Abstract: Privacy of information is protected by a method of securing access to information associated with a value item, the method involving comparing a security signature and a stored profile, and permitting access to the information associated with the value item if the security signature matches the stored profile. An apparatus and method for detecting an item is provided in accordance with other aspects of the invention. The apparatus includes one or more sources operable to produce electromagnetic radiation in a range of wavelengths of the electromagnetic spectrum; and one or more imaging devices, such as cameras, operable to produce images of the item. Different images may be produced for different ranges of wavelengths being produced. A material profile may be made from digital representations of the images for subsequent authentication of the item and for detecting changes to the item.

Abstract: An apparatus for authenticating a standardized document is provided. The apparatus includes: (a) a detector operable to detect the presence of the standardized document when the standardized document is being received by the apparatus; (b) a source operable to illuminate the standardized document; and (c) an imaging device operable to capture for authentication an image of the standardized document, wherein the apparatus is operable to determine its location. The apparatus may include a communications module operable to transmit a communication containing information selected from the group consisting of: an indication of time, an indication of location, an indication of the presence of the standardized document, a digital representation of the image, an identification of the standardized document, an indication whether the standardized document has been authenticated, and an indication of a parameter of the apparatus.

Abstract: A document authentication apparatus and system is provided comprising a scanner, PC, a central database and a network. The scanner emits a stimulus which illuminates security features such as ink, fibers or planchettes in or on a substrate of a value item such as a check, bank note, credit card or identification document. A sensor(s) detect the illuminated security features and values are generated relating to the color, coordinates on and depth of the security features in the substrate. The values are digitized and recorded for comparison when a value item is presented for authentication. Matching digitized values indicates a match of the substrates thereby identifying the value item.