Abstract: A credential with one or more security features is disclosed. The disclosed credential includes a thin-film metal layer that can be utilized as a recording media. The thin-film metal layer may also have portions thereof removed to reveal at least one underlying layer, such as a photoreactive layer. A method of manufacturing such a credential is also disclosed.

Abstract: An optically writable holographic card, an optically writable holographic media, and a method of making the media are herein described. The card has a media region that includes an optically writable material. The optically writable material has an holographic embossment such that an holographic image is producible by the optically writable material. The media includes an holographically embossed first layer. An optically writable, optically readable second layer conforms to the embossment. The holographic image is generable by the second layer. The method includes producing an holographic embossment associated with an holographic image. An optically writable layer is conformed to the holographic embossment. The holographic image is viewable in response to illuminating the optically writable layer. The optically writable layer is optically readable.

Abstract: An optically writable holographic card, an optically writable holographic media, and a method of making the media are herein described. The card has a media region that includes an optically writable material. The optically writable material has an holographic embossment such that an holographic image is producible by the optically writable material. The media includes an holographically embossed first layer. An optically writable, optically readable second layer conforms to the embossment. The holographic image is generable by the second layer. The method includes producing an holographic embossment associated with an holographic image. An optically writable layer is conformed to the holographic embossment. The holographic image is viewable in response to illuminating the optically writable layer. The optically writable layer is optically readable.

Abstract: A base layer of an information storage card is coated with a first coating layer that will glow a first color under longwave ultraviolet light. A second coating is applied onto the first coating. This second coating will glow a second color under ultraviolet light. This second coating can then be printed on using standard printing techniques. An attempt to alter the card by removing the printing will damage the first and second coating in a nonuniform manner. This damage will be seen under longwave ultraviolet light, even if the card has been reprinted.

Abstract: A method for providing convenient, secure access to numerous benefits with a single wallet sized card having a high capacity data storage area, preferably an optical stripe, and a lower capacity magnetic storage stripe. The high capacity area is indelibly written with data denoting a set of entitlements and records of the owner of the card. To obtain use of the entitlements, the owner takes the card to a data conversion terminal and selects a set of entitlements from a menu displayed at the terminal and, provided that the selected set is a subset of the entitlements indelibly recorded on the high capacity area of the card, data is written on the magnetic stripe of the card authorizing use of the selected entitlements. The data written on the magnetic stripe can be used to obtain benefits at numerous existing and foreseeable magnetic stripe readers.

Abstract: A system for deterring fraudulent use of wallet-size cards in local benefit dispensing terminals has a permanent data storage medium and a temporary data storage medium disposed on each card. A first card writing device has means for acquiring biometric information from a person and for writing a template of that information on the permanent storage medium. A verification terminal has similar means for acquiring biometric information from a possessor of the card, and also has a means for reading the biometric information from the permanent storage medium of the card. Upon inputting biometric information from both the card and the possessor of the card, the verification terminal compares the information, and, if they match, writes data allowing limited benefits on the temporary data storage medium of the card. This data can be read by a plurality of existing benefit dispensers at other locations, such as automated teller machines, which can then dispense benefits authorized by the data.

Abstract: An optical data identification card for an individual containing a photograph of the authorized user and a strip of optical contrast laser recording material with a laser-written macroscopic bi-level image of the authorized user to authenticate the photograph. The bi-level image is constructed by applying a dither matrix to a digital image file corresponding to the photograph. Each dark pixel consists of an array of high-density laser recorded spots or lines.

Abstract: A method for deterring fraudulent voting involving use of wallet-size cards having a permanent data storage medium and a temporary data storage medium disposed on each card. A first card writing device has means for acquiring biometric information from a person and for writing a template of that information on the permanent storage medium. A voter registration verification terminal has similar means for acquiring biometric information from a possessor of the card, and also has a means for reading the biometric information from the permanent storage medium of the card. Upon inputting biometric information from both the card and the possessor of the card, the verification terminal compares the information, and, if they match, writes data allowing limited use of the card for voting on the temporary data storage medium of the card. This data can be read by a plurality of voting terminals at other locations.

Abstract: An optical data storage medium, such as a data card with a strip of optical data storage material, having peelable transparent protective layers adhered above the storage material. When a protective layer becomes too scratched to read or write through, it may be removed by peeling. More than one layer may be adhered successively above one another, and removed one by one as they become scratched. The peelable protective layers are preferably adhesive tapes made of Aclar, Mylar, polyester, or other hard-to-tear polymers with pressure sensitive adhesive. One or more of the layers, and an underlayer between substrate or card base and the storage material may be a water barrier material such as a polytrichlorofluoroethylene.

Abstract: An optical data storage medium, such as a data card with a strip of optical data storage material, having a thickness approximately that of a credit card and one or more moisture barrier layers. One of the moisture barrier layers is an underlayer between substrate or card base and the storage material, while a second moisture barrier layer is one or more of the transparent laminating sheet and protective layers adhered above the storage material. The barrier layers may be any of the transparent materials, having a maximum moisture vapor transmission rate of 0.1 grams water vapor/100 inch square/mil/24 hours at 38 C and 90% relative humidity, such as polytrichlorofluoroethylene and polyvinylidene chloride. The underlayer may also be a nontransparent aluminum layer.

Abstract: A vinyl monomer is copolymerized with a multifunctional monomer having one vinyl group and one or more allyl groups whereby the resulting copolymer has active pendant allyl groups. This copolymer is then crosslinked with a polyester. The resulting product has improved thermal dimensional stability and physical properties over those containing simple non reactive thermoplastic additives.

Abstract: When an acrylic monomer such as methyl methacrylate is copolymerized with an allyl monomer such as allyl methacrylate whereby the resulting copolymer has active pendant allyl groups, this copolymer is then crosslinked with diethylene glycol bis (allyl carbonate) monomer (called ADC). The resulting product has considerable reduction in shrinkage while maintaining optical clarity and is useful as lenses.