream and directing them into different exit passages comprising a housing, a guide and a bi-stable apparatus. The housing defines an entry passage and a pair of exit passages. The guide is constructed for alternately deflecting the sheets in said stream into different exit passages. The bi-stable apparatus mounts the guide between the entry and exit passages of the housing so that the guide has two stable positions and the guide shifts between these positions in response to a sheet of paper passing by it into one of the exit passages. Sheets of paper enter the separator through the entry passage in the housing and are deflected by the guide into one of the two exit passages depending on the position of the guide at the time the sheet enters the separator. As individual sheets of paper travel past the guide and engage it, they cause it to shift to its other stable position.

Abstract: An authenticator device, e.g. card, of verifiable composition substance and informational content with a system of production and verification. Character uniqueness signals identifying the composition of the device are recorded on the card in an encrypted form combined with statistical data signals representative of information on the card. Testing the card involves freshly sensing the character uniqueness data and entering the statistical data. Such fresh data is then compared with the recorded values after decoding. Favorable comparisons manifest approval and enter the statistical data for processing.

Abstract: An authenticator device, e.g. certificate, of verifiable composition substance and informational content with a system of production and verification. Character uniqueness signals identifying the composition of the device are recorded on the card by printing and magnetics in an encrypted form combined with statistical data signals representative of information on the card. Testing the card involves freshly sensing the character uniqueness data and entering the statistical data. Such fresh data is then compared with the recorded values after decoding. Favorable comparisons manifest approval and enter the statistical data for processing.

Abstract: A system of issuing secure docments involving stages that may be substantially distinct both in time and space. A raw document is selected possessing a uniqueness characteristic which is sensed and coded on the document. Subsequently, the document is completed as with an individual designation of value, by providing a bar code in the area of the uniqueness characteristic which is related to an Arabic numeral designation. Apparatus processes such documents for creation and verification based on selective testing of the uniqueness characteristic and the designations.

Abstract: A system for authenticating an object on the basis of certain physical phenomena or character, specifically, measurable, but not practicably duplicable random variations in the object. In one form, the object (authenticator (T)) is a paper tag having a reference space (14), the varying translucency pattern or which is a measurable but practicably unduplicable characteristic of the paper. The reference space (14) is sensed to provide reference signals indicative of the varying translucency. A reference numeral (10) is then provided from some registered form, as on the tag or in a list. If the numeral (10) is readily accessible, it likely will be cryptographically encoded. Note the value of putting encoded information on the tag to avoid the need for large reference files.For verification, freshly sensed reference signals, as from the tag (T) (actually characteristic of the tag) are compared with signals that previously were sensed as characteristic of the tag (T).

Abstract: An identification card is disclosed as for supporting commercial or other significant transactions involving a designated subject. The card incorporates a machine-readable record and is produced with an individual birefringent characteristic to modulate a light beam for card identification. In one embodiment, the card incorporates apparent stress waves to modulate an orientation-frequency characteristic (e.g. polarization angle) of a light beam. The machine-readable record on the card indicates the characteristic birefringence for confirming the card to be authentic. Methods are disclosed for producing and testing the cards. A system is disclosed for sensing card characteristics by modulated light including polarized light techniques to record and verify the cards with allowance for changes, as by card aging.

Abstract: A system for individually tracing units of merchandise with authentication devices or tags as such tags (with merchandise) move through channels of commerce. The total system incorporates a non-counterfeitable authenticator or verification tag which bears a machine-readable identification number and which in one form includes perforated, tear-off sections bearing the identification number and in another form is adhesively integrated with a product package. Operating with the tag, the physical system includes a central processor with a memory means that is addressable by using the tag identification number. A tag reader senses the machine-readable identification number (may also verify the tag) and addresses the memory means for registering information to specifically identify the tag and indicate batch information. As the tag (and unit of merchandise) move to commerce, the memory information is supplemented to provide a history of such movement.