Abstract: The method of identifying data supports such as credit cards, cheque cards, identity cards, etc. includes detecting inherent individual features of the cards to derive a random information therefrom. The random information is stored for later comparison with detected information to determine authenticity of the data support. In order to derive the random information in perfectly reproducible manner irrespective of changes of the dimensions of the data support, the individual characterizing features of the data supports are detected within a linear detection zone lying centrally between two opposed lateral edges of the data support. The invention provides an apparatus for perfectly aligning the data supports so that their central lines will always be coincident with the reading path of a detection system in which the data supports are processed.

Abstract: A copying apparatus is disclosed in which an information derived from an external information source may be combined with an original to be copied. The imaging arrangement of the copying apparatus comprises an arrangement for blocking at least selected portions of the light path between the original and the image to be formed by the imaging optics. The light path blocking arrangement is preferably formed by an LCD-layer associated with the platen on which the original to be copied is laid, the LCD-element being placed under the control of the external information source.

Abstract: A method of securing data recorded on a data support and a device for performing the method are disclosed. In addition to the basic information contained in the data recorded on the data support, for generating an additional security code, selected individual properties of the recorded data are used which differ from each other as regards their physical and/or chemical properties.In one embodiment, individual characters imprinted on the data support are used which differ from each other with respect to contrast or half-tone density in a manner unperceivable to human sight, but easily detectable by a detector or an automatic reading apparatus. Authenticity of the data support or data is determined by a security code contained in the specific physical or chemical properties of the selected individual characters. The method prevents from duplication or falsifying of data supports.

Abstract: The method of characterizing and identifying data supports such as value or identity cards in view of protection against falsification, imitation or duplication, comprises measurement of physical characterizing features of the data support and the measured characterizing values are converted into characterizing data recorded on the data support. The data supports are provided, at least in a zone of a reading track, with a surface pattern the lines, areas or dots of which differ from one data support to another by their widths and/or densities and/or respective associations. The surface pattern is read at selected positions of the reading track over limited paths or in punctual manner, and at least some selected reading results are used as said characterizing values.

Abstract: The authorization card has one or more storing zones for storing a predetermined information defining the type and/or extent of authorization, for example credit information in case of a credit card, and at least one storing zone for storing variable information associated with the owner of the card. These storing zones are adapted for automatic reading of the fixed and variable information in an automatic reading device. The authorization card has means for generating a coded information to be compared with the variable information. This coded information is manually adjusted on the authorization card by its user and is also adapted for automatic reading by the automatic reading device. Manual adjustment of the coded information is facilitated by a scale provided on the authorization card.

Abstract: A method of securing data on a data support and means for performing the method are provided. In the method, the data of successive data units forming a coded text are rearranged and recorded on the data support in coded form. Coding is performed in accordance with a variable code. The variable code is determined by a given number contained in the text and individually characterizing the data support. Decoding of data recorded in accordance with the method is governed by an instruction number controlling the coding and/or decoding device.